Chapter 045
Baek Sugyeong's words meant to ask if she could show her sincerity. Jin Agyeong realized that she had been so focused on meeting him that she'd half-forgotten basic courtesy. He was right. Those who walk the path of commerce must never forget sincerity. A trading company that loses its credibility will inevitably collapse. For a merchant, credit is as important as life itself. Without it, business transactions cease. Instead of harsh words, Baek Sugyeong had gently enlightened Jin Agyeong.
Embarrassment crept up her face.
"I apologize, sir. I was rude..."
"There's nothing to apologize for."
Baek Sugyeong turned to look at So Ssanga.
"I'd prefer the Heavenly Dragon Trading Company and Auspicious Cloud Trading Company to maintain a harmonious relationship rather than compete. Of course, business competition is something that a sloppy scholar like me finds difficult to understand."
"Owner..."
"Sir."
Baek Sugyeong smiled gently at So Ssanga and Jin Agyeong's calls.
"Of course, it's obvious that the Heavenly Dragon Trading Company's wealth far exceeds that of the Auspicious Cloud Trading Company. To be honest, if Chairman Jin had tried to push through with money, I would have been disappointed. Though I couldn't have refused."
Indeed, he couldn't have refused. Money, more money. Abundant wealth makes life comfortable. The reason Baek Sugyeong could live such a comfortable life now was thanks to the money sent monthly by Old Ban from Sugyeong Inn and the sales revenue from "Wudang Sword Hero." The Heavenly Dragon Trading Company was larger than the Auspicious Cloud Trading Company. Its distribution network stretched across the entire Central Plains. Using that vast network would clearly make supply much easier. If that happened, Baek Sugyeong's earnings would increase exponentially. That was the practical reality.
"However, I rejected Chairman Jin's proposal because of my connection with Guild Leader So, who was there for me when I was nothing but an ordinary scholar in Wuhan."
Human connections have a curious aspect that sometimes leads to impractical choices. It would be a lie to say Baek Sugyeong had no desire for money. Most of his assets were deposited in Silver River Battlefield, the most famous bank in the Central Plains, with monthly income from "Wudang Sword Hero" and Sugyeong Inn being deposited into his account. He had quickly reached a level where money bred money even if left alone.
Nevertheless, Baek Sugyeong rejected the Heavenly Dragon Trading Company's offer simply because of So Ssanga.
"I'm not petty enough to betray my connection with Guild Leader So. As I said, it's about loyalty. Money may command even ghosts, but it can't sever connections. Just like martial artists."
Martial artists. People living lives that merchants like her could never understand. Was Baek Sugyeong suggesting that he was one of them?
Jin Agyeong sighed slightly and looked at Baek Sugyeong.
"You are special, sir."
"Rather than special, I'd say I'm stubborn. Just plain stubborn."
He knew himself well. A strange single-mindedness that made him unwilling to bend his principles no matter how much money was offered. He had been that way since he was an ordinary writer in modern times. Baek Sugyeong possessed a peculiar rebellious quality that set him apart from others.
"But it's because I'm that kind of person that I've survived until now."
Baek Sugyeong said:
"So, I'll pretend I didn't hear Chairman Jin's words."
"Sir..."
"Of course, I won't stop you from visiting here..."
Jin Agyeong's face brightened slightly at those words. That meant she still had a chance.
"That's enough for me, sir."
Jin Agyeong bowed her head. As she left, the sharp gazes of three women pierced the back of her head.
'Teacher…'
'Another woman around the Owner!'
'Another obstacle has appeared.'
Whether or not he knew what the three women were thinking, Baek Sugyeong simply rose leisurely from his seat and walked toward the separate courtyard.
...
"You seem displeased, Old Master Baek. Has something happened?"
"Not really. I just have some things on my mind."
"Hmm, as long as it's not about your work, I might be able to listen."
Baek Sugyeong smiled faintly at Yi Jonhyo's consideration.
"It's not that serious a concern. By the way, I haven't seen Young Master Yi lately?"
"That boy? I hear he hasn't thought about leaving his room since you arrived. Perhaps he's afraid of you."
Yi Jonhyo sighed. Among the three siblings of the Dragon Gate Li Clan, Young Master Yi Jonhwi was the most problematic.
Yi Jonhyo put down his teacup and expressed his dissatisfaction.
"He has no talent for martial arts, so I wanted to raise him as a merchant, but as soon as you left, he went right back to his old ways. He's been like that ever since. That's why I regret not keeping you here."
"…I see."
"You seem rather calm about it."
"Teaching someone with my meager abilities—Ahwi was my first student. As I told you then."
Baek Sugyeong took a sip of dragon well tea and put down his cup.
"For a person to change, they must have the will to do so. Young Master Ahwi lacked both the catalyst and the will. It's not surprising that he reverted to his old self."
"You're still as cold as ever, Old Master Baek."
"I'm just stating facts. Young Master Ahwi still seems to lack a catalyst…"
"That's my worry. I've cut off his allowance and tried every method, but he shows no signs of becoming a proper person."
Yi Jonhyo let out a sigh mixed with laughter.
Baek Sugyeong gently stroked his chin.
"May I take another look at Young Master Ahwi?"
"Hmm?"
Yi Jonhyo looked at Baek Sugyeong with surprised eyes.
"But wouldn't writing your work already take up all your time, Old Master Baek?"
"If you intend to raise him as a merchant, why not entrust him to me? Send him to Guild Leader So and the Auspicious Cloud Trading Company to learn the business, and something might change."
"Oh! I hadn't thought of that!"
"Learning at the Dragon Gate Li Clan's trading company might also work, but you've probably already tried that?"
Yi Jonhyo nodded at Baek Sugyeong's words.
"I'll be staying in Luoyang until April next year, so I'll take charge of Young Master Ahwi again, partly to earn my keep."
"Thank you, Master Baek! Really, thank you!"
"I'm just earning my keep. Guild Leader So will be the one doing the hard work."
Baek Sugyeong picked up his cup of dragon well tea.
"If he refuses to listen, may I discipline him, sir?"
"Even if you use the rod, I'll turn a blind eye. But don't beat him too severely."
"I don't intend to hit him. His homework will just increase."
Baek Sugyeong smiled.
"Whether he becomes a martial artist, a merchant, or something else, it's important that he knows what he wants. If he doesn't decide for himself, he'll wander forever, achieving nothing and falling with the wind. Since we have ample time, I'll talk with Young Master Ahwi."
...
"Argh, with Master Baek in the house, I can't go out!"
Yi Jonhwi lay on his bed in his room, rolling around and shouting spasmodically.
"Damn it, leave Luoyang quickly… Master Baek needs to disappear so I can be free!!"
"Damn it, why did Master Baek have to be there of all places!"
"Damn, damn, damn…"
He heard a knock at his door.
"Who is it! I said I'm staying in my room, so don't come looking for me…"
"It's me, Young Master Ahwi."
Yi Jonhwi's face turned deathly pale.
"M-master Baek?"
"Come out, Young Master Ahwi. There's something you need to do."
"N-No! What are you—!"
"Then I have no choice. Lady Namgung, please open it."
"Yes, Teacher."
The locked door rattled and burst open. Cold winter wind rushed in.
Baek Sugyeong grabbed Yi Jonhwi's ear.
"You'd better prepare yourself for this winter."
"Ack! Master, please, not the ear! Aah!"
"Wouldn't it be better if you listened when asked nicely?"
"I-I'll come out, so please, not the ear!"
Namgung Somin looked coldly at Yi Jonhwi.
"Should I teach the Young Master, Teacher?"
"Lady Namgung and Lady Gal will take turns watching over him. Just the basics."
Cold smiles appeared on the two women's lips.
"I'll train him thoroughly enough that you won't need to say more, Teacher."
"I'm not thrilled about it, but since it's your request, Master Baek."
"And Guild Leader So, once their training is complete, take him to the Auspicious Cloud Trading Company to learn from the ground up. I've already obtained permission from the master, so you can push him hard without worry."
"Yes, Owner."
Yi Jonhwi trembled.
'Hyangwol, your brother is coming…'
As November passed its middle and approached its end, Yi Jonhwi's survival story began.