Seocheon Post Office.
The post office managed by the Sichuan Tang Family holds significant power within Sichuan Province. However, in regions like Shanxi and Hubei, where its influence is expanding, it doesn’t command quite as much prowess as it does in Sichuan.
Recently, the Seocheon Post Office has been focusing its investments on a specific area: the Yangtze River route from Sichuan Province to Hubei.
The purchase of the grand mansion, Baekga-jang, in the large city of Yichang, was also to serve as a foothold for business expansion.
Of course, the sudden decision to expand operations in Yichang wasn’t entirely without reason—it is also where the Tang Family Head’s illegitimate child resides.
“I would like to sell the mansion used as the Yichang branch to Master Kang for an incredibly low price.”
The mansion mentioned by the branch manager was a building I remember well. It certainly wasn’t a vast mansion. Yet, it was large enough to set up a full-fledged printing house and still have ample stock to store.
To propose such a fine building at a ridiculously low price is just absurd.
“Are you really intending to sell it at this price?”
It’s a price so alluring it could clear the effects of alcohol just like snap. Could it be an item that will give me indigestion? I inquired with a doubtful tone.
“The branch building can only be sold to someone who has received permission from the headquarters, and I’ve been struggling to find a qualified seller. However, if I sell it to Master Kang, who holds the Seocheon Post Office’s token, no one at the headquarters will raise any objections.”
Is this a situation similar to that of the officials in charge of the printing press? They don’t benefit much personally but have to deal with the issue at hand, constantly worried about interference from headquarters.
In essence, he wants to get rid of a burdensome task by selling it to me. I wanted to say let’s just bring the paperwork and sign it.
But there was one issue.
‘To buy the building, I would have to spend all the money I have and then somehow find a way to raise more.’
I might have to rummage under my bed to find coins!
Initially, I had planned to buy a small building within a manageable budget to operate the printing house.
However, if this price is being offered, I must push through the purchase, even if it stretches my finances.
To sweep away the alcoholic haze clouding my mind, I downed a cool glass of water and started thinking quickly.
I need to find a way to buy the building. Is there any way to save money? This is a rare opportunity. I need to find a way that won’t give me indigestion. A method to digest well.
The instant I felt the refreshing water rush through my stomach, a good idea flashed in my mind.
“How about I pay off the building gradually every month? Would you be willing to sell it under those terms?”
I proposed to pay in installments rather than a lump sum, regaining my serious demeanor devoid of any alcohol.
Trusting someone to sell something in long-term installments is generally an unreasonable request. But if I leverage my connections, it might be a feasible suggestion.
“That price was calculated considering a single payment, so it’s a bit difficult.”
The phrase “a bit difficult” can also imply that it can be done if it’s made easier for him.
“Then I’ll pay an additional 10% on the sale price.”
I anticipated he wouldn’t agree immediately. A 10% increase on a large real estate transaction is by no means small. I presented my first negotiation condition.
“Hmm….”
The branch manager stroked his goatee and let out a small sigh.
He’s pondering. Then I need to make the bait more enticing so he won’t run.
“If you agree to my conditions, I assure you that the Tea Bookstore will exclusively use the Seocheon Post Office in the future.”
I couldn’t put more cash on the negotiating scale. Then I had to throw in a heavier weight than cash.
“You’re saying the Tea Bookstore will exclusively use our services? What do you mean by that?”
“The Tea Bookstore aims to establish branches along the Yangtze River. However, I plan to keep the printing house solely in Yichang.”
“You mean all books will flow exclusively through the Seocheon Post Office. Hmm….”
Whether my words held weight seemed to show as the corners of the branch manager’s mouth slightly lifted. Surely, a transaction with a promising venture like the Tea Bookstore must be attractive.
To add weight to the negotiation scale, I spoke with assertiveness.
“The Rise of the Tang Family is not just a story that ends in Yichang. If other stories besides The Rise of the Tang Family also gain popularity, imagine how many books would move along the Yangtze River. And all those items would bear the name of the Yichang branch manager.”
This would not only benefit the Seocheon Post Office, but it would also leave a significant accomplishment for you, branch manager. I placed one more alluring weight on the scale that could deceive the balance.
Will it work? The Yichang branch manager continued to stroke his beard before bursting into laughter.
“Hahaha, it feels like I’m dealing with a competent merchant! I can’t resist this! Very well! I’ll see this as an investment and accept it. However, there’s one more condition.”
“A condition?”
“I will transfer ownership as soon as the contract is sealed. However, I would like to use part of the mansion as a storage facility for a while.”
The branch manager added that even if the mansion was partly used as a storage facility, there would still be plenty of space remaining.
“Using the building together with the Seocheon Post Office…”
“You’ll have guards assigned to the building at all times to safeguard the items.”
He even offered to provide protection for The Rise of the Tang Family? There’s no reason to refuse this.
“Alright.”
I accepted immediately.
*
“Good work.”
That night, after a drinking session at the Seocheon Post Office, the Tang Family’s envoy called the branch manager to quietly commend him.
“It’s no big deal. I feel like I’ve caused you unnecessary trouble when a simple word from the Tang Family would suffice.”
The branch manager smiled as he spoke, having already heard about Kang Yoon-ho’s true identity.
“You’ve hidden your life being threatened. If the Tang Family offers direct assistance, it’s obvious you would show a displeased face. Thus, I helped through intermediaries.”
Now that he purchased the printing press, he would need a printing house, too. Today’s event was a product of the Tang Family’s work.
“Master Kang is indeed an impressive individual. I expected he would scrape together a meager amount of money to buy, yet he didn’t just accept what was given to him; he negotiated to secure an astounding deal.”
“Well, whose son could he be….”
A tone of quiet pride filled the envoy’s voice.
“It’s truly remarkable. He is now a young man barely past his teens. Yet he shakes Yichang with his writings, and his business is well-known in Yichang. If you heard the conversations at the drinking table, you’d realize that I thought I was dealing with a seasoned merchant harboring a few hidden snakes in his sleeves.”
The branch manager exaggeratedly widened his eyes, expressing surprise at the recent events.
“He also has the courage to risk his life for love.”
Additionally, he harbors the same sense of allegiance as the Tang Family Head. The envoy smiled knowingly, recalling moments spent alongside Kang Yoon-ho.
“His blood must indeed run blue.”
“The only regret is his rejection of the Tang family name….”
The envoy lamented, gazing toward the room where Kang Yoon-ho was sleeping.
“How could the divide between a father and son of over twenty years be easily mended? Plus, there’s the matter of the Deputy Head of Family, too. From my perspective, Master Kang is handling himself well.”
“Even when we depart, continue to be vigilant. The Tang Family Head is quite concerned.”
The envoy nodded at the branch manager’s words and left him with a final request.
“Is there any doubt? I’ll deal with the building sales money smoothly, pretending to pay storage fees.”
“The Tang Family Head will remember your name.”
The Seocheon Post Office is part of the Tang Family’s interests. Even the slightest attention from the Tang Family Head would certainly return enormous benefits for the Yichang branch manager.
The Yichang branch manager of the Seocheon Post Office bowed to the envoy, his face brimming with delight.
“I’ll serve you faithfully!”
The Yichang branch manager of the Seocheon Post Office. He was still someone desperately hungry for promotion.
*
“Ha-yeon unnie. Wasn’t the manager amazing today?”
That evening, Kang Yoon-ho succeeded in the bid for the printing press and celebrated with the Tang Family members over drinks.
Ha So-so, with her distinct bright demeanor, brought up the conversation about Im Ha-yeon and the events with Jeon Gil-san and Kang Yoon-ho on her way home.
“Well….”
A rogue prince who acts out isn’t treated well anywhere.
To triumphantly drive away a ruffian who terrorized merchants from another city and also win the bid, Im Ha-yeon couldn’t bring herself to say it wasn’t impressive.
She tightly shut her mouth, looking down as she recalled Kang Yoon-ho’s impressive demeanor today.
“Hehe, things are going well between you and Manager Kang, right?”
Ha So-so didn’t miss the slightest change in Im Ha-yeon’s expression.
“N-no! Just heading home!”
Im Ha-yeon jumped as if caught before escaping into a shabby inn.
“Your stay is two days overdue!”
As soon as she entered the inn, the owner, arms crossed, frowned at her.
“I’ll pay soon!”
“I trust you as a Tea Bookstore employee! But don’t forget what I previously suggested!”
Im Ha-yeon tuned out the innkeeper’s words and slipped into the grim room.
———-
Work, come home, work, come home.
When something distinctly unusual happens in the repetitive daily routine, it tends to be remembered even after leaving work.
Especially if it involves a man who treats you to dinner every day.
Im Ha-yeon sat at the table, recalling Kang Yoon-ho’s matter that she experienced with the other employees of the Tea Bookstore.
“I can’t believe he subdued that ruffian prince so easily.”
Dealing with ruffian princes is a routine yet vexing task for courtesans.
Even the most experienced courtesans would share grievances after dealing with tricky, troublesome rascals, finding solace in Im Ha-yeon’s company.
Im Ha-yeon gathered from the rumors that Jeon Gil-san was among the ruffians that courtesans disliked facing.
Yet to turn such a brazen and wild ruffian into a frightened puppy was undeniably satisfying for Im Ha-yeon to witness.
“I was surprised he didn’t create a scene during the drinking session.”
Im Ha-yeon’s voice held a hint of astonishment.
Even men who wear masks tend to reveal their true colors when drinking. But Kang Yoon-ho was different.
As rumors about Jeon Gil-san grew increasingly derogatory, the praises for Kang Yoon-ho, who enjoyed drinks and music with decorum, also continued to rise.
It caused quite a stir in the establishment when it was rumored that the top courtesan refused to sit beside him even when dolled up.
Im Ha-yeon lightly smiled as she reminisced about that news.
There should be no reason to be surprised if one knows the truth.
He definitely had to reject her from the start.
After all, the man was:
“That man has fallen for me.”
Kang Yoon-ho has fallen for her. Ha So-so’s playful suspicion had turned into Im Ha-yeon’s quiet conviction.
Reflecting, it was strange. The reaction he had when they first met, the unexpected rescue from the unscrupulous merchant Kang Yoon-ho.
Even after she rejected his assistance, he continued to help her without cease.
“It’s because he fell for me at first sight.”
The subtle hints wanting to go out together whenever something arose were undeniable. He would display concern solely for her.
Especially, rejecting the courtesan’s request this time was also all too obvious.
In a situation where every ear among the courtesans was keen, how could he do something that would lead his ears to stumble into her?
Im Ha-yeon gazed at her reflection in the mirror, recalling a courtesan sister’s words from a day that lingered.
“Yeah. What does it matter that I am one of the most sought-after courtesans in Yichang? He would never falter. After all, there’s someone more beautiful beside him who doesn’t even try to display herself.”
Im Ha-yeon wasn’t aware, but the heart she raised became exuberant from the thought of being sought after for the first time, despite being a courtesan.
“Ah! No! No!”
Im Ha-yeon hastily grasped her face with both hands, troubled by the thought of someone watching her. How could she feel so happy that such a man had affections for her?
It’s the unscrupulous merchant Kang Yoon-ho who only has bad deeds! She should feel anything but happy.
“He’s utterly unpredictable.”
Im Ha-yeon recalled not the bidding but the face of Kang Yoon-ho toying with his carrier pigeon.
Totally unpredictable! At times, he seems like an innocent child. Other times, he resembles a ruthless merchant. And at other moments, he appears to be the most benevolent man in Yichang.
In the depths of Im Ha-yeon’s heart—a place no one had ever ventured—her mind became feverish with thoughts about a man.
“I can sell laughter, but I shouldn’t give away my heart.”
It was a courtesan’s saying. Kang Yoon-ho might not be the villainous merchant that differs from her imagination.
However, it’s dangerous to give her heart just because he’s kind.
“…It’s ultimately his objective.”
He did the same. Even her mother fell for his charm, but in reality, he was merely a thief who brought tears to others.
Ultimately, when her mother and she became unnecessary, he abandoned them like a discarded doll, never to appear in front of them again.
Caution is key. It’s likely that while that man has commendable traits, he may also be concealing a more sinister side.
Because it’s his objective.
Reviving her focus, Im Ha-yeon prepared to eat the dinner Kang Yoon-ho had treated her to tonight.
It was a flavor that even the most favored courtesans in Yichang hadn’t tasted, a flavor that the other female employees who liked him hadn’t tasted either.
She was unaware she was grinning, caught up in thoughts of the meal Kang Yoon-ho provided.
Tonight, she simply perceived the food he treated her to as exceptionally delicious.
“From today on, there won’t be any dinner.”
“Neeeeee?”
