Chapter 191: v8c16 - Counterattack and Preparation
Volume 8 Chapter 16 – Counterattack and Preparation
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Right before Yeon So-hyeon split and sold the Eternal Tile Merchant Group of the Lee Family.
Cheong Ho-wi and Su-ran, who were members of the Spring of Luoyang and solvers of the slums, were exchanging greetings with Yeon So-hyeon.
“The Eldest Young Master has greatly opened our eyes today.”
Cheong Ho-wi, fitting for someone who was once a member of a prestigious family, spoke respectfully with all his heart as he paid his respects.
“Our Spring of Luoyang definitely needs the Eldest Young Master’s help.”
Su-ran tightly clenched her two fists and showed them.
“I will come to escort you tonight when it is time for the assembly!”
“Until then, please take good care of yourself.”
The maid, Il-ryeong, who had opened the door for the two people leaving the room, approached Yeon So-hyeon and reported.
“Master. The Red Venom Spider is requesting to see you.”
“Let her in.”
The Red Venom Spider, one of the closest aides of the Fourth Young Master, entered the room and bowed.
She, who had previously stayed up all night with the Fourth Young Master to immerse herself in administrative work, seemed to have been suffering from document processing until just moments ago.
“I greet the Eldest Young Master.”
Because she was practically confined to the office of the Fourth Young Master in the Luoyang Sword Family, she had been so busy that she could not even visit the scene of the fire.
“You have suffered a lot taking responsibility for the administrative duties.”
“Not at all.”
Contrary to her answer, Yeon So-hyeon knew very well the fatigue and pressure she was bearing.
As the makeup covering her face grew thicker by the day, it was impossible not to recognize just how severe her fatigue and pressure were.
“I will report on the information that just came in.”
She cleared her throat, easing her voice that was chronically hoarse due to fatigue.
“It is said that the Business Support Group’s Division One of the Sword Family has finally entered the stage of a full re-examination of the business plan for the Valley of Sin.”
Division One, which had been discussing the necessity of a re-examination, now entered the re-examination.
No matter who looked at it, it was a progression of strangely rapid speed.
It was a movement that blatantly revealed the intention to put a strong brake on the Eldest Young Master’s business.
Yeon So-hyeon nodded.
“The next stage after a full re-examination would be the scrapping of the business support.”
“…Yes. I also surmise as much.”
Without the massive material and human support of the Business Support Group, a large-scale project like the Valley of Sin business could not help but suffer major setbacks.
Meanwhile, there had been many sabotage attempts through officials and others, and Yeon So-hyeon had resolved them with political maneuvers.
However, the reason the business could be continuously carried out even during that process was due to the power of the Business Support Group.
The Red Venom Spider sighed while massaging her neck, which was stiff and tight.
“Should we be grateful for having benefited from the Business Support Group even up to now?”
Since it was the Business Support Group that had reinforced the poor financial situation and human resources of the Eldest Young Master-Fourth Young Master’s side.
As that Business Support Group had decided to align themselves with the Second Young Master, it was a situation equivalent to predicting that the business plan would now drift.
“Now, as those Second Young Master fellows intended, we cannot help but face difficulties in the progress.”
The Red Venom Spider smiled bitterly.
“The immediate weakening of administrative power will be a major problem. Even now, sharing administrative personnel with the field headquarters has reached its limit.”
As long as the Fourth Young Master was at the business site in the Valley of Sin, she was the general manager of the Fourth Young Master’s office.
“Particularly, since our faction lacks talent who can resolve problems with the government…”
The middle-aged woman was almost on the verge of crying.
“My mind became blank thinking about how to handle the work from now on, so I could not help but seek out the Eldest Young Master as soon as I heard this information…”
Seeing her on the verge of entering a panic state, Yeon So-hyeon smiled and shook his head.
“You do not need to worry about that.”
“…Yes?”
Yeon So-hyeon stood up from his seat.
“For now, just rest here for a bit. I will go and sell off the merchant group of the Lee Family.”
* * *
Around the time the Second Young Master’s faction was meeting the patriarchs of influential families.
“Mmh…”
Receiving the light of the setting sun coming through the window, Yeon So-hyeon tapped the shoulder of the Red Venom Spider, who was fast asleep.
“We have almost arrived, so wake up.”
“Ah, just a bit more—”
She, who had been muttering in her sleep, suddenly opened her eyes wide.
“I-I am sorry. Eldest Young Master. I accidentally…!”
“It is fine.”
Yeon So-hyeon smiled at her and turned his gaze to the scenery outside the window.
“Huh? Is this not the inside of the Sword Family?”
“That is right.”
Following him, the Red Venom Spider turned her gaze to the rapidly changing scenery outside the window and opened her eyes wide.
“This street is definitely heading toward Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment…”
At that moment, the window of the driver’s seat opened, and the maid holding the reins reported.
“We will soon arrive at the street in front of Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment.”
“……!”
No sooner had her report ended than the Red Venom Spider wiped away her drool and instantly pulled out a portable cosmetic kit to touch up her makeup.
With the speed control of the maid, who had become significantly more skilled at handling it after continuous real combat, the carriage stopped smoothly on the street in front of Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment without even needing to use the braking system.
“…Here?”
Stepping down from the Ironclad Fortress after Yeon So-hyeon, the Red Venom Spider could not hide her bewildered expression at the unfolding scene.
“Come on, come on! Move it inside quickly!”
“Watch the corner over there!”
It was a sight of numerous servants moving furniture and other items into buildings that had been empty all this time.
“A-Aren’t these the buildings that have been empty continuously until now?”
Just as she said, on the street in front of Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment, buildings that had seemed unnecessary at the time of the emergency order were expanded, remodeled, or built, and had remained empty since then.
“What on earth is happening right now?”
In response to her question, Yeon So-hyeon answered with a smile.
“Did you not report that administrative power is absolutely lacking? That is why I am filling the administrative block.”
Although the Red Venom Spider knew that the empty buildings on the street in front of Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment would eventually be used as the administrative block, she never imagined it would be now.
Because, in the first place…
“In the first place, isn’t it useless to just fill the administrative block with furniture? There needs to be personnel who can immediately handle administrative work—”
“Eldest Young Master!”
What cut off her words was the shout of figures hurriedly running out from within the administrative block.
Every single one of them was wearing neat clothing, and as if they had been carrying furniture along with the busy servants, they had their sleeves rolled up and were sweating profusely.
“We greet the Eldest Young Master of the Sword Family!”
“We received word that you were coming in person, so we were hurriedly finishing up the final touches together.”
“The person in charge will be out shortly!”
Before the Red Venom Spider could even ask what on earth the situation was or who these people were, an old man emerged along with a group of people dressed in silk.
“So you are that Eldest Young Master!”
The old man, who possessed a huge build that did not match his age, brightened up upon spotting Yeon So-hyeon.
Judging by his attire and the behavior of those around him, he was clearly an elder from a highly distinguished family.
Toward him, Yeon So-hyeon wore a bitter smile.
“Even though you must be busy with your duties as the Dean of the Kong Family’s Grand Academy, did you come here in person, Elder Kong Yo?”
Kong Yo, the younger brother of Kong Ryang, the patriarch of the Kong Family, and the Dean of the Luoyang Kong Family’s Grand Academy, burst into laughter.
“Should not this old man also meet the Eldest Young Master, whom the family has united to help, at least once in person?”
He was the one who had been visiting various families since morning at the request of his older brother, the patriarch Kong Ryang.
“I came in person to escort those who will respond to the Eldest Young Master’s request.”
The old man, who had wanted to personally meet Yeon So-hyeon, whom his older brother Kong Ryang highly praised, had finally come all the way to the front of Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment in person, using the request as an excuse.
Seeing those who were still continuously coming out of the administrative block and gathering nearby, Yeon So-hyeon bowed deeply to Kong Yo.
“It is far more people than I heard of. I thank you for your kindness, Elder.”
At his words, Kong Yo waved his hand.
“This old man did not exert any separate effort. It is all because this empire has rotted, failing to employ such talented individuals in important positions.”
He pointed to those around them.
“They are all from the Kong Family’s Grand Academy; their abilities are outstanding, but because their family names were insufficient, they could not enter public service or remained in minor posts.”
Just as he said, the gazes of the gathered people, regardless of youth or age, were intelligent and upright.
“And…”
Kong Yo stealthily approached Yeon So-hyeon and said in a low voice.
“Although some rose to high public offices due to their background supporting them, there are also those who clashed with corrupt superiors and quit, just like that damn rascal Kong Dam-ung.”
“I see.”
Kong Dam-ung was one of the Four Heroes of Hwangho and also the next successor of the Kong Family.
Thinking of the bear-like man who would be sweating profusely maintaining public order in the Valley of Sin around this time, Yeon So-hyeon wore a smile on his lips.
“Then these people…”
At the words of the Red Venom Spider, who had noticed the situation to some extent and carefully joined the conversation, Yeon So-hyeon nodded.
“They are the talents who will now take charge of this Eldest Young Master’s administrative block.”
Kong Yo chimed in.
“Not only are there those who held public office, but there are also those who built careers in famous merchant groups, and those who worked with utmost loyalty in our Kong Family, so you will be able to deploy them to each practical task without burden.”
At his words, the Red Venom Spider stuck out her tongue inwardly in awe.
‘The empty administrative block and the talents summoned as soon as Division One of the support group moved. The Eldest Young Master foresaw from the very beginning that such a thing would happen and took measures in advance…!’
Yeon So-hyeon shouted to the gathered personnel.
“This Eldest Young Master welcomes you!”
He unhesitatingly revealed his presence as a ruler.
That voice, containing a profound internal energy that overwhelmed the audience, was clearly pierced into everyone’s ears.
“Although I would like to prepare a welcoming party to build fellowship first…”
A playful smile hung on Yeon So-hyeon’s face.
“Judging by your faces, it seems you are all itching to start moving immediately.”
“That is correct!”
“Indeed!”
Smiles spread along with responses from the crowd.
“Now the time has come to show your abilities, which the world ignored.”
They were people who wanted the world’s recognition more than anyone else.
“Now is the time to change Luoyang and, furthermore, reform the State of Zhongyuan.”
They were people who wanted to change the world more than anyone else.
As the years and days passed, the State of Zhongyuan had deeply rotted and decayed.
But even so, how could there not be talented individuals with will and ability in this vast continent?
Rather, precisely because it was so rotten, there were those who had polished themselves despite being ignored by the ruling class, who had formed vested interests based on blood ties and personal connections.
As soon as they heard the news that Kong Yo, one of the giants of the reformist faction, was gathering people, they gathered without a moment’s hesitation.
“Those who are ruining this Luoyang and this empire are tightening their grip on our throats.”
Since the families included in the Second Young Master’s faction, starting with the Lee Family, were like the epitome of the corrupt establishment.
With the representative reformist Kong Family and Cheong Family fully backing him, Yeon So-hyeon, standing at their forefront, was currently no different from a suddenly rising supernova.
“Therefore, we…”
Yeon So-hyeon raised his fist high.
“Instead of enjoying a clumsy welcoming party now, we will share our first drinks while raising a toast to victory later!”
At Yeon So-hyeon’s words, applause poured down along with a thunderous roar.
Looking into the eyes of each and every one of them amidst the cheers, Yeon So-hyeon waved his hand and finally spoke to the Red Venom Spider.
“Red Venom Spider. The general manager of this administrative block is you.”
“……!”
“With the ability you have shown so far, you will be more than capable of handling it.”
Appointing herself, the closest aide of the Fourth Young Master, as the general manager of the administrative block.
It was truly an unconventional appointment.
“Since it is a matter already decided in advance with Bi, focus on integrating by joining even the administrative personnel of that office for a while, minimizing any gaps in work.”
“Eldest Young Master…!”
Great shock and deep emotion crossed the Red Venom Spider’s face.
She knelt down on the spot and said.
“In the future, I will absolutely never disappoint the Eldest Young Master.”
“Do not feel burdened.”
Yeon So-hyeon tapped her shoulder and said.
“Just doing as much as you have been doing so far is more than enough.”
At his words, the Red Venom Spider wore a playful smile on her flushed face.
“…If I continue to do as I have been doing so far, I will collapse from overwork.”
Yeon So-hyeon burst into laughter at her words.
* * *
A moment later, in the office of the administrative block.
“Thanks to you, Elder, we have filled the administrative gap that would have occurred where the Business Support Group withdrew.”
At Yeon So-hyeon’s words, Kong Yo, who was drinking tea, waved his hand.
“It was nothing. Rather, Eldest Young Master…”
The old man’s eyes narrowed.
“The counterattack of the Second Young Master’s side will be only the beginning now.”
Seeing the expectation deep within his eyes, which was different from his worried words, Yeon So-hyeon wore a meaningful smile.
“I, too, have not even started yet.”