It was two days later that Guhwang, the owner of the leather shop, came to visit.

"You, are you sure there's nothing wrong with the product?"

"Of course."

"There shouldn't be even a small scratch."

"I told you I understand."

Guhwang has been saying the same thing for the nth time.

Have you only been deceived all your life?

You're the expert at hiding scratches and selling them.

You were even secretly sewing them up and selling them...

He has already checked it with his own eyes, but he can't seem to shake off his suspicion.

"It really has to be. The one who will become the owner of the tiger skin is none other than the Lord Governor, the Lord Governor. Are you not worried at all?"

At Guhwang's words, Cheonyeong let out a small laugh.

Of course I'm not worried.

Should I be trembling?

The Governor.

Under the Provincial Governor, it is one of the highest positions among the administrative officials who govern Sichuan, which is divided into prefectures and counties.

In other words, he is an official of about the fifth rank who governs four prefectures, which in turn govern eight counties including Ganyang County.

He's very high up.

It seems he was inspecting the subordinate counties at the time, and the Ganyang County Magistrate, who was worried about a bribe to offer to the Governor for his own advancement, heard about the tiger skin and made an appointment.

Anyway, those officials, bribes are a habit, a habit.

But it doesn't matter.

What about the Governor? What about a bribe?

It had nothing to do with him.

He just has to sell the goods and get a fair price.

Of course, there are things he wants to ask for as a bonus by making a good impression.

"Hey, I'm just saying this in case... there are certain etiquette that must be followed in front of the Lord Governor."

"..."

"You've dressed up quite a bit and your appearance has become neat, but you shouldn't speak as you usually do. And a confident posture is good, but you should never do that in front of the Lord Governor. Do you understand? Like this, put your hands together, bend your waist slightly, and your eyes should always be gentle... hey, you, don't open them like that."

Guhwang, who was so worried about something, repeated the same words several times.

It was enough to make his ears ring.

"I get it, so let's go. You said the place where the Lord Governor is waiting is Returning Star Pavilion, right?"

"That's right."

Hoeseongru was said to be the most splendid place on the main road of Ganyang.

Of course, splendor is not the only reason.

The reason for choosing that place as the transaction location is... secrecy.

Because it's a bribe.

"You guys wait here."

"Are you going to carry it alone?"

"Why?"

"No, no matter what, for the captain to carry it himself."

Yongcheon said, looking at the large bundle wrapped in a cloth.

Two tiger skins.

They were originally large, so the bundle is big.

"It's okay. What's the good of many people going? It's not heavy either. While you're waiting, eat some of the food you couldn't eat yesterday. Don't drink alcohol."

"...Alright, I will. Captain."

But seeing him constantly looking at the bundle as if he was worried, Cheonyeong let out a small laugh.

You guys... anyway, you're taking care of me because I'm the captain...

"Tsk, what a waste. I heard Hoeseongru is the best here."

Taking care of...

"I know, right. They say the food is on a different level."

"And all the alcohol is famous liquor?"

"I was going to follow and eat something while you were making the deal."

Taking... care of me, or was that your purpose?

You guys.

At the sound of them whispering among themselves, Cheonyeong clenched his teeth and smiled.

You damn bastards.

You have a lot of time, don't you?

This is all because you have too much time.

Just wait until I sell the goods, get the name tag, and reclaim the house.

I'll give you hellish training.

"Tsk! Let's go! Quickly."

Cheonyeong, who glared at the children, picked up the large bundle and walked away, and Guhwang followed him, nagging.

"You, you have to memorize a few things before you go!"

Memorize my ass.

I just have to sell the goods well.

"I'll say it again, don't ever speak carelessly before the Lord asks. Do you understand?"

"..."

"If he offers you tea, receive it with both hands, saying thank you, and don't bow your waist too deeply... oh, forget it. Forget it. You just stay still. I'll take care of everything. I have a lot of experience in this kind of transaction."

They say you get naggy when you get old.

Saying the same thing over and over again...

Leaving Yongcheon and the children behind, after walking for a long time amidst Guhwang's nagging.

Cheonyeong and Guhwang finally arrived at the entrance of Hoeseongru.

"Welcome! This is Hoeseong, the best gisaeng house in Ganyang."

As the quick-witted waiter ran out, bowed, and greeted them, Guhwang said in a dignified voice.

"Is this the place where the Lord Governor is staying?" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

At his question, the waiter asked with a bewildered expression.

"Yes? He is in the back garden... What is the matter?"

"What business is it of yours to know what the matter is? Guide us quickly. We already have an appointment."

"Ah, you have an appointment?"

"Hey, you! Do you think I'm lying?"

"No, sir. This way..."

At the sight of Guhwang shouting at the waiter, Cheonyeong let out a small laugh.

He knew he was staying here, but he still asked...

He says a lot of useless things.

Shouting at the poor waiter for no reason.

"It's over there."

The place the waiter pointed to was the back garden of Hoeseongru.

He could tell just by looking.

Because the officials with sharp eyes and swords were guarding not only the gate but also the wall.

"You may go now."

"Yes, my lord."

At Guhwang's words, the waiter bowed once more and retreated.

Seeing that, he was reminded of his past self.

He had been like that too.

Once, he was led by creditors and worked as a waiter.

And the wages he earned did not come back to him.

Of course, he doesn't know what the situation of the waiter in front of him is.

Whether he has to repay a debt, or whether he is supporting his parents and siblings with that money.

But, whatever it is, it will be insufficient.

Didn't he know the wages of a waiter all too well?

"Hey, kid."

"Yes, young master."

"Thank you for guiding me."

As Cheonyeong took out a silver coin from his pocket and held it out, the waiter's eyes widened.

"...Yes? Why this?"

Cheonyeong put the silver coin in the startled waiter's hand.

"Ah, no... why are you giving me such a large sum of money..."

He can't even put it away, flustered, even after receiving it in his hand.

It was natural to be flustered.

Isn't it too much money to be a service fee?

One silver coin is one bag of rice.

If a family of four eats sparingly, they can eat for a couple of months.

They will surely be full of smiles from the abundance.

"It's okay. Take it. Don't tell anyone else."

"..."

"Hurry."

At Cheonyeong's urging, the waiter clenched the silver coin in his hand.

"Thank you. My lord!"

It was natural for the title of young master to be upgraded to my lord.

"Then, you may go."

"Yes, my lord!"

Did he think he might change his mind?

The waiter, who had bowed, ran away.

"Tsk tsk, you don't know the value of money... it's your money, so I have nothing to say, but why do you give such a large sum of money to a waiter?"

Guhwang, who was watching from the side, frowned as if he was dying of regret.

He worries about everything.

I'm spending my own money as I please.

"Let's go. The Lord Governor must be waiting."

"Oh my, look at me."

At Cheonyeong's words, Guhwang, who had come to his senses, hurriedly fixed his clothes.

It's not any different from the beginning...

"Who are you?"

As they approached, the official guarding the gate looked at them with sharp eyes and stopped them.

"Oh, hello. I am Guhwang, a merchant who runs a leather shop in Ganyang. The Lord Jihyeon was looking for me... I have an appointment."

Guhwang bowed to the official and explained the situation.

Well, people...

How can they be so different?

He acted as if he were something to the waiter.

That servile and servile appearance was no different from a mouse in front of a cat.

"A leather shop?"

"Yes."

"Hmm, you must be the merchant who is bringing the tiger skin."

"That's right."

"Is the one behind you a porter?"

"...He's a tiger hunter."

"He's young for a hunter, go in."

The official said, glancing at Cheonyeong.

Since Guhwang is bowing, he must think he's something.

Well, isn't there a saying that even a prime minister's dog acts like a prime minister?

But... go in?

Without even properly sheathing his sword?

Guhwang bent his body to avoid the sword the official was holding and went inside.

But Cheonyeong stopped right in front of the sword and looked at the official.

"What is it?"

"The sword."

"What?"

"Move it. A person is passing by."

At Cheonyeong's words, Guhwang's eyes, who had gone ahead, widened.

The official also frowned as if he was at a loss for words.

"Ha, look at this guy. A young kid..."

He's talking about age again.

Really, what does moving a sword have to do with age...

"It's strange."

"...?"

"I clearly came at the request of the Lord Jihyeon, and I have an appointment with the Lord Governor, so it's only right to be treated as a guest. But a mere official is blocking the way with a sword?"

"What, what? When did I block the way?"

As he mentioned both Jihyeon and the Governor, the official said with a slightly flustered look.

"That's right. I can see the sword right in front of my eyes... What would the Lord Governor say if he knew about this?"

"Th, this guy?"

"Hmm, as far as I know, the Lord Jihyeon said it was a very necessary item. I'm upset, so I can't do it. I should just go back."

Seeing the official who was not moving his sword until the end because of his pride, Cheonyeong whipped his body around.

"Ah, no! Hey! Why are you doing this?"

Why is that guy doing that?

The space is wide enough to come in if he just bows his head a little.

But what Cheonyeong was holding was the bribe Jihyeon was going to offer to the Governor. What if Cheonyeong just goes back, breaks the appointment, and he can't even offer the bribe?

Of course, the responsibility would fall on him, the middleman.

"Hey, hey. Stop there. Hurry!"

Guhwang, who had rushed out, grabbed Cheonyeong's sleeve and begged.

"Let go. I've completely lost the will to make a deal."

"You, what are you talking about? Don't you know that the Lord Governor is waiting? What kind of trouble are you trying to get into?"

"Why would I get into trouble?"

"What?"

"That person is the one who blocked the way."

Cheonyeong pointed at the official and frowned bluntly.

"No, when?"

"Look. He's still holding the sword."

"No, that's..."

Guhwang couldn't hide his embarrassment as he glanced at the official.

"What's that? Is he blocking the way?"

"..."

"Go and tell him. That I was going to go in, but an official blocked me with a sword, so I went back. If he wants to buy the item from me, he should set another date."

At Cheonyeong's words, the official became even more flustered and jumped.

Isn't it natural, since everyone is blaming him?

Who is he to turn away the Lord Governor's guest?

But... his words were putting all the blame on him.

"You? When? Did I say that!"

"A little while ago."

"What?"

"Anyway, good luck. If the Governor punishes me, I'll be sure to report it."

At those words, the official's face turned pale.

This son of a...

"W, wait! Wait a minute. Look, I've already put away the sword."

"That's right. But I can't help it. I can't possibly make a deal in this mood."

Cheonyeong was adamant, and Guhwang was busy pulling on Cheonyeong's sleeve.

The flustered official had no idea what to do.

And at that moment.

"What's with the commotion!"

A well-built official came out from inside with a loud voice.

"I, I greet the Chief of Staff."

"I asked what the commotion was."

The Chief of Staff.

He is a military officer who commands about fifty military officers.

At his question, the man who had had a conflict with Cheonyeong answered hesitantly.

"That's... a person named Guhwang came..."

"Guhwang?"

The Chief of Staff, who had heard the situation, glanced at Guhwang.

"Tsk, how could you be so rude to someone who has an appointment with the Lord Governor?"

"I'm sorry."

The Chief of Staff, who had shouted at the official, said to Guhwang and Cheonyeong.

"I apologize for the rudeness. I'll make him understand, so please go in. The Lord Governor is waiting."

"Of course. We should go in. Now, let's go."

Guhwang nods his head repeatedly and pulls on Cheonyeong's sleeve.

But.

"I know he's waiting."

"...?"

"Why are you the one scolding, receiving an apology, and settling the matter?"

"What did you say?"

"I believe I'm the one who should be receiving an apology."

Cheonyeong smiled brightly and looked at the Chief of Staff.

Guhwang felt as if the sky was turning yellow.

This bastard... why the hell is he doing this.

Whose life is he trying to ruin...

(End of Chapter)