Greetings.

Thank you for your unwavering interest and support for the Tang Family's estate.

With your help, the Tang Family's estate has been able to safely open the Myriad Virtue Inn in Ganyang.

We express our gratitude to Lord Go, who has worked hard for the commercial development of Ganyang, and have prepared a VIP section for the esteemed members of the merchant association. We hope you will grace the opening ceremony with your precious presence and brighten the occasion.

"..."

In Go Hyeon's hand was an invitation to the opening of the Tang Family's estate.

And it even said they had prepared a seat in the VIP section with his two-character name engraved on it.

It hadn't even been a month since they had started construction to open the Myriad Virtue Inn in the center of the Ganyang main road...

No, other things aside, an invitation to him?

"What is this punk trying to do now?"

It felt as if he was being mocked.

"Association Head, what should we do?"

The members of the merchant association, gathered in front of Go Hyeon, each held an invitation and asked.

Go Hyeon gripped his teacup tightly and looked at them.

Two seats were empty, as if teeth were missing.

The heads of the hunters' association and the herb gatherers' association.

After losing their two business partners in the capital and the defected hunters and herb gatherers taking refuge with the Tang Family's estate, the relationship between the merchant association and the two associations was not what it used to be.

He had heard that they were secretly trying to get on the good side of the Tang Family's estate.

It wasn't that he couldn't understand. Hadn't each association suffered immense damage when his plan failed?

Right, they had to find a way to live too.

What great flaw was it for a merchant to switch sides in pursuit of profit, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal.

Damn punks.

They had acted as if they would give him their livers and gallbladders.

"...Who else has received an invitation?"

"The magistrate and other government officials, and..."

"Keung."

Countless people who had been invited were mentioned, but the merchant association's course of action was already decided with the first word.

The powerful figures of the Ganyang government, including the magistrate, and the local maintainers.

The merchant association was included among them.

It was something that could only be seen as a scheme.

If they didn't go to a gathering where all the powerful figures of Ganyang were present, it would seem as if they were upset about the recent events in the commercial world.

Like petty people who couldn't accept their defeat in a fair competition.

"Association Head. What should we do?"

"Hmm..."

As Im Saeng, the head of the Ganyang Inn Union, urged him with a very anxious expression, Go Hyeon's heart felt heavy.

Im Saeng was anxious.

Because of just one failure.

Leather and medicinal herbs.

He was worried that the inn business would be taken away by the Tang Family's estate next.

Even though it was just the opening of one inn. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Damn it, was this all there was to it?

The trust built over such a long time.

He had to show that he was still strong.

"Let's go."

"...Pardon?"

"What do you think that young punk of the Tang Family's estate was thinking when he sent us this kind of invitation?"

Go Hyeon said, shaking the invitation in his hand.

"It's a mockery. A cup filled with poison, but one we have to drink. If we don't go, the trust we have built in Ganyang will collapse. Because people will think we have lost to that punk."

"But..."

"Let's go. Let's rather let the punk laugh to his heart's content."

As Go Hyeon stood up and started walking, the members of the merchant association, who had been exchanging glances, hurriedly followed him.

* * *

The Myriad Virtue Inn, located in the center of the Ganyang main road.

It was a three-story building next to the Yin Hand Chamber's money-lending house, which Yongcheon had smashed with his iron pestle, that had been renovated.

After the Yin Hand Chamber was dismantled and it was left as an empty building, Cheonyeong bought it, and the Divine Work Pavilion Master began construction based on his long experience.

In less than a month, the three-story pavilion was completely transformed, not only on the inside but also on the outside.

He was truly an amazing person.

Surely... he wouldn't have done a shoddy job...

He had the pride of a master carpenter.

Of course, he hadn't hired any inn staff yet.

But now he had hands to spare.

Because the people who were previously in the hunters' and herb gatherers' associations had flocked to the Tang Family's estate.

There was still time until the goods were sent to the merchant groups in the capital, so it wouldn't be too late to train the new people and prepare.

While the hunters and herb gatherers were training, Cheonyeong put all the laborers belonging to the Inner Hall and the Hoyeon Brigade into the Myriad Virtue Inn.

What did it matter?

Even a martial artist has to work to eat.

And wasn't their training in martial arts to become stronger, and their work as staff of the Myriad Virtue Inn, all for the development of the Tang Family's estate?

Fortunately, there wasn't much to teach the kids of the Hoyeon Brigade.

Vagrants.

They had learned to be quick-witted on the streets to survive, and were specialized in pleasing others to get food.

If they took off their martial arts uniforms and dressed neatly, they were no different from waiters.

And the laborers of the Tang Family's estate who had once been part of the Yin Hand Chamber...

"You guys, just cause trouble. Then I'll grind every last bone of yours and drink it."

...Sanghui was educating them well.

The Twin Flash Asura.

Why else would she be called by such a name?

Although her eyes only turned for Yongcheon, the laborers of the Yin Hand Chamber, who had already seen her inherent violent nature, had no choice but to work harder than anyone else.

A few of the Saemgol distilleries had severed their ties with the merchant association and formally signed a contract with the Myriad Virtue Inn.

The deal in the capital had a great effect, but Chunil's role was bigger.

Because in Saemgol, the status of 'One Cup Child' was almost that of a hero.

Although the sight of his shoulders raised to his ears was unpleasant.

"Family Head."

"Yes."

"The preparations are complete. The invited guests are waiting outside."

Cheonyeong smiled at the Divine Work Pavilion Master's words.

"Then, shall we open?"

"Yes."

Cheonyeong approached the entrance of the first floor of the Myriad Virtue Inn.

"Open it."

"Yes!"

At Cheonyeong's command, Yongcheon threw open the doors of the Myriad Virtue Inn with all his might.

Bright light poured in, and the figures of those waiting outside could be seen.

From the high-ranking people adorned with luxurious silk clothes and extravagant decorations, to the vagrants wearing patched rags.

Cheonyeong had invited everyone in Ganyang, regardless of their status.

"Welcome. I don't know where to put myself, with you all coming to the opening ceremony of the Myriad Virtue Inn like this."

"Ho ho, don't mention it. How could I not come to the event of you, who have now become the representative of the Ganyang martial world?"

The magistrate, Mok Yeosaeng, who had brought a large number of officials, laughed heartily at Cheonyeong's humility.

"It is an honor, Magistrate."

"What honor? It is I who am honored that you did not forget and invited me like this."

"Please come in. We have prepared a place on the third floor."

"Let's."

As the magistrate went in, the Chief Constable, Han Utae, approached and offered his greetings.

"Family Head Tang, it's been a while."

"Have you been well too, Chief Constable?"

"Of course. Lately, I've been sleeping with my legs stretched out thanks to the Tang Family's estate."

"Pardon?"

"Do you know how much trouble the Yin Hand Chamber has caused in the past? The public order has improved greatly since the Tang Family's estate came. And with the recent government official bribery corruption case resolved..."

"That's a relief."

"Is it just a relief? Actually, because of that, both I and the magistrate... seem to be getting a promotion soon."

"Oh! That's great news."

"Ha ha! I will never forget your grace, Family Head Tang."

"What grace? Don't mention it. Now, please come in."

"Yes!"

Following the Chief Constable, the government officials exchanged greetings with Cheonyeong and entered the Myriad Virtue Inn.

And then.

"Who is this? Is it not Lord Go?"

"...It's been a while... Family Head Tang."

Go Hyeon, conscious of his surroundings, showed his respects at Cheonyeong's greeting.

"I'm sorry about what happened in the capital."

Go Hyeon's cheeks trembled at the words delivered with a bright smile.

This punk...

But he didn't lose his smile.

"What is there to be sorry about? That's how things are in the commercial world. But, don't be complacent. Although I lost this competition, I will get it back soon."

"Of course, you should. Fair competition is always welcome."

At Cheonyeong's words, Go Hyeon finished his short greeting and went inside with the members of the merchant association.

Cheonyeong, who was watching his back, wore a sinister smile.

The way he's forcing a smile.

How could his insides be okay?

But, the fight starts now.

"Chunil."

"Yes, Family Head."

"I'm going to entertain the VIPs now, so you take charge of this place."

"Yes."

"Don't distinguish between high and low status, and welcome all guests with respect. And don't spare anything, just give. We can just earn more money."

"Of course. I'll take care of it."

Leaving the confident Chunil behind, Cheonyeong went up to the third floor of the Myriad Virtue Inn, where a separate VIP section was prepared.

Government officials, merchants, and even scholars who had been buried in obscurity.

"Family Head Tang, you've built it so well in just a month."

The VIPs nodded in agreement at Magistrate Mok Yeosaeng's admiration.

"You flatter me. It is the result of our family's Divine Work Pavilion Master's efforts day and night."

"I know Old Man Ahn's reputation well."

As Mok Yeosaeng praised Ahn Chilgang, the VIPs nodded in agreement.

"From now on, this Myriad Virtue Inn will become the representative tavern of Ganyang."

"Represent Ganyang?"

"Yes."

"Hmph, I'm curious about that plan."

As Mok Yeosaeng showed his curiosity, Cheonyeong, who had glanced around the VIP section, revealed his ambition.

"The Myriad Virtue Inn is not a simple tavern."

"Not a simple tavern?"

"Yes. The name 'Myriad Virtue' is the old name of my family, and it contains the spirit of wanting to bestow upon all people the virtues that have been accumulated. The Myriad Virtue Inn will inherit that name and become a place that bestows upon all who visit Ganyang."

"A place that bestows?"

"Of course."

"How do you mean, bestow?"

At Mok Yeosaeng's question, Cheonyeong took a short breath and continued in a low voice.

"Once, my family was ruined and I wandered as a vagrant."

At the poignant voice that tugged at the heartstrings, exclamations of pity erupted from all sides.

Should I call it a recollection of someone who has overcome adversity and achieved success?

"At that time, I saw. How cruel the world is to those who have nothing. So I plan to hire vagrants and wandering people here at this Myriad Virtue Inn."

"What did you say?"

"I will accept them as people of the Tang family, let them be compensated for their work, and for those with ability, I plan to educate them separately in the Tang family and let them advance in various fields."

"Ooh! That's a great idea. With the severe famine everywhere, there are overflowing beggars and vagrants..."

"Haha, it's too early to be surprised."

"There's more?"

"Of course. The Myriad Virtue Inn is just the beginning."

"..."

"Recently, we have started professional training for hunters and herb gatherers with the skills of the Tang Family's estate."

"I've heard that rumor."

Cheonyeong, who had nodded with a smiling face, continued.

"I'm thinking of expanding the opportunity for that training to the entire Ganyang area."

"Expand?"

"Yes."

"How so?"

"For now, it's limited to leather, pharmacy, and a tavern, but soon, I plan to expand the domain to cloth and blacksmithing, and raise many people under the name of the Tang Family's estate."

"You mean?"

"I'm trying to open up opportunities for the people of Ganyang."

"For the people of Ganyang?"

"Yes. I'm thinking of making it so that all the people of Ganyang can live without worrying about food and shelter, as long as they belong to the Tang Family's estate."

"Ooh! You had such thoughts?"

"It's just a very small ambition."

"Ha ha! My, my, how can that be called a small ambition? It seems I, a public official, should learn from you, Family Head Tang."

"You flatter me."

Cheonyeong's humility was approaching the VIPs with a great resonance.

"I, I fully agree with your thoughts, Family Head Tang! If there is anything the government can help with in the future, just say the word! I will give you my full support!"

Mok Yeosaeng said with a determined expression.

You punk, you've grown up, you corrupt official.

Right, if a person receives a favor, they must repay it.

Since he might get a promotion thanks to me, of course he should.

"I will help too. Just say the word. Although I am a person of shallow learning and meager talent, I can give teachings to those who need knowledge."

Even a scholar who had been buried in the obscurity of Ganyang came forward to help.

How grateful.

He needed someone to teach the Tang family kids to read and write, since they were all from the streets.

"I will help too!"

"Me too!"

"Let us also bestow good deeds under the name of the Tang family!"

With everyone saying they would help, the future of the Tang family was very bright.

But...

Cheonyeong, responding to the people, glanced at Go Hyeon and the merchant association.

Now, did you see?

This is my declaration of war.

Tearing down the fortress you've built... is this easy.

(End of Chapter)