It Became a Symbol of the Bronze Age - Chapter 312



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Episode 312. Happy Trade (3)

“I used the Bagua solution that you taught me, and I had a big win at mahjong today. Thank you, sir!”

Jin Wan, born in 709 BC and approaching his 30s this year, now calls me Old Master.

So, he is an old master, and if we look at the fact that even Guan Yi called me a great man and not an old master… it is an absurd harvest.

‘… And, actually, I made a mahjong board.’

I deliberately called a few people and told them to give Jinwan a game of mahjong. If he wins on purpose, it’s cheating, but if he loses on purpose, people won’t suspect anything.

In this way, Jin-wan won consecutive matches, and it seemed like he thought it was all thanks to me.

And at this point.

It’s time to get to the main point.

“I heard that you know the Moon Kingdom well?”

“Ah, so that’s why you wanted to meet.”

Jinwan is a Moon Nation expert introduced by Saulbae.

Namjin was close to the Yue Kingdom, and this man, who traveled all over the country for a living, knew a lot about the news about the Yue Kingdom.

Of course, I don’t know as much as the Onara who has a border with us… but the Onara people have such a strong hatred for the people of Yue that the information is quite distorted.

Rather, I thought that Jin-Wan would be more reliable since he could obtain more detailed information even if the amount of information was a little lacking.

“Master Poongbaek calls it the country of Wol, but in reality, the people of the Central Plains do not treat it as a country.”

“You’re not going to do it?”

“Yes. They are treated as southern barbarians. No, they are worse than barbarians. Should I call them a group of pirates?”

As his composure grew, Jin-wan let his guard down and began to speak freely about what he knew.

“They are not loyal to a single lord or general. They are divided into tribes and fight against each other. Isn’t it a bit misleading to call something like that a nation?”

… This is a rather noteworthy point.

‘Not a country yet…?’

Let’s look back at the history of the Moon Kingdom.

First of all, there is a record of the first monarch of the Wolnara.

But there are no records up to the 11th generation.

And then there are records for the 11th and 12th generations, but then again there are no records, and records start to appear for the 33rd generation.

There are many theories about this, one of which is the theory that the Yue Kingdom was a tribal state.

In fact, the 33rd generation, Yuezi Butan, was the actual founder of the Yue kingdom, and the history before that was written down appropriately based on Butan’s ancestors.

If you look at it that way, you can explain the empty middle part to some extent. And, at this point… this statement might be quite reasonable.

‘So, it feels a bit like mythological Greece?’

In each region, there are pirate lords or pirate chieftains… and although they are called “months” by those around them, they are not treated as a country in reality.

Just as Sparta later became the leader of the Peloponnese Peninsula… the most outstanding tribe among them, the burden of the Moon, became the leader and led the Moon.

Later, after Yun Sang consolidated his ruling system, he proclaimed himself king and the Yue Dynasty began?

That sounds pretty plausible.

“…So, it’s quite difficult to get information about the Moon Kingdom at this point, but I know a little bit.”

“How do you know?”

“Because we traded. We worked hard to obtain ivory, which is only found on the moon… That’s the superficial reason.”

Jinwan said carefully.

“Do you know what a snail is?”

“A bird?”

“Yes. It only comes from the Moon Kingdom… I had to work hard to obtain the poison. Some of the princes are my main customers.”

The magpie is a poisonous bird that appears frequently in Chinese history. There has been much controversy about it.

First, it is a fantasy animal… but the ecology of this bird is quite detailed, so it is a bit doubtful to dismiss it as such.

In the latter part of the Warring States period, there was even a ban on bringing in or raising pack animals north of the Yangtze River, and there are frequent records of those who were executed for violating this ban.

That is why the second theory that ‘it existed in the past but became extinct’ emerged, but since there is no such thing as a poisonous bird to prove this, scholars usually supported the fantasy theory more.

‘It was overturned when Pitohui was discovered in New Guinea.’

The pitohui, a bird discovered in New Guinea, was the first poisonous bird discovered, and had deadly poison in its skin and feathers.

If this poison enters the bloodstream directly, it causes paralysis and death, which is the same symptom as that of the magpie described in ancient China, so these days, the magpie is considered to be an extinct species similar to this pitohui.

And according to records, the place where this bird appears the most is Guangdong Province, that is, the Yue region.

“You can find the venomous birds around here too… but the venom of the venomous birds of the moon, which have grown up eating poisonous insects and snakes, is particularly strong.”

This is also consistent with Pitohui. Pitohui also does not make its own poison, but consumes poisonous beetles and collects the poison for use.

“And the pirates of the moon are good at using this poison.”

“Do you write well?”

“Yes. It’s a hard poison to find. With such a poison, how can the people of the Moon be so comfortable talking and drinking? Well, there’s a rumor that consuming rhinoceros horn can eliminate pack poison… but I’ve seen people die from pack poison after drinking from rhinoceros horn cups, so it’s probably just a lie.”

… Yeah, I knew about the dog story.

“…Why are you telling me this?”

“Oh, you came to me to ask about the affairs of the Moon Kingdom?”

aha.

So… this guy saw me as a potential buyer of poison. It’s understandable that he would be mistaken, since he asked me, who imports poison from the Moon.

“…Nothing to do.”

I’m not interested in the scorpion. Wasn’t it an item that was banned from import even during the Spring and Autumn Period because it was so dangerous?

It’s a deadly poison that can easily kill people without being detected. If something like that were to flow in, it would be a mess in the political order in an instant.

“And, let’s pretend we didn’t hear this conversation.”

“If you change your mind, please let me know at any time. Of course, he is a hard one to find… but if you ask me, sir, how could I not listen?”

As soon as I heard that, I decided that I had to add ‘Jimdok’ to the list of banned import items along with Samseoksan.

It would be common sense to cut off the balls of anyone who imports that kind of shit and hang them in the port.

***

“The strongest tribes in the current moon are the Sas and the Mis. They are pirates with over twenty ships each. The Sas were originally strong, while the Mis are a rising power. The two are not on good terms.”

“Well… I can guess what it is going to be like.”

There is no pirate in the world that a rising power would like to see appear, because they are potential rivals.

Jin Wan explained.

“The pirate sails used in Asadal… Sorry. They use something similar to vertical sails, and a small boat can easily carry 50 people, and a large boat can easily carry 100 people. They make a living by plundering places like Cho and O with those large boats.”

“Hoo.”

Besides that, I got a lot of information about the moon.

It was enough time to become convinced that they were more of a pirate confederation than a nation.

“And you mentioned the big island attached to the moon?”

“Okay. Do you know anything?”

“I don’t know for sure. Even the people of the moon treat them as barbarians and call them Barbarian Island.”

This means that the Moon and Taiwan have no relationship at the moment.

‘Even during the later Sun Wu era, Taiwan was an unknown territory to the Central Plains.’

Just when I was trying to feel relieved.

Jin Wan said.

“But lately, things have been a little different.”

“different?”

“I heard that some of the ships of the Moon were heading south. Usually, that would be the state of Chu, but I haven’t heard any news of them attacking Chu. Now that I think about it, the island that the old man mentioned might be their destination. I don’t know if there’s anything to steal there.”

… I think I know.

‘Have you already heard the news that Asadal ate Ryukyu?’

There is a possibility. Even if they don’t know what happened, the Moon people may have caught sight of Asadal’s ships coming and going.

And since they are pirates, it’s only natural that they would be drooling at the sight of Asadal’s merchant ships.

‘Fuck.’

Perhaps, unlike the Yuan history, the Central Plains’ attack on Taiwan may proceed a little faster.

“Thank you. That was valuable information.”

“It is not enough compared to the grace of the old man.”

At this point, I’ve achieved the purpose of coming here.

If I hadn’t come… it would have been difficult to hear detailed information about the inside of the moon.

Honestly, I never thought I could make such a definite guanxi. I am grateful to Confucius who wrote the Ten Wings.

‘But it’s a bit of a shame to end it here.’

Who is in front of me right now?

Of course, Sun Tzu, the greatest general of the ancient Central Plains.

He is the ancestor of the Jeon clan, one of the most prestigious families that served as prime ministers in both Korea and China for generations (although they overthrew both countries, of course).

And at this point, there’s something in the family.

It could be at the genetic level, or it could be something like a family tree or a secret passed down through generations.

Just looking at the Andong Kim clan, there are stories of them passing every civil service exam with their unique study methods… Just looking at the Pungbaek clan, there are plenty of visions that Dalbi and I created.

‘Even if you only look at Jin Wan, who imported the luggage from the country of Wol, there seems to be no room for doubt about his ability or skills, even without going through his descendants.’

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So, I asked straight to the point.

“You, aren’t you thinking of coming to Asadal?”

“Haha, thank you for your words! The old man thinks highly of me!”

It seems like this guy just thought I was giving him a heads up.

“I’m serious.”

My words, which were sincere, began to make me think deeply.

However, the conclusion is set in stone.

“Hmm… I have also heard the story of Gwan-o and Baek-ri-hae, and the old man’s kindness is also deep… but I still like my hometown.”

It goes without saying. There is no reason for Jin Wan, a member of the royal family of Jin, to abandon his royal position and run away.

Right now, that is.

“But you never know what happens to people, right? Just like my country’s Kang Sang said.”

“Well, I don’t have as much ambition as Kang Sang. Unless something really messes up and my family falls, I don’t think that’ll happen.”

Oh, no.

Your family will be destroyed in 10 years.

And then he goes back to his country.

So what I do is, I just slightly change the destination from my country to Asadal.

“…Well, when that time comes, please come to Asadal.”

“Haha! Then let me think about it.”

“I made a promise. It is a gentleman’s promise. If a situation arises where I must flee, I will definitely come to Asadal.”

“I will do so. I promise on the mahjong tiles!”

Put the mahjong tiles on the table, good.

In 10 years, this guy will come to Asadal.

***

A few days passed like that.

Jin-wan said he had to go up again in a hurry and left with Asadal’s molasses.

“I hope to see you again next time, sir.”

“I hope so too.”

Nosara.

It’s too much of a treat to hear that he taught me one thing about mahjong. This means that ‘mahjong’ is very precious to him.

‘What an unusual greeting.’

This is a character who places tremendous value on what he considers valuable, regardless of the world.

‘Maybe those descendants too… might have been born with that kind of temperament.’

Temperament is often passed down through family trees through education, and being absorbed in something is the secret to success.

Perhaps such a temperament was the vision of the family that made Jin Wan’s descendants into vassals, kings, supreme generals, and emperors.

‘If that family succeeds in Asadal, then we can expect quite a lot.’

Of course, just like in the history of the original kingdom, that bastard’s descendants could overthrow Asadal… but no matter how I think about it, it doesn’t make sense to not use capable people because you’re afraid of overthrowing them.

If he had returned to France, shouldn’t he have employed Napoleon? If he had returned to Rome, shouldn’t he have employed Caesar?

Zhuge Liang of Romance of the Three Kingdoms also knew that Wei Yan was a traitor, but he acknowledged his usefulness and used him well, even though he was worried about how to stop the rebellion.

Even if you know the future, it is a temptation that is difficult for such talents to avoid.

‘Asadal should do that too.’

We need to think about how to prevent rebellion. It will not be good if a culture develops in which talent is neglected for fear of rebellion.

‘In the first place… if a country is going to fall to one prime minister, then the country is already in a terrible state.’

And the next morning.

“…First of all, I would like to increase the amount of candy.”

“Next time, we’ll come by Benigi merchant ship, and since the sugarcane farming on Heukgak Island is also underway, we’ll be able to bring three or four more ships. It’ll increase even more in the future.”

“…Thank you for your concern. And, please go back safely, Your Excellency.”

I was escorted by Saul’s ship and boarded the ship that returned to Asadal with Adalah.

I felt like I had gained so much.

***

“Ha… hoo….”

On the return ship, Adallah continued to sigh deeply.

“…Why is that?”

“That’s because I feel sad that I have already parted ways with Saulbae….”

“I haven’t seen you so agitated since I saw the sugar cane and the black horn.”

“It can’t be helped. Mr. Saulbae is a role model for all merchants.”

Although Adallah is considered a pretty good merchant in Korea, he is not as good as Saul Bae, who was in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is currently running a huge casino… no, a mahjong parlor.

In fact, if you were to pick someone in the country who could compete with Saulbae, you would have to bring in someone at least as talented as Dalbi.

I asked secretly.

“Compared to Dalbi?”

“You have to compare what you can compare. Dalbi is the best. Even though Deputy Saulbae is excellent, he can never compare to Dalbi.”

I kind of like this. After all, my wife is the best merchant, right?

I asked.

“Do you want to be like Saulbae?”

“Well, if you say you want to, then yes. But I’m not very confident.”

“Why?”

“Saulbae is strong. He is the one who leads, breaking the heads of many enemies with an axe. However, I am not the one who leads, but rather follows. What I am good at is not swordsmanship, but abacus.”

“You’re good at swordsmanship too, aren’t you?”

“At best, I’m just a soldier. If Saulbae and I were to cross swords with an axe, I guarantee you that I’d be dead before we could even hit three times.”

… Well, Saulbae is pretty strong, just like he said.

Usually, when discussing the strongest individual in terms of military power within Asadal, Hanho is mentioned.

In terms of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is equivalent to Lu Bu.

And the ones who are usually mentioned after Hanho are Chawoo, Geonmu, and Saulbae.

Based on the Zhongyuan Temple, the positions are around Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zi Long.

According to Hanho, all three are comparable to their younger selves… but no one else says that besides Hanho.

The common belief is that Hanho is the strongest and that even if these three attack together, they won’t be able to touch even a single hair on Hanho. In the first place, if you ask the three of them, they will answer that way.

There’s nothing to be gained by saying ‘I actually beat Hanho’ for no reason.

However, this does not mean that he is weak. Having his name next to Hanho means that he is recognized as a possessor of tremendous military power within Asadal.

That’s why it seems that Adalah also thinks that it is impossible for her to become Saul’s distribution person.

“That’s not necessarily true.”

“…No?”

“Your talent is on par with Saul’s. I can guarantee that.”

“However, it’s not enough to just have the skills. I can’t run ahead like Saulbae or Chawoo.”

“Of course, it would be good to lead everyone by example with overwhelming leadership like Saul Bae or Chau… but wouldn’t people also like someone who lines their pockets and preserves their lives?”

I laughed.

“Up until now, the one who went ahead was the leader… but the times ahead will be different. The one who supports from behind can also become the leader. Just look at the president of Asadal. Hanhoya was the one who ran ahead, but was it Nana Barang who was like that?”

“No, you are not.”

“yes.”

I said as I looked at Adalah.

“It’s good to respect someone, and it’s also good to want to be like them. But don’t belittle your own talent because of that. In my eyes, both you and Saulbae are excellent merchants, although their directions are different. In any case, you are the best of the Poongbaek Merchant Corps. If I had a daughter of the right age, I would have given her to you without holding back.”

“Haha… I wish I had been born 10 years later.”

“10 years? Where! I should have been born 15 years later.”

“…The age difference between Deputy Poongbaek and Lord Sangdan….”

“Let’s stop there. In the first place, weren’t you already married before you entered the upper ranks? Your wife will be really sad if you say something like that.”

“…If you take jokes so seriously, what will become of me?”

“Don’t become trash.”

“Oh, really….”

Adallah acted as if it was ridiculous, then just laughed it off.

“By the way, by the time we get back, the soldiers will have gotten used to how to use the slingshot.”

“yes.”

“Can I have a seat?”

“Of course. This isn’t a military operation, but rather a route development. Besides, you are part of the Dalbi Merchant Corps and are also a half-public trader.”

Havaii Island.

So, Taiwan.

That’s my next target.

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