The Second Eunuch Regains His Manhood

89th Chapter: What’s Between Us – Illustration

One week before the Hangshan Sect event.

I had a private meeting with my master and secured the Night Pearl.

“The power of our faction has risen sufficiently now, and with the rare visits from the Hwanghwa guests, it seems we can dispose of the Night Pearl. I will handle the disposal through Hao Mun.”

In the past year, the influence of the Gongdong Sect had increased dramatically.

Just enough to manage a single Night Pearl.

Thanks to having Seomun Cheong-ha as a pawn, the Seomun Family’s vigilance had weakened. The evidence was the Hwanghwa guests coming to the main base.

Moreover, Hwajeong County, the front yard of the Gongdong Sect, was protected by an absolute master of Hyun-gyeong.

It meant that no common black-masked ruffians could recklessly run wild in this neighborhood.

So now, it was time to sell the Night Pearl and build more energy boosters and state-of-the-art training facilities.

“I understand. I will trust you. But be careful. The gang of Samawoeido cannot be trusted.”

My master nodded upon hearing my words.

One year ago.

After contributing all the money I earned from the martial arts tournament, nearly a thousand nyang, to the Gongdong Sect’s finances, my master’s trust had risen to the level that even a grain of red bean paste would be believed.

I was permitted to approve most things without needing to consult.

Well, the money I earned was substantial enough to buy a villa.

Donating that to the sect, I would probably believe it too.

Of course, money was merely a means for buying energy boosters, so having a lot didn’t impress me much.

In my previous life, I had wealth so abundant that I could pile gold like mountains and sleep atop it.

But it was futile. Money couldn’t revive the dead no matter how much I had.

That damn quack godling, really, the amount of money I fed that guy…

I suppressed my boiling anger and cautiously accepted the pouch containing the Night Pearl from my master.

As I opened the pouch, the phosphorescent glow of the Night Pearl glittered.

“Be careful on your trip.”

Receiving my master’s farewell, I hugged the Night Pearl tightly and cautiously stepped out of the mountain gate.

“Sir, where are you going?”

Just as I was about to step outside the mountain gate.

Seomun Cheong-ha’s call grabbed my ankle.

Turning my head, I saw Seomun Cheong-ha pouting her lips, gazing at me.

“I have business down the mountain.”

“Can I join you with that business?”

In response to my words, Seomun Cheong-ha raised her arms on her waist and asked back.

It was a request that was more like a demand.

For the past year, this had been the case.

Whenever there was a trip to Hwajeong-hyeon Gonhwa Pavilion, not just my junior sister, but both Seomun Cheong-ha and my senior brother would try to tag along.

Thanks to that, the frequency of my meetings with Jeoksawol had dwindled to about a third of what it used to be.

Well, I could see through their motives.

It would be because of the scandal that spread between Jeoksawol and me or rather Neungwolhyang. It wasn’t something to brag about that the orthodox faction’s gentleman was hanging around a courtesan house.

Especially since we were supposed to be the face of the clan, the Gongdong Sect had to be more careful.

“…Today’s work is something my master has personally instructed me to do, so unfortunately, I can’t take you with me, Cheong-ha.”

“…Hmph. Who says I’m disappointed? I don’t feel disappointed at all, okay? Why would I care about a gentleman like you?”

At my words, Seomun Cheong-ha pouted her lips and started sweeping in front of the gate with a broom she held.

Dust swirled toward me like a snowstorm.

How petty.

I pierced through the gust of dust and used light steps to descend the mountain.

The familiar scenery of Hwajeong County came into view.

As the Gongdong Sect slowly reconstructed, the regional economy of Hwajeong County seemed to be revitalizing, with construction of new buildings happening here and there.

It was clear that the number of tourists had increased as well. Compared to a year ago.

I quickly turned my feet toward the entertainment district.

Thanks to the economic boom, the Hwajeong County entertainment district had grown much larger compared to a year ago.

Among them, the most impressive courtesan house was undoubtedly Gonhwa Pavilion.

Sichuan’s number one courtesan, Neungwolhyang.

Ever since the rumor spread across Guju Palhwang that the next world’s most beautiful was staying there, Gonhwa Pavilion had expanded to a new five-story building, now soaring to the title of the finest in Gansu.

Even from far away, Lanzhou city was coming to enjoy the festivities in Hwajeong County.

Of course, the only guest allowed by Neungwolhyang was me. She didn’t accept any other guests and almost never revealed herself.

Naturally, Neungwolhyang’s veil was only lifted in front of me.

But perhaps due to this mystique strategy, the number of visitors to Gonhwa Pavilion was steadily rising.

Since it was still daytime, it wasn’t open for business yet.

I adeptly cleared the extinguished blue lanterns below my feet and entered Gonhwa Pavilion.

“Welcome back, little hero. That person has been waiting for you on the 5th floor.”

With the expansion of Gonhwa Pavilion, the special room had also moved to the 5th floor.

I didn’t know why they insisted on going up, but anyway, I heard the steward’s words and headed up the stairs.

Arriving at the entrance to the 5th floor, I found a door.

I casually opened the door and stepped inside.

Then, a familiar sight greeted me.

The view of the impressive special room featured a table in the center, a plush carpet on the floor, and the panorama of Hwajeong County visible through the lattice windows.

Yes.

Neungwolhyang, or rather Jeoksawol had turned the entire 5th floor into her private living space.

How could she waste such a large space all by herself?

“Gaga, come in!”

Just as I was clicking my tongue inwardly.

Seoksawol, seated at the table, looked at me and smiled cheerfully.

Her red eyes sparkled. The sweet scent of candles burning everywhere wafted through the air.

As always, my designated seat was right next to her.

Why do I always have to sit next to her?

Various pork dishes including seasoned pork and Dongpo pork were spread out on the table.

I took a seat.

“…It’s been a while, girl. I missed you, Gaga.”

Swish.

Jeoksawol naturally wrapped her arms around mine and snuggled closer.

Her ample chest against my arm felt soft and plush.

Perhaps she had worn some perfume, as a sweet fragrance wafted off her body. It was a sticky, decadent smell completely different from the subtle wildflowers scent of my senior sister.

“Let’s cut to the chase. I came to dispose of the goods.”

I retrieved the pouch containing the Night Pearl from my sleeve and placed it on the table.

Thud.

As the pouch’s string loosened, the light from the Night Pearl seeped out.

“It’s the Night Pearl. How much will you buy it for?”

The members of Hao Mun included courtesans, fortune tellers, carriage drivers, ruffians, expert gamblers, and more lowly scoundrels.

They naturally conducted many businesses. From buying and selling information, running gambling houses and courtesan houses, to trading mysterious goods like this one.

Since there were thieves among Hao Mun’s members, the role of dealing in shady goods naturally fell to them as well.

Of course, compared to the Milkeumdang, which was responsible for the finances of Sado Family, which consisted of salt smugglers, international traffickers, and black market merchants, Hao Mun’s distribution network was considerably lacking, yet they could still handle at least a single Night Pearl.

Jeoksawol cautiously took the Night Pearl from the pouch.

She examined the Night Pearl back and forth and muttered.

“…This is genuine.”

“We share a loyalty between us; I wouldn’t bring you a fake.”

I said while picking up a piece of Dongpo pork to eat.

Munch, munch.

The soft texture of the Dongpo pork mixed with the seasoning spread fully through my mouth.

This place does cook well.

Upon hearing my words, Jeoksawol’s face flushed with embarrassment.

“Y-You’re right! We’re Gaga and girl! I-I’m sorry for doubting you, Gaga.”

“No need for apologies. So how much will you give me?”

“About 500 nyang would be adequate. The payment will be due in a week…”

Jeoksawol’s voice trailed off.

Five hundred nyang. A sum large enough to buy an apartment in Seoul by modern standards.

Exactly the price I had set.

I looked at Jeoksawol and said.

“…I need it sooner than a week. Can’t it be done right now?”

Normally, it would be impossible to obtain such a large sum directly in a rural area like Hwajeong County.

But Jeoksawol was the top authority of the Sado Family.

For her, 500 nyang was little more than pocket change.

“…Is something going on? Do you need a large sum of money suddenly… Are you in debt to someone?”

Jeoksawol was startled by the mention of needing a large sum. Her eyes narrowed.

I shook my head.

“No, it’s just that I’m about to head to the Hangshan Sect for the tournament soon. I need to use part of the money from this sale for travel expenses, so the timing is tight.”

Upon hearing my words, Jeoksawol’s red eyes sank heavily.

Her expression turned serious.

Her hands trembled.

“I see. The competition with the Hangshan Sect… Right. How could I forget about it… Hehe.”

Jeoksawol’s awkward laugh escaped as her cheeks quivered.

“…So, I’d like to have the money right away. Is that alright, Hyangmae?”

Hyangmae.

At the mention of the magic word, Jeoksawol’s body stiffened. Her face turned bright red.

Slap.

She snuggled closer to me, whispering with a trembling voice.

“Of course… I-I can do anything for you, Gaga… Anything!”

Good.

I smiled satisfactorily at her answer, accepting the Dongpo pork she offered me.

That day, I received a 500 nyang voucher from Jeoksawol and returned to the Gongdong Sect.

*

After seeing off Lee Cheol-soo.

Jeoksawol sat on the 5th floor of Gonhwa Pavilion, biting her lip as she held the Night Pearl that Gaga had sold.

“…The tournament… Right, I remember now.”

Jeoksawol’s narrowed eyes gleamed.

Her hands trembled.

Lately, the frequency of my meetings with Gaga had decreased.

Knowing that my status as the leader of the Hao Mun, which was competing with the Beggar Sect and the top of the martial world, Jeoksawol was aware of the reasons.

“Those bratty scoundrels… They’re interfering with my meetings with Gaga…”

One year ago on that day.

After being embraced in Gaga’s arms and earning his forgiveness through tears.

Jeoksawol thought she would be able to meet Gaga often. Since it was Hao Mun, she could provide any information necessary for Gaga. And handle other jobs, too.

As the Gongdong Sect was not on good terms with the Beggar Sect, they had no choice but to rely on Hao Mun.

Thus, she naturally planned to encounter Gaga more often to win his heart.

That had been Jeoksawol’s plan.

But her plans had gone awry.

Her junior sister Seoharin. Her senior brother Yujinhwi, and even Seomun Cheong-ha combined forces to hinder any meeting she had with Lee Cheol-soo.

The three of them would sometimes even try to secretly follow him for a rendezvous.

‘Arrogant rascals. They think they have any advantages besides their age and youth…!’

Seomun Cheong-ha and Seoharin were all inferior to her.

Wealth, martial prowess, power, beauty, distribution; she had the edge in all.

Except for one thing.

Only age and youth were on their side.

That was not all.

During this tournament, Geumhu Eun Seol-ran would be aiming for Gaga once again.

All of them were younger girls who claimed superiority only because of their youth.

Crash!

As Jeoksawol recalled those young brats, she slammed her hand on the table.

The table split in half with a light thud.

Her red eyes clouded with gloom.

“How arrogant those little girls…!”

Jeoksawol, now 61 years old, was filled with jealousy toward those girls who were 40, if not much younger.

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