Chapter 11
An investment proposal worth a staggering 4,000 nyang in silver.
A trace of disbelief crossed Chu Yongwol’s face.
“Four thousand nyang… in silver…”
Chu Yongwol lifted her teacup and took a sip.
“This tea is delightful, Young Master.”
Watching her, Yang-hwi let out a soft chuckle.
The sudden mention of the tea’s taste—how subtle.
She was implying, through the quality of the tea served, that Baek Household’s finances might not be in great shape.
‘Well, it’s true our Baek estate does look a bit rundown from the outside.’
Though it was a large manor handed down since the days of their ancestors, a lack of maintenance funds meant that most of it had fallen into disuse. Only a small section remained livable.
Some of the buildings looked downright abandoned.
But then—
“This is the initial deposit.”
Yang-hwi reached beneath the bed and pulled out a chest filled with gold coins, setting it down with a dull thud.
“That’s 2,000 nyang in silver.”
“…”
Seeing a child so casually produce a small fortune, Chu Yongwol was too stunned to even make a sound.
Before she could recover, Yang-hwi continued.
“Now then, I believe it’s time we speak with the head of the family.”
He summoned a servant and asked them to bring Baek Mu-ryang. But when he entered a moment later, he wasn’t alone.
“Hwi, may this mother also sit in on the conversation?”
“Of course, Mother. In fact, I was hoping you would.”
Jeong In-Hwa was the only daughter of a well-known scholar who had retired to the countryside.
When it came to martial arts, perhaps not—but in literary matters, no one in the Baek Household could match her insight.
“Father. I believe it would be worthwhile to invest 4,000 nyang of our family’s spare funds into Miss Chu’s White Scroll Antique Bookstore. What are your thoughts?”
“Hmm. 4,000 nyang, you say?”
“Yes.”
“I had been wondering how to put that money to use…”
It was the sum they’d retrieved from stripping down Cheongsa Sect’s secret funds. With Cheongsa Sect watching them closely, it was risky to use that money for anything inside Akan-hyeon.
Sending it far away as an external investment was the safest move.
And preferably into something with real potential for growth.
In that sense, the White Scroll Antique Bookstore in Namchang was a perfect fit.
“Hm. What does your wife think?”
“Having read Hwi’s writing myself, I believe it’s more than worth investing in.”
“Is that so? Still, this is a matter of finance—we should hear Miss Chu’s thoughts as well.”
“I also believe that Young Master Hwi’s writing will elevate the status of our White Scroll Antique Bookstore.”
“Is that right? Then we shall invest.”
“…Excuse me?”
Surprise flashed across Chu Yongwol’s face.
“I’m honored by your trust, but…”
“Yes, Miss Chu?”
“Even if it’s in the form of investment, it’s still a great sum to entrust to someone you’ve only just met. It just feels… a little sudden…”
Chu Yongwol hesitated for a moment, then cautiously continued.
“I mean no disrespect in saying this before the young master, but… isn’t this a decision made by a child?”
Objectively speaking, letting a young boy decide on an investment of 4,000 nyang in silver did seem reckless.
But both Baek Mu-ryang and Jeong In-Hwa responded in unison:
“Well, it was Hwi’s initiative.”
“If it’s Hwi’s decision, we trust it.”
A married couple moves as one.
Baek Mu-ryang and Jeong In-Hwa spoke in perfect sync, then exchanged a knowing smile.
Watching them, Yang-hwi couldn’t help but smile with quiet pride.
‘Looks like all that effort this past month is finally paying off.’
And indeed, Yang-hwi had steadily built up his reputation within the Baek Household.
It was no wonder. On the very first day he arrived, he’d talked the infamous Honggyo Sect thugs into leaving—using nothing but his silver tongue.
That alone was enough to be considered extraordinary for an eight-year-old, but the next day, he went even further—robbing the Cheongsa Sect’s hidden vault and bringing back a whopping 5,000 nyang.
And as if that weren’t enough, he had even mastered Gaecheon Sword Style and Sixfold Harmony Art—the Baek Household’s own martial techniques—on the very first day.
Naturally, a belief had begun to take root within the estate:
If the eldest young master, Yang-hwi, is doing something—trust it.
“Hwi, I trust your judgment,” said Baek Mu-ryang, nodding. “If you’re confident, then you may invest the entire amount. But… I heard you agreed to a forty-percent royalty?”
“That’s correct.”
Baek Mu-ryang turned his gaze toward Chu Yongwol.
His gentle fatherly smile faded. In its place, the commanding presence of the household head settled over him.
“Miss Chu, my wife is the daughter of a well-known scholar. That means she’s well aware of standard royalty rates for published manuscripts.”
Sensing an opportunity to secure a better deal, Chu Yongwol smiled and bowed slightly.
“Indeed, the usual rate is ten percent. Please consider our forty-percent offer as a gesture of admiration and respect for Young Master Hwi’s literary talent. We’ll draft the contract accordingly.”
But Baek Mu-ryang cut her off coldly.
“Hmm, that won’t do. I’ve heard even basic annotated copies earn the author ten percent. And you’re offering forty? Hmm…”
It dawned on Chu Yongwol that this wasn’t praise—it was scrutiny.
But it was already too late.
“The author typically receives ten percent. Thirty percent covers production costs. The remaining sixty goes to the merchant, who funds and manages sales. That’s the industry average, is it not, Madam?”
Jeong In-Hwa smiled softly.
“The Lord is absolutely correct.”
“That means Miss Chu, you’re valuing your store’s contribution as equal to Hwi’s talent, despite his writing being the actual draw.”
Most scholars and students don’t bother learning the exact breakdown of publishing royalties.
Chu Yongwol hadn’t expected anyone at the table—let alone a scholar’s daughter—to know the numbers this precisely.
But it’s not even accurate!
“House Lord, I believe you’re confusing royalties with—”
Again, Baek Mu-ryang cut her off.
“Production costs, yes. And yet, we are the ones investing four thousand nyang to cover those very costs. And still you ask for forty percent. Hmm, forty percent…”
Only now did Chu Yongwol grasp his intent.
“…Please accept my apology, House Lord. You’ve shown great generosity by offering this investment, yet as a merchant’s daughter, I failed to uphold proper integrity.”
If the investor is taking on the financial risk, then it’s only right to renegotiate the royalty share.
Chu Yongwol had tried to secure a high cut under the guise of goodwill—but Baek Mu-ryang saw right through it.
“I understand,” he replied smoothly. “In the world of commerce, chasing margins is to be expected.”
Chu Yongwol bowed again in acknowledgment.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“Well then, why don’t you propose a revised royalty split?”
“…”
She swallowed hard and spoke in a quiet, hesitant voice.
“Fifty… no, sixty percent.”
“Make it seventy.”
“…”
“Even if it were eighty, I imagine some of my merchant acquaintances wouldn’t bat an eye.”
A subtle reminder that he had powerful connections in the business world.
Chu Yongwol had no cards left to play.
Four thousand nyang in silver. A sum large enough to cover all expenses and more.
In other words, White Scroll Antique Bookstore could take a bold new leap—with zero financial risk.
“I’m grateful for your generosity. Let’s go with seventy percent.”
“Excellent. Let’s draft the contract, Miss Chu.”
Yang-hwi looked at his father, admiration gleaming in his eyes.
‘As expected of Father.’
He had already considered adjusting the royalty share in exchange for the investment, of course.
But to pull it off with such composure, balancing authority and grace—and still walk away with seventy percent? That was beyond him.
‘Maybe if Father had joined me from the beginning, we could’ve gotten even more.’
* * *
After the contract was finalized, Chu Yongwol departed from the Baek Household.
Not long after, Baek Mu-ryang called for Yang-hwi.
“Hwi, would you care for some tea?”
“I’d be honored, Father.”
Baek Mu-ryang instructed a maid to bring them tea.
Moments later, father and son sat side by side, sharing a quiet cup.
“Tea,” Baek Mu-ryang said, “teaches the art of patience. Drink it too hastily, and you may scald your mouth.”
“I’ll remember your teaching and take it to heart.”
Understanding the deeper meaning in his father’s words, Yang-hwi bowed his head in silent respect.
But Baek Mu-ryang let out a small sigh.
“…Hwi.”
“Yes, Father.”
“I took you in because I felt it was fate. Yet you’ve already done what I couldn’t in my lifetime. Do you know? Forming a partnership between our clan and a trading house—it’s something I’ve long dreamed of.”
Of course, Yang-hwi knew. His father had always hoped for a stable source of income for the family.
Perhaps that’s why he’d handled Chu Yongwol so deftly. He’d likely imagined this very conversation over and over in his mind.
“I promise, I’ll make this partnership with White Scroll Antique Bookstore a blessing for our family.”
“I believe you will. It’s only been a month since we became father and son, and yet—I find myself placing an unnatural amount of trust in you. Still…”
After a sip of tea, Baek Mu-ryang gathered his thoughts.
“Hwi, you are exceptional—a true prodigy. It’s only natural that someone like you would think differently from someone like me, a man of limited talent and ordinary life experience. But even so, there’s a role for elders to play. And I see impatience in you.”
“…”
Yang-hwi fell silent. The words struck directly at his core.
‘Was it really that obvious?’
It was true—he had been rushing.
Everything he’d done so far made people believe he was some monstrous blend of martial genius, literary talent, and business acumen.
And the reason for his haste?
To elevate Baek into the greatest family under the heavens. Even with thirty years rewound, it’s a lifetime goal that most wouldn’t achieve halfway.
And besides… the bigger the Baek Clan became, the greater threat the Namgung Clan would pose.
So he had to hurry. He had to lay the groundwork and eliminate threats before his time ran out.
“There’s a saying—‘Once you mount a tiger, you cannot dismount.’ Hwi, sometimes it feels like you view becoming my son as mounting that tiger.”
“That’s not true, Father. Not once have I ever thought of joining the Baek Clan as some kind of opportunity.”
“I know. But still, let me ask. With your gifts, you could’ve risen anywhere. So why… why were you living as a beggar?”
It was a fair question. Even without the miracle of reincarnation, Yang-hwi had begun realizing his talents at this same age in his past life.
And yet he had remained a beggar.
“Because I had no reason to live.”
In his past life, that ragged boy had lived simply because he had been born—not because he had anything to live for.
But then came Father. Then came the Baek Clan.
They gave him a reason.
They made him want to live.
“There’s a saying: among all debts of kindness, the greatest is the one that saves your life. Father, you gave me that.”
“So all this… is to repay that debt?”
“Yes.”
“Then you see a father and son as those who repay debts?”
“That’s…”
For the first time since his return to the past, Yang-hwi was at a loss for words.
“Yang-hwi,” said Baek Mu-ryang. “This is the first lesson a lowly father offers his brilliant son: never forget the teachings of cultivating the self and bringing order to the family.”
“…”
Yang-hwi remained silent, reviewing their conversation in his mind.
Praise for his talents. A warning against impatience. And finally, a reminder from The Great Learning about personal growth, family, governance, and harmony under heaven.
Everything fell into place in his mind.
‘Yes… My goal was always to make Baek the greatest clan under the heavens…’
Because it was his father’s dream. Because it was the path to bringing happiness to those he held dear.
Because he had come to see the Baek Household as his home. Baek Mu-ryang as his father. Jeong In-Hwa as his mother. Baek Heon-So and Baek Yeon-Yeon as his younger siblings.
But if his “family” didn’t see him the same way—if he neglected the very foundation…
Then even his greatest goal would lose all meaning.
‘Truly, Father… you are a father in every sense. Even if I’ve surpassed your age in my previous life… you still have lessons to teach me.’
Even water can choke when drunk too quickly.
Even with the mind of a late-stage master in his late thirties, his body was still that of a child—and this time, he had the chance to do things right.
Fast, but not rushed.
Yes. As his clan’s teaching said—Gae (蓋)—swift, and unshakable.
“I’ll etch your words into my heart and never forget them. Thank you, Father.”
“Good. See that you do.”
Baek Mu-ryang smiled with satisfaction.
Even if his son’s takeaway wasn’t quite the lesson he intended, it didn’t matter.
What mattered was this—they both saw each other as father and son.
And then—
The very next day, a man arrived at the Baek Household.
A man who cherished his family in a very different way from Yang-hwi and Baek Mu-ryang.
“Junior Brother! Don’t we still have unfinished business? It’s been over a month, so I came in person.”
---The End Of The Chapter---
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