Doctor Goes Back to Joseon - Chapter 46: This Time, a Monk [4]

As always, Kang-hyuk showed no awareness of restraint.

His straightforward question left Yu-jeong silent for a moment. Instead, it was the Deputy Governor who started talking, his voice tinged with the faint aroma of alcohol.

It seemed he had enjoyed a drink or two while listening to the sermon.

‘Surely he didn’t do anything inappropriate at the temple?’

While it could be seen as baseless suspicion, Kang-hyuk felt it was a reasonable concern given the Deputy Governor’s history.

The man, now wrongly labeled a degenerate committing sacrilegious acts at the temple, gestured toward Kang-hyuk.

“Yes, yes, I mentioned fever and difficulty eating earlier, didn’t I? This young man is a truly skilled physician.”

The Deputy Governor’s unusual deference to the monk suggested he was no casual Buddhist. He seemed deeply invested in the faith, perhaps beyond simple academic study of the scriptures.

Had someone like Chang-gwon or Seungmun witnessed this, they might have shaved the man’s topknot on the spot and urged him to fully embrace Buddhism.

‘What a mess this guy is.’

A Confucian scholar and government official openly defying Joseon’s *Sungyu-eokbul* (崇儒抑佛) laws [1]. It was just like him to disregard societal expectations so flagrantly.

“Is that so?”

The temple’s head monk, the abbot, immediately showed interest. His concern for Yu-jeong, who had traveled far and seemed unwell, was evident.

The temple’s own monks with medical skills had tried to help, and prayers had been offered, but to no avail.

“He’s a renowned physician from Suwon. He even resolved the ailment I consulted him about.”

Apparently, the Deputy Governor had spoken to the abbot about his previous issue—likely his erectile dysfunction.

It was quite the scandal to bring up such a topic in front of a lifelong celibate like the abbot. Yet, the Deputy Governor seemed utterly unbothered.

‘If that’s the case, why didn’t he just go to a temple in Suwon…?’

While Anseong’s Chiljangsa was a historically significant temple, Kang-hyuk couldn’t help but question why he’d come all this way for such a discussion.

The abbot, however, seemed perplexed. His frequent throat-clearing suggested discomfort with the subject matter.

“Hm-hm. I see. It must be the benefactor’s blessing.”

“All thanks to you and the Buddha.”

No one in the room wanted to linger on the Deputy Governor’s previous condition. Least of all, they didn’t want it tied to Buddha.

The abbot hastily changed the subject.

“Then shall we request your help?”

He glanced at Yu-jeong, seeking his approval. Though the abbot was older, Yu-jeong’s level of enlightenment far surpassed his own.

Even to Kang-hyuk, Yu-jeong exuded the aura of a high monk. His every movement was dignified and deliberate.

“If the abbot asks so, I cannot refuse.”

Yu-jeong clasped his hands and lowered his head in a gesture of acceptance. The glint of his shaven scalp caught the light, almost giving him a haloed appearance.

‘Is this what they call a divine radiance?’

As expected of someone considered a great monk, he displayed no stubbornness or resistance.

Kang-hyuk turned briefly to check on Yeoju. She had taken out her sketching tools and was quietly drawing the monk’s portrait. Her skill had improved so much that even the Deputy Governor, peeking over her shoulder, let out a murmur of admiration.

‘Her father would definitely have something to complain about,’ Kang-hyuk thought, imagining Chang-gwon’s critical remarks.

“I’ll take a look now,” Kang-hyuk said.

“Please proceed.”

“Dolseok, bring the light closer.”

“Yes, sir.”

Dolseok pulled a lamp from his bundle. Although the room already had a lamp, its weak, uneven light wasn’t much help. It seemed they were burning cheap castor oil.

By comparison, Dolseok’s lamp was a revelation.

“Good. Now, let’s see…”

Up close, the swelling was even worse than Kang-hyuk had expected.

‘How did he manage to deliver that sermon like this?’

The left side of Yu-jeong’s jaw was visibly swollen and taut.

Kang-hyuk glanced at Dolseok, who was dutifully holding the lamp, then at the others in the room—the monk, the abbot, and the Deputy Governor.

‘Well, if I’m treating him anyway, I might as well teach while I do it.’

Everyone here seemed reasonable, and it wasn’t as if he was violating Buddhist principles.

“Dolseok, touch this area.”

“Uh, yes, sir.”

“What do you feel?”

Dolseok, following Kang-hyuk’s training, carefully examined the area. He assessed the skin texture, temperature, changes in color upon pressure, and the patient’s reaction to pain.

“It’s hot to the touch.”

“Correct. What else?”

“When I press lightly, the color turns pale, and the monk’s expression tenses.”

“And what does that suggest?”

“It indicates inflammation.”

Dolseok had learned well from Kang-hyuk’s teachings, progressing from mere servant to something closer to an apprentice.

“And how would you treat it?”

“Huh?”

“If it were up to you, what would you do?”

This question seemed to stump him.

“Um…”

Watching Dolseok hesitate brought back memories of Kang-hyuk’s days as a professor. Although it felt odd to admit, he had been a popular teacher. Beyond his tall stature and handsome face, his candid yet supportive teaching style won him many students’ respect.

“I think we’d need to make an incision,” Dolseok ventured.

“Why?”

“To drain the pus.”

“Ha. Something does need to be drained.”

As expected from an apprentice of a surgeon, his first thought was to grab a scalpel.

“It’s not just pus, is it?”

“There’s something else?”

“Let’s take a closer look. Monk, could you open your mouth?”

“I will comply.”

Yu-jeong struggled to open his mouth. Normally, three fingers should fit inside, but his left side barely allowed two, and the gap was narrowing over time.

“Dolseok, fetch the penlight from my bag.”

“Yes, sir. Pen.”

The pronunciation of “light” seemed to elude Dolseok, no matter how many times Kang-hyuk corrected him.

“Monk, could you lift your tongue? Yes, like that.”

When Yu-jeong raised his tongue, the asymmetry became stark. While the right side showed only a slight protrusion where saliva was secreted, the left was swollen throughout.

“Just as I thought. Dolseok, pass me the gloves.”

“I’ve prepared them.”

Dolseok efficiently handed over a pair of size 7 surgical gloves.

“Good job. Monk, this may hurt a bit.”

Unable to speak with his mouth open, Yu-jeong simply nodded.

Kang-hyuk inserted his gloved hand into Yu-jeong’s mouth.

The abbot, startled by the sight, seemed ready to intervene, but the Deputy Governor stopped him.

“There must be a reason for this. I told you, he’s a true physician.”

“Still, benefactor, not every treatment makes someone a great doctor.”

The abbot wasn’t wrong; even entertainers could revive certain… “issues.” That didn’t make them miracle workers.

The Deputy Governor shook his head.

“Do you recall the smallpox epidemic for which I asked for prayers?”

“Indeed.”

The Deputy Governor had sent a large donation of rice to the temple, easing its worries about food for a time. In gratitude, the monks had offered continuous prayers.

“That smallpox outbreak—he cured it.”

“Smallpox?”

The abbot’s expression shifted. He had experienced smallpox as a child and knew firsthand the devastation it caused. It was the tragedy that had led him to Buddhism.

“Impressive.”

“See? Just trust and watch.”

The Deputy Governor’s enthusiastic support helped ease the tension in the room. Even Yu-jeong’s face relaxed noticeably.

Kang-hyuk resumed his examination, focusing on the **submandibular gland** [1] near the entrance to the oral cavity.

‘Got it. Luckily, it’s near the surface.’

Kang-hyuk felt the large, stone-like lump under his fingertips. It was solid and lodged near the opening.

“Dolseok, you’re wearing gloves, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Feel this spot.”

“Uh, yes.”

Dolseok touched the indicated area and widened his eyes in surprise.

“What is that?”

“Step back for now.”

“Yes.”

It was important to explain the findings to the patient and observers. Kang-hyuk removed his gloves and straightened up.

The room fell silent as everyone focused on him.

“Our bodies have salivary glands that produce saliva. These glands aren’t just inside the mouth; they’re located under the jaw, below the tongue, and near the ears.”

“I see. So, saliva doesn’t just appear from nowhere,” the Deputy Governor commented, his curiosity evident.

Kang-hyuk nodded, continuing his explanation.

“In this case, the monk’s salivary gland under his jaw is affected.”

“And how can it be treated?” the Deputy Governor asked, crossing his arms and shaking his head as if overwhelmed by the concept.

“It’s not too difficult.”

“Really? What’s needed? Just say the word.”

The Deputy Governor seemed ready to open his coffers.

Kang-hyuk smiled faintly at the man’s eagerness.

‘I’ll ask for a favor later. For now, this can be handled here.’

Yu-jeong’s condition could be resolved with the tools in Kang-hyuk’s portable kit.

“No need. I can treat it right here.”

“Impressive!”

The abbot exhaled in surprise, while the Deputy Governor beamed with pride, despite not being the one performing the procedure.

“I told you! He’s truly a master physician!”

“Yes, I see.”

Though a minor operation, it wasn’t something to attempt while seated cross-legged.

Kang-hyuk had Yu-jeong lie down and placed a wooden headrest under his neck. This tilted the monk’s head back, providing a clear view of the oral cavity.

“This might be uncomfortable. Please bear with it.”

“Understood.”

Yu-jeong’s composure was striking. He even smiled faintly, radiating a calming presence.

‘What an unusual man. It’s as if he knows exactly what I’m going to do.’

Shaking off the thought, Kang-hyuk donned his gloves again.

“Let’s get to work. Dolseok, help me out.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Let’s open the mouth wider first.”

“Right away, sir.”

Dolseok was efficient, no longer needing step-by-step instructions.

“Now, let’s apply the anesthetic. This will sting a bit.”

Kang-hyuk referred to the anesthetic injection simply as a “needle,” avoiding unfamiliar terms that might cause alarm.

It seemed more approachable that way.

After administering the anesthetic, Kang-hyuk waited briefly before pinching the injected area with forceps.

“Feel anything?”

Yu-jeong blinked in response, unable to speak with his mouth open.

“Good. Let’s proceed. Hand me the scalpel.”

“So you’re making an incision after all. Here you go, sir.”

* * *

Footnotes:

[1] Sungyu-eokbul (崇儒抑佛): A Confucian ideology prominent during the Joseon Dynasty, which translates to “Revere Confucianism, Suppress Buddhism.” It reflects the state policy of promoting Confucian teachings as the foundation of governance and social order while discouraging or restricting Buddhist practices and influence. This policy aimed to align the kingdom with Confucian principles and reduce the power of Buddhist institutions, which had been significant during earlier dynasties.

[2] Submandibular gland: One of the three major salivary glands in the human body, located beneath the lower jaw. It is responsible for producing saliva, which aids in digestion, lubricates the mouth, and helps maintain oral hygiene. The submandibular gland is situated in the floor of the mouth and is particularly susceptible to conditions like infections or salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis), which can block saliva flow and cause swelling or pain.