Doctor Goes Back to Joseon - Chapter 58: A Letter from Hanyang [2]
“Did they both send letters?”
“Yes. You must be someone of great merit.”
Seungmun chuckled heartily.
It wasn’t long ago that his son was nothing but a troublemaker who earned nothing but scorn. Now, he was a proper physician, mingling with Hanyang officials, serving alongside the Deputy Governor, and even joining the military. There was no other way to describe it but as deeply moving.
“Here they are. Read them slowly when you have time.”
“Yes, Father.”
Kang-hyuk accepted the two letters from Seungmun and set them aside. While his reading skills had improved, he wasn’t yet confident enough to read aloud in front of others. He’d have to set aside some time to read them later, possibly even with Yeoju’s help.
“Ah, about that servant you sent, you know?”
“Yes, you mean Park Kyung-won?”
Calling him a servant was a bit of a stretch. He was still more of a patient than an employee, and besides, Kang-hyuk hadn’t paid him a single coin yet. If the treatment was compensation, then perhaps it could be justified.
“He’s remarkably diligent.”
“Already working? Is that true?”
“Yes. Even with his arm bandaged, he’s been organizing books and asking about words he doesn’t know.”
“Really?”
Hadn’t it only been a few days since his arm was amputated? And yet, he was already working? Kang-hyuk had been prescribing him a heap of medication every day.
“Yes. Even when told not to, he insists on helping.”
“Hmm… He’s a soldier who was with Dolseok. Please keep an eye on him.”
“Of course. He fought against the Wae pirates, after all. I can’t be cold-hearted.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Well, I’ll go see the guests now.”
“Yes, Father.”
Chang-gwon’s funeral had drawn a massive crowd. Many came not just for Chang-gwon but to see Seungmun as well. In fact, the latter group seemed to outnumber the former.
‘Hmm… I hardly recognize anyone here.’
The only familiar faces were Magistrate Kim Yoon-gil and Inspector Lee Jeong-bok. He had seen enough of them on the battlefield, so he wasn’t eager for more interaction.
‘Maybe I’ll check on Yeoju.’
She seemed to be coping well. She was eating properly, keeping herself presentable, and looking relatively composed for someone who had just lost her father. Of course, there was no telling how she felt inside.
“Dolseok.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
Dolseok, who had been drinking with the other servants, immediately responded to his master’s call.
“Let’s go see Yeoju.”
“What? If the Lady finds out, she’ll punish us.”
“Punish us for what? We’ll go quietly, without anyone knowing.”
“There are so many people here….”
“Don’t you servants have a back path you use?”
“Ah… Yes.”
Even though Kang-hyuk had improved, he was still a troublemaker. It was hard to imagine another noble’s son acting so recklessly. Dolseok, his face filled with concern, led the way.
Fortunately, most of the servants were busy attending to the guests, so the inner quarters were deserted.
“Hurry, Young Master. Quickly.”
Despite this, Dolseok couldn’t stop fretting. Kang-hyuk’s leisurely pace baffled him.
“I am hurrying.”
“Run!”
“Servants always say nobles shouldn’t run.”
“Well….”
Dolseok had no counterargument and could only tread cautiously himself.
“This way.”
“Alright.”
“Inside… let’s see. Yes, it seems she’s alone.”
Dolseok arrived at the back door of Yeoju’s room without incident. He even noted that there was only one pair of shoes outside, confirming she was alone.
“Good. You’ve done well.”
“I’ll stand guard. If anyone comes, I’ll signal you.”
“Alright.”
“But make it quick.”
“Got it, got it. Sometimes, I think you nag me too much.”
Shaking his head, Kang-hyuk entered the room.
Inside, Yeoju was sitting alone in mourning attire. Her tears seemed to have dried, and she appeared calmer than before. She wasn’t startled by Kang-hyuk’s sudden entrance.
“You’ve come.”
“Are you alright?”
“I’m not fine, but I can manage.”
“I see….”
Kang-hyuk sat down in front of her, letting the silence stretch for a while. It wasn’t until his legs started to cramp that he broke the quiet.
“What are your plans now?”
“What do you mean?”
“Will you continue drawing?”
“Ah.”
She seemed to have already given it some thought. Her lips moved hesitantly as she glanced around.
“Once the funeral is over, I’ll start drawing again.”
“I see. Would you consider coming to Hanyang with me?”
“Hanyang?”
“Yes, Hanyang.”
This time, she hesitated longer. After much thought, she finally spoke.
“Has my drawing been helpful to you?”
“Of course.”
There was no hesitation in his answer. He had always thought so.
“Really?”
“Of course. Thanks to your sketches, we’ve been finding medicinal herbs and teaching Yeon and Dolseok.”
“I see….”
She lowered her head, a faint, satisfied smile on her lips. Unfortunately, Kang-hyuk didn’t see it.
“You’ll come to Hanyang, right?”
“Yes, I’ll go.”
“Good. Don’t worry about managing the house; there are people who can take care of that.”
“Understood. I trust you.”
Kang-hyuk thought of Park Kyung-won. He wasn’t just a mere commoner—he could read and write. It would be fitting to find him a proper house. Conveniently, Yeoju’s house was nearby, so he planned to arrange it for him.
“Take your time to recover. If you need anything, let me know.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
“It’s nothing. You’re the daughter of someone who saved my life, after all.”
“And you’ve been my savior too.”
“Indeed. Strange, isn’t it?”
Kang-hyuk laughed heartily as he left the room.
Dolseok, who had been nervously keeping watch, sighed in relief.
“You’re back.”
“Yes. Go on and finish drinking now.”
“Yes, Young Master. Thank you.”
Thanks to Seungmun’s generosity in opening the storeroom, every guest left with full bellies and loosened purse strings. There was food and drink aplenty for everyone.
The center of their praise was, of course, Chang-gwon. His heroic actions in Eotan-myeon deserved to be commemorated, and no one could object.
“There was no one like your father.”
“I owe a debt to your father.”
Words like these continually reached Yeoju’s ears.
Even friends like Heo Nanseolheon stopped by from time to time to offer their condolences.
There was no doubt that everyone’s support was a great source of strength for her.
As a result, not only Yeoju but also Kang-hyuk and others felt a sense of relief.
“Yeoju seems to be doing much better now,” Kang-hyuk said, riding his horse.
“Yes, Yeon mentioned the same,” Dolseok replied, holding the reins.
They were on their way to visit the Deputy Governor.
“Yeon and Makbong are checking if there are places for performances in Hanyang, right?”
“Yes. There are a few competing troupes, but they said not to worry too much.”
“Good. Still, we can’t afford any trouble on the way to Hanyang. They need to stick together.”
“Of course. They’re not the type to go back on their word.”
It was amusing to see how Dolseok, who initially called them rough and unruly, now defended them as friends.
Kang-hyuk was no different.
“Young Master, we’re almost there.”
“Alright.”
Kang-hyuk quickly dismounted. No matter how capable he was, he couldn’t remain on horseback when greeting the Deputy Governor.
“Why have you come in person? You could have just sent the medicine.”
“I didn’t come just for that today. I have a favor to ask.”
“But you do have the medicine, right?”
“Of course.”
“I knew it.”
“The Deputy Governor, after all.”
It was impossible to imagine Magistrate Kim Yoon-gil without his “special medicine” anymore. Ever since Kang-hyuk started prescribing it, the man had been radiating happiness.
Even now, upon hearing of Kang-hyuk’s arrival, he came running—not literally, but close enough to break protocol.
“Oh, you’ve come unannounced.”
“I didn’t want to trouble you with formalities.”
“Trouble? Nonsense. Come, let’s go inside.”
“Yes, sir.”
With the Deputy Governor personally coming out to greet him, even the soldiers were at a loss for what to do. After all, how many visitors warranted such treatment? Probably not even an inspector.
“What are you all standing around for? Don’t you see we have a guest?”
Only after his scolding did they spring into action. Some hurriedly prepared a table with drinks, while others fetched rare treats like traditional confections.
“These guys have grown a bit lazy since the victory,” the Deputy Governor said with a hearty laugh as he led Kang-hyuk to the reception room.
The room was adorned with a folding screen and cushions lined with fine silk—items far beyond what an official’s salary could typically afford.
“Have a seat.”
The Deputy Governor settled himself and gestured for Kang-hyuk to do the same.
“Yes, sir. Dolseok, wait here for a moment.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
Dolseok tidied up their shoes and naturally withdrew, leaving Kang-hyuk alone with the Deputy Governor.
The Deputy Governor puffed himself up, clearly pleased, and looked at Kang-hyuk.
“So, what brings you here today?”
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Of course, I’ll help. What is it?”
Without even hearing the details, the Deputy Governor nodded enthusiastically. He seemed well aware of how to win people over.
Kang-hyuk couldn’t help but admire the man’s skill in handling relationships.
“I need a specific medicinal ingredient.”
“Medicinal ingredient? I’ve already told the apothecary to give you anything you need.”
“This one is rare and not available at the apothecary.”
“Rare, you say? What is it?”
The Deputy Governor’s attitude was as if he’d offer up his liver and gallbladder if needed.
‘Viagra really is a powerful motivator.’
Kang-hyuk fiddled with the silk pouch he had brought and spoke.
“It’s called ‘Seom-su’. It’s the venom of a toad.”
“A toad? Huh. That’s used as medicine?”
“Yes. It’s particularly useful for treating severe injuries.”
“I see. You should be able to find plenty in the nearby hills. I’ll instruct the soldiers to collect them for you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Is that all you needed?”
The Deputy Governor pulled the tray of drinks closer, filled a cup to the brim, and handed it to Kang-hyuk.
“Kang-hyuk.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Have you considered visiting Hanyang?”
“Excuse me? Actually, I was planning to go, as some friends invited me.”
The Deputy Governor smiled broadly at Kang-hyuk’s response.
“No… I mean something else. I’m likely heading to the Ministry of Personnel (Ijo) soon.”
“The Ministry of Personnel… You mean you’re becoming the Minister (Panseo)?”
“Hey, keep your voice down. It’s not confirmed yet.”
Though he feigned modesty, the way he laughed made it clear that his appointment as Minister was all but certain.
For the head of national personnel appointments to ask if Kang-hyuk planned to visit Hanyang was essentially an offer to enter public office. Under normal circumstances, it would have been an opportunity too good to pass up.
But the current king was Seonjo.
‘If I mess this up, it could all go south in the worst way possible….’