Doctor Goes Back to Joseon - Chapter 60: Geoncheondong [1]

“Never in my life did I think I’d perform a funeral for dogs,” muttered Makbong, the very man responsible for killing so many of them.

He had just finished bowing at the grave of the dogs.

Kang-hyuk patted Makbong’s back.
“You didn’t have to bow, you know.”

“Oh, really?”

“I just observed a moment of silence.”

Feeling a pang of guilt, Kang-hyuk glanced at the gravestone. It was inscribed with the names the dogs had used in life.

Most of them were unimaginative names like “Gaettong” (Dog Poop) or “Mongmong” (Woof Woof), but each name was carefully written, one by one.

“Your handwriting improves by the day, young master,” remarked Yeoju with an impressed expression.

Kang-hyuk, who had once dabbled in calligraphy for fun, had indeed improved through constant practice.

“Really? Thanks. I did try hard with this one.”

“So, have you completed the medicine?”

“Yeah, thanks to them.”

Kang-hyuk had successfully pinpointed a dosage that caused unconsciousness without suppressing breathing.

The dogs that had survived were all ones that had been anesthetized with this dosage and later regained consciousness. Some even bore stitches from surgeries conducted to confirm the anesthesia’s effectiveness.

The results were highly satisfactory.

“This method works. Write it down in the book.”

“Yes, young master.”

Yeoju took the scraps of paper Kang-hyuk handed her.

Hastily written during the experiments, the notes were a chaotic mix of scrawled Hangul, Arabic numerals, and even English, making them hard for Yeoju to decipher.

“So, you want me to organize this?”

“Yeah. Add some illustrations too. You saw how to extract the seom-su, right?”

“I’ve already drawn that part.”

“As expected, you’re amazing.”

Yeoju, who had always been passionate about drawing, had become even more dedicated after Chang-gwon’s tragic death. She often expressed her desire to help reduce injuries and deaths like her father’s.

Whatever her motivation, Kang-hyuk found it beneficial.
Thanks to her, a top-notch medical book was nearing completion for free.

“By the way, Yeon.”

“Yes, young master?”

“Have you found a place to perform in Hanyang?”

“Yes, we have… but there’s some conflict with the local faction there.”

“Really?”

“They’re being territorial since it’s their turf. But don’t worry.”

It seemed unlikely they would lose a fight, at least not with this group.

Yeon and Makbong were among the best martial artists.
The two had killed their fair share of Japanese invaders, enough to make even the magistrate envious.

“Your people are quite formidable,” the magistrate had once laughed heartily.

Still, not everything in life could be solved through physical strength.

“Let me know if you need help.”

Kang-hyuk wasn’t lacking in connections, especially with the magistrate on track to become the Minister of Personnel. That would carry significant weight even in Hanyang.

Though it was uncertain when exactly that would happen.

“No, young master. We don’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s no trouble. Asking for help isn’t hard.”

“When are you planning to leave, young master?”

“Me?”

Truthfully, Kang-hyuk could leave anytime. There was nothing binding him to Suwon.

‘Ah… but with the magistrate pushing me, the old man’s growing restless.’

Even Seungmun, his only family, subtly hinted that he should go to Hanyang.
The magistrate must have already told Seungmun that Kang-hyuk wasn’t interested in government positions.
It seemed they were hoping his perspective might change if he spent time in Hanyang.

They knew Kang-hyuk wouldn’t be swayed by words alone.

“Well, it’s up to me. What about you guys? When can you leave?”

“We can move soon. Our performances are wrapping up.”

“You’re still performing?”

It made sense for Makbong, who swung on swings, but Yeon? She was an unmatched tightrope walker—how could they perform without her?

“Oh… yes, we are. Makbong and I are just part of the show; the others handle the acting.”

“So, you’re doing a play?”

“Yes, we are.”

It seemed they were improvising.
Not that it mattered—they didn’t need to perform to survive. Kang-hyuk provided them with enough wealth to live comfortably.

Especially with the treasures sent from Chiljangsa Temple, where Kang-hyuk was revered as a divine healer.

The payment for Yeon and Makbong’s loyalty was exorbitant, and their devotion to him only grew stronger.

“So, when are we leaving? I’ll have to go with you; it’s not exactly the next town over.”

“Of course, we’ll escort you. The road has become dangerous lately.”

Joseon had enjoyed over 200 years of peace, with only minor disruptions like the Eulmyo Incident.
On the surface, it seemed like a prosperous time.

But in reality, it wasn’t.

While the nobles lived comfortably, the commoners struggled. This led to bandits springing up all over the country.

‘Even Im Kkeok-jeong’s time was around now.’

Beyond famous bandits like him, smaller groups of thieves were scattered everywhere.
The route from Suwon to Hanyang was no exception.

Rumor had it that even a noble visiting the magistrate had been thoroughly robbed.

“I heard about that. I’d be in real trouble if I got caught.”

It wasn’t hard to imagine. Kang-hyuk had an aura of nobility, and everything he carried was far from ordinary.

Even his servant, Dolseok, fanned him as they walked—enough to draw attention.

“With us here, you don’t need to worry,” said Yeon, drawing the sword she’d received during the war.

The magistrate had given it as both a gift and a reward for her valor in killing masked Japanese invaders.

“Alright.”

“Then let’s leave as soon as you’re ready.”

“Yes, young master.”

Yeon and Makbong scurried off toward the market.
This left only Kang-hyuk, Dolseok, and Yeoju standing before the dog gravestone.

What else could the three of them do in such a place?

“Let’s go. Why is it so cold here?”

At Kang-hyuk’s prompting, they all headed back to the house.

Preparing for the journey to Hanyang was far more complicated than a simple trip to Gwanggyosan.
They might end up staying for a while, so there was a lot to take with them.

“Dolseok, prepare some herbs and rice.”

“Yes, young master.”

“Oh, and some fans too. I need gifts for Brother Sun-shin and Heo Jun.”

“Yes, sir.”

All Kang-hyuk had to do was sit back while Dolseok handled everything.

Yeoju was preoccupied with packing her drawing tools, and Yeon and Makbong were stuffing their belongings into bundles.

“There’s so much luggage.”

Despite each carrying a large bundle, the ox cart was still full.

Rice, herbs, fans, various leathers, dried medicinal ingredients—there was so much that even the ox pulling the cart seemed pitiable.

“Young master, are you sure this is okay?”

Dolseok, ever the worrier, asked nervously.
He was far from the braggart who boasted like a fearless general in front of the soldiers. Now he looked as timid as a child.

“Of course it’s fine. Don’t you trust Yeon and Makbong?”

“I do, but…”

“Then let’s just go. It’s quiet, nothing’s happening. Why are you so scared?”

“Because bandits usually show up when it’s quiet!”

Come to think of it, he had a point.

The deserted mountain path was eerily silent, and the atmosphere was unsettling enough that nothing would seem out of place.

Yeon suddenly stopped in her tracks.

“Shh. Something’s wrong. There are no insect sounds.”

“Something does feel off.”

Makbong even drew his sword.

The situation grew tense, and Kang-hyuk couldn’t resist scolding Dolseok.

“See? It’s because you keep running your mouth.”

“What does that have to do with this?”

“Do you want me to roll you up in a straw mat here?”

“No, no! I’m sorry.”

While they bickered, a group of figures appeared ahead of them.

They were armed with flails and clubs, though their stance was laughably amateurish.

“H-Hey! Put down your belongings and scram!”

The one wielding the flail stuttered as he shouted, his voice trembling.

“Oh.”

“Oh, sorry about that.”

In his attempt to look threatening, the man swung the flail so wildly that it nearly struck one of his own comrades.

Even the timid Dolseok couldn’t help but feel emboldened by the sight.

“Are they serious?”

“Unbelievable.”

Judging by their nervousness, it seemed they’d been tempted by the sheer amount of luggage.
If it had been an ordinary group, they might have succeeded.

Unfortunately for them, Kang-hyuk’s party was anything but ordinary.

“What should we do with these guys?”

In the blink of an eye, the bandits were subdued and forced to their knees.

Most of them had bruises or broken bones from being struck with the back of a blade.

“Please spare us!”

The flail-wielding man clasped his hands together and begged.

Oddly enough, he had caused the most damage by accidentally striking his own comrades during the scuffle.

Kang-hyuk chuckled and locked eyes with him.

“Hey.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Is this your first time?”

“Yes, sir! Please spare me. I’ve committed a grave sin!”

If he wanted to live, he should’ve left out the part about committing a grave sin.

Kang-hyuk couldn’t help but laugh, though it made him seem even more intimidating.

“Why would I kill you? You can’t die until you’ve paid your medical bills.”

“Huh?”

A makeshift clinic was set up in the mountains, where the bandits received rough emergency treatment.
In return, all their belongings were confiscated—everything they had.

“Let’s go now.”

“Yes, young master.”

As they continued on their way, the bandits suddenly came running after them, looking desperate.

“Sir! Sir!”

“What now?”

“What are we supposed to do if you just leave us like this?”

“What do you mean? Go carve some new clubs and keep up the banditry.”

Kang-hyuk’s indifferent reply made the bandits tremble like leaves in the wind—not metaphorically, but quite literally.

“Barehanded?”

“You should’ve picked your targets more carefully.”

Kang-hyuk turned away with a cool smile.

By this point, even Dolseok and Yeoju were starting to feel sorry for the bandits.

“Young master, they’re just amateurs. Maybe we could let them off…”

“I agree.”

“Why would I let bandits off the hook?”

Kang-hyuk’s response was firm.

But Dolseok knew his master wasn’t truly cruel at heart.

“Why not… Oh, I know! We’ll need servants once we’re there, won’t we?”

“Servants? What am I, a mob boss? Using bandits as servants?”

“They weren’t born bandits. They can be trained.”

“And who’s going to train them?”

“They will,” Dolseok said, pointing to Yeon and Makbong.

The bandits flinched at the sight of them. The pain from their earlier beatings seemed to return.

“Hmm. I did undercharge for their treatment.”

“Exactly.”

“Fine. We’ll make them work unpaid. If they don’t listen, we’ll beat them up again. You two better make sure they behave.”

“Yes, young master, excellent idea!”

This wasn’t the outcome the bandits had hoped for, but they had no choice.
Reluctantly, they gathered their clothes and followed the group.

With the increased numbers, no other bandits dared approach them.

Thanks to this, they reached Hanyang safely.

“Where was it again?”

Kang-hyuk muttered as he stood at the entrance of Geoncheondong.

A familiar figure approached him with a cheerful smile.

It was Sun-shin.

“You made it.”

“Ah, brother.”

“There are more people than you mentioned.”

“A lot happened.”

“Well, come inside. There’s someone here who needs your help, as I mentioned.”

“Yes.”

“They should be arriving shortly.”