Doctor Goes Back to Joseon - Chapter 61: Geoncheondong [2]

Yi Sun-shin’s house was humble, to say the least.

It was so small that it almost reminded them of Chang-gwon’s home.

In fact, Jeong Yeoju seemed to think of it too. She stifled her tears for a while before she could take another step.

Kang-hyuk, who was far ahead, hadn’t noticed any of this.

He was simply looking around, his face full of deep emotion.

‘So this is the house of General Yi Sun-shin.’

He had only ever seen the man as a statue in Gwanghwamun, and now he was here, standing side by side with him.

There was no reason to notice someone like Jeong Yeoju in this moment.

“Looks like you’re starting to practice martial arts now.”

Kang-hyuk pointed to the scarecrows scattered across the yard.

Some lay on the ground, slashed sharply.

“Yes, that’s right. After putting so much effort into recovering, I must train diligently.”

“I see. But where do you get all this straw from?”

“I have an older acquaintance who helps me out.”

“It doesn’t seem like you have enough, though.”

“It’s not something I can demand. I’m already grateful to have this much.”

“Hm…”

Kang-hyuk’s voice was heavy with sympathy.

Was this not the man who would one day save the entire nation?

And yet, here he was, unable to secure enough straw.

“From tomorrow, I will send my men to gather it for you.”

“No, there’s no need for that…”

“It’s no trouble. They’re used to hard labor. Isn’t that right?”

Kang-hyuk turned to look behind him with a sly smile.

The rogues, shuffling awkwardly, came into view.

They somehow looked even more disheveled than they had when they lived in the mountains.

Fetching water, splitting wood to heat it, and waiting on others every day had left them in this state.

“Hey, why aren’t you answering when the young master asks you a question? Do you want another round today?”

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

The relentless nagging from Makbong and Yeon also played a part.

“Yes, yes! We love hard labor!”

They had been beaten so often that they could now fake enthusiasm on command.

Loving hard labor—was this even a real statement?

But Kang-hyuk was delighted by the answer.

“You heard them, didn’t you?”

“Haha, then I’ll gratefully accept their help.”

“It would be an honor to assist.”

“Come on inside.”

“Yes, hyungnim.”

“The rest of you, stay here. I’ll bring some food shortly.”

Kang-hyuk followed Yi Sun-shin into his room.

The others stayed in the main hall, which Dolseok found preferable.

Having dealt with Yi Sun-shin before, he knew the man could be quite strict.

Compared to Kang-hyuk, Yi Sun-shin was on a completely different level.

Kang-hyuk was so easygoing you could practically call him a street thug in comparison.

‘This room is so small.’

Yi Sun-shin’s room was tiny, the word “cramped” fitting it perfectly.

Some spots of red clay were visible on the walls.

Still, the floor was spotless, a reflection of Yi Sun-shin’s meticulous nature.

‘I’m glad I arranged to borrow the magistrate’s house ahead of time.’

The magistrate, a wealthy man, had so many properties that he had to ask which one Kang-hyuk meant.

He even owned a house in Geoncheondong, far grander than Yi Sun-shin’s.

“This place must feel shabby to you.”

“What? Not at all. It’s wonderful.”

Kang-hyuk stammered, as if caught revealing his true thoughts.

“Take a seat. I prepared something special for your visit. I hope you’ll like it.”

How could he not? If Yi Sun-shin offered him dirt, Kang-hyuk would eat it with gratitude.

“Oh, it’s coming.”

Yi Sun-shin gestured toward a servant carrying a tray.

Even the movements of this servant were disciplined, unlike Dolseok, who had no sense of decorum.

Perhaps it was the household’s lineage or Yi Sun-shin’s training.

‘Come to think of it, Yi Sun-shin’s family was extraordinary.’

Kang-hyuk hadn’t known this before coming to Joseon.

If not for Seungmun, he might still be unaware.

‘Their lineage was impressive, even if they’ve fallen on hard times.’

Yi Sun-shin’s great-great-grandfather, Yi Byeon, had served as a Minister of Education, and his great-grandfather, Yi Geo, had been the Third Minister of War.

But their fortune had declined during the Gimyo Purge in Yi Baek-rok’s time.

While Kang-hyuk was lost in thought, the servant placed the tray down.

“Here, what do you think? Knowing you like meat, I personally went hunting.”

“Ah, this is…”

It was pheasant, grilled to perfection.

The meat sizzled, its aroma mouthwatering.

“Does it suit your taste?”

“Of course. It’s excellent, hyungnim.”

Kang-hyuk felt so grateful he could bow to the floor.

His heart was so full he almost didn’t need to eat.

“Come, have a taste. The wine isn’t bad either.”

“Wow.”

“Let’s have a drink together.”

“Yes, hyungnim.”

Kang-hyuk took the wine Yi Sun-shin poured, initially considering sipping it slowly.

But the moment it touched his tongue, all hesitation vanished.

‘What is this?’

It was the best wine he’d tasted in Joseon—clean, deep, yet not too heavy.

It seemed out of place in Yi Sun-shin’s modest life.

“This wine is incredible, hyungnim.”

“Is it? I’m glad you like it.”

“Where did you get it?”

“Get it? My mother brewed it herself.”

“Wow… She must be amazing.”

“My mother was curious about you, but unfortunately, she’s in Asan right now.”

“Ah.”

Even Kang-hyuk, not particularly knowledgeable, knew quite a bit about Yi Sun-shin.

Mostly from what he’d heard from Seungmun or seen in dramas.

Given how little he usually retained, it was impressive he remembered this much.

‘His mother… her family name was Byeon, right?’

She was said to be one of the most significant influences on Yi Sun-shin’s greatness.

She truly embodied the term ‘hyunmo’, a virtuous mother.

“Anyway, seeing your face makes me happy.”

“I’m equally glad to see you, hyungnim.”

The two continued to drink, exchanging pleasantries.

The combination of excellent wine, delicious food, and good company made the drinks disappear at an impressive pace.

With a slightly flushed face, Yi Sun-shin finally spoke.

“Haha. I have something to boast about, but I couldn’t bring myself to share it in a letter.”

“Is that so?”

What could Yi Sun-shin possibly be proud of?

Kang-hyuk leaned forward without realizing it.

Lately, nothing had piqued his curiosity more.

“Now that I bring it up, it might seem like I’m making a fuss over nothing.”

He clammed up again, displaying an unexpected talent for keeping people in suspense.

“What is it, hyungnim?”

“Oh, it’s nothing much.”

If they had been closer friends, Kang-hyuk might have slapped him on the back of the head.

But this was Yi Sun-shin, the revered figure. Even thinking such thoughts bordered on sacrilege.

Repeating an apology in his mind, Kang-hyuk asked one last time.

“Haha. Hyungnim, your reluctance only makes me more curious. What is it?”

If Yi Sun-shin remained silent, Kang-hyuk planned to abandon the topic altogether.

He hadn’t come all this way just for small talk.

Fortunately, Yi Sun-shin wasn’t that cruel.

After pausing to lick his lips, he finally opened his mouth.

“I’ve been assigned to the northern region.”

“The northern region?”

“Yes, I’ll be going to Hamgyeong Province.”

At that time, Hamgyeong Province was far from an ideal place.

The land was barren, and Jurchen raiders frequently caused trouble in the area.

It wasn’t a destination one would typically boast about.

‘That’s strange.’

Kang-hyuk glanced at the leg he had treated.

‘It hasn’t even been a year since I fixed his leg, and now he’s been appointed to an official post?’

As far as he remembered, Yi Sun-shin first entered government service at the age of 32.

That was still four years away.

‘Did I get it wrong? Maybe I misremembered?’

It wasn’t impossible, considering Kang-hyuk had never been particularly invested in history.

Seeing Kang-hyuk’s startled expression, Yi Sun-shin’s curiosity was piqued.

“What’s so surprising?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. If anyone deserves an official post, it’s you, hyungnim.”

“Haha. It’s all thanks to you. If my leg had remained broken, I wouldn’t be able to take up this position.”

“By the way, was there another state examination?”

As far as Kang-hyuk knew, the military examination was typically held in the spring of even-numbered years.

So the timing didn’t seem right.

Yi Sun-shin laughed heartily.

“There was a special examination.”

“A special examination?”

“Yes. A man named Heo Jun, who recently joined the royal medical office, cured Prince Imhae of malaria.”

“Heo Jun cured malaria?”

“Yes, it seems he saved the prince’s life when he was on the brink of death. That led to a special examination. I was fortunate enough to participate.”

“Ah, malaria.”

Heo Jun truly was exceptional.

How long had it been since he joined the royal medical office, and he was already achieving such feats?

‘I did tell him about sweet wormwood…’

Kang-hyuk hadn’t expected Heo Jun to use it so quickly and save Prince Imhae.

‘So the butterfly effect led to Yi Sun-shin entering public service? That’s good.’

At least it was a sign that history wasn’t deviating from its course.

But if it ‘were’ deviating…

If the Imjin War occurred sooner than expected…

That would be disastrous.

“Why does your face suddenly look so serious?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just started worrying about your upcoming trip to Hamgyeong Province.”

Despite his inner turmoil, Kang-hyuk’s mind worked quickly.

The speed with which he spun excuses was almost impressive.

“Haha. What’s there to worry about? Isn’t it natural for a soldier to go to rough places?”

Hearing that, Kang-hyuk had to agree.

It was this kind of attitude that had allowed Yi Sun-shin to perform extraordinary feats during the Imjin War.

Feats so unparalleled that even world military history struggled to find comparisons.

“That’s true when you put it like that.”

“By the way, I heard something from Magistrate Kim Yoon-gil.”

“What did he say?”

“He mentioned he wanted to recommend you to the royal medical office, but you refused?”

Kim Yoon-gil—what a loose-lipped man.

Even someone as high-ranking as a future Minister of Personnel couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

Apparently, he had even written a letter about it to Yi Sun-shin.

‘If KakaoTalk existed, he’d probably broadcast it on his profile.’

Thankfully, such technology didn’t exist in this era.

Kang-hyuk let out a bitter laugh and nodded.

“Yes, that’s true.”

“You’re a true healer. But don’t you think you could do even more if you entered public service?”

“Since you say so, hyungnim, I’ll reconsider.”

“Good, good. No need to rush the decision.”

Yi Sun-shin had no intention of forcing him.

If even the governor of Pyongan Province could refuse his position if he didn’t want it, then Kang-hyuk had every right to decline an offer from the royal medical office.

After all, he wasn’t neglecting his duty to heal people.

“Oh, I also heard you cured smallpox?”

“Yes, it just happened by chance.”

“Haha. People are saying the smallpox-infected cows you treated have become a precious remedy.”

“In the case of smallpox, they can indeed be helpful.”

The problem was their scarcity.

If he could mass-produce a vaccine, it would be a different story.

But that wasn’t feasible yet.

For now, they could only administer the remedy when smallpox-infected cows were available.

– ‘Screech’

While they were deep in conversation, someone entered through the front gate.

Yi Sun-shin quickly stood up.

“Ah, it must be the nobleman I mentioned earlier.”

“A nobleman?”

“Yes. Stand up and prepare to greet him.”