The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 359

The Divine Doctor of Mount Hua (359)

“Are you really thinking of learning martial arts, as he suggested?”

Youngsun Princess nodded, a determined look in her eyes, in response to Yang-jeon’s question.

“I may not become a master like Guard Yang in a short time, but wouldn’t it be possible to gain enough knowledge to at least have a conversation with him?”

Yang-jeon sighed softly.

“Understanding the *gyeol* [key principles or formulas in martial arts] wouldn’t be that difficult.”

She was known for her intelligence within the Imperial Family.

“Then, I ask for your help.”

Youngsun Princess said with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“Then, first of all…”

Yang-jeon recalled one of the *gyeols* of the martial arts he knew.

However, he couldn’t bring himself to recite it.

Suddenly, he felt a chilling energy approaching from somewhere, and his whole body turned cold as if he had been doused in ice water.

It was then that he noticed a figure rushing towards him like lightning.

‘Kuh!’

Hastily gathering his internal energy, Yang-jeon threw a punch forward.

Thud.

However, the opponent caught it with his bare hand, skillfully deflecting the force and easily neutralizing it.

“……!”

Yang-jeon’s heart sank.

To so easily receive his fist, which could crush even three inches of iron plate, meant the opponent was a master!

The moment he hurriedly grabbed the short spear he was carrying on his back.

“I didn’t come to fight.”

A voice pierced his eardrums.

Only then did Yang-jeon identify his opponent, and belatedly, goosebumps rose all over his body.

“I just came because I have something to say.”

The man spoke calmly, as if the exchange of blows just now was nothing.

It was Cho Ak-ryang.

Seeing him so relaxed and at ease, unlike himself, Yang-jeon felt himself shrinking back without realizing it.

Regardless.

From the start, Cho Ak-ryang’s purpose was different.

“To win Dan’s heart, you must be smart.”

Youngsun Princess was taken aback by Cho Ak-ryang’s sudden words.

Because he was saying something different from Beom Gye-wi.

“Are you able to discuss medical matters?”

Youngsun Princess belatedly came to her senses at Cho Ak-ryang’s question.

“I don’t think that would be possible.”

“If that’s the case, I suppose we’ll have to consider other methods.”

“Did you perhaps come to help me?”

“Why else would I come to see you?”

“May I ask why?”

Cho Ak-ryang stared at Youngsun Princess for a moment before answering with a serious look.

“I can’t guarantee that you’ll be Dan’s first love, but I at least want you to remain a good memory for him.”

Youngsun Princess quietly smiled at his sincere words.

“What can I do to make that happen?”

“If you can’t continue the conversation with medical knowledge, you’ll have to approach him with human charm.”

“Human charm?”

Cho Ak-ryang nodded.

“Until now, Dan has dealt with all sorts of human beings. Therefore, you need to approach him in a way that’s different from them.”

“A different way…?”

“Try to listen more than you speak. Don’t force things, wait patiently, and empathize with the other person’s story. If the story is painful, feel the pain as if it were your own, and if it’s a joyful story, laugh together. Eventually, the time spent together will become enjoyable.”

Cho Ak-ryang’s eyes turned wistful for a moment.

“Once, I had such a woman myself.”

Cho Ak-ryang, averting his gaze from the void, opened his mouth as if to reaffirm.

“Remember, the attitude of a soulmate who knows and deeply understands you is the only key to opening Dan’s heart.”

With those words, Cho Ak-ryang disappeared like a ghost.

Youngsun Princess, muttering the words Cho Ak-ryang had left behind with a dazed expression, suddenly realized something.

“I have a feeling one more person will come, right?”

Yang-jeon sighed softly at her words.

As expected.

No sooner had she finished speaking than Han Seol-hwa appeared before them.

“What should I do to capture Doctor Dan’s heart?”

Youngsun Princess abruptly asked.

Han Seol-hwa cast a surprised look at her.

“You knew I was coming?”

“Yes. I thought you would help.”

Han Seol-hwa nodded and immediately got to the point.

“Never try to win his heart with your beautiful appearance. To win someone’s heart, you must first show your own. Polish your heart before you adorn your appearance.”

Confusion clouded Youngsun Princess’s eyes.

Unlike the others who had given advice, this didn’t feel realistic, like something a Taoist wandering in the deep mountains or a monk staying in a temple would say.

“Is that all?”

Han Seol-hwa nodded, casting a puzzled look as if wondering what more was needed.

Youngsun Princess smiled wryly.

‘She’s never been in a relationship before.’

Even though she was a precious daughter of the palace, she had that much sense.

However, she didn’t show it and bowed politely.

“Thank you for your advice.”

When Youngsun Princess raised her head, Han Seol-hwa was already gone.

She had disappeared as suddenly as she had appeared.

Youngsun Princess, pondering something, looked at Yang-jeon.

“I feel like all three of them just said what they liked.”

“It seems so.”

“Hoo. This is really difficult. Is dating always this complicated and difficult?”

“Excuse me, but if I may be so bold as to say…”

“……?”

“Frankly, I don’t think any of those methods will work.”

Youngsun Princess made a face at Yang-jeon’s advice.

“It seems I have a long way to go.”

* * *

Ten days later.

As Youngsun Princess confidently entered the Muwi Academy, Yang-jeon cautiously opened his mouth.

“Are you really going to do this? There’s no need for Your Highness to go to such lengths.”

“It’s okay. I’m doing it because I want to.”

Youngsun Princess smiled at Yang-jeon, who still couldn’t hide his concern.

“I want to live like the people of Muwi, at least while I’m here.”

“Like the people of Muwi…?”

When Yang-jeon didn’t understand, Youngsun Princess added.

“You know Mr. Bae, who works at the woodworking shop?”

Yang-jeon nodded.

There was no way Yang-jeon wouldn’t know him, as he was a skilled person who had made a name for himself in the martial world.

“I heard he used to be a master of a heretical sect who was quite infamous in the martial world.”

“Is that so?”

Yang-jeon already knew this, but he didn’t pretend to know.

He couldn’t spoil the excitement of Youngsun Princess, who was continuing the story with a thrilled expression.

“Mr. Gok of the fabric store was said to have been a martial arts demon who was highly renowned in the *Jianghu* [the martial arts world]. Mr. Kang of the apothecary is from a prestigious family in Hubei, and he himself passed the civil service examination and held a government post. But his health deteriorated, and he received treatment at the clinic here. After that, he had a great realization and settled here. So I heard he provides medicine cheaply for the people.”

Only then did Yang-jeon realize why the princess had applied to be a writing teacher at the Muwi Academy.

“Do you really have to do this?”

“I want to play a role here, at least. Actually, my head is too complicated. If I concentrate and immerse myself in one thing, I think my head will clear up a bit.”

“In that case, you don’t necessarily have to insist on being a writing teacher.”

“Still, I don’t think there’s anything more rewarding than teaching children.”

At this point, Yang-jeon couldn’t stop her anymore.

“I and the other guards will be watching nearby.”

“You’re going through so much trouble because of my stubbornness, aren’t you?”

Yang-jeon smiled and shook his head.

“That’s our job.”

After thanking him with her eyes, Youngsun Princess entered the academy.

The head of the academy, who had been waiting for her, bowed respectfully.

“Your Majesty, Your Ma…”

Cutting off his words, Youngsun Princess quickly opened her mouth.

“Please keep my identity a secret from the others. And there’s no need to give me special treatment. I’d like you to treat me the same as the other writing teachers.”

Hong Yeon-mun, the head of the academy, who was in charge of the academy’s operations, wore a satisfied smile at her firm attitude.

“I will do so… No, I will. We were short of teachers to teach the girls. I look forward to working with you.”

“I may be lacking in many ways, but I ask for your guidance and support.”

After finishing her day like that.

Youngsun Princess, who had directly participated in the class and taught the children, left the academy with a tired expression.

Finding Yang-jeon waiting for her, she sighed.

“Teaching someone is not easy after all.”

“But you did very well for your first time.”

Youngsun Princess gave a sheepish look at Yang-jeon’s compliment.

It was then.

“Hello.”

Youngsun Princess turned her head without thinking at the voice she heard from somewhere and was surprised.

“We promised to meet again last time, but am I too late?”

Youngsun Princess hurriedly straightened her posture and smiled at Dan Ak-seon.

“No, I was secretly regretting that I might have taken up the time of a busy person because of a pointless promise.”

Youngsun Princess nodded with gratitude towards Yang-jeon, who was discreetly keeping his distance.

Dan Ak-seon and Youngsun Princess.

The two of them started walking side by side like that.

“I heard you decided to teach the children how to write.”

“Yes. Today was the first day of class.”

Unlike Dan Ak-seon, who looked calm, Youngsun Princess was visibly excited.

She had heard various stories related to Dan Ak-seon while staying in Muwi.

As such, her favor towards him had grown much more than before.

“Aren’t you tired? Would you like to stop by there and rest for a while?”

Youngsun Princess smiled and shook her head when Dan Ak-seon pointed to Daru.

“No. I think it would be better to walk slowly and talk like this. Above all, it was Doctor Dan who suggested a walk to me.”

Youngsun Princess, who followed Dan Ak-seon to the outskirts of Muwi, liked the small path that continued along the quiet riverside very much.

“But how did you make such a decision? It wouldn’t have been easy.”

Youngsun Princess smiled slightly at Dan Ak-seon’s question.

“It wasn’t as difficult as I thought.”

“Was there a special occasion?”

“Just because.”

“……?”

“As I mingled with the people here, I really came to like Muwi. The real life that I could never enjoy inside the palace is here. So I wanted to blend in with this. Living together and sharing joy and sorrow. Of course, I also wanted to find a sense of purpose in life.”

Dan Ak-seon smiled back and nodded.

Certainly, the princess in front of him was an opportunity to break the prejudice that Dan Ak-seon had held about the imperial family.

Above all, he liked her attitude of working hard for change on her own.

“I thought all the members of the imperial family were authoritarian and rigid. But there are people like the princess.”

Youngsun Princess smiled at Dan Ak-seon’s honest words.

“I feel the same way. I also thought that all doctors were nagging people full of worries.”

Dan Ak-seon and Youngsun Princess burst into laughter at the same time.

With this as an opportunity, the two began to continue the conversation without hesitation.

Meanwhile, there was a gaze watching this from afar.

It was Cho Ak-ryang, Beom Gye-wi, and Han Seol-hwa.

They had come with the intention of secretly following them, so they had deliberately left Byeok Hwa-ryeong behind.

“Hmm. Why are there so many flies?”