Born As The Daughter Of A Lowly Concubine [EN]: Chapter 107

The staff at Hyeminseo [a Joseon-era medical institution] knew my general status, so they nodded with smiles.

I was applying medicine and casually chatting when a familiar voice reached my ears.

“Oh, Little Miss, what brings you here so late?”

“Oh, Seongji? What brings you to Hyeminseo at this hour, Seongji?”

“I have something to discuss.”

“Oh, is it about the training program?”

“Yes.”

Recently, there was a plan to allow some of the medical students from the academy to receive practical training at Hyeminseo.

This was partly because I hadn’t established my own hospital yet, and places like Hyeminseo or Hwalinseo [another medical institution] were better for gaining hands-on experience. Hwalinseo was an option too, but they decided to start with a trial run at Hyeminseo first.

From Hyeminseo’s perspective, it was a bit of extra work but good to have extra help, and from the students’ perspective, it was a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience.

After all, book knowledge alone isn’t enough; you need field experience.

‘I keep saying I’ll open a clinic, but I’m still focusing more on training students and gathering doctors.’

In particular, as they discussed gynecological issues, midwives and female doctors like Seongji were eager to learn.

Since they each had specialized fields, they often arranged exchanges, and I would arrange for them to meet at Siyoungwon [a neutral location] to avoid any unnecessary disputes.

And the task of overseeing the program was nominally handled by Seongji’s uncle, Heo Seongtae, a former Naeuiwon [royal clinic] physician, but Seongji was practically running the whole thing, which kept her very busy.

They were compensating her generously, but she seemed more interested in research than money.

“Doctor Heo has been visiting Hyeminseo quite frequently these days.”

“It’s partly because of the training program, but also because there might be someone among the newly selected female doctors who knows new medical techniques.”

The medical book was still in progress, so only verified information was being disseminated. However, meeting people from different regions like this allowed for direct exchange of knowledge.

“I thought you came to see Sehwa again.”

“Sehwa?”

When I tilted my head, Seongji smiled and nodded.

“She’s one of the female doctors who recently joined Hyeminseo. She sometimes mentions treatment methods I’ve never heard of, so we often talk.”

“She’s one of the female doctors I introduced to you when you visited Jinhee last time, Little Miss. She has the night shift tonight, so she’ll be here soon.”

“Ah.”

I meet so many people that I mix up their names and faces.

“You meet so many people, Little Miss, it must be hard to remember everyone’s names and faces.”

“It’s definitely a bit blurry after seeing them only once.”

“But don’t you remember Sehwa’s face?”

“Why?”

“Oh my.”

Everyone burst into laughter at my words.

“Is something funny going on?”

Just then, a woman came in carrying a bundle of books and spoke.

“Sehwa. You’re here early. What books did you bring this time? Medical texts?”

“No. I stopped by a rental bookstore.”

“Wow, what did you get? Show me later.”

The female doctors chatted for a while and then went outside, saying they had things to take care of.

“Little Miss. See you later.”

“Okay. Thank you for the treatment.”

“Oh? Are you hurt?”

“A little.”

Looking at Sehwa, who had just entered, I understood why everyone had laughed when I said I didn’t remember her.

‘Hmm. She’s beautiful.’

I stared at Sehwa for a moment, but quickly looked away.

I’ve suspected too many female doctors and physicians of being the female lead. I figured it would be worse if I paid too much attention, so I’ve mostly given up on that now.

It’s rare for someone to meet all the requirements of the protagonist, and verifying it takes time.

Besides, what if I push her to meet the Crown Prince because I think she’s Jihwa, and she isn’t?

‘But her looks are definitely protagonist material, and her name is a bit similar to Jihwa. Was I too busy paying attention to other things that day to notice her?’

I was definitely busy bringing sick kids, handing out castella [a type of sponge cake], and going straight to Siyoungwon.

I nodded, recalling that day, when the books Sehwa took out from her bundle caught my eye.

“Ah, that.”

Seeing the protruding book cover, I recognized the book instantly.

“This is, the limited edition with illustrations of the Korean translation of ‘Hwayeong (花影) [Flower Shadow]’?”

“Oh? You know about this, Little Miss.”

Sehwa smiled shyly and showed me the book.

Unlike other books, it was easily recognizable from the cover.

Of course, it wasn’t like they lavishly put illustrations everywhere. However, they visualized the title, ‘Flower Shadow,’ by drawing pressed flowers and small black flower patterns on the cover, which made it distinctly different from other books.

It was a bit of an experimental attempt, but since it was the first time I was releasing it, I wanted to attract as much attention as possible. It was a limited edition that even required a reservation deposit. It was obvious that a lot of effort went into it, as it was quite expensive.

“You reserved it. It must have been quite expensive. Oh, but the book is already out?”

“Ah, well, a small quantity came out today, so I picked it up.”

“Wow. I should stop by on my way back.”

At my words, Sehwa seemed a little flustered and said hastily.

“Even if you go now, there might not be any left today. But, did you also reserve this book, Little Miss?”

“Of course.”

I put so much effort into the production process.

It was quite difficult to put pressed flowers on each cover, but fortunately, the cover seems to have turned out pretty well. I hope the printing is good.

Looking at the faces in the room now, everyone seems to know about this book. As expected, a bestseller is different.

Well, it’s a bit much to be the only one not reading it when everyone else is.

However, it wasn’t surprising that Soi, who originally liked pægwan novels [popular fiction], was interested, but Seongji was a bit unexpected. She looked like she wouldn’t even glance at anything other than medical books, but it’s difficult to judge people by their appearances.

“Hmm. Now that I think about it, this is quite popular. Wouldn’t people like it if it were made into a play?”

“A play, you mean?”

“Yeah. The sadangpae [traveling theater troupe] perform in that playground in Siyoungwon. It wouldn’t be bad to connect with them and adapt it into a play.”

People who see the play will want to read the original novel again.

It’s already famous, but there must be quite a few people who haven’t read it yet. If it’s adapted into a play, there will be omissions or changes, so some people will want to experience the original story.

I was thinking it would be interesting, but Soi poured cold water on it.

“But will there be handsome and beautiful people like those described in the novel?”

“Ah… that’s difficult.”

Originally, turning 1D into 2D and 2D into 3D would inevitably be criticized for not matching the original image.

“Haha. Then shouldn’t we wear masks?”

“Well, there’s that method. Hmm. Or it wouldn’t be bad to do a play with only female actors.”

I might hear something from those with less than pure intentions if men and women are together.

“That’s a good idea. But if female actors show their faces, there will be a lot of troublesome things, so how about wearing masks after all?”

“…Did something troublesome happen?”

At my words, Sehwa shook her head in embarrassment.

“Ah… nothing happened. Hyeminseo tends to manage patients’ genders separately as much as possible, so it’s okay, but other places aren’t like that. Patients or guardians sometimes flirt with female doctors.”

“Ugh. Seriously. I definitely need security personnel when I build the clinic.”

Seongji, who was listening from the side like Soi, joined the conversation.

“Still, I heard that people are relatively less likely to treat female doctors carelessly now. The fact that they are physicians with rank is quite powerful. Besides, everyone knows that if they do wrong, the story will go to the Queen and Princess, so no one dares to treat them lightly. People must have someone to take care of them.”

“Ah… haha.”

Am I their backer?

“The number of people who treat female doctors carelessly has decreased because female doctors may soon become female physicians. Of course, it may not be easy for civilian female doctors. But being able to concentrate on medicine with peace of mind is all thanks to the Princess.”

“That’s a relief.”

Anyway, it was good news that there was a reward for the hard work. By the way, what kind of people are those who flirt with the person who is treating them?

“Sehwa, why don’t you take the exam and become a female physician soon?”

“I’m studying, but it takes time until the exam.”

“It’s impossible without making a contribution. It’s better if there’s no chance for a doctor to make a contribution.”

“That’s right.”

The two people who were praising me had a friendly conversation about their shared profession.

Now, female doctors are treated as physicians institutionally, but the promotion process is somewhat more troublesome than it is for other physicians.

In other words, they don’t fully trust women’s abilities.

Because of that, they aren’t recognized as physicians from the start, but they can be promoted through an exam after going through a probationary period as female doctors first.

‘It’s unfair, but if I push it any further, it could backfire…’

The important thing is performance. If they don’t demonstrate that female physicians are as good as men, there won’t be enough grounds to persuade them.

It’s not like I can conduct a nationwide intelligence test for men and women in this era.

Women lack even the opportunity for education, so there’s no way a flood of outstanding women can suddenly appear. Of course, sometimes a person like an awl in a pocket [someone who can’t hide their talent] emerges.

‘That’s one of the reasons why I decided not to actively search for Jihwa.’

She’s the protagonist for a reason. She’ll stand out on her own.

“Would you like to see it?”

“Huh?”

Sehwa politely handed me the book. I must have been staring blankly while thinking about other things.

‘Oh, I’m sorry.’

I must have looked like I was coveting someone else’s new book…

But I don’t think they’ll believe me even if I refuse now.

“Hmm. Then can I take a look for a moment?”

“Of course.”

I carefully received the book, examined the cover thoroughly, and turned a few pages.

And I frowned without realizing it.

“Ah, this…”

“What’s wrong?”

“It seems like the binding is wrong. The pictures don’t connect here and here.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah.”

Because I had personally checked and approved the pages with illustrations.

There may be mistakes in the binding process, but selling something like this without inspection… Mr. Jang, this is troublesome. Or is it a printing problem?

“I have to tell the rental bookstore. It’s not cheap, so they shouldn’t sell defective copies.”

“Ah, I’ll go tell them.”

“No, I’ll tell them. I was going to go get the book anyway.”

Soi, who knew that I was involved in the production of the book, was embarrassed but couldn’t stop me.

It’s still before sunset, so that might be why.

“Ah, then can I go with you now?”

“To the rental bookstore? Ah, well, the owner of the book should come with me.”

I’ll have to get a new book anyway. Seeing that she came early, she seems to have plenty of time.

Hmm. Does she have something to say to me?

Sensing a strange atmosphere, or maybe it was just time to leave, Seongji joined us.

Soi seemed rather pleased that there were more people, and her face was relieved.

“Do you have any other discomfort besides the injured area?”

“I’m fine. I don’t hurt anywhere. I’m healthy anyway.”

“If that’s the case, that’s a relief. Then, do you have any relatives on your paternal or maternal side who are weak?”

“Well, my paternal family is all healthy, and I don’t know about my maternal family because there’s no one.”

On the way to the rental bookstore after changing clothes, Sehwa subtly asked me about my health.

‘It’s a professional habit.’