I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 162

< Congratulations! Pregnancy 2 >

Who is Royal Physician Su? Isn’t he considered the best doctor of our time? People say he’s so skilled, it’s as if Hua Tuo [a legendary Chinese physician] has been resurrected.

If he examines Court Lady Yang, the lie about her pregnancy and cold will be exposed instantly.

The royal physicians bit their lips, feeling the pressure.

They had to obey Jo Gwang-yun’s instructions. If Royal Physician Su accurately diagnoses her and declares it’s neither pregnancy nor a cold, they would have to kowtow [a deep bow showing respect] and accept punishment for disturbing the Emperor’s peace with a misdiagnosis.

And…

They realized the truth they had suspected but couldn’t bring themselves to acknowledge.

The Empress, upon hearing the news of Court Lady Yang’s pregnancy, immediately ordered a reconfirmation, clearly aware of the Emperor’s… limitations. That’s why she wears such a confident expression.

If that’s the case, the current prince could never be the Emperor’s biological child.

Jo Gwang-yun’s initial plan faltered, but he had confirmed the truth he sought.

Yang Ryeo-cheong nearly wet herself in fear under the blanket, but she forced herself to remain calm. Either way, she was technically innocent.

She had merely coughed, and the royal physicians examined her.

She never explicitly claimed to be pregnant. If Royal Physician Su determines it’s not pregnancy, she simply needs to appear disappointed and sad.

Just as she was preparing to feign ignorance and play dumb, footsteps approached from outside, and Royal Physician Su entered.

“Your Majesty, congratulations. This is truly a blessed day for the Imperial family.”

The gray-haired Royal Physician Su knelt before the Emperor, and the Empress spoke as if she had been waiting for this moment.

“Have Court Lady Yang examined again. It doesn’t seem like a simple cold. We might cause harm if we administer herbal medicine for a cold when it’s something else.”

The Empress wanted to suggest the opposite – that it was just a cold and definitely not pregnancy. But it didn’t matter. The conclusion would inevitably be that it wasn’t pregnancy.

A screen was placed around Yang Ryeo-cheong’s bed, leaving only her wrist visible.

Custom dictated that she couldn’t make direct eye contact with the imperial concubine in the Emperor’s presence.

While silk threads could be used to take her pulse remotely, accurate diagnosis was paramount at such a critical time.

Royal Physician Su carefully positioned his fingers on Yang Ryeo-cheong’s wrist.

The two royal physicians, surreptitiously observing the scene, were sweating profusely, their mouths dry with anxiety.

The entire Haan Palace was silent, holding its breath.

After what felt like an eternity, Royal Physician Su’s eyebrows twitched.

The Empress, noticing this subtle change, quickly spoke.

“How is it? It’s not just a cold, is it?”

She almost blurted out, ‘It’s not pregnancy, is it?’

“I apologize, but I require a little more time…”

“Take your time. Confirming whether it’s a cold or something else is of utmost importance,” the Emperor said.

Royal Physician Su nodded slightly and closed his eyes again.

The two kneeling royal physicians were on pins and needles, and as the examination dragged on, strange thoughts began to creep into their minds.

Wasn’t Royal Physician Su supposed to be a great doctor, practically a living Hua Tuo? Shouldn’t he be able to immediately discern pregnancy or a cold with a single touch?

No matter how cautious he was, this level of prolonged pulse-taking seemed excessive.

Finally, Royal Physician Su removed his hand from Yang Ryeo-cheong’s wrist and opened his eyes. The Empress, unable to contain herself any longer, pressed him again.

“How is it? It’s not just a cold, is it?”

The two royal physicians couldn’t even lift their heads, their eyes tightly shut.

But Royal Physician Su’s words were completely unexpected.

“Your Majesty, congratulations once again. It is indeed a pregnancy. And it is also certain that she has contracted a severe cold. As Her Majesty the Queen mentioned, distinguishing between the two in the early stages of pregnancy can be difficult, but these two royal physicians accurately diagnosed her.”

Royal Physician Su even praised the two kneeling physicians.

Yang Ryeo-cheong and the two royal physicians were utterly bewildered, and Yang Ryeo-cheong even began to wonder if she might actually be pregnant.

The Empress’s mind went blank. A single phrase echoed in the emptiness.

‘That can’t be. It can never be.’

Though her mind was reeling, the Empress, driven by the need to respond quickly, made a critical mistake.

“That’s a relief.”

The Emperor frowned at the Empress’s statement.

“A relief that she caught a cold? What are you talking about?”

The Empress, realizing her blunder, desperately tried to recover.

“I mean, it’s a relief that she’s pregnant.”

Regardless of her excuses, the Empress knew the Emperor had already noticed her slip.

Because her first reaction to the news of the pregnancy was to immediately demand a reconfirmation.

The Emperor turned his attention away from the Empress.

“Royal Physician Su.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“They say it’s the change of seasons, so let’s take Court Lady Yang to the hot springs. What do you think?”

Royal Physician Su glanced at the two royal physicians and nodded.

“That is an excellent idea. Morning sickness will likely begin soon, weakening her. Soaking in a hot spring for a while would be beneficial.”

“Hmm… Since even Royal Physician Su recommends it, we shall do so. And…”

The Emperor addressed the chief eunuch.

“Everyone should share in the joy of this auspicious day. Reward the maids and eunuchs of Haan Palace who have been caring for Court Lady Yang, and bestow silk upon the two royal physicians.”

“I will carry out your orders.”

As the chief eunuch bowed, everyone knelt and shouted in unison.

“We are overwhelmed by your grace! Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long long live!”

The Emperor waved his hand.

“Be quiet. You’ll startle Court Lady Yang. Haha.”

The Emperor laughed heartily and stood up.

“I have pressing official duties, so I must take my leave. I’ll return this evening.”

The Emperor addressed everyone.

“Everyone, step back. There will be much to prepare as we depart for the hot springs tomorrow.”

The bustling Haan Palace emptied as everyone retreated like a receding tide.

* * *

The two royal physicians ran breathlessly to catch up with Royal Physician Su, who was walking ahead.

“Master! Master!”

Royal Physician Su stopped and turned around.

“Why are you making such a commotion? This is the Imperial Palace. Maintain your composure.”

The two men hesitated, approached Royal Physician Su, and bowed deeply.

“We will never forget your grace.”

“You saved us today.”

Royal Physician Su frowned.

“What are you talking about all of a sudden? What grace? Who saved whom?”

“Yes?”

“What’s so significant about a royal physician taking a pulse? Isn’t that our duty?”

The two men blinked at Royal Physician Su’s words, unsure of his intentions.

“I heard you will accompany Court Lady Yang to the hot springs to assist her?”

“Y-yes, Master.”

“You must be careful not to cause any problems. You are aware of His Majesty’s deep affection for Court Lady Yang, correct?”

“O-of course.”

“Serve her with the utmost sincerity, without the slightest negligence.”

Royal Physician Su turned and walked away after issuing these warnings, leaving the two royal physicians bewildered and unable to move.

“Ah, right…!”

Royal Physician Su stopped and turned around again.

“I may have underestimated your medical skills in the past, but today I’ve learned something new. I didn’t realize your abilities were so profound.”

The two men were unsure how to react to this sudden praise and simply stared at each other. Royal Physician Su smiled and continued.

“To detect a non-existent pregnancy and discover a cold that wasn’t there – even the heavens must be astonished by your medical prowess. Do not become arrogant, but continue to refine your exceptional skills. Hehehe.”

They could only stare blankly as Royal Physician Su turned and strode away.

The two royal physicians felt their legs give way, and they collapsed, unable to even walk.

Why didn’t Royal Physician Su reveal the truth, even though he knew about the false diagnosis? Instead, he willingly participated in this deception.

Why, indeed?

* * *

That night, one of the royal physicians, his face pale with worry, knocked on the door of the club.

Jo Gwang-yun greeted him, assuming something had gone wrong.

“Now, take a breath and speak slowly. No plan ever goes perfectly. If something goes wrong, we must find alternative solutions.”

“That’s not it, Chief Jo. Everything went according to your plan. Court Lady Yang will depart for the hot springs tomorrow.”

What was this? It went well? But his expression suggested impending doom.

“Then why do you look so distraught?”

“That’s not it…”

The royal physician recounted in detail the events that had transpired in the Imperial Palace that day.

“So, the Empress intervened.”

“Yes. She must have been convinced that Court Lady Yang wasn’t pregnant.”

“But Royal Physician Su arrived and confirmed the pregnancy? Even though he knew it was false?”

“That’s correct. His final words implied that he knew everything but chose to feign ignorance.”

“Perhaps he’s trying to shield the two of you from blame as the head of the Royal Medical Office?”

The royal physician shook his head.

“He’s not that kind of person. He’s strict and unforgiving, even for the slightest mistake. He would immediately order us to be punished for a misdiagnosis.”

“Is that so…?”

A meticulous man who tolerates no errors willingly participated in this outrageous charade.

While it was uncertain whether he intended to become an ally, it was clear he didn’t want to be an enemy, at least for now.

“You said he didn’t explain why he helped you?”

“That’s right. I lingered around the Royal Medical Office all day, hoping they would summon us privately, but they didn’t even acknowledge us, as if nothing had happened.”

The immediate concern wasn’t who would be harmed if the truth came out. The greater issue was that this plan could never be used again.

Jo Gwang-yun realized he had to silence him.

“Let’s wait one more day. If he acts as if nothing happened tomorrow, I will meet him. I need to understand Royal Physician Su’s motives.”

“We are scheduled to depart for the hot springs with Court Lady Yang tomorrow morning.”

“Ah, right. That’s correct. Then leave this to me. Go back and prepare for the departure. I will resolve this matter and then join you at the hot springs.”

Only then did the royal physician’s face brighten.

It was natural for ordinary people to seek help with difficult problems.

“Just tell me the location of Royal Physician Su’s house. This late hour is perfect for a discreet meeting.”

The royal physician provided the address, then departed.

Jo Gwang-yun changed into martial attire. This couldn’t be delayed. Tomorrow, all of his contacts and informants in the Imperial Palace would be leaving for the hot springs.

If Royal Physician Su did something unexpected, it would be difficult to manage the situation without knowing the truth.

Jo Gwang-yun quietly left the club and disappeared into the darkness.

* * *

Doctors in this era were commoners. Royal physicians who entered the Imperial Palace were granted government positions, but their lineage remained common. However, wielding the power of life and death, they earned enough to live comfortably.

A royal physician was wealthy enough to be considered rich anywhere.

Jo Gwang-yun surveyed Royal Physician Su’s house and concluded that he was no ordinary man.

He must have earned a fortune from special treatments for the wealthy, yet he hadn’t built a lavish house to flaunt his wealth. It was a simple residence, consisting only of the main building, a detached house, and servants’ quarters.

However, the materials used in the construction and the craftsmanship evident in every detail revealed his refined taste.

The house was dark except for a light emanating from the detached house. Royal Physician Su must be reading.

Jo Gwang-yun quietly approached the detached house and gently opened the door.

Before the surprised Royal Physician Su could cry out, Jo Gwang-yun bowed and spoke first.

“I am Jo Gwang-yun, Royal Physician Su.”

As he revealed his identity, Royal Physician Su’s open mouth slowly closed.

< Congratulations! Pregnancy 2 > End