The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 265

“How dare you! A mere commoner who hasn’t even taken the imperial examination dares to lecture me?”

Wang Sajin was dumbfounded.

It seemed the man had read quite a bit, but how dare he quote the words of a master in front of a *Jinshi* [a scholar who has passed the highest-level imperial exam] like himself?

After going through student days, and passing the preliminary and departmental exams, one became a *Saengwon* or *Sujae* (秀才) [titles indicating success in lower-level exams], or a *Geoja*, which alone was enough to boast of some learning.

Only then could one enter the National Academy and qualify for a lower-level government post.

*Sujae* had the privilege of not kneeling before officials, virtually had immunity from arrest, and were treated as *Sadaebu* [scholar-officials] who were exempt from corporal punishment.

But he didn’t settle for that.

He even passed the *Hyangsi*, the higher-level exam, and became a *Geoin* (擧人) [a candidate who passed the provincial level of the imperial examination].

*Geoin* were so rare that even *Sujae* who failed the *Hyangsi* were highly respected.

Becoming a *Geoin* usually took at least twenty years.

From then on, one could be appointed as a local government official at any time, if one so desired.

But he couldn’t be satisfied with just that.

So he challenged the *Hoesi*, where *Geoin* engaged in real intellectual sparring.

A competition where the world’s talents, so-called geniuses, competed in knowledge and wisdom.

The intensity of it was hard to describe.

Only by passing the *Hoesi* was one allowed the title of *Jinshi*.

This meant that, unless there were special reasons, one was guaranteed a high-ranking official position upon passing, becoming a high-ranking figure.

Passing the *Hoesi* led to the final exam called the *Jeonsi*, which only ranked the *Hoesi* passers.

Ranks were assigned in the order of *Jangwon* (壯元) [first rank], *Bangan* (榜眼) [second rank], and *Tamhwa* (探花) [third rank], and he was the one who seized *Tamhwa*.

The *Jeonsi*, taken by *Hoesi* passers divided between Nanjing and Beijing, was held before the Emperor himself.

One also received wine poured by the Emperor himself.

This was a privilege only granted to the top *Jeonsi* passers, a treatment not even afforded to a Prince.

That was how much the imperial family and the court treated *Jinshi* with respect.

Naturally, it was a lifelong source of pride for Wang Sajin himself, and a family honor that would last for generations.

So, of course, it was ridiculous to see a mere commoner quoting Confucius.

Even with Wang Sajin’s roar, Samu-sim didn’t bat an eye.

Instead, he countered with an even colder gaze.

“Among the sixty-four hexagrams of the *I Ching* [Book of Changes, an ancient divination text], only the *Qian* (謙) hexagram has no misfortune. This is in contrast to all other hexagrams, which contain both good and bad fortune. Doesn’t this suggest the lesson that if one is not arrogant and is humble, all ominous things will pass by?”

Wang Sajin flinched at Samu-sim’s chilling gaze.

“Y-you dare to intimidate an official carrying out the Emperor’s solemn orders?”

No matter how outstanding his learning and courage, he was still just an ordinary person.

There was no way he could be unscathed after facing the murderous aura of a martial artist head-on.

In an instant, his spine turned cold and his whole body froze.

Seeing this, Dan Ak-seon stepped forward.

“That’s not possible.”

Dan Ak-seon opened his mouth with a smile.

“He’s just mentioning the teachings of the sages.”

Only then did Wang Sajin, who had been pale, regain his color.

But soon, shame washed over him.

And that shame soon turned into anger.

“How can someone who speaks of Confucius’s words be so rude! Confucius so emphasized propriety (禮)!”

Even with Wang Sajin’s rebuke, Dan Ak-seon met his gaze with unwavering eyes.

“Confucius mentioned benevolence (仁) and righteousness (義) before discussing propriety (禮).”

“What?”

“He valued the warm heart of a human being, that is, the value of benevolence (仁), the most.”

“……!”

“That’s why he mentioned ‘仁者愛人’ (*rén zhě ài rén*, the benevolent man loves others) in the Analects, which he wrote. Like parents caring for their children, unconditionally caring for and cherishing others, that kind of heart.”

“Huh… So?”

“A benevolent person inevitably gains the trust of people, and based on the numerous trusts around him, he becomes the leader of the group.”

This creates superiors and subordinates.

The superior teaches by being a role model for the subordinate, and the subordinate learns by emulating the superior.

“This correctness in the superior-subordinate relationship is what he called righteousness (義). Also, if there is no order in teaching and learning in the superior-subordinate relationship, the teaching will not be properly conveyed, so he said that the form of having certain norms and following them in the superior-subordinate relationship is propriety (禮). In the end, what must be possessed before propriety is righteousness, and righteousness is also based on benevolence.”

“So?”

“I hope that the *Jihyeon Daein* [Magistrate], who will govern this Muwi, will also have the heart of a parent caring for their children…”

“Stop.”

Wang Sajin, who cut off Dan Ak-seon’s words, let out a dry laugh.

“The more I listen, the more absurd it becomes. Just because you have some money, do I look that easy to you? Let me tell you in advance, I am different from other soft officials.”

Wang Sajin, who glared at Dan Ak-seon, ordered the lower-ranking officials standing behind him.

“There has been a report that Shinma-ui and Shinma Merchant Group have accumulated wealth illegally. We will investigate this, so prepare to see the account books. If there are any falsehoods in the account books, we will strictly punish them according to the Great Ming Code.”

“……!”

At those words, the face of Lee Gwak, the *Hyeonseung* [Vice Magistrate] who was in a position to assist Wang Sajin, turned pale.

But Wang Sajin, who did not see this, puffed up his chest triumphantly.

“You will feel to the bone who you have provoked.”

With those words, Wang Sajin turned around.

Thud.

Dan Ak-seon, who was looking at the closed gate of the government office in front of him, let out a low sigh.

It had been a long time since he had encountered someone who was so unreasonable.

“It can’t be helped. Let’s go back now.”

Dan Ak-seon forced a smile and soothed Samu-sim, who was silently staring at the gate.

“Why on earth did you do that?”

Wang Sajin let out a dumbfounded laugh at Lee Gwak’s worried expression.

“Are you one of them too?”

“Yes? What do you mean…?”

“Seeing you taking the side of those outrageous guys, it seems you have a lot of dirty things going on too.”

Lee Gwak jumped up.

“No! I certainly…”

“Humph! Don’t deny it. The wealth they’ve brought in hasn’t been small. You must have been busy picking up the crumbs that fell in the process. It must be because of that that they look down on us.”

Lee Gwak swallowed a sigh and advised.

“You’ve had too much to drink. You probably haven’t recovered from your journey yet, so it would be better to rest than to perform official duties right now. Above all, isn’t tomorrow the inauguration ceremony?”

“Oh ho! So that’s it. You must have received something from them, seeing you not carrying out my orders and dragging your feet. I’ll have to investigate you first.”

Lee Gwak’s mind became complicated at the sight of Wang Sajin, whose tongue was twisted as if the alcohol had risen even more in the meantime.

He had been born and raised in this Muwi.

After taking office, he had assisted many *Jihyeon* who had passed through this place, but he had never seen such an arrogant person.

Seeing one thing, he knew ten, and his difficult official life was already vivid in his eyes.

But it seemed that this was not only for himself.

Noh Woo-sam, the *Hyeonwi* [Military Official] of Jongchilpum [Seventh Rank], who was in charge of the security of Muwi, was also sighing as if the ground was sinking.

It was not just one or two people who had witnessed the disturbance in front of the government office.

The rumor would spread in an instant, like fire spreading on dry straw.

He had to command the soldiers and *Pokwae* [local constables] who were already casting anxious glances, so his head was throbbing.

The sight of Wang Sajin, who had fallen asleep without knowing their worries, could not have been more pathetic.

The next morning.

Wang Sajin, who had dressed in accordance with the inauguration ceremony, headed to the *Cheongsa* [government office building].

But as soon as he entered the *Cheongsa*, doubt took its place in his eyes.

“What is this?”

The inside of the *Cheongsa* was desolate and deserted.

Only a few musicians to play music were seated on one side, and there were no guests who should have been there to celebrate this occasion, and no *Ginyo* [female entertainers] to liven up the celebration and raise the excitement.

Not only that.

The soldiers of the government office, who should have been strictly guarding the inside and outside of the government office, were nowhere to be seen for some reason.

“Did I get the time wrong?”

At Wang Sajin’s flustered words, Noh Woo-sam, who was watching his mood, sighed and opened his mouth.

“They all quit.”

“What? Quit?”

The soldiers belonging to the government office were not conscripted and registered in the military register and performing military service under the Ministry of War (兵部).

They were a kind of lower-level officials who received a fixed salary and carried out orders.

Therefore, they could quit at any time according to their personal will.

But even so.

To have everyone quit so suddenly?

It was an incomprehensible thing from a common sense point of view.

Then a man approached Wang Sajin.

It was Lee Gwak, who was assisting him.

“How can you prepare the inauguration ceremony so carelessly!”

Lee Gwak bowed his head to Wang Sajin, who suddenly burst into anger.

Then he carefully handed something over.

“What is that?”

Lee Gwak replied to Wang Sajin’s question.

“It’s a letter of resignation.”

“What?”

“I realize that my ability is insufficient to serve *Daein* [Master]. Therefore, I have reported to *Chamui Daein* [another official] that I recommend a more capable *Hyeonseung* than me, so I think they will dispatch another person soon.”

While Wang Sajin was unable to hide his embarrassment.

“I also have a letter of resignation…”

“I’m going to quit as of today too.”

Wang Sajin couldn’t come to his senses as the other lower-ranking officials, who were watching his mood, threw their letters of resignation in a hurry.

“Are you rebelling against me now?”

Lee Gwak bowed his head even more to Wang Sajin, who couldn’t suppress his anger and burst out.

“How dare I… However, I have an illness, so it is difficult to properly assist *Daein’s* government.”

“Illness?”

“My heart beats all the time and I can’t sleep well, so I went to a doctor and told him my symptoms, and he said it was *Simhwasangyeom* (心火上炎) [a condition where heart fire rises].”

“*Simhwasangyeom*?”

“It’s a disease called *Hwabyung* [Korean culture-bound syndrome often translated as ‘anger syndrome’].”

“……!”

While Wang Sajin was speechless in amazement, the lower-ranking officials who had submitted their letters of resignation began to make excuses.

“My dream was originally to be a blacksmith, so I’m going to take over the family business.”

“A gold mine has been found in Seonsan, so there’s no need to work.”

“My ancestors appeared in my dream last night and shouted that I should quit my job immediately to avoid bad luck…”

Each and every one of them was absurd.

While Wang Sajin was speechless, unable to say anything.

“Then we’ll be on our way.”

As Lee Gwak bowed his head and stepped back, the lower-ranking officials, who had been watching the mood and looking for a chance to escape, rushed out of the government office.

The only people filling the wide *Cheongsa* were the nine people Wang Sajin had brought with him when he took office here and the musicians.

But that didn’t last long either.

“We will return to our posts according to orders.”

The *Chonggi* (總旗) [military officer] who had been escorting Wang Sajin turned around with a bitter smile.

From the beginning, they were not affiliated with the government office that moved under Wang Sajin’s command.

They were, after all, affiliated with the Oho Dodokbu, a military administration organization.

They were also elite soldiers who followed the orders of the *Gyeongryeoksa* (經歷司) [an official in charge of practical affairs], who was in charge of practical affairs under the *Dodok Cheomsa* (都督僉事) [Military Commissioner] of Jongipum [Third Rank].

Now that they had safely brought Wang Sajin to Muwi, their mission was over.

As even the soldiers led by *Chonggi* disappeared, the inside of the *Cheongsa* was literally empty.

“T-then…”

It was then that someone cautiously opened their mouth.

It was the musicians who were sitting with a weeping face.

“Shall we start playing?”

The musicians hurriedly lowered their eyes at Wang Sajin’s angry gaze.

“Humph! Let those who want to quit, quit. Immediately post a notice and say that you are recruiting new *Pobyung* [patrolmen] and *Pokwae* [local constables].”

There were plenty of people who wanted to be on the rolls of the government office where the salary was guaranteed.

At those words, Noh Woo-sam wore a troubled expression.

This was the work of the *Hyeonseung*, not the work of the *Hyeonwi*, who commanded the soldiers and *Pokwae* of the government office.

However, he reluctantly nodded at Wang Sajin’s fierce expression.

“Then the inauguration ceremony…”

“We’ll do it again tomorrow. With new people.”

Noh Woo-sam clicked his tongue as he looked at Wang Sajin’s back as he turned away with an unpleasant expression.

And that evening.

“No one applied?”