The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 381

“I’m not trying to show leniency to the Green Forest. I’m merely offering a proposal to foster a mutually beneficial relationship on an equal footing.”

Few things were as persuasive as sincere eyes and a sincere attitude.

Especially since the person saying those words was Dan Akseon.

The name Divine Doctor had long been established as a symbol of trust in the Jianghu [the martial arts world or community].

Dan Akseon’s words and actions, proven by his past deeds, carried significant weight.

Perhaps that was why the leaders’ attitudes had shifted.

Unlike the Green Forest, whose influence had greatly diminished and whose position in the Jianghu was precarious, the Divine Doctor Merchant Guild’s status was unmatched in the Central Plains.

Yet, they were the ones extending a hand first.

And not with conditions unilaterally disadvantageous to one side, but on equal terms.

From the start, these were people who had retreated into the mountains for survival.

Practical gains in life took precedence over abstract honor.

If they antagonized the Divine Doctor Merchant Guild, they might be able to boast for a while, but their future would undoubtedly become bleak.

Jeon Gwang could not hide his bewilderment at the rapidly changing atmosphere of the conference room.

“It’s a lie! Don’t be fooled by his sweet talk!”

At that moment.

Jeon Gwang suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had been doused in ice water, and turned his head.

Meeting Dan Akseon’s gaze, Jeon Gwang trembled involuntarily.

He was momentarily overwhelmed by the indifferent eyes that stirred up a primal fear.

Glaring at Jeon Gwang, Dan Akseon spoke.

“I know who advised the Chief Head to increase the cultivation of poppies.”

“……!”

“And that person will never escape responsibility for this matter. I will hold them accountable.”

Jeon Gwang’s face turned pale at those words.

One of the leaders slowly rose from his seat.

“I have always respected and supported the Chief Head’s will, but given the current situation, I have no choice but to withdraw my support.”

As the leaders’ gazes focused on him, Im Cheollyeong uttered surprising words.

“I will nominate myself as a candidate for the new Chief Head.”

He paused for a moment before continuing.

“The recent movements of the government are ominous. There are rumors that they are already conducting their own investigation targeting our Green Forest.”

Following Im Cheollyeong’s meaningful gaze, the leaders’ eyes all turned to Jeon Gwang.

“We must prevent the government’s sword from turning towards the Green Forest in this already difficult situation. To do so, the role of the Chief Head, the leader, is more important than ever, wouldn’t you agree? They must resolve conflicts through negotiations with the outside and become a focal point for uniting internal opinions and strengthening solidarity.”

Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Jeon Gwang hurriedly tried to interrupt Im Cheollyeong’s words.

But Im Cheollyeong spoke first.

“I doubt whether Head Jeon’s belligerent nature can handle such a heavy responsibility.”

“Head Im! How dare you……!”

Im Cheollyeong retorted without backing down to Jeon Gwang, who was shouting.

“Show some respect! You and I are not the only ones here right now. Now, we must await the decision of the leaders gathered here for the future of the Green Forest.”

Jeon Gwang paused and looked around.

It was obvious even without a vote.

The gazes of the leaders staring at him were completely different from before.

Even those who had been conflicted and hesitant until just now were glaring at him with displeasure.

The expressions of the reformist leaders who had supported Jeon Gwang were also dark.

As the situation reached this point, they also judged that it was impossible to reverse the tide.

Jeon Gwang turned his head and glared at Dan Akseon.

But there was nothing he could do.

Above all, the three people standing behind Dan Akseon were far beyond his ability to handle.

In the end, unable to contain his rising anger, Jeon Gwang stormed out of his seat.

“Leaving this place will be considered a resignation.”

At Im Cheollyeong’s quiet rebuke, Jeon Gwang shouted at the top of his lungs.

“I refuse to be the Chief Head of such weaklings! You, who have chosen to live wretchedly by laying down your swords instead of seizing what you want with them, are no longer qualified to be Green Forest bandits!”

Jeon Gwang left the conference room in a rage.

Only three leaders followed him.

The problem was the conservatives who supported and followed Ak Ho-gun.

Dan Akseon approached them as they hesitated to make a decision.

Seok Dan-pyeong, the person representing the conservatives.

As the chief strategist, he had assisted Ak Ho-gun for many years and now faced Dan Akseon on behalf of the others.

Before leaving, Ak Ho-gun had entrusted him with the position of leader of Georyeong Garrison, the Green Forest headquarters.

“I believe you know better than anyone why the Chief Head made such a decision.”

Tension settled in Seok Dan-pyeong’s eyes.

Before stepping down from the position of Chief Head and leaving, Ak Ho-gun had revealed everything that had happened between him and Dan Akseon.

“I no longer want to be in conflict with the Green Forest. Please understand the Chief Head’s deep intentions.”

Seok Dan-pyeong, who had been staring at Dan Akseon, let out a soft sigh.

Now, he had no choice but to acknowledge it.

Contrary to his innocent appearance, the boy in front of him was a formidable master who could defeat Ak Ho-gun.

Moreover…….

‘He already knew.’

The reason Ak Ho-gun nominated Jeon Gwang, a reformist, as his successor was simple.

Expelling him through the Green Forest Assembly was the only way to minimize internal strife and division within the Green Forest.

Furthermore, he had even meticulously laid the groundwork in advance by persuading Im Cheollyeong, a moderate, in preparation for this.

Frankly, Seok Dan-pyeong was grateful to Dan Akseon for that.

He was well aware from his conversation with Ak Ho-gun that Dan Akseon could easily suppress the Green Forest with force.

Nevertheless, he was reaching out first to seek a path of harmony.

Now, all that remained was his courageous decision.

Having made up his mind, Seok Dan-pyeong looked around and spoke.

“If there are any other leaders who wish to nominate themselves for Chief Head, please clearly state your intention now.”

As everyone remained silent, Seok Dan-pyeong’s gaze turned to Im Cheollyeong.

“As there is only one candidate, we will elect a new Chief Head through a show of hands. Those who acknowledge Head Im as the Chief Head, please raise your hand.”

As soon as those words were finished, Seok Dan-pyeong raised his hand first.

Following him, the moderate leaders and the conservative leaders also raised their hands.

Thus, Im Cheollyeong, who was unanimously recognized as the new Chief Head, looked around and clasped his hands in salute.

“I will dedicate myself to the Green Forest so that I may be remembered as a Chief Head who always worries and strives for the prosperity of our Green Forest.”

It was a short and simple inaugural address, but it was filled with sincerity.

Cheers responding to this continued for a while throughout the conference room.

Im Cheollyeong, the new Chief Head, exchanged glances with the leaders and expressed his gratitude, then approached Dan Akseon, leaving behind thunderous applause.

“The Green Forest owes you a great debt.”

Dan Akseon also clasped his hands in salute towards Im Cheollyeong, who was respectfully returning the gesture.

“I look forward to working with you.”

Im Cheollyeong was inwardly impressed by his neat attitude without any long, unnecessary words.

‘Did they say the sea accepts any water without rejecting it?’

Even when Neung So-mil, the pillar of Muwi, sent someone, he couldn’t shake off his doubts.

However, after directly experiencing the tolerance shown by the boy in front of him, he deeply reflected on the meaning of accepting all things.

“We will quickly deal with Jeon Gwang and his followers who have rebelled against the new will of the Green Forest.”

“If you need any help……”

Im Cheollyeong shook his head at Dan Akseon’s words.

“I am grateful for your offer, but I will only accept your heart. If I, as soon as I ascend to the position of Chief Head, solve internal problems by borrowing external help, I myself will not be able to face the other leaders.”

Dan Akseon fully understood his position.

In order to properly lead the Green Forest in the future, he needed to demonstrate his ability to resolve internal conflicts.

Im Cheollyeong, who was watching the Divine Doctor Three Venerables standing behind Dan Akseon, carefully extended his hand towards Dan Akseon.

As Dan Akseon smiled and shook his hand, Im Cheollyeong raised their clasped hands and shouted forcefully.

“From now on, our Green Forest will no longer hide in the mountains but will newly establish itself as a dignified member of the Jianghu!”

At the new Chief Head’s declaration, the other leaders also responded with cheers that seemed to shake the conference room.

* * *

Early morning.

Princess Yeongsun sighed deeply as she watched the frantically busy workers of the government office.

“Everyone must resent me right now, right?”

Yangjeon, who was guarding her by her side, smiled wryly and shook his head.

“That won’t be the case. They will rather consider it an honor.”

She was even less convinced because it was Yangjeon who said it, not someone else.

No matter what anyone said, he belonged to the Royal Guard, receiving a stipend from the country.

Above all, he was a staunch follower of the Emperor, willing to die without hesitation if ordered.

After much deliberation, Princess Yeongsun finally left the government office and shook her head again at the sight of the marketplace, which was far from its usual state.

It was utter chaos.

All the street stalls were removed and crammed deep into the alleys, and everyone in the village was pouring out onto the streets to clean, making a fuss.

“Why did His Majesty have to visit this place……”

Yangjeon pretended not to hear her disrespectful words.

He could not agree with the princess who was uttering such things.

This Emperor’s inspection of Muwi was decided suddenly.

Unlike the previous Emperor, who used to lead the army himself and go on personal expeditions, the current Emperor rarely left the Forbidden City [the imperial palace in Beijing] if he could avoid it.

Therefore, not only the people but also the military officials and administrators stationed in Muwi were already half-dead with tremendous pressure.

Even now, that was the case.

The Divine Doctor Merchant Guild building, which had been designated as the Emperor’s temporary residence, the imperial palace, was already under tight security.

The reason why this place was chosen as the imperial palace was simple.

It was the most splendid and sturdy building in the entire Muwi.

In addition, its strategic location, which allowed a panoramic view of the entire Muwi, also played a significant role.

It was then that Princess Yeongsun, who was quickly passing by the front with a sense of guilt, stopped walking.

Her eyes met those of Neung So-mil, who was directing the administrators and soldiers.

“Have you been well, Princess.”

Princess Yeongsun smiled wryly at Neung So-mil’s unusually polite greeting.

His attitude was undoubtedly courteous, but she was not so oblivious as to not notice the annoyance and dissatisfaction in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Chief Neung.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Because I’ve been staying here for so long……”

Neung So-mil’s eyes grew complicated at Princess Yeongsun’s trailing words.

“How can you apologize for that? Seeing His Majesty, the owner of this land, even from afar is truly an honor that is difficult to achieve even after accumulating merit for three lifetimes.”

Princess Yeongsun stared at Neung So-mil, noting the exaggerated tone that felt somewhat forced.

“I’m glad you feel that way. Then I don’t have to rush to leave Muwi.”

Princess Yeongsun smiled brightly, as if she knew it all along, at Neung So-mil’s flinching appearance.

“I will speak to His Majesty and make sure you receive generous rewards for your hard work this time.”

Neung So-mil, who failed to mask his expression, sighed.

“Thank you.”

Then, he suddenly flinched and quickly continued.

“But there is one request I have.”

“What is it?”

“There must be no further promotion of my rank! Absolutely!”