The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 383

The Divine Doctor (383)

“…….”

Neng Somil’s eyes showed distress.

At this moment, Princess Youngsun’s kindness was unwelcome.

The Emperor he knew was not one to show favor without a reason.

There was always a corresponding condition attached.

As Neng Somil pondered, the Emperor’s procession passed by Shinma-ui’s residence.

The Shinma Merchant Guild would be used as the temporary palace (行在所) [a temporary residence for the emperor while traveling] where the Emperor would handle state affairs during his travels.

The Shinma-ui residence was located in the middle of the path leading to it.

In front of the main gate of the Shinma-ui residence, Danak-seon was already kneeling, waiting for the Emperor.

The Emperor smiled slightly upon discovering Danak-seon and opened his mouth.

“Come to the temporary palace where I will be staying. I have a royal decree (徽音) [Hwieum, another term for the Emperor’s instructions] to deliver to you separately.”

Hwieum is another term for the Emperor’s instructions, known as Jeonkyo (傳敎) [formal imperial edict].

“I will do so.”

The Emperor nodded with a satisfied expression at Danak-seon’s reply.

Shortly after.

Having arrived at the main compound of the Shinma Merchant Guild, the Emperor handed a pinwheel to the court eunuch who was attending him closely.

“Keep it safe.”

Grand Eunuch Sarye, who respectfully received it and stepped back, smiled slightly.

For him, it was an unexpected stroke of luck.

He had never seen the Emperor so pleased with a gift from a commoner, when he usually showed little interest in the treasures presented by various countries.

In any case, the Emperor’s bright expression relieved him.

It was then that Princess Youngsun smiled brightly and opened her mouth.

“When the sun rises, we work; when the sun sets, we rest. We dig wells to drink and plow fields to eat. What use is the Emperor’s virtue to us?”

“The Song of Striking the Earth (擊壤歌) [a folk song expressing contentment and independence from rulers].”

Princess Youngsun nodded.

It was a song said to have been sung by a commoner striking the ground with a stick in front of Emperor Yao, who was inspecting the lives of the people during the legendary era of peace, without recognizing him.

It was an extremely rude act, but Emperor Yao was said to have been relieved.

It was proof that the people were satisfied with his reign.

“In that sense, Your Majesty is better than Emperor Yao. Because you are so respected by all the people of this land.”

The Emperor, who had been gazing silently at Princess Youngsun, chuckled.

“You must have something to ask of me, judging by the blatant flattery.”

Not missing the opportunity to seize upon Princess Youngsun’s flustered reaction, the Emperor continued.

“Even you must know that you will have to decide on your marriage soon, right?”

Princess Youngsun sighed.

“I’m sorry for causing you concern.”

“It’s fine. So, when will you return to the Imperial Palace?”

After hesitating for a moment, Princess Youngsun answered cautiously.

“I would like to stay here a little longer.”

“Then I will have to visit this place again? Would that be alright?”

After pausing, Princess Youngsun soon recognized the playfulness in the Emperor’s eyes.

“You saw it today. It’s an honor not only for me but for all the people of Muwi.”

“You’ve been outside the palace and experienced the world, and now you’ve become quite the sly fox.”

Princess Youngsun, who was smiling brightly, widened her eyes at the Emperor’s next question.

“By the way, did you get what you wanted?”

“Yes?”

“I’m asking if you won the heart of the one you have in mind.”

“……!”

“Isn’t that why you’re staying here?”

“That’s how it started, but things have changed a bit now.”

“……?”

“I’ve come to like this place, Muwi. And the reward I get from teaching the children is a joy beyond compare.”

The Emperor was momentarily speechless at the unexpected answer.

After a while.

“You’ve changed a lot.”

The sudden change in environment during her childhood had made her passive.

She had always restricted herself and lived a life of endurance so as not to be a flaw to her brother, who had ascended to the throne at the young age of fifteen.

So, it was even rarer for her to express what she wanted directly.

The Emperor gave his embarrassed sister a gentle look.

“That’s a compliment. You look much better now.”

“Your Majesty…….”

It was then.

“The commoner Danak-seon has come at Your Majesty’s call.”

The Emperor nodded at the familiar report of the court eunuch.

“Let him in.”

The Emperor gave Princess Youngsun a meaningful smile.

“This is a gift for you.”

“Yes?”

While Princess Youngsun, who had grasped the Emperor’s intention, blushed, Danak-seon entered.

“Long live! Long live! Long, long live! The humble commoner Danak-seon…….”

“Enough. I just wanted to have a cup of tea, so sit comfortably. Forget the Imperial Court etiquette for a while.”

The Emperor, who stopped Danak-seon with a wave of his hand, turned to Princess Youngsun.

“I would like to taste the tea you brewed after a long time.”

While Princess Youngsun prepared the tea and tea set, the Emperor asked Danak-seon.

“I heard that you have recently eradicated those who have plunged the people into misery?”

“Yes. Now that I knew of their wickedness, I couldn’t just ignore it.”

“You have done what I should have done. Is there anything you desire?”

“I didn’t do it to receive a reward. I just…….”

“Just?”

“As a doctor… no, as a human being before being a doctor, I couldn’t turn a blind eye to those who were suffering.”

The Emperor, who had been silently gazing at Danak-seon, slightly curled up the corners of his lips.

The more he looked at him, the more he liked the boy.

There was indeed a reason why the Empress Dowager praised him so highly.

It would be difficult to find a more suitable partner for his beloved sibling.

“Then how about this?”

At the Emperor’s gesture, Grand Eunuch Sarye took out a sealed letter from his bosom and placed it in front of Danak-seon.

“Check the contents.”

At the Emperor’s command, Danak-seon opened the letter and took out a sheet of paper that was neatly folded inside.

“This is…….”

A look of bewilderment appeared in Danak-seon’s eyes.

The documents contained in the letter were all consistent in content, a kind of statement.

“In the process of investigating them, we found something unusual.”

The government was in charge of arresting the remnants of the disbanded Black Shadow Clan.

And while interrogating them, an unexpected problem arose.

An undeniable sense of embarrassment settled on Danak-seon’s face as he checked the contents of the statement.

“The Namgung Clan purchased poppy powder?”

The Emperor did not give a separate answer.

That meant he was confident in the results of the investigation.

Danak-seon was not asking to refute it either.

There was no doubt about the various interrogation techniques and intelligence capabilities of the Golden Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot, which were directly under the Emperor.

“I heard you have a connection with the Namgung family.”

At the Emperor’s words, Danak-seon bowed deeply.

“I will look into it.”

He could have moved the government directly, but he was grateful to Danak-seon for just giving him a hint like this.

It was because he knew it was the Emperor’s consideration for him.

Just in time, Princess Youngsun poured the brewed tea and offered it to the Emperor.

“Good.”

The Emperor, who had been savoring the fragrance of the tea for a moment, put down his teacup after wetting his lips with a sip.

“I’m tired from the long journey. I need to rest.”

“Already?”

Leaving the flustered Princess Youngsun behind, the Emperor smiled at Danak-seon.

“My sister brewed this tea with all her heart, so at least you should stay and drink some more so that her efforts are not in vain.”

After that, the Emperor got up and left without even hearing an answer.

As the Emperor disappeared, Princess Youngsun apologized to Danak-seon.

“I’m sorry. It’s all because of me…….”

Danak-seon smiled and shook his head.

“It’s okay. I’m looking forward to the taste of the tea too.”

Princess Youngsun sighed softly.

It was true that she wanted to have a private meeting with Danak-seon, but she didn’t want a meeting like this.

If she wanted to borrow the authority of the Imperial family, she could have done so before.

“I should have contacted you first, but I couldn’t.”

Princess Youngsun glared slightly at Danak-seon’s words.

“Do you know you’ve been inconsiderate?”

“That’s…….”

“I’m not saying that to blame you.”

Princess Youngsun, who was smiling quietly as if nothing had happened, poured tea and handed it to Danak-seon.

“Put aside your complicated thoughts and rest, even if it’s just while you enjoy the tea.”

There were many things she wanted to say, but Princess Youngsun tried not to show her emotions.

And her efforts were a great comfort to Danak-seon.

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

Danak-seon nodded as he savored the tea.

“It’s really excellent.”

Princess Youngsun, who was even more excited by the repeated compliments, urged the eunuchs to bring all kinds of famous teas.

Thanks to this, Danak-seon was able to enjoy the luxury of tasting famous teas produced throughout the Central Plains in one place.

* * *

Meanwhile, at the same time.

A strange confrontation was taking place outside the Shinma Merchant Guild building.

The Shinma Three Venerables, who came with Danak-seon.

Opposite them, five elite Imperial Guards, considered the best martial artists in the Imperial Palace, stood facing each other at a distance of one jeong [approximately 109 meters].

In the tense atmosphere of checking each other with their eyes, Beomgyewi suddenly opened his mouth.

“Does putting so much strength in your eyes create internal energy that wasn’t there before?”

The eyebrows of the martial artists twitched at Beomgyewi’s appearance, who was calmly making jokes even in the midst of a battle of nerves.

Regardless.

Beomgyewi grinned and provoked them.

“Why? Are you angry? Then let’s have a fight right here.”

Choakryang, who couldn’t stand it any longer, stopped Beomgyewi.

“Keep it moderate.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll never be the first to use my hands.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Beomgyewi raised his energy to the fullest.

A tremendous wave of energy suddenly struck from a close distance.

The expressions of the Imperial Guards, who faced it head-on, froze.

The moment they reflexively grabbed their weapons.

“……!”

A look of embarrassment settled on their faces.

The wave of energy that had been rushing in like a huge tsunami had suddenly disappeared without a trace.

“Hehe. What’s wrong? Like a puppy about to poop?”

The eyes of the martial artists, who finally realized that they had been ridiculed by Beomgyewi’s taunts, changed fiercely.

The man at the head warned in a stern voice.

“We’ll let it go once. But keep in mind. There will be no second mercy.”

“You don’t have to.”

Beomgyewi coaxed the opponent, who looked like he was about to pounce at any moment.

“Honestly, you guys want to fight too, don’t you? Aren’t you?”

Choakryang frowned as he read the burning desire to win in their eyes.

It was then.

Someone ran out from inside the building and whispered something to the Imperial Guard who was confronting Beomgyewi.

The Imperial Guards, who glared at Beomgyewi once, turned around with a sigh.

It was because of the report that the Emperor had moved.

As they hurried to disperse to their designated locations, Beomgyewi smacked his lips as if he was disappointed.

“Tsk. Too bad. I thought if I scratched them a little more, they would have crossed the line.”

Choakryang frowned.

“Why are you being like this these days? Why are you so eager to pick fights with everyone you see?”

“Hey, I don’t know either!”

Hanseolhwa, who had been staring intently at Beomgyewi, who was suddenly getting angry, threw out a word.

“It’s because of Hwaryeong.”

Beomgyewi flinched at the words.

“What happened with Hwaryeong?”

At Choakryang’s question, Beomgyewi sighed as if the ground was sinking.

“I don’t know what’s going on.”

Beomgyewi, who was kicking the innocent floor for no reason with a dejected expression, sighed again.

“I haven’t done anything wrong, but she’s been avoiding me these days.”

“Are you sure you haven’t done anything wrong?”

Beomgyewi’s eyes wavered at Choakryang’s question.

“Actually, you’re not sure either, are you?”

Beomgyewi reluctantly nodded at Choakryang’s urging.

“……Uh.”

Choakryang nodded as if he knew it.

“Just go and ask her. Don’t take it out on the wrong person.”

“Should I? Would that be better?”

“You should have done that in the first place.”

Beomgyewi, who scratched his head with an awkward smile, flew towards Shinmagok and disappeared.