The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 47

The modest manor on the village outskirts was Jo Dae-ya’s carefully prepared haven for a comfortable retirement. He had run a trading company for many years.

Jo Dae-ya led a trading company of considerable size, one of the most successful in the Central Plains.

Despite his wealth, he was highly respected by the villagers.

He had generously used his own funds to aid famine victims during droughts and always shared in the villagers’ joys and sorrows, never hesitating to spend his wealth.

However, even a renowned wealthy man like him couldn’t escape the effects of aging.

His physical strength had been declining noticeably, and lately, he spent most of his days in bed due to a chronic illness.

No tonic could restore his fading energy.

Doctors were helpless; it wasn’t a specific disease but an ailment stemming from old age.

“Hoo.”

Jo Dae-ya, lying in bed, sighed heavily.

He felt miserable and drained, merely waiting for death while confined to his bed.

Jo Dae-ya spoke to his son, who stood beside the bed.

“It seems I don’t have much time left.”

His son, Jo Hyo-sim, the dutiful son who was guarding Jo Dae-ya’s side.

Jo Hyo-sim, the trading company’s heir, was known for his filial piety. He shook his head, holding his father’s hand.

“You’re not one to succumb to a minor illness like this. You’ll recover soon.”

“No. I feel my life is ending.”

Jo Dae-ya turned his head, gazing out the window.

“My mind is clouded, and my energy is fading…”

Unconcealed sorrow marked Jo Dae-ya’s wrinkled face.

“The sun has set, and the road is long… I still have far to go, but the day is already ending.”

Jo Dae-ya said to his son.

“You should go and rest. I want to be alone now.”

After his son left, Jo Dae-ya drifted into a light sleep.

Later, he slowly opened his eyes.

He felt a coldness on his face.

He saw the window was wide open and a figure stood silently in the darkness.

Jo Dae-ya’s heart sank, fearing it was the Grim Reaper he’d only heard tales of.

Then, the figure spoke.

“I apologize for the late and unannounced visit. Are you Grand Master Jo Dae-ya, the Pacifier of Difficulties (平難大父, a title of respect for someone who has overcome many hardships)?”

Jo Dae-ya’s apprehension lessened slightly at the polite tone.

“Who… ?”

“I am Sa Mu-sim, a humble admirer of you, Grand Master.”

Sa Mu-sim bowed respectfully and approached Jo Dae-ya.

“I apologize in advance for my rudeness, but please understand it’s all for your benefit, Grand Master.”

Sa Mu-sim pulled back the blanket and lifted Jo Dae-ya from the bed.

“W-what are you doing… !”

Jo Dae-ya, startled and embarrassed, cried out before losing consciousness.

Sa Mu-sim had struck a pressure point behind his neck.

Simultaneously, Sa Mu-sim vanished into the darkness with Jo Dae-ya in his arms.

* * *

It wasn’t until dawn that Jo Dae-ya returned to his manor.

He even walked back on his own.

Squeak.

As he opened the gate, the servants were shocked.

“O-Old Master!”

Jo Dae-ya hadn’t left his bed since falling ill, so their surprise was immense.

Jo Dae-ya’s son rushed over, equally astonished.

“Father?”

Jo Hyo-sim couldn’t hide his bewilderment, even amidst his joy.

He had witnessed his father’s decline more closely than anyone.

Numerous doctors, summoned at great expense, had declared old age incurable.

Yet, his father stood before him, remarkably healthy.

“What on earth… ?”

Jo Hyo-sim, overwhelmed, couldn’t continue.

Jo Dae-ya himself, who had suffered for so long, was equally incredulous.

His body, once so heavy, now felt refreshed and lighter than ever.

He felt ten years younger.

Jo Dae-ya said to his son.

“Call Doctor Hwang.”

Soon after.

The doctor was astonished by Jo Dae-ya’s condition.

He had been in charge of his health for years.

“The illness is gone!”

While everyone in the manor was amazed, Jo Dae-ya instructed the servants.

“Prepare a meal. I’m very hungry after walking so far.”

Jo Dae-ya, who had only managed a few spoonfuls of rice porridge, ate a proper meal for the first time in a long time.

He finally realized that the previous night hadn’t been a dream.

The food tasted delicious, matching the vitality surging through his body.

After a satisfying meal, Jo Dae-ya said to his son.

“You’ve worked hard. I’ve been a great burden.”

Jo Hyo-sim shook his head.

“Don’t say that. Seeing you healthy again is enough.”

His prayers had been answered.

He didn’t regret the offerings he’d made to Buddha at every temple service.

“You’ve overcome a great ordeal, so now you only have to enjoy a long life. Father, you are as strong as iron that becomes stronger when hammered.”

Pity crossed Jo Dae-ya’s face.

He knew how hard his son had worked, never hesitating to endure hardships for him.

He couldn’t bring himself to tell him the truth.

—There is a saying that life is in the hands of God.

The young doctor’s words from the previous night echoed in his mind.

Sa Mu-sim had taken him to a pavilion in a secluded valley.

There, he met the young doctor.

A boy with striking, star-like eyes.

He seemed otherworldly, like a celestial child lost in the mortal realm.

The boy examined him, then smiled wryly.

“You have Parkinson’s disease.”

Jo Dae-ya was puzzled.

The other doctors had only mentioned old age, never such a disease.

“It’s a degenerative disease causing tremors and stiffness in the limbs and body. Early symptoms are subtle, easily mistaken for normal aging.”

Jo Dae-ya saw a glimmer of hope.

“Is there any treatment?”

The young doctor answered.

“Let me be honest.”

“… ?”

“Parkinson’s is often mistaken for old age because the outcome is predetermined. It’s a matter of slow or fast decline, but death is inevitable.”

In short, he should prepare for death.

Jo Dae-ya smiled bitterly; he’d heard those words before.

But then, he heard something unexpected.

“However, I can alleviate the symptoms, enough to not interfere with your daily life.”

“Is that really possible?”

“Yes, but as I said, I can only prolong the time, not cure it. You can deceive the disease, but not death.”

That was enough for now.

He needed time to organize his affairs, even if it was short.

It was precious time.

However, he kept this from his son.

It was already a blessing to be clear-minded and converse with him.

“Bring me the ledgers and documents related to the ongoing business.”

* * *

A few days later, Jo Dae-ya visited the merchant alley lined with medicine shops.

As arranged, he entered the shop at the end of the alley, where Sa Mu-sim waited.

Jo Dae-ya approached with a bright expression.

He clasped Sa Mu-sim’s hands and spoke sincerely.

“I was too flustered to properly thank you that day. Thank you, thank you so much.”

“You look much better. I’m glad.”

“How could it be just that? Every day feels more precious now. All thanks to you, Sir Sa, and the doctor.”

“Sir… I’m unworthy of that title.”

Sa Mu-sim smiled and handed over a small box.

“This is a pill made by Master Gok. Take one every three days; it will help greatly.”

“Master Gok? You mean the young doctor?”

Sa Mu-sim nodded.

“Yes, I humbly assist him as the General Manager.”

“General Manager… General Manager.”

Jo Dae-ya, pondering, looked at Sa Mu-sim intently.

“You must want something from an old man like me, right?”

Jo Dae-ya waited patiently for Sa Mu-sim, who only smiled.

He was a merchant his whole life.

He knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Finally, Sa Mu-sim spoke.

But his words were unexpected.

“I’m considering Western trade, and I want to leverage the trading company’s power.”

Jo Dae-ya frowned.

“Government-linked companies monopolize maritime trade. Our company is sizable, but they’ve established strong relationships, leaving no room for us.”

“Ah, you misunderstand.”

Sa Mu-sim smiled and explained.

“I’m not considering maritime trade. I plan to import goods via land routes.”

“Land routes? You mean the Silk Road?”

Jo Dae-ya looked dumbfounded.

The Silk Road, pioneered during the Han Dynasty, was an east-west trade route across the inland.

The Yongle Emperor, who overthrew his nephew, changed the capital from Jinling to Nanjing and moved it to Beijing.

From there, he launched several northern expeditions.

He drove the remnants of the Northern Yuan dynasty beyond the Great Wall.

Since then, the Ming Dynasty had thoroughly sealed off the Great Wall.

Consequently, the Silk Road, once a conduit for civilization and culture, had become virtually defunct.

Moreover, the evicted nomadic Tatars (韃靼, a historical term for Mongols) harbored deep resentment.

“The government won’t even grant permission.”

Crossing the Great Wall required passing through gates like Shanhaiguan or Yumen Pass.

But the Ming Dynasty would never allow it.

“Don’t worry, I have a solution. We don’t need to cross the Great Wall; we’ll go around Yumen Pass.”

“Even so, isn’t it still a problem? You’ll face the fierce Tatar territory immediately.”

“I’ve considered that as well.”

Sa Mu-sim smiled reassuringly at Jo Dae-ya, who remained worried.

“If the trade succeeds, it will greatly benefit Dae-ya’s trading company.”

“May I ask what you intend to import?”

“Saffron (張紅花, literally ‘red flower’), produced in Persia (波斯國, an ancient term for Persia).

“… !”

Jo Dae-ya was astonished.

Saffron, a red spice, was more expensive than gold by weight.

“Saffron imported by sea is significant, but humidity degrades its quality. The Silk Road is mostly dry desert and plateau. Even if the quantity is less, it can be sold at a much higher price.”

Sa Mu-sim pressed his advantage.

“I’ve already contacted reliable Western trading companies. Please arrange for high-quality silk and porcelain. Sales will commence after the saffron arrives safely.”

Jo Dae-ya, who had been studying Sa Mu-sim, slowly nodded.

The conditions were reasonable compared to what he’d received.

“I understand. I will prepare to select and supply the best goods in the Central Plains.”