Chapter 157 (2/2)

“Yes, please listen to your son,” said Soonsin.

Though he was typically stubborn, Sungmun readily followed Kanghyok's instruction.

“Please lie down.”

“Sure.”

Touching his belly cautiously, Kanghyok nodded with a satisfied look and said, “Good. His liver is not swollen anymore.”

Obviously, his daily intake of brewed artemisinin soup took effect.

It was a good sign that he had no fever for the fourth consecutive day.

‘I think I'm a genius.'

How could he cure his father suffering from malaria without any proper medicine?

“Good, dad. Let me monitor your condition only for today. If you don't have any fever tomorrow, you can go out.”

“Really? Wonderful. This is all thanks to you, son.”

“You're welcome.”

“You really deserve it. As I was the one sick this time, I could clearly recognize your medical skills. I would say you are like the Chinese legendary doctors Hwata and Pyonjak.”

“I'm flattered, dad.”

“Haha… You know how to show humility. Great, son.”

Humility?

Kanghyok smiled at his father, who seemed to not know his son well.

Sungmun continued, “By the way, I came to realize how important medical science was. Kanghyok, I wouldn't insist you take the state civil exam if you don't want to. But you should be a good doctor, okay?”

“Really? I don't need to take the state exam, right?”

Kanghyok was surprised by his father's unexpected remarks.

“Yes, just do what you want.”

“Oh, thanks so much.”

“You shouldn't stop studying Chinese cla.s.sics, though. We should be able to communicate, to say the least.”

“Let me keep it in mind, dad.”

Actually, Kanghyok was determined to stop studying the cla.s.sics once and for all.

‘Artemisinin… Was it called by another name?'

As Sungmun's condition was getting better everyday, Kanghyok was also sharpening his memory power more and more.

‘That n.o.bel Prize winner said he referred to Chinese medical books.'

Professor Tuyuyu said he reviewed his medicine after checking out old Chinese medical books.

After all, he got the hint after he read a medical book by Kalhong, the famous medical scholar who lived around 340 A.D.

‘That means there is still a lot to learn from that book even now…'

Of course, the chances were there were more wrong remedies described in the book.

With his profuse medical knowledge, Kanghyok could easily select only the right treatment methods.

Though it was important to cultivate relations with herbal doctors in Joseon, he had to read their medical books, too.

“Very good, son. I've collected lots of books, and there are some medical books among them, so read as many books as you want,” said Sungmun.

“Thanks, dad.”

With a satisfied look Kanghyok came out.

Soonsin was also satisfied.

“You're a genius doctor.”

“I'm far from it, brother.”

“Hahaha!” Soonsin gave a hearty laugh at that.

“By the way, my right leg has been completely cured, right?”

“Oh, yes. You can resume practicing your martial arts.”

“All thanks to you, man.”

“Hahaha,” this time, it was Kanghyok who laughed heartily.

“Let me leave tomorrow. As your father has recovered, I think I can go back to preparing the state exam on martial arts again.”

“Ah…” Kanghyok exclaimed wistfully.

Looking back, Kanghyok spent lots of time with this most famous Admiral in Joseon up to now.

“As I live in Konchondong, Hanyang, I can come and see you anytime.”

“You live in Hanyang. Got it.”

Come to think of it, Kanghyok didn't think of travelling to Hanyang until now.

“Come and see me sooner or later. I know someone who needs your treatment.”

“Really?”

“Sure. Anyway, let's have a drink today.”

“It's my honor to drink with you.”

Originally, Kanghyok was a heavy drinker who could enjoy all kinds of alcoholic. As his drinking partner was Soonsin Lee, Kanghyok couldn't be happier.

Dolsok brought a table quickly with alcoholic drinks.

“Take my cup, Kanghyok.”

“Thanks, brother.”

Soonsin was also a heavy drinker.

After all, Kanghyok drank heavily with him and fell asleep with him in the same room.

When he woke up, Soonsin was already gone.

He left a short note, though.

(Thanks, Kanghyok. Come to my place anytime.)

“Dang it. I didn't even get to say goodbye to him.”

When he was murmuring, Dolsok came running to him.

“How are you, master?

“Ouch, my head is aching with a hangover.”

“Yoni and Makbong are here.”

“Why?”

“They said you asked them to check out if there was a good doctor nearby. They mentioned that they've found a wonderful doctor living at the foot of Mt. Kw.a.n.gkyo right now.”

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