Chapter 176 (1/2)
Chapter 176: Chapter 49
“Really? Your father Changkwon?”
“Yes, he's there. Please!” said Yoju, bowing to him slightly.
Come to think of it, she followed him for almost one month, drawing his operating process as well as many medicinal herbs. In particular, the pictorial book containing her detailed drawings was a priceless treasure to him.
‘Though I have no manners, I'm not the type of guy who is incapable of kindness.'
He had no reason to reject the mayor's request. Besides, he owed a lot to the mayor.
There circulated a rumor that Kanghyok would be soon called over by the central government as they recognized his eradication of smallpox in Suwon.
If the crackdown on j.a.panese invaders was done successfully, it would be smooth sailing for him.
“Secretary Jungbok.”
“Yes, Dr. Paek.”
“Let me prepare to go with you.”
“Great. I thought you would come. Let me wait here.”
“Okay.”
Kanghyok went to see monk Yujong first.
Yujong was in meditation at the moment, but opened his eyes when Kanghyok approached.
“I think the time has come for us to part.”
“Have you been listening?”
Yujong's meditation place was far from the main temple.
Though Kanghyok tilted his head, Yujong made a quiet smile.
“Once we meet, we have to part someday.”
“That's true…”
“You don't have to worry too much. We will be able to see each other again.”
“Thanks.”
“You're welcome.”
“You don't have to take any more medicine now. Just keep drinking more water.”
It was best to drink lots of water to prevent the occurence of a calcium-related disease.
Some people said that patients with a kidney stone would be cured when they kept drinking lots of beer. That was only half-true.
“Got it. Will do as instructed.”
“Goodbye for now.”
“Wait a moment.” Yujong hurriedly stopped him and gave him a s.h.i.+ny stone.
“Someday, you will find it useful.”
“This stone?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, I see. Thanks.”
Tilting his head to one side, he put the stone in his pocket.
Dolsok, Yoni, Makbong and Yoju were already to go on a journey.
Kanghyok got on a horse, and turned to Dolsok, who was holding the horse by the reins.
“What about the donations?”
“I've spoken with one of the monks at this temple. He said he would send them back to your house today.”
“Good job!”
With a satisfied smile, Kanghyok said to the chief secretary Jungbok, “Let's go now.”
“Sure.”
As the secretary had taken lots of soldiers with him, Kanghyok's entourage could travel safely.
It was not that far from Ansung to Suwon. As the secretary rushed, it didn't take long for them to arrive at their destination.
“Whew! Are you guys alright?”
“Yes, we're fit as a fiddle.”
Yoni was still dynamic, and Yoju, a slow walker, nodded her head.
Obviously, Yoju was more concerned about her father than the pain in her feet.
When Kanghyok looked at her feet, he noticed her socks were stained with a bit of blood.
There was no sense of urgency on the streets of Suwon.
That suggested Otan village was far from downtown Suwon.
Jungbok, who went ahead of him, turned back and said, “We're almost there. The mayor is urgently waiting for you now.”
“Got it.”
Suddenly, Kanghyok imagined that the mayor might ask him for v.i.a.g.r.a pills. He would not do so unless he went crazy, Kanghyok thought.
While he was thinking about this for a moment, they arrived at the destination.
Knocking at the large door of the mayor's house, Jungbok shouted, “Open the door! It's me, Chief Secretary Jungbok. I've brought medic Kanghyok Paek at the mayor's order.”
“Yes, sir!” Soon, the soldiers came out to open the door.
Inside the mayor's headquarters were hundreds of soldiers lined up and armed with spears and bows.
Some of the generals were new to Kanghyok, who seemed to have been dispatched by the central government.
“Oh, you're here!” said the mayor, opening both his arms to welcome Kanghyok.
He introduced one general to Kanghyok. He had a long beard and a stout build. His face featured a long scar, which suggested he was a veteran general.
“This man is the Kanghyok Paek I've talked to you about.”