Chapter 206 (1/2)

Chapter 206: Chapter 79

What the heck is Hangbokg talking about?

Everyone in the room including Kanghyok opened their eyes wide with surprise.

In particular, Sungryong, who had his hemorrhoids treated by Kanghyok, reacted violently.

“Hey, how can defame an excellent doctor like Kanghyok? You can hardly find such a fine doctor anywhere.”

“I've received his service, too. He's a very good doctor,” said Hangbok.

“How come you can say about him like that?”

“Well, a good doctor means he can treat a patient well, right?”

With a furtive smile, Hangbok looked at Kanghyok.

“If he can treat people, he can also maim them, right?”

At that moment Kanghyok was gooseflesh all over.

Hangbok might have thought about it when Kanghyok treated his wife only a few days ago.

Obviously there was something extraordinary about Hangbok's behavior.

“Hmmm…”

Chul Chung and Sungryon made a frown at Hangbok's mention about making Kanghyok a torture doctor.

But Chul was more concerned about the possibility that Kanghyok could really force Pyonsu confess about his ties with Yorip.

'If only he could do that…'

If Chul could obtain the slightest clue that Yorip was plotting a revolt, that meant the end of the ruling political faction Tongin's era and the quickening of the arrival of its rival Soin.

Of course, if that happened, Chul might feel sorry for his friend but political rival Sungryong, a giant of Tongin.

'I could save Sungryong from the political ma.s.sacre, of course,' Chul thought to himself.

In fact, Sungryong was a favored va.s.sal of King Sonjo.

Though Sungryong was to be stigmatized as a giant of the rebellious Tongin, Chul could not deal with him recklessly.

In the meantime, Sungryon was concerned about Kanghyok.

'This might be a big, big trouble for him.'

To the best of his knowledge, Kanghyok was the best doctor in Joseon.

Otherwise he could not have cured his hemorrhoids that had troubled him several decades.

'Obviously he would be good at torturing people….'

But he couldn't refuse Hangbok's suggestion right away in Chul's presence.

'Hangbok might have made that suggestion to protect me.'

In some respects Hangbok's suggestion was kind of a warning and consideration that Sungryong should not be connected with Yorip under any circ.u.mstances.

“Uhhhh…”

When Sungryong gave a short moaning, Chul looked at him.

Their eyes met and they nodded at the same time.

“Okay, then. Let's leave it to Kanghyok. Can you do it?”

Now the ball was in Kanghyok's court.

Though he didn't want it, he had no other choice but to.

Kanghyok quickly put his brain to work.

'Kichukoksa, or the Purge of Yorip Chung's gang…Kichukoksa.'

As he was interested in that tragic event, he naturally recalled it.

Sungryong could safely avoid the political ma.s.sacre of Kichukoksa.

Later he could become a premier by turning evils into blessings.

'Originally Kichukoksa took place at a strange timing…'

In fact, it took place only 2 to 3 years before the full-scale j.a.panese invasion of Joseon in 1592.

As it turned out, the Joseon government wasted its energies and resources on seeking and purging Yorip and his followers, which it should have diverted for preparation for the j.a.panese invasion.

Kanghyok nodded at Hangbok's suggestion helplessly.

“Let me give it a try, then.”

“Great. If you find out something big, you will receive a due recognition.”

“Yes, sir.”

While repeatedly nodding his head, Kanghyok studied Sungryong's face.

“Alright, Kanghyok. Just do your best.”

“Thanks, milord.”

Now, Chul Chung and Hangbok Lee began to relax with a gentle smile.

Kanghyok was even more scary about their sudden change of att.i.tude.

'Politicians are the same, regardless of the age.'

When necessary, they could change their att.i.tude or feelings anytime in their favor.

“Hey, let's get the heavy stuff off our chest and talk about something else,” said Chul, emptying his cup.

“By the way, did you have a big event at the ministry of education and culture recently?” asked Sungryong.

“Oh, are you talking about the Yos.h.i.+tos.h.i.+ and Kenzo's party?”

“Oh, yes, yes.”

“Well, I was really surprised by Hangbok's insight.”

“What's that? I have no idea.”

“You know that Tachibana Yas.h.i.+ro visited Joseon as j.a.pan's envoy some time ago, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

At that time, Chul Chung was living an exiled life in a remote place, but he seemed to have heard about it, given that he was nodding.

“When that j.a.panese envoy returned, Hangbok said something to me. As I was impressed with it at that time, I still remember it,” said Sungryong.

“What did he say?”

“He said something like this: That envoy would be killed when he returned, and a new j.a.panese envoy would come to Joseon. In that case, it would be better for the Joseon government to treat him well.”

“Haha, I see. I heard that he was killed when he returned. That's why you hosted a big party for the new j.a.panese envoy and his entourage recently.”

Chul nodded his head as if he understood the whole situation.