Chapter 275: I Ca Because I Was Told To
The Yangxin Hall—the place where the Emperor pondered and governed the affairs of the realm.
Seated there, Princess Yeongan looked at the Admiral and spoke,
“Tsk, when will I be able to sit here not as a proxy, but as its true master?”
“That day is not far, Your Highness.”
The Admiral replied with a slight bow.
Yet the Princess, still displeased, continued sharply,
“I hear the Divine Physician dared to refuse the summons?”
“He told them to kill him instead. So, I plan to grant his wish when the opportunity arises.”
Princess Yeongan shook her head.
Recently, nothing but irritating events had been happening, souring her mood.
Originally, she had intended to summon the Divine Physician to examine the Emperor. If he discovered the cause, she planned to kill him imdiately. He was a risk to their plans.
Yet he dared refuse.
A re physician, emboldened because people called him “Divine.”
The Princess waved her hand dismissively, signaling the Admiral to deal with it however he wished.
The Admiral bowed once and said,
“Rather, this works in our favor. I have a better thod.”
At his words, the Princess’s eyes glead.
The Eastern Depot monitored the entire realm. Naturally, all rumors regarding the Emperor’s illness had reached him.
When the Emperor collapsed again shortly after awakening, suspicions toward the Princess quietly spread.
Thus, power in the nation had split into three factions—
Those supporting the Princess, those suspicious of her and backing the Crown Prince, and those cautiously observing.
“At the very least, we must bring the neutral faction to our side. As you know, power does not flow from above downward—it is supported from below upward.”
The Admiral paused briefly before continuing clearly,
“Since the Divine Physician has refused, summon Shaolin, Ei, Wudang, and renowned physicians from across the land to examine His Majesty.”
“Why?”
The Princess frowned.
Why expose the situation instead of hiding it?
“And they will not uncover anything. In the end, the cause remains unknown, and only one truth will remain—that Your Highness did everything possible to save His Majesty.”
A false sincerity.
To silence suspicion and win over the neutral faction.
The Princess nodded with interest.
“Ho, an excellent idea. Issue a royal decree imdiately.”
The Admiral bowed.
Her tone had grown increasingly condescending, but he didn’t mind.
The more arrogant she beca, the more consud by power— the better for him.
As he turned to leave, she suddenly asked,
“What would happen if we brought the Guest Dragon under our control?”
The Admiral paused, then replied,
“He would more than fill Ha Joo-myeong’s place.”
“Is that so?”
She recalled Jin Seong-un’s face.
A face that brought her amusent.
The Admiral continued,
“But unlike Ha Joo-myeong, he is not easily obtained.”
“Why?”
“…He has no greed.”
The Princess scoffed.
“Is there any young man who dislikes won and power? I possess the greatest authority and the greatest beauty in this land. Is that not so?”
“You speak truth, but he is different.”
“Are you saying he’s a eunuch? Ah—my apologies.”
Realizing her slip, she casually apologized.
The Admiral, however, remained composed.
“…At tis, I truly wonder. His existence defies reason.”
“Explain.”
“A man without desire might exist—but then he wouldn’t have trained in martial arts so obsessively. His growth is unprecedented. Yet he shows no ambition. It makes no sense.”
“Hmm…”
The Princess thought.
Then smiled knowingly.
“I see. If he is not a eunuch, then he must be hiding it. His ambition is simply greater—waiting for the right mont.”
“That may be so.”
That was their way of thinking.
The Princess smirked.
“Then I shall confirm it myself.”
“How do you intend to do that?”
“If you delivered my ssage properly, he will co soon. When he does… I will find out whether he hides desire between his legs, or truly has none.”
She was certain—
A man like him must have desires.
Because she herself was consud by them.
The Admiral bowed.
“…As you wish.”
Perhaps it might work.
If it failed, only the Princess would be humiliated.
He left, hoping she would seize power soon.
---
At Seong-un Inn—
The Divine Physician sat across from the group.
“I have three conditions to establish a clinic. First—unlimited dicinal supplies. Second—unlimited physicians. Third—no favoritism based on status or connections.”
It sounded simple—
But any rchant would have thrown him out.
Yet Lee Seowon saw beyond it.
“If you assist us, we will gladly accept.”
The Divine Physician laughed.
“Good.”
Lee Seowon continued,
“You must reside there regularly.”
“Of course.”
“And treatnt cannot be free. Even the poor must pay sothing.”
The Divine Physician frowned.
“Do you love money that much?”
“No. If word spreads, beggars will flood the place and disrupt treatnt.”
“…That is true.”
Satisfied, the Divine Physician nodded.
“Anything else?”
“Yes. We wish to transport wealthy patients to you.”
“…I don’t like that.”
“They will pay greatly. That money will fund treatnt for the poor.”
The Divine Physician slapped his knee.
“You found a good steward.”
Then—
Jin Seong-un spoke.
“Please co with to the Imperial Palace.”
“No.”
Instant refusal.
“I will treat him.”
“What? You?”
Jin Seong-un explained.
The Divine Physician listened seriously.
“…Even I might not detect it easily.”
“I learned Qi Arts.”
“…Interesting.”
“Can you guarantee success?”
“No—but there is a chance.”
“Then try it on first.”
“…What?”
“Show .”
Jin Seong-un hesitated.
Then—
Placed his hand on the Divine Physician.
That day—
The Divine Physician experienced sothing entirely new.
---
At the Imperial Palace—
Masters gathered.
Yet none stepped forward.
The Princess mocked them.
Just then—
The Admiral entered.
“The Divine Physician has arrived.”
“…What?”
She couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Let him in.”
The doors opened.
The Divine Physician—
And Jin Seong-un.
The Admiral spoke,
“You refused before.”
“People change.”
“…And you, Innkeeper Jin?”
“I ca because I was told to.”
The Admiral frowned.
Jin Seong-un bowed.
“It has been a while.”
“This is not your place. Wait outside.”
She offered him a chance.
He ignored it.
“You asked how I would take responsibility.”
Murmurs spread.
Her face turned cold.
“I said leave.”
“I’ve decided. I will return sothing more valuable than Ha Joo-myeong.”
“Remove him!”
The Admiral moved.
Jin Seong-un spoke calmly—
“I will treat His Majesty.”
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