Doctor’s Rebirth - Chapter 427
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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033. Boiling Point
A summons.
It was not issued to Baekrin Uiseon alone.
Naturally, it had been issued to all the martial sects of the Central Plains.
Excluding the Demonic Cult, a reactionary force, the summons had even reached some sects of the Sadoren.
The major sects belonging to the Sadoren, even if they were criminal organizations, inevitably possessed massive enterprises.
All the sects that profited through those enterprises received the summons.
It was possible because gambling and loan-sharking were not illegal in this era.
Even if the enterprises were somewhat unlawful, when large-scale regional crimes were committed, the Geumui Guard and the Eastern Palace could not possibly lack information about them.
If you did not wish your enterprise to suffer damage, you had to go when called.
However, there were those in the Sadoren who did not answer the summons.
Not regional crime organizations, but roaming bands that lived by plunder.
Primarily water bandits, mountain bandits, and pirates fell into this category.
The Yangtze and Yellow River Suro-chae, the Green Forest Eighteen Bandits, and the Sea Shark Gang.
These three groups were like locusts that could abandon their bases and flee at any moment, paying no taxes and never answering summons.
Instead, they had to pay substantial sums to the other sects of the Sadoren.
Since the others of the Sadoren were being dragged away, it would be unfair if only they escaped.
It was Sulgye who established such a rule.
Disgruntled regional sects had clashed with the three groups several times, saying, “Are only you freeloading?”
Amid such various political turmoil, the great empire was also moving.
* * *
“According to the intelligence gathered, I am the only one who moved at the level of Mun-ju. It seems the Bumun-ju and deputy family heads are scheming to avoid going as well, so I expect I can return safely, Hope.”
“Even if the Mun-ju and Gaju are one thing, it’s surprising that even the Bumun-ju and deputy family heads are trying not to move.”
“There is no profit in it, so it makes sense. I even heard there are places that were caught trying to temporarily assign a Bumun-ju as a replacement.”
“The Emperor is not someone so lenient, after all.”
“Why would only the Emperor be that way? The Eastern Palace of the Eunuch General, who is his trusted aide, is also extraordinary, so in truth it is a futile effort.”
Baekrin Uiseon. Jegalling’s personal carriage.
This special carriage was like a moving residence.
Inside the massive carriage were a bed, a brazier, and space to store medicinal herbs and medical instruments.
It had been created in the past to alleviate cold symptoms caused by the Nine Yin Meridian Technique and to serve as a mobile treatment facility, but it had been further improved since then.
Adding iron plates to the exterior was merely the basics.
Now, the precious heat stones that generated warmth on their own were laid beneath the bed, and with additional expandable modifications, it could serve as a field treatment fortress—truly a mobile medical stronghold.
Alongside such a carriage came dozens of doctors from Baekrin Uiseon.
Additionally, three units—First, Second, and Third—of Baekrin Uiseon’s martial forces were dispatched.
Their numbers reached approximately six hundred.
Moreover, every single one was a master, capable of crushing minor to mid-sized sects with mere breathing!
‘Master… this is far too excessive!’
However, I could not voice such words because I myself had committed so many acts that warranted this response.
“If there were some profit to be gained, they would probably step forward more willingly.”
“Hmm, I wonder. For now, since it is a military service substitute, there is no particular great profit. If I were to achieve great merit, I could perhaps be appointed as a general, but…”
“…The major families don’t care for that.”
“If they were minor or mid-tier families, they’d be grateful to enter military service and receive a stipend. But for the major families, it’s often more profitable to continue their existing businesses. Besides, children raised in such families tend to develop independent temperaments, making military adaptation difficult.”
To put it kindly, they have independent temperaments—but truthfully, they’re stubborn as dogs.
Children born into the ruling class undergo the Eight Extraordinary Meridians opening ceremony before the Baihui point closes, consume spiritual medicine like daily rice, and develop their bones and muscles.
Their training is harsh, but that very harshness makes them feel special.
Children of major families raised this way grow into adults with sharp, angular personalities.
Shaped by Confucian society, these angular personalities are thoroughly hierarchical.
In short, they easily become the type to show strength to the weak and weakness to the strong in social interactions.
Such people would never enter military service.
They can live as kings in their family’s territory, but once they enter the military, they’d have to serve as common soldiers under the Emperor?
Unless they’re from a traditional military-aligned family like the Hwangbo Sega, it’s obvious.
“What about rewards?”
“Hmm… The Emperor isn’t the type to bestow rewards as generously as the families would wish.”
‘The Eun Wang-ya is quite frugal.’
After all, she rules by grinding her bones—doesn’t she?
She wouldn’t waste resources simply putting a leash on someone and discarding them.
Jin Cheon-hee spoke.
“Then it would only be administrative conveniences.”
“Exactly. However, that’s only appealing to places like the Baekrin Medical Guild that are expanding. For those maintaining what they already have, it’s not particularly attractive.”
“Because they can simply continue as they have been.”
“Right. You’re quick to understand.”
Jin Cheon-hee fell into thought before asking.
“What happens if another sect attacks a sect while its patriarch or sub-patriarch is away?”
“There is precedent. In one case, exactly three months after the attack, an unnamed village resident claimed to have found evidence of treason and reported the attacking sect through the magistrate’s office. On that very day, the Imperial Guard arrived, surrounded them, conducted a trial lasting about a week, and executed three generations.”
“…That thorough response was meant to set an example.”
That unnamed village resident was certainly a fellow disciple wearing a disguise.
My Master spoke.
“If attacks were permitted while patriarchs and sub-patriarchs were away, every family would begin to collapse. The Emperor handles this with an iron fist. Also, while I’m away, part of my disciples will likely be stationed in disguise near the families whose members were conscripted.”
“The Emperor is quite thorough.”
“Indeed. And even if a few unaffiliated sects attempt masked attacks, the Baekrin Medical Guild is no easy target.”
“That’s true.”
I felt confident that as long as Yoo Ho protected the Baekrin Medical Guild, we’d be safe.
My Master opened his fan and waved it slowly.
“However, we are making considerable sacrifices. I have much to handle, and so do you.”
“That’s true, but there’s no helping it.”
“You’re quite remarkable. There are things where you never compromise, yet you compromise on matters like this.”
“Is that so? I actually compromise quite a lot in life.”
Jin Cheon-hee answered flatly.
What he was picking at was a seven-layered golden fruit that Sama Hyeon had gifted him.
Ding-ling—
The sound resonated with crystalline clarity, befitting an instrument specialized in sound cultivation techniques.
Jegalling spent his time leisurely, listening to his disciple’s melodious guqin playing.
Then.
Gwansam, the First Disciple, sent a transmission.
[Patriarch. A group is approaching. They’re carrying military flags—the banners of the Ju Wang’s residence.]
[The border situation appears more serious than expected. Are they soldiers from the Ju Wang’s residence?]
[It appears Ju Wang himself is present.]
[Have them join us.]
[Yes, Patriarch!]
Upon receiving Baek Rin-ui-seon’s command, the First Disciple gave a hand signal.
Immediately, everyone ceased their activities in perfect unison.
Jin Cheon-hee and Jegalling adjusted their robes and stepped outside, preparing to offer their respects.
“Welcome, Your Majesty Ju Wang!”
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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