The Terminally Ill Youngest Daughter of a Medical Dynasty Is a Genius Physician - Chapter 63

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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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Episode 63
“I will guide you myself.”
“……Pardon?”
It was yet another unexpected statement.
I couldn’t hide my bewilderment as I looked at Jeok Yeon-hu.
“You personally, Branch Family Head?”
“Yes.”
Jeok Yeon-hu nodded matter-of-factly.
“I must return to the Jeok-hyeon Family anyway. The Jeok Ryeong Ridge lies along the way back, and since I know both where the medicinal herbs grow and how to harvest them, my direct guidance will be fastest.”
“…….”
His words were sound on the surface.
But that was precisely what troubled me.
‘Why would the Branch Family Head go in person?’
Since Byeok Cheong-yeon had fallen into critical condition from toxic plants native to the Jeok-hyeon Family’s territory, they could certainly feel some responsibility and cooperation was expected.
But that was a matter of moral obligation.
The circumstances of Byeok Cheong-yeon’s poisoning by the Jeok Pulse Herb still hadn’t been clarified.
There was no reason for Jeok Yeon-hu to personally guide us up the mountain path.
As I regarded him with suspicion, Jeok Yeon-hu added:
“And if possible, it would be preferable for Yeong Yeong-hwa to accompany us as well.”
“……Me?”
“Yes.”
This time the reason followed immediately.
“You’re the one who has observed the Branch Family Head’s condition from the beginning, are you not?”
“That may be true, but…….”
“Detoxification Herb is not the sort of medicine you simply brew and administer to be done with it.”
Jeok Yeon-hu spoke with measured calm.
“There are many similarly appearing plants that must be precisely distinguished, and depending on which part is harvested and in what condition, the medicinal efficacy can vary greatly.”
I regarded Jeok Yeon-hu with some surprise.
‘He knows more than I expected.’
His words were correct.
Even the same medicinal herb could have different efficacy depending on its growing environment, condition, and which part was harvested.
Especially for medicine intended to treat poison, even small differences could not be overlooked.
“Of course, I could send someone to bring back only the herbs.”
Jeok Yeon-hu continued.
“But if they harvest incorrectly or bring back the wrong plant, we would need to climb the mountain again.”
“…….”
“Does the Branch Family Head have that kind of time?”
I couldn’t answer readily.
The pale, drained face of Byeok Cheong-yeon from moments before rose in my mind.
The poison that had been quiet flared up again at mere exposure to the cold air.
If the same happened again, there was no guarantee we could weather it safely this time.
As I wavered in deliberation.
“No.”
A firm voice cut through.
“Father.”
Turning, I saw my father regarding Jeok Yeon-hu with visible displeasure.
“The Yak Ryeong-ga has plenty of experienced physicians. We can review the medical records Yeong-hwa has kept and send one of them.”
“But records alone cannot convey a patient’s every condition.”
Jeok Yeon-hu replied composedly.
“There are things difficult to capture fully in writing—subtle changes in the pulse, the patient’s response after treatment—such things cannot be recorded completely.”
“Still, no.”
My father’s answer wavered not at all.
“There is no reason to take a seven-year-old child into the mountains for days.”
“Father.”
“Yeong-hwa.”
My father looked down at me.
His voice had grown quieter than before.
“It is dangerous.”
At that single, brief word, I fell silent.
I understood why my father opposed it.
I didn’t think heading to Jeok Ryeong Ridge was a simple matter at all.
Treacherous mountain paths.
Rain that would soon grow heavy.
And above all, it was the domain of the Jeok-hyeon Family. The person offering to guide me was……
‘Jeok Yeon-hu.’
The man who had killed me in my first life. It would have been a lie to say I wasn’t afraid.
But.
The image of Byeok Cheong-yeon lying in bed flickered before my eyes.
His fingertips gone cold, his pulse racing irregularly, the dark blue veins rising beneath his skin.
If I failed to fully purge the poison this time as well.
‘He might lose his sight, just as he had in my past life.’
I couldn’t bear that thought.
Knowing the future, I had no intention of standing by and watching it unfold.
“I’ll go myself.”
Father’s head snapped toward me.
“What?”
“I’m going to go myself.”
“Yeong-hwa.”
“I was the first to examine Branch Family Head Byeok’s condition.”
I didn’t look away from Father’s eyes.
“I know best how his pulse has changed, and I’ve personally observed every reaction to the medicines we’ve administered.”
“We can simply pass along the medical records―”
“Not everything can be written in a record, as you know better than anyone.”
Father fell silent.
I continued without pause.
“The subtle shifts felt through my fingertips when reading the pulse—none of that can be captured in writing. Even if we find Detoxification Herb, I need to verify it’s been properly harvested and is suitable for Branch Family Head Byeok to use immediately.”
……
“Since you mentioned there are many similar plants, distinguishing them properly is critical.”
My voice grew firmer with each word.
“This is my treatment.”
I had monitored Byeok Cheong-yeon’s condition, adjusted his medicines, and identified the poison’s nature. All of it.
“I’ve even discovered where the necessary herbs are located. I won’t simply hand over the responsibility to someone else because of potential danger.”
Father’s brow furrowed deeply.
“That’s not about passing off the treatment.”
“I know.”
I nodded.
“But I want to do what I can with my own hands.”
……
“Branch Family Head Byeok placed his trust in me and entrusted me with his care.”
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then Grandfather, who had been listening quietly to our exchange, opened his mouth.
“Yeong-hwa.”
“Yes.”
“You understand the danger involved?”
“I do.”
“And you still intend to go?”
“Yes.”
I answered without hesitation.
Grandfather studied me for a long moment. It wasn’t the gaze of an elder soothing a granddaughter’s stubbornness.
It was the gaze of a Clan Head weighing a physician’s judgment.
At last he spoke.
“So it’s not mere stubbornness, then.”
The corner of Grandfather’s mouth twitched ever so briefly.
“There’s merit to what you say.”
Father turned sharply toward him.
“Father.”
“Yeong-hwa’s Father.”
Grandfather raised a hand to stop him.
“I understand your concern.”
“Then―”
“But that child is a physician now.”
“…….”
“If we’ve entrusted her with a patient, then teaching her the responsibility that comes with it is also our duty.”
My eyes widened.
“Then…….”
“I haven’t given my consent yet.”
And just as quickly, he closed his mouth again.
Grandfather looked toward Jeok Yeon-hu.
“Branch Family Head.”
“Yes, sir.”
“How treacherous is the mountain path?”
“We can ride horses as far as the base of the mountain. Beyond that, the terrain becomes rougher, but if we follow routes I know well, there shouldn’t be any serious danger.”
“And your escort?”
“My guards will accompany us. Should you wish it, the Yak Ryeong Clan can assign additional men as well.”
Grandfather fell silent in thought for a moment.
It was then.
“In that case, I’ll go with you.”
Father spoke up.
“……Pardon?”
This time, I turned to look at Father.
His expression was one of stating the obvious.
“If I’m to send Yeong-hwa, then I’m going too.”
“But Father…… what about the clan’s affairs?”
Since Yeon So-taek had been removed from his post, there was still much to attend to.
Father had patients under his care, and as Branch Family Head, no shortage of matters requiring his attention.
Yet Father didn’t blink an eye.
“Well, those things can be managed.”
“Surely you’re not suggesting I should manage them in your absence…….”
Though Grandfather’s face was hardening, Father merely squinted lightly.
“There’s really no need for you to go out of your way, Father.”
I was at a loss for words before Father’s sudden declaration.
“This is a decision I’ve made.”
But what came back was a firm response.
Then Father turned to look at Grandfather.
“I will accompany her.”
Grandfather exhaled deeply and clicked his tongue sharply.
“So you’re saying you’ll follow your daughter and dump all the clan’s work on your father’s shoulders.”
“It will only be a few days.”
“And I’m supposed to sit idle during those days?”
“Father is so competent, after all.”
“Your tongue certainly works.”
Father laughed with ease.
“Still, I’m going.”
“…….”
Grandfather pressed his temples as they throbbed.
“Fine. Who’s going to stop you?”
I perked up my ears.
Grandfather sighed and stroked his beard.
“It’s not something I prefer, but…… if Yeong-hwa’s Father goes along, it will be much better.”
My eyes suddenly widened.
“Does that mean you’re giving your permission?”
“Yes. Go.”
“Really?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself.”
As I broke into a bright smile, Grandfather opened his mouth again with a stern expression.
“But once you’re on that mountain, if anything at all goes wrong with your body, you must return immediately.”
“Yes!”
“You can’t sacrifice your own health to save a patient.”
“I’ll remember.”
“Don’t just speak the words—make me a promise.”
“Truly.”
Only then did Yeong-hwa’s Grandfather nod his head.
“Have Jeok Yeon-hu guide you along the way. Once you’ve obtained the Detoxification Herb, don’t linger—return at once.”
“Yes.”
Jeok Yeon-hu answered with formal courtesy.
“I will ensure her safe passage.”
At those words, Yeong-hwa’s Father’s eyes narrowed sharply.
“Yeong-hwa’s safety is my responsibility.”
“Of course. Then I shall merely see to the route.”
Jeok Yeon-hu acquiesced without protest.
Yet her father’s vigilant gaze did not ease in the slightest.
Watching him, I swallowed a small sigh inwardly.
In any case, the decision was made.
I would go to the Jeok Ryeong Ridge with my father.
To find the Detoxification Herb that would save Byeok Cheong-yeon.
But in one corner of my mind, another thought was stirring.
‘The Jeok-hyeon Family.’
Through each regression, I had always avoided that place alone.
I had believed that if I could only keep my distance from Jeok Yeon-hu, the tragedy of my first life would not repeat itself.
Yet the outcome changed nothing. Flight and evasion notwithstanding, ruin still came to the Yak Ryeong-ga in the end.
And I still did not know what had happened in that first life.
Why Jeok Yeon-hu had taken my life with his own hands at the last…….
Perhaps this time, I would learn the reason.
‘This time, I won’t run.’
If I faced this, perhaps I could prevent the tragedy that had repeated endlessly.
I observed Jeok Yeon-hu sitting across from me in silence.
He was watching me too.
The moment our eyes met—his crimson gaze and mine—Jeok Yeon-hu smiled gently.
“I look forward to traveling with you, Yeong-hwa.”
“……Yes.”
I answered briefly.
Looking at that face alone, I felt no danger at all.
Not his kindly curved eyes, nor his precise manner of speech.
Nothing about him seemed to match the catastrophe he would one day bring upon the Yak Ryeong-ga.
‘But I mustn’t be deceived.’
I met his gaze directly, concealing the sharp edge of my suspicion.
‘This time, I will uncover the truth.’
What exactly you are hiding. And.
‘Why you killed me.’

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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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