Chapter 101: The Perfect Immortal Physician (2)
It might seem selfish, but I'm inherently selfish—family comes first for me.
Anything less than that, and moving the main branch would be a terrible blunder.
I calmly persuaded my father, and he let out a sigh before speaking.
"You're right. We started here in Sungyang County, and it was thanks to these people that we've grown this far. To think of abandoning them for a plague and relocating the headquarters instead of providing relief—I've been foolish."
I quickly followed up on his words.
"Not at all. How could I blame you when I understand your feelings?"
"I'm grateful you see it that way."
My father looked at me and nodded.
"Very well. Go ahead."
And just like that, my trip to Yichang was decided more easily than expected.
"But... you'll have to convince your mother yourself."
He glanced away slyly, reminding me of the time I'd gone to rescue Elder Brother Jin-ho's group.
How was I supposed to persuade Mother?
But then.
"Off you go."
"Pardon?"
"Why so surprised?"
"Ah, no... I thought you wouldn't allow it, Mother."
She sighed at my words.
"If I had my way, I'd tell you not to go. But you're the son of the Eunhae Merchant Group's leader. That means you work for the group's interests, not personal gain."
"..."
"In my view, the group's best interest right now is to stay put and focus on relief efforts."
"Mother..."
"Of course, I opposed it before because you didn't need to go personally. But this time is different."
Mother chuckled softly.
"A martial clan daughter, now fully the wife of a merchant leader."
"You're still as beautiful as ever."
"Are you teasing your own mother?"
"Would I ever? Haha."
Unexpectedly, Mother's permission came easily, and preparations for my Yichang trip proceeded smoothly.
In the end, I set off for Yichang with the volunteers.
The boat journey to Yichang took quite some time.
We were traveling upstream along the Yangtze River, after all.
Fortunately, the river was wide enough for large vessels.
But after disembarking, the rugged mountains forced us onto treacherous mountain paths.
From my memories, countless people had died in Yichang.
Relief efforts hadn't arrived in time, worsening the plague for many.
Mountain roads made it impossible to cart in rice or supplies.
So I was carrying rice sacks myself as I walked.
Palgap and the two guards tried to stop me, but with laborers already in short supply, what was the point of going to Yichang if I couldn't even bear this much?
Finally, we arrived at Yichang.
"Halt!"
At that moment, imperial soldiers blocked our path.
"The area ahead is under quarantine due to the plague."
I pulled a document from my robes and presented it.
"We're from the Eunhae Merchant Group. Here's our special entry permit."
It was issued by the Hubei Province Governor.
When I offered relief grain and herbs for Yichang, he gladly wrote it up on the spot.
"Fetch the company commander quickly."
"Yes, sir!"
Soon, the highest-ranking man among them approached, heard the situation from his subordinate, and addressed me.
"I'm the company commander guarding this place."
"Eun Seo-ho of the Eunhae Merchant Group."
"Show me the permit."
I handed it over. He read it, glanced at the supplies behind me, and asked in surprise.
"All that... is for relief efforts?"
"Yes. Rice, vegetables, meat, medicines—we've brought them all, and we'll deliver more soon."
"The branch governor will be delighted. Our thanks to your group. Proceed inside."
With that, we divided: those entering with me, and those staying outside to unload supplies.
The plague was rampant.
We had permits to come and go freely, but that could spread it further.
I couldn't be the one turning relief into a plague vector across the Central Plains.
"Then we'll head in."
"Take good care of the rest of the cargo."
The laborers bowed gratefully as I did, then returned to the docks for more.
I turned to those entering with me.
"Alright, let's move."
Guided by soldiers who'd rushed over at the signal, we entered.
Everyone following me into the quarantine zone was a volunteer.
I asked them,
"Are you sure you won't regret coming inside with me?"
They nodded.
"Yes, no regrets."
"Understood. I'll never forget this favor."
One spoke up.
"No need. If anything, you've done us the favor. Truth is, this is my hometown."
"Mine too."
"Same here."
"We were worried sick hearing about the plague hitting our families and relatives, so we're grateful the group is helping our home."
I laughed heartily.
"You had your reasons, then."
"Forgive us."
"No matter—thank you."
I addressed them firmly.
"Before we go, one thing to make clear."
I continued.
"Even with family or friends here, all relief supplies and treatments will be distributed equally and fairly."
"Of course."
They nodded, though some disappointment flickered.
That's why I'd stated it upfront.
"I know it might feel unfair, but it's also for the sake of your families and friends."
"What do you mean?"
I smiled at the question.
"Do you know where dissatisfaction starts? Mostly from comparing yourself to others."
No complaints arise when everyone gets the same number and size of rice cakes.
But perfect equality is impossible.
Others' cakes always look bigger.
Dissatisfaction.
I see it as desire by another name.
That dissatisfaction—that desire—drives people to seek better, to strive.
But not everyone thinks justly.
And in extreme situations, extreme thoughts multiply.
"If we gave extras to your families, what would others think?"
"Guess they'd want to work for Eunhae?"
"If only. But these are desperate souls on death's door. When their own child is dying, do they care about yours?"
"Ah..."
Some faces hardened.
They grasped my point.
Remember these ones. Promotion material.
I explained further for the rest.
"Jealous of others getting more, they might steal your extras—or worse, harm your kin."
"...!"
"Overstated? No."
I pressed on.
"I get wanting to help your own. And if you sneak it, I might not notice."
"..."
"That's why the warning now. Cut off any extra demands from family or friends decisively. It prevents misunderstandings. If you can't, back out—it's not too late."
Someone asked,
"What if we give secretly?"
Who asked that foolish question?
"Think secrets stay secret here?"
"..."
"Choose."
After a moment's thought, a few bowed to me.
"I don't think I can. I'll stay out."
"Me too..."
"Sorry."
I nodded.
Good choice.
If they can't follow through, returning to the group is wise.
"Wise decision."
In the end, fifteen employees entered the quarantine zone with me.
I ordered soldiers to help them transport relief inside, then set off with Palgap and the two guards.
First stop: the county office.
Even with the governor's permit, we needed local cooperation.
Soon, I met the county magistrate.
Dealing with bureaucrats? Old hat.
I knew what they loved hearing.
"His Majesty knows you? In person?"
"We meet occasionally."
"Impressive."
"Your swift handling here truly benefits the people—His Majesty's virtue shines through."
"Overpraise."
"He'd be pleased to hear it."
Full cooperation secured.
Time to get to work.
Word was, the Perfect Immortal Physician was in Jagwi County.
Epicenter of the plague—and the worst hit.
"Young master, really going there?"
"Yeah."
"But..."
"It's fine. You know martial artists don't catch petty illnesses."
"I know, but..."
Probably why Mother allowed it.
"Can't summon a busy healer, though."
So I'd go myself.
I headed straight for Jagwi County.
In my past life, I'd never visited a plague zone firsthand.
So my vague notions were shattered anew.
Knowing the facts intellectually differed from seeing it.
People groaning on mats outside homes.
Caregiving faces etched with exhaustion—no hope in sight.
Foul smoke billowed everywhere.
The stench matched my memory: burning bodies.
Like when Baegcheon Merchant Group torched evidence after ambushing me and my crew.
Whether from that or the village mood, I felt uneasy.
Who'd feel good here? Only a madman.
As I walked, drawing stares, I spotted a ragged middle-aged man.
The Perfect Immortal Physician.
His aura nearly overwhelmed me on sight.
Petite, but no ordinary doctor.
Ui-seon title implies more, but this... he's a master.
Beyond my reckoning.
He didn't even glance my way, despite sensing me.
As Yeo Eung-am Warrior stepped forward, I stopped him and bowed politely.
"First time meeting, elder. I'm Eun Seo-ho, third son of the Eunhae leader, here with relief supplies."
A crisp voice replied.
It carried unyielding conviction—stubborn, or nobly principled.
"Free?"
"Pardon?"
"Your relief goods. Free?"
I bowed again.
"Of course not."
His question hit home.
No hiding my intent.
Deal with people sincerely, sure—but packaging matters.
Reveal enough, conceal the rest.
Even if they say "be blunt," bluntness offends.
But this Perfect Immortal Physician saw through me.
"Eunhae gains trust from locals through these supplies."
"So, no loss for you—profitable trip?"
"Ever seen merchants lose money?"