Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 286

Chapter 286
After checking on Geumdo Elder and withdrawing my head from his shell, Hwa-eun inquired,
“What’s the situation, So-ryong?”
“The infection seems to have deeply penetrated the lungs. My first step is to cleanse the afflicted region. Would you dip a cloth in the herbal solution and pass it to me? I must sterilize my hands completely with strong liquor before handling it.”
“Of course, So-ryong.”
Shortly after, Hwa-eun passed me the cloth, soaked in the medicinal brew, after having cleaned her own hands.
I used that cloth to meticulously clean the interior and exterior of the fractured section of the turtle’s shell.
I then took a second, fresh cloth, soaked it in the same solution, and dabbed it softly onto the surface of Geumdo Elder’s diseased lungs.
I had some reservations about this treatment approach.
In my previous life, the standard procedure involved disinfecting with povidone, allowing exposure to sunlight, and administering antifungal medication. I had no experience with applying remedies directly to infected lung tissue.
I thought about leaving it alone, as wildlife often heals rapidly on its own, but the extensive infection made inaction impossible.
‘I sincerely hope this is beneficial and doesn’t lead to any adverse reactions.’
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A gurgling noise came from the front of the island—likely Geumdo Elder coughing in response to the treatment—but I continued applying the medicine with care before moving aside some of the roofing straw to let sunlight reach the wound.
Even in my past life, after povidone disinfection, turtles that live in or near water would receive a day or two of similar sun treatment.
Nonetheless, because the injury was significant, I remained vigilant to prevent flies or other insects from getting near. As dusk approached, I used adhesive to secure an oiled paper seal over the area.
“Is that everything for now?”
Hwa-eun asked, observing me as I finished sealing the opening with the oiled paper just as the sun was setting.
“Yes. I’ll apply another round of medicine and provide more sun tomorrow. But for today, we’re finished.”
“Ugh, that was so tedious. Let’s get dinner, Ryong. I’m starving.”
“Shall we?”
Having cleaned the inflamed area around the infection and applied the treatment, we concluded our efforts for the day.
I had been physically active all day as well, so I was certainly ready to eat.

***

Early the next morning, Geum Gi-ryung arrived at my room in high spirits.
“Young Master So, how proceeds the treatment?”
“Hm? Ah, yes…”
I replied that it was progressing adequately, but honestly, I was uncertain.
I had been treating the elder conscientiously for three days, yet there appeared to be no positive change.
The infected region looked unchanged, and Geumdo Elder displayed no indications of getting better.
The sole encouraging sign was that the condition hadn’t deteriorated further.
The infection had not expanded.
‘Why is there no progress?’
As I pondered the lack of improvement, Geum Gi-ryung continued cheerfully,
“I have already assembled the merchants and clarified everything. If you can settle this matter within a fortnight, our Taean Merchants’ Guild will uphold the arrangement you proposed.
I have even set aside an additional thousand nyang in silver, in case that sum was insufficient. Would that be agreeable?”
From his words, it seemed he had already convened everyone and settled the agreement.
“You didn’t need to go to such lengths, but I appreciate it nonetheless.”
I had initially asked what they would pay for Geumdo Elder’s removal, but that was primarily to open negotiations. My actual terms, as usual, were for information concerning poisonous and spiritual beings.
Since these merchants conducted business throughout the Central Plains, they might have sources of information superior to those of martial artists.
For example, merchants trading in animal pelts or exotic beasts might occasionally hear rumors about spiritual creatures.
If hunters discussed their sightings in the mountains, the merchants would likely learn of it, wouldn’t they?
Therefore, my condition was that upon receiving any news about venomous or spiritual creatures, they must contact So-ryong immediately—and should anyone attempt to sell a spiritual beast, they were to purchase it unconditionally and deliver it to me.
I would buy it from them, regardless of price.
‘Well, my master will likely cover the cost anyway.’
“Shall I have the boat prepared again for today?”
He asked as I was reflecting on the deal.
Just as before, he was offering to ready the boat.
It had become our recent routine to journey to Geumdo Elder each morning for treatment and return by evening.
“No, today I wish to visit the district where the physicians and apothecaries are located.”
“If you require something, you could simply tell me. Why go there personally?”
Geum Gi-ryung tilted his head, curious why I wanted to visit that street when I could just request anything I needed from him.
But I had a specific reason for going.
Since Geumdo Elder wasn’t improving, I needed to search for a different antibiotic.
We had been using concoctions of fish mint and dandelion, but with no results, I wanted to inquire about other herbs.
Hwa-eun was not a medical expert, so her knowledge was limited to those two plants. This was why I needed assistance from professionals who worked with herbs.
“I want to see if there are alternatives to fish mint and dandelion. My expertise lies with venomous creatures, not medicine.”
“Ah… In that case, allow me to introduce you to some physicians and herbalists I am acquainted with on that street.”
“That would be a great help.”
Geum Gi-ryung kindly offered his assistance since he knew people there.
I informed the three daughters who were keeping watch on Geumdo Elder’s back that I might be delayed today, accepted a few letters of introduction from Geum Gi-ryung, and proceeded directly to the street crowded with apothecaries and physicians.
“Ryong, why change the medicine so quickly? It’s only been three days. Why not continue a while longer?”
Sister Seol asked on our way to the herbalists’ district.
She was advising a longer observation period, but I had reasons beyond the lack of progress.
“To be honest, the medicine we are currently using might be harmful to Geumdo Elder.”
“Harmful?”
“Harmful, So-ryong?”
Even Hwa-eun seemed taken aback.
She had been the one to suggest it, and it had seemed effective until now—so she appeared somewhat startled by this revelation.
“I cannot be certain about the fish mint, but dandelion could actually be detrimental to the Elder. It might even be poisonous.”
“Then why did you use it initially…?”
“Oh, it’s harmless in small quantities.”
Turtles that live in or near water are carnivorous, so it is not an issue. But for land turtles, certain plants are to be avoided.
Namely: carrots, broccoli, beets, and spinach.
These plants contain oxalates, which in excess can lead to kidney stones or internal bleeding in turtles.
Thus, plants with oxalates should be avoided by turtles—and dandelion contains oxalates.
When Hwa-eun suggested dandelion, I did not object because, despite the oxalates, it is a plant that land turtles greatly enjoy.
In my previous life, those who kept land turtles often fed them dandelions—though not daily—as small amounts were safe and the turtles loved them.
Therefore, using it medicinally in modest doses was acceptable.
But continuing its use beyond three days seemed unwise.
Furthermore, I was unsure about the composition of fish mint, and if it also contained oxalates, then a change was absolutely necessary.
‘Fish mint might have oxalates as well, so switching now is probably safer.’
After my explanation, Hwa-eun nodded and said,
“If it has the potential to be toxic, then three days is likely the maximum.”
“Yes, Hwa-eun.”
“But what if the new medicine is also ineffective, So-ryong?”
Sister Seol expressed another worry just as we reached the entrance to the street of apothecaries.
After thinking for a moment, I replied,
“If it’s possible, I would prefer to attempt medicinal acupuncture…”
“Acupuncture?”
“Medicinal… acupuncture?”
At my mention of medicinal acupuncture, Hwa-eun and Sister Seol looked at me quizzically.
It was a term they had not heard before—though the concept was simple.
It merely meant administering medicine via an injection.
The lungs are enclosed in a thin membrane, so topical medicine might not absorb well. But suppose I used one of the Tang Clan’s hollow venom needles—functioning like a syringe—to inject medicine straight into the infected tissue?
“Correct. You fill a hollow needle with medicine and inject it directly into the wounded area. But… I am not qualified to perform it myself…”
“Why not? Can’t you do it yourself, So-ryong?”
“I am not a physician, after all.”
Strictly speaking, I am not even a veterinarian—but as I scratched my head, Sister Seol gave me a puzzled look.
“You don’t need to be a physician. Anyone can tend to a wound.”
“That’s right, So-ryong. You have managed perfectly well until now.”
Hwa-eun added her agreement.
I was uncertain why they were both advocating for me to perform an unauthorized procedure. I was already feeling apprehensive enough.
‘Really, why are they encouraging amateur surgery…?’
However, upon further reflection, it made sense.
In this era, physicians themselves were uncommon—and the concept of a veterinarian did not exist.
Caring for a sick animal was not a task for a specialist; it was simply something people did themselves, at home.
“Yeah, Ryong has already opened the shell and applied medicine right to the lungs, hasn’t he?”
It was at that moment it happened.
A sudden, booming voice from behind us.
“You foolish children—what are you talking about!? Opened the shell and applied medicine to the lungs!? Are you attempting to murder someone!?”
Startled by the yell, I spun around—to find an elderly man with white hair standing behind us.
He seized me by the collar and demanded,
“Where is it! Where is this patient!?”

***

The Immortal of Medicine, Cheon Baek-u, was journeying to Unghyeon in Hebei when he made a stop in Taean, near Mount Tai.
He had heard reports of widespread anemia afflicting the people of a small village in Unghyeon and was passing through to see if he could procure some quality medicinal ingredients along his route.
Taean, with its constant flow of merchants and vessels, was an excellent place to source herbs.
And since he still had time before meeting his disciple—the Immortal of Herbs—he was proceeding at a leisurely pace.
After an early meal, he made his way toward the street known for its apothecaries.
That was when he noticed a group of young people walking ahead.
A boy and two girls were going in the same direction, walking near enough for him to overhear their discussion.
And what he heard captured his attention.
“Actually, the medicine we’re using might not be good for Geumdo Elder.”
“Not good?”
“Not good, So-ryong?”
“I’m not sure about the fish mint, but dandelion isn’t good for Elder. It could even be poisonous.”
“Then why did you use it at first…?”
“Oh, it’s fine in small amounts.”
It seemed an elder was ill—and the boy, who seemed barely adolescent, was speaking with assurance about the risks of prolonged dandelion use.
Which was accurate—it does become toxic with overuse.
‘What a promising youth. Has he been studying medicine? The future of the Central Plains seems assured.’
Delighted to hear such knowledgeable words from someone so young, the Immortal of Medicine smiled privately.
And then he heard more.
“But So-ryong, what if the new medicine doesn’t help either?”
“If I could use medicinal acupuncture, that’d be best…”
“Acupuncture?”
“Medicinal acupuncture?”
“Yes. You fill a hollow needle with medicine and inject it directly into the affected area.”
‘Wait, he knows of Tianjiu Therapy at his age!?’
Cheon Baek-u’s eyes opened wide.
Tianjiu Therapy—the application of bee venom or medicine to stimulate acupuncture points—was a technique only those with deep medical knowledge would contemplate.
And this boy, who appeared so youthful from behind, not only knew of it—he comprehended it.
“But I can’t do it myself…”
“Why? Can’t you just do it yourself, So-ryong?”
“I’m not a physician, am I?”
And he was humble, too.
Despite his knowledge of Tianjiu Therapy, he conceded he was not a trained physician. That alone convinced Cheon Baek-u that he must properly meet this child.
“To be a physician doesn’t matter, right? Anyone can treat someone.”
“Exactly, So-ryong. You’ve been doing great.”
“Right. Ryong’s already opened the shell and applied medicine to the lungs, hasn’t he?”
At that statement, the Immortal’s eyes shot wide open.
Opened the shell and applied medicine to the lungs? That implied cutting through the skin and examining the internal organs.
At that age?
An individual capable of such a thing would be either a prodigy—or a dangerous fool.
In any case, he had to intervene. If this youth was veering toward madness, it was his responsibility to steer him back onto the correct path—for the sake of the Central Plains’ future.
And if they had already cut open someone’s back, the patient might be dying. He would reprimand the boy later—first, he must see the patient.
“You foolish children—what are you saying!? Opened the shell and applied medicine to the lungs!? Are you trying to kill someone!? Where is it! Where’s the patient!?”

***

“Kek, kek!”
“What are you doing to my brother! Agh—ow!”
As I wrestled in his grasp, Sister Seol seized the old man’s arm—but was swiftly overpowered.
It was then that Hwa-eun, looking astonished, spoke.
“Immortal of Medicine, sir?”
“Hm? Hwa-eun?”
Hwa-eun and the old man gazed at each other in surprise.
“You mean you are with them? Your father, the Clan Lord, is esteemed in medical arts—how could you permit this? Quickly, take me there. If a back has been opened, the patient must be examined at once!”
“No, sir, it isn’t like that—”
“Enough!”
Upon seeing Hwa-eun, he released my collar and Sister Seol’s wrist, but even as she tried to explain, he insisted on seeing the patient immediately.
“Hurry! If the spine is exposed, the bones could be injured—!”
Who is this, Hwa-eun?
That is the Immortal of Medicine. He is reputed to possess the greatest medical skill in all the Central Plains. He wanders the land curing the ill. It is impossible to reason with him when a patient is involved.
Now that I think of it, Master mentioned his name once—during the Kissing Bug affair in Hainan.
So-ryong, he has no interest in wealth. Why don’t we simply show him Geumdo Elder? If he truly is the finest physician in the land, it could be advantageous.
Since she identified him as the premier medical authority in the Central Plains, I agreed to her suggestion.
I was cornered anyway—perhaps this would provide a solution.
Besides, the terms “physician” and “veterinarian” differ by only a single character.
And if he was indeed the greatest medical master in the realm…
“Sir, please be calm. However, the patient is enormous—and extremely ancient. Will that be acceptable?”
“You impudent child! I am the Immortal of Medicine! The Immortal! Take me there! There is no ailment in this world I cannot heal!”
With the self-assured old man leading the charge, we turned back from the apothecaries’ street, boarded a boat, and reached Geumdo Elder’s island.
“The patient is on this island?”
He accompanied us into the bamboo shelter. As I carefully removed the oiled paper covering the wound, he said,
“Here…?”
“Hm? Under here?”
Since everything except the wound was concealed by paper, he had not yet noticed anything unusual.
But when he leaned into the opening and looked inside, the Immortal of Medicine jerked his head back and stared at me, utterly shocked.
“Th-this is!?”
Judging by his reaction, the title “Immortal of Medicine” was well-deserved—he instantly recognized this was a living, colossal creature.
“This is Geumdo Elder. He is a giant tur—a turtle. You can treat him, can’t you? You did claim there is no patient you cannot cure…”
When I revealed the patient’s identity, the Immortal faltered, clearly lost for words.
“Ah. No, well… that is to say…”