Chapter 47

The Divine Messenger (47)

The quaint manor located on the outskirts of the village was a place prepared by Jo Dae-ya, who had run a large trading company for a long time, to spend his retirement in peace.

Despite this, Jo Dae-ya was still highly respected by the villagers.

This was because he had used his wealth to help famine victims during a drought and had always been involved in the village's affairs, never sparing his resources.

However, even the well-known tycoon could not escape the passage of time.

For some time, he had felt his physical strength severely weakening, and recently, his chronic illness had worsened, forcing him to spend most of his days in bed.

No medicinal tonic could restore his once robust vitality.

The doctors could do nothing more, as his condition stemmed from old age rather than a specific illness.

"Hmm."

Lying in bed, Jo Dae-ya let out a heavy sigh.

It was unbearably miserable and difficult to lie there all day, waiting for the day of his death.

Turning to his son, who was keeping watch by his bedside, Jo Dae-ya spoke.

"It seems there's not much time left."

His son, who had been by his side, was the successor of the trading company and was known for his filial piety. He shook his head as he held his father's hand.

"You are not the type to be defeated by such a minor illness. You will recover soon."

"No, I can feel that my life is coming to an end."

Jo Dae-ya turned his head and looked out the window.

"My mind is confused, and my strength has waned..."

His deeply wrinkled face was filled with unmistakable regret.

"Ri Mu Tu Yuan (日暮途遠) ... The day is already setting, yet the journey is still long."

Jo Dae-ya said to his son.

"Go back and rest now. I want to be alone for a while."

After dismissing his son, Jo Dae-ya fell into a light sleep.

Then, at some point, he slowly opened his eyes.

He felt a cold breeze on his face.

It was then that he noticed the wide-open window and a figure standing silently in the darkness.

Jo Dae-ya's heart sank, thinking it might be the legendary Grim Reaper.

At that moment, the figure spoke.

"I apologize for visiting so late at night without permission. Are you the esteemed Lord Jo Hwashi, the Pacifier of Troubles?"

The courteous voice of the figure slightly eased Jo Dae-ya's guard.

"Who are you...?"

"I am late in greeting you. I am Samu-sim, a mere wanderer who has long admired you, Lord."

Samu-sim bowed respectfully and approached Jo Dae-ya.

"I apologize in advance for any rudeness. However, everything I do is for your benefit, so please bear with me."

As soon as he finished speaking, Samu-sim lifted the blanket covering Jo Dae-ya and carried him in his arms.

"What, what are you doing...!"

Shocked and confused, Jo Dae-ya cried out, but then lost consciousness.

Samu-sim had pressed a pressure point at the back of his neck.

At the same time, Samu-sim's figure disappeared into the darkness with Jo Dae-ya in his arms.

* * *

It wasn't until the next morning that Jo Dae-ya could return to his manor.

And he did so on his own two feet.

The servants were startled when he entered through the main gate.

Since his illness, Jo Dae-ya had never left his bed, so their surprise was indescribable.

His son, Jo Hyosim, who rushed over due to the sudden commotion, was equally surprised.

"Father?"

Jo Hyosim was both happy and bewildered.

He had been by his father's side longer than anyone, witnessing his illness.

Even the countless doctors he had hired with a large sum of money had shaken their heads, saying there was no cure for old age.

Yet, the figure of his father standing before him was in perfect health.

"This is... really..."

Jo Hyosim couldn't continue, overwhelmed by his emotions.

And for Jo Dae-ya, who had endured a long illness, it was even more unbelievable.

He himself couldn't believe it.

His once heavy body now felt incredibly light and refreshed.

It was as if he had become ten years younger.

Jo Dae-ya said to his son.

"Call Doctor Hwang."

A short while later.

The doctor, who had been summoned to the manor, was astonished upon examining Jo Dae-ya's condition.

He had been in charge of Jo Dae-ya's health for a long time.

"You are cured!"

Amid the shock of the manor's residents, Jo Dae-ya gave direct instructions to the servants.

"Prepare a meal. I am very hungry after walking for so long."

Jo Dae-ya, who usually only managed a few spoonfuls of gruel, finally had a proper meal.

Jo Dae-ya could now feel that the events of the previous night were not a dream.

The vitality that filled his body made every bite of food taste delicious.

After such a satisfying meal, Jo Dae-ya spoke to his son.

"You have worked hard. I have burdened you greatly."

Jo Hyosim shook his head at his father's words.

"Please don't say that. Your recovery is enough for me."

Fortunately, it seemed that his prayers and wishes had reached the heavens.

The offerings he made at the temple whenever there was a Buddhist ceremony were not in vain.

"Having overcome such a great trial, you should now enjoy a long life. You are as strong as iron, which becomes harder the more it is struck."

Jo Hyosim's words brought a bittersweet feeling to Jo Dae-ya's face.

He knew how much his son had suffered for him.

He couldn't bear to reveal the truth to his son.

―There is a saying that life is determined by heaven.

He suddenly remembered the words of the young doctor he met the previous night.

The place where the young doctor, who introduced himself as Samu-sim, took him was a pavilion nestled in an unknown valley.

There, he met the young doctor.

A boy with eyes that sparkled like stars, giving off a mysterious aura as if a celestial child had lost his way in the mortal world.

The boy, who had taken his pulse, smiled bitterly and said.

"Parkinson's disease."

Jo Dae-ya was puzzled.

Other doctors had all said it was old age, never mentioning such a disease.

"Parkinson's disease is a degenerative condition where the limbs and body tremble and stiffen. In the early stages, the symptoms are not distinctive, or if they are, they are hard to distinguish from normal signs of aging."

Jo Dae-ya saw a glimmer of hope in his words.

"Is there a cure?"

The young doctor answered his question.

"To be honest..."

"..."

"The reason Parkinson's disease is hard to distinguish from old age is that the outcome is predetermined. Whether it progresses slowly or quickly, it ultimately leads to death."

In other words, he needed to prepare for death.

Having heard this many times before, Jo Dae-ya could only smile bitterly.

However, he heard something unexpected.

"However, I can improve your symptoms. At least to the point where they do not interfere with your daily life."

"Is that really possible?"

"Yes, but as I mentioned earlier, I can only extend your time, not cure the disease. You can deceive the disease, but not death."

That was enough for now.

What he needed most was time.

Even if it was short, it was a precious time to wrap up his life.

But he didn't reveal this to his son.

Just being able to maintain his mental clarity and have a conversation with his son was a blessing.

"Bring me the ledgers and documents related to the ongoing business."

* * *

A few days later, Jo Dae-ya visited the alley where the herbalists lined up.

As agreed, he entered the herbalist shop at the end of the alley, where Samu-sim was waiting for him.

Jo Dae-ya approached Samu-sim with a bright face.

He then held Samu-sim's hands with both of his and spoke sincerely.

"I didn't have the chance to thank you that day. Thank you, really thank you."

"You look much better. I'm glad."

"Is that all? Every day of my ordinary life now feels incredibly precious. All of this is thanks to you, Lord Samu, and the doctor."

"Lord... I can't accept such a title."

Samu-sim smiled and handed him a small box.

"These are pills made by Lord Gokju. Taking one every four days will greatly help you."

"Lord Gokju? You mean the young doctor?"

Samu-sim nodded.

"Yes, I assist him as a manager, though I am not very powerful."

"Manager... Manager."

Jo Dae-ya, who had been thinking deeply, looked at Samu-sim with a profound gaze.

"Surely you have some expectations from me, an old man?"

Seeing Samu-sim's silent smile, Jo Dae-ya waited patiently.

He had lived his life as a merchant.

He knew better than anyone that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Finally, Samu-sim spoke.

But the content was unexpected.

"I am considering Western trade and would like to borrow the strength of your trading company."

Jo Dae-ya frowned.

"Maritime trade is monopolized by trading companies linked to the government. Our company is not small, but they have already established solid relationships, leaving no room for us to enter."

"Ah, you misunderstood."

Samu-sim smiled and continued.

"I am not thinking of maritime trade. I plan to bring goods through the land route."

"Land route? You mean the Silk Road?"

Jo Dae-ya looked incredulous.

The Silk Road, first opened during the Han Dynasty, was a trade route that crossed the inland, connecting the East and West.

Emperor Yingluo, who overthrew his cousin Jianwen and ascended the throne, changed the name of the former capital Jinling to Nanjing and moved the capital to Beijing.

From there, he launched several northern expeditions.

Through these, he completely expelled the remnants of the old dynasty, the Beiyuan, beyond the Great Wall.

Afterward, the Ming court strictly sealed off the Great Wall.

As a result, the Silk Road, which had long been a conduit for cultural and material exchange, had long become a mere formality.

Moreover, the resentment of the displaced ethnic groups, the Daldan, had reached its peak.

"You won't get permission from the government."

To cross the Great Wall, one had to pass through gates like Shanhaiguan or Yumen Pass.

However, the Ming court would never allow it.

"I have a solution, so don't worry. We can bypass the Great Wall and take a large detour beyond Yumen Pass."

"Even so, it's still a problem, isn't it? You will face the fierce territory of the Daldan tribes directly."

"I have already considered that."

Samu-sim gave Jo Dae-ya a confident smile.

"If the trade is successful, it will also greatly benefit your trading company."

"Can I ask what you plan to bring in?"

"Zhang Honghua (Zhang Red Flower) produced in Persia."

"......!"

Jo Dae-ya was visibly surprised.

Zhang Honghua, a red flower, was a spice more expensive than gold of the same weight.

"Even the Zhang Honghua brought in through maritime trade is in considerable quantity, but it's hard to maintain quality due to the humid sea air. However, most of the Silk Road is dry desert and highlands. Although the quantity will be less compared to the sea route, it can be sold at a much higher price."

Samu-sim added.

"I have already inquired about a trustworthy Western trading company. Please arrange for high-quality silk and porcelain. We will discuss the sales after safely bringing in the Zhang Honghua."

Jo Dae-ya, who had been staring at Samu-sim, slowly nodded.

The conditions were not difficult compared to what he had received.

"Understood. I will prepare to supply the best goods from the Central Plains."