Chapter 184 - Chapter 57

Chapter 184: Chapter 57
 
After he eased the patient’s mind, Kanghyok went out of the room.
Dolsok followed him urgently.

Are you going to visit the next room?


Yes, that’s right.


We have a very serious patient in this room…



With a gloomy look Dolsok opened the door.
As soon as the door was opened he smelled a very disgusting odor inside.
Not only the smell of blood but also rotten smells.
A guy dressed in police uniform was lying diagonally.
He was breathing roughly, but his consciousness looked good. Although, he was in critical condition as Dolsok had mentioned.

Ah! His forearm was cut off?


I bound it up roughly, master.


Ah, is this the soldier who walked with you?


Yes, master.

Tilting his head to one side, Kanghyok approached him.


More than 80% of his left forearm was cut off.
‘Blood wasn’t circulating into the lower part of his forearms.’
It was all dark red around that area because of this wound.
And that’s the cause of the rotten smell.
‘I can’t put them back.’
That patient didn’t lose much blood as Dolsok gave him first-aid in a timely manner.
Kanghyok looked at Dolsok proudly.
Good job!


Thanks, master.
Scratching his head, Dolsok gave him an awkward smile.
That patient also smiled as if he felt reassured of Dolsok’s first-aid.

He has survived thanks to your timely aid. How much does it hurt?




I feel much better than before.


You should.

Actually, he lost his nerves in that area.

Hmmm…

Kanghyou couldn’t tell him that he would amputate his arm now.
How could he afford to lose his arms in Joseon, where one’s labor was particularly important?
Fortunately, it was his left, and not his right forearm that needs to be amputated.

You’re safe now.


Ah, thanks!

The patient lowered his head without knowing what Kanghyok had to say next.



But I need to amputate your left arm.


What?


Though you were saved thanks to Dolsok’s first aid, I can’t revive your left arm.


But…

He stammered, looking at his dangling arm.

Do you see that discolor on your arm?


Yes….


The flesh there was dead. If it is left untouched, the upper area of your arm will get rotten.


Oh my god…

His left arm being eaten by germs, not getting rotten, would be more accurate description in this case.



Dolsok, open the bag now.


Yes, master.

Then Kanghyok gave him a list of operating tools, and turned his head to the patient.
He was so shocked that he was shivering at the moment.

The surgery will be done quickly. So, don’t worry too much.


Ugh?…


Do you have a family?


Yes, wife and children, sir.


Where is your house?


Not far from here.


How did you make a living?


My wife earned her living by needlework, and I was farming. Sometimes I helped noblemen sort out their book to make extra money.

Kanghyok got interested in his mention of arranging noblemen’s books.

Arranging books? Do you know how to read?


Yes, I can read and sort them out according to the titles.


Got it. Let me guarantee you can make your living. So, turn your head to one side.


Yes, sir…

While he was exchanging a few words with the patient, Dolsok was done with preparing the surgery.

Look at this, Dolsok.


Yes, master.

He pointed at the white and round tube across the section of his cut forearm.

This is the artery.


You said it’s red, but it’s white.


Because blood wasn’t circulating here. You tied it up, right?


Aha~


You should tie this separately to stop the bleeding.


Got it.

Kanghyok first tied the artery with threads.
As the blood stopped circulating there for long, it was easy to do the surgery.

Now, we tied up big blood vessels. Let’s cut down other parts.


Uhh….
the patient moaned when he heard this.

Stay still. If it hurts too much, let me know.

Kanghyok took out a local anesthesia, lamenting there was no general anesthesia.

You will feel a sting.

As most of his left forearm was cut, there was not much area for him to give an injection.
Kanghyok gave a shot instantly and held the scissors.

Cut it with this.


Yes, master.


Hold it tight!


Yep!

Now the patient’s left arm was cut off neatly.
Fortunately he stayed still, turning his head to one side.
He seemed much relieved when Kanghyok reassured him that he didn’t worry about making a living.

Good, we’re almost done.


Already?


Nope. This patient should be very cautious from now on. Let’s take him to our house after informing the mayor of his condition.


Hmmm…

At that moment Dolsok looked gloomy because that meant the patient’s addition to his family. As Dolsok was in charge of managing housework, he now had to take care of this patient without one arm.
How could he make use of someone without an arm?

Why are you gloomy?
asked Kanghyok.

Oh, no, master. I just follow your order, but…


What?


You told him a moment ago that he didn’t need to worry about making a living. Are you going to use him at home?


Why not?


He doesn’t have an arm, master.


Well, he knows how to read. I guess my father is going to use him anyway.


Got it, master. I’ll let him know then.

Dolsok couldn’t raise any objection now as his master was adamant.

Is there any other patient?


None, sir.

Recalling last night’s fierce fighting, Dolsok shuddered once again.
Without Makbong, he would have died somewhere in the field.

It’s a miracle that we have survived this time.


Yes, master. Yoni and Makbong did such a great job.


You bet. I think I’ll have to take them wherever I go.


Are you about to go somewhere?


Oh, not really. I need to rest, man.


Yeah, that’d be good for you, master!

Kanghyok smiled at Dolsok, who was letting out a sigh of relief.
‘I can take a rest, but you can’t.’
How can Kanghyok sit idle after he asks the mayor to get him some toads?
Kanghyok would also have to send out some of his servants for the job, and Dolok was the most reliable out of them.
Probably he would assign Dolsok to catching toads and falcons for the time being.
After patting him on the back, Kanghyok went back to patients.

As soon as I’m done here, you go with me to my house. You can make more money by arranging books there.


Wow…thanks, master!

The patient kept lowering his head to Kanghyok who amputated his left arm.
When Kanghyok came out, it was already dark.

Dolsok?


Yes, master.


I wonder if the cavalry troops led by General Shin were defeated at all.


I don’t think so. When I watched them fighting against the Japanese raiders, they were no match for our troops.


If that’s true, the torches over there were lit up by our troops, right?

Kanghyok pointed at the marches of torches filling the surroundings of the village.

Oh.. really? I can’t see as it’s dark here.


Bring them over here.


For what, master?


Tell them we should run if something goes wrong.


Got it, master!

Not only Kanghyok but also Dolsok didn’t want to get involved in another war.
He quickly ran to Yoju, Yoni and Makbong and came back with them.

Get some food and weapons, too.


Yes, master.


By the way, aren’t they friendly troops?

Holding his medical bag, Kanghyok directed at the numerous torches.
In no time there was heard the clatter of horses’ hooves.
When they looked with a stunned expression, they were armored generals.
The general at the forefront of the part was familiar to Kanghyok.
He still vividly recalled the general beheading a nimble Japanese raider at the single stroke of sword.
‘Wow, we won!’
As expected, the general shouted at the top of his voice,

We attacked the main base of the enemies and crushed them. Soon, General Shin will come here. So, be prepared, everybody!

Except for the wounded, everybody went to the entrance of the village.
In no time, General Shin and Mayor Yunkil Kim returned in triumph.
The war was ended like that.
Though there were many casualties including Changkwon, it was a victorious way anyway.
And the mayor was in a happy mood.
Kanghyok made a dramatic reunion with his father Sungmun.

I heard a lot about you. You have had a hard time so far, but I’m so proud of you.


I’m flattered, dad. I didn’t play any big role this time.

Sungmun then smiled broadly at thim and took out a letter from his sleeves.

I’ve got letters for you.



Really? Who sent them?


These letters are from Soonsin Lee and Joon Huh. They are asking you to stop by Hanyang one one these days. Just travel to Seoul and see them as soon as you’re done here.