Eunuch Kim entered the Crown Prince's chambers carrying a tray of sweets and tea. He expected to find His Royal Highness immersed in documents, preparing for the next day's meeting with the ministers.
BANG!
Startled, he dropped the tray. Porcelain shattered across the floor as he looked around in panic.
"Your Majesty? Your Highness? Where are you?" he cried in despair.
Then realization struck him.
Lee Sun must have left the palace again—incognito.
The most infuriating part for Eunuch Kim was that the Crown Prince never informed him beforehand, leaving him to panic every single time. It was his duty to know the whereabouts of His Royal Highness at all times. Yet ever since he had become the Prince's personal eunuch, not a single day had been easy. Lee Sun had always possessed habits that tested everyone's patience.
Disguised as a traveling merchant, wearing a tall black gat with strings of beads falling from his chin to his chest, Lee Sun slipped through a hidden palace gate known only to him and his most trusted guard.
He had begun these secret outings at the age of fifteen. Ten years later, they had become his favorite escape.
Outside the palace walls, he could hear the true voices of his people. He could witness the reality of the streets and mingle with those who lived far from the sheltered luxury of the court.
And there was no better place to hear secrets than the establishment most frequented by noblemen: the brothel.
It was where business intertwined with sin. Where wealthy men sealed deals between cups of liquor and silk-clad courtesans. Where whispers carried more weight than royal decrees.
"Welcome, Mister! What a pleasure to see you again. Come, I will have the girls prepare your room. You know we always keep one ready for you—you are one of our oldest customers."
Madam Moon greeted him with a radiant smile.
She had been running the brothel for ten years, ever since the previous madam passed away. Though surely in her forties, she carried herself with youthful allure. Her powdered white skin contrasted against crimson lips and dark, knowing eyes. Her mauve embroidered jeogori clung elegantly to her figure, and long black silk skirts flowed around her hips. In her hand, she waved a delicate fan embroidered with cherry blossoms, revealing slender fingers tipped with red lacquered nails.
Though she no longer entertained customers herself, she ensured every man who entered left satisfied—or at least behaved himself.
There was, however, one exception.
Lee Sun.
As they passed the other rooms, laughter and drunken shouting echoed down the corridor. Ministers who carried themselves with solemn dignity at court now sprawled across cushions, drunk and leering, their hands wandering shamelessly.
Lee Sun's jaw tightened.
The same men who spoke of virtue and order behaved like beasts behind closed doors.
Only one room stood apart—quiet, guarded.
He raised an eyebrow.
"So Minister Jang is here tonight?" he asked quietly as he seated himself on the cool floor of his private room.
"Most nights," Madam Moon replied, lowering her voice as she sat across from him. "He stays until dawn and meets various people. Mostly merchants."
"Who serves him?" Lee Sun asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"No one," she answered. "He never drinks here. And he does not allow any of the girls inside. He insists on being alone with his guests."
She leaned closer.
"But there is something strange."
"Oh?"
"The merchants who meet him… they never return. Not once."
"And why is that strange?" Lee Sun asked evenly.
"In all my years here, I have never seen a man visit this place only once—unless he died."
Silence settled between them.
"So you suspect Minister Jang of something?" the Prince murmured. "It is suspicious enough that he conducts business outside his official duties. A minister is not permitted private enterprises."
He stood.
"I will look into this myself."
"Leaving so soon, Your Highness?" Madam Moon rose as well.
"For now. But I need you to investigate those merchants. Learn whatever you can. Report to me on my next visit."
She bowed gently. "As you command."
On their way out, they passed Minister Jang's room again. The minister stood among several richly dressed men.
As Lee Sun walked by, Minister Jang's eyes narrowed slightly. He rose and followed the departing figure with his gaze. The tall young man, accompanied by a swordsman, looked… familiar.
"Madam Moon," Minister Jang said smoothly once she returned, "I see you've begun offering personal services again. I did not know you had resumed such work."
Madam Moon laughed lightly. "Oh, Minister Jang, I am far too old for such things. The gentleman was merely asking about one of the girls. A youthful infatuation, I believe."
"Ah. Of course." He coughed softly.
Then his tone shifted.
"Speaking of your girls… I will require one during my next visit."
"Certainly, Minister. Do you have any preferences?"
"Yes. She must be young. No scars. No marks."
He paused.
"And I do not wish to see that tattoo your girls bear. Ensure she covers it."
"Of course," Madam Moon replied smoothly. "You are not the first to make such a request."
Minister Jang returned to his guests.
Madam Moon, however, did not miss the cold calculation in his eyes.
Outside, as Lee Sun mounted his horse, he glanced back toward the brothel entrance.
He had seen Minister Jang speaking privately with Madam Moon.
That alone was enough.
He would return sooner than planned.
Something was wrong.
And he intended to uncover it.