Lady Jang informed her husband about her meeting with the Queen as soon as she returned home that day. She described Her Majesty's interest in Hana and the mention of an upcoming selection for the Crown Prince's bride.
"Did she say when the wedding might take place?" Minister Jang asked, staring at the floor in deep thought.
"She consulted a fortune teller," Lady Jang replied. "The wedding should happen before Chuseok for good fortune and a harmonious marriage."
"Hmm." Minister Jang nodded slowly. "Then the selection will be announced soon. There are less than two months until Chuseok. Make sure Hana is properly prepared."
"Very well, my lord. Only that… you know about that matter…" Lady Jang spoke timidly.
Minister Jang frowned.
"She will enter the Court no matter what," he declared, slamming his palm against the table. Lady Jang startled at the sudden force in his voice.
A week after his last visit, Minister Jang returned to the brothel. He walked directly to Madam Moon's office and demanded to see her.
"Minister Jang, welcome back. I hear you wish to speak with me," Madam Moon greeted him smoothly.
"Is everything prepared?" he asked, his tone tight.
"Yes. I have arranged a girl for you. Allow me to escort you to your room."
"You remember my request. No visible tattoos. Cover them," he said sharply before heading toward his usual chamber.
Madam Moon followed and, once he was seated, gestured for the girl waiting outside to enter.
"This is the girl I selected," Madam Moon said in a practiced tone. "You do not usually request company, so I chose someone suitable."
The girl stood beside her, head bowed, hands clasped nervously. She appeared young—no more than seventeen—with delicate features and fair skin. Her makeup was carefully applied, her expression composed despite the tension in her posture.
Minister Jang dismissed Madam Moon with a flick of his hand. Once the door closed, he turned to the girl.
"What is your name?"
"Minah, Sir," she replied, her voice trembling slightly.
"Look at me."
She raised her head. The man before her was in his sixties, with graying hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and watchful eyes that missed nothing.
"When did you begin working here?"
"Almost a year ago, Sir."
"And your age?"
"I am seventeen. I will turn eighteen in December."
Minister Jang studied her carefully.
The same age as Hana, he thought. Perfect.
"Sit."
Minah obeyed.
For a long moment, he examined her—not with desire, but calculation.
"Turn around."
She hesitated only briefly before complying.
He observed her shoulder, then traced his fingers lightly over the area.
"How did you conceal it?" he asked abruptly.
Minah turned slightly, startled. "I was told you did not wish to see it…"
"I want to know how you covered it," he said coldly. "Listen carefully. I have no interest in what others do in this room. I need information. And you will speak."
"Yes, Sir."
"I will pay you well. But you will not repeat anything we discuss. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
He leaned closer.
"All the girls here receive a tattoo upon entering, do they not?"
"Yes, Sir. On the right shoulder. It marks our occupation."
"And yet I see nothing."
"There are methods," Minah explained carefully. "We are trained in them. Some customers dislike marks—tattoos, scars, birthmarks. We learn how to conceal them."
"Explain."
"There are three methods. The simplest uses specialized cosmetics, though it does not last long and cannot withstand sweat or touch. For longer concealment, we use treated cadaver skin or pig skin. The cadaver skin is temporary. Pig skin lasts longer and blends more naturally."
Minister Jang listened intently.
"And how is it applied?"
"With a strong adhesive. Then a blending solution is used along the edges so it merges with the natural skin. The process takes nearly a week, with daily applications. Once completed, it is indistinguishable."
"No one can tell?"
"Not unless exposed to prolonged hot water. Lukewarm water is safe. Heat weakens the adhesive."
Minister Jang's eyes gleamed faintly.
"You know how to apply this?"
"Yes. All of us do. We have access to the materials."
He leaned back, satisfied.
"You are an intelligent girl, Minah. I will remember that. Prepare the materials you mentioned. Soon, I will summon you outside this establishment."
She swallowed but nodded. "Yes, Sir."
"And speak of this to no one. If Madam Moon asks, tell her nothing unusual occurred."
"I understand."
He stood, placed a heavy pouch of gold coins into her hands, and left without another word.
Moments later, Madam Moon entered the room.
Minah adjusted her clothing and composed her expression.
"He was rough, Madam," she cried dramatically as she hurried past, though a faint, knowing smile lingered at the corner of her lips.
Madam Moon watched her go thoughtfully.
Minister Jang had not come for pleasure.
He had come for something else entirely.
And that made him far more dangerous.