Chapter 30
As expected, Ayur had already guessed what Ayulsiran had noticed.
“Didn’t we run into each other once in the storage room? If you’re going to make excuses, you should at least try. Of all people, you must know best that items once used by a consort wouldn’t simply be left stashed away in a place like that.”
At the time, Ayur had acted as though he accepted it, but in truth, he had still been suspicious.
Given his proactive nature, it was only natural that upon realizing Argana was suspicious of something, he would investigate the matter of the storage on his own.
“But I can’t for the life of me figure out how Yosmut is connected to this. I couldn’t make sense of it, so I just left it alone.”
“It’s true the people from Hwan-si Palace often came and went from the inner court’s storage. And I kept seeing the same name show up among them… Though Lady Siran said nothing of it.”
“Which name?”
“Homuzah. The maidservant from yesterday.”
Ayur looked down at Argana in surprise.
“Then… are you saying that maid really stole something?”
“All signs point that way…”
So my brother only thought that far. Argana clicked her tongue inwardly.
He’s so shortsighted.
Argana let out an invisible sigh, then calmly spoke again.
“But brother, if a maid wanted to satisfy her greed, there are far easier ways. For example, stealing something directly from her own master. Why would she go so far as to sneak into the inner court’s storage? What need would there be?”
“Since Lady Turegen is so extravagant, she must have frequented the storage. That might have tempted base thoughts. They say coveting begins when one lays eyes upon something.”
“That’s true, but the more precious an imperial item is, the greater the loss if it’s sold off.”
“Why’s that?”
“Think about it. Who would buy something so clearly imperial at full price? And even if someone did, could they ever hope to break even?”
“…”
“As you know, expensive things are mostly bought by palace officials or nobles. If a stolen imperial object were to fall into their hands, imagine the risk if they noticed it.”
At last, Ayur nodded as if he understood. Still, questions lingered.
Rubbing his chin in thought, he asked:
“So, even if they got big money, it would be hard to hide.”
“Exactly.”
“Then why on earth would they do it?”
“I told you before, didn’t I? There must be someone behind this.”
“Besides Lady Turegen, who else could there possibly be in Hwan-si Palace…?”
Ayur trailed off, blinking as he brushed at his lips.
His steps slowed… then after a moment, he regained his pace.
“Argana… surely not…”
“What is it, brother?”
Ayur ran a hand down his face with a disbelieving look, his brow furrowed.
“If Yosmut meddled with the inner court’s storage for his own gain…”
“It’s possible. From Homuzah to another, and then another… after only a few hand-offs, it wouldn’t be hard to turn it into money. He could cover his tracks too. He could even have secured drinking money without Lady Turegen, my mother, knowing a thing.”
Right, Yosmut had supposedly given that maid a jade bracelet and shoes.
Perhaps he had really given them—but not as a gesture of asking her to look after Lady Turegen. Rather, as payment for her troubles.
“You didn’t already know all this, did you?”
His eyes were filled with doubt and suspicion.
Argana quickly forced an innocent smile—without even knowing why she did it.
It was a defense mechanism, instinctive.
“How could I possibly have known all this? If I had, I’d have reported it to Father right away.”
“Well, true enough…”
Though convinced, Ayur still kept a doubtful look in his eyes.
Just like when they were children, Argana leaned lightly against her brother’s shoulder.
“So, brother, when you go to Lady Siran, please put it well. Tell her this matter concerns the very discipline of the imperial family. No matter how wayward Yosmut acts, he is still a prince, isn’t he?”
“Yes, I understand. I’ll do that.”
Good. That much is settled.
Argana then thought of the eunuch surely being watched by Kartak—Yosmut’s close eunuch. He must be the one in contact with Homuzah.
Perhaps others were involved too, but there was no way that eunuch wasn’t part of this.
It’s better not to mention to Ayur or Lady Siran that Yosmut is probably gathering gambling money. If I tell Father directly, the effect will be greater.
And making a fuss only to scare off the sparrows was the height of foolishness. Argana thought.
Ayulsiran Empress, upon hearing the full story from Ayur, was furious. She immediately ordered the maids of Lady Turegen’s Hwan-si Palace dragged in.
But Ayur stopped her.
“Please calm yourself, Mother. We must watch first.”
“What is there left to watch? If Prince Yosmut is involved, then all the more reason not to delay!”
“I know, Mother. But Yosmut is a cunning one. To save himself, he will surely come up with tricks. Making noise will only give him an escape route.”
Ayulsiran was deeply moved by her son’s calm demeanor.
She stroked his cheek like a child’s, even tearing up.
“Do you know how relieved and glad I am, to see my son grow so admirable?”
“You raised me this way, Mother. It’s all thanks to you.”
A clear tear rolled down Ayulsiran’s cheek.
“My son, so precious I would not feel pain even if I put you in my eye…”
Gazing at him with deep emotion, she broke into a tender smile. So different from the face she showed Argana.
“Prince, whatever you do, don’t worry. Always remember, your mother is behind you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mother. I will remember.”
“But this matter…”
“I will handle it.”
But Ayulsiran slowly shook her head.
“No. I will. It wouldn’t look right for a proud prince to meddle in the trifling matters of the inner court.”
“But Father…”
“His Majesty only told you to be watchful of the details. He did not truly mean for you to intervene in the inner court’s affairs.”
Ayur wanted to argue further, but stopped.
Right. What need was there for him to personally step in? Everyone in the palace knew Yosmut was running wild. If the First Empress herself scolded him, word would certainly reach Father’s ears.
But Argana…
“Prince?”
“Yes, Mother.”
“You’ll do as I say, won’t you?”
Blinking, Ayur then gave a gentle smile—one that closely resembled hers.
“Yes, Mother. I will obey you.”
After parting ways with Ayur, Argana immediately sought Kartak and asked about the eunuch he was having watched.
“Just in time—you’re the one I was looking for. I got a message not long ago.”
“Why? What happened?”
“That eunuch entered the palace without anyone noticing. I ordered a tail put on him. They’ll follow him to the end.”
Argana felt her chest grow hot, her heart pounding.
I’ve been searching for the right place to set the trap—and now the fox has walked into it himself.
So he was inside the palace.
What could be better? Things were going splendidly.
“Good. We must catch that eunuch.”
“But didn’t you say Prince Ayur also knows of this? Will he be joining us?”
“No. He doesn’t know this far. He only thinks Yosmut is wasting money on indulgence… If he knew it was gambling money, he’d storm the gambling den with soldiers and smash it to pieces.”
