Hwang Sung Gwang was examining the document with a deeply furrowed brow.

It had been over two years since he came here following his father, who was appointed as the magistrate of Yaseong County. Having been called a prodigy since childhood, his father’s trust in him was solid.

Perhaps because of this, his father often entrusted Hwang Sung Gwang with both large and small matters of the government office. Although it was against regulations, Hwang Sung Gwang always handled the tasks more excellently than most of the other officials would have.

Assigning him to assist the secret royal inspector candidates was an extension of this trust.

When he first greeted the candidates, Hwang Sung Gwang treated them with expectation and awe.

Were they not the people taking the test for the weighty position of secret royal inspector? As he was helping these individuals solve problems, he even made a commitment to work hard.

But tonight, he felt endlessly pathetic about himself.

Watching Hong Woo Geon, who expected to be treated well even before becoming an inspector, made anger rise in his chest.

“Asking for a feast to be prepared.”

It was so absurd that a bitter laugh escaped his lips.

But what was even more dumbfounding wasn’t because of Hong Woo Geon.

It was because of his father’s reaction when he reported this matter.

‘Do as they wish.’

His father closed his mouth after saying just this one sentence.

In this country where in-laws held power, his father had always acted according to his own convictions.

He never walked a path that wasn’t right, and never did anything that wasn’t just. He was a man of principle. Although it was because of those principles that he was pushed out of Hanyang and appointed as the magistrate of this rural area.

Hwang Sung Gwang had never once thought that his father’s choices were wrong.

Yet such a person was telling him to just do something that even a child would judge as improper.

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t understand, and he didn’t want to understand.

Had his father, who was relegated to an insignificant post, finally succumbed to power?

The more he thought about it, the more a hot sensation filled his throat.

But since his father had allowed it.

Tomorrow, as soon as day breaks, Hwang Sung Gwang had to visit Jung Saeng Won’s house as Hong Woo Geon had requested and bring up the topic of preparing a feast.

How should he start that awkward conversation?

Jung Saeng Won was known for his generosity. He would probably laugh heartily and prepare a lavish feast if Hwang Sung Gwang asked for help.

But the problem was that he had to ask for the feast to be prepared at Jung Saeng Won’s house.

Not only providing the food, but also asking to borrow the place.

Hwang Sung Gwang regretted for the first time that he had interfered in government affairs to help his father.

“What if Jung Saeng Won refuses?”

Hwang Sung Gwang worried, remembering that Jung Saeng Won rarely allowed outsiders into his house for some reason.

Thus, a night full of concerns was passing by.

At the same time.

“What did you just say?”

A voice full of displeasure leaked out from Jung Saeng Won’s guest room.

Goo Seobang continued speaking while observing Jung Saeng Won’s expression.

“I heard that the secret royal inspector candidates who came down from Hanyang are asking around about you, sir.”

“Why would they inquire about me?”

“Well, I don’t know the reason yet, sir.”

“So what are they asking about me?”

“They’re asking various things, like when you started living in this area, how much wealth you have, and if it’s true that you lend grain without charging interest, and so on.”

“What?”

Jung Saeng Won’s eyes narrowed.

He had already known that secret royal inspector candidates had come down from Hanyang. However, he had heard they came to find out the cause of the villagers’ stomach ailments.

Why were such people investigating him?

“They haven’t found out anything, have they?”

Jung Saeng Won thought of the granary in the northern backyard.

Could they have noticed something about the secret work going on inside?

“Oh my, sir. How could they possibly find out?”

“Yes, you’re right.”

The secret of the granary was unknown even to the household members.

How could these young men who weren’t even inspectors yet know such a secret?

“Then why are they investigating me?”

“Perhaps…”

As if something had occurred to him, Goo Seobang cautiously opened his mouth.

“This is just my guess, sir.”

Jung Saeng Won stared at Goo Seobang’s mouth.

“Could it be to commend you for your good deeds, sir?”

“My good deeds…”

“Of course, isn’t it? Every harsh winter, all the villagers receive help from this household. Surely that news must have reached His Majesty’s ears.”

As he spoke, he felt that his prediction might not be entirely wrong.

Confidence filled Goo Seobang’s face.

A subtle expectation also gleamed in Jung Saeng Won’s eyes as he stared at his face.

“So you’re saying His Majesty has learned of what I’ve done…”

Just as Jung Saeng Won’s mood was about to brighten.

“Sir, master sir!”

An urgent voice was heard from outside.

“What’s the matter?”

He was just about to indulge in pleasant thoughts…

Jung Saeng Won opened the window with a frown. Outside stood a servant with sweat beading on his forehead, as if he had run in a hurry.

“What’s all this commotion about in the middle of the night?”

To Jung Saeng Won urging for an answer, the servant gave an unexpected reply.

“Intruders, sir.”

“What?”

“There are intruders in the house.”

“You fool. Why are you telling me this now!”

Jung Saeng Won, who had burst out shouting, hurriedly left the guest room.

He had a feeling it was going to be quite an unlucky night.

Bright torches were lit in the courtyard of Jung Saeng Won’s inner quarters.

In the center of the courtyard, two people were dragged by servants and surrounded in a circle.

Jung Saeng Won, with Goo Seobang in the lead, stepped down into the courtyard. The servants made way for their master.

Jung Saeng Won gazed with displeasure at the intruders who had entered someone else’s house in the middle of the night.

The men’s appearance and attire didn’t seem to be from this town.

Jung Saeng Won, who would normally have spoken rudely from the first word, displayed the utmost courtesy he could muster.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Lee Gyo Young.”

Yoo Chi Sung, who was hiding behind Lee Gyo Young, poked his face out and said.

“I am Yoo Chi Sung.”

“I didn’t ask for your names, did I? There must be a reason for you to intrude into my house at this hour. If you can’t give a proper explanation, I’ll have to severely punish you for daring to trespass into a nobleman’s house.”

Though his tone was friendly, the intention behind his words was fierce.

However, it had no effect on Lee Gyo Young.

“I came to confirm a rather strange story I heard.”

“A strange story?”

“I heard that the master of this house is helping to alleviate the poverty of the villagers, which even the king cannot resolve. I’ve never heard such a story anywhere before, so I came to confirm…”

“You came to my house, at this hour, just for that?”

Jung Saeng Won cut off Lee Gyo Young’s words.

Instead of answering, Lee Gyo Young nodded his head halfway.

“I tend to have trouble sleeping when I’m curious about something. However, there is one thing I need to correct.”

“Correct?”

“I didn’t intrude into this house. I came in fair and square through that main gate.”

Lee Gyo Young pointed to the open main gate.

“What?”

“Of course, the servants put up quite a resistance, but I didn’t do anything like sneaking in.”

“Ha ha ha, young man, look at that spirit. Are you perhaps the secret royal inspector candidates who came down from Hanyang?”

“That’s right.”

“I heard His Majesty had started an interesting game, but it seems not only the game is interesting, but the players are too.”

“Then, would you offer us some tea?”

“What?”

“Since we’ve already entered the house, shouldn’t I also find out how generous this household is, whether to report it to His Majesty or not?”

At Lee Gyo Young’s words, Jung Saeng Won turned to look at Goo Seobang, who was stuck to his back like a barnacle.

Goo Seobang was right. It was clear that news of his good deeds had reached the king’s ears. The reason these candidates were causing such a ruckus and even entering his house must be to test his character.

If that’s the case, he should play along.

Jung Saeng Won gestured towards the inner quarters.

“This is just a humble household on the outskirts, so we don’t have much to offer guests. But we can afford to serve a cup of tea. Please, come inside.”

“Thank you.”

Lee Gyo Young nodded slightly and followed Jung Saeng Won into the inner quarters. Yoo Chi Sung followed behind, constantly checking his surroundings.

“That can’t be the plan Hong candidate came up with, can it?”

Kwon Jwa Woo, hiding in the nearby bushes watching them, asked Hong Woo Geon.

Hong Woo Geon, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, didn’t answer.

“Hong candidate, are you listening to me?”

“Shh. It’s just beginning now. It’s going to be quite boring, so Kwon candidate, why don’t you come here and get some sleep too?”

What does he mean by that again?

Wasn’t the plan to search this house while Jung Saeng Won was tied up by Lee Gyo Young and Yoo Chi Sung?

Once again, Hong Woo Geon defied Kwon Jwa Woo’s expectations.

If he would just explain the plan, she wouldn’t be this frustrated inside.

Is he still upset about calling the kiss innocent?

Hong Woo Geon was reluctant to open his mouth.

“You know what? Hong candidate, when you get to know him, he’s quite narrow-minded.”

“You know what? Kwon candidate is a person with a heart as wide and deep as the sea.”

“What’s with that random comment?”

“Isn’t it true? You say let’s pretend it never happened. You insist that the… kiss was innocent.”

“…”

As I thought, that’s it.

He was definitely upset because she called it innocent.

Though he was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and eyes closed, Hong Woo Geon couldn’t hide the discontent all over his face.

Looking at him like this, he’s quite a cute guy… Oh no, what am I thinking?

Kwon Jwa Woo quickly averted her gaze from Hong Woo Geon. She had almost fallen for that face and sulky expression.

As if trying to erase the thoughts from her mind, she leaned against the wall with her arms crossed and closed her eyes, just like Hong Woo Geon.

Hong Woo Geon opened one eye and glanced at her. Suddenly, a smile appeared on his lips and then disappeared.