In the room they reserved, Chinua and Hye were leafing through years of government funding records. As they worked, Hye put down his paintbrush after noting discrepancies between the governor's records and Orgil's.
Hye noted the difference between the two sets of record books. "It seems the records sent from the capital to Governor Gerel and Orgil were consistent over the years," he began. "However, the records of funds and supplies *received* at Lao-Da Pass, Chono Gate, and Eastern Sea are inconsistent with those kept by Orgil, Governor Gerel, and the original records from the capital." He turned the books over, pointing to an entry. "For example, a record from two years ago shows the funds and supplies sent to Lao-Da Pass were twenty percent less than the original records from the capital and those provided by Governor Gerel and Orgil indicate." He sighed. "Not only that, but everything given to the soldiers and the assistance for the people always seemed to be ten to twenty percent less than what was originally recorded." He closed the book and placed it on top of ten others. "We're convinced Minister Tarkhan's records and those of the receiver are accurate," Hye stated. "So, between Governor Gerel and Mayor Orgil, one of them is definitely not being truthful."
Chinua sighed. "It seems everything now points to Orgil," she said.
Hye looked at her. "You don't believe he did all this alone," he prompted.
"All the evidence collected points to him, but is he the only one in this scheme? My answer is no," Chinua replied. She sighed again. "The prince is right. The root of this corruption is buried too deep; it's impossible to uproot completely. I was too naive to think it could be eradicated in a short time."
"Every impossible mission is a lesson," Hye said. "In these failed attempts, there's always a way to solve the problem from a different angle. Let's use this as an example." He continued, "While we may never uncover everyone involved in this corrupt scheme, we'll use our findings to send a clear message to others we haven't identified: if they continue their actions, we will find them, and the consequences will be severe." He smiled. "At least we've restored some peace to this land and made people understand that personal apathy is the first stage of breeding corruption. Furthermore, you give hope to those afraid to make their voices heard."
Chinua smiled at Hye. "Are you sure you don't want to serve the court?" she asked playfully. "I bet you'd make a great governor, and the people would love you."
"Please listen attentively when I teach you," Hye said.
Chinua closed the record book she was reading and looked at Hye, who sat opposite her. She hadn't expected a handful of roasted peanuts would lead her to meet such an outstanding person. Chinua reflected, "You know, back at the northern military camp with Khunbish and Khenbish, I confidently told myself I was the smartest soldier on that training ground. Then, meeting Captain Haitao, I realized I was too confident—just another white grain of rice in a sac whiter than ordinary rice grains." She looked directly at Hye. "But when I met you, my eyes were completely opened. I began to see the many layers of ocean floor beneath the ocean floor." Chinua crossed her arms over her chest. "I really should be grateful for those roasted peanuts." She laughed. "For my next achievement's reward, maybe I'll ask the royal father for a national peanut holiday!"
Hye smiled. "You've given me an idea for a play," he said. "I'll call it 'The Farmer and Her Nine Golden Peanuts'." After we go home, I'll ask Lao Song and his troupe to perform it for us during the New Year."
Chinua smiled happily, listening to Hye explain his idea for the opera. When she heard him mention the word "home," she realized that in the years she'd spent with Hye and the others, each of them had become her closest family. As Hye continued, Chinua knew she had made the right decision that day by accepting King Batukhan's offer.
Hye stopped talking and asked, "What do you think?"
Chinua smiled playfully. "I think it would be a wonderful opera for cowherds," she said.
"You didn't take my idea seriously at all," Hye said indifferently, though a flicker of amusement was in his eyes.
Chinua laughed. "You want everyone to act in your play, even Khunbish!" she teased. "How could I possibly take that idea seriously?"
"Fine, fine," Hye conceded, smiling now. "I'll use Lao Song's actors instead of your beloved subordinates."
"How about my idea?" Chinua asked.
"What is your idea?" Hye prompted.
"My idea," Chinua said, her tone softer, "is to build a big house on Salran Hill with three rooms: one for you, one for me, and one for Khunbish and Khenbish. You can have the biggest room since you have all the books and artifacts. Our front door would face Whitefang Peak, so every morning we could sit and admire the peak while enjoying our mare's milk."
The smile vanished from Hye's face. He sighed. "So you know," he murmured.
"Sorry," Chinua said quietly. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation with Captain Haitao."
"How long since you found out?" Hye asked.
"Since our conversation in Lao-Da Village," Chinua replied. "Khunbish first told me of his suspicions about you. Your conversation with Captain Haitao confirmed them, and hearing your fears made me understand why you refused to serve a king and why I had to make that promise to you." She looked directly at Hye. "You also understand that sooner or later, we will take back Nue-Li City. As my strategist, you must make a plan for our soldiers to knock down its walls."
"I understand," Hye said, "but that day has not come yet."
"If that day comes and your heart is uneasy," Chinua said, her voice gentle, "you don't have to follow me into battle with the others."
Hye looked at Chinua, his gaze searching hers. "So," he said, his voice low. "You didn't believe me when I said that as long as you don't break your promise to me, even if I stand opposite you, I will not oppose you?"
"After everything we've been through, how could I not believe you?" Chinua said. She was about to speak again when three gentle knocks sounded on the front door. "Come in."
The door to the reserved room opened. Enkhjin and two police officers entered, carrying two trays filled with record booklets. The officers placed the trays on the table, then backed out, closing the door behind them.
"Fourth Princess," Enkhjin said, stepping forward. "These two trays contain records of Orgil's properties and his business dealings with six local businessmen."
"What did you find?" Chinua asked.
"I discovered that the material records missing from the military reports match the exact quantities Orgil was handing over to those six local businessmen," Enkhjin reported. He hesitated, then added, "I also discovered... this." He reached into his coat. "I found this in a secret hiding place in Orgil's bedroom." He took out a bronze tally with "East Palace" written on it and handed it to Chinua.
Chinua took the tally. "Have you told anyone about this discovery?" she asked.
"I have not," Enkhjin replied. "Her Highness has not reviewed the information, so I haven't written down the findings yet."
Chinua returned the bronze tally to Enkhjin. "Be transparent," she instructed. "Write down the information you've gathered. His Majesty wants nothing from you but the truth." She looked directly at him. "Your job is to collect evidence, not explain findings. The truth is the truth. Don't be afraid to tell it."
Enkhjin nodded, a warm smile on his face. "Now I understand why Minister Esen speaks so highly of Her Highness," he said.
"These are some of the records we've checked," Hye said, indicating the stacks. "You can take them with you for your report."
Chinua turned back to Enkhjin. "Minister Enkhjin, what did you find out about Officers Dolgoon and Buqa?" she asked.
"Officer Dolgoon and Officer Buqa are the two main police officers here in Anpo City," Enkhjin reported. "According to interviews with their colleagues, Officer Dolgoon has a more laid-back personality, while Officer Buqa is more aggressive. However, it seems neither officer has violated any laws, nor do they appear linked to Orgil's embezzlement scheme."
Chinua paused, then asked, "How long have you known Chief An of Naju Village?"
"Chief An and I have known each other for over ten years," Enkhjin replied.
"What's your impression of him?" Hye asked.
"Very well," Enkhjin said. He looked at both Chinua and Hye. "Chief An is a very fair person, not afraid to express his opinion. May I ask why Her Highness suddenly inquiries about him?"
"I intend to write a letter of recommendation to the royal father," Chinua stated. "I will recommend appointing Chief An as the new Mayor of Anpo City."
Enkhjin was surprised. He hadn't expected such a specific recommendation. "I'm curious why Her Highness recommends Chief An," he said, a note of concern in his voice. "If Chief An is appointed, it could cause conflict in the court. Her Highness, are you aware that Chief An is Minister Esen's brother-in-law?"
"I know," Chinua replied. "But what does the relationship between Minister Esen and Chief An have to do with Chief An becoming the new mayor?"
"Minister Esen is the father of Princess Consort Yargui," Enkhjin explained. "Other ministers will misunderstand this connection and directly attack Minister Esen. They may accuse him of seizing power at court."
"I know there will be rumors initially," Chinua sighed. "And those most affected will be Princess Consort Yargui, Minister Esen, and Chief An himself. But I also know Chief An can restore peace to Anpo and won't turn away Magoli who need help. However," she added, "this is just my suggestion. Whether the royal father agrees is entirely up to him."
"I will convey Her Highness's recommendation to His Majesty," Enkhjin assured her.
"What about you?" Chinua pressed. "Do you think Chief An can become a good mayor for the people of Anpo City and the twelve surrounding villages in the southwest?"
"I personally think it's a wise choice," Enkhjin said, "but as Her Highness said, it depends entirely on His Majesty."
"Minister Enkhjin," Chinua said, "after dinner, I want to see Officers Dolgoon and Buqa."
"I will bring the two officers to see Her Highness," Enkhjin offered.
"No," Chinua clarified. "I want to visit them in prison."
"I'll make arrangements," Enkhjin said. He bowed lightly to Chinua and walked out.
"Why do you want to meet those two lead officers in person?" Hye asked once they were alone.
Chinua smiled. "A good leader needs good followers," she replied.