The Second Steward, disguised as a guard, exited through the gates of the outer palace and sat beside a beggar stationed near the palace entrance.
"How can you sit on this stone pavement in weather like this?"
"Hah... seems even begging has its hardships."
"I doubt it's as hard as being the Second Steward of the sect leader."
"What brings the Second Steward here?"
The Second Steward took two liang of silver from his belt.
"Two liang, and information worth ten liang."
"If you're smart, you can sell it to at least four people."
"And in exchange for what?"
The Second Steward reached for his belt and loosened his sword, startling the beggar.
"Calm down. You can't sit comfortably with this sword."
"Lately, the Hao faction has begun moving in and out of our inner palace."
"Whether they're easing the loneliness of our young ladies or corrupting a few maids and guards isn't important."
"I want to know why they've started moving, and I want to stay one step ahead."
The beggar took a deep breath and tucked the silver into his clothes.
"The First Steward knows."
"I'll tell him tomorrow."
"The Beggar Sect is affiliated with the Murim Alliance. Why did you come to us?"
"If you were truly a trusted member of the Alliance, they wouldn't have turned to the Hao faction."
"Besides, isn't money the most important thing to beggars?"
"Hah hah hah."
"Right."
The Beggar Sect representative knew opposing both the Hao faction and the Alliance was dangerous, but with some caution, they could avoid the danger.
When a conflict reaches the gray zone, it means neither side is yet seeking war.
---
In the inner palace, within the Fourth Lady's villa, Ling Yue's quarters were quiet. Lan and Zhan were trying to get closer to each other.
But there was a problem.
They had no opportunity to speak except at night, and they were overexerting their infant brains.
The result: two perpetually sleepy children.
"My Lady, you have a guest."
"Let them in."
"Shhh."
"They're asleep. Don't play the flute."
"Alright, sorry."
Ling Yue knew this was no ordinary visit—it had been arranged without prior notice.
"Nurse Choi, could you watch over Lan and Zhan? I need to take a short walk."
When they reached the villa courtyard, Lady Yue raised her hand to signal the start of the conversation.
"I met with a representative of the Hao faction."
"And?"
"Lady Dung-i has given birth, and some time has already passed."
Ling Yue was surprised.
"There was no news of a pregnancy, nor any announcement of a new child."
"Are you sure the information is accurate?"
"Yes. One of the maids in the second concubine's villa belongs to the Hao faction."
"And the child's name was chosen from one of the Heavenly Demon's Eastern swords."
"Geon-ma. It shares the name of the demonic sword Geoma."
Even this naming held meaning. The Korean sword Geoma was one of the Heavenly Demon Sect's treasures and originated from Lady Dung-i's homeland.
"In that case, the news won't be announced for several years."
"But to secure Lan and Zhan's future, I must be the first to deliver this news to the First Lady."
"What did they ask for in exchange?"
It was unthinkable for the Hao faction to do anyone a favor—they always wanted something.
"Employment."
"Employment?!"
"Two people they've selected must be employed within the inner palace, along with a few liang of silver already provided."
Employing individuals tasked with spying on the sect might seem insane, but members of the Hao faction play the role of disposable pawns, and one of the Heavenly Demon's consorts holds the power to manage future crises.
"This means the informational support will continue."
"Yes, my Lady."
"Sigh."
"We'll accept it."
"All of this is necessary for Lan and Zhan's future."