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Chapter Text

Jinshi has been able to see his red string of fate for as long as he could remember.

The thread followed him everywhere - From the regal halls of the Royal Pavilion to the impromptu camps he found himself in back in his days of military service. It wound and wove around his legs, belongings, and environment, but the other end always stayed true to where his soulmate supposedly was: The Royal Capital, just south of the Imperial Palace.

Of course, locating said soulmate was no easy task. The Royal Capital is the most densely populated city in all of Li, packed with buildings and people for his string of fate to weave between and become thoroughly tangled in. Besides, did he really want to find his soulmate? What if they could never be together? What if she wasn’t to his liking? Worse yet, what if he wasn’t to her liking?

“Master Jinshi.” Gaoshun’s voice cut through his train of thought, and Jinshi once again caught himself gazing out at the southern gate of the Rear Palace. As always, he never stepped beyond the precipice.

He knew he was being foolish for thinking of his potential soulmate while working, or at all, really. After all, ‘Master Jinshi’ had no time to get attached to someone romantically, especially not one he may never meet in his lifetime. As long as he followed the emperor’s will and gained respect and notoriety as ‘Jinshi’, he could one day have the freedom to do as he wished. Maybe then, and only then, he could go looking for this elusive woman and make her his wife.

“Might I remind you that we have been tasked with visiting Lady Lihua. She’s expecting a child any day now, and it will not do for us to arrive too late in the night.”

Despite his stern words, Gaoshun’s tender expression betrayed him. From a young age, Jinshi had always stared out towards the Capital, wondering what - or who - awaited him there. Of course, with age came responsibilities and his own set of plans and motivations, but that sense of longing never left him. His advisor would of course be the first to notice, and this gradually became a routine between the two. The young prince would find himself drawn just south of his home and work, and his advisor would have to pull him back to reality.

“Right. Let’s go, Gaoshun.” Jinshi ordered half-heartedly, giving the red string threaded between the doors of the gate one last glance before continuing on his path to the Crystal Pavilion.

As a child, he'd heard tales from Suiren of how an older soulmate could see the string from their partner's birth, while the younger of the two could feel but never see it. That is, until both partners developed romantic feelings, at which point the sight and feeling of the string would remain mutual until one of the two passed away. 

Jinshi would never say it aloud, but he was eternally grateful that his soulmate was close enough to his age for the string to appear when he was very young. After all, he didn't want to partake in the previous emperor's... Unpleasant tendencies, as scornfully referred to by his successor.

Being raised by two adults who'd found their soulmates earlier in their lives affected his opinion of the celestially ordained string around his ankle, which would otherwise be an inconvenience for a noble - One who, when the time comes, may have to marry for political gain instead of love. This was simply a fact of life - One that was made apparent to him from a tender age, as he watched girls only a handful of years younger or older than him marry into the Imperial Court. 

Perhaps, due to his lot in life, he felt some degree of jealousy towards his caretakers. He didn't miss the way Suiren's timeworn eyes sparkled when talking about her husband back at home, or how Gaoshun's typically stoic expression softened when letters from his wife arrived. 

It must be nice, having the freedom to marry for love.

Pairin sighed wistfully as she glanced out of the window, her soft features illuminated by candlelight. 

Behind the courtesan, her beloved little sister prepared her typical dose of contraceptive medications and tea. She paused upon hearing what could only be described as a fair maiden's longing sigh. Here we go again.

"What's wrong, Pairin? Are you feeling unwell?"

Why was she even asking when she already knew the answer?

"Oh, Maomao... I'm simply wondering when my prince will arrive."

Maomao set the jasmine tea down and knelt next to Pairin on the bed, gazing out of the window with her at seemingly nothing. It was the early hours of the morning, and even the bustling nightlife of the Pleasure District had come to a halt as customers and courtesans alike retreated to their homes and chambers.

Pairin pointed down at the gate to the Verdigris House, its golden accents glittering under steadily fading lamplight. It had already been closed and locked by the old proprietor for the night, allowing the courtesans and their overnight visitors some form of protection in an otherwise dangerous, albeit beautiful red light district.

"My red string is still down there, I can see it. It goes out of the gate..."

Maomao’s gaze followed Pairin's finger as it traced an invisible line towards the dimly-illuminated streets of the Pleasure District.

"And makes a hard right."

"Have you tried to follow it?" Maomao asked against her better judgement. She's an apothecary, not a matchmaker. Besides, she's certainly not qualified to speak of romance, having no experience herself. 

"I did. I was still a serving girl, and my string had suddenly appeared one day. It used to go some other way, and its origin was so far away that I had to turn back before sundown.”

Pairin chuckled to herself as a fond memory came to mind. 

“I remember I got an earful from the old lady that day about how it was a dangerous world out there for a little girl like me, and I shouldn’t have wandered as far as I had. Meimei and Joka told me she was worried sick, even if she’d never tell me herself.”

‘Typical granny, never knowing how to say how she truly feels.’ Maomao thought to herself, as hypocritical as her doing so was. That old woman’s love language really has been incessant scolding since the dawn of time. She allowed herself one dry chuckle as Pairin continued.

“A few years ago, though, the string started going that way. Perhaps my love moved…”

‘A little bold to call someone you haven’t met your love, isn’t it?’ The apothecary monologued as she glanced down the right side of the street for reasons beyond herself. It's not like she was one of the few blessed with the ability to see others' strings. Despite her doubts on the real-world compatibility of soulmates, she’d hate to rain on Pairin’s romantic parade, as delusional as the older seemed.

“I agree, he probably moved away from home.” Maomao obliged her sister where she normally would’ve let the conversation fade. Perhaps she should’ve gone to bed a few hours ago, before she got swept up in Pairin’s romanticism. Despite her lack of sleep, her brain began turning on its own. Just what was up north? “Is he always there?”

"Most of the time. I sometimes see the string wander for weeks at a time, only to return to that direction." Pairin said with a sigh as she leaned on the windowsill. 

‘The picture of a fairytale princess…’ The younger thought. That is, if the fairytale princess had been gifted with bountiful fruits of womanhood. The less gifted of the two pondered for a little while longer. What would prompt a man to stay put for most of the year, only to stray for several weeks before returning? 

The thought of a man having to leave home for an extended period of time brought a certain monocled freak's story to mind, as well as a distinctly bitter, non-medicinal taste in her mouth. She grimaced for a mere moment, but couldn’t quite shake the possibility out of her mind.

"He might be in the military." Maomao murmured to no one in particular. Pairin, aided by the calm of twilight and her proximity to the girl, hummed thoughtfully.

"Oh? What makes you say that?"

"The military’s headquarters are that way." 

Maomao rested lazily on her unbandaged arm, while the other pointed at where Pairin's string allegedly went.

"He probably moved there to join the military a few years ago, and leaves for camp when he's needed. That's why he moves for so long, but always returns to that point to the north."

"A military man, huh?"

“Yeah.”

Of course, that was all conjecture on Maomao’s part, but Pairin didn’t need to know that. She decided to let the older of the two dream of her soulmate a little longer, and turned to see her expression. The apothecary found it to be a mixture of her typical lust with something else she couldn't quite read. Pride? Love? Longing?

"Yes, I'd quite like that indeed…” Pairin chuckled to herself, thoroughly satisfied with the supposed answer Maomao had provided her with.

“What about you, Maomao? Surely a prince of your own is out there somewhere~" 

Pairin's attention turned to the girl, placing a hand on her head and drawing her closer. The gesture was what Maomao could only describe as encouragement... Or peer pressure. The latter of the two certainly felt some sort of pressure as her head was pressed against the older woman’s form.

"I've told you before, Pairin. I can't see my string... If I even have one."

"Ah, well that just means they’re older than you, then! Any tension against your ankles?"

Maomao sighed in frustration. Of course Pairin wouldn't give up so easily. She considered lying to her, but the older woman who’d practically raised her would see straight through her anyway.

"Pretty often. I used to feel tugging all day, but in the past five years, I mostly feel it at dawn."

Pairin giggled, patting the top of Maomao's head. "So you do have a soulmate, and it seems that they're the active sort, too!"

“Yeah, the sort that likes to wake me up at the crack of dawn for years.” Maomao said with an exasperated sigh. The young apothecary brushed Pairin’s hand off of her hair, and rested her chin atop her folded arms on the windowsill. She was all but certain she couldn't feel what others called love. Her soulmate would have to understand that, if they ever met at all.

Then again, she was a peasant girl - The chances of her marrying for anything other than one less mouth to feed were close to none. The old lady had already been trying to make her a courtesan for years, and then it would only be a matter of time before a middle-class man would come and buy her for his own strange tastes. She shuddered at the very thought.

Meanwhile, Pairin had hardly noticed, having long returned to her star (string) gazing as the sun began to rise over the horizon. Unlike Maomao, Pairin was a special case. She was simultaneously a high-ranking courtesan and extremely sexually active. While the former stopped those of the middle and lower class from laying a finger on her, the latter scared away many high-ranking officials and rich men who valued purity above all else.

At that moment, Maomao felt envious of her older sister. Pairin could choose to stay at Verdigris until she's forced to retire. With her appeal and high price, even the nagging old lady wouldn't stop her. If someone rich enough to afford buying her came by, she would be guaranteed elevated status and a life of comfort. Finally, on the off-chance that her soulmate came looking for her, if he truly is a military man, then he must be of decent stock and fair wealth. These were all favourable options, as far as Maomao was concerned. 

Maomao suddenly understood her grandmother's insistence on her becoming a courtesan. Being a high-ranking courtesan is not only extremely lucrative, but a means of independence and protection. But that requires looks, and...

Maomao glanced down at her pathetically flat chest and undeveloped form.

Never mind.

It must be nice, having the privilege to marry for love.

Chapter Text

A mere week after the prince was born, Jinshi and Gaoshun once again found themselves on their way to visit the Crystal Pavilion. Checking on the health of concubines (and now, their children) was only routine, after all.

Speaking of routines, the duo were slated to pass by that fateful gate once again. Not wanting to linger for too long and alert his advisor, Jinshi gave the southern gate nothing but a passing glance.

To his surprise, his string had moved, and no longer led out of the gate. In fact, it seemed to go to the northeast. He abruptly stopped in his tracks, and Gaoshun nearly walked straight into him.

“Master Jinshi?”

Against all better judgement, the young master’s imagination went wild with what could’ve led his soulmate, who had seemingly resided in the same place her entire life, to make such a drastic change.

What had happened? Had his soulmate moved away from the capital, towards the coast? What if she was married off? Or kidnapped? The possibilities raced through his mind as his ears drowned out Gaoshun’s second or third attempt to get his master’s attention.

One possibility came to the forefront of his mind, one that brought dread and hope both.

Could his soulmate be within the walls of the Rear Palace? If she was a concubine, this could be a problem. After all, concubines were all married to the emperor, and he may not be willing to let go of such a prize. Even if he obliged his ‘favourite’,  there’s simply no telling what the repercussions would be if her family or clan had married her off for political gain. Then again, when was the last time the emperor brought in a new concubine? If his memory served him right, it was quite some time ago, certainly before his last passing of the gate…

There, of course, were other options. If his soulmate was a lady-in-waiting or a high ranking servant, then she’d mostly likely be from a well-do family, and asking for her hand in marriage wouldn’t be the most difficult or unreasonable. Of course, there was the issue of his false identity and status as a ‘eunuch’, but he supposed his soulmate could simply marry the emperor’s ‘sickly brother’ in private…

Then there was a third option. The Rear Palace was the home and workplace of hundreds of servant girls from various backgrounds and education. His soulmate being of the lower class was troublesome on its own, and while stories of nobles and officers finding beautiful women at garden parties to take as their wives weren’t all too uncommon… What of the prince?

He mentally kicked himself for not paying closer attention to the latest wave of servant girls and court ladies brought into the palace due to the recent birth of two imperial children. Perhaps if he took her age and place of origin into account, he could finally discover the identity of his elusive soulmate…

“Master Jinshi.” Gaoshun’s words finally reached the self-proclaimed eunuch. His expression was one not of stoicism or even annoyance, but rather, concern. It was in times like these where the older man’s experience as a father shone, Jinshi supposed.

“Did something happen?” Though Gaoshun’s voice remained unchanged and his face fell back to its usual neutral expression, Jinshi had been around the man for long enough to notice his slightly furrowed brow. He felt bad for worrying his advisor so.

“No… It’s nothing.” Jinshi tried to regain his composure, his gaze following the red string on the pathway ahead of him as it rounded a corner and disappeared. It moved just a little bit, almost as if waving in the fall wind. He’d always presumed that meant his soulmate was on the move or doing something labour-intensive.

“Is there something there?” 

Crap. Gaoshun definitely noticed him staring.

“No, no. It’s nothing. Let’s go.” 

Jinshi put the idea of ever meeting his soulmate to the back of his mind. She probably travelled to the coast for work or family, that’s all, and Jinshi would do well to remember his station and status - He didn’t have the luxury of pursuing what others called love. Under the guise of adjusting the bottom of his robe, he gave the string around his ankle a little tug by jolting his knee backwards. Though he could not feel it, being able to see the string was a comfort. His soulmate is still alive and out there, somewhere, and he hoped that his little gesture sent her the same message.

“I just need to keep my head down. Two years, Maomao. Two years…” The freckled girl mumbled to herself, carrying a rather large load of laundry belonging to various low-ranking concubines. Her work for the day was almost over, and the sky had turned a pleasant blend of orange and red.

Working as a servant girl wasn’t the worst. It was certainly safer within the palace walls than it was in the back streets of the Pleasure District, and she was well fed and clothed. The manual labour wasn’t all too intensive as there was an abundance of scrawny and malnourished women like herself, and the company of other girls close to her age was quite nice.

While distracted by the grumbling in her stomach as their evening meal steadily approached, Maomao suddenly felt a strong tugging feeling around her ankle. With all the grace of a cat falling from a shelf it certainly shouldn’t have been trying to get to, she landed face-first in the dirt, with her very own laundry basket full of unwashed clothing falling atop her head. Thankfully, it wasn’t very heavy.

"Maomao?! Are you okay?!"

Speaking of the company…

Xiaolan helped her new friend up from the dirt, gathering the clothing that Maomao had been carrying back into the basket while the taller girl dusted herself off. She was lucky that it was the dry fall season, and it wasn’t remotely humid enough for the dirt to stick to her.

“Thanks, Xiaolan.” Maomao gave Xiaolan a little thankful bow as the latter handed the basket back.

“Did you trip on something? You fell so suddenly, but…” Xiaolan looked behind them, and Maomao followed her gaze. The ground that she’d fallen over on was as flat and obstacle-free as ever, and the other servant girls around them were too far away and engaged with their work to have tripped her over, on accident or otherwise.

Maomao sighed. Judging by the sudden pressure around her ankle, she already knew who the culprit was in the back of her mind. Well, not their name or face, but the very concept of a person she had yet to meet.

“I think my soulmate was playing a prank on me.”

In that very moment, Xiaolan’s eyes grew as wide as saucers as she leaned in closer to Maomao. In the older girl’s eyes, Xiaolan was exuding some sort of enthusiastic, girly aura. It was truly blinding to look at.

“You have a soulmate?!”

Soulmates were pretty common to have, but the very mention of romance caught the attention of every serving girl and maid within earshot. Maomao suddenly found herself surrounded by a crowd of women, each with their own questions, assumptions, and unsolicited advice.

So much for finishing her work on time.

The next morning, Jinshi received a report with details pertaining to about a dozen serving girls who had been reprimanded and given write-ups by the Matron of the Serving Women for arriving to dinner late. Their excuse? Talks of soulmates and romance, which had apparently devolved and spiralled for so long that they all fell behind on their laundry duty.

With it came a list of names for his records, in case any incidents occurred within the Rear Palace whilst these girls were unaccounted for, or their tardiness became a regular occurrence. Amongst the list of names, one stood out to him for some inexplicable reason, even before he’d read the characters themselves.

“Maomao… What an interesting name.”

Chapter Text

Three months have passed since that fateful day, and Jinshi’s string of fate has been moving rather irregularly. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. 

On some days, he’d catch it veering back towards the south. On others, he'd see it dancing between the north and east. As much as he wanted to focus on his work and the health of the two ailing infants, he found himself worrying for his soulmate he had yet to meet. What could cause such erratic movement? 

Several possibilities came to mind: His soulmate could indeed be within the Rear Palace, and the constant movement would only be natural as both him and his soulmate moved throughout the day.

She could also be working within the Outer Court, which would very well account for the movement, and also somewhat quell his fears of a political clash or class imbalance getting between him and his alleged one true love.

The final possibility seemed more and more impossible the more erratic the movements of his soulmate seemed to get. There was simply no way she could be far from the capital, with how their little shared thread seemed to spin in all directions around him throughout the day. People don’t travel that fast, and few ever have reason to travel that often to begin with.

For better or worse, he’s gotten better at thinking of this woman he’s never met while walking, working, and positively sparkling as the beautiful eunuch and manager of the Rear Palace he needed to be. Thus, he’s since quelled Gaoshun’s concerns.

At least, those of his master acting strange.

“Master Jinshi, a quarrel has broken out outside of the Crystal Pavilion…”

Jinshi sighed. This was most certainly about the prince.

He could already hear Lady Lihua’s piercing cry, as well as the flustered palace physician’s poor attempts at mediation as he approached the crowd that had gathered in the courtyard. The wise consort's personality had recently begun to sour and become uncharacteristic of herself, most likely due to the strain of her own illness as well as her son’s. He could hardly blame her - She had the weight of her own life, as well as that of the nation’s future on her shoulders.

She was failing them both. His visits to her only became more and more difficult to bear.

The stressed Rear Palace manager took the time during his brisk walk to the pavilion to choose his words carefully - It would not do to heighten the tensions between the rivalling houses present, only exacerbated by both of their extremely delicate positions. Mere moments before he could recite what he’d planned in his mind’s eye to intervene, however, something caught his attention.

It was but a mere murmur - Something that could easily be missed, but he immediately reacted to this voice, as if by instinct. 

"If only I could find something to write with..."

It had only been mere moments before he turned around. Despite this, the source of the voice seemed to be long gone, the entrance to the courtyard behind him empty save for the odd servant or eunuch who were most certainly there before.

It was such a simple and unassuming statement, so why did he feel like he needed to know who had said it? For all he knew, it could’ve been a servant girl tasked with delivering something, or who simply wanted to keep a diary.

As he turned around to make his way back to the crowd, he noticed that his red string was no longer in front of him. Rather, it had decided to go the other way.

How odd.

“Who could have sent this message?” Jinshi placed two delicate fingers atop the strip of fabric presented to him by the precious consort, and noted its jagged edges and texture. It wasn’t of particularly high quality, but wasn’t so poor as to suspect interference from outside of the Rear Palace. This was most likely an inside job.

“I’d like you to find out.” Lady Gyokuyou, ever-observant, noted that Jinshi’s expression had changed to one of self-satisfaction as he rather quickly seemed to put the pieces together. What they were, she could not tell quite yet, but what she did know was that her friend enjoyed a good mystery. 

‘At least, when the stakes are low…’ The lady recalled Jinshi’s rather frustrated demeanor when investigating multiple attempts on her life less than a year ago, and supposed it mattered not if they ever found this elusive saviour - Her daughter’s life had already been saved.

Tasked by Lady Gyokuyou (and fuelled by his own curiosity,) Jinshi was to find the servant girl who'd inadvertently saved Princess Lingli's life with a well placed, if not ominous message. A tall task amidst hundreds of servants, if not for that voice…

“What will you have me do, Master Jinshi?” Gaoshun responded to his master’s summons later that afternoon.

The girl from that day. While Jinshi did not commit her face to memory, he remembered her short stature and dark hair. That, and her ability to write despite wearing an eastern-wing laundry girl’s garb… Perhaps this search wasn’t going to be as difficult as he’d thought.

“Have the Matron of the Serving Women gather all of the serving girls who fall under these criteria.” Jinshi handed Gaoshun a wooden letter with a small list of features. The older man read the writing with mild interest, placing a hand on his chin.

“It looks like you have someone very particular in mind already. Do you already know who the message came from?”

Jinshi smiled knowingly.

“I have a hunch.”

<<You with the freckles. Stay here.>>

As he held up the paper, a certain girl with freckles and dark green hair almost immediately jumped from her spot in the crowd. Jinshi and Gaoshun gave one another a look - They got her.

The other serving girls in the room whispered their confusion amongst another in hushed tones as they left. Just as the woman of the hour realised that she needed to make her escape, Jinshi stopped her by placing a firm hand on her shoulder with one of his iconic eunuch smiles.

"Please keep quiet and follow me."

To his surprise and confusion, she swatted his hand away. When was the last time a woman had glared at him with such contempt, or refused his gentle touch? 

He couldn't say he hated it.

Perhaps expecting some resistance from such a feisty character, Jinshi ordered Gaoshun to keep watch from behind as they made pace towards their destination. Once again proving herself to be unpredictable, the girl followed with not a word of resistance or hesitation.

To his amusement, however, she kept feigning illiteracy.

‘It’s a little too late for that, don’t you think?’

Maomao, knowing her place, could do nothing but glare daggers into this annoying eunuch's back as they walked for what seemed like an eternity through a part of the Rear Palace she’d never been to before. She could barely register that they’d made their way into a beautifully decorated home, nor that they had ascended the stairs towards the upper chambers until they’d finally reached their destination.

Once there, Maomao lowered her arms to see a beautiful concubine with bright hair, adorned in crimson and gold. Though she’d never served under this woman directly, her striking appearance and lavish abode meant she needed no introduction - This was The Precious Consort, Lady Gyokuyou.

“Thank you for your trouble.”

That meant that the baby in her arms was none other than Princess Lingli. Thankfully, the young princess seemed hale and whole, laughing in her mother’s arms without a care in the world. It seemed that her message had reached at least one of the consorts.

“I’m so glad…” Maomao spoke in a mere whisper. Despite her cold personality, perhaps she had a soft spot or two for girls younger than herself. That would explain her choice of friends here in the palace, actually…

As Gyokuyou opened her eyes, she seemed surprised for a brief moment before returning to her usual composure. Jinshi was quick to notice this, but said nothing as Gyokuyou expressed her thanks to the servant girl, who was more than eager to deny everything. He supposed he’d have to save questions for the Precious Consort for later.

Lady Gyokuyou watched from her balcony as Maomao left the Jade Pavilion, the small girl muttering to herself and understandably startled by her sudden and drastic promotion. The former couldn’t help but giggle to herself at the sight.

“Lady Gyokuyou, I have a question about your new lady-in-waiting, if I may.”

The Precious Consort, still in a good mood, smiled and turned to face Jinshi behind her, with his humble advisor in tow.

“What is it, Master Jinshi?”

“I noticed you seemed a little surprised when you first laid your eyes on her. Is her appearance not to your liking? I’m sure we can convince her to put some makeup on to cover her freckles and colour her lips, if that’s the issue…”

Jinshi brought his hand up to his chin in thought, closing his eyes to try and imagine the servant girl with a full face of makeup on. She honestly… Looked pretty good. At least in his mind’s eye. Of course, it’s not that she looked bad without makeup.

Why was he trying to justify his thoughts on her looks, anyways?

“Oh, of course not! I want her to feel comfortable in her appearance, whether she decides to wear makeup or not.”

Ever the considerate one, this Precious Consort.

“It was something else entirely… I’m surprised you didn’t notice!”

Jinshi seemed even more confused, and amusingly enough, Gaoshun began to mirror his master’s confusion as well. Gyokuyou giggled to herself for what might’ve been the hundredth time today, before looking out at the gate to her courtyard. Jinshi approached the railing of the balcony as well, and followed her gaze. All that he saw was a thin red string stretching beyond the courtyard’s exit, its end out of sight. 

“What would you have me look for this time?” Jinshi said in a quiet, exasperated tone. It became clearer and clearer that Lady Gyokuyou, no longer burdened by the health of her infant, has returned to playing her games - It was perhaps this playful and joyous personality that had drawn the emperor to her in the first place.

Lady Gyokuyou hummed, perhaps musing on a way to drag her little game out for a little longer, or to make it as entertaining as possible for herself. The eunuch gave his friend a sideways glance, only to find her staring at the exact same spot she had before, as if expecting something to emerge through the gate. Of course, nothing of the sort happened.

“I’d like you to look for your future!” The Lady turned to Jinshi with a cheeky smile, earning a bow from Gaoshun as she then moved past him and left Jinshi alone to stew on what seemed like a miniature riddle. 

What did she mean by that? Furthermore, what had she been looking at all this time? As the sun set on the Rear Palace, he watched the ladies of the Jade Pavilion fuss about finishing their cleaning for the day and preparing for the evening meal. Now tangled between them was his thread of fate, woven between their legs and brooms. Its end was, as always, out of sight. 

Jinshi found himself sighing and earning a somewhat concerned expression from Gaoshun. Once again temporarily unburdened by the goings-on of the Rear Palace, yet feeling as close as he’s ever been, he wondered if he could finally go looking for her.

Chapter Text

Jinshi was positively swarmed by women (as per usual) as he took his leisurely stroll to where he was told the young apothecary would be - The servants’ living quarters, where she was gathering her belongings to take to the Jade Pavilion. While not ideal for his cause, his entourage simply couldn’t be helped, and it wouldn’t do well for his glittering eunuch persona if he brushed the myriad of serving ladies and concubines off.

The manager had already committed to seducing Maomao to keep her poison-related capabilities under control, yet he can’t say he’s seen any warning signs of ulterior motives thus far. Good. As easy as it is to exploit others’ lust, it did leave him with an unpleasant feeling, as well as some unwanted advances. He internally cringed at the rather lustful way a certain military officer had been looking at him the other day as he visited Jinshi’s office in the Outer Court, insisting that they have a night of drinks together. 

The Manager of the Rear Palace had, of course, done his due diligence before hiring Maomao as Lady Gyokuyou’s new lady in waiting. He consulted her records, noting that she’d been sold into servitude by a lower mercantile family. 

How strange it was, then, that she was admitted as an illiterate laundry girl, and claimed to and had sufficient evidence of being a daughter of an apothecary instead of a merchant. Even stranger was that this was the selfsame Maomao that had been punished a few months prior for choosing talks of soulmates and romance above arriving to dinner on time. She didn’t strike him as the type to believe in soulmates, the pull or sight of a string be damned.

The ever-charismatic eunuch arrived at his destination with his gaggle of fans in tow, and noted that his red string of fate seemed to lead… Directly into the dormitory where the apothecary should be. Of course, he couldn’t go look for himself - As much as the public believed that he was missing his most important parts, it would still be terribly uncouth for him to go peering into the serving women’s quarters.

‘I’m probably just imagining things.’ He thought to himself as he diverted his attention back to his rabid and rather shrill-sounding fans, his ears positively ringing as they swooned over every move he made.

After spending far more time than he would’ve liked entertaining the ladies around him, he finally heard footsteps coming from the open doorway of the dormitory. Perfect. The sooner he could return to the safety of his office, the better.

Ah.

Perhaps he hadn’t been imagining things at all.

Attached to the end of the string was the apothecary herself. It was regrettably not the first time he’d even seen her, and he was ready to kick himself for not noticing sooner. Is this what Gyokuyou was referring to? He wasn’t even aware that she was gifted in such a way, but perhaps it was fitting for a wise and observant consort to have such abilities…

Unlike the crowd of women surrounding him, Maomao seemed utterly (and rather refreshingly) unimpressed by Jinshi’s presence. While the manager had his signature smile on, his heart and mind seemed to race with no end in sight. The apothecary? That makes no sense, she’s never given him as much of a smile despite his charms… Perhaps that’s what made her special, but what of their difference in birthright? This was positively scandalous! 

Right. He was supposed to be seducing her. He mentally braced himself to try and manipulate his newly-discovered soulmate of all people, and approached her with the grace and poise expected of him.

“Apothecary, are you ready to move?”

“Yes, I’m on my way to the Jade Pavilion soon. Did you need something?”

Keeping his usual appearance up was becoming unexpectedly tiring. He could already see himself collapsing at his desk later and receiving either a scolding or concerned look from Gaoshun. Probably both.

Okay. It was time. 

“No, nothing.”

He carefully approached the apothecary, trying to ignore the pounding in his heart and the rather adorable way she looked when she had a younger girl (perhaps a friend?) clinging to her clothing.

‘Focus, Jinshi! Now’s not the time!’

Jinshi raised his hand, gently caressing her fringe. That should do the trick. Maomao froze for a few seconds, as if mentally processing what had happened.

“Be sure to serve Concubine Gyokuyou well.”

Maomao, with a surprised expression, seemed to shiver almost violently before her face became hidden to him beneath her fringe. Did it work or not? Jinshi mentally cursed their height difference as Maomao excused herself and walked away, all but drowned out by the longing cries of his admirers. Curiously enough, the apothecary’s little friend didn’t seem affected at all, but perhaps she was still too young to care about such things.

Oh well, his work here was done. With a little flourish, he flicked his fringe and earned a few more adoring cries before leaving for his office, perhaps at a faster pace than usual. The little red string tied around his ankle tensed and stretched as it was pulled along, all the way to the Outer Court.

As if Maomao wasn't going through enough stress after her utter failure to stay out of the spotlight. Now she had to worry about one of her bosses being a weird eunuch with no respect for personal space! With a face like his, one would think he'd flirt with literally anybody else...

'Like the women who were glaring at me like the dirt under their feet, for starters.'

The serving girl groaned, making pace to the workplace and living quarters she had no choice but to move to. Not only was her new position one that would attract the attention of some of the most powerful people in the country, but that beautiful, meddling eunuch being anywhere near her was bad news. Jealous women were notoriously catty, annoying, and deceptive, and the last thing she needed was a target on her back.

'What's the point in chasing after a man without his important parts, anyways? Sure, there are other ways to please a woman, but...'

Maomao was quite literally yanked out of her inappropriate pondering. She stopped midway through her brisk walk to the Jade Pavilion to stare in a rather annoyed manner at her left ankle, which now had a soft but repetitive pulling motion applied to it, undoubtedly by her soulmate. What could he possibly be up to? Running? Horseback riding? It mattered not, because Maomao found it aggravating regardless.

The apothecary gave the string a tug of her own, knowing damn well that it wouldn't do anything. She hoped that he was looking, at least, so he could see her pull of protest. She was in enough of a bad mood without the constant pressure around her leg.

Her soulmate really had awful timing.

Jinshi had practically melted into both his seat and desk by the time Gaoshun arrived at his office, looking rather confused at his master’s change in demeanor. He seemed fine this morning, after all. The advisor carefully closed the door behind him and stood in front of it, as if guarding it. It would not do for someone to see his master in such an unbecoming state.

“Master Jinshi.”

Jinshi didn’t even bother giving the man a proper greeting, opting to grumble into his sleeves as he stared a hole into some empty corner of the room. Just what had happened during his brief meeting with the apothecary? 

“Is something wrong?”

It was not the first time Jinshi had acted out of character in these past few months. While he’d always had an inexplicable habit of staring out of the southern gate, he’d since replaced that behaviour with staring at buildings and around corners within the Rear Palace itself, as if in search of something.

It made Gaoshun wonder if…

No, he can’t simply jump to conclusions like that. Hearing no response from his master, he asked yet another question.

“Did something happen?”

“No, no…” Jinshi finally hoisted himself up into a sitting position at his desk, and Gaoshun sighed with some amount of relief. He could at least tell that his master wasn’t lying, and that he wasn’t too emotionally inebriated to function. If nothing had happened, however, then what warranted this change in mood? The older man knew that asking Jinshi directly would get them nowhere - The young noble had always been terribly stubborn, and if it were something he was willing to share with Gaoshun, he would've likely proclaimed it the moment his advisor stepped into the room.

Both Jinshi and Gaoshun seemed deep in thought as the former’s head spun with everything that had led up to this point, as well as worry for his future. The stars were cruel indeed for not only making someone of the working class his soulmate, but putting her under his employ as well. 

Perhaps it was too early for him to feel attracted to her in any way, but what if he did fall for her? Would that steely gaze of hers even be capable of returning his affections? How in the world is he going to court her, in the workplace no less? Marriage was even further out of the question, with his status as a ‘eunuch’ and hidden identity in mind. Perhaps she could prove herself trustworthy, but being privy to his identity would put her at risk… Oh gods, what if she died? From an accident, assassination, or…

“... poison tasting capabilities. We wouldn’t want to be late.”

“A-Ah, yes. Let’s be off to the Jade Pavilion.”

‘Why, oh why did I have to employ her as a poison taster?’

Chapter Text

A few days later, he paid yet another visit to the Jade Pavilion. Of course, doing so was part of his duties, but he had more than one reason to visit. Or rather, three of his five reasons for visiting were rather conveniently rolled into one particular apothecary-shaped soulmate of his.

Once again, Lady Gyokuyou, Master Jinshi, and all of their attendants within the Rear Palace were gathered in one room. Of course, this included the apothecary. Jinshi had warmed up to the idea of her a little bit despite their time apart, even flashing her one of his signature smiles, but…

The apothecary returned a look of utter disgust, one he had never seen directed towards him before. It seemed more akin to a look one would give to a poisonous caterpillar, let alone someone objectively beautiful and so much higher than her in rank. Perhaps this was her way of showing her own comfort in her new position, if you could even call it that.

Perhaps it was a fluke. He turned his head to meet the gazes of Lady Gyokuyou’s other young ladies in waiting, who all squealed in excitement at the eunuch’s mere gaze. That was normal.

He then turned back to the apothecary, who shivered and gave him yet another disgusted look. How troubling.

Maomao once again impressed everyone in the room with her knowledge of poisons and drugs, immediately being able to tell from smell alone that the baozi Jinshi had received from a rather bothersome military officer with an aversion to women had been laced with aphrodisiacs. Jinshi cringed at the mere suggestion that said officer may try to visit him on his lonesome, hoping he’d be inebriated by aphrodisiacs. The idea itself disgusted him, and besides, he had a soulmate…

A soulmate who had just been the one to confirm the presence of aphrodisiacs in his food, and was currently glaring at him from across the table with a look of pure disgust.

Huh? What did he do this time? Unless…

Gods, she probably thought he was some sort of pervert or something! He also found himself somewhat thankful that she could tell from smell alone, as if she’d taken a bite and been affected herself… Well, he didn’t know what would happen per se, but he didn’t want to find out - Not if Hongniang and Gaoshun’s piercing stares from their stations were anything to go by. 

Meanwhile, Lady Gyokuyou giggled, clearly amused by what Jinshi guessed was her newest form of entertainment. It gets terribly boring in the Rear Palace at times, and it wasn’t every day that the precious consort got to play matchmaker. Perhaps he’d find this scenario rather entertaining himself, if he wasn’t one of the main characters in this unlikely love story. If you could even call it that, based on the soul-piercing glare Maomao was still giving him.

Jinshi let out a sigh before clearing his throat over the sound of Gyokuyou’s laughter. At least someone was having a good time. He had yet another task at hand for the apothecary, or at least a case he’d like a second opinion on.

Soon enough, much to Jinshi’s surprise and mild amusement, Maomao had quickly and effortlessly solved a poisoning case on the front lines that had thoroughly stumped countless military officers before even arriving at his doorstep. He kicked himself for not thinking of this sooner, but he could hardly hold a candle to Maomao with his regrettably rudimentary understanding of poisons. Loath as he was to be subject to fate, the stars already seemed to know that he’d appreciate Maomao’s knowledge and intellect. Though there was nothing to be done about fate, he supposed all he could do now was exploit her knowledge as planned, and hope she didn’t turn up dead from her rather dangerous job.

'Hm… Speaking of exploiting her knowledge…'

“Can you make an aphrodisiac?”

The words left his mouth before he had the chance to properly think them through, perhaps out of desperation to get a certain officer off of his case. As expected, Maomao’s brow furrowed in disgust at the mention of aphrodisiacs for the second time that night. Oh, he’d really done it now. Jinshi mentally prepared himself to be on his lonesome for the remainder of his life, having ruined any and all chances to be with his one true soulmate.

That’s what he thought, at least, until her face lit up like a thousand stars. A not-so-faint blush dusted her cheeks as she seemed so ecstatic she could barely stay still, positively vibrating with excitement. Nobody in the room had ever seen Maomao this happy, which was made quite obvious to Jinshi by the confused and somewhat frightened looks cast by everyone in attendance, his own included.

As the apothecary calmed down and humbly lowered her arms, she gave him a smile that was mild, rare, and genuine. It gave Jinshi an unfamiliar fluttering feeling, and he found himself capturing the very image of her smile and tucking it away to the back of his mind.

“Given time, the proper ingredients, and the right tools, I could make something like that.”

A woman well and truly dedicated to her craft, perhaps to a terrifying degree. Though with all of this woman’s eccentrism and quirks, what could explain this feeling in Jinshi’s chest?

After their rather eventful meeting with the ladies of the Jade Pavilion, Jinshi and Gaoshun treaded through the halls of the Rear Palace, the former attempting to be as quiet as possible to avoid attracting attention to himself as he made his escape to the Outer Court. The last thing he needed was a distraction as his mind filled with thoughts of the apothecary, and how that grimace she loved to give him vexed him so.

“Master Jinshi, where are you headed?”

So much for keeping a low profile.

Gaoshun turned around first to assess the source of the flirtatious voice, and he’d most likely be writing a small report on the matter to the emperor later, depending on the outcome of the conversation. Jinshi, having to temporarily shake Maomao from his thoughts, put on as neutral of a smile as he could before joining him.

“I’m returning to my office.”

The beautiful eunuch wanted to end the conversation right then and there, but his duties as the Manager of the Palace simply did not allow him to. What if she genuinely needed his assistance?

“May I help you?”

‘Please say no.’

“I was wondering if you’d have tea with me in my room…”

It seemed like Gaoshun would be writing a report that night after all. Jinshi heard his attendant, who’d only just finished his own paperwork for the day, let out a small sigh from beside him.

“Unfortunately, I have much work to attend to. Please excuse me.” Jinshi gave a small bow and one of his signature smiles to the concubine, who positively swooned under his very gaze. Before she could try and convince him any further, the two men turned and continued along their path at a slightly brisker pace.

Behind them, the concubine let out a positively obscene sound at Jinshi’s acknowledgement, causing Gaoshun to furrow his brow. It was one thing to consider his young master attractive, but to invite him into her room and find herself in such a state after one small exchange was ridiculous. 

Though Jinshi would typically be mildly disgusted at such a reaction from someone wed to his own brother, he was already deep in thought. Not of the needy concubine whose name he could barely remember, but an eccentric girl who seemed far too excited to be creating aphrodisiacs.

“A concubine cannot simply be beautiful or well-educated. They must be loyal to the emperor and be chaste.” Jinshi narrated to himself as he signed off on Gaoshun’s report. As much as he disliked this work, the emperor both deserved and specifically requested to know if certain concubines lusted over the supposed eunuch. The emperor, despite being wed to so many women, only visited those with the personalities and devotion appropriate for their station. Those with any less would most likely remain unvisited for the rest of his reign.

He counted his blessings that his soulmate, though within the Rear Palace, wasn’t wed to his very own brother. Not only would that be horribly complicated for everyone involved, but the possibility of her being visited by the emperor (or anyone, really) left him with a twisting feeling in his gut.

“Our emperor can be quite severe at times.” 

Indeed. Jinshi allowed his imagination to wander, and wondered what he would ever do if Maomao had become a concubine instead. Perhaps with her eccentric nature and personality, she would never be visited, but the emperor would’ve still been loath to let go of a woman of such intellect.

Intellect with a hint of fanaticism, if her reaction to drug making was any indicator. That woman was nothing if not interesting, and though he didn’t want to admit it, the eunuch was looking forward to watching her go about her task. One borne from his personal interests, but one she seemed more than interested in partaking in nonetheless.

“We all use whatever’s available to us. But…” 

There was something about the light in her eyes when she was finally given permission to shine in her craft. Perhaps a little worryingly, it seemed similar to the one he caught on her as she tasted food that could very well be poisoned. Then there was another expression, one she almost exclusively gave to Jinshi.

“Not only does she feel no lust for me, but that look…”

That piercing glare, furrowed brow, and frown hidden behind her sleeves… Jinshi had never been so harshly looked down on in his life, yet he couldn’t bring himself to look away. Was his love for the disgusted looks she gave him an indicator of some repressed strange tastes of his? Perhaps, but every expression Maomao made - Whether they were of disgust, disinterest, methodical stoicism, or drug-related mania… They all gave Jinshi the same fluttering feeling in his chest.

Was this love?

Jinshi finally snapped out of his stupor as he heard the door shut behind Gaoshun, who must’ve excused himself for the night. He looked down at the paperwork he had yet to do that remained largely untouched while he had been in his apothecary-induced stupor, and groaned.

Gaoshun found himself returning to his quarters in Jinshi’s manor alone that night, not willing to subject himself to his master’s newfound interest in being glared at like the scum of the earth. Though he had practically acted as Jinshi’s father for his entire life, he was not ready nor equipped to unpack all of that.

Suiren greeted him at the door, looking around for the young master who was typically at Gaoshun’s side.

“He’s still at the office, I decided to leave him to his devices.” Gaoshun sighed, giving Suiren a small bow.

“Oh my, is he that busy with work?” The old woman immediately began to worry for the man she herself raised and might as well call her son. “Perhaps I should brew him some chamomile tea, staying up so late isn’t good for his health…”

“I’m afraid it isn’t work that he’s found himself preoccupied with, but thoughts of a new lady-in-waiting under Lady Gyokuyou’s employ.”

Though Gaoshun was not one to talk openly of Jinshi’s relationships, let alone his own opinion on them, Suiren was perhaps the best confidant he could ask for on the matter. After all, they’d both been at the young master’s side since he was but a baby. That, and the sharp-eyed maid would inevitably notice his change in behaviour and come to Gaoshun for more information anyways.

“Is that so?” Though Suiren’s expression remained as pleasant as ever, her eyes practically glimmered at the mention of Jinshi’s newfound person of interest. “Gaoshun, my old friend, why don’t you tell me more while I make our master some tea?”

Chapter Text

Through no fault of his own, Jinshi was late to his meeting with Gaoshun and Maomao. He totally didn’t spend far too much time thinking of a certain freckled soulmate of his, and in turn, neglect his work. He definitely wasn’t forced to remain in his office until the crack of dawn to finish some time-sensitive paperwork.

The beautiful eunuch stifled a yawn as he entered the medical office and was greeted by the typical smiles, tea, and snacks. The doctor must’ve been expecting him, and though he was admittedly far underqualified for his job, Jinshi appreciated that the doctor at least made the medical office feel more comforting than most. Jinshi brushed the doctor off as graciously as ever and followed his red string to the back storage room. The doctor, harmless as he was, was hardly the subject of Jinshi’s attention at the present moment.

That title belonged to Maomao who was, for some inexplicable reason, moving rather erratically. Jinshi could quite literally tell by the way his string of fate danced up and down from the doorway, his curiosity only building as he approached. Finally, he rounded the corner, and discovered that Maomao was currently dancing around the medicine drawers like a maniac. She’d occasionally take breaks to peer into them before starting her dance once again, as though to further motivate herself. She was wearing a fanatic grin that was somehow even more terrifying than the one he’d seen last night, if that were even possible.

“Is that some sort of cursed dance?”

Jinshi tried to seem as neutral as possible, but his voice and expression both most likely betrayed his unease. Maomao's one-legged stance had raised her skirt just enough for him to cast a glance at her ankle, where a telltale red string continued to connect the two. Fate works in mysterious ways, binding him to an eccentric such as herself.

In the back of his mind however, he thanked fate, as he found her strange behaviour strangely endearing. Perhaps he was the eccentric after all.

As Maomao settled down to begin her work, Jinshi stifled yet another yawn behind her back, and earned an exasperated look from Gaoshun. Suiren had most certainly informed Gaoshun of their master’s rather belated return to his living quarters, and Gaoshun was most certainly behind Suiren’s insistence that Jinshi should’ve stayed home that morning to catch up on rest.

After all, Suiren mentioned this meeting and how it wasn’t necessary for him to attend, yet how else could she have known of it? Jinshi hated to admit it, but Gaoshun was more than capable of watching the apothecary to ensure she didn’t try anything nefarious, and probably right about Jinshi needing more sleep. Something thin and red kept drawing him back to her though, lack of sleep and medical knowledge be damned. He cursed himself for not drinking some of the tea the doctor had offered him moments prior - It probably would’ve helped him wake up.

Right at that moment, Maomao cast him a stare. One that was somewhat unreadable and closer to her typical neutral expression, but still filled with enough distaste for it to be palpable in her deep blue eyes.

'Have her eyes always been this blue?’ Jinshi’s sleep-deprived mind idly wondered as he gave her a positively glowing smile. He contemplated how he’d love to get lost in them, even if the expression she gave him was one of utter disgust. Maomao looked away uncomfortably before Jinshi’s expression fell. Oh gods, he really was an eccentric.

Gaoshun, having been tasked with retrieving ingredients some distance away from the table Maomao had been taking notes at, soon returned with a rather bleak-looking medicine drawer. Jinshi, quite easily peering over Maomao’s head, observed that it contained but one shell and some scraps of a medicinal ingredient Maomao needed. 

“That’s not enough…”

Now was Jinshi’s turn to finally be helpful! He picked up the shell and examined it, noting its nutty and rather alluring smell. He supposed it was fitting for such an ingredient to be used in aphrodisiacs, if his initial reaction to it was anything to go by.

“What is this?” 

“It’s cacao.” Maomao turned to face him, and he was greeted by stone-cold blue eyes, just the way he (unfortunately) liked them. 

‘Cacao, huh? What a foreign-sounding name.’ Jinshi mused, side-eyeing the apothecary as the wheels in his brain turned. 

“If you need more, we’ll simply find more.” Surely Jinshi could leverage his connections to find Maomao her much-needed foreign ingredients, no matter the cost or rarity. He heard Gaoshun let out an exasperated sigh, undoubtedly at Jinshi’s blatant use of his position for personal gain, as well as that of a certain apothecary girl.

“But it’s from the West, and the far southern region, too.”

There it is. Jinshi immediately recalled a recent shipment of goods from the West, many of which were herbs, spices, and medicinal ingredients. He held the bitter yet aromatic-smelling shell high as he recalled the details.

“I’m sure there’s more in the trading goods storage.”

Though getting his hands on a little cacao to fund Maomao’s drug-making was no problem at all, he wondered where her knowledge of foreign medicines came from. Surely her lower-classed mercantile family didn’t have the funds to afford an education from abroad, and she was hardly old enough to be chosen by the imperial court to embark on studies on her lonesome. If either were true, she wouldn’t be standing before him as a mere servant of the Rear Palace.

What an intriguing character.

Maomao looked upon her veritable bounty of rare and expensive ingredients, feeling positively spoiled at the very sight. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined being able to work freely with cacao, honey, butter, and sugar, but here she was. She was loath to admit that she had a frustratingly beautiful eunuch to thank for his generosity and willingness to provide her with everything she needed, but she couldn't give him too much credit, reminding herself that these aphrodisiacs were to be crafted for his personal use - Whatever use a eunuch could get out of them, at least. 

Quite frankly, that was none of her business, and to push any potentially inappropriate thoughts of her higher-ups out of her mind, she busied herself by pacing around the table and checking her inventory one last time. She then heard a rather shrill and not-so-distant yell from her boss - Well, one of her bosses, at least. She froze momentarily before realising it was most likely not directed at her.

“Get back to work!” A certain head lady-in-waiting shrieked, followed by terrified apologies from Maomao’s similarly-aged peers. The apothecary supposed it was for the best - She wouldn’t want them to accidentally consume any of her work, for the preservation of their chastity and Maomao’s final product both.

As Maomao worked, she had plenty of time to think of how she’d even ended up in this situation - That being her melting expensive and aromatic ingredients together in a kitchen larger than her own home back in the Pleasure District. She had the Jinshi and Lady Gyokuyou to thank for her current employment status, freedom to practice her craft, and the acquisition of such ingredients, but something about the former rubbed her the wrong way.

Maybe it was his status and ability to boss her around. No, that wasn’t right. She holds no such resentment towards Lady Gyokuyou, Hongniang, and the Matron of the Serving girls back during her time as a laundry girl. Even when she got in trouble or got tasked with doing things she didn’t want to do, Maomao accepted that this was simply the way of the world, and they were playing their role as nobles and leaders while she had to play hers as a humble working girl.

Perhaps she was jealous of his looks… Though not quite, as she herself (as endearingly referred to by her sisters,) was quite the beauty with her freckles done away and makeup on. If she truly were that vain, she’d take some of the allowance and the extensive wardrobe afforded to her by Lady Gyokuyou to don an appearance more fitting of a lady-in-waiting. She looks this way on purpose, and the opinions of others of her appearance never bothered or affected her to begin with. She was an apothecary, not a courtesan or noble lady.

It was quite possibly his personality itself that infuriated her, or at least the front he put up to woo men and women alike. As dense as she admittedly was, Maomao could quite literally see the night-and-day difference between his eye-blindingly sparkly personality versus the expression he donned with lost in thought or speaking to Gaoshun. That, and whenever he tried to use his charisma on her, her very stomach churned. She simply couldn’t help it - Growing up in the Pleasure District, any man giving a patronizing, ‘I know I’m beautiful’ kind of look to a scrawny serving girl was bad news.

Despite Maomao’s distaste for the man (could he even be classified as a man anymore?), she couldn’t bring herself to completely ignore him. It would be easy to view him as yet another boss in her hierarchy of many, many, bosses, and to do as she was told with her typical monotonous tone and neutral expression. No - Something in him brought her thoughts straight to the surface, resulting in sharp glares and piercing stares that even she couldn’t control.

The servant girl sighed as she put the chocolate down to cool. She supposed she was lucky that Jinshi had (metaphorically) thick skin and was gracious enough to let her inordinance slide, as she wasn’t ready to step onto the gallows quite yet. After all - She had more medicines to make, poisons to test, and pointed glares to give to a certain eunuch until he caught a hint.

After a rather sexually-charged encounter involving mistakenly-consumed aphrodisiacs and Maomao discovering far too much of Guiyan, Yinghua, and Ailan’s inclinations, the apothecary presented her final product to Lady Gyokuyou and Master Jinshi - A pouch full of chocolate-covered fruit, ready for consumption.

She didn’t want to think of who’d be consuming them, to be entirely honest.

“Then what are the other ones?” Jinshi glanced at the delectable chocolate-covered mantou* Maomao had prepared.

“A midnight snack for myself.”

Maomao immediately watched the expressions of all four of her elders in the room fall between shock and outright distress. Of course they’d misunderstand her intentions with aphrodisiac-covered snacks. Perhaps she should watch her words better.

“If you’re used to alcohol and other stimulants, it won’t have that much of an effect.” 

Before Gaoshun and Hongniang’s expressions even had the time to return to normal, Jinshi (to Maomao’s annoyance) had picked up one of her mantou and raised it close to his face, clearly intending to try one out for himself.

“Oh, so it won’t be a problem if I ate it?”

The advisor and head lady-in-waiting’s shouts of protest clashed with Lady Gyokuyou’s pleasant laugh. What a bothersome bunch.

“It’s finally over.”

As her superiors filed out of the room for the night, Maomao sighed in relief as a weight was lifted from her shoulders. That, and something - or someone - else had decided to relieve her shoulder of the weight of her hair as well. In turn, a large hand weighed down on the other, filling her nose with the distinct scent of sandalwood.

“Good work.”

She’d recognise that voice anywhere.

Maomao gasped as she felt his mouth brush against the back of her neck, his breath hot and heavy on the delicate and unmarred skin. His soft lips then drifted closer to her ear, speaking in a whisper that only she could hear.

“Thank you.”

Stunned by the sheer obscenity and absurdity of the situation, Maomao had stayed completely still up until this point. It was only when she felt the weight on her shoulder and the body heat of another subside did she finally come to her senses, whipping around to see Jinshi bidding her farewell.

She glanced back at the plate left on the table, and was simultaneously unsurprised and annoyed that he’d stolen away with one of her mantou. That would at least explain his behaviour, but the gall this man had to steal one of her snacks…

“I hope there aren’t any victims.” She muttered to no one in particular, rubbing the part of her neck which had been warmed by his lips and breath. Great, now she had Jinshi’s chocolate stains on her hands and neck, and it felt as though her entire upper body now smelled of sandalwood.

‘I need a bath…’

Chapter Text

Jinshi awoke surrounded by the scent of sandalwood incense, as well as something distinctly sweet and foreign. It seemed to be just past sunrise, and a golden-white beam of light had settled on a table, where a pouch given to him by his favourite apothecary lay. That’s when his plan came to mind - One that involved an annoyingly persistent and male-inclined military officer, and a court lady who had been eyeing him for a while. It would have to wait till another day, however. Today, he had some rather difficult news to deliver.

“Ah, you’re awake, young master.” A lovely and familiar old lady opened the door to his chambers and peered inside - One of the few in all the kingdom who could intrude upon such a personal space of his and with no notice. Jinshi, still laying in bed, mumbled into the pillow he’d been rather childishly hugging. He made no attempt to move, as though delaying his entry into the waking and working world would indefinitely put off his inevitable and rather uncomfortable task of the day. Rather used to her master’s sometimes childish behaviour, Suiren found herself drawn to the sweet-smelling pouch on the table.

“What’s this, I wonder? A gift from one of your many admirers?” She mused, and Jinshi groaned once again. She knew full well of his opinions of his ‘admirers,’ and how many of their gifts he had to accept out of courtesy. Never would he bring them into his own home, however, for fear of them being laced with aphrodisiacs and the like.

How ironic it was, then, that he would willingly bring aphrodisiacs into not only his palace, but his own bedchambers. He racked his brain for why he’d ever do such a foolish thing instead of simply leaving them in his office, and what he could’ve possibly been thinking or doing last night. That’s when it hit him.

‘I’m such an idiot…’

Perhaps overconfident in his ability to resist stimulants, he’d stolen away a piece of the apothecary’s ‘midnight snacks.’ They looked simply delectable after all, with their glossy brown surface and sweet, nutty smell. Surely only one piece couldn’t hurt…

Oh how wrong he was.

Though he tried to resist the aphrodisiac-covered mantou’s effects, a warmth had washed over his entire body, and he suddenly became so fixated on a certain woman that not even Gaoshun’s whispers of warning could reach his ears before…

The Jinshi of the present felt a blush creep across his cheeks, and as much as he tried to hide behind his pillow, nothing escaped Suiren’s watchful gaze. She chuckled to herself as she prepared his breakfast.

Jinshi brought his hand up to his lips as he recalled how soft Maomao had felt as he’d pressed them against her, as though hoping to recreate the feeling. It was to no avail, of course - His hand had been roughened and calloused by years of training, leaving him with naught but fleeting memories of an aphrodisiac-fuelled mistake he had made. Though could it truly be a mistake if he’d enjoyed it so?

“Gaoshun told me what had happened last night, you know.” Suiren said rather offhandedly as she held up a bowl of congee in anticipation of what would happen next.

“He what?!” Jinshi practically flew out of bed, his pillows and blankets thrown aside and forgotten about as he adjusted to his sudden upright position and the rather embarrassing revelation. His maid, satisfied with her work, handed him the bowl of congee. Jinshi shakily took it, unwilling to make eye contact with her.

“You should really be more careful around drugs, young master. Especially those crafted by this up-and-coming Rear Palace apothecary I’ve been hearing an awful lot about.” A teasing glint reached Suiren’s eye as she prepared a napkin, wetting its surface slightly.

“Though I doubt not her talents and usefulness, it seemed to Gaoshun that you had gotten far closer to her than what one would consider appropriate for a mere workplace relationship.”

Jinshi nearly choked on his food, having a small coughing fit. Suiren wore a calm and knowing smile, as if she hadn’t just chastised her master for having questionable relations with a member of his staff. When he finally composed himself to some degree, Suiren used the wet napkin to wipe away at the congee that had made its way to his chin during his fit.

“I didn’t mean to-”

“Oh, I know, young master. Just make sure to be careful.” Suiren put the napkin away, her back now turned to a rather flustered Jinshi. Her voice fell from her usual teasing tone to something more grounded and mellow - Perhaps indicative of her many years of experience as a woman, mother, and wife. 

“Wanting to bear your affections to your love is only typical of youth, but do be sure that this apothecary of yours is ready to receive of it first.”

“Right…” Jinshi knew that Suiren, who had decades of knowledge ahead of him, was most likely correct. After all, Maomao has shown no interest in him so far, and certainly didn’t know of their bond. He looked down at the string around his ankle, a beautiful red colour that fluttered in the gentle morning breeze flowing from his open windows. He’d have to pursue and win her over in his own way. Until she was ready.

“Besides, you wouldn’t want any rumours of your mysterious lover to go around, would you?” Suiren, after giving Jinshi some time to think, returned to being her chipper old self. She opened the window wider to allow the scent of chocolate and incense to dissipate a little. “Just imagine what the court ladies would think!”

Jinshi shuddered, finally finishing his now-cold congee and more than awake enough to start his day.

“Please, I’d rather not.” 

“This can’t be!”

Jinshi sat in a room that he could only describe as clinical - Beautifully decorated, yes, but lacking the spark of life he’d seen in other concubines’ quarters. The furniture remained largely unused even after all this time, and the eunuch could’ve sworn that every personal item belonging to Fuyou herself laid in the exact same positions they were in when she first entered the Rear Palace. Perhaps it was fitting for the similarly beautiful, yet nondescript princess before him, unmoving and seemingly unfeeling.

“A reward?!”

Fuyou’s expression remained plain and unreadable as he broke the news to her, all while her ladies in waiting mourned the concubine’s loss of status more than Fuyou herself.

“I understand.” Fuyou shut her eyes for a moment, further shielding her true feelings from the prying eyes of those around her, as she always has. She then covered her face in its entirety and fled from the room before her ladies-in-waiting could stop her, whilst the two men remained in the room to wallow in the gravity of the situation.

To Jinshi, it was a stark reminder of the world he lived in. One where marriage was a vessel for political gain and status, and not of love. He uncomfortably shifted in his seat, casting a glance at the red thread strewn across the floor. It tied him to someone simultaneously close, yet entirely out of his reach - A girl he may never marry, not in this life or the next. One who showed not an ounce of attraction to him thus far, and in case of his success, would still have to be introduced to and approved by the highest power in all of Li - His very own brother.

Though being a lady-in-waiting to the emperor’s favourite concubine elevated Maomao’s status above many, most would care not for her occupation. To them, Maomao was the same as she’s always been - A poor girl in the working class, doomed to be married off out of the need for money and stability. That’s most likely why she found herself in the Rear Palace to begin with, after all.

Jinshi sighed and decided to make his exit, following his red string to the entrance of the room with his advisor in tow. A little under two years. That’s how much time he had to figure something out before he risked losing his soulmate forever - If she’d even have him.

“They say that sunken in the moats are…” Maomao paused for dramatic effect, while poor Xiaolan positively trembled in her seat. “The corpses of concubines who tried to escape.”

The younger girl let out noises of what Maomao could only describe as pure distress. It was only a little funny for the apothecary to see her friend in such a state, knowing she’d be alright and back to her typical cheery self later. She knew the younger girl enjoyed a good story, after all, no matter how terrifying or taboo it may be.

“In other words, just your typical ghost story.”

On her way to the medical office, Maomao pondered the truth in her own words. While she had no doubt that ghosts didn’t exist, she also didn’t doubt the alleged multitude of concubines who had thrown themselves into the moat over the years. It would make sense that many women aren’t happy in their stations as pawns for political marriages, and though the current emperor supposedly treated his concubines quite well, the same could not be guaranteed for his predecessors.

In their plight she saw her own. In the eyes of many, she was already of marriageable age, but her position in the Rear Palace protected her from advances and offers. In two years, she’d be released, only to once again be bothered by her granny to become a courtesan. Of course, becoming a courtesan came with marriage offers one could not deny, similar to those presented to many of the women in this very palace. 

She wondered if her work as a lady-in-waiting would allow her to extend her contract, or perhaps take on a decently-paying job which would allow her to visit and care for her father. It was wishful thinking, but she’d do anything to buy her some time before getting a marriage offer from a perverted old man… Or alternatively, having to live with him.  

The young apothecary eventually arrived at her destination, the door of which was already wide open. Through the doorway, she spotted a man who was decisively not a pervert, and probably not that old.

“Excuse me. Could you take a look at this medicine?”

“Hey, little lady. One moment.” The Quack Doctor disappeared into the back room, rather predictably gathering snacks and tea as he did for everyone who stepped foot into his office. He had a knack for making everyone who step foot through these doors feel welcome, even if he did not readily have the remedy for their aches and pains. That’s what Maomao was for, she supposed, though she wondered how he ever managed before.

After settling down and placing her rather large pot of cold remedy to the side, Maomao was greeted by some of her favourite snacks - Rice crackers! Her mouth positively watered at the sight, with breakfast having been far too many hours ago.

“You like salty better than sweet, right?”

‘The Quack Doctor knows me too well…’ She thought to herself as she reached out to take one…

“May I have some as well?” 

Only to be interrupted by yet another man. One that decisively wasn’t old (unless he was lying about his age, it’s quite hard to tell with a face as beautiful as his,) but was definitely a pervert in some way or another, if her experience the other night was any indicator. Sure, he’d been affected by her aphrodisiacs, but even when under their effects, people typically don’t approach who they didn’t already have some modicum of attraction to. The very thought sent a shiver down her spine.

‘That pervert will go for any woman with a pulse, even the scrawny sort. You’d think someone so beautiful would have some standards.’

Maomao watched in utter dismay as her beloved rice crackers slipped between her fingers, soon to be replaced by something far too sweet for her tastes. The only one to blame was the absolutely gorgeous man beside her, who was leaning perhaps a little too close for someone of his station.

“Good work.” He gave her a small smile, though his beauty transformed it into something absolutely blinding. Not that it affected Maomao, especially when she refused to even make eye contact after the aforementioned chocolate-covered mantou incident. 

“It’s the least I could do.” The apothecary said with a huff as she turned her entire upper body away from the eunuch. She didn’t know if she detested him more for his poor attempt at flirting, or for stealing her snacks to begin with. Acting up while under the influence of an aphrodisiac was one thing, but he was perfectly sober when he decided to put food that was hers in his mouth! 

‘I’ll never forgive him…’ She thought to herself as he rather annoyingly stayed in her personal space. As she finally looked him in the eyes once again, she found him giving her a pleased and expectant stare. What did this guy want from her?

After a few moments of contentedly staring at the apothecary, Jinshi noticed that her mind had apparently wandered. Out of his newfound (and rather embarrassing) need for her attention, he stood up and repositioned herself on her other side, if only to have her face him again.

In a rather unexpected and distressing turn of events, her contemplative expression soon morphed into what he could only describe as a perverted smirk. Jinshi, hardly aware that this deadpan apothecary had a perverted side, tried his best to not look stunned as he tried to read her thoughts. Of course, it was to no avail, as the red string around both of their ankles lent him naught but a visual aid to his end goal. Psychic powers would have certainly simplified things, especially when it came to this strange soulmate of his. Her perverted, almost sinister expression lingered for a little longer than he would’ve liked before he decided to speak up.

“Are you thinking something inappropriate right now?” Jinshi’s exasperation was clear as day on his face, but he couldn’t find himself caring to put on his radiant facade in the company of no one but the eccentric apothecary. It’s not like she particularly enjoyed it, anyways.

“Huh? You’re imagining things.”

Maomao’s tone only confirmed his suspicions. What in the world could she have been thinking of, with him in her presence? She hardly seemed attracted to him, so he could barely fathom what or who else she had in mind. Just then, the doctor returned to the main room with a platter of tea and snacks on hand.

“Doctor, could you fetch me this?” The Rear Palace Manager donned his sweet smile and voice once again, waving a piece of paper in the doctor’s direction. The latter seemed rather distressed to part with his tea, snacks, and beautiful boss, but did as he was told.

Left with no one but the apothecary once again, Jinshi gave her a sideways glance as she seemed to think of what to say next. He didn’t expect a stone-faced girl seemingly uninterested in anything other than drugs and poisons to have inappropriate (yet frustratingly unreadable) thoughts, but his soulmate always found new and unique ways to surprise him.

Not that Jinshi minded, of course. If anything, it kept things interesting.

Chapter Text

“So, what do you really want?” Maomao’s expression seemed as disinterested as ever, one Jinshi had yet to grow acclimated to. After all, it was only the norm for his very visage to be met with admiration, lust, and envy. Disinterest, however? That was something it seemed only the apothecary could execute in his presence. 

Not that he minded, of course, but it did strike a small wound in his heart, where he hoped she’d eventually reciprocate his budding feelings. 

“Have you heard about the spirit haunting?”

Jinshi could already guess Maomao’s answer, from what little he knew of her personality and interests. No apothecary, nurse, or medical officer he’d ever known had been superstitious, preferring to stay grounded in the realm of science and reality.

“A few rumours, yes.”

By Maomao’s dismissive attitude, he’d guessed correctly. However, something far more tangible and real was behind these rumours, according to Gaoshun’s own investigation into the matter. One that, as an ailment, might just pique her interest.

“How about sleepwalking?”

“Sleepwalking…”

After taking a few moments to process just what Jinshi had said, Maomao perked up, her full attention on Jinshi for the first time since he’d arrived at the clinic. He was thoroughly pleased with himself, allowing himself some time to commit Maomao’s enthusiastic stare to memory. Her rich, blue eyes were as wide as saucers, and a faint blush dusted her cheeks. If only she’d look at him that way when he wasn’t bringing some medical anomaly to her doorstep. Despite Jinshi not quite being the reason for her excitement, he couldn’t help but giggle. Perhaps he was simply sharing in Maomao’s joy, if only for an entirely different reason than her own.

“Seems like I got your attention.” Jinshi spoke with an amused, teasing lilt, and her expression immediately fell to one of annoyance.

‘Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.’ Jinshi thought to himself, before a rather impulsive thought crossed his mind. Completely unable to resist the temptation, he placed a hand on Maomao’s shoulder, noting how small and thin she was. He’d make sure to write a note to the Jade Pavilion to increase her meal portions and encourage her to gain some healthy weight sometime.

His mind preoccupied with thoughts of fortifying his soulmate's health, he didn’t think twice before leaning in close to Maomao. Their noses were almost touching as their breaths mingled and made the air between them uncomfortably warm. Jinshi could smell the distinct scent of medicinal herbs, as well as something faint, fragant, and vaguely floral - Perfume, perhaps? Though whatever tea she'd had this morning seemed far more fitting and realistic for the ever-pragmatic apothecary.

“How can it be cured?”

They both made unbreakable, unblinking eye contact - Jinshi found himself unwilling to look away from her alluringly sharp gaze, while she seemed completely unfazed by his proximity and seductive stare both. They were well and truly at a stalemate - One that Jinshi hoped would never end. It was rather unrealistic and wishful thinking, but if he could pause time in this very moment, he would.

“I don’t know. There’s no medicine that cures somnambulism.” Maomao sounded bored. Deadpan, even. So, they maintained their distance, with neither making an attempt to move just yet. Jinshi took this as a small victory. That, in the very least, meant that she wasn't so utterly repulsed by his presence that she couldn't bear to be close to him. Plus, he got to share the very air between them with her for just a while longer.

“Is there a cure other than medicine?” Jinshi wished they could stay like this forever. Alas, it seemed that his question prompted Maomao to push him away, seeming to find both non-medicinal treatment and being in close proximity with her beautiful boss beyond her purview. The eunuch felt a distinct (and embarassingly childish) pout settle on his face at their inevitable separation.

“My specialty is medicine.”

The eunuch was once again at a loss for what to do about Concubine Fuyou’s condition, his frustration only exacerbated by the sudden growth in proximity between him and Maomao. He wondered if this was his own natural clinginess speaking, or some side effect of being soulmates that he’d not yet heard about. It's not as though he could ask Suiren or Gaoshun without raising suspicion, so perhaps it was time to visit the archives... As soon as he could find the motivation to file through dusty old books, no less in a cramped room made by and for men who needed less elbow room than himself.

“That’s too bad.”

Well, if he couldn’t get close to her… Yet another impulsive thought crossed his mind, one that would earn him one last glance at her eyes, as she was now rather pointedly looking away. Once again, he rather uncharacteristically gave his next course of action not a second thought, instead letting the feeling of chasing Maomao’s attention dictate what he would and wouldn’t do. Now, it was rather unbecoming of the crown prince to be kneeling at anyone’s knees, let alone a lowly servant girl’s. But he simply needed one last gaze into her eyes before he sent her off on her inevitable investigation.

“That’s truly, truly too bad…” He gave her his best smoulder, knowing full well she hated his faux appearances and attempts to appeal to the fairer sex. As expected, Maomao gave him just what he wanted - An utterly disgusted glare, as though he were not a beautiful man of similar age, but a pile of dung she’d passed by. Jinshi revelled in the unparalleled intensity and honesty of her expression for a fleeting moment before she looked away uncomfortably.

“I’ll do my best.” 

With a lantern in one hand, Gaoshun led the way through the serene pathways of the Rear Palace. It was a rather late hour, and he regretted having to bring Lady Maomao along. After all, she most likely had a myriad of chores and tasks to do in the morning, and he was keeping her awake past her bedtime. This trip would be necessary, however, to fulfil Jinshi’s request of getting to the bottom of Concubine Fuyou’s somnambulism, and Gaoshun himself could not think of someone better qualified to investigate this case than the servant girl he was currently escorting. With no offense to the Rear Palace doctor, of course. 

Lady Maomao didn’t seem particularly talkative in his previous encounters with her, and tonight was no exception. Similar to the day he’d met her, she followed wordlessly and obediently, with not one word of complaint or protest. If only he’d been assigned her as a master. Gaoshun’s quiet surroundings and company allowed his mind to wander as they rather slowly approached their destination across the Rear Palace, his mind settling somewhere between his master and his little apothecary.

Lord Jinshi’s quick attachment to Lady Maomao was his master’s worst-kept secret. The younger man found himself unable to answer for why he seemed more eager to visit the Jade Pavilion than usual, nor for his tendency to gush aloud about his adoration for the apothecary’s piercing glares. It was all but obvious to those close to Lord Jinshi, that being Suiren, Lady Gyokuyou, and himself. He suspected that all of this vague and flowery talk of an apothecary girl in the Rear Palace had attracted the attention of the emperor as well, but Gaoshun sincerely hoped that it would bring her no trouble in the future.

The attendant himself had found himself growing a little fond of Lady Maomao. She seemed like an intelligent, down-to-earth young woman, and did not fawn over Lord Jinshi as many young men and women of her age did. Thus, she proved that she was not shallow, and had a good, reasonable head on her shoulders. The reason for her lack of affections was admittedly lost on Gaoshun. Perhaps she simply knew her place in the rather extensive hierarchy of Li, and even under his false identity, Lord Jinshi was far out of reach. 

That, or she was simply uninterested in romance or men - Both possibilities soothed Gaoshun’s nerves somewhat, seeing as Lord Jinshi and Lady Maomao would most likely be working closely together for the foreseeable future. The last thing he wanted to deal with was an aphrodisiac-fuelled master. Again. He could hardly blame Maomao for the first incident, as Lord Jinshi had stolen from her food without her permission. You’d think the prince would have some better manners.

Gaoshun furrowed his brow as he remembered that night - How Lord Jinshi had rather inappropriately approached Lady Maomao mere moments after partaking of those aphrodisiac-covered treats, and gone as far as to kiss the back of her neck. If he had been a mere low-ranking eunuch, he would’ve surely been punished for such blatant harassment of a high-ranking consort’s lady-in-waiting. Alas, his master could more or less get away with it, if only coming away with a scolding from Suiren and himself.

He wondered where his master’s attraction to the apothecary stemmed from. Perhaps it was her blatant disinterest in him that drew him closer. He’d heard that some enjoyed the chase - The rush of having to ‘win’ a woman’s affections instead of simply having them handed to one on a silver platter. However, Lord Jinshi had all the power and right in the kingdom to claim whatever and whoever he pleased, so long as the emperor allowed it. There was simply no need to play these games.

‘Perhaps he cares about how she feels.’  

What a troublesome young master. One with a good heart and intentions, but without the finesse or experience needed to win over such a difficult young woman. Though Lord Jinshi pretended to be quite a bit older than his true age, his immaturity truly shone through at times - Like when he didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning, dry his own hair, or do yet another mountain of paperwork. That, and as Gaoshun has recently discovered, when dealing with the fairer sex. When he was truly interested in them, at the very least.

If he truly cared about her, then perhaps it wasn’t this supposed ‘chase’ that drew Lord Jinshi towards the girl. Gaoshun reflected on all that he knew so far of his master’s growing interest - His love for her glares, deadpan demeanor, and eyes that ‘could see right through his soul.’ Maybe his lord simply had strange interests. He sighed and glanced downwards, catching the bright red glint of his string of fate - One that bound him to his wife back at the Ma Clan’s family home. He hoped that she was well, and eagerly awaited her next letter, but the very sight of said string gave him pause.

He recalled Lord Jinshi’s strange relationship with the southern gate all these years - Longing glances cast at a gate that remained closed for all but special occasions. One that led to the remainder of the Imperial Capital, and most notably at all, the Pleasure District. Then, rather suddenly, his attention had then turned to gaps between doors and corners around the many buildings within the Rear Palace, as though searching for a mouse that had gotten loose. Finally, they met the young woman who rather quickly and suddenly gathered all of Lord Jinshi’s attention and affections, despite her apparent disgust in him. His young master’s longing gazes, no longer bound to gates, doorways, and turns, became reserved for when he found himself filled with thoughts of a certain apothecary.

The truth was becoming more and more apparent to Gaoshun as the woman of the hour continued to follow him, her soft footsteps the only reminder that he was not alone. He could not sigh in exasperation or press his master for the truth now - He had a task to complete, one that involved escorting her to the eastern wall. To distract himself, he decided to be the first to start a conversation with the young lady, as she seemed rather content to leave him with his thoughts otherwise.

“Lady Maomao.”  

“Please don’t call me ‘Lady.’ You outrank me by quite a bit.”

Gaoshun may or may not have been correct about her astute awareness of her position and rank. He halted in his tracks for a moment to face her, having to look quite a ways down to do so. The young woman reminded him of his daughter when she was of tender age - Small, but strong-willed, with a light air of confidence that wouldn’t easily be mistaken for arrogance. Maybe it was this similarity that brought him to a nickname he could easily refer to her by.

“In that case, how’s Xiaomao?”

Lady Maomao, now known to Gaoshun as Xiaomao, seemed a little surprised by the nickname. Of course, it indicated some level of endearment, but Gaoshun only found it fitting for the woman his master was trying and failing to court. That, or Lord Jinshi had an attraction to her that he didn’t know what to do about yet. Either circumstance, alongside her breadth of skills and likely status of Lord Jinshi’s soulmate, only meant that Gaoshun would spend quite some time around her in the coming seasons. Hence, Xiaomao it was.

Gaoshun supposed that all parties involved should be thankful that Xiaomao didn’t seem to view Lord Jinshi through the lens that many others did - Either of lust and superficial attraction, or in the pursuit of power. In fact, she didn’t seem to think very highly of him at all, and he doubted Xiaomao would give Lord Jinshi the light of day if she had the choice. After all, she was extremely vocal and expressive about her distaste for the young lord, despite his rank being significantly above hers. So long as Lord Jinshi tolerated (and even enjoyed it,) however, she could glare at him as much as he pleased. Speaking of which…

“Could you stop glaring down at Master Jinshi like he’s an insect?”

Gaoshun made but a humble request to the apothecary, who acted as though she’d been caught in the middle of doing something she wasn’t supposed to. That was partially true, of course, but not the reason for said request.

“When he returned earlier, he told me, ecstatically, how you stared at him like he was a venomous caterpillar.” 

At the mere thought, Xiaomao did what Gaoshun had refrained from doing at the time - She shivered in discomfort. 

“I’ll be more careful.” 

Though Gaoshun wanted to see Lord Jinshi happy, perhaps vying for disgusted glares from Xiaomao wasn’t the most effective way to court her. Surely he could find healthier ways to garner her attention and spend time around her. Surely he wanted to. Surely. Besides…

“If someone unprepared saw him like that, they might pass out.” 

He spoke nothing but the truth. Lord Jinshi’s flushed and affectionate gaze seemed to do naught for Xiaomao, but Gaoshun dreaded what may happen if someone decided to enter his young master’s office in the middle of one of his many evenings spent thinking of the apothecary. It would truly be a mess - One that would involve Gaoshun having to force one of his lord’s many admirers out of the office, and promptly have them banned if they tried to return. There was, unfortunately, already a long list of court ladies and officials alike who were forbidden from visiting Lord Jinshi without the proper permission and reasons for doing so. Adding to it was possible, but a pain that Gaoshun would rather avoid as much as possible.

He felt as though Xiaomao herself was somewhat responsible, whether she knew it or not - The longer she remained blissfully unaware of or unwilling to acknowledge Lord Jinshi’s affections, the more Gaoshun had his work cut out for him. 

What a fittingly troublesome young lady, for his troublesome young master.

Chapter Text

Once again, Jinshi found his thoughts plagued with that freckled apothecary of his. What a pawn she had turned out to be, solving mysteries of poison and the body with ease. 

‘But what of the mind?’ Jinshi wondered as he skimmed over a report, indicating that Concubine Fuyou had once again been sighted dancing atop of the eastern wall. Inquiries of how she’d managed to get up there to begin with aside, he’d been tasked with dealing with the issue in whatever manner he could. The very sight of her had been frightening maidservants and eunuchs alike, and rumours of a ghostly spirit had begun to circulate around the Inner Palace. Soon to be betrothed to a military officer, it would also not do for her to accidentally (or purposefully) fall into the moat, or off of the other side of the wall onto the hard ground below. 

He quickly needed to find a cause and solution, and he knew none better suited to the task than the apothecary. Though she’d never shown interest or experience regarding the ailments of the mind, he’d heard tales of a particularly experienced and clever apothecary many years ago, who had been able to deduce and solve mysteries far beyond his purview with the powers of observation, deduction, and cursory knowledge alone. He hoped Maomao was the same, for both of their sakes, and that of Lady Fuyou.

Maomao, the apothecary and eccentric… Jinshi supposed the latter was fitting for anyone with her level of intelligence, which was already made obvious in the little time he had known her. After all, that self same intelligence is what landed her a position at the Jade Pavilion, and as one of his convenient pawns. Perhaps it was wrong of him to think of his soulmate as something to be used and controlled, but it also allowed him to protect her in whichever way he could. He just hoped that his reach and influence was enough to do so. 

If it weren’t for her class, she surely wouldn’t need protection from the dangers of the world - He sighed wistfully as he recalled her sharp, observant eyes, capable of both crazed elation and a glare that would surely kill a weaker man. Not Jinshi, however. He relished in whatever attention she gave him, positive or negative. Him being able to see her judgemental stares at all reminded him that she was here - Close, alive, relatively safe, and oh so very real. The honesty shown on her face, no matter how brutal it may be, was a comfort. He worried not about her intentions, and hardly had to guess what was on her mind when she looked at him so. Jinshi honestly preferred that to the faux smiles and exploitative nature of the court ladies and officials he faced far more regularly.

A mischievous side of him wanted to see just how often and with what ways he could glean just a few more distasteful looks from the apothecary. He’d be paying her a visit tomorrow to appraise her of her next task, and had already prepared a small gift for Consort Gyokuyou and the other ladies of the Jade Pavilion as an apology for stealing one of their own away again. Maybe he’d find yet another way under his soulmate’s skin to earn her ire, and in turn, her full attention.

‘Perhaps the Quack Doctor wasn’t entirely useless.’ Maomao thought to herself, noting that he had a knack for possessing just the information that she needed. Of course, this only reminded her of a certain laundry girl she’d have to pay another visit to soon. 

The morning after bearing witness to Fuyou’s performance, Maomao and Gaoshun decided to visit the medical office for information pertaining to somnambulance. Instead, they were treated to the doctor’s surprisingly vast knowledge on Fuyou’s origins and circumstances. Maomao supposed it was only fitting for a doctor to know his patients well, even if they seemed to be of relatively good health.

Somnambulance aside, of course.

It would be easy for Maomao to assume that Fuyou’s nighttime activities were caused by the stress of being bestowed as a reward, but something didn’t seem quite right. As she investigated this case and learned more of the concubine, it was as though a large and sprawling puzzle had appeared before her - One with a multitude of missing pieces, each taking the form of a burning question in her mind: If she had remained unvisited by the emperor for so long, wouldn’t being bestowed to a man outside of the Rear Palace be an escape from her unfortunate circumstances? Was a convenient escape from an unconsummated political marriage truly so horrible? Are those suffering from somnambulance even capable of the grace and coordination on display that night? 

Said questions raced through the girl’s mind, but were eventually silenced by a prevailing desire - One for information, and answers. She reminded herself that she simply needed to find the pieces, and eventually, the full story might come together. One that may entirely be based on conjecture and untrue, but may satisfy her curiosity nonetheless.

Since when had she become so interested in solving only vaguely medical mysteries? Sure, she was only obliging her annoyingly beautiful superior’s request, but why did this case interest her so? Unready to begin analysing herself , she decided to take a chance at analysing the woman at the center of this case instead.

“Where is Concubine Fuyou’s room?”

“Her building is on the north side.”

A fittingly quiet and lesser-travelled part of the Rear Palace for a supposedly shy concubine. However, this did beg the question:

‘Then why dance on the eastern wall…?’

“Thank you. And thank you for the snacks, as well.” Maomao gave the Quack Doctor, who she’s slowly grown more fond of, a courteous bow.

“Leaving already?” 

She nodded in confirmation, turning around to leave with a rather somber-looking Gaoshun in tow. Just as her eyes adjusted to the light outside, the Doctor left her with a parting statement.

“I hope she feels better.” He began, sounding genuinely worried for the concubine. “I heard she’s a princess from a small vassal state. I’m sure she doesn’t want to go back.”

“Go back?”

A piece of her puzzle had just slotted rather neatly into place.

Jinshi sat alone in his office, which was illuminated by naught but moonlight. Lighting lanterns would bathe his room in warmth, yes, but it would alert anyone outside to his presence within the room. He needed time alone to think, and the silvery light from his window was more than enough at the moment.

On his desk lay the scroll that had sealed Fuyou’s fate that fateful day.

‘Concubine Fuyou, Third Princess of Anan, will be bestowed upon Officer Liang of Anan for his valor and honourable deeds on the front lines. Lord Jinshi of the Rear Palace shall inform Lady Fuyou and her maidservants, and make arrangements for her smooth relocation from the Rear Palace. On the seventh day from the delivery of this missive, Officer Liang and his men will receive Lady Fuyou at sundown.’

Jinshi’s curiosity had gotten the better of him that evening, due to the concubine and officer’s identical origins. It brought him all the way to the emperor’s chambers, where his brother had decided to retire that night. The older man welcomed the younger with a small, self-satisfied smile, fitting for an emperor. Yang, as Jinshi knew him, nodded to the attendant at the door. He closed it, allowing the two men their privacy.

“What brings you here tonight, Jinshi? ” The emperor elongated his younger brother’s fake name in an amused manner, the wine that he’d already had half a carafe of clearly affecting his mood. He seemed sober enough for conversation, at least, so ‘Jinshi’ simply sighed and leaned back in his chair. It was hardly a fitting way to act in front of the emperor, but neither seemed to care. They were completely alone, after all. The emperor seemed to notice this eventually, interrupting his own question with another.

“No Gaoshun?”

“No. He’s accompanying the attendant in charge of investigating Concubine Fuyou’s condition. I pray you’ve read my reports on the matter?” Jinshi wasn’t entirely sure that Yang had, knowing how busy the man was, and how he typically left his younger brother to deal with less-than-urgent matters alone.

“Ah yes, the matter of her somnambulance.” The emperor swirled the dregs of his wine at the bottom of his glass, reaching for the carafe to fill it with more. Jinshi beat him to the chase, pouring his older brother’s glass before one of his own. Yang smiled and nodded in gratitude before continuing. “Has this attendant had any luck yet?”

“I’ve only just informed them, and they’ve been making their own private investigation with Gaoshun’s assistance and supervision. They should be visiting the eastern wall tonight.”

The emperor chuckled in mild amusement, clearly in a much better mood than Jinshi, who this work had been formally assigned to.

“Some trust you have in this attendant’s abilities… Allowing her to conduct her own investigation, and even entrusting her with an attendant of your own.” Jinshi realised that he’d perhaps said a bit much about Maomao already, looking away. Yang, of course, caught on immediately. “Do tell me more about this mysterious girl.”*

Jinshi damn near spit out a mouthful of the most expensive wine money could buy.

“How did you know that the attendant is a woman?”

“She’s from the rear palace, isn’t she?” The emperor smiled cheekily. “I don’t recall any of our eunuchs being qualified for this type of work, after all.”

Jinshi relaxed a little. Of course, he’d simply come to the easiest conclusion.

“And judging by the nature of this investigation, as well as your trust in her, I’d assume this is the apothecary I’ve heard so much about?”

Jinshi was no longer relaxed. In fact, he was more tense than he’d been in quite some time. However, he suspected that Yang already knew far more on the matter than he let on, so he could hardly lie.

“Yes. What do you know of her?” He finally made eye contact with his brother once again, finding Yang’s gaze filled with mirth. He could hardly return the look, most likely looking rather stressed at the prospect of his favourite apothecary attracting undue attention from the most powerful man in the country, family ties be damned.

“What you’ve written to me regarding the face powder incident, of course.” The emperor finally placed his glass down, instead placing his elbows upon his knees to lean closer to his brother. “That, and the tales the lovely Lady Gyokuyou regales me with of her new lady-in-waiting.”

Jinshi would have to give the lady an earful later. He said nothing and allowed his brother to continue.

“She’s quite knowledgeable about poisons, and capable of making drugs and medicines. Now, as you know, none but medical officers are allowed to make medicine within the Rear Palace…”

The younger of the two tensed impossibly further in his seat, holding in a breath. Of course - He’d hardly considered such rules when assigning the apothecary her position, let alone asking her to concoct an aphrodisiac for him. A horrible, sinking feeling settled in his stomach as he stole a glance at the red thread around his ankle - Had he inadvertently gotten his own soulmate in trouble for a rule he should have been enforcing? It took all of his willpower to not shake like a leaf in his seat, and even Yang found it strange how his teasing and idle talk had seemingly struck his brother at his core. Just what was he hiding? Testing the waters for Jinshi’s response, he followed up his previous statement.

“Perhaps knowing that the matter could not be kept a secret forever, Lady Gyokuyou personally requested that I… Turn a blind eye, so to speak. Like you and others have been, for the girl’s sake.” Jinshi let out a sigh of relief. Yang rather amusedly noted that he looked like a fish out of water, holding and releasing his breath as though gasping for air. “I obliged, so long as her capabilities continue to be kept under control. I assume that you’ll see to it?”

“O-Of course.” Jinshi rather uncharacteristically stammered, much to Yang’s further amusement.

“Good. You know I’ve never been one for stuffy old traditions from before our time, and I feel some manner of relief that the Rear Palace will have an apothecary with some actual worldly experience for the first time in what must be…” Yang counted the years on his fingers as Jinshi practically melted into his seat in relief. “Almost two decades.”

‘Has it really been that long?’ Jinshi furrowed his brow at this revelation. It was a wonder that some illness or latent poison hadn’t taken hold of the Rear Palace sooner. Seeing an opportunity to prod at Jinshi now that his defenses were down, Yang once again tested his brother’s apparent interest in this girl. Of what sort, he was still unsure.

“I may have to pay her a visit of my own soon…”

This time, Jinshi was unable to stop himself from ejecting his drink from his mouth at speeds previously unseen. For a mercy, it had ended up back in his cup, which had still been at his lips. His dishevelled and slightly wine-drenched state perfectly complemented the mortified expression currently on his face. Yang would feel bad for the boy, if he didn’t find the sight so funny. He allowed himself a bit of a laugh while his brother stared, aghast. He eventually snapped himself out of his initial shock, perhaps wanting to rectify the situation before it got out of hand.

“I-I assure you, Yang, that Maomao isn’t quite to your… Tastes.” Jinshi put his spit-filled glass of wine down, and opted to wring his hands together through his robe as a nervous habit. “She’s only seventeen years of age, of a demure height, and isn’t gifted at all in… Certain departments.”

He pointed at his own chest, which damn near made Yang burst out into laughter again. What stopped him, however, was the breadth of information he’d been inadvertently provided with by his increasingly flustered-looking brother.

“So she’s named Maomao, a lowborn only recently promoted to lady-in-waiting to my beloved Gyokuyou. She’s small in every which way, and around your age. Moreover, she has an interest in medicine and knowledge of poisons, going as far as to taste for it with not a modicum of fear.” Yang smiled, earning another anxious look and wring of the hands from Jinshi. “I must say, your interests lie in strange places, younger brother. That, and you certainly have your work cut out for you if you wish to court her.”

“That’s not- I’m not-” Jinshi covered the bottom half of his face with a sleeve of his robe in a poor attempt to hide the flush threatening to darken on his cheeks. It was to no avail, of course, and this only muffled his voice as he tried to explain himself. Perhaps realising this, he was forced to lower said sleeve, showing Yang what could only be described as his brother’s most convincing, childlike pout. “It’s not like that. I simply admire her work ethic and abilities, and I’m not trying to court her.” 

Jinshi, much like a child, seemed rather uncomfortable with even the mention of courting, much to Yang’s simultaneous amusement and chagrin. He was nineteen years of age, yet seemingly uninterested in beginning to find a wife, consort, or concubine of his own. However, his brother had just expressed interest in a woman, even if she happened to be lowborn and not particularly attractive (at least, by the descriptions he’d been given.) Yang could work with this. Perhaps there was some sort of loophole to be discovered, like a distant relation to a noble or official. He could encourage Jinshi to talk to the girl more, and play into his younger brother’s affections for the woman as they grew. If they grew. For Jinshi’s sake, he hoped they did.

‘How troublesome… At least they’re of similar age.’ Yang was thankful for not only Jinshi’s sudden interest in literally anyone, but his inclinations falling nowhere near those of their father. The very thought disgusted and terrified him to no end.

“Regardless of your relationship with this apothecary, I assume this won’t affect either of your work, no?” The older of the two steered the conversation back to work, having an unpleasant, yet important task for the girl in the near future. Though neither Jinshi or Gyokuyou could stop him from commanding this ‘Maomao’ as he pleased, he sincerely hoped to gain both of their approval to… Temporarily relocate her soon.

Seeing an escape from talks of courting and his admiration for a freckled apothecary girl, Jinshi rather graciously took it.

“Of course not. I’ll continue to monitor her work, and will receive my report on the investigation from Gaoshun when it is over. We both know that he’ll keep a watchful eye on her in my stead, when I am unable to. Similarly, Lady Hongniang is rather sharp-eyed herself, as I’m sure you’re aware.”

Yang nodded sagely, leaning back and stroking his beard as he picked up what was left of his wine. He took a sip and frowned ever-so-slightly. It had oxidized, and had a distinct tart taste to it now. He regarded Jinshi’s distorted and red-violet hued visage through the remainder of the drink.

“Yes, I heard from Lady Gyokuyou herself that Hongniang is the best of the best at handling her fellow women, especially those of tender age. Like your Maomao.” Before Jinshi could protest the use of a rather possessive pronoun in regard to his favourite apothecary girl, Yang brought their conversation back to the first question he’d asked when Jinshi had stepped foot in this very room.

“But I assume you’re not here to deliver a half-finished report on somnambulance by word of mouth, nor dawn over a servant girl who’s caught your eye. So I’ll ask again: What brings you here tonight?”

“Right.” Jinshi settled down and seemed to gather his thoughts, using a silk handkerchief to dab away at what remained of the wine dotting his hair and face. Of course, he still reeked of the stuff, and was sure to earn some strange glances from passers-by on the way back to his home later tonight.

“What led to the betrothal of Lady Fuyou to Officer Liang? I’m personally surprised you remembered she still existed, with how you haven’t visited her once since the two of you wed.” The younger man said rather bluntly, earning some raised eyebrows from Yang. Thankfully, the latter still seemed to be in a pleasant mood, and responded accordingly.

“Why, Liang requested Fuyou himself. As you know, he had held the decision on the poisoning case out at the eastern front, inadvertently saving an entire village after you - or as I’d now assume, that apothecary - revealed the truth of the poisoning.” Jinshi looked away rather sheepishly, having not wanted to make Maomao’s involvement public.

“After they received the report, Liang went as far as to bring botanists to their campsite to investigate the foliage. The botanists identified rhododendron trees native to the area, and confirmed that they were toxic when burned.”

“So she was right…” Yang spied a small smile forming at the corner of his brother’s lips. 

“Yes, but that’s besides the point.” He waved his hand, pretending not to notice. “The point is that Liang’s quick, rational mind had saved lives, and his thoroughness confirmed what was but a theory, and grew that squadron’s knowledge of the hazards of nature. As you know, knowledge can be strength in its own right, and the military celebrates those strong of body and mind both.”

Jinshi nodded, noting a certain annoying strategist who was known for being extremely clever, yet entirely incapable of holding his own in any hand-to-hand combat. Though his position was gained through naught but his family name, he had long since proven himself to be a master at his craft. However, his respect for the man didn’t make Jinshi like him.

“Seeing that Liang had displayed both and was set to return from the eastern front soon, I allowed him one favour from me. Imagine my surprise when he asked for the hand of one of my own concubines! A confident man, that one.” Yang finished his wine in one draw, not wanting the tart flavour to linger for too long. “Perhaps that’s why I didn’t even hesitate to oblige him. That, and I hadn’t been visiting Fuyou myself, so it seemed like the perfect deal for all those involved, no?”

Jinshi rested his elbow on the side of his chair, using that arm to prop his head up. He had a slight frown on his face, as though not entirely convinced by Yang’s story.

“Is his confidence the only reason you agreed to the deal? I’m sure confident and competent men are plentiful, yet I don’t see you fulfilling their every wish.” A childish pout settled on Jinshi’s face, the man clearly unhappy that he wasn’t being told everything. “Furthermore, it’s rather strange that the officer knew of the population of the Rear Palace well enough to ask for Lady Fuyou specifically. Even stranger is the fact that they both happen to hail from the same homeland.”

“Yes, how strange indeed.” The emperor smiled and put his glass down, stroking his beard once again.

“You know something, don’t you?” Jinshi’s pout morphed into a look of exasperation.

“Perhaps.”

“Are you willing to share, or are you just going to make me work it out myself?”

It was the emperor’s turn to be childish as he flashed his younger brother a rare, toothy grin that few would ever live to see. It told Jinshi everything he needed to know, and simultaneously, nothing at all.