By Imperial Decree

by Beaustylo

Summary:

Jinshi has been summoned to court with the understanding that the Emperor is about to issue a decree involving him. He prays that it has nothing to do with the succession. His prayers will be answered but the decree will alter his life and Maomao’s forever more.

Chapter 1

Jinshi walked at as brisk a pace as decorum allowed. Gaoshun was barely able to keep up with his long strides. He walked up the tall staircase to the throne room two steps at a time. He was gasping for breath by the time he reached the entry.

Gaoshun arrived with a summons for him just a little while ago that he must come to court immediately and that the Emperor was going to issue a decree concerning him. He had no idea what it could be but prayed it didn’t involve announcing him as the successor.

He took a moment to recover and quietly made his way to his usual position when the Emperor was holding court. As his eyes adjusted from the sunlight of the courtyard to the darkness of the throne room, he slowly took in the sights around him. There were the usual officials and bureaucrats, but also other surprising figures. Lady Ah-duo was seated prominently near the Emperor, as well as Empress Gyokuyou and his mother, Empress Dowager Anshi. And two very familiar figures kneeled on the ground on the other side of the room. What were they doing here? The freak strategist and…no, it couldn’t be…but who else would it be? And what was Maomao wearing?

Maomao was wearing a silk robe he’d never seen before of deep blue embroidered with dragons – it looked very expensive, more luxurious than anything she’d ever worn, even more than the gowns she wore at the banquets in the Western Capital. The freckles were gone and she was in complete makeup, similar to when he had bought her contract from Verdigris House. She had an elaborately styled hair arrangement with many accessories, but the moon and poppy hairpin was most prominent. She looked so beautiful that his heart skipped a beat. She caught his eye but quickly looked away.

What was going on here? Did this decree somehow involve her too?

Still staring in utter confusion, he heard his name as if in a fog.

“Ah, Zuigetsu, you’ve arrived just in time.” The Emperor motioned to the two kneeling figures. “Grand Commandant Kan, bring your daughter forward.” The strategist didn’t look happy but followed the orders before giving Jinshi a withering glare. The Emperor turned to Jinshi and motioned. “Zuigetsu, come before me.”

Jinshi moved to stand next to Maomao and bowed to his brother. He glanced at Maomao, wondering if she could give him any hints what was happening, but she remained with her head bowed.

The Emperor handed a scroll to his officiant who proceeded to unroll it and read the decree aloud to the assembly.

“By order of the Emperor, who holds the Mandate of Heaven, we hereby decree that the Moon Prince shall wed the La Princess, Kan Maomao, daughter of Grand Commandant Kan Lakan, head of the La Clan. Kan Maomao has demonstrated her loyalty to the great nation of Li and its people, as well as the imperial family, through numerous heroic acts. This marriage is undertaken to ensure the peace and prosperity of Li. The marriage shall take place on the auspicious day of the first day of the eighth month and shall be celebrated with great ceremony. Let this decree be known throughout the empire and all who reside within its borders. Obey and fulfill the decree without hesitation. Let it be known that all who transgress this decree will face the consequences of the Emperor's wrath.”

Jinshi stared in shock at his brother and then at Maomao. She kept her head down.

Gaoshun cleared his throat – it was a reminder to Jinshi to put on his mask and keep up appearances. While internally he struggled mightily, he put on the practiced smile that Maomao so detested.

The court was dismissed and the couple was suddenly swarmed by well-wishers and forced to accept congratulations from the throng.

Jinshi had to keep up appearances for the next several minutes as he was greeted by many members of the court in turn. He kept stealing glances at Maomao but she always averted her eyes. She must be livid at him. This was not the time or place for their engagement. He couldn’t yet keep her safe. What was his brother thinking? Granted there had been pressure for years for him to take a wife, but couldn’t someone at least have consulted him first?

As the crowd dispersed, the Emperor asked Lakan, Jinshi and Maomao to follow him. He ushered them into a small meeting room adjacent to the throne room.

The Emperor sighed. “Zui, I hope you don’t mind my interference to move things along. I think it’s for the best. Now, I’m sure the two of you have much to discuss so we’ll leave you to it while Commandant Kan and I discuss the details of the wedding.”

The door shut behind them, leaving Maomao and Jinshi in tension-filled silence.

He knew she must be seething. He was seething. Would she even forgive him if she thought he was involved?

He looked at Maomao beseechingly. “I swear to you, I knew nothing of this. I would not put you in this position.”

 She stared at him calmly with those big blue eyes and then a small smile appeared.

“He didn’t tell you?” she questioned. “I warned him not to. You don’t need to worry about me. I put myself in this position. Well, no, the Emperor put me in it, but I agreed to it.”

Jinshi was stunned and tilted his head as he stared at her in confusion. “You knew this was coming?”

She pointedly looked down at her robes. “Do I normally dress like a peacock? Yes, I knew. The Emperor summoned me a week ago and asked if I wanted to marry you.”

“And how did you respond?” He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.

Maomao inhaled sharply. She didn’t look at him as she answered. “I told him that I only saw one path for my future and that was next to you, whatever may come.”

Jinshi felt like his heart would burst out of his chest. He wanted to scoop her into his arms and kiss her and was about to do just that when she held a hand up.

“But there are conditions that you must agree to,” she announced. “I want a greenhouse and an orchard. And you must allow me to continue my experiments. And when my dad retires…Luomen, not the old fart, I want him to live with us. I want him to be taken care of.”

“Yes, anything you want. Right now I’d agree to anything you ask for. I’d give you the moon if I could.”

She smiled, reached up and cupped his cheek. “You already are, Moon Prince.”

Jinshi leaned into the hand against his cheek. “May I kiss you now?”

Maomao sighed. “I suppose if you must.”

Coming from Maomao, Jinshi took that as acceptance and swept her into his arms before gently kissing her. But that gentle kiss transformed when he felt her lips move in reciprocity and his passion burst over.

They were both gasping for breath when they broke apart. But Jinshi no longer felt like he needed air to survive, he just needed Maomao. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my life.”

“Good, because you owe me and you will compensate me in rare medicines for putting up with the freak this past week.”

Jinshi looked at her curiously. “How did the weirdo agree to this? He hates me with a passion.”

“Even the old fart is not impervious to an imperial order. And I threatened him that I would never agree to see him again if he didn’t agree to the marriage. But he made me stay at his house this week so I could be fitted for this monstrosity,” she said, indicating her blue silk robe. “He insisted that I should look like some pampered princess for the announcement.”

“Get used to it. You’ll be my pampered princess from now on.”

She scowled and Jinshi felt the same thrilling reaction as he had the first time she glared at him. He could feel joy bursting from every pore, and yet something nagged at him.

“Maomao, I am overjoyed…but I don’t want to put you in danger.”

“I’ve always been in danger, with you or without you. My own mother maimed me. The very reason I ever met you was because I was kidnapped. Danger is inevitable, whether I’m in the palace or the pleasure district. I thought for a long time that being with you could only bring trouble, but I’ve come to a realization. I am alive today because of you. And you are alive today because of me. We save each other. So, there’s only one conclusion to draw, we are more likely to survive together than apart.”

“We’re stronger together?”

Maomao nodded. “We’re stronger together.”

He felt a deep satisfaction at those words. He knew they belonged together for years now. But to hear that she finally agreed was balm to his soul.

“Maomao, you’ve made me incredibly happy, but…can you be happy with this arrangement?”

“If you give me that greenhouse.”

He laughed. “You will have the most spectacular greenhouse in all of Li with the most rare plants I can acquire from around the world. There is nothing I want more than to make you happy for the rest of your days.”

“You know I’ll hold you to that.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Suddenly Jinshi felt he could meet any obstacles ahead and surged with more confidence than he’d ever felt, knowing that he would have Maomao by his side forever more.

He would have to remember to thank his brother for his timely decree.

 

 

Chapter 2: Betrothal

Summary:

In the aftermath of his marriage decree, Jinshi has a conversation with his closest allies and realizes that a few changes will be in store for Maomao that she will not accept willingly. Can he find a way to appease her so she doesn’t regret the engagement? And then there’s the matter of his future father-in-law showing up unannounced in his office.

Shortly after the betrothal announcement, Maomao made a swift departure, saying she wanted to escape before the Emperor’s meeting with the strategist concluded. Jinshi knew she was also eager to get back to her dormitory and change clothes.

Jinshi offered to walk back with her, but that offer was hastily declined. He was disappointed, wanting nothing more right now than to be with her. The wedding couldn’t come fast enough in his opinion. He walked home silently with Gaoshun following closely behind.

Even while Jinshi’s entire world had shifted on its axis, he felt stunned that he was returning home as though nothing had ever happened. The people they passed treated him no differently. The birds in the trees sang the same songs. The world was unaware of this life-altering event that had just taken place.

Jinshi however was a different man than he had been only an hour before. Fire was consuming him. And he had so many butterflies in his stomach that he was surprised he wasn’t flying. How he was able to keep walking, taking one step in front of the other, he wasn’t quite sure.

Finally they reached his villa and Suiren was waiting there with a knowing smile. Chue popped up beside her with an equally knowing smirk.

Suiren ushered him in the house and served him a cup of hot tea. “How are you feeling, Young Master? I gather the Emperor had an important announcement,” she said suggestively.

He raised one eyebrow which Suiren ignored. How did he feel? A moment ago, he was euphoric, but now he felt a bit put off. These two clearly knew what was going to happen but didn’t warn him.

“I feel like I’ve been granted every wish I’ve ever wanted. I am to be wed to Maomao, but you already knew that, didn’t you?”

Suiren’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “I had an inkling.”

Jinshi’s eyes narrowed. “Why do I feel betrayed by my closest ally?”

Suiren laughed but it was Chue who responded. “And what would you have done, Moon Prince, if you knew what was to happen? Sir, with all due respect, you would have botched it.”

Jinshi scoffed. “I would not,” he protested.

“You would have taken needless and drastic measures to interfere, delay or prevent the inevitable. You’re very talented at blocking your own happiness, sir.”

“Fortunately, you have many people who care for you more than you care for yourself,” Suiren added.

Jinshi was about to protest again, but closed his mouth just as he opened it. As much as he didn’t want to believe it, she was probably right. “Thank you,” he conceded.

“And where is your bride to be?” Suiren asked.

“MaoMao returned to her dormitory.”

Gaoshun furrowed his brows and he and Suiren traded a concerned look.

“What is that look about?” Jinshi asked.

Gaoshun spoke up this time. “Moon Prince, communal living is neither appropriate nor safe for a royal bride. Xiaomao must find alternative living arrangements.”

“She can come back here. Prepare her room, Suiren.”

Gaoshun cleared his throat. “Tradition dictates the bride must live in her father’s household before the wedding.”

Jinshi could feel all the color drain from his face. MaoMao would rather die than live with the strategist for months. Forget the edict, if she knew this, she would poison herself before breakfast. 

“Sir, I do have a suggestion that Xiaomao may be amenable to. With the Empress in her new residence, the Jade Pavilion is empty at the moment. We could move Dr. Kan and Xiaomao there temporarily, just until the wedding. It’s a secure place and one that should be familiar and comfortable to her.”

Never was Jinshi so grateful that Maomao had two father figures. “Yes, let’s move them in tomorrow. And we’ll need to assign her guards. Can you arrange it?”

Gaoshun bowed in confirmation and sent instructions to one of the guards at the door.

“Young Master,” Suiren interjected, “Xiaomao will also need her own ladies-in-waiting. Chue could assist her for now, but she should have at least three ladies. I can start looking for candidates.”

Jinshi sighed. Maomao wouldn’t like any of these changes to her status. Changing her residence was bad enough, but being served by others? That was a fight waiting to happen. But she would have to get used to it, perhaps better now than after they were married. “Very well, but Maomao should select them. She knows many servants in the rear palace and I trust her judgment in this matter, but please consult with her, Suiren, and you can have final sign-off on her choices.”

“Shall we send word to Xiaomao now?” Gaoshun asked.

Jinshi thought a moment. Advanced warning might be appreciated, but he didn’t want to invoke her ire on the very day of their engagement. “No, let her have this one last day of normality. But her protection is essential. Send some guards to unobtrusively watch the dormitory. Also send word to the medical office that she is excused tomorrow. Miss Chue, you will go to her first thing tomorrow and I will send a letter with you.”

Pushing aside the pile of paperwork that accumulated on his desk, Jinshi quickly wrote the letter to Maomao and handed it to Chue.

Maomao would not be happy when Chue delivered the letter to her. He felt somewhat guilty that he wasn’t delivering the news to her himself and was sending Chue in his place. But then again, this could be punishment for that knowing smirk.

Jinshi spent the rest of the evening devising ways to get back in Maomao’s good graces and came up with a plan.

 

---

 

While Jinshi ate breakfast the next morning, all he could think about was Maomao and how she might react to all of the changes in store for her. By now, the decree would be posted across the entire Capital and soon to all of Li. Everyone across the empire would know soon that the Moon Prince would be marrying the La Princess.

There was so much to be done. He ordered maids to prepare the Jade Pavilion since it had been so long since it was occupied. And flowers were to be sent to freshen the rooms. A cook was sent to provide Maomao’s meals. Guards were assigned to the pavilion. Once all those preparations were complete, Chue was sent in a carriage to share the news with Maomao and excuse her from her job at the medical office. Her regular job would have to be put on hold, perhaps indefinitely. But Jinshi would make it up to her somehow. And he had a few ideas to that end that he couldn’t wait to share.

The next hour was spent dictating orders and communications to help achieve those objectives. He had just switched to his regular paperwork and was waiting for Chue to return and report to him when a visitor was announced.

The monocled strategist wandered in and made himself comfortable, lounging on the couch in Jinshi’s office. But as comfortable as his position may be, his eyes held fire. Jinshi could tell with that one look that this wouldn’t be an easy conversation, not that any conversation with Lakan ever was.

Jinshi took a deep breath and smiled at his soon to be father-in law. “How can I help you, Commandant Kan?”

Lakan smirked before looking intently at Jinshi. “The better question is how will you help my daughter?”

“I will do everything in my power to ensure that Maomao is happy.”

“Happy as a bird can be in a gilded cage?”

Jinshi wanted to protest but in fact he could not. To marry him would mean Maomao would be joining him in his own gilded cage.

“All of Li may think that this marriage is inappropriate. That you are marrying below your station and that Maomao is not worthy of you,” Lakan seethed with eyes narrowing as he leaned forward. “That is what they will say. It’s what they are already saying. But I think you and I know better and that it’s quite the reverse. You will never be worthy of my daughter. She deserves freedom that she will never find in your household.”

Jinshi felt the confidence that swelled in him since yesterday begin to falter, but he couldn’t give in to Lakan’s judgment.

“I do not deny that I am unworthy of Maomao but I strive to be worthy of her and she makes me a better man. And I have done what I can and will continue to try to support her desires and ambitions. I have defied tradition and convention to ensure she had medical training, so she could fulfill her potential to be a physician.”

“And what then happens when she becomes the wife of a prince and the only goal she is allowed is to bear your child?”

“Life in the rear palace is restricted, I cannot deny it, but I will not let that fate happen to Maomao. You must understand that I have too much respect for her and would never allow her passion for medicine to be squandered. Medical treatment in the rear palace is woefully inadequate. It is at a breaking point, with your uncle as the only competent physician available. The situation is unsustainable and the solution is women trained as physicians. I want Maomao to lead that transformation.”

Utter silence followed as the strategist stared at him and then suddenly laughed raucously.

“Haha! I can tell you genuinely believe that. Let’s hope it’s true. I’m sure my Maomao would enjoy that challenge.”

The strategist sighed and drank from his gourd. “I may hate to admit it, but I can see that you genuinely care for her. Well, what’s done is done. It’s not as though either of us has the power to defy you or the Emperor.”

Lakan arose and stood in front of Jinshi, staring down at him with a wry grin.

“There is the matter of the betrothal gifts – namely that there haven’t been any. My daughter’s dowry has already been negotiated and paid to the Emperor.”

In Li, it was customary for the groom to send a variety of betrothal gifts to the bride and her family following the engagement, which was then usually followed by the dowry being paid by the bride’s family. Without gifts from both sides, the marriage would be considered dishonorable.  

“It will be taken care of to your satisfaction,” Jinshi promised. It had been less than a day since Jinshi even knew the engagement was coming, what did Lakan expect?

Lakan replied with a grunt and walked out. Jinshi breathed a deep sigh of relief and put his head in his hands. He stared at the mountain of paperwork in front of him and shoved it aside. It would have to wait. He had gifts to buy.

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Well, I thought it would be a one shot, but I guess the story still called to me. The next chapter will be from Maomao’s perspective, but it may be a few weeks before it’s written.

Your comments feed my soul and inspire me. What did you like? What do you want to see?

Chapter 3: Regrets

Summary:

Maomao begins to question her decision to marry Jinshi once her life is turned upside down almost instantly. But there are certain perks that come with marrying a prince.

“Miss Maomao, Miss Maomao,” Chue called, running up to Maomao just as she was leaving her dormitory on her way to work.

“What is it, Miss Chue?”

Chue motioned that she would need a moment to catch her breath. “I have a message from the Moon Prince. We should go inside. I think you’ll want some privacy.”

Maomao let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t think I want to know what it says if you have to deliver it to me this early.”

“How can you say such a thing, Miss Maomao? It’s a letter from your betrothed.”

“Then tell me, is it something I want to hear?”

Chue wouldn’t look her in the eyes and hummed a little tune instead of answering.

“I thought not.” Maomao shook her head in exasperation. “Well, let’s get this over with. Come inside.”

The more Maomao read Jinshi’s letter, the more she thought about poisons and how she could apply them to get herself out of this predicament. He wanted her to move into the Jade Pavilion with Luomen and stop working at the medical office for an undisclosed time period, all to “keep her safe.” When she was done reading, she balled up the letter and tossed it into the brazier.

“I take it you’re not happy with the arrangements?” Chue asked.

“You take it correctly, Miss Chue. And since I’m sure the Moon Prince will be asking you about my response, you can tell him to go to hell.”

“Miss Maomao, how could you say such a thing? Do you want Miss Chue to lose her head?” Chue clicked her tongue. “Poor little Miss Maomao, forced to live in a palace and have servants to take care of her every whim.”

“He’s taking my freedom, my home, my work!”

“What did you think would happen when you agreed to marry him? You may choose to deny it but you knew what would happen.”

“But I didn’t think it would be this soon. I’m not ready for this.”

“You know he’s only thinking about your safety. Give him a chance, the Moon Prince will try to make it up to you. He’s already trying to find ways to please you.”

Maomao wasn’t at all convinced, but nonetheless she found herself moving all her belongings to the Jade Pavilion shortly thereafter.

Expecting to find an empty building gathering dust, Maomao instead found a bustling hive of activity as dozens of maids were cleaning every corner of the pavilion. Maomao could hardly believe that all this effort was just for her. She was about to help a maid who was dusting when Chue stopped her from reaching for the dust cloth. Chue shook her head and Maomao remembered that this type of work would now be forbidden to her. She stomped off to find somewhere quiet where she could be alone with her thoughts and frustrations. Somehow, she found herself going to her old shed. No one cared about the shed, she could sulk in peace there and mourn her freedom.

Chue was wise enough to give her space until lunch, when Chue knocked softly on the shed door and persuaded Maomao to come out with the scent of some exquisitely scented dish. The dining table was laden with many of her favorite dishes. Damn that Moon Prince. He knew the way to her stomach at least.

After lunch, Chue tossed her a pile of clothes. “Put these on, we’re making a special visit this afternoon. And Master Luomen will be joining you here later.”

Oh right, Dad was supposed to live with her to satisfy “tradition” and whatever that entails.

“If the person I’m supposed to meet is the Moon Prince, tell him I don’t want to see him.”

“It’s not the Moon Prince, though I’m sure he will be stopping by soon to see his beloved. It’s someone you may love even more than him, but don’t tell the Moon Prince I said that.”

Chue had a talent for knowing just how to bait Maomao.

Maomao pondered the possibilities of who this mysterious stranger could be as they took a carriage to the meeting place. Could it be a rare medicines dealer? A purveyor of exotic mushrooms? A trader specializing in exotic wines and liquor?

When they stepped inside their destination, a small office in the outer court, Maomao was disappointed to see it was an old man who was not carrying any medicines or mushrooms or wine, but rather a scroll of parchment and writing tools.

“Lady Maomao?” he asked.

“Just Maomao,” she replied.

“You are the betrothed of the Moon Prince, correct?”

Not for much longer, Maomao thought.

“Yes, she is,” Chue piped up before Maomao could say a word.

“Ah, good. I am Lao Chiang, the chief builder for the palace. The Moon Prince has requested that we build a greenhouse adjacent to his residence and asked me to meet with you to discuss all the requirements.”

The sour mood that had persisted all day suddenly all but completely vanished and Maomao could feel her lips curving sharply upward as her eyes went wide. Part of her mind was telling her to control herself but the other part felt like she had when she first set eyes on her ox bezoar.

The builder, she’d already forgotten his name, looked slightly concerned.

“Are you alright, Lady Maomao?”

“I’m wonderful! Let’s get started,” she said enthusiastically.

For the next hour, they talked about various possibilities. Maomao wanted multiple sections so she could have different micro climates, with a special area for herbs, one for fruits, vegetables and flowers, and one for more exotic species like they found in the Western Capital. The greenhouse would have a heat source to ensure she could grow plants year round. There would be a workbench, storage and shelving units. A small room connecting to the greenhouse would even have a living space with a bed, seating area and small kitchen, so she could practically live in the greenhouse if she wanted or at least take a nap there. That was something she longed for when she was tending to the roses.

More and more ideas came to mind, but Maomao knew she needed time to really think about this and arranged to meet again with the builder in a week to share additional requests. In the meantime however, she requested them to get started on preparing the space and acquiring the materials for the greenhouse. She didn’t want any wasted time so that it would be ready for her as soon as possible.

By the time they returned to the Jade Pavilion, it was late afternoon. As she entered the pavilion, she saw a familiar face – Luomen.

“Hey, Dad, I’m sorry they stuck you here to babysit me.”

“I wouldn’t call it that. I would call it precious time with my dear daughter. I’m glad the Moon Prince is thinking about your safety. And I’m sure you’re happier with this solution than living with Lakan.”

Maomao’s face blanched and she shuddered at the thought. “What are you talking about? That was a possibility?!”

“Did you really not consider that? It was as Lakan’s daughter, not mine, that you were betrothed. The Moon Prince told me himself that it was discussed. But he knew that you would prefer this arrangement.”

Suddenly the Jade Pavilion began to look less like a prison than it had before.

“Wait a minute, you talked to him today?”

“Yes, he stopped by the medical office to personally ask me to move in here with you. And he also asked me for my blessing on your marriage.”

“Your blessing? What did you say?”

“I told him that it wasn’t my opinion that mattered but yours. As long as this is what you want, who am I to disagree? Not that I would. He’s a good man, Maomao.”

“We didn’t have much of chance to talk yesterday at court,” Luomen continued, “but I suppose congratulations are in order.”

Maomao huffed. “I’m beginning to regret it. They won’t let me return to my job, made me move, and now I’m stuck in the rear palace for months, or maybe the rest of my life.”

“You’re marrying a prince, Maomao. I know this must be difficult for you, but I’m sure your logical mind put together the consequences of that. And yet, you agreed to this marriage. And that tells me that you must care for him. He could have ordered you to marry him a long time ago, but he was waiting for you to make that choice.”

Did she have feelings for him? Most definitely, but right now they were mostly anger and frustration.

“I know feelings have never come easy for you, Maomao. And being so thoroughly loved by another must have been difficult for you, especially coming from someone of his stature. You probably don’t understand why he would choose you. But have no doubt, his feelings are genuine. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, the way he respects you, and I also saw how tortured he was when the Shi clan took you. That man will do anything for you, including destroying his own life to make yours better. Do you know how few people in this world ever find someone that devoted? What you have is very special. Tell me, if he wasn’t a prince, would you have accepted him long before now?”

“Maybe,” she admitted reluctantly. “I feel…safe with him. And he does seem to understand me. And we work well together. And sometimes he reminds me of you.”

“Now, can you imagine being with anyone else?”

She thought of Rikuson kissing her hand and his proposal, which she had to admit didn’t sound entirely like a jest. She respected him and had to admit that he would have been a good choice. Now she imagined Rikuson and Jinshi in the Shrine of Choosing as two doors she had to choose between. Rikuson would be the safe and easy choice, her brain told her to choose him, but every other part of her felt a strong magnetic pull that compelled her to choose Jinshi. There was no option.

“No, I wouldn’t choose anyone else.”

“It’s ok to love, Maomao. It’s not weakness. What if I told you I had been in love once?”

Maomao was startled. She had never heard of a lover before. She thought of her old man as always being a grandmotherly eunuch, but that hadn’t always been the case. Then she remembered the look in his eyes when he told the story of his former mentor in the West, the one who had been drowned after being accused of witchcraft.

“Was it the woman who mentored you in the West?”

“Yes. I never had the opportunity to even tell her how I felt about her. She was the sun, moon and stars to me. I imagined our life together so many times. But she was taken from me cruelly before I had the chance to tell her so. And what happened after, well, it didn’t make me keen to love again. We never know where life will lead us and can only live in the moment. So if you do truly care for the Moon Prince, cherish the time you have together.”

Even though she had been so angry with Jinshi just a short while ago, she suddenly wished he was beside her, holding her hand.

Maomao helped her father move his things into one of the first floor bedrooms so he didn’t need to climb the stairs daily. She gave him a little tour of the pavilion and even showed him her shed and told him how she would set it up again as an apothecary’s workshop.

After dinner, they were relaxing in the parlor when they heard a big commotion outside. Maomao went outside to look and saw a line of several carriages. It looked like a parade headed directly to the Jade Pavilion and at the front were Jinshi and Basen, each astride a horse. People all over the rear palace were coming out to watch.

As the caravan approached, she could feel all the eyes now turning to the Jade Pavilion and specifically her. She thought she’d die of embarrassment. “What is he doing now?” Maomao asked in panic.

“Courting you,” Chue chirped beside her before rounding on her heel and heading inside. “I’ll get some tea and snacks ready. It looks like we’ll have company.”

Courting her? What on earth was that supposed to mean? And why did it involve a stream of carriages? Maomao had the sinking feeling she should have read up on marriage traditions. It’s not like that was a standard part of her Verdigris education.

Maomao decided to follow Chue inside and evade the stares that were following her. She would have to arm herself mentally for whatever was coming. And she didn’t want to give Jinshi the satisfaction of waiting for him like an adoring bride when she was still quite upset with him. If he was here to make amends, then she wasn’t going to make it easy on him.

Chapter 4: More Precious than Poisonous Mushrooms

Summary:

Jinshi tries to make amends while fulfilling his duty as Maomao’s fiancé.

Approaching from a distance, Jinshi could see Maomao standing outside the Jade Pavilion. He smiled and held up one hand to greet her, but she turned around and went inside. Chue had already sent word through one of the guards that Maomao was very unhappy so he hadn’t exactly expected a warm welcome, but it was still disappointing that she wouldn’t even greet him personally.

He dismounted his horse at the Jade Pavilion’s entrance and handed the reins to one of the guards. Basen gave the instructions to one of Maomao’s guards to announce them and they were led into the receiving room.

It was Luomen who greeted him first. Then Chue came in with tea and snacks. It took a full five minutes before Maomao appeared. And when she did, it was with a withering glare. The thrilling twinge he often felt at her glares was tempered by the fact that he knew she was angry with him, not merely annoyed.

“What do you want, Moon Prince?” she asked in an icy voice. The formal title stung even more.

Jinshi adopted his most radiant smile, arming himself for this conversation. “I come bearing gifts – your betrothal gifts. I think you might be intrigued by a few them.”

“Do you think you can appease me with a few gifts after taking my work and home from me? Even an ox bezoar right now wouldn’t mollify me.”

Jinshi grimaced briefly, but put on the mask of his smile once more. “All of Li will soon know we are betrothed. That will put an even bigger target on your back. Your dormitory and the medical clinic are no longer safe options. I will do whatever I have to to keep you safe, even if that means making you unhappy temporarily. But I don’t intend for you to be miserable, and you have to trust me that I will do everything in my power to make you happy. Now, can you please give me the benefit of the doubt, humor me and come outside for a moment?”

Maomao crossed her arms. “Fine, but only if it will encourage you to leave faster.”

Jinshi held out his arm for her to take and she reluctantly accepted it.

“I think you’ll find this worth your while,” he whispered in her ear, and was delighted to see her shiver.

As he led her outside, the sun was just beginning to fade. He motioned for the first carriage to approach. This first carriage held many of the traditional betrothal gifts. Jinshi had sent one of the carriages like this also to the freak strategist’s house, to thank the bride’s family and indicate that the betrothal gifts were being delivered. Once the carriage stopped, a stream of servants came out carrying bottles of wine, tea, bridal cakes decorated with a dragon and phoenix, a live rooster and hen (traditional symbols), and baskets upon baskets of pastries, and as many exotic food goods as Jinshi could find with less than a day’s notice.

Maomao looked at him unimpressed.

“We’re just getting started,” he reassured her and motioned for the second carriage to approach.

From the second carriage came robes, capes, and various garments of every color and material imaginable, along with wooden boxes displaying necklaces, bracelets, earrings and hair ornaments of precious metals and jewels. Suiren spent a good portion of the day assembling them all.

Maomao stared at each piece with her analytical mind. Jinshi wondered if she was assessing the value for resale.

While they were waiting for the third carriage to approach, he asked about her day. “So what did you think of the master builder? What plans did you make for the greenhouse?”

Maomao’s eyes brightened a bit. “He seems very competent. We started plans, but there’s so much more to think about. It will have different rooms for different climates and he’s designing it to include some features that will make it easier to work in.”

“I’m sure it will be the most spectacular greenhouse anyone has ever seen. And I want to hear all about it. When the time comes, you can fill it with as many rare plants as we can acquire.” Jinshi motioned to the servants to carry out the items from the third carriage. “But perhaps these will help you get started.” The servants each carried different plants and herbs. There were even a few fruit trees among the selection. “You can use the central garden of the Jade Pavilion however you wish and perhaps get your plants started this summer before the greenhouse is completed.”

Maomao looked upon each plant with open hunger in her eyes and started following the servants carrying them. Jinshi grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her around. She brushed his hands away.

Jinshi laughed. “I know the plants are appealing to you, but we’re not done yet. You’ll have plenty of time to look at them all.”

The fourth and last carriage rolled up. Several servants helped carry out a giant wooden cabinet with many drawers – it was very much like the medicine cabinets in the medical office, except of finer quality and with elaborate carvings.

“It’s beautiful,” Maomao said in awe.

Jinshi motioned the servants to set it down in front of Maomao. Maomao instantly started opening the little drawers and gasped at the first one. “Bear claws?” Then she opened another, “Bloodroot?” Then she quickly opened one after another with gasps or shrieks after each pull of a drawer. “I don’t even know what half of these are.”

“I’ve been reaching out to contacts further abroad for several months to source medical ingredients from the West and even beyond the great sea. I’m sure you’ll have fun exploring what they do. I requested no deadly poisons so you should be safe to experiment.”

She looked at him with the same rapturous expression that drove him mildly insane. “Thank you, Master Jinshi!” she said with so much joy in her voice that he felt jealous of the contents of that medicine cabinet for having her complete and undying love. But his jealousy faded when she hugged him tightly. He slowly wrapped an arm around her back, holding her closely and kissing the top of her head softly. Basen cleared his throat nearby. Embarrassed by this public display of affection, they quickly broke apart. Maomao, blushing, looked back to her precious medicine cabinet.

Feeling a surge of love for her, Jinshi swallowed hard. “I know that you’re very excited, but I do have one last surprise for you and it really can’t wait for another day.” He knocked on that last carriage and out came one more servant. She held nothing in her hands. Maomao stared for a minute, as though she was trying to process what she was seeing and then tears started streaming down her face.

“Xiaolan?”

“Maomao!”

Xiaolan ran up to Maomao and wrapped her arms around her. Maomao still looked shocked but returned the embrace. Jinshi stepped back and admired the little reunion he coordinated. Despite Maomao’s objections, he had secretly investigated Xiaolan’s location some time ago, just in case his cat ever wanted to see her friend.

“What are you doing here?” Maomao asked her.

“I heard you needed a lady-in-waiting and I want to apply for the job.”

“Are you sure? It could be dangerous to be around me.”

Of course, Maomao always cares about the welfare of others, but never herself, Jinshi thought.

“Maomao, you’re my best friend. Of course I want to be with you. It will be just like old times. Well, maybe not, since you’ll be a princess, but you know what I mean. And I’ll get to see all of my other friends in the rear palace too.”

“I missed you, Xiaolan,” Maomao said, and Jinshi could tell she truly meant it.

Jinshi coughed once. “I’m sure the two of you have much to discuss. I’ll leave you for now. Maomao, will you join me for dinner in two nights?”

Maomao nodded and actually gave him a smile. He knew that she wasn’t totally satisfied yet, but it was progress. Now, the best gift Jinshi could give Maomao was time, time to absorb the changes to her life, time to spend with her friend, time to understand what it truly meant to marry him.

Notes:

I did some research into ancient Chinese marriage traditions. The groom was expected to provide betrothal gifts to the bride’s family, these usually included money, food, tea, wine, a male and female pair of chickens (to symbolize fertility), and dragon and phoenix bridal cakes - basically the contents of the first carriage in this story. The bride’s family would reciprocate with a dowry that usually included food and clothing. To skip the gifts from either side could make the marriage dishonorable so this was a very important tradition to follow. Since Maomao basically has two families (three if you count her Verdigris house sisters), Jinshi sent gifts to both the La estate and the Jade Pavilion.

Please comment and share what else you’d like to see in this story. The next chapter will have some of the reactions from others in Maomao’s orbit.

Chapter 5: From a Different Perspective

Summary:

Let’s find out how others in Maomao’s circle learned the happy news of her engagement.

As Lihaku set out in the carriage from the Moon Prince, his heart felt especially light. It was a beautiful, sunny day with just a few white clouds dotting the sky. He had a joyful delivery and message to bring to his favorite place in the world and he would see his beloved Pairin. It was a perfect day. Perhaps he’d even make this a doubly joyous occasion.

Lihaku wondered how the women would take the news. Now, Verdigris House could tout raising a true princess. Will wonders never cease?

He was quite shocked by the edict himself. But perhaps he should have known better. After rescuing the girl from the Shi stronghold, guarding her for a year in the western capital, and all the other times the Moon Prince had ordered him to watch out for her, he should have realized that it was more than the prince watching out for his favorite apothecary, or preventing a political enemy by protecting the old fart’s daughter. He wondered how long they had truly been an item. Then Lihaku thought back to that most embarrassing incident where Master Jinshi discovered Maomao with him in a state of undress. The eunuch, no…prince, had looked furious. If looks could kill, Lihaku would have been a dead man long ago. The prince probably cared about the girl even back then. Finally, he understood after all this time why Jinshi had offered him the money to buy out Pairin. And it made him laugh all the way to his destination.

When they reached Verdigris House, Chou-u was the first to meet the carriage, followed closely by his shadow Zulin. Chou-u peeked around Lihaku to try to look in the carriage.

“Is Freckles with you?” Chou-u frequently asked about her when he came to visit. If only the little lady could see how much he cared for her.

“Not today, but I’ve brought a message about her. Can you tell the old lady we have a big delivery?”

“Of what?” Chou-u asked.

“You’ll see soon enough, kid.” Lihaku ruffled his hair and sent him inside. Lihaku instructed the servants to unload the carriage and he entered first to deliver the Moon Prince’s letter.

“Dear Lihaku,” the old madam greeted him. Joka was standing beside her. “You’re here early today.”

“I’m not here on the usual business. I have a special message for you from the Moon Prince.” He handed her the letter he was safeguarded with delivering.

The old lady started reading. Joka read over her shoulder and gasped. “Is this a joke, Lihaku?” the madam smirked.

“No, ma’am, Maomao is marrying the Moon Prince. I saw the edict myself. And I’ve brought gifts from the prince for all of you. Also…” Lihaku pulled out a purse heavy with coins and plunked it on the counter in front of the madam, “the Moon Prince would like to buy out the whole house today as a celebration.”

The madam’s eyes lit up greedily at the purse, while everyone else present stared in awe at the stream of servants coming in with enough food and wine for a week of feasting.

Given the madam’s good mood, Lihaku wanted to take advantage of the occasion to request to buy out Pairin. But just as he was working up the courage to ask, the madam’s eyes narrowed at him.

“Wait a minute,” the old lady spit, “does this mean that nobleman who visited Maomao all these years was the prince? I should have charged him more!”

Lihaku sighed. Buying out Pairin would have to wait for another day.

“I’m going to find Pairin. I’d like to tell her the news in person,” Lihaku said before rushing off.

His sweet Pairin was thrilled at the news of her little sister’s forthcoming marriage. And, even better, she decided she wanted to spend her day off with him. Although Verdigris House was often a joyful place to be, at least for its customers, Lihaku didn’t think he had ever seen it quite as jubilant as today. He enjoyed feasting with the ladies and then celebrating privately with Pairin late into the night. He silently thanked the Moon Prince for choosing him to send on this mission.

The next morning, Lihaku told Pairin the happy news that he had saved enough to buy out her contract and that he would come back for her in the next week. In the meantime, Pairin told him that she would soften up the old lady and try to reduce the amount.

Before he left, Lihaku remembered one last task the Moon Prince entrusted him with. He had to search most of Verdigris House before he found the kid, who was stealing sweets from the kitchen.

“Chou-u, I need you to pack your things. You’re coming back with me to the palace,” Lihaku explained.

“Mister, are you crazy?” Chou-u looked at him like he had two heads.

“The Moon Prince is going to apprentice you with the court artist. This is a big opportunity, kid. You don’t want to pass it up.”

Chou-u’s eyes opened wide, but then he glanced back at the little girl sitting beside him. “But what about Zulin? I can’t leave her.”

“My orders are to bring her too. She’s going to receive an education and be trained to become a lady-in-waiting for the Moon Prince’s household. Don’t worry, you’ll still see each other.”

Chou-u looked conflicted.

“Hey kid, I know this is a big change. But it’s for the best. You’ll both be much better off than staying here. Go grab your things and I’ll order the carriage.”

Within half an hour, their meager belongings were packed and all of Verdigris House came outside to see them off. All the men in the pleasure district looked on with envy as Chou-u was hugged by dozens of courtesans. Zulin’s sister was the last to say goodbye and gave her little sister a heart-wrenching hug. Both kids had tears in their eyes as the carriage pulled away.

“Wait!” Sazen called, he was running after the carriage. Lihaku asked the driver to stop. The carriage door was flung open and Sazen handed a calico cat to Chou-u. “The madam says the cat has to go with them.”

And so, Maomao the cat completed her circular journey back to the palace.

 

---

 

Back in the medical office the day after the imperial decree was issued…

 

Yao and En’en were both wondering why Maomao was so late to work. Usually she was quite punctual. She had been gone for the past week but was supposed to return today. Yao began to wonder if Maomao was given another secret learning opportunity or some task again for the imperial family. For a girl raised in a brothel, she certainly seemed to have connections.

Their first patients of the day were two soldiers who had been injured while sparring with each other. They laid on adjacent cots while Yao and En’en each treated their wounds.

“Did you see the Moon Prince’s new bride?” one of the soldiers asked the other. “She’s  petite but stunning with big blue eyes.”

“Watch what you say,” the other soldier hissed. “She’s Commandant Kan’s daughter.”

En’en paused while wrapping a bandage around the soldier’s wrist. “What did you say?” she asked.

“The prince’s bride is Grand Commandant Kan’s daughter.”

“Where did you hear that?” En’en pressed.

“It’s a new imperial decree. Their betrothal was announced in court yesterday.”

Yao clearly wanted to say something but En’en motioned to her to finish up with their patients so they could speak privately. Once they finished treating the patients, En’en pulled Yao aside into an empty room.

Yao looked over at her with a puzzled expression. “They can’t mean Maomao?”

En’en raised one eyebrow. “Do you know of any other daughters of Commandant Lakan?”

Yao shook her head.

En’en tapped her chin. “I just knew there was something between Maomao and the Moon Prince. Didn’t you wonder why she was sent to serve him at the western capital? And his old lady-in-waiting always spoke so highly of her. It never made sense.”

“We have to see her,” Yao said. “Why wouldn’t she have told us? We’re her closest friends.”

But they didn’t see her. She never came to the medical office. Later they found out from Tianyu that one of the prince’s guards informed Dr. Liu that she would be on extended leave. They didn’t see her at the dormitory either and discovered that all of her belongings had been removed. The dormitory matron told them she had moved out but didn’t know where she went.

“Do you think she could have moved in with Commandant Lakan?” Yao asked. “Brides are supposed to live with their fathers before the wedding, right?”

“I can’t imagine Maomao willingly living there, but I guess it’s possible. Maybe we should visit Lahan,” En’en suggested and Yao readily agreed.

On their day off, they took a carriage to the La estate. Upon arrival, a servant admitted them and they waited in the receiving room for Master Lahan.

“What’s going on here?” Yao asked, gesturing to a table laden with bottles, fruit, nuts and multiple baskets of food items, mostly sweet pastries. “It looks like they’re preparing for a funeral.”

“Those are gifts from the Moon Prince,” Lahan explained as he entered the room. “He sent a full carriage of goods. Please help yourself, I’ve already given as much to the servants as they can take and it would be a pity for it to go bad.”

En’en eyed the exotic fruits as a possible ingredient for their dinner.

“Ladies, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Lahan greeted them politely.

Foregoing any pleasantries, En’en asked, “Is Maomao here?”

“No, my younger sister is living in the rear palace with my grand uncle.”

“How long have you known about this?” Yao asked.

“Her living arrangements? She only moved a couple of days ago.”

“No,” Yao clarified, “how long have you known about Maomao and the Moon Prince?”

“Well, the Moon Prince has had his eye on my younger sister for years, since before our trip to the western capital a few years ago. He even bestowed a hairpin to her on that occasion with a moon.”

“A silver hairpin with a moon and a poppy? I’ve seen it,” Yao confirmed. “I noticed the quality but I had no idea it was from the Moon Prince.” It seemed Maomao had been keeping many secrets from them.

“Our family is quite honored by this union, as you might imagine,” Lahan commented.

“Will Maomao come back to work?” Yao asked.

“I couldn’t say. But I’m sure that decision lies with the Moon Prince now,” Lahan replied. “I’m sorry I don’t have more answers for you. It seems that the one you truly need to speak with is Maomao. May I suggest that you contact her? I was told she’ll be living in the Jade Pavilion before the wedding.”

Yao couldn’t understand why Maomao hadn’t spoken a word of this to either of them. How could she keep something this big a secret from her closest friends?

“Now, ladies, if you have no more need of me, I must finish some correspondence. Please help yourself to any of the goods on the table and let us part ways. My servant will see you to your carriage.”

After Yao and En’en departed, Lahan sighed with relief and did indeed return to a letter he was writing. The news of the La Clan’s prestigious marriage arrangement must be spread far and wide along with a shipment of Go books. There would be potential profits in every town in Li with people clamoring for the book authored by the father of the Moon Prince’s bride. Lahan was committed to taking advantage of this opportunity for profit.

Lahan sealed the letter and handed it to a servant, “Please see to it that this letter and shipment are delivered to Mister Rikuson in the western capital.”  

 

---

 

One month later in I-sei Province, the man known as Rikuson received a battered package of books and a weathered letter. The news was not unexpected. He had already heard about the girl’s betrothal through a pigeon from his cousins, not to mention the news spreading like wildfire through the port over the last week.

Nonetheless, his heart felt a twinge each time he heard the news. They would have been a good match. He admired her intelligence, her humor and her innate goodness. Maomao was extraordinary. In a kinder world, perhaps they would have been a happy couple. But Rikuson well knew that the Moon Prince had long ago placed his claim on Maomao, and that he had never stood a chance. Still, it was fun to tease the jealous-prone prince.

Rikuson looked again at the letter. Perhaps it was time to return to the imperial capital. Maybe he should witness this wedding for himself. And if he had the chance to tweak the prince at least once more before they were legally wed, all the better.

 

 

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It’s fun to explore different perspectives.

I struggled with the Verdigris portion for a while. I couldn’t figure out whose perspective to use, at first it was going to be one of the three princesses, then Chou-u, but then I wanted Lihaku to deliver the news so he could see Pairin and it all started to come together quickly after that.

Yao’s opinion of her “close” friendship with Maomao is certainly one-sided in this fic. The only friends Maomao would consider close are Xiaolan and Chue (and Shisui if she knew she was still alive).

Rikuson’s portion is short but it seemed appropriately so. His was probably the most fun to write.

Which part did you enjoy the most?

Chapter 6: Confessions

Summary:

Jinshi invites Maomao to dinner with the hopes of both reunion and reconciliation.

It had been two days since Jinshi delivered the gifts to the Jade Pavilion. Two days of nonstop work. Two days with no contact. Two days of anticipation. Ever since their betrothal, any time away from Maomao seemed like too much. He was so eager for the wedding to be done and over so that she could sleep by his side every night and wake next to him every morning. He had waited so long for this dream and now that it was so close to coming true, he wasn’t sure if he could wait any longer.

Finally, after waiting what seemed like an eon, the carriage pulled up to his residence and Maomao stepped out. She was wearing a delicate pink silk hanfu that was embroidered with plum blossoms and it was lovely. It was one of the gifts Suiren had helped him arrange. He had to admit that Suiren had excellent taste.

“Master Jinshi,” she greeted him with a bow.

“Would you care to go for a little walk with me before dinner?” He offered her his arm, which she slowly took.

“I thought you might like to see the area where the greenhouse will be built,” he explained. He could feel her thrill of excitement even through the light touch of her hand on his sleeve.

They walked around the periphery of his palace until they reached a large field near the back. There were workmen there, removing trees and bushes to prepare the space. Stakes in the ground and string tied between them marked the outline of where the greenhouse would go.

“They’re working on it already?” Maomao asked in shock.

“As soon as you met with the builder, they were here the next day. You can come and see the progress every time you visit.” Jinshi hoped this provided sufficient incentive for her to visit often.

She released his arm and started walking around the area. He could see her mind rapidly processing, perhaps imagining what would go where when it was complete. He let her explore for a few minutes before asking her to follow him inside.

Once they were seated, Suiren brought out their dinner – all dishes that Maomao preferred at his request.

“So do you forgive me, yet?” He asked.

“I suppose. I understand why changes to my life are necessary, but I don’t have to be happy with them. I needed time to process and probably still need more time. But I can see that you’re trying to help and that you do want me to be happy. And I appreciate that.”

He reached across the table for her hand and held it lightly.

“Anything you need or want, just tell me.”

He knew this would be a major adjustment for her and was eager to do anything in his power to ease that transition.

“Freedom?” She asked quietly. Though it truly wasn’t a question, because she knew it was the one thing he couldn’t grant. With the decree, the time for that had passed.

A long silence fell between them.

“I know you can’t give me what you yourself lack,” Maomao acknowledged. “But I’m afraid that I’ll be kept in the rear palace forever and I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with my life if I’m not even allowed to work.”

“You are not confined to the rear palace. You can leave whenever you want as long as you take guards with you. But please be careful – there are risks now that you did not have to face before now that our relationship is public. I will assign a carriage to you if you like.”

Maomao looked at least a little relieved.

“As to your work,” he continued, “I have an idea, and I hope you might help me with it. As you know, the rear palace is struggling with adequate medical care. Other than your father, we are lacking competent physicians who are eunuchs. So, without making more eunuchs, the obvious solution is female physicians. It will require some legal hurdles, which I will deal with, but we need to transform medical care in the rear palace, and I want you to help lead that transformation.”

“Truly? Women doctors?”

“Yes, and it would never have been possible without you. You proved how capable women can be.”

Maomao looked skeptical. “Being a medical assistant is one thing, but I can’t imagine men accepting me in that role.”

“My mother formed the clinic in the rear palace. Why can’t my wife lead a new female medical team? If I must be in this position, I’m going to use the power it brings. We have a chance to change things for the better for this country. Let’s do it together.”

Jinshi waited for her response, but he could tell that she was still processing everything he said.

“I think…I would like that opportunity,” she said at last. “I know it won’t be easy, but if we can show them that it works in the palace, maybe that will open up possibilities elsewhere.”

“I have complete faith in you,” he said, meeting her gaze. “You’ve proven the doubters wrong more times than I can count.”

He felt immensely proud of his beautiful little apothecary. She was truly extraordinary, like no other. At last, he could feel the words struggling to break out that he had kept suppressed for so long for fear that they might frighten her away and perhaps for fear that she would never be able to say them back. But he was no longer afraid.

“I love you.”

What he had not expected was her response. Her head tilted to one side, and she asked, “Why? I’ve never understood your feelings, Master Jinshi. Why did a prince fall in love with a base apothecary from the pleasure district? You could have chosen anyone, and they would fall at your feet. Why me?”

Streams of memories, years worth, ran through his mind, but his love started so long ago now that it felt like it had been with him for a good part of his life now. Where to even begin?

“I have never wanted anyone but you. You are so different from any woman I’ve ever known. As you know, my experience with women has been…complicated. They are attracted to my looks. I’ve been attacked and harassed in my own bedroom more than once. I grew resigned to the fact that I would only ever be appreciated for my looks alone. And then I met you.

“Your incredible mind intrigued me from the very beginning. During the argument between Lady Gyokuyou and Lady Lihua, I noticed a girl walking away and muttering about needing paper. I wondered who this servant girl who could read and write could possibly be. Then you showed your goodness by sharing advice to save my brother’s children. And as if I wasn’t already intrigued by this remarkable servant girl, you glared at me. You were immune to my charms. It was something I had never experienced before. You had my attention completely.”

Maomao smirked. “Who is attracted by a glare? I knew you were a masochist.”

He cleared his throat. “Ahem, may I continue?”

She nodded.

“Then of course we began working together more and more, and I became addicted to your presence. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. By the time of that first garden party, I knew I cared about you. I was trying to tell you that by giving you my hairpin, but you remained clueless. And then after the Fengming incident when you left the palace- “

“You mean when you fired me,” Maomao interrupted.

“I was trying to give you freedom. I thought it was what you wanted. Do we really have to go through this again? Or maybe you don’t want to hear what else I have to say?” He was getting frustrated with all the interruptions when he was baring his soul.

Maomao had the grace to look at least a little ashamed. “No, I want to hear it.”

He gave her a long look. Sometimes he wondered how he could so love this woman that also frustrated him to no end.

“Anyway, I was distraught when you were gone. I couldn’t concentrate. I just wallowed in my own sadness. Then, Gaoshun insisted that I had to attend that party. I didn’t understand why and then we met. I was overjoyed and I knew I could never let you go again. When you saved me at the temple, my love increased tenfold. The moment I thought I might have lost you was complete devastation. I knew by then that I wanted you to be my wife. And my love and admiration have only grown since then.”

He cupped her cheek with his hand and willed her to look directly at him.

“I love everything about you, Maomao. I love your brilliant mind, your wit, your humor, your mad obsession with medicine, your desire to help others even when it inconveniences you, your commitment to doing your best at everything you try, your incredible beauty-“

At that last word, Maomao looked skeptically at him.

“Yes, your beauty. I could fall into the depths of your eyes every time I look at them. I realize you don’t think of yourself as beautiful, and you’ve had unusually high standards to compare yourself with your entire life. But to me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Why do you think I insisted that you continue putting on the freckles? I don’t want other men to stare at my Maomao.”

Maomao smiled mischievously and delicately brushed her fingers against his cheek. “The man who makes women and men swoon with his mere presence thinks I’m too pretty for others to look at? It’s a good thing I’m not the jealous type or else you might have to dress up as Jinka daily.”

“Sometimes I wish you were. I would like to see you jealous for once.”

“There’s nothing to be jealous of. I know you won’t care for anyone else. I feel pity for them. You make it so easy to fall in love with you.”

“Not for you.”

“No, but your stubbornness won the day in the end. And your heart. When you could lay down your mask and start showing me your true self, that was the man I started to care for. The one who was a little childish, the one who I could feel comfortable with. And then you showed me over and over again what a good man, what a good leader you can be. And you began to remind me of my father, of Luomen. You will sacrifice yourself to do what’s right – it can be damn annoying…but I respect that. And I feel safe with you now, and I’ve never felt safe my entire life. I’m not good with feelings, I was raised to suppress them. But I do know I want this, a life with you.”

For Maomao, that was as close to a love confession as he was every likely to get. He recognized it for what it was and felt a surge of happiness at the very thought that there was any reciprocity of his feelings.

He reached over to kiss her. But his progress was suddenly impeded by her fingers held up to his lips.

“Let’s eat. I’m starving,” she proclaimed. “And the food’s getting cold.”

Feeling just a little put out, he sucked one of her fingers into his mouth and bit gently. She shuddered and yanked back her hand. Almost instantly, he found her fingers replaced with a dumpling shoved in his mouth.

“Clearly you’re starving too if you’re trying to eat me.” She smirked.

Two could play this game. He was feeling a little evil. He chewed the dumpling and swallowed. “You have no idea how much I’d like to eat you.”

Her cheeks flushed and she turned away.

Having won this round, he decided to go easy on her and changed the subject. They talked about mundane topics while they finished the meal. By the time Suiren brought in a tray of sweet pastries for dessert, Jinshi finally got around to the topic he intended to tell her about all evening.

“The Emperor will be holding a garden party in a fortnight in our honor.”

Maomao hesitated. “How kind of him. What exactly does that mean for me?”

“You will be formally introduced to the court as my bride to be. You will sit by my side as a guest. You will have to have special garments made. I will send a tailor to the Jade Pavilion tomorrow to start preparations. And…you will have to have your own taster. Chue will do the job.”

Jinshi knew she wouldn’t like that last part, well really any of it. And sure enough, she grimaced.

“You might also want to work on controlling your facial expressions,” he added.

“I thought you loved everything about me?” she said cheekily.

“Oh, I do, but that doesn’t mean everyone else does.”

Maomao suddenly stood up, walked around the table, wrapped her arms loosely around his neck, and sat on his lap. He was still processing what was happening as her lips crashed down on his. As his lips parted, her tongue penetrated, and it felt like she was exploring the depths of his soul with it. She kissed him with all the expertise of a woman raised in the pleasure district. And he was once again stunned into silence and left panting when they finally broke apart.

With a satisfied smile, she stood up, then turned and walked out of the room. “Good night, Moon Prince,” she called out, while he still struggled to breathe.

Ding, ding, ding. Maomao wins the final round.

Life with this one was going to be interesting and he was looking forward to every minute of it.

 

 

Notes:

Thank you for the kudos and views of this story. I’m overwhelmed by the warm response. Your comments brighten my day - please keep them coming and share what you enjoyed and what you’d like to see in coming chapters.

It may be a bit of time before the next chapter. Between work and writer’s block, this chapter didn’t come easily. And the next chapter will require a bit more plot work. Thanks in advance for your patience.

Chapter 7: In a Land Far, Far Away

Summary:

A distant friend sends well wishes to Maomao.

Notes:

Surprise! This is not the intended chapter 7 but I was inspired by the final episode of the anime today. Consider this chapter like a missing moment - it doesn’t flow with the timeline of the rest of the story but falls a little ahead of the previous chapter and ends well after the beginning of the next chapter. It corresponds more closely with chapter 5.

It was just before dawn when Tamamo woke. She dressed and slipped the little jade cicada, her good luck charm, in her pocket before she headed out into the town. Today was a special day. Twice a month, ships from Li would arrive with provisions from her homeland. They were so popular in this island nation that you had to arrive at the market as soon as they opened to find the best selection and they often sold out well before noon.

Tamamo made it to the docks just in time to watch the sun rise over the crystal blue waters. She sat on the stoop of one of the nearby shops and watched the sailors unloading their cargo. This shipment seemed to include fruits, spices, and wine. She felt in her pocket for her purse and hoped she had enough for the wine. Tips this week at the bathhouse where she worked had been generous, she might have just enough.

She waved and smiled at one of the sailors and called him over. “Good morning! What’s the latest news from Li?”

Surprised to hear his native tongue, the sailor looked surprised at first and then gave her a friendly smile. “You’re one of us then, young lady? It’s always nice to meet one of our countrymen overseas. Well, let’s see…the big news when we left was that the Emperor’s younger brother is set to marry this summer. They say his bride-to-be is the daughter of a famous general.” The man inched closer and spoke quietly, “But rumor is that her mother was a courtesan, and she was raised as a commoner.”

Tamamo’s eyes went wide. “You didn’t happen to hear her name, did you?”

“I can’t recall, but I think she was from the La clan.”

She couldn’t contain the laugh that burst out. So it was indeed Maomao. Even all those years ago, in the days when Maomao knew her as Shisui, she knew the Moon Prince cared for her…well everyone in the rear palace knew that Jinshi the eunuch doted on Maomao. His feelings for Maomao were part and parcel of her strategy to stop her mother’s disastrous plans. She knew nothing would stop the handsome prince from following and rescuing Maomao.

She bowed to the sailor. “Thank you for the information. Will you be sailing back soon?”

“We’ll be sailing on the morning tide tomorrow.”

“And will you be going to the capital?”

“Aye.”

“Might I ask a favor of you? Could you possibly deliver a letter for me? I’ll give you this.” She held up two silver coins from her purse.

Having made an agreement, Tamamo promised to return before sunset with the letter.

The market was just starting to buzz with life as shopkeepers set out their wares and farmers displayed their produce. The fishmongers in this seaside town hung strings of their fragrant catch of the day. And the people of the town streamed in from every which way to join in the hustle of the market and buy their goods for the week.

Minus the two silver coins, Tamamo didn’t have quite enough for the wine, but bought some of the fruit and spices from Li and then headed back to the boarding house where she rented a small room. The room was sparse with a small bed and a single dresser. It certainly couldn’t compare to the Garnet Pavilion, but she had one thing she’d never had in the past that was much more precious – freedom. Freedom to do as she liked, dress as she pleased, and go wherever the wind might take her. If she had enough of this town, she could hop on a boat tomorrow and follow the seas to a new destination. Maybe someday she’d go to the West or even beyond. Her life was her choice from now on.

The one thing she regretted was never being able to see the people she cared about again – her sister, Maomao, Xiaolan, the Shi children. How many nights had she prayed that they survived and that the Moon Prince kept his promise to let the dead remain? She may never have that certainty but kept faith that her plan worked. She had this one opportunity however to let Maomao know she had survived.

Taking out brush and ink, Tamamo drafted a letter, carefully wording it so that it wouldn’t sound like her and so that only Maomao would understand its meaning.

When she was done, she carefully folded the letter and enclosed the jade cicada in it before folding again to seal it. Then she wrote Maomao’s name and Verdigris House on the outside. She dared not send anything to the palace, but she knew that Maomao’s acquaintances at the Verdigris House would get the letter to her.

She delivered the letter to the sailor that evening and paid him with the two precious coins. The next morning, she watched the ship sail away with her hopes and dreams for her loved ones.  

 

---

 

One month later, Maomao received a letter from Pairin accompanied by a battered letter that looked like it had travelled some distance. It was bulky and contained some object within. She opened it carefully and out tumbled a small charm, a green jade insect. She opened the letter and read.  

 

Maomao,

I write to you with ink that trembles with joy and a heart that overflows with delight upon hearing the news of your betrothal. Though the miles between us may stretch long and the seas and winds may separate us, my thoughts fly to you like a honey bee returning to its hive.

Wherever I may be and wherever I may go, I will carry the warmth of your friendship with me. For the favor entrusted to you, I remain profoundly grateful. Though I may not have been worthy of your faith at the time, know that I place my entire trust in you, unreserved and unwavering.

I entreat you to convey my salutations to our esteemed friends. Kindly inform them that, by Heaven’s grace, I have found contentment upon my path.

Long ago, you bestowed upon me an item that proved my salvation in a time of dire need. In the course of my wanderings, I bartered it for the token enclosed herein. Please accept this small gift, imbued with my earnest wishes, as a charm for blessings and good fortune as you embark upon your union.

With deepest gratitude and eternal friendship.

 

The letter was signed with no name but a drawing of a moth, the same type she and Shisui trapped in the rear palace all those years ago.

Tears fell down Maomao’s cheeks in a steady stream. She held the little insect in her palm and held it to her heart. She knew she would keep it with her always.

 

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed this missing moment. We’ll resume with the garden party and life in the rear palace in the next chapter.

Chapter 8: The Flowers in the Garden

Summary:

Maomao’s time in the rear palace is anything but boring in the lead up to the Emperor’s garden party to celebrate her engagement to Jinshi.

Notes:

Sorry this chapter took longer than usual but it’s the longest one yet by over double. All those who requested interactions with the women of the rear palace should be happy with this one. Enjoy!

The next days passed by in a blur of activity. If Maomao thought she might be bored in isolation at the Jade Pavilion, she quickly found that quite the opposite was true. She regretted she didn’t have more time to explore her newly acquired medicine cabinet or to tend the garden she wished to cultivate. Instead, there was a steady stream of visitors or invitations to visit others that she couldn’t refuse.

The first such invitation came from the Empress Dowager Anshi, her future mother-in-law. Although she had met Anshi before, this meeting made her somewhat nervous. Did she approve of her precious son marrying someone of low birth like Maomao? Imagining herself in the Empress’s place, Maomao didn’t think she would be quite as receptive.

Anshi, however, greeted her with a warm smile. “You know, I sensed when we first met that you had become a favorite of my son. I wondered at the time if you might be the one he would refuse to let go. To tell you the truth, I thought you might be engaged long before now.”

“It was not for lack of trying on his part, Lady Anshi.”

“So you resisted? That’s actually reassuring. So many would jump at the chance to be his bride without trying to truly know him.”

“That’s very true. I’m not one that’s attracted to superficial appearances. I suppose you could say he grew on me.”

Anshi smiled genuinely at her. “Love matches are rare for imperials. I’m so happy my son will marry for love.”

Maomao nodded wordlessly. Even if the difference in their passions seemed like a vast chasm that she might never cross, she could not deny the spark that tied them now. Marrying for love was indeed a rarity, even for commoners. When she thought of the other possibility, being forced into an arranged marriage with a virtual stranger, marriage to Jinshi seemed like a much better prospect for both of them.

The idea that Jinshi might have been forced into a political marriage once seemed an inevitability but now she couldn’t quite stomach the thought. She understood now the torture that would have brought him. While her emotions may be blunted, Jinshi felt emotions acutely. To marry without love would be a punishment for him.

This path she had chosen so recently was the key to Jinshi’s happiness, and she started to believe that it might be hers as well, even with the troubles it might bring.

The Empress Dowager ushered one of her attendants to come forward. “I’d like to bestow a gift to honor my son’s bride. Lady Ah-Duo mentioned that you have a preference for pearls. I thought you might wear these to the garden party.” The attendant held up a paulownia box inset with a cushion that held a pair of gold earrings with huge pearls dangling from them. They were perhaps the largest pearls Maomao had ever seen.

It took everything in Maomao to avoid drooling in front of the Empress Dowager and making a complete spectacle of herself. Maomao sobered herself with the knowledge that she would probably not be able to grind these pearls into medicine until her mother-in-law was dead and buried.

“Your Majesty is too generous. Thank you.” Maomao bowed deeply.

They enjoyed tea, sweets, and polite conversation for another hour. Maomao learned more about how the Empress Dowager formed the medical clinic. Maomao shared her background as an apothecary and her medical training. They discussed Maomao’s assignment to transform medical care in the rear palace. Anshi provided valuable advice about leading change as a woman in the restrictive society of the rear palace.

When the visit ended, Maomao felt that they both understood each other a bit more, and that she had an ally in the Empress Dowager. All in all, though she had not been looking forward to the visit, she was glad she had done it. And she did walk away with a pair of earrings that were probably worth more than she’d ever earned in her life, so there was that.

Having been raised in poverty, this lavish lifestyle that she had been thrust into was a major adjustment. Getting accustomed to being the one served instead of the one doing the serving was difficult. Almost every peasant would dream of even the possibility of a transformation like that, but Maomao could only cringe at the excess. How many families could be fed on the cost of just one of the robes in her closet? There was food left over and wasted at every meal. By the second meal, Maomao begged one of the guards to take the leftovers to the pleasure district to feed the poor. She wondered if there would even be poverty left in the capital if all the consorts did the same.

Every other morning, she received a visit from the seamstress who was preparing her gown for the garden party. There were so many fittings that Maomao was starting to feel like a live pin cushion. After being stabbed for the third time at one of these sessions, Maomao had enough and suddenly had an idea. She called for Xiaolan and turned to the seamstress.

“My ladies-in-waiting will need new gowns for the garden party too. Can you please arrange that?”

“Very well, Mistress. Do you have a preference for the color or style?”

Instead of answering, Maomao turned to Xiaolan and grinned. “Well, what color and style do you want?” Maomao knew very well that Xiaolan would never have had an opportunity to have such fine clothing made for her or to have her preferences taken into consideration.

Xiaolan looked at Maomao in shock and immediately started to tear up. It took a good quarter of an hour before they could calm her down enough to get an answer. Meanwhile, Chue fished out a rope of colorful flags from who knows where and started holding them up to Xiaolan to help her pick a color. Chue made sure to voice her own preferences too since they would have matching gowns, but was courteous enough to give Xiaolan the final say.

Maomao reminisced about her first garden party and recalled Lady Gyokuyou gifting jewelry to each of her ladies. Remembering this, Maomao also spoke with the tailor about commissioning hairpins for Chue and Xiaolan.

The next day, Maomao received an invitation to visit Empress Gyokuyou.

When Maomao entered the Empress’s residence, she was greeted warmly by Lady Hongniang and the rest of her former coworkers. They all bowed to her, which made Maomao cringe. She wanted to tell them to stop and to treat her as they always did, but she knew the rules as well as any of them. So she suffered the deference in silence.

Maomao wasn’t quite sure what to make of this visit. Would Gyokuyou still think of her as an ally or would she now be considered an enemy now that she was marrying Jinshi. Facing her former boss, now Empress, as her prospective sister-in-law was odd.

But Gyokuyou greeted her with all the kindness and mirth that Maomao had always associated her with.

“Maomao, how are you? Are you enjoying my old pavilion? Have you festooned it with drying herbs?”

“Well, the shed at least,” Maomao admitted.

“Ah, your infamous shed. It was impossible to get you out of that place.”

“It still is,” Maomao said with a smile. “But I’ve expanded my range a little – I’m cultivating a garden in the courtyard.”

“I heard rumors that the Moon Prince sent you trees and other interesting plants the other day.”

“He knows what I like.”

“He’s very thoughtful.” Gyokuyou frowned. “You know, I’ve been jealous of you for years.”

Maomao sputtered and nearly spit out her tea. “Jealous? Of me?” Maomao could not believe the words that came out of the Empress’s mouth. She must have misheard. How could this gorgeous woman who could charm everyone around her and who stood at the top of the nation possibly be jealous of a lowborn apothecary?

“Yes. I may have his Majesty’s affections, but he has always loved another. But the Moon Prince…no man will ever love me the way he loves you.” The Empress’s frown slowly turned into a smile, and she laughed lightly. “At the time, I thought it was quite entertaining, the pretty eunuch who doted on my Maomao. I could tell he had quite fallen in love long before I think you ever did. The man just about died of shock when you used another man’s favor for your first visit home. Just seeing the two of you interact was my favorite amusement.”

The mirth in the Empress’s eyes suddenly shifted and darkened. “But when he branded himself, I knew that this wasn’t just an infatuation, it was love so deep and blinding that he would sacrifice himself simply to be with you. I said that day that you were halfway to blame for it. If you had just accepted him then, I’m sure you would have come up with a better solution and he wouldn’t have felt the need to maim himself.”

Maomao didn’t know what to say to that. Branding himself was the stupidest thing Jinshi had ever done. She could never acknowledge any responsibility in that decision. But if she had accepted his feelings then, would it have been enough to prevent that?

“But…,” Gyokuyou hesitated, “perhaps I bear some of the blame as well. By choosing my insignia for the brand, it became clear that the Moon Prince thinks of me and my son as a threat to the two of you. That’s why I want to make it clear now that I want the two of you to be together. If the Moon Prince did not marry you, he would be forced to marry another with every expectation to conceive a child from that union. That would make him miserable and bring in an unknown rival instead of a trusted ally. Maomao, I know you would never betray me, not willingly. My trust is hard-earned, and you have earned it repeatedly.”

Gyokuyou took her hands in her own and looked at her in earnest. “If there is one thing you can do for me, Maomao, do not waste this precious gift you’ve been given. Be happy in love, Maomao. Yes, there may be a child someday, and that child may be a boy, and factions may call for that boy to fall in the succession. You and I can not control what others may say or do about that. But I know that you and the Moon Prince will fight harder than anyone else to prevent that. So, I give you my trust and wish you both well.”

Earning the Empress’s blessing and permission to even have a child with Jinshi was not something Maomao expected to hear today. This woman deserved to be Empress if she could even forgive her potential political rivals. All the admiration and respect that Maomao held for her former boss came rushing back.

Gyokuyou laughed brightly. “Of course, if you do decide you can’t abide his overbearing adoration, you’re always welcome to come back and be my taster.”

Maomao took the joke in the spirit it was intended, even if it did have a note of honesty.

When she returned to the Jade Pavilion later, she felt a lightness in her steps, like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Perhaps she should go to Jinshi’s palace and tell him what the Empress had said. And it couldn’t hurt to check on her greenhouse.

On the other hand, traveling anywhere outside the Jade Pavilion now was a pain. She had to take Xiaolan or Chue and at least two guards (four if she left the rear palace) anywhere she went. A couple of days ago, she snuck out simply to pick some herbs and mushrooms on the north side of the palace. She was only gone a little while, well maybe half a day, but there was hell to pay when she got back in the form of an ethereally beautiful former eunuch who set down the ground rules and assigned extra guards.

The garden party was only a week away. She could wait to talk to Jinshi.

The days that followed were filled with a task that Maomao was dreading – hiring additional ladies-in-waiting. She had plenty of contacts among the servants in the rear palace, many people she had been friendly with. But these positions had special requirements. It had to be someone she could trust, someone competent and hardworking, but, most of all, it had to be someone who wouldn’t harass her future husband. There were very few women, if any, among the servants in the rear palace that wouldn’t faint if Jinshi so much as smiled at them.

Maomao considered blind women and even the Shrine Maiden, but Chue rejected both ideas. En’en would have been the perfect choice – she was extremely competent, a great cook and had absolutely no interest in Jinshi, but there was no way she would ever allow herself to be separated from Yao. She also considered Kanan, Lishu’s former head lady-in-waiting since she was no longer employed but then found out that she was newly married. She was running out of potential candidates quickly.

If Maomao was able to magically find someone who met all the requirements, they still had to pass a final impossible test – gaining Suiren’s approval. Eventually, Maomao decided to consult the queen of all ladies-in-waiting herself. But considering her relative isolation, Suiren didn’t have any candidates in mind either. So they decided to make a list of the desired qualifications and send it to Maomao’s contacts outside the palace – Ah-Duo, Verdigris House, and even Lahan. She didn’t dare to make a direct request of the freak strategist, but she had to admit that he was adept at finding talent.

So now it was just a matter of waiting for responses. Maomao was satisfied that she had put forth an effort, and could now resign herself to preferable activities, like tending to her garden, preparing her shed, and experimenting with the new ingredients in her medicine cabinet.

By the day of the garden party, Maomao had to admit that she was starting to enjoy having some free time for her favorite pursuits, though she definitely could never admit that to Jinshi. She began to wonder if she would have leisure time like this once they married or if there would be a never-ending list of obligations as the consort to a prince. Probably the latter, just like this party today that she was obligated to attend and dress up for.

The seamstress arrived early and delivered Maomao’s gown as well as Chue’s and Xiaolan’s. Maomao noticed her gown came in a much larger box. And on top of that box was a much smaller wooden box. Looking closely, she noticed a crescent moon design burned onto the cover. Upon opening it, she found a necklace with a golden lotus blossom holding a single pearl. Maomao rolled her eyes at the excess – hadn’t he already given her a half dozen necklaces when he delivered the betrothal gifts?

She set aside the necklace and opened the box below it. The gown was actually quite pretty, not as ostentatious as the robe she wore for the betrothal declaration, but still quite luxurious. It was a fine lilac-colored silk accented with light green and embroidered with narcissus flowers at Jinshi’s request. Maomao had to appreciate this detail as narcissus was beautiful and traditional, yet a poisonous plant with medicinal uses. In short, it was perfect for her.

As she put the gown on, she had to admit it was stunning, but also extremely heavy. Unlike her first garden party which was freezing cold, it was now the sixth month and getting hot. She would be sweltering in the sun for hours at the party under these heavy robes.

And as if that wasn’t bad enough, her hair was pulled into an uncomfortable yet elegant arrangement by Xiaolan with several pounds of accessories added to it, all topped off with the silver moon and poppy hairpin. She added the pearl earrings from the Princess Dowager and the lotus necklace from Jinshi. After adding the final touches of makeup, she was ready.

Xiaolan and Chue both looked lovely in their new robes in a light green that matched the accents of Maomao’s gown. Maomao handed them each a box with the hairpins she ordered for them. She had commissioned the hairpins to have a narcissus design to match her gown.

“Maomao, it’s so beautiful.” Xiaolan started to tear up.

“Don’t cry, you’ll ruin your makeup,” Maomao said gently. “A word of advice based on my own experience, don’t accept any hairpins from strange men. If you want a get out of the rear palace free card, just ask.”

Chue helped Xiaolan arrange the hairpin after poking her own in place. “Miss Chue won’t say no to any gifts, especially from handsome young soldiers.”

“Don’t give her any ideas,” Maomao whispered to Chue.

Chue stuck out her tongue. She pulled a parasol out of nowhere and handed it to Xiaolan. “Miss Maomao will need protection from the sun. Now, let’s be off before we’re late.”

The walk through the rear palace to their destination was awkward. Surrounded by four guards and dressed to the nines, they drew extra attention. Maomao could feel eyes watching her from every direction. Meanwhile, Chue kept reminding her to walk with proper posture. The Moon Prince couldn’t possibly have a slouching fiancée, especially with so many eyes watching. Then there was the heavy gown, the heavy hair accessories, the heat, and the intensity of the sun, despite the narrow shade offered by the parasol. Maomao felt neither elegant nor noble, but uncomfortable and overheated.

Of course, it was just when she was wiping the sweat from her brow with a handkerchief that they crossed paths with the retinue from the Crystal Pavilion. Thirty elegant ladies dressed in shades of blue with the most beautiful of all at the center.

“Lady Lihua,” Maomao greeted the high consort with a low bow.

“Maomao, can that be you? Or should I say Lady Kan? Soon it shall be I that must bow to you.”

“Just Maomao is fine.” She felt highly embarrassed that someone like Lady Lihua would call her by a title and suggest bowing to her.

“You look lovely, Maomao. That gown is stunning.”

“It could not compare with your beauty, milady.”

“It seems you are short a few ladies-in-waiting, Maomao. Perhaps you could take a couple from my staff.”

“How very kind. I’ll consider it,” Maomao responded, with every intention not to consider it in the slightest. She had too much past experience with Lady Lihua’s staff and did not trust her ability to hire loyal and competent servants.

One of Lihua’s servants approached holding the hand of a toddler dressed in a miniature version of imperial dress robes. Maomoa wondered for a moment if Jinshi looked like this as a small child. Lihua took him by the hand and approached Maomao.

“I think it’s been quite a while since you’ve seen my son.”

“A pleasure to meet you again, Your Highness,” Maomao said with a bow to the young prince.

“Lady Maomao will marry your uncle, the Moon Prince, and become your aunt very soon,” Lihua explained to the child.

Maomao felt a little stunned. She would be aunt to a prince (well two princes and a princess), and wife to a prince for that matter. And for that matter, she supposed she would actually be sister-in-law to this small child, not that he would ever know that. What an odd world she was living in. Despite her discomposure, she did her best to smile warmly at the young prince.

“Maomao, you must come to visit us in the Crystal Pavilion soon, perhaps tea next week?” Lady Lihua asked. “I imagine this has been quite an adjustment for you and I may have some advice to offer. I would like to repay the kindnesses you have shown me over the years in some small way.”

“Your good health is my repayment, but it is always a pleasure to see you, Lady Lihua,” Maomao answered, doing her best to sound as polite as a former servant now noble lady ought to.

“Very good, I look forward to it. And many congratulations to you and the Moon Prince.”

The two groups parted ways. Chue informed her that they were to meet Jinshi at a particular entrance. As they started to get closer to the venue, Maomao began to sense something odd, besides the stares that had accompanied her all along. As they passed closer to the other concubines and their ladies, she noticed that many of them were glaring at her, while others were weeping. She held her head high and walked straight ahead but whispered to Chue, “Miss Chue, what’s going on? Did someone die?”

They turned a corner and Maomao finally saw Jinshi ahead with Basen beside him. The weeping got louder as they approached.

“Only the death of hopes and dreams, Miss Maomao,” Chue responded cryptically. “I suspect they’re upset that the Moon Prince is no longer available.”

Jinshi smiled when he saw her, and the air was suddenly filled with sighs and wails. Maomao rolled her eyes.

As ridiculous as she found all of this, her traitorous body also reacted to his presence. Her heart skipped a beat when she looked at him. It had been over a week since they had last met. Perhaps absence indeed makes the heart grow fonder.

Jinshi held his hands out to take her own. “Maomao, you look…like a princess, my princess.”

“Don’t get used to it. I will not be dressing like this regularly. This is for special occasions only. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable this getup is?”

Jinshi laughed. “I have an inkling,” he pointedly looked at his own heavy formal robes and pulled at the tight collar.

“Well, at least you don’t have your hair pulled into a torture device.”

“Lovely as it is, that does look rather uncomfortable.” He reached up and adjusted the moon and poppy hairpin. “I do love this hairpin. It tells everyone that you are mine and I am yours.”

Possessive control freak, Maomao thought.

His gaze shifted down and he frowned.

“Where did you get that necklace?” He seemed suddenly agitated. “Have you been accepting gifts from strange men again?” He asked accusingly.

Maomao looked at him like he had two heads. “Only if you consider yourself strange.”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t give you that thing. Where did you get it?”

Basen cleared his throat. “Moon Prince, it’s time for your entrance to greet the Emperor.”

“Take it off now,” Jinshi ordered her. “You’ll embarrass us both. That’s the symbol of the Chu clan.”

Maomao didn’t understand what was going on, but Jinshi was clearly serious about this. Xiaolan helped her remove the necklace. Jinshi took it from her and pocketed it. Her neck felt naked. It was inappropriate for her in this position to not wear a necklace to an occasion like this, but there was nothing she could do.

“We’ll talk more about this later,” he hissed. “Now take my arm, try to smile, and follow my lead.”

While Jinshi led her in to greet the Emperor, she felt like she was instead entering a den with a pack of hungry lions ready to devour her. Something was very, very wrong and she was the target.

An hour passed and she wanted this damn party to be over. After their formal presentation to the Emperor, some flowery words were exchanged acknowledging their betrothal before the assemblage. They were seated in a place of honor on the Emperor’s right side. Then the dancing and performances began. Maomao couldn’t appreciate any of it. All she could think about was the necklace. If Jinshi didn’t give it to her, then who did? They clearly meant for her to think that it was from him with the moon impression on the box. Since the box arrived with the gown, someone might have intercepted the carrier or the seamstress. But what was the point? And why go to such an expense? None of it made any sense.

She was lost in thought when she felt a hand come over her own. It was Jinshi. “It’s all right,” he whispered to her. “I’m not mad at you. We’ll figure this out together. Try to enjoy the party. I requested some special dishes I think you’ll like.”

The first course was a soup dish. She watched with envy as Chue checked the silver dish for tarnish, smelled the soup and tasted it. She smacked her lips.

“You’ll like this one, Miss Maomao,” Chue said looking over her shoulder.

A steaming bowl was set before her. The soup was indeed delicious with wide, hand-cut noodles, chunks of fish, one of which was delightfully pufferfish, and a variety of interesting spices to give it extra flavor. She enjoyed the soup so much in fact that all thoughts of the necklace simply vanished.

Jinshi smiled at her, clearly enjoying her appreciation.

She refreshed her palate with a measured sip of a robust plum wine. The next dish served was a pastry of some kind and shaped like a crescent moon. She supposed that was in honor of the Moon Prince. Chue ate this one with gusto, so Maomao knew it must be delicious.

Maomao bit into the warm savory pastry and was delighted to find mushrooms inside along with an exquisite sauce. She licked her lips and savored the rich flavors.

But just as she swallowed, she realized something was wrong. Her airway was constricting, and she began to struggle to breathe. She knew what this was. She yanked Jinshi’s sleeve.

He looked at her startled and she pulled him with what little strength she had until his ear was near her mouth.

“Buck…wheat. Tell Dad,” she gasped while she could still speak.

Jinshi looked at her with terrified eyes. She could see him yell something to Basen and there was a buzz of activity around her, but she couldn’t focus on that. Instead, she tried to calm herself, lie down, and regulate her breathing until help arrived. She was concentrating on breathing in and out, but the breaths were becoming shallower and shallower. She saw Luomen’s face looming over her just before the world faded to black.

 

Notes:

Yeah, that was an evil cliffhanger, but Maomao is safe in Luomen’s hands. You can yell at me in the comments.

Each comment is another urge for me to keep writing, so keep them coming. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 9: Aftermath

Summary:

In the aftermath of Maomao’s poisoning, Jinshi looks for answers and vengeance.

Jinshi was in hell, a nightmare come to life. It was what he was always afraid of, that Maomao would be hurt because of who he was.

Like a reel in his head that played on repeat, he would see her eating the moon pastry and then gasping for breath and tugging on his sleeve. He would watch helplessly as her breathing slowed until it stopped altogether for an agonizing moment and her eyes closed and her body went limp.

Jinshi had never felt so helpless in his life. Being helpless was not a feeling he was used to with the privilege of the role he was born into. Even when Maomao was kidnapped, there were resources he could deploy and actions he could take to save her, but in the face of her body failing right in front of him, there was nothing. And it broke him. His heart felt like it had been cleaved in two. If she left this Earth, then he would soon follow, for he could not contemplate life without her.

He was not a particularly religious man, despite the rituals he was often asked to perform. But now he prayed to the gods for their divine intervention to save his beloved. He prayed as if his life depended on it because it did.

Luomen arrived just in time and immediately went into action. Within moments of treatment, she was breathing again, however shallowly. Jinshi’s own heart began to beat again.

Next, Luomen asked the guards to turn Maomao onto her side. He poured a crushed powder into a glass of water and forced it down her throat.

His prayers were answered when she slowly began to breathe more steadily. When she was out of the worst danger, Jinshi arranged to have her moved to a bed in an adjacent building reserved for the imperial family.

Luomen assured him that she would be all right and that she should awaken soon. Given the amount of trauma she went through, it was natural that her body would need some time to rest and recover.

Even if it was improper, Jinshi couldn’t stop the tears of relief that fell down his face as he thanked Luomen.

They could hear a commotion outside. Loud bangs and a shouted order, “Let me in.” It was the freak strategist trying to enter. But the guards were preventing that for now.

Luomen sighed. “I’ll handle my nephew and give him an update. Keep an eye on her and let me know if there are any changes.”

Jinshi retook his seat by Maomao’s bedside and watched her chest as it rose and fell. Reassuring himself with each breath that she was alive. He took one of her hands in his and brought it to his lips and held it there as he placed a reverent kiss on each finger before placing it back again carefully at her side.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, not knowing if she could hear him. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. It seems that nothing I do can prevent you from harm. I swear to you I will do everything I can to move us far away from this place. I can’t risk losing you.”

How could this have happened? Ever since Maomao told him that buckwheat was poison to her, he forbade buckwheat from every kitchen across the palace. He didn’t want to risk the chance that Maomao could get sick tasting someone else’s food. Staff was forbidden to even purchase any buckwheat. Even when Maomao was living in the pleasure district, he never rescinded the order because he knew she would be back one day.

His fear and anguish were quickly turning into anger. He clenched his fists so tight that his nails punctured his skin and drew blood. He stared at the red crescent shapes in his palm and wished it was someone else’s blood – whoever was responsible for Maomao’s current state.

Where did the buckwheat come from? And was it related to the necklace? He was determined to find out. And the responsible party would pay with their life. Of that, there was no question. Perhaps he’d even be the executioner. Maybe a slow-acting poison? Let the punishment fit the crime.

He was so lost in his thoughts of revenge that he didn’t notice the knock at the door. It was Gaoshun.

“Well?” He snapped, harsher than he ought, but it was difficult to control his temper at the moment.

“The Emperor sent me to help with the investigation. The kitchens are being searched as we speak. We’ve identified the staff responsible for making the moon pastry.”

“Good. Hold them in a cell until they can be questioned.”

“Very well, sir.”

“Contact the Mi clan and ask them to look for suspicious characters. And can you bring Chue and Xiaolan here?”

Gaoshun bowed in confirmation and left.

Maomao’s hand twitched and he reached for it instinctively and squeezed it once. She squeezed back lightly. He sighed in relief.

Her eyes fluttered open. “Where am I?” She asked. Her voice was raw and raspy. “What happened?”

He poured her some water and helped her sit up to drink it.

“You’re safe. You ate buckwheat and stopped breathing, but your father saved you. We’re looking for the culprits. Buckwheat is forbidden from the palace so we’re not sure yet how it got into the pastry. Maomao, I’m so sorry this happened to you, and that I wasn’t able to protect you.”

“You did the right thing – you called my father.”

Jinshi shook his head. “That’s not good enough, perhaps you could have been treated faster if I knew what to do. Promise me you’ll teach me.”

She looked at him for a moment. “Ok. I’ll teach Xiaolan and Chue too and make sure they have the medicine just in case. I sure hope this doesn’t happen again though.”

“Who knew about your allergy?”

“Here in the palace? I only told you, Gaoshun, Lady Lishu and Kanan. And of course, my father and my sisters and the Madam at Verdigris know about it.”

“And I mentioned it to Suiren so she knew not to use buckwheat in any of the food she prepared. I don’t think any of them would mention it inappropriately to others, but they could have been manipulated.”

Maomao shook her head. “We need facts before guessing who might have said what. Have you talked to the kitchen staff yet?”

“Not yet, but they’re being held. I was waiting until you were well before attending to that.”

Maomao looked pensive but then grimaced.

He looked at her with curiosity. “What is it?”

“I hate to say it, but I think the freak strategist should help interrogate. You might need the human lie detector.”

“I have my own ways of needling the truth,” Jinshi said and gave her his most charming smile.

Maomao cringed and gave him a delicious glare that sent a shock of pleasure down his spine. She replied scathingly, “As effective as that is on many, do I need to remind you that it doesn’t work on everyone?”

“Well, everyone but you, love.” The endearment earned him another glare. But that glare meant that she was alive and well, so it gave him nothing but pure joy.

Another knock on the door and Chue and Xiaolan entered. Both looked concerned and then relieved when they saw that Maomao was awake. Xiaolan’s face was wet with tears.

Chue approached Maomao directly, looking nearly contrite, which was a very unusual look for Chue. “Miss Maomao, can you forgive Miss Chue for failering her job as taster? Miss Chue will accept any punishment you render.”

Maomao looked aghast. It was true that the taster would normally be punished severely if any harm befell their master. “It was not your fault. Buckwheat is very hard to distinguish, especially in a flavorful dish like that. I don’t blame you. I didn’t even notice it myself until it was too late.”

Chue looked at Jinshi and he knew what she meant. Maomao needed to learn the rules of her new role. Punishments and rewards were both parts of her role now that she had servants of her own. He would have to explain. “You have to punish her, Maomao. We have to set similar expectations of our staff. If we let one off after such an error-”

Maomao looked at him in horror. “It wasn’t her fault. I don’t want to punish her.”

“It doesn’t have to be physical punishment; just choose something she doesn’t like.”

“Fine,” Maomao heaved a sigh. “Chue, I order you to…go a day without snacking.”

Chue hung her head. “You are a cruel mistress, Miss Maomao.”

Jinshi couldn’t help but notice the winks the two exchanged, but he chose not to say anything.

“Chue, did you notice anything suspicious?” Jinshi asked. “Did anyone take a particular interest in Maomao?”

“Everyone is interested in the Moon Prince’s bride. Almost all eyes were on Miss Maomao, except for the ladies who were mostly looking at you, sir. A few of the ministers were arguing at one point, but that’s hardly uncommon at these events.”

“Did you happen to notice Vice Minister Chu?”

“Yes, I think he was one of the ones that was arguing.”

Jinshi pulled the necklace out of his pocket, the golden lotus holding a single pearl, the symbol of the Chu clan. “What do you know about this necklace?”

“It arrived with Miss Maomao’s gown this morning,” Chue said.

“Why did you think it came from me?” Jinshi asked Maomao.

“There was a crescent moon burned into the wooden box that held the necklace - which is very you by the way. And it arrived with the gown you paid for, so I assumed you purchased it. Since it included a pearl, I thought you meant for me to wear it with the earrings the Empress Dowager gave me.”

“Who delivered the items this morning? Was it the seamstress or a messenger?”

“It was the seamstress, sir,” Xiaolan answered. “I took the packages from her this morning.”

 Jinshi tapped his chin in thought. “Clearly whoever sent it intended you to think the necklace was from me. The fact that it was delivered with your gown meant they intended you to wear it today when you would be most visible to the court. I imagine many saw you even before I asked you to remove it. I don’t know what the purpose was, but I don’t like this.”

Maomao looked equally thoughtful. “Whoever sent it must have an informant in the rear palace. How would they know otherwise which seamstress I was using?”

Jinshi addressed Chue. “Can you find the seamstress and determine what she knows? Find out who her other clients are. And if she mentioned anything about Maomao’s gown to anyone else.”

“Can I use whatever means are at my disposal to get the answers?” Chue’s smile looked the slightest bit sinister.

He didn’t know what that meant and he didn’t think he wanted to know. But he would do anything to keep Maomao safe. “If you must.”

Chue bowed and departed.

“I’ll invite Vice Minister Chu to my office tomorrow for a conversation. But right now, I have to focus on the poisoning and identify the culprits. Maomao, I swear I will find them and bring them to justice.”

Maomao started to rise from the bed.

Jinshi held her down. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“I’m fine. I want to talk to the kitchen staff with you.”

“You’ve just been poisoned, you need to rest.”

Maomao simply looked at him.

He sighed. “You’re not going to give up, are you?”

“You should know me by now.”

After having Luomen check on her condition, Jinshi arranged for a palanquin to transport Maomao to the building where they would have the interrogation. He also requested the freak strategist to meet them there, a move that he loathed to take but if Maomao thought he should be there, he wouldn’t question it.

Multiple guards accompanied them and stationed themselves around the room where they would hold the interrogation. Jinshi had just gotten Maomao settled in a comfortable chair to rest when the monocled strategist arrived.

“Maomao!” the weirdo cried and ran over to her even as she held up her hands to keep him away. “What have they done to you?”

“I’m all right now,” she said, batting away his attempts to hug her. “Calm down.”

“She’s recovering well, thanks to Dr. Kan,” Jinshi interjected.

Upon hearing his voice, Lakan turned and snarled at him. “I blame you for this, Moon Prince. You should have protected my daughter better.” Lakan rushed towards him with one arm raised to strike.

Jinshi said and did nothing because, honestly, he agreed with Lakan. He should have protected Maomao better. He deserved punishment, he almost welcomed the blow.

Basen stepped between them. “Back away, sir,” he said in warning.

“Stop it!” Maomao said sternly. “If you don’t behave, I’ll have you removed. Listen, you’re only here to help us with the interrogation. Do you want to help me or not?”

To be asked for Maomao’s help was all that Lakan had ever wanted. His ferocity became meekness when faced with her request. He shot Jinshi a last withering glare but nodded his assent.

Maomao continued to instruct Lakan, “I want you to stay quiet but give us a signal if they’re not telling the truth.”

When they were ready, Jinshi asked the guards to bring the first of the kitchen workers, the one that directly prepared the dish. A young girl of perhaps fourteen or fifteen was brought in. She looked terrified and her slight frame shook slightly as she bowed to them.

Part of him couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, she looked so young and innocent, but the other part knew she could have had a direct hand in nearly taking Maomao’s life. And for that, he could not afford to be soft. They needed to find out everything she knew and she needed to be punished accordingly if she played any role in the plot.

The girl was already terrified and clearly even more so because of the death glare the freak strategist gave her. So Jinshi chose to be a counterpoint and put on his eunuch mask to charm her instead. One way or the other, they would get the truth out of her.

“I am known as the Moon Prince, brother to the Emperor, and this is Commandant Kan and my betrothed, Lady Kan. What do they call you?”

“Jingzhu, Your Highness.”

“Tell me, Jingzhu,” Jinshi began, “did you help to make the mushroom pastry shaped like the moon?”

“Y-yes,” she stammered.

“Did you know that it was poisoned?”

The girl gasped. “Poisoned? No, no, there was no poison.” She sounded panicked and her face was pale as a ghost.

“The pastry contained buckwheat, a substance that can cause a poison-like reaction for those that can’t tolerate it. Buckwheat is forbidden in this palace. Do you know how buckwheat was added to the pastry?”

The girl looked anxiously around the room and she cowered. “I didn’t know it was forbidden, I swear I didn’t know.”

She was guilty. He didn’t need the freak strategist to tell him that. It was written clearly on her face. “Did you add the buckwheat to the mixture? Did someone ask you to do it?”

“No one asked me. I was only trying to make it taste good.” The girl wept and groveled on the floor before them. “I just started a week ago. I wanted to impress my superiors, so I used a family recipe. My family are farmers and they grow buckwheat. We add it to nearly everything to enhance the flavor.”

“Did no one tell you that buckwheat is not permitted? Where did the buckwheat come from?”

“No one said anything about it. My family sent a supply with me – they wanted to make sure I had a taste of home. I used my own supply.”

Now Jinshi looked to the freak strategist, who indicated that she was telling the truth. Jinshi felt both frustration and relief. Relief that there weren’t more sinister intentions and an unknown assailant to track down. Frustration that his instructions to the kitchens were not acknowledged seriously enough and relayed to new staff.

“I see. You know this mistake nearly cost the life of Lady Kan.”

The girl gasped and took her head in her hands. She was nearly prone on the ground. She knew now that her life was forfeit.

“I swear I had no idea. I meant no harm, I was only trying to please everyone,” she groveled. “Please spare my family.”

Although he was determined to execute whoever was responsible just a few hours before, he couldn’t quite carry through with it now, even if he had every right to do so.

“You’re fired,” Jinshi said with what little mercy he was willing to offer. “No actions will be taken against your family.”

“Wait!” Maomao and Lakan called out simultaneously.

Lakan started first. “You can’t just let her go, she has too much knowledge. We can’t risk this getting out.”

Jinshi knew what he was implying but it still seemed unnecessarily harsh when the girl had no nefarious intentions.

“Hold a moment,” Maomao said. “I have a few questions. You said your family uses buckwheat often in recipes for the flavor it adds. Does this mean you can detect the flavor of buckwheat when added to a dish?”

“Yes, milady. It has a nutty, earthy flavor.”

Maomao looked like she was solving a puzzle. Her mind rapidly putting together the pieces and coming to a solution. Then she smiled just like she did when she had the answer to a problem.

She turned to the strategist. “Do you see potential?”

Lakan studied his daughter intensely and slowly nodded.

Maomao stood before the girl and helped her to her feet.

“You have two options,” she said to the girl. “You can leave, and they may silence you permanently, or you can become my lady-in-waiting and my taster.”

Jinshi’s jaw dropped. “Hold on a moment, may we talk?”

Maomao looked at him and raised her eyebrows, as if questioning his right to protest. “What’s there to talk about? She’s perfect. She was trying to go above and beyond in her first week. That pastry did taste delicious even if it had other issues. She’s clearly competent and a hard worker. He sees potential AND she can detect buckwheat. Do you know how hard that is to find?”

“She nearly killed you and you want to hire her onto our staff?”

“Yes.” She nodded as if this were the most logical decision in the world. “You did say you would trust me with decisions about my ladies-in-waiting, right?”

Jinshi sighed with exasperation. “Yes, but with Suiren’s approval. If you insist on this, then she will have to be trained by Suiren.”

“Fine, I insist on it,” Maomao said definitively. She addressed the girl, “Well? What choice will you make? Granted it isn’t much of a choice.”

“I…I gratefully accept your offer. Thank you, Lady Kan.”

“I’m not about formalities. Call me Maomao, at least in private.”

And so Jingzhu, the attempted poisoner, became Maomao’s third lady-in-waiting. But that was not to say the matter was over by any means.

Jinshi turned to Gaoshun. “See to it that her superiors are dismissed. This is their fault for not telling staff that buckwheat is forbidden. We need to post signs in every kitchen. Ask the head chef to come to my office tomorrow.”

Thinking about the piles of paperwork, meetings and cleanup he would have to do in the aftermath of this disastrous party was starting to give him a headache. And the Emperor would expect an immediate report as soon as they were through here. How he would explain that he had hired the poisoner was another headache he was not looking forward to. He’d also have to make visits to the Empress, Empress Dowager and the Wise Consort, who would all be concerned about Maomao’s condition. And then there was the strategist who was still glaring at him and silently promising him a visit or two or three in the coming days – yet more headaches.

He looked at Maomao’s bare neck and thought of one more headache that threatened to eclipse them all. One mystery was solved but another was far from over.

 

Notes:

Your comments truly did spur me to get this chapter out faster than planned. Thanks for all the support, despite the evil cliffhanger in the previous chapter. I’m truly amazed at the positive reception to this little fic, especially from some truly impressive authors on here. If you haven’t read it yet, please check out “This Vicious Vow” by Weirdstick - a very talented author who inspires me with their beautiful writing.

I wanted to share a little personal story connected to this chapter. I visited China about 12 years ago with a tour group. While eating at a restaurant, we were served a soup with mushrooms and one of the people in our group started to have an allergic reaction. She had no known allergies but they speculated it was a fungus she had never tried before that caused the reaction. She clutched her throat and was having trouble breathing. We were in the country, our guide was missing and no one around us spoke English. Fortunately, we had a nurse in our group who immediately went into action and asked if anyone had an EpiPen, but no one did. Then she asked if anyone had Benadryl and someone did. She crushed the Benadryl tablet and put it in water and had the woman drink it. It seemed to do the trick because the woman recovered fairly soon after that. So I guess the lesson is, always have an EpiPen or Benadryl on you while traveling internationally.

Chapter 10: Cheers to the Happy Couple

Summary:

As motives become clearer, Lakan proposes a strategy to address the threat but Maomao is none too happy about it and seeks assistance from her sisters.

Two weeks passed and there was still no progress on solving the lotus necklace affair. Every attempt at finding answers was hitting a dead end.

The seamstress said that a guard, claiming to work for the Moon Prince, delivered the box with the necklace and asked her to deliver it with Maomao’s garments. The seamstress couldn’t even provide a good description of the supposed guard. Chue also discovered that the seamstress had a long roster of clients across the rear palace and that she had a habit of gossiping. She had apparently bragged to quite a few about the “honor of dressing the Moon Prince’s bride.” So, the list of suspects for an informant in the rear palace was lengthy.

Jinshi arranged for a different seamstress to work on Maomao’s wedding attire, carefully vetting candidates for their confidentiality this time. With the wedding only five weeks away, work was already underway.

An interview with Minister Chu yielded little more information. He acknowledged that the lotus was the symbol of his clan, but claimed to have never seen the necklace before. Now, Chue was looking into his relatives but the Chu clan was extensive and influential, so they had to tread cautiously.

The motive behind the necklace was the real question. It was valuable. Jinshi had it appraised, and it was real gold and had a very large, very real pearl with excellent craftsmanship. If it was a joke, the perpetrator had gone to considerable expense. And if it was a gift from an admirer, why would they make Maomao believe it was from the Moon Prince? Not to mention the fact that invoking the prince’s wrath with such an action would be idiotic in the extreme and begging for punishment. None of it made sense…until the rumors started.

The strategist was the first to inform him of the rumors. Just as Jinshi predicted, his future father-in-law haunted his office for days on end after the garden party. But on the fourth day of such visits, he announced something unexpected.

“I overheard some officers this morning saying that you had an argument with my daughter just prior to the garden party…an argument about a necklace from another man. Some are even saying now that you were the one who poisoned her.”

Jinshi was furious. How anyone could believe he’d harm a hair on Maomao’s head was ludicrous.

“Now what possible motivation could lie behind such rumors?” The strategist looked inquisitively at him, but clearly, he already knew the answer and was testing Jinshi.

Jinshi thought a moment, and the pieces popped into place. “Discord. They want to create discord, or the perception of it. They want to cause strife in our relationship.”

A slight narrowing of Lakan’s eyes was Jinshi’s only confirmation that he was right. “No doubt whoever is behind the rumors and the necklace is trying to prevent this marriage. I can’t say I disagree with their goal, but I don’t like the way they’re going about it. And I’m sure this is only the beginning of their plans.”

Ignoring the slight, Jinshi asked, “What are you proposing we do about it?’

“Use your best asset, your…charm. Convince as many people as possible within the rear palace and in the outer court that you are both in love, that nothing would stop you from going forward with the wedding.”

“It’s the truth. That will be easy.”

“Will it?” Lakan asked. “Maybe it will be for you, but Maomao? And it is Maomao who will need to convince others that she only has eyes for you.”

Jinshi’s heart sunk. Getting Maomao to show affection in private was difficult enough, but in public? Let’s just say he had better chances of being given a name by the Emperor.

“To give you extra incentive to make this work, if Maomao is able to convince me that she loves you, I will give you my blessing and never say a disparaging word to you again.”

Now that was a tempting offer. Perhaps Jinshi could earn back that favor he lost in the Go Tournament years ago. If only it was up to his actions alone. Now the hard part came, telling Maomao what must be done.

All of Jinshi’s regular work was put to a halt as Lakan’s plan went into effect the very next day with planned greetings across the rear palace. Under the guise of introducing Maomao to her neighbors in the rear palace, Jinshi arranged for a round of visits with the middle consorts, something he hadn’t done since he gave up his role managing the rear palace. He was amazed he still remembered most of their names.

Maomao stood beside him in a hanfu of pale pink silk. She wore a delicate gold necklace with a cascade of amethyst drops and a matching headdress, along with the moon and poppy hairpin. He was careful to instruct her to wear the jewelry he gave her so there would be no doubt of its source. She looked completely lovely and utterly miserable. When told of this plan, Maomao was less than thrilled. Although she was normally quite confident, he thought he detected some self-doubt in her now.

He could feel her hesitance as they approached the first residence.

“You know I’m not good at expressing emotions. I don’t know how to do this.” Worry was evident in her voice.

“It will be all right. Take my hand, try to smile and follow my lead.” He held out his hand, and when she placed hers on top, he grasped it firmly. “Maybe you need a charge too. You know you could always call me a pet name – that should be easy enough, right, love?”

Maomao instantly gave him a withering glare.

“Well, at least try not to look at me like a worm. I’m glad you got that out of your system.” She could give him that look privately any day, and he’d bask in the glory of it. But it defeated their current goals.

Feeling somewhat nervous now, Jinshi asked Basen to announce them. This residence was considerably smaller than the pavilions of the high consorts. It was one level but well-appointed and comfortable. They were led into a receiving room where a statuesque woman in peach waited.

“Lady Pingyang,” Jinshi greeted her, “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

"Welcome, Moon Prince," she replied with a courteous bow. "It has been quite some time since your esteemed presence has graced us."

“I have come for a very special reason today. I’m sure you have heard that I am to be married soon. I would like to introduce you to my lovely bride, Lady Kan.” Maomao inclined her head to acknowledge the consort and managed a tolerable smile. “Lady Kan is presently your neighbor. She is staying at the Jade Pavilion until the wedding.”

“Lady Kan, you are most welcome,” said Pingyang. “You have arrived at a most auspicious time. Several ladies are visiting presently for our monthly tea party. I’m sure they would like to meet you if you can spare the time.”

Maomao looked nervously at Jinshi and he squeezed her hand encouragingly.

“Thank you, Lady Pingyang,” Maomao said politely. “If you would do the honor of introducing us?”

They were led to a dining area near the front of the house where five other consorts were seated around a table, laughing and enjoying one another’s company. As soon as they entered the room, the laughter ceased and all of the ladies stood and bowed.

Jinshi put on his most charming smile. “Ladies, please don’t let our presence disturb your gathering. My bride and I merely wished to offer greetings.” Jinshi proceeded to introduce Maomao just as he did with their host. The ladies then each introduced themselves in turn – Lady Xiumin, Lady Wangmei, Lady Chao-len, Lady Guifei, and Lady Chuji. Jinshi recalled three of them, but the other two must be new.

All of them were quickly stepping over one another to pour him a cup of tea or offer a plate of mooncakes, which Jinshi handed over promptly to Maomao, but quietly advised her not to consume. The simpering and affectations from these ladies grated him. Not only were they ignoring Maomao completely, but they would do well to remember that they were his brother’s consorts.

“Ladies, I do hope you will extend your courtesy to my bride during her stay here in the rear palace,” Jinshi commented to turn the attention away from himself.

“Of course, we will welcome Lady Kan,” commented a haughty-looking woman with sharp features, Lady Xiumin. “But if I’m not mistaken, Lady Kan is no strange to the rear palace, yes? I seem to recall a servant girl with her coloring that once delivered my laundry. Is she any relation, Lady Kan?”

Jinshi could feel his mask slipping as his blood boiled with outrage.

Maomao met Xiumin’s cool gaze with her own. “That was me, but I think you already knew that.”

Jinshi cleared his throat and interrupted before things could escalate. “My love has had a rather unconventional life, despite being the princess of the La clan. Through great misfortune, she was kidnapped and sold to the rear palace as a servant. But without those unhappy circumstances, we might never have met. Her hard work and keen intelligence were quickly rewarded. She served the Empress before becoming a court lady and was most recently a valued medical assistant. I’m very proud of her resilience and her accomplishments. She is truly the most remarkable woman I have ever met.”

Jinshi looked down at Xiumin with all the power at his command in his gaze, as if to say with his eyes alone, say another word against her and I will slaughter you on the spot.

The tension in the small gathering was thick. It was eventually broken by a petite woman with a delicate voice, Lady Wangmei. “I would love to hear more about your work as a medical assistant, Lady Kan. You must have many interesting stories to tell. I wonder if you might have any suggestions to treat a burn? My lady-in-waiting accidentally burned her hand this morning and I’m afraid she may be in pain.”

Maomao brightened at the opportunity to provide knowledge and assistance to someone in need. She promised to deliver a burn salve to Wangmei’s residence and offered several suggestions to ease discomfort.

The conversation turned toward the garden party, with several ladies offering concern over Maomao’s poisoning. Jinshi and Maomao were both very careful not to say what the source of the poisoning was and merely explained that the culprit was identified.

“Lady Kan, weren’t you wearing a necklace with a lotus flower at the garden party? I would love to know the jeweler that made it,” inquired Lady Guifei. Jinshi didn’t quite miss the look in her eyes. It wasn’t an innocent question, she was trying to trap Maomao.

Lady Chuji also reacted to this question, looking with discouragement at Lady Guifei.

Jinshi caught Maomao’s light smirk before she replied with eyes downcast. “I did briefly, but the jeweler made an error and swapped the necklace my beloved gave me with another, so I couldn’t possibly recommend them after such a mistake.”

Beloved?? Jinshi nearly choked.

“Interesting,” Lady Guifei responded. “Astonishing that a jeweler could make such a profound error. But how fortunate for you that the necklace still matched your earrings so well.”

This abominable woman was trying to sow doubt and Jinshi would have none of it.

“It was disappointing that the jeweler swapped one pearl necklace for another. But I found my bride that much lovelier with no necklace at all, so perhaps I should thank him for the error.” He turned to Maomao and held her hand to his lips. “My Maomao doesn’t need jewelry to accentuate her beauty, she is perfectly lovely just as she is.” Jinshi could almost hear Maomao’s eyes threatening to roll, but Jinshi meant every word. He preferred her bare neck a hundred times over to having it camouflaged with ostentation. If they were alone, he might remove the necklace that blocked his view even now.

Jinshi stood, causing everyone else to rise.

“Ladies, we thank you for your hospitality. We must be going as we have others to visit today.”

As soon as they left the residence, Jinshi pulled Maomao into the shade of a tree just outside the entry and bid his guards to leave them some space.

“Beloved?” he asked, unable to hold back the grin that spread across his face.

“Really? That’s what you’re thinking about?” Maomao glared at him. “Not that I have at least two enemies in there?”

“Well, that’s important too of course, and they will be dealt with…but…say it again.”

“No. That was desperation. I’m not good at this. But I can do better. I need to talk to my sisters at Verdigris. They can give me advice.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“You said I could leave the palace, that you would give me a carriage.”

“That was before we knew you were being targeted. If you must go, then Jinka will accompany you.”

Maomao narrowed her eyes. “Why do I think Jinka just wants to ditch his work and eat chicken skewers and hand-cut noodles?”

Jinshi sighed. “Jinka wants to stay by your side and protect you, but he also wouldn’t mind some chicken skewers.”

“Fine, but Jinka better be ready tomorrow at noon.”

 

---

 

By noon the next day, Maomao sat in a carriage next to a still too attractive man with a burn scar covering his right cheek. Jinka lost some weight and gained better hygiene since their first outing since Jinshi refused the extra padding and fragrant clothing this time. His hair however was pulled into a top knot to make him look more distinct from his usual appearance.

Even with enough makeup to disguise him as the star of a horror story, he still looks like a celestial maiden, Maomao thought. She was a little afraid of taking him to Verdigris, even though he had been there many times before.

They arranged for Lihaku this time as their guard since Basen was too well known as the Moon Prince’s attendant. And, of course, Lihaku didn’t mind a visit to Verdigris during his work hours.

Maomao sent word the night before that they would be visiting today, so they were warmly greeted on their arrival. Even Meimei stopped by for a visit. And Grams laid out all the best snacks in one of the finer rooms, so they had a comfortable place to talk.

“We’d like to thank you, Moon Prince, for the feast and gifts you sent and for buying out the girls for a day,” said Joka. “They enjoyed the celebration and the time off.”

Maomao looked at Jinshi quizzically. “You sent them gifts and bought out the place?”

Jinshi took her hand in his own. “They’re you’re family, aren’t they? I sent them betrothal gifts, and I thought they might enjoy a day off to celebrate for you.”

Maomao could feel her eyes about to become teary. That Jinshi would acknowledge courtesans as her family was something she would never expect, but it touched her heart. “Thank you,” she said quietly as she looked into his eyes. He squeezed her hand.

“Aww,” Pairin cooed, with her head leaning on one hand as she stared at them with open affection. “I never thought to see the day our Maomao would be married.”

“I never did either,” Jinshi joked, “though I hoped for it daily.”

Maomao could feel the blush rise to her cheeks at the unwanted attention.

“Hey, where’s Chou-u?” she asked, changing the subject.

The three princesses all looked at her comically. “She doesn’t know?” Joka asked.

“Know what?”

“Uh…about that,” Jinshi began, “I arranged for Chou-u to apprentice with the court artist. I meant to mention it, but, well, you know with one thing and another these days…”

Maomao felt somewhat irked. As Chou-u’s technical guardian, she should have been informed before actions were taken, but then again, she had mostly shirked her duties to Chou-u and left them to others since she became a medical assistant. Jinshi had undoubtedly wanted to do what was best for the boy, and Maomao couldn’t deny that it sounded like an excellent opportunity in line with his interests.

Then another thought occurred to her. Where would Chou-u’s shadow go without him? “Where’s Zulin?”

“She’s receiving an education at the palace. She’ll join our staff eventually,” Jinshi explained. “And don’t worry, she still gets to spend time with Chou-u.”

“You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

Jinshi shrugged his shoulders but with a slight grin.

“So Maomao, what’s this pressing thing you wanted to talk to us about?” Meimei asked.

Now they were getting to the heart of the matter. When faced with the daunting task of demonstrating her love for Jinshi in front of others, Maomao needed professional guidance and who better to ask than her own personal love experts.

“I need your advice on something, but preferably alone.” She looked pointedly at Jinshi.

“You know, I’ve been wanting a conversation with your prince,” Pairin said. “Why don’t you stay with Meimei and Joka and I’ll take the Moon Prince for our own little chat.”

Maomao glanced mistrustfully at Pairin as she ushered him out of the room.

“Oh, don’t give me that look, Maomao,” Pairin said. “I’m taking Lihaku with me. Your prince will come back to you in one piece.”

When they were alone, Maomao began to explain the circumstances to Meimei and Joka, that someone was trying to interfere with their relationship and that she had to somehow demonstrate to others that she was in love with the prince.

“Well, are you in love with him?” Meimei asked.

“I think so, but emotions are difficult for me. I don’t have his level of passion and I don’t know how to show that I care to others.”

Meimei and Joka looked at each other and nodded as though confirming they were in agreement.

“Maomao, you’ve already shown that you love him once in the last few minutes,” Joka commented. “When you looked at him as you thanked him for sending us gifts, we could all tell that you love him.”

That was gratitude, Maomao thought, not love, or was it?

“I don’t think I could do that at will. How do you make a customer think you’re in love with them?”

“You treat them as your sole focus of attention,” Meimei explained. “Look into their eyes, laugh at their jokes, act like they are the center of your universe. Sit near them, as though you can’t possibly be close enough, and casually touch their arms, hands and face.”

“I’m going to try to translate this in a way you can follow,” Joka interjected. “Maomao, what is the medical ingredient that you love above all else?”

“Ox bezoar,” Maomao answered instantly.

“Now, can you imagine me as an ox bezoar?”

Maomao let her eyes unfocus and imagined the moment Jinshi handed her the ox bezoar and the excitement when she opened the bag to discover the little stones inside. The maniacal grin she had back then slowly spread across her face.

Joka grimaced and looked a bit frightened.

“Um, that may be going a bit too far,” Meimei commented. “How about something not quite as exciting. What about those mushrooms you made for New Years a few years ago?”

“Matsutake?”

“Yes, imagine Joka as matsutake mushrooms.”

Maomao did her best to imagine discovering a field of the delightfully delicious mushrooms.

“Yes, that’s perfect, Maomao,” Joka encouraged her. “Just imagine your prince as a fungus and you’ll be all set.”

It sounded ridiculous, but Maomao could work with this.

“But seriously, Moamao,” Meimei said, “you need to think about why you care about him, what you respect and why you’ve chosen him. In your heart of hearts, you love him just as much as you love those mushrooms or even the ox bezoar. I know you would never accept him if that wasn’t so. Once you realize why you care about him, you’ll be able to look at him with just as much affection.”

Maomao wasn’t sure about that. She felt quite broken as a human being when it came to emotions. But the talk had instilled more confidence that she could at least simulate affection in front of others. Maybe it would be enough. She was determined to try out some of the techniques on the carriage ride home.

It was a full half hour before Jinshi, Lihaku and Pairin returned. Jinshi’s face was flushed nearly as red as his burn makeup. Maomao could only imagine what Pairin wanted to discuss with him. Whatever it was, Jinshi was clearly mortified, so Maomao presumed it must have been highly inappropriate for the ears of a sheltered prince.

She whispered to him, “Care to tell me what you talked about?”

Jinshi shook his head emphatically. “No, but you’ll find out some day,” he looked down at her and smiled mischievously, “soon.”

Maomao decided to use that moment to practice looking at him like a patch of newly discovered matsutake mushrooms.

Jinshi’s eyes went wide as he stared back at her. “What have you done to my Maomao?” he murmured.

Joka and Meimei nudged each other in mutual celebration. “We fixed her for you,” Meimei laughed.

Maomao broke the spell to glare at her sisters.

“Moon Prince?” Lihaku asked. “If you wouldn’t mind, there’s one thing I’d like to do before we go and I can use your help. I’ve been waiting for the right time to buy out Pairin’s contract and the madam seems in a good mood today. And I doubt she’d turn me down with you overseeing the conversation. Do you mind?”

After some mild haggling, made considerably easier by both Jinshi’s presence and the madam’s genuine fondness for Lihaku, the deal was done and Pairin was a free woman. Lihaku arranged to pick her up the next day and Jinshi insisted he take a full two weeks off.

Jinshi, Maomao and especially Lihaku all left Verdigris in a better mood than they arrived. Jinshi, or…ahem…Jinka, treated the three of them to chicken skewers in celebration before they boarded the carriage to go home.

What none of them noticed, and would come to regret, were two pairs of eyes watching their every move from the shadows of a nearby alley.

Notes:

So are Jinshi and Maomao the happy couple? Or Pairin and Lihaku? Or both? I’ll let you decide. Technically, Lihaku should have already bought out Pairin according to his plans in chapter 5, but one thing came up, then another and it was a bit more delayed than he’d like.

I would love to hear what you liked in this chapter or what you might be interested in seeing in future chapters. Obviously there is a bigger plot going down, but I love to find some fun scenes here and there and play around with our favorite characters. Rikuson should make his reappearance sometime before the wedding - that should be interesting (poor Jinshi). Thanks in advance for your kudos and comments!

Chapter 11: Scandal

Summary:

Rumors are dangerous tools in the right hands, and even more dangerous in the wrong hands.

Xiaolan was certain that the gods must hold her in their favor. She was just about the happiest she had ever been in her life. She had the best job she could have ever imagined working for her best friend, who just so happened to be marrying a very handsome prince, who fortunately was a kind master. Yes, it was a little odd that she had originally known him as a eunuch, but many odd things happened in the rear palace and this was hardly the strangest thing she had seen.

Xiaolan wore fine clothes now, prettier than anything she’d ever possessed. She was well fed and well paid. She even had enough money to send home to her family and ensure that they were well fed too. Maybe her younger siblings wouldn’t even need to be sold off as she was. She missed them, but she could never regret what had happened to her because she would never have her current good fortune without those circumstances.

Maomao was not a demanding mistress and gave her plenty of free time – Xiaolan honestly wouldn’t have minded a bit more work. Free time was fairly rare in her previous work, both in the rear palace and outside of it. She had time now to read stories, to meet with old friends among the laundry workers, to try on Maomao’s beautiful clothes and jewelry (with Maomao’s permission of course), to play games and eat snacks with Chue, and to visit the bathhouse.

Today was one of the days when she opted to use the bathhouse. She could of course use Maomao’s huge private bathtub in the Jade Pavilion, but Xiaolan preferred the bathhouse because it provided wonderful opportunities to hear the latest gossip. After only a few trips, Xiaolan was already in the know about a certain consort caught kissing a certain eunuch, a serving girl who had retaliated by putting a worm in a lower consort’s congee, and a most embarrassing incident involving a middle consort, her small dog and her one, only and last visit from the Emperor. Every day in the rear palace brought some new scandal it seemed.

After changing, Xiaolan dipped her toe in the pool and found it blissfully warm, not too hot or too cold. She submerged herself and rested along a ledge, soaking in the perfectly warm water. She had helped Maomao weed her garden that morning and her back ached a bit from the effort, so the warm water helped to soothe it.

Just as she felt so comfortable she could almost have fallen asleep, a trio of women entered the pool just a few feet away. Xiaolan recognized them as ladies-in-waiting for a couple of the middle consorts.

“Xisi, you will never believe what I just heard from my mistress,” one of them said.

Xiaolan closed her eyes again and pretended she couldn’t hear them even though she was listening very closely to every word. This was how she heard the best gossip.

“You know how the Moon Prince’s bride is allowed to leave the rear palace? Well, apparently she was seen entering a brothel in the pleasure district with a stranger.”

Despite the warm water, Xiaolan felt a chill down her spine. She tried to remain still and keep from shaking.

“I heard something similar,” one of the other girls said. “But my source said it was Consort Chu’s brother.”

“You two shouldn’t listen to such idle gossip,” the third girl said. “That can’t possibly be true. Surely, she knows the consequences of dallying with another man. And who would ever choose someone else over the Moon Prince? He’s the most handsome man in all of Li, and perhaps the world.”

“I think we all know it must be a political match,” the second girl said. “Maybe she was in love with this Chu fellow before the betrothal. She and the Moon Prince visited my mistress a few days ago. The prince doted on her quite a bit, even kissed her hand in public, but I didn’t get the same sense that she cared about him.”

“Well, she’s a fool if she would choose anyone else over the Moon Prince,” the first girl agreed.

Xiaolan began to panic. She did not know what to do. She wanted to speak up and defend Maomao, but she was not sure what to say. She knew Maomao did go to a brothel, granted it was her former home, but explaining that would not seem very helpful. She is not sure where these rumors about a stranger or this man named Chu came from. She knows Maomao does care for the prince but also that Maomao is not emotional by nature. She decided to remain quiet and absorb as much information as possible.

The trio changes topics to the latest popular book that is making the rounds in the rear palace. Xiaolan uses that as her cue to quietly leave. She had never changed clothes so fast in her life. Her hair was still soaking wet, but she ran to the Jade Pavilion as fast as she could. She was panting for breath when she stepped through the threshold.

Xiamen blinked back the tears that threatened to form. She didn’t want to tell Maomao the hurtful things she heard but knew that she must. She took a moment to tie back her wet hair and then looked for her mistress and friend.

Maomao’s voice carried from the kitchen. “Taste a sample from each bowl but don’t swallow and spit it out.”

Xiaolan entered the kitchen to find the new girl, Jingzhu, looking with fear at two small bowls of soup before tentatively tasting one and spitting it out, followed by the other.

“Good,” Maomao reassured her. “Now which one had the poison? And how could you tell?”

Jingzhu rinsed her mouth out with water and started coughing before she could speak. “The one on the right? It made my tongue tingle.”

“Perfect! Did you also notice the faint taste of bitter almonds and perhaps slightly metallic? You know, I can’t quite describe it exactly. Maybe if I take a taste too…”

Chue slapped away Maomao’s hand as she reached for the poisoned soup. “Miss Maomao, Miss Maomao, that’s enough poison testing for today.” Chue whisked away the two bowls before Maomao could touch them.

“Miss Chue, Miss Chue, I order you to bring that back!” Maomao cried in vain at Chue’s retreating form.

Maomao pouted and sighed, then handed a pouch to Jingzhu. “Take this emetic. You can rest this evening, and we’ll resume lessons tomorrow.”

It was only as Jingzhu stood up to leave that Maomao noticed Xiaolan. “How was the bathhouse? Any interesting gossip?”

Xiaolan whimpered. “Yes.” And then the flood gates opened, and she could no longer hold back the tears.

Xiaolan felt a hand softly pat her back and looked up with tear-filled eyes to see Maomao looking at her with concern, which only made her cry harder.

“I don’t think I want to know, but can you tell me what happened?” Maomao asked when her crying subsided.

Xiaolan took a deep breath and detailed everything she heard.

Maomao became very quiet but didn’t show any reaction. When Xiaolan finished her story, Maomao looked at Chue, who simply bowed and left, as though some unspoken message passed between them.

Just as she departed, a visitor arrived, Seki-u, one of the Empress’s ladies-in-waiting.

“Maomao, I come with a summons from the Empress,” Seki-u explained. “She said to hurry, that it was urgent.”

 

---

 

Just as Maomao was receiving a summons from Empress Gyokuyou, Jinshi received a summons from his brother.

Between the visits with the consorts in the rear palace and the day in the Pleasure District, work had been piling up and Jinshi was buried in a mountain of paperwork when Gaoshun arrived with an urgent summons to see the Emperor at once.

He didn’t know what this could be about but had a bad feeling about it as he waited in his brother’s receiving room. That feeling only heightened as the Emperor entered the room looking very somber.

"Zui," his brother sighed deeply, “there have been rumors regarding Maomao. I have heard them from multiple parties now, including one of my ministers and Gyokuyou, so they are spreading both within the palace and outside of it. They are saying that Maomao was seen visiting a brothel with a man. Some say it was a disfigured stranger and some say it was the son of Minister Chu. They are speculating that they are having an affair.”

Jinshi shot up from his seat with fists clenched.

“Calm down. We both know Maomao would never do such a thing. But this rumor is damaging to Maomao, to you and to the empire. You know the consequences of such slander. They will demand her head and embarrass our name.”

Jinshi was furious and horrified at the same time. Even a hint of impropriety could be a death sentence, whether they were married yet or not. Whoever chose to slander Maomao was flirting with her very life. This was no joke when lives were on the line. He didn’t care about the consequences to his own name, but to imperil Maomao was unforgivable. If he ever found the individual responsible, the gods could not save them from his wrath.

“No one will harm a hair on her head. I will never allow it. She was with me at Verdigris House. We went together. I was disguised,” Jinshi admitted.

The Emperor narrowed his eyes in disappointment. “That was…unwise. Promise me you will not do that again. I realize Maomao has close connections there, but if you must, bring them to the palace instead.”

Jinshi gave the slightest nod to acknowledge the request.

His brother sighed again. “Now, I’ve sent my vassals to control the situation. The Mi Clan has been tasked with spreading counter rumors. This will be contained. It must be. But we must prevent the situation from getting worse and it has the potential to do so. We must find the individual behind this as soon as possible. Do you have any suspects?”

Jinshi sighed. “Not specifically yet. It’s likely someone who wants to prevent my marriage and to harm the Chu clan. And someone with ties to the rear palace.”

“Well, fortunately, we have the two most brilliant minds in the country with every incentive to solve this. I’m sure we will capture the individual soon, Zui. Now, go to Maomao. The two of you must be seen together as much as possible. And whatever you do, do not leave the palace.”

When he left the Emperor’s residence, he found Chue waiting to intercept him. She explained the rumors that had also reached Maomao’s ears as they walked to the Jade Pavilion. Well, that at least saved him the heartache of telling her. Now, they just had to work together to figure out their next steps.

In his overwhelming urge to protect Maomao, he couldn’t help but pull her into a tight embrace as soon as he found her. Somehow, she just accepted it.

“No matter what happens, I will protect you,” he swore. “I will not let anyone harm you in word or deed.”

She cupped his cheek with her palm and he leaned into it. “Don’t make promises that are impossible to keep.”

She was right of course. How many times had she been kidnapped or hurt under his watch? How many times would it happen again? How many times would they both suffer simply because of the role he was born into?

“Forgive me for pulling you into my life. I offer you nothing but danger, politics and headaches.” Perhaps he had been selfish in wanting her so much that he would subject her to this.

“You offer a bit more than that. I don’t regret it and neither should you. We’ve solved much more difficult problems. We’ll figure this one out too.”

That evening, they discussed the circumstances over dinner with Luomen.

“How did they know you were at Verdigris?” Jinshi asked Maomao. “Someone must have seen us since some of the rumors said you were with a stranger, presumably me.”

“Don’t you find it rather convenient that this Chu fellow supposedly arrived at Verdigris around the same time as the two of you?” Luomen said.

“So, they knew approximately what time we would arrive. How?” Maomao was deep in thought when she suddenly looked up and Jinshi knew she’d arrived at an answer. He had seen that look many times before.

“What is it?” he asked.

“We were outside the house of that middle consort with the tea party when I told you I wanted to go to Verdigris House and I even mentioned the time. What if someone was listening to us and relaying information to someone outside the palace? What if that same person shared the information they learned from the seamstress?”

With that clue, Jinshi was able to put a plan in action. He cross-referenced the list of the seamstress’s customers with the consorts they met at Lady Pingyang’s residence. This narrowed the suspects down to three, consorts Xiumin, Chuji and Guifei. Jinshi ordered all three to be monitored closely and for their correspondence to be confiscated. He then ordered investigations into their families outside the palace.

There was no answer yet, but there was hope of one soon.

 

---

 

Maomao slept restlessly that night. As much as she wanted to reassure Jinshi, this whole situation was very unsettling. Rumors were dangerous tools, more dangerous than weapons in the right hands. After waking up a third time, she got up and brewed a tea to help with insomnia. It was relatively effective, and she woke up somewhat later than usual the next morning.

Xiaolan brought her breakfast in bed, which felt incredibly luxurious. She was still adjusting to this life of being served versus serving others. If she lived another fifty years as Jinshi’s wife, she wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to it.

After washing and dressing, she met Jingzhu in the kitchen, prepared to resume her training in poison tasting. The girl had been impressively diligent about learning. Even Suiren, who provided basic lady-in-waiting training for her first two weeks, was pleased with her work ethic and aptitude. Jingzhu clearly had no enthusiasm for tasting poisons, not that anyone other than Maomao ever did, but she was brave enough to try, and surprisingly adept at distinguishing smells and flavors. If Maomao had to have a taster, then she would train Jingzhu to be the best one in the palace.

Chue closely monitored these lessons at Jinshi’s request. Maomao supposed it was prudent even if she found it annoying.

Maomao set out seven tiny dishes. Each held a different poison. She instructed Jingzhu to smell each in turn and describe what she smelled.

Jingzhu smelled all seven once and then started back at the first. Three times she tried before turning to Maomao with disappointment.

“I smell nothing, milady.”

Maomao nodded. It was a trick question. “That’s right. All of these poisons are odorless. But, let’s see what happens when they interact with silver.” There were seven silver bowls filled with water. Maomao added a trace of each poison to each bowl. Some created an instant reaction while others were more subtle. “Now these two are the trickiest, there’s no odor and no visible reaction, which leaves only taste.”

Xiaolan interrupted the lesson, setting a huge bouquet of roses and chrysanthemums in the middle of the table. Maomao was pleased to see that she looked much happier than the previous day, much more like Xiaolan.

“What’s all this about?” Maomao asked her, motioning to the flowers. “We’re in the middle of a lesson.”

“A eunuch just delivered these flowers from the Moon Prince. Aren’t they beautiful? I thought you’d like to see them along with his note.” She handed Maomao a tightly folded letter.

“He’s so romantic,” Xiaolan gushed.

He could have at least chosen flowers with better medicinal uses, Maomao thought as she opened the letter. She scanned the contents, then passed the letter to Chue.

Chue read it and smirked. “So the Moon Prince wants a sunset rendezvous. How charming and mysterious.”

“The bigger mystery is who exactly I would meet there. The Moon Prince did not write this letter. I don’t recognize the handwriting. But this may be an opportunity we can’t afford to pass up, Miss Chue.”

Chue winked at her. “I do love when you have a plan, Miss Maomao.”

Notes:

Wow! 1,100 kudos and over 19,000 hits. Thank you!

Your comments encourage me to keep writing and make my day! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. And again, apologies for another cliffhanger!

Chapter 12: The Nightingale

Summary:

Jinshi and Maomao separately prepare for a secret rendezvous that could spell their undoing or their salvation.

As Jinshi woke, he felt a warm presence by his side. Before he even opened his eyes, he could smell her distinctive scent of fresh herbs and soap and something else that was distinctly Maomao. His arms were wrapped around her, holding her body flush with his, her back to his front. She was only covered with a pink dudou, just as she’d been in the cave. She was breathtaking and she was his, and he was hers.

He pressed a kiss to the back of her neck. He felt her begin to stir and she turned to face him. Huge blue eyes absorbed his very soul. And then those eyes closed and their lips met, then their tongues, then-.

Crash. A sound outside and angry voices interrupted them. Whatever it was, they were close and coming closer. Jinshi threw on a robe and handed Maomao her own.

He threw open the door to his bedroom and called for his guard. “Basen, what’s going on?”

His milk brother was nowhere to be seen. No one was. Even Suiren was missing. They were alone in his house.

There was a loud knock on the door. Jinshi opened the door and found a mob with torches, several dozen men deep.

The presumed leader of the group stood in front of him with a long beard and a cruel expression. “Where is she?” he demanded. “Where is that witch? She is making a fool of the nation.”

“She is innocent,” Jinshi swore. “Leave us.” Jinshi could feel Maomao behind him now and tried to block her from the mob. But they pressed in and soon she was being pulled away from him. He was holding her hand and looking in desperation in her eyes as the mob tried to drag her away.

“I love you,” she whispered as they pried her from his grip.

“No,” he screamed.

And he woke up, for real this time, gasping for breath. The fear and shock of his nightmare still very real in his mind.

His bedroom door burst open and a guard, not Basen, stepped in. “Is everything all right, sir?”

“Yes, it was just a dream.”

The guard closed the door and left him to his solitude and racing thoughts.

Part of him wanted to race to the Jade Pavilion even now in the middle of the night and verify that she was safe. Knowing that someone out there was targeting her and not knowing what they would try next left him feeling helpless. He tried and failed to go back to sleep for some time. He picked up one of his swords, appreciating the weight of the hilt and the sense of security holding it in his grip. He practiced his forms for hours, rehearsing the movements that he’d learned since childhood. Eventually, he passed out from exhaustion just as the faintest bit of light entered the night sky.

It was late morning by the time he rose. When he reached his office, Hulan was waiting there with a stack of reports. The Mi clan had been productive in their investigative efforts. Jinshi’s desk was laden with documentation about the goings, comings and transactions of various relations of the three consorts in question, Lady Xiumin, Lady Guifei and Lady Chuji. Unfortunately, it was a very large stack and time was of the essence. Baryou was sorting through an even larger pile and even Suiren took some of the pages.

About an hour into his reading, Jinshi came across one item of interest. Minister Chu’s eldest son, Chu-Lun, was a gambler known to spend recklessly on women and entertainment. But interestingly, the brothel he was known to frequent more than any other was Verdigris House. Jinshi was almost certain that this must be the man that was seen entering Verdigris.

Jinshi made a mental note to ask Maomao if she could find out anything further about Chu-Lun’s customer record from the madam. If he was a frequent customer, was it just a coincidence that he happened to be there at the same time? Even if it was possible, it didn’t seem likely, which meant someone must have told him to be there at that time, but who and why? Whoever it was, they were putting Chu-Lun’s life at risk, just as much as they were putting Maomao’s. So whoever it was must have been an enemy of some sort. As a gambler, Chu-Lun could have many enemies if he had outstanding debts.

“Baryou, look for any information you can find on Chu-Lun and anyone who may have a grievance with him.”

Jinshi had barely made it through a quarter of his stack, when a visitor arrived. One of the guards assigned to Maomao delivered a note. As Jinshi read the note, a shock like ice ran down his spine.

I was delighted to receive your note and flowers this morning. I await this golden opportunity to meet you this evening with baited breath. As you requested, I will wait for you at sunset in the stone pavilion in the Garden of Eternal Blessings. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, let us wait until the appointed hour to speak again. Please be sure to post your guards some distance away so we can meet privately. I am eager to see what surprise you have in store for me and how I might surprise you in turn.

The note was definitely from Maomao and signed with her usual signature but clearly it was heavily coded. Since they weren’t sure yet where the breaches of trust were happening in the rear palace, it was a wise decision.

Jinshi read the note again and tried parse out the meaning. Someone clearly wanted to lure Maomao into a meeting of some kind, no doubt a trap, and had sent a note falsely signed by him. But Maomao clearly wanted to use this opportunity instead to trap the individual. The Garden of Eternal Blessings was just a short walk from his office. Jinshi would assemble two dozen guards and spread them out in the surrounding area. They had to be careful though and not spook whoever it was that was going to meet Maomao. He wanted to talk to her in person and understand exactly what she was planning, but clearly she was trying to dissuade him from further communications. Perhaps she was afraid that too many communications might clue in the suspect to her suspicions.

It was hard to just accept the unknown, but Jinshi reminded himself that his intended was a genius. He thought about notifying Lakan, but thought better of it. If Lakan thought for even a moment that Maomao was in danger, there was no way they could control his behavior.

Waiting for evening was an interminable punishment. Jinshi tried to focus on work but kept finding himself staring at the same paper over and over. He tapped his foot so often in a sign of his own impatience that he was surprised the floor beneath his desk didn’t wear through.

In the hour before sunset, he decided to prepare for this event like he was preparing for war. He armed himself with a sword and strapped a dagger to his thigh. Not knowing what to expect, he could only prepare for everything. He had already ordered two dozen guards to discreetly surround the area.

Just as he was prepared to leave, a visitor was announced. Jinshi was about to dismiss them until he heard the name of his visitor. It was minister Gui, the father of one of the suspect consorts.

“Show him to my office,” Jinshi ordered. This was too much of a coincidence to deny. It had to be related.

Jinshi took a deep breath and assumed his accommodating friendly mask as he entered his office. Minister Gui was a stout, portly man with a spindly mustache and a sharply shaved beard that narrowed to a point just below his chin. He bowed appropriately as Jinshi entered.

“What can I do for you, Minister?” Jinshi asked, letting Gui hear the smile in his voice, even if inwardly he felt quite the opposite.

“It is rather I who wish to do something for you, Moon Prince. I’ve become aware of late of an especially rare occurrence that I would like to show you. There is a rare nightingale with heavenly song that appears regularly in a nearby garden only at sunset. If I may, I’d like to show you this most breathtaking sight.”

What ruse was this? Some pretense to bring him to the very meeting spot where Maomao was to appear? “A nightingale you say? Which garden pray tell?”

“The Garden of Eternal Blessings, sir. But we must make haste if we are to see this wondrous sight this evening.”

Jinshi’s eyes narrowed every so slightly. So this man was behind it all. It took all of his will power not to shout for Basen to arrest him immediately. But he must acquire proof of the man’s guilt first.

“I must say I’m intrigued to see this nightingale of yours, Minister Gui. Please lead the way.”

Jinshi could hardly miss the smile of satisfaction on Gui’s face.

“I’m honored to escort you, Moon Prince.”

As they left Jinshi’s office and walked toward the garden, Jinshi used the opportunity to probe a bit. “Minister Gui, I must commend you most sincerely. I encountered your daughter in the Rear Palace the other day. It is rare indeed to behold a young lady of such refined bearing and innate grace as your esteemed daughter.”

The minister grinned. “Thank you, Your Highness. My Guifei is certainly a treasure, but her beauty pales in comparison with my youngest. Perhaps you may remember my Gui-Ling, she was presented to you in the western capital.”

Of course, Jinshi did not remember her. He only had eyes for one and one alone at those banquets. “Ah, yes. I do recall.”

As they reached the garden, the minister instead steered him toward an adjacent building.

“The nightingale appears in a tree very close to this building. If we go inside, we can hear it without disturbing it,” the minister explained.

Jinshi looked back at Basen and motioned for him to contact the other guards and follow closely.

Minister Gui led him to a window with a perfect view of the garden. The golden hour was approaching and the slanted rays of the setting sun brightened the lush garden with a dazzling yellow hue. There was a large pond filled with lotus flowers and a small stone bridge crossing through the center with a stone pavilion sitting at its apex. This pavilion must be the appointed meeting place.

“It’s a lovely view, Minister Gui, but I see no nightingale.”

“Just wait a moment, Your Highness. Now, there, look toward the pavilion.” Gui pointed to a moving figure, a man of moderate height wearing a cloak, looking around furtively as he walked to the pavilion. A moment later, a woman, also in a cloak but with telltale green hair, appeared from the opposite side and approached the man.

“I’m sorry to deceive you, Your Highness, but it was done with the best of intentions.” the minister explained. “There is no nightingale. I was apprised of a plot for a clandestine meeting between your bride and her lover. I thought it only right that you be fully informed before you tie yourself to such a traitor.”

And now it all came together. Some grand plot simply to try to convince Jinshi that Maomao had betrayed him and that he should cancel the wedding. It was almost laughable if it didn’t pose so much danger.

Jinshi looked again with concern to the two figures in the pavilion. Suppose that man had bad intentions too? Perhaps Maomao wasn’t safe. Then Jinshi caught sight of movement behind the minister. He struggled momentarily to compose himself. He frowned and looked out the window again.

“How exactly did you learn about this affair?” he asked.

“Well, you see, my daughter heard rumors in the Rear Palace and notified me out of concern for you.”

“How…thoughtful of you both. There’s only one issue, Minister.” He pointed to the pavilion. “That is not Lady Kan.”

He glanced at the figure behind the minister. “Is it Chue in disguise, per chance, Maomao?”

Maomao, emerging from the shadows, wearing a dark cloak herself, simply smiled.

The minister spun around and looked in shock at Maomao.

“I don’t think you’ve met my bride yet, Minister Gui,” Jinshi said as he stood by Maomao’s side. “May I introduce Lady Kan.”

The minister’s mouth gaped like a fish as he stared in shock at Maomao and glanced back to the figures in the pavilion.

As Jinshi followed his gaze, he saw several of his guards surround the pavilion and take the man into custody.

“Perhaps you would like to tell us the meaning of all this,” Jinshi said. “I assume the man out there is Chu-Lun. What exactly do you have against him and how did you persuade him to come here?”

Minister Gui simply laughed. “That fool? I have nothing against him in particular. He was an easy target and he’s the only son and heir of my rival. It was simply an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone so to speak. I found an unlikely ally that also wanted him out of the picture and fed him information. He’s in love with a particular courtesan and was only too eager to meet her at Verdigris House and in this private garden.”

“So you would risk sending an innocent man to his execution simply as revenge for whatever slight you perceived from Minister Chu?”

“It was no small slight,” Gui spat in anger. “Chu is the very reason my family was destroyed and my father was executed due to his false accusations of embezzlement. You have no idea what I’ve had to do to restore my family’s reputation, assuming a new identity and investing time and effort to build back our wealth from the ground up. It was only fair that the Chu name should be sullied just as the Guyun family was.”

“My Maomao has done nothing to you. Why would you choose to question her fidelity and damage her reputation in your act of revenge?”

Gui snorted derisively and looked at Maomao as though she was an ant he wanted to squish. “She’s the daughter of a whore,” he said dismissively. “And acts one herself. I arranged for Chu-Lun to go to Verdigris House that day, but I needn’t have gone through the effort. This whore walked in with a strange man, my own guards saw it happen. She is not worthy of nobility, much less the honor of marrying one of royal blood. Without her in the picture, perhaps you might have opened up to the possibility of someone more worthy, like my own younger daughter.”

“The man your guards saw was me,” Jinshi explained, seething with anger. “How dare you make such accusations and use such language to describe my future wife. You will pay for your crimes.”

“My life is forfeit anyway, isn’t it? What difference does it make now if I speak the truth?” Gui spoke so casually of his own demise.

Maomao stepped forward but looked neither angry nor upset, but calm and calculating. “Since you’re in such a talkative mood, perhaps you might answer one of this whore’s questions. This ally you spoke of, this was your contact in the Rear Palace, yes?”

Jinshi exhaled loudly. “No doubt his daughter, Lady Guifei.”

Maomao shook her head. “No,” she said. “No, I don’t think it was. It was Lady Chuji, wasn’t it?”

“Hmph, you are a smart one at least,” Minister Gui said. “How did you know?”

“The lotus necklace,” Maomao explained. “You said yourself that you’ve had to build back your wealth. Someone in those circumstances saves every penny and doesn’t spend it recklessly, especially when you were unlikely to see the expense returned to you. Your own clothes are patched and fraying along the hem. Your shoes are wearing down. I expect you live very frugally. So why would you spend a small fortune on a necklace you would only give away? You wouldn’t. So you either had to steal or borrow it from someone else. And a necklace with a symbol so tied to a particular clan must have originally come from that clan. So there is only one logical choice, Lady Chuji. If you search the records of her purchases since she entered the palace, I would guess you’ll find a commission for that necklace.”

“But why would she betray her own family?” Jinshi asked.

“Why did Loulan betray hers? Why did Lady Lishu’s family betray her? Look at that abomination you employ who tried to kill his own brother. Family isn’t always beloved or treasured. I’m sure she had her reasons.”

“She did,” Gui admitted. “She despised her brother and her father. She hates the life of a concubine and hated them for selling her into it.”

“But how did you come to know that?” Maomao asked. “That’s where your daughter is involved."

Minister Gui glanced at Maomao with contempt. “Guifei had nothing to do with this. Ironically, Guifei is Lady Chuji’s confidante in the Rear Palace. She wrote to me of Chuji’s animus toward her family knowing how I feel about them. Guifei is innocent.”

“But you’ve already condemned her, haven’t you?” Maomao asked. It was true. For what this man had done, his entire family would pay the price.

With that, Jinshi could see the man snap. “I tell you she’s innocent. Maybe you should join us all in hell, you whore!”

Jinshi saw a flash of silver as the man took a dagger from the folds of his robe and charged at Maomao. Jinshi leaped to block him while simultaneously unsheathing his sword. Jinshi felt the knife against his side before he knocked it away with his sword, sending it clattering to the floor. Instantly, guards appeared from every direction and Basen had a sword to Gui’s throat.

“Don’t kill him,” Jinshi said. “We need his confession. Take him to Grand Commandant Kan for questioning.”

Jinshi’s heart was pounding with adrenaline as he watched his guards take the struggling man away.

“Moon Prince, are you unhurt?” Basen asked.

“I’m fine. It’s Maomao I’m concerned about.” He looked at her and saw something unusual in her eyes – fear.

“You’re not fine,” she said. “We need to go to the clinic.”

He looked down at the area below his ribs where the knife tore through his robes, where a growing crimson patch stained the silk.

 

 

Notes:

Aah, another cliffhanger! I hope to complete the next chapter this weekend. It’s already partially written. At least I gave you answers to the ongoing mystery, right?

I hope you enjoyed the conclusion to this mystery. I must admit the complexity made it a bit difficult to conceive and then to write. It would mean a lot to me if you could tell me what you thought.

Your reviews mean the world to me. I’d love to hear from you, even if it’s to curse me for another cliffhanger.

Chapter 13: In Sickness and in Health

Summary:

Maomao’s medical talents and her true feelings for Jinshi are put to the test.

Maomao felt like she could barely breathe. She was staring at Jinshi’s right side and watching a concerning amount of blood staining his robe. She almost felt paralyzed in the moment. What was wrong with her? She was a trained medical professional. She’d handled much, much worse than this. She’d even handled worse than this on Jinshi, but somehow it felt different now. Feelings right now were just an inconvenience. This was no time to wallow in them. 

“You’re hurt. Let me see.” She finally forced herself to move and jumped into action. She ripped his robe further to get a better look at the wound. It was just above his accursed brand, so she had to be careful not to let others see. She used a handkerchief to dab away the blood and get a better look at the injury. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it wasn’t terribly long or deep, but it would still require stitches. She pressed the cloth over the wound and held it firmly to staunch the bleeding.

“Hold this in place,” she instructed him. “Let’s go to the clinic. I need better light to stitch this up.”

“Shouldn’t we call a doctor?” Basen asked.

“No,” Jinshi and Maomao said in unison.

“It’s not severe, I can take care of it,” Maomao explained.

Fortunately, the clinic was just a short distance away and, thankfully, nearly empty. One doctor was on the night shift, and Jinshi dismissed him.

Even with specially designed lanterns to provide extra light, it wasn’t quite the same as daylight, but it would have to do. Once they were alone, Maomao asked Jinshi to shed his robe and lie on the table. She carefully tried to clean the wound. Willing herself to hold a steady hand, she stitched his wound as evenly as possible. When she was done, she admired her work, thinking that it was a decent job and should heal well. She bandaged the area carefully.

They walked back to Jinshi’s residence where Suiren had dinner waiting. Though she wasn’t expecting Maomao, there was plenty of food and Jinshi offered to share it.

He was in a surprisingly good mood for having been injured. She couldn’t say the same.

“Sir, you know when I said that a scar might do you good, I meant the one you already have, not that you should acquire more,” she said with irritation.

“What? No thank you for saving your life?” he smirked.

“My life is not as valuable as yours.” It was a simple fact and one that he should well realize.

“Don’t ever say that!” he said, now suddenly quite serious. “Your life is precious to me. I would take a hundred stabs if it were to save you.”

“Do you think I want a dead husband? And did you even think about Basen? You know he’s going to be punished because you were injured.”

Jinshi grimaced but looked resolved. “No matter what happens, I will never regret saving you. I’ll make it up to Basen somehow.”

“Please be careful. You’re not the only one who would be hurt if something happens to you, and I’m not just talking about Basen.”

Jinshi smiled. “Are you saying you would be devastated if something happened to me?”

Maomao grumbled. “No comment.”

Jinshi had that hungry dog look and Maomao took that as her cue that it was time to leave. He may be in the mood, but she most certainly was not.

“It’s been a long day, sir. I’m going to head back. Thank you for the meal.”

Jinshi pouted. “No kiss goodnight?”

Maomao just looked at him like a lowly worm and didn’t grace him with a response.

“But you’ll stop by tomorrow to check on my wound, right?”

Maomao groaned. “Yes, sir.”

“I think maybe you should check on it twice a day.”

“I’m a medical professional, sir. Once a day will be more than adequate.”

“You’re also my future wife, so twice a day at the bare minimum.”

“Fine. I’ll stop by in the morning and evening tomorrow, but you better have dinner waiting and I want dongpo pork.”

“As you wish, beloved,” Jinshi smiled so brightly, he truly lit up like the moon.

The next day, Maomao stopped by Jinshi’s villa early to replace his bandages and check on his stitches as promised. Then she returned to the Jade Pavilion to resume poison training with Jingzhu, who was now learning to distinguish poisons by smell. She also met with the new seamstress about her wedding regalia. By afternoon, she was summoned to see Empress Gyokuyou who wanted to hear all the details from the previous evening’s shocking events. Maomao kept out the part about the Moon Prince being hurt. They had mutually decided to keep that part under wraps, particularly considering the location of the injury.

Jinshi was true to his word and they enjoyed dongpo pork that evening and a tasty congee topped with shiitake mushrooms and miso short ribs, along with a fruity wine from the southern region. Jinshi was still surprisingly cheery.

“What has you in such a great mood?” Maomao asked.

“I’m happy to see you, my love. And I’m thinking about last night.”

“What’s with all the endearments lately?”

“I don’t know. I’ve started and now I can’t stop. I like the way those words feel on my tongue. Would you prefer darling or dear?”

Maomao glared. “I’d prefer apothecary.”  

Jinshi laughed. “You’ll always be my beloved apothecary.”

“And what about last night makes you happy? You were injured,” she commented, still annoyed. 

Jinshi just smiled softly with a distant look. “Our troubles are resolved. The culprit or rather culprits are caught. And I enjoyed solving it with you. You were brilliant by the way, baiting that trap.”

“So what will happen to Minister Gui?” Maomao asked.

“The freak strategist is trying to procure a written confession. Gui did some damage to your reputation so we need to prove to the court that he was behind it. He has condemned himself and his family with his actions. He’s only alive now until he confesses all.”

“Why would he confess then if it would prolong his life to stay silent?

Jinshi sighed and looked away. “Are you sure you want to know?“

“No, but tell me anyway.”

“Sometimes death can be a mercy. He’s most likely being tortured with the threat that he can have a slow, painful death if he resists or a quick, merciful one if he complies.”

She expected it was something like that. But picturing the Old Fart torturing that man was deeply disturbing.

“So what will happen to Lady Chu-whatshername?”

“Lady Chuji was removed from the rear palace this morning and will go to the gallows for her part in the plot. I already have her written confession. The Emperor was not lenient and wants to set an example.”

“And what of her brother and father?”

“Although her brother was foolish and allowed himself to be led into various situations, he was innocent. The father, Vice Minister Chu, was completely oblivious to the activities of both of his children. Given the Chu clan’s influence, the Emperor spared their lives but stripped them of their titles and estate. I suppose Gui did get some semblance of revenge in the end.”

Suiren walked in carrying two bowls. “I’ve prepared a special treat given this hot weather. Thank you for the suggestion, Xiaomao. I hope you both enjoy.” She set down the bowls in front of each of them.

“Thank you, Lady Suiren,” Maomao said appreciatively.

It was a particularly stifling day, even in the early morning. Maomao was already sweating by the time she reached Jinshi’s place for her morning visit. Maomao saw a big block of ice that Suiren was chiseling a few pieces from to add to a drink for Jinshi. A big chunk of ice came off and fell to the ground. Suiren despaired that it was wasted but Maomao recounted the time she and Xiaolan prepared ice cream using damaged ice. Suiren must have been inspired because before her now sat a lovely, cold bowl of ice cream topped with a sauce made of red berries.

Maomao took one spoonful and savored the cold, creamy treat.

Jinshi looked likewise blissful eating it. Suddenly he winced and put his hand to his head.

Maomao had heard of these headaches induced by eating cold items, but had never experienced them herself given her limited access to ice. “Don’t eat it too fast, Master Jinshi. The cold can cause a reaction.”

Jinshi shook his head. “No, it’s not that. I’ve had a headache on and off this afternoon. It seems like it might be getting worse.”

Maomao looked at him with concern. “Let me prepare you some tea that may help.”

Maomao prepared a tea with peppermint and ginger and a poultice of lavender that should help soothe headache symptoms. After serving him the tea, she checked on his wound. It was slightly pink, indicating some irritation.

“Does the wound hurt at all?” she asked.

“A little, but I’m a bit numb down there now.”

Maomao thought she knew what he meant. The tissue near his brand was forever damaged and no longer as sensitive as it once was. Perhaps that was part of the reason he didn’t realize at first that he sustained an injury from the knife.

“The wound looks a little irritated. I’m going to apply a salve before I rebandage it.”

After treating Jinshi, Maomao left for the night. By the time she got back to the Jade Pavilion, she passed out quickly from exhaustion.

She woke up to the sound of her bed curtains being pulled aside and suddenly she was being shaken.

“Miss Maomao, Miss Maomao, wake up. It’s the Moon Prince, you have to go to him.”

Maomao blinked back sleep and stared blearily at Chue hovering over her.

“I just came from him. What does he want now?”

“An urgent message came from Suiren. He’s sick with fever and convulsing.”

“What? Convulsions? But he was fine last night.” Maomao was instantly alert and already up and changing her clothing.

She grabbed a bag with medical supplies. Chue had a carriage ready and waiting. Basen greeted her on their arrival at Jinshi’s residence.

“How is he?” Maomao asked.

Basen frowned and looked very serious. “He’s burning up and currently unconscious.”

Maomao rushed to his bedroom. Suiren was there holding a wet cloth to his forehead.

“How long has he been unconscious?”

The older woman wrung out the cloth in a basin. “About a half hour, just after he convulsed. He’s sweating profusely. I’ve never seen him ill like this.”

Maomao held the back of her hand to his forehead, then his cheek. His skin was very hot to the touch. This was a high fever. She could see the beads of sweat on his neck.

“Can you help me remove his robe? I need to check his wound.”

Carefully they lifted him and removed the garment, which was damp from sweat.

“Can you get any ice? We need to cool down his body. Also brew a tea with ginger and willow root.”

While Suiren attended to the ice and tea, Maomao unwrapped his bandage. The wound was inflamed, swollen and beat red. There was no doubt that he had an infection and toxins were running through his body. The sutures would have to be removed and she would need to clean out the wound thoroughly.

It was still too dark, but dawn was just breaking over the horizon. Operating in the dark was what probably caused this problem in the first place. She must have missed something the first time she cleaned the wound.

An hour later, she had prepared the best she could. They moved a table into an inner courtyard that could act as an operating table so she could get the maximum sunlight now that the sun had risen. Basen and three other guards carefully transferred Jinshi to the table. Maomao propped up his body with towels. Suiren boiled a scalpel to purify it. Basins, clean cloths, bandages, and a thread and needle were prepared. Maomao applied a salve to help numb the area and then prepared to cut.

Pus oozed from the wound the second she reopened it. In the process of flushing the wound with water, Jinshi awoke with a moan.

It was the worst timing, and yet Maomao couldn’t help but feel relieved that he had regained consciousness. Suiren, who was assisting her, held down his arm and tried to calm him. Maomao didn’t know how much he could understand right now, but she felt she had to explain what was happening.

“Your wound has become infected, sir, and you became very ill. I had to remove the stitches and open the wound to clean it out. The pain should be temporary.”

The whole time she talked, she was concentrating on the wound and removing any sign of infection. Jinshi’s body stilled and she could tell that he had passed out again, whether from the fever, the shock, or the pain, she couldn’t tell.

Once she felt like the wound was as clean as possible, she carefully stitched him back up. They returned him to his bed and now only time would tell if he recovered.

The next few hours were torturous. Maomao sat vigilant at his bedside, sponging his body with cold cloths, hoping for any sign that the fever was reducing, but every time she checked, he was still burning up. While he didn’t have a convulsion again, the fact that he had one to begin with was not a good sign.

After the stress of the surgery, Maomao just wanted him to magically recover, but recovery could be slow and unpredictable. So many what ifs ran through her mind. What if she missed something? What if she had done a better job to begin with? What if he hadn’t foolishly tried to protect her? What if the infection had taken root too far before she treated him? What if…he never woke? What if she never saw his beautiful face light up with that stupid smile he saved just for her? What if he was gone from this earth?

It seemed impossible to imagine. This ideal human seemed vital to the air they all breathed, like he truly was a celestial being sent from the Heavens, sent to make the world a better place. Such entities couldn’t simply cease to exist. They were immortal, impervious to disease or harm.

Yet she had the evidence that Jinshi was all too human right in front of her. She wiped the sweat from his brow and neck. She checked his pulse. How could he still be be so beautiful even when he was so ill?

Meimei’s parting words came to her. You need to think about why you care about him, what you respect and why you’ve chosen him.

Why she cared about him? Who wouldn’t fall in love with him? What was strange was why she hadn’t fallen sooner. He had everything anyone would want. He was ridiculously handsome, brave, intelligent, kind, caring, protective, humble, and overwhelmingly a good man. That goodness, with her own strong compass of morality and fairness, compelled Maomao more than anything else. He was a dream catch for any woman. Yet he was also bossy, masochistic, childish, strangely insecure, prone to jealousy, and hopelessly stubborn. So why were all his negative qualities just as endearing? Well, perhaps not the masochism. But maybe those negative qualities, annoying as they could be, were what made him human after all. And his humanity, rather than his etherealness, was what appealed to Maomao. She suspected that the fact that she valued his humanity over his beauty was also what attracted Jinshi to her.

She spent so much of their time together concerned about class differences and politics, creating in her mind an impossible barrier to overcome. She spent less time thinking about whether they were truly compatible as people. And the truth was, they probably were. They made a good team when they worked together, complementing one another’s strengths and weaknesses. And when they were alone together, she enjoyed his company, she felt safe with him, both physically and mentally. He never denied who she was and in fact encouraged her passions. He almost instinctively knew what she liked and didn’t like. He didn’t try to woo her with his wealth, he consistently thought about her taste and interests from the very beginning of their acquaintance. Would any other man think to gift her with rare medical ingredients? Or trouble himself to track down her long-lost friend? Who else would move heaven and earth, changing laws in the process, just to get her medical training? No, Jinshi was special, one-of-a-kind, and maybe, just maybe, he was meant for her and she was meant for him.

But what if he never woke up? What if she had to continue without him? She tried to imagine life after he passed. She would survive. She might go back to her apothecary at Verdigris House, just as if she had never met him. But the thought sucked all of the air out of her lungs. It wouldn’t be the same. She would never be the same again. She would know that something, someone, was missing. She might survive but could she be happy remembering that loss?

She thought to just the past two days. He had been so upbeat, ridiculously happy and she had scolded him for it. And she had denied him a kiss. Why had she done that? What if they never kissed again? How had this man who annoyed her when they first met suddenly become so integral to her?

She leaned down and her lips hovered over his. She needed this. She needed to kiss him now even if he never kissed her back. His lips were warm from the fever, too warm, but she prolonged the kiss, willing some of her spirit to transfer to his and revive him. Then she kissed his brow, his cheeks, his nose, and chin before resting her head on his chest to listen to the steady beat of his heart.

Someone cleared their throat and she startled and looked at the open door. Basen was standing there and in the next room staring directly at her was Lakan.

“Your father, I mean Commandant Kan, has come to see you. He says he has important news,” Basen said, blushing with some embarrassment.

“I’ll be there in a moment. Basen, can you watch the Moon Prince and let me know if he wakes up?”

Maomao traded places with Basen and shut Jinshi’s bedroom door behind her as she stepped out.

‘Well, what is it?” Maomao asked the freak with some annoyance.

“I thought that you and the prince might like to know that it is done.”

‘What’s done?”

“Gui is dead. But not before confessing his crimes in front of the entire court. Now, everyone knows that the accusations against you were false.”

It seemed so trivial now in the face of Jinshi’s illness.

“It may not matter much if the Moon Prince doesn’t survive,” she muttered.

“And what if he doesn’t?” Lakan asked. “Would that hurt you so much?”

She glared at him. Did he really think so little of Jinshi or her own feelings for him? “Yes,” Maomao admitted. “Very much.”

The door opened behind her. “Maomao, he’s awake!” Basen exclaimed.

“I have to go,” Maomao excused herself.

 

---

 

Jinshi’s recovery was slow but steady. He was shocked to find out that he had been passed out for a full day. And his body felt so achy and drained of energy that he spent another two days mostly resting.

Maomao stayed with him much of the time, which made him wish he could extend his recovery a bit longer. But work had been piling up, so on the third day, he decided it was finally time to get back to it.

Baryou had done an admirable job in his absence, but there was a tall stack of papers that required his seal. He was working through the pile when a visitor stopped by.

The soldier entered, bowed and presented him with a folded piece of paper. “A letter from Grand Commandant Kan, Your Highness.”

Jinshi unfolded the paper, not quite sure what to expect, and found that the letter held a single line:

I give you my blessing.

Which left Jinshi to wonder what exactly happened while he was sleeping.

 

 

Notes:

No cliffhanger this time, but we’re nearing the end. It’s almost time for the wedding, but not quite. The next chapter will be entitled “Fish and Visitors” and if you know the quote that’s based on then you might guess who will be making an appearance as the visitor. Any guesses?

Chapter 14: Fish and Visitors

Summary:

There is a saying that “Fish and visitors stink after three days.” When Jinshi is visited by a certain handsome former suitor of Maomao’s, he thinks certain visitors might stink and should be sent on their way after only one day.

With a week to go before the wedding, visitors were starting to arrive from near and wide. The Moon Prince’s wedding to his one and only legal wife would be the biggest event in Li since the Emperor made Lady Gyokuyou his empress. Perhaps even bigger as interest grew in the handsome prince who had refused all but the daughter of the Grand Commandant. It seemed that everyone in Li and even realms beyond wanted to witness this union.

Jinshi’s calendar was quickly filling up with meetings with dignitaries, envoys, and foreign royalty. A special contingent from the western capital was arriving today and a banquet was to be held in their honor as a way to belatedly honor all those who helped the nation overcome the locust plague. Jinshi, as the member of the imperial family who oversaw the work in the western capital, would be hosting with the Emperor.

Jinshi met his bride outside the banquet hall so they could enter together to be announced before the Emperor. There was a middle-aged woman leading Maomao’s attendants that Jinshi didn’t recognize. She was instructing Jingzhu on her posture when Jinshi approached. Jinshi cleared his throat to catch her attention, then introduced himself.

The woman bowed to him. “It’s an honor to meet you, Moon Prince. I am Fa Siyu.”

“Siyu is my new head lady-in-waiting,” Maomao explained. “Lady Ah-Duo sent her a few days ago.”

As they walked together into the pavilion, Maomao whispered to him, “I call her Suiren 2. She seems very…efficient.”

Jinshi knew exactly what she meant. “I’m sure Suiren will appreciate having competent help.”

“She seems kind enough even if she’s a little strict, somewhat like Lady Hongniang. Jingzhu is already looking up to her, but I don’t think Chue is a fan.”

If this woman could put Chue in her place, then all the better. “She sounds perfect.”

After greeting the Emperor, they took their seats to his right and Jingzhu assumed her position as their taster.

“Are you sure she’s up to this already?” Jinshi asked quietly. This would be Jingzhu’s first banquet as a taster.

“Yes, I tested her on ten different poisons this morning sir. She passed them all perfectly.” Maomao smiled broadly at the girl, encouraging her. “You know, I never wanted my own taster. But it was fun to teach another about poisons and I’m really proud of Jingzhu.”

“I’m sure any opportunity to talk about poisons would appeal to you. But…,” Jinshi narrowed his eyes at Maomao, “a little bird told me that you tried to consume the poisons at least three times in your lessons.”

“That little bird should learn to shut its beak.”

“Well, that little bird knows who feeds it and who its true master is.”

Maomao snickered. “Or so you think,” she mumbled.

Jinshi addressed their taster.

“Jingzhu, I have a gift for you for your first banquet.” Jinshi handed the girl a paulownia box that held a silver spoon, which she accepted very tentatively and in awe, like no one had ever given her something of her own before.

“Wait a minute,” Maomao said. “Why didn’t I get a gift at my first banquet as a taster?”

Jinshi glared at her. “You did, my love. I gave you a silver item that was much more precious at your first garden party if you recall. Only you gave it away somewhere in Shi territory.”

Maomao had the grace to look at least a little bashful. “About that…I received a letter recently. It seems the hair stick may have survived.”

“What? What does that mean? Did someone find it?”

At that moment, an attendant announced the presentation of their guests of honor.

“I’ll tell you later,” Maomao whispered.

Jinshi was more than a little put out. And Maomao’s odd manner and words piqued his curiosity.

As the doors opened, Jinshi saw some familiar faces that he hadn’t seen in some time. First Shikyou and his wife entered. Next, a face that he would rather not have seen again, and certainly not one in the presence of Maomao, the man known as Rikuson. The room turned cold the way it only would in the presence of an archenemy.

“Master Rikuson came? I had no idea he was coming,” Maomao said, a little too enthusiastically in Jinshi’s opinion.

She didn’t know because Jinshi didn’t tell her. When Jinshi received the communication of who exactly would be included in this party from I-Sei, he cringed but then set out to plan. He came up with the idea of honoring those who fought the locusts. It would be a way to appear perfectly receptive but also an excuse for the Emperor to “honor” Rikuson with a long-term, remote post that would keep the man at a distance. Of course, Jinshi suggested exactly what that post should be to his majesty. Additionally, while Rikuson would certainly be acknowledged for the admittedly important role he played in fighting the locust plague, he would be upstaged by the true star of the night, Lahan’s Brother, and Maomao herself for creating the insecticide.

After Shikyou and Rikuson’s formal introduction to the Emperor, Jinshi and Maomao each greeted the entourage from I-Sei in turn. Jinshi couldn’t help but notice the warm look Rikuson gave Maomao, and he thought she smiled a little too brightly in return. Well, just wait until Rikuson received his post to the back of beyond.

The entire evening was themed around the bounty of the sea, given that seafood was a treasured staple in the capital at this time of year. The guests were honored with live performances by the court’s best singers and dancers, who acted out an opera about a hero returning from war that was thought to be lost at sea for many years and eventually returned home to reclaim his wife and his kingdom. The entertainment was followed with a special feast of all the delicacies of the sea. Thankfully, there was no poison this time.

After dinner, it was time for the honors. First up was the man of the hour, Lahan’s Brother, or rather Kan Junjie, who was bestowed the title of Chief Agricultural Advisor to the Empire, a title he accepted graciously even though he privately insisted he was not a farmer. Shikyou, Chue, Maomao and the medical team were each given honors in turn. Then, finally, it came time for Rikuson.

Jinshi couldn’t help the smile that played at his lips as the Emperor called Rikuson to stand before him.

The Emperor’s attendant read the proclamation. “In recognition of his steadfast service in delivering the Empire of Li from the devastation of the locust plague, Rikuson of I-sei Province is hereby appointed General of the Western Armies. Let all officials and subjects heed this decree and honor his new station, as his dedication and courage have restored prosperity to our lands and stand as a testament to his loyalty beneath Heaven’s Mandate.”

The smile fell from Jinshi’s face as he listened. General of the Western Armies? That was not what they had agreed to. Rikuson was supposed to be made an ambassador to Hokuaren and sent far, far away. Generals regularly reported to the capital to discuss strategy with…Jinshi’s future father-in-law. Jinshi scanned the room for the freak strategist. He was seated some distance away, biting into a pastry and looking very pleased with himself. When Jinshi caught his eye, he had the audacity to wink.

Ever since Jinshi received the note containing Lakan’s blessing, he had heard blissfully little from the weirdo. But this action clearly showed that he would remain a thorn in Jinshi’s side for the foreseeable future.

When the evening came to a close, Jinshi requested a brief audience with his brother. After calling Rikuson a “charming fellow,” the Emperor admitted that Lakan interceded on Rikuson’s behalf. The Emperor, not knowing why Jinshi proposed the role he had, quickly agreed to Lakan’s suggestion both to appease the strategist and because he assumed that one honor would be just as good as another.

That night, Jinshi struggled to go to sleep. When he finally did, he dreamt of a fox snatching a kitten in its mouth and running away with it. He knew all too well what the dream meant when he woke. But he reassured himself that Rikuson’s visit was over and he wouldn’t have to deal with him again.

Except that he did.

Maomao was paying her morning visit to Jinshi’s palace when the unwelcome news arrived. Ever since he was injured, Maomao continued to visit him every morning even though the wound was mostly healed. He didn’t insist that she continue, but she didn’t suggest stopping and he wasn’t about to tell her to do so. And so they continued this charade of glancing at his wound and then chatting or eating breakfast together, or sometimes if Jinshi was lucky, he got in some charging time. Ever since his infection, she seemed a bit more affectionate.

Presently, he was in his happy place with his love curled up next to him on the couch. Her head was on his shoulder and she was drifting off after such a late evening the night before. This was bliss, Jinshi thought, just having her near him and he could only imagine how wonderful it would be when this rare occurrence was no longer rare once they were husband and wife.

And that, of course, was when they were rudely interrupted with the announcement of an unexpected visitor.

The man Jinshi hoped to never see again was, naturally, the one waiting in his office and insisting on seeing them both. Jinshi wanted to turn him down and reactively pulled Maomao closer as she was about to get up.

Maomao batted away his hand. “Master Jinshi, it’s rude to let him wait.”

“It’s rude for him to visit this early,” Jinshi complained.

Despite Jinshi’s reluctance, a few minutes later they were standing in his office and greeting Rikuson.

“Pardon my early arrival, sir,” Rikuson said. “I was told that the best time to see you both was in the early morning.”

“And why would you need to see both of us?” Jinshi inquired.

“When I learned of your forthcoming wedding and began my journey here, I wanted to bestow a gift that might remind you of our time in the western capital. I brought a wedding gift that I believe will please the lovely Maomao.”

Rikuson motioned for his servants to enter Jinshi’s office. Two carried a large crate and set it before them. Rikuson lifted the lid and they all peered in. There were several prickly desert-loving plants Jinshi recognized from the western capital.

Maomao looked ecstatic. “You brought these all the way from I-sei?” She gave him the biggest smile and Jinshi’s jealousy immediately flared to life.

She smiled at him, at bloody Rikuson. What the hell! Jinshi gave her an entire greenhouse and plants from around the world, even from across the great sea, and yet she bestows a smile on Rikuson for a few measly cacti?! It wasn’t fair.

“What exactly are you aiming for with this gift?” Jinshi asked, with hands curled into tight fists beneath his long sleeves.

Rikuson just smiled at him and Jinshi wanted to wipe that smirk off his face with his fist.

“Whatever could you mean, sir?” Rikuson asked politely. “Knowing the bride as well as I do, I simply desired to present a gift that she would appreciate. Something she can grow and nurture, and that might recall the good tidings of the people of I-sei.”

Knowing the bride as well as he does? What exactly was that supposed to mean? The logical part of his brain knew that Rikuson was intentionally trying to rile him up. It seemed a favorite past time of this man to piss Jinshi off in every conceivable way, while seeming perfectly polite and obsequious to everyone else.

Maomao looked between them and frowned at Jinshi, before returning her smile to Rikuson. “They will be perfect for my new greenhouse. Thank you, Master Rikuson.”

Jinshi vowed that they would not survive that long. No plants or anything else to remind either of them of Rikuson would remain in his household.

While Jinshi’s resentment stirred and festered, Maomao glared at him before turning back to Rikuson. “Would you like to see the progress on my greenhouse, Master Rikuson? I’ll take you on a tour.”

Jinshi stared at her like she had betrayed him. “I’ll come with you,” Jinshi insisted.

Maomao narrowed her eyes at him. “Oh no, Master Jinshi, we have intruded on far too much of your time. I’ll take Master Rikuson on the tour. It will only take a moment.”

Jinshi wanted to protest. No way was he going to let her be anywhere alone with Rikuson but he knew that look in her eyes and it was not one he could fight. Still…

“Basen,” he called out, “please accompany Maomao and Rikuson to the greenhouse.”

Maomao narrowed her eyes even further. She was angry with him but so be it.

Jinshi watched the three of them file out and then sat at his desk and put his head in his hands. He probably should focus on work but instead all he could do was stew about whatever may or may not be happening just behind his house. He turned an hourglass and watched the sand slowly filter through the tiny hole grain by grain. The wait was interminable. It seemed like an hour had passed even though it was only ten minutes before Maomao reappeared alone.

“What did you do out there with him?” Jinshi demanded.

“What did I do?” Maomao looked aghast. “I acted as a gracious host. Showed him the greenhouse and sent him on his merry way. And if you don’t believe me, ask Basen, since you insisted he come along. I needed to get Rikuson out of here because you were acting like an ass.”

“He wants you,” Jinshi stated simply.

Maomao glared at him. “He doesn’t want me. He wants to rile you up and you let him do it every time. Don’t rise to the occasion.”

“I can’t help it. Just the thought of him dancing with you, kissing your hand, proposing…”

Maomao’s gaze softened and she approached him, placing one hand softly on his cheek. “What does Rikuson have that you don’t?”

Nothing, the answer was nothing, yet Jinshi couldn’t say it aloud.

“I had a choice, and I chose you. I’m marrying you, not Rikuson. You won the game. Be content.” She kissed him lightly as though to prove it.

“I don’t deserve you,” he replied.

“That’s very true.” She smiled with a hint of a laugh.

“I think I need more charging.”

“I think you’ve had enough today, sir. I’m going back.” She walked out while he pouted.

It was true. He didn’t deserve her. Only in retrospect could he see that his behavior was probably ridiculous. He was the second most powerful man in all of Li marrying the woman of his dreams and yet wanted to punish a man who had lost her hand long ago. Jealousy was a wicked beast that he was all too susceptible to. But in his reflection, he found peace—not in conquest over his enemy, but in the quiet certainty of being chosen.

Notes:

Two of the versions of Jinshi that I most enjoy are brave/protective Jinshi and jealous Jinshi. I knew I wanted to include both in this story. You saw protective Jinshi two chapters ago and now it’s time for jealous Jinshi. Which Jinshi do you most enjoy?