Work Text:
“You must hold still!”
The Emperor’s raised voice is unexpected.
He is usually a moderate and calm man.
The eunuchs cluster by the doors of the Joseon consort’s palace panicking at each other in hushed voices.
Inside, the Joseon consort kneels opposite the Emperor and holds a finger up in admonishment.
“You must. For the glory of Great Qing!”
And surprisingly the wriggling ball of fluff under the Emperor’s hand goes still.
“It is auspicious for the Emperor to brush you.”
The Joseon consort nods to the Emperor, who proceeds to carefully, and thoroughly, brush one of her fluffiest cats.