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Gaoshun brought in yet another stack of paperwork. Jinshi groaned internally, fighting to keep it from reaching his face for yet another scolding from his attendant. It never ceased to amaze him how everyone idolized being a royal and how vastly they downplayed the bureaucratic aspects. If he bothered to track hours in his various roles and duties he was sure it took up at least 50-75% of his time. He pondered if Lahan could track it for him just so he could show the emperor how his use of relationships and charm were mostly handing out autographed statements.
It was at this moment many hours into his day that he caught a welcome sight, Maomao. He stretched in his chair and motioned her in. A sight for sore eyes and a welcome reprieve she approached. It was always amusing to see her boldness grow over time. The first time she entered his office there was a distinct sense that fleeing would occur the moment the door opened. Now her entry was quiet, but much more relaxed, simply going about her day or perhaps seeking answers to matters of attention.
She seemed particularly bold today on approach, ears up, almost mischievous. Of all the places to settle, on his desk with utter disregard for his paperwork was most unexpected. He chuckled, and brushed her cheek, “Feeling bold are we today Maomao?”
She nuzzled his hand and he welcomed the affection. It was one of the few times rank was transcended, and with no one else in the room there was no one to complain about the blatant insults to the paper beneath her. He caressed her cheek, and her eyes closed, leaning into his touch. Maomao wasn’t exactly the most talkative of creatures, and the less noise was made, the less likely servants in earshot would interrupt.
His fingers trailed down her neck and she reached out to him.
“Oh?” He picked her up and pulled her into his embrace, letting her nuzzle his neck. She was so small compared to his frame, and fit so easily into his arms. His hand ran down her back and she purred lightly. He placed a light kiss on her head.
“Perhaps you know the secret?” he asked, she looked up at him curiously.
“How do I get your human namesake to be this relaxed with me?”
Mrrrrrrow.
“Oh, not gonna tell, are you?”
“She probably just did.” a monotone feminine voice replied. Jinshi almost levitated out of his seat, startling Maomao (the cat) as Maomao (the human) stared at him lamely. The cat flailed in his grasp and clawed her way to freedom from the chaotic movement, disheveling his outer cloak and leaving scratch marks on the fine threading.
“HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN STANDING THERE?!?”
“Long enough,” she said with a wry courtesan smile as the cat dashed past her feet out the open door.
His features were quite red from surprise. She continued, “You act as if I could do what she does without punishment.”
Jinshi’s brow arched and his eyes squinted, “Explain.”
She came to stand beside him, musing over the desk, “Leaving paw prints on the Emperor’s decree for one.”
Shit.
“And didn’t she knock your tea off the table yesterday?”
He looked off, “Wasn’t on purpose.”
She looked at him unconvinced, “Uh huh, there’s a reason I chased her out of the medicine room when I’m restocking,” she tapped her chin, “And imagine the Freak Strategist wandering in with you in your earlier position. You think he would stop at property damage?”
A terrifying scenario as any he could imagine.
“So -no- I cannot act as she does as I lack many freedoms she enjoys, being -you know- a cat.”
“Are you sure about that? You have more freedom than you give credit for.” he asked, a little spry.
Maomao crossed her arms, shooting back, “Explain.”
“Who do you know that could walk into Lady Gyokuyou’s pavilion unannounced and be seen right away?”
“Oh come now-”
“Ah-ah, you could probably do the same at Consort Lihua’s.”
“That’s just because-”
“And exactly how many hairsticks did you walk out of your first garden party with?”
“I had no control of-”
“And how many servants have had requests from the Emperor himself?”
“That was your fault.”
“Let alone waltzing into my office whenever.”
“I was summoned.”
“But you could.”
“I am but a humble apothecary. I would never impose-”
“And she’s just a cat. And yet,” he reached out and removed a cat hair from her sleeve, “my door remains open.”
He wanted to reach out and repeat his actions with his adored apothecary but just like her fluffy counterpart, he knew he had to wait for the day she decided to be just as brave.