Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Despite what you may think, there’s more than one service a courtesan can offer. The most common one would indeed be their bodies, but some preserve their chastity by selling their mind, voice, and other such things. One of these rarities, Maomao offers ‘advice’, to put it in the simplest terms. Borne of an incident that nearly plummeted the Verdigris House’s prestige 17 years ago, she’s become something of a rising star. Some call her the hidden fourth Princess of the house, others go as far to call her a goddess, capable of unravelling the trickiest puzzle in moments. An acquired taste for sure, what with her slight frame, lack of womanly assets such as curves, and a sharp tongue that can make any man feel like nothing more than a worm under her heel, she doesn’t appeal to many. But those who are drawn to her are willing to pay a fortune for just a minute in her presence, so despite her limited appeal, she’s something of a best seller, to the old Madam’s delight.

~

Just a little longer. 

Her debt to the brothel was almost paid off, she just had to entertain these masochists who enjoyed being degraded a little longer. Every eye that trailed over her lecherously despite her lacking in typically attractive assets made her want to cringe back and kick their teeth in, but she put up with it for the sake of the Madam. At least she allowed her to retain her chastity, entertaining the clients in her own unique way. And maybe it was just so she could finally auction her off at a higher price for her virginity when her contract ended, but it was more or less a win-win situation.

Maomao took down her obnoxious hair ornaments, humming in relief when her hair was finally loose around her shoulders. She brushed her fingers through it a few times before getting to work on smearing off her makeup. “What a nuisance…”

Just a little longer.

~

‘Jinshi’ slumped onto his desk, his forehead hitting the wood with a ‘thunk’. Gaoshun sighed, gently scolding his charge.

“What am I going to do? I can’t figure it out for the life of me, even the physicians have no idea what’s happening.”

Infants dying, one after another, none making it more than a few months. The current prince and princess, born at similar times were in the same situation, and now, the Wise Consort Lihua was sick as well. He was just doing an amazing job managing the Rear Palace! Not.

Asking the doctors; hereditary illnesses, a plague, and poison were common theories passed around, but none of them really made sense. If it was hereditary why wasn’t the current Emperor sick? If it was a plague, why wasn’t it circulating the whole Rear Palace? How would newborn infants, children of the Emperor under lock and key, get poisoned? His head was swimming, so Jinshi hit it against his desk again.

“Maybe some fresh air would do you some good?” Gaoshun suggested, troubled about the situation as much as Jinshi was. If they couldn’t find a solution soon…

“Yes, you’re probably right.”

Despite his sparkly demeanor as he walked the Rear Palace, Jinshi was stressed , his mind racing desperately. He wasn’t well versed in the world of medicine, but even the greatest minds in the Palace had no solid hypotheses. Well, there’s still one ‘great mind’ that hasn’t been asked… but he’s a strategist, not a doctor, and to top it off, he’s… strange to say the least.

He really didn’t want to have to resort to the Commandant, but he was running out of options and time…

~

“Ah, Jinshi! A pleasure, though I have to wonder what the Manager of the Rear Palace wants with me!”

He felt his eye twitch at Lakan’s casual tone, but he forced his face to retain its practiced mask. “Commandant.” He greeted. “The purpose of my visit is a bit odd, but I’m afraid I’m running out of options. I assume you’ve already heard about the malady circulating the rear Palace.” It was a test, but one Jinshi knew he’d pass. No matter how much they want to hide the illness of the prince and princess, Lakan no doubt already knew.

“Oh dear, that sounds troublesome indeed. Have you talked to the doctors?” Lakan feigned ignorance, but Jinshi saw the glimmer of informed amusement in his eyes. This little-

He grit his teeth, ramping up his sparkle just a bit. “Indeed. Unfortunately, they’re at a loss. It’s well known just what a unique mind you possess, as well as your knack for tricky situations. You’d be doing myself and the Emperor himself a great favour by gifting me your insight into the situation. If you solve the problem, there may even be a reward in store.” When in doubt, flattery and bribery, even against men like Lakan.

His cold blue eyes glittered with greed and something just a bit more for a moment, before his face twisted up into a false smile of his own as he leaned forward on his clasped hands. “Oh? In that case… There might be something you can do that’ll help both of us…”

~

Jinshi sighed behind his mask as the carriage rattled to a stop in front of the brothel. Of all the places he expected a solution to his problem to come from, the red-light district was not one of them. Ignoring the whispers around him, he stood tall, entering the Verdigris House. At the counter in the lobby, an old woman stood smoking a pipe and counting coins. She was dressed extravagantly and held an air of dignity around her. The House Mistress if he had to guess.

When she noticed his presence, she seemed to light up, pushing her coin stacks to the side. “Hello there, oh valued customer. What can we help you with tonight?”

The dignified air seemed to lessen in the face of greed, but Jinshi was here for a reason. “I’ve heard rumors of a courtesan here, able to solve the most puzzling matters. I require her services, and I’m willing to pay handsomely, as well as a… personal incentive for the lady herself. Will this be enough to see her on such short notice?”

He gestures and Basen comes forward with the chest of coin. Maybe it was overkill, but the courtesan's price was steep as was, never mind the intrusion fee there was bound to be. He watched as the Madam's eyes lit up when she saw the gold, immediately sending for a servant to alert the courtesan he was here to see. As it was so sudden, no doubt she wanted to make sure she was decent to see a customer.

When the girl came back, she bowed low to Jinshi and led him to the courtesan's room. Basen tried to follow, but Jinshi waved him off. The man was innocent, and maybe it was a bit petty and mean of Jinshi to leave him to the metaphorical wolves of the House, but there was only so far you could go with professionalism and manners when you were milk brothers.

He followed the servant girl, giving her a smile after she knocked on the courtesan’s door to alert her to his presence. Despite his mask, it was enough to fluster her, her cheeks going pink as she bowed again and quickly left. 

Through the door, he heard a soft voice give consent for him to come in. Everyone who knew him would have his head for bowing to a courtesan, but when she was potentially the solution to his problem, he wasn’t afraid to put his pride aside. It’s not like he even wanted to be prince anyway.

The courtesan sat behind a screen, the flickering light of a candle illuminating her silhouette. He could make out the shape of her relatively simple hairstyle and her small frame, wrapped in robes. She must’ve been caught in an unpresentable state. Not that it mattered, as he wanted her mind, not her body or face. Since she couldn’t see him, he decided it would be alright to remove his mask. He was struck by the overwhelming scent of herbs, bitter and strong, rather than the soft incense or perfume he was slightly expecting. Not that it was truly surprising. The whole reason he was here was because her opinion was recommended to him by the Palace’s resident freak strategist, and he was told to bring a fungus of all things to pique her interest. The unexpected was to be expected.

“Lady Maomao. I’ve been told you have a unique knack for solving puzzles. I have a problem that I need advice on that is rather urgent. I’ve already paid your Madam in full, but I was told by another that I could perhaps garner your interest with a rare… specimen.”

He watched as her figure froze, before she scooted closer to the screen, the rustle of her clothing and slight jingling of her jewelry accompanying the movement. “If I may,” She started, her voice low and a bit deeper than he’d expected, but not necessarily in an unpleasant way. He was used to the high-pitched giggles of the rear palace, slightly grating at times, but hers was soft and soothing. “Who exactly told you about me?”

He grimaced at the almost disgusted tone of her otherwise monotone voice. Lakan had told him that she was a bit… disavowed from him, despite his own affection for her. The fungus should be enough to at least override her distaste for the strategist and have her hear him out.

“A high-ranked military strategist. As I understand, you’re not fond of him, and if I may be completely honest with you, your opinion is generally shared among those of the palace.” He has no idea what he’s doing, speaking so freely with a courtesan, but he needed her help, and he got the feeling she would appreciate honesty. “If you would hear me out,” He pulls the small box with the fungus out, settling on the pillow before the screen and setting it to the side in her reach. “I have something that might intrigue you, besides the current conundrum I’ve been ordered to deal with.”

He could practically feel her apprehension, before slowly, a small hand reached for the box, nails painted a soft red. She pulled it back, and he watched her shadow open the box and was startled by her ensuing gasp. It was a bit more unhinged than he was expecting to hear from the so far restrained courtesan. “I-is this-?”

“A rare fungus that grows on a caterpillar as I understand it. Is it to your liking, courtesan?”

She closed the box, setting it aside, before standing up, brushing out her robes. He watched, as she pushed the screen aside, revealing herself to his view. She was short, with dark hair tinted green tied back into two buns on top of her head, delicate hairpins with dangling pearls holding each in place, the rest sitting on both of her shoulders, blue and red beads securing it. Her eyes, a familiar cold blue, were practically shining with excitement, her cheeks stained a light red and her lips - painted in a matching color - were twisted up into a barely held back smile. “It will suffice. I thank you, sir. If I may, could you not refer to me as such? I am hardly a proper courtesan, merely fulfilling an old debt. My true title is that of an apothecary.”

He could feel his own cheeks flush, the joy in her countenance causing an odd fluttering in his chest. He swallows softly, his mouth dry. “Of course. Does this mean you accept?”

She takes a breath, schooling her expression into something flat, but the flush and excitement in her eyes weren’t so easily suppressed. “I accept.”

Chapter Text

“So. Master Jinshi, before we start, may I ask what… that man wanted in return?”

Jinshi watches as she pours a fragrant herbal tea, sitting across from him at the low table in her room. She had pulled the screen she’d been behind aside, not as concerned about her state of dress as he’d have assumed. He shouldn’t be surprised that she’d figured out his exchange with Lakan was more a trade than anything, yet he still felt a bit in awe of her. “Yes, well…” He sighed, picking up the cup she’d offered him. Maybe he should be more wary of poison, but she had no idea he was even coming, let alone who he was. Unless she just so happened to have poison on hand, the chances were slim. Then again, she is an apothecary…

It’d be more in her favor to keep him alive as of now, should be fine.

He sipped the tea, humming in appreciation. “He wanted me to tell you that he loves you and wishes you would let him buy your contract.” He grimaces a little, the words tasting a bit sour on his tongue - a sharp contrast to the bitter, floral drink - though that could just be because of whose message he was parroting. She clearly shared the sentiment, rolling her eyes and sipping her own tea. “Would he give it a rest already…?” She muttered to herself before clearing her throat. “Was there anything else?”

Jinshi shrugged, giving her an apologetic smile. “He wanted me to make sure you knew the fungus was his idea.”

She sighed, annoyance clear on her face. “Damned old man…” Shaking her head, she took another sip of her tea and met his gaze again. “Anyway, what’s this problem you wish for me to solve, Master Jinshi?”

Finishing the rest of his tea in one go (and cringing at it burning down his throat, hot!), he put his cup down and tucked his hands back in his sleeves. “It’s a sensitive situation that I’d rather not be discussed here. Since you’ve accepted, I’d like to bring you to the source, if you will.”

She raised an eyebrow at him, taking a slow drag of her tea, and setting her own cup down empty. “And just where might the source of your problem be?”

~

Maomao could hardly believe her luck or figure out whether it was good or bad. The Madam had let a masked man up to her room on her day off, as apparently, he paid a small fortune just to converse with her, not that that was anything new. Then, as it turns out, the man is actually an unfairly beautiful eunuch (and isn’t that unfortunate, having a face like that yet without the tools to properly put it to use) in charge of the Rear Palace of all places, recommended her advice by the monocled freak. She didn’t particularly wish to go to the Rear Palace, but he’d paid Granny damn near enough coin to pay off her contract, and he’d brought her the delightful treasure which may or may not be stashed in her sleeve at the moment.

Sure, it was the weirdo’s idea, but it was easy enough to disregard the thought in favor of the eunuch.

She didn’t particularly know what to think of Master Jinshi. He’d shown up in a mask, which was fair enough. If he’d traipsed through the House in all of his glory, he’d have been jumped. Whilst in her room, he’d been polite and reserved if a bit informal, and was genuinely distressed about his problem as far as Maomao could tell. The next morning, when he showed up to ‘officially’ commission her services, he’d had the physical mask again, but there was a metaphorical one as well. He was sparkly and silver-tongued, and if she hadn’t seen his genuine self the night before, she might’ve disliked him entirely. And yet, instead of wanting to be nowhere near him, she had the strange urge to solve the mystery of his mask, see more of the man she’d glimpsed during their first meeting. Someone willing to speak to her like an equal, like a person. Of course, their difference in status would most definitely prevent that from happening again. She was surprisingly put off by the thought that he was just appealing to what he thought she’d want to hear to assure her help.

Oh well, one puzzle at a time. The carriage they were in (and wasn’t that strange, being in the same carriage as someone like Master Jinshi who was so much higher ranked than her) eventually pulled up in front of an official looking building.

“My office!” He clarified at her questioning look, his (face) mask now gone. He was giving her a sparkly smile, and she found she did indeed very much prefer the version of him she met first. His tone was saccharine sweet and honeyed, which might get anyone else to swoon and listen to every word he said, but all it did was stick in her ears and make her feel like cleaning them out.

Inside his office, it was simple, but clearly expensive. She felt out of place in the outfit her sisters had insisted she let them put her in. She took a seat on the bench up against the wall and folded her hands in her lap, waiting for Master Jinshi, who had sat himself at his desk, to fill her in on the problem. Unlike when he had come to pick her up that morning, he was accompanied by an older man, rather than the young one who’d been getting luring stares from the courtesans at the House. He stood by the door, his regular post if Maomao had to guess.

“So, Apothecary,” Master Jinshi started, his sparkle still in place, but his tone at least more subdued. “This problem of ours…”

He went on to describe what she would describe as a disappointment that spiraled into the disaster it is now. If she was right, that is. Not on the part of the poor eunuch, but the Palace physicians. All the symptoms pointed to lead poisoning. It wasn’t common knowledge, but those employed at the Palace of all places should be aware of it.

“Master Jinshi. Would you happen to know if a white face powder is used by either of the Consorts?”

He blinked at her, frowning for a moment (and still looking unfairly beautiful whilst doing so-). “I think so. Why?”

She stood up, bowing her head to him, and proceeding to explain. “It’s common in brothels, a high-end product, but it’s a poison. Repeated exposure leads to the symptoms you describe. If you get rid of the powder, they should be feeling better soon enough.”

He stared at her for a moment, before covering his mouth and laughing incredulously. “Incredible… It really took you moments to figure out. Your mind wasn’t exaggerated.”

Master Jinshi was sparkling again, but not quite in the same way. This shine was centered in his eyes and directed at her. Under her (not poisonous) makeup, she felt her cheeks warm, but she was confident it didn’t manifest on her face in any other way. “If it’s not too much to ask, sir, this is strictly conjecture; I’d like to see the patients and suspected product myself to confirm.”

No way am I going to lose my head because I made a diagnosis without solid evidence. Dad would find a way to raise me from the dead just to kill me again.

Master Jinshi nodded, his expression falling just a bit. “Of course. This is a matter of utmost urgency, we wouldn’t want to cut corners.”

The journey to the Rear Palace was quick enough, the trek from where they entered and the High Consorts’ pavilions taking more time than it did to get to the Palace itself from Master Jinshi’s office. They stopped by the Wise Consort first, her child not just being a son, but the sicker of the two royal children as well.

And indeed, his condition was grave. She wasn’t entirely sure just removing the powder and providing treatment would work for him as weak as he was, but far be it from her to give up, even with increasing odds of defeat. Consort Lihua herself was horrified to learn her makeup was the problem and instructed her ladies-in-waiting to get rid of any still left in the pavilion.

Moving on to the Precious Consort, she was just as distressed to learn the makeup was the problem. Apparently, she was told that putting makeup on the baby would have a lightening effect on the skin in the future. Ridiculous. The princess herself was in better condition than the prince though, no doubt thanks to her slightly advanced age and the fact that her mother didn’t wear the face powder herself. She was fairly certain the princess would pull through.

The debilitated state of the prince worried her, and she desperately wished she was able to escape the Palace soon. She didn’t want to gamble with whether or not her head would roll for her inability to heal the prince.

Despite her attempts to excuse herself, by the time she’d finished consulting with the Consorts it was dark, and Master Jinshi was not letting up in his insistence for her to stay the night.

“Not to worry at all! I have a very competent head maid, I highly doubt you’ll dislike anything about your stay!”

Ugh, the sparkles were starting to get on her nerves. She had no doubts about the competency of his staff or the purity of his intentions (he was a eunuch after all), but she did not want to be within execution distance of the palace. She’d heard plenty of horror stories about temperamental royals, and she did not wish to experience it personally.

“Apothecary.”

She startled as he spoke to her. He’d insisted on her dining with him, despite how she was sure it was inappropriate. She was nothing more than an apothecary that worked as a courtesan of all things.

“I ask you to be honest with me,” He says, meeting her gaze seriously, his shiny aura gone, and replaced by one of solemnity. “The prince…”

She stiffened, resisting the urge to gulp down the glass of wine she was served.

“... how likely do you think he is to survive this? He looked…” He didn’t finish his sentence, but she knew well what point he was trying to make.

Dammit. May as well kiss her neck goodbye.

“I’m… not confident. He’s young and has been exposed to a lot of the powder. I fear I may be a bit too late, but I wouldn’t give up hope completely.” She already has. “There’s a chance he could recover.” Not a big enough one.

Master Jinshi steeples his hands and rests his forehead on them disregarding propriety. “I see. This is my fault, I couldn’t find a solution soon enough. I ask that you don’t blame yourself, apothecary.”

Maomao blinks, not expecting an apology from him. “If I may, I wouldn’t blame yourself either, Master Jinshi.” I’d rather not incriminate anyone on purpose, but incompetency is dangerous and could very well lead to another incident. “It’s lead poisoning, an unfortunately simple and common occurrence. I… was a bit shocked to learn your doctors couldn’t diagnose it.”

He looked up at her, frowning. “Is it really?”

She nodded. “Even outside of the red-light district, there are many innocuous substances that poison the user. Makeup, as well other types of paint, lacquer and more.”

His frown turns down into a scowl, the gears in his head almost visibly turning. He sat in silence for a few moments and Maomao took another couple bites of food to calm her nerves a bit.

“Apothecary,” He abruptly broke the silence again. “You’re knowledgeable, more so than our supposed best doctors in the country,” Well, of course. I know very well who the real best is, and he taught me everything I know… best not to say that out loud though. “Would I be correct in assuming you’d rather not continue work as a courtesan?”

Now that’s unexpected. “You would. Though what I do is as a courtesan, it is only in title. I’m an apothecary, first and foremost.”

And he was back to sparkling. Fantastic. “Very well, then! How would you feel about taking up a position here?”

What?

Chapter Text

“What?”

Did she hear him correctly? A job? In the Rear Palace?

“You’d be provided room and board, meals and a substantial salary.”

Apparently, her ears were in fact functioning properly. She put her chopsticks down, carefully making sure her face was schooled into a neutral expression. “I have to ask, Master Jinshi, why you’d make an offer like this. I’m just an apothecary and courtesan.”

He cocked his head, giving her a look like she’d just told him the sky was purple. “I believe it’s already been established that you’re no regular courtesan and that your opinion is worth more to me than others as of now. I hadn’t made that clear enough apparently, so I apologize.”

Maomao narrowed her eyes at the sparkly eunuch, contemplating his offer. Her contract was almost up at the Verdigris House, and with what he paid for her services, her debt was sure to be single digits away from being paid off. She’d need a job. Sure, she had her and her dad’s job as apothecaries, but it didn’t pay particularly well unless they uncovered something particularly nasty and they were given hush money, especially with her dad’s inability to handle money. What Master Jinshi was offering was probably the best thing she could possibly hope for, and yet, she’d be confined to a Palace full of drama and political unrest, garnering far more attention than she’d like. Not to mention the fact that a certain monocled weirdo resided in said Palace.

Then there’s the matter of the dying prince who she may or may not lose her head for failing to nurse back to health…

“Would you like another caterpillar fungus to sweeten the deal?”

Well, that has her attention. His smile screwed up a little in apprehension.

“The position you’re offering me is admittedly, much better than any other I could find back home. However, there are a few things I can’t compromise on.”

“Of course.” He agreed immediately, his eyes gleaming with her seeming acceptance. “Anything, apothecary.”

His quick response startled her a bit, but she moved on smoothly. “Well, that’s exactly it. I’m an apothecary. I’d like permission to continue what I do.”

He nodded, then winced. “Well, only licensed doctors are allowed to make medicines and such, as it would seem like anyone else was making potentially dangerous concoctions.” Poisons. It makes sense, a logical decision. However, I can't become a doctor since I'm not a man.

“However. If - and when - you save the Emperor's children and Consort, I’m sure he’d be grateful enough for your help to make an exception.”

He seemed awfully smug and sure of that. Like it was fact, rather than speculation. “Conjecture shouldn’t be spoken out loud, Master Jinshi. It’s a bad habit.”

The reminder of the young prince only made her stomach churn. She’s more likely to receive punishment than a reward. Even if she’s not executed, she’ll likely be banished from the Palace altogether, so Master Jinshi's offer is void. A shame.

“I wouldn’t call it conjecture. Your other conditions?”

Wasn’t he persistent? Master Jinshi’s stubbornness won’t mean much in face of the Emperor's wrath, directed at her. May as well indulge him on the off chance she can catch him off guard and make her escape.

“... I would like to be able to leave to visit my family. My father is old, and I worry.”

Again, Master Jinshi looked at her like she was being ridiculous. “Of course, this would be your place of work, not a prison.”

For some reason, she wanted to see his reaction to her making a demand he considered unreasonable. Should she be digging her inevitable hole deeper? No. But she wanted to see him crack, just a little…

“And, if I could,” No need to completely disregard proper etiquette just because she wanted to get under his skin a little. “May I have access to a garden? Preferably one close to where I’d be put up. A stable and well nearby too, if possible.”

And, oh, it took effort to suppress her victorious, chaotic smile when his eye twitched a little. “The gardens wouldn’t be a problem. I don’t have much serving staff as you’ve seen, and my gardens are a bit much for my head lady to handle herself. However, you will not be housed near stables. You wouldn’t be working here as a servant.”

Oh. Now that took her off guard. “Apologies, but if not a servant, then what would my role here be?”

Master Jinshi sat back in his chair, swirling his wine glass. “Well, so far, you’ve played the role of ‘advisor’ well to the beloved manager of the Rear Palace.”

She’s not quite sure how well she managed to suppress her eye roll, but she kept her straight face at least. “Oh?”

He hummed in affirmation, sending her a sparkly smile. She was less successful at hiding her grimace this time, if the strange look he gave her was anything to go off of.

Standing up, she bowed and excused herself, following Suiren, the head lady, to the room that had been prepared for her. As she hadn’t packed anything, not realizing she’d be staying the night, Suiren gave her a change of clothes; her daughter’s, she said. They were a bit big on her, but she was thankful for the simple robes. After taking her hair down and her makeup off, Maomao settled in for the night. She struggled a bit to fall asleep, thanks to the nerves about what awaited her tomorrow, but eventually she did.

~

In the morning, Maomao made her way into the dining room for breakfast. She was already anxious enough, and without her freckles, she just felt naked too. Master Jinshi was already at the table, his head bowed and a grave expression on his face. Not good. She could easily guess the reason for the solemn mood. She was never going to leave this Palace alive.

It was hard to keep her neutral face, but she managed. She bowed to the man across the table from her, before taking her seat. Suiren had placed a serving out for her already, but she didn’t feel particularly hungry at the moment. She was hesitant to broach the topic, but it needed to be done. “The young prince… is he…?”

Master Jinshi sighed, meeting her gaze. He didn’t bother trying to be sparkly, just nodding his head. “He passed in the middle of the night.”

Maomao bowed her own head, silently bidding it goodbye. “I see. I’m… so sorry.”

“No, you did what you could, apothecary. No one blames you. However, I’ll be contracting your services a while longer.”

She tensed, not daring to look up. What’s with the roundabout words? If I'm to be executed, just say it. “Sir, excuse my impertinence, but can I request that I be executed with poison rather than beheading or hanging?”

“W-What?! What in the world would make you think you’re being killed?!” She heard the screech of a chair and a slam on the table that rattled her plates. Hesitantly looking up, Master Jinshi stood, his hands square on the table where he slammed them and a bewildered, horrified expression on his face.

Uh, why wouldn’t she assume she’s to be executed?

“I failed the job I was given. The prince died on my watch. No doubt a reason to kill someone as lowly born as me.”

Master Jinshi scoffed, once again looking at her like she herself was the strangest riddle he’d ever come across. “You did what you could, apothecary. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine, for not finding the solution sooner. You said the poisoning was simple and common, and yet I wasted weeks, months even, failing.”

He sighed, straightening up. “In fact, the Emperor himself has requested you look after Princess Lingli and Consort Lihua and do all you can to prevent the same from happening to them.”

For once in her life, she was speechless. She… wasn’t being beheaded?

“And he’s asked me to prepare a bonus for you, should you succeed, for the extended time.”

She was still asleep, wasn’t she? Never would she have predicted this would be the outcome of this situation. That must be it, she was dreaming, because of the nerves influencing her subconscious. She slapped her cheeks, attempting to wake herself up.

“Apothecary?!”

Nope, not dreaming, only making herself seem stranger to the not-so-sparkly man before her. She can deal with her internal bafflement later, for now, the patients came first. For whatever reason, the Emperor chose her for continued treatment, and she would not let another child and woman die when she could help it. “I’d like to see the patients.”

“O-of course.”

~

In all honesty, Maomao was hesitant about visiting Consort Lihua, despite how she needed medical help now more than ever. She was familiar with death and grieving, and the few courtesans she’d been raised around who chose to keep a pregnancy and lost the child were inconsolable for up to months afterward. The Consort didn’t have that kind of time though, so Maomao would have to brave the potentially volatile emotions of a grieving mother. Well, maybe not...

Sneaking a look at Master Jinshi - back to being sparkly, albeit a dimmed version of his normal, thanks to the loss of the prince - Maomao tried to hide her admittedly not quite saintly intentions of using him as an emotional shield in the face of the Wise Consort.

They visited the infant princess first, the solemn mood purveying the Jade Pavilion.

“Miss Maomao? Will my Xiaoling be okay?”

Maomao was tempted to correct Lady Gyokuyou on the way she referred to her. There was no reason for a high ranked Consort to be using honorifics for her of all people, but she refrained. Princess Lingli’s breathing was a bit easier than when she'd seen her the day before.

Finishing her examination of the baby, she turned back to Lady Gyokuyou and bowed. “She’s improved, for it having been not even a day since the poison was removed.”

“I see. Thank goodness.” She held a finger out to her daughter, lightly brushing her chubby cheek. “May I ask about the prince?”

Maomao was hesitant to answer, but it would most likely reassure the Consort to learn the same result wasn’t likely with her daughter. “I’m afraid I was too late to do anything for him. He was young and had too much exposure. I’m certain the princess will be fine, as she hasn’t had as much exposure as the prince and has better defenses against such things with her slightly older age.”

“Ah. Thank you for your explanation. Oh, poor Lihua.” Lady Gyokuyou’s concern was genuine, her face still beautiful even when she was sad. “I can’t imagine the sorrow. Miss Maomao?”

Maomao looked up from where she had her head bowed. “Yes?”

“Can you make sure she’ll be okay?” Lady Gyokuyou asked, striking Maomao with the sincere kindness and compassion she practically oozed. It’s like she was made for the role of Precious Consort.

“The Emperor has already commissioned the apothecary’s services for that matter. She’ll be staying until both the princess and Consort Lihua are feeling better again.” Master Jinshi answered for her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She has no idea what’s possessed him today. He’s been staying closer to her, closer than propriety would allow for a man of his rank, eunuch or no. He’s also touched her shoulder and arm several times in the few hours they’ve been up and about. Considering they’ve only known each other for not even two days, it was definitely strange, though for now, she’ll blame it on his grief. Several people seek comfort through physical touch. She may not be one of them, but several of her sisters are. She’s used to the busty women she grew up with draping themselves on her, she can only hope this man won’t start doing that too. For now, she’ll just silently bemoan that he chose her as his target.

Lady Gyokuyou gave him a smile. “Ah. He truly is a great Emperor, no?”

It didn’t seem like empty flattery. Of course, Maomao had heard that the current Emperor was leagues better than the previous one, and it seems Lady Gyokuyou is definitely of that opinion. It would certainly explain why my heart’s still beating.

Chapter Text

If she asked Master Jinshi to fire the entirety of the Crystal Pavilion staff, would he do so? She almost wanted to test it out. On one hand, yes, Lady Lihua needed nutritious food, but what part of sick and grieving didn’t they understand? She wasn’t up to a hearty feast at the moment. Just getting the argumentative ladies to agree to porridge for the Consort was a headache and a half. Maomao probably only managed to convince them so quickly because of Master Jinshi hanging over shoulder the whole time.

As it was, they were glaring at her nastily whenever he wasn’t looking. Unfortunately for them, it didn’t faze her as they’d have liked.

Lady Lihua was still bed bound after two weeks and seemingly getting worse. The mind has a strong effect on the body, able to counteract even the strongest of medicines at times, but she didn’t seem to lack the will to live; still eating when prompted. It was odd, but without any evidence as to what might’ve been delaying her progress, Maomao just had to keep doing what she was confident would work.

After being called to the Jade Pavilion for an impromptu tea party with Lady Gyokuyou, a thank you for nursing Princess Lingli back to her happy self, complete with snacks and several not really discrete offers for Maomao to take up a job as one of Lady Gyokuyou’s ladies-in-waiting (each one swiftly shot down by Jinshi with a smile and a hand on Maomao’s shoulder), she decided to check in on Lady Lihua. Normally her visits to the Wise Consort were scheduled for every other day, but a visit on the off day wouldn’t hurt.

The servants at the Crystal Pavilion didn’t seem thrilled to see her, but they never were. However, one girl specifically looked like she was just sentenced to death. Suspicious. From the look Master Jinshi sent her way, he caught it too.

Entering Lady Lihua’s chambers, Maomao bowed to her and set about her checks. The scent of incense hung in the air and the windows were closed despite what she told the ladies-in-waiting about airing out the room. She didn’t try very hard to hide her frustration at their complete disregard for her instructions. Opening the windows and coming back to Lady Lihua’s bedside, she caught sight of the girls in the room looking at her in fear, no doubt having caught the expression on her face. Good.

She took the Consort’s pulse on her wrist. It was steady, but weak. She clicked her tongue, noting that the tray of food sitting on the stool next to her was only just barely touched, and the water pitcher was full. “When was the last time she ate or drank?”

“A-a few hours ago.” One particularly brave lady-in-waiting answered. Maomao hummed in acknowledgement, checking the Consort’s temperature… and her hand coming away from her forehead smudged in white. Oh.

She didn’t attempt to keep the rage boiling in her chest off of her face. These stupid women. They’d kill their ‘beloved’ Lady and get themselves and Maomao executed, and for what? For fleeting beauty in a time where no one would even see her?

She turned on her heel, watching the blood drain from their faces, and even Master Jinshi, who was hanging back in the doorway of the chambers, looked taken aback. “Who did this?”

Her voice sounded downright freezing, even to herself, but that was the point. One of the ladies, the one she’d noticed looked panicked when she and Master Jinshi had entered the Pavilion, started crying. Maomao approached her, slapping her with the hand that was smeared with Lady Lihua’s makeup. “Idiot girl. I’d scold you, but clearly you already know what you’ve done wrong. You know what you’ve done was against what you were told; that it would only worsen your Lady’s condition. I gave you instructions and you disobeyed them. Why? Did you think you knew better than me? That your Lady would be pleased? Or could that have been the point? You wanted to get rid of Lady Lihua. You wanted her to wither away slowly, to have her death come in the same way her son’s did.”

“No!” The servant screeched, sobbing now, cradling the cheek that Maomao had struck. “I wanted her to be beautiful! To feel better!”

Maomao gave her a cold look, before turning to the chest of drawers to her left. “I told you how to help her feel better,” she said, rifling through the drawers, her voice soft and dangerously sharp. Finding what she was looking for, she turned back to the hysterical lady-in-waiting. “And you disregarded my orders, knowing the consequences. If you truly cared for your Lady, then why?” Opening the tin of powder, she turned it over and dropped it on the maid’s head, the woman - now on the floor - letting out a cry and coughing as she did so. “Did you think I wasn’t qualified to give you orders? Because you’re so high and mighty? As far as I know, I’m the apothecary, not you. I’m the one who was ordered to nurse Lady Lihua back to health. You were just supposed to follow the instructions I gave you and serve your Lady.”

She walked across the room, to the bucket and rag sitting in the corner. “You should know that by choosing to be a moron, you’ve decreased Lady Lihua’s odds of surviving.” Not by enough that I can’t still nurse her back to health, but ignorance is a sin. Willful ignorance even more so. I don’t need idiots like her running around and making my job harder.

Wringing the rag out and moving back to Lady Lihua’s bedside to wipe the rest of the powder off of her, Maomao shot the lady-in-waiting one last withering glare. “Leave. Now. Wash yourself and rinse out your mouth. And someone clean this up,” She gestured toward the powder on the floor, covering her face with her sleeve. “I don’t need it around the patient."

The maid stumbled to her feet and all but fled the room, a few others scrambling to relay the order to clean up to other serving girls. The one who’d done Lihua’s makeup herself would no doubt be punished, but that wasn’t any of Maomao’s concern.

“My visits to this pavilion will be sporadic and unscheduled from here on out, as clearly, you girls can’t be trusted to do as you were told. Don’t think I didn’t notice it wasn’t just her that went against my instructions.”

Several of the girls whimpered, but Maomao didn’t spare them even a glance. What a nuisance.

~

Jinshi didn’t know what to make of the scene he just witnessed. Ladies-in-waiting dangerously disobeying the orders they were given could be disastrous for sure and up until now he hadn’t quite understood the apothecary’s reputation as a courtesan until now. But he hadn’t experienced it for himself. She’d always been polite with him, if more open about her negative feelings than others would appreciate. He loved it though. It was becoming something of an addiction, every unimpressed glare and curl of her lip unabashedly shown to him filled him with a feeling he couldn’t quite describe. And even then, that delighted look on her face when he’d first given her that fungus remained unmatched when it came to his fascination with her.

And now he’d seen a new side of her. It didn’t do anything to dissuade his interest in her, but it was certainly unexpected. He definitely never wanted that look aimed at him. He’d probably die on the spot if she was ever furious with him like that. And wasn’t that strange, in the mere half a month that he’d known her, he’d become so attached to her unique attention that the thought of losing it made a shiver go down his spine and a burning build behind his eyes. It was scary in a way that made him want to hide her away for himself, lest anyone do it instead, but she’d probably scratch him like the adorable little cat she was if he did that. For now, he just had to measure his own attention to her in public as best he could and keep her appeased enough that she’ll officially take up his offer. He was going to do everything in his power to keep his little apothecary near him.

~

Two months after Maomao first arrived in the Palace, Lady Lihua was more or less back to her normal self, and Maomao was given permission to return home. However…

“Xiaomao!” Gaoshun scolded her for crawling up onto Master Jinshi’s desk, but she was tuning him out, more focused on the text he’d written on the paper currently in his hand. The Emperor had promised her a bonus if she saved the Wise Consort and princess, but this of all things… she could hardly believe it.

“D-Do you want it?” Master Jinshi asked, his face twisted up in surprise.

“I do!” She not-really-but-also-kind-of-actually screeched, a bit hysterical. Master Jinshi chuckled as Gaoshun all but scruffed her, pulling her off of his desk. Putting the paper down, Master Jinshi gave her a mischievous look. Dammit. He’s plotting something.

She narrowed her eyes, but waited for him to speak because she really, really wanted that delightful treasure that he’s all but promised her, it was so close-

“Unfortunately, it will take a bit of time to retrieve, as rare as it is.”

Maomao felt her metaphorical ears droop. It made sense.

“However!”

Oh?

“I believe we had a discussion around the time you first joined us, apothecary. A certain proposal that I trust you remember?”

Right. Working for Master Jinshi for real. She brushed her clothes off and straightened herself up. “I remember.”

She’d indulged his musings at the time, not believing she’d live long enough to seriously consider the offer. Now though…

“If you accepted, you’d be in arms’ reach, the prime spot to receive your reward.”

He made a very tempting argument. A very, very tempting one.

Pros of accepting: Living in the Palace, permission to continue my work, lots of high-quality food, seemingly weekly mysteries to solve, a frankly absurd salary.

Cons of accepting: Living in the Palace , political nonsense, stuck with Master Jinshi 24/7.

Hmm…

Maomao sighs, already knowing her answer. “I have one more condition for accepting.”

“Oh?” Master Jinshi looked excited, his sparkles haloing around him more than usual and reflecting in his eyes.

“I’d like to be your poison taster.”

“What?!”

She hid her snicker behind her sleeve, enjoying the undone look on his face, his sparkles abruptly disappearing. “Unfortunately, you wouldn’t allow me to continue my experiments with poisons, so this is my compromise. I’d hate to saddle any other poor servant with such a role.”

His eye twitched, before he sat back pouting. Actually pouting; his cheeks puffed up and his bottom lip sticking out. He looked like a kicked puppy. “You seem so certain someone would want to poison me. And even if they did, why would I wish to risk your life? You’re insane, apothecary.”

“You never know. Someone could be upset with you for managing the Rear Palace so well.” It was said in a teasing tone; she’d never tell him that she actually thought that maybe, just maybe, he was alright at managing the flowers of the Emperor’s Garden. “Besides, I have a resistance to most common poisons, built up over my years of experimentation. I also carry an emetic agent with me should I need it. The chances of me actually dying from tainted food are so low they’re essentially non-existent.”

He gave her a flat look, the bridge of his nose pinched between his fingers. “That doesn’t reassure me.”

“If it helps, if silver dishware is used, it’ll tarnish when in contact with any harmful substances, alerting me to any poison.” Not that I’d tell you and ruin my chances of getting to experience that sensation.

Master Jinshi narrowed his eyes at her, seemingly battling with himself, before he sighed. Hah! He gave in!

“Fine. But you are to alert me to anything you may find immediately. ”

“Of course, sir. That’s the job of a poison taster.”

“Hilarious.”

“Thank you.”

And like that, she agreed to be Jinshi, manager of the Rear Palace’s personal assistant, and/or any other word besides ‘servant’ he could think of. Was it really worth the fungus?

(Maybe.)