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A carriage stopped in front of the huge mansion’s gate, which had shogi and go figures near it. Truly weird and questionable sight, but perhaps it was what was to the taste of the mansion’s owner.
The sun was still slowly going down, so there was no real need to light the lanterns on the street or lamps inside. The nature, though, was preparing to go to sleep, the streets were quiet with nature and full with people, sounds of their voices and carriages passing by. The house, in front of which this particular carriage stopped, was even quieter than everything and everyone else.
Out of the carriage stepped a young woman with her hair half up, half down; she was wearing the same outfit she had been wearing for a couple of days before: a white shirt with a green blouse over it and a blue skirt. A relieved and at the same time a bit nervous sight left her, once she raised her head and saw the mansion.
«Are you going to take your baggage or what?» an irritated voice came from behind her. She turned around, giving an annoyed look, and instead reached into her robes. «I will, don't you worry about it, Master Basen. Can you just put it down on the ground for me, please? Oh, and give this to Master Jinshi, that's my written notice of leaving for the day. The girl just handed a man, whose name, as it seemed, was Basen, a piece of folded paper. He quickly opened it, ran through it with his eyes, and folded the paper back, hiding it in his robes. An annoyed sigh left his lips as he reached for the girl's things. Just as he was going to put them down on the ground in front of her, someone ran out of the mansion.
«Wait! Don't put it down! I will get these!» a male servant quickly got the package from Basen and stood behind the girl. The servant looked pretty young, but no one actually questioned anything, except for giving a questioning look to the woman, who was standing in front of the military official.
«Go inside first, I will follow you shortly. Let me just thank Master Basen.»
«Of course, Lady Lakai.»
The servant gave a bow to Basen and went inside the residence. As Lamao followed him for a second with her eyes, a chuckle turned her attention back to the one, who was accompanying her on her trip back home.
«Lakai? Is that your actual name?»
«Do you have anything against my name, Master Basen?» She would take anything, but not the mocking of her name. Yes, he was hearing it for the first time, but could he at least not laugh? They were already not found of each other, so why make it worse? Typical man, if Maomao’s guess was correct.
«No, nothing, Lady Lakai. If that's all, I will take my leave.»
As another chuckle left Basen, he got inside the carriage and it started slowly driving away, leaving the annoyed lady of the La family alone.
It's not like it's the first time that someone is surprised by her actual name, after all she uses Maomao in the palace instead. The same name that her mother sometimes uses. Her sisters at the brothel and her granduncle, who runs his apothecary shop there, always call her that. Sometimes it's just easier to use it, instead of Kan Lakai. It's not like she hates it, just annoying. The meaning of “victory” is really cute, especially considering her parents’ love story, so it was quite clear that she was named with Kai, as to mean she's their little victory. Getting La in her name was the hardest part, as his father, at a time of Maomao’s birth, still head of the La clan, was against a girl, especially a daughter of someone as useless as Lakan to him, getting a La character. Yet, he somehow managed to get the approval for her to be named Lakai. Or he just did, and everyone had to go along with it. Either way, now there were three people who had La in their names. Would her mother again remove that La from their names, just because she's tired of saying that La? Maomao preferred not to give it too much thought, so she just turned around and slowly walked towards her house.
The living room was quiet, even if there were three people in it. The only few rare sounds were clicks on the playing board and sounds of paper and every action with it: laying it down, writing on it, folding, unfolding, throwing away. Really quiet, but at the same time pretty lively. On both sides of the board, across from each other, sat a man and a woman. The woman had big red eyes, not even radiant red, but more of a rose red colour, and long, deepish green coloured hair, that was done half up. She didn't wear any make-up or accessories, as it was just a lazy evening in her home. Her clothes were a dark red colour, with a big dark green belt around her waist. Even her nails were painted in a pretty dark shade of red. It seems like dark colours were just her favourite, and they did look good on her, so it was no surprise she was wearing them even in the evening, when there is no one but her family.
The man, who was sitting across from her, was wearing black clothes, the ones that military officials usually wear. Perhaps, he just got home and hasn't changed yet. He did take his hat off, other than that, everything was on, even his expensive western-style monocle was still on. He was either too lazy or too tired to take it off. Sometimes people joked that he had become one with his monocle, perhaps it could be the truth, as you would never see him without it. Unless you were part of his family, of course. He was stroking his chin while his eyes were focused on the black and white stones on the game board.
A couple sat in the center of the room, at the table that would usually be used for family meals, but at the time was used for their Go game. Closer to the window, at a smaller table, sat a young man who resembled the man at the bigger table, in similar clothes. You could’ve mistakenly assumed that they are father and son, while in reality, they are uncle and nephew by blood, but an adoptive father and adoptive son. Unlike his honorable father, he wasn’t wearing a monocle, instead, he had big, round glasses that he had to fix a lot, especially while doing all the paperwork. Lately, there was so much of it that he took some of it home, even as he was staying overtime in the palace. Yes, under his father were a lot of capable and talented people, but it doesn’t help much, as it still needs to be checked, plus some matters should be overlooked directly by the strategist. Why wasn’t the strategist doing it, but his son? Because he was still sick. He was sick to the point that he had to abstain from going on a hunt, unfortunately for him and fortunately for everyone else.
The younger man raised his head to let his eyes rest a bit from all the paperwork he had been doing today, when, in the corner of his eye, he noticed a servant carrying some things. He immediately turned his head in that direction and fixed his glasses.
«What’s that? Did we receive a package? Is it from my little sister?» He immediately got up on his legs, leaving the paperwork behind. His voice had a note of cheerfulness. After all, if that’s really from his sister, it means there must be something interesting. She never sends anything home, except for the letters. Plus, their mother was the one receiving the letters, so he was even more thrilled. But before he could even start walking in its direction, he was stopped by the servant's slight bow.
«I’m sorry, Master Lahan, but it’s not really a package… It’s Lady Lakai’s belongings. She came back just now…»
«Lakai is back?!» A man, who was so focused on his Go game just a second ago, was now standing and looking at the servant. He smiled from ear to ear as a young woman entered the room. Her hands were hidden inside her sleeves, not a single emotion on her face. Her eyes quickly inspected the room, stopping for a second on each person. When she finally looked at the servant, who was carrying her things, she nodded to him, and he went further inside the mansion, in the direction of her room, hopefully.
«Mother, father, Lahan, I will stay in my room for tonight, if that’s ok?» Maomao gave a quick bow to each of the three other people who were present in the room. There was only silence for a few seconds, as the three residents were closely studying a lady in front of them. She could only give them a questioning look, as someone approached her from the side and quickly smelled her, almost instantly flinching away, covering his nose with a sleeve.
«When was the last time you took a bath? Or at least wiped yourself? You smell terrible, dear sister.»
«Good night to you, too, dear brother. »
Both of the young La’s looked at each other with disgust. Lahan’s voice had quite a bit of care in it, as it was truly worrying if his poor little sister hadn’t taken a bath at all, but he just couldn’t hide the disgust in his look and voice. On her part, Maomao didn’t even try to hide her annoyance in her voice, making it extra obvious on “dear brother”. An awkward silence fell in the room, as two young had an argument without any other words, just staring at each other, filling that silence between them with a lot of tension. But it was cut rather short by a voice from somewhere deeper in the room. «Lakai, Lahan. I believe it was a long day. Maomao, dear, go wash up and change into something fresh, then we will have dinner all together, since the whole family is present. How does that sound?»
«Yes, mother.» Said brother and sister at the same time, and the younger quickly left the room.
Another servant entered the room, just as the lady left it. No one said anything, one wave from the still seated woman, and they left immediately, bowing to each of the members present. Lahan quickly gathered documents from his small table and walked out of the room as well, leaving his adoptive parents behind.
«Kankan. Sit back down and let’s finish the game before dinner.»
«I still think it’s pretty scary, when you say their names like that, Fengxian. You know they like to argue, so let them. Lakai is home rarely now, and even when she has free time, she usually visits uncle and the Verdigris house.»
«No matter how much they miss each other, that’s no excuse for acting like that. They are both old enough to know that.»
«That’s a good point… You are probably right, Fengxian.»
With that, Lakan returned to his place at the table and overlooked the board. They were going neck in neck. If it continues like that, then most likely, Fengxian will win, which is not bad, but sometimes winning also feels nice. But maybe letting her win feels even better.
Back in her room, Maomao immediately fell on her bed and hugged a pillow. She was so tired, she could've fallen asleep right here and now. But a lady should take a bath before sleep, especially if she stinks. It's not even really her, but her clothes. Thankfully, the stink from the sweat covered the smell of the gunpowder. Yes, it wasn't really strong, but that still unnerved her. Her father was not stupid. He mustn't absolutely find out what happened. It is hard to lie for Lakai in general, but lying to her father? Someone, who can tell when people are lying to him in a second? Yeah, there was no way… That's why she was told to only tell half of the truth…
°•°
«Master Jinshi. What do I tell my family, when they ask me, where was I and why I suddenly came home? I can't lie, there is no way he won't know that I'm lying» Maomao was in Jinshi's room at the Shishou province, now packing all things after their stay. She herself finished packing a long time ago, as she didn't have a lot of things, so she could focus on the main character.
«Oh… That's a good question, apothecary… What if you just tell him half of the truth?» The answer sounded really unsure, as if the speaker never knew a solution or never even thought about it, so was just coming up with anything at the moment. The moon prince was sitting on the couch and reading some book that he had with him, busy in his own thoughts. No wonder he didn't know what his attendant is to do with her family. His robes were half open, the mask laid on the table, being ready to put on the moment they were ready to leave. The man closed the book and placed it on the table, turning to see his cat, who was busy packing his things.
«What do you mean by “half of the truth”, sir?» she didn't look up at the man, just kept packing things. Even if she wanted to, she wouldn't look at him. It still felt a bit awkward between them, because of that situation in the cave… But she still had to ask, because even if she can come up with something, she's not sure what she can tell and what not.
«I mean, you don't have to say that I was here. Just tell them that you were here on my behalf with Gaoshun. Problem solved. You don't really have to answer any of their other questions, got it? Just try to dodge them and you will be fine, hopefully…» Jinshi's eyes were following every move of his cat, who hasn't sat down for at least two hours already, just running around, packing things and being on edge. He couldn't really blame her, he was feeling really bad and tense after the cave. And he was still angry with her for not letting him speak at all. That was the cruelest part. But it seemed like she just didn't care, so he had to drop it as well and act as normal as he could. As much as he can, especially in front of others. «I think we will be leaving soon, so hopefully you can sit and rest for a bit, before we will spend half of the day in the carriage again»
•°•
Half the truth should be easier to tell, but if her father would press further she wouldn’t be able to just run away. No matter how much she hated him from time to time, she couldn’t bring herself to lie to him(no, obviously not because he can see right through the lies, surely not). All that hard thinking about how best to present that half of “Oh, Master Jinshi was invited, but sent two out of his three attendants instead of going himself, believe that for sure, father!”. No way was this to be believed. Hopefully no one would press further about what actually could have happened. Maybe she could shift their attention if needed… Right, shifting attention is the answer! And she just so happen to have something perfect for that, her precious ox bezoars. Her hand like by itself started reaching inside her robes, when with a knock a servant walked in.
«Lady Lakai, your bath is ready. I also left the clothes for you in the bathroom.» Servant, dressed in a man’s clothes, yet the voice and face were not giving a man at all, bowed as she walked out of the bathroom that was connected with the bedroom. She seemed pretty aware that Maomao preferred bathing herself rather than having someone helping her.
«Thank you, Sanfan. You may leave now.» With that, Sanfan left the room, closing the doors shut behind her. Maomao sighed and walked to the bathroom, wandering in her thoughts away.
Finally, in half an hour the whole family was once again in the living room. This time, everyone was changed in simpler clothes, ones you would usually wear at home in the evening. Both men were wearing night robes with a black over robe. The youngest in the room was also wearing her night garments with a light green over robe. The only one, who was still in something at least half presentable if someone else were to come in was the mother of the family. She couldn’t help but sigh at the view across from her. The sitting arrangement was simple: kids on one side, adults across from them. Technically, the kids now were adults, but as they were still younger, almost everyone in the household was calling them “kids”.
The food was slowly brought out one dish at a time and placed on the table. Nothing extravagant, just some rice, chicken and vegetable congee for their main course. Lakan was trying to find something else, but was quickly cut by a gentle tap on the hand.
«Lakan, dear, sweets will be after the main course with tea. Please, eat for now.» His wife passed him chopsticks and placed them in his right hand. Her voice was as gentle as her moves, yet there was a slight note of demand. Siblings, who were sitting next to each other, shared a look and the older leaned a bit to the other.
«You know, sometimes it's actually good that we are not being invited anywhere.» Maomao hid her mouth with the sleeve of her left hand, as she turned to her brother to say it. She tried to do it as quietly as possible, but with their parents' perfect hearing there was no way they wouldn't hear them. It's not like they could object to them gossiping right here anyway.
«Well, actually… Father was invited on the hunt by Master Shishou, which was supposed to be ending today, as it was supposed to be the day of leaving as well, but he didn't go because he fell ill. And we didn't send anyone as our representative as well.» Now Lahan turned to face her and covered his mouth as well. But he quickly put his hand down, when their mother glared at them. Both straightened in no time and slowly started working on their dishes.
Everyone was eating in silence for a few seconds, only speaking questioning glares shared among the kids, but no words. Fengxian finished on her food first and made a sip out of her cup with wine. «So, Kaikai, dear, how come that you decided to sleep at home tonight? You did write to me that now you are working at the Rear palace, so how did they allow you that?»
And now that started. Maomao did prepare herself mentally in the room and during the bath that she will have to face that. She did say everything she was going to say aloud in front of the mirror to make sure it looks natural and just like any other question. Lady swallowed her food and raised her head to look at her mother.
«Oh. Well, Lahan did mention the hunt organised by Minister Shishou… My superior, Master Jinshi, was invited, but unfortunately, he had too much work, so instead he sent me and Master Gaoshun in his place. I was a food taster for Master Gaoshun at the banquets.» she brought a cup with some juice to her mouth and took a small sip out of it, looking at everyone else in the room. Before she could say or do more, her brother took her shoulders and started shaking her. «You went to the hunt?! With a man?! Who did you go as?! Did anyone see you with that man?!»
Before he could ask her more questions, he got a good smack on his toes. Lahan in rapid action let go of his sister's shoulders, as she fixed her clothes and hair a bit. They got a mad look from their parents, so quickly sat back in previous positions.
«I went as Maomao, not as Lakai, obviously. I am working under the name Maomao as well, if you didn't know. Besides, Master Gaoshun is a eunuch, so what's the issue if I was his food taster? You are making a problem out of nothing, Lahan.» She couldn't help but roll her eyes as she answered all those stupid questions of his. Lakai took another sip out of her cup and sighed. If there are any more questions, it's best to go along with the plan she prepared… Oh she should just execute it right here and now. Her hand quickly reached in folds of her robes and took out a purple pouch with yellowish-golden small rope holding it together. It was now in the middle of the table, at the center of everyone's attention. She carefully loosened it to open, so everyone could see her treasure.
«Lakai, my dear, what is it?»
«It’s ox bezoars!»
Everyone studied those bezoars. Then, after a couple of minutes, Lakan cleared his throat and rubbed his temple, looking up again at his all excited daughter, as if she saw these for the first time.
«How did you get these?.. Did someone give it to you or… Lakai, my princess, don't tell me you stole these…» His voice was quiet and gentle, trying to hopefully talk some sense into his daughter. If she stole these from someone, they would have to do something about it, but… If someone gave it to her… Who are they, how did they get these and how do they know his precious daughter?
«Aren’t these expensive? How did you get your hands on it?» Lahan tried to make the question a little clearer, even if he knew that Lakai probably understood everything from the first time.
Instead of answering, she drank her juice and reached for one of the bezoars, studying it closely once again. Yes, it was not the first and definitely not the last time she did that. Does she count how many times she has done it already? She had done it at first, but then she had just given up as it was a lot.
«The pieces are pretty big and there are a lot of them. Of course it was expensive! Thankfully, Master Jinshi never counts his money, even if we try to teach him to do that. But sometimes it's for the best, you know?» she grinned at her brother as she put the piece from her hand back on the pouch and closed it, wrapping the golden rope to hold it in place around.
«Master Jinshi… Wait, Maomao, didn't he also give you expensive medicine before as well?» Fengxian rubbed her chin as she was talking, trying to remember all the details. Yes, she wasn't really close with her daughter, but she did know more than other members of the La family about her, since they exchanged letters a lot. She didn't know everything from Maomao, of course. Her younger sisters from the brothel, where she worked before as a courtesan and now from time to time teaches young girls in training how to play Go and Shogi. Yes, Meimei was skilled and could teach them herself, but even she sometimes took lessons from her, just like when she was younger. But the fact that her child managed to find someone, who is fine with her personality and even encourages her medical interest, was making her happier every day. As a courtesan, she never managed to be a good mother, constantly giving Maomao to the nannies and hoping that it would work. It did, even if she didn't turn out as good as Fengxian did hope. No matter how many normal, more lady-like hobbies she tried to push on her off-spring, she would run away to the Pleasure District, to help her granduncle with his little apothecary shop. She was truly a problem from the very beginning, but somehow someone is keeping with it. How strange…
«Oh, yes! Master Jinshi did give me some medicine as a reward before this as well. Or not really as a reward for something… That's not important. What's important is that he always manages to find something really rare, and it's never in small portions! I don't know how he does that, but as long as I can have my medicine, that doesn't concern me at all!»
As Maomao hid her ox bezoars back in her robes, everyone was trying to pick their jaws. Has she ever talked like that about anyone? Was she that oblivious to what that could possibly mean? A man, getting gifts for her, just because… Didn't he also pay off her debt to Verdigris House? Fengxian just dropped her face in her palms, taking deep breaths. Then, as her husband hurriedly placed one of his arms on her back and the other was reaching to her face, she looked up straight at her daughter.
«Are you going to marry this man?»
«What?! Mother, where are you getting these ideas from?!»
«Well, it actually matches perfectly with what you said back when you were 15, little sister. Correct me, if I am wrong, but didn't you say, and I quote, “I don't want to marry, but if I truly have to and there is no way of escape, then this man should be rich enough to buy me all the medicine I want without any objections. Then he will be a good husband to me”. It explains a lot why my honourable mother would think that.»
Before he even finished, Maomao already started crushing his toes with her foot. Not only did he use his mocking high-pitched voice that he uses ONLY when he quotes things she said years ago, but he also remembered that now. No, of course she wasn't going to marry Jinshi, that's absurd! He's her superior, a eunuch, and someone she works for. Why would she marry him anyway? Like, yes, of course, he's good to her, and he gets her a lot of everything she wants, he always rewards her fairly for every case she solves, and he gives her a lot of power and access to stuff that a mere servant girl should not have. But still. Why would she marry him ? Why would he marry her ?
«Lakai, I do see you are thinking about something, but may you please remove your foot from mine? It hurts a lot.»
«No, think of that attitude of yours and stop mocking me, when remembering embarrassing stuff that I said.»
Maomao only rolled her eyes and finally got her leg back, only to cross it with her own, while her finger was resting on her chin. Did she really say that? What could even the conversation be that she talked about getting married? She doesn’t want to, it is not something she desires, quite the opposite at this point. So why in the world would she say that…
°•°
«Lakan, release our daughter out of your arms. You need to tell us what happened that you are hugging her for so long so suddenly.» Fengxian stood in front of her husband and her daughter, who had been held in a hug since he returned. She could only sigh at the view and try to reason with him, so he would let go of the poor little girl.
«Someone said that I should start looking for a good match for Lakai! Can you imagine?! I am not marrying my daughter to anyone!» Lakan squeezed his hug more, leaving little to no room for his daughter to breeze. She tried to fight her way out, but it seemed it was useless, so his wife had to help her. Ex courtesan dragged her daughter away from her husband, fixed her daughter and raised a brow at him.
«She’s 15. It's too early to marry her off anyway. You worry about nothing, Kankan, just let her be.» Now the mother of the family was fixing her husband's appearance. He wasn't a total mess, but one could think that he cried on his way home and calmed down only before stepping inside. She hugged him and started patting his head.
«Actually, most nobles marry at the age of 15-16, as to my and my sister's age. But I am too busy with work at the palace and Lakai is too busy with her medicines. It is to say, you, as our parents, should find us perfect matches.» Lahan walked inside and now stood next to his sister. He fixed his glasses, while talking and showing with his hands on those, who he was speaking about. Maomao couldn't help, but roll her eyes on him, to which he gave her a look and sighed.
«I want both of you to choose someone yourself, so you will be happy with them! Not someone who you have to be with!» Lakan just continued crying in his wife's arms, while she was comforting him. He acted like a baby at the moment, which only resulted in more eye rolls from his daughter and sighs from his son.
«If we are speaking of marriage, then I must say, that I don't want to marry, but if I truly have to and there is no way of escape, then this man should be rich enough to buy me all the medicine I want without any objections. Then he will be a good husband to me.» Lakai just shrugged and hid her hands in her sleeves. It truly never bothered her enough to consider something like that. Who needs marriage anyway? Well, she does, as a daughter of a noble family. More than that, she's a princess of a named clan, so her position and her actions have an effect on the whole family. That was why she started using the name “Maomao”, which was given to her at the brothel by her sisters, whenever she went out. It was much easier dealing with everything like that then.
«Makes a lot of sense for you, sister. As for me, I do not care about who is beside me, as long as I can do my own thing and they are beautiful enough. If needed, I would marry a man, I truly couldn't care less about who my partner would be.» Both siblings just nodded to each other's words. They truly never cared enough about anything else, other than their special talents which would be medicine for the girl and numbers for the boy. Yes, she wanted to find out more about politics from time to time, but she was kept away from it for some unknown reasons to her, especially by the same man, who was standing next to her.
The parents could only sigh at their children’s words. That was very much like them and made a lot of sense hearing this from them, but something still hurt a little, knowing that they don't want to find someone right for them.
•°•
«Lakai, you are not going to marry that filthy eunuch for sure?! Surely not! You deserve someone better than just a eunuch. No matter how rich and beautiful he is, if we believe those rumors, there should be someone better for you!» Lakan slammed his hands on the table and looked at his daughter. His eyes were full of anger and worry. He was angry at that damn eunuch, first he pays off her debt in the Verdigris House, then he steals her under his nouse and she works for him, then he carries her in his arms after she got injured, then he places his hands on her shoulder while they were playing Shogi, and now finally he sends her somewhere? Moreover her mother knows about all of it and fine with her marrying such man? He looked at his wife, who was filling hers and her daughter’s cups with wine. Nothing unusual here as both of them quite good with their alcohol, unlike him and his adoptive son. A sigh left him, as he sat back down.
«Isn’t it for the best? Maomao doesn’t want kids anyway, so her husband not having dick and balls shouldn’t be an issue.» Fengxian only shrugged, sipping on her wine. That’s truly shouldn’t be an issue. While yes, her daughter might want kids in the future, but the chances of this are pretty low, she never liked anything else other than medicine and in her opinion kids can only distract her from her actual love, so why have them in the first place. Not that Fengxian could herself say that she never thought like that, yet here she is in front of her daughter, who she loves dearly. But she is not Lakai and Lakai is not her, so her opinion may never change.
«Mother, surely you don’t have to speak about something so filthy at the meal time»
«What’s wrong, Lahan? You also have dick and balls, you don’t think those are filthy?»
«How would you know if I have them or not?!»
«Well, you don’t look like a eunuch to me, do you? Besides, they stopped making eunuchs long time ago, didn’t they?»
«Yes, but… Just why would you speak of that here and now!»
«Both of you, stop it. No one is a eunuch and no one is marrying a eunuch yet. Calm down please.»
Fengxian finally stepped in and ended the starting argument. It’s not like the kids really needed a reason to fight, but better stop them while she still can. She watched closely as both returned to what they were doing before: Lahan munching on his rice, as he still hasn’t finished his food, and Maomao sipping quietly her wine. That, of course, leads to awkward silence, but not for long, as Lakan cannot be quiet about his daughter’s future at all.
«Hopefully you are not meaning with that “yet”, that she might marry him later.» The man raised an eyebrow, looking down at his cup filled with juice. His daughter was no child anymore, she was 18, working at the palace on her own, but she was still his little girl that he needed to watch over and protect from all the world. There was no way he would allow that man to marry his precious little princess. She deserved so much better than a eunuch.
«Perhaps. It will be her choice who to marry, after all. If it’s a eunuch, let it be a eunuch. After all, he meets all her criteria: rich, buys her medicine. And that is what is important.»
«Fengxian, what are you saying… Please, tell me you are not serious…»
Before anything else could be said, Maomao slammed her hands on the table and stood up. Her face was pale. All that talk about the eunuch made her feel sick. She raised her head to her parents and took a deep breath. «Mother, father, I’m not feeling well, so if it’s alright, may I excuse myself to my room and go rest?» Her voice was shaking a bit and quieter than usual, perfect for passing as not feeling well. Hopefully they won’t dig into why she was feeling unwell. They were talking so easily about a eunuch, who was not, in fact, a eunuch. She knows that herself, she has no way of running away from that knowledge now. Maybe she can just run away from it and forget, but it seemed like no one would let her do it, reminding of that not-so-eunuch man.
Everyone exchanged glances with one other, before looking at a distressed girl. Fengxian finished her wine and nodded. «Very well. Go rest, dear, you need it. Have a good sleep.» Her voice was gentle and felt sweet.
After that, Lakai straightened and gave everyone a quick bow to everyone. «Thank you, mother. Have a good night, mother, father, brother.» With that she quickly left the room, not waiting for anyone’s answer.
«I think, it’s best if everyone goes to rest then.» Lahan added after a while, as an awkward silence filled the room once again. Everyone silently agreed and after wishing one other a good night, walked away to their rooms.
As soon as Maomao entered her room, she closed the door and laid on her bed. They don’t know. Of course they would talk about him being a eunuch! Why and how would they be aware of him actually having his manhood attached? She, herself, shouldn’t have known, it happened on accident. No, that was a frog. Yes, that was definitely a frog. Master Jinshi does not have his manhood and is a eunuch, she just crushed a frog, yes. That is what happened. She should just forget about that and go to sleep. She needs to rest well, she should try to wake up early, eat, and go to the palace with her brother. Wait, no. She would ask for a separate carriage. It would be a disaster if someone found out that she belongs to the La clan. It’s enough that Master Jinshi and the closest to him already know. With that, lady took her overrobe off and got a blanket over herself.
An hour? Two hours? Apothecary didn't know how much time passed since she tried to fall asleep. She just stared blankly at the ceiling, there were too many thoughts and at the same time none in her head. What was she to do? The idea of marriage was stupid, she didn't want it, so why even bring it up? That would get her nowhere. She stood up from the bed and threw on the same over robe that she wore to dinner.
«Perhaps a walk in the garden will help me get thoughts together…»
With that, she put on her shoes and quietly sneaked out of her room, trying to make as little noise as possible, hoping to not attract attention to her person even in her own home.
When Lakai finally got outside a relieved sigh left her. Night air felt so refreshing and nice to the skin. The days were pretty hot now, but night was pretty chilly, especially compared to the hot day air. She started slowly wandering around the garden, hoping to see not only flowers that her mother planted, but also some medical herbs that she planted, before she left for the palace for the second time. She finally spotted something that looked too familiar to her, so she sat down to see it better, when suddenly a voice got her out of her thoughts.
«Didn’t you say that you feel unwell, little sister?» Lahan was standing behind her, with interest observing his little sister. She instantly flinched and turned around, hiding the plants with her back. Her eyes were running around, possibly trying to find a way to escape him, so it's best if he gets this idea out of her before she does anything. He helped her to stand up, still holding her by the elbow.
Why wasn't Lahan himself sleeping? He was working for a little bit more back in his room, but then he, as well, couldn't fall asleep. All this thinking about what to do about all the businesses. And since the hunt is over, perhaps there would be even more work once everyone fills the report. Maybe he can get some information from his sister and prepare himself mentally, but for now he needs for her not to run away from him.
«Let go of me»
«Promise then to walk with me and have a nice talk? It's so rare when you are home, you should come home more. As far as I know, you can leave the palace anytime you want if you get permission, no?»
It was the truth. Maomao indeed never came home for a long time. She had to face the truth herself: she did miss her family, even if just for a bit. Even if she didn't exactly like Lahan, it still felt nice when he was around to annoy her. And it felt nice having him next to her right now. Not pressuring about anything, not annoying her, not mocking her for what she did when was younger. Just talking and maybe having a stroll together. Maybe she can agree at least to this. She sighed and finally got her arm free, and slowly started walking deeper in the garden.
«There should be a bench deeper in the garden, right? Let's go sit on it and then talk about whatever is that you want to talk about.»
«Of course.»
Lahan didn't even think twice and just followed his sister, quickly catching up with her and walking side-by-side.
«So tell me, why don't you come home often?» Now they were finally seated on the bench. Lahan decided to disturb the silence first, asking the same question as he did before. They sat next to each other, yet there was a little bit of space between them, just as there was a bit of space between them in their relationship. Not as a brother and sister or as cousins, but as people in general. They weren't exactly close, but if you think about it, they were the closest people to each other, as they spent a lot of time together ever since they were kids. They had their up and downs, of course, they argued almost every time they were somewhere together, yet, they felt pretty comfortable with each other, and perhaps that's the most important.
«Well, when I was working at the outer court, I just couldn't leave Lady Suiren alone. She did all the work herself, so the least I could do is help to lighten her burden. Besides, at the moment I am in the inner court, to be exact in the rear palace, taking care of Lady Gyokuyou. You didn't hear it from me, but she's with child, so I was sent as soon as there was a possibility that she's pregnant, to be her food taster, like before. And I cannot just leave like that to rest from there. I was allowed to go home after the hunt only because it was evening when we returned. I'm going back to the palace as soon as I wake up. Oh, since we at that, is there a chance you can prepare a separate carriage for me, please?»
«Separate carriage?... Do you hate me that much that won't even ride in one carriage with me, Lakai?»
«You know it's not that, Lahan. It's just that I don't want people to know, that I'm from the La clan. It will only cause problems to what I'm doing. Enough people in the outer court know this: you, father, Master Jinshi, Master Gaoshun, Lady Suiren, Master Basen, Rikuson and Onsou. It's enough that they know, we don't need more people to know my origins. Besides, aren't we trying to stay neutral? If someone to know, that the daughter of the La clan serves one of the consorts, won't people think, that we are siding with her?»
«Well… They probably will… That's smart. I haven't thought of this like that. Thank you, Lakai.»
A silence emerged between them again. They just sat there staring at the night sky. No words needed to be said between them or even a look shared. They could understand each other without a word or look, but they still liked to talk from time to time like that. When they were younger, they sneaked out there during the day from their classes, to play or just get away from learning. When they became older, they started sneaking out here during the night, to just enjoy the company of the quiet nature and each other. Finally, Lahan moved closer to his sister, cutting the distance between them closely to zero.
«What are you doing?» Maomao’s voice sounded annoyed, but she didn't flinch away. Not because she didn't have where, but because she didn't feel the need to. Whatever it was that he was going to do, she can always just crush his toes, can't she?
«Um… Kai, if I may, can I?...» The boy's voice was full of unsureness in whatever it was he meant. He slightly tilted his head to his sister's shoulder, trying to hint what was that he wanted, only to get a confusing look.
«Can you what? You have mouth and it works, speak.» Young lady only rolled her eyes and quietly clicked her tongue. She didn't sound annoyed this time, rather just tired with him.
«Well… Remember when we were younger and would play here, your mother sometimes would allow us to lay on her lap, when we were too tired fooling around, and would sing lullabies to us, so we could have a rest?» His look now was on the small space without any flowers on it, just some grass, that was well hidden in the shadows by the trees around it, protecting it from the sun. They were allowed to play there, as long as they don't try to destroy the garden around or turn it into the field for medical herbs. The bench was placed there much later, by request of their mother. Yes, she was only Lakai’s biological mother and Lahan never forgot his biological parents, but sometimes Fengxian acted as a mother to all three kids, like singing lullabies to them or just letting them drag her into whatever games they wanted to play. The past felt really nice, sometimes the wish to return to it was stronger than ever.
«And? Han, where are you going with this?» His sister's voice cut him out from his memories. Of course, he wasn't here alone to just enjoy the thoughts of the past. Before saying anything else, he just dropped his head on her shoulder and yawned.
«Well, when we became older, we would sneak out there at night to just talk and enjoy each other’s company, right?» He didn't get a vocal answer, but he felt as Kai’s head nodded and instead laid itself down on his. «And we would sometimes just lean on each other’s shoulders or laps, because were feeling tired or overwhelmed with everything. You with studying and medicine, and with all the gross stuff that you were taught at the brothel. I still don't understand how our honourable father allowed that. And me with work at the palace and studying. So I was wondering if I could do that again, while you are here. But I already did so.»
He didn't get an answer again as well. Instead, he just heard a chuckle from somewhere higher. If he could, he would fall asleep right here and then. It probably won't be the best position to sleep, but at least it felt somewhat familiar and warm, so why not. But he didn't want to sleep yet, he wanted to talk to someone who he hasn't seen for a pretty long time.
«Kai. You know, you should really come home more often. Don't you miss us?» Lahan himself would never say that he misses her. Not that it was embarrassing to admit, he just felt like he shouldn't admit it just like that, so openly. He always would tell it in a subtle manner, like right now. She would probably understand what he means anyway, but he himself would never say aloud what he truly feels, no matter how close they are.
«Sometimes I do, but I also have my responsibilities. Han, you are acting like it's the last time you see me and once I will return to the rear palace – you won't see me till the day you die.» A quiet laugh left her lips. Maomao never really thought about the future or how much she missed someone. Well, sometimes she would, when she would see princess Lingli, for example. Or when she would talk with Shisui and Xiolan about things. At those moments she might miss her home and her family, the brothel, the apothecary shop she runs with her granduncle, granduncle himself. But she never usually admits to it. Missing something is usual human feeling, so why care about it so much? She didn't and felt amazing, so why should others? She knew, that Lahan just wanted to tell her that he misses her, but it's not like it's her care or fault that he does.
«Well, what if! You were kidnapped once already, so why wouldn't it happen again?»
«Don’t shout, Han. The rear palace has high security, there is no way I will be kidnapped from there. And even if I will be kidnapped, I will be returned in no time. Master Jinshi won't just let me disappear while I'm supposed to take care of a pregnant consort. And the second father learns that I'm missing, he will go ballistic, won't he? So, even if something like that happens, I will be fine. Don't worry your head about that, Han.»
«Yes… You are probably right. Let's go and try get some sleep, since we both have to leave early. Maybe you would join me for the breakfast?» With that, Lahan carefully got his head off his sister's shoulder and stood up, fixing his hair, clothes and glasses. He looked back at the still seated lady and offered her a hand, which she gladly took and stood up herself, slowly starting to walk side-by-side towards the entrance.
«Maybe. If you promise not to remember any more stuff that I said, then we should. And please, do get me a separate carriage, I absolutely do not want anyone to know, that I'm from the La clan.» She gave him an annoyed look as they finally reached the entrance and looked at eachother.
«Sure. Have a good sleep, Kaikai.»
«Thanks. Have a good sleep, Hanhan.»
And with that, each quietly walked to their rooms. The sleep didn't make them wait this time, thankfully, and they were able to enjoy it the second the doors of their rooms closed.
The morning felt a bit rushed for Maomao. She didn't oversleep or anything, but she did have to get ready quickly. A quick bath, quick dressing up and hairstyle, which Sanfan insisted on doing. It wasn't her usual hairstyle, but something, that she used to wear more when she was younger. Strangely enough, Sanfan still remembered how to do it from a couple of years that she served as Maomao’s lady-in-waiting, but then Maomao told her to instead follow Lahan around and make herself useful to him. Not because Maomao was unsatisfied with her, but more because it was weird that someone in the pleasure district has both: a bodyguard and a lady-in-waiting, so she had to choose one. She did, however, managed to get herself in her usual clothes, no matter how long Sanfan tried to reason with her. After all, she would have to get to work immediately when she comes, so it would be best not to waste time on changing, once she reaches the palace.
Now, she sat in the living room once again. Across from her this time, though, sat Lahan, as their parents were asleep. They didn't talk, just silently ate in each other's company, not even looking up to one another. Maomao finished first and stood up.
«If it's alright, I will be leaving first then.»
«Sure thing. I will see you around then. Please, be careful, Kaikai.»
«Of course. Same goes to you, Han. Take care. Tell mother and father that I told them that as well.»
With that, they gave each other a slight bow with their heads and she walked out, leaving Lahan to his food and her to her routine at the rear palace, that was disrupted by that damn hunt.