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Chapter Text

It was quiet in the late afternoon, its front hall scented with herbs and disinfectant. Most of the higher physicians had already gone for the day. Maomao and some of the others were working late. She sat in a back room, packaging up medicine packets. Trying to help resupply the low stock.

The front door of the medical office opened. Basen stepped into the room, checked the area, then ushered Jinshi in.

“Moon Price?” Doctor Lu jumped up from his seat and quickly gave a polite bow.

Jinshi’s expression was calm as always, though the faint curve of his mouth hinted at warmth.

“I apologize for arriving unannounced,” he said smoothly. “There are a few follow-up questions I need to ask Maomao. About an incident in the west. I heard that she was working late and that I should find her here.”

The doctor blinked, startled. “Ah, of course, moon prince. Do you need her to accompany you somewhere for questioning?”

Jinshi shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. I know that I have put a burden on the medical offices with our trip to the west. So it won’t take long. I’ll speak with her here,” putting on his fake sparkly smile.

He paused. “Basen will stand outside of a room to make sure no one comes in while I question her.”

“Understood, Moon Prince. Maomoa is in that room fixing medicine packets.” Gesturing to the door in the far back.

Jinshi and Basen moved towards the door, and Basen dutifully stationed himself there, arms crossed. Jinshi politely knocked and then entered the room. Neither noticed the narrow second doorway behind the partition, leading in from the laundry yard.

Maomao looked up from her notes, surprised. “ Moon Prince? What are you doing here?”

Jinshi closed the door softly behind him, a small lacquered box in hand. His face scowled “It should be just us, so please drop the formalities. I told the doctor I had questions for you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You really came all this way just to interrogate me?”

He smiled faintly and set the box on her table. “Only if asking whether you’ve eaten counts as interrogation.”

She eyed it suspiciously. “What? What is that?”

“A quick snack. From what I've heard, you’ve been working so hard you have hardly eaten again. After having to ration our food in the west, I don't think it is a good idea to continue the habit here.”

Maomao frowned. Dang Chue needs to keep quiet. “You brought me food?”

“You’ve been working too hard,” Jinshi said simply, opening a box with Maomao's favorite salty crackers, a few figs, and a rice ball filled with savory meat. “Someone has to make sure you’re taking care of, if you are not going to do it yourself.

“Still, why did you feel the need to come here? In the past, you would have summoned me for far less?”

“I assumed you would be working late for the next few weeks. I didn't want to take from your rest.”

“Gaoshun told you not to bother my rest, didn't he?”

“No...”

Maomao stared at him knowingly.

Jinshi sighed, “Okay, Basen told me... because Gaoshun had told him.”

She sighed but felt quite appreciative of the thought anyway. She did miss lunch and was now realizing she was quite hungry. “but you do realize you could have sent Basen to deliver this.”

“That would defeat the purpose.”

She arched a brow. “And what is the purpose, Jinshi?”

“I wanted to see you.”

She froze, a faint flush creeping over her face. “So this was an excuse, then.”

“An opportunity, it's not like I've gotten to see you much since we left…this seemed like a good opportunity to check on you … and get a recharge, if you'll allow me,” he corrected, smirking, voice low but amused.

Maomao, lightly blushing, stared at Jinshi, but she didn't retort.

“Then I’ll take that as permission,” Jinshi murmured, leaning closer.

Her eyes widened slightly. “Someone might see us,” she warned, glancing toward the door.

“I have Basen posted to make sure no one comes in,” he said with quiet confidence.

Maomao opened her mouth to retort—but before she could, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her brow and pressed a simple kiss on her lips.

Color rushed to her cheeks. “Jinshi! This is not the place for that!” Maomao scolded, but the light tug of her lips betrayed her true feelings.

Jinshi smiled, the warmth in his eyes unmistakable, and put his hands in the air. “I know. Eat. I really did just come because I wanted to check on you and make sure you were eating. Go ahead, I told them this shouldn't take long.

Maomao looked down at her food, mumbled “Thank you, Master Jinshi,” and proceeded to eat her food. I really am grateful for this.

Jinshi, sitting on a stool, blissfully watched Maomao eat her food. Until she finished. Then hid the food container in his sleeve. Trying to hide the evidence.

“Thank you for allowing me to waste a few minutes of your time, Maomao. I will let you get back to your work.” He said, with a warm smile on his face.

“Never a waste, tell Suiren thank you for making me the food. It is wonderful as always.” Maomao said while giving a polite bow of her head.

“Will do! …. Take care of yourself, please. Hopefully, I will get to see you again after your work slows down.”

Jinshi looked at Maomao with a half smile. Happy to have spent time with her. Sad it was so short, unsure of when he would get to be with her again. He turned and opened the door, walked out as Basen followed behind him.

…………

The yard behind the medical office smelled faintly of soap and copper. Yao wrung out a bloody lab coat, handing it to En’en to hang.

En’en paused, frowning. “This basket is done. I believe there is one more. I'll go grab it.”

“That door’s shut, I’ll hold it open for you to carry it out,” Yao muttered, glancing at the back entrance of the medical office.

En’en paused, frowning. “If you wish. I guess so.”

When they opened the door, there lay a basket sitting behind a divider meant to conceal the bloody laundry basket from view. It also hid the backdoor coincidentally.

But faint voices drifted through the room divider, soft but unmistakable.

This caused Yao and En’en to pause in their places, listening.

“And what is the purpose, Jinshi?”

The voice was Maomao’s—sharp, slightly flustered.

“I wanted to see you.” a smooth male voice replied.

Yao froze. Wait… “Jinshi?” She mouthed to En’en.

En’en tilted her head and mouthed back. “ I don't know a Jinshi?”

Only employees are allowed back here. No one who works here is named Jinshi??

At first, they thought it was some man Maomao had met out West. A few people did come back with them. Like Junjie, the young boy who was now residing at the La clan residence. Curiosity gnawed at them. They edged closer to the partition, careful to make no sound. Wanting to get a closer look but not wanting to interrupt their conversation.

And then they saw him.

“Then I’ll take that as permission.”

Jinshi.

Jinshi was…

The Moon Prince himself, standing just a step away from Maomao, watching her with quiet attentiveness.

Does Maomao have a nickname for the Moon Prince? Yao’s stomach dropped. En’en’s hands clenched the linen basket. Isn't it a crime to call him any other than Moon Prince? And permission for what exactly?

“I have Basen posted to make sure no one comes in,” said the Moon Prince.

The two thinking maybe we just walked in on a private conversation we weren't supposed to.

However, curiosity got the best of them, and they couldn't walk away. Watching as Jinshi brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and pressed a soft, deliberate kiss on Maomoa of all people.

Yao’s hands flew to her face. En’en’s barely stopping herself from gasping audibly.

There was no pretending this was casual anymore. The Moon Prince and Maomao are trying to be alone, sharing an intimate, private moment.

At that point, En’en’s realization set in. We really should leave! Her young mistress couldn't be caught watching this. It could lead to trouble for both of them if caught, and pulled Yao quietly out the back door.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Dr. Liu’s office was dimly lit, the smell of dried herbs clinging to the air. He closed the door behind them. The latch clicked.

“Sit,” he said, his face looking very tense and stressed.

Yao and En’en obeyed immediately. Tianyu instead chose to lean against the wall, arms crossed, his usual smirk tugging at his mouth.

“I overheard your little comment to Maomao earlier, Tianyu,” Dr. Liu began, his tone deceptively calm. “The one about the Moon Prince not lasting three days without seeing her.”

Tianyu gave a light shrug. “What can I say? I have an ear for irony. And it turns out the questioning was of a rather personal nature.”

Dr. Liu’s gaze sharpened. “I also have an ear for trouble, and the three of you seem like you're headed for it if I don't intervene. So, what happened?”

Yao opened her mouth, then faltered. She and En’en gave each other worried glances.

Tianyu spoke up, “Since you two were the ones who saw it, you can tell him the details about it, not me.”

“I’m not going to wait all day. Clearly, something happened during his visit, and it’s affecting your work. Out with it,” said Dr. Liu with a sternness in his voice, looking incredibly annoyed.

En’en took a deep breath, then said, “We went through the back door to get more dirty laundry and heard people talking, and we eavesdropped a little. We… we didn’t know it was the Moon Prince, or we would have never done it! We thought it was someone named Jinshi. Maomao called him that. So we listened in for a bit before we ...saw it was him.”

Dr. Liu stared at them, unsatisfied, knowing there was more she was too afraid to say. “Well, come out with it. I know there’s more to it than you just accidentally eavesdropping on the Moon Prince, or you three wouldn’t be acting this off.”

Yao and En’en stared with unsure fear in their eyes. Tianyu cleared his throat. “Since they’re too afraid to say it, they didn’t just see him visit. They caught the Moon Prince and Maomao making out.” A mischievous smirk crossed his face.

“Stop making it sound worse than it was! He just kissed her, that’s all! I’m not gonna let you tarnish her reputation for fun, Tianyu,” Yao almost shouted in a defensive tone, crossing her arms. En’en, sitting next to her, peered at Tianyu with daggers in her eyes.

“Careful with your words, Tianyu. One day, you might find them hard to swallow,” said Dr. Liu.

“Hey, I said they could tell you the details, but they didn’t want to. Can’t blame me for making it sound fun.”

Finally, Liu sighed, rubbing his temples like he was getting a headache. “Anyway, I see… I was hoping their relationship wasn’t very romantic, but I knew better.” Letting out a loud groan. “Ignorance truly is bliss sometimes.”

A thick silence settled over the room.

“However… since you’ve already seen more than you should, it’s better you understand a few things about Maomao’s history and how it entangles with the Moon Prince. I know you all know she worked with him, but go back further, and it’s scarier than most realize.”

He looked between them, his voice quieting even further. “What I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this room. I’m only telling you this because you need to understand why you must not talk about this to Maomao, each other, or anyone. I mean, really understand. I wish I didn’t have to tell you, but” now staring directly at Tianyu, “this is too important to just trust that my telling you to stay quiet will suffice. The implications of speaking out, even inadvertently, are serious. The wrong words in the wrong ears could have consequences none of you, or Maomao, wants to face.”

All three nodded Yao and En’en quickly, with slight fear in their eyes; Tianyu with a small, curious tilt of his head.

Dr. Liu paused, weighing his words carefully, then said,

“Good. Then listen closely. Years ago, before any of you even worked here, there was a eunuch who was the manager of the rear palace. Many of the emperor’s babies were dying, and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. Two children had just been born and began to sicken. The only doctor allowed in the rear palace, or the quack, as Maomao calls him, didn’t know what to do.” He glanced at Maomao’s empty desk, cluttered with herbs and papers. All 3 followed his gaze, “But one maidservant did. The face powder was poisoned. She exposed it, saved one of the children’s lives, and in doing so caught the eye of the Rear Palace’s young manager.”

“I don’t know all the details of what happened in the rear palace after that, but I do know from her work record that she was promoted to poison taster for a concubine and was later let go from the rear palace on a technicality. I also know that just a couple of weeks later, a rumor was going around that the manager of the rear palace bought out a beautiful young lady from the Verdigris House, one whom regular customers had never seen before. However, after the day he brought her home, many tried to get a look at her, but they never saw that beautiful lady again.”

Yao looked at him quizzically. “Was it Maomao? She can be very beautiful when she tries. She also paints those freckles on.” Yao paused, realization finally dawning on her that Maomao had been playing her when she said she wore the freckles for religious reasons.

“Yes, that has been my assumption also, considering that we know she worked for the rear palace for a bit,” said Dr. Liu with a polite, knowing nod. “Some of these details I have had to deduce for myself over the years.”

“Okay, but what does this rear palace manager have to do with Maomao and the Moon Prince?” Tianyu said, tapping his finger on his crossed arms, looking bored with the conversation.

Dr. Liu looked at him with a death glare. “If you don’t want a whack to the head, I suggest you hush up and listen.”

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Dr. Liu continued. “Anyway, one day, there was an assassination attempt on the Moon Prince during a shrine ceremony. One of the ceremonial fixtures, a heavy bronze ornament, hadn’t been secured properly. When the offering flames were lit, the heat loosened the fittings. The thing came crashing down toward where the Moon Prince was standing.”

The room tensed; Yao, En’en, and Tianyu hadn’t expected an assassination attempt to be the next thing Dr. Liu would bring up.

“He surely would have been dead if he hadn’t been pushed out of the way,” Liu said, his voice low, distant, like he was speaking more to the memory than to them. His eyes softened, clouded with something heavy. “I was working in this office that day. When I first saw him, the moon prince came through the door holding a girl… I’ve seen a lot of things over the years, but I’ll never forget that image. I didn’t know who she was at the time, but it was Maomao. He had carried her in his arms all the way here. She was unconscious, her face swollen, bleeding terribly from her leg. She was apparently beaten for trying to get into the shrine. The leg injury was sustained from the impact when she pushed the Moon Prince out of the way just as the ceremonial beam came crashing down.”

“Maomao physically saved the Moon Prince’s life?” Tianyu blurted, with visible shock on his face. “I mean, medically, of course, she could save someone’s life, but I would’ve assumed she’d be more worried about protecting her own self in a situation like that. Not throw herself in harm's way.” His expression looked slightly impressed, as if he had a newfound respect for Maomao.

“Yes, it is a surprise, especially with how petite she is. Anyway, he refused to set her down until we’d cleaned a table and brought out bandages. He refused to leave while we examined her, only stepping out for her clothing to be changed into something clean. The man who can command a room full of bureaucrats without blinking couldn’t take his eyes off the unconscious apothecary. He was visibly worried. When we were done treating her, we suggested she rest in a patient bed. He refused, saying it would be more comfortable for her to rest at his palace, and again picked her up and processed to carry her out himself. It wasn’t from a lack of subordinates willing to carry her. He just wanted to ensure she was okay himself.”

En’en’s eyebrow arched quizically. “He carried her the whole way?” she murmured, voice trembling slightly. “I have a hard time envisioning an imperial carrying anyone in here…”

“Yes, there was a great deal of shock. From what I heard, there was a rather large crowd that witnessed it outside the shrine. People talked about it for a few days.”

Yao swallowed hard, eyes wide. “No wonder she doesn’t talk about it,” she said quietly. “That must’ve been terrifying… and painful.”

Tianyu finally exhaled a long breath. “Well,” he said slowly, his smirk gone, “I… uh, guess that explains why the Moon Prince trusts her so much.”

“That's barely the start. Unfortunately, that is only a part of the assassinations they have faced. A while later, there was another. I don't know much about it firsthand, but I was briefed on it, since it involved the medical health of an imperial. Someone attempted but failed to shoot the Moon Prince with a fifa; he and Maomao had to jump into a waterfall to get away, but thankfully, they were not very injured.

Yoa’s eyes widened. “What do you mean they jumped into a WATERFALL?” Her hands were shaking at the thought of Maomao doing something so dangerous.

“I guess the waterfall was safer than facing the fifa's mistress. They probably didn't have much of a choice.” En’en responded in a much calmer demeanor. Her Yao was clearly getting worked up about the idea of Maomoa being in so much danger. Her also being worked up would not help the matter. Wanting to help her calm down, she tried to think of the upside. “ She made it out okay, Yao, and that's what matters most. At least this was years ago; clearly, nothing like this has happened to Maomao recently.”

“Uhhh...”Tianyu opened his mouth, looking like he was going to offer a rebuttal. Only to be given a death glare from en’en so terrifying that it sent chills down his spine. Silently communicating, “Don’t add more to upset my mistress, or you will pay for it.” He stiffened and decided it was best to leave the traumatic storytelling to Dr.Liu.

Tiyinu was thinking about the time in the west where Maomao may or may not have been missing. Then returned with a knife mark on her neck, and a Chue who had almost lost an arm. It also just so happened to be when Shikyou, a man who had been on the run, returned. They tried to make it out like Maomao just left to get herbs, but anyone close enough and with any brain cells could tell something was fishy about the cover-up story.

Dr.Liu looked at Tiyinu, puzzled, but then shook his head, deciding it was easier for him not to know what he was about to say. Wishing he didn't already know what he did about Maomao and Jinshi. Otherwise, he wouldn't have to be having this conversation with 3 young idiots.

En’en was rubbing an upset Yao's back, trying to calm her down.

Dr.Liu cleared his throat, then said, “Perhaps we should drink some calming tea before I continue this conversation anymore. En’en, would you go make it for us, please?”

“Yes, of course, I believe that is a good idea, sir.” Giving a polite nod.

En’en walked out of the room, but while she did, she gave Tiyinu another glare.

After a while, En’en came back with tea. They took a few minutes to drink, and after it seemed like they had all settled down at least a bit, Dr.Liu continued. “I know this information is upsetting, but it is necessary. Please try to remain calm, but it is just going to get a bit worse before it gets better, so prepare yourself, okay?”

They all three shook their heads with unease on their faces.

One day, we got news of the Shi clan rebellion. They said they were going to go to war. Not many knew yet, but naturally, they needed medical supplies, so a few other doctors were informed, including myself. I'm sure you have heard parts of the story and how it was led by the imperial younger brother and the strategist, but some details have been left out. One being that for years, the Moon Prince was considered highly sickly and was only ever seen by a few when he had to do rituals for other imperial duties. Even I didn't know what his supposed sickness was. Almost no one knew what he looked like since he almost never came out. Which is another reason why his carrying her that day was such a shock.”

Yao and En’en exchanged confused glances, and even Tiyinu’s showed a slight look of bewilderment. The girls looked at Dr. Liu, tense and curious.

“The second part,” he said, “which you don’t know, is… the catalyst that finally caused the war.”

Dr. Liu’s expression softened, eyes distant and heavy with a quiet sorrow. The light from the lantern caught the weary lines in his face, making him look older, burdened.

“The unknown daughter of the stratagist was taken by the Shi clan.”

Yao’s breath caught. “Wait… the strategist’s daughter?” she asked slowly, dread creeping into her voice. “You mean Maomao...”

Dr. Liu nodded grimly.

Realizing who he was referring to, Yao’s heart sank like a stone. Tianyu pressed his lips into a thin line. His posture remained casual, but his eyes betrayed the flicker of unease beneath the surface.

After a moment, Dr. Liu continued, “Apparently, they felt that she was too smart to keep around since she prevented all of their assassination attempts. It was right after Louman was reinstated to the rear palace. At the time, Maomao had been in there, serving the now empress as a poison taster. Thankfully, he was able to decode a note left by Maomao. That led the Rear Palace manager to start searching for her and found that Loulan was also missing.”

En’en’s eyes were wide, her face drained of color. “How long was she gone? Maomao is too smart to really stay kidnapped, right?” her voice trembling as she twisted the edge of her sleeve between nervous fingers, searching Dr. Liu’s face for reassurance that didn’t come.

“She was gone for months, I'm not sure exactly how many.” He said flatly, not trying to sugarcoat the situation.

Dr. Liu let out a slow, weary sigh. “Once the evidence was uncovered, the Moon Prince and Lakan decided there was no avoiding it; it was time to go to war with the Shi clan. It shocked the court when the so-called sickly Moon Prince announced he would personally lead the campaign. Most assumed it was just a formality. Since someone imperial had to technically lead the army.”

Dr. Liu’s gaze darkened slightly, voice lowering. “But when the soldiers assembled, they saw their commander step forward. Those who had seen the Rear Palace Manager, also known as Jinshi the eunuch, recognized him instantly. The moon prince was never sickly; he had been pretending to be a eunuch for years, running the rear palace for his brother. Maomaos' kidnapping led him to throw away his identity.”

Yaos' face froze with shock at the mention of Jinshi.

“So that's why she called him Jinshi.” Realization dawning on her and En’en face. “If the Moon Prince and Jinshi are the same person. Then they must really have an interesting history.”

“Wait, so Maomao was actually bought out by the Moon Prince? That's actually funnier than I thought.” He said with a mild chuckle. “I assumed she lived with him cause she was a fancy clan princess. She must have been a pretty good courtesan.” Tiyinu’s grin deepened as he leaned back against the wall, one brow raised in smug amusement. Looking far too entertained for the gravity of the story. His lips twitched like he was biting back another joke, clearly enjoying how scandalized Yao and En’en looked. “That woman’s got more influence than half the court ministers combined.”

“Can you ever be serious?” Yao scolded, brows furrowed.

“Yes, I have been! I was just trying to lighten this dark mood in here, geez!” Tianyu said, throwing his hands up, clearly irritated that no one appreciated his humor.

Dr. Liu simply stared at him, the look on his face somewhere between exasperation and deep weariness. “May I finish with no more attempts to ‘lighten the mood,’ Tiyinu?” His tone carried that careful, measured patience that only doctors and teachers mastered right before losing it completely.

Tiyinu held up both hands defensively. “Alright, alright. Mouth shut.”

Liu’s shoulders eased, but only slightly. “Good. Because what comes next isn’t something to laugh about.” His tone dropped low, carrying the weight of warning. “If all of this could happen when Maomao was only considered an employee, an apothecary working under the Moon Prince, then you can imagine how much more dangerous it is now. Being connected to him is not some privilege to boast about. It’s a dangerous, complicated game of politics and power.”

He looked each of them in the eye, one by one. “The Moon Prince has refused every concubine offered to him. That alone has made him enemies. But Maomao being the woman he loves?” He exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand across his face. “That puts her in more danger than any assassin’s blade could. If the wrong people suspect too much, her life and possibly yours could be in jeopardy. I'm sure many high-ranking families would love to get rid of the one girl who is causing their daughters to lose out on the chance to be connected to an imperial.”

Terror was clear on Yao and En’en faces at the thought of Maomao possibly being the target of an assassination attempt. It was bad enough that Maomoa had to deal with the prince's assassination attempts, but to be the target of one filled them with even more dread.

He paused, voice softening but taking on a thoughtful edge. “It’s a severe accusation to make, but I believe the Moon Prince resents his position. That’s why he chose to live as someone else. Managing the Rear Palace and protecting the emperor’s children gave him purpose and a convenient way to avoid the succession. He’s well aware of the rules and dangers that come with his title and of what that means for Maomao.”

Dr.Liu leaned back slightly, his gaze distant, but laced with conviction. “I’m certain he wants to protect her in every way he can. Part of the reason you girls were even allowed to become medical assistants here was because he wanted her nearby in a safer, respectable place, not the pleasure district where she could be in danger. The second part is that he obviously had firsthand knowledge of how capable she could be in the medical field. Once his true identity and Maomao’s were revealed after the war, he could no longer ‘own’ the strategist’s daughter. But he still made sure she’d never be without protection.”

His expression hardened, the quiet compassion giving way to stern warning. “So, understand this: if he was willing to go to such lengths for her safety, what do you think he or those loyal to him would do if they found out you were compromising her security? By gossiping or drawing attention to her connection to the bachelor prince? You’d be lucky if all you got was a transfer out of this palace.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, sharp, heavy, and final.

The room was silent except for the faint crackle of the lantern’s flame.

Yao’s throat tightened, guilt and fear knotting in her chest. She looked down at her lap, fingers gripping the fabric of her skirt. “I… I understand, sir,” she said softly. Her voice trembled, but her words were steady.

En’en nodded, unable to meet Dr. Liu’s eyes. “We didn’t realize how dangerous it really was,” she murmured. “But I understand the severity of it, sir. I wouldn't want to risk Maomao or the young mistress's safety, sir. ” She swallowed hard, the weight of what she’d heard pressing heavily on her. “I won’t say a word.”

Tiyinu stood motionless against the wall. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a grim, thoughtful stillness. He looked down at the floor, jaw tight. “Message received, Doctor,” he said quietly. There was no sarcasm in his tone this time, only sincerity.

Dr. Liu regarded them for a long moment, then gave a small, approving nod. “Good,” he said finally, his voice calm again, though the tiredness hadn’t left his eyes. “You’ve all heard more than most people ever will. I expect you to remember the weight of that.”

He stood, straightening the papers on his desk as if to mark the end of the conversation. “For the next few weeks, you’ll be reassigned to another medical office. It will give you time to process what you’ve learned and ensure none of you risk revealing anything by behaving too strangely around Maomao.”

Yao looked up, startled. “We’re being separated from her?”

“It’s temporary,” Liu said firmly. “Consider it… a precaution, for everyone’s sake. I know you all are friends, but make up some excuse to avoid her outside of work for a bit if you will. It should be easier, considering you are living in the strategist's house.”

He glanced toward the door, the finality in his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re dismissed. Go get some rest, all of you.”

Slowly, they rose. None spoke as they left—Yao with a furrowed brow and heavy heart, En’en still pale and shaken, and Tianyu uncharacteristically quiet, his eyes distant.

When the door closed behind them, Dr. Liu exhaled, rubbing his temples as the faint scent of herbs filled the still air.

“Let’s hope,” he murmured to himself, “that silence truly is something they can keep.”

****

By the time Yao and En’en reached the La residence, night had fully settled over the compound.

When they entered the main hall, the sound of clinking dishes greeted them. The servants had already set the dinner rice, vegetables, and soup, though En’en noticed with a pang of guilt that they had already prepared the dinner meal without her. They must have assumed she’d be late again.

Lahan was sitting at the table, posture relaxed but eyes sharp in a way that made both girls straighten instinctively. He looked up from his bowl as they entered, a faint smile curving his lips.

“You two finally made it back,” he said mildly. “I heard you were assigned to the outer court medical office today.”

“Yes, sir,” En’en replied quickly, bowing her head. “It ran later than expected, so I apologize for missing dinner prep.”

“No need,” Lahan said, waving a hand. “The servants took care of it. You’ve both been working hard lately; it’s only fair.” His tone was kind, but there was something observant in the way his gaze lingered.

Yao smiled politely, easing into her seat beside En’en. “It was… a very long day,” she said carefully.

Lahan hummed thoughtfully, setting down his soup spoon. “I imagine it was a busy day,” he said conversationally. “Tell me, did you two happen to work with my sister today?”

Yao and En’en exchanged a quick glance before En’en answered, “Yes, sir. She was helping restock the low medicine supply.”

“Ah,” Lahan nodded slowly, swirling his tea. “You know, I heard something rather interesting about her trip to the west.” His tone was casual, but his eyes gleamed with curiosity. “They say she lived for a time in the same building as the Moon Prince himself. Must have been quite the experience, hm? So many important people coming and going from that place.”

He leaned back slightly, giving them both a pointed look that carried a double meaning. “Did she ever mention if she made any… interesting connections while she was there?”

Hoping he could pry out any information from them about his sister and the Moon Prince. He wished she would come home with a baby bump, but sadly, he did not notice one on her; it could just be too soon to see, he hoped.

Yao froze mid-bite, her chopsticks hovering over her bowl. “Connections? Oh, uh… not really, sir. She mostly talked about the work, plants, medicine, that kind of thing.”

En’en nodded quickly, her voice a touch too even. “She didn’t bring up anything about people. It sounded like a very professional trip.”

Lahan studied them for a moment, a faint smirk tugging at his mouth. “Mmm. I see. Pity, I thought perhaps she’d met someone with influence. That could’ve been… useful for the La clan.”

The girls both laughed nervously.

“Well,” En’en said, standing abruptly. “It’s been a long day, sir. We really should rest before morning rounds.”

Lahan’s gaze lingered on them a moment longer before he gave a slow, knowing nod. “Of course. You two have worked hard. Sleep well. However, if you do hear of any interesting connections with my sister, please don't hesitate to tell me. I am letting you stay at my home for free after all.” Nothing was truly free with Lahan; it seemed he loved getting people indebted to him.

The moment they were dismissed, Yao and En’en nearly tripped over each other, leaving the room, eager to escape the weight of his gaze.

*****

The house had long gone still by the time Yao and En’en returned to their room. The servants had already cleared the dishes. Lahan’s words still echoed in their heads, his probing question about Maomao’s “connections in the west,” and the way his eyes seemed to glint with curiosity that was anything but innocent.

Now, the lamps were out. Yao lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. The more she tried not to think about everything they’d learned that day, the Moon Prince being Jinshi, the kidnappings, the war, the heavier it pressed on her chest.

She turned her head toward En’en’s futon. “You’re awake, aren’t you?”

A soft sigh answered her. “You too, huh?”

They were quiet for a few seconds before Yao sat up, pulling her blanket around her shoulders. “I just… I can’t stop thinking about all of it. About Maomao. About him.”

En’en pushed herself up too, brushing her hair from her face. Her voice was hushed, wary. “Keep your voice down. We don’t know who might still be awake.”

Yao glanced toward the door, then got up and checked the hall. Empty. She closed it again and leaned against it, exhaling shakily. “Okay. It’s clear.”

They sat close together on Yao’s bed, whispering like girls sharing a dangerous secret.

“Dr. Liu’s stories,” Yao said softly. “he really did all that for her? I would have never thought that they had been through so much together.”

En’en nodded, hugging her knees. “It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? The Moon Prince. The most unreachable man in the empire. And Maomao of all people.”

Yao gave a tiny laugh, though her eyes were glassy. “She’s always been strange, but… she’s also brilliant. Maybe that’s what he saw.”

“Must have,” En’en murmured. “But Maomoa liking him back feels so strange. I wonder what it is about him?”

“I mean, after everything he’s done,” Yao pressed quietly. “He’s the Moon Prince; he could have anyone. But he protected her, carried her, defied rules for her. Maybe she just really trusts him. I think Maomao has a hard time trusting. It would probably be very special for her to find someone whom she can.”

They both smiled faintly at but it faded as silence fell again.

Then Yao whispered, “Do you think they’re in love?”

En’en hesitated. “It sounds like it.”

“I'm happy that her love is something really hard to find,” Yao said with a slight somberness in her voice.

“Yes, it is especially love that is reciprocated,” whispered En’en

"Ah!" Yao gasped audibly, "How were we so blind?"

"What do you mean? How could we have known?"

"En'en, remember the hairpin in Maomao's drawer in her dorm room? It is literally a freaking medical poppy with a moon!"

En'ens eyes widened. "You're right! And it's made from much nicer metal than she could afford. It must have been a gift from him." With a light chuckle," I guess this probably has been happening for a while." A light smile crept on her face.

After a moment, Yao whispered, almost embarrassed, “Do you think they’ve ever... you know...” her fingers nervously playing with her sleeve hem.

En’en turned to her, scandalized. “Yao! You mustn't talk about things like that!”

“I’m just asking!” Yao hissed, cheeks red. “They live under the same roof a lot!”

En’en groaned, “If you keep bringing up things like that, I’ll never get to sleep, mistress.”

That earned a small giggle from Yao, soft but real. Then her expression sobered again. “I just… wish they could be together without having to hide. It’s not fair. He’s the Moon Prince, and she’s just Maomao... well, I guess she is technically a princess, but still. They can’t love each other openly.”

En’en nodded slowly. “No. But maybe… they don’t need the world’s permission. Maybe it’s enough that they love each other anyway. They'll find a way. They will be okay.” With a hopefulness like she was trying to convince herself.

“Yeah, Maomao is very clever when she puts her mind to it,” Yao whispered.

The words hung between them for a long moment, bittersweet and fragile.

“But we can never talk about this again. For her sake.”

Yao reached over, squeezing her friend’s hand gently. “You're right. For her sake.”

The night hummed quietly around them, the rustle of wind, the chirp of crickets, the creak of old wood. Two girls lay awake looking for sleep that would never come for a long while.”

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