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Li’s relationship with Hokuaren was tricky — it was a collection of small countries to the north, labelled as ‘weak’ and stock-full of political issues that Li avoided getting involved with at any cost. However, due to their recent ‘kidnapping’ of the Fourth Prince, they owed somewhat of a favour. True, they had gotten the Prince back safe and sound, even healthier than when he had arrived, but at the same time, half of the ordeal occurred due to Li’s own issues.
They settled on hosting a parade of merchants in the capital, displaying the wealth of their lands and that which they could provide. At the head of this engagement stood a highly ranked emissary, therefore a banquet was due as an adequate welcome.
This was not an occasion large or formal enough to warrant the presence of His Majesty, therefore it was Jinshi’s job to sit front and centre on the jaded throne. Adorned in an indigo blue robe stitched with golden threaded designs of a phoenix, he was perfect for the role: the one who de-escalated the situation would now be the one admiring hefty gifts and reveling in the festivities — if only it were anybody but Jinshi.
Up until the moment he had to step out of his room, his youthful face was about to develop jowls from how much it was drooping in anguish. Not only had the entire ordeal with Hokuaren been an incredible mess Jinshi was not at fault for and yet had to clean up, it also resulted in the kidnapping of his favourite, trusted apothecary. The only positive from that week of great discomfort was Maomao’s acceptance of his feelings, though Jinshi sincerely wished it didn’t require such drastic measures.
At the banquet, she sat behind him, masked by a thin curtain through which she could observe the guests, but they could not see her. She seriously doubted anyone would poison the Moon Prince at the reconciliation celebration, but someone in his position could never be too careful.
How much longerrrr? Maomao’s vacant stomach complained along with her wandering mind.
Originally, she was not intended to attend this banquet. Lakan would be present, as he too had to play his own very unique role in the Western capital, and that meant Maomao would situate herself on the opposite side of the palace. However, when Chue came innocently knocking at the medical office’s door, asking if anyone knew of any good food tasters for the oh-so-dear and fragile Moon Prince, nobody questioned ratting her out.
You reap what you sow, I suppose, Maomao sighed, and returned to silently observing the proceedings, for the lack of action on the table.
Before the feast would begin, it was customary to welcome and personally greet all the guests as they made their way down the centre. Jinshi sat and conversed with them, for only slightly longer than what was perfectly acceptable as polite.
Upon hearing that their Prince had to travel all the way to Li to treat a simple rotten tooth, Hokuaren felt deeply ashamed. They had all the appropriate healing skills, along with an abundance of medicine unavailable in Li; this was their opportunity to show off and not lose face. Furthermore, rumours had sparked that the Moon Prince often solicited information on rare medicines such as bezoars, velvet antlers and many more. Only about a year ago, a substantial shipment came through to the capital containing many such rarities. Not only would they show off their riches, but they also aimed to replenish his collection.
Finally, the high ranking emissary made his way down the centre along with his most valued apprentice and their aides trailing close behind. As they approached the throne, the man stepped forward and stooped low into a bow, the young lady behind him following suit.
“Sir Azamat and his company, you may rise.” Jinshi coolly commanded.
As he rose, Sir Azamat began, “It is a great honour to be welcomed so warmly here, your Highness. This feast is far too large and courteous for all the trouble we have caused you.”
“It is my honour to welcome you to Li. I hope you have enjoyed your stay so far, and continue in doing so.” Jinshi answered with a slight nod of his head, along with that signature smile.
“We have, your Highness. Your's and the country’s generosity does not go unnoticed.” The envoy responded, before beginning his sales pitch. “As you may have heard, I come from a long family line of healers and medics,” Maomao’s ears suddenly perked up, “therefore, as a token of our gratitude for your benevolent behaviour, we hope these gifts are to your liking.”
Swiftly, the apprentice behind him stepped forward to be level with her father, and lowered her head behind her draped sleeves. “This is my eldest daughter, Jansaya. She is my most honourable disciple, and I trust her a great deal.”
Of course, Maomao remarked privately. These sort of events never failed to include at least one woman who would make an excellent suitor for the Prince. In fact, Maomao noticed that today was unusually lacking in flowers, however, it became abundantly clear that this choice was to make the centerpiece stand out even stronger.
“It is an honour to make your acquaintance.” Lady Jansaya introduced herself to Jinshi. Her luscious hair was neatly arranged atop her head, held in place with numerous delicate hairpins. In an attempt to conceal her foreignness as much as possible, she was dressed and made up in Li’s typical fashion. It appears the envoys were well aware which faction aims to have Jinshi take the throne.
“The pleasure is mine.” Jinshi responded, and offered a smile Maomao could not witness, but would surely see right through.
“Moon Prince, have you perhaps heard of tiger bone wine?” Lady Jansaya posed the unexpected question to the Prince.
“I have.” Jinshi responded plainly, but inside, he felt giddy and proud to be confronted with Maomao’s teachings in real life.
Instantly, two aides carrying a large chest stepped forward, which the woman gracefully opened and removed the aforementioned wine. “This is the oldest one our family has. It has been passed down generations, and I leave it in your hands.”
“That is very generous of your family,” Jinshi remarked. Wow! Maomao will love this! I wonder what she’s thinking back there now?
Maomao was in fact thinking how much she would love to scarf all that down this instance. Unfortunately, being the dutiful poison taster, she could only get treated to a sip.
“If I may,” Lady Jansaya removed the seal after Jinshi curtly nodded and graciously poured the Prince a half a cup, which was passed along to Maomao behind the curtain.
Awfully bold of her, Maomao thought. Tiger bone wine was a known favourite night-time treat of the emperor’s. Such an offer could only have one interpretation. What is he thinking, accepting this? She knew his stamina would not withstand it.
Maomao, please drink it all! Jinshi tried his best to telepathically communicate with the girl behind the curtain, but without her being able to see his eyes, his attempt was fruitless. The cup was returned to him unscathed, barely a millimeter trimmed off the surface.
With the distribution and indulgence of racy drinks, the festivities took off. Each guest took their seat, the envoys adjacent to Jinshi’s raised platform, and servers scurried in like ants carrying trays heaped with delicacies.
As the night ran on, Maomao noted how Lady Jansaya continued to converse with Jinshi. As expected. This was her role, after all. The noble women presented to the Prince were in a constant losing battle attempting to lure him in, charm him, whatever it took to be the chosen one. However, this fateful evening, she seemed the luckiest belle of all balls, for Jinshi returned the conversation as passionately as ever. Whatever it was that was keeping him entertained was being handed to him wrapped in cloths, or written on little slips of paper or wood. More plates arrived, and more notes were passed between the Moon Prince and Princess. Eventually, the crowds chose to stuff their mouths with food over words, therefore Maomao could piece together some conversation taking place in front of her.
“I’m sincerely grateful for Your Highnesses' interest in the fruits of our land. Might I perhaps make one last offering?” Lady Jansaya continued.
“I’ll allow it,” Jinshi said.
“How sincerely kind of you. This is a salve used by many in our land. It is one of our national secrets, but I believe a man as benevolent and brave as yourself should have the opportunity to try such an item. It is particularly adept at healing damaged tissues, reinvigorating the skin until it is like new. I made this with my own humble hands. I hope it is up to your standard. If you will allow, I will try some to demonstrate that this concoction is safe.”
Ha! If only she knew how much he loves those scars of his, Maomao scoffed in her mind. Was it not thoroughly rude to provide ‘healing’ skincare to the Prince famous for his scar? This won’t go in her favour.
“I’ll take it!” The words sounded out of Jinshi’s mouth and echoed around the hall.
…Fading damaged skin tissues… oh, she must mean scars! That’s right! Now I’ve never seen Maomao’s arm, but remembering the looks on those ladies' faces I’m not sure it’s not a pretty sight. She did promise me she would stop experimenting on herself, but considering she still covers it, there must be some stubborn marks left. I don’t want her feeling insecure… She’s so talented, she would’ve definitely faded the scars by now if she could. Surely those ingredients from Hokuaren are the missing piece!
Wait, but if I give her this will she think that I think that she’s not pretty with scars? But I’ve never even seen the scars so it’s not like I can say they’re ugly. Will she think that I think that she’s insecure? Ugh, I wish I could turn back and look at her to gauge her reaction better, does she even want this? How do I give her this and let her know I still lov– too soon – like her no matter how she looks?
You know what, I think if she wants this she will be much unhappier if I don’t get it than if I get it and she doesn’t want it. Even if she never uses it, it might be interesting to study this woman’s technique and handiwork. There, I’ve made my choice, enough thinking!
In the 3 seconds it took for the envoy to rub the lotion into her skin, the monologue passed through Jinshi’s mind before he proclaimed ‘I’ll take it!’ a tad too enthusiastically. With everyone’s attention now glued to the sight, a softly smiling Lady Jansaya dared to reach across her table and graze his scarred cheek with the cushion of her thumb, before dropping the salve into his palm.
A spoon could be heard dropping and clattering behind the curtain. Maomao’s mouth fell open before closing back up mutely, like that of a fish.
“Awh, what a pure young fellow! It despairs me to think that he’s now insecure in his own skin because of that one wicked woman. No wonder he stays away from the rest!” Similar hushed remarks echoed throughout the audience engrossed in the play. It seemed the Moon Prince had finally found the woman that would take care of him and nurse him back to the confident, brave young soldier he previously was. A love story was blooming between the young guests' eyes, whilst the merchants began to hear the clinking of coins in their future, and quickly got down to business.
“It seems the rumours were right! The way to the Prince’s heart is through medicines. What a noble, selfless interest, one truly fit for a Prince. Quick, write down whatever was brought today so we can bring even better gifts for next time!”
Maomao was lucky she could not see the expression sitting on her own face at that moment, for she would surely not recognise herself. Her lifelong hobbies she could have been persecuted for were now being attributed as those ‘fit for a Prince’. Hobbies that the Prince in reality, held no interest in. This was not the only concern plaguing Maomao. If he wanted a healing salve, he could have just asked, the thought circled and ran laps around Maomao’s mind as she sat motionlessly watched the pair like a hawk, so appalled by the incident that she completely ignored the cooling plates on her table. It was Chue who broke her out of her reverie, popping her head in from in front of the curtain.
“Miss Maomaoooo! I’m glad my dying words got through to you, but there was another vital part you seem to have forgotten! It's important to not get carried away by your emotions, especially not when there’s a perfectly good, hot dish losing steam right in front of you! If you don’t eat soon, I might just snatch it up for myself!” Chue said with a provoking tone, clearly enjoying the turn of events a lot more than Maomao.
Finally, Maomao apprehensively scooped up a ladleful of lukewarm soup and let it slither down her gullet. Please let this be poisoned, she prayed. That would at least explain the sour taste stuck to her tongue.
Unfortunately for Jinshi, there was no poison in any of his meals, and that meant he chose to summon a very bitter Maomao once the guests were dismissed. Gaoshun warned him that it was late, and Maomao was probably getting ready for bed, if not already asleep, but Jinshi was insistent that she wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing he was in possession of so many wonderful medicines and had yet to give them to her. After some time, she entered the room discreetly with a bow.
“How did you enjoy the banquet?” Jinshi asked with a mischievous smile plastered over his cheeks.
Did he really call her to his office this late in the night to ask her if she had fun? This couldn’t have waited until tomorrow? Keeping her voice level, Maomao responded, “It was perfectly fine. None of the dishes were poisoned, which is a relief.”
“Of course, of course. Anything else you feel the need to comment on or ask about?” Jinshi kept trying to egg her on, the playfulness in his voice becoming more transparent.
“No, nothing of value occurred.” Get to the point. Her mind demanded, though her voice remained cool and collected.
Jinshi childishly teased, “Nothing of value, huh? What about all these I got for you!?” and pulled out a tray hidden beneath his table and proudly set it out in front of Maomao. It contained everything this woman had given to Jinshi neatly laid out, in an appealing, enticing manner. Clearly, he had put quite some thought into the presentation. With that awfully confident leer returning to his face, he proceeded, “I understand you can’t carry this all back to the dormitory with you like this, so we will pack up half for you now, and deliver the other half another day."
Maomao looked down at the tray, then back up at Jinshi. She did this once again, her eyebrows sinking lower this time. “That won’t be necessary, sir,” she said, as plainly as ever.
“Hm?” Jinshi was still smiling genuinely, but now his head tilted to the right.
“I appreciate your generosity, but I won’t be taking these back with me.” Maomao confirmed.
“What?” Jinshi’s expression completely dissipated in disarray. His eyes were now wide, eyebrows ready to jump off his face, and jaw half slackened.
Maomao continued to stare back at him, totally deadpan.
“You can take them home one by one if it’s easier?” Jinshi offered, still thinking that the transport of goods was the problem at hand.
“No sir, I will not be taking any of them.” Her tone was sharper now. She was tired of repeating herself.
“Any? You don’t want any of it?” Jinshi was lost. He glanced over at his staff who kept up an incredibly strained smile, except for Maamei who gave up the façade and stared at him harshly. Wanting to avoid being turned to stone, Jinshi looked back at Maomao, but that didn’t seem to be a much better option. “Why not? Is there something wrong with them?”
She let out a quiet grumble. There didn’t seem to be anything particularly wrong with any of the medicines, and she didn’t exactly want to lower the reputation of the merchants by lying when importing these medicines could actually be useful.
Instead, she inquired, “Is this how you usually obtain the medicines you give to me?”
There was an awkward pause as Jinshi was trying to figure out what the right answer was. If she meant talking and negotiating with merchants, then that’s exactly what happened each time.
“...Yes?” He answered, seeming confused by his own response.
Finally, he realised something was gravely wrong when even Gaoshun and Suiren broke and facepalmed at his response. “What’s going on? If something’s not to your satisfaction, please tell me clearly!” He shot back nervously at everyone this time.
Maomao took this as permission to step forward towards his table, her eyes set upon one object in particular. She picked up the salve and peeled back the parchment. Without any hesitation, she dipped the end of her pinky finger in and retrieved a small blot of the treatment, which she deposited on the back of her opposite hand. She massaged it in and took an apprehensive sniff.
That’s their big secret?
With a resigned sigh, she began, “Sir, this salve contains a medicine extracted from willow bark. This treatment will work well on scars, but it will cause areas of your skin to peel away, so that healthier, new skin can grow in its place. Hokuaren does not experience sunlight as harsh as ours, therefore this treatment is more suitable to their climate than ours. If you intend to use this, then I do not suggest doing so often, as you may severely burn your skin when you find yourself under the sun.”
Jinshi sat there, wordlessly blinking at Maomao.
“It is not a poison, but it can be damaging when used incorrectly. It is a little concerning that the envoy failed to mention this. It would not have been very nice to walk around with a big red burn on top of the scar.” Although, he of all people would enjoy that. “One you couldn’t wash off at the end of the day, sir.” She felt it necessary to clarify.
Maomao said the vital medical information. That’s it. She didn’t need to say anything else, yet she couldn’t stop her mouth from moving. “Are my skills no longer to your satisfaction, Master Jinshi?”
Jinshi awoke out of his silent trance. “Huh? Wha- What?” Maomao remained upright, awaiting a response. “I think if anything, you’ve just further proven your expertise,” he answered, a little bashfully.
She subtly nodded, then spoke up once again. “There are many talented doctors and apothecaries out there in the world sir, with skills and equipment I will never have at my disposal. In spite of all of them, for your safety, may I request that you continue to rely on me? Just as you have used me for my skills so far. If you find any inadequacies in my work do let me know, so I can improve them.” With that conclusion, Maomao settled into a silent, shallow bow.
That way, she would never notice the swell of emotions making their way around Jinshi’s face. The way his blushing cheeks plumped at her strangely unique display of jealousy, along with the way his eyes squinted in victory, but eyebrows furrowed in shame as he realised the way his actions were perceived.
“...Understood.” Was all he could manage to respond, like a subordinate heeding instructions. For the millionth time this night he shifted his gaze over to the supporting cast for some guidance, only to find them all wearing the same, wide-eyed expressions fixed on Maomao. Maamei seemed to have an air of pride surrounding her, Chue and Suiren had their lips pressed into tight grins, and Gaoshun’s forehead wrinkles dissipated from his face for what was the first time today.
“You must be tired. I apologise for summoning you so late.” Jinshi continued. His voice was honeyed, but a subtle rasp from his own lack of adequate rest did not go unnoticed by Maomao.
“You too, sir.” Maomao responded, yet did not budge.
“You’re dismissed. That is if you’d like to go home?” he said with that kind of intoxicating, boyish smirk. Today was a rare, unique display of vulnerability from Maomao, and he was drunk on it already. Jinshi could not help but probe a little further.
Maomao hoped that was the first time he made that face today, however, with how weirdly flirty he was acting she could not be confident in her suspicions. “Perhaps you should not have drank so much of that wine, sir.”
Feeling emboldened, he smiled wider. “Why, I only hoped I could rely on you tonight.”
Maomao’s face twisted incomprehensibly. What the hell is he doing? She glanced over to his staff for some explanation, only to find they had already silently exited the room. Seriously? Right here, right now? Well, I suppose I cannot decline, here goes nothing…“Very we-”
“–I know how much you praise it, and I can't exactly re-seal the bottle. Won't you help me finish it tonight?” Her racing mind was mercifully laid to rest by that statement coupled with Suiren's re-entrance, who held a tray full of the delicacies Maomao only got to sample, along with the remainder of the wine.
After a heavy, pregnant pause, she finished her response, "V- very well," and took a seat beside Jinshi. He didn't fail to notice her blushing neck peeking out from between her parted hair as she settled in to her regular place. The remainder of their intimate evening was spent with Jinshi questioning her on other medicines, her work, friends, and relying on not only her expertise, but her company, comfort and presence.