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“This was retrieved from a mid-ranking Consort.”
Gaoshun set the small vial on Jinshi’s desk with careful precision, as though even touching it invited trouble. The glass was thin, corked, and sealed with pale wax.
Jinshi’s eyes sharpened. “Confiscated, or surrendered?”
“Surrendered,” Gaoshun clarified. “She reported it herself.”
Jinshi leaned back slightly, relief showing on his face. “That was very wise of her.”
“She said it was sent by her family,” Gaoshun continued. “As a… protective measure.”
Jinshi smiled faintly. “Ah.” The vial caught the light as he lifted it between two fingers. The liquid inside was clear, almost innocent in appearance.“And what was it meant to protect her from?” he asked.
“Deception,” Gaoshun replied. “According to the accompanying letter, it is a truth serum.”
Jinshi laughed softly. “Of course it is.”
“That was my reaction as well,” Gaoshun said. “However, given the source and the potential implications, I deemed it unwise to dismiss it outright.
Jinshi turned the vial slowly, observing how the liquid clung faintly to the glass. He set the vial down. “Most so-called truth serums are little more than sedatives or alcohol-based concoctions,” he said. “They loosen the tongue, nothing more.”
“That is my understanding as well,” Gaoshun replied. “But the family insisted it was developed by a private physician and tested extensively.”
Jinshi’s lips curved. “People are very confident about things they don’t understand…There is one person who could tell us whether this is plausible,” Jinshi said at last.
Gaoshun exhaled. “I suspected you would say that.”
Jinshi smiled. “You object?”
“No, but I worry,” Gaoshun replied, furrowing his brow and folding his arms. “Maomao has a habit of treating questionable substances as puzzles rather than hazards.”
“She also has a habit of recognizing nonsense immediately,” Jinshi countered. “If this is fake, she’ll say so. If it’s real…”
“We destroy it,” Gaoshun said without hesitation.
“Of course,” Jinshi agreed.
>>>>>>>>>>>
Maomao arrived a short while later, her steps quiet but unmistakably reluctant. She entered the office room with a shallow bow, her expression already wary.
“You called for me,” she said. “Is something wrong?”
Jinshi gestured for her to sit. “We have a question...about a serum.”
Her gaze flicked immediately to the vial on the table. Curiosity growing, she decided to try her best to still her face. She has been getting way too excited in front of Jinshi about medicines…and poisons. “Yes, sir, how can I be of help?”
Gaoshun cleared his throat. “A consort received this from her family. They claim it is a truth serum.”
Maomao stared at it for a long moment. Then she sighed. She reached for the vial without asking, examined the seal, and turned it once beneath her nose, careful not to uncork it fully.
“A truth serum,” she repeated. “What an irresponsible gift. Compelling absolute honesty is extremely difficult,” she continued. “But lowering inhibition? Removing the mental restraint that prevents people from saying what they shouldn’t? That’s quite possible.”
Gaoshun frowned. “So it could function as advertised.”
“In a crude sense,” Maomao said. “It wouldn’t force truth. It would simply stop people from caring whether they should speak.”
Jinshi’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Which would be disastrous here.”
“Exactly,” Maomao said. “The rear palace runs on silence and omission. Remove that, and you have chaos. This needs to be disposed of quickly.”
“Agreed… I must admit I’m surprised that you are not trying to try it on yourself?” Jinshi looked at her questioningly.
“Sir, why on earth would I want to spill out everything truthfully. I would like to keep my head on my shoulders. I was raised to be very careful with my words.” Maomao stated very matter-of-factly. Still trying very hard to conceal her true desires.
Of course, I want to try something that rare and fascinating, but I can't let him know that. It might ruin my chances of getting my hands on it.
“Yes, yes, you must not speak conjecture. I know, I guess I should have assumed as much in this situation.” Jinshi paused, looking as if he were debating something in his head. “Would you mind disposing of it for us, then? You probably know the safest way, I assume.”
Don't smile, Maomao, don’t smile!
“Yes, sir, of course. I will see to it being disposed of appropriately.” Taking the vial and giving a polite bow.
“Xiaomao, inform us when it has been disposed of properly,” Gaoshun stated in a firm voice, looking truly distressed.
Maomao nodded and promptly left the room. Not wanting to give them time to change their mind. She shut the door behind her.
“Are you sure about that, sir?” Gaoshun asked, brow creasing even more than normal.
“Yes,” Jinshi waved his arm dismissively, “like Maomao would ever want to open up and say what is truly on her mind, well, more than she already does. I must show her a bit of trust when it comes to poisons, so she doesn't think I'm completely overbearing about it. ”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Maomao scurries to her room, tucking the vial under her pillow.
“HAHAHA,” Maomao chuckles to herself. Tonight, after everyone goes to sleep. I will dispose of this properly. Can metabolism be considered disposed of properly?
Dashing off to quickly check with Suiren about whatever duties she has left for the night.
The quicker I get my work done, the quicker I can bathe and pretend I’m going to bed. The sooner I can try that amazing new concoction!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Later that night, Jinshi and Gaoshun were working another late night in his home office. Lady Suiren came to serve them tea and snacks. “Surien, do we have any special, maybe rare, tea on hand?”Jinshi asked, not keeping his eyes on his stacks of papers.
“Yes, sir, I always keep a variety of tea on hand. Would you like a change of drink tonight?”
“No, no, I was thinking the apothecary deserves a small treat. I'm thankful she showed some sense with that poison today. I would like to reward that behavior. May you fetch and for me and see if she is still awake tonight?” Peering up from his papers, he gave Suiren a hopeful smile. Hoping she wouldn't try to deny his request.
“I'll go fetch the teas, but don't you think it a little la…?
Gaoshun interrupted her sentence, “I'll go fetch Xioamao, IF she is still awake, sir.” The firmness in his voice left no room for rebuttal. Jinshi nodded, looking slightly bewildered, and Gaoshun swiftly bowed and walked off.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Outside her room, Gaoshun could detect a bit of light coming from beneath the doorway. He stood quietly listening. If he knocked and Maomao was in fact asleep, it would definitely wake her up, leading her to be annoyed by Jinshi’s late-night request. Then he heard muttering and footsteps like she was pacing around her room, “This room is fine, but I wish he had given me that stable. Why did he even ask me? He’s so strange, strange, stupid, pretty nymph. They wasted so much potential when they cut off his manhood.”
Well shes definitely awake… and talking a awful lot...
He knocked once. “Xiaomao. Are you awake?”
“Yes…Go away.” Maomao stiffened Crud. Why is he here out of all the nights?
Huff. “Xiaomao, did you drink the truth serum?”
“Yes.”
I figured this would happen. When will that boy learn to listen to me?
“Are you decent?”
“In my sleepwear, but yes… why?”
“I'm coming in.”
Gaoshun opened the door and walked in, seeing the empty vial and an open notebook where it seemed she was taking notes of her experiment.
Maomao stared at him wide-eyed, firmly pressing her mouth shut in a line like she was trying not to say anything if she could help it.
“I thought Master Jinshi asked you to properly dispose of it?” Flicking his hand towards the empty vial. Staring at her like a disappointed father.
“Would you consider metabolism a proper way of disposal?” she asked, weary, not enjoying the look Gaoshun was giving her.
“Technically, yes, but a very unsafe way, and you know that is not what we meant. Master Jinshi is going to be very disappointed in you. He requested you so that he could give you a gift. He was so proud of how you handled the truth serum.”
Maomao shifted uncomfortably. “Gaoshun, I feel uncomfortable. I don’t like how your face looks, and I don't like the thought of Master Jinshi being disappointed in me.”
“That’s called feeling guilty, Xiaomao. Come on, we are going to see him.” He held the door open for her, gesturing for her to exit.
“I don't want to. I don’t want to see Master Jinshi.” But she still walked out the door obediently. Like her mind just wasnt filtering her thoughts instead of trying to talk Gaoshun out of it.
While they walked to the office, uncomfortably. Maomao looked at Gaoshun. “ You have a very stressful job. I'm sorry you have to deal with us. I could make you a cream to help slow down the wrinkles you're getting from always furrowing your brow.”
“No, but thank you, Xiaomao.” Secretly appreciating that someone has finally said out loud that he has a stressful job, but tried to push it out of his mind. He knew maomao wouldnt normally say that out loud.
“Gaoshun, I bet you're a wonderful husband. It’s a shame you're a eunuch. Your poor wife, I bet you were a considerate lover before. To know such bliss and then have it taken away,” Maomao shook her head sullenly.
“Xiaomao, please forgive what I'm about to do.” Gaushun took his hand and firmly placed it over her mouth so she could no longer speak, and then picked her up and started carrying her, picking up the pace they were walking at.
Maomao nodded and simply allowed Gaoshun. Did she enjoy being carried with her mouth covered? No, but did she agree it was for the best for her to simply shut up and get this over with? Yes.
They arrived at Jinshi’s office, opening the door, Jinshi had a smile on his face until he noticed the position they were in. Shooting up from the desk, he dropped the bundle of tea with a horrified look on his face. “Gaoshun W-why What are you doing! Take your hand off her mouth!.
Gaoshun had already set her down upon arriving in the room. He looked at Maomao, “Please tell him what you did, Xiaomao,” and he released his hand from her mouth.
“I drank it,” she said, staring at him with a very monotone look on her face.
“DRANK WHAT!”
“The truth serum, of course.” Looking very dumb founded, like it was the most logical thing in the world.
Jinshi sat down at his desk, his hands covering his face. “UGHHH, Right when I thought you were getting just a smidge of sense when it came to poisons! I was gonna give you a GIFT over it!”
“I think I have a lot of sense when it comes to poison, sir.” Standing proud and giving her chest a beat.
“But not enough sense to know it's not safe to try them alone at night, apparently! What if it was laced with something! You don't know the side effects! Get the emedic Gaoshun!” Jinshi started hitting his head on the desk in frustration.
“The point of doing it alone was so I wouldn't say the truth about stuff to you all. So I think it made perfect sense. I also would have been able to know how to handle it if it were laced with something. Oh, and there is no point in an emedic. I took it an hour ago its in my bloodstream, nice and fully now, sir. We just have to wait for it to wear off. May I go back to my room now? I don’t like being here. You look upset, and I feel guilty. It is uncomfortable…”
Jinshi was about to respond when Gaoshun turned to Maomoa after putting down the emdic and spoke, “I’m sorry, Maomao, but I think it is best if we just bind your mouth and you stay in here with us while we work. That way, we can keep a watchful eye on you in case any adverse effects set in. You may lie on the couch if you wish. I’ll get a piece of cloth for your mouth.”
He went to look in the drawers for a cloth while Maomao sat down on the couch. Huff. “I'm tired of my experiments getting ruined.”
Jinshi looked at Maomoa with a look of frustration, but it quickly turned into mischief. “No, it's alright, Gaoshun, if she wants to experiment, I think I want to experiment with you also. To see what is so fascinating about it.”
“Wh-what do you mean, sir?” Maomao stuttered, afraid of what he had in mind. Was this some type of punishment?
“Go home, Gaoshun, see your wife, get some rest. The apothecary won't need any cloth.” Staring directly at Maomao as he spoke the last sentence. Sending a shiver down her spine.
“But sir, I think that is unwise.” Gaoshun's brow furrowing the worst Maomao had ever seen.
Jinshi's voice took on a very assertive voice “I said, go home to your wife. I think you deserve a break tonight.”
Gaushun looked sorrowful towards the confused-looking Maomao. “As you wish, sir.” With a bow, he started to exit the room. He could give advice all he wanted, but at the end of the day, Jinshi was an imperial, and he could not disobey his command.
“WAIT!” Maomao quickly stood up, looking urgently at Gaoshun. His heart dropped.
This poor girl doesn't want to be alone with Master Jinshi.
“Do you want me to ask the Verdigris house for some books on how to please your wife even without your manhood? You can still be a dutiful husband. A lot of eunuchs are still beautiful lovers.”
Gaoshun and Jinshi both froze with their mouths hanging open. “What the hell have you two been talking about?!” Stated Jinshi after his shock wore off, but when he turned, Gaoshun was already walking out the door.
“GOOD NIGHT, SIR!” He called down the hall.
I’m done for tonight. I'm not getting in trouble with my wife over these 2 idiots.
Jinshi looked towards maomao desprate for an explanation.
She simply shrugged, “ I think that's why he covered my mouth earlier. I'm sure it’s a sensitive subject for him.”
“WAIT! How do you know eunuchs can be good lovers?!” Now he just looked distraught.
“My sisters told me when you bought me out,” she stated simply with no emotion.
His face turned a deep red. “Wait, did you think I was going to do those things to you when I bought you!”
“I did not think there was a high chance. Sometimes I think you might be a secret lover of the emperor. I figured you would stay loyal. No reason to get into trouble over a simple, ugly servant. So, sir, what are you planning on doing? I don't know if I like this experiment anymore. I don't want the emperor to cut off my head.” Her face still looked with no expression, as if she didn't just accuse him of having relations with the emperor. The thought of doing that with his brother made him want to throw up.
“First off, I am not the emperor's lover! Second, why did you call yourself ugly? Don't do that!”
“Well, anyone with eyes can tell I’m not the most beautiful, and remember, sir, I intentionally strive to look ugly. So calm down.”
Jinshi took a deep breath, trying to calm himself and forget about everything that just happened over the past few minutes.
Remember what you wanted to talk to her about its your only chance. To see how she really feels about me. Deep breath in, deep breath out.
Jinshi walked over and took a seat next to Maomao on the couch. “We are just gonna have a little talk, is all, and you can make notes of it tomorrow.” Jinshi gave her one of his sparkliest smiles. In return, she gave him one of her harshest glares back.
Ughh I love it when she looks at me like that.
“I hate it when you look at me like that.”
“Hmmm, and why is that my little apothecary?”
“Because you look like a cheap customer who is trying to trick a girl into thinking he loves them but really just wants a discount or a free night. It's disgusting that you use your looks to try to get what you want. I hate it.” Maomao turned her head towards his desk, which was filled with abandoned work. “And while I'm at it, about things I hate! I hate it when you abandon your work at any chance you get. It's so lazy! You can’t even dress yourself alone, and no one likes it when workers try to skirt responsibility, Master Jinshi!”
Jinshi frowned and shifted uncomfortably. This isnt going as fun as I thought. “I um, I.”
Maomoa stood up in frustration. “And then you have the bright idea of pulling these late nights working to make up for it. Do you know how bad that is for your health!” Now, standing right in front of his face, wagging her finger at him. “You are going to go to an early grave like that. Use those good looks and fake charm to delegate some of this darn work like a smart superior.”
Wait, so she thinks I’m lazy, but also that I works to hard? Hates me using my fake charm but thinks I should use it more? I'm more confused than I was before. At least she half-way sounds like she cares about my health.
“Wait, think I have good looks?” A small smile crossed his face.
“Yes, especially when you smile like that,” sitting back down and pointing at his lips. “Your real one, not the fake one.”
“Oh,” trying to look away, to hide the slight blush that crept on his face. “So um, maomao, what uh … do you truly think of me?” Jinshi started tapping his finger on his leg, trying to look anywhere but at her eyes.
Maomoa looked at him questioningly, like she was trying to gather her thoughts. “Hmmm, well lets find out for sure. Stand up and take your clothes off for me, sir.”
Jinshi nearly choked on air. Whipping his face to look directly at her face, now redder than she has ever seen it before. “Do what! Why!?”
“Sir, its like I told you with Lihaku, I can tell a lot about a person by looking at them up close. But obviously, you can keep your underwear on, sir.” Her voice sounded almost clinical, like she did not realize how indecent it was to ask your boss to disrobe for you.
Jinshi did as she asked while standing in the middle of the room. He tried to stand tall and confident, but it was hard. He felt like he was now the experiment instead of it being the other way around.
Maomao looked him up and down, still showing no emotion or anything that could help him tell how she felt. It was uncomfortable to say the least. “You look so feminine until you take your clothes off, sir.”
How am I supposed to respond to that! Should I be flattered? It's so hard to tell with this woman! I'm just gonna stay quiet.
She took his face in her hand, pulling it down until he was eye level. “You have very attractive eyes. Your lips and skin look very well hydrated and well taken care of.” She reached out and grabbed a piece of his hair. “Your hair, too, it feels very soft and nice. I like it.”
Ughhh, she’s so close I can smell her. She smells so good!
Maomao took a slight inhale of his hair before dropping it. “You smell very good and expensive. I wish I could bottle it and sell it as an aphrodisiac. I'd be rich.”
Okay, that was definitely a compliment, but I still feel like a pretty frog being dissected.
Maomao circled him, looking him up and down. She stopped and grazed her hand down his chest muscles. Making Jinshi’s breath hitch, even though she had not an oz of lust on her face. She moved to his arm, her hand slowly going down his bicep and forearm until she got to his hand. Turning it over and examining the calluses on it, gently rubbing it with her fingers.
Fuck I’m glad I just took medicine with Gaoshun earlier, or this would be a problem.
“Um, did you examine Lihaku this thoroughly?” Jealousy set back in at the realization that he probably wasn't getting special treatment.
“Did I touch a random meathead soldier I’ve only met a handful of times at that moment. No, I did not. I have a bit of sense, even if you think I don't, Sir.”
“I never said you don't have sense in general, just not when it comes to digesting poisons. Wait, why am I getting examined so intently then?” A boyish grin lit up his face.
Maomao scowled back, “Don’t start grinning at me like that just because I said I liked it better. I was just giving a thorough examination, and I trust you. It’s not like you're gonna try to bed for touching your arm. I also think the serum is making me less adverse to touch…. I have two questions, sir, then I will be done.”
Jinshi nodded
Awwe, she trusts me, but maybe a little too much…. I don't know how restrained I would be able to act if I ended up half-dressed, alone with Maomao touching me again, especially without my medication. Obviously, I wouldn’t assault her, but I would definitely see if she was willing for me to ‘take her to bed.’
“Thank you, first, why are you so muscular even though you are a eunuch? What do you do? Also, why are your hands so callused?”
“Oh, uh, well, I was already muscular, and uh I train with Basen and Gaoshun almost every morning. Sometimes we use staffs that's where the calluses are from. I also eat a lot of meat.”
That's convincing enough, right? I hope so.
“Ahh, yes, I guess training with professionals and being able to actually pay for enough meat could explain you being stronger than most eunuchs. Not many have that luxury."
She took a step back. “Thank you for answering my questions, sir.” Straightening her back up, looking at him with as professional an expression as possible, as if she was ready to give a legitimate report, not one to answer a needy boss.
“Master Jinshi, apart from what I told you earlier. I believe that you are well-trained. You are obviously rich and take great care of yourself. Too much, in fact. So much so that it leads me to believe that you put too much of your value into your looks and are a people pleaser. Your self-esteem is actually very low, and you hide your true personality from most.” Jinshi stared at her with his mouth agape. He felt like he just been punched in the stomach with accuracy.
Then she continued, “I like it when you are yourself, sir, but I do not care much for your fake masked version. Even if your real self can be quite immature and annoying, at least it is genuine. That you are more comfortable to be around. I enjoy that Master Jinshi. That is all.
Maomao made her way to sit back down on the couch. Jinshi stood in stunned silence, processing her words. Out of everything he thought she would say, that was not one of them but it felt deeply, deeply valid. “I I will try to be that way around you more if it makes you happy.… You got all of that just from looking at me?”
“Of course not, sir, I used my examination and my previous experiences with you. Why would I form a conclusion without using all of the information I had at hand?” Tilting her head to the side.
“Oh, I guess that makes sense.” Still standing there half-naked, trying to finish processing everything she said.
“Master Jinshi?”
“Yes, Apothecary?”
“You can put your clothes back on, or are you waiting for me to do it?”
With all the shock, he had forgotten that he was undressed. “No, no, I got it. I am capable, you know.” Quickly reaching for his robes, he started to put them on. Awkwardly fumbling to tie them in a partly decent manner.
I think this might be enough questioning for tonight. I don’t think I can process much more. I just need to check on one more thing.
He went and sat back down next to her on the couch. “So be honest, are you feeling okay? No side effects I should be worried about?”
“Master Jinshi, I don't think I have the ability to not be honest right now. Yes, I feel fine. I'm actually excited to review this after the effects have worn off.”
“Okay, good,” He felt a pressure lift off his chest. She is okay, and maybe she won't be too upset with him tomorrow.
Wait, no one more question! I have to ask for her safety!
“Maomao, do you have any more experiments going on?”
"Yes! I have a cage of lizards in my room. I'm trying to figure out how un eunuch you. So if I give you weird teas, please just drink it, sir. And tell me of any progress or side effects!"
Jinshi's eyes widened in disbelief.
What the hell? Why lizards? Now I wish I never asked…
But her face looked overjoyed thinking about her experiment. So much so that Jinshi decided not to ruin her happy mood. Even though he was greatly disturbed.
Yeah, I'm totally gonna have Suiren find those lizards, and I'm not drinking her tea until she does.
“Um, I will definitely let you know if there is any progress or side effects, apothecary.”
“Thank you, sir!” Her eyes shone so bright that he felt almost bad knowing that was never gonna happen or that her experiment, even if she tried it, would be for nothing.
“You look tired. You should go to bed, Master Jinshi.”
“You're right, let me get comfortable.” He pulled out a blanket and placed it on top of Maomao, then he lay across the couch, putting his head on her lap.
“Um, sir, what are you doing?” Staring at him in utter confusion.
“I'm going to take a nap. I'm not leaving you when you could still have side effects. This way I can keep a watch on you even in my sleep,” he grinned while shutting his eyes, knowing full well she was probably scowling again.
“This is very indecent behavior for a boss and his servant, sir.”
“Ha,” He scoffed, “says the girl who just asked me to undress for her. At least I'm not trying to bed you. Unless, of course, you would like to sleep in my bed with me. That could be arranged.”
“No, thank you, sir! If this is my choices I'd rather stay here.”
“You sure I heard eunuchs are very wonderful lovers?” Jinshi's voice was half muffled from snuggling his face on the blanket covering Maomao's lap.
“Sir?”
“Yes, Apothecary?”
“Please shut up.”
Jinshi just giggled and obeyed.
To his mild shock, Maomao started playing with his hair. It was extremely relaxing.
I could fall asleep like this any night.
A few moments later, his breathing eventually evened out, and very soft snores started to come from him.
“Stupid pretty soft hair,” Maomao whispered. Her eyes also started to feel heavy. Warm under the blanket, she started to drift asleep slumping over Master Jinshi.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Gaoshun stood in the doorway, looking displeased as always, with Suiren next to him hiding her giddy smile behind her sleeves.
“Can't we just let them sleep a little bit longer?” she whispered
“I already canceled training this morning, since I knew I would be walking into a mess this morning. He gets one more hour, and that's it. We have work to do.’
“Sounds fair, haha, I just want to know why his hair and clothes look so disheveled. It's like he tried to dress himself. Did you two take your medicine last night?” she asked, glancing up at him, hopeful that they didn't.
“You know we did Suiren, you brought it to us… Although I was thinking that it might be time to talk to him about stopping. We don't want him to become impotent,” whispering so he would not wake them.
Looking at each other with knowing mischief in their eyes. “Yes, it would be nice for him to be able to make an heir someday.” Suiren agreed
They were exiting the room, but before shutting the door quietly, Gaoshun allowed himself a small smile at the sight of the boy he helped raise. Sleeping on the lap of the girl he knows he loves, with a small trail of drool falling from his mouth. Maomao slumped over him loosely, holding a small fist of his hair.
She’s gonna be so annoyed with him when she wakes up.
The thought of which made him let out a little chuckle after he shut the door.