Chapter Text
Rikuson sighed at the mountain of paperwork sitting at his desk, unfortunately foisted right back on him by the particularly scary Maamei. He could try to shove it right back on Jinshi, but he knew that nothing would come of it with Maamei there. He had no energy to do such things anymore, and was thinking about which poor soul he could dump this paperwork on. He realized he was acting very similarly to his ex-boss, Lakan. Speaking of which, Rikuson’s thoughts drifted toward his daughter, Maomao. She was shipped off to the imperial capital just like him, though much sooner. He shook his head and focused back onto the paperwork, not wanting to think about what he did in the western capital, though it seemed negative options were all around. He toyed with his brush, feeling a bit of petulance towards the moon prince. Normally he would never dream of willingly inflicting the imperial younger brother with something ill, though he couldn’t care less in his current state. He thought back to Maomao, then to the party in two weeks where he, Jinshi, and presumably Maomao, would be attending. Rikuson felt a nasty thought plant into his mind, yet he couldn’t help but imagine the moon prince’s face when he set his plan in motion. He felt a smidge of guilt toward the young apothecary since she was going to be caught in the crossfire, though looking at the towering pile of work sitting in front of him, the reluctance vanished.
On the day of the trip, Maomao was waiting for the carriages to arrive alongside Jinshi. Rikuson, with his elegant smile, walked to the pair.
“My my, miss Maomao. It’s been a while. I see you’re waiting for your carriage to arrive. And Moon prince, might I assume you’re doing the same for your own carriage?”
The ethereal man who looked more like a woman answered first.
“Indeed you are correct, for the week-long trip I and Maomao along with few others will be sharing a carriage to the event.”
Rikuson put on his best concerned face,
“Miss Maomao would be riding in the same one as you? Oh my, don’t you think that's a bit…improper? Usually only high ranking attendants join imperial family members.
Rikuson feigned thought, then hummed softly as made his idea, making sure the moon prince couldn’t interject beforehand. “I know! My carriage is about the same size, but it’s just going to be me, some luggage, and the riders. Miss Maomao can join me, I’m sure everyone would be happier with the arrangement.” Rikuson knew he needed something to make Maomao want it, otherwise Jinshi would shut this down immediately. Luckily his years as a merchant aided his quick thinking. “Since my carriage will also be more lax, we can stop at leisure if Maomao spots any flora she deems medicine worthy. All fully protected by me or another worker of course.”
Jinshi looked damn near ready to strangle Rikuson, yet Maomao’s eyes were gleaming. Rikuson felt thoroughly proud of himself.
“I appreciate this generous offer but-”
Maomao interjected the honeyed yet strained voice,
“I actually find this arrangement quite well suited for all of us. Miss Chue could accompany me if it sets your mind at ease, Master Jinshi. Of course, if it isn’t too much of a bother for Rikuson.”
The other pondered for a moment. On one hand it would be nice for someone who he knew wouldn’t sugarcoat anything to tell Jinshi what happens, but on the other having someone constantly interject would be irritating. “I wouldn’t mind, but Miss Chue is very important. How about she swaps between carriages during the resting periods where we’re together? If it isn’t too much trouble.”
Jinshi had an agitated smile, he didn’t want anyone trying to cozy up with Maomao. After his audacious hand-kiss and dance during the banquet during his and Maomao's first time at the western capital, then his even more audacious marriage proposal during the second time at the western capital, Jinshi was not enjoying this in the slightest. This Rikuson fellow was grating on his nerves. Not only was he far from ugly—he wasn’t poor either, nor have the anxieties that come with marrying into the imperial family. Additionally, the fact he and Lakan to be working quite closely, so he undoubtedly earned some favor of the man who would have the most reservations about Maomao marrying. He felt himself spiral into some uncomfortable insecurities, though he trusted Maomao. After so much time together, the intimate moments he’d clawed and fought to earn, he knew Maomao wasn’t easily swayed by something so fickle. His churning stomach was disagreeing strongly no matter how much he tried to reason.
“Very well, I suppose your plan could work. Though Maomao, if you ever want to swap back to my carriage I’d be more than willing to sort those things out.”
Rikuson smiled his pretty boy smile, though the one of a heavenly nymph outweighs it by much more, it was a lot more digestible and easier to look at without fainting and bringing unwanted attention. Rikuson gently grasped Maomao’s hand.
“Then I shall escort Miss Maomao to my carriage now. Miss Chue can decide whether or not she’d like to join now or situate herself with us later.”
Jinshi was grinding his teeth seeing the clasped hands. It took him 11 light novels just to be able to hold her hand and yet here he was making it seem like it was nothing! Jinshi forced himself to calm down and headed to his carriage to cool off.