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Maomao noticed that Jinshi’s once-relieved expression had faded into one of quiet sadness as the medical staff began chatting about late-night noodles.
The surgery had been a success, a huge weight lifted from his shoulders, and yet his amethyst eyes had softened into something almost boyish.
Longing… she noticed, long before that familiar mask slipped back into place.
He wanted to speak, to insert himself into their easy plans, but of course he couldn’t. A prince did not wander the streets at night for something as ordinary as noodles.
That required preparation, an escort, written permission, and all sorts of other things. Nothing in this man’s world was spur-of-the-moment.
Maomao began to interject, cutting through the enthusiastic conversation echoing through the private courtyard.
You know, I’m honestly feeling exhausted after everything today, she chimed in.
The entire group let out a collective groan of disappointment.
Ugh! Well, if you’re not going, Niang-Niang, then I’m not either! Tianyu chimed in cheerfully, turning his body away from everyone but glancing over his shoulder to catch her reaction.
Promptly earning himself a sharp glare from her and an even sharper one from Jinshi, one that the young physician failed to notice.
The gathering dissolved quickly after that, the promise of noodles fizzling out. Maomao turned toward Jinshi, who lingered, clearly hoping for a word. She could tell just by the way he stood, broad shoulders firm, hip tilted to the side.
Will you walk with me? he asked, voice low and warm.
Of course, Master Jinshi.
Nothing between them was official. At least not yet.
Courting, she called it, although that word didn’t quite sit right with her either.
It reminded her of how wolves paired up for a season, feeling each other out, hunting together. If they survived the winter, they might…
A wave of heat rose in her cheeks. Well, she didn’t need to go into detail!
It hadn’t been long, yet they no longer needed excuses to seek each other’s company.
His presence had gradually become something she quietly looked forward to, a steady warmth she found herself leaning into more and more.
They strolled together through the garden, lit only by flickering lanterns and the occasional spark of a firefly drifting lazily between them.
Conversation flowed easily: work at the rear palace, a curious new herb Maomao had acquired, the absurd political maneuvering that always swirled around him.
Personal matters slipped in carefully, like stepping stones across a stream.
The walk had been deliberately slow, drawn out, as if neither wanted the evening to end at a doorway.
He paused, looking as though he wanted nothing more than to invite her inside, but without a proper reason, he couldn’t bring himself to.
Master Jinshi, she said softly.
He perked up, beautiful eyes catching hers immediately, bright with quiet hope.
Would you like to go out to dinner? The question left her lips with only the slightest hesitation.
His face lit up with pure joy, as if the possibility itself didn’t matter, only that she had asked.
Yes, he replied quickly, a radiant smile breaking across his face. I’d love to!
She felt her own lips curve into a sweet smile as something fluttered warmly in her chest. Well then, she murmured, stepping inside his chambers as if it were the most natural thing in the world, let’s come up with a plan.
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The door slid shut. As expected, the space was immaculate, every surface polished, scrolls neatly arranged, the faint scent of clean linens hanging in the air.
From the interior came the gentle splash of water as Suiren poured a pot of boiling water into a large tub.
Welcome home, young master, Suiren began, her words trailing off as she spotted Maomao. Oh, dear! Miss Maomao,
She could see the older woman’s gears already turning: dinner for two, perhaps another bath, refreshments, another room… or perhaps not.
Maomao smiled, gently taking the empty container from her hands and carrying it back toward the kitchen stove.
Actually… she continued, cheeks warming with the faintest blush, Jinshi and I were thinking of going out tonight.
For a moment, Suiren looked genuinely taken aback. Then a soft, knowing grin bloomed across her face, the kind that reminded Maomao of the romance novels tucked away on Suiren’s shelf.
Something about the older woman told her she understood this fluttering feeling far better than Maomao ever had.
Yes, of course! Suiren said warmly. And as for the bath… well, perhaps,
I’ll bathe after him, Maomao interjected.
After hours of surgery, she was grungy and desperately in need of one. Bathing together, however, was absolutely out of the question.
The two like-minded women settled the matter quickly; there was no sense wasting bathwater. The trickier part was…
Maomao! Jinshi whined.
I can skip my bath tonight, or you go first!
Absolutely not. She scowled up at him, placing both hands on his broad back and pushing him toward the bathroom. You’re going first.
The push accomplished almost nothing, but the intent was clear. He shifted his weight obligingly, letting her push him forward a few paces before slipping from her grip. In one smooth motion, he turned and caught her as she stumbled, scooping her up into his arms.
J-Jinshi! she groaned. You can’t just!
His laughter was low and warm as he carried her off despite her half-hearted protests. I’ll wipe down, and you can bathe, he promised, eyes sparkling with mischief. I won’t peek.
You will! she shot back. The door slid shut behind them with a soft click.
Washing up proceeded mostly without incident. He did peek, but she was ready, flinging a wet rag at him before he could see much of anything.
You couldn’t just let it slide… not even a glance? he whined, his low, disappointed voice muffled by the cloth.
If I give an inch, you take a mile! She turned away, cheeks flushed. I didn’t think you were one to break a promise so callously!
Well then, perhaps that’s something I need to work on, he teased, shooting her a sickeningly sweet smile. I’m sorry, he added in a low voice, his breath stirring the steamy air.
Think of it no more, she replied with frazzled forgiveness.
For a moment, it went quiet as he washed while she soaked.
The hot water soothed the day’s exhaustion from her body, leaving her feeling light and refreshed by the time she emerged, pale-pink skin covered in thousands of tiny droplets. She reached for a towel.
Suiren had laid out a set of clothes for her. Maomao dressed quickly and applied just a touch of makeup.
Meanwhile, Jinshi sat comfortably on the chaise while Suiren gently dried his long, silky hair, makeup tools already laid out and ready.
Maomao cracked her knuckles and got to work.
Getting ready took nearly an hour, but neither was in any huge rush. After all that had transpired, tomorrow was an off-day. She shuddered at the memory.
Jinshi was made up in the familiar fashion: a cosmetic burn and a cloak draped across his broad shoulders.
For now, she kept the hood down, tying his hair back with a plain cloth and a bit of burlap. Even now, he was devastatingly handsome. The charcoal she’d smudged beneath his eyes didn’t leave him looking even half as fatigued as she did.
Her thoughts drifted as she closed up the last bit of the makeup. Life would be so much better if someday they could leave this kind of thankless work behind. It had already taken two whole hours just to prepare for this simple outing.
If she had gone with the rest of the medical staff earlier, they would have been back by now.
Nothing about this was ideal. The secrecy, the planning, the distance…
Jinshi caught her eye in the mirror, his gaze softening as if he could sense the swirl of troubling thoughts.
He felt guilty; she felt guilty. I wouldn’t do it for anyone else… she thought as he reached out and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles.
She squeezed back. But if that’s what it takes to spend time together, then I will…
Ready to go? he asked softly, voice warm with quiet joy.
Ready, she said, a small, determined smile curving her lips.
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The carriage dropped them off a short distance from the Verdigris House, which was just now opening its doors to late-night customers and already bustling with life. Maomao pulled up her own hood and nodded for Jinshi to do the same.
They slipped past the lively building and into the winding streets of the night market, a modest handful of coins tucked away and a silver hairpin hidden in her robes, just in case.
It was a quick solution, a contract in its own right. If things ever went truly wrong, it served as collateral, but also came with a warning: this is who you’re dealing with, so tread carefully.
Thankfully, the noodle shop wasn’t too crowded. They took a spot at a low table, sitting on the polished floor across from one another.
The server quickly set down two cups of hot barley tea with a clunk.
No menus here, just the one dish: late-night noodles and complimentary tea.
Jinshi’s eyes widened as Maomao savored the quiet surprise on his face. He was so used to refined service that these small, unceremonious gestures seemed to delight him.
A group of burly-looking men at a nearby table called out as the server rushed past, Sake please! Maomao did the same, earning a few glances.
The serving woman didn’t respond verbally, but the request was certainly heard.
It wasn’t that women couldn’t drink, but those who did publicly often fit a different profile: older, divorced, widowed, in short, women without prospects.
Maomao was young, and even though she wasn’t a conventional beauty, some might say she was gambling what little allure she had left.
But the stigma didn’t bother her. It only made her think of her sister Joka, throwing back liquor amid a plume of fresh tobacco. She’s got enough allure for both of us!
The server swept by with trays, setting down bowls of hot noodles and a jar of cloudy liquid near the center before hurrying off again.
Jinshi stayed quiet, taking it all in. He was usually so extroverted, yet here the fast-paced, unpolished energy left him momentarily observant.
So, what do you think? she asked with a small smile.
I think it’s wonderful! he replied, genuine delight in his voice. I had no idea places like this were open so late.
Well… technically, it was illegal. There was a curfew on paper, but this particular night market was always checked last by the guards.
Some shady dealings were involved, but it had been this way since she was a child. As long as they kept their wits and left by 2 a.m.
They would be fine.
Jinshi eyed his noodles eagerly. But Maomao leaned in first, tasting both bowls under the guise of preference.
Jinshi, how do you feel about spicy foods?
Maomao? He gave her a puzzled look.
She knew he liked them, even if they were considered low-class fare.
You know, I don’t really like mine too spicy, she lied, raising her voice just enough to carry. Could I try both to see which is less spicy?
Understanding dawned. He pushed his bowl toward her.
She tasted both discreetly, confirmed they were safe, and nodded.
The noodles were egg-based, long, thick, and delightfully chewy, drenched in an oily sauce rich with garlic, spice, black vinegar, and just a touch of sweetness.
No meat kept the price low, letting them enjoy all the sugary spice they wanted.
Maomao doused hers in extra vinegar to cut the sweetness a bit, while Jinshi began slurping with childlike enthusiasm, his face flushing red and his nose beginning to run from the heat.
Maomao laughed, pulling a napkin from her robes and handing it to him. He accepted it with a grin that made her heart squeeze.
Before she accidentally downed all her noodles, she reached for the sake. The cheap, cloudy brew was nostalgic and warming.
She took a few good gulps, letting the back-country sweetness mingle with the spice on her lips.
Jinshi watched. Maomao smirked and held the jar out to him. Take a swig.
He hesitated only a second before accepting, their fingers brushing ever so slightly. They ate, drank, laughed, and quietly celebrated the Emperor’s good health.
The simple shared meal felt like its own sort of rebellion.
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By the time they left, she was tipsy, and he was a bit drunk, but the cool night air helped sober them as they made their way back toward the carriage.
They passed the Verdigris House again, its clamor spilling into the street.
Maomao could have sworn she heard a familiar chorus of moans drifting from Pairin’s room, confirmed when Jinshi looked away bashfully, ears tinged red even in the dim light.
They reached the pickup spot with time to spare, still chatting softly under the cover of night. But as the hours passed, the carriage was nowhere to be seen.
Not good. A sudden blockade? Or perhaps extra clearance?
Either way, it wasn’t safe to be out for too long, and waltzing up to the front doors of the Verdigris House was out of the question.
Master Jinshi, Maomao began, voice low and practical, let’s assume the carriage got caught up… He listened attentively.
I think we should stay at the Verdigris House tonight.
His mouth fell open in a way that stripped away every ounce of his usual grace. M-Mao Mao!
She wanted to smack him. Who’s lascivious now!
I know a way into the apothecary shop, she corrected quickly. We can sneak in and spend the night there.
Mm. was all he managed, clearly far too pleased with how the night was unfolding to form proper sentences.
She reached out in the darkness and took his hand, fingers curling together as she led him to the back of the building.
She searched the familiar stones until she found the spare key she kept hidden. It turned with a soft click.
The door creaked open, releasing a wave of herbal scent into the cold night air. The room beyond was dark and still.
They paused together in the doorway, both suddenly hesitant. Something about it felt strangely… inappropriate.
Maomao had spent most of her teenage years working here, and now, fully grown, she was sneaking someone in to spend the night.
I wonder what the madam would say if she caught me…
He seemed to sense it too, exactly what she was thinking.
A shared bashfulness hung between them in the silence before she finally stepped inside on quiet feet.
The door creaked shut behind them.
Maomao rummaged for the extra blankets she kept stashed and settled on the floor next to him.
Once they were all bundled up, she laid her head on his chest as he rested his back against the wall of drawers.
His heartbeat was strong but steady as he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer.
Mao Mao, he whispered, his free hand stroking her hair with surprising tenderness.
Yes, Jinshi?
Thank you.