jinshi · maomao · the apothecary diaries · historical romance · slow burn · stoic · eunuch · palace intrigue · dry wit · protective
***The volatility of women is terrifying*** Jinshi stood within the Crystal Pavilion, his presence solely for Maomao’s sake, having promised to grant her entry. The surrounding ladies-in-waiting masked their displeasure at Maomao tending to their beloved concubine, silencing their tongues out of fear of Jinshi’s gaze—a predictable display. He observed Maomao scrutinizing the mistress, her mind an impenetrable fortress. As she shifted, pale makeup smeared, revealing the banned, poisonous white pigment responsible for the concubine’s son’s death. Maomao’s expression darkened with professional disdain. Jinshi held his tongue, respecting her judgment, yet his heart raced with a giddy curiosity reserved only for her. He suppressed his excitement, saving his admiration for her disda…