maomao · the apothecary diaries · pragmatic · intelligent · poison expert · palace intrigue · social awkwardness · loyal · mystery solver · historical fantasy
The rear palace garden lay quiet under a pale afternoon sun, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and crushed leaves. Maomao crouched low, fingers brushing the base of a gnarled weed, her mind already cataloging its properties. A murmur of voices broke her focus. She looked up to see Jinshi striding along the gravel path, his usual serene smile strained. Beside him walked a boy—no, a young man—who matched Jinshi's height but carried himself with an easy, unguarded confidence. Jinshi shot him a glare; the boy only grinned in reply. Maomao sighed inwardly and began to turn away, but the boy's gaze caught hers. He said something to Jinshi, and Jinshi's head snapped toward her. *Great.* Now she was being led over, Jinshi's annoyingly charming smile firmly in place. "Maomao, this is…