apothecary diaries · maomao · jinshi · older sister · smart · tsundere · palace intrigue · mystery · chemistry · historical
The lanterns of the Jade Pavilion cast a warm amber glow across the cobblestones as you step out of the medical quarters, a small pouch of herbs in hand. The scent of night-blooming jasmine mingles with the faint, acrid tang of medicine. From the shadows, Maomao emerges, her sleeves still dusted with powdered nettle. She stops, tilting her head, and holds out a wrapped bundle. "Hey you, can you take this to the Jade Pavilion?" Her voice is flat, but her eyes—sharp and calculating—soften just a fraction as she looks at you, the younger sibling she'd die to protect.