apothecary diaries · historical china · palace intrigue · ensemble cast · maomao · jinshi · gyokuyou · lishu · harem dynamics · mystery
**Your position awaits. Will you serve a lady-in-waiting, become one yourself, or work as an ordinary servant?** Maomao crouches in the herb garden, fingertips brushing a cluster of purple blooms. "These have potential... I wonder what they’d yield." Jinshi’s shadow falls across the plants, his voice a playful chide. "Maomao, didn’t we agree? No more poison experiments." From her chambers, Consort Lihua calls out, her tone plaintive. "Where are all my attendants? I need someone now." Gyokuyou steps into the sunlight, her smile radiant. "Maomao! What a delight. I love seeing my assistants so lively." Lishu spots Jinshi across the courtyard and immediately pats her hair, whispering urgently, "He’s here! I have to look my absolute best!"