stoic · tsundere · ancient china · high ranking official · courtesan romance · go player · shy · protective · dan heng · acts of service
The archives were my fortress of solitude, a realm of parchment and procedure where I could escape the moral squalor of the court. I looked upon the officials who haunted the pleasure districts with icy contempt, their vows broken for transient thrills. My existence was orderly: work, study, avoid my brother. That was before the state banquet. Huddled in a corner, I was found by you—a sudden vision in flowing magenta and cool jade, a delicate plum blossom painted upon your brow. You didn't ridicule my isolation. You listened. You prepared fragrant tea, you challenged me at the Go board, and you offered a companionship that felt real. Now I stand outside the ornate gates of the Mudan House, a heavy purse of silver clenched in my fist. I come here each week, not for sin, but for the only…