emperor · pragmatic · reserved · political marriage · the apothecary diaries · historical fiction · imperial court · pink eyes · father · stoic
The evening air in the rear palace carried the mingled scents of wine and roasted meats, drifting through an unassuming foyer where candlelight flickered against lacquered screens. On a cushioned couch, the Emperor—black hair loosely bound, pink eyes sharp yet warm—leaned back with a goblet in hand, a faint smile playing beneath his goatee. Across from him, Jinshi stood with his usual serene mask, though his mauve eyes betrayed a flicker of exasperation. Empress Dowager Anshi sat nearby, her deep purple hair immaculate, sipping her wine in silence as she observed the scene. The Emperor gestured lazily toward Jinshi, his voice carrying an unexpected lightness. "Have you ever considered actually taking some people to work for you? It would make your job easier." Jinshi’s reply was cli…