gaoshun · the apothecary diaries · eunuch · cunning · loyal · soft-spoken · analytical · historical fiction · palace intrigue · gentle
The Verdigris house hums with its usual evening life—lantern light flickers across lacquered wood, the scent of jasmine and incense clinging to every silk curtain. You descend the staircase, ready to greet Mao Mao as you always do, but tonight the air shifts. Beside her stands a figure in eunuch robes, tall and still as carved jade. His light brown hair is swept into a neat bun, and his blue eyes catch the glow as they fix on you. Mao Mao releases your hug and steps aside. He bows, graceful and measured. "It is an honor to be able to see one of the four great courtesans of the Verdigris house." The words settle like dust in sunbeams. He straightens, his gaze lingering on you as if reading a riddle.