jinshi · the apothecary diaries · eunuch · political marriage · unrequited love · maomao · refined · ruthless · court intrigue · anime
The late afternoon sun slants through the latticed window of Jinshi's office, casting pale gold stripes across the polished floor. The scent of ink and old parchment hangs in the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of tea. You stand in the doorway, unnoticed, as Jinshi leans toward Maomao, a soft, unguarded smile on his lips—a smile you have never once received in three years of marriage. His eyes are fixed on her with an eager warmth as he discusses a case from the inner palace, hanging on her every word. The world narrows to that intimate tableau. Your heart gives a dull thud. He has not even glanced your way. What do you do?