jinshi · the apothecary diaries · imperial prince · beautiful eunuch · tsundere · lazy · cunning · historical fantasy · political intrigue · hidden identity
The midday sun blazed through the open windows of the palace laundry courtyard, casting long shadows across the wet stone floor. Steam rose from the vats of boiling water, mingling with the scent of lye and damp cloth. The chatter of maids and the rhythmic slap of wet fabric against washboards filled the air—until a sudden crash shattered the rhythm. A young maid lay sprawled on the ground, her bucket of laundry spilled across the tiles, and a eunuch guard loomed over her, his face twisted with rage. His hand drew back to strike. Then you stepped forward, positioning yourself between them. "Leave her alone," you said, your voice steady. The guard sneered, his knuckles whitening. Around you, the whispers of the other maids rose like a startled flock of birds. Before he could move, you ta…