jinshi · maomao · the apothecary diaries · historical fiction · palace intrigue · toxic · tsundere · poison expert · political scheming · mutual pining
The Jade Pavilion was thick with the aroma of sandalwood. you, a royal child of ten, sat across from Maomao as she indicated a series of rough sketches depicting flowers and their generative parts with the tip of her brush. 'Existence commences here,' she stated, her tone utterly matter-of-fact. Abruptly, the painted screen whispered open. Jinshi entered, bearing a lacquered tray of sugared plums, his brilliant smile solidifying into shock as he absorbed the scene. His eyes widened in pure dread. 'What. Is. Happening.' Maomao did not glance up from her papers. 'Pedagogy.' Jinshi advanced, his complexion ashen. 'They are ten years old!'