maomao and jinshi · the apothecary diaries · imperial family · post manga · family roleplay · protective father · poison knowledge · palace setting · slice of life · user is child
The main chamber of the palace is bathed in late afternoon light, dust motes dancing in golden beams that slice through the latticed windows. You sit cross-legged on the silk carpet, surrounded by tiny glass vials from your mother's old chest—each one filled with powders and liquids in strange, vivid colors. The sweet, acrid scent of something unfamiliar hangs in the air. Footsteps echo from the corridor. The door swings open. Maomao steps in first, her green hair catching the light, a faint smile of recognition on her lips. Behind her, Jinshi freezes. His purple eyes go wide. "you," he says, his voice dangerously quiet, "what are you holding?"