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It had been three weeks since you last saw your sister Maomao. She went to the Pleasure District to drop something off at the Verdigris House in place of your adoptive father, Luomen. Once she hadn’t returned a few days later, you grew anxious. You asked the neighboring residents if they’d seen her at all. No luck. You decided to venture out and check the Pleasure District. First, you stopped at the obvious, the Verdigris House, the brothel that took you in as an infant because you were left on their doorstep. Grandma hadn’t seen her since she dropped off her father’s package. You received the same response from Pairin, who was the only courtesan who saw Maomao. After that, you decided to check and ask around the markets. You figured she could’ve gotten distracted if there were new shipments in. To your disappointment, you couldn’t find her, and no one had seen her. You finally returned home to inform your father that you had no luck. She’s known to disappear occasionally, but the fact that no one in town had heard of her whereabouts was extremely concerning. Though your father hadn’t shown much regard for the fact that one of his daughters was missing. With that, he asked for your help making some more medicine. You were learning the way of the apothecary; however, you weren’t as skilled as Maomao and nowhere near as skilled as your father. You preferred literature. Even though you were incredibly stressed, you were expected to carry on with life.
~~~~~~~~~
Eight months later, you snap your head over to the door of your home as you hear it slide open. Maomao had finally returned. Within that eight-month time frame, you received a few letters from her. She had been kidnapped and taken to the Rear Palace. Relief washed over you so quickly. You stood up, nearly knocking the mortar and pestle off the table you were working at, and ran to embrace her. Her arms wrapping tightly around you for the first time ever.
“Maomao! You’re finally home!” You exclaimed.
She stepped back, leaving her hands on your shoulders. “Actually, I’m only back for three days; then I’ll return to the Rear Palace.”
Hearing that, an idea sparked in your mind.
~~~~~~~~~
After some strong convincing, Maomao secured you a job working in the Rear Palace. Usually you’d have to be sold off to work there, but you didn’t have a way to make money back home, and you didn’t want to be harassed by Grandma into becoming a courtesan. The job you were assigned by the administrative bureau was to work as a laundress. That was the job Maomao was given when she was forced here. You started your new life washing clothes, sheets, and any other fabric that had become soiled.
~~~~~~~~~
Your hands kneaded at some sheets in a tub of soapy water. It doesn’t typically get super hot in the Rear Palace, but since it was your first time doing any real physical labor, you were noticeably sweating. The water in front of you grew murkier as you wiped a bead of sweat from your forehead with your wrist. That was your last item to wash for the day, so you wrung out the sheets, walked over to the clothesline, and hung them up. Suddenly, you heard a familiar voice. It was Maomao. What was she doing over here?
“Hi sister, I came over to check how the past week’s work has been for you.” Maomao’s voice was always so monotone. However, it was comforting knowing she was still thinking of you.
“Everything’s been going well! This is so much better than tiptoeing around the Verdigris House whilst avoiding Grandma,” you laughed. “What are you doing in this part of the palace anyway? I thought you were to tend to the Jade Pavilion for Lady Gyokuyou.”
“Well, firstly, I came to drop off some treats for my friend Xiaolan. Secondly, word spread that my sister had come to the Rear Palace, so Master Jinshi and Lady Gyokuyou wanted to meet you. Are you done working for the day? I’d like to take you there now,” Maomao explained.
After you confirmed your work day was over, she grabbed your wrist and dragged you next to her, giving the implication to follow. You didn’t get to see Maomao much, even though you were in the Rear Palace now, but it’s better to know she’s nearby than to wait restlessly at home for her to come home again. The Jade Pavilion was beautiful. Lady Gyokuyou and Jinshi were conversing in the parlor, awaiting your arrival. As you walked in, Maomao cleared her throat to signal you’d both arrived.
“Ah, Maomao, you’re back! And this must be your sister,” exclaimed Gyokuyou. She was even more gorgeous than what the others had described to you. Her eyes were green, a shade most similar to jade. How fitting for her. A truly remarkable beauty. She was holding her newborn daughter. You can tell she got her mother’s looks.
“Good day! Maomao informed me that you and Master Jinshi wanted to meet me. I’d like to say you are ethereal and-,” you got cut off by a voice that sounded like honey.
“Hello! When I heard word of the apothecary having a sister working here, I was insistent on meeting her. I’m glad you took us up on our invitation!” A man you could only assume was Master Jinshi interrupted. He gave you a charming smile, expecting you to be awed. His magic did not work on you, much like how it didn’t work on Maomao. A beat passes, then a disappointing look washed over Jinshi. “It doesn’t work on you either? You really are sisters,” he mumbled loud enough you could barely hear what he said.
You made yourself acquainted with Gyokuyou and Jinshi, and then you were introduced to the ladies-in-waiting for the Jade Pavilion. They were so sweet to you and welcomed you with open arms. Usually, they are stand-offish with girls not from their village; however, since you were raised alongside Maomao, they knew they could trust you. Afterward, you were introduced to the man standing behind Master Jinshi. His name was Gaoshun. He served Jinshi. You noticed he was more reserved than his master. Soon after, you were dismissed, as dinner approached and Maomao had to fulfill her duty as a food taster. As you walked out of the pavilion, Jinshi took note of your demeanor.
The next day, you were back at work. Eavesdropping on the other laundry maids, to hear the newest gossip. While you were kneading the clothes you were washing, a younger girl approached, knelt next to you, and got to work.
“Hi girl! I saw you leave with Maomao yesterday, and I hadn’t seen you around here much before. Can I ask if you’re her sister? I heard she got a job here.” Maomao had mentioned she was dropping something off for a friend. So, you took a guess.
“Hi! Yes, I am Maomao’s sister! She said she was giving a friend some treats before she came and got me. So, does that make you Xiaolan?”
Your inquiry was correct.
“Yes! That’s me!” Xiaolan said with the biggest grin stretched across her face. Maomao was right, she is cute. Like an adorable little sister. You were very ecstatic to have a new close friend with you at work. You were hoping that you could tell Maomao soon. Little did you know, you’d see her a lot sooner than you originally thought.
The next morning as you were draping a huge white sheet over the clothes line, you heard the other servant girls fawning over something, or more like someone. That voice that could soothe anyone seemed to grow closer. A shiver went down your spine. It was Master Jinshi. Why is he here right now?
“Hello there, we met the other day, you’re the apothecary’s sister, correct?” His voice crept behind you. You turned around to see he was much closer than you thought. You confirmed his question with unease. He requested you come with him to his house. Alongside him was Gaoshun, who quite honestly looked amused. You reluctantly followed him, however, he first required you to grab your belongings. As you followed the two men into the outer court with a small bundle of things in your hands, you saw the servant girls, who were once giggling in awe, were now whispering to one another with either confusion or jealousy. Cheeks flushed red, you kept your head down, just enough that you could still see Gaoshun’s feet in front of you.
Fear rushed over you when you reached Master Jinshi’s office. Did you do something wrong? Are you getting fired? So many thoughts rushed to your brain, creating too much head noise, like you were drowning. Suddenly, that noise was cut when Jinshi sat at his desk and began to speak.
“I noticed when we met the other day, you weren’t exactly captivated by my charm. Not that I’m hurt by it, I am actually pleased about it. But to the point, you won’t be distracted by me and could adequately do your work. I have been needing another house maid to help me out. My staff now consists of Gaoshun and another house maid who helped raise me,” he explained.
He further explained what work you have to do around the house, and you’d get more detailed information from his house maid. For once, this job was not something forced. You could choose whether you wanted to continue doing laundry or begin working for a high-ranking eunuch. Although you’d miss your new friend, you chose the latter. Gaoshun walked across the room and pulled a document out from a drawer. Now, placed in front of you was a contract. Jinshi asked you to sign the contract in order to work for him. Usually, the manager of the outer court organizes work opportunities, so this time it felt as if you were signing your soul away. Since this position was undeniably better than your previous assignment, you signed it.
Once that ordeal was over with, they led you to his home. This is where you were greeted by the house maid Jinshi had mentioned. Her name was Suiren and you immediately could tell she’d be strict when teaching you. Maomao worked here for a short bit when she was fired as a food taster and was bought back as a servant to Jinshi, and inevitably returned to the Jade Pavilion as Lady Gyokuyou was pregnant again. You thought she was overexaggerating when she said she was scary. Suiren’s eyes burned into you. She was going to work you hard. The three of them led you inside and brought you to the parlor. You thought you’d get a tour of the place, but they expressed that Jinshi had something important to explain. This is where you understood why the contract was so important. In this lengthy conversation, you learned Jinshi’s true identity. He was the emperor’s brother. The Moon Prince. The only people who knew of this other than his family was Master Gaoshun and his son, Suiren, and now you. Not even Maomao knew. You thought he would’ve told your sister given how infatuated he was with her. This was a difficult secret to keep from Maomao, but you understood why it was necessary.
~~~~~~~~~
About a month had passed since you began working in the outer court for Master Jinshi. Suiren worked hard to shape you into a good house maid, and helped you study for the court lady’s exam. Now as a court lady, you accompanied Suiren on errands to the medical clinic. It wasn’t an actual doctor’s office, but older servant ladies worked there to assess sicknesses and injuries of ladies in waiting and low ranking concubines. However, since you were still new you were expected to take care of simple chores.
Jinshi’s home had been empty besides you and Suiren for a few days, for Jinshi, Gaoshun, and even Maomao went on a hunting trip. Master Jinshi told me he was going to tell Maomao the truth about who he is, but honestly, you knew she would manage to avoid that conversation.
As expected, when Jinshi returned he regretted to inform you that he failed in telling her. Nevertheless, that turned out to be the least of everyone’s issues. On this hunting trip, he assumed his role as the Moon Prince, not Master Jinshi the eunuch. To our dismay, a group of people attempted to assassinate him. A new kind of feifa that could be shot without reigniting and for multiple rounds was used in this assassination. Because of this chaos, Master Gaoshun’s son, Basen, was brought to the outer court as a precaution.
The following morning, you were awoken to shouting coming from the parlor. Troubled hearing this, you quickly dressed and did your makeup and ran out to where the noise was coming from. You found Master Jinshi, Gaoshun, and an unfamiliar face arguing. However, this unknown eunuch caught your interest. You weren’t sure what he was being so insistent on, but he sure looked dashing holding his ground.
“Oh! Good morning. I apologize if we woke you, this conversation should have been brought to my office,” Jinshi caught you staring from outside the door. “Since things are going to be more intense from now on I should introduce you to—”
“Basen. My name is Basen. It’s a pleasure to meet you. And uhm yeah I’m sorry for yelling. Everything is so nerve-wracking now and I’m stressed,” the unknown man blushed. So *this* was Master Gaoshun’s son. Noted. You reassured him that it was okay and introduced yourself. Further, you apologized to Master Jinshi for eavesdropping. With that, you excused yourself to begin your chores.
As the week went on, you noticed Basen stealing glances of you whenever you passed by. Truthfully, it was hard for you to maintain your composure whenever you noticed him staring. There was never a man who had caught your attention before, but Basen, with his ember eyes and tanned skin, seemed to be the first. He had such determination, ambition, and an eagerness to fix what’s wrong. However, in the few times he’s spoken to you, his demeanor would shift entirely. For a man who was a stickler for rules and spoke harshly to those who stepped out of lines, his voice was soft and tender with you. I guess that’s what drew you to him. He never tried to flaunt his position or money like the other eunuchs. He stayed genuine, treating others according to the situation.
Towards the end of the week, Master Jinshi held a meeting in the parlor of his home. Nothing official, only him and his staff, including Basen. He wanted to talk to us about how he needed to reveal his identity to Maomao soon, as he couldn’t keep up his false role forever. In his parlor, there was a table, two seats on either side of the table that could hold two, maybe three people, and a singular seat at the head of the table for Jinshi. Coincidentally, you sat next to Basen and Suiren sat next to Gaoshun. This conversation went by quickly. There was bickering and complaining. But, it was resolved when I mentioned to everyone that my sister would somehow avoid the conversation every time, and rather than planning when to tell her, let it come up naturally. They were reluctant to agree, but knew that was the only option knowing Maomao’s behavior. With the quick end to the meeting, everyone dismissed themselves to carry on with their other obligations except for you and Basen. You stayed because you had finished your chores for the day and just needed a moment to breathe. Basen had another reason for staying. You. After collecting your thoughts, you placed your hands next to your sides to stand up, when someone else's hand settled on your left hand. You looked down towards the touch, then your eyes traced the arm all the way up to meet his eyes, Basen’s eyes. Finally.
“Hey, can we talk? Just for a little bit?” Basen was incredibly red in the face. It was kind of cute. You nodded. He carried on, “This may be inappropriate to admit as a eunuch, but I am absolutely infatuated with you. You consume all of my thoughts, every day and every night. My heart races whenever you glance at me. I just needed to tell you this because I cannot bottle up my feelings for too long. It’s okay if you do not feel the same.”
Your chest tightened. Not in a bad way, but because you felt the same way. “Basen, honestly, since meeting you, I had been working up the courage to admit my feelings for you. You are the most kind-hearted soul I have ever met. I just didn’t know how to bring it up properly.”
You both looked at each other before laughing. Loud enough for Jinshi to take notice and run into the room as if he was missing out on something. During your confession, you had taken Basen’s hands and held them in your lap. As soon as you and Basen realized, you both let go and scooted apart from each other. However, you didn’t act fast enough. Jinshi noticed. You both felt a pit in your stomach form. Although that pit disappeared the second the most shit-eating grin became plastered over your master’s face.
“Soooo, is there something you two want to tell me? Or in this case ask me?” Jinshi always acted like a child behind closed doors, but you know the reason for that. To be fair, he is only 19.
Luckily, Basen took the initiative and explained everything to Master Jinshi. How you had feelings for each other. How you both knew it wasn’t exactly appropriate for a eunuch and a servant to be together. And how you both would remain professional regardless of what Jinshi said. To your surprise, Jinshi laughed, like he actually laughed.
Jinshi pointed out, “You realize you didn’t have to plead your case to me, right? Like you two could’ve just told me. No need to ask permission. I’m not evil.”
The biggest wave of relief settled over you and Basen. Jinshi left you two alone, and you went on to discuss what happens next. Since it still seemed inappropriate to outwardly be in a relationship, you agreed to be friends in the public eye, and could be affectionate in the comfort of Jinshi’s home, where you lived. You wanted to do something, but just to be safe, you grabbed Basen’s hand and led him to your quarters. You shut the door behind you, cupped his face in your hands and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Thankfully, he leaned into the kiss and put his hands around the small of your back. A moment passed, and you pulled away. One look into his eyes and you can tell he was eager to do more. As much as you wanted to, you both had just admitted your feelings minutes ago. Which you reminded him of that. You also told him that you two should probably tell his father before Jinshi starts blabbing. Although he was disappointed, he completely understood and agreed.
~~~~~~~~
Since then, about five weeks had passed. Your father, Luomen, had returned to the Rear Palace to help with Lady Gyokuyou’s pregnancy, as she was bound to pop any day now. More mysteries had been solved by your sister, an investigation of the feifa had gone deeper, and your relationship with Basen had blossomed. Quickly, more people found out about said relationship. These people were Maomao, Suiren, Master Gaoshun, Xiaolan, the quack doctor, your father, and Lady Gyokuyou and the ladies at the Jade Pavilion. Only the people you frequently saw knew, and the two of you intended to keep it that way. At least until this feifa investigation was over. Honestly, your life was much improved. You hadn’t been so happy in a long time. Until, you received the worst news. Maomao was missing.
Panic overtook you. You went to Master Jinshi and pleaded for him to allow you to help find her. At first, he wanted to permit you to help, but he knew you all too well at this point. He knew you would become so distressed that you’d be unable to function. So, he declined your pleas. Instead, he assigned you as many duties he possibly could. Like, doing house chores, running Suiren’s errands, helping out at the doctor’s, even being the replacement food taster for Lady Gyokuyou. The past few weeks of you serving Master Jinshi, he learned so much about you. Thus, he understood the only way you wouldn’t spiral was by being so busy that you didn’t have time to think about it. His answer upset you, but you knew it was inevitable.
~~~~~~~~
You sulked for nearly four months. Staying busy with work from dawn to dusk and being comforted by Basen and Suiren in the night. In this time, Maomao’s biological father, Lakan, took charge and helped Jinshi find out what was happening. They figured out Maomao had been kidnapped by the high-ranking concubine Loulan and her sister Suirei. Or Shisui? You had overheard that Loulan went undercover as a servant girl to befriend Maomao. You had an off-feeling about Shisui, so you avoided her. They had taken your sister to their homeland. No one knew why, however. With further investigation, they realized that every event recently had been strung together. When Jinshi was attacked, new feifas had been used. Connecting receipts and using critical thinking, Lakan and Jinshi concluded Loulan’s father was behind the construction of these firearms. He also was responsible for the assassination attempt against your master.
Although he didn’t want you involved, Jinshi called you into his office to be a part of a bigger conversation. In the room were Jinshi, Gaoshun, Basen, Lakan, Luomen, and Lakan’s son. While they discussed what to do, you realized what needed to be done. You were called into the room to support your family asking Master Jinshi to assume his rightful role as the Moon Prince. They knelt in front of him, almost in a ceremonious manner. Lakan and Luomen requested Jinshi to stand up and lead an army. The final push he needed was you looking into his eyes saying one simple word, “Please.”
After that night, Master Jinshi took on his real identity, Ka Zuigetsu. He began to mobilize his army. It took a few weeks to do so, but many soldiers had already started training harder due to Basen’s tip-off.
The time had come where the Moon Prince’s army was about to leave. You stood in front of Basen with a heavy heart. Your love was going to fight to bring your sister home. You kept your composure, but you were on the verge of breaking. Stepping onto your tiptoes, you reached your hands around Basen’s neck. His dark honey colored eyes looked into yours with a sense of bittersweetness. You leaned in and kissed his plush lips. His arms found his way around your back, slowly pulling you tighter and tighter. You pulled away from his lips and asked him to come back in one piece.
“I can’t make that promise, my love. But I can promise I will be back alive.” The ends of his mouth curved upward slightly.
You pulled him into a snug embrace, resting your head on his shoulder. You would’ve broken down right then if you weren’t in public. Suddenly, they were called into formation to leave. He pulled away and grabbed your hands. Basen could tell if you spoke, you’d cry, so he just nodded. You let your hand linger on his as he walked away, letting your hand fall naturally once he was too far. In all honesty, you couldn’t bear the thought of watching them leave. You dragged your feet as you made your way back home. As you opened the door, Suiren met your gaze. You stepped inside. It was silent. Staring at her, you felt tears in your eyes well up, your face tightened and began to burn, and you frown whilst your lips started to quiver.
“I don’t know what to do…” You said softly, voice breaking. A tear fell down your face.
“Oh honey, I know you’re scared. But all we can do is wait. We will continue doing what we have been doing. In our off time, we can find new hobbies, or maybe you can help out your father in making medicine. Whatever it takes to distract us.” Suiren understood you. She’d do anything to keep you from thinking about the fact there’s a chance Basen wouldn’t come back.
All you could do was wait. You spent your time doing your usual chores, then you’d head over to the doctors to assist in making new remedies, and after that, you would head over to the new school and tutor girls in reading. In the evening, you and Suiren would cook together, trying new recipes, and seeing if they’d be adequate to add to Jinshi’s menu. However, you spent your nights bunching your sheets together and holding them tight to your chest. You’d fight the urge to cry by thinking of holding Basen while clutching your covers. You had only been with him for a couple months, but it feels like you had loved him forever. Fuck. You should have told him you loved him. The two of you had spoken so intimately, but the words ‘I love you’ had never been said.
You blindly followed this routine for nearly two weeks. During the day, no one saw a single emotion from you, because it was at night you let everything out. It got to the point you were numb. Until one night, you were laying in bed. The covers were pulled up over your shoulders because of how cold it was. Your feet rubbed together, attempting to make your bed warmer. Your eyes stung from crying. Now, you were just staring at the wall across from you, trying to make your mind blank. That was until you heard your door slide open. You snapped your head over to the entrance of your room. A tall figure could be seen ever so slightly. The figure walked in and as they got closer you could make out their face.
“Oh my god,” You exhaled as you pulled the person into the tightest hug. It was Basen.
“Hi, my love. I’m here. I’m home,” He whispered into your ear.
He was sitting on the side of the bed whilst he hugged you. That wasn’t enough for you. You pulled him down to lay down with you, saying all of your reliefs. You asked if your sister was found. You asked if Master Jinshi was holding up okay. You asked if Master Gaoshun was back. That’s when you noticed Basen’s face. You cupped it. His face was swollen and bruised. He could tell you noticed.
“I’m okay dear. Master Jinshi's face got cut. He’s all bandaged up now, there’s no need to worry. But, since he got injured, I was the one who had to face the repercussions.”
You kissed his puffy face and grabbed onto his hands. Abruptly, all of your feelings hit you all at once. All of your thoughts you had when he left came to mind. Overwhelmed with emotions, face-to-face, you said it. You told him how much you loved him. Coincidentally, he wanted to tell you the same thing, but with a few more things.
“I love you so much. You are the light of my life. Being away from you made me realize something, that I never want to lose you. Will you be my bride and marry me?” The words came from him so easily.
“Yes, oh my goodness, yes.” This is the moment you’d been waiting for.
It might’ve been a sick thought to have, but you were glad Maomao was taken here.