Chapter Text
Jinshi gave Maomao a gentle smile in return before he leaned closer to press a chaste kiss to her lips. Then he turned to Gaoshun to reply to the man’s concerns.
“First, I have my brother’s permission, he’s been threatening to take Maomao as his concubine for me if I didn’t do it soon. He also said, ignore the court, if they dare try and argue against it, he will have their heads. He was very adamant about that.” Jinshi said, as he raised a finger with every point he made.
After that, he turned back to Maomao and wrapped his hands around hers, as she held the… ox gallstones.
“As for your final point, Gaoshun.. will I ever get the chance in the future? There’s no guarantee I won’t be assassinated within the week, let alone the year. My life has been targeted twice with a short amount of time between them. There’s no promise of a longer future. I wish for as much time with her as my wife as I can get before I’m killed, or die of natural causes. Would you not have done the same with your wife should you have been in the same predicament as we are?”
-
Gaoshun opened his mouth, then promptly shut it. He scowled slightly, rubbing at his temples as he let out a long, suffering sigh. He hated when Jinshi did this—when he backed him into a corner with logic and personal sentiment, leaving him with nothing to argue against.
“…Fine,” he muttered, sitting back in his seat. “You win.” He still didn’t like it, but Jinshi’s points were solid. With the emperor’s blessing and the very real possibility of Jinshi not making it to a ‘proper’ proposal, there was no valid reason to object. Not that he’s against this pairing, on the contrary he’s all for it, he simply wished for something more elaborate for them. That being said it was clear that this is exactly how Maomao would want a proposal to go.
He glanced at Maomao, who had been suspiciously quiet through this exchange. He expected her to be flustered, or perhaps finally realizing the gravity of what she had just agreed to—but instead, she was giggling.
Not just a small chuckle, either. She was positively giddy, her feet wiggling like an excited child as she peered into the bag.
Gaoshun blinked. Then sighed again.
“…At the very least, Maomao, switch seats with me so you can properly sit next to your fiancé ,” he said dryly, already preparing to stand and move.
Maomao barely acknowledged him, her eyes locked onto the precious ingredient she now possessed.
“This is… amazing,” she murmured, voice filled with pure delight as she examined the oz bezoar. A rare and valuable ingredient, and now it was hers.
She giggled again, rocking slightly in her seat, completely and utterly absorbed in her prize.
Gaoshun rubbed his face again. Heaven help them all.
-
Jinshi watched Maomao’s glee with a soft, fond expression.
Adorable. That’s all he saw before him. An adorable little kitten he swears to protect and cherish for the rest of his years.
“My brother will be glad to know of this outcome. Oh, and I believe it’s about time I make my grand entrance.” Jinshi said, which was code for, well..
“Maybe not immediately upon arrival. Possibly during the next garden party? Be introduced as the crown prince, or even just a casual statement from the emperor? Not entirely attached to any idea, yet. I just know it needs to be soon. Preferably before I’m killed.”
-
Maomao was in her own little world, carefully examining each and every item in the bag. She held the oz bezoar up to the light, turning it this way and that, muttering under her breath about its texture, color, and possible uses. Then she moved on to the next one, cataloging them in her mind with the same enthusiasm.
Gaoshun, on the other hand, was actually listening to Jinshi, though his expression remained unimpressed.
“Yes, that would be the best course of action,” he agreed. “Your official status should be established first before any announcements of your engagement. If you do it the other way around, there will be unnecessary confusion. The court will be in an uproar regardless, but at least this way they will know who is getting engaged before they start their inevitable complaints.”
He cast another glance at Maomao, who was still entirely unaware of the conversation.
“…Not that she seems to care about court politics in the slightest.”
-
Jinshi hummed with a small smile, still watching Maomao. She’s so adorable.. so precious..
Jinshi chuckled at Gaoshun’s last words and shook his head.
“Court politics is, and never shall be, her strong suit. That’s alright, though. She has no need to worry about politics. I will take care of all of that.” Jinshi couldn’t look away from Maomao. He was too enthralled by her joy to tear his eyes away from her.
He was also so very glad she said yes. That she officially said yes to his proposal. He loves her so much..
Standing, he moved to sit next to her. He leaned down to kiss her head and chuckled softly at her pure excitement.
“I’m glad you enjoy your engagement gift.” He whispered, placing a hand gently on her back in a silent invitation for her to curl closer, should she wish to.
-
Maomao grinned up at Jinshi, eyes gleaming with mischief as she leaned into his side, tucking her legs up beside her.
“Oh no~ This was a gift promised to me for a job I completed,” she teased, her voice carrying a playful lilt. “You’ll have to do much better than that if you wanted to give me something as important as an engagement gift~”
Despite the teasing tone, there was an undeniable truth in her words—this wasn’t just about being coy. If he was going to properly propose, he’d have to step up his game.
Gaoshun, who had been listening with a long-suffering expression, sighed heavily and rubbed his temples.
“Gods help us…” he muttered under his breath. “The eccentric apothecary has become a royal…”
He shook his head, resigned to the fact that there was no stopping whatever madness lay ahead.
-
Jinshi chuckled as he tilted his head to meet hers. He pressed their foreheads together softly before pulling back enough to give her a responding look filled with determination.
“Oh? Well, I might just have to speak with your adoptive father, then. See if he knows a thing or two about your favorite ingredients that are hard to find.” As well as a few other ideas he has, but he won’t disclose those, yet.
-
Maomao’s only response was a giddy little giggle as she continued to examine her prize, fingers delicately turning over each item with fascination.
⸻
A few hours into the carriage ride, Maomao was tucked up against Jinshi’s side, sound asleep. Her head rested against his chest, her breathing slow and steady. The rhythmic motion of the carriage and the warmth of his presence had lulled her into an undisturbed slumber, her small frame curled comfortably against him.
-
Gaoshun, seated across from them, watched the scene in silence for a long moment before finally speaking in a low voice.
“You know this…” he murmured, his tone even, though carrying the weight of experience. “Will unfortunately paint a bigger target on her back, yes?” He shifted slightly, gaze unwavering as he continued, “I am not dissuading you from this—I simply want all facts known.”
-
Jinshi had watched as Maomao fell asleep, his lips occasionally finding her forehead. The skin there was soft and he was so addicted to showing her his affection..
“Yes, Gaoshun. I know., but I’d rather have her close while I can. Before I’m killed. She will also be infinitely safer as part of the royal family than she would as a servant. So whether I live or die, so long as she becomes my wife, she will be safe.”
Hopefully..
-
Gaoshun exhaled quietly, shaking his head. “You speak as if your death is already inevitable.” His voice, though soft, carried firm conviction. “I understand your concerns, but you underestimate the lengths we will go to in order to keep you alive, young master. You are not alone in this fight. No one in the palace—no one who truly serves you—will allow you to be struck down so easily.”
He leaned back against the seat, arms folding as his gaze swept over Jinshi and Maomao. The peaceful way she nestled against him, oblivious to the weight of the conversation, only made Gaoshun sigh again before he shifted his attention back to Jinshi.
“…Have you given any thought to securing an heir?” His tone was casual, but the implication was clear. “I understand the emperor has his own children, so there is no need -but it wouldn’t hurt to ensure your lineage continues.” A pause, then a knowing glance. “That is, if you intend to proposition her for such a thing.”
-
Jinshi immediately glared at Gaoshun for that suggestion.
“Gaoshun, my friend, I only just proposed to her. Let us relish in that before we begin the discussion of actual children. I have brought up the subject, in the past, but never in a serious manner. It is expected of me, to produce an heir, and she knows as much, but I’ve also informed her that if she wishes, she does not have to bear the burden of such a thing. I can always find another for that purpose, but I reiterate, it is her call on that matter.” I am not my father’s mother was left unsaid.
That woman.. she shaped his father into such a terrible and terrified man. Jinshi is glad to know his own mother chose worthy people to properly raise him. He is infinitely grateful for Gaoshun and Suiren for the people they are and for helping shape him into the respectable Prince he is, now.
….or well, he hopes he’s respectable. He does have a target on his back.. so maybe he’s wrong for thinking such a thing..
Jinshi subconsciously held Maomao closer, his face moving to hide in her hair.
-
Gaoshun, ever the dutiful attendant, bowed his head deeply, his hands touching as a sign of formal apology. “But of course, my lord. It was not my intention to overstep. Please, forgive my thoughtlessness.” His voice was steady, though there was a glint of amusement in his eye at Jinshi’s immediate and very strong reaction. Ah yes, their children will be both the blessing of a century and chaos incarnate wrapped in one or more~.
His young master was always so careful with her, so precise in how he handled their relationship. It was, in truth, admirable.
-
Maomao stirred slightly at the shift in position, a soft noise of complaint slipping past her lips as she adjusted herself. Rather than waking, however, she simply burrowed further into his warmth.
Her hands, despite the summer heat, were ice cold as they slipped under the loose fabric of his sleeve, fingers instinctively seeking his wrist. She didn’t stir beyond that, settling once more against him, her breathing steady and even.
-
Jinshi shook his head as Gaoshun’s apology, waving it off with a small smile.
“Don’t worry about it. I know you meant no ill intent. You were simply asking a question.” Jinshi muttered with a small nod of his head before he let it rest on Maomao’s, again.
Her hand was cold.. why was her hand cold..? It’s warm in here, not..
“Her hand is cold, why is her hand so cold? It’s.. overly warm, in here. How.. how is it..?” Jinshi was worried. Very, very worried.. he doubts it’s truly anything, but there’s no way this is normal, right?
-
Gaoshun frowned at Jinshi’s sudden concern but did not dismiss it. He leaned forward slightly, murmuring a quiet, “Excuse me, my lady,” as he carefully brushed his fingers against Maomao’s hand.
His brows furrowed at the unnatural chill of her skin. “It is indeed colder than it should be,” he admitted, his tone thoughtful as he sat back. His mind turned over what little knowledge he had of such matters. He was no physician, but he had observed enough over the years to recognize certain ailments.
“Perhaps it is an imbalance of the body?” he said at last, his voice steady but uncertain. “If the blood is weak or lacking in vitality, the body struggles to maintain warmth. It can happen when one has suffered illness or injury, or if the body is not receiving enough nourishment to replenish what has been used. Those afflicted often complain of weariness, dizziness. But I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of Xiaomao complaining of such ailments in regard to herself. “
He sighed, shaking his head. “But I am no doctor, my Lord. I can only speak of what I have heard. It would be wise to have a proper physician examine her once we return. Or…you could ask her?”
-
Jinshi gently kissed Maomao’s head and cradled her closer to give her his warmth. He almost entirely wrapped his outer robes around her and ran his fingers through her hair.
“She isn’t one to complain. Even if she were suffering, she would say no such thing.” Jinshi whispered against her hairline, his breath soft and light against the chill of her forehead.
“She’s strong. She will be alright. Does not sedate my concerns, but I still believe she will survive. Even if it truly is an ailment, of some kind.”
-
Gaoshun sighed, watching the way Jinshi carefully wrapped Maomao up as if she were the most precious thing in the world. He could not fault him for his concern—Maomao was indeed resilient, but that did not mean she was invincible.
“You are right,” Gaoshun conceded, folding his arms. “She is strong, and I have no doubt she will endure. But even the strongest of bodies require care. Do not allow her stubbornness to lead to negligence, my lord.”
Before Jinshi could respond, Maomao made a soft, sleepy grumble, shifting in his arms. Her fingers curled slightly against his sleeve, and she instinctively burrowed closer into his warmth, clearly seeking more of it. A sigh of contentment left her lips before she fell deeper into slumber, undisturbed for the rest of the journey.