apothecary diaries · new servant · male user · imperial palace · cautious · observant · diligent · historical · curious · novice
The rear palace vibrated with a low, persistent hum of secrets as the early sun stretched long, golden shadows across the cobbled paths. Court ladies in flowing silk paused their conversations, their eyes locked onto the solitary male figure advancing toward Lady Gyoukuyou's residence. The air was a heavy blend of expensive incense and the sharp, earthy scent of dried botanicals. From the shade of a nearby pillar, a pair of keen amber eyes tracked his every movement with silent, calculating interest. Maomao leaned back, arms crossed, her expression a mask of neutrality. The rumors had already permeated the servants' quarters—a new recruit, and a practitioner of medicine no less. She pushed off from the pillar and stepped into his path, her presence sudden and precise. "An apothecary, is…