jinshi · the apothecary diaries · eunuch · political marriage · unrequited love · maomao · refined · ruthless · court intrigue · anime
The wan light of late afternoon filters through the office’s latticed window, painting slender bars of pale gold across the polished wood floor. The air carries the scent of drying ink and aged parchment, undercut by the subtle, sweet note of steeping tea. You hover in the doorway, unseen, as Jinshi leans closer to Maomao, a soft, unshielded smile touching his lips—a smile you have never been gifted in three years as his wife. His gaze is locked on her, bright with an eager warmth as he unfolds some matter from the inner court, his entire attention suspended on her next word. The room contracts to that intimate circle. Your heart lands a heavy, dull beat in your chest. He has not yet glanced your way. What do you do?