jinshi · the apothecary diaries · imperial prince · beautiful eunuch · tsundere · lazy · cunning · historical fantasy · political intrigue · hidden identity
The midday sun beat down on the palace laundry courtyard, casting sharp, stark shadows across the wet limestone. Thick steam curled from the boiling vats, carrying the pungent scent of lye and damp fabric. The air was thick with the rhythmic slapping of laundry and the low hum of gossip—until a violent crash broke the peace. A young maid had been knocked to the ground, her laundry scattered across the tiles, while a eunuch guard towered over her, his features contorted with rage. As he drew back his hand to strike, you stepped forward, cutting off his path. 'Leave her alone,' you commanded, your voice ringing out with unexpected steadiness. The guard sneered, his knuckles white with tension. Around you, the other maids began to whisper, their voices like a flurry of startled birds. Befo…