Chapter Text
The Apothecary’s Miscalculation: Love before Science
Chapter 1: The Betting Pool
The mortar's grinding rhythm matched her pulse. Maomao measured the pennyroyal extract with the same precision she'd use for arsenic—three drops, no more. The contraceptive blend required exactness. One miscalculation and she'd spend the next nine months as a political incubator.
She didn't look up when the door slid open. Jinshi's footsteps were distinct. Light and deliberate. The kind of approach that suggested he'd been watching from the doorway long enough to know better than to startle her mid-measure.
"Still three months to go on your experiment?" His voice carried that particular warmth reserved for their private moments.
"Eleven months now." Maomao transferred the mixture to a small vial. "I adjusted the timeline after the second court inquiry."
"The one where Lady Anshi asked if you'd been 'indisposed' lately?"
"The one where she asked if I'd been eating pickled plums." Maomao sealed the vial. Stored it in the lacquered box with seventeen identical sisters. "Everyone knows pregnant women crave sour things. Subtlety is dead."
Jinshi moved behind her. His hands settled on her shoulders. Warm through the silk.
"The dowager sent another representative this morning." His thumbs pressed into the knots at the base of her neck. "Very concerned about your health. Suggested a palace physician examine you. For peace of mind."
"Which family?"
"General Huang's niece."
Maomao tilted her head. The tension released. "Another maternal clan. They're getting bold."
"They're getting desperate." Jinshi's hands slid down her arms. Circled her waist. "My brother's heir is secure. Their window for influence closes more each day."
She leaned back against him. Let herself have this. The quiet morning. The scent of herbs mixing with whatever oil he'd used in his bath—sandalwood today, subtle. His heartbeat steady against her spine.
"We could give them a timeline." His breath stirred her hair. "Say we're trying. Buy another year of relative peace."
"Lying poorly is worse than refusing to lie at all." Maomao turned in his arms. Studied his face. "Besides, you're terrible at deception when it involves me."
"I'm an excellent liar."
"You're an excellent performer. There's a difference." She traced the line of his jaw. "You can't lie about what you want."
His eyes darkened. "And what do I want?"
"This." She kissed him. Soft. Testing. "Mornings without court physicians poking at me like a breeding mare."
He responded by lifting her onto the work table. Scattered her careful organization. A few dried herbs crushed under her weight.
"Jinshi—"
"We have an hour before I'm expected." His hands found the ties of her robe. "I want to spend it poorly."
She should protest. The morning dose hadn't been taken yet. But his mouth traced her collarbone and logical thought became difficult.
The moment was unhurried. Careful. He untied her robe slowly, letting the silk part to reveal her skin. His lips followed the path of his fingers, kissing along her neck, down to the swell of her breasts. Maomao's breath hitched as he cupped them gently, thumbs brushing over her nipples until they hardened under his touch. She arched into him, her hands sliding into his hair, pulling him closer.
Jinshi's own robes fell away, his body pressing warm and firm against hers. He guided her legs around his waist, his arousal evident as it nestled against her thigh. With deliberate slowness, he entered her, filling her inch by inch, their bodies joining in a rhythm that built steadily. Maomao gasped at the sensation, her nails digging into his shoulders, she always did, as waves of pleasure radiated from where they connected. He moved with restraint, each thrust deep and measured, his hands gripping her hips to hold her steady on the table's edge.
She met his pace, her hips rising to take him deeper, the friction sending sparks through her core. His mouth claimed hers in a heated kiss, tongues tangling as their movements grew more urgent. Maomao felt the tension coil within her, tightening with every slide of his body against hers, until it shattered in a quiet, shuddering release. Jinshi followed soon after, burying his face in her neck with a low groan, his warmth spilling inside her, kept thrusting in as if more could be released with each last push, she tensed and pressed to him, loving that moment of his final breathing cum.
Afterward, they lay tangled on the examination couch she kept for “patients”. Maomao's head on his chest. His fingers tracing idle patterns on her shoulder.
"The aphrodisiac worked well on your father." Jinshi's voice carried amusement. "Gaoshun said he left the strategy meeting in remarkable spirits."
"A small dose. Barely enough to register." Maomao's lips curved. "Just enough to make disagreeing with the emperor seem less appealing."
"Devious."
"Practical." She sat up. Reached for her scattered robe. "He needs to stop antagonizing the dowager's faction. They're looking for any excuse to remove him from the inner council."
"They'd have to go through me first."
"Which is exactly why they're targeting me." Maomao tied her robe closed. Began gathering the spilled herbs. "If they can prove I'm an unsuitable wife—unproductive, medically questionable, possibly dangerous with my 'experiments'—they undermine both of us."
Jinshi stood. Dressed with the efficiency of someone accustomed to servants but capable of independence. "Then we don't give them ammunition."
"We give them confusion instead." Maomao retrieved the morning dose. Drank it without ceremony. "I'll make the announcement today. During the garden gathering."
"What announcement?"
"That I have no intention of informing anyone when I stop taking my contraceptive concoctions. That if pressured sufficiently, I'll find a way to ensure permanent barrenness." She met his eyes. "That my womb is not public property."
"They'll call you mad."
"Let them." She smiled. Sharp. "What will they do? Force me? The emperor's brother's wife and acknowledged princess consort? The Lead Strategist's daughter? The woman who saved the current most important consorts heir's life, his son and daughter?"
Jinshi laughed. Pulled her close again. Kissed her forehead. "You're terrifying."
"Again, practical." But she softened against him. "And you'll support this mad declaration?"
"Absolutely." His expression shifted. Became the court mask he wore so well. "I'll add that I have no desire for a child if it means risking your health. That any future heir would only become target for those seeking to destabilize the throne. That I'd rather have a wife than a brood mare."
"Plural."
"What?"
"Say children. Plural. Let them wonder if we've already discussed numbers." Maomao pulled back. Smoothed her robe. "The ones paying close attention will catch it. Start rumors that we're planning a large family. Eventually. When we choose."
"You've thought about this."
"I think about everything." She began reorganizing her workspace. "It's exhausting."
A knock interrupted them. Sharp. Urgent.
"Master Jinshi." Gaoshun's voice carried through the door. "The dowager's representative is requesting an audience. Regarding Lady Maomao's monthly... status."
Maomao and Jinshi exchanged glances.
"Tell her," Jinshi called, "that Lady Maomao will be attending the garden gathering this afternoon. She can make her inquiries there. Publicly."
Silence. Then: "As you wish, Master Jinshi."
Maomao raised an eyebrow. "Subtle."
"Efficiency." Jinshi adjusted his outer robe. Became the emperor's brother again. "If they want to harass you, they can do it where everyone can witness their desperation."
The garden gathering was precisely as tedious as Maomao expected. Forty high-ranking women pretending to admire chrysanthemums while actually dissecting everyone's clothing, jewelry, and reproductive status.
Lady Anshi approached within fifteen minutes. Predictable.
"Lady Maomao." The woman's smile could gut fish. "You're looking well. Very... robust."
"Clean living." Maomao sipped her tea. "And a distinct lack of parasites."
"Of course." Lady Anshi's eyes flickered. "Though some might say three months of marriage without... developments... could indicate other issues. Medical concerns, perhaps?"
Several nearby conversations quieted. Not obviously. But Maomao tracked the shift in attention.
"The only medical concern," Maomao set down her cup, "is the persistent delusion that my reproductive system is a matter of public interest."
Lady Anshi's smile froze.
"I've been taking contraceptives since my wedding night." Maomao continued in the same pleasant tone she'd use to discuss weather. "I plan to continue for at least a year. Possibly longer. I haven't decided yet."
The garden had gone completely silent.
"Such matters should be discussed with your husband—"
"The husband," Jinshi's voice cut through the stillness, "is fully supportive of his wife's medical decisions."
He'd appeared beside Maomao without her noticing. Court training made him silent master when he chose.
"Master Jinshi." Lady Anshi's composure cracked slightly. "Surely you understand the importance of—"
"I understand that harassment of my wife will not be tolerated." His tone remained pleasant. Absolutely lethal. "I also understand that any children born to us would become immediate targets for every faction seeking leverage against the emperor. I have no intention of providing that ammunition."
"But the succession—"
"Is secure. My brother has an heir. Several, actually." Jinshi smiled. "I see no reason to risk Lady Maomao's health for political convenience."
"Political convenience?" An older woman from Lian family—one of the dowager's closer associates—stepped forward. "Having children is a woman's duty. Her purpose."
Maomao felt her jaw tighten. Bit back the first three responses. Settled on: "My purpose is whatever I decide it is. Currently that includes not dying in childbirth or producing hostages for ambitious families to kidnap."
"You speak as if you'll never have children at all," another woman interjected.
"I haven't decided yet." Maomao met her gaze. "Though I can promise that if this pressure continues, I'll seriously consider permanent measures. There are several reliable methods for ensuring barrenness. I've studied them extensively, and have had to use them before as many of you might have learned from gossiping about my background before my formal marriage."
The shocked silence was gratifying.
"You'd mutilate yourself?" was heard, genuinely horrified faces.
"I'd take control of my own body." Maomao corrected. "Though I notice you're all far more concerned about my hypothetical children than my actual well-being. Interesting priorities."
Jinshi's hand settled on her lower back. Gentle. Supportive. "I should mention that Lady Maomao has already informed me previously she has no intention of announcing when—or if—she stops taking contraceptives. So those of you participating in betting pools might want to reconsider your investments."
That caused actual gasps.
"You know about the betting pool?" Lady Anshi had gone pale.
"I know about three betting pools." Jinshi's smile gained edges. "The one among senior palace ladies. The one in the guard barracks. And the one the eunuchs have been running since before our wedding. I believe the current odds favor conception within six months?"
"Eight months," Maomao murmured. "After the spring festival. When I'd theoretically have enough political capital to resist pressure."
"You're... you're both mad." The dowager's closer associate looked between them. "Treating your marriage bed like a military campaign—"
"Our marriage bed," Jinshi interrupted, voice dropping to something dangerous, "is none of anyone’s concern, other than direct in-laws, which have proven to be more caring to having children in their lifes, than opportunities to use them." Jinshi expressed this for them to understand about his brother and Lakan.
The garden party died after that. Women made excuses. Scattered like startled birds.
Maomao waited until they were alone—relatively; guards lurked at acceptable distances—before speaking. "That went well."
"You just threatened self-sterilization to forty noblewomen."
"I threatened logical consequences to continued harassment." She selected a chrysanthemum. Purple. Dark enough to be interesting. "They'll either back off or escalate. Either way, we've established boundaries."
Jinshi pulled her close. Ignored propriety. "You know they'll talk."
"I'm counting on it." She leaned into him. Breathed the sandalwood scent that meant safety. "By tonight, everyone in the palace will know. By tomorrow, the pleasure district will hear. By next week, the betting pools will either dissolve or adapt."
"And you think this helps us?"
"It buys time." She looked up at him. "Time for me to figure out the political angles. Time for you to shore up the emperor's position. Time for both of us to stop being treated like prize livestock."
He kissed her forehead. "Children, plural?"
"Eventually." She smiled. "Three, maybe. If we survive court politics long enough."
"Three?"
"One for my father. One for your brother. One for us. It may sound as objects, but knowing the facts, favorites will happen, we might as well prepare." She pulled back. "But not yet. Not while every faction is circling like vultures."
"Practical."
"Always."
They walked back toward the residential quarters. Guards following at discreet distances. The afternoon sun caught the garden pools, turned them gold.
"The betting pools will restart most likely," Jinshi observed. "You realize that?"
"Of course. But now they're betting blind." Maomao's expression turned calculating. "No data. No patterns to track. Just pure speculation."
"You're enjoying this."
"I'm a scientist. I enjoy well-designed experiments." She paused at a junction. "Speaking of which, I need to visit the pleasure district tomorrow. Check on some of the younger girls. Word of the wedding has been... motivating them."
"Take guards."
"I always take guards when I visit the district."
"Take more guards." He caught her hand. "The families we humiliated today won't forget. They'll look for opportunities."
"Let them look." But she squeezed his fingers. "I'll be careful."
"Maomao—"
"I know." She met his eyes. "I know they're dangerous. I know they want me to fail. To prove I'm unsuitable. That my father made a mistake pushing for our marriage." She stepped closer. "But I won't hide. Won't make myself smaller to avoid their attention. That's not who I am."
"I know." He sighed. "Doesn't mean I have to like it."
"You can dislike it while I do it anyway." She kissed his jaw. "That's marriage."
"Terrifying," he repeated.
"Practical," she corrected.
The news reached the pleasure district by evening. Maomao knew because one of the younger courtesans—barely fifteen, still in training—sent a message through the usual channels. Badly coded. Enthusiastically desperate.
She read it in their private quarters while Jinshi met with his brother. Late strategy session. Something about border tensions and trade agreements.
The girl's message was simple: Is it true? Can we choose?
Maomao composed her response with care. Yes. No. Maybe. The reality was complicated. She'd had advantages these girls would never access. Education. Family. Political leverage.
But the core truth remained: Your body is yours. Make them remember that.
She sealed the message. Left it for the morning courier.
Jinshi returned near midnight. Exhausted. The kind of tired that came from hours of political maneuvering.
"Border tensions?" She asked as he shed his outer robes.
"Trade disagreements. Nothing critical yet." He sat beside her on the bed. "The emperor wants your opinion on the medical supplies situation. Some of the border clinics are under-stocked."
"I'll compile a report tomorrow."
"You're already managing the palace medical system. The imperial clinic. Your father's health. Our public image. The—"
"I'm managing." She caught his hand. "I'm fine."
"You're exhausted."
"I'm focused." She leaned against him. "There's a difference."
He pulled her down onto the bed. Wrapped around her like he was afraid she'd disappear. "The council meeting ran long because Duke Xian brought up succession again. Your father handled it. Barely. But the cracks are showing."
"Which families?"
"Xian, Huang, the former Minister of Rites' clan. All the usual suspects." His breath stirred her hair. "They're coordinating. Looking for weaknesses."
"They won't find any." But her mind was already racing. Patterns. Connections. Political angles.
"Maomao." His voice held warning. "Sleep first. Plot in the morning."
"I'm not—"
"You're tensing. Your pulse is elevated. You're doing that thing where you forget to breathe while you think." He kissed her temple. "Sleep."
She wanted to argue. But exhaustion was creeping in. The day had been long. The confrontation draining.
"Three months was probably optimistic," she murmured against his shoulder.
"Probably."
"They'll keep pushing."
"Definitely."
"We'll need a better strategy."
"Tomorrow." He tightened his arms. "For now, just... be here. With me."
She let herself relax. Focused on his heartbeat instead of political machinations. The warmth of his skin. The safety of their private space.
"Jinshi?"
"Mm?"
"Thank you. For today. For supporting the insanity."
"Yes it's insanity." His lips brushed her forehead. "It's you. I signed up for this. I love it."
"Did you though? I feel like you signed up for a convenient political marriage and got... me."
"I got exactly what I wanted." He pulled back enough to meet her eyes. "An intelligent, terrifying, beautiful woman who treats court politics like a poisoning case to solve."
"Romantic."
"Accurate." He kissed her. Soft. "Now sleep. Before you start planning contingencies for contingencies."
"Too late."
"Maomao."
"Fine. Sleeping." She closed her eyes. "But I'm thinking very loudly."
His laugh vibrated through both of them. "I wouldn't expect anything else."
The week following the garden party was predictably chaotic. The betting pool didn't dissolve—it mutated. New parameters. New odds. Speculation running rampant through every level of palace society.
Maomao tracked the rumors with scientific interest. Three days after her announcement, someone started a pool betting on whether she'd actually go through with permanent sterilization. The odds were surprisingly favorable.
"They think I'm bluffing," she observed over breakfast.
Jinshi glanced up from his reports. "Are you?"
"Completely. Voluntary mutilation constraint for conceiving without medical necessity is absurd." She sipped her tea. "But they don't know that."
"You threatened it convincingly."
"I threaten everything convincingly. It's a gift." She set down her cup. "The real question is whether they'll shift strategies. Direct pressure failed. They'll try something else."
"Your father mentioned increased scrutiny of the medical supplies budget. Someone's looking for discrepancies."
"There are no discrepancies."
"I know that. You know that. But they're hoping to find creative interpretations." He pushed a document across the table. "This arrived this morning. Request for a full audit of all medical expenditures for the past year. Signed by Duke Xian and General Huang."
Maomao scanned it. Felt her jaw tighten. "They're fishing."
"Aggressively."
"Good thing I keep obsessive records." She folded the document. "I'll have everything compiled by tomorrow. Let them drown in documentation."
"They're not going to stop."
"I know." She met his eyes. "But neither am I."
A knock interrupted them. Gaoshun entered with his usual precise timing.
"Master Jinshi, Lady Maomao. Lady Lihua requests a private audience with Lady Maomao. Medical matter concerning her son."
Maomao stood immediately. "When?"
"At your earliest convenience. She suggested this morning, if possible."
"Tell her I'll come within the hour." Maomao was already moving toward the door. "I need to gather supplies—"
Jinshi caught her hand. "Is something wrong with the child?"
"Probably routine. But Lihua wouldn't request a private audience unless it was sensitive." She squeezed his fingers. "I'll be careful."
"Take guards."
"To visit the imperial consort? In her quarters?"
"Maomao."
"Fine. Two guards." She softened slightly. "I'll be back before lunch."
Lihua's quarters were precisely maintained. Everything in its place. The kind of careful order that spoke of anxiety masquerading as control.
The consort herself looked tired. Beautiful, still—that never changed—but worn around the edges.
"Lady Maomao." Lihua dismissed her attendants with a gesture. "Thank you for coming so quickly."
"You mentioned your son?" Maomao set down her medical kit. "Is he unwell?"
"He's fine. Growing like a weed, actually." Lihua smiled briefly. "But I wanted an excuse to speak privately. The medical visit is real—just routine—but the conversation is the priority."
Maomao settled into the indicated chair. Waited.
Lihua poured tea. Bought herself time. "I heard about the garden party. The... announcement."
"Everyone heard about the garden party."
"Yes, well." Lihua's lips curved. "I wanted to say I admired your directness. Most of us spend our lives managing these pressures silently. You just... said it out loud."
"It seemed efficient."
"It was brave." Lihua's expression shifted. Became more serious. "It was also potentially dangerous. The families you humiliated won't forget."
"I'm counting on them remembering." Maomao sipped her tea. Evaluated. "What's this really about?"
Lihua laughed softly. "I forget how direct you are." She set down her cup. "I need medical advice. Personal. Regarding... intimate matters."
Maomao kept her expression neutral. "Related to those educational materials from before?"
Pink crept into Lihua's cheeks. "You remember those?"
"I remember everything. Occupational hazard." Maomao pulled out her professional demeanor like armor. "What specific questions do you have?"
The conversation that followed was equal parts medical consultation and awkward confession. Lihua had questions—legitimate ones—about physical responses, safety concerns, and whether certain activities described in the "educational materials" were actually feasible.
Maomao answered with clinical precision. Diagrams where necessary. Recommendations for preparation and safety. The kind of frank discussion that would horrify most noblewomen but was absolutely essential for preventing injury.
"You're very calm about this," Lihua observed after particularly detailed explanation.
"I'm a physician. Bodies are bodies." Maomao cleaned her hands. "Though I admit those particular texts were... educational. For me as well."
"Really?"
"Theoretical knowledge only goes so far." Maomao met her eyes. "Practical application requires experimentation. Carefully controlled, obviously. With appropriate safety measures."
Lihua's smile turned mischievous. "Is that what you call it?"
"It's more dignified than 'we're making poor decisions in creative locations.'" Maomao allowed herself a slight smile. "Though that's also accurate."
They both laughed. The tension broke.
"There's something else," Lihua said after a moment. "I've been without a Head Lady in Waiting since the last one was dismissed for—"
"Attempting to poison your son. I remember."
"Yes. That." Lihua's expression darkened. "The problem is finding someone trustworthy. Most candidates are placed by families seeking influence. I can't trust their motives."
"You need someone competent at both service and protection." Maomao's mind started calculating. "Someone who can function as attendant but also recognize and prevent threats."
"Exactly. But women with martial training are rare. Most are already assigned to the guard corps or serve the empress."
"What about older attendants? Women who've served long enough to learn defense?"
"I've considered it. But the court insists on younger attendants for prestige. Appearance matters more than function." Lihua's frustration showed. "It's absurd."
"It's dangerous." Maomao filed the information. An idea forming. "If you had multiple candidates with the right qualifications, could you interview them? Make the selection personally?"
"In theory. Though getting the court to provide actual options instead of their preferred choices is difficult."
"Let me think about it." Maomao stood. "I may have a solution. But I need to consult with Jinshi first."
"You're plotting something."
"I'm always plotting something." Maomao gathered her medical kit. "Now, about your son's checkup—"
The examination was routine. Healthy child. Growing normally. No concerns.
But as Maomao prepared to leave, Lihua caught her arm. "Be careful, Maomao. The garden party declaration was bold. But boldness attracts attention. Not all of it friendly."
"I know."
"Do you?" Lihua's grip tightened. "I've been in this palace since I was sixteen. I've watched women disappear for smaller offenses than publicly humiliating the dowager's faction. You have Jinshi's protection. Your father's influence. But that only shields you so much."
"Then I'll be careful." Maomao covered Lihua's hand with her own. "And you should consider that protection proposal seriously. You're vulnerable too. A mother without proper security is a target waiting to be exploited."
"I know." Lihua released her. "Which is why I'm trusting you to help me fix it."
Maomao returned to find Jinshi in their quarters reviewing documents. He looked up as she entered.
"How's the child?"
"Healthy. Growing." She sat beside him. "Lihua's the one who needs attention. She's been without proper security since her last Head Lady in Waiting was dismissed. The court keeps suggesting candidates from ambitious families. She can't trust any of them."
"Standard problem for imperial consorts." Jinshi set aside his papers. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking we have a similar problem. I need guards. She needs a Head Lady in Waiting who can actually protect her. What if we solve both issues together?"
"You want to find women trained in both service and martial arts?"
"I want to create a precedent." Maomao's mind raced. "If we can convince the court that combining roles is efficient—that properly trained attendants can provide both service and security—then we expand the pool of acceptable candidates. For both of us."
Jinshi considered this. "It would require approval from the guard corps. And the chamberlain's office. And probably the emperor himself."
"Your brother likes efficiency. And he definitely doesn't want his consort's son vulnerable to assassination." Maomao leaned forward. "This protects multiple people. Creates positions for capable women who are currently being underutilized. And solves our immediate security concerns."
"You've been thinking about this."
"Since Lihua mentioned the problem an hour ago. Yes."
He pulled her close. Kissed her forehead. "You're brilliant."
"I'm practical." But she relaxed against him. "Will you help me present this?"
"Obviously." His hands settled on her waist. "Though I have some immediate concerns about your security that don't require court approval."
"Such as?"
"Such as you being alone in these quarters while I'm in meetings. Such as you traveling through palace corridors with minimal guard presence. Such as—"
She kissed him. Cut off the worry spiral. "I'm careful."
"You're reckless."
"I'm calculated." She pulled back. Met his eyes. "There's a difference."
"Not to me." But his expression softened. "At least promise you'll take this seriously. The guard situation. The security concerns."
"I promise." She traced his jaw. "After we handle this audit request. And the medical supply review. And whatever else Duke Xian's faction throws at us this week."
"Maomao—"
"I know. Priorities." She stood. Pulled him up with her. "But right now, we have a few hours before your next meeting. And that new private study Gaoshun mentioned yesterday is probably finished being prepared."
His expression shifted. "The quarters near ours?"
"The ones with the reinforced locks and the direct passage from our rooms. Yes." She smiled. Sharp. "I thought we should inspect them. Thoroughly. Make sure they're suitable for... sensitive work."
"Sensitive work."
"Medical research. Political strategy. Other activities requiring privacy." Her eyes held challenge. "Unless you have other priorities?"
He moved fast. Had her against the wall before she could react further. "You're dangerous."
"You knew that when you married me."
"I'm starting to appreciate the full scope." He kissed her. Deep. "Show me these quarters."
The secondary chamber was perfect. Tucked with the passage as a corner of the residential complex that most people forgot existed. Former concubine quarters from two dynasties ago. Abandoned after some political purge that no one remembered clearly.
Jinshi had claimed it three days ago. Announced to his entire entourage that it would serve as private workspace for sensitive medical research. Everyone understood what that meant. No one commented.
The renovations were complete. Heavy curtains for soundproofing. Reinforced locks that would take significant effort to breach. A direct passage connecting to their main quarters. Hidden. Secure.
Maomao inspected it with professional interest. "This is well done."
"Gaoshun supervised personally." Jinshi closed the main door. Locked it. "He also mentioned that should we need to be located urgently, he'll check here second."
"Discreet."
"He's had practice." Jinshi moved closer. "I also offered Hongniang occasional use. As thanks for her previous... discretions."
Maomao watched him, her pulse quickening at the intent in his eyes. 'You offered Hongniang use of it?' she asked. A nod to the maid's past silences during their stolen encounters.
She stepped closer, fingers brushing his chest. 'She's amused by us. Always has been. I made her confess she even entertained herself when she could while keeping silent guard sometimes.'
'We're insane,' he murmured, catching her waist and pulling her flush against him. The heat of his body seeped through their robes, stirring the air between them.
'That too.' Maomao tilted her head, lips grazing his jaw. 'Now, about that thorough inspection...'
He didn't need more invitation. His mouth crashed onto hers, hungry and demanding, tongues sliding together in a wet, urgent tangle. Hands roamed, tugging at sashes and folds of silk until fabric whispered to the floor. Jinshi's robe pooled at his feet first, revealing the hard lines of his chest, the taut muscles of his abdomen, and lower, his cock already thickening, standing rigid with need.
Maomao's breath hitched as he backed her against the cool stone wall, the contrast sending a shiver through her bare skin. His body pinned her there, one thigh wedged between her legs, pressing up against her core. She felt the slick heat building between her thighs, her pussy aching as his hands gripped her hips, fingers digging in with possessive force.
'Jinshi,' she gasped, but it dissolved into a moan when his lips trailed down her neck, sucking at the pulse point until it throbbed. He cupped her breasts, thumbs circling her nipples until they peaked, hard and sensitive. She arched into his touch, her own hands exploring the broad expanse of his back, nails scraping lightly to urge him on.
He lifted her suddenly, strong arms hoisting her legs around his waist. But Maomao shifted the dynamic, her heels digging into his ass, pulling him closer. With a surge of control, she thrust her hips forward, grinding her wet folds against the length of his cock. The friction made him groan, his tip nudging her entrance, teasing without entering.
'Not yet,' she whispered, voice husky with command. Spotting the chain hangers—sturdy iron links meant for securing medical tools along the wall—she reached up, wrapping her fingers around them for leverage. The metal bit into her palms, cool and unyielding, grounding her as she used her legs to drive the rhythm.
Jinshi's eyes darkened with surprise and arousal, yielding to her lead. He braced one hand on the wall beside her head, the other steadying her thigh. Maomao rocked against him harder, her pussy sliding along his shaft, coating him in her arousal. Each thrust of her hips built the pressure, her clit rubbing against his hardness until sparks ignited low in her belly.
'Fuck, Maomao,' he growled, his free hand sliding between them to part her lips, fingers circling her clit with expert pressure. She bucked wildly, the chains rattling as she pulled herself forward, then slammed back, dictating the pace. Her legs clamped tighter, heels pressing into his flesh, urging him to match her intensity.
He couldn't hold back. With a guttural sound, Jinshi thrust up, his cock finally breaching her, stretching her tight walls inch by inch. Maomao cried out, the fullness overwhelming, but she didn't relinquish control. Gripping the chains harder, she met his strokes with her own powerful thrusts, her pussy clenching around him, milking every ridge and vein.
Their bodies slapped together, sweat-slick and frantic. Jinshi's mouth found her breast, sucking hard on her nipple while his fingers dug into her ass, spreading her wider to take him deeper. Maomao's legs trembled from the effort, but she pushed on, thrusting to meet him, the angle hitting that spot inside her that one she loved the most.
The wall scraped her back with each movement, a rough counterpoint to the slick glide of his cock plunging in and out. She released one chain to tangle her fingers in his hair, yanking his head back for a bruising kiss. Tongues battled as their hips collided, the room filling with the wet sounds of their fucking, her moans muffled against his lips.
Tension coiled tighter, her core fluttering around him. 'Harder,' she demanded, legs locking to pull him impossibly deeper. Jinshi obliged, pounding into her with relentless force, his balls slapping against her. The chains creaked under her grip as she rode the edge, then shattered—her orgasm ripping through her, pussy spasming, juices flooding around his cock.
He followed with a roar, burying himself to the hilt, cum pulsing hot and thick inside her. They clung together, breaths ragged, bodies quaking in the aftermath.
Jinshi eased her down, but Maomao's legs gave out, and he caught her, guiding them to the bed. The sturdy frame welcomed them, and as they collapsed tangled together, she traced the marks on his shoulders—her doing.
'I like this room,' she murmured, sated and possessive.
He chuckled, pulling her closer. 'So do I. Thoroughly.'
When they finished—breathless, tangled together—Maomao felt something settle. This space was theirs. Truly theirs. No court politics. No betting pools. No questions about heirs and duty.
Just them.
"I noticed." His hand traced lazy patterns on her spine. "You left claw marks."
"You'll survive."
"Probably." He kissed her temple. "Though I make no promises about my ability to focus in the afternoon meeting."
"Just tell them you were conducting sensitive research with your wife. Everyone will understand."
"Everyone will know exactly what we were doing."
"And?" She looked up at him. "We're married. We're allowed."
"True." He pulled her closer. "Doesn't mean I won't be mortified when Gaoshun gives me that look."
"Which look?"
"The one that says 'I'm professionally ignoring your personal life while silently judging your time management.'"
Maomao laughed. "I like Gaoshun."
"Everyone likes Gaoshun. He's aggressively competent." Jinshi sighed. "Which reminds me. We need to discuss the guard situation. Seriously this time."
"Now?"
"Before you get distracted by the next crisis." He sat up. Pulled her with him. "You need proper security. Dedicated protection."
"I know." She leaned against him. "Lihua's situation made me realize how vulnerable we both are. Women in this palace. We're protected by proxy. Through husbands or fathers or political necessity. But not through our own capability."
"So we change that." Jinshi's expression turned calculating. "We petition for female guards. Attendants with martial training. Create a precedent. I agree."
"It'll take time to organize."
"Then we start now." He kissed her forehead. "I'll speak with my brother. You compile a proposal. We present it together."
"Partnership."
"Always." He stood. Began dressing. "But first, I need to survive this afternoon meeting. Try to look like I've been doing actual work instead of defiling palace property."
"This is palace property?"
"Technically everything in the palace is imperial property. Including this room. And that bed. And—"
She threw a pillow at him. "Get out. Do your political duties. I'll be here plotting security reforms and possibly taking a nap."
"Living dangerously."
"It's my natural state." But she smiled. "Now go. Before Gaoshun comes looking for you."
He kissed her once more. Long. Deep. "Tonight?"
"Tonight." She pushed him toward the door. "Unless you want to explain to the emperor why you're late."
He left. Reluctantly.
Maomao lay back on the bed. Stared at the ceiling. Let her mind wander through problems and solutions. The guard situation. The audit request. The political factions circling.
Everything was connected. Duke Xian's family wanted to undermine the Lead Strategist. The only way to hurt her father was through her. The only way to hurt her was to prove she was incompetent. Or dangerous. Or both.
They'd failed with direct pressure. So they'd try indirect methods. Audits. Investigations. Whisper campaigns.
She needed to be untouchable. Which meant she needed power independent of Jinshi's protection or her father's influence.
The guard proposal was a start. But not enough.
She needed to become essential. Indispensable. The kind of person the palace couldn't function without.
Medical system reforms. Expanded clinic access. Better supply chains. Training programs for new physicians.
Make herself so valuable that removing her would cause immediate, visible problems.
It was a long-term strategy. Would take months. Maybe years.
But Maomao was patient when she needed to be.
She stood. Dressed. Began composing mental lists.
Tonight she'd discuss it with Jinshi. Get his input. Refine the approach.
For now, she had an audit to prepare for. Documentation to compile. Records to organize into weapons. While fantasy rose about the night encounter with Jinshi.
Duke Xian wanted a fight?
She'd give him one.
Just not the kind he expected.