《Kusuriya no Hitorigoto》


 Volume 1, Chapter 1: Maomao

    (I feel like eating grilled skewers(, kushiyaki)in the outdoors.)


    Maomao(, Mao Mao in Chinese)sighed, looking up at the cloudy sky.


    A stunningly beautiful world surrounded her, the best of what shes ever seen, and she was also in the muddy dregs that teemed with poisonous gas.


    (Has it already been three months? I wonder if Dad is eating well.)


    She came across three vigers when she went out to look for medicinal herbs in the forest the other day. The kidnappers, their names had been Ichi, Ni, and San.


    Hunters of women for the imperial court, they were on an utterly formidable and extremely annoying search for marriage partners, otherwise known as marriage hunting.


    Well, you do get paid, and it isnt a bad ce to work since you ;canreturn to town after two years of service. But that was for those who came here on their own will.


    It was annoying for Maomao who had lived as a pharmacist.


    Whether the kidnappers were capturing young girls to sell to eunuchs for alcohol expenses, or they were substituting them for their own daughters, Maomao couldnt care less. No matter the reason, it didnt change the fact that she got caught up in it.


    If it werent for this, she would have wanted nothing to do with the inner pce for as long as she lived.


    Pcedies, adorned with cloying make-up, perfume and beautiful clothes, had superficial smiles stered on their lips.


    The pharmacist had thought thus when she came here. That there was nothing more poisonous than a womans smile.


    And that there was no difference between the royal court where the courtiers reside and the pleasure district in the castle town.


    She gathered up theundry basket that had been left by her feet, and headed inside the building. A contrast to outside, the dreary courtyard had a stone pond, where servants, that were neither male nor female, were washing arge amount ofundry.


    The inner pce is forbidden to men. Only the most exalted person of the country and his blood rtives can enter, as well as former men who lost their precious thing. Of course, the ones here were thetter.


    Maomao found it twisted, but it was done because it made sense.


    She set down the basket, and looked at the row of baskets in the neighbouring building. They were clean clothes that had been dried in the sun.


    Only allowed on


    She looked at the wooden tags on the handles. They were numbered and painted with pictures of nts.


    There were some among the pcedies who cannot read, as some had been carried off by kidnappers. While they had been taught the absolute minimum etiquette before they were taken to the imperial court, words were difficult. ;It would be better if the literacy rate of country girls were over half.


    You can say that it was the evil of the oversized inner pcethe numbers have increased but the quality is bad.


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    Although it couldnt possiblypare to the flower garden of thete emperor, the consorts and pcediesbined numbered two thousand people, and once you add in the eunuchs, it made three thousand.


    Maomao was among the lowest of maidservants. She wasnt even given a duty. That was reasonable for girls that didnt have any backing, kidnapped to make up the numbers. Well, she still might have had to chance to be a low ranking concubine if she had a voluptuous body like peony flowers and skin as bright as the full moon. Maomao only had a healthy skin covered in freckles and limbs like withered twigs.


    (Lets finish work quickly.)


    Once she found the basket with the plum flower tag, numbered with One-Seven, she quickened her pace. She wanted to return to her room before the heavily downcast sky burst into tears.


    The owner of the basket ofundry was a low ranking consort. The quality of the furniture in her private room was gorgeouspared to other lower consorts but it was too gaudy. She envisioned that the owner of the room was a merchants daughter or something. ;Once you obtain a ranking, you are entitled to a personal maidservant, but low ranking consorts are allowed two at most. Thus, maidservants who dont serve a master like Maomao go about carryingundry.


    The low ranking consort was allowed a private room in the inner pce, but it was located on the outskirts, rarely catching the emperors eyes. Nheless, if you are ordered to serve him at night, you can move rooms. Those who get visited twice had the meaning of promotion.


    On the other hand, consorts, who pass the suitable age without giving him the itch, will have their rankings lowered, limited to those from families with no substantial power. At worst, they can get bestowed to another. Whether that was unfortunate also depended on the partner, but pcedies seem to be most terrified about getting bestowed to a eunuch.


    Maomao knocked on the door lightly.


    Set it down over there.


    Answering the door bluntly, was a personal maid.


    A consort with a sickly-sweet smell was swirling a wine cup inside.


    She had been praised for her beautiful face before she entered the pce, but s, she was a frog in the well. She was overpowered by all the brilliant flowers, taken down a peg, and hadnt left her roomtely.


    (No one wille to see you if you stay in your room.)


    Maomao took theundry basket from the room next door and returned to the washing area.


    She still had a lot of work to do.


    It wasnt that she came here on her own ord, but she nned to work for her pay.


    Diligent by nature, that was the former pharmacist Maomao.


    If she worked unquestioningly, shell get out sooner orter.


    There was no way she was going to be picked.


    Unfortunately, it can be said that Maomaos thoughts were overly optimistic.


    No one knows whats going to happen; thats life.


    For a seventeen-year-old girl, she had farsighted thinking, but she still had one thing she couldnt hold back.


    Curiosity. Thirst for knowledge.


    As well as, just a tiny bit, a sense of justice.


    A couple of dayster, Maomao will expose the truth of a certain mystery.


    The serial deaths of the babies born in the inner pce.


    Known as the curse of the concubine of the previous generation, to Maomao, it wasnt a mystery or anything.


    T/N:


    As you probably all know, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto is a Japanese novel that is based on Ancient China. Hence, you will probably also realise that the names are all Japanese transliterations of Chinese words.


    Note: though it really is a mix between the actual Chinese reading transliterated as best as possible into the Japanese sound system, or the Japanese Chinese reading (onyomi) of the kanji. Theres no clear pattern; the same Chinese-character used can have a different pronunciation between different characters in the story  Case in point: Ruomen and Rakan  Ruo (Luo in Chinese) and Ra are both .


    I intend to keep them as the Japanese transliteration (how the author had written the pronunciation in furigana) to go in line with it being a Japanese novel (and because its easier to deal with the issues mentioned above), but for people who are curious what the names are in Chinese (romanised into English), ;the list is here.


    Also, Im on a mission to fix up the trantions of this novel, since Ive been told many times that the quality is not up to par, if you encounter any chapters/sections that you find difficult to understand/follow, let me know in thements below that chapter or let me know directly by email ) or discord (AuriCa#7564). Thanks very much.

 Volume 1, Chapter 2: The Two Consorts

    Ahh, so its as I thought.


    Yeah, I heard thats what the Doctor-sama saw when he went in.


    Maomao was slurping her soup as she listened in. There were several hundred maidservants eating breakfast in the vast dining hall. It consisted of a soup and millet porridge.


    The maidservant, who was sitting diagonally across from her, continued to gossip. She had an expression of pity, but more than that, curiosity shone from the depths of her eyes.


    It was the same for both Gyokuyou-sama(, Yu Ye), and Rifa-sama(, Li Hua).


    Uwahh, so it was the both of them. Theyre only half a year and three months, right?


    Yeah. Could it really be the curse?


    The names they mentioned were the favoured consorts of the emperor. Half a year and three months were the respective ages of the imperial children they had given birth to.


    Gossip throws its weight around in the pce. They are about the pcedies who consorted with the emperor, and his sessors  if there are those about their infamy due to bullying and prejudice, there are also those that are like ghost stories appropriate for the sweltering heat.


    I guess so. Otherwise, theres no reason for those three to pass away as well.


    The ones who had passed away are the children born from consorts. That is, the imperial children who could have been chosen as sessors. There had been one when the emperor was the crown prince, and now as the emperor, two. All of them passed away when they were infants. Its a given that infants have a high mortality rate, but it is strange for it to have been three children from a court noble.


    As of now, the only survivors are the two children of Consort Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa.


    (Could it be poisoning?)


    While her mouth was full of hot water, Maomaos thoughts reached a different conclusion.


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    Among the three children, two had been imperial princesses. As only boys had the right to session, there are few reasons to kill princesses.


    The two who sat in front of her spoke of curses and cmities without moving their chopsticks.


    (There is no such curse.)


    Absurd. It all boiled down to that single word. There is aw on familial extermination by simply setting a curse  Maomaos thoughts could be taken as heresy instead. However, she had the knowledge she could assert her basis on.


    (What kind of illness? Could it be gic? How did they pass away?)


    It was then the quiet and unsociable maidservant spoke to the talkative maidservant.


    The regret she got from losing to her curiosity was something for a little whileter.


    I dont know the details but, it was said they all gradually weakened. The talkative maid, Shaoran(, Xiao Lan),seemed to be interested to have Maomao talking to her. She also told her about the all the rumours ;afterwards.


    I believe Rifa-sama has it worse, seeing how the doctor has been seeing her more often. She had said as she wiped down the window frame with a wrung dust-cloth.


    Rifa-sama herself?


    Yeah, mother and child both.


    The fact that the doctor was seeing Consort Rifa would have to be more the fact that her child is the crown prince rather than who was sicker. Consort Gyokuyous child is an imperial princess.


    The emperors favour ran deeper for Consort Gyokuyou, but its clear from the gender of the children who is the more important one.


    While I dont know the specifics of the symptoms, of course, I heard there were things like headache, stomach ache, and nausea.


    Shaoran went to her next job, seemingly satisfied about talking about everything she knew.


    Maomao gave her liquorice tea as an expression of gratitude. She had made it from the ones that grew on the edges of the courtyard. Though it had a medicinal stench, it was very sweet. The maidservant who rarely tasted sweetness had been overjoyed from that.


    (Headache, stomach ache, and nausea)


    Maomao she recalled the symptoms, she could not reach a decision.


    You must not think of things through spection alone,her dad had told her severely.


    (Ill go take a look in a bit.)


    Maomao decided to quickly finish her work.


    The scale of the inner pce, even if you put it all together, is massive. Normally, there are two thousand pcedies and over five hundred stay-in eunuchs.


    Though maidservants like Maomao are crammed intorge rooms in groups of ten, low-ranking consorts have their own rooms, middle-ranking consorts have buildings and high-ranking consorts have huge pcesrger than townsplete with a dining hall and a garden.


    As a result, Maomao has never left her station on the east side. The only time she was ever free to leave is when shes given a task.


    (If I have nothing to do, I can just make do with something.)


    Maomao spoke to a pcedy who was carrying a basket. The basket in the pcedys arms had high-quality silk that must be washed in the pool on the west side. It would be damaged if it was washed on the east side, whether it be due to the water quality or having different people to wash it.


    Though Maomao knew about the difference of drying it in the shade on the deterioration of silk, it wasnt something she needed to say.


    I want to see the extremely beautiful eunuch I heard is in the central area, Maomao said.


    After they talked about something Maomao had incidentally heard from Shaoran, the pcedy dly swapped over for her.


    Here where the incentive for romance is scarce, it appears that even eunuchs can be a target for motivation. After pcedies resign, you can hear that some be the wives of eunuchs once in a while. It was still normal whenpared to having affairs with women, but that tilted heads, of course.


    Only allowed on


    (I wonder if I will turn out like that?)


    Maomao groaned and crossed her arms when she asked herself that.


    After she quickly delivered theundry basket, Maomao looked at the red building that was situated in the central area. It was an extravagant pce, more refined than the east area.


    As of now, the crown princes mother, Consort Rifa, resided in thergest room in the inner pce. While the emperor iscking an empress, it can be said that Consort Rifa with the only male child is the most influential person.


    The spectacle she saw inside that ce was not much different to what she saw in town.


    There was a scolding woman, a woman hanging her head in shame, flustered women, and a man who was acting as the mediator.


    (Its not much different to a brothel.)


    With extremely cool impressions, Maomao joined the third parties  in other words, the rubbernecks.


    The scolding woman was the inner pces most influential person. The one looking down was the next powerful. The flustered ones were their maids. And the one who came to mediate was the doctor who was already no longer male. That was what she gleaned from the surrounding whispers.


    Its your fault. Its because you gave birth to a daughter that you wanted to curse the male infant to death, isnt that right! Consort Rifas beautiful face was distorted to something terrifying. With her demonic looks and her ghostly white skin, the consort faced the beauty who was holding her cheek.


    You know its impossible for me to do such a thing. Shaorin(, Xiao Ling)is also suffering the same way. The woman with red hair and jade eyes replied coldly. Consort Gyokuyou with her western features gazed up at the doctors face.And so, I want you to see my daughters condition as well, she said.


    Although the doctor was acting as the mediator, it seems he was the reason for the outburst.


    The doctor had just seen crown prince  it seems she had raised a protest about him not seeing her own daughter.


    It wasnt that Maomao didnt understand mothers, but it was a given that male infants came first in the hierarchy of the inner pce.


    Considering the doctor, she saw that he had a face that wanted to say unfounded though.


    (Is he an idiot, that quack?)


    The fact that he didnt notice with the two consorts standing so close to him. No, he didnt even know about it before that?


    The death of the infants. Headaches. Stomach aches. Nausea. And Consort Rifas white skin and unsteady body.


    Maomao left the scene of discord while muttering and grumbling to herself.


    While thinking,


    (What can I use to write?)


    Consequently, she took no notice of a passing person.

 Volume 1, Chapter 3: Jinshi

    Theyre at it again. Jinshis(, Ren Shi)handsome face was suffused in gloominess. He had almond shaped eyes, delicate features that could be mistaken as a woman. His hair was wrapped up in a silk cloth, with the rest flowing down his back.


    It is improper for the flowers of the pce to raise amotion in such a ce. It is one of his jobs to bring that to a close.


    While he was in the middle of dispersing the crowd, there was only one person who walked over with an air of disinterest.


    She was a short maidservant with freckles that densely covered her nose to her cheeks. Though she didnt have features that stood out, she left him the impression of one who was talking to herself without noticing him.


    He didnt expect there would be any more to it.


    The talks on the crown princes passing came about not even a month after.


    The sobbing Consort Rifa was skinnier than she had been a couple of days ago. She had no traces of time she was called the Large Rose. Was it because she had been ravaged by the same illness as her son, or was it that her mental breakdown was severe?


    From that, her hopes for another child were probably gone.


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    As for Imperial Princess Rinrii(, Ling Li), the crown princes older half-sister, her condition improved after an hour of poor health. The mother and child consoled the emperor who had lost the crown prince.


    With the emperoring often, the next child might be near.


    The imperial princess and crown prince had been inflicted with the same illness of an unknown cause. One recovered, one fell.


    Their ages may be different, but the three-month difference might have had a big influence on the infants physical conditions.


    However, what about Consort Rifa?


    If the imperial princess recovered, Consort Rifa might recover as well. Otherwise, she might be emotional from the death of her son.


    As Jinshi parsed over the documents and stamped them, his mind spun as he thought it over.


    If there was something different, it would be Consort Gyokuyou.


    Ill be away for a bit. After he finished stamping thest document, Jinshi left the room.


    The imperial princess with cheeks like steamed buns had the innocent smile of a baby. Her small hands made fists and grabbed onto Jinshis index finger.


    There there, please let go.


    The red-haired beauty gently took her daughter back into her arms and went to put her to sleep in the basket.


    The baby pushed the hot nket aside and babbled happily as she looked at the visitor.


    Only allowed on


    You have something you want to ask. It appears that the wise consort had sensed Jinshis anticipation.


    How did the Imperial Princess-dono recover?


    At the point-nk question, Consort Gyokuyou let out a smallugh and took out a piece of cloth from her bosom.


    There were clumsy words written on the ripped piece of cloth. It wasnt that the words were written messily. The blotted text was hard to read because it had been written with nt juice.


    The face powder is poison. Dont let the baby touch it.


    Had the writing been messy on purpose?


    Jinshi tilted his head. Was it the face powder?


    Indeed.


    Consort Gyokuyou entrusted the princess to the wet nurse and took out something from a drawer.


    It was a ceramic container wrapped in cloth. She lifted the lid and white powder wafted out.


    The face powder? he asked.


    Indeed, this is the face powder.


    He pinched the white powder wondering what could be in it. Come to think of it, Consort Gyokuyou didnt use the face powder as she originally had beautiful skin. Consort Rifa heavily covered her face to hide her badplexion.


    The princess is a glutton. My milk alone hadnt been enough for her. I only let her drink from the wet nurse when mine wasnt enough. She had employed a wet nurse who had lost her child soon after giving birth. This was what the wet nurse had used. She liked to use this as it was whiter than other face powders.


    How is the wet nurse?


    She took a break when her physical condition deteriorated. I nned to give her sufficient retirement money. Those were the words of the intelligent, overly kind consort.


    What would happen if there is poison inside the face powder?


    If the ones who used it were mothers, their foetuses would be affected. Even after birth, the infants could get it in their mouths too.


    Jinshi and Consort Gyokuyou didnt know what it is. Just that this is the poison that killed the crown prince.


    Ignorance is a sin. We should take more care in what the infants are putting into their mouths.


    I agree with that, she said.


    As a result, four of the emperors children were lost. If they included those still in their mothers wombs, there might be more affected.


    I want to inform this to Consort Rifa as well, but I think that anything I say will backfire, she added.


    Consort Rifa was still coating her bad skinplexion with the face powder. All without knowing it was poison.


    Jinshi looked at the piece of unbleached cloth. He had a mysterious feeling that he had seen this before.


    The messy words also looked like it was to obscure the handwriting. However, where had he seen this feminine script? Who could have done this? he asked.


    Consort Gyokuyou replied. It was the day I got the doctor to look at my daughter. After all, this had been left by the window after I troubled you. It was tied to an azalea branch.


    So, could it have been that they figured something out when they were at themotion and wanted to leave some advice?


    Just who could it have been?


    The pce doctor wouldnt do such a roundabout thing, he said.


    Indeed. It seemed he didnt know how to treat the crown prince even till the end.


    Themotion from that time.


    Come to think of it, he recalled an unconcerned maid from the group of onlookers.


    What had she been muttering about?


    What did she say?


    What can I use to write?


    Suddenly, everything in his head clicked.


    He burst out with an evil snicker. A beautiful smile, like a celestial maidens, appeared. Consort Gyokuyou. The owner of those words, what shall we do when we find them?


    Of course, they are our benefactor. I want to give my thanks to them, she said.


    I understand. Please wait for a bit.


    I await your good news.


    Jinshi followed the memories of the cloth that was embedded with feelings. If the Favoured Consort so wishes, I will certainly find then.


    The celestial maiden smile gained the innocence of a treasure hunting child.

 Volume 1, Chapter 4: The Smile Of A Celestial Maiden

    The crown princes passing was known when the ck bands were delivered during dinner. Signifying mourning, it was to be worn for seven days.


    The meals at those times, which hardly had meat even at the best of times, had none at all, so there were those who frequently pursed their lips. A lowly maidservant had two meals a day, consisting of a cereal and a soup. Once in a while as a treat, there would be one vegetable dish. The portion sizes were enough for the overly skinny Maomao, but there were many times she thought it wascking.


    There were obvious things when the maids were all lumped together. If there were those who were born as peasants, there would be town girls too. Though their numbers were few, there were also the daughters of officials. Although with officials as their parents, they should be treated somewhat better, even so, when it came to why they were working here, there was also the question of how the person was raised. Those who could not read or write have no way of bing consorts with rooms. A consort is an upation.


    (So it was all meaningless in the end?)


    Maomao knew the cause of the crown princes illness.


    Consort Rifa and her maids had used the white face powdervishly. It was a high-ss item that cannot be obtained bymoners.


    It was also used by the brothels high-ss courtesans. Courtesans who earn a farmers lifetime of silver in a single night also use it. If there were those who buy it themselves, there were also those who received it as a gift.


    The courtesans ruined their body by applying this white powder copiously onto their face and neck. Several had died from it. Even though her dad had told them to Stop it, they continued with it.


    Maomao had also seen many of these courtesans die from weight loss and weakness by her dads side.


    By trying to have both life and beauty, in the end, they lost both.


    That was why she broke off a short branch, wrote a simple message, and left it at the two consorts ces. Well, she didnt think that they would believe the warning from a lowly maidservant who had no writing materials.


    When the mourning broke, the time when the ck bands could no longer be ;seen, she heard a rumour about Consort Gyokuyou. Apparently, with the crown prince lost, the grieving emperor was affectionate to the surviving imperial princess. She heard nothing about him going to Consort Rifa who had lost their child.


    (How convenient.)


    Maomao gulped down the soup that had small bits of fish in it ;and headed to her work station where she was to tidy up the tableware.


    A summoning, you say?


    Maomao who was carrying aundry basket was called to a stop by a eunuch. It was about going to the Pce Official Chiefs room in the central area. Pce officials are one of the three divisions in the inner pce  a low ranking pcedy, so to speak. The other two are Inner Officials, the consorts with rooms, and the Eunuchs, who are equivalent to a department of attendants of the inner pce.


    (What do they want?)


    The eunuch also spoke to the maidservants around her. Looks like it wasnt just her.


    It must be that they dont have enough people. Maomao left the basket in front of the room and followed the eunuch.


    The Pce Official Chiefs building was close to the main gate, which was one of the four gates that connect the inner pce to the outside. The emperor will surelye through this gate when he visits the inner pce.


    She may have been summoned, but it wasnt really afortable ce. It was too pretentious.


    While it somewhat paled inparison to the building of the Inner Pce Chief next door, the structure was more extravagant than the buildings of the middle-ranking consorts. Each handrail was carved, and lifelike dragons entwined around each of the red pirs.


    When she was urged inside, she saw that the room only had a singlerge desk. It was tasteless beyond expectations. Not counting Maomaos group, there were about ten maidservants gathered inside. Their expressions ranged from uneasiness and anticipation to excitement.


    Yes, up to here. All of you can return now.


    (Huh?)


    It was cut off weirdly for some reason. Only Maomao had entered the room. The rest of the maidservants quizzically left.


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    Even though the room was still spacious enough to fit more people.


    As Maomao tilted her head, she noticed that the gazes of all the pcedies around her were fixed to a single point. There was a woman sitting inconspicuously in the corner of the room, where a eunuch worked for her. A senior woman was standing a little far off. She remembered that the middle-aged woman was the Pce Official Chief, but that aside, who was the important looking woman?


    (Mm?)


    Shoulders were wide for a woman. Simple robes. Hair gathered in cloth, with the rest down.


    (A man?)


    He was looking at the pcedies with the tender smile of a celestial maiden. The Pce Official Chief was turning red.


    So thats why. She understood why everyone was blushing.


    Maomao thought that this man must be the beautiful eunuch from the rumours.


    He was just as beautiful as a painting of a celestial maiden with silky hair, slender features, almond eyes, and willowy brows.


    (Such a waste.)


    She thought of such words without blushing. ;As he lost his most important thing, he cannot make children. If that man had children, they would be excellent specimens no matter what.


    However, if he has such an otherworldly face, the emperor could also ensnare him.While she was thinking of such disrespectful things, the man stood up elegantly. Facing the desk, he picked up a brush and elegantly wrote something with a flourish.


    With a sharine grin, the man disyed his note.


    Maomao froze.


    Only allowed on


    The girl with the freckles. Youre staying overtime.


    That was a summary of what was written.


    Perhaps he noticed that Maomao hadnt moved. He was smiling with his entire face.


    The man put away his writing and pped twice. We are done for today. You can return to your rooms.


    The maidservants left the room reluctantly while in doubt. They couldnt understand the meaning of that note from before.


    Maomao noticed that the maidservants who left the room were all short and had faces with freckles that stood out. However, the ones who made no reaction to the writing probably couldnt read it. It wasnt the note that singled out Maomao.


    She was going to leave with the rest of the maidservants, when a firm handnded on her shoulders.


    She timidly looked back. There was the smile of a celestial maiden that was so dazzling it blinded her.


    You cant do that. Youre working overtime, he said.


    Needless to say, she couldnt refuse.

 Volume 1, Chapter 5: Maid

    How mysterious I heard that you couldnt read though, Jinshi said.


    Only allowed on


    Yes, I am of humble birth. Maybe they made some mistake? Maomao replied.


    (As if I would tell anyone.)


    was what she wanted to exim but didnt. She waspletely ying dumb. There was a difference in the treatment of maidservants who could read and maidservants who couldnt. Though each was useful in their different ways, it was easier to go about pretending to be ignorant.


    The beautiful eunuch is called Jinshi. Even though he had an elegant smile that was an innocent as amb, she felt like it was something squirming for some reason. If it wasnt for that, Maomao wouldnt be standing here with this dilemma like so.


    Jinshi told her to be quiet and follow him. The lowly disposable maidservant whose head can easily roll if she were to shake her head had no other choice than to go along with him. Her mind spun. What will happen after this? How would she properly deal with it?


    Though it wasnt that she could think up the reason as to why Jinshi was leading her like this, why he exposed ;thatwas a mystery.


    About the messages she had sent to the consorts.


    She studied the piece of cloth in Jinshis hand. There was messy and awkwardly written text on it.


    She did not tell anyone that she could write. She had also been silent about her pharmaceutical knowledge of poisons. Needless to say, there was no way people would recognise her handwriting.


    Although she confirmed her surroundings when she ced it down, she was probably seen by someone.


    He had been looking for a short maid with freckles. For starters, no doubt he had gathered the ones who could write first and gathered their handwriting. Altered handwriting would still leave behind distinguishing traces.


    If there was no person among the group that matched his criteria, he would then gather those who couldnt write. The judgement on whether they could read or not was as before.


    (What a sceptical person. Rather, he has too much free time.)


    They arrived at their destination as she mentally ndered him. As she thought, it was the pce where Consort Gyokuyou resided.


    When Jinshi knocked on the door, a dignified voice answered with a curt Come in.


    When they walked inside, there was a red-haired beauty lovingly holding a baby wrapped in a soft nket. The baby had a rosy face. She had her mothers pale skin. They heard the cute sounds of her sleeping, her lips slightly parted. She was the very picture of health.


    I have arrived with the person. Jinshi said.


    Thank you for the hard work you have done.


    It wasnt the same broken-down voice from before. Her speech was of one who knew her ce.


    Consort Gyokuyou gave her yet a different warm smile to the one she gave Jinshi and lowered her head at her.


    Maomao widened her eyes in surprise. I cant receive this type of treatment from someone who outranks me, she stated, choosing polite words.


    No. My gratitude goes beyond that. You are this babys benefactor.


    This must be some kind of mistake. Surely you got the wrong person. Maomao broke out in cold sweat. Even if she said it politely, there was no difference in the fact that she denied it. She didnt want to be decapitated, but she also didnt want to be involved in this. She didnt want to get entangled in a long incident.


    Jinshi, who noticed that Consort Gyokuyou was making a slightly troubled face, shook the piece of cloth to her. Did you know that this is the cloth used for the work clothes of maids?


    Now that you mention it, it looks simr. Maomao yed dumb to the very end. Even though she knew it was futile.


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    Indeed. These are used by maidservants that work for clothes duty.


    Pce officials are separated into six duties. Those in charge of clothes wore working clothes  Maomao, who oversaw washing duty, was ced into there.


    The unbleached skirt was the same colour as the cloth Jinshi was holding. The interior of her skirt had a section that was hidden by pleats. If you examine it, you would find a strange seam. In short, the evidence was there.


    She didnt think that Jinshi would act rudely before Consort Gyokuyou, but she was left with nothing else she could do.


    She had no choice but to prepare herself for the worst. What would you suppose I do?


    She got a positive feeling when the two looked at each other. They both smiled warmly, eyes crinkling.


    Amid the sounds of the sleeping breath of the restful baby, Maomao, who wanted to disappear, gave a small sigh.


    The next day, Maomao packed her meagre belongings.


    All her room mates and Shaoran were jealous. They chased her down with questions on how it happened.


    Maomao, with a dry smile, had no choice but to evade it.


    Maomao became a maid of the Emperors Favoured Consort.


    Well, this was the so-called promotion.

 Volume 1, Chapter 6: Food Taster

    Pcedies with rooms get better treatment  it was more so for the maids of the Emperors Favoured Consort.


    Maomaos rank had risen from the bottom of the pyramid structure to somewhere in the middle. ording to what she was told, her wages had also increased exponentially, but twenty percent of that wage goes to her family, or rather, the merchants who sold her.


    She was provided a narrow room, not the workers room she had up until recently. Her sleeping quarters had upgraded from a straw woven mat and a sheet to a bed. The room was wide enough to fit two beds. She was happy that she no longer had to avoid stepping on her roommates when she woke up in the morning. There was another reason she was happy, but that was something she will knowter.


    The Jade Pce, where Consort Gyokuyou resided, had four other maids aside from Maomao. As the imperial princess was beginning to eat baby food, there hadnt been a need to employ a new wet nurse. Compared to Consort Rifa who had more than ten people with her, it was quite a small number.


    Seeing as Maomao had suddenly moved up the ranks from being the lowest ss maidservant to a co-worker, she saw looks of disapproval from the maids, but there wasnt any of the harassment she had honestly been expecting. Rather, what she saw had been looks of sympathy.


    (Why is that?)


    She soon knew the reason.


    Before her eyes was imperial court dishes made with lots of medicinal herbs. One after another, Consort Gyokuyous head maid, Honnyan(, Hong Niang),ced small tes with portions of the side dishes before Maomao.


    Consort Gyokuyou looked on apologetically but made no sign of stopping it. The remaining three maids looked at her piteously.


    A food taster.


    Everyone became nervous because of the incident with the crown prince. It was because of the circting rumours about the imperial princess illness and where the poison had been slipped in. No doubt the maids, not knowing where the poison came from, were fearful.


    From that, it wasnt strange that they would send in maids with a specialty in poison tasting as disposable pieces.


    It wasnt just Consort Gyokuyou. It also included the Imperial Princesss food and the Emperors nourishment dishes when he visits.


    It appears that poison had been served twice when Consort Gyokuyous pregnancy was known. One had been light; the other had paralysed the limbs and damaged the nerves.


    The maids, who had been nervously acting as food tasters up until now, were honestly grateful towards her.


    Maomao frowned as she looked at the tes. They were made from y.


    (If youre worried about poisons, using silver is a given.)


    Maomao picked up the garnish of the ;namasu(, ;kuai.Vinegar pickled raw fish and vegetables. A dish introduced from China to Japan during the Nara era.) ;with a pair of chopsticks and looked at it carefully. She sniffed it. She ced it on her tongue, made sure that there was no numbing sensation, and swallowed it slowly.


    (Im honestly not suited to be a food taster.)


    It should be immediate onset poison. There was no meaning to entrust the food tasting to Maomao if it was a dyed onset poison. Maomao, who had made herself gradually ustomed to poisons as an experiment, had perhaps be resistant to arge amount of poisons. This wasnt the job of a pharmacist. It was for the sake of fulfilling Maomaos intellectual desire. In a different ce and era, she would surely be called a Mad Scientist. Even her dad, who taught her the skills of a doctor, had been stunned about it.


    When there were no changes to Maomaos body and she affirmed that there was no poison with her own knowledge, Consort Gyokuyou finally started to eat.


    Next up was the vourless baby food.


    Only allowed on


    I believe it would be better to rece the tes to those made of silver. Without putting any feeling to it, Maomao told that to her Boss, Honnyan.


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    She had been summoned to Honnyans room to report on todays actions. It was a spacious roomcking in gorgeous ornaments, which bespoke of her practical personality.


    The beautiful ck-haired head maid who was reaching her thirties sighed. Its really just as Jinshi-sama said.


    Honnyan confessed with an amazed face that they didnt use silver tableware on purpose. Because Jinshi had instructed them so.


    It was likely that he was also the one who had ordered Maomao to be a food taster.


    Maomao listened to Honnyan with a cold expression, fighting back her bad mood.


    I dont know why you hid your knowledge and skills on poison and medicine. Even if you just said you could write, you would have been paid more, Honnyan said.


    Its because I lived as imitation of a pharmacist. Even though I have been kidnapped and taken away, when I think that the kidnappers are still receiving a fair share of money, I get seriously pissed. Maomao let out a few rough words in her heightened emotions. But the head maid didnt me her.


    So even if your wages decrease, you are sayinglike hell am I giving money for those guys alcohol expenses. It seemed that the smart maid had deduced Maomaos intentions.


    As much as you like, if you are ipetent, you will be reced after two years of service. Honnyan sympathised, while it was something she didnt need to understand.


    She picked up the jug from the table and handed it to Maomao.


    What is Just as Maomao was about to ask, a pain ran through her wrist. In shock, she dropped the jug onto the bed. Large cracks ran across the pottery.


    Oh my, this is quite expensive. You wont be able to pay it back with the amount you earn as a maid. The money that is sent to your family wont be enough either. Rather, you will have to be billed.


    The expressionless Maomao, understanding what Honnyan said, let out a cynical smile. My apologies. Deduct that from the pay that is sent home every month. If that is not enough, please take what I have on hand as well.


    Yes. Ill send the formalities to the Pce Official Chief. Well then.


    Honnyan picked up the fallen jug and ced it on the table. She then took out a ;wooden slip(, mokkan.A long strip of wood used to write a single line of vertical text, used before there was paper.)from the drawer. Her brush glided smoothly. This is the statement for the additional funds you get from food tasting. View this as insurance. If there are any points you are curious about, please ask.


    The amount of money was roughly the same as what Maomao currently earned. With just the portion that has been taken away asmision gone, it meant that Maomao has profited.


    (She is good with deals(Literally: shes good at using sweets).)


    Maomao left the room with her head bowed deeply.

 Volume 1, Chapter 7: Love Potion

    The four maids who were there from the start are all very hard workers. Although the Jade Pce isnt thatrge, the four of them moved about constantly. Bedroom duty, otherwise known as housekeeping maids, alsoe in, but it has always been the four maids who cleaned up the inside of the entire pce. By the way, it is outside the original scope of a maids job.


    And so, the only job left for the neer Maomao was to eat.


    She didnt know if they were feeling guilt from forcing the worst job onto her, or that they didnt want her to invade their territory  all the maids aside from Honnyan didnt force Maomao to do anything. Rather, they forced her out of the room with a gentle Its fine, when shees in with the intention to help.


    (I cant sit still.)


    She was forced into her small room, only called out twice for meals and afternoon tea, and to eat the nourishment dishes for the emperor who visits every couple of days. Once in a while, Honnyan would entrust something onto her, but they were all quick and easy jobs.


    (What is this? Eat and sleep?)


    In addition to food tasting, the meals had be more extravagant than before. The leftover sweet snacks from the tea party were given to Maomao as well. She wasnt working hard like an ant. That nutrition will be fat at this rate.


    Only allowed on


    (Its like Im livestock.)


    Maomao wasnt suitable for the food taster role for one other reason. She had always been skinny. It was hard to know if her contact with poison had anything to do with it. Moreover, as the lethal dose depended on body weight, there was a higher chance of surviving just by being fat.


    As far as Maomao was concerned, it didnt mean that she didnt know a poison that would make someone that skinny. She had confidence that she could survive beyond lethal doses of poison, though it didnt seem to be the case for the ones around her. The three maids pitied Maomao, who looked young with her short height and overly skinny frame, the poor disposable piece. They fed her congee, piling on seconds even when she was already full. She was also served one more side dish than the others.


    (The remind me of the big sisters at the brothel.)


    Even though Maomao was such quiet and unsociable thing,cking that innocent charm. Why was it that the courtesans dote on her? At every opportunity, they fed her, gave her sweets.


    By the way, what Maomao didnt realise was that there was a reason for her being doted upon.


    Maomaos left arm was covered in scars. Cuts, stabs, burns, scars from being stabbed with needles. She was short, too skinny and had countless scars. Her arms were often bandaged. asionally she went about pale-faced and fainting. Everyone held back tears, thinking that the girl was quiet and unsociable from the maltreatment she had sustained up until now. Everyone thought she was being abused. But the truth was different.


    Maomao had inflicted everything on herself. To study the effect of salves and drugs that stop inmmation. To gain resistance to poisons by gradually ingesting them. Sometimes she also got a venomous snake to bite her. There were times she got the dose wrong and fainted as a result. Consequently, this was why the scars were all concentrated on her left arm, and not her dominant arm.


    It wasnt that she had a masochistic, self-harming hobby. She was just too much into satisfying her intellectual desire that she was quite different from normal girls.


    The one who was extremely bothered by such a daughter was her dad. He was getting unwarranted nder before he knew it. While living in the pleasure district, he taught his own daughter medical knowledge and writing to give her another path outside prostitution. He understood some of her motivations, but he condemned most of it. He couldnt even think that his daughter, who was of age, would repeatedly harm herself for the sake of experiment.


    For such reasons, everyone thought she was a ;pitiful girl, who, after being abused by her parent, was sold to the inner pce and made to be a disposable food taster.


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    The person herself didnt know anything at all


    (At this rate, Ill be a pig.)


    As Maomao thought of such things, a detestable visitor appeared before her.


    The young man with an otherworldly beauty was lit with a constant heavenly smile.


    The three maids prepared tea for the visitor while taking in his face. From hearing a quarrel from the other side of the wall, it sounded like there was an argument on who will prepare it.


    The amazed Honnyan prepared the tea herself and directed the three to return to their rooms.


    The food taster Maomao sniffed the contents of the silver teacup and held it in her mouth.


    She felt like running away from the gaze of Jinshi, who had been staring intently at her for some time now. She squinted, trying to not meet his eyes.


    As a young maiden, just by being looked at by a good-looking man, even if he is a eunuch, didnt feel bad. But it wasnt like that for Maomao. She drew a line, even though she appreciated Jinshis celestial maiden like beauty, because aside from that interest, there were too much differences between them.


    This is something I received. Can you taste it for me? Jinshi asked.


    There were steamed buns inside the basket. Maomao picked one up and split it apart. It was stuffed with minced meat and vegetables. When she sniffed it, it yielded a medicinal scent.


    It was the same as the tonic she ate the day before yesterday. ;Theres aphrodisiac in it.


    You didnt even need to eat it to know, Jinshi said.


    Its not harmful to your health. Please take it back. Savour it.


    Nah, when I think about the one who gave it to me, I really dont want to eat it.


    Indeed. You might get a visitor this evening.


    Jinshi made a wordless expression at Maomao who stated that nonchntly. His reaction was different to what she had expected. He tried to make her eat the steamed bun while knowing it was spiked with an aphrodisiac; he should be grateful that she wasnt giving him the look she would give a pest. By the way, she wondered what kind of person he received it from.


    Consort Gyokuyouughed, her voice bell-like, at the twos banter. The sounds of Imperial Princess Rinriis sleeping followed her footsteps.


    Maomao bowed once and was prepared to leave the guest room.


    Wait.


    What do you require of me? she asked.


    Jinshi and Consort Gyokuyou looked at each other and nodded. It appeared that they had settled on the main topic before Maomao came over.


    Can you make me a love potion? Jinshi asked.


    In an instant, Maomaos eyes glowed with surprise and curiosity.


    Though she had no idea what use they had for that medicine, there was no mistaking that she was all too happy to prepare it.


    As Maomao controlled her smile, she said, Time, ingredients and utensils. If I can have those.


    I can make a love potion if I have the things for it.

 Volume 1, Chapter 8: Medicine Shelves

    Whats the deal with this?


    He crossed his arms, willowy brows knitted in gloominess.


    It was said that Jinshi could cause the downfall of countries if he was a different gender, but if the person himself want to do it, the question of gender wouldnt even matter.


    Today as well, he had been consecutively called out by a middle-ranking consort and two low-ranking consorts from the inner pce, and a military official and a civil official from the Pce. As the military official had gone as far as giving him a dim sum spiked with a tonic, Jinshi will return to his own room in the pce and wont be attending his night shift today. It was for the sake of self-defence; he was not skipping out on work.


    He wrote the names on the scroll on the desk.


    The names were the consorts who called him out today. Their cases were severe, like seducing another man into their room and saying that it was because the emperor didnt visit. Although there was no formal report, their sentence will be handed down hereafter.


    Only allowed on


    Was his own beauty being ;the touchstone for the pcedies noticed by several small caged birds?


    A consorts rank is chosen, while taking her parents pedigree in consideration first, ording to standards of intelligence and beauty. Intelligence is harder to determinepared to looks and pedigree. They are required to possess the appropriate culture to be an empress. Additionally, they must also have a sense of virtue.


    His unkind emperor decided to use Jinshi for the selection criteria.


    It was also Jinshi who had rmended Consort Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa. Consort Gyokuyou was prudent and deeply modest. Consort Rifa may have an emotional personality, but she also possessed the appropriate spirit of one who bowed down to no one.


    Both were loyal to the emperor and held no wicked sentiment towards him.


    Consort Rifa, in particr, adored him with her whole heart.


    Jinshis master is a cruel person.


    The emperor arranged for consorts convenient to the country to produce children for him, and if they didnt have that ability, he cast them away.


    From now on, it will be Consort Gyokuyou who will continue to receive his favour.


    Thest time he visited Consort Rifa, who is now emaciated like a ghost, was when the crown prince had passed away.


    Aside from Consort Rifa, there were also several other consorts who had be unnecessary. Those, he returned to their family when he saw the chance and had them bestowed.


    Jinshi extracted one sheet from the pile of documents.


    Her name was Fuyou. She had a rank of Primary Fourth ss, which is equivalent to a middle-ranking consort.


    The other day, this consort had been bestowed to a military official who was merited with the repelling of a foreign tribe.


    Well then, would it turn out smoothly? There shouldnt be any problems if it was carried out ording to the n in his head. For that, maybe he could get some corporation from that unsociable doctor.


    Though there were no shared feelings between them, it was the first time someone looked at him as though he was a pest.


    The person had probably nned to conceal it, but she wasnt able topletely mask that faint contempt in her eyes.


    He burst outughing. Like nectar that fell from the heaven, hisughter also contained a hint of evil.


    It wasnt like hes a masochist, but its strangely amusing. It felt like he got a new toy.


    What shall I do after this? Jinshi, after leaving the documents under the ink stone, decided to sleep.


    He firmly locked the door so there will be no issues about visitorsing in at the dead of the night.


    Though the expression for panacea exists, there really isnt such an omnipotent medicine.


    Those were the words her dad also told to Maomao when he was against her actions.


    She wanted to make medicine that was effective for any illness and any person. For that reason, she made wounds that turned peoples eyes away. And though she had developed new medicine, it wasnt her aim to perfect an omnipotent medicine at the moment.


    The topic Jinshi brought up was interesting enough to Maomao, though she couldnt stomach it.


    Sinceing into the inner pce, the only thing she could make was hydrangea tea. She had been surprised that medicinal herbs that could be used as ingredient were growing inside the inner pce. But she had endured it, seeing as she had no tools, and she wanted to avoid doing questionable things in arge room.


    The best thing about moving into the small room was for that reason.


    Maomao went out to gather ingredient supplies, bringing theundry basket along to mask her intent. This was something she can now do, seeing as Honnyan had put her in charge ofundry duty.


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    She entered the medical office she had been told about before while pretending toe in to deliverundry. Inside was that flustered doctor from before and the eunuch who usually apanied Jinshi.


    The doctor appraised Maomao with his eyes, touching his thin loach moustache.


    It was as though he was saying  ;Why is this little girl invading my territory?


    (Please refrain from staring at this ugly woman.)


    Compared to the doctor, the eunuch courteously guided Maomao as if he was receiving a master.


    Maomao let out the widest smile sinceing to the inner pce when she walked into the room, which was enclosed by three walls of medicine shelves. Her face flushed, her eyes glistened, and her normally pursed lips drew a soft arc.


    She didnt care that the eunuch was looking at her in surprise.


    She surveyed thebels on the drawers, making a weird dance whenever she found rare drugs. She was overflowing with joy. Her mind couldnt bepletely satisfied.


    Is it a curse or what?


    She had been repeating this for nearly one hour.


    Jinshi, who appeared without her noticing, looked at Maomao strangely.


    Maomao assembled the ingredients, which are managed in drawers ordered from the edge. She bundled them into their separate medicine bags and wrote down their names with a brush. Its extravagant to use paper so luxuriantly when wooden slips are still being used.


    As the loach moustache doctor came to have a look at what she was doing, the eunuch closed the door. The eunuchs name was Gaoshun(, Gao Shun).


    Gaoshun was the one who fetched the things from the high drawers for her. His boss did nothing. ;Go somewhere else if youre not going to do anything, Maomao thought expressionlessly.


    When she recognised a name on the highest drawer, Maomao leaned up towards it. Gaoshun made a wordless expression when he saw what he handed over.


    Some kind of seedid on her palm.


    This amount isnt enough, she said.


    In that case, the only thing we can do is to prepare more. The good-looking man, who did nothing but smile and watch on uselessly, told her simply. This is something from the west, in particr, the southern regions of the west.


    You might find it if you search the imported goods.


    Jinshi pinched the seed. It looked like an apricot seed and emitted a peculiar aroma. What is this called?


    Maomao answered the young mans question. Its cacao, she said.

 Volume 1, Chapter 9: Cacao

    Your skills are better than I expected, Jinshi told Maomao in astonishment.


    I didnt think I was that good either.


    She was somewhat stunned at the scene before her eyes.


    Ahh, is that so.


    There was no usual pointlessly bright smile. He just looked extremely tired.


    How did it turn out this way?


    For that, they had to go back a couple of hours.


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    The cacao that was delivered came not as the seed but in the powdered form. Maomao carried all the other requested ingredients to the kitchen of the Jade Pce.


    The three maids had watched her in the spirit of curiosity but returned to their respective workstations when Honnyan reprimanded them.


    Milk, butter, sugar, honey, fruits dried in distilled liquor, aromatic herb oil. They were all high-ss items with high nutritional value. At the same time, they could also be used as the ingredients to make a tonic.


    Maomao had only tried cacao once. The courtesan who gave her the chocte said that it was something kneaded into powder, mixed with sugar, and hardened.


    Though the piece was the size of her fingertip, eating it made her feel like she drank up strong liquor. She became strangely cheerful. It was something a wicked guest gave to garner the interest of a popr courtesan by saying it was an unusual confectionery. Regrettably, the courtesan got angry when she saw the Maomao who looked out of sorts, and the guest ended up getting banned by the madam.


    After that, there were times where she got her hands on a couple of those seeds, but she didnt treat them as a drug. A pharmacist of the pleasure district had no customers who requested such a high-ss item.


    The chocte in her memory was something that had been hardened with fat. Maomao, who can perfectly remember the scent and taste of medicines and poisons, had a clear memory of its ingredients.


    As the season was still hot, Maomao didnt think that butter will set properly. So, she decided to use it to cover the fruits. It would be perfect if there was ice, but of course, that was something impossible to obtain. As a substitute, she prepared arge unzed jug and filled it halfway with water. Water evaporation will make the inside a couple of degrees cooler than the open air  just cold enough for the fat to set.


    Maomao put a spoonful of the mixture in her mouth. Bitterness, sweetness, and aponent that lifted her emotions passed through her tongue.


    Maomao, who became strong to alcohol and poisons, didnt feel as high as she did before in the past. Nheless, she could feel a strong effect.


    (Maybe its better if I make them a little smaller.)


    She cut the fruits in half and drenched them in the brown liquid. Then sheid them on a te and finished off by cing that inside a container that could float inside the jug.


    She capped the jug and hid it under the straw mat. Now the only thing left was to wait for it to harden. By the time Jinshies to pick it up in the evening, they should be already set.


    (Theres a little left over)


    There were still some of that brown liquid left over. The ingredients were very high-ss items and were also high in nutritional value. Although it was a love potion, seeing as it wasnt that effective to Maomao, she decided to eat itter. She cut up a loaf of bread and soaked it in it. This way, there was no need for cooling. She covered it and left it on the shelf.


    She packed up the leftover ingredients in her room and went to the pool outside to wash up.


    That time, itpletely escaped her mind that she should have bought the cut bread into her room as well. It might have been because she was a little high from the tasting.


    Well, it was toote by then.


    Afterwards, she was entrusted a job by Honnyan. The incident urred when she was getting into the flow of harvesting the medicinal herbs that grew outside.


    She was smugly holding onto theundry basket with herbs, when she saw a blue-faced Honnyan and a gloomy Consort Gyokuyou waiting for her. As Gaoshun was also there, Jinshi should have alsoe.


    Honnyan, who was pressing her forehead, pointed Maomao to the kitchen. She pushed her basket to Gaoshun and went towards the scene of the crime.


    Jinshi was looking there with an amazed expression.


    There were three maids sleeping, affectionately embracing each other. Their breasts were bared, skirts were turned up to their calves. Everyone had flushed, content faces.


    Insolent words passed through her head about what happened before and after, but she tried not to think about it. Rather, she didnt want to think about it. Well, because they were all women, the worst case didnt happen, maybe.


    There was the brown bread on the table. Three pieces were missing.


    After Honnyan, Gaoshun and Maomao carried the maids to their respective rooms to sleep, she was suddenly tired.


    In the living room, Consort Gyokuyou and Jinshi were looking at the chocte bread curiously.


    Only allowed on


    Is this the mentioned love potion? the consort asked.


    No, that would be this. Maomao presented the thing that covered the fruits. There were around thirty grains about the size of her thumbnail.


    Then, whats that?


    My supper, Maomao answered.


    Evidently, everyone was taken back as though she said something wrong. Gaoshun and Honnyan looked at her as if she was a strange person.


    Ive gotten used to alcohol and stimnts, so it doesnt have much of an effect on me. Maomao was a heavy drinker, as she once drank alcohol seeped in snake poison as an experiment. She categorised alcohol as a type of drug.


    Jinshi picked up the bread and stared at it intently. Then, there shouldnt be a problem for me if I eat it.


    Please stop that!!Honnyan and Gaoshuns voices ovepped.


    It was the first time she heard Gaoshuns voice.


    Jinshi put the bread back onto the te, saying that its a joke.


    Certainly, tasting a love potion in front of the Emperors Beloved Consort was disrespectful. But even with that mistake, anyone would be capable of straying frommon sense if a celestial maidens beauty ever drew close with a flushed face.


    Shall we make it for the emperor next time? As a change in routine even, the consort mused.


    Itll have to be three times the effectiveness of the usual tonic.


    Three times ;Perhaps a means to continue, Consort Gyokuyou decided in a quiet voice on something that couldnt be heard.


    How intense.


    Maomao transferred the love potion to a container with a lid and handed it to Jinshi. Please aim to have one grain at a time as it is very effective. I think you will get a nosebleed if you overeat as it will cause the blood to over-circte. Again, please use it when youre together with a consenting partner.


    When she finished with the precautions, Jinshi stood up.


    Gaoshun and Honnyan left the room, getting ready to return. Bowing once, Consort Gyokuyou also left the room with the sleeping princess in the basket.


    When Maomao was about to put away the te of bread, she smelt a sweet scent from behind.


    Thank you for making something that was better than I expected.


    She could hear a sweet honey-like voice. She felt something cold touch her neck as her hair was swept up.


    When she looked over her shoulders, Jinshi was leaving the room, waving one hand.


    I see, she said.


    There was one less piece of bread on the te when she looked away. The aim of the criminal was on point.


    Itll be good if there are no victims. Maomao muttered about other peoples affairs.


    The night was still young.

 Volume 1, Chapter 10: Ghost Panic (1)

    Today as well, Infa(, Ying Hua), ;a maid serving the Favoured Consort, Gyokuyou, will work with whole-hearted devotion. The other day, shemitted the disgrace of sleeping in the middle of work, but Consort Gyokuyou, ;her master, did not even reprimand her. If thats the case, she has no other option than to personally serve  she will thoroughly clean every single window frame down to the handrails.


    Originally, this sort of act is unworthy for a maid, but even so, Infa will conduct herself as a maidservant. After all, Consort Gyokuyou had said that she loves hard workers.


    She entered the kitchen to organise the tea utensils. The new maid was making something. Her name is Maomao. But since she rarely spoke, Infa wasnt sure what kind of person she was. Only that, hearing that the girl had scars on her arm from abuse, sold and was now employed as the poison expert was unbelievably unbearable.


    Infa had increased the girls meals to fatten up her skinny body and didnt allow her to sweep, seeing how pitiful it was to see her exposed scars. The other two maids also thought the same way. As a result, Maomao didnt have many jobs to do. ;This is fine, Infa thought.


    The head maid Honnyan said that this wasnt enough, and assigned Maomao to do the washing. As washing only required her to carry the basket, the scars on her arms wont stand out. It seems she was also entrusted to do other small tasks.


    What are you making? Infa asked.


    There were herb-like things boiling in the pot.


    Cold medicine, the new maid replied.


    She stated the absolute minimum of what she needed to say. ;Surely, she is probably not good at socialising due to the after-effects of abuse, Infa thought to the point of tears.


    As the new maids knowledge of medicine was deep, she made it this way sometimes. Infa had nothing to say about that as the girl cleans after herself perfectly, and Infa had recently received medicine for dry skin that was useful. asionally, it seems that Honnyan requests her to makes medicines as well.


    Infa took out the silver teacups and meticulously polished them with a dry cloth.


    Maomao didnt speak much, but shes a good listener; someone worth talking to. Infa told her about the strange rumour that had been going around recently.


    The rumours of a white woman who danced in mid-air.


    Maomao headed for the medical office, bringing along theundry basket and the cold medicine she finished making with her. Just in case, she wanted to get the doctors judgement, even merely for forms sake.


    (An incident from a month ago?)


    Maomao tilted her head at the conventional bizarre tale. This was yet another rumour she has never heard of beforeing here. Shaoran had told her everything she had known as far as rumours went, so Maomao knew that this was a recent one.


    The inner pce was surrounded by a wall. There was a deep moat on the other side of the wall and the only way to traverse the ce was through the four directional gates. It was impossible to escape or raid the pce. It was said that the consort who had attempted to break out of the inner pce was still sleeping under the deep moat even now.


    (Near the castle gate huh.)


    There should be no buildings close by, only a pine forest.


    (It was from the end of summer yeah.)


    It was the harvest time for seasonal items.


    As bad thoughts came to her head, she heard a detestable voice as if she was being targeted.


    Good work.


    Maomao maintained an expressionless face at the gorgeous peony-like smile. No, not really, she replied.


    The medical office was close to the central gate in the south. The parlours of the three departments that govern the inner pce were also set up here. Jinshi usually appears there. As he is a eunuch, he should be in the Department of Inner Servants. But this man was not attached to any room. Rather, he looked over everything like an overseer.


    (His position is higher than Pce Official Chief huh.)


    It was possible he was the guardian of the current emperor, but it was hard to imagine that for a young man who looks around twenty. Theres no reason for him to specially be a eunuch if he was the emperors son either. It was also thinkable he was the guardian of Consort Gyokuyou, seeing as they are close. Rather.


    (The emperors mistress?)


    Whenever the Emperor visited, he looked straight as far as what Maomao saw with him being friendly with Consort Gyokuyou, but you cant judge a person by their appearance. It was troublesome to think of such things, so lets settle it with him being the emperors lover for the time being.


    You look like youre thinking of something extremely rude.


    Are you sure youre not imagining it? She bowed once and turned around.


    When she entered the medical office, she saw the loach moustache quack doctor rigidly grinding the mortar. Maomao knew that in this case the doctor wasnt making medicine but wasting time. Otherwise, it would be pointless for him to give away half the medicine he made every time.


    At the start, it seemed that he thought that Maomao was a little girl who didnt know what she was doing, but his attitude gradually eased after he saw the medicines she made. Nowadays, he takes out tea snacks and it reached the point where he gives portions of essential ingredients to her, but that wasnt a very good thing for a medical office to do. He really doesnt have confidentiality or whatever it is.


    Can you look at this medicine for me? she asked.


    Oh, if it isnt thess? Wait a sec. the quack doctor said.


    He prepared tea snacks and blended tea. There were rice crackers instead of sweet buns. Maomao, the drinker( usually means one who enjoys drinking, but can also mean one who likes savoury foods, or spicy foods), was happy. Recently, it felt like she had been forced to eat various things.


    Although he is a quack, he is a good person. Though his personality is good, he is the type who is bad at his job.


    I want a share of that too.


    It was a sweet, willowy voice. Even without looking back, for some reason, it felt like the air around herpletely brightened up.


    The quack doctor, with a look of surprise and tion, reced the long-awaited rice crackers and blended tea, and bought out white tea and mooncakes.


    (Not the rice crackers)


    The one with the brilliant smile sat beside her. She refused to sit with him because of their difference in social status, but he forcibly pinned down her shoulders. Maomao winced. That overbearing action that waspletely unlike his gentle appearance.


    Doctor, Im sorry but can you get this for me? Jinshi handed over a scrap of paper. Even from afar, Maomao could see that there was a considerable number of ingredients written on it. Itll take a while to collect.


    The quack doctor squinted and went into the back room in disappointment.


    (He nned to do that from the start.)


    What do you really want to talk about? Maomao, who was good at guessing, asked that as she rocked the teacup.


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    Do you know about the ghost panic? Jinshi asked.


    As far as rumours go.


    Then, do you know about sleepwalking?


    Jinshi did not overlook the glint that settled on the edge of Maomaos eyes.


    There was evilness mixed in the celestial maidensughter.


    Hisrge palm stroked Maomaos cheeks.


    How would you go about curing that? he inquired, voice like sweet, sweet cider.

 Volume 1, Chapter 11: Ghost Panic (2)

    I know nothing about such things, Maomao replied, not wanting to over-guess herself.


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    It wasnt that she was being modest. She knew what kind of illness it was, and she had also seen patients with it. That was why she had said that. Its not a disease you can cure with medicine.


    It was a neurosis.


    When the brothels courtesans were inflicted with this disease, her dad didnt prescribe them any medicine. It wasnt something that can be cured with medicine after all.


    When you say that it cant be cured by medicine


    What can cure it then?he asked.


    My expertise is drugs. Though she meant to dere it, from a fleeting nce in her peripheral, she saw the gloominess that suffused in his heavenly face.


    (We mustnt make eye contact.)


    She averted from the young mans gaze as if she were handling a wild animal. She was unable to avert the avert. He came around towards Maomao.


    Hes quite persistent. Hes quite annoying.


    Ill make an effort, she replied, extremely reluctantly.


    The one who came around at midnight was the eunuch Gaoshun. Though she thought he was hard to get along with his quietness and hisck of expression, Maomao actually felt a wave of affinity towards him.


    (He really doesnt feel like a eunuch.)


    It wasmon for eunuchs, having their physical yang parts removed to be more feminine. Their body hair thins, their personalities be calm, and in exchange for libido, they gain appetites for food and it bes easy for them to put on weight. The easiest to understand as an example was the quack doctor.


    In the case of Gaoshun, while his hair wasnt dense, he was fearless. If he was not in a ce like the inner pce, he could be mistaken as a military official.


    (Why did he choose this path?)


    She knew that this wasnt something she should ask even if she was curious. She mmed her mouth shut and shook her head.


    Gaoshun led the way with antern in one hand.


    It was a half moon, but it was bright with no clouds. The inside of the pce she had only seen at noon was like a different ce.


    Sometimes, there were rustling sounds. She heard sounds of heavy breathing from the shade of the tree somehow, but she decided to ignore it.


    Well, as the imperial court had no actual men aside from the emperor, it was inevitable that the shape of love was warped.


    Maomao-sama, Gaoshun spoke to her.


    Only allowed on


    I dont need a title. Gaoshun-samas rank is higher, Maomao said.


    Then, Shaomao(, Xiao Mao. Little Cat/Mao. Cat/Mao-chan.).


    (Why are you suddenly adding ;shao(, shao. In this case, same as chan in Japanese, an expression of endearment.)?)


    This old man is unexpectantly casual, Maomao thought as she nodded.


    Would it be okay if you dont look at Jinshi-sama like you would look at a pest? Gaoshun asked.


    (It turns out, Im exposed?)


    Her facial expressions had been conspicuous recently  it seemed she couldntpletely hide her impudence. Though she thought her head wasnt going to fly at present, she must have self-restraint. For the Mr Big shot, it should be Maomao whos the insect.


    Today as well, I go back, and he reports to me that Ive been looked at like a slug, he said.


    (Certainly, he is clingy, and I find his clinginess gross.)


    Reporting everything is also clingy.


    He shudders as he smiles with hazy eyes. That would be what you call self-satisfaction, isnt it?


    At the words born from a misunderstanding, he replied extremely seriously. Rather, it was might that brought an insect down to garbage.


    , Ill pay attention from now on, she replied.


    Indeed, because people without immunity cant help but swoon with one nce. It is troublesome to deal with. His troubles blurred with the deep sigh.


    They arrived at the eastern gate as he was talking about his terrible troubles. The castle walls are around the same height as Maomaos four walls. Outside, there is ;the deep moat and the bridge, which is lowered for the transport of food supplies and materials, and sometimes, when maidservants are reced.


    Escaping from the inner pce has the meaning of capital punishment. The gates are always stationed with pce guards. The interior has two eunuchs, while the exterior has two military officials. The gates were double; the guardroom could be entered from both the interior and exterior sides.


    Two oxen are bred to raise and lower the drawbridge as human power is inadequate.


    Maomao was driven with the urge to go look for things in the expansive pine forest, but with Gaoshun here, there was no way of thating true, so she sat down in the gazebo in the garden.


    It appeared there with the half-moon in the background.


    The silhouette of a woman in white dancing in mid-air.


    She was d in a long gown and a shawl, standing on the top of the castle walls, dancing.


    Her gown swayed, her shawl undting like it was alive. Her long ck hair shone amid the darkness. The faint outlines of her figure stood out.


    An unreal beauty. As if she went astray from paradise, a wondrous spectacle.


    Moonlight Fuyou(, Fu Rong. Fuyou is cotton rose-mallow or lotus flower, but it is also the name of a character, mentioned below).


    Suddenly, those words passed through her head.


    For an instant, Gaoshun looked surprised. Then he muttered to himself. She has good intuition.


    The womans name was Fuyou, a middle-ranking consort. The princess to be bestowed for merit next month.

 Volume 1, Chapter 13: Intimidation

    There was the crash of something falling. The potato and grain porridge, tea, and grated fruit went everywhere.


    Did you think to serve Rifa-sama this kind of peasant food? Remake it all. The corners of the pcedys eyes were raised. She was one of the maids attached to Consort Rifa, a young woman with a face of gaudy make-up.


    (Ahh, what a pain.)


    Maomao cleaned up the fallen food and picked up the tes while heaving a sigh.


    She was at the Crystal Pce. Consort Rifas residence.


    She was surrounded by a great number of res. There were looks of ridicule, scorn, and bare animosity.


    As a maid who served Consort Gyokuyou, this ce was just like enemy territory. She was standing on a bed of nails.


    It was when the emperor showed up in Consort Gyokuyous cest night. Maomao had tasted for poison as usual and was nning to leave the room.


    I have a request for the doctor from the rumours.


    She was called for the first time.


    Only allowed on


    (What is this rumour youre speaking of?)


    The emperors age was somewhere around his mid-thirties, a great man growing a beautiful beard. As the one who holds the highest authority in the country, it wasnt unreasonable that he could dazzle ;the eyes of pcedies, but unfortunately, this was Maomao. She just thought, I want to try touching his long beard.


    What shall it be? She respectfully lowered her head. It was just as she wanted to leave before taking a humble correspondence with a maidservants social position.


    Consort Rifas condition is bad. Can you look at her for me for a while?


    That.


    The emperors words were the heavens word. Maomao, who wanted her head and body to remain close with each other, had no choice but to reply with By your pleasure.


    Look after her had the same meaning as Cure her.


    Be that as it may that his favour for her was gone, it could either be that his affection for her remained to some extent, or it could also be that he couldnt disregard the daughter of an influential person. If Maomao didnt cure her, her head will fly. Their lives were linked.


    As he was entrusting this to a young girl, it was at best due to the reason that the inner pce court physician was usually unreliable, or that there was no issue with her dying. Either way, it was an irresponsible request.


    (At any rate, its not something you talk about in front of another consort.)


    The emperor, who had requested that upon her, had been leisurely enjoying supper with Consort Gyokuyou. Maomao was convinced that he was really what she had expected an emperor to be.


    The first thing she should do when she sees Consort Rifa was to improve her eating habits.


    At present, within the inner pce, due to Jinshis words, the use of the poisonous face powder was banned. If merchants were found to sell it, they would be thoroughly punished cruelly.


    If thats the case, then getting rid of the poison that was left in her body will be the first priority.


    Although the meal was served with porridge, it was an extravagant affair with fried fish with ankake broth, stewed pork, and red and white steamed bun with shark fin and crab. It was nutritious, but overly dense for a sick person with a weak stomach.


    She ordered the cook to redo it while trying not to drool herself. With the imperialmand, Maomao, who gave off the air of a humble maidservant, was able to maintain authority.


    The meal consisted of porridge high in fibre, tea with a diuretic effect, and easily digestible fruit.


    It was regrettable that it was thrown on the floor some time ago.


    Other than criticising the imperialmand, the maids werent pleased with the ugly maidservant who served Consort Gyokuyou. Maomao had a lot of things she wanted to say, but she firmly put up with it and cleaned up.


    A maid brought in another luxurious and gorgeous meal, and carried it towards Consort Rifa, but a short timeter she returned with most of it uneaten. The remainders became the reward for the lowly maidservants.


    Just as Maomao wanted to perform palpation, the maids shadowed her around the canopied bed, and so she nursed her,pletely failing to be respectful. When they pped the face powder at the sleeping ce, she only coughed once,


    Because theres a peasant here. The air is bad.


    And was driven out of the room. The chances of the consort getting cured were low.


    (She will certainly waste away if it keeps up like that.)


    It could either be that her body couldnt eject the over-umted poison in time, or that she will not have enough vitality. If you take away food, a person will die. They lose the energy to live.


    Maomao leaned against the wall in front of the room. Until the day her head separates from her body, she will count the days with her fingers. As she thought that, she heard a lovely voice in her vicinity.


    She had an extremely unpleasant sensation and looking up with an extremely serious face, she saw an extremely lovely face smiling extremely cheerfully.


    You looked troubled by something. Jinshi said.


    Do I look like that? She replied monotonously, eyes narrowed.


    You do look like that. Jinshi was staring intently at her, so her gaze gradually strayed. His long eyshes neared as he attempted to follow her. If their eyes met, she would look at him as though she was touching garbage, a conditioned reflex.


    Whats with that girl?


    She heard malicious whispering. It was the maidservant who dismissed the meals. Maomao really felt like running away. The atmosphere around her became terrible.


    A sweet, honey voice spoke close to her ears. Lets enter for the time being.


    Before she nodded, they shut themselves into the room.


    When she entered, the followers in the room red at her even more grimly than just then. But when they gazed at the one with the look of a celestial maiden next to her, those looks subsided into light smiles.


    Women are really scary.


    Taking out the person the emperor arranged is not bing of beautiful, talented women. She bit her lip at Jinshis words, and softly retreated from the front of the bed.


    Now, go.


    With a push from her back, Maomao pitched forward.


    With a bow, she stood in front of the bed, and took hold of the pale hand with light veins. She also had experience in things to do with being a doctor, not just medicine.


    Consort Rifas eyes were closed; she did not resist. Maomao didnt know if she was sleeping or awake. Half her soul had already moved to the other world.


    To look under her eyelids, she ced her fingers on the consorts face. Her fingers slipped from the smoothness of it. Her skin was pure white, not different from before.


    (The same skin colour as before?)


    Maomaos face stiffened. She turned towards the maids. She stood before one of them among them, and asked in low, stifling voice. It was the girl who pped the powder some time ago. The one who applied the make-up on the consort, was it you?


    Yes, thats right. It is the duty worthy of a maid after all. As Maomao stared into her, the maid answered while panicking in some way. She was bluffing with all her might. I want Rifa-sama to be always beautiful.


    As if to say she was right.


    I see, Maomao said.


    There was a loud p.


    The maid copsed, her strength leaving her, no idea what just happened. Her cheeks and ears would have to be strangely hot.


    What are you doing! Amid the dumbfounded group, one person red up on Maomao.


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    Hah? Im just disciplining a fool. As she spoke disdainfully, she grabbed the copsed maid by the hair and dragged her along.


    She stopped the front of the dressing table, emptied her hands and reached for the engraved container. She opened the lid and showered the maid with its contents.


    The maid coughed violently. Her eyes teared up.


    Isnt that great? With this, youll be pretty like the consort. She pulled the maid up by her hair and leered like a beast that hunted its game. The poisonous essence will pass through the whole body, from the pores, the mouth, the nose. ;You will acquire hands like withered branches, sunken eye sockets, skin that has lost itsplexion, just like the Rifa-sama you adore.


    N-no way.


    Why? Didnt you know it was forbidden? They even told you it was poison!!


    B-but, its the most beautiful. We thought Rifa-sama would be happy.


    Who would be happy with a poison that killed their brat? Like she was speaking to a child, Maomao clicked her tongue and released the maids hair. Several strands of her long hair remained on her fingers. Hurry up, go rinse your mouth. Go wash your face too.


    After she saw off the pcedy who scrambled out of the room in haste, she then looked at the other frightened maids.


    Oi, at this rate, youre touching a sick person, right? Hurry up and clean. Turning a blind eye to the fact that it was Maomao herself who had ransacked it, she pointed to the powder covered floor. The maids trembled in fright and came back with cleaning equipment.


    She crossed her arms and let out a huff.


    Women are really scary. Both hands in his sleeves, Jinshi muttered to himself.


    She had forgotten about his existence.


    Ah. Maomao suddenly felt her blood rushing from her head and crouched down at that spot.

 Volume 1, Chapter 14: Nursing

    Consort Rifas condition was worse than she had thought. Although the cereal porridge was remade into a thin rice gruel, she made no indication of slurping from a spoon. Maomao had to prise her mouth open and slowly pour it in to make her swallow.


    She couldnt take in food. That was the biggest issue. She had to be patiently and insistently fed.


    When Maomao went to ventte the room, the clogging fragrance subsided and was reced by the smell of a sick person. They probably burned incense to hide the scent of body odour. It didnt seem like that the consort had bathed for a couple of days. Maomaos resentment for the useless maids grew.


    The discipline seemed to have got through to the maids she chastised. The stock of the face powder had been snuck in. Pitifully, the one who got whipped was the eunuch who had failed to collect the face powder. Punishment was also influenced by their birth.


    Although Maomao red at the supervising eunuch with contempt as if to call him ipetent thing, she felt that it wouldnt aplish anything.


    She prepared a pail and a cloth, and together with the maids she summoned, wiped the consort down. The maids had looked at her in disapproval but became docile when Maomao red at them.


    Her skin was dry, lips were painfully cracked from theck of hydration. She coated her lips with honey instead of rouge and tied her hair up simply.


    Afterwards, Maomao made the consort drink tea at every opportunity. Sometimes, she gave her watered down broth instead of tea. The number of times the consort urinated increased.


    Though Maomao thought she would be ;aimed ;with hostility, being the questionable neer, the doll-like Consort Rifa generally obediently listened to her. It might be that her nk eyes didnt recognise ;who was who.


    She increased the amount of the thin rice gruel from half a bowl to one bowl all at once, and little by little, increased the amount of rice used to make it. So that she could start to swallow on her own without being needed to be held up by the chin, Maomao increased the servings of soup steeped with the vour of meat, and grated fruit.


    Consort Rifas lips suddenly moved when she could go to relieve herself without help. Why ca, let m.


    To pick up the words that Consort Rifa leaked out, Maomao stood next to her.


    Why cant you, let me die like this? she said in a soft, vanishing voice.


    Maomao raised her eyebrows. Then, Ill take away your meals. That youre eating the porridge, means that you dont want to die, right? she said and held the warmed tea against Consort Rifas mouth.


    There was an audible swallow,


    Is that so.


    A broken smile escaped.


    The responses the maids gave towards Maomao could be split into two groups. The ones afraid of her, and the ones who opposed her while being afraid of her.


    (Did I overdo it?)


    It cant be helped, she thought. She had a bad habit of over-reacting whenever her emotions pass her boiling point.


    Although unsociable, Maomao was generally easy-going. She was inly hurt by the being looked at from a distance like she was a demon or an ogre.


    In this case, it couldnt be helped as she needed to nurse Consort Rifa.


    She didnt know whether it was the emperor or Consort Gyokuyousmand, the sparkling Jinshi-dono frequently appeared for her. With his authority to use anything that could be used, he had a bathroom constructed at top speed for her at the Crystal Pce. In addition to the bathroom that was there originally, they made a sauna.


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    I dont have a need for you anymore, so go away already, Maomao told him in her roundabout way, but Jinshi, whom Maomao treated like a monster, came smiling at every opportunity.


    Hes a eunuch with too much free time.


    She wanted him to learn from observing Gaoshun whoes over each time with a box of snacks for her. He could be a good husband with that sort of diligence. But hes a eunuch.


    The consort took in fibre and hydration to sweat and promote bowel movement.


    While thinking just about eliminating the poison from her body, two months passed until Consort Rifa was able to go out for a walk by herself. From the start, her weakness from the nervous breakdown had been serious. It should be a non-issue if she didnt newly take in poison. It will take time for her to recover her voluptuous body from before, but the colour had returned to her cheeks, and she was no longer hovering over the brink of death.


    The night before she returned to the Jade pce, Maomao went to Consort Rifas ce to greet her.


    Maomao had expected to be ndered as a peasant if the consorts conscious was clear, but it wasnt the case. There was conceit, but there wasnt arrogance. The thing about the crown prince had made her imagine her an unpleasant youngdy, but in truth, she had the appropriate personality of an empress.


    Well then, I will be excused tomorrow morning. Maomao nned to leave the room after exining to her about her medical diet from hereon after and various other important points when,


    Hey, can I no longer give birth? the consort spoke in a t voice.


    I dont know. You wont know unless you try. Maomao answered.


    Even though I lost the emperors favour?


    What Consort Rifa was trying to say was understandable enough. From the start, her being blessed with the crown prince was because she slept with the emperor to obstruct the Favoured Consort, Consort Gyokuyou. The births of the imperial princess and the crown prince being three months apart were something truly talked about.


    I wasmanded toe here by the emperor. After I go back, it doesnt mean that the emperor would alsoe to Rifa-samas ce, Maomao said.


    That was not a question even if it was political or emotional. The way it was done was the same.


    Can I win against her, a woman who didnt listen to Consort Gyokuyous words and killed her own child before her very eyes? Consort Rifa asked.


    I think whether you win or not isnt an issue. Also, mistakes are something you learn from, Maomao answered.


    Only allowed on


    Maomao took hold of a single-flower vase that decorated the wall. It was adorned with a blooming star-shaped flower, a Chinese Bellflower. The world has a hundred, a thousand flowers. If you must pick between the peony and the iris, I think the most beautiful one is the one youre fixed on, is it not?


    I dont have the barbarian princess jade eyes and pale hair.


    If you have other things, then theres no issue. Maomao said and her gaze wandered down from Consort Rifas face. Normally, it was said that is the part where you lose weight from first, but she had two proper sized melons on her chest.


    Aside from just the size of them, the bounciness, and the shape of them are something to be proud of.


    For Maomao, who gained a discerning eye from the brothel, she was certain. It was a secret that she was fascinated about it every time she was made to bath. As one who served Consort Gyokuyou, although there wasnt a way for her support Consort Rifa, she decided to give her onest present.


    Can you lend me your ears for a bit? Mumbling so that no one around them could hear, she taught Consort Rifa a certain thing.


    It was a secret art that was no loss to learn of thedies of the pleasure district.


    Among the maids, it became a topic of discussion of for some time, about what Consort Rifa, whose face had turned as red as an apple, had heard.


    Afterwards, at the Jade Pce, the emperors visits decreased to a record low.


    Fuu, I have been released from myck of sleep.


    At those words,ced with cynicism at what Consort Gyokuyou had said, Maomaos wandering eyes were yet another story.

 Volume 1, Chapter 15: Flame

    (They really are growing here.)


    She made a joyful look, holding theundry basket in one hand.


    There was red pine growing in the pine forest near the east gate. The inner pce was generally vignt in the control of the garden. Also, the pine forest drops its dead branches and leaves once a year, which created the ideal conditions for the growth of a certain mushroom.


    What she was holding onto was the rare mushroom with the spreading conical cap, the ;matsutake. While there were people that dislike its scent, it was Maomaos favourite food. She greatly enjoyed cutting it up into four, grilling on a mesh, and eating it with salt and squeezed citrus.


    It was a small forest, but as they are often found growing in groups, her basket contained five ;matsutakemushrooms.


    (Shall I eat it at the uncles ce? Or shall I eat it in the kitchen?)


    If she were to eat at the Jade Pce, she might be asked where she sourced the ingredients. Things like harvesting things from the forest, might just be something a pcedy shouldnt do.


    And so, she headed for the soft-hearted court physician who was a good person but useless at his job. If he liked the mushroom, then its good. And even if he hated it, he will overlook it for her.


    Along the way, she also didnt forget to stop by Shaorans ce. She was a precious source of information for Maomao who didnt have many friends.


    Maomao, who had lost weight from nursing Consort Rifa, was made fat again by her senior maids when she returned. Because she was at the rival consorts ce for two months, she was both happy and troubled about it. Her basket would be unmanageably full from the mooncakes and biscuits she received from every tea party.


    Shaorans eyes always shone at no matter how much sweet stuff she ate, and she would always talk to Maomao during her short breaks.


    As usual, there were a lot of stories that sound like questionable ghost stories but-


    A pcedy from the imperial court used a love potion and ensnared the stubborn woman-hating military official.


    Somehow, she broke out in ;cold sweat when she heard the fresh gossip.


    (Yeah, that probably has nothing to do with me. Probably.)


    Come to think of it, she had a feeling that she heard nothing at all about who was using it.


    The inner pce was inside the imperial court that was outside of here.


    It was the section with actual men. A ce with a high ratio of star upations.


    By the way, here was the section without actual men. A lonely workce.


    At the medical office, besides the loach moustache old man, was an unfamiliar pale-faced eunuch. He kept rubbing his hands for some reason.


    Oh hey,ss. Just as I wanted to see you, the quack doctor said.


    What is it? Maomao asked.


    It looks like his hands have developed a rash. Can you make a salve for me? he said.


    In no way could those be the words of the one who controls the medicine of inner pce. Well, as its the usual, she went to the room with the medicine shelves next door.


    Before that, she set down the basket and took out the ;matsutake. Do you have charcoal and stuff?


    Ohh, you brought some splendid things. It would be good if we have sauce and salt.


    It was early to talk about his favourite foods. With a merry bounce in his steps, he went to the dining hall to pick up some seasoning for her


    pathetically leaving behind his patient as he is.


    (Ill give him one if he doesnt hate it.)


    She thought about the poor eunuch as she stiffly mixed the ingredients.


    When the quack doctor came back with seasoning, charcoal and a grill mesh, she was just finished with making the viscous salve.


    Taking hold of the eunuchs right hand, she carefully smeared the salve onto his red rash. She had to endure the smell as it was somewhat strong. Colour seemed to have returned to his pale face for a bit when she finished applying the medicine.


    Ohhh, what a kind maidservant, the eunuch said.


    I know right. She oft helps me, the quack doctor replied.


    The two eunuchs conversed without a care. Eunuchs, ording to the times, are treated as bad people who are filled with a lust for power, but in truth, those were only a small handful. Most of them have calm personalities like this.


    (But there are exceptions.)


    She made an unpleasant face and promptly erased it.


    She set the charcoal on fire, ced the mesh and added the ;matsutakeshe picked by hand. She cut the ;sudachicitrus that she had wilfully stolen from the orchard again.


    She served it on a te once the peculiar fragrance reached her nose and they were a little charred. She then enjoyed it seasoned with salt and ;sudachi.


    The moment the two old men ced it in their mouths, she determined them as aplices.


    As Maomao chewed, the quack doctor was chatting in a carefree manner. Thess is helpful because she can do anything. She made a lot of medicine aside from the salves for me.


    Hoooh, how wonderful, said the eunuch.


    She was somewhat troubled by the fact that he was treating her as if she was his own daughter. Suddenly, she was reminded of her dad who she hadnt seen for more than half a year.


    A tiny bit unsettled by the strong feelings, the quack doctor really said the improper things that a quack doctor would say. Ahh, there arent medicines you cant make, right?


    (Huh?)


    Before she told him to stop with the false advertising, the eunuch before her reacted. Anything?


    Anything. the quack doctor huffed in pride. Ahh, its the way the quack doctor did things.


    Then, can you make medicine that can break curses? the man said while rubbing his inmed right hand.


    Colour had returned to his pale face some time ago.


    It was something from the evening of yesterday. His work finished with the cleaning up the rubbish as usual.


    Rubbish from all over the inner pce is collected in a cart and incinerated on the west side. It was originally forbidden to light a fire after the evenings, but since there was no wind and the air was humid, it was approved with no issues.


    The low-ranking officials threw the rubbish into the hole. He devoted himself like the others, so he could quickly finish his job.


    Suddenly, something in the cart caught his eye.


    A womans clothes. Although it wasnt silk, it was of fine quality. It would be a waste to throw it out.


    Only allowed on


    He held it up, thinking, Whats the deal with this? ;It was then he saw that there were loose wooden slips bundled up inside it. There was arge scorch mark on the cuff of the clothing that wrapped it.


    Just what is this all about?


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    His work would not finish even if he held his head in doubt. The wooden slips were picked out one by one and thrown into the fire in the hole.


    And in doing so, the mes blew up into a gust and changed into a weird colour, the eunuch said.


    Ahh. The old mans shoulders trembled, looking dreadful from his reminiscence.


    Were the colours red, purple and green? Maomao asked.


    Thats right, the eunuch affirmed.


    Maomao nodded in understanding. Did the rumour she heard from Shaoran todaye from here?


    (Its already spread to here even though its a story from the west side?)


    It was true that the pcedies rumours travel faster than ;Idaten(Japanese name of Buddhist Guardian deity, Skanda, who is known to be a really fast runner).


    Thats the curse of the consort who died in a fire a long time ago. I knew it was wrong to light a fire at night. Thats why it turned out like this. It seemed that the rash on the eunuchs hand was from after seeing that me. Hey, girl. Make me a medicine that will break the curse.


    That sort of medicine doesnt exist. After dering that coldly, she got up from her seat and went to rummage in the medicine shelves next door.


    Giving a backward nce at the flustered quack doctor and the old man, she put something on the table. There were several powders, and then pieces of wooden slips.


    That me. Was it this colour? She added the wooden slips onto the charcoal, and after confirming that they were lit, she scooped up some white powder with a medicine spoon and added it to the fire. The orange fire turned red.


    If not that then, this? After she added a different powder, it turned green.


    I can do even this. When she added a pinch of salt that been on the ;matsutake, it turned yellow.


    Lass, what in the world was that? The quack doctor asked astonishment.


    Its the same as coloured fireworks. Just that the colour changes ording to what is burnt, she replied.


    There were firework makers among the guests of the ;roukaku(A multi-storeyed building, kind of looks like a pagoda). A secret technique that stays on the premises even change into talk inside the sleeping quarters. They also didnt know that there were children waking up from their sleep next door.


    Then, what is with my hand? Is it not due to the curse? the eunuch asked.


    Maomao presented him the white powder. A rash can break out if you touch this with your bare hands. If it wasnt for that, they wouldnt paintcquer onto the wooden slips. Either way, isnt your skin weak to these?


    is that what it was? He slumped down as if he lost his bones. His face was a mix of surprise and relief.


    It must have been on the wooden slips. Burning that will birth colourful mes. That was all it was.


    (Why is it again just that kind of thing)


    Maomaos thoughts were interrupted. She heard pping.


    Well done. There was a detestable guest standing there unnoticed.


    He was smiling with that unchanging heavenly smile of his.

 Volume 1, Chapter 16: Secret Manoeuvres

    It was the Pce Official Chiefs room that Jinshi led her to. The middle-aged courtdy withdrew from the room at Jinshis directions.


    Lets say it honestly. It waspletely impossible for her to be alone in the same room as this living being.


    Even Maomao didnt hate pretty things. Its just that she couldnt forgive that he is excessively pretty, she felt that tiny w was like a sin. It was just like a polished gem with its value halved due to a hairline fracture.


    That was why whenever she interacted with him, she would end up looking at him like a ground crawling insect. There was nothing she could do about it.


    Only allowed on


    (I want to interact with him like a piece of art.)


    This was the lower middle-ss citizen Maomaos real intention.


    She was relieved when Gaoshun came in to rece the pcedy. Recently, the stoic attendant was in the process of bing the healing type.


    How many colours are there for these? Jinshi asked.


    She lined up the powders she had taken from the medical office. Theres red, yellow, blue, purple, and green. If you make a fine distinction, there are more. I dont know the specific number.


    Then, what can we do about those colours on the wooden slips? he asked her.


    It was impossible to strike it alight when it is in the form of powder. That would be weird whatever the circumstances.


    If its salt, you can just add salt water. I think this too can be done the same way. She put away the white powder. The other ones look like they can be removed with something other than water. This too, is outside my expertise, so I dont know.


    Its good enough. The youth crossed in arms, deep in thought.


    Just this would paint a picture.


    She knew that Jinshi had seized various things from the inner pce. The things Maomao had said just now have be the basis for something  it seems the scattered pieces of information was getting connected in his head.


    (A cipherI wonder?)


    The answer she reached would likely be the same as him. However, Maomao repeatedly acknowledged that it should not be said.


    The pheasant would not be shot but for its cries.


    As she would not be needed beyond this, she was going to leave,


    Wait, Jinshi said.


    She was called to a halt. What do you require?


    I like ;dobin mushi(, food steam-boiled in an earthenware teapot,monly made with ;matsutakemushroom).


    There was no need to say, of what?


    (I just knew Ive been caught.)


    Dropping her shoulders, Ill go look for some tomorrow as well. she told him.


    When he affirmed that the door had closed with a click, Jinshi dropped his sweet, honey smile. Instead, his gaze became crystal sharp. Look for people who bear recent burns on their arm. For the time being, investigate those with rooms and upwards, and their maids as well.


    By your will.


    After Gaoshun withdrew, the Pce Official Chief entered.


    Thank you very much. For always lending me your ce, Jinshi told her.


    T-theres no problem. She blushed in spite of her age.


    Jinshi was smiling again, his expression like heavenly nectar.


    Nevertheless, he should be like this to women.


    For only just a moment did his lips purse, and when he left the room, the smile back to the usual.


    Okay, try wearing this. Infa, her maid senior, held out brand-new clothes to Maomao.


    The colours were unbleached white for the tunic, pale red for the skirt and the sleeves were a pale yellow and reached outrger than usual. Though it wasnt silk, it was made from high quality cotton.


    What is, this? Maomao said.


    Though the colours were appropriately in for a maidservant, it wasnt a design for practical use. Furthermore, they were clothes that opened widely at the breast area. Maomao having never worn such clothes, made a tantly reluctant expression.


    What, you say. Its the outfit for the Garden Party, Infa said.


    The Garden Party? Maomao, who waspletely doted upon her maid seniors favour, besides tasting for poison and making medicine every day, ran about outside harvesting medicinal nts, chattered with Shaoran and had tea at the medical office. Therefore, she had heard little about the topic of the elite.


    Infa, with a look of amazement, informed Maomao, who tilted her head.


    About the opening of high society at the imperial court garden twice a year. The emperor, who doesnt have an empress, will bring along Primary First ss()Consorts. The pcedies who serve those consorts will also apany.


    In the inner pce, Consort Gyokuyou is crowned ;as the Noble Consort(), and Consort Rifa the Able Consort(). Aside from those two, including the Virtuous Consort() and the Pure Consort(), they make the Four Madames(). They make up the Primary First Rank.


    Originally, only the Virtuous Consort and the Pure Consort was supposed to attend the Winter Garden Party. However, as Consort Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa were absentst time due to having just given birth, it was made that all of them will attend this time.


    All of them attend, you say? Maomao said.


    Indeed, wed better be mindful. That was the reason for Infas pride.


    Even at the best of times, on top of the rare chance to go outside the inner pce, it was a loaded event with Imperial Princess Rinriis debut and the high-ranking consorts appearing altogether.


    For the sake of Consort Gyokuyou who had few maids, Maomao had no way of turning it down for reasons of being unustomed to it. She knew that a food taster would be highly regarded, especially for that sort of public location.


    (There might be bloodshed.)


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    Maomaos intuition hit the mark. She hit the troubling matter.


    It would be better if we padded the breast area a little. Would it be okay if we also erge the butt area? Infa asked.


    Ill leave it to you, Maomao said.


    Infa, after fastening the sash with a tight squeeze, adjusting the height of her skirt and length of her sleeves, again moved in with a finishing blow. You should properly put on make-up too. You should asionally put in some effort into hiding your freckles.


    It goes without saying she returned a stiff smile to Infa, who was grinning widely.

 Volume 1, Chapter 17: Garden Party Preparations

    Maomao was disheartened from hearing the course of the events of the Garden Party from Honnyan.


    The woman attendedst years Spring Garden Party,


    Even though I was relieved there wouldnt be one this year. Honnyan said with an affected sigh.


    There was nothing they could do there. It was fine to just stand there. In the end, all a consort had to do from a guests perspective was to apany the emperor. Their maids would do the same.


    It was good to just view programs from military exercises to dance performances, and poetry recitals to ;erhuperformances, eat served meals, and turn around smiling at officials who greet them at appropriate times.


    In the outdoors with the freezing, drying winds.


    The garden was, well, pointlessly wide as if it was proportionate to the emperors power. It will require a quarter-dual-hour(thirty minutes)if you want to go out to wash your hands for a bit.


    If the emperor, the guest of honour, decides to remain in his seat, the consorts would have no choice but to follow suit.


    (Youll need dders of steel.)


    Instead of going to the Garden Party that was at the beginning of Spring, she wondered what Winter would be like.


    Therefore, Maomao got underwear with many pockets so she could fit heated stones(hand-warmers)in them. Also, she made a candy from boiling fruit juice, sugar and finely shaved ginger and mandarin peel.


    When she showed Honnyan the underwear and the candy, the woman requested her with teary eyes to make a share for everyone.


    While she was in the middle of making them, the leisurely eunuch came by and told her to make some for him too. His attendant looked like he wanted to say something, so she reluctantly made another one for him as well.


    Again, it seemed that Consort Gyokuyou told the emperor during his nightly visit, and the next day, the emperors personal seamstress and the one in charge of his meals came by to learn how to make it.


    Indeed, it was quite a penance.


    Thanks to that, it wasnt until the Garden Party when she finished her side job. As it wasst night when she was finally freed up from work, she decided to make medicine from the medicinal herbs she had on hand.


    You look beautiful, Gyokuyou-sama.


    What Infa and them said wasnt ttery.


    (As expected, only the one called the Favoured Consort can pull this off.)


    The consort, who emanated a foreign air, was wearing a red skirt and a light crimson outfit. Therge sleeves she wore on top were the same red with golden embroidery. Her hair was tied up into tworge rings, with two flower ;kanzashihairpins and a crown ced right on the centre. The flower ;kanzashiwas a long silver hairpin with a decorative red silk tassel and jade gem dangling at the end of it.


    The reason these clothes have never been worn despite the showy design, was because of Consort Gyokuyou. The consort, with her burning red hair, was said to be the person who was most suited for red. Also, her glittering jade coloured eyes within her redness also harboured a mysterious air about her.


    Maomao and others wore red outfits to signify that they follow her.


    They wore matching sets and tied up their hair.


    Consort Gyokuyou took the trouble of bringing along a jewellery box from her own dresser. There was a ne and earrings set with jade, and a ;kanzashiinside.


    Its because you are my maids. So you are free from strange bugs, I will have you wear these to let people know that you belong to me.


    After saying that, she respectively decorated their hair, ears, and neck. Maomao was given the jade ne to wear. Thank you very m-


    (Eek!)


    Before she could finish saying her thanks, her arms were pinned behind her back. Infa firmly twisted her arms. Well then, its time for make-up.


    Honnyan was grinning with a paintbrush in hand. The other two maids were each holding onto a m with rouge inside and a drawing brush respectively.


    It was here when she forgot to put up a storm about getting her face made up by her senior maids.


    Ufufu, make her cute. Consort Gyokuyouughed, her voice pleasant like a bell. It turns out there was another aplice here.


    Maomao, who couldnt conceal her trembling, was under the mercy of the four maids.


    First, we should wipe her face and paint the perfumed oil.


    They roughly wiped Maomaos face with a damp cloth.


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    Huh?


    (Uhhh)


    The maids collectively made a sound of surprise as theypared her face to the damp cloth.


    (Ive been exposed.)


    She will say one thing here. The reason that Maomao hated make-up wasnt because she hated make-up. It wasnt that she was bad at it. Rather, between a strength and a weakness, it was more along the lines of it being her strength.


    If thats the case, then it could be assuredly said that her face was already made up.


    There were light brown stains on the damp cloth.


    Only allowed on


    The face that everyone thought was clear of make-up, was actually a face after make-up.

 Volume 1, Chapter 18: Make-Up

    As there was still a short time before the Garden Party began, Consort Gyokuyou and her maids went to pass the time at the gazebo in the garden.


    Rainbow carp sshed in theke, and the few remaining autumn leaves dyed in red scattered through the air.


    All this was thanks to you, Consort Gyokuyou told Maomao.


    Though there was enough sunlight, the winds were cold and harsh. Normally, they would be shivering in the cold, but because of the underwear with the pocket warmers, no one suffered to that extent. Even Imperial Princess Rinrii, whom everyone had been worried about, was curled up into a ball inside the basket. There were heated stones just like what they had been using in the basket with her.


    As you can get low-temperature burns, when you remove the Imperial Princess heated stone(hand warmers)asionally, please wrap it with a cloth when you rece it. Also, please take note of any stinging in the mouth if you eat too much of the candy. Maomao said.


    Maomao put the recement heated stone inside the handbasket. The imperial princess diapers and change of clothes were also inside. The brazier to warm the heated stones was already requested and brought in by a eunuch.


    I understand. That said, the consort leaked out an impish giggle. The other maids were also smiling wryly. You are my maid after all, she pointed at the jade ne.


    That is certainly true. Maomao decided to capture the moment of those words.


    Gaoshun gazed at his master who was inquiring about the Virtuous Consorts mood.


    Jinshi, who possessed the nectar of the heavens and a celestial maidens smile, was more bewitching that the Virtuous Consort, who was admired as a beauty despite her young age. The consort was d in luxurious and gorgeous clothing and her hair was adorned with a silver ;kanzashi, and yet she was overshadowed before his ordinary in official robes with some embroidery.


    Havinge this far, he was a disagreeable existence, but seeing how the overshadowed consort herself was entranced, her eyes zed, it didnt seem to be an issue.


    What a sinful human.


    After visiting the three consorts, they headed towards Consort Gyokuyous ce next. They found them at the gazebo in the direction of theke.


    Only allowed on


    Though Jinshi had equal contact with the Four Madames, nothing could be dely about Consort Gyokuyous strong backing. Well, as far as she was called the Emperors Favoured Consort, it shouldnt be viewed as a problem, but it was clear that there were other reasons to it too.


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    He bowed to the consort. Praised her well-fitting red outfit. Certainly, she was fittingly beautiful. The Barbarian Princess mysteriousness and her natural fascinating elegance was saturated in the air about her as well.


    It was likely that, regarding the brilliance inside the inner pce, the person who could be favourablypared to Jinshi is Consort Gyokuyou.


    While it may be true, it wasnt that the courtdies around him were not beautiful. Its just that each one of them paled inparison to his personal charm. The amazing part of Jinshi was that he could say that precisely. Everyone had parts of themselves they want others to admire. That was aptly reached.


    Jinshi does not lie. Its just that he doesnt speak the truth.


    He feigned serenity, but the left corner of his lips was slightly quirked. As his attendant, who served him for many years, he understood. It was an expression a child would make in front of a toy. How troubling.


    While pretending to look at the imperial princess face, he approached the short maid.


    But.


    Standing there with expressionlessly, looking down somewhere while making an excessively disrespectful face, was an unfamiliar maid.


    Pleasant day to you, Jinshi-sama. Maomao was careful to not let her Here again, you leisurely scoundrel? expressione out. As Gaoshun was watching, she wanted to be gentle for as much as she could.


    Are you wearing make-up? Jinshi asked.


    No, Im not. She wasnt wearing any make-up aside from the rouge on her lips and the corner of her eyes. There were still some light spots around her nose, but she didnt mind it.


    Your freckles are erased, Jinshi said.


    Indeed, because I erased them, Maomao said.


    What remained was the tattoo she gave herself by stabbing herself with a needle a long time ago. She didnt stab deeply, so the pale dye should disappear within a year. Although, since the act was the same as a criminals punishment, even if it does disappear, her dad had indicated his disapproval.


    You erased it with make-up, didnt you? he pressed.


    I erased it when I removed the make-up.


    (Ahh, I shouldve just said yeah sure at the right time)


    Maomao btedly noticed that she made a mistake in her reply.


    What you said is strange. Theres a contradiction, he said.


    No. There is no such thing, she said.


    Make-up isnt just used to beautify. There were also cases where middle-aged women specifically used make-up to make themselves look unattractive.


    The product made of dried y and mixed with dye, Maomao applied around her nose every day. She skilfully obscured the tattooed freckles by turning them into spots. What she did was by no means intentional; it was that no one noticed it.


    A woman with freckles and spots, with a face that didnt particrly stand out. That was why she was called an ugly woman.


    To put it another way, if she didnt have the freckles and spots, her face would just be said as uncharacteristic  in other words, an average, in face. With even a little bit of rouge, she can change the atmosphere. The ordinary-looking Maomao can lookpletely different.


    Jinshi clutched his head at Maomaos exnation, as if he somehow couldnt understand her. Why would you do that kind of make-up? Is there any meaning to it?


    Yes. It is so I wont be taken into the back alleys.


    The pleasure district  being what it is  had those who hungered for women. Most of those guys dont have money, are violent, and mental illnesses weremon among them. Of course, she would want to excuse herself from that.


    The bbergasted Jinshi, for some reason, timidly asked her. Have you ever been taken?


    They tried. So he could understand what she said, she red at him with narrowed eyes. Instead I have been kidnapped by human traffickers.


    It was better for women sold to the inner pce to be attractive. That time, she forgot her make-up when she went out to harvest the medicinal herbs. It had been for the dyes of her fading tattoo.


    Im sorry. The management wasnt thorough, he said.


    Its fine. There isnt much distinction between selling someone as kidnappers and selling someone to reduce the number of mouths to feed. Its all the same, she told him.


    The former was criminal, thetter was legal. Even a kidnapper couldnt be punished if the person they bought didnt know that distinction.


    Right now, the reason to her using this sort of make-up in the inner pce was the same as her hiding her ability to write. Although it now no longer mattered, her sudden make-up-less face was only just a matter of not knowing the timing.


    Ahh. Im sorry.


    (Hes unusually meek.)


    As he was looking up, he stuck quickly something on her head.


    That hurts, she said.


    Does it? Have this. He wasnt smiling his usual sharine smile. His face was also mixed with embarrassment and gloominess.


    When she felt her head, she felt something cold and metallic in her hair even though she wasnt wearing anything.


    Well then, Ill see you at the assembly ce. Jinshi turned his back and left the gazebo just like that.


    Stuck in her hair was a mans silver ;kanzashi.


    Ahh, how nice, Infa said.


    Maomao thought to give it to Infa who looked like she really wanted it, but the other two had the same expressions so she had no choice but to draw in her hands. Honnyan made a wry smile.


    Aw, you broke the promise so quickly. Consort Gyokuyou looked peevish. She took the ;kanzashifrom Maomaos hand and neatly fastened it in her tied-up hair. It looks like youre not just my maid now.


    For good or evil, Maomao was especially estranged from the talk of the upper echelons of the Imperial Court. She didnt know the significance it represented.

 Volume 1, Chapter 19: Garden Party (1)

    The Garden Party was a banquet held in the middle court. There was a crimson carpetid out in therge gazebo. Long tables were lined up in two rows, where the seat of honour was established at the end.


    Only allowed on


    The arrangement was that the emperor will sit on the seat of honour, with the empress dowager and the imperial brother on both his sides. The Noble Consort and the Able Consort will sit on the east side, and the Virtuous Consort and Pure Consort the west side. The current imperial brother from the same mother is currently first in the line of session with the death of the crown prince. Nevertheless, she could only think they were arranged like this to start a quarrel. It cannot be helped that the Four Madames hostility will be stirred up this way.


    This imperial brother lives an obscure lifestyle in spite of his mother being the empress dowager. He was to sit on the seat of honour, belying his public appearance, but it was empty. He rarely leaves his room due to his weak constitution and doesnt perform his official duties either. All sorts of spection circte about him. Some say the many years younger brother is pampered by the emperor. Otherwise, he is confined to his room. Or that he isnt allowed to go outside, as the empress dowager is overly affectionate to him.


    Well, it wasnt something that concerned Maomao.


    The dishes came out past noon. She was now enjoying acrobatics and dance performances. Only the head maid Honnyan apanied Consort Gyokuyou. As far as they were not needed, the other maids waited for instructions behind the curtain.


    The princess was being rocked by the Empress Dowager. Her drifting elegance and her unfading beauty did not pale inparison to the Four Consorts around her.


    (They should prepare more cover(tent).)


    Although it was a curtain, it was only good enough to give shade. It did nothing as a windbreaker.


    Even Maomao and the others who had hand warmers thought it was cold. It must be unbearable for the other consorts and their maids.


    As expected, the other backup maids were trembling, some of them were standing pigeon-toed. She thought that right now would be a good time to go to the privy, but considering the other consorts maids standpoints, they might not be able to go.


    Worryingly, the Four Madames maids are wishing for a war by proxy for their masters.


    The head maids, who had the position warn them against doing this were by their respective consorts sides. There was no one to stop them.


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    At present, the image of the dispute was Consort Gyokuyous army vs. Consort Rifas army, and Pure Consorts army vs. Virtuous Consorts army. By the way, the whole army of Consort Gyokuyous military camp had four people; not even half of the maids on the other side. Though it was somewhat unfavourable, Infa tried her best.


    Hah, in, you say? Are you stupid? What you call a ;maid is someone who serves a master, right? Whats the point of pointlessly dressing up?


    It seems they were having a dispute over clothing. The clothing of the maids on the other side, as they served Consort Rifa, were blue themed, with a shawl and lots of decoration. A whole lot gaudierpared to their own.


    What are you saying? Your master will have hardship if you look bad. I knew it. They can only employ that in woman.


    (Hey, looks like Im being made a fool before everyones eyes.)


    Maomao thought about other peoples affairs. Needless to say, the in woman was none other than herself.


    The pcedy who had puffed out her chest with pride was one of the people Maomao had opposed before. Though she had a strong personality, shecked the guts to go with it, and for every little thing, she would say, Do as my father said. She was much too loud and exchanged verbal insults. When Maomao told her, Then, dont tell people what to do and use your body to do it, she became frightened and wouldnt approach her.


    (Did she not get the prostitute style joke?)


    At the very least it wasnt something aimed towards an ignorant youngdy.


    If there are things you dont want to see, you put them away, right? Its shameful to bring along such an ugly woman. And you even gave her a single jewel essory.


    It seemed that she noticed Maomaos circumstancespletely.


    (What a mean thing to say. Even though we were together for two months.)


    When she saw the other two maids hold back Infa who was on the verge of leaping into violence, she thought it would be about time for her to make them quiet down.


    Maomao, who was standing in the close behind Infa and the others, looked towards the blue-d maids with her hand over her nose.


    A maid, who had narrowed her eyes dubiously having noticed something, whispered into the ears of the maid next to her. Just like a game of Chinese Whispers, when the message finally passed to thest maid, the maids, intimidated, raised shaking fingers, their mouths opened in overwhelmed fluster.


    (Did they finally notice me?)


    Maomao made her characteristic smile that looked like a wolf that caught its prey to the maids.


    A, aa, aaaahh.


    Wha-what is it? Infa, who didnt know that Maomao was grinning behind her, doubted her opponents who suddenly trembled like small animals.


    Ah, aaah. W-well let you win this time. B-be thankful. The maid spat out a parting remark that didnt make any sense and moved off to the edge of the curtain. Even though there were other free spaces, they chose to move to the ce furthest from Maomaos group.


    Seeing the dumbfounded Infa and the other maids,


    (They really were hurt.)


    Maomao thought.


    Infa recovered and met Maomaos gaze, Gosh, those jerks from before. Sorry about that. For making you feel unpleasant. Even though you are really this cute. the apologetic Infa said.


    Dont worry about it. Leaving that aside, would you like to rece your hand warmer?


    No, its still warm, its fine. At any rate, why did they suddenly start trembling like that?


    Who knows. Maybe they wanted to go flower picking? Maomao said shamelessly.


    By the way, the current Maomao had the setup of a young girl who, in addition to been made a disposable piece of a food taster after being sold from being chastised by her parent, bore with two months of grand bullying at the Crystal Pce, and fell to distrusting cruel men to the point of defiling her own face.


    It was troubling that Infa and the others delusional strength was impressive for their age.


    She was also troubled by the image of Jinshi, who had bumped into Maomao, a personage like a celestial maiden being concerned of a pitiful girl.


    No matter who you look at it, it was a marvel.


    On the other side, another war by proxy was continuing.


    The numbers were seven vs. seven. Maids dressed white outfits and maid dressed in dark coloured outfits. The former were the Virtuous Consorts maids, and thetter were the Pure Consorts.


    That side also has a bad rtionship. Infa said seriously. Their ages are fourteen, and thirty-five. Even though there are both consorts, their ages are far apart enough to be mother and child, and they sh too.


    The novice is the Virtuous Consort, and the one with the long service is the Pure Consort. That is, well, there is a lot to say. The quiet maid, Guien(, Gui Yuan),said.


    Thats true. And they used to be daughter inw and mother inw. The tall maid, Airan(, Ai Lan), nodded as well.


    Daughter-inw and Mother-inw? Maomao heard about something that didnt seem like something from the inner pce. She tilted her head.


    Indeed, its a littleplex.


    The two had the rtionship of the previous emperors consort and the crown princes consort.


    The time the previous emperor passed away, the consort became a nun to observe mourning. However, it was said that, publicly, as she had retired from the real world once, it was decided that she had not served the previous emperor, so she now married to the son.


    (The previous emperors era was five years ago.)


    That time, whether it was some long talk due to politics or whatever, the Virtuous Consort was nine years old. It was said she became a consort at that age.


    (No matter what kind of lusts there are, that isnt something you hear.)


    As she recalled the emperor with the beautiful beard, thement she heard made her know the shocking truth.


    Its impossible, isnt it? That the mother inw was nine-years-old, Airan told her something that was hard to believe.

 Volume 1, Chapter 20: Garden Party (2)

    Her first impression of Riishu(, Li Shu), the Virtuous Consort, was a child who couldnt read the atmosphere(Bad at social cues).


    Maomao and Guien went to where the imperial princess was during the intermission at the end of the first part of the banquet. When Guien went to rece her cooled hand warmer, Maomao went to check on the babys condition.


    (It doesnt look like anything physically wrong with her in particr.)


    The shrieking Imperial Princess Rinrii with her face like an apple, was much more expressivepared to the first time she met her. She must be even doted by her father the emperor and her grandmother the empress dowager.


    (But, are they really going to leave her outside like this?)


    If the imperial princess caught a cold from this, it wouldnt be unreasonable that Maomaos head might fly. Because of that, she fashioned a baby bed that was like a birds nest in the basket, specifically using the lid that was crafted by a craftsman.


    (Well, its cute so it should be fine.)


    For Maomao, who didnt like children, to think that she was cute, babies are terrifying beings.


    She gently lifted the imperial princess, who started to crawl, wanting to go outside, back into basket to pass her over to Honnyan, when she heard someone breathing roughly behind her.


    Maomao saw a young girl wearing a luxurious and gorgeous deep peach colouredrge sleeves there. She was followed by several maids behind her.


    Though her face was charming, her lips were puckered in displeasure.


    (This is the young mother inw?)


    Seeing Honnyan and Guien deeply bowing their heads, she followed suit.


    Consort Riishu, who looked truly displeased, was leading her maids off to somewhere.


    Was that the Virtuous Consort? Maomao asked.


    Yes, thats right. Well, you should pretty much know when you see her. Honnyan said.


    I wonder if there are various things she cant read? Guien mused.


    The various things, would be the cues of this ce.


    When one bes part of The Four Madames, they are bestowed their own personal signature.


    Consort Gyokuyou was given the signature of deep crimson and jade, Consort Rifa would be ultramarine and crystal, and the Pure Consort, seeing as that was what she was wearing, should probably be ck. She resides in the Ga Pce, so her jewel should be ga.


    (If we go with the Five Elements(Five elements of traditional Chinese philosophy: wood, fire, earth, metal and water), white should be appropriate though.)


    Consort Riishus outfit was deep peach; the colour was like Consort Gyokuyous red outfit. With the banquet seating arrangement where Consort Gyokuyou and Consort Riishu sat beside each other, people would see at a nce that the colours sh.


    (Which reminds me.)


    She had a feeling that the maids quarrel she can hear in the distance was about that issue.


    How should I say this, shes still young, isnt she? Honnyan, who sighed deeply, surmised everything with a single remark.


    The lukewarm hand warmers were put into the previously prepared brazier. Maomao also decided to pass some over to the other maids she saw surrounding them at a distance, with permission from Consort Gyokuyou.


    It was somewhat strange seeing maids, who were used to silks and jewellery, get greatly delighted over the warmed stones.


    It was unfortunate that Maomao was unable to pass any to the maids from the Crystal Pce, seeing as when Maomao approached them, they maintained a fixed distance as if they were repelled by mas.


    In the end, youre just soft-hearted? Though Infa said that in amazement.


    That might be as you say, Maomao frankly told her what she felt.


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    (Speaking of that.)


    As it was the intermission, it couldnt be helped that a lot of people were walking through the back of the curtains. It wasnt just maids. There were military officials and civil officials too. Everyone was holding onto an essory in one hand.


    If there were those who faced with pcedies one-to-one, then there were those who surrounded the pcedies in a several-to-one group.


    It seemed that Guien and Airan were also talking to an unknown military official.


    That way, they can invite excellent capable people who were hidden in the flower garden, Infa said.


    Okay, Maomao said.


    They give the essory that holds a symbol.


    Is that so?


    Well, theres also another meaning to it.


    I see.


    Infa crossed her arms and pouted at her unusually uninterested reply. I said theres also another meaning to it


    Is that so? Maomao wasnt going to hear that meaning.


    In that case, hand over that ;kanzashiplease.


    Okay. But youll have to match it out with the other two with rock, paper, scissors please, Maomao said as she turned over the pocket warmers in the brazier.


    This talk didnt concern Maomao who had nned to quickly return to the pleasure district after her two years of service was up.


    That aside,


    (If Im going to work that hard, it would be better if I apprenticed at the Crystal Pce instead huh)


    Saying that, she made a face as though she was looking at a locust that had stopped breathing,


    Youngdy, please have this.


    A ;kanzashiwas presented to her before her eyes.


    When she looked up, she saw a fearless lookingrge man smiling sweetly at her. He didnt have a matching beard yet. Though he had a face that fell under the category of handsome, Maomao, who had strong resistance to unnecessarily sweet smiles, only looked back at him without any strong feelings.


    Though the military official seemed to notice that her reaction was not what he expected, he did not stop offering his presented hand. His legs shook as he stood on his tiptoes with his body bent.


    Maomao noticed that the she seemed to be the cause of the mans dilemma.


    Only allowed on


    Thanks. Maomao took it, looking like a pet owner who praised her puppy. She thought that someway or other, he was like a mongrel.


    Mm, see ya then. Nice meeting ya. I go by Rihaku(, Li Bai), the military official said.


    (I probably wont be seeing him again though.)


    He waved his hand. There were still ten or so ;kanzashi ;slipped in therge-breed dogs belt. So the maids wont be embarrassed, he probably nned to distribute those to everyone.


    (If thats the case, I did something bad.)


    She gazed at the peach coloured coral ;kanzashi,


    Did you receive that? Guien and the other came by saying that. Each of them had their spoils of war slipped to their sashes.


    It is a participation prize though. Maomao replied without feeling.


    And then, from behind,


    Arent you sad with only that much?


    It was a noble voice she was familiar with.


    She turned around, and there stood Consort Rifa with her voluptuous breasts.


    (Did she gain a bit of weight?)


    Even so, it wasnt like her previous body. However, there was still a shadow of the consorts beauty. She was wearing a dark blue skirt, a sky-coloured tunic, and a blue shawl.


    (Isnt she a bit cold?)


    As long as Maomao was with Consort Gyokuyou, she was unable to back Consort Rifa.


    Even after she left the Crystal Pce, with only Jinshi as the intermediary, she heard nothing about her condition. Although she understood that even if she went to visit the pce the maids would stand at the front gates and tell her to get lost.


    Its been a while, Maomao said.


    A while. Consort Rifa, looking up, touched Maomaos hair. Again, just like the time with Jinshi, she stuck something there.


    This time it didnt hurt.


    Well then, pleasure meeting you. She walked away gracefully, chiding her attendant maids who couldntpletely hide their shock.


    The ones amazed were the Jade Pces maids.


    Ahh, with this, Gyokuyou-sama would be really peeved. Infa flipped the decoration of the ;kanzashiwith an amazed face.


    The three red crystal balls on the kanzashi swayed.

 Volume 1, Chapter 21: Garden Party (3)

    When noon came around, Maomao alternated with Honnyan to wait behind Consort Gyokuyou.


    Hearing Infas advice, the three ;kanzashishe received were all slipped to her sash for the time being. Since what Consort Gyokuyou had given her was a ne, wearing one ;kanzashishould have been fine. But that would make a difference in merit to the ;kanzashishe didnt wear.


    It was quite a spectacle to view the banquet once again from the seats of honour.


    Military officials lined the west side, and civil officials lined the east. Sitting at about one-fifth from the middle of the long table, was Gaoshun on a seat on the military official side. Though she realised that he was more of a big-shot that she had thought, she was surprised the eunuch was able to line up there without feeling out of ce.


    Therge man from before was also sitting there. He was closer to the lower seats than Gaoshun, but he might be more sessful considering his age.


    In contrast, Jinshi was nowhere to be seen. Seeing as he sparkled to that degree, he should be someone she would find easily though.As there was no need to find him, she decided to devote herself to her main job.


    The wine came first thing before the meal. They were slowly poured from ss containers into silver cups.She shook the cup slowly, checking to see if there were cloudiness in the ces she touched.It would cken if there was arsenic poison.


    She sniffed the cup while she slowly turned it and held the contents in her mouth. Though she knew there was no poison, if a food taster didnt swallow, the food tasting wouldnt be recognised. She moistened her throat with a gulp, then rinsed her mouth with fresh water.


    (Oh.)


    It turns out that people were observing her.


    The other food tasters had yet to drink from their cups.After they confirmed that nothing happened to Maomao, they timidly raised their cups to their lips.


    (Well, thats normal.)


    Everyone is afraid of death.If there was anyone who tried first, it was safest to watch to make sure before they do it themselves.


    (If you have to use poison at the banquet, it would have to be fast acting.)


    Among those people, the one who would deliberately ingest poison would be only Maomao. In this world, there isnt such a rare type of person.


    (If you must, ;fugu(The pufferfish. Its innards contain lethal amount of the paralysing neurotoxin ;tetrodotoxine, especially in its liver, ovaries, eyes and skin)would be good. The guts would nicely dissolve into the soup.)


    That numbing feeling on the tip of the tongue was irresistible. To get that feeling, Maomao didnt know how many times she repeatedly pumped her stomach and vomited. As she thought about that, she locked eyes with a maid who was bringing in the appetisers. The corner of her lips raised. It seems she was grinning evilly. It seems she waspletely charmed by it.


    Maomao returned to her usual expressionless face.


    The appetiser she received was a dish that asionally came out as supper, being the emperors favourite food.It looks like the meal was cooked from the inner pce side. The usual thing.


    As the other food tasters were staring at Maomao, she hurriedly picked it up with her chopsticks.


    It was a fish and vegetable ;namasu(A raw fish dish slightly pickled in rice vinegar for a couple of hours).Though he was lusty old man, the food taster had to say that his eating habits were unexpectantly aimed towards health.


    (The setting is wrong.)


    It wasnt the usual ingredients.It couldnt be that they made a mistake with the recipe of the emperors favourite food.


    If that was the case, this here had to be something made for a different consort.The inner pces Meal Duty were capable at their job. Even if they used the same menu, they cooked the emperors and the consorts meals separately.When Consort Gyokuyou was nursing, they prepared a menu for continuous milk production.


    The food tasting ended. Seeing everyone in the middle of eating the appetiser, she decided it really was just a mistake in setting.Consort Riishu, the one who couldnt read the atmosphere, was paled faced.


    (Is this something she hates?)


    With the emperors favourite food before her, there was no way the consort could leave it.So she endured and was eating it.


    When Maomao looked behind the consort, her food taster maid had closed her eyes, lips trembling. Maomao saw and understood the faint arc those lips drew.


    (I saw something unpleasant.)


    Returning her gaze, Maomao received the next dish.


    It would be good if this was a normal banquet.


    Rihaku felt he was unable to fit in with high-ss nobles who look down from the pce circles.


    Only allowed on


    How is this fun, he thought, to have a banquet outside in the cold and wind?


    No, it would be fine if it was just a banquet. Just like the olden days, enjoying alcohol and meat with mutualpanions in a peach garden would be certainly fun.


    However, when there are nobles together, there is always poison in hand.The cuisines  no matter what high-ss ingredients, what secret techniques employed  its deliciousness would be halved by the time the food tasting is over.


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    It wasnt that he was ming the food tasters. But seeing their frightened, pale faces as they slowly eat from their spoon every single time, that was what kills his appetite.


    Today as well, he thought they are taking an awfully long time for the same pointless thing.


    However, it was somehow a little different.


    Usually, it was a given that all the food tasters would look at each other as they take their turns holding the spoon.Today, however, there was a recklessly enthusiastic food taster.


    The Noble Consorts food taster, a short maid with not even one ;kanzashiseen on her, swirled a silver cup before drinking from it.After she slowly swallowed it, she rinsed her mouth as if it was nothing.


    Thinking back, he was sure he had seen her from somewhere and had given her a ;kanzashinot so long ago. She was neat but wasnt much of a looker. The type that to be quite hidden among the beautiful pcedies of the inner pce.However, she was a girl, who was expressionless in some respects, with piercing eyes that captivated others.


    For such an unfriendly girl, she was surprisingly expressive.While thinking she was expressionless, she suddenly grinned for some reason, and when he was thinking about that, her face returned to what was before, and this time she was making a sullen face.And yet, she was tasting for poison as if it was natural. She was so strange.


    He wondered what sort of face she would make next. It was the perfect time waster.


    The soup was presented. The girl put her spoon in it. She peered at it, slowly ced on the tip of her tongue.


    He thought that the girls eyes widened for an instant, and she suddenly smiled as though she was melting in intoxication.


    Her cheeks were flushed, eyes on the verge of watering. Her lips drew an arc, and from her slightly parted lips, he saw white teeth and a captivating tongue.


    This was why women are terrifying.


    Those lips that licked up that drop, was like a ripe fruit smile of a high-ss courtesan.


    The cooking must be indescribably delicious.


    To make an ordinary girl make such a fascinating act, was it something inside it, or was it the skills of the imperial courts cooks?


    The time he was gulping down saliva, an unbelievable act came from the girl.


    She took a hand towel from her bosom and spat out what she just ate.


    Its, poison. The maid, who was expressionless again, stated her task matter and disappeared behind the curtain.


    The end of the banquet was announced amid themotion.

 Volume 1, Chapter 22: After The Festival

    You were, well, quite energetic for a food taster.


    She had finished rinsing her mouth and was in the middle of zoning out when the leisurely eunuch  who tended to appear at unexpected times  appeared. He was often found in ces considerably far from the banquet.


    Pleasant day to you, Jinshi-sama. She was going to reply with her usual expressionless face, but she wasnguid from the lingering effects of the poison. It was slightly irritating that she replied with a smile.


    Rather, arent you the one having a pleasant day? He suddenly grabbed her arm.


    What are you doing? she said.


    Im obviously taking you to the medical office. Youll be a joke to be so lively after ingesting poison.


    In actual fact, she was energetic.


    She wondered what it would be like if she swallowed it without spitting it out. She was curious about what will happen to her body. Right now, her body should be numbing.


    (I shouldnt have spat it out.)


    She should have at least finished the remaining soup. She looked at Jinshi inquiringly.


    You are, an idiot, he told her.


    Id rather you say my aspirations to my work is high. Well, normally, she would withdraw such aspirations.


    Somehow, Jinshi, who was usually pointlessly sparkly, had a different air about him right now.


    Although theres a new ;kanzashion his head, the clothes he wore were the same high-ss outfit from before. No, his cor was slightly dishevelled. Was it because of that? Indeed, so it was that huh. This damned dog.


    His sharine voice was somewhat subdued, and his gentle smile wasnt there either.


    (He can adjust his sparkle?)


    Or was it that he was exhausted after a love affair? The reason he wasnt at the banquet, could be because he brought or was brought by a pcedy or a civil official or a military official or a eunuch? Lets stick with that. What a truly vigorous matter.


    (This way is still fine.)


    Though he is certainly beautiful, he didnt look like a young man befitting his age like this. No, rather he looked several times younger. Before he came here, did Gaoshun request him to postpone the suspicious act? Leaving whether hell listen aside.


    Because of how you looked so healthy when you left, there was a guy who questioned if it was really poison and ate it. Jinshi said.


    Who is that fool? Maomao said.


    The poison used was ;fugupoison. The effects of the poison took some time to show up after eating.


    The cab minister has gone numb. There is argemotion over there. Jinshi answered.


    No doubt, with this, the future of this country was also in danger.


    Since we are already in this situation, I suggest you let him use this. She rummaged through her bosom and took out a purse. It was a vomit-inducing drug she put in the false bottom of her breasts. I made it so itll make you vomit to the point of turning your stomach.


    Hey, thatll make it a poison then? Jinshi said in an amazed tone.


    Theres also a court physician here. Theres no problem to leave it to him. Maomao stopped her steps, suddenly remembering.


    Whats wrong? Jinshi asked.


    I have something to ask you. Someone I want to bring along with us.


    Who could that be? He frowned, head tilted.


    Can you call for Riishu-sama, the Virtuous Consort? Maomao said in a dignified voice.


    Only allowed on


    The summoned Consort Riishu, who smiled happily at Jinshi with a look of springtime, looked at Maomao with an unamused oh its you expression. Perhaps she couldnt calm down, she was rubbing her left hand with her right hand.


    A childish woman.


    They had nned to go to the medical office, but because of the crowd there due to the stupid big shot, they had no choice but to use an unused office. Comparing them like this, there was a difference in the building structure to the inner pce and the medical office. Consort Riishu made a slightly sulky face at the in, unrefinedrge room.


    The one who came in after them in session, was the only person they had requested Gaoshun to get.


    Maomao drank the lukewarm antidote. She would be fine even if she didnt drink it. She drank it, so to speak, for cautions sake, and so the medicine wasntpounded by the other person in vain.


    Different to the quack doctor, this court physician seemed superior. If he knew about ;fugupoison, he should have understood that an antidote was pointless.


    Setting down the lukewarm liquid, she bowed once to Consort Riishu. Excuse me.


    !?


    She took hold of the consorts left hand and pulled up her long sleeves, revealing a white graceful arm. As I suspected.


    Skin that was supposed to be smooth to touch had broken out in red rashes.


    There are things you cant eat, right? Among seafood.


    Consort Riishu cast her eyes down.


    What does that mean? Jinshi asked her with his arms crossed.


    Before she noticed, that celestial maidens gracefulness was radiating from him again. However, that usual smile wasnt there.


    Depending on the person, there are those who respectively have things they cant eat. Aside from seafood, there are also things like egg, wheat and dairy products. Along the same lines, I cant eat buckwheat, Maomao exined.


    Jinshi and Gaoshun showed tantly surprised faces. It was as if they were saying, even though you can eat poison with no issues.


    (Leave me alone.)


    There was a time she made an effort to make herself able to eat it once but her bronchial tube constricted, giving her dyspnoea. She got rashes from eating and absorbing it in her stomach to begin with. It was difficult to regte the quantity, and her recovery was also slow. Thats why she gave up on ustoming herself to it. She thought of challenging it again sooner orter, but she couldnt try it in the inner pce that only had the quack doctor.


    How did you know about that? The consort timidly asked.


    Before that, is your stomach okay? It doesnt look like you have nausea or cramps though, Maomao asked.


    At the words, If you like, Ill dispense you axative, the consort shook her head vigorously. Saying that in front of the heavenly person she admired was considerably mean. That was a bit of revenge.


    Well then, please sit down and listen.


    Gaoshun, a diligent man despite his appearance, pulled out a chair for her. And then, Consort Riishu sat.


    Its because your meals were switched with Gyokuyou-samas meals. As Gyokuyou-sama has no preferences, she usually partakes the same dishes as the emperor.


    And despite this, there were one or two ingredients that were different.


    What you cant eat, is it mackerel and abalone?


    The consort nodded.


    Maomao didnt miss the agitation of the maid at the back. This is something only people who have things they cant eat know. It is an issue before pickiness. You only got hives this time, but it can cause dyspnoea and even heart failure sometimes. So to speak, in a way you can understand, it is the same as serving poison.


    The talk of poison elicited a nervous response.


    Riishu-sama, it may have been something you couldnt speak out with the atmosphere of the ce, but what you did was extremely dangerous. Maomao established that among the consort and the maid who had a dazed look.


    Please never ever forget that. She advised that to both parties equally.


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    After some time passed,


    Please ry that to the ones in charge of setting your meals as well, she said, but it didnt seem to have went through the heads of the consort and the maid.


    To the apanying maid, Maomao exined to her the dangers in detail, and passed over the methods she wrote down to deal with the case of it happening. The maid was pale-faced, shaking her head feebly.


    (This is what a threat is like, huh.)


    The maid was the food taster woman. That woman who smiled.


    After Consort Riishuu withdrew from the room, she noticed the clingy atmosphere behind her and the hand that came to touch her shoulder.


    She looked at him coldly as if looking at a dried-up earthworm was preferable. I am of humble birth, so can you please not touch me with your hands?


    Stop the clinginess, she told this rascal in a roundabout way.


    Only you would say such things, Jinshi said.


    Well then, everyone is paying attention. She briskly pulled away.


    With a heartrending sigh, she sought for the refreshing Gaoshun, but the attendant who was loyal to his master appealed to her with his eyes to Please bear with it for me.


    Well then, Ill go report this to Gyokuyou-sama. She said.


    Why did you specially have the food taster maide in the same room? He just suddenly got to the core of things, thats why it was hard for her to escape.


    What are you talking about? I am unable to understand though, she replied expressionlessly.


    Then, was it a mistake in the table setting?


    I dont know that either. She yed ignorance to the end.


    Answer this for me at least. The one they were aiming for was the Virtuous Consort, isnt it? he asked.


    If there was no poison in the other tes.


    That would be the case.


    Seeing Jinshi deep in thought, Maomao withdrew from the room and sighed deeply as she leaned against the wall.

 Volume 1, Chapter 23: Fingers

    Maomao was stuck with being carefully nursed the moment she returned to the Jade Pce.


    She was forced, dumbfoundedly, into a change of clothes, and was thrown into a vacant bedroom with a high-ss futonid out, not the narrow room she usually used. The futon was made from high-ss cotton, a world of difference to the usual bed that was just piled with straw matting.


    My body doesnt feel strange, and I already drank the antidote. Truthfully speaking, the antidote was meaningless. It was that sort of poison.


    What are you saying? The cab minister who ate it was super terrible afterwards. Theres no way that he was fine just because he vomited. Infa worriedly ced the damp cloth on her forehead.


    (What a truly foolish cab minister.)


    He should have vomited out properly as an initial treatment. Even if she was curious, she couldnt leave here now, so she decided to close her eyes as there was nothing else she could do.


    It was a pointlessly long day.


    She woke up before noon, having umted quite a bit of tiredness. For a maid, this was bad. After she woke up and changed, she decided to look for Honnyan.


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    (Before that.)


    She returned to her own room to look for the face powder she always used. Though its a face powder, it wasnt the pure white thing that everyone used. Rather, it was what she always used to make her freckles.


    She applied the powder in front of the polished copper mirror, patting the areas around the tattoo with her fingertips. She particrly coated the top of her nostrils densely.


    (I should be going bare-faced at this point.)


    It was troublesome having to exin it over and over again. On the contrary, she wondered if she should just hide the freckles, but that, in its own way, was embarrassing. It probably left an impression of a girl falling in love for the first time that she became prettier  somehow that misunderstanding would be mortifying for her.


    She ate one mooncake from the remaining snacks as she was hungry.


    Honnyan was looking after the imperial princess at Consort Gyokuyous ce. She couldnt take her eyes off the energetic imperial princess and had her hands full of it, like having to remove the bed-sheet so that it wont be pulled off, or holding the chair used for walking practice for the princess.


    I sincerely apologise about oversleeping. Maomao bowed deeply.


    It would have been fine if you took a rest today. Consort Gyokuyou smacked her cheeks with a troubled expression and tilted her head.


    That cannot do. Please instruct me if there is anything. She said something like that, but in actual fact, seeing how she normally went about doing her own things, so it would be fine whether there was anything or not.


    Freckles Consort Gyokuyou brought up a topic she really didnt want her to mention.


    Im notfortable with it, so can we leave it like this? Maomao asked.


    You have a point. She backed down surprisingly easily.


    Maomao faced the consort with a dubious face.


    Everyone came close asking who in the world that maid was. It was dreadful, the consort said.


    I sincerely apologise.


    That face is convenient because its not recognisable at a nce.


    Maomao had nned to go about peacefully, but it didnt seem to be the case. Exactly what went wrong?


    Also, Gaoshun has been here since this morning. He seemed so free he didnt know what to do, so hes outside weeding for me.


    (Weeding.)


    As expected of the diligent man, though she was pretty sure that he was a significantly high official. Surely, there was no doubt that he powerfully seizing the hearts of the other maids.


    May I use the living room? Maomao asked.


    Go ahead. Well get him at once. Consort Gyokuyou took the imperial princess from Honnyan.


    Honnyan left the room to call Gaoshun.


    It would have been faster if she went herself, but Consort Gyokuyou stayed her hand. And so, she moved to the living room.


    This is from Jinshi-sama, Gaoshun hurriedly greeted her as soon as he arrived and ced the cloth bundle on the table.


    She opened the silver bowl. The soup that was served was inside. Originally, it wasnt for Maomao. It was supposed to be Consort Gyokuyous food. She refused yesterday, but in the end, they politely bought it over for her. As they had been persistent about it, in another meaning she had been ordered to investigate the case.


    Please dont eat it, Gaoshun said.


    I wont eat it, she assured him.


    (Silver tarnishes severely, after all)


    Gaoshun probably didnt know the other reason why she wasnt eating it. He looked at her doubtfully.


    Maomao held the bowl, taking care to not touch it directly, and squinted at it. Not the contents of the bowl, but the bowl itself.


    Did you hold this with your bare hands? she asked.


    No. I only mixed the potentially poisoned contents with a spoon. He was against touching poisonous things. To not touch it, he wrapped it up with a cloth.


    Only allowed on


    Hearing that, Maomaos lips curved. I see. Please wait a second.


    Maomao left the living room and went to the kitchen. With a rustle, she took out something.


    Next, she went to the bedroom she slept in just then. She bowed her head at the high-ss mattress and unravelled the seams of the cloth. She returned to the living room with its contents.


    What she bought in were white powder and soft-looking cotton.


    Maomao rolled the cotton into a ball and added the powder. She patted the silver container down with it.


    Gaoshun tilted his head, peering close. Well.


    Traces of powder remained on the bowl.


    These are touch marks of human hands, Maomao said.


    Fingers break out in oil easily and so leave marks on metals on contact. It was much more so for severely tarnishable silver utensils.


    There was a time, in the past, where her dad stained the bowls that Maomao wasnt allowed to touch as a prevention against her pranks. Using that as a reference, it went surprisingly well when she tried out on a whim. The finer the powder, the more clearly you can see the marks.


    You must wipe it with a cloth before you use silver utensils. Its pointless if theres tarnish on it.


    There were several fingerprints on the bowl. She could make many guesses on how it was held based on just the finger sizes and location.


    (As I thought, even the markings can be read out.)


    The one who held the bowl She realised she made the mistake of starting to speak.


    That didnt escape Gaoshun. Did something happen?


    No.


    There was no reason to keep a poor secret. It couldnt be helped that yesterdays trick became pointless.


    It should be four people in total, who touched this bowl. She pointed at the white prints, not touching it with her finger. As your fingers dont touch the bowl when you polish it, it would be the one who served the soup, the one who set the table, and the Virtuous Consorts food taster plus one other person.


    Gaoshun raised his fearless face to look at Maomao. Why did the food taster do that?


    If possible, she wanted to go through with it peacefully. That was dependent on the looks of this stoic man.


    Its simple. Maomao set down the container. A bitter expression ran across her face. Bullying.

 Volume 1, Chapter 24: Qilin

    Bullying. Gaoshun had a look of disbelief.


    Thats right. Maids must not do such things to high-ranking consorts. It was unthinkable.


    Its hard to believe, Maomao said.


    If the other party was reluctant to understand it, Maomao also didnt want to talk about it. She didnt like to talk of spection.


    However, it was crucial for her to exin why the maid had touched the bowl. She decided to honestly speak her mind instead of doing a poor job of pretending.


    Can you tell me about it? he asked.


    I will. I just want to say in advance that this is just my spection, she said.


    Thats fine.


    She talked about it first from the unique perspective of Consort Riishu. About her bing the previous emperors consort despite her young age and leaving her family as a result of that.


    Many women are educated to fullymit their body as wives to their husbands. It is more prominent for those who were well-bred.


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    Even if it was said to be political, the fact that Consort Riishu married the son of her deceased husband was severely unvirtuous.


    Did you see Consort Riishus Garden Party outfit? Maomao asked.


    .


    She didnt read the atmosphere.


    However, everyone in her retinue had been wearing correspondingly white outfits.


    Normally, maids are supposed to advise their consort on what to wear. Otherwise, they would wear outfits that willpliment her. But what we saw there, was as if only Consort Riishu was clowning around.


    Maids are people who support their master. That was what Honnyan and the other maids had told her. Even the things Infa said during the Garden party, she understood as reality.


    If she thought of it that way, it brings out a different side to the incident where those maids were arguing amongst each other about Consort Riishus outfit.


    (The Pure Consorts maids must have been scolding the cowardly Consort Riishus maids.)


    The young Consort Riishu most surely wore that outfit as she was ttered by her maids and was told that it matched her. There was no doubt about it. In the inner pce, everyone around her is an enemy, so the only ones she could trust were her maids.


    It wasnt just that. Didnt they also swap the meals to trouble Consort Riishu? Gaoshun asked to make sure.


    Thats right. As a result, she narrowly escaped death, she said.


    Fugupoison had no effect in the first moment. In other words, if it wasnt swapped, she would have put it in her mouth thinking that the food tasting was fine. It would have taken ten minutes.


    What a distasteful way of doing things.


    (Lets leave the spection off here.)


    She picked up the bowl again and pointed with her finger. This here is probably the fingerprints of the one who poisoned it. They had held it by the edge when they mixed in the poison.


    You must not touch the rim of food bowls. That was also one of Honnyans teachings. The reason being that you must not contaminate the ce where the lips of the noble ones touch with your fingers.


    This ends my opinion, Maomao said.


    Gaoshun looked at the silver bowl as he stroked his chin.


    Can I ask one question?


    What is it? She replied to Gaoshun, who was bundling up the food bowl.


    Why did you cover for that maid? he asked.


    In response to Maomao who looked at him dubiously, Gaoshun added that he was asking out of curiosity.


    Compared to a consort, a maids life is worth almost nothing, she said.


    Even more so for a food taster.


    Gaoshun gave a barely perceptible nod as if he understood her meaning. I will exin everything to Jinshi-sama.


    Thank you very much.


    After she sent off Gaoshun, Maomao sat down on the chair with a thump. Thats right. I need to thank her.


    (She took the time to swap it for me, after all.)


    At the same time, she thought,I knew I should have swallowed it.


    That is all, Gaoshun said.


    Jinshi ran his hand through his hair as he listened to Gaoshuns report. The desk was piled with documents waiting to be stamped.


    No matter when I hear it, you have a way with words, Jinshi said.


    Is that so? The fearless attendant said curtly.


    No matter how much I think about it, the perpetrator is an insider, Jinshi said.


    Its turning out to be the case with these circumstances.


    His head was starting to ache. He wanted to stop thinking. At any rate, there was no time to sleep from tomorrow. He couldnt even change clothes. He wanted to stamp his feet.


    Only allowed on


    Your true nature ising out, Gaoshun remarked.


    He wasnt smiling as usual. He was sulking, looking like his age. It seems that Gaoshun understood him clearly.


    Isnt it fine? Theres no one here, Jinshi said.


    I am here, Gaoshun said.


    Youre an extra, he retorted.


    No.


    Jinshi had asked in jest, but it didnt pass through to this overly serious man. This person was bothersome, seeing how he also the one looked after him since his birth.


    Im still wearing the ;kanzashi, he said.


    Aah, thats no good, Gaoshun said.


    Its hidden, so no one will notice it. When Jinshi pulled out the deeply embedded ;kanzashi ;from his hair, the design became visible.


    It was called a ;qilin an indescribable legendary creature that was both deer and horse.


    Then Ill leave it to you for safekeeping. He casually flung it at Gaoshun.


    Please treasure it. Its an important thing, his attendant said.


    I get it already.


    You dont get it. After he finished scolding, his minder for sixteen years left the office.


    Jinshi, with a childish expression,id his head on the table.


    There was still a lot of work left. He must quickly make free time.


    Lets do this. He made a big stretch and picked up the writing brush.


    So that he could be a leisurely person, he had no choice but to finish his work.

 Volume 1, Chapter 25: Rihaku

    That poisoning incident turned out to be rather serious. Shaoran fervently rushed to ask Maomao.


    The back of theundry shed was the maidservants gossip spot. They were sitting on the wooden boxes there, eating ;hawthornthat was lined up like ;dango.


    (Theres probably no way that she would think that I am rted to the incident.)


    The image of Shaoran stuffing her cheeks with hawthorn while swinging her legs made her look younger than she was.


    Its a maid from Maomaos ce, right? The one who eats poison, Shaoran asked.


    I guess so. Maomao didnt lie.


    I only just heard that there was that kind of person, but I dont know anything else. Is she okay?


    I guess so. Maomao skirted the topic again, somehow feeling very ufortable about it. Shaoran, at a loss for what to do, pouted.


    Shaoran swung her skewer that had one piece of hawthorn left. It looked like a blood-red coral ballkanzashi. Well, then. Did you get any ;kanzashiand stuff?


    I guess.


    Four in all, imbued with gratitude. She also included Consort Gyokuyous ne.


    How nice. I guess youll be leaving here, then.


    (Mm?)


    What did you just say? Maomao asked.


    Huh? Arent you going to leave?


    Infa had been saying it insistently. Maomao was the one who had brushed if off herself.


    She was troubled at her failure. She shook her head as she fell into self-hatred.


    Whats wrong?


    She looked at Shaoran who gazed at her dubiously. Tell me everything about that.


    Shaoran puffed out her chest at the sight of an unusually motivated Maomao.Kay, will do.


    And the talkative girl taught her how to use the ;kanzashi.


    Rihaku was summoned after his training. As he was sweating, he handed his edgeless sword to his subordinate.


    A delicate eunuch handed a bamboo slip and a womans ;kanzashi ;to him. It was one of the ;kanzashiamong the several he handed out before, a ;kanzashidecorated with peach-coloured coral.


    He didnt think anyone would take it seriously, knowing that it was courtesy, but it turns out it wasnt the case. It would be bad to embarrass her, but it was also troubling to actually go through with it. However, it would be a loss for him if she was a beauty.


    He looked at the wooden slip as he thought of ways to gently reject her.


    Jade Pce ;Maomao


    That was written there.


    He handed it out to only one of the pcedies of the Jade Pce. It could only be that expressionless maid.


    Mystified, Rihaku stroked his chin as he prepared for a change of clothes.


    Only allowed on


    The inner pce is forbidden to actual men. Rihaku, who really didnt want to be cut down, was in the obviously forbidden garden. He probably wouldnt be here after this, it would be troubling if he was.


    Though it was such a terrifying ce, if he had special permission, he could summon a pcedy from inside. This ;kanzashiwas one of the ways of doing that. One of the many.


    Borrowing the office of the central gate, he waited for the person he summoned. The room, which wasnt really wide, had two persons number of tables and chairs. The doors on both sides each had a eunuch standing there.


    A skinny, short maid appeared from the door of the inner pce side. Freckles and spots covered the area around her nose.


    Who the hell are you? he said.


    I get that often. The maid, who replied with blunt indifference, covered her nose with her palm. A face hed seen before appeared.


    Dont tell me youre disguised with make-up?


    I get that often, she said.


    He took in the truth without a look of displeasure. He got the gist of it. That she was that food taster maid.


    However, he just couldnt link her to that fascinating smile of a courtesan when he looked at her face that was covered in spots. It was a matter of fact that she was a mysterious person.


    However, to still call me out like this, do you know the meaning of it? He crossed his arms. Crossed his legs too.


    As the military official with therge build was in the middle of sitting down arrogantly, the short girl confidently spoke out.


    I was thinking of returning home. She said it without any strong feeling.


    Rihaku scratched his head.And, you want me to help?


    Thats right. If you can guarantee my identity, I heard it is possible for me to return home for a short time. She voiced something unexpected.


    He wanted to ask her, Do you know the original meaning?


    No matter, it seems this girl called Maomao was using him to go home. It wasnt to catch the military official.


    Maybe she was bold, maybe she was reckless.


    Rihaku snorted, hands on his chin. It could be said that his behaviour was bad, he didnt feel like correcting it. The hell? Are you saying that I am going to be thoroughly used by ass?


    Rihaku is a nice guy, but he makes a scary face when he scowls. The type of face that, when he rebukes a ckening subordinate, would reduce them to the point of even apologising for something they were unrted to.


    And yet, her brows barely twitched. She only gazed at him expressionlessly.


    No, I only want to give thanks to these people. Maomao ced a tied-up bundle of wooden slips on the table.


    They looked like letters of introduction.


    Meimei(, Mei Mei). Pairin(, Bai Ling). Joga(, Nv Hua).


    Names of women that Rihaku had heard of before. No, a lot of other men besides Rihaku should know these names.


    You mean to see the flowers of ;Rokushoukan(, Verdigris Hall)? That was the name of the high-ss brothel that exhausts one years worth of silver in a single night. The names just then, were the favourites called the Three Princesses.


    If youre worried, youll understand if you see this. The girl smiled at him, only curving her lips.


    Youre joking, he said.


    As you can verify.


    It was somethingpletely unbelievable. At best, it was difficult to think of that a maid of such calibre had a connection with the brothel that even high-ss bureaucrats wont touch. What was this supposed to mean?


    When he scratched his head again from the iprehensibility of it, the girl suddenly sighed and stood up.


    What are you doing?


    It doesnt look like you believe me. Were wasting time. She smoothly took out something from her bosom. Two ;kanzashi.They were made of red crystal, and silver. I sincerely apologise for wasting your time. I have others.


    W-wai He grabbed the wooden slips as to try take them away.


    Maomao, expressionless, looked at Rihaku. What is it?


    He thought he lost.


    Isnt that great? Gyokuyou-sama. Honnyan was looking at Maomao from the gap of the door. Her demeanour was better than usual. She was packing cheerfully. It was strange as the person herself wasnt usually like this.


    Well, its only three days, Consort Gyokuyou said.


    I guess so. The head maid held up the imperial princess who was using her as standing support.


    She absolutely doesnt understand.


    Yeah, absolutely.


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    The other maids were telling Congrattions to Maomao, but the person herself didnt seem to understand. She replied with a carefree, Ill go buy souvenirs.


    Consort Gyokuyou was standing by the window, gazing out.


    Good grief. That child is the pitiable one, she sighed deeply, but a mischievous smile arose.


    It was the day after Maomaos departure when Jinshi, who finally became a leisurely person after finishing his work, visited the Jade Pce.

 Volume 1, Chapter 26: Homecoming

    I want to go back, I want to go back, the pleasure district she repeatedly mentioned wasnt ;thatfar away. The size was one of the inner pce, no different from one town, but it waspletely surrounded by the royal capital. The pleasure district was opposite ;the imperial court. If you cross the high wall and deep moat, it was within walking distance.


    (Even though its a luxury to go by carriage)


    Rihaku, the big man sitting beside her, was humming as he held the horses reins. He had taken her words as truth and passed over the wooden slips. So he could meet the courtesans he yearned for  was it that sort of thing?


    Those you call courtesans should not be all counted as the same. If there were those who sold their bodies, there were those who sold their art. Only those called favourites get a lot of customers. Their value increases because of that.


    Just drinking a cup of tea with them will cost silvers. The price is even more unreasonable for sleeping and the like. This type of revered existences be a type of idol and are admired by the townspeople. There are even those among the town girls who admire that and knock on the gates of the red-light district. Even though those that be that are few in between.


    The ;Rokushoukanwas well-established even within the royal capitals pleasure district. It holds a selection of middle to the highest-ss courtesans. The ones who Maomao call Older Sisters were among the top-ss.


    She could see the nostalgic scenery from the noisily rocking carriage. The fragrant aroma from the shop of the ;kushiyaki(Grilled meat and vegetable skewers. A call back to the first line of the first chapter)she had wanted to eat spread across the street. Willow trees swayed along the waterway. The rising voices of firewood vendors.


    When they passed through the magnificent gate, a world covered in rich colours spread out. It was still daytime. There were few people walking about, but courtesans with free time waved their hands over the handrails on the second floor.


    The horse carriage stopped in front of a ;roukakuwith arge conspicuous gate.


    Maomao rushed over to the old woman standing by the entrance the moment she lightly descended from the horse carriage.


    Its been a while, Gran. She said to the skinny woman who was biting on a pipe. A long time ago, she had been a courtesan said to have tears of pearl. Nowadays, she became wizened like a dead tree  her tears had dried uppletely. She also refused her redeeming and continued to work even after her term of service ended. Now, she became a madam who everyone was afraid of. Time was cruel.


    Only allowed on


    What is this? It ;hasbeen a while. You foolish girl, the crone said.


    The crone punched a fist through the pit of her stomach. It was mysterious that Maomao thought that even the taste of her mouth souring from the regurgitation of gastric juices was nostalgic. How many times in the past did she vomit back out excessive poison like this?


    Rihaku, who was a good person at heart, stroked Maomaos back while not understanding what was going on. His face said, The hell is this hag?


    Maomao covered the polluted ground with dirt using her toes. Rihaku, who was next to her, looked at her in concern.


    Hmm, is this the honoured guest? The crone appraised Rihaku with her eyes.


    The carriage was entrusted to the shops manservant.


    Good physique. Looks are also handsome. Doesnt he look like the promotion stock that people are talking about? the crone said.


    Gran, what are you trying by saying that in front of the person? Maomao said.


    The madam feigned ignorance and called for a ;kamuro(Young girls who acted as assistants to courtesans. They grow up to be courtesans themselves) ;who was sweeping before the gate. Call for Pairin. She is grinding tea today(Turning tea into powder, like how you would prepare ;matchapowder. It means she has no guests today).


    Pairin. Rihaku swallowed audibly.


    That was the courtesan whose name was known as a talented dancer.


    For the sake of Rihakus honour, it should be said that this wasnt a simple lust for a simple courtesan, but rather, thoughts of longing. It was an honour for him, even if its just sitting together for tea, to meet the idol from above the clouds with his own eyes.


    (Pairin huh, it might possibly be possible.)


    Rihaku-sama. Maomao nudged therge man who was engrossed in his thoughts. Do you have confidence in your biceps?


    I train my body but Im not too sure? he said.


    Is that so. Please do well, she said.


    Therge man, his head tilted, left following the little girl.


    Maomao was grateful that he brought her along up to this point. Of course, she meant to give back something suitable in return. That dream of one night would be the memory of a lifetime.


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    Maomao, the owner of the hoarse voice made a terrifying smile. You disappeared without contact for ten months.


    It cant be helped. I was working at the inner pce, she said.


    The general exnation was written on the wooden slip.


    Although Ill reject at a nce, Ill look after him just this time.


    I know already. Maomao took out a bag from her bosom.


    It was half of the wages she earned from the inner pce up until now.


    This much, wouldnt be enough, the crone said.


    Of course not, I didnt think you would call out Pairin-neechan(Neechan (older sister) because it was how it wasbelled a couple of chapters back. She is actually referred to as ;, a Chinese title for Miss).


    She had brought enough money expecting a night of blissful dream with a ;high-ss courtesan for him. Even Rihaku would be satisfied with just a nce of the Three Princesses.


    Wouldnt that just barely be insufficient for a seat for tea? she said.


    Fool. With that physical strength, theres no way Pairin would do nothing.


    (I knew it.)


    Though it can be said that the top-ss courtesans dont sell their body, it doesnt mean that they wont fall in love.


    That would be what they call an act of god. Maomao said.


    Dont be silly. Ill put it properly on your tab. The crone replied.


    I said I cant pay for it.


    (Even if I add in the rest it wont be enough. No matter how I think.)


    Maomao was deep in thought. No matter she looked at it, it was amitment.


    What are you saying? At worse you can just use your body to pay for it. Youll just be transferred from the emperor to a brothel  it wont be any different. There are dilettantes who are fond of even defective goods like you.


    For these couple of years, the crone has been excessively rmending Maomao to be a courtesan. She, who had devoted her entire life to the pleasure district, had never thought that prostitution was a career of misfortune.


    I still have one year left to my term of service though, Maomao said.


    In that case, steadily send forth the honoured guests. Not old geezers, but those we can moderately exploit for a long time like the one just then.


    (Umm. As I thought, hes being exploited.)


    The greedy hag only thinks about money. The idea of selling her body was already passed, so she must moderately send in sacrifices hereafter.


    (Could a eunuch even be a customer?)


    Though Jinshis face rose to her head, that was no good. The courtesans might be serious and break the store, so that idea was rejected.


    Nheless, she would feel bad if it were Gaoshun or the quack doctor. It would be hard to get the madam to exploit them.


    It was truly inconvenient to not have a rendezvous point.


    Maomao, the geezer should be home right now, so hurry up and go, the crone said.


    Ahh, I will.


    Even if she thought deeply, she had no solution at present.


    Maomao escaped through the side road of the ;Rokushoukan.


    The pleasure district suddenly became deste the moment she came out from one street. Rows of shacks, beggars collecting coins with chipped bowls, there were also streetwalkers with syphilis scars.


    One of the dpidated shacks was Maomaos home.


    In the narrow house which only had two rooms of dirt floor, there was a person hunched over using the mortar. Carved with deep wrinkles, soft features, a man who like an old woman.


    Im back, Dad, Maomao said.


    Hey, yourete.


    He greeted her normally and stumbled off to prepare tea as if nothing happened. She epted the tea that had been prepared in a worn teacup. She told him bits and pieces of everything that had happened until now, and her dad only replied with sounds of listening.


    After she had porridge, which had an enormously increased portion of medicinal herbs and potatoes, for dinner, she decided to sleep. She will take a bath from the hot water she will receive from the ;Rokushoukantomorrow.


    She curled up in a simple bed that was just a straw matid out on the dirt floor. Her dad piled clothes on her and grounded the mortar tirelessly like a stove fire.


    The inner pce huh. It must be fate. The words her father muttered faded away amid her sleepiness.

 Volume 1, Chapter 27: Misunderstanding

    The three days of her homing passed by in a blink of an eye.


    From meeting the people she missed, her feeling of wanting it to always stay like this was strong, but there was no way for her resign from her job in the inner pce, so she had no choice but to again trouble Rihaku, her identity guarantor, to return.


    Above all, her back was being pressured by the madam who was wondering what kind of sad*st Maomaos first sell came out as.


    (It looks like he saw a good dream.)


    Seeing an excessively glowing Pairin-neechan, ;and Rihaku, whose eyes were sagged in the corners, changed into a honeyed apricot, she regretted that she overpaid her reward to him. As a result, the next person to sell her body was determined.


    Well, she somewhat sympathised with Rihaku, who, having known of heavenly nectar once, wille to find the ones on earth unptable.


    The madam will surely make a killing of him. Beyond that was not Maomaos responsibility.


    And so, she was going to return to the Jade Pce with her souvenirs, but there was a celestial maiden-like young man who was cloaked in an excessively dangerous air right there.


    She felt an ominous poisonous air from the direction of the gentle smile.


    Only allowed on


    Why is he excessively ring at her?


    No matter what his character was, a beauty was a beauty. Besides, when he red, there was an intensity to it.


    As it was bothersome, she only bowed her head as much as she was required to, and headed for her own room, when he firmly grabbed her shoulders with the force of his nails digging in.


    Wait in the parlour. A honey-like voice flowed into her ears. Honey was honey, but it was wolfsbane honey.


    Gaoshun, who was at the back  his eyes told her to give up. Consort Gyokuyou, who looked troubled  her eyes were shining. Honnyan, who was, for some reason, looking at Maomao with ming eyes.


    The three maids too, were more curious than worried. Maomao would probably be thoroughly interrogated after this.


    (Just what is happening?)


    She put down her belongings, changed into her maid clothes and went to the parlour.


    What do you require of me? Maomao asked.


    There was only Jinshi in the room. He was elegantly dressed in simple official attire, legs crossed on the chair, elbows on the table. Somehow, she felt his attitude was worse than usual. Was it her imagination? She wanted it to be her imagination. Lets take it as imagination.


    There was no Gaoshun, the breath of fresh air. Consort Gyokuyou was nowhere to be found.


    Well, in other words, they couldnt bear to stay.


    It seems you returned home, Jinshi said.


    Yes, she answered.


    How was it?


    Everyone was good.


    Is that so?


    Yes.


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    .


    .


    What kind of man was this Rihaku guy?


    Yes. Hes my identity guarantor.


    (Why the name?)


    He will be a regr customer from now on. An important source of ie.


    Do you not understand what I mean? In that meaning.


    Yes. He has to be a high official to be my guarantor who can properly maintain my identity.


    Jinshi, for some reason, looked extremely tired. Was it because she said the obvious?


    Did you get a ;kanzashi?


    He distributed many of them. I received one out of obligation.


    Now that she thought about it, he was generous. Though it was a simple design, it was a finely made ;kanzashi.


    So you mean, even though you got one out of obligation, ;I(Jinshi starts using ;ore to refer to himself from here. So you know, he usually uses ;watashi, which is a gender-neutral way of referring to oneself. ore, on the other hand, is masculine. Ill put it in italics to denote it.) ;lost?


    (I?)


    She tilted her head at the (first-person) pronoun she wasnt used to hearing.


    Even though ;Igave you one too, you didnte to me at all. He looked sulky.


    Without his celestial smile, he looked about the same age as Maomao. Rather, he looked even younger. She admired that he was a person who can change her view of him up to now with a single expression.


    It turns out that Jinshi was unable to stomach the fact that she relied on Rihaku and didnte to talk to him. How mysterious. Even though its a given that people would be happy to be not be concerned with troublesome things. Was it because that guy was a leisurely person?


    I sincerely apologise. It did not ur to me that I was to give a satisfactorypensation to Jinshi-sama.


    (Would inviting a eunuch to a brothel be rude?)


    It may be possible to go to a ce only to tea drinking and poetry recitals, and then go on to indulge in sensual affairs. It was awkward to invite people who were no longer men to a ce like that. Above all, people like Jinshi. It would be ;a mummy hunter be a mummy(English equivalent: Many go out for wool ande home shorn  A n backfiring.)for the courtesans everywhere.


    What do you mean,pensation? Did you pay this Rihaku guy with that? He was making a dubious face for some reason.


    It was an uneasy expression,bined with displeasure.


    Thats right. I pleasured him with a dream of one night, she told him.


    (Like this, he probably wont return to reality for a while.)


    Even a gant military personnel would be a kitten when they look at Pairin-neesan. Would hee carrying gold coins to her from now on?


    She looked at Jinshi. All the blood had drained from his face. The hand holding onto the teacup was quivering.


    (Did the room get colder?)


    Maomao added charcoal to the brazier and stirred the mes with a fan. It seems he was greatly satisfied. I think I worked hard.


    (I also need to work hard on finding new customers.)


    As she made a fist at her new resolve, there was the sound of a teacup shattering behind her.


    What are you doing? she said.


    Shards of ceramic were scattered about. Jinshi stood up with a pale face. His clothes were soaked through with tea.


    Ahh, Ill bring you something to wipe up now.


    She opened the door, and right there, was Consort Gyokuyou, who was clutching her stomach inughter. Gaoshun, with an extremely tired face. Honnyan, who was struck speechless with shock.


    Maomao, who had no idea what was going on, went to the kitchen to look for a dishcloth for the time being.


    How long are you going to be irritable? Gaoshun asked.


    Jinshi rested his face on the table even though he was already back in his office.


    Gaoshun sighed deeply. Dont forget you are in the middle of work.


    I get it already, Jinshi said.


    He didnt get it. The person called Jinshi doesnt reply like a child. He doesnt get overly attached to his toys.


    He suffered hardship even though he heard the details from Consort Gyokuyou who was convulsing withughter afterwards. As a coteral for undertaking her identity, the man was granted a meeting with a star(popr courtesan)he had longed for. That the girl helped in such a way, waspletely not what they had imagined.


    However, Gaoshun wondered what his master imagined. Ahh, it was scary to be young.


    Jinshi was somewhat back to normal, but he was still disgruntled.


    Well, quickly finishing his work to go meet her, only to find that she returned home with an unknown man came as a bolt out of the blue.


    Gaoshun had no free time to soothe children indefinitely. He ced acquered box on the table and took out a correspondence from the inside. The report from a couple of days ago has finally arrived.


    To look for a courtdy with burn scars. It had been a month since.


    That took way too long. When he looked up, ;Jinshis face returned.


    I sincerely apologise. To not make excuses. That was Gaoshuns principle.


    Just who was it? Jinshi asked.


    Yes. Surprisingly, it was a big shot. He spread out the correspondence on the table. Ga Pce, Fonmin(, Fong Ming). The Pure Consorts head maid.

 Volume 1, Chapter 28: Self Other

    Uwah, wont thesse along with me too? The quack doctors shoulders were trembling when he begged her, so she considered why not.


    He brought her along to the front of the east gates military station. There were several eunuchs surrounding something. Maids gathered together around them in a doughnut shape.


    Its good that its winter, she said.


    There was a woman with a pasty face hidden under the woven mat. She had matted hair and bluish ck lips. For a drowned corpse, she looked rtively nice, but she still wasnt something people would befortable with looking at. It was truly good that it was in the cold season.


    The quack doctor who should be doing autopsy was hiding behind Maomaos back like a maiden. He was totally a quack.


    It seems the woman was floating in the outside moat this morning. No matter how you look, with her appearance, she was surely a pcedy from the inner pce. She couldnt be dealt with properly outside, and so the quack doctor was summoned, but-


    Canss look for me instead? Though he was looking at her with upturned eyes, his loach moustache quivering, it wasnt that she didnt know about that sort of thing.


    What could he be thinking about getting people to do?


    I cant. Ive been told to not touch corpses, she told him.


    That is surprising.


    Saying something rude yet again was a familiar heavenly voice. Needless to say, the surrounding courtdies raised coquettish voices. It was like watching a stage y.


    Pleasant day to you, Jinshi-sama, she said.


    (Though it isnt anything pleasant before a corpse.)


    Maomao looked at the lovely young man without any deep emotion as usual. Gaoshun, of course, was waiting behind him. He was a worldly-wise person who was always appealing to her with his gaze.


    So, teacher().Will you look properly for me? Jinshi asked.


    I understand, the quack doctor said.


    Although his face was slightly reddened, he looked at the drowned corpse reluctantly. He timidly turned over the mat cover. Pcedies let out screams of shock from the back.


    It was a tall woman. She was wearing stiff wooden shoes, and the one foot that wasnt wearing it was wrapped in bandages. Her fingertips were deep red; nails were brutally damaged. It was understood from her clothes that she was from Food Duty.


    You look fine from seeing it, Jinshi said.


    Its scenery Im used to, Maomao replied.


    If you go a little deeper into the pristine pleasure district, you go into thewless area. It wasnt rare to find the miserable figures of young girls who had been passed around and vited. In one perspective, you may think that there wasnt a reason to enclose courtesans in a cage, but the flip-side was also to protect them so that they dont get dragged into the dangers around them.


    Lets hear your opinion at the back, Jinshi said.


    I understand.


    (It must have been cold.)


    Maomao, after the quack doctor finished his autopsy, politely covered the corpse with the mat. Though there was no point in doing so at this point.


    Jinshi brought her along to the Pce Official Chiefs room. As usual, the Pce Official Chief was on standby outside.


    They avoided speaking about the corpse at the Jade Pce. That sort of thing wasnt appropriate in a ce with a baby.


    (He might as well get his own room.)


    She lowered her head at the elderly Chief. Apologies for every single time.


    The Pce Guard is under the impression that it was a suicide by drowning, Jinshi said.


    He said that she had climbed the wall and threw herself off into the moat. The girl was a Food Duty maidservant, as expected. She had been working until yesterday. With that in consideration, she could have only jumpedst night.


    We dont know if it was really suicide, but, at least, I think that it was impossible for her to do this alone, Maomao said.


    What do you mean? Jinshi who was sitting elegantly on the chair asked her with a refined voice. As if he was a different person to the strangely flustered young man from the other day.


    There are no stairs on the castle wall, she said.


    That is true, he affirmed.


    Can you go up with a grappling hook? she asked.


    That might be impossible, he said.


    It was really hard to for her to talk with him asking like he was testing her. She wanted to tell him to stop asking every single time she spoke, but Gaoshun was watching so she kept silent.


    Though there are ways to go up without using any particr tools, it should be impossible for that pcedy, she said.


    What do you mean? What ways are there? Jinshi asked.


    It was during Princess Fuyous ghost panic from previously. Maomao had always questioned on how the other woman went up the outer wall. She wasnt the type of person to scale the wall.


    Due to her nature to pursue her curiosity about until she understood, Maomao had diligently gone around looking at the castle wall. What she found was protrusions at every respective four corners of the outer wall. By stepping on the bricks that were purposely made to protrude from the wall, it was then possible to ascend the wall. It would have been easy for the Princess Fuyou who was talented in dancing.


    It would be difficult for most women, much less for someone with foot binding, she said.


    The womans feet were wrapped in bandages and made to wear small wooden shoes. Her feet were crushed, bound in cloth and confined in the wooden shoes. It was a practice based on the standard that smaller feet were beautiful.


    Are you saying its a murder? Jinshi asked.


    I dont know. Just that, I think that we need to make sure on whether she fell into the moat when she was still alive.


    Only allowed on


    There was no doubt that those fingers dyed in red blood scratched the moat wall many times. She didnt want to think about what it was like inside the icy water.


    Should we investigate more thoroughly? He asked.


    She was troubled even with that sweet smile that cannot be refused. She couldnt do what she cant do. My medicine teacher taught me to never touch corpses.


    Why is that? Because you dislike taboo?


    Doctorse in contact with the sick and wounded. It seems he wanted to say that they will certainly have a lot of contact with dead people.


    Even humans can be ingredients for medicine. Maomao murmured the reason.


    At any rate, if you must do it, let it be yourst,her dad had told her. ;If you do it once, youll be like a grave disturber, he said something that was awfully rude. She wanted to say that she had that much good sense for that, but all in all, she abided by his words. Well, it was something like that.


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    Jinshi and Gaoshun both looked taken back, and shook their heads as though to say, I see. Gaoshun looked at her like she was a pitiful thing.


    That waspletely rude. Maomao held down her shaking fists.


    Afterwards, what was heard from rumours was that the dead girl was at the poisoning incident from the other day. A will was also discovered, and the curtains of the incident closed by saying it was suicide.


    In this world, even someones spection could be truth.


    T/N: The title of this chapter () refers to the maidservants death. Its a question of whether she killed herself or someone else killed her, so an alternate title could be suicide () or murder (), maybe.

 Volume 1, Chapter 29: Honey (1)

    Tea parties are a legitimate job for consorts.Consort Gyokuyou also performed her job as she did every day. There were times she held it at the Jade Pce, other times she was summoned to another consorts ce.


    (Its a very important way to see what the consorts are doing.)


    Only allowed on


    Maomao wasnt very fond of tea parties.All they did was talk about thetest clothing fads and cosmetics.They probe each other as they conversed about trifling things. No doubt, the miniature of the inner pce extends from there.


    (And they look so gentle too. Truly consorts.)


    A middle-ranking consort from the west was talking to Consort Gyokuyou.Though she didnt know the specifics, it seemed that Consort Gyokuyous family was an important ce no matter what rtion it will be after this.It wasmon for many of the other consorts to inadvertently spill out information when they chat with the cheerful Consort Gyokuyou.Writing up a letter on that, was one of Consort Gyokuyous jobs.


    (Even though she stayed up till verytest night. Could it be that she cant sleep?)


    The emperor frequently visits the Favoured Consort, Gyokuyous ce every three days. Hees to see his daughter who started to walk with help, but well, it goes without saying thats not the only reason hees to visit.He asks about various lively topics to not neglect the afternoon job too.


    At the end of the tea party, she received a huge amount of tea snacks from Infa. She was going to eat them, but there were just too much. So, she sent them forward to Shaoran as usual.


    Shaoran, who asionally spoke with a lisp, talked to her about rumours, keeping her up to date as usual.


    About the maidservant whomitted suicide. Her rtion to poisoning incident. And, for some reason, about the Pure Consort.


    Well, age is just a number for the Four Madames, Shaoran said.


    Consort Gyokuyou was neen. Consort Rifa was twenty-three. Consort Riishu was fourteen.


    Consort Ah Duo(, Ah Duo), the Pure Consort, was thirty-five. One year older than the emperor.


    Consort Ah Duo may still able to give birth, but based on the inner pce system, she would have no choice but to be turned away from bedroom activities due to her age(, lit. ;slip from the cushion).In other words, it was impossible for her to be the empress dowager hereafter.


    It seems that the talks of her stepping down for a new high-ranking consort hade up.


    It was something that hade up quite a while ago. She had been a consort since the time the emperor was the crown prince and had been the mother of a male infant once, so she had a considerably strong start.


    (Was she the mother of the male infant who had died previously?)


    At this rate, would Consort Rifa end up the same way, having fallen pregnant with the emperors child too?Not just that. It cant be dered that Consort Gyokuyou will always continue to receive his favour.After all, beautiful flowers too will someday be withered.


    There was no meaning for the flowers of the inner pce to be truly tied together.


    Although she had gotten ustomed to it, she thought that the inner pce was truly beneath the muddy dregs.


    Maomao brushed off the crumbs of the mooncake she ate and looked up to the heavy clouds that covered the sky.


    The disposition of todays tea partypanion had changed a little.


    Thepanion was Consort Riishu, a member of the Four Madames just like Consort Gyokuyou.It was rare to have a tea party with a consort with the same rank, especially so for high ranking consorts.


    The youthful Consort Riishu looked nervous. She had brought along four maids with her.That food taster was also there.It seems that she didnt receive punishment, as far as Maomaos worry was concerned.


    As it was cold outside, the tea party was taken inside.The eunuchs were used to prepare a couch for the maids in the parlour.There was a roundtable iid with mother-of-pearl. The curtains were exchanged with a new embroidered one.


    Honestly, they didnt pay this much attention when the emperor visited, but it would be women who would stand on guard against the same gender.The make-up was also imbued with fighting spirit. Maomaos usual freckle make-up was cleared off. The corners of her eyes were lined with red for intimidation.


    Maybe it was wisdom from age; Consort Gyokuyou was talking constantly and Consort Riishu did nothing else save nod timidly.The maids who were waiting behind wasnt looking at their own master. Rather, they nced around the room as if they were curious about the furniture in the Jade Pce.Only the food taster stood behind the consort in a way that she was facing Maomao. Before, she had looked at Maomao, who had threatened her, imploringly.


    (This is somehow)


    She would prefer that these maids and the maids from the Crystal Pce would stop treating her like a monster.


    (They look like very normal maids at a nce.)


    Maomao had previously reported to Gaoshun that they bullied their consort. It would be slightly troubling if she was mistaken, but it would be a happy thing.


    Maomao,paring them with the select few Jade Pce maids with a peek, thought their movements were slow, but they did their job. Well, since todays tea party host was Consort Gyokuyou, their work itself was scarce.


    Airan brought in a ceramic jar and hot water.


    You like sweet things, right? Since its cold today, I thought maybe we could have this, Consort Gyokuyou said.


    I like sweet things, Consort Riishu replied.


    The content of the jar was citrus peel boiled in honey. It warms the body and soothes the throat.


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    (Oh?)


    Even though she just said she liked sweet things, Consort Riishu paled.The food taster, who was looking at the honey that was being poured into the bowl, also seemed like she wanted to say something.


    (Is honey also no good?)


    The maids waiting at the back were saying nothing.They were just looking at Consort Riishu with amazed faces. As if to say, stop being picky.


    Maomao let out a small breath and whispered into Consort Gyokuyous ear.


    Consort Gyokuyou, widened her eyes with an oh my, and called for Airan. Im sorry, she said. This looks like it needs a little more time to pickle. We took out the wrong thing. Can you drink ginger soup?


    Yes. Thats fine, Consort Riishu said.


    Herplexion somewhat returned to normal. It seemed changing the tea was the correct answer.


    And so, Maomaos guess, unfortunately, turned out to be true as well.


    Though it was for an instant, she met the gaze of the maid who faced her with a bored look.


    Appearing in the evening was the usual beautiful eunuch. Following along at the back of the celestial maidens smile was Gaoshun. Recently, she thought the wrinkles on his brows have increased, but perhaps it increased no matter what worries he had.


    You had the tea party with Consort Riishu, didnt you? Jinshi asked.


    Indeed. It was fun, Maomao said.


    This eunuch seemed to rotate around to the Four Madames at fixed intervals. Maybe he had the position of one who supervises the inner pce.


    Todays tea party gathering was somehow strange, but it seemed that this guy was involved with it.Before she got caught in something troublesome, Maomao was going to withdraw from the room, but of course, she was stopped.


    Shall we talk? Jinshi asked.


    The talk is already over, she said.


    Even if the celestial maidens gaze was looking at her, Maomao could only lower her gaze at the floor. She was sure she was making the eyes of a dead fish.


    Ufufu, youre quite good friends, Consort Gyokuyouughed.


    Gyokuyou-sama, its good to massage around your eyes when you have eyestrain.


    Because Consort Gyokuyou wasughing so merrily, she unintentionally replied with sarcasm.Not good. Not good.Saying something rude, should be restricted to Jinshi.


    Did you hear that the perpetrator of the poisoning incident the other day was the maid whomitted suicide? Jinshi asked.


    Maomao nodded. From his tone, he was talking to her, not Consort Gyokuyou.


    Consort Gyokuyou looked like she noticed something and left the room herself.Remaining in the room was just Maomao, Jinshi, and Gaoshun.


    Did the perpetrator reallymit suicide? Maomao asked.


    The one who decided that wasnt me, Jinshi replied.


    The power of an influential person can change lies into truth.They didnt know who it was whoid down the decision, but Jinshi should have some considerable influence to do that.


    Im like the maidservant at best, but could there be a reason to poison the Virtuous Consorts dish? she asked.


    I dont know myself. Jinshi smiled. He could use people aptly using that alluring smile.


    Unfortunately, it was ineffective on Maomao. Even if he did such a thing, he should know that she cant refuse if he ordered her.


    Will youe assist me at the Ga Pce from tomorrow?


    Even if he phrased it as a question, what does it be?Maomao could only reply with By your will.

 Volume 1, Chapter 30: Honey (2)

    It can be said that the residences are painted in the styles of their owners. There was the cosy Consort Gyokuyous Jade Pce. There was the refined nobility of Consort Rifas Crystal Pce.


    And the Ga Pce, where Consort Ah Duo resided in, was practical. It was a simple structure,cking in excessive decoration. In a way, it brought about another type of refinement.


    Its owner, Consort Ah Duo, was exactly that type of person.


    Her appearance was stripped bare of needless things. She wasnt gorgeous, voluptuous, nor charming. However, this resulted in giving her an imposing androgynous beauty.


    (And she is thirty-five years old?)


    She could be mistaken for a young civil official if she wore official robes. Just how much envy does she get from the pcedies in this inner pce that only has pcedies and eunuchs? Jinshis charm seems fake inparison to hers. Maomao didnt see what outfit the consort wore at the banquet, but a barbarians horse riding outfit would be more fitting than the long sleeves and shirt she was wearing today.


    Maomao was guided into the pce with two other pcedies.


    The head maid, Fonmin, a mild-mannered plump beauty, promptly described the interior of the residence. It turns out the reason they were called was that they didnt have enough hands for their end of year spring cleaning.


    (Is she injured?)


    She noted with a fleeting nce that Fonmins left arm was wrapped in bandages.


    Maomaos left arm was also bandaged in the same way. She got tired of the reserved stares she got every time people noticed her old scars.


    The day ended with her only airing out the furniture and books. The manualbour had been left to the eunuchs. As this residence had been lived in the longest in the inner pce, it had more things than the Jade Pce.


    Only allowed on


    She didnt return to the Jade Pce and slept huddled together with the remaining two maidservants in the Ga Pcesrge room. It was cold, so the furs they were provided were very warm.


    (They dont tell people what to do.)


    Maomao immersed herself in just cleaning up as the head maid had instructed her.


    Seeing as how the plump head maid was praising her so happily, she couldnt bring herself to ck off from the job. A good wife would be the sort of woman who has fun from working. Fonmin was that kind of maid.


    It had been so long since she worked so hard. She fell into a deep sleep, curled up like a cat.


    (Is there really a mastermind for the poisoning incident?)


    The maids of the Jade Pce were hard workers, but she had to admit that the maids of the Ga Pce were capable as well. Everyone adored Consort Ah Duo, and that showed through the care they took to perform their jobs. The head maid Fonmin, especially, was a wonder.


    She was not constrained to the role of a maid. If she ever finds dust, she will use a dust cloth to clean it up. At the very least, it was unthinkable for a head maid who serves a high ranking consort. Even the hardworking Honnyan will leave this to the other maids.


    (I want to show this to the Crystal Pce maids who are only good at lip service.)


    Consort Rifa just wasnt lucky with her maids. It can be said that the reason why she was surrounded by lots of useless maids was that each of their workloads is little. And despite this, they were good-for-nothings as they were only good at talking. Well, being one who can be single-handedly responsible for all these maids, you can say that she has the talent of the one who stands on top though.


    However, their strong loyalty was also rted to their reasons for the poisoning as well.


    The reason the consort was taken down from her Four Madames seat was that a high official wants his own daughter to enter. If the consort was made to step down, the high officials daughter could be Consort Ah Duo, but what would happen if the other high-ranking consort seats be vacated?


    Leaving Consort Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa aside, it was likely that the emperor doesnt go to Consort Riishus ce.


    (He prefers them voluptuous, after all.)


    Consort Riishu has yet to fulfil the consorts role.


    Still, the young Consort Riishu would hope for that. Be as it may that she has reached marriageable age, but supposing she gets pregnant at fourteen years of age, there will be a considerablyrge burden to her body when she gives birth. The discussions itself would also be severe. Well, with this point, thinking about how she met the previous emperor was inconsiderate so lets stop it here.


    It wouldnt be strange to hear about Consort Riishu being the target of dropping.


    Maomaos mind churned as she tidied the kitchen shelves.


    She saw that there were many small jars were lined up on the shelf. A sweet scent reached her nose.


    What do I do with this? Maomao asked.


    Ahh, those. Please return them to their original spots after you wipe the shelf.


    She asked the maid who was cleaning with her in the kitchen. The maidservants who came together with her to assist yesterday were each cleaning in the bathroom and living room respectively.


    All of this is honey?


    Thats right. Fonmin-samas family are beekeepers, the maid replied.


    Its no wonder then.


    Honey is a luxury item. Its a good thing if you have one type, arranging a great number of them is like that huh. When she checked the contents, the colours were different, ranging from amber, reddish-brown to brown. When the variety of flowers it is harvested from is different, the taste is also different.


    (What?)


    Speaking of honey, there was something about it. Something she had heard about recently.


    Once youre done, can you go wipe the handrails on the second floor for me? The cleaning child usually forgets about itpletely, the maid said.


    I understand. Maomao put away the honey and went up to the second floor with the dust cloth in hand.


    (Honey. Honey.)


    As she carefully wiped down the handrail pirs one by one, she organised her thoughts. She reviewed everything that happened recently.


    (!?)


    The outside could be seen clearly from the second floor. She saw a person, who was intending to hide, visiting the Ga Pce.


    (Consort Riishu?)


    Only the food taster girl was with her. Why was she in such a ce?


    Maomao didnt understand at all.


    (Honey.)


    The memories from the tea party from a few days ago resurfaced. Why does Consort Riishu not like honey?


    She just got strangely curious about that.


    Borrowing the parlour of the Jade Pce, Maomao carried out her report on the Ga Pce to Jinshi.


    And so, about everything I had said up to now, I did not understand at all, she told him.


    The things she didnt understand, she didnt understand. Maomao wasnt underestimating herself, but she wasnt overestimating herself either. She honestly conveyed that to the beautiful eunuch.


    The results of her entering the Ga Pce for three days.


    Jinshi was elegantly sprawled on the couch, enjoying foreign tea that had a sweet aroma. He squeezed in lemon and mixed in honey.


    Is that so, so thats how it is, he said.


    Indeed. It is like that, she said.


    Recently she felt the beautiful eunuchs tone was strangely casual, though its good that he wasnt as sparkly as before. The sweetness in his voice had vanished. Maybe it was because she could sense he was like a teenager.


    Maomao didnt know what he was requesting of her, but she was very much a ;normalpharmacist. He cant expect her to y spy.


    Well then, let me return you a question. Hypothetically, if there is a certain person who can contact the outside with a special method, who would it be? he asked.


    (Again with that unpleasant way of asking questions.)


    Maomao didnt like to speak out about her groundless thoughts. She was taught to never speak from spection.


    Maomao, with her eyes closed, took a deep breath. She must calm down, or she might end up looking at the celestial maiden-like young man like she would look at a dead frog.


    Gaoshun, as usual, was desperately appealing about something to her with his eyes.


    Im talking about the possibility, but if there is, it could only be the head maid Fonmin, she said.


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    Your basis being? he asked.


    Her left arm is bandaged. I saw her recing her bandage once. I saw burn scars.


    It was the incident with the wooden slips dipped in drug solutions from before. She had recognised it to be a cipher, but she didnt speak out.


    She thought of the possibility of burn injury on the arm from the robe with the burnt sleeve that had wrapped the wooden slips. Needless to say, Jinshi had investigated that. And then made Maomao y spy.


    Though, honestly, she couldnt see that gentle maid doing something, but that was only Maomaos personal opinion. If she didnt look at it objectively, she couldnt reach the right answer.


    Well, you get a passing mark. Jinshi suddenly looked at the small bottle left on the table. Then he looked at Maomao, his smile sharine.


    She could sense something squirming just beneath that smile.


    All of Maomaos hairs stood up in an instant. She had a horribly unpleasant premonition.


    He picked up the small bottle and came towards Maomao. You need to reward good children, right.


    I decline, she said.


    Its okay to not decline.


    Im good, so please give it to someone else. She constantly shot death res towards him telling him to cut it out, but he made no sign of stopping. He slowly shortened the distance. Because she kept retreating inch by inch, her back soon hit the wall.


    She sought help from Gaoshun, but the taciturn attendant was sitting by the window, gazing at the birds flying in the sky. ;As he was unusually settled, it was rather annoying.


    (Ill serve him axativeter.)


    Jinshi, with a smile that would enchant anyone, slipped his fingers inside the small bottle. His finger came away with a generous amount of honey. Harassment is serious.


    Do you like sweet things? he asked.


    I prefer savoury.


    But, you do eat it, right? No intention of stopping, his finger neared Maomaos mouth. He looked at Maomaos ring eyes with a look of fascination.


    (Come to think of it, hes that kind of human(pervert).)


    Should she take this as an order from him, and obediently open her mouth? Or should she escape by any means to preserve her pride?


    (If this is wolfsbane honey at least, Ill understand.)


    The honey of poisonous flowers is poison. It mixes with the honey, causing food poisoning.


    At that, something connected in Maomaos head. She wanted to set her thoughts in order, but with that perverts finger persistently closing in on her, she couldnt think of anything.


    Just when his finger was in her mouth.


    What are you doing to my maid(child)?


    A displeased Consort Gyokuyou stood there. Honnyan stood behind her, at her wits end.

 Volume 1, Chapter 31: Honey (3)

    Jinshi-sama didnt mean to go overboard with his prank. Can you forgive him? Gaoshun was guiding her to the Diamond Pce, Consort Riishus residence. His master, due to the incident just then, was at the Jade Pce getting severely lectured by Consort Gyokuyou.


    I understand. Then, itll be fine if Gaoshun-sama does the licking from now on, Maomao said.


    L-licking.


    Its fine if you understand. Maomao walked briskly, pouting.


    He was truly a pervert. A nasty person with only looks.No doubt he deceived everyone like that.Extremely shameless.


    If he wasnt a big shot, she would have kicked him between the legs. Or so she thought, but there was no point kicking something that wasnt there, so she decided to let it go.


    And so like this, they reached the brand new pce that was set up under the southern sky.


    Consort Riishu was dressed in a sakura-coloured dress. Her soft hair was bundled up with a flower ;kanzashi.Maomao thought that this cute outfit suited her more than the extravagant outfit she wore at the garden party.


    After Consort Gyokuyou entered, Maomao asked her for permission to meet with Consort Riishu to rify something she was curious about.


    Consort Riishu, noticing that Jinshi was not around, looked clearly dejected.Only his outward appearance is good, so it cant be helped.


    The thing you want to talk to me about, what it is? She was easedfortably on the couch, covering her mouth with a fan. She didnt have the majestic bearing like the other consorts. Hesitating somewhere, the consort who was still young.She only had the beauty expressing a beautiful maiden. She has yet to express a womanly charm.


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    Behind her were two of her personal maids, standing listlessly.


    Consort Riishu had looked at the courtdy with freckles shes never seen before with displeasure, but upon taking a closer look, she seemed to notice that Maomao was the maid she saw at the garden party. Her eyes widened, and she looked a little calmer.


    Do you hate honey? Maomao asked.


    It would have been fine to follow up with some small talk, but that was a pain, so she went straight to the point.


    How did you know? Consort Riishu asked.


    It shows in your expression.


    (You know with just a look.)


    Her bewildered look gradually turned sulky. She was really easy to read.


    Was there ever a time you got stomach aches from honey in the past? Maomao continued.


    Moreover, Consort Rishuu puffed out her cheeks. Further affirming Maomaos guess.


    It isnt unusual to be unable to eat a food after food poisoning.


    Consort Riishu, having been seen through, made a face that was a mix of bewilderment and irritation.


    Arent you rude? Suddenlying here and speaking so bluntly to Riishu-sama, a maid said.


    (Like youre one to say.)


    She was one of the maids who didnt stick up to her honey-hating master at the tea party the other day.


    (By doing this, shes acting as an ally.)


    Sometimes, they pretend to be allies of Consort Riishu to make outsiders into viins. The nave young consort would be convinced that everyone was her enemy. They persuaded the consort into thinking that only they are the consorts ally and iste her.The consort then has no choice but to depend on her maids. It is a vicious circle.


    If the person herself didnt noticed that she was being bullied, there was no means this will be known to the public. It seemed they overdid it at the garden party though.


    I am here under Jinshi-samas orders. Do you have a problem with that? Maomao asked. While she was at it, lets borrow the tigers authority and make some trouble.Doing this much should be fine.


    The maids flushed furiously, for some reason they were looking forward to getting close to that perverted eunuch.


    And one more thing. Maomao, expressionlessly, returned Consort Riishus gaze. Were you ever acquainted with the Ga Pces head maid before?


    The consorts surprised expression was answer enough.


    They have what she asked me to look for.


    At Maomaos behest, Gaoshun was in the imperial courts archives.Maomao, a pcedy, is fundamentally unable to leave the inner pce.


    Lets see. What did she realise?


    Herposure and her unexpected knowledge beyond her seventeen years was astonishing. He thought, with her rational way of thinking, and her ability to deal with things, it was regrettable that she was a girl. Of course, this talk excludes one part of her characteristic though.


    She was a chess piece that was extremely easy to use.


    It would have been fine to treat her like so.The person herself had epted it too, albeit reluctantly.


    I did something bad. He grumbled to himself.


    Should he have really stopped his masters overboard prank?What would have happened if he stopped it?


    Only allowed on


    Recalling Maomaos resentful eyes, anxiety swept past him. She might serve him something after this.


    (Sixteen years ago. He was born at the same time as the imperial brother huh)


    In Maomaos hand was a single volume of a book bound in cord.It was aption of every incident from the inner pce.Gaoshun had brought it over to her at her request.


    There was a single child born when the current emperor was the crown prince. The mother was the crown princes milk sibling, the future Pure Consort.


    The child had died in infancy, and afterwards, until the new inner pce was made at the previous emperors death, there were no children born.


    (The consort from the crown princes time was always alone huh)


    It was surprising. She thought that as he was lusty old man he would have many concubines from his crown prince days. To think that he was married to one consort for more than ten years.


    Absolutely, it was also necessary to not rely on rumours and hearsay, but on urately recorded information.


    Sixteen years ago.


    Infant deceased.


    And then.


    Court Physician, Ruomen(, Luo Men).Banished.


    She found a name she recognised.The emotion that surfaced wasnt surprise but understanding. Some way or other, she already had a feeling about it.


    All the medicinal herbs that grew inrge numbers in the inner pce were something that Maomao used often.They dont grow in nature. She guessed that someone had nted them before.


    Dad, what did you do? she said.


    The man who shuffled along with a gait of an old woman.Maomaos medicine teacher was a former eunuch who had a bone in one of his knees extracted.

 Volume 1, Chapter 32: Honey (4)

    A message from Consort Gyokuyou? Fonmin asked.


    Thats right. She told me to personally deliver it, Maomao said.


    Ah Duo-sama is out for a tea party though.


    The plump head maid, Fonmin, looked at Maomao, troubled.


    Maomao opened the letterbox she presented. Inside, instead of a document, was a small bottle and one red trumpet-shaped flower. A familiar sweet scent came from the bottle.


    As for what that was, it seemed Fonmin knew as well. Her shoulders gave a twitch.


    There is something I want to talk to Fonmin-sama about, Maomao said.


    I understand. Fonmin stiffly invited her into the Ga Pce.


    The makeup of Fonmins room was roughly the same as Honnyans room, but for some reason, her belongings werepacted to the corner of the room. It was like she was done with packing.


    (I knew it.)


    They faced each other in the room she was invited into with the round table between them. There was a blended tea that warmed the body, and hard bread apanied it as teacakes. Fruits boiled in honey hung overhead.


    Just whats happening? The spring cleaning was already good enough. Though Maomaos tone was gentle, she said it searchingly.


    Thats right. When will you be made to move? She nced at the baggage left in the corner of the room.


    Your judgement is good, Fonmin said.


    The spring cleaning was the cover-up. Together with the new year greeting, in order to receive the new Four Madame, Consort Ah Duo must leave this pce.


    A consort who cannot give birth is unneeded at the inner pce. It was the same even for a consort who was married for a long time. Consort Ah Duo didnt have a strong backing. Being milk siblings with the emperor  a rtion deeper than actual blood ties  had probably maintained her position up until now.


    At least, if the male infant was still alive, Consort Ah Duo would have stuck out her chestrgely(To boast about it).


    (Probably, Consort Ah Duo is.)


    The gant figure that was like a young man. That wasnt a feminine aura. It was as if, the woman had be something close to a eunuch.


    She hated talking about spection. But, if she had conviction, she could only speak out.


    Consort Ah Duo cant give birth anymore, Maomao said.


    . Fonmins silence was an affirmation. Her expression quickly stiffened.


    Something happened during childbirth.


    That is unrted to this. The middle-aged head maid narrowed her eyes.


    That wasnt the helpful, ;gentle woman. Hostility burned in her eyes.


    It is rted to this. The one who was at the ce of childbirth, was my foster father(dad), Maomao said.


    Fonmin stood up and expressionlessly looked at Maomao who had informed her the truth.


    The inner pce was always shorthanded on court physicians. The quack doctor was doing as much as he could in his current position to continue to stay. It was unnecessary to expressly be a eunuch while holding the special position of a court physician. ;This was what happened to her clumsy dad; he was probably gently pressured to be one.


    Wasnt the unfortunate thing being that it ovepped with the birth of the emperors younger brother? Because of where the scales tipped, Consort Ah Duos child-birthing was postponed, Maomao said.


    At the end of a difficult birth, the child was born with no issues, but Consort Ah Duos womb was lost. And then, the child too passed away young.


    Although in the same way as the previous poisonous face powder incident, it was questioned whether Consort Ah Duo made her child pass away due to that.


    Does Fonmin-sama feel responsible for that? At that time, the one who assisted on behalf of the Consort Ah Duo who was weak after childbirth should be you.


    You know anything. Youre just the daughter of the quack who couldnt even help Ah Duo-sama.


    I guess so.


    The unavoidable words werent to clear up the medical treatment. It was her dads words. Resigned to be ndered as a quack, he was that type of person.


    I was sure that quack prohibited the use of face powder that contained white lead. Because of that, the intelligent you did not let the babies die, Fonmin said.


    Maomao opened the small bottle that was in the letter box. The viscous honey sparkled. Maomao put the red flower that was in it in her mouth. It tasted like sweet honey. She held the flower, twirled it around with her finger.


    A lot of flowers have poison. Like Aconite and Renge Azalea. There is poison in their honey, Maomao said.


    I know, the head maid said.


    I thought so.


    It wasnt strange for her to have that knowledge if her family were beekeepers. She wouldnt give poison that would cause poisoning symptoms to adults to a baby.


    But you didnt know ;thatmixed in honey is still an effective poison for babies.


    It wasnt spection. It was conviction. Although rare, there was that sort of poison. It was only effective to babies with weak constitutions.


    It was fine even when you tasted for poison. You never thought that the medicine you gave to nourish the baby wouldpletely backfire on you.


    And so, Consort Ah Duos child ceased to breathe. The cause of death was viewed as a mystery.


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    At the time, her father who used to be the court physician, Ruomen, was banished from the inner pce due to his frequent mistakes, together with the treatment at the time of childbirth. As a physical punishment, the bone of one of his knees was extracted.


    You didnt want her to know. Consort Ah Duo.


    That she herself was the cause who killed her masters only child.


    Thats why you thought to make Consort Riishu disappear.


    Consort Riishu had be emotionally attached to Consort Ah Duo, who was the older daughter inw, during the era of the previous emperor. Consort Ah Duo was affectionate to Consort Riishu. A young girl who was far from home, and a woman who couldnt have children. It created a type of co-dependency.


    However, suddenly, one day, Consort Riishu was rejected by Consort Ah Duo. No matter how many times she came to see her, she was chased out by Fonmin. And so, just like this, the previous emperor died, and Consort Riishu retired into religion.


    Consort Riishuu told you that there was poison in the honey, right?


    If Consort Riishu continued visit, she might talk about that. The inquisitive Consort Ah Duo might notice something from those words. Fonmin just wanted to avoid that.


    The girl who retired to religion, and never thought she would meet a second time, appeared back in the inner pce again.


    This time as the same high-ranking consort. This time with the position to drive off Consort Ah Duo.


    And yet, that shameless young girl came to meet Consort Ah Duo as if to seek a mother. A young girl who couldnt read the atmosphere, who was ignorant of the ways of the world.


    Thats why she thought to make her disappear.


    The gentle, helpful head maid wasnt there. Instead, a woman faced her with a chilling stare. What do you want?


    I dont need that kind of thing. Maomao felt a tingling sensation on the back of her neck.


    On the shelf behind Fonmin was the knife she had used to cut the bread before. She only needed to stretch her arms out to reach for it.


    Anything is fine, the head maid said.


    Doesnt Fonmin-sama yourself know that type of thing is pointless?


    What she investigated from the book a few days ago would have been reported Jinshi. Maomao probably couldnt hide secrets from that eunuch who oversees the inner pce. Like the time with Princess Fuyou, she didnt think she can deceive him. She should not deceive him.


    Jinshi will catch Fonmin if he heard Maomaos talk. And then, capital punishment will be unavoidable. The truth from sixteen years ago wille to light.


    Thats why, even if Maomao disappeared here, it will be the same. Sooner orter, it would be exposed.


    The smart head maid should understand that.


    What Maomao can do, was only one thing.


    Not to hope for a reduction in penalty, nor to speak of dealing with Consort Ah Duo.


    Only to decide which one out of the two possible motives. To just continue hiding that motive from Consort Ah Duo.


    Only allowed on


    The result will not change. So, if thats alright with you.


    Please ept my proposal, Maomao said.


    (So tired.)


    Maomao returned to her room in the Jade Pce and copsed into her hard bed.


    Her clothes were sticky with sweat. The clinging scent of the perspiration from the tension was strong, quite stinky. She wanted to take a bath.


    At least she could change. She took off her outer garment. The area around her chest to her belly was wrapped in cloth. It was fixed with oiled paper that wasyered repeatedly over it.


    Its good that this wasnt necessary.


    (It would have hurt if I got stabbed.)


    Maomao peeled off the oiled paper and put on a fresh change of clothes.


    And so, Fonmin surrendered, the blunt maid spoke emotionlessly.


    Thats good.


    Jinshi had his elbows on the table. He ignored Gaoshun who only faced him when there was something he wanted to say. He wanted to say that his manners were bad.


    Do you know anything? he asked her.


    What kind of thing? she said.


    It seemed like you randomly got Gaoshun to gather up books though.


    Indeed. It became useless in the end.


    She indifferently brushed him off as if she was treating him like a fool. As usual, she faced him as though she was looking at filthy mud. It was much more refreshing once you look past the rudeness.


    The motive is as you said. It was to maintain the Four Madames seat.


    Is that so. She looked at him with absolutely no interest at all.


    Its unfortunate, but it was determined that Consort Ah Duo will step down from being a high-rank consort. She will leave the inner pce and will now live in the Southern Vi.


    Is that because of this incident? Maomao asked in return.


    It seemed the cat finally expressed interest in the gold.


    Nah, it was decided from the start. The emperors decision, he said.


    Was she being enclosed in the vi without returning home because she was the love of many years? It was unusual for Maomao to ask something out of interest. He got unintentionally ted.


    When he initiated a step closer toward her, for some reason, she put herself on guard and retreated half a step. ;I told you so, Gaoshun gave him a look of amazement.


    Was she still holding a grudge on the trivial prank from the other day?


    Jinshi was quite bothered that he was being guarded against. He sat back down on the chair.


    The short pcedy dipped her head. Though she was going to leave, her footsteps suddenly halted. There was a decoration with a branch of a red trumpet-shaped flower.


    Honnyan decorated just then, he said.


    I see. Its blooming offseason. Maomao, taking the flower, held onto the stem and put it in her mouth.


    Jinshi tilted his head. He slowly inched close and copied Maomao.


    Its sweet.


    Its poisonous though, she said.


    He spat it out and covered his mouth. Gaoshun came forward with a pitcher of water.


    You wont die so its fine. The odd girl, who was licking her lips, gave a faint sweet smile.

 Volume 1, Chapter 33: Consort Ah Duo

    It was really by chance that Maomao slipped out the Jade Pce, not sleeping, in the middle of the night. The Pure Consort will be leaving the inner pce tomorrow.


    For some reason, she went outside and was walking about aimlessly. Though it wasnt cold to the point of freezing, it was already winter, so she went out wearing two paddedyers.


    As usual, the inner pce seemed to be brimming with love that was quite unhealthy, so she had to take care to not mistakenly peek in the thickets and concealed ces.


    Suddenly, she saw the half-moon in the sky and recalled Princess Fuyou. She decided to take the opportunity to ascend the outer wall. She wanted to fancy that she had moon viewing wine since she was already doing it, but she gave up as there wasnt any at the Jade Pce. She was in the mood for some viper wine  its been a while.


    She wedged her foot on the section of the brick that protruded at the corner of the outer wall, and skilfully mbered up. As her skirt might hook onto something, she had to pay extra care to it.


    Anyhow, as far as the smoke goes, the moon and stars lit up the capital, so of course, high ces are pleasant. The bright lights she could see in the distance should be the pleasure district. It was appropriate that it was called the night district. No doubt the chat between the flower and the bees were starting.


    With no ns to do anything, she sat over the edge of the wall and decided to look at the sky while swinging her legs.


    Oh, someone got here before me?


    Maomao heard a voice that was neither high or low. She turned around. A gant young man wearing trousers was standing there. No, she had thought it was a young man, but it was Consort Ah Duo. Her hair flowed down her back with a single bun. Arge gourd hung down from her shoulders.


    Well, its free, she said.


    Thats fine. Wanna join me for a cup? Consort Ah Duo disyed sake cups, and Maomao couldnt find a reason to decline. She was going to refuse as she normally would with Consort Gyokuyou, but it wouldnt be uncouth to keep herpany for her final evening drink in the inner pce.


    Both hands bearing the sake cup, Maomao received the unrefined sake. It tasted sweet but had low alcoholic content.


    With no ns to chat, she savoured the sake slowly. Consort Ah Duo drank heartily from the gourd.


    Im like a man, right? the consort asked.


    You look like one when you behave like that, Maomao said.


    Haha, youre an honest person. Consort Ah Duo raised one knee and ced her chin on it. Maomao recognised her fine nose bridge and the long eyshes that lined her eyes from somewhere. She thought the consort resembled someone, but her mind wasnt clear.


    Because I lost my son with these hands, I was always the emperors friend. No, we might have returned to being friends, the consort said.


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    Being beside him as a friend, not behaving as a consort. As a childhood friend who had been together with him since they were babies.


    She never considered that he would choose her as his consort. She was so sure that she was chosen just to be his instructor as his first partner.


    She was an ornamental consort for ten-odd years due to sympathy. She should have just handed it over earlier. Why was she clinging onto it?


    Consort Ah Duo continued her monologue. She continued as if Maomao, who was right there, wasnt there and there was no one else around.


    The consort who will be gone tomorrow. Whatever rumours that woulde out of the inner pce was already unrted to her.


    Maomao just kept silent and listened.


    Consort Ah Duo stopped her words. She got up, upending the gourd and the contents spilt down into the moat outside the wall.


    Seeing the sake that was being poured as if it was a farewell gift, Maomao recalled the maidservant who hadmitted suicide the other day.


    It must have been cold in the water, Consort Ah Duo said.


    I guess so, Maomao replied.


    I wonder if it hurt.


    I guess so


    She was a fool.


    that might be true.


    Everyone is a fool.


    That might be true.


    Maomao somehow understood. That maidservant really didmit suicide.


    And that Consort Ah Duo did know about it.


    The everyone that she was talking about, probably also included Fonmin.


    There were people who will expend their life for Consort Ah Duo, regardless of her will.


    (Its really a waste.)


    She possessed the character and qualifications of one who stands above the people, and yet. Would the government be better if she was beside the emperor, not as a consort but a different figure?


    As she thought of such absurd things, Maomao gazed at the white moon.


    There were many onlookers gathered at the main gate.


    The former consort who had lived in the inner pce for an extremely long time was wearingrge sleeves and a skirt, different tost night, that really didnt really fit her.


    Some of the pcedies around her were biting their handkerchiefs. No doubt the consort that looked like a gant young man was an object of admiration for the young pcedies.


    Jinshi stood in front of Consort Ah Duo, epting something. It was the cor that was proof of the Pure Consort. This, soon enough, will be passed ;on to another woman.


    (It would be better if they swapped clothes.)


    Features that were like a celestial maiden, and features that were like a gant young man. Though the two lookedpletely different, she strangely felt that they resembled each other. It seems that person who she thought resembled Consort Ah Duost night was Jinshi.


    If Consort Ah Duo was in Jinshis position, what would happen? It was apletely absurd thought.


    Consort Ah Duos behaviour wasnt like a miserable woman who was driven out of the inner pce at all. She had the majestic bearing of one who looked aplished, having pridefully fulfilled her job.


    Suddenly, inevitable spection sprang into her mind.


    Why was she that dignified? She didnt aplish the consorts duty.


    I lost my son with my own hands.


    She recalled Consort Ah Duos words from yesterday.


    (Lost? Not dead?)


    From the way she grasped it, it could be also taken as he was still alive.


    The reason Consort Ah Duo didnt give birth was that it had ovepped with the empress dowagers childbirth. The imperial brother and the consorts child had the rtion of uncle and nephew. Furthermore, having been born at roughly the same time, wouldnt they resemble each other like twins?


    (What if they were switched?)


    When Consort Ah Duo was giving birth, she must have known deeply. Of which one of the two babies who will be raised carefully from now on. That the one with the greater protection would be empress dowagers, not Consort Ah Duos, the daughter of the wet nurse.


    The Consort Ah Duo, who had a difficult recovery after childbirth, probably couldnt make a judgement on what was right. However, if her own son will be saved by swapping  that was Consort Ah Duos desire.


    If this was exposed in the future. If it was after the real imperial brother died.


    Her dad wasnt just banished, he also received physical punishment. Because he didnt realise that they were swapped.


    Even about the imperial brother having in a small position.


    Even the reason the manly Consort Ah Duo continued to remain in the inner pce.


    (This is truly absurd.)


    Maomao shook her head. It was a stupid fantasy. Even the three girls of the Jade Pce wouldnt make a leap in thoughts to this point.


    Only allowed on


    (I cant stand to keep looking any longer.)


    Just as Maomao was going to return to the Jade Pce, someone brushed past in a hurry in front of her.


    A girl with young charming looks. It was Consort Riishu.


    She ran towards the main gate, making no signs of noticing Maomao. That food taster woman was behind her, out of breath as she followed.


    And behind them, not even running, were the rest of the maids who looked like they couldnt be bothered.


    (They are just the same. Except for one person.)


    Maomao wasnt going to do anything. There was no way she could live in this garden of women if she couldnt manage her own followers herself.


    Only that, at least, she wasnt alone now. That much should be better.


    Consort Riishu, when she came before Consort Ah Duo, robotically stuck out her left arm and left leg at the same time. She tripped on the hem of her skirt and fell face first onto the ground.


    At the Consort Riishu who looked as though she was about to cry at the sounds of theughter around her, Consort Ah Duo wiped her face with a towel. On the face of the gant consort who was like a young man, there was the face of a mother.

 Volume 1, Chapter 34: Dismissal

    What shall we do? The taciturn attendant passed the documents over to his master. It was on a mind-bogglingly troubling subject. These are the register of the names of everyone, including her family, rted to the Fonmin incident from the other day.


    Fonmin was due for execution. Although family extermination will not be performed, her rtives will have all their assets dispossessed. There was a difference in severity, but all will be sentenced with physical punishment. It was a blessing that Consort Ah Duo, her master, didnt get any sentence.


    Clients of her familys trade were also included among the parties concerned. It had been assumed that they were mere beekeeping farmers, but it seemed they operated on a considerably extensive scale.


    Eighty of those girls are in the Inner Pce, Jinshi said.


    What, eighty among two thousand people? Thats quite a hit ratio, Gaoshun replied.


    I suppose.


    Gaoshun asked his master who wrinkled his brows and came close. Shall we do a cover up?


    Can you do it? Jinshi asked.


    If you so desire.


    If you so desire.


    Gaoshun will abide as Jinshi says. It didnt matter whether it was correct or not. ;As Jinshi says it.


    He sighed deeply.


    A familiar name was reported among the parties concerned. The party who was kidnapped and sold seemed to be a person rted to the said-incident.


    Well then, what must I do? Gaoshun mused.


    It would be good if he could just simply decide. Because of the action he chose, he was very scared of what kind of face that girl will make.


    A massive dismissal? Maomao asked.


    Dats right.


    Shaoran was eating dried persimmons when she said that. The dried persimmons were something Maomao had made from stealing from the orchard and secretly hanging them under the roof.


    Its kiiinda like a family execution or something. That the girls from merchants who had dealings hafta quit or something, Shaoran said.


    (I have a somewhat bad feeling about this.)


    Only allowed on


    Maomaos intuition was often right. Her family on the official papers was a merchant that deals with trade. ;[T/N: i.e. the kidnappers who sold her.]


    (It would be quite worrisome if I get dismissed now.)


    She was pleased with her current lifestyle as is. Obviously, she would be happy if she could return to the pleasure district, but it would be a downer to be caught by the madam who managed the money even if she returned.


    After Rihaku, she had yet to send in honoured guests. That was a problem.


    (Ill certainly be sold.)


    After Maomao parted from Shaoran, she decided to look for the person who she wouldnt think to normally go meet.


    How unusual. Youre breathing roughly, the lovely eunuch told her casually at the main gate of the inner pce.


    This was after Maomao went through to all the residence of the Four Madames, not just the Jade Pce.


    Calm down. Your face is red. Jinshi looked at her somewhat impatiently with his celestial maiden face.


    I-I have, s-something to ask you. Maomao stuttered.


    Jinshi narrowed his eyes. For some reason, his face was suffused with gloominess. I got it. Lets talk inside.


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    She was shown into the Pce Official Chiefs room. She felt bad for the Chief who was stuck with waiting in vain outside as usual. She bowed once and went inside.


    In any case, you must ;be wanting to hear about the current massive dismissal, Jinshi said.


    Yes. What will happen to me? Maomao asked.


    Instead of replying, Jinshi got her to look at the documents. Maomaos name was also among what was written on the high-quality paper.


    This means you will be dismissed, he said.


    (What should I do?)


    She wasnt in the position to tell him to please stop calling it a dismissal. She repeatedly acknowledged she was a pcedy at most. She resisted looking at him with tteringly, keeping her face expressionless. As a result, it became the usual face where she eyed him like she was looking at a pest.


    Whats wrong? His inquiring voice was missing its usual sweetness. Rather, he sounded a little young instead. Contrary to his tone, only his face was firm with seriousness.


    I am just a pcedy. As you say, if youmand me to be a maidservant, a cook, even a food taster, I will do it.


    (Thats why, dont fire ;me.)


    She intended to say employ me to the best of your ability. The young mans expression remained firm. He suddenly averted his eyes and gave a small sigh.


    I get it. Ill give you a generous redundancy bonus. The youths voice was cold. She couldnt read his downcast expression.


    Negotiations have failed.


    How many consecutive days has it been till today has he seen his master lost his nerve? There was no problem with the current job. But he was so done with him sitting in the corner of the room, bringing about a gloomy air when he returned to his office. Even spores have more energy to fly.


    The young man with a lovely celestial maidens smile and a honey voice wasnt there.


    Maomao left the following week with the dismissal notice. She wasnt social, but apparently, she had politely gone door to door thanking people for their help. Consort Gyokuyou was hesitant, but when she heard it was what Jinshi decided, she withdrew. Whats done is done, she courteously left as a sharp parting remark.


    We should have held her back, Gaoshun said.


    Dont say anything, Jinshi replied.


    Gaoshun folded his arms, the wrinkles on his brows deepening.


    What was it like when he lost his favourite toy? Even though he was given an even more new and unusual toy. How much has he troubled over it?


    It was probably no good for him to be with the toy. Jinshi didnt want to treat the girl as a tool and let her go. Even if he was assigned a new girl with a different disposition ordingly, what would be of it?


    This was, as a matter of fact, a bother.


    If a substitute is no good, then well have to prepare the real thing, dont we? Jinshi muttered inaudibly, and suddenly recalled a certain person.


    It was the military official that the girls family knew very well.


    It will take some work, he said.


    Gaoshun, the worldly-wise person, scratched the back of his head.

 Volume 1, Epilogue: The Eunuch And The Courtesan

    You have work. Go.


    Maomao was ushered by the madam into a considerably splendid carriage. It seems her work tonight will be a banquet for a certain noble.


    Maomao sighed. She was being taken to arge estate in the north of the capital. Her older sisters and several others  everyone was d in beautiful clothes and bewitching make-up. Considering how she was also just like that, she felt a little ufortable.


    They traversed the long hallway, climbed the spiral staircase, and were shown into a spacious room.


    Lanterns hung down from the ceiling, red tassels swinging. Todays guests were sitting on the red carpet that had beenid out on the floor, heaped with furs. The five who were sitting side by side were younger than she had expected.


    Pairin-neechan licked her lips when she saw the young men who were illuminated by the wavering mes. Joga-neechan poked her side beside her.


    (Hurry up and introduce us.)


    She was told they were high officials who work in the imperial court. It seems the referrer was Rihaku.


    Maomaos debt should also decrease a little if she has an affinity with Rihaku.


    Well, since her severance payment was more than she had expected, it was good that she could work part-time like so without needing to go as far as to sell her body, but


    (The hag clicked her tongue.)


    It seems the madam really wanted Maomao to be a courtesan. Her actions have been obvious these couple of years. She told Maomao many times to stop ying pharmacist, but that was impossible. She was interested in pharmacy, so there was nothing for song and dance.


    (At any rate, theyre filthy rich.)


    It cost more to summon courtesans to your residence than to hold a banquet in the brothel. Moreover, they had summoned the popr courtesans who exhaust a year of silver in a single night of wine pouring. To think that they had summoned the Three Princesses of the Rokushoukan  Meimei, Pairin, Joga  altogether.


    Maomao was one of the several people who hade along to support the Three Princesses. She had taken most of the training, but she couldnt recite poetry, couldnt y the erhu, and dancing was out of the question.


    She could only keep a close eye making sure the cups of the guests dont empty.


    Pasting on a smile, she slowly poured wine into the empty cup. Everyone was transfixed to her older sisters poetry and dancing  she was at ease since no one was looking at her.


    (Oh? Is he bored?)


    Even though everyone was smiling, drunk with wine, and enjoying the performance, there was only one person who was depressed.


    The young man, who was d in a first-ss silk robe, was on one knee, pouring wine for himself. It was only there where the air was saturated in grey.


    (Did he lose his job?)


    Maomao, who was strangely sincere, took a full bottle of wine and sat next to the gloomy man.


    His glossy bangs concealed the upper half of his face.


    Leave me alone.


    (?)


    Well. It sounded like a voice she heard before. Her hands moved the same time she thought. Rudeness was gone from her mind.


    Taking care to not touch the mans brows, she gently lifted his bangs.


    A lovely face was revealed. His expression of irritation instantly changed into surprise.


    Jinshi-sama?


    Although there was no dazzling smile, nor was his voice sweet like honey, this was no doubt the eunuch she was familiar with.


    Jinshi blinked several times. She couldnt settle down from being stared at.


    Who the hell are you?


    I get told that often.


    Dont tell me youre disguised with make-up?


    I get told that often.


    She had a feeling that she had a simr conversation some time ago. She reced his bangs back to their original position.


    When she did so, Jinshi reached out and tried to grasp Maomaos hand.


    Why did you run away? He looked at her with a sulky face.


    Please dont touch the courtesan.


    Those were the rules. She couldnt do anything about it. It will cost extra fees.


    Before that, whats with your get up?


    Im in the middle of my part-time job.


    At the brothel? you dont mean, you?


    Understanding what Jinshi wanted to say, Maomao scowled at him with her eyes narrowed. It was simply his character to suspect peoples sense of virtue, apparently.


    Not really. I havent snagged a customer. Not yet.


    Not yet.


    .


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    She couldnt answer back. Before repaying her remaining debt, there certainly was a chance of the madam forcing her to take in guests. With her dad and her older sisters keeping that at bay, that was not an issue at present.


    Shall ;Ibuy you? [T/N: ;oreagain.]


    Hah? Dont joke she stopped mid-sentence as an idea suddenly crossed her. That might be good.


    !? Jinshi gave a shocked expression.


    Somehow, he was really expressive since he wasnt sparkling today. The celestial maidens smile was beautiful, but it was an expression that couldnt be deemed as human. She even asionally wondered if he has two souls settled in one spirit(From soul dualism. So in Chinese philosophy, people have two types of souls. One, called Kon (Chinese reading: hun2) ;is the free ;soulthat leaves the body after death. The other one, called haku ;(Chinese reading: po4) is the body soul, Im writing it as ;spiritto differentiate it from the other one, is the one that remains in the body after death. In this sentence, Maomao is just wondering if he has two personalities in one body).


    It wouldnt be bad for me to work at the inner pce one more time.


    Jinshis shoulders slumped. What could be wrong?


    Didnt you quit because you hated that ce?


    When did I say such things?


    Even though she requested to continue working for the sake of repaying her debt, he was the one who had dismissed her. Although there were a lot of troublesome things, she was in quite favourable terms with Consort Gyokuyous maids. It didnt mean that she was used to thinking of having a rare post like food tasting.


    If there is something that I dont like, it is that I cant do my poison experiment.


    You should really put a stop to that. Jinshi ced his chin on his raised knee. He gave a bitter smile. Thats right. You are that kind of person, huh.


    What is that supposed to mean?


    Do people tell you that you dont say enough?


    I get told that often.


    His bitter smile gradually changed into an innocent one.


    This time Maomao hung her head in sullenness. There, Jinshi reached out his hand.


    So, why did you run away? he asked.


    Those were the rules.


    Even though she said it, Jinshi wasnt retracting his hand. He stared at Maomao with teary eyes. Isnt it fine if its just for a little bit?


    You cant.


    It wouldnt hurt.


    Itll hurt my spirit.


    Just one hand. Itll be fine if its just fingers.


    . Persistent. Come to think of this, this man is sticky.


    She closed her eyes in surrender and sighed deeply. Just your fingers then.


    Something pressed down on her lips. She opened her eyes. There was red rouge on Jinshis long fingers.


    As Maomao was caught dumbfounded, Jinshi drew back his fingers. And then, of all things, he gently ced it on his own lips.


    (This guy.)


    He separated his two fingers, slightly transferring the rouge on his nicely shaped lips. Jinshi crinkled his eyes, forming an even more innocent smile. His cheeks were a light shade of sakura-colour like they were also covered with rouge.


    Maomaos shoulders shook, but since Jinshi was facing her with his excessively innocent smile, she hung her head and averted her eyes without saying anything.


    Only allowed on


    (Dont we match.)


    Maomaos mouth was jagged shut(Like this ->()). Her cheeks were bing sakura-coloured. She wasnt even wearing cheek rouge.


    When she thought she could hear giggling, everyone around them was watching her. Her older sisters were looking her way, grinning. She feared what wille after. It was extremely ufortable.


    Gaoshun, who had appeared unnoticed, folded his arms in relief. As if to say that one task was finished.


    Because she was already somewhat embarrassed about something, she couldnt really remember what happened after that. Just that, she remembered that her older sisters questioning had been very persistent.


    A few dayster, a beautiful nobleman appeared in the capitals pleasure district.


    The man, who carried money that dazzled even the madam, and for some reason, a strange nt that grew from a bug, requested for one girl.


    Inner Pce Arc END


    T/N: How was that for an introduction? I think it sets the tone of the story pretty well.


    The author left an afterword that went along the lines of her thinking that she wrote the essentials of what she wanted to write, the continuation will be about annihting raised gs and that although this story was tagged as mystery its a little strict, so shes going to write it as fantasy instead. I think.

 Volume 1: Character Introduction 1

    Volume 1 Spoilers


    Maomao


    A seventeen-year-old girl who is a pharmacist of the pleasure district. Became an Inner Pce maidservant after being kidnapped and sold. Too skinny and short, has a neat face that has no outstanding features, normally has freckles drawn on with makeup. Brimming with curiosity and disys an abnormal attachment to drugs and poisons, but doesnt have much interest in humans. Marks of self-muttion on her left arm from experiment, and tattoo marks on her face.


    Jinshi


    A young man who supervises the Inner Pce. A young man with an otherworldly beautiful face, a sweet honey-like voice and a celestial maidens smile. Looks around twenty, but actually 17-18 years old. Considers things that he could use as tools, his own looks included. Sticky.


    Only allowed on


    Consort Gyokuyou


    The emperors favoured consort. Rank is Noble Consort. 19 years old. Barbarian princess with red hair and jade eyes. Has a daughter called Imperial Princess Rinrii. Lives in the Jade Pce of the Inner Pce. Laughing drunk.


    Gaoshun


    Jishins attendant. A man in his prime with a fearless face that gives the impression of a military officer. Worldly-wise person and devoted.


    Honnyan ;


    Consort Gyokuyous head maid. Thirties. Mirror of the maids, at the same time a worldly-wise person.


    Infa


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    One of the three maids of the Jade Pce. Lively.


    Guien


    One of the three maids of the Jade Pce. Calm.


    Airan


    One of the three maids of the Inner Pce. Tall.


    Imperial Princess Rinrii


    The daughter of the emperor and Consort Gyokuyou. Baby.


    Emperor


    A great man with a beautiful beard. A lusty old man as Maomao says.


    Shaoran


    Low rank courtdy. Likes sweet rumours.


    Consort Rifa


    Emperors consort, rank is Able Consort. Lost her son the crown prince and fell to sickness. The owner of splendid breasts. Lives in the Crystal Pce.


    Consort Riishu


    Emperors consort, rank is Virtuous Consort. 14 years old. Used the consort of the previous emperor, returned to the Inner Pce after she retired to religion. Seems to be bullied because of her unique history. Has an allergy to seafood.


    Quack Doctor


    Eunuch with a loach moustache. Old man with a good personality but cant do his job. Maomaos tea drinkingpanion.


    Rihaku


    Young military officer. Promotion stock. Made spineless by Pairin. Soft-hearted by nature.


    Pairin


    One of the three princesses of the Rokushoukan. Maomaos older sister counterpart. A top-ss courtesan with a forte in dancing. Muscle fetish.


    Madam


    Manager of the Rokushoukan who is greedy for money. Apparently she was a popr courtesan a long time ago.


    Dad


    A man who is like an old woman. Maomaos medicine teacher. Worldly-wise person. Real name is Ruomen ;(, ), once a eunuch who was an inner pce medical officer. Because he was banished and received physical punishment, he doesnt have a kneecap.

 Volume 2, Chapter 1: Dad

    Volume 2: Imperial Court 1


    Is that true?


    Jinshi said, speaking politely but aside from that not that putting enough respect in his manners. The sovereign in his prime, sporting a beautiful beard, nodded slowly.


    They were at a certain pce in the Imperial Court. Though it was a small structure, it provided an open view of its surroundings  so open that not even a single mouse can sneak in.The sovereign poured himself a ss of grape wine and slowly reclined on his couch that was decorated with ivory. Jinshi, who sat in the same seat as this countrys most revered person, had been remarkably rxed. Up until now.


    The emperor stroked his beautiful beard as he grinned widely. Cunning. Associating him with that word would be impolite, but it fit him so well. He is a person who will never lose.


    So what will you do? Arent you the gardener who maintains ;my(As with all Chinese emperors, this guy refers to himself with the original (historically speaking) first-person pronoun:  chin/zhen4.) ;flower garden?


    At the choice of words surely to provoke him, Jinshi wanted to smile bitterly. And yet, his smile was the celestial maidens smile that is said to enchant anyone. Though it was strange even if he said it himself, Jinshi only had confidence in his own looks. It was cynical; he is unable to get his hands on the things he truly wanted. Thats right, no matter how superior he can be, he couldnt be excellent. Even though he was only a little better than the average person. Only his outward appearance was superior to everyone else.


    It was something he now understood, though he couldnt stomach it in the past. If he hasnt left the limits of superior in intellect or military arts, then he would make use of other excellence he had. ; As a result, Jinshi existed as the beautiful inner pce administrator. Why not just make use of that fine face, sweet voice, things that are excessive for a man, to his hearts content?


    By your will. Jinshi, his smile graceful yet determined, bowed to the emperor.


    If there are things you can do, then try to do it.The emperor smiled with a mouth full of grape wine.I get it.Jinshi was, after all, no more than a child. Thus, he could only flounder on the palm of the emperorsrge hands.


    You can do whatever you want.


    Jinshi needed to grant the emperors unreasonable request. This was Jinshis job, and at the time same, his bet with the emperor.He had to win the bet. That was the sole method that Jinshi chose himself. There might be other methods, but that did not ur to Jinshi, the mediocre person.


    Therefore, he chose todays path.


    Jinshi raised the cup to his lips and moistened his throat with sweet fruit cider.On his face was the beautiful smile of a celestial maiden.


    Okay sure, this one, this one too. Ah, and bring this one too.


    It was Meimei, the courtesan, who was throwing rouge, face powder and clothes at her. Maomao hade here as a little girl ;in Meimeis room in the Rokushoukan.


    I dont need this much, Neechan(, literally means Miss, but Maomao means older sister.).


    Maomao picked up the rouge and face powder her sister threw and returned them to the shelf in the room.


    Meimei criticised her actions with a shocked face. Its not I dont need this much. There are those people who use better things over there. Shape up a little bit, why dont you.


    Its such a courtesan thing to dress nicely when you go to work.


    I want topound the herbs I picked up yesterday, Maomao said with a side nce, just as a wooden slip came hurtling her way. It was something Meimei, who was good at taking care of people but had a slightly short fuse, had thrown. Maomao clutched her head and crouched down.


    Did you think that just because you got a good job you can be that kind of people? There are people who cant help but envy your position in this world. You have to live in gratefulness, otherwise, your honoured guest will escape you.


    I understand.


    The Rokushoukans teaching was slightly rough for both the madam and Meimei. However, Meimeis words were persuasive. Maomao awkwardly went to pick up the wooden slip. It was ckened with whittled marks from being written on countless times. There was poetry written in graceful characters on it. ; Meimei, as a courtesan, was already at the age to think about retirement, but she had the intelligence to know that her poprity had yet to decline even now. She entertained her guest by writing poetry and ying Go( igo, A strategy board game invented in Ancient China. You y with ck and white stones, and the aim is to take over your opponents territory by surrounding them with your colour pieces.)and Shogi( shougi, Japanese board game. Also known as the Generals Game, its something close to Chess. You capture your opponents pieces.). A courtesan who sells her art instead of sensuality.


    Meimei was one of the Three Princesses of the Rokushoukan. Maomao didnt know how much effort was needed to rise to be a top-ss courtesan of a well-established brothel. But, Meimeis current position was thanks to her Elder Sister()who taught her the knowledge to do so. The Elder Sister, as it was called in the brothels, wasnt a blood-rted older sister, but rather a courtesan she herself worked for when she was a ;kamuro.Currently, the three courtesans called the Three Princesses were all working as Elder Sisters.


    Youre already working in such a nice ce. Work properly.


    Standing there was the gentle, helpful older sister, not the violent one who threw the wooden slip until then. She slowly stroked Maomaos cheeks with fingers painted with nail polish and swept her messy side hair behind her ears.


    Okay.


    Meimei smiled gracefully at Maomaos meek answer.


    But then, youll even find a good husband. The ce may be what it is, there should be a lot of hopeful stock. Ah, Ill be happy if you bring in honoured guests for me while youre at it.


    Her smile was little different from the gentle one she had just then. There was a bit of ck-belliness mixed into it.Meimei-neechan cackled evilly. Shes like the madam in some respects, Maomao thought. Those who be courtesans were people who wont survive if theycked determination.


    And so, Maomao ended up bringing home arge wrapping cloth crammed with clothes and aplete set of makeup. On the way back, Maomao, who received all kinds of gifts from other courtesans and one-sidedly made to promise to bring in new guests for them, staggered with her heavy baggage back to her dpidated home.


    The beautiful nobleman who appeared in the pleasure district after half a month of her leaving the inner pce was fresh in her memories.The eunuch with strange tastes swallowed what Maomao had jokingly said. To shoulder her debt, he spread out plenty of money with change before the madams eyes, and the caterpir fungus( touchuukasou/dong1 chong2 xia4 cao3, ;Ophiocordyceps sinensis. ;An expensive fungus that grows from mothrvae. Very expensive. Used to treat pretty much everything in TCM.)seemed to be a thoughtful gift. ; Even though they were just affixing a seal on the contract, it didnt even take a quarter-dual-hour(30min).


    And so, Maomao will be working again in that noble ce. She felt a little awkward over the fact that she was going to live-in and work again while leaving her dad, but then she saw the contract  the rules have be considerably lenientpared to before. Well, since she wont be missing with no one having any idea where she was like before, her dad smiled gently and said, Do as you want. But, what was that brief frown and look he gave Maomao when he looked at the contract supposed to mean? ; Well, it might be because she was going to work in a ce her dad, the former eunuch, had not very good memories of. She decided not to think too deeply on that. As it ismon in the world for it to be eventually meaningless even if she thought deeply, just thinking was pointless.


    You received quite a bit. Her dad, who spoke in a calm tone, said as he boiled medicinal herbs in the cauldron.


    The dpidated house with the draughting in was still cold even with the kitchen range lit. Maomao and her dad wore manyyers of clothes. She saw that her dad kept rubbing his knee and wondered if the ce where he undertook physical punishment a long time ago was hurting.


    I cant take that many things.


    Maomao looked at the baggage she already prepared. Grinder( suribachi is something like the mortar and pestle.)and mortar( yagen is the one with the back-and-forth crushing wheel.), a notebook that recorded the types of medicinal herbs, and the barest minimum of clothes and underwear she needed.


    (Ill absolutely need the grinder and mortar. The notebook is also a need. But decreasing the amount of underwear anymore is)


    Maomao groaned, wrinkling her brows.


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    Her dad set the pot down onto the range and approached Maomao.


    Maomao ah, you probably shouldnt bring this.


    Maomao, who had herpounding tools taken out from the wrapping cloth, looked at her dad dubiously.


    If you bring this sort of thing even though youre not a medical official, it is possible that people will even suspect you of poisoning. ; Come on, dont make such a face. You decided this. Its no good to call it off at this point.


    Youre joking. Maomao slumped down onto the dirt floor.


    It seemed that her dad can recognise what she wanted to say at a nce from her expression.


    Okay alright, hasten your preparations and go to sleep. If you get a little permission you can bring more things with you. Its impolite to be absent-minded on your first day of work.


    I get it.


    Maomao reluctantly ced thepounding tools into the creaky shelf and put in several things she could use from the gifts she got into the wrapping cloth. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the shell with rouge inside and the face powder, but for now, she only put thepact rouge into the cloth bag.She also put in the high-ss padded garment that was among the things she received. Was she given a guests lost item? Its design wasnt something a courtesan would wear.


    Maomao looked at her dad who had put away the pot and was adding firewood into the range. After her dad was done with adding firewood, with a walk that was painful to look at, he went to lie down on the futon, which was a straw mat with only a thin cloth. Draped on top as a cover was yet another straw mat and piles of clothes that he wasnt wearing.


    Come on, Ill put out the lights when youre done. Her dad said, holding on thentern that smelt of fish oil.


    Only allowed on


    After Maomao was done with bundling her wrapping cloth, she was going to settle into the bed that was on the opposite side of the room. But suddenly she had a thought, and she was then trailing the straw mat over.


    What is this? Its been a surprisingly long time since you did this. I thought you werent a child anymore?


    Well, its cold. Maomaos nce shifted slightly, awkward.


    She dragged the futon she brought along next to her dads bed. If she remembered correctly, she slept alone when she passed ten years old. Just how many years ago has it been?


    Maomao draped the high-ss garment she received between her dads and her own futon, and slowly closed her eyes. Sheid down, curling her back like an embryo.


    Youll be alone again.


    At her dad, who said it in his calm tone,


    Not really. This time I cane back any time I want. Maomao coldly replied.


    But, her back touching her dads arms was slightly warm.


    Thats true. Come back any time.


    He stroked Maomaos head with his wrinkled hand. Though she called him dad, dad, his appearance was closer to an old woman. Thus, if you say it around his character, hes like a mother.


    Maomao didnt have a mother. But instead, she had a gentle dad, an annoying hag, for what she is, and lots of lively older sisters.


    (I cane back whenever I want.)


    Even if she thought about it that way, it really was lonely. As Maomao felt the warmth of the hand that was like a withered tree branch continue to stroke her hair, she fell asleep.

 Volume 2, Chapter 2: Court Lady

    I was so sure I would be going back to the Inner Pce again.


    The clothes Maomao wore were simple, but instead of linen, they were made from cotton. She understood that the treatment was even better than she expected from the time she wore linen when she was an Inner Pce maidservant.


    No, its not that easy to return when you have already been dismissed once.


    It was Gaoshun  gant like a military officer yet more devoted than any other  who was guiding her around the Imperial Court. He was d in his usual simple official attire, teaching Maomao the names of the buildings and their duty stations. Considering the vastness of the Imperial Court, fingers and toes wont be enough to count all these buildings. Maomao honestly couldnt be bothered to remember things that were outside her interests, so she was examining the garden nts as she pretended to listen and nod.


    (The Inner Pce really has more things you can use as ingredients than what you have here.)


    In the past, Ruomen, her dad, had nted useful herbs when he was living in the Inner Pce. In spite of it being an enclosed space, he grew countless numbers of medicinal herbs.


    While Gaoshun was in the middle of exining the buildings one by one, Maomao noticed a prickling feeling from the back of her neck. Courtdies, obliquely from behind, only their gazes moving, were staring at Maomaos group. No, they were certainly only looking at Maomao. Those looks were inexplicably repulsive. It was like an intuition shared between fellow men, something that only fellow women would understand. Like how men will use physical attacks on their rivals, it ismon for women to use psychological attacks.


    (Feels bad.)


    Maomao, sticking out her tongue for a fleeting moment, followed after Gaoshun who was walking towards the next duty station.


    Maomaos job was no different to an Inner Pce maidservant. It was to the extent of her cleaning her assigned areas and sometimes doing odd jobs when asked of her. Originally, she was supposed to a courtdy whose work was more like a civil official, but Maomao didnt have the qualification. She failed that exam.


    Jinshi and Gaoshun were both surprised. They thought Maomao would pass easily. Certainly, the contents of the exam required effort as is. Even so, Maomao could write and had the basic minimum of training for poetry and erhu due to her being raised in the red-light district. The exam wasnt as hard as the Civil Examination. Jinshi had confidence that Maomao who had good memory wouldnt fail.


    (Im sorry. For failing.)


    Maomao wiped the window frames until they were squeaky clean. It was Maomaos principle to work diligently. Although, studying was another thing. Honestly, she was below average in memorising things she was not interested in. The knowledge of pharmacy was still relevant, but what can you do with learning history? Even if she memorised things likew, it was something that will someday change, so it wasnt worth her time to memorise. So, no matter how much ability she had, things she wont ever use were pointless to know. It was regrettable, but Maomao just couldnt put in any effort for those studies. It was obvious that she would fail.


    (Its unexpectedly dirty.)


    Well, there would be ces you cant reach if its that wide,Maomao thought. Though, she didnt discard the thought that it could be a skimped job instead. The courtdies of the Imperial Courte to this ce with qualifications. It was a big difference to the mish-mash of pcedies of the Inner Pce. They had pedigree and education; they have self-respect from that alone. They probably think that things like ying maidservant just cannot be. They wont sweep up even if dust piles up, for instance.


    (Well, its not their job.)


    The courtdies were like secretaries. Certainly, this doesnt include sweeping. It wasnt required of them. Even though it was like this, its not like it was fine if they didnt do it at all. As government-owned ves were abolished since the time of the previous emperor, the odd jobs were done by their own people. And so, many high officials employ maidservants to clean for them. Maomao was currently under Jinshis direct supervision for that same reason.


    (Well then, what shall I do next?)


    Maomaos cleaning area was Jinshis office. It was a wide room, but minimalistic, devoid of extravagance. The owner of the ce seemed to have a busy position; he rarely returns to his office. This made it easy for Maomao to clean, but if there were issues.


    Who the hell do you think you are?


    When she realised it, she was involved with courtdies she wasnt acquainted with. The courtdies were all bigger than Maomao; there was even one among them who was a head taller.


    (Good food and good upbringing huh.)


    Maomao inadvertently ended up staring at the courtdys chest due to her height. From her physique, she might be mixed with foreign blood. From the fact that her fair skin was beautiful, it was something she wanted to see once in her life.


    Hey, listen!


    (Ohh, not good not good.)


    While she saw thinking about slightly rude things, she angered the courtdies. In summary, these courtdies were angry wondering why Maomao was working under Jinshis direct supervision. No matter what they say, she was an employee so she cant anything. Even if she honestly told them, they wouldnt agree to it.


    Supposing that Maomao had a barbarian princess exotess like Consort Gyokuyou and a voluptuous body like Consort Rifa and sexiness like Pairin-neechan, no one would have anyints  there shouldnt be a reason to have anyints. However, Maomao was like an overly skinny seedy chicken that was covered in freckles. It couldnt be helped that she was an eyesore to be working beside the beautiful eunuch; they thought if there was a chance they could do it in ce of her.


    (Umm, what should I do?)


    Maomao wasnt that articte of a person; there were many times she wasnt able to express herself well. But staying silent will only get to their anger.


    So, are you guys saying that youre jealous of me?


    Straight to the point. Those words were enough to anger them. ;I knew it was the wrong thing to say.A p across her cheeks left a mark. ;That hurt.She rubbed her cheeks. ;I want to avoid getting lynched by the five courtdies around me,Maomao considered. Even if it was female strength, pain was pain. ;Theres nothing I could so, so lets just give one excuse, Maomao thought.


    Dont tell me you think Im getting special treatment? That sort of thing is impossible. Theres no way an ugly woman like me would be apanion to that sort of gentlemen who looks like a celestial maiden, right?


    The fully angered courtdies faces twitched at the words Maomao spun with her head lowered. ;This might work.Maomao continued.


    Is the nobleman you supposed such a gross eater? Did you think that he would be the type to want to purposely want to eat chicken bones with its meat shaved off and dropped to the floor, even though there are abalone and pork before him? Well, if thats the case, wouldnt that make him a maniac?


    Maybe it was because she purposely emphasised the maniac part. The courtdies bodies were even trembling with a start.


    I dont know myself, but is that person with that degree of a heavenly smile and beauty that sort of maniac?


    Theres no way!


    Th-thats right.


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    The courtdies started to raise a fuss. But, one person among them still faced her with doubt.


    In that case, why did he employ you? the rtivelyposed courtdy said.


    It was the courtdy with that splendid chest, uh, splendid physique. Come to think of it, she noticed that only this courtdy had calmed down some time before. ; It seemed like she was following the other courtdies who retreated half-a-step; she looked like she was questioning her circumstances.


    (Well, if I cant deceive them.)


    Maomao raised her left hand and pulled up her sleeves. She stripped off the bleached cotton that bandaged her wrists to her elbows. Since it honestly wasnt something to be shown to other people, she only showed it to them an instant, but the courtdies stiffened expression indicated that they saw enough.


    (Its soggy because I was experimenting with burn medicines recently.)


    It must be an extremely disgusting thing for the youngdies with good upbringing to see.


    The beautiful gentleman who is like a celestial maiden is a celestial maiden down to his heart. He provided someone like me a job to pay for my own keep.


    Maomao said as she rebandaged her arm.


    lets go.


    The courtdies, having lost interest, left. There was only one person who nced at Maomao, but she returned to her post soon after.


    (Its finally over.)


    Only allowed on


    Maomao, neck joints creaking, took up the dust cloth again. As she was going to move to the next ce and resume cleaning, she discovered a beautiful eunuch was standing with his head pressed against the wall.


    What are you doing, Jinshi-sama?


    nothing. That aside, are you always involved? Like that.


    Its fine. There is less trouble than pcedies. By the way, whats with that pose?


    She thought its a pose that a beautiful nobleman really shouldnt do. Indeed, Gaoshun, who was waiting at the back, was clutching his head.


    Well then, Ill be heading off to my next cleaning area.


    As Maomao was leaving with a pail in hand, Jinshi muttered to himself in his beautiful voice, Maniac.


    (I dont think I really said something bad.)


    Even if Jinshi saw the entire exchange from just then, it wasnt that she did anything wrong. Maomao worked hard on her cleaning.

 Volume 2, Chapter 3: Pipe

    (I always thought he was a leisurely person.)


    It seems that Jinshi  that much of a nobleman?  wasnt leisurely. ;Hes more on the busy side actually, Maomao thought. His work wasnt just on the Inner Pce as she initially believed, he did other things too.


    Maomao was tasked with odd-jobs in Jinshis office throughout the morning, and then odd jobs in Jinshis private room in the afternoon while he was in the Imperial Court. Though it was called his private room, the size of it can be considered a building  she could clearly see the garden, where the extravagance was focused, from the disy window. There was ;one more maidservant beside Maomao, a woman past her fifties. She had initially tilted her head at theck of young women and young men, but when she thought deeply about it, it was impossible to employ those who were only there for the money. Rather, were he to employ young people, they might space out instead of work with the employer being such a looker.


    Jinshi was focused on the documents with a moody expression. Maomao was in the corner of the room gathering up scrapped papers. The fine quality papers have be rubbish, worthless to look at with absurd ns written on them. No matter what kind of absurd bills there are, the scrapped papers cannot be recycled. They must be burnt.


    (You can earn some pocket money if you sell them though.)


    It was her work despite her bad thoughts, so she went to burn it as instructed. It was where the military training grounds and the treasury was, which was at the corner of the vast Imperial Court,ing out of Jinshis office. The papers will be burned in the rubbish incinerator that was there.


    (The military huh.)


    She honestly didnt want to go there, but she had to. When she pushed herself to do it, understanding it was her job, something was draped over her shoulders.


    Please wear this since its cold outside. Its for maidservant use. Gaoshun said.


    It was the diligent and attentive Gaoshun who draped a padded garment on Maomao. Light snow was falling outside, and she could hear the cold wintry wind. She had forgotten about it since she was in the warm room with lots of braziers, but not even a month had passed in the year. It was the coldest season of the year.


    Thank you very much, Maomao said.


    She was truly grateful. She was undeserving of what the eunuch did for her. Even though it was for maidservant use, even if it was made of crude materials, there was a substantial difference between wearing and not wearing it. As she passed her arms through the sleeves of the unbleached cotton, Jinshi was staring at her. No, not staring, ring.


    (I wonder whats eating at him?)


    Maomao tilted her head, but it seems that he was ring at Gaoshun instead of Maomao. Gaoshuns shoulders twitched, as if he noticed the gaze.


    This is from Jinshi-sama. I was only passing it over to you, Gaoshun said.


    For some reason, Gaoshun was making gestures as he said it. For some reason, it sounded like he was making excuses.


    (Is this what you mean by dont take liberties?)


    Gaoshun has it hard too.


    Is that so? she said.


    Maomao said her thanks to Jinshi just in case and headed to the incinerator with the basket of wastepaper.


    (Dad, you should have nted them here too.)


    Maomao sighed. The Inner Pce had lots of medicinal herbs nted by Ruomen, her dad. He is a carefree, worldly-wise person, but he considerably changed the vegetation of the Inner Pce as he pleased.


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    The Imperial Court was several times vaster than the Inner Pce, but it didnt have many medicinal herbs that could be used as ingredients. The only things she could find were dandelion and mugwort  nts that could be found anywhere. She also found some ;red spider lily. She liked eating its bulbs soaked in water. Only just that if she couldnt skilfully remove the poison in the bulbs, she would immediately get a stomach ache.


    (I guess thats all there is.)


    It was difficult to find them in the winter season, but still, her expectation was light. She secretly thought about even nting seeds this time.


    As she was walking to the rubbish incinerator, she found a figure she recognised. It was the young military officer with a fearless face. Yes, it was Rihaku. From the colour of his belt, it seems he got promoted. He was talking about something to people who look like his subordinates nearby.


    (Hes working hard.)


    Apparently, he goes to the Rokushoukan every holiday and drinks tea with a ;kamurpanion. Of course, his favourite is Pairin-neechan, but calling for her will require amoners half year of annual ie. Even so, shes considerably inexpensive for a top-ss courtesan, but that reason was raised by a minor point. That courtesan was a premium, her value would decrease if she has a lot of secret eating.


    That pitiful man, having tasted heavenly nectar, would go to catch a glimpse of the face of the ;flower on a high peak(An unobtainable goal. Something out of reach.), even from the gap of the curtains. She heard that, even with his promotion, he was working hard to get closer to the flower. A truly diligent honeybee.


    Only allowed on


    As if her eyes of pity reached him, Rihaku came running towards Maomao with his arms swinging. He certainly is arge-breed dog. Instead of a tail, his hair that was fell out from the cloth was a tassel, swinging left and right.


    Oh, are ya a consorts attendant or what today? Rihaku, who didnt know about Maomaos dismissal, asked her about that.


    No. I have gone from working at the Inner Pce to be a certain personages personal maid. It was a pain to talk about the dismissal, so she told him the abridged version.


    Personal maid? Whos the one with that kind of taste? Rihaku asked.


    Indeed, he has strange tastes, right, Maomao agreed.


    Though what Rihaku said for her was extremely rude, well, it was a normal response. Doing as he likes, having a girl that was like a dead tree with a face full of spots live in as a personal maid. She really didnt intend to keep the freckle make-up now, but she had no choice but to obey what her master said. For some reason, Jinshi still had Maomao maintain her freckled face.


    (Just what does he want to do, that man.)


    That sayin, I heard a high official redeemed a courtesan from ya ce recently, Rihaku said.


    Something like that.


    (It cant be helped even if he thinks of it that way.)


    When the employment contract was settled and she went to the Imperial Court, her enthusiastic older sisters polished up her whole body, made her wear her best clothes, done up her hair andvishly applied make-up on her. She probably looked nothing like a neer maidservant then. She remembered that her dad was looking at her like he was sending off a calf for some reason.


    It was strange for a courtesan to enter the Imperial Court, but since Jinshi stood out even more, she was awfully ufortable with the attention. She had immediately changed out of her clothes, but a number of people had seen it.


    (At any rate.)


    Even though the actual person was right in front of him, this man was chatting on without noticing at all. As expected of the mongrel.


    By the way, you look like youre in the middle of something, but is that alright? she asked.


    Ah, Im just bout done with it, Rihaku said.


    His subordinates came closer. The military officers, having a low sry and a drought of women, looked happy to see that there was a courtdy around, but when they saw Maomao, they made a tant look of dejection. Seriously, if the boss is like the boss, the subordinate is like the subordinate.


    Ive absolutely no idea what the cause is. Well, not like its unusual in this season, Rihaku said.


    She supposed with his words that there was a small firest night. That he investigated the cause of that. Maomao remembered her interest on something or other, and approached the warehouse of the small fire disturbance.


    Oi, dont get too close, Rihaku warned.


    I know. As she replied Rihaku in that manner, Maomao carefully surveyed the perimeter of the building.


    (Hmmm.)


    There were several strange points if this was a small fire.


    If this really was a small fire, then why was it left to a high official the level of Rihaku? Wouldnt a government official of an even lower position be sufficient? Also, unusually for a small fire, there was debris from the building scattered about. Wouldnt that rather make it an explosion? Were there any injured people?


    (It looks like there is a suspicion of terrorism?)


    It was a generally peaceful era but that didnt mean that everyone didnt have feelings of discontent. Foreign races asionallye attacking, and famine and drought certainly exist. Particrly, due to the yearly pcedy hunts from the era of the previous emperor, theck of wives in the ruralmunity have also be a serious issue. Additionally, there was also the abolition of very. There were also merchants whose trades have ended because of that. There shouldnt be few people who were bitter about that now. It had only been five years since the previous emperor had left the world of the living. There were many who still has the memory of the previous rule.


    Oi, what are ya doing? Dint I tell ya to keep away, Rihaku said.


    Ah, something piqued my interest. Maomao looked through the broken window. There were burnt goods stacked up inside. From the tubers that had tumbled to the floor, she guessed it was a food warehouse. It was truly wasteful that the tubers had gone past the well-cooked stage to cinders. ;The other thing that fell is, Maomao picked up a rod-like thing that had fallen to the ground.


    (Ivory carving? Is it a pipe?)


    Dont loiter as ya please, Rihaku urged.


    Maomao ignored Rihaku, crossing her arms. Something connected in her mind.


    Will ya hear what I have to say? he asked.


    I can hear you, she replied.


    She can hear, but she was not hearing. She thought nothing of it, but that was actually a terrible character. Maomao moved away from the warehouse and headed towards the opposite side. It appeared that the untouched goods were stacked here.


    Can I have that? Maomao pointed to the unused wooden box. It was probably something designed to hold fruits or something  it was reliably made.


    I dont see why not? What are ya gonna do with that?


    Ill exinter. Ill take this too. Maomao located a board that could be used as a box lid. Do you have a hammer and a saw? Ill need nails too.


    What are ya doing?


    A little experiment.


    Experiment? Though Rihaku tilted his head, he cooperated, seeing as though he was more curious. What is this, though he looked dissatisfied with this courtdy, the boss looked like he judged that he was outssed in this thing, and prepared for her. Maomao made a board right in the middle of the opening of the empty box and nailed that on as a lid.


    Youre surprisingly skilled. Rihaku, who came forward to peer at her work, was like a dog who found a ball to y with.


    I have a poor upbringing. I have to make whatever I dont have. She took out something from the goods that were nearby thepletely burnt warehouse and put it into the wooden box.


    Excuse me, is there kindling? Maomao said, and one of the subordinates went to get a smouldering straw rope. During that time, Maomao went to draw some water from the well. Rihaku, not understanding what was happening, sat on top of the wooden box, watching them with his chin on his hands.


    Thank you very much. Maomao epted the kindling and lowered her head at Rihakus subordinate. The subordinate said something, and as if he was interested in what she might be doing, went to sit down some distance away, watching Maomao. Maomao, holding onto the kindling, went to stand before the wooden box with the lid. But Rihaku was next to her for some reason. Rihaku-sama. Its dangerous so can you stand further away? she said.


    Whats dangerous? Thess is doing something. As if its dangerous to me the military officer.


    As he was sticking his chest out considerablyrgely, she sighed as there was nothing she could do about it. This type would only understand through practical experience.


    I understand. Its dangerous so please be extra careful. Please run away at once. Giving the doubting Rihaku a sidelong nce, Maomao pulled the sleeve of the subordinate who was close by, guiding him toe here. She told him to look from the back of the warehouse. Even if hees back, when she threw the kindling into the wooden box from before, he ran away while covering his head.


    mes exploded out from the box, it violently burst into mes.


    Woooooooahhh! Rihaku narrowly avoided the roaring pir of fire. It was good he avoided it, but the fire had spread to his swinging hair tassel. Maomao sshed the bucket of water she prepared beforehand on Rihaku, who was panicking with his hair caught on fire. The stench of burning hair and smoke remaining, the fire was gone.


    Even though I told you to please run away. ;Do you understand what it means when I say this is dangerous?Maomao looked at Rihaku.


    .


    The subordinate hurriedly draped a pelt on Rihaku, whose nose was dripping. His eyes look like he wanted to say something but couldnt talk back.


    Can you please ry to the warehouseman to please stop smoking in the warehouse? Maomao informed them about the probable reason for the fire. It may be spection, but this was the truth.


    Ahh. I will, Rihaku replied with a look of relief. His face was ghastly pale. No matter how much he trained his body, he should hurry and warm up or he might end up catching a cold. Even though it would be better if he hurried up and returned to his room to warm up, Rihaku stared at Maomao.


    What made this happen? The face that floated a question mark asked Maomao how the explosion urred. Rihakus subordinates were all making the same face.


    Maomao took out the remainders of what she put inside the box from just then. White powder came out from the jute bag, rode the wind with a rustle and dispersed. Flour burns easily. Wheat and buckwheat can catch fire when its floating in the air.


    That is what exploded. That was all it was. It was something anyone would understand if they knew about it. It was only because Rihaku didnt know about it.


    Ya know much about that, huh, Rihaku remarked.


    Yes, I did it often, she said.


    Did it often? Rihaku and his subordinates exchanged nces,pletely lost. That is true, it was something they would never be rted to, jobs like those where they would be covered in flour in a single cramped room. Maomao was careful since she blew up a rented room at the Rokushoukan.


    Please be careful you dont catch a cold. If you catch it, the medicine from a man called Ruomen from the pleasure district is very effective. She didnt forget her business activities either. He might go buy some while he was on his way to visit Pairin. As her dad didnt have the heart of a merchant, Maomao had to do this much, otherwise, there is the possibility of him missing his meals.


    (It ate up a lot more time than I thought.)


    Maomao carried the basket of wastepaper and headed to the rubbish incinerator. Since it was nearby, she thought to quickly hand it over to the manservant and then go back.


    (Ah, I took it with me.)


    Maomao noticed that the pipe shard she picked up from before was in her cor. Though it was slightly burnt, it was a rtively first-ss thing. It was too fine for a warehouseman to have.


    (Could this have been something important, I wonder.)


    It could be returned to what it used to be if the carved section was cleaned and a new mouthpiece was affixed. Since she heard that though there were wounded people, no one died, she was sure its owner was getting treated for their injuries. Though it might be the detestable thing that became the cause of the fire, it could be money if it is sold. Even if they are dismissed for being the cause of the fire, no doubt they would receive it if it can be money.


    Maomao put the ivory carving that sullied by soot into her bosom for the time being. ;I have to work this evening,she thought as she handed the wastepaper over to the manservant.

 Volume 2, Chapter 4: Boredom

    (There really isnt much in winter.)


    Maomao was sitting cross-legged in her room, groaning with her arms crossed. The nts she gathered in the morning during her work intervals were a paltry amount, still not enough for her topound. There was nothing she could do about it, so she washed them, and hung them off to dry on the walls of her room.


    Since she did this sort of thing every day sinceing to the Imperial Court, Maomaos room has turned into quite a questionable ce. She thought it was an exceptional room for one provided for live-in maidservants, but cramped was still cramped. It was around the same size as the room that was provided to her in the Inner Pce. Even so, the current room was cumbersome as, at the Jade Pce, she could use the kitchen if she got permission and she couldpound at once since ingredients were abundant there.


    (Well then, what should I do?)


    Maomao was used to it, but it seemed like this room reeked quite a bit. It was like the saying Good medicine tastes bitter, there were a lot of medicinal herbs with strong bitterness and stench. Although the rooms beside Maomaos were currently unupied, seeing how the maidservants tantly quicken their steps when they pass by, it seemed to be the case. Theyll eventuallyin about it, Maomao understood with her experience she had so far.


    (I wonder if theres a somewhat good ce thats unupied.)


    Like this, she cantpoundfortably. The beautiful fungus she specially received would spoil. Maomao gazed at the paulownia box she ced with great importance on top of her luggage. Sealed with a silk cord, it was a herb that grew from a bug as a source. Maomao, seeing that, felt herself inadvertently break into a wide smile. Her face ended up cramping from the eerie grinning.


    (Not good not good.)


    The other day, she ended up raising her voice like this, and her door was kicked in protest by the people who lived two rooms down. Dont make a strange sound in the middle of the night, I cant sleep, that sort of thing. Maomao eased her ckened cheeks with her fingers and went to lie down on the bed. A maidservants job was early in the morning. She had to wake before the rooster crowed. The person she served was the beautiful noble one, although he lost his important thing. She must not hurt his good mood.


    Maomao heaped severalyers of clothes as a thin cover on top of her, and closed her eyes.


    Is your current room cramped?


    The beautiful eunuch said as he ate his morning porridge. Maomao blinked once at Jinshis words.


    The room you provided me is good enough for a maidservants hospitality.


    What she really meant but didnt say was Indeed, its cramped. If its possible, I want to move into a room adjacent to a well that has a kitchen range. Even Maomao knew that much.


    Really?


    .


    The eunuch, who still wasnt fully awake, was enjoying his breakfast, clothes slightly dishevelled. His messy hair that was bundled up simply was unnecessarily seductive. Maomao knew very well why there was only, aside from herself, Gaoshun, and another person, a middle-aged courtdy, in this eunuchs room. If it were women, they would rush in, affected by his seductiveness and get infatuated. If it were men, they would ignore and push down the gender barrier. He really has a sinful nature.


    (Hes kinda like a bug in mating season.)


    There are female bugs that release a mysterious scent to attract males. Tens, hundreds of males are lured and gather in response to a single female. Maomao has also caught some using that nature to gather bugs that can be medicinal ingredients. If she thought of it that way, he might have a very interesting nature.


    (If I can collect that scent and make it into a perfume, I might be able to sell that.)


    In that manner, she ended up looking at the raw materials for a love potion, uh, Jinshi. It was a bad habit that her consciousness will jump to the other side when she thought of other things. Because of that, there were many times where she often lost track of the conversation around her. Even though she wasnt listening; it was like only her head was listening, nodding along, which was all the more puzzling.


    I can prepare a new room if you would like.


    (Hah?)


    Jinshi, who looked somehow satisfied, asked the middle-aged courtdy, Suiren[note], Shui Lian[/note], for seconds of the porridge. Suiren, with a calm expression, dished out a new bowl of porridge, added vinegar, and passed it over.


    I dont know whats happening, but hes preparing a better room for me? Maomao epted, and met eyes with Gaoshun who was clutching his head. The world-wise person, who constantly looked tired, looked like he wanted to say something to Maomao, but she only wrinkled her brows.


    (I wont understand what you want to say unless you tell me clearly.)


    Maomao thought that, but said nothing, seeing as she had a lot of times where she didnt say enough too.


    Its a godsend that you came here. Frankly, my knees are hurting in winter. My age is wearing on me.


    Suiren was smiling cheerfully as she spoke to Maomao. Certainly, it is excessive overwork for one courtdy to work in Jinshisrge building. Moreover, itll wear out various parts of the body for someone whos past her fifties. For human lifespan, if there are people who live for a hundred years, there are those who die as soon as they are born. The typical thinking is that living fifty years is good enough.


    There were many times a new child hase in. Well, they cant continue for various reasons though. For that, it should be fine if its Shaomao.


    Since Gaoshun called Maomao that, this good-natured courtdy called her that too. Though her mouth moved a lot, the skilled courtdy was also quick at her job, her hands never stopped moving. The silver tableware waspletely polished in a blink of an eye. And when she was done, she moved onto cleaning the floor. No matter how she looked, as it was a maidservants job, Maomao entered to stop her,


    Probably, with this, we wont make it in time for the work that starts from midday.


    And she said that. As the maidservants and courtdies that were employed before messed up that, Suiren did all of the cleaning in the room.


    (Theft?)


    Even Maomao can easily imagine that it was probably a money theft. However, Suiren said, it wasnt just losing things, sometimes they gained things.


    As you would expect, anyone would find it unpleasant if you find underwear you have never seen before among your belongings.


    Furthermore, it looked like it was sewn on with human hair instead of thread. At the response that waspletely outside her expectation, Maomao broke out in goosebumps.


    Thats dreadful.


    Yes, its dreadful.


    Maomao thought, itll be so much better if he lived with even his face covered, as she diligently wiped the window frames.


    After she finished cleaning Jinshis private room and was done with herte meal, she went to clean his office next. Honestly, it happened that cleaning the office was easy as it was really a simple structure. But since there was no way of her cleaning the floor in front of Mr Big-shot, having to take care around that was difficult. And so, it wasmon for her to choose to clean when Jinshi went to the Inner Pce or another officials ce. Other times, she went about doing odd-jobs to kill time.


    (I wonder what should I do today.)


    It happened that Maomao had free time since Jinshi had a visitor in his office. During these times, there are many times she pretended she had work and went out to take a stroll in the Imperial Court.


    (I pretty much covered the west side huh)


    A map spread out in Maomaos mind. If she could, she wanted to go around the east side, but she ended up somehow hesitant. The military was on the east side. What would happen if a maidservant was sneakily weeding in the area with lots of military officers? Wouldnt I get mistaken as a spy and get detained? she thought.


    (Besides, if were talking about the military.)


    Inadvertently, Maomao gave an expression, all her face muscles cramping. That was the only reluctant reason, but on the other hand, she anticipated that there might be rare medicinal herbs in the ces she hasnt strolled through. As she crossed her arms and groaned, she felt something hit the back of her head.


    (What?)


    Holding the back of her head, she turned around with a dubious expression. There was a tall courtdy with a cool expression. It was a foreign-looking courtdy with noble features.


    (I think Ive seen her before.)


    Maomao recalled the faces of the courtdies that was involved with her a couple of days ago. She was among that group. She only had the barest minimum of make-up done, but her precisely drawn eyebrows were peculiar. Even though she had full, rich lips, the rouge was thinly drawn like a line.


    (Its a waste but the make-up is eager.)


    Her frame and raw materials were first-ss articles, but with the make-up, she became overly refined. If her brows were thinned and softened, her lips drawn fully with pale red, her hair tied up mboyantly, she could be counted as one of the rare beauties among the flowers of the Inner Pce. Maomao, who gazed for a long time at the figures that be night butterflies[note]The prostitutes.[/note], her aesthetic sense saw through the sloppy girl for this reason. Most of the people in the Imperial Court probably think that girl was a rough diamond that can be that kind of beauty.


    For this reason, there was a reason to her grouping in a clique with the courtdies and appearing before Maomao. Are the beautiful courtdies quickly falling in love at first sight with capable military officers or civil officials and marrying? Or they are picking on their own courtdies? Which one was it? Rarely, there were women who live skilfully, but that was more a woman with a high prostitute disposition rather than a courtdy.


    (This woman is quite a vixen, isnt she?)


    The courtdy walked past, as if to say that she wont waste any word to the maidservant. Was she dering, Dont dawdle in such a ce? There was the faint scent of sandalwood when she happened to pass by. Maomao, with a sudden realisation, looked at the courtdys back. And then she looked at the direction whence she came from.


    (A military officers mistress?)


    The courtdy came from the direction of the military gate. Certainly, if she was going to visit the military, simple make-up would be prudent. Even if it was to not go into the backside of the alleyways of the prostitution quarter, it would be better to avoid the ces where peerless beauties walkabout around vigorous military officers.


    (Lets stop for today.)


    Maomao made a right-about-face and decided to return to Jinshis office. Maomao, with her interest waned, though it was better if the owner of the office went out soon.

 Volume 2, Chapter 5: Disguise

    You know a lot about make up?


    (Just what is this about? )


    Maomao tilted her head. Jinshi had said that. He was back in his private room, his official duties over. Suiren was helping him into his change of clothes. Certainly, she learnt how to use make-up, reluctant or not, having been brought up in the prostitution quarter. Besides drugs, she also made cosmetics before. It can be said she knew much about it.


    Is it a gift for someone?


    Not quite. Its for me.


    .


    Maomao looked at him like she was peering into the bottomless abyss. It certainly was hollow. Seeing that expression,


    What are you imagining?


    Jinshi said. Even though he said it, she could only imagine it as he said it.


    (He doesnt need it.)


    Maomao imagined Jinshi with make-up. His current appearance was already beautiful like a heavenly person. He only had to draw a scarlet line on the corner of his eyes, put on rouge and paste a huadian[note], A coloured mark, usually red, that is pasted on the middle on the forehead. Common designs are flowers. Popr during the Tang Dynasty. [/note] on his forehead; just that much would be enough to topple the country. There were a lot of absurd wars in history; several of them were instigated by country toppling beauties.


    you want to go as far as to ruin the country?


    How did ite to that!


    Jinshi, after putting his arms through his outer garment, sat down on his chair. Maomao poured some porridge from the pot. An abalone porridge seasoned with a savoury vour, it was overwhelmingly delicious though she only helped herself to one bite for food tasting. Since Suiren will split the rest with Maomao after Jinshi was done with eating, she wanted him to pick up the pace and finish eating before the pot got cold.


    The thing you have. How did you make that face powder?


    Jinshi said, gesturing at the area around her nose.


    (Is it about that huh.)


    Maomao got the picture. His beauty was superfluous even at the best of times; he probably had no need to get anymore sparkly than this.


    This is dried y powder that is mixed in oil. I blend in charcoal and rouge when I want to make the colour extremely dark.


    Hoh. Can you make some immediately?


    For the time being, Maomao took out a m vessel from her bosom. It contained thoroughly kneaded y.


    I only have this much on me right now, but if you allow me one evening I can quickly make some more.


    Jinshi picked up the m. He scooped out the contents with a finger and smeared it on the back of his hand. Maomao felt that the colour shepounded for herself was slightly too dark on the white porcin skin that was unthinkable for a man.


    Will it be Jinshi-sama who is using it?


    Jinshi smiled tenderly at Maomaos words. Though he neither denied nor affirmed it, but it wouldnt be wrong for her to take it as an affirmative.


    It would be convenient if there is medicine that can change ones face though.


    At the Jinshi who said that jokingly,


    Its not that it doesnt exist, but youll be left with that face for the rest of your life.


    Even just applyingcquer on your face will be sufficient, Maomao said.


    True that.


    Jinshi said with a bitter smile. As one would expect, this was troubling, and if Maomao did such things, she would be surely be torn apart by everyone around her and turned into animal feed.


    Its not that there isnt such a technique though.


    In that case, Ill leave it to you.


    Jinshi smiled as if he was anticipating it. and ate his porridge. The chicken that was grilled to perfection looked delicious, but there surely wouldnt be any leftovers for her. He passed the te to Suiren with thest bite left on it.


    Turn me into apletely different person.


    (I wonder what he is nning.)


    Maomao wasnt reckless to ask that much. Even if she knew, it wasnt something that would be beneficial to her. She only have to prepare it obediently as she was told. Maomao told him, I understand. She looked at Jinshi who continued his dinner, wanting him to quickly finish eating. The abalone porridge looked truly delicious.


    The next day, Maomao prepared a face powder that darker than what she usually made, and stuffed several other things she might need into the cloth bag. She had turned up earlier than usual, but the lights in Jinshis private room were already lit. The owner of the room was sitting on the couch in his room, having done with his bath, and Suiren was drying his hair. A luxury only a nobleman can have. Although the clothes he wore were simpler and more modest than usual, that conduct was a noblemans.


    Good morning.


    Maomao said to Jinshi with her eyes half-closed.


    Ah. Whats wrong? You got up on the wrong side of the bed huh.


    No, I thought that Jinshi-sama is as beautiful as ever.


    Neer sarcasm?


    It was just truth that sounded like sarcasm to an extent. She thought that his unravelled hair was glossy, and if she spun his hair right now into fabric, it would surely be first-ss silk.


    Did you not want to do this from the start?


    Its nothing like that. Does Jinshi-sama really want to turn into a different person?


    I already told youst night.


    In that case, excuse me.


    Maomao briskly approached Jinshi. She gripped his sleeves, pressed onto his face. Suiren, who wasbing his hair, said Oh my, and left the room in haste. Gaoshun, who hade in sometime without her noticing, also withdrew from the room, pushing on Suirens back.


    Wh-what are you suddenly doing?


    Jinshi said, voice slightly hitched.


    (He doesnt understand anything at all.)


    It was Maomaos character to go beyond what is asked of her. She couldnt settle down unless she worked above and beyond. For that reason, she prepared various things today to turn Jinshi into a different person.


    Commoners do not burn such high-ss incense.


    Jinshis clothes were the ordinary wear of townspeople and, at best, junior government officials. It shouldnt smell like the highest grade aromatic wood that was shipped from across the seas. Maomaos nose, which was used to tell apart medicinal herbs and poisonous nts, was more sensitive than other people. The reason she was in a bad mood when she entered the room was because of this incense. It was probably Suirens touch, but honestly, it was an annoyance.


    Do you know how you can tell apart the honoured guests of the brothel?


    I dont. Something like their figure or the clothes they are wearing?


    There are those, but there is one more thing. Their smell.


    The sweet-smelling fat guests were sick but had money. The ones that were covered with many kinds of terrible perfume generally wander between streetwalkers so there were high chances of them having venereal diseases. The ones who smelt like livestock despite being young were dirty from not bathing, and so on. Most first time guests whoe to the Rokushoukan are chased out, but asionally some would satisfy the madams eyes and are let in. Roughly, those who would unmistakably be honoured guests are those who satisfy the madams requirements.


    For the time being, you should change into different clothes, and one more thing.


    Maomao went to the bathroom and filled a bucket with the still warm water. She brought it to the room Jinshi was in. On the way, Suiren and Gaoshun were looking at Maomao uneasily. Maomao took the opportunity and asked Gaoshun for a favour. To arrange for something else to the prepared clothes. Maomao took out a small leather pouch from the cloth bag she brought in. She stuck her finger in it, and came away with thick oil. She dissolved that in the bucket.


    We must first turn that silk into linen.


    After passing her hands through the water in the bucket, she ran her fingers through Jinshis hair. The lustre of his glossy flowing hair was lost every time her fingers passed through it. She nned tob it carefully, but maybe it was the difference in her experience in handbing, Jinshi looked more unsettled that it was when Suiren wasbing for him.


    (I mustnt snag his hair.)


    Maomao naturally ended up getting nervous as well. It escaped her mind at times, but if Maomao were to hurt this persons mood, her head could be estranged from her body.


    She bundled up the hair that had certainly transformed from glossy silk to rough linen. She used cloth scraps instead of cord for his hair tie. Anything would do as it was just used to tie up hair. When she returned from putting away the bucket and washing her hands, Gaoshun had prepared what she asked of him. As expected of the capable attendant.


    Are you really fine with this?


    Gaoshun looked at her with a really uneasy expression. Suiren who was standing next to him, made a tant look of disgust when she saw what he prepared. Well, it would be something hard to believe for a courtdy like her. What Gaoshun brought was worn outmoner clothes that was slightlyrge. It had been washed once, but some parts of the cloth was thinned and there were still traces of the owners body odour on it.


    It would be better if it stunk more.


    Maomao said when she took a whiff of the garment, and Suiren covered her cheeks with both hands in disbelief. Gaoshun, looked like he wanted to say something, but since he was holding back with his hands, it looked like he wont say anything. Like that, Gaoshuns brows were distinctly deepened with wrinkles. She was sorry for Suiren, but Maomao had much more nned to twist the womans mind.


    Jinshi-sama, take off your clothes please.


    Ah, aaah.


    Jinshi replied, slightly hesitant. Maomao, paying no mind, looked around the room for something she could use. She prepared several towels, and this time took out a bleached cotton cloth from the cloth bag.


    Excuse me, can you two assist me too?


    She dragged in the two people who were caught in suspense watching, and got Gaoshun to hold onto the towel and wrap Jinshis naked body with it. Though the person who was like a celestial maiden had already lost his most important thing, his upper body was made of muscles that have attained symmetry. She would expect that it might be cold to just be wearing underwear, he was just wearinghakamatrousers. As she thought the room was warm, she added charcoal to the brazier as an apology.


    Gaoshun rolled the towel around him, Suiren held onto it, and Maomao wreathed the bleached cotton cloth and fixed it. After she wreathed the bleached cotton cloth, there was the silhouette of a misshaped protruding stomach. Wearing thergish clothes on top of that was perfect. The slightly off-bnce body figure waspleted. The fragrance that was left on his body should be erased when he wore the clothes. Only Jinshis face was the usual; it was a very strange sight.


    Well then, shall we get on to next thing?


    Maomao took out the face powder she freshly kneaded yesterday. She carefully smeared the stuff that was slightly darker than Jinshis skin with her finger.


    (Its unnecessarily pretty even when Im feeling it closely.)


    She ended up looking and admiring his poreless skin, let alone any facial hair. As she smeared his face uniformly, she next added a slightly darker colour. She added spots on his face and made bags under his eyes. Taking the opportunity, she tried to add a mole between his eyes. She thickened his willowy brows slightly, drawing them so that the sizes of the left and right were different. There was a way to deceive the ruggedness of his face, but when she looked closely, it would expose the make-up so she gave it a miss. It would be possible that it would arise suspicion that a woman did a mans make-up in any case. Instead, she made him hold cotton in both cheeks, deceiving his features. Gaoshun and Suiren looked at her questioningly, Going that far?, but she wasnt done with just that. She smeared the left-over face powder on various ces on his body, making yellow spots. She filled under his fingernails with face powder, making dirty hands.


    (White-bait hands[note], Pretty hands that are fair-skinned and slender.[/note] really cant do huh.)


    Just like his upper body, Jinshis hand were fine male hands. She thought he normally carried writing brushes and chopsticks, but his palm was firm to touch. Though she has never seen it before, she supposed he did sword fighting or staff fighting. It was originally something that wasnt required of a eunuch. However, Maomao wasnt so reckless to go as far as to investigating that, so she indifferently applied on the back of his hand with dirty townspeople things.


    Is it done?


    Jinshi asked, looking at Maomao who was rubbing her forehead as she put away the make-up tools. There was no beautiful eunuch there, just amoner man with an unhealthy face. He had neat looks, but he had a distended stomach and yellow spots on his face and hands, an unhealthy lifestyle from the shadows he was expected to look in that way.


    Well, youre really a young master?


    Please stop it with the young master.


    Suiren really couldnt hide her astonishment even though she should have watched it from the beginning to the end. This way, no one from the royal pce should discover it is Jinshi with just a look. If it is just a look.


    Maomao took out the bamboo pipe that was left inside the cloth bag. She pulled off the stopper, poured it in a cup and passed it to Jinshi. Jinshi grimaced when he saw the contents. Probably due to its peculiar sharp smell. It was a blend of several kinds of stimnts honesty, it wasnt something that could be said as delicious.


    What is this?


    The finishing touch. Please lick it slowly like you are wetting your lips and swallow it. It will make your lips and throat swell and change your voice. Its better than stuffing your mouth.


    There might be people who would notice if his sweet, honey-like voice wasnt changed even if his appearance and smell was different. You must be thorough if you have to do it.


    Its very acrid, but since its not poison, be at ease. Also, Jinshi-samas posture is good, so please walk hunchbacked with a bowleg.


    .


    Leaving the stunned three people behind, Maomao went to start to packing up in haste. She was granted free time today after this and she will be taking a holiday until tomorrow. Its been a while since she returned to the prostitution quarter; she was thinking of doing thepounding she liked very much.

 Volume 2, Chapter 6: A Day In The Life Of A Certain Military Officer

    Rihaku put his bulging wallet into his breast pocket and continued along the road towards the prostitution quarter. It was his first holiday since he got paid the other day. He, the military officer, lived in the lodging house but in his holidays, he set out for town. His destination the brothel that had the Rose[note], the big bloomed rose. Its such a mouthful for a title in English, so I shorted it to Rose. Thoughts? Btw, Rifa is also called this but I tranted it as Large Rose before, idk it still sounds really weird.[/note].


    There was a bounce in his steps today. Just then, he had met up with a courtdy acquaintance. The girl called Maomao, her looks werent much to speak about, but her connections were spread out surprisingly far. She was close to Pairin, the Rose, to the point of calling her older sister. Maomao was just about the pass through the gates, carrying a small cloth bag. She said it had been a while she got a holiday and was going home to the prostitution quarter. If so, that meant she will inevitably greet her older sister. A tea party might even ensue in the lobby of the Rokushoukan.


    This was a good chance for Rihaku to see the face of the flower, as his usual visits to the Rokushoukan usually end with him just drinking tea with a kamuro. In other words, he had an ulterior motive to meeting Pairin by taking out Maomao.


    And so, it was good he was heading for that, but the sun was still just crossing the meridian. Guests onlye in when the sun is hidden in the prostitution quarter. They might open in the daytime, but he heard from a kamuro that Pairin was a night owl who wakes up close to evening. Even if he went, it was still too early.


    Ah well.


    Rihaku decided to kill some time at a nearby eating house.


    Customer-san, what would you like?


    A girl who gave off a wanton impression called out to him in an over-familiar voice. Though she conducted herself like a waitress, but her gaze was appraising Rihaku. The interior of the shop was spacious, but it was dim and there were few guests scattered about. There were those who were whispering amongst each other, and some who were being excessively clingy to the waitresses.


    Rihaku thought he made a slight mistake by entering this shop. Though the location was a fair distance away from the prostitution quarter, this shop seemed to have that kind of function. The ground floor was an eating house, the first floor an inn where waitresses will guide customers into the rooms and donte out, that kind of shop. It was a shop that honestly couldnt go public.


    What this shop did was the same as a brothel in the prostitution quarter. The problem with it is that it wasnt a shop that was publicly approved. A shop would gain more revenue than just selling meals by selling flowers. In that case, the tax rate it came under will also change.


    Hypothetically, if Rihaku was obstinate, he would probably sh evidence of tax evasion and go for the merit. However, he wasnt that type of person, only ordering what the person sitting beside him was eating, as it looked delicious. Rihaku knew that this sort of thing was required for a promotion, but he didnt think that far. His characteres from physical strength and even if he did a poor job of showing tax evasion, itll be a pain if he was red at by the official who presided over it. If he did it, the civil official he was acquainted with who had a sense of justice will just grumble about it when he drinks heavily.


    The waitress, understanding that Rihaku was only here to eat, fixed her flirtatious attitude and returned to the kitchen with light footsteps. Women who work in these kinds of ces are really quick at switching.


    Rihaku put his feet on the table and regarded everyone around him with a nce. The guests were a duo who were flirting with a waitress, a trio who were talking amongst themselves, a duo who were eating at the seat beside his, and finally Rihaku on his own.


    Oh, Rihakus eyes were drawn to the seat with the trio. One among them were drumming his fingers on the table. There was a small piece of paper under his fingers. When a waitress came over with a second helping of alcohol, she took the empty wine bottle and retreated. When she did so, the scrap of paper that was left on the table was gone.


    I see now, Rihaku thought.


    Of course, a disgraceful shop gathered disgraceful things. Aside from meals and flowers, this shop also sold information. He listened intently to the trio who were chatting.


    How are the sales recently?


    Well, no changes. Just the price of linen is a little higher, I guess.


    Extremely normal merchant conversation. There wasnt anything suspicious about it. It would have been fine if he let it go with just that, but he listened out of habit. He ended up trying to sound for secretnguage from the conversation. Rihaku believed that the current society wasnt a bad era, but nheless, there were those who spoke of discontent. Even spections about who was the cause of the warehouse explosion the other day was rampant. In the end, it was determined that cause of the fire was due to the warehouse mans careless smoking.


    That sayin, Rihaku took out a certain object from his breast pocket. It was something Maomao, who he met, had handed over to him some time ago. It was a pipe with ivory carving. That skilful courtdy said that it might be the warehouse mans, and polished the carving, making it beautiful. She said it can be used again if you affix a new handle.


    Its fine if ya dont give it back. Ya could have just sold it for gold.


    Though he said something along those lines, Rihaku already went to ask the person in charge of the warehouse for the owners house. Even he thought he was soft-hearted himself, it couldnt be helped that his character was like that, so he cant be one to say about other people. He thought he would try going there after eating.


    But I have to say this is made really nicely.


    Ivory was the tusk of an animal from a distant country. Of course, it wasnt something that themon people can easily obtain. If they lost such a valuable thing, theyll surely go looking for it.


    Okay, customer-san. Thanks for waiting.


    The waitress brought over a bowl of warm porridge. The hearty porridge looked delicious; it was made of good chicken stock and was thoroughly mixed with small pieces of vegetables. There was also fried chicken wings and a vegetable, nut and pork stir-fry it was a course that you know the cooking is good from the smell alone.


    Looks tasty.


    Indeed, itll make you really robust.


    The waitress winked at him, giving a vulgar smile. Seems like she was seducing him. This girls face and body wasnt bad. If it was before, he might have crooked his finger at her, but it was different now. Since his encounter with the ethereal woman who appeared like she was lying sprawled on top of the lotus flower, Rihakus ideal had shot through the roof. The current him, having savoured that paradise, cannot be satisfied with a woman that could be found anywhere.


    Time to dig in.


    When the waitress saw that Rihaku didnt react and started eating, she went back to being rude again. As though that woman still hasnt caught a customer today, she moved on to the duo who sat in the next seat. There were two plump men over there. One of them looked excessively unhealthy. There were bags under his eyes, his face was swollen. He didnt eat at all, just drinking tea. The other man ate up all of the delicious looking food.


    Its a waste to not eat such delicious food, Rihaku thought as he moved his chopsticks.


    Before long, the trio finished calcting their bill. Rihaku licked his spoon; he didnt think to do anything even though he noticed that for the amount of alcohol they had, the bill wasrge. He just took in their faces with a sidelong nce.


    And then, a little while after the trio left, the duo who was eating also went out. The waitress, who missed out on catching customers, gave Rihaku with an exasperated look. Seems like she wanted to him to quickly finish eating and clean up.


    Just what is this about?


    Rihaku was walking on the street, breathing heavily. A while ago, he had gone to deliver the pipe after he finished eating. When he did so how about that it was the former warehouse man who came out, unshaven faced, stinking of alcohol. The moment he showed him the ivory pipe, the other man dered, I dont want it. Chuck that damn thing out as you please.


    Rihakus current attire wasnt official robes but casual clothes. He had taken care of his basic personal appearance so to go meet Pairin, but as he wasnt wearing the belt and stone that denoted his official rank, the former warehouse man saw him as a mere messenger. He was treated with a rude form.


    When he went to ascertained whether it was an important thing, he got, Heck would I know, that was a gift. I only got it because it was given to me, but I cant use it at all. It t out doesnt light. Rihaku could only tilt his head. Where was the fellow who thoughtlessly gave away the ivory item? And furthermore, to a person who didnt understand the value of this pipe.


    Rihaku, thinking it was kind of a waste, exined that the pipe was made from ivory. The other manughed out of his nose, saying, Hah? Youre kidding me. He said that the one who gave it to him was a mere courtdy, who asked do you want it or not?, and simply gave it to him. Seems he meekly received it since the thing wasnt bad and looked stylish.


    After hearing what the former warehouse man said, there was a point that Rihaku was stuck on. Though this man seemed strangely apathetic to this pipe, it looked like he was made to expect that this pipe was connected to being the starter of the warehouse fire. Because of that, though the warehouse man was still alive with his whole body covered in burns, he was also fired.


    Rihaku had nned to hand the ivory pipe over to the man, but decided not to, seeing as the man said he didnt want it. He wanted to investigate what was bothering him.


    Why did the courtdy give it to him?, Rihaku tilted his head.


    The pipe that was given. The courtdy who gave it away. The warehouse man. The grain warehouse. And the explosion. As Rihaku sensed that there was something newly suspicious about the incident he thought was already solved, he headed towards the prostitution quarter. He walked into a deserted alleyway, avoiding the main street, to take a little short-cut. Since the prostitution quarter was in the south, he should get there faster if he continued walking in a southerly direction.


    Amid that, footsteps resounded in the narrow road. Rihakus ears were good, to the point of catching the conversation of a different seat in the bar, to the degree of knowing how much the customers paid from just the sound of money. On top of that, to the extent of being asked many times, Are you a f*cking dog?


    There were five people three in front and two at the back. He could hear them from one house over. If people were running across town, it could be that they were being chased a money lender, or they were being chased a stray dog none of the reasons could be good.


    He involuntarily scaled the wall before him, going right into private property. The rundown house didnt look like it was inhabited for many years. No one shouldin even if he went in. He sneaked over and peeked through the crack in the wall.


    He recognised those faces. They were the customers who were eating at the bar a while ago. The trio being chased were the fellows who bought information, and the others were the plump duo who had been eating.


    The duo cornered the trio. The number of people were reversed, but Rihaku understood. The duo moved more sharply than their bodies suggested. The man who looked ill was also like that, but another person, the man who didnt stand out, dexterously constricted the cor of one of the men who were running away. He was whispering into the caught mans ears Rihakus hearing wasnt that good of course.


    I stepped into a dangerous ce huh, Rihaku thought. He pulled back his face, keeping his back to the wall, and closed his eyes quietly. Kill his presence, concentrate only on hearing. From the fragmentary, Whos instigated this?, That aside, he heardmon interrogative questions. Seems that the other person, the man with the terribleplexion, was standing watch over the remaining two people. Every time the two people who were clinging to the wall made any strange movements, he heard a sharp metallic sound.


    Rihaku didnt know what kind of circumstance this was in this sort of case, it would be safer to do nothing. If he chased people and interrogated them in a deserted ce like this, it can be said he was wicked just like them. He didnt know who is correct, who is not correct, even if either were not correct. Aside from getting involved with pretty older sisters, he didnt feel like helping even when he looked at rascals involved with rascals.


    Of course, he had to step in if it went as far as killing, but that didnt seem to be necessary. The plump man, finished with the interrogation, spoke to the other man as if it was nothing.


    Lets go back.


    Just as the duo was going to leave as though nothing happened, one stopped in his tracks. Right where Rihaku stood, separated by a thin wall.


    With a thud, a de pierced through right next to where Rihakus face was.


    What is it?


    No, I felt there was something there.


    It might have been my imagination, he heard a hoarse voice. The voice that sounded like he caught a cold belonged to the man with eye bags. Why was it he had a feeling he heard that voice before from somewhere? However, he thought he remembered it but he couldnt.


    Rihaku propped his hand over his heart, and waited for his pulse to settle.


    It was when the duo left, and even the remaining trio were also gone, that he finally let out a huge breath. He ran his fingers back his sweaty hair and sighed. Aside from getting into fights, holding his breath and staying still wasnt his thing. Even so, he prided on the fact that his swordsmanship teacher praised his way of holding his breath like a wild animal. He took the impact from being unexpectantly noticed.


    Whats up with those people?


    That was somewhat tiring, he thought as he raised his back and brushed the dust off his buttocks.


    The sky was dyed red, the time when the night butterflies start to p their wings. The beautiful prostitutes would not go for guests with mmy faces. Rihaku pped both his cheeks. To meet with the beautiful Rose, he must change his mood. Work was work, y was y. It was important to properly differentiate them.


    T/N: For a day in a life, it was indeed a long day. Btw, the literal trantion for the title of the chapter is A certain military officers day.

 Volume 2, Chapter 7: Inner Palace Lesson

    What could be happening?


    Beats me.


    Gaoshun, who was asking, was curtly shot down by Jinshis stark reply.


    They were in the front of the auditorium within the Inner Pce. The high ranked consorts were currently studying about the duty they must aplish as consorts.


    Around them, the eunuchs and attendant courtdies who had been shut out were making the same expressions as Jinshi. Some even nted their ears on the door, curious about the secretiveness of it all.


    What in the world could this be about?


    The sole reason for their curiosity was this: why was the lecturer a young courtdy with freckles?


    This began ten days ago.


    When Maomao returned to her post, her short break over, she found a grave-faced Jinshi. For some reason, he was looking at Maomao with a serious expression.


    The new Pure Consort has arrived. It looks like they want to train the consorts.


    Is that so?


    With a half-hearted reply, Maomao started to scrub the floor. She cleaned like she was stealing a maidservants job, like it was her parents enemy. This was her daily routine since bing Jinshis room maid.


    Maomao was aware that other jobs were avable to her, but since she had only done maidservant jobs, she honestly had no clue on what she should do. Cleaning was fine for the time being so she did it with gusto. Jinshi would asionally look displeased about it, but Maomao thoughtit wasnt necessary as far as he didnt order her to do something


    Jinshis room originally had the barest minimum of servants. Even if there wasnt Maomao, Suiren, who was Jinshis old housekeeper, would be sufficient. She felt bad for stealing the hardworking old housekeepers job, so aside from the jobs that were strenuous for the legs and back, Maomao thought she ought to act knowing her own territory.


    Jinshi crouched down to meet Maomaos eyes. In his hand was some scroll.


    Its about bing a lecturer.


    Heeh, for who?


    You.


    Maomao looked at Jinshi, her eyes zing over unintentionally. Even if she was now a courtdy under his beck and call, it was difficult to stop looking at him like rubbish she lost interest in. Seeing that, Jinshi made a wordless expression.


    Dont joke.


    You think Im joking with you?


    Jinshi dangled the document before her eyes. Maomao squinted at it. Something quite inconvenient to her was written on it.


    Oi, dont look away.


    I wonder what it is about.


    You were studying it just then.


    I think your mind is ying tricks on you.


    Jinshi unrolled the document and pointed to the section that was inconvenient to Maomao. He stabbed at it with his finger repeatedly. How annoying.


    Right here. Thats the name of the person who rmended you.


    .


    Jinshi was pointing to Able Consort Rifa that was written there.


    Ah crap, Maomao thought.


    I dont know.


    At first, Maomao repeatedly feignedplete ignorance, but after receiving Consort Gyokuyous signature right after Consort Rifas, there was obviously no way of her ignoring that. She could imagine the red-haired consort preparing it with a gleeful smile. The sum of the reward was also courteously specified.


    Maomao sighed, resigned. She sent a letter to her family and made preparations regardless. Her family in this case wasnt the pharmacist side, but the brothel that took care of her like family.


    A couple of dayster, the package was delivered with the cost that the hag demanded from her. Quite overcharged, Maomao thought, but she added an extra line and handed it over to Jinshi. He had looked at it with begrudging eptance although he was sceptical, but then his housekeeper appeared at the side, looked at the indicated sum with a smile, took it from Jinshi and handed it back to Maomao.


    (Not bad.)


    Suiren almost handled looking after Jinshis daily necessities alone. Someone like her would know about that much. It might be difficult for the nave young master.


    She reluctantly showed him the original cost and he agreed with some hesitation. He had haggled as she would expect, but as this would result in Maomao paying with her own money, she wanted him to stop.


    When the package was brought over, Maomao pushed Gaoshun aside and seized it. Jinshi looked at it restlessly, his demeanour somewhat like a dog, but Maomao never unwrapped the seal and carried it out with the cart. She politely refused Gaoshun who came asking, Shall I assist you?, and took it back to her room.


    Jinshi hadmanded her to show him, but when she fixed him with a wide glowering stare, he retreated without a word.


    No way was she going to show him the important teaching materials.


    And so, on the very day.


    The prepared auditorium was quite spacious it can probably fit three hundred people. During the time of the previous emperor, it had been used for maidservants without rooms to sleep in when the number of inner pce courtdies suddenly increased. It is hardly ever used nowadays. It was a waste, but demolishing it even more so.


    (It doesnt need to be this spacious.)


    She wasnt teaching something that was big deal, but why was a bustling crowd gathered here? Lots of onlooking maidservants surrounded them in the distance. Middle-ranked to high-ranked consorts and their followers make up most of the ones gathered around the auditorium. Looks like that todays lesson was important to the consorts.


    Im telling you people, but only high ranked consorts will be taking this ss.


    The consorts and courtdies, hearing Jinshis words, looked like they were dejected, no, more enraptured.


    It seemed that around half of them were here just to see Jinshi; some were satisfied with hearing just his voice, and weakly leaned against the pirs for support. It looked extremely forced, the drama that was taking ce, but it wasnt just one or two people doing that, so she made the distinction that it was like that.


    Maomao sometimes thought this eunuch gave off a strange energy, like he was an apparition or something.


    She was going to enter the auditorium since it was time, but Jinshi was following right behind her.


    Maomao inadvertently parted her lips and narrowed her eyes at him.


    What?


    As he said so, Jinshis back was being pushed by Maomao and redirected out of the auditorium.


    Why?


    Everything from here on is a secret that no one can know. Ill make an exception for the consorts, but Jinshi-sama will not hear.


    She said, shutting the door and obstructed it with a pole.


    With a heavy sigh, she surveyed the inside of the auditorium. There were nine people in the room including Maomao. They were the four high ranked consorts and one of their attendants.


    The other side of the door was somehow rowdy with chatter. Must be because she drove Jinshi out. For some reason, she felt that someone was straining their ears listening against the door.


    Maomao pushed the cart to stand in the middle of the auditorium, and slowly bowed her head.


    My name is Maomao, and I will be your lecturer today.


    Consort Gyokuyou, who was beautiful as usual, waved her small hands from her sleeves. Honnyan, her attendant maid, scrutinized Maomao with narrowed eyes.


    Consort Rifaregained her plump body that was not much different from before. She looked at Maomao with a calm expression. Her attendant maid was amusing, nching the moment she saw Maomao.


    Consort Riishuwas cowering as usual. She might be fussing about the fact that there were three other high ranked consorts with her. Though her attendant maid was also cowering simrly, it was strangely charming to see that she was trying to protect her consort.


    And the final consort.


    A new face for Maomao.


    Coming in after the previous high ranked Consort Ah Duo was a girl who was the same age as Maomao. The new Pure Consort was called Rouran[note], Lou Lan[/note]. Her pitch-ck hair was arranged up with a kanzashi decorated with a feather of a bird from the southern countries. Even her attire made people think of a princess from the southern countries, but her features hailed from the central region. Maomao thought her attendant maid also had the same simple tastes in clothes.


    As expected as one who became a consort, she had a befittingly beautiful face. Though she wasnt as bewitching as consort Gyokuyou, nor she was as gorgeous as Consort Rifa. Different to Consort Riishu, it was a given that she became the emperors chosen based on her age, but Maomao didnt see a capable person who will break the bnce of the inner pce as of now.


    (Doesnt concern me.)


    Maomao ended her self-introduction simply. She then took out a textbook from her baggage and distributed them to the consorts one by one. When the consorts epted them, they each reacted with widened eyes, gleeful smiles, blushed, and wrinkled their brows respectively.


    (Hm, I guess so.)


    Maomao then took out a tool. Half of them tilted their heads, wondering what it was, and the other half who knew its use, somehow registering what it was, and blushed.


    Everything I tell you from here on is a secret art of women. Please keep it a secret.


    Maomao, saying that, asked them to turn to the third page of the text book.


    One dual-hourTwo hours[note], jishin, shi2 chen2. Traditional Chinese time, also used by Japan. Officially used up till the Ming Dynasty. A day was divided into 12 double/dual hour periods, starting at 0 and ending at 23.[/noteter, when Maomao ended the lesson.


    (I might have crammed a little too much.)


    Even Maomao, who had taught them, was slightly weary. She trudged over to remove the blocking pole from the auditorium door.


    that was long.


    The beautiful eunuch walked in with aposed air. He looked slightly bad tempered, and for some reason his left ear and cheeks were bright red. Maomao not saying, Jerk, you were listening in, werent you, was kindness.


    Jinshi, as soon as he entered the auditorium, made a dumbfounded face.


    What is it?


    I should be asking you instead.


    Jinshi looked at Maomao with mmy eyes.


    Even if you ask that.


    Maomao, as she had said, only taught the necessary knowledge for consorts in the inner pce. The consorts she taught, their reactions were as followed.


    Consort Gyokuyou was saying, A break from routine, in high spirits with a cheery expression. The head maid Honnyan apanied her with the usual tired expression. Maomao paid no mind to it, but it felt like she was being red at sometimes.


    Consort Rifa was slightly blushing. Her fingers moved as though she was ruminating on the lesson. She looked satisfied for some reason. Maomao thought her attendant maid was quite a youngdy, when she saw her trembling pale faced with her eyes cast down.


    Consort Riishu was thumping her head on the wall in the corner of the auditorium, muttering Impossible, absolutely impossible, with an ashen face. By her side, the courtdy who had just became her head maid recently, was stroking her back in concern. That was mostly likely the former food taster girl.


    Consort Rouran was staring nkly into space. Maomao had no idea what was in her head.


    Maomao finished packing up her things, and downed the water she epted in a single gulp. She was tired, but she was looking forward to the gift of money she will be getting after this.


    Every consort was each holding onto the example she bought in as a teaching aid. A certain thing, they carried it in their arms with great importance. A certain thing, they touched with dread. Whatever that thing was, they cannot ask while it was carefully wrapped up in a wrapping cloth as she requested them to do it that way.


    At that, Jinshi and everyone else who werent in the auditorium looked on bewildered.


    Hey, what did you teach?


    When Jinshi asked, Maomao made a distant look,


    Please ask the emperor for his impressionster.


    She replied.


    T/N: First new character for the arc yay

 Volume 2, Chapter 8: Namasu First Part

    Shaomao, may I have a little bit of your time?


    Gaoshun called out to Maomao who had finished her work and was going to return to her room. Jinshi, his master, seemingly tired from todays job, was preparing for his after-meal bath.


    What is it?


    When Maomao asked, Gaoshun rubbed his chin, as if he was slightly perplexed. Then he said with a sigh.


    Theres something I want you to see.


    The wrinkles on the attendants brows today were deeper than usual.


    What Gaoshun showed her were documents written on wooden slips. Several linked pieces of wood were spread out on the table.


    These are documents about an old incident.


    It wrote about something from beyond ten years ago, a food poisoning that urred in a certain store. It was from eating fugu.


    Maomao gulped reflexively.


    (Ahh, I want to eat it.)


    Gaoshun looked at Maomao with an expression that said he knew it.


    Ill be taking you to that kind of restaurant this time.


    But there will be no viscera, he gave her a look emphasising that.


    Even though there are specialities where you can enjoy that tingling numbing sensation, while Maomao thought along those lines, she would be eager if she was treated to a restaurant with delicious food.


    What are you getting with this?


    I had a job a long time ago that had something to do that this incident. I had a discussion with a former colleague on a simr incident that happened recently.


    Could the former colleague be someone from before Gaoshun became a eunuch? Had he really been a military officer or something?


    A really simr incident? In what way?


    Maomao was honestly more interested the current poisoning story than Gaoshuns past. She set her previous thought in the back-burner and proceeded with the talk.


    After eating a fugu namasu[note]Raw seafood and vegetables pickled in rice vinegar. A reurring dish.[/note], a certain official fell into aa.


    (A certain official?)


    Maomao had a somewhat unpleasant premonition. She thought for this reticent man, just then for a moment, wasnt he chattering non-stop? Maomao sneaked a peek at Gaoshuns face.


    His face was like normal, the worldly-wise person with wrinkles on his brows, but it seems that he was also studying Maomao.


    My apologies, Gaoshun-sama. Is the rest something Im allowed to hear?


    She tried to go straight to the point, but Gaoshuns expression remained unchanged. Arms in his sleeves, he nodded slowly.


    Yes, there is no problem. Since Shaomao understands your own position.


    He told her something surprising. And then.


    Moreover, is it fine to cut this conversation at this point?


    please continue.


    Maomao said as she frowned at the Gaoshun who seemed to be putting on airs.


    Gaoshun continued, pointing at the wooden slips.


    This time, it appeared that the namasu was made with scalded fugu skin and meat. It said he fell into aa after eating that.


    Fugu meat? Not the guts?


    Thats right.


    Fugu poison doesnt get neutralised with heat. But, the part with lots of poison would be the guts such as the liver, the meat hasparatively less. So, if there was poison that can make someone fall into aa, she guessed it would be the liver part.


    (Did it really umte that much poison?)


    And yet, cases of having poison ording to the variety and raised environment certainly exists. Given that it wasnt said as a rule, it might be that sort of case.


    What Maomao ate was the section with less poison. Though she asionally got carried away and ate liver, she wasnt in considerable danger. She remembered the madam had forced her to drink water until her stomach turned over.


    If thats the case, are there any other strange points?


    At Maomaos words, Gaoshun slowly shook his head.


    That is.


    Gaoshun answered while scratching the back of his head.


    The chefs insisted that they didnt prepare fugu. For this incident, and the previous one too.


    Despite Gaoshuns frown as if to say whats the deal with that, Maomao stuck out her tongue.


    It was a very interesting story.


    There were several simr points between this incident and the previous one.


    It said the official who copsed from this incident, and the merchant from the previous one, were both gourmets who enjoyed delicacies. Though this time the namasu even used fish meat that was scalded, it said it was normally eaten raw. Be as it may that it was fresh, there were cases where the raw fish had parasites, normal people dont really eat it by choice, and it had been banned in some areas.


    For this reason, it said these kinds of gourmets often prefer and eat dishes made from fugu. Everyone denied it, but among gourmets, there are also those who purposely eat the meat that has small amounts of poison on it and enjoy the tingling sensation.


    (To not understand that goodness is)


    She thought that people must be tolerant of other peoples tastes.


    It said the chefs of both incidents imed their innocence by having not used fugu in their cooking. However, the proprietors who ate it both got poisoning symptoms. Evidence that fugu viscera and skin were discovered among the rubbish in the kitchen had been presented.


    (They were surprisingly thorough in their investigation huh)


    Maomao was strangely admired that. In these times, there are a lot of worthless officials who make up criminals from fabricated evidence.


    Both chefs said that was used yesterday but not for today. In any case if it was midsummer, to leave kitchen waste out for days on end in this season where the days arent cool yet, even leaving it out would be ridiculous.


    The ingredients for the namasu was a different fish. The leftovers of that fish were discovered in the rubbish basket.


    (It cant be said surely that the officials fabricated that. Nevertheless, theres no positive proof that the chefs were speaking the truth.)


    Unfortunately, there were no people who could be witnesses.


    When they eat delicacies, it is said that it ismon for officials to eat alone in the room because they would be scolded by their wives. The namasu was brought over by the chef, and the ones who see the contents were the employees from a distance, who couldnt know what kind of fish, with it being cut up.


    It said that the victim copsed after he ate everything. In terms of time, it was a quarter-dual-hourhalf an hourafter eating. It said he was discovered convulsing, lips blue like he was suffocating, by an employee who was bringing in tea.


    (Even the symptoms are like fugu poisoning.)


    From this and that, the information alone that Gaoshun brought was insufficient for Maomao. She stopped expressing her thoughts temporarily and decided to ask Gaoshun once more for any information.


    (Just what could it be?)


    As she was muttering, a handsome face suddenly appeared at her side. Maomao inadvertently froze the nerves on her face.


    Sorry, but that face actually does hurt me too.


    Jinshi with wet hair said. Suiren said oh my, as she wiped up his dripping hair.


    Maomao return her face back to normal. It probably looked like a face when you uproot a foreign countrys screaming root[note]Mandrake?[/note].


    It looked like you were listening to Gaoshun awfully enthusiastically.


    Jinshi said somewhat unamusedly.


    If its interesting, people will listen to it intently.


    hold it there. You, listen to what Im say


    His face in a state in of shock, Jinshi was mumbling a little. She couldnt quite catch what he said at the end.


    Its gettingte, so Ill be returning now.


    Maomao lowered her head at Suiren, who was busy even though she was drying Jinshis hair, and plod out of the room.


    Whilst, hoping that Gaoshun will bring even more interesting talk tomorrow.


    And then, whether it had a rtion to the casualties, she thought that without suppressing her own curiosity like this, while wondering if her dad will get angry at her.


    T/N: Two parter. If its not the fish, what could it be?

 Volume 2, Chapter 9: Namasu Latter Part

    It was a recipe that Gaoshun brought over the next day.


    This is a write down of the chefs dish. The employees had testified that the outline of the dish that was served to the proprietor is in here. The chef also said that was what they prepared.


    Gaoshun flipped open the notebook andid it on the table for her to see. It detailed the directions on how to cook the namasu that used scalded fish.


    Maomao looked over it, stroking her chin.


    Youbine scalded fish with finely sliced vegetables and dress it with vinegar. It wasnt a particrly strange dish, though it noted a somewhat peculiarbination in the preparation of the vinegar.


    There were several kinds of vinegarbinations noted it should be for the change in vours ording to the season and obtainable ingredients. The ingredients, types of fish and vegetables were not written in detail.


    Hmm, Maomao stroked her chin.


    You wont know what they essentially used with this.


    That would be the case.


    Maomao was looking over it, her head tilted, when an unamused Jinshi came in from her side. He had some longan[note]Also known as Dragon Eye. A cherry-sized tropical fruit that grows in clusters from trees. It has a rtively hard thin yellow-brown shell and the meat is white and very juicy. It has a dark brown seed, as mentioned below, though the part that is connected to the fruit is a lighter shade. Super sweet and tasty.[/note] meat in hands, and were splitting and eating it. There were some ck, dry thing inside it.


    Longan is a small lychee-like fruit that is harvested in summer. The dehydrated version is called Keienniku[note], Keien meat.  is just another name for Longan. I suppose it tastes a little like osmanthus () and has a circr () shape?[/note], and is used in herbal medicine.


    Do you not know?


    Looking like he was itching to do something, he propped his elbows on the table and stared into Maomaos face. Gaoshun looked at him with furrowed brows, but the warning itself wasnt good enough.


    (You have to hammer it home.)


    Maomao was giving the misbehaving Jinshi an icy look, when a hand stretched out, gently taking the longans from Jinshis hands.


    Misbehaving children dont get snacks.


    Fufufu, Suiren stood behind Jinshi with a bright smile. What is it, this atmosphere. Maomao couldnt tear her eyes away from the dark clouds that hung over that womans back.


    I get it.


    Jinshi lowered his brows[note]Not too sure, but it might have a simr meaning to knitting his brows? Out of displeasure?[/note], lifted his elbows. And when he corrected his posture, his old housekeeper nodded, Good, as she returned the longan back into Jinshis hand.


    I thought the old housekeeper[note]Btw the word for old housekeeper also means wet nurse, and I think it means both in this case. Suiren is both his housekeeper and former wet nurse.[/note] just spoiled him, but it turns out there is a strict side for proper etiquette to her huh, Maomao thought.


    The discussions had deviated somewhat, but they went back on track.


    The incident urred really recently, right?


    It was about a week ago.


    In terms of seasons, it was still cold yet. It is typical to use cucumber in namasu, but they would probably use other root vegetables for this season.


    The ingredients would be something like daikon or carrot, right?


    Vegetables that can be used in winter are limited. Ingredients had seasonal times the seasons to eat them are also limited.


    They said they used seaweed for that.


    At Gaoshuns words, Ah, Maomaos mouth gapped open.


    Seaweed?


    Maomao asked again.


    Seaweed.


    Gaoshun repeated.


    Seaweed is used both as food and as traditional medicine. It was probably also used as the ingredients for namasu.


    Having heard those words, Maomao inadvertently nodded.


    (If you say that they prefer delicacies.)


    They probably got their hands on some more or less unusual seaweed.


    The sides of her lips shifted into a broad grin. Her double tooth was probably peeking out from her parted lips.


    At that, Jinshi and the others looked at her in bewilderment.


    Squinting in delight, she looked to Gaoshun.


    If thats okay with you, is it possible to let me see the inside of the kitchen of that house?


    Maomao said to Gaoshun, having nothing to lose.


    Gaoshuns arrangement was swift, the n was that Maomao will enter the kitchen of the aforementioned chef tomorrow. It seems that she could easily enter, with the officials who handled the incident already done looking through it. Normally it was like that, the one who was called Gaoshuns acquaintance should have looked around over-attentively.


    The estate was situated in the north west of the city. All surrounding houses that lined up were altogether magnificent. The north-side of the city with the imperial court that was mainly resided by high ranked bureaucrats would be something like this.


    Since thedy of the estate was asleep, fatigued and having lost weight, it was a manservant who let them in instead. They already got permission from thedy so it shouldnt be a problem.


    (A manservant huh.)


    Finding that strange, Maomao headed for that ce.


    Herpanion was an official that was arranged by Gaoshun. He had been staring at Maomao doubtfully this whole time. Though he didnt seem to havee willingly, he looked like the type to follow Gaoshuns order, so there werent any issues at present. He was probably a military officer. His body, still young, wasnt perfectly built, but he moved sleekly with his whole body. He looks like someone, she suddenly thought.


    Maomao assumed that he didnt really think to get along with her, so she thought that was fine.


    Luckily, as poison had been used to make food, the kitchen hasnt been used since that incident.


    It was when Maomao plod into the kitchen.


    What the hell are you doing!


    A man dashed towards Maomao, his eyes raised. Wearing high ss clothes, a man in his thirties.


    Dont just enter the kitchen, get the f*ck out! You! You dare bring in this kind of guys!


    The man grabbed the cor of the manservant who had guided them in.


    Maomao was looking with narrowed eyes, and her apanying official took a step forward.


    We properly got thedys approval. Besides, this is our job.


    Maomao sent a round of apuse to the official who replied coolly to the violent man.


    Is that true?


    The man loosened his grip on the cor. As he coughed and spluttered, the manservant verified their ims.


    Can wee in? Or are there any inconvenience?


    At the officials words, though the man had clicked his tongue, Suit yourself, he spat out.


    It seems that thedy of the official who had fallen into aa was forced to bed. The estate was now managed by that officials younger brother. It seems to be the man from before.


    Maomao surveyed the inside of the kitchen.


    The cookware, as expected, seemed to have been cleaned and put away nicely by the chef, but aside from easily spoiled perishables like fish, the ingredients had been left as it is.


    Maomao searched out the inside of the kitchen. And the thing she was looking for was easily found in the shelves.


    When she saw the small bottle of salt pickles, Maomao smiled smugly.


    What is this?


    Maomao asked the pale looking manservant. The manservant squinted his eyes at the inside of the container. His face said he had no idea, so she took a handful and put it in a water jug for him to see.


    How about this?


    Ahh. Thats what the master likes to eat.


    The manservant told her that theres no way that would be poison since he always ate it. Thedy seemed to have faith in him, she didnt think he would be lying.


    And thats how it is. Quickly leave.


    The man said, desperately annoyed. He kept an eye on the bottle in Maomaos hands.


    I suppose so.


    Maomao returned the bottle to the original ce. A handful, she hid inside her sleeves.


    Im sorry to have troubled you.


    Maomao, saying that, left the kitchen. Still, the gaze piercing at her back didnt disappear for a while.


    Why did you withdraw so easily?


    The young military officer asked Maomao in the horse carriage on the way back.


    I dont think I withdrew.


    She took out the salt covered seaweed from her sleeves, and wrapped it in a hand-towel. Her sleeves that were covered in salt were gross, but the military officer could get angry if she brushed it off here in front of him.


    This is strange. Its still a little too early to harvest this seaweed, but still, even if it is pickled in salt, it is not the something you can get until in this season.


    It was quite an out of season ingredient.


    Thats why I thought it wasnt something harvested from around here. For example, it could be like something that was procured from the south through trade.


    The military officers eyes widened at Maomaos words. It seems like he understood what he should do he wont need a detailed exnation.


    What happens after was only something that Maomao could do.


    The next day, the kitchen that she got permission to use from Gaoshun was prepared for her. It was the office of an official who was in the imperial court, seems like he* could stay over at night. Maomao prepared the thing she arrangedst night in this room.


    Although she called it prepared, it wasnt something significant. She was only serving something that was put in water to remove the salt. It was a simple work, but being the circumstance, she thought she didnt have to use the kitchen in Jinshis building, and was prepared another one.


    And now, there were two dishes were in front of Maomao. They were the seaweed she sneaked off with yesterday washed in water and portioned into two. It was a vivid green.


    Standing in front of Maomao was the official who consulted Gaoshun about the incident, the military officer who guided Maomao yesterday, and for some reason, Jinshi. Suiren will be angry again for misbehaving if youre here because of curiosity, Maomao thought.


    When I investigated, it was as you said.


    The young military officer said casually. The seaweed from yesterday was brought in by a merchant from the south.


    After that, I asked the manservant again. He said that, now that I mentioned it, that seaweed wasnt eaten in winter. I also asked the other employees and they generally gave the same answer.


    Amid that, the one shaking his head was the official who had consulted about the incident.


    I already heard from the chef about this seaweed. As it was the same variety of seaweed that is usually used, I was told it shouldnt be poisonous.


    Maomao endorsed that. It was the same variety of seaweed. But if there was a point that was different.


    That doesnt mean that it is not poisonous.


    Maomao said as she picked up the seaweed from the dish with chopsticks.


    Perhaps, there isnt really a custom to eat this seaweed in the south, what about that? From what the employees of this times gourmet said, what if a merchant thought they could make money off that and specially got the locals to make salt pickle?


    How does that be an issue?


    The one who asked was Jinshi. Maybe it was for the people here today, the strangely exhausting atmosphere she saw recently wasnt there. Gaoshun aside, the two officials close by were looking at the beautiful eunuch somewhat ufortably.


    Maomao said as she yfully fiddled with her chopsticks.


    There are times where poison can be non-poisonous.


    The means to do that were varied. Eel blood is naturally poisonous, but if the blood is drained and heated, the eel can be eaten. In this case, Maomao was sure she recalled that lime[note]Calcium hydroxide.[/note] was required.


    And, in the two dishes that Maomao portioned, one had used lime and the other didnt. The one she was picked up with her chopsticks was what she pickled in the lime she preparedst night.


    Maomao popped it in her mouth. Everyone fell into a fluster, drawing closer as to ask what she was doing.


    Its fine. Probably.


    Actually, this was only something she heard as knowledge. It happened that she didnt really know if just pickling over one night will be enough to neutralise the poison. This too was an important experiment.


    What do you mean by probably!


    Be at ease. I have vomit inducing medicine right here.


    She took out from her bosom the medicine she had decocted with bravado.


    Dont it say it so confidently!


    In the end, she was held down by Gaoshun from the back and forcibly made to eat the vomit inducing medicine by Jinshi. Thanks to that, she vomited noisily in front of the four gentlemen. They must be wondering what they were doing to the unmarried girl.


    By the way, the vomit inducing medicine made you vomit from its disgusting taste. So, it was extremely disgusting.


    After having recovered her senses, Maomao said.


    This would be the problem, but who was it who suggested to the traders to bring in salt pickled seaweed?


    Specially ordering it from an area where they dont eat it, what a way to do things.


    The person who fell into aa was just paying for his owns mistakes.


    But, if that was wrong.


    And if it happens that they knew about the possibility of it bing poison.


    (This is just a guess to the end.)


    The possibility of getting struck with a clue from the incident from ten years ago certainly exists.


    The people here were clever. She didnt need to say anymore, and had no intention of doing so. Maomao was a small human[note]Someone with low social status. An insignificant person.[/note]. She did not want to deeply consider going along with whoevers sins.


    I understand.


    Gaoshun, looking like he understood what Maomao wanted to say, nodded slowly.


    Maomao let out a sigh of relief, and picked up the seaweed that was before her and ate it. This time it was from the other dish.


    And, once again, she ended up being forced by the pale-faced Jinshi and the others to vomit it back up again.


    T/N: New character number two! I wonder who he resembles


    But to get sick from seaweed iodine overdose?


    lol Maomao

 Volume 2, Chapter 10: Rakan

    Dont eat poison as you please.


    Jinshiid down the order at Maomao as soon as they returned to his room.


    (How cruel.)


    The poisonous seaweed dish was also confiscated. Maomao gawked at him.


    The two dishes Maomao prepared this time were also for her to properly check if there was poison by putting her own body at risk. Even though this was an important experiment. However, to her bad timing, the destination of the seaweed was bought to light, and the one who purchased it was known.


    It was the younger brother of the bedridden official. Even though it was discovered who the buyer was, the person himself admitted it simply.


    She thought the staring when she was entering the kitchen had been certainly strange, so it seemed to be the case. You would have that sort of attitude if you have something you want to hide.


    It was amon story. If the eldest son is healthy, the second son will be ignored. Maomao and the others were disappointed by the simple reason, as far as it had been amusing.


    Leaving that aside.


    Aside from being told not to eat poison, hes considerably tolerant, Maomao reassessed.


    When she thought hard enough turning a blind eye to Jinshis perverted actions his treatment of her was quite good.


    (Even so, I do as I like.)


    Towards Jinshi, she replied to him discourteously, did not show him respect, gave him attitude, viewed him like creeping bug. If she was the master, she would immediate fire that sort of courtdy. Or rather, shell hang her. Dont want hanging, lets request for poisoning.


    (If ites to that, the medicinal herbs,)


    Pay was inconsequential. She had other ways to earn money. However, on imported medicinal herbs and the like, there was one item she cant get her hands on for a pharmacist in the prostitution quarter Even though she bore with it for many years, there were many things she wanted for poison experiments.


    She must work with whole-hearted devotion from here on. She stered on the smile she was trained from her prostitution training and looked towards Jinshi.


    Since Jinshi was making a dazed face, she was thinking she made a mistake with the expression she stered on, when he suddenly bashed his head against the pir. He was mming his head like a woodpecker.


    At that sound, Gaoshun and Suiren, the middle-aged courtdy, rushed in.


    She had absolutely no idea, but she ended up being stared down by Gaoshun.


    (Its not my fault this time.)


    The weird one is your master, Maomao thought as she sulked.


    Maomaos daily job ends with her receiving her master, Jinshi. Therefore, it was a easier for Maomao when Jinshies back quickly.


    Jinshi entered the room, looking worn out.


    Wee back.


    This is where you say Master, Suiren said, but Maomao ignored that. No matter the circumstance, her tongue might cramp and she could end up biting it if she said that.


    Recently, Jinshi had been returningte from work. The reason seems to be due to him putting the piled-up work into order.


    If you went to the point of umting work, you would have been better off not spectating the incident from the other day and focus on finishing your work quickly, Maomao thought, but he mentioned that it was on a matter that was really hard to do.


    Whether the horses dont suit [note]Tastes and way of thinking is different, hard to get along.[/note] or whatever it is, our opinions really dont match.


    Jinshi sighed as he epted cider from Suiren. The person in this case was someone who had resistance towards Jinshi, but lost his mind from just seeing a courtdy from somewhere. What a troublesome eunuch.


    If such a person finds someone with an opinion, he conversely is terrific, but at the same time, you also think you dont want to get along with him.


    I too have people I have trouble dealing with.


    He seems to be high ranking military official, someone who is famous for being sharp, but a weirdo. It was said that when he finds fault one way or another, he brings guests into his room, otherwise he assaults them, and engages them in Shogi[note]Japanese Chess.[/note] putting off the judgement of the subject they were chatting about.


    His target this time was Jinshi. As a result, it was said he stays in his office for a dual-hour and does overtime like that.


    Maomao looked a little irked.


    What kind of retirement is that?


    Hes only passed his forties. Hes nasty, exactly because my job is ended*.


    (Past his forties, a high ranking military officer, weirdo?)


    They were keywords she had memory of from somewhere, but she couldnt remember it and it didnt seem to be a good thing so Maomao decided to forget about it.


    Well, even if she forgets about it, her usual unpleasant premonition was fixed.


    We already talked about the matter.


    Jinshi gave a celestial maidens smile at the uninvited guest. It required effort to get it from stiffening.


    No no, it is hard to see flowers in winter. If that was the case, I thought abouting here.


    An aloof middle-aged man, unshaven faced, wearing a monocle, was there. He was d in military officer robes, but his appearance was quite fittingly a civil officials. His thin fox-like eyes were teeming with intellect and madness.


    The mans name was Rakan[note], Luo Han[/note], a tactician. If you go with the times, he would be called Taikoubou[note], Hopeful Grand Duke, a schemer, the title of a tactician from Zhou Dynasty China. That tacticians name was Jiang Ziya, a Chinese noble who helped the kings of Zhou overthrow the Shang dynasty.[/note], but in this society, he was just a weirdo.


    His pedigree was good, but he wasnt married even though he was past his forties. He entrusted the management of the family to a nephew he adopted as a son.


    Speaking about Rakans interest, it was rumoured to be Go[note]A strategy board came where you try to surround your opponent to take their pieces.[/note] and Shogi. He will force them into it even when his opponent is not interested.


    Speaking of the reason why he charged at Jinshi recently, it was because he got a maidservant who was a girl with a connection to the Rokushoukan.


    It wasnt false, but it was indecent where getting a girl from a brothel is concerned. Above all, since the person in question was making a face like he could hear the sound of bugs flying in the air in midsummer, he expected it to be resolved as peacefully if at all possible.


    The form of the maidservant, how people took that, was the issue.


    And despite this, this personage, who liked gossip like a youthful girl, was instilled with half-truths. The military had assumed that Jinshi had redeemed her. No, it was hard to say that they got it wrong.


    As the words from the old man who was energetic about something flowed in from one ear and out the other, Jinshi stamped the documents that Gaoshun brought in.


    That saying, a long time ago in the Rokushoukan, I had a close friend.


    What an unexpected thing to talk about, Jinshi thought. He was totally not interested in things like love affairs though.


    What kind of prostitute was she?


    Jinshi, his interest unconsciously piqued, ended up asking in return.


    Rakan smiled smugly. He poured the fruit juice he brought into a ss. The appearance of him reclined on the couch was as if it was no different to him rxing in his own room.


    She was a good prostitute(woman). Brilliant at Go and Shogi, Though I won at Shogi, I always lost at Go.


    To win against a tactician, she must have been strong, Jinshi thought.


    To be unable to meet with a woman who was interesting to that extent, I had thought of redeeming her as well, but the world was not on my side. Just as when two fanciful rich peoplepeted for her, her value was raised.


    My goodness.


    A prostitutes redeeming money sometimes be a sum that can build one vi. It was probably the case that even Rakan couldnt pay up. With that kind of talk, what was this man trying to say?


    She was an entric prostitute, selling her art but not her body. On the contrary, she didnt think customers as customers. Even pouring tea, rather than attending the master, she looked at you with eyes like she was giving charity to a peasant. Well, I am only just one person who says it that way, but that thrill down your spine was irresistible.


    .


    Jinshi, feeling ufortable, averted his eyes. Gaoshun, standing in wait, was biting his lips into a straight line.


    In this world, there is quite a person with the same taste.


    Whether he knew the inside of that heart or not, Rakan continued.


    I thought I would one day try pinning her down.


    In the eyes of the grinning man were a glimpse of mes that were imbued with madness.


    In the end, I didnt give up on that prostitute either, I couldnt help but yed a little dirty. Well, if I cant pay up if the price was high, it shouldnt be a problem if I make it cheaper.


    I lowered the premium.


    Do you want to know how I did it?


    The fox-like eyes were smiling over the rims of his monocle. He had won over the opponent before they had noticed. That was why he was terrifying.


    Did youe all the way here to put on airs?


    Oh dear, its already time. My subordinate gets angry when I stay over for too long.


    Like he was turning over his palm, Rakan packed up the fruit juice. He put another sake bottle he prepared on Jinshis desk.


    Please give this to the courtdies connected to your room. Its not too sweet so itll be easy to drink.


    As the middle-aged military officer waved,


    Well then, see you tomorrow.


    He left.


    T/N: See you tomorrow o/


    Btw, the Ra () of Rakan () is the same character as the Ruo () (or Luo if you want to be urate) of Ruomen (), Maomaos foster father.


    The former is the Japanese reading and thetter is the Chinese reading. Im not sure why, but some character names are pronounced in the Chinese reading and some in the Japanese reading (there doesnt seem to be a pattern). Fyi, if Ruomen is pronounced in the Japanese reading it will be Ramon.

 Volume 2, Chapter 11: Value

    Last night, Maomao had a weird dream.


    It was a dream from long ago, no, it was a dream from something a long time ago.


    She didnt expect to remember it, an incident that she wasnt sure if it was true either.


    An adult woman was looking down at Maomao from above. Messy hair and gaunt cheeks, she was ring at her with starved glittering eyes. Her make-up hade off, the rouge was jutting out from her lips.


    The woman stretched out her hand, grabbing onto Maomaos left hand. It was a small, small hand like birch, where dimples could be seen.


    The woman was grasping a de with her right hand. The left hand that was holding onto Maomaos hands was wrapped in severalyers of red soaked cloth. The cloth that fluttered about stunk a bit like rust.


    A sound that sounded like a cats mew leaked out from her vocal cords, she understood it to be her own crying voice.


    As her left hands was pushed into the futon, the woman raised herrge right hand overhead. Her twisted lips were trembling, her eyes swollen red welled up with tears.


    (A stupid woman.)


    Just like that, the woman swung the small de downwards.


    Oh dear, are you sleepy? Youll have to wait a little for slumber time.


    Suiren said to the yawning Maomao.


    She had said it politely, but since this old housekeeper was quite strict, Maomao fixed her attitude and steadily polished the silverware.


    Not at all.


    It was only because she had a slightly weird dream. She didnt get enough sleep, the drowsiness had rushed in when night fell.


    Why was that?


    (Its because of that discussion yesterday.)


    The personnel Jinshi mentioned yesterday, that must have stuck to Maomaos memories.


    (Its unpleasant. Forget it.)


    Theres no way it could be that person, Maomao took in a deep breath.


    She stacked the tes with a tter, and when she turned to the shelves, she heard shuffling footsteps. The beeswax in the room were lit. It was time the master returned.


    Recently, Jinshi, his face worn out, passed right through the living room, going as far as into the kitchen. Suiren served up a side dish on a te that Maomao had wiped up nicely.


    A souvenir from a weirdo. Drink it with Suiren.


    Jinshi ced the sake bottle on the table.


    When Maomao pulled the stopper, she smelt the bittersweet scent of oranges. It must be fruit juice.


    From a weirdo? Maomao replied in a measured tone.


    Jinshi reclined on the couch when he entered the living room. Maomao added coal to the brazier.


    Gaoshun left the room when he saw the declining stock of coal. Was he going out to get some? As expected of the diligent man.


    Jinshi looked at Maomao as he scratched his head brusquely.


    You know much about things like close friends at the Rokushoukan?


    To be suddenly given such a question, Maomao tilted her head.


    If youre talking about a person who conducts himself shily.


    What kind of guy is there?


    Thats confidential.


    Jinshi knit his brows at the curt answer. It seems he noticed that he made a mistake with the way he asked the question. He rephrased it.


    Then, how does one lower a prostitutes value?


    Youre asking something unpleasant.


    Maomao sighed lightly.


    There are many ways. Especially for higher ranked prostitutes.


    Bing a top-ss prostitute, the number of jobs are few even in a month. The popr ones dont constantly take up guests. Rather, the ones who must take up guests everyday are those called streetwalkers who toil for coins for the day.


    High ss prostitutes dont prefer exposure. By holding back exposure, all their guests arbitrarily raise their value. Poetry and dance, studying music they attend their guest with such culture.


    At the Rokushoukan, the training takes up the entire period of being a kamuro. During that, those whose looks were not bad, the ones who have good prospects, are divided between those who are not. Thetter immediately attend guests as soon their debut ends. Selling not art but their body.


    Those with good prospects start off with tea drinking. More than those who excel in the art of catching patrons with their talk, it is those who excel in wit and intelligence who steadily rise in value. And ordingly, as the popr prostitutes purposely reduce their exposure, they be popr prostitutes who exhaust one years of silver with just tea drinking.


    That said, there were also prostitutes who dont work even once with a guest until their redeeming. Well, something like a mans romance, they think that they want the one who first plucks the flower would be themselves.


    They have value because they are untouched flowers.


    Maomao burnt incense that had a calming effect. She lit it for Jinshi who had been worn out recently.


    If the flower is plucked, from just that alone their value is halved. Moreover,


    Maomao breathed in lightly, inhaling the calming scent.


    If they fall pregnant, their value bes next to none.


    She expected herself to have said it unemotionally.


    What is this about, Jinshi let out a deep breath as he stamped the documents.


    Excuse me.


    With the sound of the door being knocked, a personage who grinned like a fox appeared just as he had said yesterday. A subordinate courteously brought in a couch with small cushions. Just how long was he nning to stay here?


    Shall we continue where we left off yesterday?


    Rakan poured himself some orange juice from the sake bottle he bought along. He even brought in tea cakes. Baked sweets with smell of butter were set on the desk that was littered with documents. I want you to stop putting it directly on top, Gaoshun who saw the oil stains on the documents clutched his head.


    You seemed to have truly done quite a wily thing. Jinshi said as he stamped the documents.


    He couldnt get the contents of the documents into his head, but since Gaoshun who was waiting at the back wasnt saying anything, he figured there was no problem.


    From Maomaos reply, he could imagine what this sly madman did. And so, another unwee guess came to his mind. It wasnt he couldnt understand. It was consistent. Several points matched.


    Why, he charged in from the talk of redeeming at the Rokushoukan. Why, he talked about his old friendship.


    However, he didnt want to recognise that.


    Apologies for the wiliness. It was a story where I didnt want to mention the ck kite[note]This guy is mentioning part of a Japanese proverb, the rest is referenced below in the convo To have ones fried tofu snatched away by a ck kite. To be robbed of ones due. The important thing you expect to obtain is abruptly carried off from the side, and youre left dumbfounded.[/note].


    The eye behind his monocle squinting in delight, Rakanughed.


    Even though I finally persuaded the madam. It had taken more than a decade. You can see it as the body was snatched away from the side.


    Rakan tilted the cup with a clink. There were shards of ice floating in the fruit juice.


    You mean to return the fried tofu?


    The fried tofu that Jinshi was referring to was the unsociable short girl.


    Well yeah, Ill pay you as much as you want. I dont want to tread on the same path I did a long time ago.


    And if I say no?


    If it turns out that way, I wont say anything. Those who oppose Milord[note]Hes actually referring to Jinshi with a very, very polite you. And of course, polite forms dont really exist in English so I made do with this.[/note]will disappear as they were snapped by a finger.


    Rakan was speaking in a roundabout way. Jinshi was extremely ill at ease.


    His words made quite some sense.


    Rakan removed his monocle and wiped it with a cloth. After checking that it wasnt smudged, he put it back on his left eye. Since he was wearing in his right eye until just then, it was understood that it was just for show. He really was a weirdo.


    I just wonder what my daughter thinks about this.


    Rakan emphasised the word daughter.


    Ah, no way, so it was something like that.


    Rakan was Maomaos real father.


    Jinshis stamping came to aplete stop.


    Can you tell her that I am going see her sooner orter?


    Rakan licked his buttery fingers, and left the office.


    Seeing as he left the couch there, this should mean that he wille again.


    Jinshi and Gaoshun wasnt signalling each other, but they hung their heads in sync and let out a huge sigh.


    Theres an official who wants to meet you this time.


    As soon he returned to his room, Jinshi, who was reluctantly meaning to tell her, said to Maomao honestly.


    What kind of person?


    Maomao seemed to be hiding something she was fidgety about in the depths of her indifference, but her tone was calm like the usual.


    Ah, hes called Rakan.


    Without Jinshi finishing his words, Maomaos expression changed.


    Until now, she looked at him like she was looking at a bug, like a dried earthworm, like filthy mud, like trash, like a slug, like a dead frog, tentatively, they were all looks of scorn but he realised that this was from apathy.


    It was impossible to describe. If Jinshi was faced with this, he surely cant live. It was like it smashed the core of the heart into dust, poured into bubbling iron, until ashes arent even left.


    That was the expression Maomao was making.


    Ill do whatever it takes to decline him.


    Thank you very much.


    Jinshi, while dazed, could only say that. It was a miracle his heart didnt stop.


    Maomao returned to her former unsociable expression, and went back to her own work.


    ( ;;)


    (T/N: courtesy of the author lol)


    T/N: who called it?


    Thought Id end the month with an amusing chapter :

 Volume 2, Chapter 12: Gaoshun

    After his bath, Jinshi was slowly drinking from his wine cup. When he had thought he heard the embers popping, the outside was already covered in snow. It should be getting cold.


    As he put on the outer garment that was draped over the couch, he heard a cking sound. The sound came from the entrance, a design of this building. With that sound, you can pretty much determine who wasing in.


    It was as he expected. His attendant, whose wrinkled brows cannot return to how it was before, came in.


    I sent her back with no problems.


    Sorry as usual.


    Gaoshun was entrusted to send Maomao back when it gotte. It was what he asionally did before, but he now thought that as that weirdo could find her, it cannot be overlooked. Because of that, as if he read Jinshis expression, Gaoshun kept silent and handled the job.


    He was the man who had overseen his education since Jinshi was weaned. For a period of time, they had been separated when he had another job, but he was one person who understood Jinshi the most.


    Its the inner pce tomorrow.


    Yes.


    After escorting Maomao back, Gaoshun had headed to the medical office to pick up a certain thing that waspounded for him. It was a strange bitter liquid. Just looking at it makes me feel nauseous, he thought every time.


    The medicine was portioned into two silver bowls, and Gaoshun took the first taste. Originally, it was thought it was a job that Maomao will take the initiative to try, but it was meaningless for her. Gaoshun downed it all, his brows furrowed deeply, and then waited a while.


    Theres no problem. Its the usual.


    Gotcha.


    Jinshi picked up the bowl. He pinched his nose and drank it down in a single gulp. He wiped the liquid that was left on the side of his mouth with the back of his hand and epted the water Suiren bought to him. He had already drunk this continuously for five years, but he still couldnt get used to it.


    Pinching your nose. It would be better if you dont do that in front of others.


    I get it.


    You look very young from just that action.


    I get it.


    Jinshi, as he sulked, sat on the couch. His tone of voice, speech, walk, activity, all kinds. He had to pay attention to all those things. The eunuch called Jinshi was a twenty-four-year-old man.


    He straightened his posture, tried to adopt the eunuch Jinshis face.


    But the bitterness of the drug lingered and his face ended up ckening. Gaoshun frowned again.


    You dont have to drink it if you dont like it.


    Isnt it a distinction just in case*.


    Five years, has he been in the current emperors Inner Pce. Five years, has Jinshi continued to wear that warped mask.


    Like so, he had continued to drink the medicine that takes away his masculinity.


    Despite what the emperor had imparted him. Do whatever you like to low-ranked consorts and under.


    Youll eventually truly be impotent.


    At Gaoshuns words, Jinshi spat out the cider he was drinking to remove the bad taste in his mouth. He held his mouth, looked at Gaoshun resentfully. asionally, Ill have to tell you this much, Gaoshun looked as if to say that.


    Not like youre any different.


    No, my grandchild was bornst month.


    Gaoshuns children were already adults. It appeared that he wanted to say that he didnt need to make any now.


    How old are you?


    Thirty-seven to count[note]This is the traditional East Asian age system; western age is one year younger. So by western standards, hes 36 years old.[/note].


    If he remembered correctly, he heard that Gaoshun married at sixteen and that three kids consecutively from the following year.


    No, Im talking about your son. He was there that time.


    It was the time of the seaweed food poisoning incident the other day. The young man who apanied Maomao that time to the officials house, that should be Gaoshuns youngest child.


    He should be, eighteen. The same age as milord.


    Gaoshun not using the name Jinshi, that was a point. Jinshi is twenty four years old, a man who became a eunuch five years ago.


    That guys kid?


    No, my eldest daughters. He should be getting around to marriageable age soon though.


    Gaoshuns children were all doing well. The married daughter had also been working as a maid at the imperial court about one year ago.


    He was looking like he somehow wanted to say something to Jinshi. Jinshi, with an innocent look, recrossed his legs.


    Please let me hold your grandchild soon.


    Ill try.


    Gaoshun drank the warm tea that Suiren presented to him.


    Jinshi ignored the reproachful attendants fleeting look, and gulped down the cider.


    Jinshis regr visits to the four consorts ces ended smoothly today as well.


    The newly entered Consort Rouran seemed to be living in the Inner pce with no signs in particr of being unustomed.


    As she was a consort who entered through brute force in a sense, he had been worried that some riot might ur, but both Consort Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa didnt have the character to rush right into things. The two had previous difficulties, but that was a special case. Since then, they had built a rtionship where they dont strike or touch each other. As for Consort Riishu, she wasnt the type to start fights. He didnt know if the maids will pester the consort though, so that was something to be cautious about.


    However, when he entered the new consorts pce, once the pce Consort Ah Duo had lived in, he felt lonely all over again. The pce that was once inly organised, minimalist, had changed to be an extravagant ce surrounded by gorgeous fixtures.


    Consort Rourans father was the person the previous emperor, no, more correctly, the person the previous empress dowager had been pleased with. He was the official who once increased the number of inner pce courtdies to as far as three thousand people.


    The one who presently stands the highest in terms of favour and trust was Consort Gyokuyou, with Consort Rifaing in next. It doesnt mean that when one gets to the position of the emperor, he can go to his favourite consorts ce. If theres the capability to preserve the power bnce of the imperial court in the inner pce, there is also the capability to destroy it.


    He cannot treat Consort Rouran imprudently. It seems he make sure to see her once every ten days.


    If it bes the case, the ones trembling with trepidation would be the other consorts. Although he goes to their ces more, it was about whether a child could be made when it can, and when it cant be made when it cant.


    Nevertheless, there was something calledpatibility. He heard that the emperor doesnt move his forefinger to Consort Rouran not very much. I cant say I dont know the reason, Jinshi thought when he looked at Consort Rouran.


    At the enigmatic lesson due to Maomao, Consort Rouran was wearing a kanzashi with the feathers of a bird from the southern countries, and a strange outfit. Maomao had looked at that outfit strangely, but she cant say she didnt understand.


    Consort Rouran had once worn the outfit of the southern countries, and had once worn the robes of a foreign northern tribe. He once though she was wearing barbarian robes like a boy, but tied up at her hips was a dress from the west. Her hair and make-up changed every time too.


    In a sense, she was a fashionista, in a sense, she has noposure. Her face was neat by nature, but her looks didnt stand out. It was from that reaction that he heard as a rumour it became like this, but how would that turn out?


    It said every time the emperor visited, the consorts are thrown into disorder of not knowing who it will be. And so, it said she really cant get into it.


    Even Jinshi felt the same way. However, among the courtdies, there seems to be those who see Consort Rourans new trend, and tilt their heads in iprehensibility.


    The emperors policy was that he would not touch them until they were sixteen. In another year, Consort Riishu will be secure. The current emperor might be against it to the point of feeling nauseous because of his father, the previous emperors taste.


    The empress dowager has arge scar on her abdomen. That was due to the time when she was still a young girl, when she gave birth to the current emperor with her small body. It was due to the surgical operation called a caesarean that was used that even abandoned the mothers body to give birth to the child.


    That was under the orders of the emperors grandmother who was the empress dowager of that time. That woman, at the same time, was called the Empress. She is called that even now. She wielded that much authority. No one could defy her. And it was said that it was ast resort, because no matter how much the inner pce expanded and the number of courtdies increased, no child had been born. Of course, since the previous emperor only touched young girls whose periods havente yet, theres no way they could give birth. It seems that the Empress didnt know that was the reason.


    There was no other way to say that the reason the present empress dowager kept her life was by good fortune. By chance, there was a medical officer who returned from studying abroad in the west; by chance, it said that that man became a eunuch. It felt like a scheme even though it was said it was by chance it was so circted. Because it was as the Empress says.


    That mans treatment was splendid. Although it left a scar, the womb was left intact that in ten-odd years the empress dowager gave birth to another child. The previous emperors children were the after and before, just those two.


    Just that, maybe due to the previous childbirth, that medical officer came to constantly attend the empress dowager who was also a consort at the same time. The crown princes consort whose birthing had ovepped with theirs at the same time was disregarded, and consequently, an unfortunate thing happened.


    Jinshi cannot help thinking. What if the current emperors first child was alive right now.


    He shook his head. He mustnt have absurd delusions.


    And so, he thought like so. You should just hurry up and make one. The next crown prince.


    Jinshi and Gaoshun share the same sentiments.


    After the usual consort training, the emperors footsteps have increased considerably, but though he had thought that the results of that woulde wayter, it might havee unexpectantly fast. Honnyan, Consort Gyokuyous head maid, had spoken out about that in concern.


    It seems the emperor had visited the Jade Pce yesterday as well; Consort Gyokuyou looked lethargic. Honnyan, in concern, was being too helpful. Her pitch-ck hair was in disarray. It seems that Gaoshun was sometimes sympathetic to the head maid who look like she has a lot of troubles with something. Honnyan didnt seem to be as annoyed at Gaoshun, but since the other person was the hen-pecked husband, Gaoshun, shell eventually have no choice but to give up.


    Just at the right moment, Jinshi set forth a certain proposal. Consort Gyokuyou, her eyes shining, immediately replied with a nod. Honnyan made a face that said oh my, but it was a rather weing expression. She had a talk with the three maids who were listening in from outside the room.


    He didnt seem to have made the wrong choice.


    The inner pce, is it?


    Thats right. Your favourite job.


    Maomao polished up the silver tableware until it shone like a mirror. After she confirmed that there was not even a smudge, she put them back onto the shelves.


    It was impolite to talk during work so she quickly put everything to order. She wanted to keep that much distinction.


    Jinshi was eating mandarin oranges. He couldve just peeled the skin himself, but Suiren was peeling them one by one for him and neatly setting them on a te for him.


    He really is a young master. It seems the middle-aged courtdy tends to spoil this eunuch. She dresses him in padded garments when its cold, cools down his tea when its hot. How embarrassing for a grown adult.


    It appears that Consort Gyokuyous period has stopped.


    (There is the possibility of her being pregnant huh.)


    When she was pregnant with Princess Rinrii, the consort had two poisoning attempts. She must be restless in heart.


    From when do I to go?


    You can even go starting from today.


    How very convenient.


    The inside of the Inner Pce was forbidden to males. It must be to deter that person even whose name she didnt want to hear from meeting her. Jinshi might have anticipated that for her, or it might just be convenience.


    Maomao was fine either way.


    She had nned to move asposed as possible but,


    Oh my, did something good happen?


    Since Suiren had asked that of her, it appeared that she was standing on the balls of her feet.


    It looks like she was going to work at the Inner Pce again for a little while.

 Volume 2, Chapter 13: Inner Palace Again

    (I thought I wouldnt fit in before.)


    Apparently not, surprisingly, Maomao thought. She enjoyed the lifestyle of the inner pce after a long time.


    Thought it might have been that she was brought up in a ce full of women that she could easily adapt to this sort of atmosphere.


    Just like before, she spent every day tasting food,pounding and talking strolls.


    Consort Gyokuyous pregnancy still wasnt determined. It was the same when she was pregnant with Princess Rinrii. Apparently, she didnt have terrible morning sickness and her sense of taste didnt change much. Aside from her irregr menstruation, there wasnt much positive proof.


    Nevertheless, as a worse case counter-n, a gag order was imposed at the Jade Pce. This is clearly the apt time for people who would be inconvenienced by Consort Gyokuyous pregnancy to target her. They wouldnt resist even serving her poison.


    The emperor the lusty old man decided to refrain from nightly intimacy for cautions sake. Theres no problems if they carried it out normally, but if Consort Gyokuyou put the consort training into practice, deviating from the normal category, well, you cant deny the possibility of several problems urring.


    (Should I have taught something a little gentler?)


    No, but then Consort Gyokuyou and the emperor wouldnt be satisfied. Subsequently, Consort Riishu was frightened off, and Maomao was treated more like a monster by Consort Rifas maids.


    As it was hard for her to speak of this sort of matter to the emperor herself, she got Jinshi to ry it to him. It was reserving to say it directly from the mouth of a maidservant.


    She didnt want to number of visits to Consort Gyokuyou to decrease if possible, but she couldnt suggest that much. The emperor didnt have only one consort. There will be people who would be suspicious if the amount of sleeping suddenly decreased though.


    Surprisingly yet, the times the emperor visited didnt decrease. He yed with his cute daughter and took pleasure in silly conversations with Consort Gyokuyou. She had thought with Consort Ah Duos case too, but it might be that they didnt tryy down their feelings with the lusty old man.


    Otherwise, it could be that the emperor was thinking like an emperor. The current emperor was said to be a wise emperor. Of course, it could be precisely because the previous emperor was said to be a foolish emperor that he was perceived this way, but Maomao didnt think he would be as far as a foolish emperor.


    (Im fine with either way though.)


    The point was that she was d to be provided a livelihood where the earning tax wasnt too high. A foolish emperor believes his people to be infinite, a wise emperor knows that his people are finite. At the very least, this emperor is thetter.


    It was just that he makes a slightly lonely expression from time to time, so she decided to pass over the materials she had left from the consort training. It could act as a time waster. She had bought over several volumes in preparation, but unfortunately, there were no maids who wanted it. It goes without saying what kind of teaching materials they were.


    (Bear with 2D for me.)


    Though secretively she left it in a ce within his eye-shot, it seems he noticed.


    When she was ordered to prepare something different in ater date, she was convinced that the lusty old man really was fine the way he is.


    At the inner pce, gossips are spreading, believed to be caused by the repetitive monotonous days that had a chronic shortage of the opposite gender as usual.


    And it was so, the maids, who are currently taking a rest from work, are chatting in the kitchen. The tea cakes they had today that were leftovers from the tea party was dragon beard candy. It was a candy that was shaped like a cocoon made of fine threads; when you put in your mouth you will be moved to the point of tears. It had a slightly sweet aroma; it seemed to be mixed with tea leaves.


    And thats why its impossible. That outfit.


    It was Infa, one of the maids of the Jade Pce, who was mumbling with her mouth crammed with candy. This strong-willed girl spoke whatever came to mind.


    You have a point. But the outfit from that time might be good. Arent barbarian robes cool?


    Speaking with a gentle tone was Guien. Her plump cheeks were eased with happiness from tasting the candy.


    That kind of robes depends on the person who wears it. Its not that she didnt suit it.


    Airan was the one with the tall and slender figure. She was just sipping tea, not picking up the sweet things.


    Infa looked as though she was betrayed by her two friends, and eyed Maomao who was left.


    What a pain. While Maomao thought that, she nodded, Yes, okay. However, her sociability ended here. Infa, who had anticipated reinforcements, puffed out her cheeks.


    Mmm, for that sort of thing, Consort Ah Dou was cooler.


    Infa sipped her tea as she sulked.


    Seeing that appearance, Guien and Airan exchanged nces and grinned.


    Oh my, Infa. Were you actually in Ah Duo-samas faction?


    T-thats not true!


    Infa got flustered at Guiens words. Airen instantly shed an evil grin.


    No need to hide it. Our master may be Gyokuyou-sama, but I think that sort of feeling is good to have.


    Like I said, thats not true


    Listening to the three girls who were chatting up a storm as usual, Maomao drank up her tea with a sigh. The cotton candy was slightly on the sweet side for Maomao who was fond of alcohol. I feel like some salty rice crackers to get rid of the bad taste, she thought.


    The subject of what Infa and the others were talking about was this. The Consort Rouran who had newly entered. As this consort was slightly entric, there seemed to be a lot to talk about her. As for what, it was her outfits.


    The atmosphere of her outfits changespletely with every little thing. There was one time where she wore a western dress, and there was another time where she was d in an outfit that looked like the horseman of a foreign tribe.


    (What can I say about that?)


    Perhaps she was rolling in money. Just to change outfits every time, the pce will be just a wardrobe. Because of that, the Pomegranate Pce that was once pure bearing was already reced to the point of having no traces of it left. It was a force that tried to wipe away Ah Duo who once lived there.


    In a sense, true, in a sense, wrong. The inner pce was a world that stands out in the crowd. At the same time, it is also a world that hammers down the nails that stick out. Originally, Consort Rouran was supposed to be hammered in, but as her father was a senior statesman who stood high in favour and trust since the era of the previous emperor, the present situation was that there wasnt a hammer to nail her down.


    (I see how it is huh)


    With that being the case, there was more than enough reason to drive Ah Duo out. Rather, it might have been better to wait if you take Consort Rourans age into consideration.


    Maomao suddenly thought.


    Honestly, even for the emperor, wouldnt it be more convenient for him in various ways to allow Ah Dou to stay in the inner pce? Since she wont be the empress dowager, her eyes can anticipate directly ahead. Her wisdom was as if she was a court official.


    The reassuring Ah Duo has gone even as an advisor, and having a girl who is likely to influence not just the inner pce but even the imperial court enter court in exchange even if she is a heavenly person would be a talk of concern. He cannot t out refuse her. And it would also be troubling if they be over affectionate and make a child nevertheless. The time a consorts backing shield is reliable is only in the unreliable era of the crown prince. She could be useless as soon as he bes emperor and a child is made after all.


    Well well, what would be done?


    As that sort of wild idea came to mind, Maomao poured herself some tea from a small teapot.

 Volume 2, Chapter 14: Blue Rose First Part

    And just like this, half a month passed by in a blink of an eye. The coldness has also subsided. The time when the buddings of Spring is felt. While drying the futons, Maomao felt like she was losing against the allure of the pleasant sunlight. Bad, bad, she shook her head and devoted herself to work.


    The days really do pass by quickly when youre productive every day. She felt the two months she spent at Jinshis building was needlessly long.


    She had regrets for the medicine shelves in the medical officeshe was allowed to use sometimes, but that shouldnt be an issue hereafter if the medical office that the quack doctor used got remodelled. As for the archives, if she asked Gaoshun, hell bring over something of her choice for her.


    Now if she could go out of the inner pce anytime, it would be so much better, but that was a talk of luxury. As long as she is in the inner pce, she cannot go out readily.


    Consort Gyokuyous pregnancy was beyond certain. Her period stopped, she continues to be lethargic. Her body temperature seems to be slightly high and the amount of defecation seems to have increased as well.


    For some reason, Princess Rinrii smiled when she saw Consort Gyokuyous abdomen. Perhaps she noticed that there was something there.


    (Does she know?)


    She waved her hands in good bye at Consort Gyokuyous abdomen and moved to the nap room with Honnyan.


    Children are mysterious.


    The princess who is now tottering about wears the red shoes bestowed by the emperor and hase to take up the maids time. She had be more expressive, smiling sweetly in return when she raises her soft steamed buns. Maybe it was womens instinct, the maids of the Jade Pce brought up the princess affectionately despite having no children.


    asionally, Honnyan would say something like, It should be about time for me too,, but Maomao and the other maids had no idea how to react to that. Though she looked impatient, the head maid who had a strong sense of responsibility couldnt be nning to retire for marriage. Although, even if she brings in that kind of marriage proposal, everyone would force Honnyan to stay. Its because there was her that the Jade Pce had only this many people. It is also troubling to be overly capable.


    Maomao became the princesspanion when she didnt have anything much to do. Rather than the other hard working maids, it was more efficient to have someone who doesnt work well enough aside from food tasting to look after her instead.


    Maomao was ying with Princess Rinrii today as well. The princess was ying by knocking down assembled building blocks. The blocks were purposely made from light timber. As she seemed to be interested in books with pictures, Maomao copied down the pictures from a book she borrowed from Gaoshun and wrote their names under it. The princess was still two years of age, though Maomao tried it out since she heard that you remember faster what youre familiarised with, but Honnyan confiscated it.


    Draw normal flowers.


    She was told and was pointed to the flowers in the garden.


    It turns out that poisonous mushrooms were a no-go just because they are pretty.


    She spent every day doing things like that.


    It was at that time the eunuch who was beautiful in looks appeared after a long while with a troublesome present in hand.


    Blue roses?


    Maomao said, looking at the eunuch who appeared slightly worn-out.


    Yeah, everyone was interested in it.


    Jinshi nodded with a troubled face. The courtdies raise their voices at that sort of expression, saying that a sorrowful face was also beautiful. Also, lets not mind the three pairs of eyes that were currently peeking in from the gap of the door. There was Honnyan with reverse triangle eyes who were skilfully pulling the ears of two people with her right hand and another with her left, dont mind that either. Lets keep silent about Gaoshun who was admiring that with, What a clear way of doing things.


    Returning to the conversation.


    They hade to admire that flower this time.


    He said he was tasked with finding that for some reason.


    (Yet another bothersome thing.)


    And youvee to find me.


    You know anything?


    I am a pharmacist.


    I thought you might be able to do something.


    Jinshi said something deplorable.


    Thats the very thing.


    Consort Gyokuyou who was sittingfortably on the couch also followed his lead. The princess was slowly sipping her fruit juice beside her.


    She didnt know who in the world it was, but it seemed that someone said that if its Consort Gyokuyous maids, they would know something. So thats how it is. Thats why Jinshi came around with a flower pot.


    (Could it have been the quack doctor?)


    It wasnt out of the question. That good natured old man tends to overestimate others. This was the most troublesome thing.


    She couldnt say that she knows absolutely nothing about roses. The prostitutes had ordered for skin-beautifying oil derived from flower petals. It was boiled down and distilled from the petals of strong smelling wild roses; she made it before to earn some pocket money.


    Apparently it bloomed in the imperial court a long time ago.


    Jinshi said, crossing his arms. From the entrance of the room, Honnyan who was done with scolding the three girls entered with newly prepared tea.


    Couldnt that be a delusion?


    (Ahh, my shin is itchy.)


    I wonder if there are bugs in this season, Maomao thought. Maomao scratched her skin with her toes, taking advantage of the table to hide her feet.


    One person suggested it, but when I asked, I got quite a number of testifiers.


    Jinshi said with an indescribable expression.


    Was opium prevalent?


    The country will fall if that sh*t circtes!


    Her speech unintentionally changed, Consort Gyokuyou and Honnyan exchanged nces with bulging eyes. Gaoshun furrowed his brow and cleared his throat.


    Jinshi looked offended momentarily, but he gave a celestial maidens smile at the next instance. He looked at Maomao with appealing gloominess. As expected, Maomao was bad at dealing with this sparkly face.


    Oh my,Consort Gyokuyou watched with amusement. It was not amusing from this side.


    Is it unreasonable?


    (Dont lean closer.)


    Its depressing if hees any closer. She gave a sigh.


    What do you want me to do?


    They want it for the garden party next month.


    The Spring Garden Party. Did they already request it from the previous garden party?


    When Maomao was lost in her deep feelings, she realised something.


    (Mm? Next month?)


    Jinshi-sama, did you know?


    Maomao said while scratching her other leg this time. She must make some insect repellent since she cant make it after the princesss skin has insect bites.


    About what?


    Jinshi tilted his head.


    As expected, he didnt know.


    Blue roses dont exist, but this was a problem beforementing about colour.


    Roses bloom at least two monthster.


    .


    His silence was telling of what he didnt know.


    (I knew it.)


    She had a bad feeling for some reason. It seems he was pressed down with an unreasonable demand to put him on the spot.


    Ill go decline it somehow.


    Can I ask one thing?


    Jinshi, whose shoulders were slumped, looked towards her.


    Could this be something a certain tactician proposed?


    Considering the flow of things, it might be something like this.


    (I thought it was no wonder I was itchy from way before.)


    She presumed it was that sort of atmosphere somehow or other. It seems Maomaos body disyed a strong reaction against the man whose name she didnt want to hear.


    Yeah. Raka.


    Jinshi held his mouth in a fluster.


    Consort Gyokuyou and Honnyan tilted their head in perplexity.


    Needless to say, it was about that man.


    (Cant be helped.)


    If that was the case, it was also her responsibility.


    I dont know if I can do it, but Ill do what I can.


    You sure?


    Yes. For that, there are several things and a ce Ill need.


    It was irritating to just run away. Might as well, she now wanted to smash that smirking monocle.


    T/N: Two parter.

 Volume 2, Chapter 15: Blue Rose Latter Part

    The Spring Garden Party was held within the Spring peonies. It was held a little earlier for the year, but it became like this for the continued appearance of those who couldnt bear with the coldness each time. Changing custom so it could be earlier was difficult.


    In the park, a red carpet wasid out and long tables and chairs were set up. The orchestra, as they waited eagerly, were tending to their instruments.


    Harried courtdies checked if everything was perfect in preparation. Young military officers watched in enjoyment as they stroked their still sparse beards. At the back where the curtains were drawn, someone was making a racket.


    A short maid who was gaunt from weight loss was carrying arge vase. Multicoloured roses, that were slightly early in season, were arranged there.


    You truly made it?


    Jinshi gazed at the flower buds that have yet to open. Colours red, yellow, white, pink, blue, and far from it, even ck, purple and green was arranged there. She said she would make blue roses, but who would have thought that they could be this gorgeous?


    How is this even possible? Jinshi blinked rapidly.


    As expected, it was hard. They havent bloomed.


    Maomao said regrettably from the bottom of her heart. Rather than a response to Jinshi, she said it out of disappointment that she couldnt do what she had thought. Jinshi understood that the girl had that kind of personality. He understood but it was somewhat irritating. It really was irritating.


    Nah, its good enough.


    Jinshi picked up a stalk of rose. A drop of water slid down from the stem.


    Hm?


    Jinshi had a somewhat ufortable feeling but returned the rose to the vase. It doesnt matter what happens now.


    At any rate, even though she said blue roses, this was arranged rather lively.


    Jinshi left the girl who looked like she was going to copse from overwork to the maids of the Jade Pce and went to adorn the seat of honour with the vase. The flowers that were still budding seemed to be good enough to steal the attention away from the gorgeous peony flowers.


    Everyone surrounding him at a distance was astonished.


    The high officials who had scoffed, saying that is impossible, raised an uproar.


    Jinshi was a eunuch who stood high in the emperors favour. Though this appearance had hardship even when he says it himself, he understood that it takes the breath away from most people. Even so, it wasnt that he had no enemies.


    It wasnt just officials who are so free of aspirations they like to butt in on the stripling of a eunuch.


    Jinshi, maintaining his celestial maidens smile, straightened his back as he smiled bewitchingly, and headed towards the tform. He was aiming for the seat where the emperor with the beautiful beard was surrounded by his beautiful consorts.


    The looks that were gathered onto Jinshi hid all sorts of expectation. Lust was still okay, he had many uses for that. Jealousy, that too was okay, it was easy to handle. No matter what emotions there are, he had many ways to deal with it if he understood that they were thinking.


    The most troubling was-


    Jinshi looked at the official who was waiting to the left of the emperor. Plump cheeks, eyes whose thoughts couldnt be discerned.


    You could say that this was what he was bad at dealing with.


    This man ought to recognise him as a mere stripling eunuch.


    A motionless stare that seemed to be staring into the abyss. That iprehensible vague smile.


    This was Shishou[note], Zi Chang[/note], the father of Rouran, a consort who was currently in the inner pce. He had gained the favour of the previous emperor, no, that persons mother, the empress. Even now, the emperor still cant stand on equal ground with him.


    In a bad way.


    Jinshi didnt erase his smile nevertheless.


    He couldnt have erased it.


    Shishous gaze shifted over to the left, that is, he met the eyes of the man who was sitting to the right of the emperor.


    The fox-eyed man with the monocle was chewing on a chicken wing, not reading the atmosphere of the asion. Nheless, as if the person in question was nning to hide it, he hid his nibbling inside his sleeves and hid his chewing again.


    Currently, the most troublesome person was this guy, Rakan.


    It was fine if it was just that, but Rakan was staring at the head of the high official who was standing next to him, and, whatever was he thinking, gently plucked off their cor.


    For some reason, a clump of ck hair came along under the cor. Rakan looked dramatically surprised. About three high officials facing opposite them who could see the bald top of the officials head lost it.


    He did such a cruel thing. Even though it was a nicely made wig.


    At that childish action, there were those who smiled wryly, those who were shocked, those who were trying their utmost not to burst intoughter.


    It wasnt just Jinshi whose expression cracked.


    However, Jinshi couldnt afford to burst intoughter there. He somehow endured when he felt his expression was cracking and knelt on the red carpet.


    He held up the multicoloured roses towards the emperor, who nodded in satisfaction while stroking his beard.


    Jinshi stepped down from the back, holding back a big sigh.


    Rakan, while dramatically peeking into the rose vase, picked up raisins this time.


    Why does this guy cant help being rude? Jinshi couldnt help thinking.


    You mustnt go to the Crystal Pce again.


    A fair distance away from the banquet, Infa was letting Maomao rest on herp.


    Infa had stayed with Maomao the entire time out of concern.


    Consort Gyokuyou who was almost sure of her pregnancy postponed this times banquet. Officially, she handed over her seat for the Pure Consort, for Consort Rourans debut.


    There was a reason as to why Maomao got so skinny to the point of worrying Infa.


    Apparently, Maomao cant help getting over-worked when she goes to Crystal Pce.


    For a little over this month, Maomao visited the Crystal Pce again. She paid no heed to the maids of the Crystal Pce who were, as usual, treating her like they were looking at a monster.


    Nevertheless, Maomao needed toe here to make the blue roses. The arrangement was handled by Jinshi whom she asked for his consent.


    The ce left when Jinshi had requested for beforehand, the sauna of the Crystal Pce. It was something constructed at top speed for Maomao previously to cure Consort Rifa.


    Consort Rifa, as usual, was a nobledy, but it said she immediately gave her permission. Since she knew that there was a ce that was splendidly generous, she checked it out. Maomao thought it was bad to use it as it is,


    This is the emperors favourite book.


    She said, and handed over the book she newly ordered from the brothel the other day. It was because the emperor had asked for something different. When Consort Rifa realised its contents, she returned to her room, her steps graceful.


    Maomao, with an icy gaze, remembered the maids who were speaking furtively as they saw off that persons back.


    As if anyone would believe that she would bribe a nobledy with sort of thing.


    Even though she acquired the owner of the buildings humour, she constructed a hut in the garden for the steam from the steam bathroom to flow in. A strange structure withrge windows that were even in the ceiling. It used money like water, but since Jinshi paid it out of his own pocket, she paid no mind. At any rate, just how high was his sry?


    Rose pots were transported there. It wasnt just one or two. Several tens, no, over hundreds were brought in.


    Within the air that was warmed up by steam, she cultivated roses. She took them out as much as possible on clear days so they could get sunlight. On days cold like frost was still falling, she put water on heated stones and kept the hut continuously warm throughout the night.


    To speak of what Maomao was doing, she wanted to throw the roses off-kilter. Flowers bloom together with the season, but asionally for some reason, they would bloom off-season. In short, Maomao wanted to encourage off-season flowering.


    And so, she prepared arge quantity, not considering that all the pots had flower buds. Even the variety of flowers, she selected those that would bloom as early as possible and made sure the varieties were scattered.


    The period short to a little over a month, she didnt have proof of achievement, but how d was she when she saw the flowers budding?


    Above all, more than adding colour to flowers, getting the flowers to bud was much more difficult.


    Jinshi had sent in several eunuchs for her, but delicate things like temperature regtion were up to Maomao to perform. All the roses could be killed off with a mistake, and itll be curtains then.


    Sometimes, the maids of the Crystal Pce would loiter around, whether it be out of in curiosity or morbid curiosity. Because it was disheartening, she made sure to look towards other things.


    While thinking as to what to do, she was struck with an idea when she looked at her fingers.


    She painted rouge on her nails and rubbed it carefully with a cloth.


    Manicures weremon at the prostitution quarter, but it wasnt seen much at the inner pce. It would get in the way of work, but the maids who normally didnt do much work in the first ce got into it with great interest. She purposely gave them a quick look of her hands, and the maids went to their rooms to look for their own rouge.


    (This is convenient.)


    Thinking something slightly bad, she also rmended it to Consort Rifa.


    There are trends in the inner pce. And the trend leaders are usually the consorts who received favour. Even maidservants too, if they be the emperors mistress, they could be summoned as a consort. In that case, it wouldnt be strange for people to copy the woman that the emperor was interested in.


    Currently, it would be probably Consort Rouran who would be chosen as the most fashionable in the inner pce, but theres no way that she could be the starter of a trend with her changing that much frequently.


    When she returned to the Jade Pce for food tasting, she showed Consort Gyokuyou and the maids the manicure. Though Honnyan said it was inefficient, everyone else was very interested in it.


    (If only there are rose-balsam[note], Housen-flower. Impatiens balsamina, a flower historically used to make orange-ey coloured nail polish. Means Dont touch me in thenguage of flowers.[/note] and wood-sorrel[note], Katabami. Oxalis cornicta. Yellow flowers.This variety is actually called Creeping Woodsorrel, or sleeping beauty. Means Shining Heart in thenguage of flowers. A natural remedy with anti-inmmatory, detoxifying and paregoric properties.[/note].)


    Rose Balsam, which was also called Nail Red[note]tsumabeni[/note], and Wood-sorrel, which was also called Catfeet[note]nekoashi[/note], are crushed and mixed together and painted on nails. Wood-sorrel entuated the red colouring of Rose Balsam.


    When manicures were the trend for the courtdies of the inner pce, the buddings of the roses swelled out, and every one of them revealed white flower petals.


    All the roses that Maomao chose were white.


    Just what was that?


    Jinshi said when he came back after the roses were debuted. His brows were furrowed. Gaoshun, who was waiting at the back, was also looking with great interest.


    As Jinshis group told Infa that it was already fine, she went back. Officially, Maomao was Consort Gyokuyous attendant maid but she was still employed by Jinshi.


    I just dyed it.


    Dyed? No such thing. Theres nothing on the petals.


    Jinshi said, feeling the petals with his fingers.


    Its not on the outside. I dyed it from the inside.


    Maomao pulled out one stalk of rose. And put her fingers on the cut end. There was blue liquid on the stem of the blue rose.


    White roses left in coloured water. That was all it was.


    The colouring in the water was absorbed through the stem, dying the white petals. That was why any colour was not an issue since the roses would absorb the water. Just that, because the colour of the leaves be stained dark, when the flowers are arranged in the vase, all the flowers aside from the white ones are picked out.


    The roses look like they were all arranged in the same vase, but each of their stems were wrapped in cotton soaked in colour and fixed by oiled paper. There werent taken off until they were just about to be presented.


    It was quite a simplistic matter.


    The method being the method, there might be those guys who woulde with usations on something or other. To deal with that, she disclosed the secret of the trick to the emperor who visited the Jade Pcest night. It seems that anyone would be happy to be the first one to be taught the secret, they would listen to the exnation in high spirits no matter what they say.


    It appears that Jinshi withdrew before hearing the emperors talk.


    In other words, the blue roses that were seen before was because there was a leisurely person who got the roses to soak up blue water day after day.


    Maomao said while looking in the direction of the rose garden.


    Why is it that sort of thing again?


    Who knows. Perhaps they could have wanted a means to woo women?


    Maomao said coldly, taking out a long and narrow paulownia box from her bosom. It looked like the caterpir grass box but its contents were different. It was something she took the opportunity to fetch when the treasured book was brought over.


    How unusual.


    Jinshi peered in.


    Are you going to paint your nails?


    Yes. It doesnt suit me though.


    On her hands that were rough from medicines, poisons, and washing, the nail on her left pinkie was strangely crooked. Even if she painted it red, the crookedness wouldnt change. Such as it is, it was on the side where it became more decent.


    Since he was staring with interest, she ended up facing him again with the usual eyes like she was looking at fish that was floating on the surface of the water.


    (Bad, bad.)


    Maomao shook her head. If she minded this much, shell be worn out for what happens after. She still had work left to do.


    Gaoshun-sama. About the thing I requested from you.


    Yes, I did it is as you said.


    Thank you very much.


    He set the stage for her. The rest was just to scare the hell out of that nasty guy.


    T/N: Why the details on those two flowers? Figured I do it now rather thanter. Take note of them :

 Volume 2, Chapter 16: Manicure

    Like irony, the multicoloured roses amassed the attention of the banquet.


    Rakan beheld at it in a daze. Affected by the excessively sleepy music, he had picked up someones cor unaware and a clump of hair hade along with it.


    Oh dear, Rakan thought, leaving it on the next table. When he did so, the official next to him hastily put it on. Rakan wasnt sure, but he somehow had a feeling that he was being stared at. For now, he took off his monocle, wiped the surface with a cloth and wore it on a different eye this time.


    The roses were ced in the middle of the banquet.


    The look of it, like it was showing off, was as if it was showing the detestable personality of the arranger.


    He remembered that he once had a banquet. A wavering shawl of thin silk. The flowing reverberation of strings. Being treated to a full course, enveloped by the smell of alcohol.


    Meaningless things from long ago are truly unmemorable. He remembered being there, but the emotions from that time werepletely out of reach.


    The banquet was over by the time he came around. The two consorts d in ck and blue outfits were each being bestowed roses that signified their colours from the emperor.


    He wasnt sure, but from all the voices around him, they were beauties.


    Things like the facial beauty didnt matter to him at all.


    At any rate, it was boring. Did she note?


    He didnt know for what reason he provoked her.


    Since theres no helping it, lets go poke fun at a different person. Lets go look for revenge.


    He looked around. There were still a lot of people left. He was bad with crowds.


    He could only see most people as go stones. He could distinguish between genders, but he saw men as ck stones and women as white stones. Moreover, he could only see them as indistinguishable generic faces.


    Even people from the military he was acquainted with could only change to shogi pieces at most. Most of them ordinary soldiers were pawns, and as they rise in rank they be spear or knight. The job of a tactician was simple; it was better to deploy them in correspondence to their piece. Most battles are won with the right person in the right ce.


    It wasnt difficult, but Rakans job will be over if he did only just that. Even if he assigned it ipetently, his surroundings will arbitrarily end his job for him. There you go, Rakan thought.


    Although everyone admired the man that had a celestial maidens smile, he himself didnt understand. The gold general that was followed by the promoted silver he would have no problem if he looked for just that.


    He was used to looking for people like that.


    Nevertheless, his eyes hurt more than usual today. The red caught his eyes. Everyone had rouge on their fingers.


    Was the thing called manicure the current trend of the courtdies?


    The nails that he recalled in his memories wasnt such a gaudy red. It was a lightly dyed red. It was the red of rose balsam.


    When the nostalgic name of the prostitute suddenly came to mind, a short courtdy was projected before his eyes.


    Small and thin, but determined, a daughter that was like wood-sorrel.


    Hollow eyes faced this way.


    When he became aware of his own staring, she turned to her back as if to saye along.


    On the opposite side of the peony garden, a shogi board wasid out in a small gazebo. There was a paulownia box on top of the board. Inside was a withered rose that wasid down like a corpse.


    Will you be my opponent?


    Picking up the shogi pieces, the girl asked in monotone. The gold general and the promoted silver was standing close by.


    He shouldnt have any reason to decline. If it is his cute daughters request.


    Rakan disyed a wide grin.


    Just what did she want to do?


    Jinshi was here, ignoring Maomaos words to go back if he could. Maomao seemed deeply reluctant but relented on the terms of him saying absolutely nothing at all.


    Having invited the tactician, Maomao lined up the shogi pieces. Her face waspletely nk of emotions her normal unsociability still had the touch of humanity. Sometimes she looked like she was scratching the back of her hand, but would she even be bitten by a bug?


    First move, second move, which one is it going to be?


    It is clear that he was utterly delighted from the thin eyes inside Rakans monocle. Because he was that tenacious, wasnt that a given?


    Before that, shall we decide the rules and price of the bet?


    Maomao proposed.


    That will save me some time.


    Jinshi peered at the board from behind Maomao. Rakan faced him an ominous smile, but there was no way she would lose. He returned him a graceful smile.


    A best-of-five match with no irregrities. In other words, you win when you win three games.


    Jinshi couldnt understand. The tactician never lost in shogi. For starters, the game chosen was a mistake.


    What was Maomao thinking?


    Gaoshun seemed to share the same sentiments; the furrows on his brows were even deeper.


    I wonder what pieces you need. Rook or bishop?


    Rakan said.


    I dont need anything.


    Maomao didnt ept the long-awaited proposal either. You shouldve just epted it meekly, Jinshi thought.


    Well then, if I win, youll be my child.


    Jinshi was going to voice his objection to that proposal but he was stopped by Gaoshun from the back. He had promised to say nothing at all.


    Since Im in the middle of employment, itll be after the end of the term of service.


    Employment?


    The fox-like eyes stared this way. Jinshi, smiling, had to keep his cheeks from stiffening.


    Are you really employed?


    Rakan said to make sure.


    Yes. It was recorded in the document that way.


    It was like that. It was written like so in the document that Maomao saw. But it happened that the one who signed it was the madam who substituted for the guardian. She had snatched away the brush from the man that was like Maomaos father.


    Thats fine then. Leaving that aside, what about you?


    Looking doubtful, Rakan said.


    I dont need anything. However, is it alright if I change two things after the rules?


    I dont have a problem with that.


    In that case.


    Maomao took out the wine bottle she got Gaoshun to prepare beforehand. She poured equally into five cups. It seemed to be strong distilled liquor from the scent.


    Next, she unwrapped the medicine she took out from her bosom and added in the powder with a rustle. She added what seemed to be different powders into three cups. Maomao swirled the cups, mixing that, and quickly shifted the five cups around. It is no longer clear which one is which.


    Every time you lose a game, you drink what the opponent chooses. It doesnt matter whether you sip it or however you wish.


    He had an extremely unpleasant premonition. Why was that? Jinshi went around the sides from behind Maomao It seems like her expressionless face was slightly flushed. Her cheeks were eased like she was having fun.


    You can take for granted what it means when she makes that face.


    What in the world were the powders you added just then? He wanted to ask but he couldnt. He was irritated at himself for that.


    What were the powders you added just then?


    Rakan asked for Jinshi.


    Its medicine. On its own.


    If all three are put together, it bes a deadly poison.


    The odd girl simply said it with a smile. And then.


    If you forfeit the game for any reason whatsoever, you lose. These two rules, please.


    Maomao said that as she swirled the cups with medicine in it.


    The pinky on her left hand that was painted red was crooked.


    Rakan eyed at that finger.


    Jinshi could only think of heartless things. Though it wasnt a problem if you dont drink three cups, it still wasnt something you would simply want to put in your mouth.


    Was it to shake up the opponent? Certainly, a normal opponent would be shaken from that. But the opponent was the tactician who was called a weirdo. He didnt think that that guys mind would be thrown into disarray from a mere shaking up.


    As expected, Maomao lost two times in a row. Contrary to expectations, she had some knowledge, but it seems like as far as knowing the rules, she hadcked actual experience.


    She had already finished off two cups of alcohol. And yet, she drunk it as if it was delicious.


    Just what in the world was she thinking, he thought.


    The third match had only just begun, and yet the end could be seen.


    He thought of the possibility of getting poisoned by drinking the third cup. The likelihood of choosing a poisoned cup at the start was five to three, the next would be four to two, and thest would be three to one. In short, with the possibility of ten to one, Maomao would ingest deadly poison.


    Honestly speaking, thinking that if its Maomao, she would have no problems even getting poisoned, was scary.


    He didnt know if Rakan knew that much though.


    Well, while thinking about what happens after losing to the bet, when he exchanged nces with Gaoshun,


    Checkmate.


    He heard a voice.


    It wasnt Rakans, it was Maomaos.


    He exchanged nces with Gaoshun, looked at the board, and the gold general was hunted by a promoted pawn. It was by such a terribly shoddy piece, but the gold general was certainly blocked off.


    Im beat.


    Raising both hands, Rakan was brought to his knees.


    Even if its mercy, a victory is a victory.


    Maomao said to make sure.


    Yeah, theres no way my daughter will ever offer me poison.


    Maomao, who had drunk two cups just then, did not change her expression. There was no knowing of whether there was poison or not in what she had drunk.


    Rakan gave a joking smile and regarded his expressionless daughter.


    Do the medicines have a taste to it?


    Youll know with a sip. They are all bitter.


    I get it now. Pick one for me?


    Help yourself to whichever.


    So thats how it is, Rakan was nning to lose after two rounds. And he would know that Maomao wouldnt be harmed if even one was bitter. The likelihood wont change, but this was certain.


    He really has a cunning man.


    Rakan picked up the cup in the middle and drank it.


    Its bitter.


    Jinshi hung his head. With this, Maomao wouldnt win the next match.


    When Jinshi was thinking about what to do with the next match.


    Also, its hot.


    He raised his head from Rakans words. The mans face waspletely red. His head was bobbing from side to side. And then, hisplexion went down gradually, copsing limply the moment he turned pale.


    Gaoshun ran up to Rakan to wake him up.


    What the hell was that? Didnt you say that those were medicines that would be fine on its own?


    To really serve up poison no matter hateful it was? Jinshi asked as though he was interrogating her.


    No, its a medicine.


    Maomao said like she was utterly annoyed. She picked up a nearby pitcher and approached Gaoshun and Rakan.


    After confirming that Rakan wasnt in a dead sleep after forcing his eyes open, she shoved the pitcher into his mouth and poured in the water. Quite a violent way of doing things.


    Jinshi-sama.


    Gaoshun looked on with a bewildered face.


    He seems to be drunk.


    Its the chief of all medicines[note]Alcohol lol[/note] after all.


    Maomaos nursing was so unbothered she only checked to see if he finallye to. It seems she ended up doing it solely because it was her job as a doctor.


    Cant hold his liquor, this man.


    He finally understood Maomaos intent with that one statement.


    T/N: lets try get this arc finished by the end of this week. The next arc is so close yet so far orz


    Manicure, nail rouge(direct trantion lol) or nail polish?


    Also, should Ibel the perspective changes or is it clear enough?

 Volume 2, Chapter 17: Rose Balsam And Wood Sorrel

    Old memories resurface. In the middle of the scene that had a countless number of ck and white, only there was it dyed in pale red. Within his field of vision, much fuzzier than other people, only there was it shining brilliantly.


    Holding onto go stones, holding onto shogi pieces, the red nails on those fingers gleamed.


    Her specialty, her movements so sure, so efficient, everyone would raise both hands in surrender. That was the haughty woman who gazed at him impassively, the prostitute called Fenshen[note], Feng Xian[/note].


    He had headed to the brothel to socialise, but he was honestly fine with anything. He didnt drink, didnt get the appeal of erhu or dance. No matter how prettily they dressed up, he could only see white painted go stones.


    He had been like that since a long time ago.


    He couldnt tell apart peoples faces. But that became preferable. To say nothing of getting his mother and nursing mother wrong, he couldnt tell apart men or women either.


    His father said that he was worthless like this, so he went to his young mistress. His mother didnt care about a child who couldnt distinguish her own face and schemed to bring back her husband who had run away with a lover through any means possible.


    Due to that, though he was the eldest child of a distinguished family by birth, it was fortunate that he was able to live uninhibited. He gotpletely absorbed into go and shogi that he learned from his studies, inclined his ear towards gossip, and sometimes carried out petty pranks.


    Even the blue rose that was bloomed in the imperial court, he tried to make it from hearing his uncle. Only his uncle, who was excellent but clumsy, understood him.


    He was told to remember people not by their face, but their voice and bearing, their physiques. He could easily get it by adapting shogi pieces to familiar people. Eventually, people he had no interest in became go stones, and people who eventually became close to him were shogi pieces like faces he could see.


    When he saw his uncle as the promoted rook, he was reaffirmed that he really was a superior man.


    When he heard that such an uncle went to study abroad in the West, he didnt understand how much lonely he would be. Just that, there are now fewer people around him who could understand him.


    He never thought he could manifest his own talent in the go and shogi he spent a prolonged time ying.


    Owing to his parentage, even though he had no military talent, him suddenly defeating the chief was good fortune. Even if he was weak, if he didnt squander his subordinates, the money wille. There is no mistaking that when people became pieces for shogi, it is the most interesting game.


    As he continued his non-losing streak in game or in work, he was rmended by his spiteful associates and was arranged to have a showdown with a prostitute from the rumours. The Fenshen who never lost from the brothel, and the him who never lost from the military.


    No matter who loses. It would be interesting to the spectators.


    After all, he was a frog in the well.


    As if she was cutting away the him who thought in such a way, Fenshen won against him. She may be holding onto a white stone, she may be starting second, the difference between her formation was overwhelming. Those elegantly manicured fingers, magnificent, crushed her opponents pride.


    How long has it been since he lost? More than chagrin, he even remembered the refreshingness of that merciless wound. Was he being made light of? He couldnt stomach that. She said not one word, he got that from her cold bearing.


    Then he found himself doubled over,ughing. Everyone fell into an uproar at the strangeness of it.


    Tears in his eyes, when he looked at the face of the merciless prostitute, what he saw was not the usual white go stone but the mien of a sullen woman. Like her name, like the rose balsam, like she would burst open if she was touched, she looked at him with eyes that would keep people away.


    Do people make that kind of face?


    That was the moment he first recognised something obvious.


    Fenshen whispered into the ear of the kamuro who was waiting beside her. The little girl briskly returned with a shogi board.


    Not letting him hear the voice of the first face he saw, the haughty prostitute wordlessly proposed the next match.


    He wont lose the next match.


    Lifting up his sleeves, he lined the pieces on the board.


    Just earnestly ying go and shogi over and over again, how many years did they continue their trysts? However, the frequency of that gradually decreased.


    Talented prostitutes restrict their sales to be popr to some extent. Fenshen was one of those too.


    Although she wasnt suited to all tastes with her formidable interaction despite being intelligent, it seems she catered to a type of strange tastes. She waspletely for people with strange taste.


    Her price was also lifted. He scarcely met her once every three months.


    When he went to the brothel after a long time, her face unsociable as usual, she was painting her nails. There were a red rose balsam flower and a small grass on the tray.


    When he asked what that was, she answered Catfeet. Apparently, it was also used in herbal medicine and was effective for detoxification and insect bites. Amusingly, just like rose balsam, apparently, it actually shoots off seeds when you touch it once its ripened.


    As he was going to try touch it this time, picking up the yellow flowers to look,


    When shall be the next time youe?


    Fenshen asked. How unusual. She was a woman who only sent standard promotional letters but.


    In another three months.


    I understand.


    Fenshen got her kamuro to put away the nail polish, and began lining up the shogi pieces.


    It was the time he heard about Fonshens redeeming talk. Other than having noints on the prostitutes value, it was just that he couldnt stomach that the peoplepeting for her had raised her price.


    Although he was promoted as a military officer, he whose position as heir was snatched away by his half-brother didnt have the money to contend.


    What do?


    Suddenly, a terrible idea sprang into his mind, but he immediately extinguished it. It was something he mustnt do.


    Three monthster at the brothel, Fenshen was sitting with two boards, go and shogi, set up before her.


    The very first thing she said.


    Shall we make a bet for a change?


    If you win, Ill award you what you like.


    If I win, Ill receive what I like.


    Please choose the board you like.


    He had a better chance of sess for shogi. But he sat before the go board.


    Fenshen, saying she wanted to concentrate on the match, got the little girls to retire.


    Afterwards, while not knowing who was winning, when he realised, their hands had ovepped.


    There were no tender words, nothing from Fenshen. He too was in a sense not that kind of person. Would that make them simr people?


    But, Fenshen muttered, I want to y go, in his arms.


    Even though he was thinking he wanted to y shogi.


    The unfortunate thing was probably what came after.


    The uncle he was close to lost his standing. He was a clumsy person as usual. Father spoke ill of him as a disgrace. Although it wasnt as far as he was harmed by his family, he who was influenced by his uncle seemed to be displeasing, and so he was ordered to campaign and told to note back for a while.


    It was fine to ignore him, but thatll probably be a problem in the distant future.


    His father, the military officer, was his parent and at the same also his boss.


    After he returned in around half a year, he had great difficulty sending a letter to the brothel.


    It was after the time the redeeming talk was broken off when he received the letter. He made nothing of it, thinking it was still fine.


    He didnt think that it would take three years when he returned.


    When he returned home, there was a mountain of letters left carelessly in his dusty room. The tied up branch hadpletely withered, letting him feel the passing years.


    He looked towards one of the letters on the pile for some reason, it had signs of being opened. The standard letter he was used to seeing was there. However, on the corner of that letter, there was some dark red stain on it. He nced at the half-opened pouch that was close by. There were dark red stains on that too.


    Upon opening it, there were two things wrapped in dirty paper twigs or y or something, he had no idea. One was very small. When he picked it up, he felt like he was going to crush it.


    When he identified that there was something attached to the end of the small twig, he finally realised what it was.


    He had ten of those on his hands. He was too slow to realise.


    Pinky promise. He heard that curse was popr.


    He rewrapped the two small twigs, returned it into the pouch and put it away in his breast pocket. Then he was flying towards the prostitution quarter on a fast horse.


    At the brothel of his close friend, evidently more run-down that before, there were merely people that he could only see as go stones. That woman who was like rose balsam wasnt there. He understood the person who was hitting him with the broom was the madam from her voice.


    Fenshen was dead.


    After being abandoned by tworge patrons, with her reputation fallen, her credence dropped to rock bottom, the prostitute had no other path left than to take in guests like a streetwalker.


    It was something you would get if you think a little. But for him, who only had go and shogi in his mind, it wasnt an answer he could reach.


    He could only just grovel on the ground. Even if he wailed without care of peoples eyes, time does not return.


    For just about everything, the short-sighted him was to me.


    Clutching his still throbbing head, Rakan got up from the bed. He recognised the simple room. He was in the military nap room that he asionally used when he was skipping out.


    Since his daughter was guzzling it down, he didnt think the wine was that strong. Rakan didnt know what type of wine it was. His throat burned with just a gulp of it.


    There was a pitcher of water close by. He filled up a bowl and drank. An acrid bitterness spread in his mouth, and he ended up vomiting. It was probably hangover medicine, but he sensed spite in the way it was done.


    There was a paulownia box by the pitcher.


    It was something he sent with a letter as a spoil from a prank a long time ago. He didnt know it can be preserved in this form even when its withered.


    He recalled the daughter who was like wood-sorrel, like catfeet.


    After that, he knocked on the doors of the Rokushoukan many times, and every time he was chastised by the madam. There is no baby, hurry up and leave. He would be hit by a broom. A truly terrifying olddy.


    When he slumped down to the floor, bleeding from his temples, there was a child picking something next to him. The grass that grew on the side of the building had yellow flowers. Something he remembered.


    When he asked the child what she was doing, she answered that she was doing medicine. The face he should be seeing as a go stone, was, for some reason, a child with an unsociable face.


    The child, grasping the grass with both hands, ran off. The ce she ran to, there was an old man with a staggering gait. He would normally see that face as a go stone, but he was a shogi piece. Moreover, it wasnt a pawn or a knight. It was a big piece, a promoted rook.


    He realised who opened the dirty pouch, the letter that had been opened once.


    Ruomen was there, his uncle who was long lost after being banished from the inner pce.


    He called the child who tagged behind him like a little chick, who was holding on the catfeet, Maomao.


    Rakan took out the dirty pouch from his breast pocket. It was greatly worn out from being carried around constantly. There should be two small twigs like things wrapped in paper inside it.


    Maomaos ying hand was awkward. The reason could be that she wasnt familiar with shogi, but the other thing he understood was on her left hand. When he looked at the nails that was painted red, only the pinky was crooked.


    Theres no point regretting. Theres nothing he could about it.


    Nevertheless, he wanted to be close by.


    He was done with a life where he was only surrounded by go stones and shogi pieces.


    For that, he mustered his strength. Snatched the family headship from his father, drove out his half-brother and won over his nephew as his adopted son.


    He negotiated with the madam many times. He finished paying for the reparations twice-fold in ten years.


    He told the kamuro who are now called the Three Princesses and his uncle to respect Maomaos will.


    Unfortunately, Rakan, who didnt excel in reading peoples feelings, continued to act in ways thatpletely backfired on him.


    Rakan returned the pouch to his breast pocket.


    Lets give up this time. This time.


    With his persistent nature, theres no way hes going to give up.


    Also, more than anything, he couldnt stand the man who was standing next to his daughter. Wasnt he too close? During the match, he touched his daughters shoulders three times. It was a good feeling when he got brushed off each time though.


    Well then, what shall he do for revenge?


    Rakan thought as he took the pitcher and drank up the acrid medicine. Although, no matter how disgusting, it was no mistaking this was his daughters handiwork.


    Cleaning the bugs off the flower, let think of just that for now.

 Volume 2, Chapter 18: Papa

    (Im so tired.)


    It really is tiring to y with an unfamiliar opponent, Maomao reasserted. She was in the middle of staggering back after sending that dead-drunk fox-eyed man to the nap room.


    Since Jinshi and Gaoshun had other engagements, they had arranged a different official to apany her along the way. He was the official who went with her during the recent namasu incident. It seems his name isBasen. After meeting him several times, she finally remembered.


    Though this official was unsociable, he did his job reliably, so it wasforting. If herpanion didnt want to speak, Maomao had no need to force conversations with him.


    We really dont get along. I really cant acknowledge him at all, Maomao thought.


    Maomao thought after meeting that man again.


    Even if she didnt bear anything like malice towards him as well.


    As she staggered on, Maomao bore witness to a gorgeous group. In the middle of the group where courtdies were hoisting up arge parasol, dressed in a beautiful outfit, was Consort Rouran.


    .


    She heard someone click their tongue next to her. Basen was watching that group with narrowed eyes. For some reason, he looked displeased.


    She looked to see what was up. There was a plump official who was standing over there. He was nked by two men who seemed to be adjutants and followed by several people at the back. Amidst that group, there was a face she somewhat recognised.


    (Is that?)


    There were two imperial courtdies among them. One of them was part of the group that had called out to Maomaost time. It was the tall courtdy who didnt interfere, standing at the back.


    Maomaos gaze rested on her for a moment, but it shouldnt be something for her to particrly worry about. It wasnt strange for courtdies in the imperial court to belong to some faction.


    When Rouran saw the plump man, she held a fan over her lips and started to speak to him familiarly.


    Even though there were maids around them, she wondered if it was fine for them to talk so familiarly but,


    Damn ck-bellied father and daughter.


    Having heard that sinister mutter, I see now, Maomao got it. Is that Rourans father who pressured the inner pce? ording to rumours, she heard that, as the senior statesman from the time of the previous emperor, he was a pain in the neck for the current emperor who ruled by merit.


    Even so, Maomao looked at Basen. While it was true that they were in a ce where only Maomao who could hear him. Stop badmouthing the high official, she thought. Hypothetically, if someone heard it, they wouldnt help thinking that those words were inconceivable whileconversing with Maomao.


    (Hes still inexperienced huh.)


    Maomao thought when she looked at the young man who seemed to be around the same age as her.


    (At any rate.)


    He really looks a bit like someone, she thought.


    It was decided that she went to Jinshis building, not returning to the inner pce tonight.


    I was so sure you hated him.


    Jinshi who returned before her was waiting.


    About who?


    Maoamo was slurping on some porridge that Suiren prepared. It was bad manners to talk while eating, but recovering the nutrients she lost at the Crystal Pce took precedence. Seeing Maomao who lost weight during the brief period she didnt see her, Suiren kept cooking more food than just porridge.


    Here as well, just like the Jade Pce, maids were not limited to the jobs they do.


    Jinshi, while crossing his arms, opened his mouth nervously.


    Ra.


    Please dont mention him!!


    So you really do hate him, Jinshi looked sullen.


    Resentment and hate look simr but its quite different, Maomao thought.


    I dont resent him. I am here thanks to him knocking her up sessfully.


    Knock


    Cant you say it differently? Jinshi looked at her in shock.


    (Even if you put it that way.)


    Its true so theres no helping it.


    I dont know what youre imagining, but prostitutes dont fall pregnant without their consent.


    All prostitutes continuously drink contraceptives or abortion drugs. Even if they conceive, there are various ways to abort in the early stages.


    This means that she had intended to give birth.


    Rather, wouldnt it be more that she had nned for it?


    Women can predict the times they can easily conceive to a certain extent if they read their menstrual cycles. As for prostitutes, they can change the visits to a convenient date through letters.


    With the tactician?


    Jinshi said while holding on a dim sum that Suiren brought to him.


    Women are sly beings.


    And so, when her aim went off the mark, she lost control of herself. Not sparing herself to the extent of even hurting herself, and not just that.


    The dream she saw a couple of days ago. That really happened.


    Not satisfied with just her own, she included the babys pinky and sent the letter.


    No one talked about the prostitute who gave birth to Maomao to her at the brothel. She understood that the madam had forbidden them to talk about it. But it leaked because she was slightly curious from the atmosphere around that matter.


    That the reason the Rokushoukan went bankrupt was due to Maomao.


    That the weirdo who loved go and shogi was the father.


    Jinshi-sama, did that man talk to you in ces aside from your office?


    Jinshi tilted his head.


    Now that you mention it, I dont think so.


    Jinshi said that whenever they passed each other in the hallways, he was only acknowledged with a simple nod. That the only time he was spoken to persistently was when he was sitting in his office.


    There are asionally people who cant recognise peoples faces. That man is like that.


    Maomao spoke of what she heard from her dad. Maomao was honestly half-doubting about whether that kind of thing does exist, but if that man was that, she felt she could understand.


    He cant recognise it?


    Yes. Somehow. Because of that, he seems to recognise people from parts aside from their faces.


    Dad had said it with a sad expression. That he is also a pitiful guy. Even so, though dad thought in his way, he didnt stop the madam from hitting and chasing that guy away with the broom.


    For some reason, it looks like he can properly recognise my foster-father and me. So that seems to be the reason he is that oddly attached to us.


    One day, a strange man who appeared out of nowhere suddenly tried to take her away. The madam appearing, hitting him with a broom, and seeing his appearance that was now covered in blood, had inspired fear in a childs mind. If someone with a bloody face extended a quivering hand at you while smiling grossly, anyone would be scared.


    He appeared many times after that, doing unexpected things, leaving covered in blood. Because of that, her personality gradually became one who wasnt surprised by most things.


    He insisted that he was her father, but to Maomao, her father was Dad, not that weirdo. If you considered his role, he was just a sperm donor.


    He will try to be her father; brush aside Ruomen, who was her dad. That was impossible. That was one thing she wont ever give up.


    The woman who gave birth to Maomao and troubled everyone in the brothel was dead. It had nothing to do with Maomao. It wasnt just that mans responsibility. Above all, she didnt have memories of the dead woman herself. Even if she did, those werent memories of a mother at all. They were memories of a terrifying witch.


    She may hate him, but she didnt resent him. Those were the feelings that Maomao had towards Rakan.


    Even if he was someone she didnt like, she didnt harbour the feeling called hate. Given that, more or less, she became disposed to interact with him in a way that went too far though.


    Maomao lifted her left hand, and looked at the tip of her pinky.


    Jinshi-sama, did you know?


    Know what?


    Even if you cut off the tip of your finger, you can grow it back. If its just the tip.


    , Is that something you say while eating?


    Unusually, Jinshi looked at her with narrowed eyes. The usual positions hadreversed.


    Well then, one more thing.


    What?


    If that monocle said to you, Call me Papa, how would you feel?


    Jinshi froze for a moment; his entire face was unusually displeased. Oh my, Suiren, seeing that, pped her hand over her mouth.


    Ill want to crush his sses.


    Thought so.


    Jinshi, looking like he understood what Maomao was trying to say, muttered, Fathers must have it hard.


    Gaoshun who was waiting next to him was wafting sorrow for some reason. Is something wrong?


    Whats the matter?


    When Maomao asked, Gaoshun looked up to the ceiling.


    No, please think that there are no fathers in the world who would be hated by the ones they love.


    He said seriously.


    (Oh dear.)


    For now, Maomao, spoon in her mouth, decided to polish off the remaining porridge.


    T/N: and here I was, thinking that I was going to finish the arc this week orz


    Well, I have no time next week, so Ill be holding the final chapter hostage until Im back the week after next. ??

 Volume 2, Epilogue: A Certain Military Official’S Question

    With an unmotivated face, Rihaku was gazing down at the flickeringnterns from the top of the castle. Party at noon, party also at night the main party was the night one.


    Whoa, that looks fun hey.


    His subordinate who was sitting next to him remarked. Though he was still a kid who had only attained manhood, despite being a trainee, him passing the exam as it is to be a military officer was a testament to his skill. He is worth poking fun, I mean, training, among those who entered this year, Rihaku thought.


    Rihaku was staying in the castle tonight. Military officers make sure that there are a fixed number of them inside the castle. It wasnt really required of him now to go out of his way to keep watch outside with his promotion, but since desk jobs arent his style, he is thus watching over the neer.


    The official party was held from morning to afternoon, but you could say that people were waiting for the real fun at night afterwards. Of course, the ones doing that were the merry-loving high officials. The high officials live in the high-ss residential area in the north of the capital. Several among those wererge, but the lights could be clearly seen from the top of the castle walls, looking like they were having fun without regarding for the price of oil.


    No way thats fun.


    Not really, though Rihaku had apanied his boss to several parties too. The fun part was just for a portion of those officials who could get festive with the wine. For the underlings, that was a ce where they had to worry about the high officials.


    Even so, whats preferable to Rihaku was based on thepany. No, its because of thepany that was probably why he didnt enjoy it. Rihaku was called to the party of the chief retainer of the military, who was called Rakan, yet an entric and famous man. If you get called to that mans house to speak about what goes on there youre going to a talent show[note]Think Japanese game shows.[/note].


    Thanks to that, Rihaku, whose beard was thin, had to put on womans clothes, and dance with his face painted with white paint and red rouge. His body was perfectly built at the time so it must be surely weird.


    However, it was also the truth that he is in his current position because of that. Rihakus father was a district official, equivalent to being a military officer in the royal capital with no backing. While his boss whose ability was clearly lower than him became a superior officer from just his pedigree, as soon as that Rakan saw that man at the banquet, he carefully picked up a brush and advised him to be a civil officer.


    Though thinking What is this suddenly, the superior officer really left the military the next day. Because it was said that that man has now promoted as a civil officer, he thought it was even more What?


    Afterwards, Rihaku taking up the superior officers position was also from the rmendation of the man called Rakan.


    Not knowing what the person himself is thinking, on top of that annoying character, he only had an eye for people that left behind this result.


    In Rakans case, if he was like that in other banquets, it would no doubt be a meeting of racoons that are hiding its craftiness.*


    Though the burning smell was a bother, where could the source of the fire be?[note]Another interpretation: who/what was the source of the suspicion.[/note]


    That saying, Rihaku folded his finger while leaning against the wall.


    First was the small fire at the warehouse.


    Maomao had called it an ident, but Rihaku was strangely apprehensive. He was still holding onto the ivory pipe that he kept in custody for Maomao from that time.


    It was Rihakus secret that he still has a small bald spot due to the burn from that time. Ill absolutely let Pairin stroke it next time I go to the Rokushoukan, he made an iprehensible vow.


    Next were the guys I came across at the bar.


    What could they be doing, those people? In the end, he passed the day without knowing anything. Rihaku has been stuck always with not being about to recall the people he encountered that time.


    And one more thing.


    The attempted poisoning of the official huh.


    At first it was handled as a mere food poisoning case, but it became a trivialmotion. It was a high official with a connection with the military; Rihaku was also acquainted with him. That officials younger brother was thrown into prison a few days ago. It was unfortunate that the perpetrator was a rtive.


    Perhaps the treatment of the poisoning was toote, in the end, though he kept his life, he became a cripple. It was said that he couldnt handle his work like he used to. At the same time, the official who did the same job, while pulling out his hair saying, What should I do, remembered that he denounced his subordinate. It seemed to be quite an important matter.


    The high officials younger brother blurted out something strange huh, Rihaku thought. Set-up or what, it could be anyone in prison who could im innocence. And as the prison was in the basement of the military, even Rihaku hade across the criminal many times.


    Its few if you say its few. Its a lot if you say its a lot. It was something Rihaku was interested in recently.


    Rihaku bragged that his intuition was quite good, and was confident that it will be helpful after this. Thats why he didnt have to overthink and remembered this on a whim.


    Thus, he thought theres nothing he could do no matter what he considered.


    Rihaku cracked his neck, yawning. When he did so, he noticed he is going to end up falling asleep.


    Well, Im heading back.


    Ehh, youre going back already? Stay a little longer hey.


    As if anyone would think staying with a rascal is fun.


    After saying just that, he was going to go downstairs and head to the nap room.


    As he did so.


    There was someone running noisily on the stone-paved hallway. While saying Come quickly in a panicked voice, a man d in white official robes was leading. That was probably the medical officer.


    Whats up?


    Rihaku asked while running alongside the men.


    For a moment, the man looked extremely annoyed, but when he checked the jade and the colour of the tassel on the jade pendant hanging from Rihakus waist, he whispered to him.


    Th-the criminal. He copsed while frothing at the mouth.


    After saying that, he forcibly tugged the medical officer who looked like he was going to copse, and continued to descend the stairs down to the basement.


    Rihaku stopped in his tracks and scratched the back of his head in disbelief.


    Frothing at the mouth huh.


    He could only think it was suspicious no matter how he thought about it.


    Imperial Court 1 END


    T/N: I think we have enough clues to know who might be the perpetrator.


    Theres also Character Introduction 2 after this, which should be released a minute after this chapter. I left in the names of the characters as they appear in Japanese (edited the first character intro to reflect that too), since they might prove useful for somethingter on.


    Volume 2 was kinda like an introduction to the Imperial Court; it goes more in-depth after this. More on the country and the ns if you will. Well, the stage for volume 3 is now set. All the characters are in ce. Ahh, its gonna be so exciting 45 chapters though orz


    As usual, thanks for reading, guys! o/ments are great If you see any wonky grammar or mistrans, dont hesitate to let me know :>


    But first, Im gonna take another week off to start the new arc in a new month~ not because Imzy (^^)*:

 Volume 2, Character Introduction 2

    Volume 2 Spoilers


    Ah Duo


    Thirty-five years. The emperors consort from the time he was the crown prince, his milk-sibling. A beauty who looks good in male clothes. Currently stepped down from the seat of the Four Consorts, and is now residing in the imperial vi. The former Pure Consort.


    Joga


    One of the Three Princesses of the Rokushoukan. Maomaos older sister counterpart.


    Meimei


    One of the Three Princesses of the Rokushoukan. Maomaos older sister counterpart.


    Suiren


    Jinshis former wet nurse. A middle-aged courtdy.


    Consort Rouran


    Eighteen years old, the Pure Consort after Ah Duo. Her father is the Prime Minister, a person well-regarded since the era of the previous emperor. Her clothing tastes are diverse. Looks like a different person every time you meet her.


    Shishou


    The Prime Minister. Rourans father. A plump and cunning man.


    Basen


    Gaoshuns youngest child. Diligent in his job and unsociable.


    Rakan


    Tactician. Maomaos father. Forties. A fox-eyed weirdo who wears a monocle. Cant drink. In exchange for being unable to distinguish between other peoples faces, he has the insight to ascertain their role/purpose.


    Fenshen


    Prostitute. Maomaos mother. Deceased.


    ...

 Volume 3, Chapter 1: Master

    Volume 3: Imperial Court 2


    Together with the door sliding open, the person who entered the room gave a big sigh.


    Wee back.


    Gaoshun slowly inclined his head. He regarded the young man who seemed to be wearing a costume. Slumped shoulders, a downtrodden face, and bangs that had grown to cover his expression.


    Gaoshun closed the door. There were people outside who had followed as adjutant on behalf of Gaoshun.


    The same time the door closed with a click, the young man with the wretched appearance smoothly set back his shoulders. He brushed his hair aside, revealing a beautiful face. He had applied some makeup to alter his face, but it was still surprising that he was able to change that much.


    A beautiful young man, Jinshi was there.


    No, this wasnt the man called Jinshi. He looks like apletely different person, Gaoshun reminded himself.


    They were not in the building they usually used it was several times more superior. The people who could enter were extremely restricted. Even Gaoshun made sure he entered via the rear entrance. His robes werent the official robes he usually wore it was something a little more refined.


    Shall I prepare for your bath? Yeah, Ill leave it to you.


    Gaoshun implored his master who wasnt in his usual robes. Up until some time ago, his master was with the emperor and several high officials.


    His master loosened the cor of the robes he wasnt ustomed to wearing, and reclined onto the couch. Suiren, the middle-aged courtdy, presented some chilled fruit juice to her listless master.


    He got the manservant to prepare the bath. The man had served them from a long time ago, someone like Suiren who had known the master since he was young. With this man included, the number of people here could be counted on one hand. Even though he had him fill-up the hot water, it should take a little while.


    As expected, it was an issue I cannot avoid.


    His master wasnt asking Gaoshun. Gaoshun didnt offer a reply, knowing that he could only be speaking to himself.


    It was on the evil practices. Of the inner pce that has be overly enormous.


    The inner pce of the previous emperor had exceeded five thousand courtdies. The current one had not even half of that. Since the numbers continued to drop year after year.


    Despite that, half of what there is now would be much more reasonable. Even less would be fine. Even the emperor agreed.


    There was a certain girl who was said to have met with courtdy hunters, but that was all bad timing. The courtdy recement was implemented at the same period as Consort Riishus marriage.


    It was good that the current era is peaceful. No locust damage norrge famine for thesest couple of decades. Once in awhile, foreign tribes would make passes at them, but those were nothing like a rebellion.


    Maintaining the garden of women was capable of clearing out the national treasury at times. However, this could also be due to the employment counter-measure. It was ironic that needy peasants would choose to work in the flower garden.


    It was under the pretext of that employment that the prime minister chanted to not scale down the numbers in the inner pce anymore. The middle-aged man, who was well-regarded by the previous empress dowager, was the one behind the pointlessly expanded inner pce.


    It was he who suggested increasing the number of consorts who could give birth if the previous emperor could not produce children, and thus proceeded with the yearly increase of courtdies. Though the cause of the previous emperor being unable to beget offspring was due to something entirely different not wanting to reveal that was repulsive. Meaning, the previous emperor was no more than one who was only inclined towards young girls.


    Was it not the case, would he do something like generously bestow the girl said to be the countrys most beautiful maiden? Besides that, it wasnt rare for him to liberally bestow consorts to his retainers.


    As such, when the current emperors younger brother was born, it was to the extent that no one doubted the empress dowagers infidelity. That there was no way the emperor would crook his finger to the empress he raised.


    The prime minister, who grew plump from drinking the nectar of the previous era, probably also believed the current era to be his too. To using considerably overbearing methods to get his daughter to marry. To the point of driving out Consort Ah Duo.


    There are still ways to deal with him if he just grew plump, but it was difficult to be an opponent who has already reached the point of a roon spirit.[note], Bakedanuki, Japanese Roon-dog spirit, a shapeshifting trickster-type spirit, simr to a fox. While foxes shapeshift to tempt, roons do it to fool people. They are all depicted with bulging bellies.[/note].


    I ought to do something about it huh.


    His master muttered. Gaoshun waited, keeping silent.


    Even if he didnt want to, he ought to do something. That was his masters job.


    When he saw the change of clothes that Suiren brought over, his master headed towards the bathroom.


    The emperor was also doing the unreasonable. To force unreasonable demands to a neen-year-old youth.


    That he had to aplish it. He had no other choice than to apany his master if that was the road his master chose to take.


    That was what Gaoshun thought, once again.


    When Gaoshun deigned to go to the Jade Pce, the short, unsociable courtdy was absent.


    Where did she go?


    He asked Honnyan the head maid. With an indescribable expression, she pointed to a building a fair distance away. He saw smoke, as if there was fire being used.


    What could it be? Just as Gaoshun was going to head to that ce.


    Today he came to ry directives; Jinshi wasnt around. Even though he came for just that, the maid who was firmly gripping the grass sickle looked this way. Maybe Ill do itter, Gaoshun had to use needless tact. Once, there seemed to be a time when she entrusted the grass cutting to a eunuch, he worked on the design of the window. If he considered that she had faith that Gaoshun wont do that if it was him, he should feel d.


    Promising he would do itter, Gaoshun headed towards the ce where he could see smoke.


    In the kitchen of the building where the smoke wasing from, there was a short courtdy watching the pot. The inside of the room was stuffy with heat and the scent of flowers.


    What are you up to? Gaoshun-sama.


    The forehead of the expressionless Maomao was covered in a light sheen of sweat.


    There was a strange pipe that extended from the pot on the stove. Liquid dripped from the end. It appears the source of the smell was from there.


    Im making rose water.


    I see now, so the fragrance was because of that. That saying, the rose pots were transnted into the inner pce after the garden party. She must be using their petals.


    At any rate, the girl was doing something bizarre. Moreover, it was poor of her that she didnt realise that.


    She sniffed the liquid that was steadily dripping from the pipe, and scowled, I guess its good enough. It appears that she wasnt satisfied with just this degree of fragrance.


    She also prepared dye used to differentiate the scents she already made a lot of.


    You properly got Consort Gyokuyous permission, didnt you. It was harder to get Honnyan-samas permission. I also must tidy uppletely. She said I have topletely get rid of the smell from my body.


    A small amount of the oil of concentrated nts shouldnt be a problem, but it seems that if you use too much, it would be bad for pregnant women. Thats why she said she went out of her way to borrow a different ce and do it there.


    I see, more than the consort who likes interesting things, it was the head maid who was enthusiastic about work who was stricter.


    And yet, that she was able to get her permission in itself; is she aware how lenient of her she is, this girl?


    Her type was one who loses sight of her surroundings once she is concentrated on something. Even though she conducts herself calmly for other things.


    Maomao poured the rose water into a small bottle and handed it to Gaoshun. The concentrated fragrance spread through his sinus.


    Wild roses have stronger scents though.


    Maomao made a somewhat displeased expression. It really was a researchers trait to pursue perfection.


    There wasrge pot set on another stove. There was a ceramic pipe that extended out of it in a simr way, dripping clear liquid. It was different to the rose fragrance. This smell made his head spin.


    That one is to collect alcohol.


    I see, it makes you feel drunk just by sniffing it. Nevertheless, he cannot help noticing that everything she does goes over the domain of a pharmacist. It is possible to say though he would certainly incur her displeasure that she really has a lot of parts that resembled the Tactician. The blood of an entric is an entric


    Maomao collected the umted liquid into a bowl and efficiently tidied up. When Gaoshun also went to help, he was told that, Youre diligent as usual huh. What can he do? It could be because he has a wife that was older than him it seems that his body ended up moving first for this kind of things. Him being okay with being entrusted with weeding and wiping the windows was because of that. Because he had a terrifying wife, he would get shouted at every time he returned home.


    Suddenly, a boorish thought went through Gaoshuns head. Well, if its Maomao she wouldnt mind if he spoke of it, so he decided to ask her.


    Shaomao, have you ever thought of about marrying?


    She was eighteen-years-old, already approaching thetter half of marriageable age. It was because the inner pce was a special circumstance, it kept slipping from his mind, but her age was already one where parents would pester her about it.


    Im interested in giving birth, but I have no thoughts about marrying.


    Her answer was quite a jump. If thats the case, does she mean that she wants children?


    However, since Im not positive that I am interested in children, I cant just recklessly get seed.


    Was she meaning that she was interested in the act of childbirth itself? His head was going to hurt.


    Please dont carry it out. I wont do it until I can hold responsibility. Besides, my body is a mass of poison, Ill need to start off by getting rid of the poison first.


    No, even if I give birth like that, no that cant do.Maomao considered something absurd.


    Sooner orter, is it. It was same as an experiment, already said before love or affection. He didnt know whether he should protest properly by that time.


    While he extinguished the stove fire, Gaoshun scratched the back of his head. He was interested in apletely troublesome person.


    T/N: Another possible meaning for the title is husband. Also, note that all the characters in this story are a year younger by Western standards (theyre using the Kazoe system).


    New month, new arc. Hurrah! Its a moderately (heh) longish one, so bear with me. This volume should be where the Depiction of Cruelty tag kicks in.


    I really like how the first chapters of every volume pretty much subtly(?) hints whats going to happen.

 Volume 3, Chapter 2: Herald

    Is that true?


    Jinshi had turned up three days after the Spring Party speaking of suspicious things. Although she was doubtful of what he said, Maomao was looking at Jinshi. They were in the parlour of the Jade Pce. Consort Gyokuyou wille byter as she was in the middle of changing clothes.


    Yeah, Im unsure if I should say it though.


    Jinshi said, scratching the back of his head.


    The criminal had died on the night of the Spring Party. No, correctly, it was the man who had been deemed as the criminal.


    Ironically, the younger brother, who tried to poison his brother the other day by disguising it as fugu poisoning, had died from poisoning while imprisoned.


    It didnt seem like there was that sort of situation when Gaoshun came over yesterday.


    Maomao nced over to the taciturn eunuch who was standing against the wall. Gaoshun nodded slowly, confirming.


    I also heard about it yesterday evening.


    Making aplicated expression, Jinshi cast his eyes down.


    Seeing that, Maomao considered the reason for the timeg. Jinshis position should be the Inner Pce Administrator. With that in consideration, it was obvious that it would be originally out of his field to handle the case. When she considered that, it also wouldnt be strange if he heard about itter.


    On the other hand, she felt that he was making a displeased face for that obvious thing.


    Still, she would have understood if it was just Gaoshun. He did say he worked in something simr before, and his friend from the looks of it should have solved that incident.


    Why is Jinshi frowning? Maomao thought.


    Is that so? Are the other prisoners also poisoned?


    Gaoshun refuted Maomaos question. He shook his head.


    No, the prisoners were provided two meals a day, but there didnt seem to have anything strange in it. Then what could it be?


    It was Jinshi who replied next.


    The criminal was also treated to a meagre meal after the party.


    It turns out the meal he was provided had no way of being the same as everyone else to preserve the form of giving leftovers. And not only that, it seems to bemon to include something extra in the form of a gift. Doing that was originally prohibited, but since everyone had wine after the party, it became customary for the jailers to close their eyes too.


    (I see huh.)


    If that was the case, it would bete for Jinshi and them to hear about it. So to speak, since it was an internal mistake, they must have wanted to keep it under wraps.


    And then, do they know what poison was it? Thats the thing.


    Jinshi put his hands in his sleeves and groaned.


    Maomao wanted to ask for more details, but since the faint sound of footsteps was closing in, she slipped over to stand before the door.


    Standing quietly on the side of the door, Maomao lowered her head.


    She felt the door open with a clunk. Consort Gyokuyou who had finished changing walked in.


    Did you all talk about anything fun?


    The beautiful red-haired consort sent mutual gazes towards Maomao and Jinshi. It looked like curiosity was about to fly out from her eyes.


    No no, we were just chatting.


    Jinshi was overly prepared, sending an almost uncanny smile towards Consort Gyokuyou. It was ineffective to the consort, as expected, but Honnyan who was affected by the spill-over looked like she was going to stumble, though she somehow recovered with the willpower of a head maid.


    Maomao regarded him with an icy gaze she cant help thinking sometimes that Jinshi was some kind of ayakashi[note], this is used both as a general term for supernatural beings, as well as a specific kind of spirit that is found on the surface of water that lures unsuspecting peoples away. I tranted it as apparition before, but I supposed that didnt carry the same connotations for it.[/note]. The head maid was able to resist, but the three maidens who were watching from behind her were destroyed.


    (Hes an ayakashi no matter how I see him.)


    While she was thinking about that, before she knew it, she was facing Jinshi with a dangerous look. Gaoshun nced at Maomao, and for some reason, Jinshi was looking towards her with delight.


    (The usual turn of events huh.)


    As she was thinking, Maomao quietly exited the room.


    After Jinshi and the others went back, Honnyan told the maids to bring out the summer clothes. She felt it was still a little early in the season, but considering the quantity, it would be better to be early.


    There are quite a lot of old-fashioned designs huh.


    Infa was breathing wildly when she stood dauntingly before the dressing room. Guien was looking after the princess, so it was decided that the three Infa, Maomao, and Airan would go out.


    Airan seemed to mind, but since she had stature, it was convenient that it was easy for her to reach for the trunks that were high up.


    Maomao and Infa, who had no stature, took the trunks from Airan and verified the contents.


    I guess, this one still could work.


    Infa separated the clothes into usable and unusable groups as she looked at them one by one. They all looked like high-ss articles to Maomao, but it seems that Infa who had a discerning eye could tell the difference.


    This one, was extremely popr one time. Once the poprity passes, its useless since you cant just use it anymore.


    Maomao crammed the clothes that had been deemed unusable back into the trunk, and carried it out into the corridor.


    Even the old clothes were something the consorts had used. They said that since the materials were fine, they will be remade and then bestowed. Those werent given to the maids of the Jade Pce, but were sent to their families.


    The maids do receive ornaments like kanzashi, but in the case of clothes, since they werent clothes that you wear grandly inside the inner pce, it will be sent around to the hands of workers and delivered to Gyokuyous fathers territory in a different form.


    That saying, in a little while, there might be new maidsing in.


    Airan, as if she just remembered, said as she brought down the trunks.


    There should be more people if Gyokuyou-samas pregnancy is known. But, just that will arouse suspicion, so they said that for this period all the consorts are given the chance to increase their numbers of maids.


    Hearing that, Infas mouth gaped open.


    Im happy for that, but thats too sudden. There seems to be a reason. I mean, one consort had over fifty servants when she entered court. The other consort, you know. Ahh, you mean that.


    Infas face darkened at that moment.


    Maomao also understood who they were talking about.


    (She even had fifty huh.)


    It certainly looked like arge family, but I didnt know it was like that, Maomao thought. In regards to that, if the emperors favoured consort had only five maids with her, it would look bad.


    Have they made no effort in decreasing that? Infa, if you say that, youll get crushed by Honnyan-sama again.


    Airan said. Oh no, Infa held her mouth.


    Maomao focused on bringing the unused articles in the trunks outside.


    While they were chatting as they worked like that, about half of the summer clothes remained.


    We only have this little left. What should we do?


    Maomao also tilted her head when she asked. Airanughed, saying, Its alright.


    We already requested the workers for several sets of clothes. The caravans areing soon. Well buy more then.


    Infa continued. Catching the remark, Airan made a slightly sulky face.


    Caravans, you say?


    Once again, there seems to be an event that the courtdies of the inner pce are delighted with, Maomao thought as she carried the summer wear to dry them in the shade.

 Volume 3, Chapter 3: Caravans

    The inner pce wasrge. Wayrger than a run-of-the-mill town.


    The courtdies who are there exist to simply serve the consorts, to maintain the buildings of the inner pce, and at an equal nil chance to be the emperors chosen.


    Due to this special environment, their lifestyle differed to living normally in the town. The courtdies duties are allotted between cleaning, washing and cooking. It might be correct to think it as akin to living together in as one gigantic family, more so than a town.


    Due to that, such arge ce was supposedly ideal, but it wasnt like that at all. That is-.


    Looks really fun. Really?


    Maomao returned a question mark to what the courtdy who still retained some childishness, Shaoran, said.


    At the square, courtdies were walking gleefully in front of the tents. There were severalrge tents lined up, but as the courtdies of the inner pce numbered two thousand people, there wasnt room for low-ranked courtdies to get in, so while they couldnt even look at the goods, they could only watch the high ranked courtdies who look like they were enjoying themselves.


    The low-ranked courtdies Maomao and Shaoran too were watching from the balcony of their rooms. Since the high ranked courtdies, with the consorts included, were in high spirits, they were working while doing nothing at all.


    How nice. I want new clothes.


    With her chin on the railing, Shaoran said while pouting.


    You wont be able to wear it anywhere. I still want it!


    Low ranked courtdies are only provided three sets of work clothes in the summer and two in the winter as a standard. They are only provided with recements in the case it bes very worn out. Additionally, hair cord and underwear, daily necessities are all provisional items.


    Meals were daily. They didnt need to make it themselves since they were provided in the dining hall.


    Courtdies who were slightly wellborn receive packages along with letters from their family.


    The maids of consorts are bestowed clothes and essories from their consort, and snacks too.


    Shops. That was what the inner pce didnt have.


    Shaoran, who had no backing whatsoever, only had the clothes on her back. With the way things are now, it was rare for her to have the chance to increase her personal belongings, assuming she even does. She could only look for whatever things she could attain out of her own pocket after other courtdies had rummaged through and bought their own things.


    There were no usual shops at the inner pce. It feels somewhat strange.


    (Theres only the quack doctor for doctors too. Theres not even a pharmacist either.)


    And yet, if they contract some disease in such arge family, it seems like itll end up spreading.


    The hygiene management was reliable. Arge ratio of the courtdies jobsprise of cleaning, and on top of that, they deal with a lot of garbage disposal. They use the water in the moat, and the garbage flows down there. Like that, the moat would start to start to smell, but since it was designed so the water wouldnt stop flowing, the smell doesnt build-up.


    It seems to a piece of architecture introduced from the West that makes use of the water supply technology, built during the time of the previous emperor.


    If the hygiene aspect was done properly, just that would prevent against most disease outbreaks. Courtdies who get severely ill dont need to wait for their term of service and are able to leave the inner pce.


    (Even so, theyre kinda cheated.)


    Maomao thought as she absentmindedly watched the courtdies who were having fun shopping.


    When she returned to the Jade Pce, she was met with courtdies with content faces.


    While Maomao was cking, no, working while doing nothing, it seems the merchants havee to the pce. Rather than the high-ranked consorts going out of their own way to walk to the tents, the merchants have directly turned up to their ces.


    Perhaps they were setting foot into the inner pce, all the merchants were women. Even so, considering the worst case, there were more eunuchs posted as guards.


    The emperor said to pick what you like.


    Infa said like she was talking about herself. She ced a ne the same beautiful colour as Consort Gyokuyous eyes on the table. She also ced ss cups and a box decorated with mother-of-pearl as well.


    The tottering Princess Rinrii looked extremely delighted with a beautiful silk ball in hand. Aside from the consorts clothes, small clothes for the princess were hung up along the wall.


    Didnt you splurge a little too much?


    Consort Gyokuyou tilted her small head.


    No. Buying more would have been fine too.


    The head maid Honnyan said a little excitedly.


    The others must have bought more.


    Honnyan spoke in a reserved way, but Maomao could readily imagine that.


    At the Crystal Pce, Consort Rifas maids who were only skilled with talk must have shopped in style. Consort Rifas bosom/pocket wasrge someway or other, so their shopping was a given.


    At the Diamond Pce, Consort Riishu would be made to buy even things she likes with a bit of ttery.


    As for the Pomegranate Pce, Consort Rouran liked showiness to that degree. It goes without saying.


    Thinking that, Maomao thought that Consort Gyokuyou who finished shopping what could fit in one room, although she was the favoured consort, she was very economical.


    The consorts have a duty that the consort receive their respective wages from, but that is taken away as necessary expenses in the inner pce as clothes they wear and their supplies.


    Consorts, high-rank, middle-rank, low-rank included, make not even a hundred. Would the national treasury be okay? It was Maomao who ended up needlessly worried.


    For now, new ces wille tomorrow too, so well put away todays share.


    Since Honnyan was rapidly taking down the clothes on the wall, Maomao went to take those. All of them felt nice, and the dyes were beautiful.


    (Oh?)


    Maomao suddenly realised. She noticed the style of the clothes were different to what Consort Gyokuyou usually liked to wear. The consort liked to match a sleeveless long skirt with arge-sleeved outer garment, but this time there were a lot of outfits with tight sleeves and a hem that is fastened with a sash directly under the chest.


    Not like she didnt know the reason. It is around the time where outfits, where you tie the sash at the abdomen, would get tight for Consort Gyokuyou.


    Were there any other types aside from these outfits? Eh? We were told these were popr.


    There were only just these, the maids faced each other doubtfully.


    The maids of the Jade Pce purchased the clothes after thinking about Consort Gyokuyou. But normally, wouldnt they choose a more different design?


    Basing on that, if it happens that these clothes were what the merchants brought over.


    Maomao could be over thinking.


    (I want to believe that Im overthinking.)


    That they purposely brought over this sort of clothes for Consort Gyokuyou to select. She had a very unpleasant premonition concerning that thought.


    And so, Maomaos premonition was right on the mark.


    T/N: Since this arc will take time to finish, lets release a chapter on Sunday too :

 Volume 3, Chapter 4: Essential Oil

    The caravans stayed for around three days. During that period of time, the courtdies enjoyed the shopping they normally couldnt do.


    High-rank consorts werent required to step out, so the ones who first went around the tents, purchasing what they liked, were the middle-ranked consorts, low-ranked consorts, their maids, and then the courtdies who held posts.


    Courtdies with low positions could only look at the unsold items on thest day, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves, so she understood how low was the amusement of this ce.


    The caravans that turned up this time hade by crossing over the desert route, so they had many curious goods from the foreign countries. It seemed they also passed through Consort Gyokuyous hometown; the maids of the Jade Pces saw her touch the crafts nostalgically.


    More than those things, Maomao wanted to see the kinds of medicines. But of course, those things cannot be brought into the inner pce, so they could only sell tea leaves and spices as freebies. Since she received some spending money from Consort Gyokuyou, Maomao went together with Shaoran on the third day.


    Shaoran was only going to look without getting anything, but her eyes shone as she gazed at the sswork from the West. Maomao bought a hair cord of a pretty colour, and stealthily tied it onto Shaorans hair. Shaoran, who had noticed it when she looked in the mirror by chance, suddenly hugged her until she felt like they were going to fall.


    Maomao bought tea leaves and spices. The maids of the Jade Pce went on the second day in alternation, but she held back till the third day.


    This was the reason.


    (They should be selling it for cheaper on the third day.)


    What Maomao wanted wasnt fashionable clothes nor gemstones. It wasnt like everyone would buy all the tea leaves and spices that came as a freebie with the clothes. From the start, this was the unique ce called the inner pce, it is unlikely that the goods would be sold at reasonable prices.


    (Dont think you can easily rip people off.)


    This was the being known as Maomao.


    It was for this exact reason that Maomao obtained a discount for the unusual tea leaves and spices.


    The tea leaves were jasmine tea a craft tea where flower buds are submerged in the tea. Perhaps it was because it remained unsold, they sold it to her for a very cheap price.


    I profited huh, Maomao thought, but afterwards, she noticed a certain thing. I cant get excited, she decided to reconsider it after.


    Perfume oil was the fad of the inner pce after the caravans left.


    The smell of various flowers wafted over wherever she passed through. A single perfume product smelt very nice, but when you have so many people wearing different kinds of perfumes altogether, it was slightly wearisome for Maomao who had a good sense of smell.


    The perfumes were not faint like incense. It was characteristic of perfumes imported from the West to be so strong.


    It didnt seem like Maomao was the only one affected. When she went to the washing area, the oil coated clothes had piled up, and the washing duty eunuch was filling up the tub with water with his face scrunched up.


    Fads alwayse in waves. Since the manicure fad had died down considerably, everyone had jumped onto the new thing.


    And there are also a lot of people who are only trying it out for the heck of it, without knowing whether it was a good thing or not. It was okay it that was fun, but Maomao, who never jumped into the craze till the end, settled by saying that it really wasnt her sort of thing.


    Maomao set down theundry basket wearily. She felt she was going to get dizzy from the smell just by being here.


    The moment she stood up listlessly, a maidservant who was carrying a basket ofundry bumped into her like she was in the way. Theundry fell atop Maomaos head.


    Im so sorry!


    The shrill-voiced maidservant gathered up the clothes.


    The owner of these clothes seemed well attuned to fads as well a heavy smell of roses were ingrained into it.


    (Roses huh.)


    Maomao, who thought that she might be able to make a profit if she widely sold the rose water she made the other day, wouldnt be good.


    In truth, she only made the rose water the other day because she could. She was going to preserve it without using it, since she heard that rose oil had a bad effect on pregnant women.


    She thought it wouldnt be a problem if Consort Gyokuyou doesnt use arge amount, but since she didnt know what could happen, she had to be careful.


    For that reason, before it goes off, she had intended for the chance to sell it at the prostitution quarter.


    Mmm, Maomao grabbed hold of theundry, blinking incessantly. She brought it closer to her nose. And sniffed it.


    Upon seeing that, the maidservant fell into a fluster.


    Maomao ignored the maidservant who was acting up and tossed theundry into the overflowing basket. It wasnt like she buried her face in the washing. This time, it wasnt just the maidservant. The eunuch who was close by and the other maidservant also widened their eyes. But that had nothing to do with her.


    Maomao repeatedly went bury her face into each of theundry baskets, and then headed for the next basket.


    And once she was mostly done with sniffing, she headed to a certain ce, forgetting to bring back her washing basket.


    The ce wherefadscan get even more overboard. Maomao knew very well.


    That day at the Crystal Pce, the screams of the maids resounded throughout the inner pce.


    When she thought that he will probablye, in the evening of that day, the beautiful eunuch turned up at the Jade Pce just as she thought. There was a written protest that seemed to be an anonymous letter in his hand.


    I thought you were a person with a little more restraint.


    Jinshis amazed expression was tinged with a hint of anger.


    Behind him was Gaoshun who was oozing hardship in his amazed expression, a troubled Consort Gyokuyou who couldnt be still in her excitement, and Honnyan who somehow veiled her expression of carnage behind a thin mask. The other maids were sleeping together for Princess Rinriis bedtime.


    (Mhm, thats right.)


    Maomao thought. But she was toote. In order to change assumption into conviction, she required a lot of proof. For that, the Crystal Pce had just what she needed you could say that Maomao had simply lost to her curiosity.


    Pardon me. I got so excited that I forgot about asking for their consent.


    Whats with that perverted old man excuse?


    Id rather you dont call me an actual pervert, Maomao thought while she reflected for now with her head bowed.


    I properly get their consent next time I sniff.


    Why the hell were you sniffing!


    Your speech is rough. Oh my, Consort Gyokuyou blinked incessantly.


    Not good. Jinshi seemed to think, returning his slightly raised eyes back to their usual tender expression.


    Maomao reflected for now. She reflected on forcibly sniffing without getting the other partys agreement. She also had to reflect on the point where she got a little excited and nearly half-stripped them. Also that she picked the maids of the Crystal Pce for being the other party.


    Due to that, she had a feeling that she had ranked up to being treated as something even worse, from being the demon or monster she was until now.


    I still needed to check, Maomao thought.


    (Ill reflect on this much huh.)


    Maomao looked upand stared at Jinshi. She had to think that hising over immediately due to the protest was good news. Maomao thought she needed to make a quick decision.


    Theres a reason for that, regardless.


    Several seconds passed with Jinshi just staring at her.


    Still expressionless, he then moved his mouth.


    The reason for the reflection?


    That goes without saying.


    Maomao dered simply.


    T/N: The poor maids haha

 Volume 3, Chapter 5: Jasmine

    Maomao carefully started to write characters on the paper. This was paper she received from Consort Gyokuyou. Honestly speaking, it was too high quality.


    (The back of some scrap paper would have been fine.)


    Thinking of such things, only Maomao was destined for poverty here.


    Everyone crowded around Maomao who was sitting at the desk. They looked at the things she listed down.


    Rose, benzoin, phoenix tree[note], Aogiri, Firmiana tanifolia. Also known as Parasol tree. This incense seems to only be used in the East, so have some info. The tree the oil is derived from is called the phoenix tree because legends say that this is the only tree that phoenixes like to perch on. Apparently, leaves are used as an incense. The oil is extracted from the seeds. Theres caffeine in the seeds. (I couldnt find much info on this as an incense, but it does have a lot of medicinal properties.)[/note], frankincense and cinnamon? Um, are these all perfume oils or something?


    Maomao nodded at Consort Gyokuyous response.


    These are only the names of the spices and oils I know the courtdies are wearing today.


    What about them?


    Jinshi, his hands tucked in his sleeves, tilted his head.


    Maomao stopped writingand ced the brush on the ink stone.


    Yes, though they were in minuscule amounts, all of them cause harm to pregnant women.


    Everyone was silenced at Maomaos words.


    Also, Maomao continued.


    Aside from perfume oil, they also sold spices and tea leaves.


    Maomao took out the tea and spices she bought. The tea was jasmine, and the spices were mustard that was like Maomao who was fond of drinking, slightly expensive pepper, rock salt, and cinnamon that was also used as a spice.


    Jasmine contracts the womb. I think its fine in small doses, but its better you dont drink it to avoid the possibility of miscarriage.


    Maomao ced the flower shaped craft tea on the table.


    And then, spices. Mustard is an ingredient that is often used by streetwalkers as an abortion drug.


    Maomao nced at Consort Gyokuyou. The consort nodded, Continue, with a serious expression as if she was thinking that this isnt the time to joke. Beside her was Honnyan who didnt want Consort Gyokuyou to hear such an ominous conversation, but she seemed to respect Consort Gyokuyous opinion and kept silent.


    In other words, you mean that using these will increase the chances of miscarriage?


    Maomao made a vague expression at Jinshis question. That was a hit, and a miss.


    All just increase the possibility. Theyre not certainly effective. As long as you dont make a mistake, and do things like drink the perfumed oil, or intake arge volume of it.


    All these goods usually have no problems if you use them normally. Thats why they were brought into the inner pce. And also, you can change how you use the products however it suits you.


    In that case, it might be that someone could make some kind of mistake and end up drinking it. And, if it happens that it was unexpectantly a pregnant consort.


    Even if the design where the sash wont be tied tightly was rmended as fashion, it would have better if it was noticed earlier, Maomao thought.


    Shall we investigate the visiting merchants?


    We can investigate them, but I doubt they would have recorded the goods in detail.


    It seemed they differentiated incense as incense, spices as spices, and tea leaves as tea leaves. They wouldnt go as far as to record the varieties of each of those. Even so, since she thought the position of management on inspecting all the goods were assigned thoroughly, she had a feeling that they wont be able to say anything.


    Maomao was caught up in yet another thing.


    Doesnt this remind you of that?


    What do you mean, that?


    Jinshi responded to Maomaos vague words.


    The thing that was brazenly given out as a product in the inner pce, but had an unknown side effect.


    The poisonous face powder.


    Maomao said, and everyone started.


    It was the summer ofst year. When Princess Rinrii got sick from an illness of an unknown cause. At the same time, Rifas child who was the crown prince also fell sick and then passed away.


    The face powder currently being used isnt made with lead, and that cannote into the inner pce. To say it conversely, they might think that something else would be fine.


    So youre saying, your opinion is that there are people who especially tried to get poison into the inner pce.


    Jinshi said to make sure.


    Maomao neither shook her head nor did she nod. This was an assumption, she wasnt positive. Although it was fairly close, she couldntpletely brush off the possibility that it wasnt so.


    While I was here, I only knew that there are a lot of things sold that can be poisonous. A single product isnt handled as poisonous goods.


    It was an unfair way of speaking. She didnt like implicating the visiting merchants with her words. Thats why she only stated her opinion, and then entrusted the higher-ups for the judgement.


    I think its better to just warn the other consorts.


    She could only say that.


    After the talk was over, Maomao was suddenly tired.


    She recalled her dads words. You cannot speak of things with spection, the old man who was like an old womans voice reyed.


    How much of what Maomao said was spection, and how much was conviction?


    She felt slightly unwell from thinking that.


    Maomao entered the kitchen and boiled some water. Even though the water was boiled, she got it to cool down a bit. She added water to the ss cup with jasmine. It was an expensive ss cup, but shell clean it properly afterwards so shell use it for a little bit.


    The flowers came apart in the hot water, the buds opening up. She watched from the side while sitting on a chair in a daze. The aroma rose about her.


    Wasnt that poison?


    She heard a beautiful voice from above. When she looked up, there was yet a beautiful face. It was already pitch ck outside, only a singlentern lit up the kitchen. The face that was lit up by the flickering red light was truly a hateful beauty.


    Poisons in small quantities are also medicine. Above all, its not like one cup of tea will result in something. This is the kitchen. Its not a ce for Jinshi-sama to enter.


    Dont speak about the minor details.


    How is Gaoshun-sama?


    He went to send a message.


    Maomao gave a small pout at the haughty eunuch.


    Maomao carried thepletely unfurled tea to look at it under thentern. While enjoying the flowers drifting back and forth in the water, she took a sip of tea.


    Besides, its not like Im pregnant.


    Thats true.


    Jinshi turned away for some reason. Before she realised, he was sitting diagonally across Maomao.


    Can I have some tea as well?


    Jinshi said as he looked at the drifting flowers in the ss cup.


    What tea would you like?


    Maomao stood up from the chair, while thinking, This rascal is such a pain. Teas for the guests were lined up on the shelf. To be on the safe side, would a white tea be fine?


    Jinshi stared at the ss cup.


    The same thing as this would be good.


    Maomao lowered her brows at Jinshis words.


    Thats thest of that tea.


    Maomao looked at the pot that was left close to the kitchen. The tea leaves were thrown away as rubbish in the pot, so what she was drinking now was all that was left, and the rest were all thrown away.


    (Even though I took the trouble to buy something nice.)


    And yet, as long as she was in the ce known as the inner pce, as long as she was serving Consort Gyokuyou, she thought she had to draw a line. And so, she had wanted to enjoy this once.


    What other effects does this tea have?


    Its calming. Effective for insomnia as well as keeping you awake. Other than that, while its not good when youre pregnant, Ive heard that its good in the case of childbirth.


    There are more positive effects.


    Yes, thats exactly why I missed the side effects.


    I got something really good, Maomao thought. Did a lote in exclusively for this time, or did theye in as a product like before? Maomao had no idea.


    When the previous caravans came, Maomao was working at Jinshis room, nursing Consort Rifa at the Crystal Pce, and before she became Consort Gyokuyous attendant maid, she had no money so she had absolutely no interest in things she couldnt buy.


    This time, if the perfume oil didnt be a fad, it was highly possible that even Maomao wouldnt have noticed it. However she looked at it, it was truly only a good product.


    White tea should be fine.


    Jinshi looked unhappy, but it couldnt be helped with what she didnt have.


    Maomao relit the kettle and added tea leaves into the teapot. Lukewarm water should be fine, she took off the kettle just before it boiled and let the tea leaves steep slowly in the pot.


    She poured it into a teacup, and set it in front of Jinshi. Jinshi picked up the teacup unhappily.


    Maomao showed him the flower tea that was rocking in the ss cup like she was showing off.


    Besides that, there is also a better effect.


    What kind?


    Infertility. Mainly for men.


    .


    A teary gaze pierced through Maomao.


    (This is bad.)


    I overdid the sarcasm, Maomao thought. As a bit of cold sweat erupted down her spine, Maomao went to look for sweets to humour him.


    When she thought she heard the sound of tea being daringly slurped,


    Im leaving.


    Saying that, Jinshi quickly left.


    As Maomao pursed her lips,


    (Ive done it)


    She thought.


    When she was helplessly going to put away his teacup, the white tea she brewed for Jinshi remained untouched.


    Instead.


    The jasmine tea that should still have about half remaining waspletely drained.


    Maomao sighed with an amazed expression.


    T/N: Jinshi lol. So salty.

 Volume 3, Chapter 6: Wild Strawberries

    There are always a lot of dark subjects in this world, Maomao thought. She had thought of it as she sat on the boxes behind theundry area.


    It doesnt seem like Shaoran wille today, and since Maomao didnt have much work to do even if she went back, she decided to kill some time. She had thought about going to the medical office to sponge off snacks from the quack doctor, but he seemed busy for these couple of days, wrapped up into something troubling, so she didnt. As for what is troubling, it was that perfume oil incident.


    On the incident from the other day, Jinshi left for the other consorts ce. Thereupon, he learnt that the maids had bought a lot from the caravans.


    (Not like I dont understand.)


    Were they imported goods from far away, from over the deserts, over the seas, over the mountains, it would be given that the young maidens who were confined in a birdcage would yearn for it, their eyes shining. Were there medicines introduced from the West stocked in the tents, even Maomao would go as far as to borrow money from the madam to acquire them.


    She must not me the courtdies who bought things.


    Even the maids of the Jade Pce bought many things too. It wasnt that any of the products were dangerous. As wasteful as it was, nevermind how little there was, anything containing poison mustnt be kept and had to be disposed of.


    The amounts were minuscule when used separately, but whenbined together, it could be a strong poison.


    Well then, the problem of exactly who brought it in.


    Currently, there are four high-ranked consorts in the inner pce.


    Consort Gyokuyou, Consort Rifa, Consort Riishu, and Consort Rouran.


    Among them, Consort Gyokuyou has the highest favour from the emperor, with Consort Rifaing in second. In addition, she heard that there are several middle-ranked consorts who were the emperors chosen.


    However, considering parental influence in the background, Consort Rouran is an existence extremely important to the emperor.


    (Hmm.)


    Maomao picked up a dead branch and drew an orchid[note]The Ranin Rouranmeans orchid.[/note] on the ground.


    It was Consort Rifas parents who were the next highest in terms of position. Though, as she rted to the emperor from his maternal side, it was said that her family didnt have the character to be that greedy for promotion.


    She drew a fruit[note]The Riin Rifameans pear.[/note] next to the orchid.


    Conversely, it was Consort Riishus family who rose to prominence in these couple of generations, and it was well known that having chosen their young daughter for the previous emperor they were an ambitious family.


    She drew a tree[note]The Shu in Riishu means tree.[/note] next to that.


    Consort Gyokuyous family was in a trading post in the West. Although that gave a strong impression that it profited throughmerce, it was actually situated close to the country borderand seems to go through with having quite some defence expenditure. On top of that, it wasnt a ce that produced crops, so it wasnt a ce you could unconditionally call wealthy.


    She finished off with drawing a leaf[note]The You in Gyokuyou means leaf.[/note].


    Maomao had a question.


    The attempted poisoning incident at the Garden Partyst year. That was done by Previous Consort Ah Dous maid out of her own ord. The reason she did that wasnt to cling onto power, but rather, it was out of a truly humane motive.


    She understood that, but.


    Who was the culprit for Consort Gyokuyous attempted poisoning incident from further back? That remained uncertain.


    As a result, the number of Consort Gyokuyous maids decreased by half, and it was said that the one who took the poison on behalf on the consort was still suffering from the after-effects.


    (I feel that its not rted to Ah Duo-sama.)


    Ah Duo didnt have the character to poison people like that. Saying that, Consort Rifa and Consort Riishu were the same. Of course, this was Maomaos opinion, she cannot assert whether that it really was the case. It could be the case that the maids did it out of their own ord, and it might also be that there are people that were sent in from her family.


    Not just high-ranked consorts, she also considered the middle-ranked consorts. After all, there are plenty of women in this ce who are greedily vying for a higher position.


    Maomao groaned as she traced the stick around the four pictures. Then, she abandoned her thinking.


    (Whats the point of thinking.)


    Maomao was a mere maid, a throwaway piece of a food taster.


    And so, she decided for a change of mood. For the enjoyment of the emperor, the inner pce had a lot of gardens. If there was a pine forest, there were also a bamboo thicket as well as an orchard.


    (I guess it would be wild strawberries this season.)


    If it was an extra month earlier, she could have harvested bamboo shoots, but that was over when she was cultivating roses in the Crystal Pce because of some fox sses. It was truly irritating, he was an unpleasant being by just recalling his face.


    Just the act of thinking of changing her mood made her steps lighter, so she headed towards the grove of mixed trees at the corner of the inner pce. Along the way, she ended up bumping into the maids from the Crystal Pce.


    As they were faces she knew, she greeted the courtdies with a slight nod, but their faces stiffened and they ended up running away. Even though one of them had small feet from foot-binding, she actually moved so fast that Maomao was unexpectantly impressed.


    (So exaggerated. I just stripped them a little.)


    It was a scene often seen in the brothels. Women, who were bought up to that level, first knock on the gates of the prostitution quarter and begin by getting their clothes stripped off to be evaluated.


    Young blooming maidens seem to have high value, butpared to youth, intelligence was more mainstream nowadays. Unexpectantly, the wives of ruined officials garnered a high price. On top of reducing the initial investment as they had been thoroughly educated to a certain level, the fact that they were once another persons wife in this society conversely gave an unpleasant idea of temptation.


    It wasnt that Maomao even stripped them because she liked it. For the courtdies who were attuned to fads, she had believed that all of them had been wearing the perfume they bought, but there were courtdies who werent the case. Maomao, thinking it strange, had only just gone to check whether they were wearing it or not.


    Due to that, she was told on by the beautiful eunuch.


    (Well, not like there was one person.)


    The Crystal Pce had a lot of courtdies. There were more than ten people for maids alone, and if you include the exclusive maidservants there were about thirty people.


    Without thinking too hard, Maomao went to search for wild strawberries.


    When she returned carrying a lot of wild strawberries hidden in the washing basket, Airan told her that there was a letter in her room. The beanpole maid is smirking more than usual, she thought as she entered her room, and as she was told there was a simple letter on her desk.


    (Who is it?)


    She looked for the sender. There was Rihaku written there. She recalled the young military officer who was like a spiritedrge-breed dog.


    She opened the letter. Casual boring things like how he was surprised that she went back to the inner pce again and so forth were written on it. And then, afterwards, the main question of Recently, I cant meet up with Pairin, so cantcha do something about it? was ryed in a roundabout way. The man looked like even his brain was muscle, but it seems he wrote a high-levelposition for what he hinted at the introduction, Maomao thought something truly impolite.


    Pairin was popr, but she was already the age where it was a good time for her to retire as a prostitute. She must be thinking of taking over the shop as the madam, or getting redeemed by a rich patron.


    It was unfortunate, but with Rihakus current wages, he cannot possibly afford the redeeming price.


    (Sorry. Just give up.)


    While thinking that, Maomao was going to finishing reading the letter, but then there seemed to be an addendum written at the end.


    I want to return the ivory pipe I was holding ontost time. Also, theres something I want to ask you. Can we meet up?


    (Return? Did he not find the owner?)


    She recalled the thing about the pipe she entrusted to Rihaku from quite a while ago.


    (You mean that we cant keep exchanging letter huh.)


    Maomao tilted her head the strangely profound words as she stuffed her mouth with the wild strawberries from the basket.

 Volume 3, Chapter 7: Redeeming Strategy First Part

    About how much is the redeeming money for prostitutes?


    Maomao stood bbergasted at what Rihaku, who was waiting in the room that connected the inner pce and the outside, said.


    Even though Maomao had gone out of her way to get permission toe here, wondering what was so special about it, since she was told that they couldnt just exchange letters.


    (He really is a mongrel.)


    Maomao sat down on a chair as she thought that. There was a eunuch posted as guards at each of the two entrances of the room, watching the twos movements.


    Maomao had thought that since they couldnt talk about things that are that weird even if she directly went to meet up with him, but it would be a problem if it is something like this.


    Theres a full range.


    Im talking about the best.


    No need to ask who Rihaku was going to redeem.


    I understand.


    Maomao said, looking at him with narrowed eyes.


    She requested the eunuch guards to lend her a brush and ink stone. Rihaku provided the paper.


    First things first. I want to say that is only a rough estimate since the estimated price is based on the current market value.


    Maomao glided the brush, writing down Two hundred. You can take this as the standard silver that a peasant earns in a year. And then, double this amount should be enough as the redeeming money for cheap prostitutes. Hm, okay, Rihaku nodded.


    Although this doesnt take the congrattory money and any of the sort in consideration.


    The redeeming money is the amount of money calcted back from the number of years the prostitute has left to earn, plus some extra. Also, around double of this amount is used to celebrate the redeeming extravagantly.


    I beg you to cut to the chase. How much is the total?


    Though he was looking at her seriously, Whats up with that, Maomao held back her answer.


    (Its hard to say.)


    Pairin has been properly working and getting customers since she debuted in the shop. If it was true that she had no debt to the brothel from clothes and kanzashi, her term of service should have already ended. Nevertheless, her staying in the brothel to work was simply that her character was made for working as a prostitute. If redeeming money was the debt a prostitute shoulders, she didnt have any of kind of thing left.


    (How old is she this year?)


    Pairin, with the glossy skin, who also improved her talent in dancing year by year, had been in the brothel before Maomao was born, the oldest of the Three Princesses. Her youthful appearance sometimes conjured up rumours where She retains her youth by absorbing energy and so on. They even wondered that she might have grasped the so-called bedroom technique to preserve energy from making out between the opposite genders.


    The person herself was still eager, and her looks had yet to decline despite her age where her value should have already been lost.


    On the other hand, the madam cannot always just throw the weight of the Three Princesses around, so she should be about wanting to deal with the oldest Pairin soon. She had grumbled about it when Maomao returned home the other day.


    While it was certainly true that they were prostitutes who became the symbols that supported the Rokushoukan when it was going down, the brothel cannot keep relying on them. When the shop is steady, if they dont give a good recement, before one knows, it would be covered in old grime.


    Maomao thought that Rihaku probably happened to hear it or something, and so he came to consult her.


    Maomao groaned, scratching the back of her head.


    Supposing Pairin-neechan is going to be redeemed, there are two contenders.


    One was the head of a trade business, avish and good-natured old man who visited the Rokushoukan when it was in the state of decline. Maomao also got a lot of candy from him she was little.


    He was a gentleman who mainly enjoyed himself by drinking wine and watching her dance not for sleeping and had proposed many times over about redeeming Pairin. The greedy olddy would skilfully evade it every time, but she might take up to his offer if it was now.


    The other was a frequent customer, a high ranked official. He was still young, should be about a couple of years passed his thirties. She didnt know what post he had, but Maomao recalled the jade pendant that hung off the customers sword hilt a couple of years back, meaning that he was in a higher position than Rihaku. He should be promoted even higher now.


    As her partner for nightly y, he seems to get along pretty well with Pairin. Pairin is in a very good mood the next day. However, something to be concerned about is that,pared to the glossy Pairin, the customer is often a bit drained.


    Maomao felt uneasy for either of them when she thought about their life after redeeming.


    Pairin is a beautiful prostitute with a talent in dancing, but at the same time, she was famous for being never defeated at night. Sometimes, when she gets frustrated, not just the manservants of the brothel, she even crooks her finger at other prostitutes and kamuro.


    In other words, shes a lust demon.


    The madam, aside from redeeming her, considering whether to entrust the control of the Rokushoukan was also because of this. Besides, Pairin also had a means to leave the brothel, but Maomao had a feeling that chance was low with her character.


    (I feel that is the most harmonious choice.)


    While outwardly retiring, taking customers in special circumstances, and aside from that in her free time, freely pursuing her affection is good. Since she would be freer than what she had now, she might do it with pleasure.


    (Hmm.)


    Maomao nced at Rihaku.


    His age was in his mid-twenties, and he had a sturdy body. His tempered upper arms like a military officer were actually to Pairins taste. Moreover, before, when he first came to the Rokushoukan, in the more than two full days that Maomao had eventually returned, he was confined in Pairins room, but he didnt look tired.


    Rihaku-sama, how much do you get paid?


    Why are you suddenly asking this?


    Rihaku said, looking slightly flustered.


    Do you get about eight-hundred silvers in a year?


    Oi oi, dont appraise people like that.


    Rihakus face was slightly stiff. It was a face that still had allowance.


    Then, one thousand two hundred?


    .


    Seeing him going silent, she took the middle ground. Does that mean that he gets a thousand in a year? He gets quite a bit for his age.


    Nheless, youll want to prepare ten thousand silvers if youre redeeming a high-ss prostitute. Since they are prostitutes that take a hundred for just drinking tea, and three hundred for getting to sleep.


    For thetter, Rihaku had slept with Pairin for one, two times. Considering his wages, it wasnt that he couldnt pay it offpletely, but that would be probably the madams suggestion. It is highly possible that Pairin will assign Rihaku to cate her frustration.


    Is that enough?


    Its not enough.


    What about repayment after promotion?


    Impossible. Theyll want ten thousand upfront.


    T-ten thousand!?


    Maomao wondered what she could do to the petrified Rihaku.


    Even if you consider raising money, Rihaku wasnt bad as a redeemer. Since he looked like he has prodigal physical strength, Pairin wouldnt find him unpleasant either.


    She thought she wouldnt find it unpleasant, but she didnt know whether she would go as far as to like him.


    (Hmm.)


    Maomao sighed deeply while looking at Rihaku who was feeling down.


    Rihaku-sama, can you stand up for a bit?


    okay.


    The dispiritedrge-breed dog obediently did at Maomao told him.


    Well then, just like that, can you take off your outer garment, raise both of your hands up to your shoulders, and flex your biceps?


    Okay.


    The eunuchs who were guarding were flustered in response to Rihaku who was doing as she said. They stopped Rihaku who was starting to take off his clothes.


    Were not doing anything shameful. Im just taking a look.


    Even when Maomao said that, the eunuchs didnt listen to her.


    Rihaku, while feeling down, knelt down in a seizaon the chair.


    Will redeeming be cheaper if I strip?


    I dont know if it would get cheaper or not, but there might be a chance.


    Ill strip.


    Rihaku stood up again, and stripped. He showed the jade pendant that denoted his rank to the eunuchs who were trying to stop him, thus silencing them.


    Rihaku, who took a pose that allowed Maomao to see his muscles, turned around for her to see at every angle. Sometimes, she framed her thumbs and index fingers into a rectangle and peered through that.


    Being a military officer, his body was very well trained. Nothing crooked in his frame, his muscles were uniform. His right arm being slightly bulkier should be because he was right-handed.


    Pairin was a gross eater than ate anything if there was nothing, but she still had preferences. In this case, now, Pairin should be licking her lips.


    Well then, your bottoms too please.


    Bottoms too?


    Bottoms too.


    Maomao said with a serious look.


    Rihaku reluctantly put his hands on the sash of his hakama, and was now down to his loincloth.


    Even so, Maomaos expression remained unchanged, she observed him with a fixed stare.


    His leg muscles were also firm; she gathered that Rihaku didnt shirk from his daily training. The sinewy muscles of his thighs smoothly traced down to his knees, and from there, the muscles of his calves were also bulging.


    (Really nice muscles.)


    It was different to the swollen bellies from those whoe to the brothel to drink. He didnt have that sallow unhealthy skin either.


    This might work, Maomao looked at the muscles rippling as Rihaku continued to shift his pose.


    Rihaku seemed to be one who gets carried away quite easily, his poses gradually became energetic.


    Lastly, so she could determine the most important ce,


    Well then, take off thestyer


    When she was about to say it, there was the sound of the door opening.


    The energetic Rihakus face turned pale.


    The eunuchs faces looked like they received death sentences.


    Maomao gaped her mouth in shock.


    What the hell are you guys doing?


    The inner pce administrator with a prominent vein on his face and his adjutant stood by the door.


    Beyond the door, the courtdies who were peering at Jinshis direction saw something improper and copsed noisily. It seemed the stimulus was too strong for the courtdies who were distanced from men.


    Maomao, for the time being,


    Pleasant day to you, Jinshi-sama,


    returned with that first.


    T/N: Three parter.


    I admit I had so much fun tranting this. And the next chapter. Maybe the aftermath too, if it wasnt for its length *cough*

 Volume 3, Chapter 8: Redeeming Strategy Middle Part

    The world is mysterious. Maomao thought.


    Why was she kneeling in aseiza right now? And right before her eyes, Jinshi was looking at her with chilly eyes.


    Rihaku, who was in the room with them until a moment ago, dejectedly went back half-naked. How unfair,she thought. Though she also figured that it might be better if he wasnt there since it would be more confusing otherwise.


    What the hell were you doing?


    Its scary when a beauty is angry, Maomao thought, raising her head. Jinshi made a daunting pose, his arms crossed, looking overbearing. Behind him, Gaoshun put his hands together, his face like a monk who has reached the state of selflessness.


    The two eunuchs at each of the entrances looked exhausted, but they kept ncing over to the beautiful head eunuch.


    It seems that the courtdies were peeping at them from beyond the door that was firmly shut; they were surely fidgety. What should I do when I get out, Maomao thought about what happens afterwards.


    Even if you ask me what I was doing, I was just giving a consultation.


    Shell properly report it to Honnyan first at the Jade Pce. Laundry finished in the morning. And since there were no tea parties nned for today, she didnt need to food taste. There shouldnt be anissue on the side of work if she returned by dinner time.


    In that case, why was that man looking like that?


    Ahh, about that huh, Maomao thought.


    Certainly, though they may have been standing before the guards, it was too great of a problem to have a man from outside the inner pce almost buck-naked. I need to properly fix that misunderstanding, Maomao thought.


    Were not doing anything shameful. I didnt touch anything. I was just inspecting.


    She emphasised to him that she was only looking. Not a finger touched him. She wanted him to understand that.


    However, Jinshis eyes widened. He looked slightly taken back.


    She noticed that Gaoshuns expression moved from the state of selflessness to nirvana[note]Buddhist term: the realisation of selflessness, and thus liberated from the cycle of rebirth.[/note]. Why was he looking at Maomao with the face of a bodhisattva[note]Buddhist term: Someone on the path to enlightenment towards bing a Buddha[/note]?


    You, were, inspecting?


    Yes. I was just looking.


    For what reason?


    Even if you ask for what reason. It was the result of the consultation. I thought Id make sure whether itll turn out fine by seeing the actual thing.


    Maomao had considered Pairins redeeming and everything else about it, but she also wanted to ce importance on Pairins feelings. She was a woman who had fallen in love several times, but Maomao thought it would be preferable for her to go a man she liked more.


    Thats why, at any degree, Maomao, who knew about her tastes, wanted to check whether Rihaku could get into Pairins strike zone. Even Maomao, for how much, in the case that Rihaku was too far apart from Pairins tastes, she wouldnt do things like ept a consultation like this. She wasnt that soft-hearted to the point of looking after others.


    Until Maomao was taken in by her dad, she was brought up at the Rokushoukan. The people who looked after her that time were the Three Princesses Pairin, Meimei, Joga and the madam.


    Pairin has never given birth, but since she had the special constitution to produce milk, Maomao was raised by drinking that. In the days when Maomao was born, Pairin had only just graduated from being a kamuro, but it seemed that her body had alreadypletely matured.


    She always called Pairin Neechan, but in actual fact, she was an existence closer to a Mother. By the way, she called Meimei and Joga Neechan[note]Means older sister, less formal than thetter.[/note] since they would get angry when she called them Neesan[note]Also means older sister, more formal than the former. Another possible way to differentiate between them is that this one could be denoted as elder sister? [/note] .


    The talks of redeeming had been raised but it was probable that neither of the contenders would provide Pairin the lifestyle she desired. Nevertheless, Maomao would rather she not end up like the madam in this way. With the reason that they were once prostitutes, there are many women who gave up on having children. There are also cases where their wombs dont have the ability to make a child, having been constantly soaked with contraceptives and abortion drugs.


    Maomao didnt know whether Pairin was like this or not. Just that, when she recalled the days she was rocked to sleep in the womans arms when she was younger, she thought that it was a waste.


    She was a woman whose lust was strong, but she was also a woman who was just as maternal.


    Rihaku fell in love with Pairin who is a prostitute. She is a prostitute hepletely understood that she would give the same service to other customers besides himself. Though he has parts there were somewhat like a mongrel, he seemed to be earnest at heart. He also has that lovable idiotic side of him where he tries to get promoted for her sake. Since he has quite the wholehearted personality, his feelings shouldnt abate easily. Even if it does, even Maomao can handle the preparations on the asion of them separating.


    Above all, his physical strength was peerless.


    Maomao giving Rihaku a consultation was also because of that reason. Although, given that he hinted at a different thing at first, she was also interested in that other thing too. What wille out of that now?


    (In the end he couldnt give it back to me.)


    It was about the ivory pipe. If no one wanted to use it, she was going to pawn it.


    While she was in the middle of evaluating that, Jinshi turned up. Could it be that he, as the administrator of the inner pce, couldnt stomach courtdies recklessly meeting up with outside men? What a strange moment to be enthusiastic about his job.


    Turn out fine, you say!?


    Yes. Appearance is only just one aspect of a person, but it is better to have it, right?


    Rihakus body almost passed with flying colours. At the end, checking the most important part, hereafter, she considered how it would arouse Pairin.


    Maomao said that the redeeming money was ten thousand silvers, but depending on how it could go, she can drop it up to half the amount. This was also dependant on how Pairin felt about Rihaku.


    Appearance is important?


    Jinshi finally stopped being imposing and sat down on the chair. He continued to be irritated, tapping his shoes on the floor.


    ordingly.


    Jinshi said. He looks somewhat down huh, Maomao thought.


    You saying that is unexpected. Then, how is that mans appearance?


    Hes just full of questions, Maomao thought. However, it was bitter that an underling had to answer everything.


    His body was really well proportioned. The foundation of his training is steady, and he doesnt have extra bulk in his upper and lower muscles. I suppose he is diligent and never misses his daily training. It seems that he is quite skilled even among military officers.


    Jinshis eyes were slightly bulging from Maomaos speech. It was an expression that could be taken as that he was surprised by what Maomao had said. And then, he looked extremely displeased.


    Do you know what kind of person they are by looking at their body?


    Roughly. Since your lifestyle habits show up on your body.


    It was important to make sure when you prescribe medicine to customers who say nothing about themselves. She acquired that skill even if she didnt want to when she was being a pharmacist.


    Will you know by looking at my body as well?


    Hah?


    Maomao unintentionally raised her voice stupidly.


    Seeing Jinshis face, it wasnt like she didnt notice that his expression was a little sulky.


    (Dont tell me,)


    Isnt this man just jealous of Rihaku, she thought.


    His displeased expression just then should also be because of that reason. Since Maomao was openly admiring Rihakus physical beauty.


    (This man.)


    Maomao wanted to sigh.


    (To think that he wants to unt that he himself is more pretty.)


    Jinshis face was beautiful; it was already a beauty that could rapidly overthrow the country if he was a woman, and she felt that it wasnt impossible even as a man. While possessing a beautiful face that was so perfect it spared no change, does he want to boast about his body this time?


    (You dont need to do anything, dont need to do anything.)


    Jinshis body that she had a fleeting look before was surprisingly muscr. Even if she didnt take a hard look at it, she knew that his body was beautiful.


    But, even if she looked at it, what wille out of it? If his body was more built that Rihaku, does he even want to say, Rmend me to Pairin? No, she considered what Pairin would say, would she choose Jinshi?


    Jinshi propped his elbows on the table, his lips slightly pursed, and stared at Maomao.


    Behind, the eunuch guards were nervous, and yet they were entranced by Jinshis angry face.


    Gaoshun was looking at Maomao, his gentle bearing the picture of nirvana.


    She was sorry for Jinshi, but she had to say this clearly. The part that Pairin considered the most importantponent of the body, Jinshi didnt have it. No matter how excellent the other parts were. If he didnt have it, there was no meaning.


    Even if I looked at Jinshis body, theres no meaning.


    Maomao said timidly.


    The air around them dropped to freezing. Gaoshun did a revolution from the picture of nirvana, his face was like a criminal that had broken spider web.


    Unfortunately, I dont think Jinshi-sama ispatible with my older sister.


    Hah?


    A stupid voice came out of Jinshis mouth.


    Gaoshun mmed his head into a wall.


    T/N: same, Gaoshun, same


    So Im aware that the second chapter of the manga has been tranted (Yay! Go read it on Batoto if you havent yet~) and that has brought in a huge amount of new readers. Thank you for reading, and double thanks for everyone who referred people this way :>


    That said, Ill take this opportunity to clear up some misunderstanding.


    First off, this is the web novel version; anyone interested in the raws can read it here.


    There are substantial differences between this version and the light novel version (which is published in physical book form; no ebook version for this though). As for what the differences are, I n to talk about them on my old blog once I reach the part in the web novel. Though were officially in line with the third volume of the light novel, Im still also covering territory from the second volume of the light novel btw. (The Redeeming chapter is in the second volume as part of the events that transpired while Maomao was in the inner pce before the Blue Rose chapter)


    But this doesnt mean that the web novel isnt worth reading. The writing is just as good, and many chapters in the light novel are exactly as it is in the web novel, albeit condensed together into longer chapters. As there are sections in the light novel that are not in the web novel, there are also sections in the web novel that arent in the light novel either (good for additional insight mhm). For best experience, I suggest reading both :>


    Also, the manga should follow the light novel version, so youll eventually get those additional scenes in picture form how nice. Maomao dancing on the top of the wall, yes.


    Please support the author and buy the light novels if you can (even if its just to look at the pretty illustrations ;D)!


    Next, despite having a female protagonist, this novel is ssified as a seinen novel.


    Thebel (hero bunko) the current light novel is published under is aimed towards males.


    Finally, on my own trantion:


    I am aware that my trantions are rife with ambiguous sentences, wonky grammar structures, punctuation errors and all those other terrible things in the world that will make an editor cry ( ). I am pretty new as far as trantors go, so I still have a lot to learn on that part too. I will be overjoyed and super grateful if people do point them out when theye upon them. I am working on this alone, both tranting and editing, so there will be bound to be mistakes that I will misspletely even after countless re-readings.


    Now that I said my piece, enjoy the novel! Revel in the bundle of misunderstandings that is Maomao! Feel for the poor misunderstood eunuch(?) that is Jinshi! And once again, thanks for reading. Hope you enjoy your stay o/


    Its been a while since I wrote a wall of text for TL notes sorry about that.()*:

 Volume 3, Chapter 9: Redeeming Strategy Latter Part

    What is going on? Rihaku thought.


    The eunuch who had red at him when he made a small blunder the other day was currently right before him. Moreover, this guy was giving him a considerably beautiful smile.


    He was pretty sure the eunuchs name was Jinshi. He was likely to be younger than Rihaku, and yet he was in the emperors pocket. He had good looks there were rumours of him being the emperors chosen but he was diligent and careful on his job.


    Its a bit of an issue that he could charm his surroundings regardless of gender, but that aside, there was nothing about him that is worth minding, Rihaku thought. For that point, Rihaku was straight so he would never point his finger to a man no matter how pretty he is.


    Nevertheless, he cant help saying that it was quite troubling to have this guy to suddenly turn up and stare at him fixedly.


    Its good that theres no one around, Rihaku thought. They were at the building superior officers were in. There were few random people in the vicinity. Thats right. The weirdo tactician is here, so people try to minimise theiring here.


    He frequently heard that the weirdo tactician has been loitering elsewhere recently. But limited to seeing the personnel in this ce, it would be this eunuch who apanies him for work, Rihaku supposed.


    Rihaku also thought to submit his documents and quickly leave this ce so he wont get caught up in something bothersome. But as he left Rakans office, he just had toe across this eunuch.


    And, it was mysterious because of this smile.


    Well, speaking of mysterious.


    The adjutant who was waiting behind the eunuch who was called Jinshi or something was the official from before who had said he wanted Rihaku to be the middleman for the brothel. Rihaku was nigh sure that this was his superiors old acquaintance. When he thought about the circumstances where he knew Maomao, the courtdy with freckles, he kind of grasped that they had such a connection.


    I wonder if you can join me for a bit?


    In saying that, it was Rihaku who wasnt in the position to decline. Though the other party was younger, the colour of the jade suspended at his waist was nobler than Rihakus. He would have to be promoted another four to five times just to oppose him.


    By your will.


    After giving a short reply, Rihaku followed the eunuchs.


    They were in the courtyard of the imperial court, a ce where superior officers often cooled off in the evening. Hence it was somehow difficult for junior officers to enter. There was no one around especially during this period. It was a ce that Rihaku never visited as he was indifferent to refined tastes.


    This season, nts called hydrangeas were starting to sproutrge flowers that look like temari balls[note], handballs made from embroidered fabric.[/note]. They were unusual flowers brought over from an ind country of the east. It was said its colours changed between red and blue ording to the day. Seems the weirdo tactician had purposely nted them[note]Flowernguage: patient affection, happy family get-together, familiar connection etc.[/note]. The shape of the flowers vaguely resembled lcs.


    He felt that that guy might be doing too much as he pleased, but ording to what he heard, even the general was no match to that monocle weirdo so it cant be helped.


    Jinshi sat on a chair in the gazebo and gestured for Rihaku to sit. If he says so I have no choice but to do so. He sat down facing the eunuch.


    The eunuch rested his chin on top of his sped hands and disyed a smile that seemed to sparkle. The adjutant behind him seemed like he was used to it, but Rihaku couldnt agree with it. It was a joke, it was so bright he wanted to look away.


    If he was a woman, it wouldnt necessarily be a lie to say that he could topple the country, Rihaku thought. But, this guy was a man, a man, even if he had already lost that important thing of his.


    Rihaku could be deceived with that celestial maidens face and silky hair, but that guy had stature and his shoulders were broad. He wouldnt look slight standing next to his adjutant who had a figure of a military officer. If Rihaku were to be deceived by that gentle smile and push that guy down, he would suffer severely. That seeming elegance simply indicated the sleekness of his movement.


    Rihaku had thought about the eunuch when he followed behind him. Also, he had a feeling he remembered him from somewhere, but he just couldnt recall it. He had a glimpse of that guys face before, though he never looked at him properly, so why was he caught up in this?


    What does this gentleman want from him?


    I heard from our maid, that you seem to have someone in your heart.


    Rihaku could be overthinking that he thought it was shady that he was termed as You[note]Jinshi is saying kimi , which is a more familiar second person pronounpared to the usual anata . Sounds somewhat condescending here.[/note]. He deliberated for a moment who this Our Maidwas, but considering the flow of the conversation, it just had to be that scrawny, freckled courtdy.


    That saying, there was a time she worked in the imperial court. She couldnt have been working under this eunuch. Rihaku inadvertently stroked his chin.


    He thought that girl was employed by a person with strange tastes, but who would think that this beautiful eunuch would that kind of person.


    However, although that situation in itself required an exnation, Did she talk about redeeming people? Rihaku cant say he didnt think of that. Was it for that reason? That this eunuch randomly came by smiling.


    For this youth, who had the reputed status of being called the countrys greatest beauty, something like redeeming a prostitute would be nothing more than a funny story.


    You can make a fool of me, but if you look down on my sweetheart, Pairin, Rihaku had considered it too. Pairin was a good woman. Not just as a prostitute, but as a mere woman too.


    He recalled her smiling face in the bedroom. He recalled her clutching onto her dress with her fingers, her dancing form. He recalled her pouring tea, her figure as she worried about trivial matters.


    That was the end of the matter if he was told that was a given with a prostitutes job. But, that was fine too, Rihaku thought.


    Real or fake, either way was fine. If he believed in it, either way didnt matter.


    He saw many of his colleagues who were crazy for prostitutes and gambling, but he surely had to be one of those people if he looked at it objectively. The guys who say that Pairin was a wicked woman for Rihaku were surely thinking about Rihaku.


    While feeling grateful, he also thought it was meddlesome.


    Rihaku visited the Rokushoukan out of his own ord. Not to meet Pairin; to end the day being entertained by kamuro with just tea at the entrance time and time again.


    Being the flower on the high cliff, that was Pairins job too.


    Taking a month of silver with just drinking tea, who could say that was greed?


    To squander all of himself on prostitutes, calling the prostitutes who live as amodity as expensive was even more severe.


    If the eunuch before his eyes spat out words that insulted Pairin, Rihaku was prepared to use his fists. If he did so, it was a slip-up where his head might fly. That was fine too, Rihaku thought.


    He wont yield from his thoughts; this sort of reckless way of living suited him. It had nothing to do with him being ndered as a prostitute-crazy fool by everyone around him.


    For the time being, he focused on restraining himself. Left hand pinning down his quivering right hand, Rihaku looked at Jinshi.


    And what about it?


    It shouldnt have nothing to do with ya, he made sure he didnt say too much.


    Even in response to Rihakus displeased attitude, Jinshi didnt seem to mind. His heavenly smile remained as it is.


    And then, those lips proimed something astonishing.


    What if I tell you that Ill shoulder your redeeming money?


    !?


    Rihaku was surprised. He inadvertently stood up and pped the table. Since it was a carved granite table, his palms were vibrating gradually. Even when the trembling passed through the entire length of his body, it took a while until Rihaku was able to speak out.


    What is that supposed to mean?


    I mean what I mean. How much do you need for the redeeming money? Will twenty thousand be enough?


    To say twenty thousand like it was nothing, Rihaku gulped. It wasnt a sum you would recklessly give out. To say nothing of that, was this something you suddenly say to an official you dont really know even as a rival?


    Did he already hear about the redeeming money from Maomao, or does this man think that is just simple loose change? Rihaku clutched his head.


    At the same time, more than suggesting twenty thousand, he could easily give out half of that, he didnt not think that, but Rihaku decided to stop with any more of his nave thinking.


    Im happy for your words, but it is alright for you to suddenly say such things to an official you dont know?


    There is a trap in generous offers. Rihaku wasnt a fool who would go as far as to lose sight ofmon sense that even children knew. He sat back down on the chair and looked at the others eyes. The subject who suggested the enormous sum didnt change his expression. The adjutant who was behind him made an expression of relief.


    Our cat had quite a strong sense of wariness. She, epted a consultation with you, and besides that, considered how you would be as an equalpanion for her older sister.


    The cat would be Maomao. Certainly, calling her a cat, she was like a cat. A wary-filled stray cat, but if you give her bait, she would somehow approach you, only ept the bait you give her, and then quickly run away.


    It was a creature that didnt suit Rihaku if he were to raise it. A dog more docile, that will hunt with him, was still preferable.


    But that way of talking, does that mean that even with that attitude of hers, Maomao had faith in Rihaku? Certainly, she listened to him talk with chilly eyes while resting her chin in her hands like it was tiresome, but she did answer everything Rihaku had asked.


    Why did she get him naked and make him take various poses, and moreover for what reason did she do it? As a result, he ended up talking to the eunuch like this.


    So you mean, if I could just embrace the wary cat, I can be trusted.


    Jinshi reacted with a twitch at Rihakus words. Did I say something bad? Rihaku thought, but he decided that was just his imagination as Jinshi has returned to his usual gentle smile.


    I asked about your story from several people. You may have been the son of a district government official, but you must have had hardships in bing a military officer at the capital.


    ordingly.


    Things called factions exists anywhere. Though his father was a government official, he was a district civil official. That in itself oppressed strongly against him, and there was also a brief period where he t-out wasnt acknowledged.


    When I asked, I heard you were noticed by the Tactician with the discerning eye and was entrusted a body of troops.


    Yes.


    Just how far did this man investigate Rihaku. Officially, he advanced due to the squadron head quitting as a military officer.


    Thinking that they want to get along with a promising official, anyone would think that, right?


    Although, twenty thousand silvers was much toovish. What Rihaku needed was half of that, no, considering his own connections and his savings, another half of that is fine. If it was a quarter five thousand silvers this man should indulgently present that to him.


    It was a proposition he wanted so bad he could taste it, but Rihaku shook his head.


    Rihaku looked at Jinshis face with a serious expression.


    I am honestly happy you would buy her for me, and I want the proposition so bad that I feel like I could taste it. However, I cannot just take your silvers. For you, she might be a prostitute, but for me, she is just a woman. epting the woman I want to wee as my wife with the money I earned, that way, wouldnt I be called a man then?


    Rihaku conveyed to the eunuch, although it was tiring to usenguage he wasnt used to.


    Rihaku thought Jinshi was someone who cannot help being displeased, but that celestial maidens face remained unchanged. No, it became more tenderpared to some time ago.


    That smile shifted toughter.


    I see. Then excuse me.


    The eunuch stood up with graceand smoothly ran his fingers through his hair. Like the painting of a beauty, the subject of the standing figure had a face that looked satisfied.


    Hereafter, there might be things I want to talk to you about, it is alright?


    By your will.


    Rihaku also stood up and gave thanks with a palm over his fist.


    The beautiful eunuch returned a slight nod and left with the adjutant in tow.


    Rihaku was in a daze, waiting until the back of the elegant figure could no longer be seen.


    And then.


    Just what was that, really?


    He plucked his hair in iprehension. When he felt the part that was still bald from the burn, he felt a little down.


    He sat down on the chair,


    What do now


    He muttered.


    For now, during the time of his next training session, should he show something a bit good in front of his superior, or should he increase his workload?


    No, before all that.


    He should send a message to the woman he didnt know when he will meet. However, he wasnt going to arbitrarily go meet her, he was going to ask for her opinion. Even if that was lip service, he believed he was giving her her daily bread.


    Aight


    Rihaku plunged his hands into his sleeves and jogged away from the courtyard.


    While thinking what would be a good branch to tie around the message.


    Maomao, you have a message.


    Guien held out to Maomao some bundled-up wooden slips. Maomao pulled the cord that was tied around it, and there, elegant characters were carefully inscribed on it.


    It was the reply to the letter Maomao sent to the Rokushoukan a couple of days ago.


    Whatever granny says, Im still in active service.


    The figure of a voluptuous, well-endowed older sister saying that with confidence came to mind. The sender was Pairin.


    Besides, Im waiting for my nobleman from somewhere toe for me one day.


    The nobleman[note],koushi, young noblemen. Omitted the young so its less of a mouthful.[/note] she wrote was pronounced as prince. In a distant foreign country, there was a prince that rides a white horse whoes to save the captured maiden.


    Pairin was a woman. You can also say she tends to have dreams, like a woman.


    It was already toote for her to be called a maiden. Even if the number of rtionships with gentlemen she had was already a number she couldnt count with her fingers, she had never given up on dreaming. Her determination might be one reason she retained her youth.


    (I had that feeling it was something like that.)


    Ten thousand silvers shouldnt be required as long as she was interested. Just acting as the prince as she likes would be good enough. For that, unparalleled strength, muscles, and the thing that a normal man has that a eunuch does not. A bit of an acting ability and preparing just the congrattory money should be good enough.


    The redeeming money aside, if even the congrattory money was haggled down, there shouldnt be anyone who would be silent.


    Even the madam,


    If you retire then do as you see fit. Just that the celebration must be done in style.


    She said. Even the normally stingy hag wasvish for that.


    She was Pairin, the Large Rose that bloomed in the prostitution quarter. Even when she departs from the stage, she would want to have something suitably grand. That was the pride as living as a prostitute.


    And so, if there was a man that the hag and Pairin both like, they wouldnt overcharge him. Just as the necessary expenses, they would take five thousand as congrattory money. If it wasnt a man who could earn about that much, he wouldnt be appropriate for Pairin, and if he was stingy it would be unreasonable.


    (Ten thousand was impossible, but if it is about five thousand.)


    If Rihaku favourably promotes from here on, hell somehow manage in a couple of years.


    What happens after will depend on luck. If Pairin gets brainwashed by the madams thinking, it will be the end. Rihaku will have to collect the money to drop Pairin before that happened.


    It wasnt something that Maomao could do about it.


    If it happens, there is one just one thing that he would have to cautious about.


    (No way he would incur things like debt huh.)


    Even if he collected the money by borrowing from someone, the madam would thoroughly investigate it. If it turns out like it, it would be the end. You would dare with Pairin, she would crush a man with debt with all her power.


    Maomao thought that sort of behaviour wouldnt happen, but that couldnt be asserted.


    Maomao tied up the wooden slips she was done with reading and ced it on the desk in her room.


    She went out into the corridor. Jinshi and the others have visited the Jade Pce after a few days.


    Jinshi was simply displeased when they parted the other day, but he looked like he was in a good mood for some reason today.


    While wondering what was up, Maomao headed for the kitchen to prepare tea.

 Volume 3, Chapter 10: Choice

    A couple of dayster, the ivory pipe was delivered to Maomaos ce along with a letter. The sender was Rihaku.


    (You shouldve just done that in the first ce.)


    So in the end, him directlying to meet up with Maomao was so he could talk to someone about Pairin. Normally, if you talk about redeeming a prostitute, you would be persuaded to just Give up. Since Maomao knew about the brothel, he probably wanted to talk to her.


    (Even so)


    Maomao squinted at the ivory pipe. Its a good item; it should be valued at more than one silver.


    (What does he mean, unwanted?)


    Maomao set the pipe down on the desk, and resumed reading the letter. Seeing the description that was written there, Maomao raised her eyebrows.


    Are there anything among these that can be poisonous?


    So it said.


    (You shouldve just asked me earlier.)


    Why did he put off such an important matter? Maomao thought.


    Her lips curved, to the point of impudence. Even she thought it was ridiculous, but that was Maomaos nature so it cant be helped. She traced the audacious words with her finger, her eyes squinted in delight.


    That night, a visitor turned up at the Jade Pce. Today, it was a noble gentleman sporting a beautiful beard. Namely, it was the emperor.


    The maids, for as much as they could, hurried to make the bedroom without raising their heads. They lit the emperors favourite incense and prepared a supper that bolstered vitality. Of course, this was all for appearances. His actual objective was to y with his sole daughter, Princess Rinrii.


    Consort Gyokuyou didnt really like gaudy things, but since her birthce was a trading post, her room was littered with furnishings from other countries. Her couch was the same, even the shape of her incense burner was a little different to what Maomao knew.


    Consort Gyokuyou had a character where she paid attention to unseen ces, so she was particr about the lining of clothes, incense, and the such. Perhaps to thank the emperor for his fatigue, an incense thatposes emotions was lit. Consort Gyokuyou, with undivided attention for that point, always lit the incense that she chose herself.


    It was a pity that Infa and the others werent allowed to use the perfumes they bought themselves. The intention was that things that could harm the body were taken out just in case, but in this case, it appeared that the scents shed with the incense that was being used.


    Since the supper had be quite warm, there was a refreshing sd of seafood and seaweed dressed in citrus vinegar, and eight-treasure porridge that was heaped with jujubes and legumes. This noble gentleman is really aimed at health despite his appearance.


    As usual, Maomao ate the vinegared dish that was served up on a silver dish. She had to eat quickly since silver tarnishes in acidity. Since doing that would make this meaningless, well have to change the dishes to normal ones after this, Maomao thought.


    She picked up the seafood and seaweed with a pair of chopsticks and put it in her mouth. Speaking of seaweed, she recalled the incident from the other day. That time, the officials younger brother who was taken as the perpetrator had died in prison.


    Not even knowing whether it was simply food poisoning or a poisoning, that sort of incident.


    Suddenly, something connected inside Maomao.


    Ahh.


    Her voice leaked out unintentionally. The emperor and Consort Gyokuyou, and then Honnyan, looked at Maomao.


    Wh-what is it?


    Honnyan said, her voice hitched at Maomaos tone. Remembering that she was in the middle of food tasting, Maomao thought, Ah crap.


    No, theres nothing wrong.


    Maomao shook her head.


    I-is that so. Then thats fine.


    Honnyan said, staring at Maomao.


    The expression on the emperors face was unreadable. Princess Rinrii was touching his beard. Consort Gyokuyou was watching Maomao with sparkling eyes.


    (There isnt anything amusing of the sort.)


    Amusing wasnt good. Since this had to do with people dying.


    Thinking that, Maomao set down the chopsticks.


    I heard that you know who is the perpetrator of the incident from the other day.


    In the room of the inner pce chief, Jinshi said. As usual, the chief has left her seat, so there was only Jinshi, Maomao and Gaoshun in the room. Perhaps Jinshi was staying for a while, there were a couch and a long desk prepared in the in yet spacious room. There was a basket of fruits set in the middle of the table.


    The incident from the other day was the incident where the man who attempted to poison the official had died. He had died from eating the meal he was treated to after the Spring Garden Party. She was sure that it was still unknown whether it was a poisoning or a simple food poisoning.


    I dont know that much.


    Maomao had handed a message over to Jinshi, reporting to him that there was something about that incident that she wanted to talk about. It was only just that. It was troubling that he leapt to such a conclusion.


    I only know, how, the ingredients with poison was chosen.


    You sure? About that.


    Yes.


    (Probably.)


    Speaking in such an ambiguous manner would get dad angry huh, Maomao thought. Her dad, the former medical officer, hated ambiguous evidence.


    Such that, Maomao mustered her confidence and went to meet Jinshi like this. Going out of their way to change the location was also because they understood that Consort Gyokuyou would eavesdrop if they speak about this at the Jade Pce.


    You said you didnt know what ingredientswere given out, but you know what the other prisoners ate, right.


    If its thats much.


    On behalf of Jinshi, Gaoshun started to write what was given out the prisoners on a sheet of paper. Maomao nodded, I see, as she looked over that.


    (I thought it was possibly like this.)


    Maomao grasped the message in her bosom. It was the letter she received from Rihaku yesterday. The same thing Gaoshun had written down was exactly what was on that letter.


    It was possible, but it might be that Rihaku had thought this incident was suspicious as well. Although he was a person in the military, it was a strange coincidence that he sniffed out the same thing, Maomao thought.


    Thats exactly why Maomao had noticed it too.


    You mean that there is something with poison among these?


    Jinshi sat on the chair, scanning the page. Soup and pickles, sliced meat and grilled fish. It doesnt seem like there was anything unusual.


    Maomao picked up the brush, and drew a wavy line on several dishes there were written down.


    These were all dishes that were prepared as appetisers.


    Incorrect. Rather, its the opposite. These all dont have poison.


    Maomao set down the brush, and repeatedly tapped the dishes with the wavy line with her finger.


    How is the order of the dishes delivered to the prisoners decided?


    Standardly, it is delivered from the front of the prison. They choose what they like from the dishes that are presented. Since the prisoners closer to the front have lighter crimes, they have options to pick from.


    Gaoshun answered. Maybe it was because he was formerly in the military, how detailed, Maomao thought.


    Then, where was the dead mans cell positioned?


    Until he has officially judged, he is positioned in the front.


    Around there, Jinshi and Gaoshuns faces gave a start.


    You mean, he chose it? The dish with poison.


    Yes.


    How did he?


    At Jinshis question, Maomao once again looked over the dish she pointed out a moment ago. The appetisers didnt have anything unusual about them, but there was a certainmonality.


    These were all dishes that were made using seaweed.


    About seaweed, the dead man couldnt have gotten a good impression on it. He also had recognised it as a deadly poison. Did he need to choose it specifically?


    Several varieties of appetiser were prepared. All were dishes that were made with seaweed, except for the one dish arranged that didnt use seaweed.


    Afterwards, they prepared only enough for the number of prisoners, and just had to pass those over to the jailer.


    Aside from the name of the dishes, Rihakus letter also roughly wrote down the ingredients. She was struck with this method when she connected the dishes from Rihakus letter and the incident from the other day.


    If it was the case, there was one other thing she understood.


    And that was.


    The one who did it, might be someone who knew about seaweed poison. This is only just a hypothesis though.


    Maomao thought it was mysterious. On how the man couldve known about seaweed poison. Maomao had known it as knowledge since her dad, who you could say was out of the norm, had taught her various things. Was the man also taught by someone?


    To speak about concern, she was concerned. If it was written down on a document somewhere, she wanted to see it.


    But it was most suspicious if he was taught. Currently, this possibility was the highest.


    (Well then.)


    Maomao looked at the two troubled eunuchs.


    Though she was interested, what happens afterwards didnt concern Maomao. Rather, she was reflecting that she said too much.


    In the middle of worrying over it, Maomao had stretched her hand out towards the fruits before her eyes. They were unusual fruits from the southern countries, her hands had just wanted to reach for it.


    Wasnt non-dried lychee really unusual? Just as she was going to sneakily help herself with only one, her eyes met up with Jinshi.


    Maomao had stopped moving, but her outstretched hand had advanced to the front of the basket.


    Jinshi picked up the fruits basket, and presented a branchden with lychees before Maomao.


    Good job. Your reward.


    Jinshi made a first-rate smile, cing the lychees on Maomaos palm.


    Thank you very much.


    Maomao meekly said her thanks. She thought to go dry half as medicine, and have the other half as a snack.


    I have expectations for next time too.


    As he said that, the beautiful eunuch elegantly left the room.


    (I really just cant stand that huh.)


    Maomao peeled off the skin with her fingers, and carried the white fruit to her mouth. While thinking, This is really tastier than the dried stuff, she licked her wet fingers.


    (Again, that side of him is better.)


    That childishness you see asionally when his expression crumbles a bit, is more natural hm, Maomao thought.


    T/N: Here would be a good ce to take a break. The mystery from thest volume has been solved. No cliffhangers. Everything is fine and dandy. No looming sense of doom. The next part has a different focus, which will start next chapter. My chapter stockpile is running critically low. I want to sleep. Yeah, break time.


    Ill be back in a weeks time. Monday. ;D Have a great weekend, guys o/

 Volume 3, Chapter 11: Paper

    Its gotten really hot, hasnt it.


    It was the quack doctor who was rxing with his feet submerged in a bucket he filled with water. He respectfully used a medical book as a substitute fan.


    Its going to get hotter still.


    Maomao set theundry basket down on the medical office desk.


    They were still in the rainy season  it was going to get warmer from here on. Though, maybe because its damp and humid, she totally understood how gross it was.


    Theing season, due to the high humidity, was the source of Maomaos annoyance. When she realised it, the medicinal herbs she took the trouble of drying were also going to get damp, and if she was careless, the herbs will also grow mould. It was a mncholic season.


    So because of that, the reason Maomao turned up at the medical office was-


    Oh,ss. What are ya doing?


    The quack doctor said, facing Maomao who took something out from theundry basket.


    Im not doing nothing.


    What Maomao took out were aplete set of cleaning tools and all the bamboo charcoal she could cram inside the basket.


    Lets clean up, this room.


    It was impermissible for the valuable medicines to get mouldy. Maomao came here for that reason.


    Eh?


    The quack doctors face darkened at a breath.


    The quack doctor wasnt a bad person. Rather, he was a good-natured person. Though that had nothing to do with being a good worker, Maomao thought.


    The interior of the room the quack doctor was stationed in was a medicine storage. Three walls of medicine shelves stuffed to the full, this ce was Sukhavati[note]Buddhist Term: Means Possessing happiness in Sanskrit. The Western Paradise, the westernpurendofAmitbha. A purend is the celestial realm of Buddha.[/note]for Maomao, but it wasnt that she was always satisfied with it.


    It had many medicines in reserve, but it was the quack doctor who used them. With them not being used periodically, it wasnt seldom to find them covered in dust or eaten by bugs. And so, this season was the greatest enemy for dried goods. If they are neglected for even a bit, theyll soon get mouldy.


    It wasnt that Maomao liked cleaning. There were many times she visited the medical office to kill time, she didnt have a reason to help here either.


    But, she cant not do it. Fired up with that sense of duty, Maomao brandished the duster.


    Lass, you dont have to trouble yourself with this. You can just leave the cleaning to someone else.


    Because the dispirited quack doctor said such a thing, she inadvertently looked at him with the eyes she normally faced Jinshi. Putting it simply, it was like she was gazing at a puddle of water teeming with mosquitorvae.


    Eek.


    (Not good, not good.)


    Although he was a quack doctor, he was a superior officer. Just in case, officially, she must not attend to him without sincerity. If not, he might not give out rice crackers the next time shees in. The snacks of the inner pce had too many sweet things getting less salty stuff was not good.


    Im fine with leaving it to someone else, but what would happen if the medicines get switched with something else?


    .


    The quack doctor was silenced.


    That saying, Maomaoing here now to clean as she pleased was also a problem, but lets keep silent about that. She wont get driven out.


    Maomao, to clear out the dust, opened up the shelves one by one and wipe down the insides. She threw away the things that had clearly gone off and wrote down their names on wooden slips. She rewrapped the medicines in new wrapping paper and put them back.


    (They use such nice paper.)


    Paper that can be preserved for long periods of time are expensive. The paper that appeared on the market are inferior goods that are usually discarded soon after being used. On top of its one-time usage, it cannot be preserved either, so it is often the case that the masses opt to use wooden slips entirely. A lot of firewood appear on the market. There are some among those that are chopped thinly for easy kindling. People use those. Those are just used as kindle afterwards.


    In the past, they even exported paper to foreign countries, but the previous emperor, no, his mother the empress, had prohibited the felling of lumber that were the raw material for fine quality paper. Currently, the prohibition had been rxed to a restriction, but even so, the amount wasnt sufficient.


    Why did the empress prohibit the felling of lumber? In those days, it was said the officials who were reckless enough to ask about it were no longer around. And so, it was still restricted nowadays. What could the reason be? Maomao wondered.


    Therefore, currently, except for a portion of high-ss items, paper was made from other types of wood, grass and rags. With the quantity not to the extent as lumber, and with the manufacturing also taking time and effort, it was expensive. Consequently, due to the inferior goods from skimping in the manufacturing process, the poprity of paper being just expensive and unusable wasnt good in town.


    Though paper was more convenient, the rate of cirction being not half was because of the above reasons.


    Fuuu.


    You done? Lass?


    The quack doctor raised his voice happily at Maomao who took a break.


    No, theres half left.


    .


    It couldnt be done in a day because of the extensive varieties of medicine. Maomao left the remainder for tomorrow.


    The charcoal she brought in was to absorb the moisture in the room. Since that still wasnt enough, she got the quack doctor to order additional stock.


    Well then, it was when Maomao was about to leave.


    A girl, who was probably around Maomaos age, waited at the front of the medical office. Though she was tall, she had somehow childish features.


    (What ces maidservant is this?)


    The clothes she wore were simple, but it wasnt something distributed in the inner pce. If that was the case, she decided that she must be working directly under a consort. At least, it was a face that Maomao has never seen before.


    (mm?)


    Maomao looked at the unfamiliar courtdy with slightly squinted eyes. Unexpectantly, the courtdy stared back with a head tilt. She feigned ignorance.


    (Could it be my imagination? Im feeling a bit of dj vu.)


    The quack doctor who came out from inside started to jog over with an Oh?. Then he took out a cloth bag from the top of the shelves in the room and passed it over to the girl who was waiting.


    Thank you very much.


    The courtdy courteously ryed her thanks. Her voice was somewhat shrill.


    The quack doctor waved at the leaving courtdy with a smile.


    An acquaintance?


    The quack doctor was the sole medical officer in the inner pce, but he is working and doing nothing.


    Ahh, that child is a courtdy from the consort-sama who hade in recently. It seems she knows a little about medicine just like you.


    I see.


    Then she doesnt rely on the quack doctor and makes her dose by just bringing back ingredients, Maomaoprehended.


    The quack doctor thumped his back tiredly as he rummaged through the shelves to prepare snacks. He poured fruit juice from a ceramic sake bottle and brought it over.


    Its sweet food thats the best when youre tired.


    He said, and passed the mashed sweet potatoes he had split with a bamboo spoon and served on paper to Maomao.


    (This old man is well to do huh.)


    It was the case that he was using sweet potatoes that were unusual that you cant obtain in this season to make mash, but then he served it on fine quality paper instead of a te like it was natural.


    Maomao picked up the sweet potato mash and ate it up, and gazed at the round grease marks on the paper. Even if the surface was smooth, it was very good paper.


    You use good paper here.


    Oh, you know?


    She had meant to say it off-handedly, but the quack doctor piped in.


    My family made this. Its distributed in the imperial court. Isnt that amazing!


    Its amazing.


    This, being served on this here would be because of that.


    At any rate, it is not ttery that this is good paper, Maomao thought. The wrapping paper used in Maomaos pharmacy that she chose to buy each time was rtively decent among the worn inferior goods. She wanted the sort of paper that allowed protection against moisture and spige, but it cant be helped considering the quality of customers. She had to cut the cost of things aside from medicine. Shell lose the means of livelihood otherwise.


    (I wonder if I can get a discount as acquaintances.)


    Maomao drank the juice as she considered something sneaky. The lukewarm sweetness passed down her throat. This doesnt suit my tastes, she thought, and decided to boil water and brew some tea. Since the medical office always had a fire going, that was convenient.


    We were bunched in viges and made paper. For a period of time, there was also a time where we considered discontinuing our work but it was good since we somehow made a living with it.


    The quack doctor, without her even asking, started his talking piece by piece.


    In the past, they earned money by just making paper. Thats why they steadily felled lumber and finely crushed that wood into pulp, and devoted themselves to making paper. Since it was more profitable to sell to foreign countries than domestically, paper was steadily exported as trade goods. When the quack doctor was a child, he said that they had prospered to the point of being able to buy whatever sweet snacks he wanted.


    However, as if that wasnt allowed, they incurred the empress anger and then could no longer fell lumber for materials. As ast resort, they used different materials to make paper, but those were inferior goods. By even getting the merchants angry, their work came to an end from thereon.


    The smooth sailing days they had up until then seemed to change suddenly. The quack doctor said his grandfather, the vige chief, Do something about it, med the earnest vigers. The vige chief believed that it was impossible to make paper as they always did. But, everyone who couldnt take to this reality were not meek, and intently beat down the vige chief and his family in their miserable anger.


    Maomao listened as she triumphantly poured tea into a bowl.


    I was lonely when my older sister left for the inner pce.


    The vige was built in a ce suitable for making paper, but when they couldnt do that, that ce had no use. They were determined to migrate, but the wherewithal was insufficient.


    That time, since the inner pce was seeking courtdies, he said his older sister left.


    She said that I am going to be the empress dowager with a smile, but in the end, I couldnt meet her again.


    The problem even with a new plot ofnd was knowing what to do with the equipment. They needed more wherewithal, and then, following the older sister, even the younger sister started to talk about going to the inner pce.


    Since there was nothing we can do, I decided to go.


    As the inner pce expanded, the number of eunuchs had to increase. He said that eunuchs which had fewer suitable people were sold for higher than courtdies.


    (He had more troubles than I thought.)


    As Maomao thought that, she drank up the tea.


    They did as much cleaning as they could, to the point where dirty ces couldnt be seen. They finished cleaning the shelves on the second day, but the next ce of concern was the room next door.


    The quack doctor cleaned rtively diligently, but the trivial ces didnt reach his eyes. While they were removing the cobweb from the ceiling and thoroughly blowing up the walls, the third day ended, and what followed was the maintenance of the tools.


    There were a lot more tools that she had expected. Of all things, it seems the quack doctor locked away all the tools he didnt really use in a single room.


    (Just how wasteful is that.)


    Thinking that it was clear that the room next door wasnt used at all, Maomao believed that there was a mountain of treasure piled up inside. There were also quite a lot of medical books. Maomao looked pleased, so the quack doctor reluctantly decided to tidy up.


    And so, it took seven days since she started cleaning with the pouting quack doctor.


    A eunuch came around to the quack doctor who was polishing the mortar[note], yagen, druggists mortar, back and forth crushing wheel[/note] with his brows bent to a shape. Wondering what it was, he received the message.


    Oh, this is-


    The quack doctor thought, Im going to ck off now, and cheerily unfolded the letter.


    Who is it from?


    Maomao tried asking, merely for lip service.


    Its from my younger sister.


    The quack doctor looked at the rough paper. Maomao thought the surface of the paper was likever. It also looked like the inferior goods you see in town.


    (If I remember correctly, he said that they made paper.)


    Are failed inferior goods good enough to give out since theyre rtives, she thought, and.


    !?


    The quack doctor, his face an expression of surprise, was reading as if he was eating into the page.


    Is something up? Maomao stood to his side, and the quack doctor drooped his shoulders, crestfallen. And then, just like that, he slumped on the chair, and while hanging his head, threw the letter on the table.


    We might have to desist from being the purveyor.


    Saying it simply, that was written there.


    A few days ago, he was just boasting to Maomao. That his family produced paper for the imperial court.


    How could this be? Even though they said they can now make a lot more paper after so long.


    Whether attached to the name purveyor or not, hereafter, the amount sold would change greatly. It was the people of the elite who use high-ss paper, they should be weak to the words purveyor.


    By saying you made a lot, does it mean you economised thebour?


    While tilting her head, Maomao felt the stiff surface of the paper.


    No such thing. They were worked up saying that they bought cows, so they can use them with the manufacturing. What is different between doing it with manpower to when you are doing it with cows?


    On making paper, there is a lot of work. Even if they switched to cows, what woulde of it?


    But, as far as I can see, I didnt believe they made something that could be distributed in the imperial court though.


    Maomao fluttered the letter that the quack doctor had received. Coarse paper would end up ripping from just getting a bit wet. On the contrary, the surface got fluffy, and the brush strokes were extremely hard to read.


    .


    She looked at the quack doctor who sank into silence. It seems he recognised that it was inferior goods.


    whats up with that?


    The quack doctor rested his head on the table.


    Maomao polished the mortar earnestly, thinking Now isnt the time to clean huh, while she observed the surface of the paper.


    The inferior goods that circte in town had a lot of impurities and are mostly rough with nt fibres. Maybe it was made without being finely pulped, due to that, the glue doesnt dry properly and crumbles.


    However, looking at this, it seems the fibres are crushed evenly. She recognised that the thickness also had no unevenness, and carefully spread and dried. Despite this, the surface was fluffy, and if you pull at the corners itll easily be torn.


    Maomao reread the letter, her head tilted. The manufacturing process hasnt changed from the past, it was written that the materials were properly used as they always did. What should we do? It was a message of a younger sister who depended on her older brother, but unfortunately, it seems the older brother who became half a man could only be flustered.


    How was this traditional manufacturing process done?


    Maomao finished polishing the mortar and returned it to the shelf. She lit the kettle to take a break.


    Its the same technique as to how you make paper normally. Though, our vige is particr about the way the materials were crushed and the making of the glue. I wont say that though.


    (This is where you stop running your mouth huh.)


    While Maomao thought, she took out a tea caddy from the shelf. What tea is good? She fished around and chanced on arrowroot inside. Maomao took that out and added it to the teacup. She relit the kettle to boil the water again.


    Were you also particr about things like water?


    Yeah. So that the glue hardens moderately, we draw spring water to properly regte the temperature. Anything else is a secret.


    He really is a quack doctor, Maomao thought, putting down the teacup once again. She poured in the piping hot water, and before the water cooled she mixed the contents with all her might with the spoon. The gloopy liquid ispleted. The arrowroot tea[note], kuzuyu, arrowroot tea or kudzu starch gruel. Arrowroot powder is starchy ground up kudzu/arrowroot. You add hot water and mix it to get this sweet liquid that has a clear honey-like consistency. The powder is also used as a thickening agent in cooking.[/note] ispleted.


    Is the glue from boiling rice starch water?


    No, we make sure to add wheat flour. Since clumping is bad.


    The quack doctor said then held his mouth. Maomao was fine with either starch water or wheat flour.


    Maomao set the arrowroot tea she made before the quack doctor,


    Then, where do you raise the cows?


    she asked.


    I dont know that much.


    Although the quack doctor made a face as if to say Why is it arrowroot tea again, he started to lick the piping hot tea. Since the tea was gooey and highly viscous, it stuck to the teacup and he couldnt drink it properly.


    Lass, you, mixed up the ratio. You cant drink it now.


    Maomao passed a spoon over to the protesting quack doctor.


    My apologies. Then, Ill tell you a way how you can drink it easily, so can you copy me?


    What do you want me to do?


    Maomao held the spoon she was holding into her mouth and licked it, and thrust that into the teacup and stirred it up. She repeated that several times.


    Thats kinda bad manners.


    Though the quack doctor grimaced, he copied her. As he repeatedly put the spoon in his mouth and mixed with it several times, he noticed a change.


    Its not gloopy anymore.


    Told you.


    Its like water.


    Maomao said, looking at the face of admiration.


    Arrowroot tea and glue, you know, they are very simr.


    Its not that its not simr. If you mix it with saliva, glue also stops being gloopy.


    Thats what it is.


    The quack doctor gaped his mouth in surprise.


    What do you mean, thats what it is?


    The quack doctor, who was bad at guessing, tilted his head as he mixed the teacup.


    (I even told him that much.)


    Should I let him guess again, Maomao thought as she, just one more time, decided to teach him.


    Cows, you know. Their mouths collect a lot of saliva, right?


    Now that you mention it.


    How about you check where they drink water? Just in case.


    Im not going to say anymore, Maomao packed away the teacupand decided to hurry up in returning to the Jade Pce.


    The quack doctor seemed to have finally realised it. He wrote something on a piece of paper, and hastily left the medical office to send out a message.


    (I wonder if we will finish cleaning tomorrow.)


    Maomao thought as she sent off the hurrying plump eunuch.


    T/N: Chapter lengths are putting a damper on trantion speed, bummer. So Im not going to release on weekends now, just in case. ;D


    Happy Halloween for those who celebrate it.


    And, uh, 8 chapters to go \\o/

 Volume 3, Chapter 12: Clinic

    I might be feeling a little sluggish.


    Airan said, her eyes partly on the verge of shutting, chin resting on the table.


    Maomao ced her hand on her brow. It appears that she has a fever.


    They were taking a break in the kitchen, eating snacks. Honnyan, whose duty was to watch over them, wasnt around, so they passed the time in aid-back manner.


    Dont tell me you have a slight cold or something. What would happen if you pass it over to Consort Gyokuyou and the princess?


    Infa said as she picked up a cherry. The cherries were taken from the inner pce orchard. Just saying this in case, but this wasnt something Maomao took on purpose. Dont take her wrong, she only snuck some in.


    I was careful though.


    Airan raised her head tiredly.


    Maomao was going to return to her room to boil some cold medicine, but Infa pulled her to a stop.


    Sorry about this, but since youre going to make medicine, can you take her to the clinic?


    The clinic? You say?


    Maomao tilted her head. Wasnt that, the medical office? If so, even if I take her there, itll just tire her out, Maomao thought, but then Infa, guessing that, shook her head.


    Its different to the medical office. How do I say this? Though we dont have medical officers, we have different people instead? For the time being, Airan knows, so go with her.


    Maomao nodded, I understand.


    This so-called clinic was on the north side of the inner pce. It was at adistance from the back of the washing area; there were courtdies wearing white robes.


    (It was in such a ce.)


    It was out of Maomaos area of activity. I didnt know about it, she muttered, and Airanughed wryly amid her coughs.


    Probably, you werent simply told when you entered here?


    Unfortunately, since Maomao entered here while sulking, she didnt listen properly. It was likely that, in the middle of being brought here and getting the exnation, she must have been observing the mugwort that was growing on the roadside.


    She was that kind of creature.


    In the washing area beside it, courtdies were briskly washing clothes. The things they were carrying in their hands seemed to be sheets.


    (How reasonable.)


    By being close to the washing area, they can immediately wash clothes and futons. For a ce where it is important to have the area clean for medical treatment, it was a good location.


    Excuse me. I caught a cold.


    Airan called out to a courtdy who was moving quickly. Although the busy-seeming courtdy made a brief look of doubt, she set down the washing basket and ced her hand on Airans forehead.


    A fever, I see. Stick out your tongue.


    It was a seasoned voice. The courtdys face was covered in deep wrinkles. For the inner pce, an unusual middle-aged courtdy.


    After the courtdy squinted, she lifted Airans chin up to see. It was a more practised actionpared to the quack doctor.


    Hmm. It doesnt seem to be that serious. If you dont exert yourself, youll be fine in two or three days. What do you want to do?


    The courtdy asked Airan. The diagnosis was also reliable.


    I cant pass it over to the consort, so can I stay here? Just in case.


    Hmm.


    The courtdy picked up theundry basket and promptly entered the clinic. She set down the basket and beckoned at them.


    The inside of the clinic was a simple structure that was devoid of splendour. There were no decorations hanging off the pirs, the corridor had in timber flooring. Even the windows, the square windows were only just installed at fixed intervals. Because of theck of decorations, cleaning was easier to do, so they are sufficiently thorough. There were many windows, the venttion was also good. It seemed to be a very restful ce to spend the time in thising season.


    There was no characteristic stench of traditional eastern medicine. However, an alcohol-like stench permeated the air.


    Airan grimaced. It appears that the reason she hesitateding here was because she hated this smell. However, Maomao could only admire that they were attentive with disinfection. Strong alcohol killed toxins when applied on the wound. Needless to say, holding it on the open wound and wiping it down is a method of disinfection.


    She had thought it was mysterious before that disease didnt spread with only that quack doctor around. Turns out there was this kind of ce.


    Then, tell them that Ille back tomorrow.


    I understand.


    Airan received a tag that was made from wood from the middle-aged courtdy, and headed to the room of the number written on that tag.


    Maomao looked at the inside of the clinic with interest, but she was seized by the nape of her neck.


    Hey, what about your job. Dont think you could ck off just because you were the chaperon.


    .


    What? Or, would you rather, clean all the washing here for us?


    Maomao shook her head in refusal at the aunty who was grinning widely.


    Maomao, with nothing she could do, decided to return to the Jade Pce.


    The madam was also like that. She really cant win against olddies.


    (I wanted to see more of it.)


    But it didnt seem like she could do it, so she gave up. She trudged the way back. While Maomao was being carefree, the courtdies carryingundry baskets scurried around her on the road.


    Since it was the rainy season, it seems tough that they have to pack up the washing when the sunniness asionally abated. That said, Maomao also recalled that she had to go get the washing too.


    (At any rate.)


    Aside from that aunty, there were several other courtdies. It can be said they were all senior aged.


    Since they were in a ce called the inner pce, when courtdies age, they are half forced to be reced. Generally, when they get to their thirties, they are forced to take breaks. If they remain, they would all be high positioned personnel like the Inner Pce Chief, or a maid that attends a consort.


    If she spoke it out loud, she would surely be hit, but Honnyan the head maid was already the age where she would be leaving the inner pce.


    Speaking of that courtdys experienced manner, she must have stayed behind as an existence that the inner pce needed, Maomao thought.


    However, there was one point of concern.


    The smell of medicine was non-existent. Could it have been erased by the smell of alcohol?


    No, or could it be.


    Maomao walked, stroking her chin as she contemted, and bumped into something. Did I hit a pir? She thought, but for some reason, there was the face of a celestial maiden that was dazzling like a sun above her head.


    Dont mutter to yourself as you walk. Youll trip.


    What are you talking about?


    Jinshi sighed tremendously and spread both of his hands, shaking his head. At his expression of disappointment, Maomao inadvertently became sullen, and her eyes were like she was looking at a swollen earthworm in a puddle of water, but then she politely met eyes with Gaoshun, who was overflowing with the expression of a bodhisattva. For now, she forced her narrowed eyes wide open.


    Where did you go?


    The clinic. To think there was such a ce huh.


    It was mentioned to courtdies when they were first shown around, could it have been omitted?


    No, I dont think so.


    Looking at Jinshi who had a somewhat strangely serious expression. Maomao thought, What should I do? asionally, does this eunuch have no confidence in his own work? He has so much confidence normally.


    Jinshi slowly veered off to a path that led to a ce with few people. The beautiful eunuch, him just standing here will be a hindrance to work, so it would be a wee decision.


    It was a ce that was more established that I thought, so I was surprised. Rather, it would be better if the medical officer was there.


    No, if it was like that, the quack doctors head will fly. If it was like this, the ces where Maomao can ck off will decrease, so it was troubling.


    I really should have corrected what I said just then, she thought, when Jinshi lowered his brows again.


    If there was a medical officer there? Wouldnt that be a hardship if that was done?


    What do you mean?


    Only males can be medical officers, you know.


    Maomao tilted her head, and Gaoshun exined instead.


    Fundamentally, only medical officers can boil medicine. For the treatment of wounds too. Scratches aside, the treatment of serious injuries was impossible. It was banned.


    (Was that how it is?)


    Maomao understood. The reason why there wasnt the smell of medicine, must be due to that.


    However, if that was the case.


    What about me?


    Maomao felt that she boiled medicine as she pleased. Of course, she couldnt bring in ingredients from outside, but she used the nts that grew within the inner pce and the medical offices medicines.


    You can say our eyes are closed. Among consorts, there arent few people who know a lot about medicines ced as maids. Though, when it bes such a case, conversely, their presence bes too distinct and cant provide medicines then.


    From Jinshis phrasing, Im involved in someplicated situation, Maomao thought. Like the inner pce courtdy wage system, an iprehensible system andw might exist, but Maomao had not much interest in it so she had absolutely no idea.


    Even if medicine was not allowed, you can use alcohol to disinfect then it could be utilised by applying that devising.


    By just resting in a clean ce, illnesses can be easily cured. In the case where the condition is severe, there was also the means to return to their family.


    (What a bother.)


    However, it would be more of a bother to overturn the system that was once decided. In this world, there are many people who chose to immobilise.


    Even for the future, it would be good if we can supply more figures that are different to medical officers.


    Jinshi also couldnt speak about Maomao. Like he was making a speech, that was a monologue.


    So we can do it even if there arent eunuchs.


    (Eunuch huh.)


    Within the inner pce, eunuchs make up about half of all the people. Compared to courtdies, since they arent often reced, their average age was considerably high.


    (That saying, there arent many young eunuchs huh.)


    She was pretty sure she heard that a couple of years ago, the surgery to be a eunuch was banned. If she remembered correctly, wasnt it the time when the emperor was reced by the current one?


    Maomao didnt know when Jinshi became a eunuch. However, considering Jinshis age, it could only be just before it was banned.


    (Poor thing. If only you waited a little.)


    Involuntarily, her gaze dropped. She looked at Jinshis crotch. Since the eunuchs surgery removed it all by the roots, it bes t. Since she knew what happened to her foster fathers area, she could pretty much imagine it.


    (Smooth and t.)


    Maomao slowly raised her head, locking eyes with Jinshi.


    Jinshi was making a somewhatplicated expression. His lips were shut in a zigzag shape; he was staring back at Maomao.


    (Dont tell me, did I say it out loud again?)


    Not good, she thought, holding her mouth and averting her eyes, this time meeting eyes with Gaoshun. His bodhisattva expression had crumbled; it seems he was looking towards Jinshi with the same sympathetic smile as Maomao. Being fellows that had the same tness, could they have a connection?


    Gaoshun slowly shook his head,


    Jinshi-sama, our work is being held up.


    And said a behest.


    Okay. Thats right. Tell them that I will be heading to the Jade Pce afterwards.


    So Jinshi said, and left with an elegant retreating figure.


    Maomao released her hands that she mped over her mouth,


    (If I make a medicine that can grow it, could it be profitable?)


    She considered imprudent things along those lines.

 Volume 3, Chapter 13: Tail

    The next day, together with Airans return to the Jade Pce, Maomao was summoned by a certain person. Contrary to who she was thinking, it was the middle-aged courtdy who had seized Maomao by the nape yesterday.


    So she said she wanted to meet Maomao.


    It was Consort Gyokuyou who spoke to Airan, who had her hand on her chin. They were in the living room; Airan was making an inquiry to the consort. The consort was stretched out on the couch. Her movements had be sluggish with her abdomen substantially bigger. Though she was wearing clothes that veiled her figure, there could be people outside who might have already noticed.


    My apologies. I shouldve drunk it here.


    It seems Airan drank the medicine Maomao made yesterday at the clinic. She said she had been discovered by the courtdy and was asked where she got the medicine from.


    (Makes sense.)


    As there wasnt a medical officer in the clinic, purposely bringing medicine inside, even though the use of medicine there was unpermitted, had to be no good. Being clearly not allowed to take it out, that would also attract the eyes from above.


    Maomao wondered if she should promptly leave and get firmly told off, but then unexpected words came.


    Its about whether they can borrow her for a short while.


    Oh my my.


    Consort Gyokuyou tilted her head and looked at Maomao. Airan also looked at Maomao with a troubled expression.


    While Maomao found that it had be somewhat bothersome, she thought about new medicinal ingredients for now.


    Consequently, it was decided that Maomao, who hade along as an observer before, will head to the clinic. Her chaperone wasnt Airan, it was Infa who followed. She was shorterpared to Airan, but she appeared to be suited with her liveliness and clear-cut personality.


    It may still be in the inner pce, but it was quite a trek. The talkable Infa wasnt quiet to the point of being silent during this period.


    Hey, Maomao. Yesterday, after sending Airan off, were you doing something by the gardenntern?


    Did you see me?


    It was after returning from the clinic, to be urate, it was after meeting Jinshi and the others along the way.


    I went for a bit to see if there were ingredients for medicine.


    Thentern is lit when it got dark. In doing so, bugs will gather at that light. The creature she was targeting will approach.


    Something youre looking for? Its not a bug or something, right?


    Its not a bug.


    It certainly wasnt a bug, but Infas expression shifted, sniffing out an unpleasant premonition.


    Maomao, your room, recently, has too many things. Since the smell of medicine has kinda gotten intense, Honnyan-samas eyes are raised up.


    Thats scary.


    It doesnt look that scary though.


    No way, Maomao thought. That head maid was very quick to act. However, if she wasnt that strong-willed, she couldnt be able to get on in the inner pce.


    Sooner orter, Maomao might get driven out from your room and get put in the storage shed next door.


    Infa said, smiling widely.


    That would be nice.


    That storage shed was bigger than her current room, and above all, since it was distanced from everyones sleeping quarters, sounds wouldnt escape in the middle of the night. Even though she took all the trouble of getting a lot of unused tools from the medical office, she was feeling gloomy that couldnt use it here.


    Then, sometime as soon as we get back, Ill have Honnyan-sama sound it out.


    Maomaos eyes shone.


    Eh, wait. Um.


    Infa panicked and was going to say something to Maomao when they arrived at the clinic.


    Well then, shall we enter for now?


    That just then, wai-wait


    If Maomao moved to the shed, while considering that she might even be able to do work that used fire, her hope grew.


    The middle-aged courtdy was called Shenryu[note], shen1 l4 in Chinese. Means deep green.[/note]. Maomao, looking really closely, saw that her eyes were the same green as Consort Gyokuyous. She might be mixed with western blood.


    Maomao was shown into a ce that seemed like the parlour of the clinic. It must have been originally a remodelled building of old consorts. Although it was devoid of pointless ornaments, the building itself wasnt changed that much.


    In the room that had the faint smell of alcohol, Shenryu took out tea for them. The table was in, the shelves and chairs around it were also sturdy, but they look like they have used for a long time.


    I was utterly ignorant that you belong to the Noble Consorts people. Im sorry.


    Its fine.


    The other maids aside, Maomaos upbringing wasnt that good. For starters, she was in a position that was beyond her station. There were many times Consort Gyokuyou was called by her official title by maids aside from the Jade Pce ones.


    Shenryus voice was calm. There was no hint of the gutsy aunty who was carrying arge batch ofundry from some time ago. She looks like she had properly received the education of an inner pce courtdy.


    (She really is a clever person.)


    Though they were known as inner pce courtdies, there were also those who couldnt read nor write. Such, that, those remaining for a long time in the inner pce had to be the clever ones. Otherwise, it could be that they have a special reason.


    Maybe it was because she was talking to Consort Gyokuyous maids, Shenryus expression seemed slightly shadowed. Thinking it was a special treatment, Maomao felt there was something wrong. There was a tendency where many have their eyes closed when ites to high ranked consorts and their maids. Despite this, where Shenryu began dealing with them by calling them out was concerned, even the person herself must feel ufortable.


    However, Shenryu sighed deeply and looked straight ahead.


    Theres something I wish to ask of you.


    What would that be?


    Maomao had said it nonchntly, but Shenryu disyed a momentary look of surprise. However, she straightened her expression and continued speaking.


    You might feel its impolite, but would that be alright?


    Go ahead.


    She was used to being treated rudely by others. Rather, she didnt consider that she, herself, did something wrong. And so, Maomao had confidence on the general idea of what the person was going to say.


    Then, even if I ask you to make medicine for a courtdy from the Able Consorts ce?


    Wha-!?


    It was Infa who reacted, not Maomao. So that she could p the table, her body was pitched forward. The tea in the bowls shook, sshes making ck stains.


    What youre insinuating, do you understand!


    Infa said to Shenryu.


    Shenryu sighed again,


    I understand deeply.


    She said, focusing on them.


    Shenryu didnt seem to be joking. What could the reason be? Maomao thought.


    You seem to have a reason.


    Maomao!


    Excuse me, would it be possible if you can just listen to what I have to say?


    Infa sat down, her brows lowered. She gulped down the cooled tea, calming herself down.


    Will you listen to the situation?


    I understand.


    Shenryu began to string her story together.


    It became such a bothersome thing huh.


    Infa said, her shoulders unusually drooped.


    I suppose so.


    Once again, Maomao heard something she thought was a pain but couldnt disregard.


    The Able Consort, namely Consort Rifas maidservant had been inflicted with a serious illness. And that, it seems that sick person was still in the Crystal Pce.


    Being a maidservant who came to wash in the north washing area since before, Shenryu said the person in question was an acquaintance of hers. She said since the person had a strange cough for a while back, she once told her it was better if she took a proper rest, but after that, it has been five days since she stoppeding here.


    Her washing ce might have changed, or the washing duty might have changed, she said, though she shook her head.


    Whatever the case, I think its better to take a look once.


    And that was what Shenryu had said.


    She said she was coughing, and that it seemed to be a strange cough.


    (Cough huh.)


    It had been several days she hadnte since she had started to cough, and before that, she continued having a sense of fatigue and fever.


    When she asked if she properly went to the clinic, she got nothing. She was told that permission wasnt given.


    (That ce is in the wrong.)


    It was likely with the level of a maidservant, it would have to be Consort Rifa where they ask for permission. It was highly possible that some maid would ignore that kind of maidservants words.


    And then.


    Connecting the symptoms, Maomao ran into an unpleasant premonition.


    Even so, would she really be there? That child.


    I think we need to investigate.


    Hypothetically, if that was true, she must be treated properly. It is possible that it would expand to an issue that affected not just the Crystal Pce.


    Infa stared at Maomao.


    I know you have that kind of curious character, but the ce is the ce. You should know properly from the inquiry on what you should say. asionally rushing headlong into things is not good.


    Okay.


    While it was true that she somewhat an affinity with Consort Rifa, she cannot just thoughtlessly go to her pce. She made too much of a blunder a couple of days ago. First of all, she wasnt acting for Jinshi. The talk would not go ahead.


    She wanted to go immediately, but she was unable to have her way with it.


    (Even if Im impatient, theres nothing I can do.)


    Maomao considered other things it was the time to slightly take her mind of it. Something came out in her range of vision.


    Maomao inadvertently took off, running for that thing. She leapt onto the ground like a frog and finally caught it.


    Maomao! What are you doing after talking?


    Holding onto her sleeves, Infa came closer.


    Though Maomao made a slightly bitter expression, she stood up, feeling the thing between her palms.


    My apologies. I saw something I was looking for, so I just-


    Was the thing youre looking for the usual bug? Stop that.


    Its not a bug.


    It wasnt a bug. And it wasnt the real body either. Unfortunately, the real body had escaped, but the thing Maomao wanted, for now, was moving in her hands.


    Here.


    She opened her hands, there was a lizards tail that was still lively hopping around. The lizards tail was still alive even if it hade off. That was the key.


    (I cant give up with nothing.)


    It was the end when you give up, some sage must have said it. To create a yet unknown medicine, you begin by investigating something that had a simr property first of all.


    Thats why, Maomao aimed for the moths that gathered at the gardenntern, and checked to see whether lizards were living there.


    For now, I want to investigate why the tail is alive.


    Though Maomao had said it slightly happily, she didnt get a reply.


    Seeing the front, Infa, whose face had paled, gapped her mouth in shock. And then, just like that, she copsed backwards.


    Maomao wrapped the tail she caught in a towel and put it in her bosom, and ended up looking after Infa who had fainted.

 Volume 3, Chapter 14: Shin First Part

    Her surroundings were astir. Wondering what was up, she walked over towards the entrance hall of the pce. The courtdies were already gathered at the extravagantly built entrance hall. There were also maidservants who had stood up with dust clothes in their hands, their wiping of the handrails forgotten.


    What business do you have here after all this time?


    A courtdy said, her brows knitted. Her gaze was in the direction of the sole medical officer of the inner pce.


    Unusual.


    That medical officer does his utmost to never leave the medical office. Hasnt it already been close to a year since he appeared in this pce?


    The ipetent medical officer only in name, after the death of the infant crown prince, hadnt dared toe here out of awkwardness. It was only with the reason that there was no recement, that he could continue to remain in the garden of women carefreely without me.


    What could his business possibly be after all this time?


    The medical officer was carrying a wrapping cloth sack with pomp. A courtdy trailed behind him.


    The courtdy was slim. She followed the medical office with smooth, graceful movements. Her tightly closed lips were painted with crimson rouge, and her cheeks were also lightly dusted with peach coloured powder.


    Was there such a courtdy? She suddenly thought that. She wondered if it was normal for eunuchs to have assistants simrly seeing as how the medical officer eunuch had one? But it shouldnt be the case?


    No, the inner pce has two thousand courtdies. It wouldnt be strange to have one or two unknown faces.


    Everyone, was in the middle of whispering amongst themselves, so she had no choice but toe out in front.


    What is your business?


    Noticing her voice, the chatting courtdies stopped. She didnt miss the maidservants who returned to their original stations in a fluster. To say nothing of the entirety of the inner pce, those who serve in this pce understand.


    This was her own, Shins[note], Xing in Chinese. Apricot.[/note], job.


    When Rifa was decided as consort, she entered court along with her. They came to attain the emperors favour.


    I want an audience with the Able Consort.


    Shin squinted at the medical officers words. She didnt want to hear the words Able Consort from the mouth of this man.


    My apologies. I dont believe Rifa-sama would wish to grant an audience with you.


    When she gently but clearly voiced the refusal, the thin moustached medical officer lowered his brows. He seems to be a eunuch who had already lost the function of a man a pitiful moustache. It was a world of difference to the emperor who sported a beautiful, splendid beard.


    The medical officer made a troubled expression and looked back. The courtdy, whose face was like a Noh mask, quietly whispered into his ear.


    The medical officer reluctantly took out something from his breast pocket.


    I received this kind of note.


    He unfolded the note that was written on parchment. It was written stating to let this medical officer in. The name noted at the end was Jinshi.


    That beautiful eunuch, the mention of him in this inner pce first brought the personage to mind. He possessed the beauty that could topple countries if he were a woman, but he wasnt a woman. Nor was he a man.


    It was certainly true that he was a personage that also made Shin involuntarily leak a sigh. But unlike the other courtdies, she didnt have anything beyond those feelings. Why did Shine to the inner pce? When she considered that, she didnt have the free time to get preupied with a eunuch.


    It was important for her to gain the emperors favour even for the sake of the n. That, was something Shin and Rifa were told when they were young.


    Shins mother, was Rifas fathers older sister. Because she was the same age as Rifa, she entered court, and had the position of managing the Crystal Pce they currently reside in.


    The maids of the Crystal Pce, all of them, were the daughters of distinguished families and had the suitable pedigree to serve the emperor.


    I understand.


    It cannot be helped that Shin doesnt understand, she decided to guide them inside. She could have entrusted this to other courtdies, but if the medical officer came here under themand of the one who controls the inner pce, the situation was different.


    What could this be about?


    If the medical officeres to a consorts pce, it would be when the consorts health was bad.


    Theres no such manner.


    Theres no way Shin wouldnt notice, being the one always close to Rifa. Her condition was good today, she even ate her breakfast.


    What could this be about? She tilted her head. She couldnt hear footsteps behind her. Shin turned back, and the medical officer and hispanion had halted their steps.


    They were looking at the shed on the other side of the garden. Rifas room was far away. It was in the innermost chamber of the pce on the highest storey. This was one of the storage sheds along the way to get there.


    What is it?


    No, I was wondering what shed that was.


    Its a normal storage shed.


    She wanted to lead them there quickly. Why is he asking about something like this, Shin thought.


    The Crystal Pce was extensively reconstructed into a ce fit to raise the crown prince. It wasnt strange if there was a shed or a detached bathroom even. Moreover, the strange, freckledss camest year and made a strange thing as a bathroom for some reason. It was called a sauna Shin didnt really like it, Rifa used it asionally is all.


    Though she had said it was a normal shed, the other courtdy was staring at it for some reason. Was there something interesting about it? There were just yellow flowers in pots by the window. It shouldnt be that peculiar of a ce.


    Its only a storage shed. They should quickly go.


    The courtdy grabbed the eunuchs sleeve and furtively whispered something. The eunuch, once again, lowered his brows, and said to Shin.


    Recently, has this garden been disturbed?


    No, there is only just the usual gardener who we entrust it to.


    Is that so.


    Huh, Shin thought. That saying, was there that kind of tree? Did the gardener grow it without her being aware of it?


    .


    The eunuch kept silent, and the courtdy nudged the eunuch again.


    The eunuch puffed out his cheeks, easy to understand. But the courtdys expression was unchanged, turning to face Shin.


    ck eyes stared at Shin. Shin, saying nothing, was going to slowly avert her eyes when


    You, are wearing perfume today.


    It was a voice she recognised from somewhere. The voice came from the lips of the graceful courtdy.


    The courtdys curved into a smirk. This so-called smile was extremely wicked, it was a ferocious way of smiling, as if the moment a beast has sighted its prey.


    .


    Long time no see. Shin-sama, excuse me for the other day.


    A face caked with plenty of face powder, eyes lined precisely, and excessively long eyshes loomed towards her. Though those eyes were inclined to the gaudy decorations, the contours of the face were round and young.


    She recognised the sanpaku[note], three whites eyes. Eyes where the whites below or above the pupil are visible.[/note] eyes that stared at her.


    Shins entire body froze. She understood through her experience that she was substantially worthless in regards to this person.


    Last year, this girl turned up at the Crystal Pce. She constantly attended to Rifa and nursed her, but all throughout that, she did astounding things many times over. Due to that, half of the courtdies of this pce couldnt defy this girl.


    Shin was in the remaining half who wasnt like that, but she was suddenly stripped by this girl who turned up a couple of days ago. And because of that, this was a person she really didnt want to deal with.


    The girl stared at Shin. Shin found herself retreating slowly. It was that moment.


    The eunuch suddenly dashed towards the garden. The ce he was somehow running towards with his plump body was that storage shed. Shin was going to chase after him, but before her eyes was thess she was weak towards. Still, she pushed her aside, and chased after the eunuch, but she was already toote.


    Holding the door bar, with a look of mute amazement, the eunuch stood.


    A peculiar scent wafted out of the opened door. It was the smell that Rifa gave off before, the stink of a sick person who was heading to the other world.


    Perhaps the girl had fallen on her buttocks when Shin pushed her aside, she was rubbing her backside. But she didnt look like she was in a hurry either. She only knitted her brows and grabbed the sack the eunuch had brought.


    Uncle! Hot water! Please boil some water!


    She said, without whispering into his ears this time, and entered the shed with the shrouded atmosphere.


    There was a crude bed of piled woven mats. A sick person lying down on it. It was the maidservant who served as aundry woman.


    Gotcha. Lass.


    The eunuch ran off again, the fat on his chin swinging.


    The girl, as she got the maidservant to drink something that seemed like water, looked at Shin.


    Why are you giving her this kind of treatment?


    Even when you ask why, theres nothing to it. Isnt itmon sense to quarantine her so the disease doesnt spread?


    The girl said nothing in return. She must have something to say, but couldnt say anything.


    I guess so. But.


    The girl held a towel over the mouth of the maidservant who was coughing strangely. When she removed it, there were red markings on it.


    This is a contagious disease. The infectiousness may be low, but if you continue to treat her this way, it will result in death. Of course, it is a trivial problem even if a single maidservant dies though.


    The girl set down the sick maidservant and tried to enter the shed again. Shin involuntarily grabbed the girls shoulders to stop her, but she smoothly shook her off and went inside.


    Stop. The inside has-


    She was going to stop the girl while her foot was caught on the baggage, but it was already toote.


    The girl had something in her hands. It was a small box.


    When I entered this room, I recalled that time. The time when Consort Rifa hid her illness.


    What about it?


    She was covered in perfume to hide the characteristic stink of a sick person.


    And what about it? Hurry up and return that, Shin stretched out her hand.


    I had the same feeling when I entered here. Im against it this time though.


    The girl opened the small box. There were rows of small colourful bottles.


    To hide the smell of perfume, it looked like the sick person had put it.


    The girl pulled off the stopper of a small bottle with a pop. Her nose twitched.


    The maids of the Crystal Pce, truly have a lot of things hidden. The poor eunuch will get whipped again.


    It was a bottle of perfume oil that the girl opened. It was a product that was obtained from the merchants a couple of days ago. They were things that the mostly recovered by the eunuchs.


    Each one is a small poison. I wonder what would happen if we mixed them.


    The girlughed like she was singing a nursery rhyme, her eyes squinted in delight.


    T/N: Two parter.


    Also, I got a little bored, so I made a list of what all the names would be pronounced in Chinese here.

 Volume 3, Chapter 15: Shin Latter Part

    Now then, I wonder what will happen, Maomao thought as she wiped her face with a towel.


    The face powder was gross. The rouge hardly came off, and she really needed to go wash her hair that had clumped up from the perfume oil properly afterwards. She had glued hair trimmings around her eyes a technique used by prostitutes with thinshes but she was worried it wonte off.


    The skirt she wore was longer than usual, and she had worn heavy shoes underneath to fake her height. She probably didnt need it though. The lot at the Crystal Pce hadnt noticed it at all.


    Though Maomao was sulking about it, she took off the false bottom shoes. She also changed out of her outfit. Some sputum got caught on her clothes when she was nursing the severely sick person a while ago. She was relieved there wasnt blood in it. The infectiousness might be low, but she considered what could happen if she walked around with it, and thus prepared for a change of clothes. With it prepared at the Crystal Pce, the maid attire was pretty muchcking in function, but there was nothing she could do about it. She really wanted to take a bath, but it couldnt be done now so she relented.


    When she tidied up, Maomao headed to the room where everyone was waiting for her.


    Everyone was gathered in the parlour of the Crystal Pce,their expressions clouded with anxiety. Their gorgeous faces were all well-suited to the various fixtures of the room, but when Maomao entered with her make-up off, she couldnt help feeling she was somehow beyond her station.


    There was Consort Rifa, Jinshi, Gaoshun, as well as a woman with a lithe beauty. The other maids had withdrawn from the room at Consort Rifas behest. The quack doctor seemed to be among that group as well, but since he had other business, he took priority over that.


    Consort Rifas head maid was a woman called Shin. Consort Rifas cousin, and as a person who also had a noble lineage, she was a proud beauty who stood out even in the inner pce. Perhaps due to their rtion, she somehow resembled Consort Rifa in looks.


    She was the head maid. But considering her social status, she was in a position where it wouldnt be strange for her to be middle-ranked consort either.


    (I wonder if shes challenging as a head maid.)


    The ones vying for the emperors favour werent all consorts. Sometimes even a maidservant can win the emperors favour and be the empress dowager. It wasnt something absent in history. If that was the case, wouldnt gathering beautiful flowers in the one ce make them stand out more? The maid who serves the high-rank consort bes a mistress. That moment, the maid would immediately be appointed a rank so that her social status is appropriate to be a consort.


    (What is it like for the people in question?)


    Maomao didnt know anything concerning Consort Rifas family. Just thatplex emotions would be revolving around the people in question. If they could ovee that and cover it with deep trust, the world will be at peace.


    (Consort Gyokuyou is blessed.)


    The head maid Honnyan wasnt a capable person who was sent in as help. She was only working as a maid for Consort Gyokuyou. Due to that, she passed her marriageable age. It would be nice if Consort Gyokuyou would mediate a good family for her to marry into one day, though. Even the other maids. They all have certainly lovely features, but they wouldnt even consider something outrageous like obtaining the emperors favour.


    On the flipside, speaking of Consort Rifas maid here.


    What is this supposed to mean?


    Jinshi pped the table, his eyes narrowed. There were several varieties of perfume oil and spices on it. These were the things that were found a while ago in the storage room with the sick person. They wouldnt stand out as individual pieces, but when several types get mixed, the smell of stuffy.


    The rest of the perfume was wafting around the head maid called Shin. Even though the smell of the perfume wasnt on the head maid at all before.


    With the stink of perfume being not there as the reason, she must have confiscated something else she bought with the other maids. Even if it wasnt the case, she might have properly kept it hidden away.


    .


    Shin closed her eyes, saying nothing.


    (Is she keeping quiet?)


    Her crime, at the same time as concealing the perfume and spice that had been banned, was on how she attempted to use those products to make something.


    She shouldnt be charged with the crime of quarantining the maidservant in the shed. Moving her from themon room to prevent infection was an appropriate measure. The inner pce only has a single medical officer; it would be hopeless in the first ce to have him look after the maidservant.


    (It became the ce for the eunuch with too much free time to drink tea though.)


    Even if she was taken to the medical clinic, it doesnt mean that they could be entrusted with the maidservant. There were also those who hate getting medical treatment from women.


    However, it was troubling if a person dies because of that reason, but it couldnt be helped.


    Just that, the lives of maidservants are insignificant.


    Jinshi was also thrust before the pieces of evidence and charged her the crime that she was used of based on that.


    However, the head maid called Shin simply stood there, making an oblivious face. She had a noble lineage from the start. The eunuch called Jinshi might only have the position where he could just phrase aint no matter what he wanted to say.


    And the mysterious one was Consort Rifa. Her brows were lowered. She was just looking at her head maid. Her face was an expression of sorrow.


    Shin looked directly at the eunuch who was inquiring her without lowering her head.


    (Hoho, shes ying it quite well.)


    The usual courtdy would end up staggering just by being cross-examined by Jinshi. It seems he cannot use his ayakashi-like ability with this courtdy either.


    I dont know anything. Certainly, it was I who said to move the maidservant there. Apart from that, after suddenly turning up and asking to meet Rifa-sama, isnt her actions of looking through the shed more of an issue?


    She said it sinctly. It was certainly true that they can not prove that the things in the shed were Shins.


    Being the ce with a sick person, the only contact everyone had to the shed only amounted to carrying her meals there, but conversely, it was a ce where it wouldnt be strange if anyone entered.


    In that case, it would be better if we asked the maidservant who was in that ce.


    How far can we trust the words of a maidservant who was mindless from fever?


    You knew that she was feverish huh.


    Maomao said without a moment of dy.


    Shins demeanour changed instantly.


    How gracious of you. To go out of your way to see a lowly maidservants condition.


    Maomao added brazenly.


    In that case, it wouldnt be strange to have the smell of perfume oil remain of your body.


    Maomao picked out a small bottle from the table.


    (No, Im obtruding too much if I do any more than this.)


    She thought, but her body moved. She couldnt help it out of aggravation. Over her own position and all that, she was annoyed.


    You smell just like this perfume oil. Despite you saying that this bottle was carefully ced inside the baggage. It is a smell that is so strong that it seeps out? Just in case, can you allow me to check?


    Maomao was going to grab onto Shins sleeves, but Shin pushed her away. That moment, nails gouged across Maomaos cheeks. They were long nails.


    Amidst themotion around her, Maomao rubbed the gash with her thumb. There wasnt a lot of blood. Only a thinyer of skin was taken off.


    My apologies. Someone of my position shouldnt have touched you. Shall we get someone else to examine you instead?


    She said it casually as all of the gazes in the room gathered onto Shin.


    Shin, whose lips were twisted into a jagged shape, whose eyes were bloodshot. The unpleasant smell of sweat hung in the air. Her pupils were dted.


    People sweat when they are nervous. The glistening sweat was different to the perspiration from strenuous activity. The sweat was disgusting, the smell intense.


    Eyes were the same. Though not as easily understood as a cats, the pupils of human eyes also change. Consort Gyokuyou with her pale eyes was more easily understood than others because of that, so when she held tea parties with other consorts, there were many times where she smiled with her pale eyes closed.


    (One more effort.)


    It was what Maomao had prepared one step in advance.


    For this part, can you leave it to me?


    She heard a voice that was prideful but not arrogant. Consort Rifa who was sitting on the couch stood up. As she fingered her long skirt, she approached Maomao, no, Shin.


    (Oh?)


    The outfit that Consort Rifa was wearing looked very simr to the design that Consort Gyokuyou was wearing recently. It wasnt a problem, considering that it was purchased when the caravans came.


    What will be this persons charge?


    Rifa-sama.


    Shin said. Her eyes were filled with various emotions, but for some reason, there were no signs of a questioning in her gaze.


    For arguments sake, if she was making an abortion drug, it is the same as killing the emperors children.


    As if she would understand by just saying that, Jinshi closed his eyes.


    Is that so. Does that apply to any consort?


    It is the same for high-rank consorts and low-rank consorts.


    Consort Rifa covered her eyes, and looked at Shin,


    (That saying.)


    Rifa and Shin. They were names of a set.


    Maomao suddenly thought. She didnt think that this head maid called Shin was dumb. Just that there were millions of people in this world who are foolish even when they are smart. Most of these were actions controlled by emotions.


    Maomao thought about Shin and one other person.


    And then, the one who put out the conclusion was Consort Rifa.


    Even if the target was just myself?


    Consort! That is!


    Jinshi leaned forward. Gaoshun also widened his eyes.


    With the one line from Consort Rifa, it was Maomao who understood.


    She had thought it was strange the whole time.


    The resources Consort Rifa had as a consort were sufficient. And yet, she had always thought that the other woman couldnt find decent maids.


    It wasnt the case. It was the maids of the Crystal Pce who gathered up these type of people, and the one who gathered them was Shin here.


    Previously, during the incident with the poisonous face powder, a single maid who was forced to resign. However, what about the other ones who were there? They continued working carefreely.


    And then, speaking of Consort Rifa in response to this head maid


    Shin, even once, you never treated me as a consort. You must be thinking that I wasnt suitable as the empress dowager.


    Maomao understood what Consort Rifa was saying. Shin never called her Consort even once.


    You and I, we never understood who will be the consort till the end.


    Consort Rifas voice was sad.


    Consort Rifa had feelings towards Shin. However, what about Shin? The woman was biting her lips, facing Consort Rifa was a look of hatred.


    what eyes from above are you speaking as?


    A voice of scorn leaked out from the lips of the head maid.


    That part of you, I hated from a long time ago. I was better at studying than you. Even on a whole lot of other things, I surpassed you, and yet why was everyone around us-


    (The size of the chest though.)


    Maomao was ashamed of herself for thinking that. Even though Shin was pretty big herself.


    Because you were the n heads daughter? I was lower than you? Theres no way. It was I who was raised to be the empress dowager since forever.


    Shin bared her wolf-like fangs. Maomao thought it wouldnt be strange if she sprang upon the consort at any time now, and promptly headed to the front of Consort Rifa, but Gaoshun and Jinshi had already entered the space.


    Can I take that as a confession?


    In response to Jinshis question, Shin picked up the bottle of perfume oil on the table and threw it towards Consort Rifa. Gaoshun swept his hand, the small bottle smashed onto the floor.


    You should wither in the flower garden as a barren woman.


    Gaoshun grabbed the hands of Shin who sounded like she wasying down a curse and pinned her back.


    Unhand me, you likes of a eunuch! Such filth!


    Shin struggled but she couldnt win against a man though he was a eunuch. Filthynguage steadily rushed out from her noble lips.


    (It exists huh, these type of people.)


    Maomao stood in front of Shin, who took a breather after finishing her spiel, and smirked.


    What the hell do you want!


    No, its nothing. It just seems like that Shin-sama yearns for the emperor very much.


    No shit! What are you spewing!


    No, I can surely see that you love the position of the empress dowager. Unlike Consort Rifa.


    Maomao once again smiled with her teeth. Shins mouth gaped open in shock.


    What Consort Rifa had, that Shin did not. That much was clear.


    Shin, so you thought this way.


    Consort Rifa said, in a dignified poise despite her trembling eyes. And then, she stood before Shin, raised her hand high overhead, and pped Shins cheeks.


    (Oh my, shes that angry.)


    Maomao thought in such a way, and Consort Rifa then said something outside her expectation.


    Jinshi-dono, Im dismissing this head maid. She spat out abusive words towards her master. To the point of me raising my hand.


    Jinshi gaped his mouth in surprise.


    Consort, that is.


    A palm isnt enough, is it.


    Consort Rifa seized the cor of Shin, who was distracted from her cheeks being pped, and used a fist this time.


    Jinshi and Gaoshun went to stop her in a panic. Only Maomao involuntarily burst outughing.


    (Good work.)


    Consort Rifa wasnt the same consort from long ago. She wasnt the fickle woman who held onto her own wasted thread of life.


    I dismiss this one. And also, hereafter with no exception, I want to ban her from entering the inner pce.


    Consort Rifa dered with dignity. Shin was distracted from being beaten up.


    This woman should know how kind she was. She shouldnt resent her in return.


    (No, it doesnt matter either way.)


    It didnt matter how noble a lineage she had, a woman who was expelled from the inner pce due to a scandal had no way of giving retribution to a consort. Maomao thought that was still a generous measure, but this kind of treatment for a prideful woman, being how humiliated she would be, she considered just that.


    Shin was lead out of the room by Gaoshun just like that.


    There were observers gathered outside the room, wondering whats going on, but when Maomao red at them, they scattered like spiderlings.


    (Will it be fine, this pce?)


    Maomao though that, and then sawrge fingers before her eyes. Maomao unconsciously retreated half a step.


    What are you doing? All of a sudden.


    The owner of the fingers was Jinshi.


    the wound, treat it.


    Jinshi made a sulky expression and held out a towel to Maomao. Maomao finally recalled that her cheek had been scratched.


    (The wound isnt that serious.)


    The towel that Jinshi handed to her was a first-ss item that was imbued with incense.


    Maomao squinted. It was wasteful to get blood on it. So she wiped her face with her own towel she had put in her bosom. Normally, she should give it back, but since Jinshi was stingy, it was fine for her to think that he gave it to her. Who can I sell this toter, Maomao wondered.


    (For now, has it been resolved?)


    Though Maomao thought that, she looked by the window of the room. The consort with a beauty that was like arge rose was gazing out the window.


    It goes without saying who was there.


    Can I ask one thing?


    What is it?


    Jinshi said as he walked along the corridor of the Crystal Pce. The direction of his gaze was the storage room where the maidservant was locked up in.


    You knew where the sick person was immediately since you were at the Crystal Pce many times. It wouldnt be strange, with you having visited many times, and yet you came here specifically in a disguise.


    Thats right. Donning that outfit was also a consideration to stand out so she could break Maomaos face at the Crystal Pce. She would be basked in attention either way as the courtdy who was following the medical officer, but she would be judged more with her own face.


    The maidservants of the Crystal Pce were tight-lipped. She understood that the higher maids probably forbid them to speak.


    I found it immediately.


    Maomao had already decided on the kind of ce. She figured it was a ce that was slightly distanced from the maidservants sleeping quarters, otherwise, it would be in an inconspicuous ce. She gave consideration from the time she was there, unwell maidservants changed their beds to not pass the disease. That exclusive ce was also inside the court.


    (To think it was the storage shed.)


    She had a strange feeling from the smell that was emanating from Shin, but she didnt think it would be something like that. It was by chance that she found that.


    Its that.


    Maomao pointed towards where the flowers were growing. They were white-powder flowers[note], Mirabilis Jpa. Four o clock flower is one of its names in English. In Japanese, it is called the face-powder/white-powder flower because of the white powder that is found in its ck coloured berries that can be used as face powder.[/note]. As if it was transnted not too long ago, the colour of the soil there was different. For a gardeners job, it was poorly positioned. It was right next to the storage shed.


    It had ck coloured berries, and inside of those were a white powder that bes face powder.


    Why those?


    It seems that in Fengshui, green things are good for health. I had heard that it is good to put it together with white.


    The blooming flowers were all white. Though the name was white-powder flower, the flowers were mostly red. She noticed that white flowers were specifically chosen from the stock and transnted. Certainly, it wasnt in the Crystal Pce in the beginning. It must be blooming somewhere in the inner pce.


    She didnt know who transnted them. Just that, they did that with the sick person in mind. There are people like that. Considering that, Maomao felt somehow relieved.


    (At any rate, white-powder flower is-)


    Maomao thought it was ironic when she considered the things that were found with the sick person.


    She sighed tremendously, but she noticed someones gaze then.


    Suddenly, when she looked back, there was someone looking this way with their body half-hidden behind the pir.


    What?


    Jinshi looked at Maomao who had halted. The person who was hiding behind a pir was slowly swaying and making a face like she was affected by someone.


    Jinshi-sama, please go on ahead.


    Why?


    You are a hindrance.


    Maomao said starkly, and Jinshi made a somehow sullen expression. For that, Gaoshun, who had returned, will talk to him for her in a way that will pacify even a cow. It truly is nice to be able to read the atmosphere, Maomao put her hands together in thanks to Gaoshun.


    What is it?


    Maomao looked at the girl who was hidden behind the pir. She looked older than Maomao, but she was somehow cowering. Whether that, was in response to Maomao, or she did that to other people as well, she didnt know.


    Ah, um. About the person who was over there.


    There were fresh white flowers in the girls hand. Green and white, distinct colours. She spoke clumsily and she cowered, but her nature wasnt bad.


    No longer here. She will be leaving the inner pce, but she can get treatment in an environment that is better than here.


    so shes leaving.


    The maidservant covered her face, but on the hand, it would seem that she was relieved.


    The girl rubbed her face like she was hiding her moist eyes. She bowed her head at Maomao and returned to her work post.


    Small white flower petals fell in the wake of the girls leaving.

 Volume 3, Chapter 16: Insect Lover

    Maomao was overjoyed. Really overjoyed.


    There was Honnyan in an imposing stance and a narrow-eyed Infa right behind her.


    You really mean that I can use this?


    Maomao peeked at Honnyans expression.


    Yes. Go reflect.


    Hmph, Honnyan scoffed, and Maomaos eyes teared up a little in response. She grabbed hold of Honnyans hand delicately and-


    Thank you very much.


    She said her thanks, bowing her head deeply.


    Eh?


    Wai-, Maomao!?


    While Honnyan and Infa were caught in bewilderment, Maomao triumphantly rushed inside the storage shed.


    From today onwards, this will be Maomaos room.


    Isnt that just really mean, Infa?


    Guien said as she poured tea. This quiet maid gave out tea and snacks to Infa.


    I dont think so. Maomao was in the wrong.


    Infa pouted as she sipped her head. Todays tea was a fermented tea that was ordered from the West. It had a sweet aroma.


    I mean, no matter how many times I told her, she didnt stop. Maomao was in the wrong. She was gathering bugs again.


    Infa red at Maomao with narrowed eyes.


    Maomao tilted her head in surprise. As it was actually troubling to have her copse, Maomao had stopped gathering lizard tails.


    What is that supposed to mean? Never before have I done such a thing.


    Maomao regard Infa with a look of utter mystification.


    I mean, I heard the story of a high-rank consorts courtdy who was catching bugs whileughing in the garden.


    .


    Guiens eyes also shifted into a stare.


    What is this about? This is a misunderstanding.


    I dont do such things.


    Maomao said resolutely.


    If I did something, it is when Im gathering herbs, not bugs.


    So you im that youugh.


    The shocked faces of Infa and Guien. The two people, who seemed to have finally grasped Maomaos nature recently, stared at Maomao.


    (Mmm.)


    These were the faces of no trust. There isnt. Just because Maomaoughs when she finds medicinal herbs, doesnt mean that she wouldugh when she finds bugs. Just in case, it wasmon sense even for Maomao. She pretty much knows what will happen if she caught bugs and raised them. This season was summer. What kind of a disaster would it be?


    Maomao knitted her brows tightly and made a fist. This was a grave situation.


    Hweehhh? Weirdreshent fings?


    Shaoran mumbled as she ate a peach steamed bun.


    Maomao nodded as she held out the hydrangea tea in the bamboo pipe. As usual, they were at the back of the washing area, chatting as they ate. They were taking an autonomous break, not cking off.


    Something like a peculiar courtdy in recent times?


    A peculiar courtdy hmm. Like what for example?


    Her mouth full of beverage, Shaoran asked.


    For example, a courtdy whoughs while searching for something in the thicket.


    Shaoran stared at Maomao. She stared at her as she gulped down her tea.


    Aside from me.


    Maomao added the remark. Shaoran closed her eyes and groaned. Why was that, she felt that she was getting awful treatment?


    That sort of weird courtdy, I wonder if she does exist. Ah!


    You happen to know something?


    Shaoran jumped down from the barrel and went towards the courtdies who were chatting around the well. Maomao followed her.


    Hey hey, recently, didnt you say that there was a weird courtdy?


    Shaoran asked the trio of courtdies. They seemed to be acquaintances, they greeted Shaoran. But when Maomao neared, they made a guarded expression. The curious courtdy who talked to Maomao was only Shaoran, so that should be it.


    There is if you say there is.


    Hey.


    She thought it was a somewhat biting way of speaking.


    Ehhh, who was it, who? Tell me


    Shaoran, who wasnt shy, asked as she persistently poked then. However, the three courtdies exchanged nces and hesitated on speaking.


    They were probably minding Maomaos presence. Maomaos clothes were different to the other courtdies. Her clothes were still simple and easy to move in, but it was different to the clothes the other courtdies wore that were supplied to them by the inner pce. Courtdies who follow consort higher than those with rooms were provided clothes from their consorts.


    And because of that, they had a rough idea of whether she was with a consort or not. There was an unspeakable wall.


    (I made a mistake.)


    I shouldve just watched from afar, Maomao regretted. As there were courtdies who held antagonism towards the courtdies of consorts, there were also those who hold their tongue from the worry of spreading rumours to inferiors. Simple courtdies like Shaoran were unusual.


    So what can she do? Even if she were to fish around for snacks, she had given them all away to Shaoran just then. Is there anything else I can use in exchange? Maomao searched her pockets.


    (Oh!?)


    Thats it, Maomao took out a certain thing.


    Depending on the details you give me, Ill give you this.


    She took out the silky cloth that was nice to feel. There was the faint scent of incense left on it. It was meant to be used as a towel, but since the material was good, it can be used as whatever.


    It was the towel that Jinshi gave her the other day. After this she was heading to the medical office, she had considered selling it to the quack doctor. She didnt want to think about the quack doctor feeling inclined towards males, but since it was the beautiful eunuchs item, she had thought that he would more or less shell out money for it.


    What is, this?


    Its like silk. Its not suited for its use though.


    Maomao said, and one of the courtdies staggered over to take a sniff.


    That scent. Dont tell me!?


    Maomao faced that courtdy with subdued eyes, but only her lips drew an arc.


    Ill leave it to your imagination.


    In the face of revealing Jinshis name, Maomao thought she would be shady on the contrary. If she let them sniff it like this, she figured that she let them imagine it however they like.


    The courtdy with the good sense of smell was muttering, This is, dont tell me, no, that gentlemans Maomao didnt know exactly who the courtdy was imagining, but it should be good that it looked like she was going to snap at it. Seeing that, the other two courtdies also came closer to sniff the towel.


    Maomao folded up the towel and looked at the courtdies.


    Excuse me, may I ask you some questions?


    Maomao said to the deferential courtdies.


    ording to what the courtdies had said, the person was found close to the forest of the south side. Maomao headed to the ce that they mentioned.


    (It really isnt convenient.)


    Maomao sat down under the shade of a tree. Since it was summer, there were a lot of grating insect sounds. Cicada sounds she still forgave, but she had beaten several mosquitos that had whined unpleasantly next to her ears to death.


    (I should havee with mosquito repelling smoke.)


    She had burned mugwort and the fresh pine leaves to use as an insect repellent. Since there was Princess Rinrii who was still young, she couldnt miss on the insect repellent countern at the Jade Pce.


    The area close to the forest didnt seem to be cleaned much, various nts grew here and there. Aside from pampas grass, she saw red flowers growing en masse.


    Maomao approached the red flowers.


    (Was it in such a ce?)


    Those were white-powder flowers[note]Mirabilis jpa. Fromst chapter.[/note]. The trumpet-shaped flowers opened up their buds when evening approached. Maomao picked one up and crushed the petals. Red juice stained her fingers. When she was young, that was what she usually yed with.


    And then, she also remembered the prostitutesing to gather the seeds.


    Youll find white powder inside the seeds when you crush them. It doesnt mean that the prostitute used these as face powder.


    Maomao still had a certain ufortable feeling. The incident that urred at the Crystal Pce the other day. Where Consort Rifas head maid, Shin, was trying to make an abortion drug.


    She recalled that.


    Shin, at first, wasnt wearing perfume or anything. As there wereponents in the perfume that held the danger of miscarriage, if she bragged that she was a capable person suitable to be a consort herself, it wouldnt be strange for her to avoid wearing that on her body. In reality, Shin should be considering surpassing Consort Rifa. If Consort Rifa was unable to beget a child, her family would also consider a different person as consort.


    That, as far as Shin was wearing the smell of the perfume, the reason she tried to make an abortion drug was.


    Consort Rifa was wearing a loose outfit. Just like Consort Gyokuyou, something that didnt constrict the abdomen. And, was it Maomaos imagination that she had a feeling that her cheeks were rounder than before?


    It doesnt mean at all that only Consort Gyokuyou received the emperors favour. That possibility was good enough, but Maomao didnt say anything. Even if she said something there, Maomao wasnt in the position to help Consort Rifa.


    The reason she had an ufortable feeling was concerning the ingredients that were used in that storage shed. Perfumes and etc, it was full of items that anyone bought from the caravans if they had money. She understood that.


    Maomao cannot stand mysteries.


    The reason the prostitutes gathered the seeds of the white-powder flower, was to make the drug to abort the child in their abdomen. In addition, you can also boil things like winter cherry and tree peony, rose balsam, garden peony and mercury to abort. Mercury aside, it appears to be likely that the other flowers were ingredients that could be obtained in the inner pce.


    The drink that Shin decocted didnt contain any of them.


    Even though this way seems much simpler.


    And so, Maomao had an anxiety inside her. That someone must have expressly taught Shin poison. And, that this person must still be in the inner pce.


    She had fleetingly mentioned it to Jinshi as a hint, but he would investigate because it was his issue. However, it was a problem that obstinate former head maid had confessed it easily though.


    As she was thinking about that, the sunlight had weakened considerably. The sun hid in the shadow of the forest, the shadows lengthened. Suddenly, all at once, the chirps of the noisy cicadas subsided.


    Ring.


    She heard the faint sound of a bell.


    And, she heard rustling sounds along with that sound.


    Maomao faced the direction the sound came from, she turned her gaze. She saw somethingrge crawling within the pampas grass. There, jumping like a frog, both hands raised up, the person started tough loudly.


    I caught you


    She heard a shrill voice. An innocent voice that retained its innocence like Shaoran, but the owner of the voice was tall. However, the face that was lit with a smile of delight, was younger than her height suggested.


    It was a face she had seen before. Her clothes were the special attire that was provided from consorts.


    With a face that was delighted from the bottom of her heart, the girl put her fisted hands into the bamboo insect cage.


    Ring.


    Again, the sound of a bell.


    She noticed that she heard it from the direction of that girl.


    Maomao remembered. The courtdy who turned up at the medical office the other day. The girl who came to get medicine.


    That time, she didnt really say anything, Seeing her now, her impression is surprising different huh, Maomao thought.


    (At any rate.)


    The girl darted around the thicket like a frog, catching insects whileughing.


    (To think I was confused with someone like that.)


    How unthinkable, Maomao though. Even Maomao was a little more normal, she thought.


    Turns out, since Consort Rouran was also entric, the courtdy who serves her was also entric.


    Maomao was satisfied with verifying just that and was going to leave this ce in haste.


    She was going to leave, but.


    Ring. She heard the bell-like sound close to her ear. Oh no, she tilted her head and felt her head. An insect that Maomao has never seen before had perched there. It seems that the source of the bell-like sound was this.


    It was fine if it was just that but.


    Suddenly the shadow of a person hung over before Maomao.


    Insect


    Along with the shrill voice, Maomao was crushed by that shadow of that person.


    T/N: The title of the chapter ()es from The Insect-loving Princess (), which is a 12th-century Late-Heian period Japanese short story from an anthology. It was about an entric princess who was more interested in gross insects like caterpirs (instead of butterflies and flowers like a normal youngdy would prefer) than beautifying and presenting herself as a decentdy of those times. She looks and acts child-like this way. She doesnt have a modest personality, is argumentative, and often charges at people with logic. She is totally defying social convention.


    (Theres also a next part which is about this yboy bishie who hears about this girl and goes to see her. He sends her a Waka poem, and she replies to him in kanji (Heian women are usually taught to only write in hiragana), he finds her interesting, and romance begins to ensue and the story ends here. No continuation ._.)

 Volume 3, Chapter 17: Shisui

    The person leaning over was looking at Maomao with a nk expression. The face shes making somehow reminds me of a squirrel, Maomao thought.


    Ill be happy if you could move aside.


    Maomao said, but the girl didnt budge. Her hands, ced right on top of Maomaos head, didnt move. She was making a somewhat awkward expression.


    Maomao could pretty much guess what happened.


    Ill be happy if you move aside quickly. I dont want to have the insect stuck on my head.


    The moment the girl sprang upon her, she heard a crunch. What she guessed, was that something got smashed.


    The girl, making a bitter smile, slowly moved off Maomao.


    It felt good when she poured cold well water over her head. It felt good, but it didnt get rid of the gross feeling.


    The girl held out a towel to the soaked Maomao. Maomao took it with thanks and dried herself.


    The insect cage that was hanging from the girls sash had several burnt-coloured bugs inside. Their wings trembled and they made a bell-like sound.


    Were you trying to catch those insects?


    Yeah.


    With some awkwardness, the girl faced Maomao with her eyes sparkling. It seems this was because Maomao was talking about insects.


    What should I do if thats the case? Maomao thought. The girl took Maomaos hand and dragged her over to the other side of the well. They were under the shade of the trees, and there was a wooden box in a ce where it was easy to sit. Sit here, the girl tapped the wooden box.


    (.)


    She had a very unpleasant premonition. And she was pretty much on the mark.


    So you see, this insect lives in the ind country of the east. It makes a sound when it flutters its wings.


    The girl spoke, gazing at the insect cage.


    It is likely, that these guys were escapees from among the trade goods. I think, they only inhabit here, in this country.


    It seems so, Maomao sluggishly made an agreeable response.


    Its colours are somewhat simr to cockroaches, but its alright since its a different creature.


    I shouldnt have asked, Maomao thought. She scrubbed her head with the towel once again.


    And just like so, the girl who spoke without a lisp, slowly talked about the insects for a quarter-dual-hours(30min). Maomao tried to cut in every now and then to break it up, and each time, her sleeves were tugged and she was stopped. She had no choice but to listen.


    She understood that the girl was focused on talking about her own interests, but she wanted to tell her that it was troublesome to listen.


    (If its medicine, that would still be fine though.)


    That saying, Maomao remembered.


    Hey, you know much about medicines?


    She decided to force a topic change. She was pretty sure this girl turned up at the medical office to pick up medicine. If the quack doctor was telling the truth, she should be able topound.


    Eh, medicine? I suppose so. I can do the simple stuff since my older sister taught me to remember it. Before, I got medicine from the old man here, but it was terrible. If thats the case, it would be better if I made it myself.


    What an awful way of putting the quack doctor. Well, it cant be helped. It was true.


    Your older sister taught you?


    Im kinda interested in that, Maomao thought. It wasnt absent, but female pharmacists were few. She was super interested.


    Yeah, when I was young. I only know the simple medicines though.


    Is she in the inner pce?


    Not the inner pce, shes being a courtdy in the imperial court.


    Thats unfortunate, Maomao thought.


    With the conversation paused, Maomao could finally stand up.


    I have work to do.


    Ehh, lets talk a bit more.


    , Ill consider if its something other than insects.


    No, caterpir grass might work though.


    When she tried to return the wet towel as it is, the girl smiled in delight.


    Im, called Shisui[note], Zi Cui in Chinese.[/note].


    Maomao.


    Maomao, after just saying that, decided to return to the Jade Pce.


    Shisui waved her hands widely, See you.


    She thought she wasnt a bad child, she thought but.


    Maomao touched her head. There was still the feeling of that crunch.


    When she returned to the Jade Pce, the regr eunuch was in the middle of visiting. The eunuchs who followed Jinshi were waiting outside the pce. As it was Jinshi and Gaoshun who entered the pce, the eunuchs aside from them had to wait outside.


    (Its tough in the middle of the heat.)


    The eunuchs fanned themselves as it was hot. She saw the waterid out on the outside table; someone must have given it out. This season, if you neglect hydration, you could faint.Good call, Maomao thought.


    Maomao.


    As soon as she returned, Guien called out to Maomao.


    Gyokuyou-sama is calling.


    Maomao hurried over to the guest room where Consort Gyokuyou was.


    She could imagine the gist of what was up at this sort of time.


    As she thought, sittingfortably on the couch, was the waiting eunuch.


    Maomao briefly greeted him with a nod and went to stand in front of Consort Gyokuyou.


    Gyokuyou-sama, what do you require of me?


    Its not me who has business.


    Consort Gyokuyou was drinking warm fruit juice. In truth, she preferred cider with expensive ice, but she avoided that with her pregnancy. To escape the heat, Honnyan was waving a fan beside her.


    Its me who has business.


    Jinshi said, his face beautiful as usual. Just like Honnyan, Gaoshun was fanning Jinshi.


    Originally, this should be done by someone with a more lower position, but seeing that there werent anyone, it had to be the usual secret talk.


    What kind of business?


    I was thinking of wanting to have her returned for a couple of days.


    Return referred to the form where Maomao was lent to Consort Gyokuyou from Jinshi. Until Consort Gyokuyou gave birth with no issues, they had decided that Maomao will stay with her.


    Oh my. What about food tasting during that period?


    Consort Gyokuyou pressed.


    I did not overlook that point. In exchange, I shall lend you my maid. Though she isnt as knowledgeable as this girl, she is a person that is familiar with the types of poison.


    Can I trust you?


    Those are strict words.


    Consort Gyokuyou made a malicious smile.


    Speaking of Jinshis maid, Maomao could only think of one person. It was the middle-aged courtdy, Suiren. Certainly if it that person, she woulde around as a substitute for Maomao at least.


    However, if thats the case, who will look after Jinshi? Maomao thought. The good-natured old housekeeper always pampered the grown-adult young master.


    For a couple of days you say, where will you be going out to?


    Yes, I was invited to go falconry.


    Thats surprising.


    (Falconry huh.)


    That again, was a high society pastime.


    They said it will be in Shishou-samas territory.


    Jinshi was grinning, but his expression was well-guarded.


    (Shishou-sama huh.)


    If she remembered correctly, that was the high official said to be Consort Rourans father. Was it her imagination that she thought it was somewhat suspicious?


    Dont drag me into troublesome things, Maomao thought. No, if its falconry, are we able to eat fresh rabbits too, I wonder, she considered.


    (If you must, more than rabbit meat, cakes with rabbit would be good huh.)


    The rabbits on the moon pound medicine with a mallet. There was that sort of fairy tale.


    How tough. Even to socialise.


    Even this one has various things to say about it.


    And so, you said you want to borrow Maomao, right.


    Yes, I mentioned I want you to return this girl.


    Consort Gyokuyous eyes lit up with a sparkle.


    Would it be fine if it wasnt Maomao? I have others besides her.


    No, I would be fine if you just return this girl.


    Was it her imagination that there were sparks, somehow, in the space between Jinshi and Consort Gyokuyou? Maomao, for now, took over fanning for Honnyan whose hands were tired.


    Ummm, which child should I lend you?


    I said, I just want that girl returned.


    Consort Gyokuyou giggled, her eyes squinted.


    Fufufu, you keep on calling her just that girl from way back.


    And what about it?


    Jinshis face was slightly twisted.


    Hey, Gaoshun. What do you call Maomao?


    Consort Gyokuyou asked the taciturn attendant yfully.


    I call her Shaomao.


    Comparatively, for his reticence, it was a familiar way of calling her.


    Consort Gyokuyou faced Jinshi with eyes like she was tracking down game.


    Hey, then, what do you normally call Maomao?


    .


    Jinshi made an awkward expression and nced at Maomao.


    (That saying, he never called me by my name huh.)


    Maomao realised, once again.


    (I dont really care though.)


    Despite this, it was mysterious why Jinshi looked ufortable.


    At such a Maomao, Honnyan poked her elbow and make a look like she wanted to say something, but she didnt understand that either.


    T/N: It took a heck of a long time, but we finally meet the star of this arc. Shes quite the pure character, isnt she


    Two. More. Chapters ( )

 Volume 3, Chapter 18: Basen

    The north of the capital extends out to the grain-producing region. There is arge river that flows from west to east, with towns and viges scattered here and there.


    Where the south grew rice, the north grew sorghum and wheat. There were forests up further north, and beyond that was the mountain range. Northward beyond the forest, was the Shi Northern Province[note][/note]. It wasnt under the direct jurisdiction of the emperor.


    The area where the capital was centred was the Ka Province[note][/note]. There were three otherrge provinces, and several tens of small provinces as if to fill the gaps.


    Shi Northern. You can somehow expect what it entails by seeing the name. The high official called Shishou originated from the Shi Northern Province.


    (What was it again, the founding story?)


    The country Maomao resided in was called Rii[note][/note]. A simple country name of only a single character. That alone illustrated the founding story of this country.


    Three des[note][/note] below the Grass[note]. Bes in radical form.[/note]. The grass had the meaning of Ka[note][/note]. This represented the founding emperor of this country. ording to the story, it was said to be a woman. The de represented the warriors it was said that there were three warriors that apanied the founder.


    Maomao had a feeling it was a lot moreplicated when it is spoken in detail, but as she was yawning as she listened, she didnt really remember. What she barely remembered was that the des were different sized. The de on top was biggerpared to the two beneath it.


    For that reason, she also understood the reason why the current emperor cannot raise his head.


    North, in other words, the de on Top,as the high officials like to call it, was the ce said to do leisurely things like falconry. The emperor didnte as expected, but it was said all the renowned people were gathered.


    All this, was exined to her by the military officer before her eyes.


    Currently, Maomao was travelling in a bumpy horse carriage. The speed of the horse carriage was about two-and-a-half li[note], a unit of distance that is approximately 3.927 kilometers or 2.44 miles.[/note] (10km) in a half-dual-hour (1 hour). Hasnt it already run for three-dual-hours (6 hours)?


    (My butt hurts.)


    Even if she revealed her honest feelings, and wanted to try improving the current situation, for the time being, sheid out a sitting cushion underneath. Everyone was in the same position; nothing could be done of it even if sheined. Maomao kept silent and looked outside.


    Although it was Shishous invitation, it truly was difficult to go from the capital to the Shi Northern Province. It wasnt a distance where you can return home in one or two days. Even Shishou was taking up residence in the capital. The Shi Northern Province was governed by Shishous n.


    Lets see now, the military officer who exined to Maomao what she wasnt interested in was Basen. With a sour look, he briefly summed it up to Maomao, then went silent with his arms crossed. Just like that, the officials who were riding the horse carriage with them looked worn out, as they were in the same carriage as them.


    It seems they couldnt sleep before a superior officer who appears to have a high rank despite being still young. Jinshi and Gaoshun were riding in a different horse carriage.


    There was a bit of drool around Maomaos mouth, but it was amusing.


    Seeing Maomao like that, Basen clicked his tongue.


    Why is Father[note], chichi-ue. Very formal[/note], to this girl


    (Father, is it?)


    Its no wonder it was a face Irecognise from somewhere, she thought. This man, was Gaoshuns son.


    (Gaoshun and Basen huh.)


    There was something she was stuck on, but lets not say it out loud.


    The eunuch Gaoshun having a son hm, she thought at first, but when she considered it, it doesnt mean that eunuchs were eunuchs since they were born. Basing it on his age, it wouldnt be unusual for him to have even one or two children.


    After hearing about this, Maomao thought about the head maid in her thirties who was in the Jade Pce. Maomao knew that since the head maid was in a workce where she has too little meetings, recently, she has been muttering that even eunuchs were fine recently, and looked at Gaoshun a lot.


    During that, she saw from the window that they were approaching arge estate.


    WhenBasen rxed his crossed arms as they were finally there, the other officials were relieved. Maomao gazed at the estate awestruck as she rubbed her backside.


    The estate was very much imposing. As the town itself wasnt thatrge, lets take this ce as a different world. It should be a construction of sufficient scale for people with critical eyes from the capital to stay in.


    The roof of the three-storey building had conspicuous red pirs that imitated the shape of beasts. There was a moat around the estate, where carp the colour of brocade[note]Red, yellow and white[/note] swam in.


    Here and there, dragons and tigers covered up the inside of the sto wall. It must have been carefully constructed by craftsmen with trowels. It was a decor that was hardly seen in the capital.


    Maomao was taking a long hard look when she was poked from her side. When she looked up, Basen was ring at her, so she meekly trailed after him.


    When she entered the room she was guided into, Jinshi was listlessly stretched out on the couch. There was sweltering-hued cloth on the table. She realised that was a hood.


    (I see.)


    It was a sin to be too beautiful. To think that he needed to specifically bring even a mask to hide from everyone when he goes to faraway ces. Certainly, this man could even stop the hearts of innocent town girls with just a smile. It was a good graciously troublesome face.


    As this room was for guests, she understood that basing from the arrangement of the estate, the highest floor was for guests only. Even the fixtures and furniture were splendid, but since she was ustomed to these from the Jade Pce and Jinshis building, she estimated it was something like that. Even so, it was a satisfactory room for the guest of honour.


    At any rate, this room is hot, Maomao thought. The windows were closed. Instead, there werenterns. She wanted to loosen her cor, but since she couldnt possibly do that, she endured.


    Jinshi was already baring his chest. She subconsciously faced him with eyes like she was looking at a crushed frog for the first time a while. It must be because there was only Maomao, Gaoshun, and Basen in the room. This look of rxation is-.


    It looked like there were shadows on Jinshis face. Could it be a trick of the wavering light from thenterns?


    What do I call him here?


    Basen asked Gaoshun.


    It is as usual within the room. Outside, call me Kousen[note], Xiang Quan in Chinese.[/note].


    Certainly, Kousen-sama.


    It was Jinshi who answered on behalf of Gaoshun.


    Oh, Maomao tilted her head, looking at Gaoshun. Gaoshun, while stroking his chin, looked at Jinshi, and Jinshi looked at Maomao with squinted eyes.


    At that scene, Basen was even more doubtful. He stalked over to Gaoshun,


    Father, what is this supposed to mean?


    He asked.


    Gaoshun, his expression slightly clouded, signalled with his eyes to Jinshi. And then, he dragged Basens arms to the corner of the room for some reason and spoke to him furtively. From whatever Gaoshun had said, Basen looked at Maomao in surprise. And then, as if Gaoshun was against that, he shut up and dropped a fist on his son.


    What are they doing? Maomao thought, but since it wasnt like she was interested in it, she decided to put away the baggage for the time being. If she didnt do her work properly, Suiren will get angry afterward.


    Falconry was tomorrow, so they were staying over in the estate today.


    There was a night banquet being held in the garden, but Jinshi and the others werent in the state to go outside. With the window shut, they just wasted time reading books and ying go.


    The room was hot, but it became somewhat better when they received ice. Having it brought over by a fast horse from an ice room, in summer, was the highest grade of luxury.


    Since Maomao was looking at the ice extremely enviously, Gaoshun snuck some ice shards over to her. He really is a thoughtful eunuch.


    If its like that, we might as well just open the windows, Maomao thought, and blurted out the question.


    Why arent we opening the windows?


    She had asked Gaoshun, but it was Jinshi who spoke.


    For starters, go food taste the dinner.


    Youll know when you do it, Jinshi said with an amazed expression.


    As she was told, when the dinner was carried over, Maomao served it on a small dish and began the usual food tasting.


    .


    You should know now.


    Jinshi looked at the extravagant meal with amazement. The meals that were carried on the cart seemed like the highest cuisine that made the best use of the ingredients though.


    To think its suppon meat. This again.


    Suppon. Turtle meat. A creature that wont let go when it bites at you once. Its fresh blood is used as a vitality drug. Of course, its meat seems to also have that effect.


    She tasted the aperitif too. Fruit juice was added to make it seem like it was refreshing there was something considerably intense was added.


    From the aperitif to the appetiser, side dishes, main dishes, even the fruit, it was heaped with ingredients that made you vigorous.


    Gaoshun silently prepared the portable food he took out from the baggage. It seems he was going to have a modest dinner with the long-awaited cuisines before his eyes.


    Are you not going to eat? Theres no poison.


    Even if theres no poison, its not something you can eat. Or, should I say, you cant eat it withposure.


    I cant believe it, she looked at Jinshi and Gaoshun with those eyes. Basen was boiling water in the corner of the room. Wasnt it really hot?


    Its really delicious. Itll arouse suspicions if we leave it, so may I eat it?


    Do whatever you want!


    Jinshi looked at the satisfied Maomaos face, and he squinted, lips slightly puckered.


    Maomao ate the suppon soup like it was delicious.


    Jinshi stared at her doing that.


    Is it tasty? That.


    Indeed, I dont have good memories of suppon, but this is good.


    What is it? This memory.


    Jinshi, with a bit of great interest, picked up the bowl of soup.


    Its not a big deal though.


    Maomao was her foster fathers assistant ever since she was young. She had also gone to buy medicinal ingredients from the market, but in the middle of that, she came across good-for-nothing adults. They were exhibitionists, who untie their sashes and clothes, fully exposing themselves. There were many in winter.


    The surprised Maomao was about to run away, but she unintentionally threw the package in her hands.


    So that package was a suppon that was alive, and that


    Ahh, enough. Enough. You dont have to say it.


    Jinshi put down the bowl and made a distant stare. Gaoshun and his son did the same.


    (It was popr with the prostitutes though.)


    As I thought, the story doesnt suit people with good upbringing, Maomao put down the emptied dish.


    But, it really is a waste, Maomao thought.


    The other things aside from suppon are also delicious though. Is it really fine to not eat it?


    It was iffy that she was rmending a half-eaten meal, but it wasnt an amount that Maomao can finish alone. And besides, reconstituted dried meat and rice wont fill up the bellies of three men.


    Is it okay to eat?


    Jinshi asked Maomao to make sure.


    Go ahead.


    Its waste to have to leave it, Maomao thought.


    Is it really okay?


    Jinshi looked at Maomao intently.


    I dont understand why hes asking this much, Maomao tilted her head, and Gaoshun entered from her side. He gave a tiny shake of his head for some reason, and Jinshi reluctantly nodded.


    Im good. Basen, you can eat it.


    If Kousen-sama says so.


    Basen sat on the seat humbly. Maomao passed over a cup of the aperitif.


    He slowly drank that down.


    Its tasty.


    Thats good to hear.


    Just that.


    Just that?


    Basen stopped moving, and blood trickled down his nose.


    His face was bright red, and he looked like he was holding back on something. When Jinshi peered at his face, he trembled in surprise.


    Why, is this girl fine?


    Even if you ask why.


    Her constitution is like that, theres no other way to say it.


    Basens eyes were ssy. His cheeks were flushed, he was looking around like he was seeking for something.


    Basen, hurry up and sleep.


    I understand, father.


    Basen tried to stumble over to the room next door and copsed just like that.


    What is wrong?


    When Maomao asked,


    Let him sleep here. Ill sleep in the room next door.


    Jinshi said.


    Jinshi-sama, Ill properly carry him to his room.


    Arent you tired?


    But.


    If Jinshi says it that way, Gaoshun put his doubled-over son to sleep on a bed with a canopy. Maomao also more or less helped. Since he looked like he was sweltering, when they loosened his cor, hisplexion became slightly better. Some nose blood got onto the sheets, she was slightly sorry.


    Jinshi slept in the room next door. Maomao was permitted to use the room next to his.


    Its such a luxury to have a room to myself, Maomao thought. She took a bath. It was a small bit of happiness.

 Volume 3, Chapter 19: Fever First Part

    The next day, Jinshi and the others rode horses to the falconry grounds. Jinshi begrudgingly wore a mask, and assumed the name Kousen.


    It wasnt that she didnt understand the point of the mask. Having a man with a beauty like Jinshis loitering around, that in itself is an annoyance. Here wasnt the inner pce it was full of people who didnt know he is a eunuch.


    Last night, there was amotion in Jinshis guest room. Though she said it was Jinshis room, it was Basen who was sleeping there. She heard Basen screaming.


    When she considered what it was, he was surrounded by women who had snuck in from somewhere and saw a very envious, no, he saw hell. It is possible that to say that, in a way, after drinking that aperitif, he tried his best maintaining his self-control.


    There was a motive for serving up such a dinner. There were many maidens in this estate who want to be the lovers of high officials.


    What could possibly happen if Jinshi walked about barefaced? It seems shutting up the windows excessively was also to not let people see his face.


    (If so, I can understand why he has the mask.)


    But, what about the alias?


    Even if she thought about these sort of things, Maomao didnt have anything to say about interfering either. Courtdies who can read the atmosphere should just keep silent collectively.


    And so, Maomao was going after the group who were going to falconry via horse carriage. The horse carriage transported the servants of the estate and was packed with lots of food preparation tools like pots and kindling. They must be intending to prepare the caught game on the grounds.


    Giving a sidelong nce at the sorghum fields, in around a-quarter-dual-hour of the carriage shaking, she could see the forests and the grassy ins.


    The servants were experienced. They promptly prepared an open fire in front of the forest. As it appears that there is a water source in the forest, a number of the servants carried pots and went to collect water.


    Maomao thought about helping out on something, but thepanions of the officials around her were doing nothing. They were chatting in the tent that had been set up by the servants who arrived earlier.


    (Its more eptable to do nothing.)


    It is often the case that there is pretext attached to helping an inferior. Even the servants must prefer it that way.


    Maomao looked at the sky. She saw a single ck speck in the blue sky. It was gliding. While she looked at it repeat that several times, Maomaos eyes shifted to the forest.


    (A forest huh)


    Its a pretty good forest, Maomao thought. There were various types of trees growing. She had a good feeling that medicinal herbs and mushrooms would happen to grow in this kind of ce.


    (I suppose Im not allowed to go in.)


    She was sorely tempted. Maomao nced at her surroundings.


    No one around here should notice, but oh well. And just like that, the sun had crossed the meridian when she realised it.


    There was the savoury aroma of cooking meat.


    She was being treated to a cup of wine inside the tent. The cooked meat was distributed by the women. There were around ten officials seated at the table, where there were other side dishes prepared.


    Although it was a tent, there was a path for the wind flow, and buckets filled with water were left at their feet. There were also servants bearingrge fans. She could see the effort to make the sweltering summer huntfortable.


    The servants diligently carried over the food.


    Since just the game procured from falconry wasnt sufficient, they also cooked other meats. First off, meat was different to fish, it wasnt something you can say is delicious when it was freshly caught.


    Maomao was waiting behind Gaoshun. She gazed at the party scene in a daze. Gaoshun was also provided with a seat.


    (That said,)


    Aside from the time he was in the room, Gaoshun is hardly with Jinshi huh, she thought. Instead, it was Basen who did various things, and Maomao followed Gaoshun as a matter of course.


    On the line-up of seats, sitting on the seat of honour, was a strange man. His face was hidden behind a mask. He didnt touch the food at all. The wine too. Basen was anxiously watching from the back.


    (Its rough that he has to wear it here as well huh.)


    Maomao watched like it was someone elses problem. The women who were distributing the wine looked at Jinshi, the Prince of the Mask, from time to time. He is the highest guest of honour among them, no matter how suspicious a mask he tried to wear. It was much more stable to be the mistress of a high official than to marry up. It seems to be a gathering of this kind of determined women.


    It wasnt just women who were involved. The plump man sitting beside Jinshi was speaking to him like he was whispering. It was an intimate way to speak to someone, but was it her imagination that she could hear a little bit of impoliteness? Jinshi could only tremble slightly at that.


    (Is that the man called Shishou?)


    She may have heard the name before, but she didnt know his face. It shouldnt be wrong to think that from the position of his seat.


    (I wonder what theyre talking about.)


    Shishou stopped talking and removed his face from Jinshi. Jinshis hands continued to tremble.


    Basensplexion got worse.


    (Did he say something?)


    No, Maomao whispered to Gaoshun.


    He looks strange. However, Gaoshun shook his head lightly, and just told her to standby.


    Under the guise of a toilet trip, Jinshi stood up from his seat.


    Gaoshun pulled Maomaos sleeves.


    Its about time you switch over.


    Maomao nodded and called for another attendant who was outside the tent. She then went after Jinshi who was walking with an unsteady gait.


    And, before that.


    May I have this?


    Maomao took a sake bottle that contained water, asking the servant who had prepared the meals.


    Ahh, sure.


    The busy-seeming servant left without looking around much. Maomao added some seasoning to the bottle with a spoon. She took that and went inside the forest.


    Even though she entered a little whileter, she found a figure in the forest.


    The staggering person was leaning against a tree.


    Ji


    Jinshi-sama, Maomao was going to say, but she held her mouth. Why was he using an alias here? What name should I call him, she thought as she rushed over.


    . its you?


    She heard a hoarse voice from behind the mask.


    Please take this off.


    Maomao was going to strip off the mask, but Jinshi frantically held it down.


    You cant.


    Its not you cant. If its here, theres no one.


    No, someone mighte.


    (Ahh, such a pain!)


    Maomao lifted the staggering mans arm over her shoulders and pulled.


    If youre that worried about people looking, well just have to go to a ce where they cant see you.


    They headed deeper into the forest. The forest became slightly elevated like a hill. She saw a cliff there was a beautiful waterfall. I can collect water from here, Maomao judged, and dipped the towel in the river.


    (Will it be okay if its there?)


    Close to the cliff, there was a cave that seemed to be right in a blind spot. They went in that and Maomao used the dangling ivy as a curtain. There was an old tree growing on the side, with parasol-like things on the trunk.


    (Bracket fungus?)


    Lets gather some back afterwards, Maomao thought. It was a mushroom that was firm like tree bark; it is used as ingredients for medicine.


    There were lots of old pot shards fallen in the cave. It appears that it was used as a storehouse of the water drawing ce, but it didnt seem to have been used in a long time.


    It should be fine if its here.


    Maomao piled up the tattered woven mats that were there and spread out a different dry towel on top. She slowlyid down Jinshi on that. He took off the mask, revealing a beautiful face that was bright red.


    Please drink this.


    Maomao carried the bottle she brought over to Jinshis lips. She got him to sip it slowly , and then passed it over to Jinshis hands afterwards.


    After this, excuse me.


    !?


    Maomao loosened Jinshis sash, stripping off his outer garment. Jinshi was bewildered, but he didnt have to energy to resist. She wiped down his naked torso with the towel she had soaked some time ago. She inserted the towel under his armpit to dampen all his skin.


    Not just courtdies, you even strip off mens clothes?


    Its not like I stripped you because I wanted to.


    At what Jinshi had said while in a daze, Maomao returned a pout. Even if she stripped off the clothes of the rascal, it wasnt interesting.


    Jinshis body had a trace of fever. Having been wiped down, he should be more or less better. He still looked bad, but she felt that hisplexion had be marginally better after drinking water. Maomao propped Jinshis head onto herp so it would be easy for him to drink from the bottle.


    Tastes kinda weird, this.


    Jinshi said as he sipped from the bottle.


    Its that kind of thing. Since its a mixture of sauce paste and sugar. I couldnt find salt, so its a substitute. A mixture of these things seem to be good for increasing hydration.


    Maomao said as she fanned some wind over to Jinshis face with the mask.


    On such a nice day like this, youll be brought down by the sun by wearing such a thing.


    Not like there was anything I could do about it.


    It is tough, to have a face that is so wastefully lovely.


    Maomao said in amazement. In response to that, Jinshi stared at Maomao.


    (Not good. Did I anger him?)


    She had unintentionally said it in a sarcastic tone. Maomao awkwardly nced at Jinshi. He didnt seem angry.


    Relieved, Maomao took the towel she wedged under Jinshis armpits. She was going to slowly put down Jinshis head and stand up.


    Where are you going?


    Im going to soak the towel again.


    You dont have to.


    Even if you say that, Maomao thought. Jinshis body temperature was still high; she wanted to cool him down a little more. But, Jinshi didnt let go of her.


    Theres something I want to talk about.


    Jinshi said, his voice cracked yet earnest. The eyes staring at Maomao were like polished obsidian.


    Maomao spontaneously shifted her gaze like she was reacting against it. Her eyes suddenly went to the old tree outside the cave.


    For that intention, I brought you along this time.


    An earnest, but slightly bewildered voice.


    Amidst that, Maomao felt her own pulse starting to race. Her heart thumped noisily, sending blood, heating up her entire body.


    Jinshi-sama, please release me.


    Maomao squinted and said to Jinshi. She wasnt looking at his eyes, she was just looking outside.


    I wont.


    Please release me!


    Maomao shook off Jinshi, she tried to leave the cave. She stretched out her right hand and tried to grasp the thing that was beyond her.


    However, her left hand was grasped, and she was forcefully tugged back, breaking her stance. As she spun around, like she was going to m onto the floor, her face was pressed into a sweaty chest.


    What could he be doing, Maomao thought.


    She looked beyond her outstretched hand. In about three shaku[note], Japanese Foot. Length of a forearm. About 30cm.[/note], she could see an old plum tree. At its roots, there was something protruding growing there. The parasol shape of it growing only on the tree trunk, looked like the bracket fungus but was a little different. The surface was glossy like it was painted with candy. There wasnt the roughness like bracket fungus.


    The drumming of her heart got rapidly louder.


    The mushroom recorded in books as a miracle drug from time immemorial. Right over there, was the mushroom that was named Lingzhi, or the Ten Thousand Year Mushroom.


    And yet, her outstretched hand couldnt reach for it.


    Instead, she was tightly embraced by Jinshi, and then.


    And then, her remaining hand grasped onto something that was somewhat squishy[note]Ok. So the actual description of the feeling is (gu nyun). A better way of describing it is, uhpletely limp. Yeah.[/note].


    T/N: :O Is this the fableddevelopment? Im totally evil that I will take a weeks break now. Back next Saturday >:D


    Also,


    wrong mushroom, Maomao.

 Volume 3, Chapter 20: Fever Latter Part

    Review from the Previous Chapter Jinshi Maomao mushroom


    At the mystery sensation, Maomao was bewildered. She could hear the sounds of thumping. She was pressed up against a bare upper body, the heart was beating in proximity.


    (What could it be, this?)


    However, it was more important for her to get up. When she tried to get up to stand again, she put her weight onto something inscrutable. She was in a hurry to obtain the Ten Thousand Year Mushroom that was right before her eyes.


    Nghh!


    She heard a groan from below her.


    (Not good.)


    Jinshi was below her. He was grasping into Maomaos left hand, and his other hand was around her back. It seems he sheltered Maomao when she was about to fall. Maomao looked at the spirit herb that was growing on the old tree in regret, then dropped her gaze to Jinshi.


    Jinshi-sama?


    Jinshi turned his face away from Maomao. For some reason, his face was covered in cold sweat. His brows were knitted, he looked pained at something.


    Come on, your fever is back again.


    Maomao held out a towel to wipe his face. Jinshi released his hold around her back and held up his hand at Maomao.


    No, before all that, can you move aside?


    Still turned away, Jinshi nced at Maomaos face.


    youre touching, the, the position of your hand-


    Jinshi pointed at Maomaos left hand. Jinshis hakama was under that hand. She felt she was pressing down on something soft[note]Ahem. So its (gu nyon) now. Think still limp, but not as limp asst chapter. Capisce? Cool. Moving on now.[/note].


    (Umm, soft?)


    No, it gradually wasnt getting soft.


    Maomao flew off him. Eyes wide, she looked at the sprawled eunuch.


    No, could he even be called a eunuch?


    The part that eunuchs must not have, was right there.


    Jinshi sighed deeply as he brushed up his bangs. And then, he looked at Maomao.


    In a way, you can say you eliminated thebour?


    The beautiful celestial maidens face was tinged with sorrow. But, this guy wasnt a celestial maiden. While he possessed the face that could topple the country with just a smile, this guy wasnt a woman.


    And, he wasnt a eunuch who threw away the symbol of a man.


    A bare upper body with his outer garment off. There wasnt any sign of bbiness. It was a slightly tensed, trained body. Certainly, his looks were like a celestial maiden, but his body was no different to a well-trained warrior.


    He might not actually be a eunuch, it was mystifying that never came to her mind. No, it might actually be that she had subconsciously tried not to notice it.


    I did mention that there was something I wanted to tell you.


    Maomao spontaneously had wanted to stuff her ears. She mustnt hear any more than this; Maomao had perceived that in an instant. But, that was exposed with her ears stuffed.


    There was a man in the inner pce that wasnt a eunuch. What would happen if that was made public? Supposing, that manid his hands on a consort, what would happen if there were offspring that were not the emperors mixed in there?


    Maomaos eyes narrowed.


    (Stop it. Dont involve me in something troublesome.)


    She had been utterly used by Jinshi up till now. No doubt they had all been more or less troublesome matters, but if it was that much, she didnt not think. However, this was different. If she ended up knowing about this, she needed to carry it with her to the grave.


    (I dont want to apany you to the grave!)


    For that reason, Maomao-


    Im actually


    Jinshi-sama!


    Maomao cut over Jinshis voice.


    Just then, it seems there was a frog under your clothes.


    frog.


    Jinshis face twisted in doubt. That is still fine, lets ovee this no matter what, Maomao thought.


    Indeed. A frog. My apologies. It is damp and humid here.


    That soft feeling was a frog. Maomao persuaded herself it was a frog. There was a swamp nearby. It wouldnt be strange to even have one or two frogs thate out in summer.


    No, it wasnt-


    My apologies. I was sloppy. For Jinshi-sama to quickly cool down your fever, it would be better if we returned to the party.


    Maomao was going to leave the cave very naturally, but she was stopped, of course.


    Jinshi, with a conceited expression, barred the entrance. Even if Maomao tried to avoid him and leave, she couldnt leave.


    Jinshi-sama, can you step aside?


    Who is a frog?


    Maomao momentarily felt like flinching at Jinshi whose face drew oppressing close. However, she couldnt lose here. Maomao also looked at Jinshi undauntedly. She closed in until there was a two sun[note], unit of measurement. 3.03cm, about an inch.[/note] distance between their noses.


    If that wasnt a frog, what could it be?


    That was a frog, that was a frog, Maomao reminded herself. The soft feeling on her left hand was a frog.


    Wasnt it big for a frog?


    Jinshi inched towards Maomaos face by another sun.


    No, during this season, there are a lot of moderatelyrge frogs.


    Mo-moderately


    Jinshi winced. He looked like he received an impact, but Maomao readily slipped closer. She stopped when their noses were about to touch, and delivered the finishing blow.


    Thats right, it was moderately sized. If it wasnt a moderately sized frog, what moderately sized thing could it be?


    It truly wasnt moderately sized though, but moderately sized was good here. Moderately sized was adequate.


    They red at each other for several seconds, no several tens of seconds. And it was Jinshi who lost.


    Jinshi froze, his lips in a zigzag shape. Maomao slipped through Jinshis side in that interval.


    (I, I won.)


    Maomao made a fist with her right hand and put pressure into it.


    It wasnt good to know too much about anything. Within her means, Maomao, who was suited as a maidservant, was better off living obliviously. If anything happens, if her superior does something, Maomao can just say I know nothing.


    Before she went to the stream to wet the towel, she sat down in front of the old plum tree. The precious, glossy mushroom that had a parasol was growing at its roots.


    Maomao looked at it absorbedly.


    In doing so, a shadow hung over her from behind.


    Just one question. Youre fine with touching frogs yeah?


    Jinshi said in a tired voice. It felt like he could just barely move.


    Yes,moners eat it.


    It has a in taste that was like chicken. Maomao also handled it often.


    I guess so. Then youre fine with touching it yeah?


    A faint smile appeared on Jinshis face.


    Maomao found herself getting chills. She leaned against the old plum tree.


    Jinshi pointed at Maomao.


    In that case, why were you wiping your left hand some time ago?


    Jinshi said, looking like he was going to crumble over.


    Ah.


    Maomao stealthily dropped her left hand that had been wiping her hakama to forget the soft feeling. It seems she had been subconsciously wiping her hand all this time. Seeing that action, Jinshi disyed a look of terrible misery.


    Hey, why did you do that?


    The fully wounded Jinshi mustered his final strength.


    Maomao lost at that blow.


    The party ended not long after the return of the guest of honour.


    Gaoshun was concerned about that tired appearance, but he shook his head. That wasnt his position now.


    Gaoshun who was the attendant of the eunuch Jinshi had no reason to be close to the guest of honour. In the end, he had no more thane here on behalf of his master Jinshi. It was better if he didnt project too much.


    And, Gaoshun right now had a job.


    It was nned that tonights party will be on a boat on theke. With wine that will never run out and a gathering of beautiful women, it had to be based on an ocean of wine and mountains of meat.


    Oh dear, Gaoshun thought.


    Even if he went awry, Gaoshun was a eunuch. He wasnt interested in getting infatuated with women, and it would be scary if he did so. When he thought about the woman who gave birth to his son Basen, his wife, in other words, he couldnt think of even lifting one finger.


    For a eunuch, this is a boring n.


    It was an official who approached Gaoshun who was only drinking wine. This boat had girls who were younger than his own child waiting on them.


    No, theres good moon viewing wine.


    Gaoshun said only that, and looked up at the moon. The half-moon was beautiful. He could enjoy it as it is without the bragging of noisy men and the coquettish voices of women.


    At any rate, he wont be participating tonight either, right?


    Thats the case.


    He knew who he was referring to. Without the participation of the guest of honour, the night party could go on.


    Gaoshun dripped wine onto the surface of the water and watched the ripples. It would be good if it ended earlier, he thought.


    The emperor is also worried for that, right.


    The official pinched his beard and sighed.


    If that became the crown prince.


    There was no sign of respect within the words That. It was true, he hardly ever leaves his room, and if he ever goes to a public ce he wears a mask. This kind of Imperial Brother shouldnt be able to rule, everyone thought.


    The guest of honour of the falconry this time, was the Imperial Brother.


    The high officials gathered today had to be here half in jest. All to see the crown prince who rarely goes out in public.


    Just what kind of person is he, there was no mistaking that they considered that it was important to ascertain that.


    And so, this official must have decided that the crown prince was ipetent.


    From the passing of the Imperial Princest year, I wonder if there is a consort who is expecting?


    So the main topic is this, Gaoshun thought. Who is expecting, which consort is that, is the child a boy or a girl depending on those, that would greatly change the image of influence in the Imperial Court.


    Gaoshun slowly shook his head.


    Unfortunately. As there are many consorts, I think eventually someone would be expecting.


    Is that so, if its that way.


    The official nced at the gazebo. A plump official was standing there. He was watching to see if the guests were enjoying themselves. It was the person who held the party, Shishou.


    Gaoshun sent off the official who saw through his brown-noserpanion of a brief period, and poured the wine from the sake bottle with a sigh.


    I wonder if I exined it properly?


    He murmuredand shook his head in negation.


    When he saw the worn-out look when he returned then, he was convinced that it was impossible. At the very least, that he didnt pass it until the main point.


    What is he doing?


    Gaoshun looked at the estate that was illuminated by the moon. On the highest storey, there was only a single room that had lights.


    T/N:So we now know Jinshi is not a eunuch (unless that truly was a frog lel). Though Gaoshun is.

 Volume 3, Chapter 21: Ghost Story First Part

    A couple of days aftering back from falconry, the new maids that had been mentioned before had arrived. There were three new people in the Jade Pce. With the exception of Maomao, they were acquaintances.


    (Hmhm.)


    Maomao looked at the three maids with her eyes squinted. And she thought right away.


    (I cant match their names with their faces.)


    From the start, Maomaos memory is only good for things she is interested in. And so, it would be difficult for her to speak to the newly entered maids for a while. Well, Maomao originally didnt speak that much, Ill just gradually learn it, so she went to clean up.


    The problem before all that-.


    Maomao. Properly return to your room.


    Both hands on her waist, it was Infa who dered it.


    You told me that my room is here.


    Maomao said, trying to cling to the storage shed that was in the garden of the Jade Pce. Thepounding tools and lots of dried medicinal herbs were ced inside there. Even though she had finally brought them all here from her room. What am I to do with the bracket fungus and ten thousand year mushroom I gathered a few days ago after this? She thought.


    Thats obviously a joke! And yet you took it as truth.


    Dont set a bad example for the new maids, she scolded.


    No problem. I want to just use this as it is.


    I told you that you cant! Come on, arent the new maids looking at you with weird eyes!


    And this way, Maomao who was clinging to the pir of the shed and Infa who was dragging her created a strange spectacle. If two courtdies did such a thing, the head maid Honnyan wouldnt be silent, and the two received friendly fists together.


    In the end, Maomao had to return to her former room. However, Honnyan, who had seen therge volume ofpounding tools and the many medicinal herbs, had seemingly reported it to the master, Consort Gyokuyou, out of duty. The consort, who liked amusements, whileughing pleasantly, had allowed her to use the shed however she liked.


    She was told that she must to use her room for sleep, but everything else, in particr, was as she pleased.


    What a nice boss, Maomao thought, and as expected, Infa looked dissatisfied. She looked at Maomao who started to work cheerily in the storage shed. The tea parties were also over; there were no jobs until dinner time. Since three new maids had entered, the work in the Jade Pce had noticeably decreased.


    (This is not good.)


    Infas proposal was meddlesome for Maomao, but she was thinking about Maomao. So she could quickly get used to the new courtdies, she probably said that. Today when they were having snacks, she recklessly tried to insert Maomao to talk with the new maids. Infa was a considerate girl like this.


    Maomao ced down the bracket fungus she was holding onto, and stealthily looked at Infa from the storage shed.


    My apologies. Ive just been doing as I pleased.


    Its fine.


    As Infa said that, her lips were pouted.


    Maomao, while hiding with half her body behind the wall, peeked at Infa.


    Its fine.


    Infa said, holding between the wall and faced Maomao.


    And then.


    Ill have you apany me for a bit today.


    She firmly grabbed Maomaos wrist, and an evil smile appeared on her face.


    (Oh no.)


    Just now, the ones free tonight is just Maomao and me! Just as well


    She shook Maomaos hand she was holding onto with a truly yful tone.


    (Ive been done.)


    As Maomao sighed deeply, she looked at the calctive maid.


    That night, the ce she was led to was an old building located on the south side of the inner pce. She was worried about whether Honnyan would allow them to go outside at night, but unexpectantly, the head maid readily passed down her permission.


    asionally, you should participate in something like this.


    (What is this something?)


    Just what could this be? Maomao thought as she followed.


    They walked relying on smallntern lights. The lukewarm wind was gross, the sounds of insects by her ears were noisy, but she couldntin.


    Here, Maomao. Wear this.


    Infa said. The thing she held out to Maomao before the entrance was a thin cloth.


    Isnt it hot?


    Its fine. Itll get cold. Come on.


    While tilting her head, Maomao did as she was told.


    Infa knocked on the entrance, and a courtdy appeared from the inside.


    Wee. Two participants, right?


    Yes, please take care of us.


    Best regards.


    Maomao followed Infa, also lowering her head. The courtdy who greeted them, passed over small candles to the two of them while smiling. She told them to put out thentern in turn.


    The inside of the building looked just as old as the outside. More than saying that it got old from the passing of the long months and years, she felt it got suddenly damaged by theck of residence. The barest minimum of cleaning was done, but the fittings were bad at ces, and the floor creaked.


    This ce was used during the era of the previous emperor.


    I see now, Maomao thought. The current inner pce seemed like arge family, but the previous era had way more courtdies. The women had been gathered from all over the country to bear the emperors children and were imprisoned here.


    In the present times where the courtdies had decreased, the ces that are no longer used are sometimes utilised like this. And, speaking of what it is used for-.


    At the end of the hallway, when they entered themon room, there were already ten-odd guests who had arrived before them. Sitting around in a circle, all were wearing the cloth. The flickering candles each person was holding was somehow an eerie spectacle.


    Speaking of what they were doing in the midsummer night.


    Coming up to this point, she had a pretty good idea.


    Well then, shall we begin?


    The courtdy who weed them at the entrance sat down.


    Has everyone properly prepared their stories?


    The courtdy said, holding out lots made from pieces of a stick.


    Let us we enjoy the stories that will chill thirteen guts tonight.


    Grinning, she looked very much eerie in the flickering me.


    Turns out, the ghost stories seem to be starting from this point onwards.


    The arrangement was four people at the cardinal points, and two people between each space.


    Maomao yawned as she hid half her face under the cloth. The first story, maybe because she was nervous about being the first speaker, was incoherent and didnt have much presence. The story was also the standard of an inner pce rumour, so it didnt go as far as to chill her guts.


    When the second person started, Maomaos right side was poked. Infa was on her left side.


    Good evening


    Good evening.


    It was a muffled, innocent tone. The person who was wearing the cloth over her head was someone Maomao recognised. It was Shisui, the courtdy who got excited at insects from the other day. It seems she hadnt noticed her in the darkness.


    Shisui presented something to the sleepy Maomao. She had thought it smelt like the ocean it was cuttlefish.


    Eating?


    Give.


    Maomao ate the tentacles, chewing slowly so she wouldnt make a sound.


    The second story was also an extremelymonce ghost story. There was nothing particrly interesting about it, but since she had a different intonation to the story than the first story, there were a number of scared people. Infa next to her also wore the cloth over her head and listened while hiding her face at times. It was fine if it was just that, but she asionally stuck close to Maomao like she was clinging to her. She was unexpectedly strong for her short height, she asionally got choked.


    (She likes it even though shes scared.)


    It wasnt that strange. Seeing as how she invited Maomao, she must have been scared to go alone.


    She didnt think that she didnt like these type of engagements, but it seems that it was approved to a certain extent in the inner pce that hardly had any amusements. In truth, Honnyan also gave her permission and Shisui, who was a courtdy from Consort Rourans ce, was also here. Though, in the case of Shisui, Maomao thought that she would have shown her face even if she didnt get permission.


    Just like that, half were finished. The distributed lights were snuffed out one by one whenever a story ended there were half left. The seventh story began, and Maomao listened in a daze as she nibbled on cuttlefish.


    The storyteller began her tale with the flickering me lighting up her pale features.


    This, wasa story from my hometown. My hometown had a forest where we were told since olden times that we mustnt enter.


    We were told that if we entered, we would get cursed, and our souls would get eaten by ghosts.


    But, one time, there were people who broke the taboo. That year, it seemed that the harvest was bad. Still, it wasnt as bad as a famine, but there was a family where the breadwinner had just died, leaving behind a mother and her child.


    Everyone didnt have the means to help them either. It seems the child was always hungry.


    So then, one day, it seems that the child, having nothing to eat, went into the taboo forest.


    The child, smiling, gathered fruits and went back home.


    They told their mother, Theres a lot of food in that forest.


    The mother forbade the child from speaking of that, but it was toote. They ended up being summoned by the vige head and warned to not enter the taboo grounds.


    On top of that, something strange happened.


    That night, there were people who saw swaying lightsing out from the house of the mother and child.


    And then, the next day, the mother and child copsed.


    The vigers who feared the curse did not approach them. In the end, the mother and child died.


    When the child died, the mother, before she passed away, seemed to have said this.


    Hey, Ive got something good to tell you.


    Smiling as she tried to tell something, the mother died just like that.


    In the end, without knowing what she wanted to say, the forest once again became a ce of taboo.


    Even now, we were still told that forest is taboo.


    Nevertheless, when there are people that broke the taboo, that night, disembodied souls will enter the house, and take away the souls of the family.


    (Ah, I see.)


    Maomao listened to the story that wasnt really interesting and strangely understood. There wasnt any scary punch to it, but everyone was trembling as they listened. It was probably due to the atmosphere.


    She drank the cuttlefish that had gotten soft in her mouth with a gulp, and matching that, she was presented with more cuttlefish.


    Youre making quite a strangely indifferent face.


    Shisui said with a muffled voice. She was also like Maomao; she didnt appear scared of the ghost stories.


    I guess so.


    What is it?


    Ill tell youter.


    Even if I spoiled it here for you now, itll just kill the entertainment, Maomao told Shisui.


    In this world, even gossip has more or less an origin.

 Volume 3, Chapter 22: Ghost Story Latter Part

    Maomao listened in a daze as the stories went on in session. Infa, sitting to her left, was clutching her hand and whenever there was something, she drew close clinging.


    (Shes still growing huh, no, has she stopped?)


    She thought that with the sensation of it pressing up against her. During that, the turns had passed to the person beside her.


    Maomao rubbed her sleepy eyes. She was somehow sluggish and sleepy. There were ten-odd people gathered in the small room. Everyone must have paid attention to their body odour and all lit incenses. Maomao, who had a good sense of smell, became slightly intoxicated.


    Shisui took down the cloth she covered up to her head and brought the fire to her face. Her face that wasparatively young for her height, was in, but had a strange intensity when illuminated by the flickering me.


    This is a story from a distant country in the east.


    Shisui deepened her innocent voice as she began her tale. Her intonation gradually changed from a young girl to a wizened narrator.


    In a certain country, there was a famous monk. The feudal lord of the neighbouring country had passed away; he was going there to hold a memorial service. This was what happened during his journey back home.


    He needed to cross two mountains to reach his own temple. Since it wasnt a journey that he could make in a single day, the monk decided to stay at a lodging. His journey there was good. The weather was clear, and the travel was quite favourable. Along the way, a well-known monk was letting him stay in his temple.


    Did I make a mistake?


    The monk thought. He should be following the same path as the journey there, but his legs were strangely heavy on his return. He hadnt reached the temple he was staying in tonight that he was expected to reach two thirds to the sun setting.


    The monk was in the pursuit of knowledge. He didnt have followers with him. He didnt have a horse either.


    His surroundings were ins that were full of pampas grass, even if he were to camp, he could hear stray dogs howling. He wasnt one to endure being attacked by a group.


    The monk who was walking quickly chanced upon an old private house. He ceased his steps and knocked on the door of the thatched house.


    Excuse me. May have I have a bit of your attention?


    It was a young couple who came out. The monk talked about his circumstances and asked if he could stay for a single night. Even the corner of a shed was fine.


    Oh my, in that case, you must be tired from your travels.


    The young wife weed the monk. This is nothing much, the eggnt and cucumber she took out were very much delicious.


    In response to that, the husband stared at the monk with a dubious look.


    It cant be helped that the traveller nonchntly stepped into the house of the young couple. The monk had few things on hand. He only happened to have the barest minimum for his travels.


    Despite this, the couple treated him as a guest and prepared a bed in a different room.


    While thinking he was thankful for the soft futon, the monk wondered if there was anything he could do. And then, what he could do, thinking that he could provide them sutras, he began to chant.


    Usually, he would be deep in concentration from the beginning to the end of his chanting, but today he was strangely conscious of the sounds outside. Aside from the sounds of the pampas grass swaying in the wind, he heard something that sounded like a bell.


    Insects?


    As the monk chanted the sutra, he listened intently. In doing so, he understood that the bell sounds were human voices.


    What are you doing, my dear?


    It was the voice of wife of this house.


    Im not doing anything. Isnt this fine?


    The bell-like voice was the husbands.


    What a strange voice, the monk thought. However, he never stopped chanting even once.


    You cant do that, my dear. I dont want to be alone.


    The wife raised her voice.


    It seems they were speaking without intending to be heard, but the monks hearing was more superior to people. While thinking that it wasnt good to strain his ears, he tried to concentrate on his sutra, but he heard the voices still.


    Even if you n for that, it was I who did it.


    What are you going to do?


    A chill ran down the monks spine. Should he stop his sutra and go stop the two-quarrelling people? Or should he?


    No, dont stop the sutra. Its better to not stop. Why, the monk thought.


    Why is that? His entire body was chilled. It was like even his head that had long been smooth from being shaven were growing goosebumps.


    Why is this?


    Well, Im doing it.


    The badly fitted sliding screen door slid open.


    There was a woman with goggling eyes holding onto a hatchet.


    The monk only moved his eyeballs, his mouth continued to chant the sutra.


    Where did he go, that monk?


    The woman crossed the front of the monk with a rustling sound. However, she didnt notice the monk.


    Where is he? Did he run away?


    The woman left the room. The stretched shadowed made a strange shape. At the very least, it wasnt a shadow that could be considered as human. It ovepped with a yet another strange shadow.


    Search, you, go search. If you dont, if you dont.


    The woman was impatient. What was she impatient about?


    I will.


    He heard a bell ringing.


    What continued that sound was a chewing sound like crumpling paper. The chewing sound continued.


    During that, the monk continued to chant the sutra. He chanted, and with the ending of the sound, he went outside.


    He didnt greet the young couple, he didnt make eye contact with them, he went out of the house.


    The wings of a pale brown insect fell.


    Ring. Ring.


    The insect sounds he heard from the pampas grass, disappeared.


    The monkput his hands together over the tattered insect wings, and while chanting the sutra, continued to walk until daybreak.


    The delivery of the story is important, Maomao thought.


    Everyone was engrossed in Shisuis story.


    She usually spoke in an innocent manner, but she was truly like a different person when she was telling a story. From the side, even her face that was illuminated by the me looked like a different person.


    (I have a feeling that I actually have seen her before.)


    She had also thought it before, but she still couldnt recall who.


    As Maomao absentmindedly gazed at Shisuis side profile, the girl grinned and looked at her. The girl blew out the candle in her hands, ced the oil and wick inside the brazier and put it away.


    Next, youre next.


    Shisui smiled sweetly.


    Ah, thats right, Maomao nodded. If she came to such a ce, she must also tell a story.


    (What should I tell?)


    Honestly, Maomao didnt believe in these things. Therefore, since an interesting story didnt ur to her, as ast resort, she decided to tell a story she heard from her dad a long time ago.


    This is something from a couple of decades ago. There is a story of the will-of-the-wispsing out of graves.


    Maybe because Maomao was the speaker, Infa scooted away from Maomao and covered herself with the cloth with only her eyes showing.


    Saying it is really strange, there were brave young people who went to seek the real form of the will-of-the-wisps. And in doing so,


    Infa looked at Maomao with her lips in a zigzag. If youre scared, you should just cover your eyes, Maomao thought. Unfortunately, Maomaos story wasnt the ghost story that people were anticipating.


    There was no such thing. It was the men who lived in the same town who went to the graveyard. The wavering lights were only what someone had called the will-of-the-wisp.


    Was that all, Infa sighed in relief.


    They only just disturbed the grave for a bit.


    With a thump, Infas forehead collided onto Maomaos shoulder. Infas gaze bore into Maomao.


    Grave disturbing, you say.


    Yes. Like they were falling into a questionable curse, they mashed human guts and coated their bodies with it


    With yet another thump, this time Infas forehead hit Maomaos forehead. As Maomao rubbed her forehead, she finished the tale with a That is all.


    Infas turn was next, but she finished it incoherently, and then it was the final candle that was left.


    The courtdy who had weed them at the start was waiting with the final candle.


    (That said.)


    The courtdies were lined-up in a way where there was one in each of the four points with two people between them. There should be twelve people altogether.


    But, didnt this courtdy mention at the beginning that there were Thirteen stories?


    What is that supposed to mean? Maomao wondered.


    The courtdy told a story from the era of the previous emperor. It was a story of a girl who became one of the handfuls of mistresses among the overly increased number of courtdies.


    It just couldnte to head. She was dizzy.


    In a daze, Maomao looked at the brazier that was set in front of her.


    (Huh?)


    The courtdy said some scary punch, everyone was shuddering, but Maomao didnt hear it properly.


    Well then, and this is the thirteenths story.


    When the courtdy was going to hand it to the next, it was when the brazier, the final fire, was going to fall.


    Maomao stood up and went to open the closed window.


    Hey, Maomao!


    Infa went to stop Maomao, but Maomao wasnt going to stop there.


    Wind suddenly rushed in; the cloths everyone was wearing fluttered.


    Maomao breathed in the newly entered air and breathed out.


    (I thought my mind was nk.)


    The extinguished fire was put into the brazier. There was coal inside. The fire that remained continued burning there. In a small enclosed room, coal was burning with ipletebustion. If that waspleted, what would happen?


    Maomao rushed over to the senseless courtdy who was among those who were encircling the brazier and pped her face a couple of time. She then took her to a ce that has fresh air.


    Seeing that, as if she grasped the situation, Infa went to help Maomao.


    If you burn a fire in a ce that doesnt have enough air, it will release a gas that will harm the human body. It seems her head was nk because of that.


    (I was too slow to realise.)


    While wondering why she didnt notice it earlier, she thought that the organiser did something bad. Maomao went towards the courtdy, but there was no one there.


    Ah, it was just a little bit more.


    She heard that voice, but the courtdy was nowhere to be seen.


    Hey, what is it about that story from just then?


    Hazily, after the closure of the event, Shisui asked. Infa tilted her head, Who is this child? Shisui seemed to be happy with wearing the cloth, she continued to cover herself with it.


    The previous one, is it?


    It was the story of the will of the wisps. It seems she remembered that Maomao said that she would exin itter.


    The taboo forest thing might be a superstition. But, I cant dere that the saying ispletely impossible.


    For example, in the case that there are a lot of dangers in that forest. The forest was abundant with food, but at the same time, it is also abundant with things cannot be eaten.


    Hypothetically, what if the origins of the taboo forest saying came from that? If we take that it was a vige that only had people who came from othernds. You cannot recklessly that take the food that is there, it will damage the body. That saying, in the passing of time, could have be Taboo.


    And then, simply due to them abiding by those instructions, it could be that they couldnt differentiate between what in the forest could be eaten or not.


    In which, she could make such a conjecture.


    Due to the poor harvest, the starving mother and child tried to eat the bounty of the abundant forest. However, they broke the vigesw. Thats why they snuck themselves into the forest. The evening, though there was still light, was a time where it was difficult to see your surroundings. They used that short period of time to enter the forest, and gathered mushrooms, fruits and nuts.


    And then, they returned home at the same time as the sun set.


    While not knowing exactly what it was that they harvested.


    Theres a mushroom that is called moonlight mushroom.


    By speaking of mushrooms, Maomaos face twisted for an instant, but she paid no heed to it and continued speaking.


    Its a mushroom that looked very delicious, but it is poisonous. Youll upset your stomach if you eat it. And, as its name suggests, it has a curious trait.


    When it gets dark, itll cast light. Its appearance is very beautiful. So beautiful that she recalled that when she subconsciously picked it and put it in her mouth she was forced by her dad to vomit it out.


    The mother and child harvested before the mushrooms glowed, and while not knowing that it glows, they walked home in the dark. The light that spilt from their basket, might have been seen as will-of-the-wisps from a distance.


    And then, if they reach home and turn on the lights, the shine will go out, and if they eat that that was how it is.


    Even if it was a poison that wont normally kill you, what would happen if they were malnourished people? The child died, and the mother died too.


    And then, what the mother wanted to say at the end.


    (There are delicious mushrooms in the forest.)


    Was what she might have even wanted to say. As a mere revenge to the vigers who didnt help the mother and child.


    So thats what it is


    Shisui, with a look of satisfaction, ruffled the cloth.


    Well then, Im going this way


    She pitter-pattered away like a child as she said it. I cant speak for others, but she has a self-willed personality, Maomao thought.


    Humph, it wasnt something significant.


    Infa changed from the atmosphere she had up until now andrgely puffed out her small chest.


    Turns out that the other stories have such a reverse side to it.


    I wonder.


    Maomao and Infa trudged back to the Jade Pce.


    Oh, youre back earlier than I expected.


    It was Honnyan who waited for them. She was doing needlework.


    Yes, there was a bit of amotion.


    My. I knew it.


    Honnyan said, understanding for some reason.


    The courtdy who did it from up untilst year had died. I was worried who would take over this year.


    Honnyan put down the needle and sighed deeply.


    She was a sensible courtdy and had taken care of me as well. In the end, she ended without leaving the inner pce.


    Maomao looked at Infas face. Her brave face was gradually turning pale.


    Umm, who was this courtdy?


    This story stays here. She was a mistress of the previous emperor. Im not really fond of this, but it is boorish to stop it if it was done for enjoyment. Thats why, you know, because she died that following year, I wondered if it would suddenly stop, but Im happy that there are people continuing it.


    Honnyan packed up the sewing tools into thecquered box and went to her bedroom yawning.


    When she thought that she had heard something like this before, she realised that it was simr to the ghost story that the organising courtdy had told. Maomao didnt remember the details, but, just by seeing Infasplexion, she could guess it was just like that.


    (Hm.)


    Maomao crossed her arms and tilted her head. There are many uncertain things in the world.


    For now, its a relief that we finished without getting to the thirteenth story, she thought.


    Just that, that night, a terrified Infa shared the bed with her. It was hot and she wasnt able to sleep properly.


    There arements telling to show Jinshi, but he is resting until he gets over his shock. He is performing his official duties despite having lost his nerve.


    T/N: Poor Jinshi haha. Well, author notes (if there are any) will be formatted like above from here on.

 Volume 3, Chapter 23: Mahua

    It was when the sounds of cricket became more conspicuous than cicadas.


    As usual, Maomao waszing about in the washing area. Close to the pool, just where there was sunlight filtering through the trees, was the ce where the maidservants had designated as their chatting area. Amid the bit of hotness that still remained, the passing wind was refreshing.


    Todays snacks were the mahua she had received from Consort Gyokuyou as leftovers. It was something that had a shape of twisted rope. It was a high-ss item that had crunchy powdered sugar inside.


    Hey, about the Consort-sama from Maomaos ce.


    As usual, Shaoran, who was speaking as she was crunching on it scrumptiously, was in the middle of chatting with Maomao.


    Could it be that, she is unwell with something?


    (I thought it was about time the subject woulde up.)


    Consort Gyokuyous abdomen has gotten sorge that she was no longer able to hide it no matter how she tries. With the number of tea parties decreased, there must be people who paid attention to that she hasnt gone outside either. Even if they dont know about her pregnancy, there had to be those who think there was something about it thats disquieting.


    Maomao disyed her tilting her head as she crunched on the mahua.


    No one around them had noticed their conversation. Maomao took about another package of mahua from her bosom.


    Eating?


    Eating!


    Maomao considered how she could cover it up as she looked at Shaoran who was stuffing her cheeks with snacks.


    She recalled something fitting now what she thought it up.


    You know about the ghost story meeting in the inner pce at night?


    Ah, I know, I know! It seems something came out.


    Gossip really is fast, Maomao admired.


    I heard, the one who came out was the courtdy who died here. She was already considerably old, but it seems there was a reason she couldnt leave.


    It seems, she didnt know about the fine details of that part. Maomao thought it might be boorish to reveal it, she just nodded with sounds of agreement, when she saw a hand sneak out from the side for the mahua.


    This looks delicious. Can I eat it?


    Youre already eating it.


    The one crunching on Maomaos snack was Shisui. Maomao was already full, so she gave the rest to her. Shisui raised her voice in happiness.


    Shisuis attire today was duty robes, in other words, she was wearing the same washing duty garments as Shaoran.


    (I wonder where she got that from.)


    Since she is a courtdy attached to Consort Rouran, her garments should have been supplied from elsewhere. However, it could be rude if she said that maidservant robes suited Shisui more for some reason.


    So, ghost story?


    That ghost story.


    Shisui, who wasnt shy, very naturally inserted herself into the conversation. Shoran, who was the same, also took it naturally. What a difficult feat, Maomao admired.


    Its the story of the courtdy who died in the inner pce.


    Its that. Its the courtdy who wasnt able to get out of the inner pce in the end.


    Eh? You know about it? What kind of story is it!?


    Shisui mentioned what Maomao refrained from saying. Besides, it wasnt Shaoran who didnt get into it.


    Lets see. It was said that she couldnt get out with the reason being that she became the previous emperors mistress, but it wasnt like that in truth.


    Maomaos ears twitched, thinking, Huh? She tilted her head. For some reason, the story was a little different to what she had heard from Honnyan.


    Shaoran stared at Shisui as she was chewing. Shisui put on airs, saying, How should I say this, and started the story.


    Its a famous story though. The previous emperor had a bit of a problematic taste


    He possessed no interest in any type of women. The empress, the empress dowager at the time, being exasperated, had rapidly erged the inner pce to see what kind of women he was interested in. And then, one day, it was said that she said this to a retainer.


    Hand over your daughter.


    A maiden that was well-known even in the capital as a peerless beauty.


    It was everything he desired for the retainer, a good foothold for promotion. However, for his daughter, it was something unbearable.


    She already had a betrothed, but she couldnt defy the empress orders, so she entered court with several maids.


    Everyone leaked a sigh at her beauty. If it was like that, it was thought that the emperor would also be satisfied.


    However.


    The one heid his hands on was a maid of hers. Moreover, it was an innocent eleven-year-old girl.


    Hearing that, Shaorans face contorted.


    Even Maomao, who has heard that story before, had a strong reaction against it.


    The reason he didnt move his finger at the beauty, was because she was overgrown.


    How much of her pride had been torn?


    Afterwards, that maid was promoted. It was a short time when she even got her own pce. The emperor, who lost interested in the maid who then grew upid his hands on a new courtdy. Wherever it could have been heard of, it became that young girls were sent to the inner pce in session.


    The forgotten maid lived forsaken in the inner pce.


    When the emperor passed away, she could leave the inner pce.


    The outside wasnt the maids ce to go. As she was embarrassed towards the master she serves, it was said that she passed her remaining years in the inner pce, without ever returning to her hometown.


    It was said that she lived with just the trivial amusement of gathering scary stories as provisions.


    And that was the story!


    Even though she spoke in a gloomy tone up until now, Shisui finished it in a strangely casual note.


    Unusually, Shaoran had a depressed expression.


    Thats kinda, pitiful. It wasnt that persons fault, wasnt it!


    Shaoran puffed her mouthrgely.


    That was true. She didnt have the means to oppose. However, that was a prevalent absurdity in this world. The ones that have it have it, the ones that dont dont, that was all.


    I know right. Nothing could be done even if she resented it


    Shisui, who dered it in a casual tone, put all the remaining mahua in her mouth, chewed a couple of times, and swallowed.


    Mm, but then, after that, the beauty who wasnt chosen was bestowed to a certain high official. You know about the de of the North?


    Bleid?


    Shaoran tilted her head.


    Maomao also thought What? in the beginning, but then she recalled the story she heard from Basen the other day. It was the country called Rii that had three des underneath the Flower. The de of the North signified Shishou, in other words, Consort Rourans father.


    (The high official who received a bestowed woman huh.)


    While feeling the cause and effect, as it was about time she had to work, Maomao jumped off from the wooden box.


    Gaoshun entered the dim office with a sigh.


    Please put on some light at least.


    A withered nobleman was slumped over the office desk.


    This much is good enough.


    Jinshi, the nobleman, while looking at the documents with a sidelong nce, stamped a seal of approval with ack of motivation. He was working, for the time being, but he was extremely slow. Amid that, other work piled up in session.


    Gaoshun, while wondering what he should do, decided to give a report on his own work.


    This is from the caravan incident from the other day. They dont have a connection with Shin.


    Shin, Consort Rifas former head maid, was currently in her hometown. As she was officially dismissed on the grounds of a falling out with Consort Rifa, it was difficult to even investigate for detailed information. And above all, since it was also Consort Rifas birthce, it was difficult to make a move at a moments notice.


    It seems this was the cause of the matter she raised.


    Gaoshun ced the thing Shin had finally handed over after visiting her several times over on the office desk. It was a piece of paper that had a great number of the names of perfume oil and spices written on it. Unexpectantly, Shin had known about the fact that several were ingredients that had an abortion effect. And it was said that she gathered these ingredients because of that.


    Shin had denied that she had gathered them. It wasnt known if that was true, but at least, seeing how she didnt have a connection with the caravans, nothing could be said.


    That they were able to investigate must be due to Consort Rifas cooperation. She was quite quick concerning abortion medicine. She had wished that such things wouldnt appear in the inner pce hereafter.


    Without considering that those appearing would be more advantageous for herself.


    For that aspect, Gaoshun had thought it was favourable. That it is likely that if this kind of person became the mother of the country, the government would be even better.


    On the other hand, he thought that she didnt have the determination to just maintain that seat.


    Even if she didnt have to go as far as to beat down people, she needed to the strength to simply protect her own position.


    For that point, it is possible to say that Consort Gyokuyou was more superior.


    Also, she didnt have a connection with Consort Gyokuyou either.


    Is that so.


    Jinshi said, raising his face Thats a relief, it was a phrasing as if to add that.


    Was it coincidence or certainty, that someone could have transported the ingredients for abortion medicine in the caravans? If it was certainty, they needed to thoroughly investigate the root cause.


    It didnt matter whether the victim was a high ranked consort or not. In particr, Consort Gyokuyou was from a western trading city. It was valid to think she had a deeper connection than anyone else.


    Once again, Jinshi started stamping with his face t against the desk.


    Stop that already, Gaoshun pressed down in the wrinkles on his brow.


    As it cannot be helped, he decided to take out the wonder drug.


    Jinshi-sama, I got a notice of stock from the merchant who sold the grass that grew from insects from before.


    At Gaoshuns words, Jinshis face snapped up. For Gaoshun, it was a face that seemed like an irresponsible child, but others would see it as a captivating face imbued with gloominess so it was troubling.


    Its said it can only be found in a single ox among a thousand. It appears to be a stone found in the galldder. Its called bezoar, a precious natural medicine.


    .


    Jinshis eyes gradually sharpened.


    Is that true?


    It is likely not a fake article. A physician with a good eye had looked over it for me. However, they said there was only one since it was an unusual item.


    Buy it.


    Jinshi said like it was obvious. Somehow, it seems his spirit rose.


    He is a master that is easy to understand, yet also hard toprehend.


    The merchant hasnt set the price yet.


    Gaoshun said, and Jinshi slowly curved his lips.


    It should be cheaperpared to drinking wine throughout the night, served by the prostitutes in the best brothel in the capital.


    Gaoshun made a wry smile at Jinshi who asserted that simply.


    Certainly. Ill prepare it. Also


    I have to say this much, Gaoshun looked at Jinshi.


    Your line just then, I think its better you dont say that in front of Shaomao.


    To say that as a reason, Dont spend pointless tax, he informed him.

 Volume 3, Chapter 24: Misdiagnosis

    Oh,ss. Long time no see.


    When Maomao went to the medical office, the quack doctor with the loach moustache came to greet her. It must be her imagination that he looked like he was on the lookout for her, for some reason.


    To say long time no see is a bit


    Hasnt it been around three days since shest came here? Maomao had showed up that time because the quack doctor said that the paper supply from his family wasing in. She had shrewdly considered that if it goes well, she could get the remainders.


    Oh really? You used toe here every day. Havent you stoppeding by for a bit recently?


    The quack doctor said it forlornly, but the time she came every day was to clean the medical office. Even though he looked refreshed when they were done.


    First off, it was true that her visits have decreased. Lately, she has been spending a lot of time chatting in the washing area. She usually only spoke to Shaoran. It must be because Consort Rourans courtdy, Shisui, had joined in with them as ofte.


    (She really is an iprehensible girl.)


    She had no idea what kind of person Consort Rouran is, but she thought that she must be quite a big-shot to employ such a courtdy. The girl mentioned that she had a bit of knowledge about medicine, though she wasnt an expert as she only knew about simple doses. In the beginning, when Maomao heard that the girl had knowledge of medicine, she subconsciously bent her brows, but she paid no heed to it now.


    In the beginning, she thought that Shisui must be joining in with them frequently to listen to suspicious stories, but at any rate, this girl is too iprehensible.


    Even yesterday, she was chasing after a courtdy who was nearby to show her the cricket she caught.


    She didnt know anything about Consort Rouran, but at the very least, Shisui didnt have interest in the mire of the inner pce. If there was something the girl would pay attention to, she would seem to be the type to observe an ant nest for days on end. The part where she wasnt interested in the love affairs of inferiors was something Maomao could agree with.


    For now, have this.


    Maomao took out dried medicinal herbs from the washing basket. It was the things that were mentioned to have run out when she came by recently. Though he is a quack doctor, his title is pretty much a medical officer. He boasted that he could personally make abdominal pain medicine at least. She hasnt heard anything about other medicines. Maomao still was kind enough to not ask. She wanted to take the opportunity to get the leftovers.


    The quack doctor epted the medicinal herbs, then went to dig around the shelves and briskly started to prepare tea.


    Fufufu, I have good snacks today.


    The quack doctor prepared tea snacks as his thin moustache swung like it was dancing.


    He doesnt even have snacks for tea, Maomao thought, but the quack doctor looked like he was having fun for some reason. The snacks he just mentioned, wasnt that kind of tea snacks, it was material for talk, Maomao thought.


    Maomao kept silent and sat, holding in her mouth the blended tea that was poured. She stuffed her cheeks with roasted mochi that was seasoned with saltiness. The crunchy texture was tasty. Some greenver was added to give it a bit of vour.


    What kind of snack is it?


    You have to tell me about the tea snacks you brought out at least, Maomao asked the quack doctor.


    The quack doctor smiled in delight and cleared his throat with a cough.


    I heard an interesting story. I wonder ifss understands it.


    The quack doctor smiled awfully confidently as he started the story.


    In a certain estate, there was a medical officer and his three apprentices. The apprentices had the medical officer as their teacher, but all in all, none of them were outstanding pupils. One studied diligently, one was as he is, and the other was unmotivated and a liar. Since the medical officers position was bought with money, it could not be helped that he had these kinds of pupils.


    The medical officer, in regards to medicine, possessed wonderful knowledge. He never misdiagnosed, and he would not from hereafter either.


    The diligent one hated mistakes and does not lie. The unmotivated one only ever lied. Thest person mostly spoke the truth, but he asionally makes mistakes.


    One day, a terrible storm came upon the estate. The winds were strong; they could not go outside. During that, a certain incident urred.


    One of the apprentices hung down from the ceiling with a cord around his neck.


    Everyone took him down in haste, but he had already stopped breathing.


    The medical officer did away with the body of the apprentice as a death by suffocation.


    The remaining apprentice was in a frenzy, saying that a person cannot do such a thing alone, and red up at the medical officer. He shouted that that guy wasnt the type tomit suicide. The other person kept silent and watched the other person, but when he returned to the room, he confirmed with the medical officer that, So he suffocated, before he left.


    Everyone wanted to immediately leave the estate, but they could not leave because of the storm. Just like that, an evening passed, and the next day there was another medical officer apprentice who hung his neck.


    The surviving person asked the medical officer.Why did hemit suicide?


    While shaking his head, the medical officer replied.It was death from suffocation.


    Well then, herein lies the problem. Which pupil was the one who survived?


    Hmm.The quack doctor said as he blew out of his nose.


    Maomao scratched the back of her head.


    (There are a lot of parts omitted.)


    The quack doctor must be asking the question without understanding it. Even if he knew the answer, she felt that he didntprehend the details well enough.


    Even so, it was a problem that doesnt have anything that cannot be understood.


    In this case, judging the other person on whether he was the liar or not, there, was important.


    Does the medical officer lie?


    .


    Seems he doesnt know this prerequisite. In that case, Maomao changed her question.


    The medical officer doesnt misdiagnose, right?


    Unlike this quack doctor.


    Thats right. He would never.


    He emphasised that part. In that case, the answer was simple.


    Then, the one who killed the two people was the medical officer, and the survivor would have to be the apprentice who was neither a liar nor an honest person, right?


    .


    Seeing how hes silent, its bulls-eye, Maomao thought.


    How did you know?


    With a sulky expression, the quack doctor asked.


    It was weird from the very beginning.


    The main point of this story was this certain character. It was the medical officer who was everyones teacher. He was known to the culprit from the part where he being the person who doesnt misdiagnose said that it was a death from suffocation from the start.


    Normally, death from hanging and constriction looks different. Maomao heard from her dad that people die from the weight of their entire body on their head. It was simr to hanging from a rope around the neck, but the way of dying is different.


    From that, speaking of who was the apprentice who was in a frenzy, it was the student that wasnt any of the two. If he was the student who only speaks of truth, he wouldnt say that the answer of the teacher who doesnt misdiagnose was wrong. If it was the liar and unmotivated student, he wouldnt even be in a frenzy anyway.


    And then, speaking of who is the other apprentice, it would have to be the diligent student. If he was the lying student, he wouldnt deny the answer of the teacher who should be right.


    And then, the student who died the next day was also the diligent student.


    The honest student wouldnt think of suicide, and the teacher also answered it was death from suffocation.


    The teacher said death from suffocation, but he didnt deny it was a suicide.


    To not lie only when autopsying, how difficult.


    Maomao said, and smoothly gulped down the rest of the tea.


    ?


    As the quack doctor was going to ask himself a question, he turned his head. Maomao, seeing him do that, as she put the remaining mochi pieces in her mouth, flipped through the medical book that was in the medical office.


    She had thought to continue with passing time indolently like this for a short while.


    So you were in such a ce.


    She heard a deep mans voice that she was used to hearing. When she turned around, Gaoshun with his usual wrinkled brows was there.


    Normally, this man who was somehow relieving, but this time the circumstances were a little different. She pretended to sip from an empty cup as she held back her spontaneous jumpiness, calming her heart.


    What do you require of me?


    No, its fine if theres nothing. Its fine, she thought as she looked at Gaoshun, but it didnt seem to be that convenient.


    Jinshi-sama has summoned for you.


    Has it finallye? Maomao slumped her shoulders.

 Volume 3, Chapter 25: Shi

    The ce where Jinshi summoned Maomao was the room of Pce Official Chief. As usual, Maomao dipped her head at the Pce Official Chief who had stepped out from her seat and went inside.


    In the spacious yet simplistic room, Jinshi wasfortably sitting on the couch. What is this, his highness face was more beautiful than usual, that is, he was sparkling pointlessly.


    Maomao slowly lowered her head. There was the sound of Gaoshun closing the door behind her.


    How many days has been since she seen Jinshi since that other day? That time, Jinshi was pale and said nothing. Maomao also asked nothing. She thought of asking but she couldnt ask for the details. Her head was full of the lingzhi she got her hands on. That was inevitable.


    And so, for these couple of days, she was afraid that this eunuch, no, this pseudo-eunuch would show up at the Jade Pce someday, but to directly summon her-.


    Maomao clutched the cor of her clothes.


    What is your business?


    Maomao prepared herself and spoke.


    Seeing her doing that, Jinshi smiled widely.


    I thought about continuing from where we left off the other day.


    (Is it reallying?)


    Maomao took a deep breath.


    What this man wanted to say. Maomao was anticipating.


    I understand.


    Maomao took out a cloth bag from her bosom. She set it up on the table.


    I am properly prepared for it.


    Jinshi lightly tilted his head in response to Maomao stiff expression.


    Umm, prepared for what?


    What is he ying dumb for, this man? Maomao opened the bag and showed him.


    Thepounding still imperfect, but it will bepleted if webine it with another medicine. The finished product would make you appear like you died from shock.


    The one other medicine couldnt be obtained here, so she will have to get Jinshi prepare it for her. He should do that much for her. Its a medicine that has some value in a foreign country, but thats why it was something that wouldnt leave proof.


    Listen to her final wish. Let her die by medicine she wanted to try out.


    It looks like she hadnt thought about it, but even Maomao has thought about her own death.


    If she must really die, then let her die in the manner she likes.


    Its only just a trivial wish.


    Jinshi made a grim expression.


    What is this? Could it be, that he cant even buy such an expensive medicine? No, theres no way, but, does he have a n to deal with her in a more economical way?


    Jinshi-sama?


    When Maomao timidly called his name, Jinshi did aplete reversal from his elegant appearance from just then to a grim expression. Thinking he was going to put his fingers on his brows, he started to rest his chins on his hands, his manners poor.


    Im asking just in case, but what are you nning?


    Even if you ask what Im nning, I have resolved myself in my own way. Im nning by considering how to die without leaving proof.


    Jinshis head slipped from his palms and hit the table with a thud. Maomao jerked back. Gaoshun approached Jinshi, but he raised his hand.


    Im asking you once, but dont tell me, for this past couple of days, youve just been thinking about such a thing?


    What this such a thing he was talking about, must be about Jinshi dealing with Maomao? For that, she could only give an affirmative.


    Yes. I am an eyesore, so its inevitable.


    Otherwise, it would be considering a method to seal her lips. In that case, taking a hostage would be paramount. It would be the older sisters of the brothel, no, her dad?


    Her dad had been living severely with difficulty up until now. He doesnt need to bear any more hardship, Maomao thought.


    Thats why, she prepared the medicine like so.


    If he rejected her using that medicine, then speaking of what would be of her-.


    Is it by expeditious hanging? Pressing some blunder on me.


    Just when she thought she heard the loud bang of the table moving, an impassive Jinshi was standing in front of Maomao. Bent down, he red at Maomao with damp eyes. Maomao subconsciously drew back a step. But, like he was following her, Jinshi advanced a step.


    Jinshi-sama, isnt it better to rx on the couch?


    Who on earth is it who interacts without rxing?


    A step. Another step. As Maomao stepped back, Jinshi stepped forward. Even when she sought Gaoshuns assistance, the man was being himself, hands together, saying nothing and looking up at the ceiling.


    When Maomao realised it, she was forced all the way up against the wall. A hand wasnded next to her head with a thud. His hands on the wall, Jinshi looked down at Maomao.


    I thought I said, that I have something I must tell you. So why would there be a reason for dealing with you?


    Jinshi said, breathing in deeply.


    (Did you say such a thing?)


    Probably, her memories of that time must have flown out the window due to various mushrooms. She cant remember at all. Yeah, it was the mushrooms fault.


    In other words, is Jinshi-sama saying youre not nning to deal with me?


    Maomao looked up at Jinshi. He shook in surprise.


    Thats the n.


    Thats great.


    Maomao sighed in relief.


    .


    Jinshi looked at her with a veryplicated expression.


    What is it? Jinshi-sama.


    No, Im sorry that youre in the middle of being relieved, but I think this isnt the ce where you should be relieved.


    Jinshi was saying something she didnt understand.


    Hm, Maomao looked around her. As Jinshi had driven Maomao to this point, he was peering down at her from above.


    Jinshi-sama, we cleared the misunderstanding so can you move aside?


    Maomao frankly stated. Jinshi was in the way as he wont move from the wall. It was possible for her to slip through, but passing between the legs of a noble would be rude.


    I knew it. You dont understand at all. Do you understand how me, being, um, not a eunuch is supposed to mean?


    That would be, it would have to be dreadful if it gets exposed here.


    The asion of having men in the flower garden called the inner pce that was made only for the emperor cannot be. However, if she thought really hard about it, it doesnt seem likely that the emperor would leave someone that stands out as much as Jinshi does alone. Wouldnt it be considered abnormal to leave him as a man for some reason?


    (No way!?)


    The emperor must have the ulterior motive to have low ranked consorts give birth to Jinshis children. High ranked consorts aside, the children birthed by low ranked consorts have low inheritance rights. Its troublesome if they were males, but what would happen if females were born?


    The daughter of Jinshi who possesses a face that could topple one or two countries even as a man, she would surely be a trump card of diplomacy. The talks sound patient, but political marriages are decided while the girl hasnt even turned ten yet. There might be a multitude of issues to it, but that might have profitability on its own.


    (What a terrifying emperor, and a stud!)


    Maomao faced Jinshi with an unspeakable gaze. It was half contempt and half pity.


    I understand that Jinshi-samas position isplicated. However, any more than this, the talk is a little too important for me. Can you pardon me for that? I wont reveal it to others even if you split my mouth.


    That was all Maomao was able to say.


    I thought your intuition is good, but were you already aware of it?


    Yes, I am confident now. I understand that you are in a difficult position, but this talk is beyond my standing.


    I get you. Lets agree on that.


    Jinshis expression was gloomy. While trembling he thrust his empty hand into his breast pocket for some reason. As he was going to take something out, it seems something stopped him.


    It seems there was some kind ofplicated emotion within Jinshi.


    No, how do I say this, there is that too, but theres also something else? How do I say this? More than my position, its about me personally.


    Jinshi-sama personally?


    I possess a splendid thing that is like a stallion, was what he even should say? Speaking of that, this man had wanted to boast about his own body.


    No, I dont mean looking.


    She unintentionally whispered it. Jinshis face stiffened.


    Crap, Maomao looked at Gaoshun. Gaoshun was starting to blossom divinity as though he reached enlightenment, but he reacted to the sound of the door knocking.


    Jinshi finally moved away from Maomao, went to lie down on the couch as if nothing happened, and the Pce Official Chief who was waiting outside entered the room.


    What is it?


    Jinshi, stering on a sparkling smile, said to the middle-aged courtdy.


    Yes, His Majesty had said that he will be going to Consort Rourans ce for sleeping today.


    Is that so. I heard that he wonte here tonight though.


    Jinshi tilted his head in a haughty manner. When the emperores to the inner pce, it is reported beforehand. The room hees to requires various preparations too. The consort must take a bath, puts on clothes imbued with incense, wears make-up and even the supper for meals have to be prepared.


    It seems that there were some problems by just seeing the slightly flustered expression of the Pce Official Chief.


    Yes. I have been told that Consort Rouran is not in her pce.


    Hoh, isnt she taking a walk?


    About that


    The Pce Chief Official looked like there was something difficult to say.


    It seemsmon that Consort Rouran often goes off somewhere


    The Pce Chief Office minced her words unintelligibly. It seems that she sees the courtdies who end up having to search for Consort Rouran every time she is informed when the emperor ising. Normally, the Pce Official Chief wouldnt interrupt, but since there was no time this time, she relied on Jinshi for what to do.


    (Oh?)


    If a high ranked consort goes out, she should have someone following her. And yet, is it possible to have no one knowing where she goes?


    Its as if she goes out in a disguise.


    (Disguise.)


    Maomao suddenly reminded herself of Consort Rouran. The entric consort who wears unusual outfits every single time. She always wore gaudy make-up.


    If she ended up being called a fashionista, that might be the end of it. However.


    Maomao found herself approaching Gaoshun and spoke to him.


    Gaoshun-sama, theres one thing I want to ask you.


    What is it?


    Do you know about a courtdy from Consort Rourans ce that is called Shisui?


    Gaoshun answered Maomaos question.


    I dont know all the courtdies of the pce either, but there should not be a courtdy with that name.


    Gaoshun proimed.


    Why is that supposing?


    Shisui, the name isnt that unusual, but it isnt a name that exists in Consort Rourans ce. The consorts father is Shishou. You should understand the meaning of that name.


    Maomao pressed down on her forehead. How did she not notice that?


    Among noble bloodlines, it is said that characters that stand for the family are added in their name. In Shishous case, Shi. His children might also have the Shi in their names. It is mostly customary for males of direct descent, but females having that isnt absent.


    In that case, this means that there specifically shouldnt be a courtdy with such a misleading name in the ce of his actual child, Consort Rouran. That character isnt in Consort Rourans name it would truly be misleading to have another courtdy with that.


    Such that, therees an issue.


    A courtdy called Shisui, is it?


    The one who nervously interrupted was the Pce Official Chief. Seems she heard their voices.


    You know her?


    Its a little ambiguous. Memories from a short while ago.


    The Pce Official Chief rummaged through the bookshelf in the room, picked out an ount book and started to open it. She flipped through it and stopped at a certain page.


    Its this. Its the courtdy who was originally arranged to enter with Consort Rouran.


    Everyone looked at the ount book that the Pce Official Chief opened.


    While wondering whether a mere courtdy would be written in detail, when they saw the family structure, they understood.


    This person is Shishou-samas daughter, Consort Rourans half-older sister.


    When Maomao gazed at the ount book in a daze, her mood plummeted.


    (I kinda recognise her.)


    While thinking that.


    T/N: Title of the chapter is Shi () as in the Shi n, and it can also mean child.

 Volume 3, Chapter 26: Affinity

    Red and white white-powder flowers bloom en masse. Some also have ck, round beads that were dropped by the flowers. Maomao went beyond it. A field of long grass extended out. Ring, ring. She heard the bell-like sound of insects.


    Maomao eased her way through the grass. There was the shadow of someone squatting in the centre of the field. The girl, who was tall yet innocent, was catching insects and putting them inside the insect cage. She had put in one, two, three, when she finally noticed Maomao standing behind her.


    What is it? You want to gather them together?


    Shisui smiled in satisfaction as she showed her the insect cage. Maomao shook her head, then slowly dipped her head. When she looked upand was about to speak, Shisui shook her head and pressed her index finger to her lips.


    Can we stay like for a little longer? Weve just be close.


    Shisui had garnered something Maomaos attitude. A somewhat forlorn expression gave rise in her innocent smile.


    I guess that cant do.


    She heard a voice call calling for someone at a distance. The courtdies were searching for Consort Rouran.


    Shisui stood before Maomao and held out the insect cage. A bell sound ensued.


    This insect, you know. When the femaleys eggs, she eats the male. Yet they make such a pretty sound.


    Lashes lowered, Shisui whispered into Maomaos ear.


    Its as if, it is just like here.


    That wasnt the innocent voice of a young girl. It was a slightly hoarse womans voice. And then.


    Bad insects carry cmity. Its up to the doctors to stop it.


    Shisui passed by Maomao. When Maomao turned back, the innocent young girl was nowhere to be seen. The dignified woman was surrounded by several maids. A stunning gown was draped over her shoulders. Rouge was applied to the make-up-indifferent lips, a huadian was pasted onto her forehead. When she put on the cor that had the feather of a curious foreign bird, the courtdy Maomao recognised disappeared right there.


    Consort, lets return in haste.


    I know.


    The womans wooden voice left Maomao behind.


    There was a clear wall. A mere courtdy and a high ranked consort, if they werent master and servant, there is no tangent.


    And, Maomao and the consort wearing the feathered cor had no tangent.


    As the long feather wavered in the wind, the consort and her entourage left.


    Treating Maomao as though she wasnt there.


    And then, only the bell sound resounded in the insect cage.


    Bad insects carry cmity.


    What was the thing that Shisui said at the end supposed to mean? Maomao groaned as she polished the silverware. Were her hands to stop while she was groaning, the head maid Honnyan could turn up out of nowhere and scold her so her hands cannot stop. Lately, her fists that seem to hollow out were rapidly improving and came quite often.


    (Bad insects and cmity?)


    Was this some sort of metaphor? Or was the meaning as it is? Maomao could go either way for cmities and like. In this world, bad things happening could be due to anything.


    However, speaking of doctors for cmities, that could also be said as a kind of disease.


    (There are also diseases carried by insects.)


    That meaning?


    (Or she could be teasing me?)


    It can be taken either way. However, Maomao considered the young girl who is called Shisui. Regarding her, speaking of knowing nothing, she knew nothing. Speaking of knowing to a certain extent, she knew.


    In other words, she had no idea.


    While knowing nothing, night approached, and the emperor came. When she saw Consort Gyokuyous swelled abdomen, she made aplicated expression. She heard that he had been diligently visiting Consort Rifa recently.


    Maomao slurped the congee that was added with aromatic vinegar and nced at the emperor. He was looking at his daughter, Princess Rinrii, with affection.


    Once, the emperor asked Maomao when Consort Gyokuyou wasnt around. About whether there was a method to tell the sex of the child in the abdomen. I dont know. Maomao could only shake her head.


    She recalled the emperor saying, I see as he lowered his gaze slightly.


    With the two high ranked consorts having a child in their abdomen at the same time, when it bes like this, the gender distinction and order of birth was important. The first to be born will be Consort Gyokuyous child, however, the gender is unknown. If the child is female, what could be of it?


    Honestly stating her impressions, it seems the emperor wanted Consort Gyokuyou to give birth to a boy. This doesnt necessarily mean that he is slighting Consort Rifa. It seems that between Consort Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa, more than the difference in favour, Consort Gyokuyou is more convenient to the emperor one way or other on the political side of things.


    With Princess Rinrii on his knee, ying with her by blowing the pinwheel, he appears to be a good father, but he is a court official. For the noble ones, blood rtives are allies and enemies at the same time. Historically, the rtives of consorts even if she gave birth to a son whose fathers be a hindrance, get erased, are very many.


    At least, regarding Consort Gyokuyou and Consort Rifas rtives, that concern is less, must be the emperors consideration.


    (What a cunning old man.)


    And he also heads to other consorts ces.


    Yesterday, he should have gone to Consort Rouran.


    .


    What is it?


    The movement of the spoon scooping the congee had stopped. Honnyan asked with a slightly dubious expression.


    No. Its nothing.


    Maomao ced the congee bowl down on the table and rinsed her mouth. And then she started on the next side dish.


    Maomao worked as a food taster in the Jade Pce like this, but what about the Crystal Pce. She was concerned about whether the maids at Consort Rifas ce have be decent.


    ncing at Consort Gyokuyou, Maomao closed her eyes. This time, she thought of trying to ask even Gaoshun.


    The next day, Gaoshun turned up alone; he had various previous arrangement with Honnyan. Jinshi seemed to be busy as he was working on something in the imperial court again.


    ording to Gaoshun, the courtdy that was newly assigned to Consort Rifa was a middle-aged woman who has passed her forties plus another three young courtdies. It seems she was the person who had educated Consort Rifa and her former head maid in the past he said that they didnt overlook that point.


    Maomao somehow imagined Honnyan and Suiren together split into two, and put her hands together for the Crystal Pce maids.


    Leaving that aside, Shaomao.


    Gaoshun said, the wrinkles of his brow creased more than usual.


    Maomao had a somewhat unpleasant feeling and subconsciously knitted her brow as well.


    This is about Consort Rourans older sister.


    Maomao gave a start.


    Do you know this kind of girl?


    Gaoshun took a piece of paper out of his breast pocket and spread it out for Maomao to see. The portrait drawn with fine lines had a face she had seen from somewhere before. Slender, neat features. Her height was five shaku six sun[note]Close to five foot six, ~170cm[/note].


    oh hey.


    The woman looked like one of the courtdies who had charged at Maomao before. She was also tall. She was pretty sure that she recalled that this imperial courtdy in Shishous troupe that she caught sight of in the time of the blue rose.


    So this is the real Shisui.


    Indeed, it seems she normally calls herself Suirei[note],Cui Ling in Chinese. The same Sui as in Shisui.[/note].


    As the child of a mistress, she must feel ashamed. To receive the single character in the name of an inferior, everyone around her might also be envious. If her half- younger sister became a high ranked consort, it must be all the more so.


    (What a strange feeling.)


    Shisui, no, Consort Rouran talked her about her older sister very joyfully.


    Regarding that, Maomao cant see the real Shisui smiling. She only made a bored and somehow weary expression.


    Does Shisui talk enjoyably only if its to Consort Rouran? Or does Consort Rouran one-sidedly adore her? She had no idea.


    What is it about this person?


    Gaoshun nced around at Maomaos question. The room had no other maids; there was only one other attendant eunuch.


    Her mother was said to be a town girl. She seems to have already died.


    Gaoshun mumbled. It seems he hesitated to tell Maomao for some reason.


    (Was it better that I didnt ask?)


    While thinking that, her curiosity that started to expand stared at Gaoshun and demanded a response.


    The one who raised Shisui, seemed to be a former medical officer.


    A former medical officer?


    If so, she understood what Consort Rouran meant about her sister who knew a lot about medicine. Just like Maomao, she must have been trained in the knowledge of medicine. If thats the case, this raises a number of bad things.


    Indeed. The former seemed to be an outstanding medical officer who even studied abroad in a foreign country.


    To have studied abroad in a foreign country, that was amazing. It reminded Maomao of her dad, Ruomen. Her dad also studied in the West for several years.


    Unpleasant sweat gradually rose for some reason, but Gaoshun continued.


    He incurred the empress wrath and was dismissed.


    And then the one dismissed


    Ah, enough.


    Maomao wanted to stuff her ears. She was going to lose to her curiosity, but the scales tilted towards safety. I shouldnt hear any more than this, rm bells rang inside Maomao.


    The reason he was dismissed was that he impregnated a courtdy in the inner pce.


    .


    Gaoshun said it. He said it clearly. She rapidly stepped into a ce of no return.


    Why didnt they think it was a eunuch?


    .


    In the past, only medical officers were exempted from castration.


    Gaoshun told her things she didnt want to hear in session.


    From that incident, there became no exceptions.


    Taking responsibility, it was said the officer was deprived of his official rank. And it was said that from then on, all the medical officer who enters are to be castrated.


    (Considering the empress, the measure was too lenient.)


    As unpleasant sweat dripped, Maomao arrived at that question. Gaoshun immediately told her the answer.


    The pregnant courtdy seemed to be a girl who had only just past ten years of age.


    It was a story that made her subconsciously want to spit. In this world, are loliconsmon? Do those bastards really prefer the young to that extent? However, it was a troublesome thing even if the disease spread in the world that is full of unique tastes.


    Maomao knew about one person who possessed the cannot be helped taste for little girls. Even now, the person remains in the gossip of the inner pce.


    The medical officers reduction of penalty was requested from the previous emperor.


    (About thaaat.)


    The child was taken in by the medical officer and the courtdy remained in the inner pce.


    (Huh?)


    Maomao recalled something she was stuck in. Wasnt there a story that she heard before that sounded simr?


    The courtdy, in those times, was a maid that followed a high ranked consort.


    She knew what happened to that maid afterward. She was shunned by the consort, unable to leave the inner pce, lived by just enjoying ghost stories, and then, died.


    The former high ranked consort is currently bestowed to Shishou.


    So, Consort Rouran is her daughter. And speaking of Shisui.


    (For arguments sake, if Shisuis mother is, if she was the child that was taken from the inner pce by the medical officer.)


    The previous emperor only had two children. This undermined that assumption.


    Shaomao should understand what that means with me telling you this much.


    Maomao neither shook her head nor nod. She only stood in a daze.


    Having disclosed theplicated family rtion, Gaoshun made a look like he relieved some burden. As if to say, you are also an aplice, with that.


    Maomao reproachfully sent off Gaoshun who went back with a slightly cheerful demeanour.


    T/N: It seems a certain former medical officer is connected a lot of things in the inner pce.


    And this is thest of the daily chapters for the mass release from me. The JFB mass release will be continuing until mid-December so be sure to check out the other novels. There will be more new novelsing out during this event.


    As for me, the next chapter will be released on Monday. I guess well be back to the normal schedule (unless I start cking cause of holiday mode *cough*)?

 Volume 3, Chapter 27: Bell Cricket

    Maomao sighed as she prepared supper. A neer maid who was nearby watched her. Maomao still wasnt that close to the newly entered maids. Since Maomao went out often and didnt talk to them herself, it cant be helped though.


    Even the other maid, perhaps she was alone and felt out of ce to mingle with a stranger, didnt try to talk that much.


    (Its fine though.)


    Leaving that aside, Maomaos head was full of other matters. Why did that worldly-wise attendant, again, talk to Maomao about such a bothersome thing?


    (I dont n on telling others though.)


    Even so, wasnt it better to not reveal the information for a while longer? Could there be some reason for it?


    While thinking of such things, the supper was delivered from the kitchen. Maomao arranged the utensils that had been prepared for it.


    Amid that, Maomao noticed a certain thing.


    She picked up something that looked like a root with a pair of chopsticks.


    At a nce, Maomao doubted the thing that looked like burdock root and ced it on a small dish.


    What are you doing?


    The new maid doubtfully looked at Maomao who was breaking apart something on the small dish. Maomao put the broken up pieces of the root into her mouth and then spat it out.


    Can you call Honnyan-sama?


    That wasnt burdock root. That was ground cherry root.


    I also feel that its after all this time.


    Maomao said as she looked at the contents of the dish.


    It certainly is after all this time.


    Honnyan said, hershes lowered.


    Ground cherry is also used as an abortion drug. In the early stages of pregnancy, it can cause miscarriages, but now, even if Consort Gyokuyou ate it, she didnt think there would be that much of an effect. Consort Gyokuyous pregnancy was spread in the inner pce was a tacit understanding of not being spread publicly. Consort Rifas pregnancy was also spread to this extent.


    If it goes well like this, Consort Gyokuyou should give birth in around a month. Even Consort Rifa should have a couple of months after this.


    Even if they targeted either of them, she cant help feeling it strange that they added in poison after all this time. If they targeted them earlier aside.


    However, to have actually mixed it in.


    Maomao scratched her head like she was going to scratch it off, but Honnyan was right before her so she bore with it. Consort Gyokuyou wasnt around. She must be considering the pregnant consort, but it was that consorts matter. She must have got some inkling of it.


    Honnyan stared at Maomao who was worrying endlessly.


    You have something youre concerned about?


    .


    No. It would be a lie if she said that.


    If I remember correctly, even the suppers are made in the kitchen together with the other consorts.


    She enquired to make sure. Honnyan affirmed it.


    As a way to soak in the vour, arent other consorts meals are mixed as well?


    You got that situation from eatingit huh.


    Honnyan said, appearing shocked.


    Isnt it that you dont understand if you dont eat it, Maomao thought. At any rate, it was good that there was more incentive if she ate it.


    (I wonder what it could be.)


    Maomao pondered. There was something she was strangely stuck on.


    What was it, the first thing she was stuck on? She felt something connected somewhere.


    (Just what happened with that?)


    Speaking of abortion drugs, there was that incident.


    The caravans came and sold a multitude of abortion drug ingredients there. That was what Consort Rifas head maid purchased and tried to make abortion medicine. She made it for Consort Rifa. The reason she, who was distant from the knowledge of medicine, tried to make it was because she found a scrap of paper that had the ingredients written on it by chance. Also, she didnt know the original owner of the scrap of paper.


    Was the former head maid covering up for another person?


    (No.)


    How could that be? Would that haughty person ever go that far? Otherwise, was she harassed by the government officials who did her hearing?


    (Theres even the possibility of rtives.)


    In that case, it wouldnt be consistent if the other person was Consort Rifa. Honestly, that head maid would think it was difficult to acquire the emperors favour. If so, wouldnt Consort Rifa who had the same rtion take precedence?


    (What if she really had picked it up?)


    It would be that there is such an insolent fellow in the inner pce.


    Otherwise, the story of the scrap of paper might be a lie from the start. However, Maomao didnt think it was like that.


    (They specifically wrote all the ingredients that were hard to gather.)


    There were methods to make abortion medicines that were closer. Whether white-powder flower or ground cherry.


    (!?)


    Where was the ce she saw white-powder flowers recently? And who was the other person who was there?


    Did she have some objective?


    Maomao, what is it?


    From Honnyan calling out to her, she grasped her unsettled thought.


    No, its nothing.


    She still hasnt reached a conclusion. It wasnt good to speak about conjectures.


    But, if Maomao didnt move here, a more wretched thing might ur.


    (Bad insects carry cmity.)


    She didnt understand what kind of meaning that had. However, it wasnt that she understood even if she stood at a standstill here.


    Maomao stared at Honnyan.


    Honnyan-sama.


    What is it?


    Seeing Maomaos expression, Honnyan returned a dubious face. Maomao made a momentary grim face and said what she needed to say.


    I have a request. Is it alright if I return to being Jinshi-samas maid?


    !?


    Honnyan pped the table. With a tter, the dish on it momentarily hovered in the air.


    What are you talking about all of a sudden!


    At the expected response, Maomao gave a small sigh.


    Dont you know that from here on is a critical period of Gyokuyou-sama!


    Her expectation had a leeway of about another month. However, this was an estimation, there might be the chance of a premature birth.


    If the consort gave birth in the inner pce, it was undependable with just the quack doctor. She wouldnt be relieved unless there was a more experienced and capable medical officer around.


    However, Maomao replied to Honnyan, expressionlessly.


    I am a doctor. I have witnessed childbirth before, but I have not taken it up. Rather, more than me who has half-baked knowledge, would it be better to prepare someone who has greater expertise in it?


    In saying that, Maomao wrote characters on the table with her finger.


    In the prostitution quarter, there is a former medical officer and eunuch. If it is him, he has plenty of experience in child delivery.


    .


    He was once banished from the inner pce, but he should be more dependable than the current medical officer.


    Sorry, quack doctor, Maomao said as she apologised in her head.


    Even if we dont directly tell the emperor, Jinshi-sama can try let it pass.


    to have been banished from the inner pce, doesnt that make him a criminal?


    Honnyan looked at Maomao with cold eyes. She understood. Everyone must have that kind of reaction. Since that wasmon knowledge.


    He is a criminal, but his skill is certain. Besides, if youre particr about this, I wont be able to be here either.


    Maomao raised the corner of her lips.


    I was brought up by this criminal.


    Its bargaining, she thought. Supposing, if she was prejudiced against her dad the criminal, Maomao was his daughter. It would be that the daughter of a criminal wont be able to be a food taster of a consort.


    Even before, Honnyan had something up, Maomao recalled. That time, she felt that she was done in well by the other, but this time it wasnt the case.


    Honnyans mouth was pressed into a shape


    Honnyan was a capable head maid. On her scales, is what side would be beneficial or what for the consort, her master.


    What about food tasting? Right now there is that ingredient mixed in here, right?


    This isnt targeting Consort Gyokuyou.


    Then, Consort Rifa?


    Maomao shook her head.


    If it is like this, she would go by the process of elimination. Excluding Consort Riishu who still wasnt chosen, there was only one other high ranked consort.


    (What a thing.)


    Maomao remembered the insect cage that she put in her room. Inside it was insects that made bell-like sounds with their wings.


    She recalled that ghost story. What kind of story did the girl who had still assumed the name Shisui tell? It was the story where bell crickets appeared. It ate something else instead of the monk. Just what did the ayakashi eat?


    Among insects, there were those who also ate the males after reproducing. Maomao, who saw praying mantis eating each other, first thought it was gross.


    However, it was also the same here. If she gives birth to a child of an influential person, at times, the woman would be adverse to her father. So she could provide power to her child, at times, she could erase her father.


    Same as insects.


    (Bad insectse carrying cmity,)


    The words that were repeated many times were repeated once again.


    Is it something like this? Maomao sighed.


    The girl who loved insects had no interest in power. She probably wanted to just carefreely pretend to be a maidservant.


    While making sure that a child does not settle in her abdomen.


    They didnt really socialise for long. It was no more than them just having silly talk once in a while.


    Maomao didnt really mean to stick her head into this, but even so, she couldnt just not do anything.


    For Consort Gyokuyous healthy child. I will be food tasting outside as well.


    Maomao searched for a solution that only she could do.


    I get it.


    Thank you very much.


    When she ryed her small thanks to Honnyan who only said that short phrase, Maomao picked up the contents of the dish before her eyes and put it into her mouth.


    Right away, she was struck by Honnyan. It goes without saying that she was forced to spit it out.

 Volume 3, Chapter 28: Dinner

    Two days after she brought up the aforementioned matter to Honnyan, an old man with a figure like an old woman showed up at the Inner Pce. She was surprised that his movements that were quicker than she had expected.


    Her dad, who was led in by Gaoshun, greeted every person in the Jade Pce and then headed off to the medical office. It seems that he will be at the quack doctors ce for a short while. She had wondered what would happen if the quack got dismissed, but for the time being, that worry was unfounded.


    Infa and the others showed up before Maomao who was organising the baggage.


    Really restless too, arent you?


    So saying that, they came to help her clean the room. Guien was amazed at the medicinal herbs that kepting out no matter how much she packed them, and Airan almost shrieked at the dried lizard tail.


    Since its work.


    She said it was work, but was it really the case? Maomao couldnt help thinking. If she did the work properly, Jinshi would surely award her with an unusual medicinal herb as a reward, or perhaps, a foreign medical book. But Maomao wavered at the something that was different to that.


    (Ah, what a pain.)


    She didnt want to do such a thing, but shell end up hating herself if that was what she did. As she sighed while cramming thepounding tools into the wrapping cloth, Infa looked at Maomao as if she recalled something.


    That reminds me, Maomaos father? He is, right? That person?


    Yeah, I guess.


    She decided to go with that since they look simr. Its a pain to exin it in detail so she gave the abridged version.


    Hes kinda,pletely different to what I imagined. How do I say this, hes normal? Something like that?


    what were you imagining?


    Well, speaking of what, you know.


    Like they were agreeing with Infas words, Guien and Airan also faced each other and nodded.


    It was nothing short of a mystery on just what they were imagining.


    After leaving the inner pce and walking in the imperial court after a long time, she felt that the atmosphere was somewhat different. The inner pce was restrictive. She hardly felt the outside air. It only amounted to the asional wind that leaked in through the gaps in the walls.


    Maybe it was the strained atmosphere, or maybe it was that if you suspect something, everything will look suspicious, she had no idea. Just that within the few months, something must have changed.


    .the atmosphere is somewhat different.


    Maomao said to Gaoshun in a roundabout way. Gaoshun hade to pick up Maomao. Her luggage left to the manservant who was waiting outside, Maomao headed for Jinshis room.


    There will soon be a conference with a foreign country.


    After he said it frankly, Gaoshun walked briskly. The man who would normally slow down, taking Maomaos pace into consideration, was walking unusually fast. Maomao hurried after Gaoshun.


    Maomao didnt understand government affairs. Even if she was there listening, she would only understand half of it.


    After reaching Jinshis building, Maomao decided to talk to Gaoshun after properly timing the moment the owner of this ce wasnt around.


    Maomao understood that it would be bothersome if Jinshi knew what she was attempting to do from here on.


    A couple of days after the preparations, Maomao waited upon Jinshi together with Suiren. Staring fixedly, the beautiful master seemed like hes worn out for a different reason to before.


    Jinshi usually exuded a disgusting smile. Often before Maomao, he disyed a look of sullenness, but before others, especially in the inner pce, he hardly showed that expression. His outward appearance was good if you were to say it, but it looked like he was wearing a mask.


    During the time hes wearing a mask, everyone must be effortlessly fooled by that inhuman beauty. With the reason being that he possessed an unusual beautiful face, the numbers of those who noticed that crack was limited.


    And the few ces where he doesnt hide the cracks and disy it, would have to be just his own room here. As soon as he entered the living room aftering back from work, Jinshi slumped down on the couch,pletely exhausted. As Suiren has said it, Maomao passed the honeyed fruit juice to Jinshi.


    Jinshi sculled down half of that, then scanned the document that Gaoshun had brought over.


    Maomao nced at it. It appeared to be a document on a conference with a foreign country this time. If its the significance of customs, even Maomao knew about it at least. While thinking that it was not good to steal looks, Maomaos eyes shifted to the ce she was concerned about.


    .


    What is there?


    Perhaps he noticed Maomao staring, Jinshi asked her.


    The location of the conference, isnt in the capital, right?


    She saw the ce name it was the name of a town that was situated along the national border in the northwest. Considering the distance from the capital, it would have to be a long trip. She didnt know who was attending, but they may not return in several months.


    Seems that the other country doesnt wish toe all the way here either.


    Rather, considering how they had proceeded all the way here, it would be more of apromise. However, what Maomao was concerned about, was the location of the town that was holding the meeting.


    The western side was the national border with the foreign country. The northern side was pretty much a self-governing territory, but a different ethnic group lived there since olden times. Although it wasnt taken as a country, it was the nature of the locality where both sides west and north were vignt.


    Honestly, its not a ce that you can be excited about.


    I guess so. Im not at ease.


    Even the different ethnic group were people, but things like the culture that were passed on there were different. When her dad studied abroad in the West, he said he also had that feeling. Thenguage was different, and mutual understanding was also difficult. It bes even more difficult when you bring in variousponents like food, clothes, lifestyle, and religious belief.


    Theres also that, but they have a custom where they eat strange things.


    With a strangely weary expression, he drank up the rest of the fruit juice.


    It seems insects are normally served in meals.


    Jinshi sighed deeply.


    Its because of that youre nave, Maomao thought. Maomao, who had eaten both snakes and frogs, hadnt not eaten insects before. In particr, the northern parts treat insects as an important source of nutrients. Even if it was not normally eaten in the years where there were locust gue, they would have to eat even crickets too so it cannot be helped. The northwestern parts were spread out as a grain-producing region, so if locust gue urred, it cannot be overlooked.


    (Locust gue?)


    A cmity caused by insects. In bad years there were also those who die from starvation. As this could go as far as to also change the ruler of the country sometimes, it was one of the serious disasters. It was also said the insect was written with the emperor for that reason[note]The word for locust is written with insect and emperor .[/note].


    Maomao recalled one other thing.


    (Bad insects carry cmity.)


    The final words the young girl had said when she was still Shisui.


    What does insect mean? What is the cmity?


    Maomao had only considered diseases. However, if what she said was about this:


    (There will be locust gue from here on?)


    No, no matter how much she knew about insects, was that something she knew? Otherwise, if she knew, how much of a benefit would that be?


    That cant be, Maomao shook her head and considering something else.


    (If we speak about insects,)


    There was a technique that forces insects to eat each other and uses the survivors as a curse. Its called witchcraft[note], fuko. More specifically, dark magic/curse that involves poison derived from venom.[/note], but Maomao didnt believe in things like curses. It is likely that due to poisonous creatures eating each other that will umte poison. Creating a stronger poison and serving that up to the other person. The curse was something like this.


    (I want to try it once.)


    While thinking about such insolent things, she looked at the map that was attached to the document. Suddenly, she recalled the words of the peddler who was a guest of the pleasure district a long time ago. Was it the story of the different ethnic tribe that lived in the northern parts?


    .


    What is it?


    Jinshi asked Maomao who was staring intently at the map.


    No, the tribe that lives in this ce, do they hunt?


    The ins of the northern sides that spread out to fields and pastures extended out to the forest.


    The citizens of this country do not. Though, I have heard that the foreign tribe hunt mainly for provisions.


    I have heard that there are many tribes that worship insects.


    I am not sure about that. Though, I have heard about coating insect poison on arrows and using that in hunts and battles.


    Using poison in hunting can be found anywhere. However, the arrow poison that was generally used here was wolfsbane. The south also harvested poison from frogs.


    The part where they specifically use insects was the key point.


    (What if the insects that carry cmity meant this?)


    If they intervene with that hereafter while in discussions with the foreign country, the country may fall into an unfavourable situation, if not ruin. Therefore this was a discussion that affected the face of the country.


    If its like that, if imprudent, they cannot get away with the small skirmish that they had up until now and a conflict will break out. And then, from that war, the ones who would look more important would be. The majority of the woonds that spread out in the northern parts was shouldered by Consort Rourans n, that is, the Shi n. The emperor would have no choice but to rely on their strength.


    No, then that doesnt make sense.


    How did Consort Rouran know about it beforehand? If the Shi n knew about it and left it alone, for what reason? Even if that was to demand gratitude from the emperor, wouldnt that be indirect and a bother?


    No, that was wrong. That wasnt their goal.


    After all this time, would they have a reason to demand gratitude from the emperor? More than that, they wouldnt think of trying to reach for something bigger?


    Even if Maomao reached as far as that idea, she wanted to shake her head.


    Absurd. As far as that idea goes, were the officials of this society fools? They have plenty of wealth and renown. The ones would think about climbing higher were those who go beyond living fast and plunge towards their own deaths.


    But, the other party was the n, the high official who came along while thinking of the previous era. Somehow or other, that idea that was beyond her means may also exist.


    (Ah, so troublesome.)


    What to do if they did that? On top of the pointless bloodshed, they will only just meet with familial extermination. Or because there was the cause of victory that they plotted for it?


    Was it for this reason that Consort Rouran wanted to tell Maomao?


    In order to stop her foolish rtives.


    Unless-.


    When is this?


    Maomao inadvertently spoke. Thiswould be the conference with the foreign country.


    Its a short time after the new year. The turn of the year should be busy.


    There was no time. Maomao slightly knitted her eyebrows and looked at Gaoshun who was also knitting his eyebrows simrly. Gaoshun, as if he timed it, passed a new document to Jinshi.


    Jinshi-sama, what should we do about this?


    He had passed over yet another event program. Jinshi tantly grimaced.


    Maomao also peered at it, and end up making an unpleasant expression at the contents. It appeared to be a religious festival that was performed periodically, but the issue was the banquet that was held after that. Seeing that face, she wanted to droop her shoulders.


    It was a gathering of elites. Although the emperor wasnt attending, the one who was holding the religious festival seemed to be the Imperial Brother. There were several names that even Maomao knew.


    Consort Rourans father, Shishou, and the monocle man made her tired by just recalling him for some reason, Rakan. By just seeing that, the other fellows who were attending must also be elite faces.


    Maomao subconsciously nearly stiffened her face, but she noticed that Gaoshun was staring at her.


    (This is.)


    It was a chance that she wont get again.


    Maomao stood before Jinshi and stared at his face.


    Jinshi-sama.


    What?


    Maomao gave a small sigh. Gaoshun must have shown Jinshis schedule before Maomao for this reason. As though he was saying that this was a chance she wont get again.


    Thus, Maomao must not miss this. She didnt know when the next chance wille around.


    May I take up the food taster post for this banquet?


    She had intended to say it very naturally.


    However, Jinshi faced Maomao with eyes of scepticism.


    How suspicious.


    What is?


    So to let her expression show outwardly, Maomao looked at Jinshi with a stiffly cooled gaze. This gaze could only look like the eyes where she was gazing at a hairy caterpir. The gaze of Suiren who had noticed it was considerably terrifying, but she could not pay heed to it now.


    You, wont attend the gathering where the tactician is around by choice.


    .


    Mhm, it was exactly that. He should have just disregarded that sort of thing.


    Jinshi-sama, the dinner that Suiren-sama prepared is getting cold.


    Your personality is one where you wont lie but you wont speak the truth, right?


    .


    Maomao nced at Gaoshun. Gaoshun made a slightly troubled expression again, but he was one step ahead.


    Jinshi-sama, Shaomao being Shaomao seem to be thinking about Jinshi-sama.


    what?


    As Jinshi made a slightly dubious expression, he looked intermittently between Maomao and Gaoshun.


    For more or less, even if it is a person she cant deal with, she had said it thinking of Jinshi-samas sake.


    (Its wrong though.)


    It might be that concerning the result, but it wasnt for his sake. But its a bother so shell stop talking back each time for it.


    Even if she didnt say to win over Rakan-sama, isnt she thinking about wanting to be the enemy of an enemy?


    The things Gaoshun said, wasnt substantially wrong. She wont need to correct him.


    In saying so, a somewhat hot gaze was directed towards Maomao.


    Is that true?


    Jinshi was, more than usual, looking at Maomao with a face that had increased sensuality. His eyes were slightly wet, the entirety of his face looked feverish.


    Maomao neither shook her head nor did she nod. She only cast her eyes down.


    Though Jinshi stood up from the couch with a nk, a steamy scrumptious aroma came closer. Though Jinshi charged towards Maomaos face, Suiren held out the congee with a smile.


    The meal is getting cold, so please eat.


    The words of the middle-aged maid were, as usual, incontestable.

 Volume 3, Chapter 30: Doze

    Maomao could hear the ttering sounds of rocking. When she slowly opened her eyes, she saw silken locks of ck silk.


    While her vision was blurry, she touched her mouth. Something sticky around her lips. There was a bitter taste in her mouth, but her nose had a sour taste.


    (I must have vomited.)


    No doubt she was made to drink an emetic or water to vomit out the poison first things first. It seems she was treated properly. Her throat wasnt blocked, and she wasnt suffocating.


    She was nketed by furs. She had pushed it aside. Her whole body was still itchy. It was also hard to breathe.


    She also felt like wanting to slump down on her side, but there was a reason she couldnt do that.


    The locks of ck silk were hanging right over Maomaos face. When she followed its origin, a beautiful face to the point of disagreeableness was staring at Maomao fixedly,shes lowered.


    You awake?


    Jinshis pale expression lifted with a smidge of relief.


    (Jinshi-sama.)


    No sound came out when she tried to speak. She could only open and close her mouth repeatedly like a fish.


    Even though her body was rocking with the tter, her head didnt hurt. She felt something kind of hard on the back of her head.


    Considering the position of Jinshis face and his posture, as well as the ce where Maomao was lying down, it seems that she was now in an immensely ufortable position.


    Should she call it ap pillow? Originally, it wasnt something a noble should give.


    She tried to move her heavy body, but she couldnt move while she was numb. Jinshi held down Maomaos squirming body.


    Be obedient. Im taking you the person you call your adoptive fathers ce.


    The ttering was because they were in a horse carriage. The ce where the banquet was held was in the imperial court, near the ritual grounds but was considerably closer to the edge of it. If they were to head to the inner pce from there, if they dont even use the horse carriage, it will be difficult to carry one copsed person. It should be more than two ri (~1 km or ~0.6 mi.) in a straight line.


    Though she tried to look out the window, Jinshi was in the way so she couldnt. Jinshi, being Jinshi, was staring at Maomao.


    Did poison get served?


    Jinshi asked.


    Maomao could only shake her head slowly.


    Gaoshun must have told you, about what was going to happen.


    He said to verify. Maomao could only nod.


    It was as Jinshi said. This wasnt to serve poison to the imperial brother. It was something that Maomao had devised with Gaoshun beforehand.


    The rashes that broke out on her entire body wasnt poison. It was a reaction that urs when she eats a certain food.


    It didnt seem like there was anything that was like poison.


    It shouldnt be poison for Jinshi. After all, Maomao was more resilient against poison than people. This Maomao had a weakness too.


    It was just buckwheat, that she cannot eat.


    If there was buckwheat in the food, Jinshi would also notice it. He should know that Maomao cannot eat that.


    Things like what the food taster cannot eat at least are investigated before the food tasting. Buckwheat wasnt eaten much in the capital, and it wasnt something that the emperor or Consort Gyokuyou liked to that extent, so it was something that hardly came out in meals. Nheless, there was one time where helou[note]. A type of noodle said to have originated from Northern China from ancient times. Made from buckwheat and wheat flour.[/note] was served, but she exined it to Honnyan on that asion and another person was substituted to food taste for her.


    And so, Jinshi must think that buckwheat wasnt used in the cooking.


    Maomao also anticipated that. Thats why she took upon herself to have the shaojiu diluted with fruit juice as the aperitif. Distilled liquor used grains as the ingredient. There were those among them that used buckwheat. Although it became alcohol, it was very often that the buckwheat base got mixed into it during the process. And this time, there were more than expected in it.


    (That was bad.)


    Since it was not good if the effect was slow, she had drunk it all down. She regretted that she should have just gone through with it with a sip.


    There was also the other way of mixing a different poison and acting. However, someone would then have to be the viin. If that was exposed, it would be herself, if that wasnt exposed, someone would be made out to be the criminal. They cannot get away with plotting to poison the Imperial Brother.


    If it was the wine used as the aperitif, she heard that they wouldnt specifically go as far as to look into the ingredients. They wont consider that deeply on the food tasters constitution. A strange reaction towards a specific food wasnt that diffused in this society.


    Even if they followed up on the incident where Maomao had copsed this time, Gaoshun, who knew the circumstances, would skilfully exin it away for her. Maomao wished that this incident, even if it bes an issue from now on, wouldnt grow to the point of a question of who was responsible.


    Speaking of disadvantage, it might be that weirdo tactician who might have stirred somemotion, but that person shouldnt mind it.


    Maomao just needed to copse before that man, that nasty b*stard with the monocle. Before that b*stard who controls the imperial court as the man who doesnt want to be surrounded by enemies.


    Surely, when that man sees Maomao who copsed in that ce, the idea that wille to his head foremost will no doubt be the imperial brothers assassination. And then, he would evaluate the plotting men would no doubt be creating a diversion. Oddly, though Maomao hated him that much, she had the strange self-confidence that weirdo tactician will finish up anything for her sake. What that meant was, Maomao thought that she was a sly creature herself.


    If its that man who possessed the eyes and sensitivity different to normal people, from now on, he will catch the officials who are plotting something good-for-nothing, and besides, he will evaluate the ones who must be spectating that. Surely, even if the country was going to fall like it was going to topple, that man would have to be indifferent to it. At best, he will think about a world that became difficult to y Shogi.


    He was just the right person to use to bring it to light. And, the sole people who could use him would be about Maomao, and at best, her dad, Ruomen.


    Fabrication isnt effective for that man. Supposedly, if Jinshi knew about this, there was the possibility where he would sense that. Thats why, she took it upon herself to cover it up from Jinshi and do it.


    (Besides, he might object.)


    Jinshi strangely charged at Maomao with such a behaviour. If he has a noble social standing, he should treat the likes of a mere maidservant more rudely. This way feels easier for herself as well.


    (Even though it feels easier.)


    She could see something giving off a dull gleam in Jinshis jet ck hair. It was an exquisitely crafted silver kanzashi. Even though the lustre was removed, she understood by seeing that it had a high-ss feeling from the exquisite craftsmanship. It seems there was some animal carved on it.


    (Horse? Deer?[note]Ba? Ka? baka lol[/note])


    Even though the ming mane was a carving, it was lively. That adorned Jinshis hair.


    Maomao understood something from that animal. And then, she gazed at it intently with vacant eyes.


    The animal that looked like a horse and a deer. Maomao wont go as far as to joke around by calling it a fool. The fictional creature. Those who can wear this design on their body are limited.


    She slowly extended her hands. Her hands that had erupted with red rashes was ugly. She should not show it to the nobleman before her eyes. Despite knowing that.


    There was a reason for his beauty that was unimaginable for a human. There was a reason he could go in and out of the inner pce while remaining as a man. This man who assumed the name Jinshi possessed that qualification.


    Jinshi must be an alias. This mans original name should have the character Ka in it. Like how Ruomen and Rakan had the character Ra that was conferred to their family. The flower of the country, the character of the emperor that reigns above the three des[note]As a reminder:(flower, can also mean brilliance, best) is the surname of the imperial family. The country is .[/note].


    (Imperial brother.)


    Speaking of it sounding fitting, it sounded fitting. The misfortunate crown prince who continues to hide his face. The current emperors idiotic younger brother, who hardly performs his work that seems like work, and just continues to shut himself inside his room.


    Rather, it must be stranger that Maomao hadnt noticed it. When she tried to think really hard about it, it wasnt that she didnt notice that he seemed to have said, and didnt say, on something like this either. However, people are beings that when not clearly told to understand, they still dont understand.


    She didnt know if she should say something. It wasnt just because she couldnt move her mouth properly that she just slipped her extended hand back to its original position.


    Jinshi ced his palm on Maomaos rash covered forehead and closed her eyes.


    Be obedient and go sleep.


    Jinshi spoke in a brusque manner unlike his appearance.


    Maomao couldnt withstand the sluggishness of her body, so she decided to go along with those words.


    T/N: It took 85 chapters in total, but theyre finally,finally, on the same page. \\o/


    Good job to everyone who guessed what was upst chapter ;D though no one seemed to have guessed where the allergens came from.

 Volume 3, Chapter 31: Rahan

    Jinshi shuffled his feet as he viewed the document. And every time he did so he would suddenly look out the window.


    Jinshi-sama.


    His minder, Gaoshun, stared at Jinshi.


    Please focus on your work.


    Jinshi was told the obvious, but he didnt nod obediently regarding that.


    The girl who had food tasted, prepared for death, was currently in a resting condition in the inner pce. The person had once lectured that people have died from food he didnt know what to say about her eating that and copsing.


    Moreover, it was to quell the confusion that urred in a ce that was unrted to the person concerned.


    Therefore, Jinshi couldnt forgive Gaoshun, his minder. While knowing what that girl was doing, let alone closing his eyes, he had coborated with her. Without Jinshi, the master, knowing.


    .


    Jinshi, with a rebellious expression, touched the document.


    Jinshi-sama.


    Gaoshun, the wrinkles on his brows knitted, ced his hands on the documents that had formed a mountain.


    This, is information we got our hands on thanks to Shaomao. If you were to render that futile, that too is fine.


    I get it.


    The information in his hands was about the personnel that Rakan had pointed out during the banquet. Jinshi was surprised that there were also people he hadnt imagined to be on the list of names. Also, some suspicious dust appeared when he tried pping it.


    He didnt think that they would be linked in such a ce.


    There was the incident from before where a high official was poisoned by his younger brother. The younger brother, who was arrested as the suspect, had died from poisoning in prison. The incident was closed while not knowing whether it was food poisoning or poisoning, but it couldnt be helped that a suspicious shadow had risen to the surface after all this time from this.


    The personage who would benefit from the high officials death was among the list of names. And there were also several other things there were also those who were involved with strange incidents that had urred most recently. All of them were treated as idents rather than incidents; they were all closed without knowing who were the perpetrators either. However, resultantly, there were many personages pointed out by Rakan who could be useful.


    Like the saying, If the wind blows, the bucket makers prosper[note]Any event can bring about an effect in an unexpected way. Exnation: Wind will blow sand into peoples eyes, making them blind. So as the number of blind people increases, more people will y the shamisen as a living. The shamisen uses cat skin to make the sound boxes. So as the number of cats decreases, the number of mice increase, and these mice will gnaw on buckets, making that people will have to buy more buckets, hence making the bucket makers prosper.[/note], they obtained gains because of this kind of cause and effect. Therefore, none of the personages concerned must think they were done in.


    Its suspicious if you say its suspicious though.


    We dont have any physical evidence.


    Gaoshun went as far as to add something needless.


    What Maomao did, in the end, was no more than anger the man called Rakan who was the least wanted to have as an enemy in the imperial court. Serving the poison, when this man knew that it wasnt the personages he pointed out at the banquet, it seems his interest in harassing them waned. In order to see the copsed Maomaos condition, he had tried to break into the inner pce and had already failed around three times. Jinshi wanted him to stop using gunpowder in the imperial court.


    Amid that, the bell jingled. Gaoshun looked in the mirror that was installed in the room where it couldnt be seen. His head tilted slightly, he waited for the visitor before the office door.


    The one who came inside was a short civil official. He had a quirky hairstyle and wore round sses. Aside from his eyes, which were slender like a fox, and his unruly hair, he was a young man who didnt look out of the ordinary.


    The young man, who possessed an air like they had seen him before from somewhere, put his hands in his sleeves and bowed. Jinshi noticed there was something hanging from his belt. Concentrating on it, it looked like an abacus.


    Its an honour to meet you. My name is Rahan[note], Luo Ban.[/note].


    The young man, finishing his extremely simple self-introduction, shed a grin. When they heard the name, it was clear who he resembled.


    The members of the Ra family. There were only two people whose names were spoken in the imperial court. It was only Rakan and his adopted son. If you were to count the rest, there was just the man called Ruomen who entered the inner pce as a medical officer the other day.


    What does the adopted son of Rakan want? They tilted their heads.


    Well? What do you want from me?


    In terms of official rank, Jinshi was higher. It is possible to say that the man called Rahan who suddenly appeared was impolite considering that point. However, it wont go well to stiffen his face here each time. There were many officials who with Jinshi being a eunuch as the reason call out to him with a worse impolite attitude.


    I wish to show you this.


    Rahan took out a scroll from his sleeve. He passed that over to Gaoshun who was waiting. Gaoshun, while looking at it with a squint, passed it to Jinshi.


    With Rakans adopted son, he wondered what kind of meaning did the thing he brought over had. He decided to meekly verify the contents.


    He pulled the cord with a rustle. Jinshi looked at the contents.


    !?


    What would you suppose?


    Rahan scrutinised him with an unpleasant satisfied glint in his eyes. He indeed had a self-satisfied expression that said What do you think, isnt that amazing, but the subject matter written suited that.


    The enumeration of words and numbers. However, it became a different thing ording to the viewpoint.


    These are the things of the people my adoptive father inconvenienced the other day.


    He said inconvenienced. Why did he say that to Jinshi?


    Jinshi was not expected to be at that ce. If he were to tell, he should have told a lot more people.


    However, this man called Rahan had business with Jinshi.


    Rahan had said it slightly piteously, but the thing he presented wasnt something that by no means garnered that emotion. It was an ount book, an extract of it. If he was a member of the post that oversaw the national treasury, that was something possible for him to inspect. Even if he was an outsider, if he followed the formalities, he would be able to inspect it.


    I considered if it was best to have you inspect the original, but the numbers had be a tad extensive, so I made an extract from the range that caught my eye.


    The man had said extract, but it was set up in a way that Jinshi, who was outside his expertise, could also understand it. What he could understand here was that it was evident that there were posts where the amount of money had changed greatly within these couple of years.


    Its interesting. There should not have been drought nor locust gue in these couple of years, and yet why the increase in the price of grain? Finding it was strange, I also investigated the prices in town, but it was the most stable price within these couple of years.


    Rahan said it affectedly. Taking advantage of the other price rises, it seems the price was increased little by little every month.


    And one other thing. The price of iron has also increased for some reason. For this, the price of metal had risen country-wide, but could they even be building arge statue somewhere?


    What the man called Rahan was trying to say, Jinshi understood.


    Jinshi put down the scroll and looked at the young man who was cunning despite being the spitting image of his adoptive father.


    If one were to speak of the price of grain, that in itself doesnt seem significant, but the quantity was huge. If the price were to rise, the difference will be huge. Rahan was implying that they should take that difference as embezzlement.


    And then, as for metal, the collective price rise meant an upsurge in demand. To say it simply, they are gathered from all over the ce, in the case of building a gigantic bronze statue in order to disy power, a showy project. They go as far as to melt down the gathered pots and farming equipment and used those.


    If there happens to be another reason for the price rise-.


    As for me, I can investigate the cirction of money of these couple of years.


    Rahan uttered what Jinshi thought he wanted.


    It was as if he came here from the start to say this.


    Jinshi saw that Rahans eyes were appealing for something. He must havee to Jinshi with that kind of thing for that reason. This kind of person wouldnt move when something doesnt match his interest.


    So, whats your desire?


    Jinshi said directly.


    As if he was waiting for those words, Rahans eyes rxed. A little awkwardly, he took out a sheet of paper from his breast pocket.


    This sum, may I have you look over this for a bit?


    Written there, was the quote of the cost of repairs of the inner pce wall. It was what Rahans adoptive father, Rakan, had destroyed.


    T/N: Yay! Maomaos big brother is here.


    Also, Im officially halfway through all the avable chapters!(*) Another 86 chapters to go and Ill be caught up! Whoops, I miscounted. Another two chapters to go until halfway ;;;


    Next chapter will be out Friday (Then Im taking a weeks break).

 Volume 3, Chapter 32: Kidnap

    A warm wrinkled hand rested on her forehead.


    Youre awake?


    The gentle face of an own man was right before her eyes. The immacte yet simple room, she had seen before.


    Here? This is the sanitorium in the north of the inner pce. Its cramped in the medical office, so youre here.


    The old man exined what Maomao wanted to ask.


    Ruomen, the old man, moved his hands away from Maomaos forehead and took hold of the cooled water. He poured it into a small teapot and brought it over to Maomaos lips. Perhaps there was medicine dissolved in it it was slightly bitter.


    Once again, you did the unreasonable. Because of you, there was an uproar as Rakan tried to get into the inner pce three times. Come on, dont make such a face. Hes surely worried about you.


    Knitting her brows, Maomao drank the medicated water.


    You still cant speak properly? You had rashes all the way to the inside of your mouth.


    He opened Maomaos mouth and looked inside. The stinging from the bitterness of the medicine must be due to that.


    Theres congee, but are you able to eat it on your own?


    She was extremely hungry. Just how many days has it been since she hadst eaten? She somehow moved her body, but it didnt move well. Seeing that, her dad picked up the bowl of congee and spooned it into Maomaos mouth.


    The lightly salted taste was what she was used to eating.


    Rest here for the time being. I have other work to do.


    After feeding her the congee, her dad patted Maomaos head and left in a hurry.


    (Work huh.)


    Did the medical office had work like that? she had thought, then arrived at the reason her dad originally came here for. Maomao had requested him to look after Consort Gyokuyous childbirth instead of her.


    She considered the dates. It wouldnt be strange even if the baby was born anytime soon. He shouldnt have the free time to leave Maomao in the medical office and look after her.


    Maomao slowly extended her hands. The hands were ugly, broken out in rashes. It should take some brief time for them to be healed.


    (It would be good if she could give birth with no issues.)


    It would be good if she gives birth to a healthy baby peacefully without any issues, Maomao thought.


    While her dad wasnt around, it was the middle-aged courtdy called Shenryu who had once proposed a consultation with her before who looked after Maomao. As she was a courtdy with an unaffected, candid personality, even Maomao was relieved.


    Perhaps some improvement had been observed since then, it seems even medicine can now be given out in the clinic. Medicine was given out along with congee. The medicine seemed to have a sleeping effect; her body became sluggish after she drank it.


    Did you request it for us? We were permitted to use medicine, though it isnt much, since then.


    Shenryu talked to Maomao as she changed the bedsheets.


    Maomaos condition had improved considerably. She can now get up and walk. Considering that she remained in aa for a couple of days, she thought that it would have been better if she had just taken a sip of the buckwheat shaojiu that time.


    I didnt do anything.


    Really?


    When she finished making the bed with a p, Go sleep, she pointed at Maomao with her thumb.


    If she was that skilful, she can find work even if she leaves the inner pce. Perhaps she was dazed from drinking the medicine, Maomao unintentionally mouthed it.


    Why, dont you leave the inner pce?


    It took little time for her realise it was a stupid question.


    Shenryus expression momentarily froze. It was a face like something she didnt want to remember had crossed her mind.


    we cant leave even if we want to leave, the women of the clinic.


    Abruptly, she looked at the courtdy who passed through the corridor.


    Shenryu as well, but all the courtdies here are middle-aged. Everyone was over the standard age.


    The flowers that have been picked once must not leave until they wither. We were always told that. As if we can leave now.


    She revealed what happened to those who became the emperors mistresses.


    Based on their age, Maomao understood that they were not the courtdies who served in the era of the current emperor. They became the mistresses of the previous emperor and then continued remaining here always.


    Even when the leadership was changed, the women who had passed the flowering season must have no ce to go. They could only bury their bones in this flower garden.


    Your old man must not being today. He must be busy.


    So saying that, Shenryu held out the medicine Maomao ate before she slept.


    Ring. She noticed that she heard bells.


    She thought of opening her eyes, but she couldnt open them properly. Her body was sluggish.


    (Still, night.)


    She thought of continuing to sleep, but she was interested in the sound of the bells so there was nothing she could do. She also heard footsteps with the bell sound. The sounds were approaching Maomao gradually.


    The two sounds stopped right before Maomao.


    Instead, she heard a soft, innocent voice.


    The bell-sound insects, you know, the females eat the males in order to reproduce.


    Maomao somehow cracked her eyes open. There, was Shisui with a distracted expression, no, Consort Rouran.


    Consort Rouran had something that looked like a book in her hands. She flipped through it and took out a sheet of paper.


    The female dies afterying her eggs, and only the offspring ovee the winter.


    While not understanding what she was trying to say, Consort Rouran folded the paper in her hands many times and slipped it under Maomaos cor. And then, she leaned the booklet she was holding onto the shelf in the room.


    Hey, can the offspring definitely ovee the winter?


    She stroked Maomaos forehead gently. While Maomao couldnt move.


    (Why?)


    She soon understood that question.


    Shenryu was behind Consort Rouran. In her hands, was a towel.


    She lifted up Maomaos rigid body and stuffed the towel in her mouth.


    You can hate me as much as you want.


    In Maomaos medicine, there must have been anaesthetic mixed in the sleeping medicine. She couldnt taste properly as the rashes in her mouth hadnt healedpletely so she hadnt noticed it at all.


    (I see.)


    Was it Consort Gyokuyou going intobour the reason why her dad didnte today? If so, the attention would be focused at the Jade Pce and the other defences would be shorthanded. That must be their aim.


    (You can hate me, is it?)


    She had no idea what her intention was, but it wasnt that she didnt understand the reason she moved.


    Maomao was at their mercy. She was stuffed into a basket[note]Im not too sure if its a basket or a cage since they use the same character ().[/note] and swept away.


    How long had she been rocking? It was a long enough time to the degree of her thinking that it would have been better to have drunk less water for the time being.


    The winding in through the gaps of the basket was getting cold fast. There were furs packed in the basket, so she wrapped herself in that.


    (Where could she be taking me?)


    She was treated like baggage, but the inside of the basket was morefortable than she expected. Besides the furs, there was a zongzi[note], sticky rice dumpling that is wrapped in leaves.[/note] with meat stuffing and a bamboo pipe filled with tea, but disappointingly it didnt seem like she could have either of them. The zongzi looked delicious, stuffed with chicken and jujubes, but the current Maomao didnt have the energy to let alone eat while she was rocking.


    As she tasted the bamboo pipe to the extent of wetting her parched lips, Maomao thought about her current situation.


    She was able to understand that they must have left the inner pce. Be that as it may that the inner pce was that much vast, they shouldnt be rocking in the horse carriage for that long. From the horse sounds she sometimes heard along with the ttering sound, it was certain she was riding in a horse carriage.


    How did they go outside the inner pce? She had no idea about that. Just that, like she was connected with Shenryu, if she was told about the existence of a hidden passageway, that must be the end of it.


    (Its full of things I dont know.)


    It was a kidnapping no matter how she looked at it, but she didnt know the motive.


    (Does she know that I have a connection to that man?)


    She might not be a bad piece to use as a measure against a certain monocle person, but would they be not scared of that mans counterattack if they are sloppy? That beings way of thinking waspletely different to other people, so she had no idea how and what woulde out of that.


    Besides, what would be even they used Maomao as a shield after all this time? Gaoshun, who came in to visit her once, told her that important people are held in check. Whatever they try to raise are too transparent as well. It is understandable enough that they would disy defiance from getting exposed, but there must be several people among those people whoe out on such a grand scale.


    (More than that, the current problem is,)


    Maomao took a deep breath.


    (It would be that I have a guarantee of my life, I suppose.)


    Maomao didnt have interest in the government. The serious matters of the country will affect her lifestyle deeply, but aside from that, her own safety right now was more important.


    From the fact that she had minimum anxiety, she thought that didnt have the danger of being killed the moment she is taken out of the basket.


    No, she had thought.


    The basket suddenly jolted. It seems she was taken down from a horse carriage or something. She must have been loaded onto a handcart or something, the rocking had now subsided to choppy swaying.


    Maomao.


    She heard Consort Rouran mutter from outside the cage.


    Quiet down for a bit. Ill let you out soon.


    That tone, rather than Consort Rouran, was Shisuis.


    The girl too, must have the resolution in itself to leave the inner pce. Consorts, excepting the garden party which was a special case, are not permitted to go outside the inner pce.


    Along with the solemn sound of the gate opening, a sharine smell reached her nose.


    The cart stopped. Some footsteps approached instead.


    The smell thickened with the footsteps.


    Its been a while, Mother.


    She heard Consort Rourans voice. It wasnt Shisuis voice. It was somewhat stiff, a voicecking in individuality.


    You seem to be in good health.


    She heard a voice that was to some degree deeper than Consort Rourans. Together with the shuffling of footsteps, she heard the rustling sound of clothes. An extravagant dress dragging along the floor projected in her mind. She was pretty sure that this was the woman who was the previous emperors high ranked consort bestowed to Shishou.


    What is it, that luggage?


    A startling question was raised suddenly. Maomao shrank her body inside the box.


    Please allow me to bring back some luggage at least.


    Consort Rouran, no, would consort be needed now? Rouran dered it without any timidity.


    Is that so.


    It was the moment she was going to let out a deep breath, when the person openly passed through the side.


    !?


    With a stab, a sharp object protruded through the lid of the basket. It seems to be a hairpin[note], kougai. This hairpin is the simple hair stick, no dangly decoration like the kanzashi.[/note].


    The point stopped at the tip of Maomaos nose. To not raise her voice, she held her mouth desperately.


    Since its you, I thought you brought back a dog or a cat again, but I was wrong.


    Mother hates cats. Im not a child anymore.


    Im d you grew up.


    As she spoke indifferently, Rourans mother stepped past and left, her clothes rustling.


    Maomao could only hold her breath until she couldnt hear footsteps anymore.


    T/N: And break time. :3 (Ill be back after Christmas, so Merry Christmas in advance, guys! o/)

 Volume 3, Chapter 33: Shenryu

    The ce Maomao was ushered into seemed like a storehouse. The one who let her out of the basket wasnt Rouran. It was a tall woman.


    You are.


    Maomao looked at the person before her.


    The woman was tall and indifferent to makeup. She had seen her many times in the imperial court. The real Shisui. No, would it be better to call her Suirei to not get them mixed up?


    She figured out the reason why she got a sense of dj vu when she first saw Rouran. It must be because they were sisters with the same father. The air from their height and facial features were simr.


    Well have you stay here for now. There are various inconveniences, but I believe it is prudent that you dont run away.


    After saying that, Suirei opened the window.


    Outside the window with iron grids, was and of pure white snow. Maomao clutched the furs she had put on, cold from the sight of this.


    Like you had just seen, the mistress here has a violent temper. It is best that you are not discovered, and even if you escape, you wont even know where to go. I will properly bring you your meals, so I suggest you stay put.


    That roundabout way of speaking is annoying, Maomao thought.


    It was certainly true that she absolutely wanted to avoid meeting thedy from before, and were she to go outside, it was and of pure white snow out there. Itll be a punch in the gut to have her freeze to death after immediately getting into an ident.


    While thinking that it was futile with only what she heard, Maomao looked at Suirei.


    So, the part where you kidnap me, is there a meaning to it?


    She didnt think she would get a reply. Just that, strangely, she wouldnt stand it to have it cast off to the side.


    You are a person who is surprisingly useful. At least, more than you think.


    Suireis choice of words can be taken either way.


    Please wait.


    The woman was going to leave. Maomao called her to a stop.


    What is it?


    To Suirei who looked like she had nothing more to say, Maomao had one more thing she couldnt set aside for her.


    What about the toilet?


    Its connected to that door. Theres no problem since you dont need to go outside.


    I understand.


    Maomao lightly dipped her head and half-jogged over to the toilet.


    She didnt know how long she held it in.


    She didnt have the free time to be shy. It was quite a serious matter.


    Like Suirei had said, she brought in her meals every time for her. Though slightly cold, the simple meals werent bad. Its just that there were a lot of dried food; somewhat close to portable food.


    The room, now used for storage, must have been a guest room before. It had a bed too, so she wasnt that ufortable. The connected toilet must have also been a remnant of it.


    Maomao sat cross-legged on the bed. Her propping her chin on her standing elbows was bad manners, but there was no one here to reprimand her.


    (Well then, what should I do?)


    If she doesnt run away, she would be stabbed by nails Maomao wasnt the type to listen meekly. However, she was also against exposing herself to danger. The rashes on her body havent healedpletely and her physical strength had also fallen. If she were to go outside clumsily, death was imminent.


    Maomao nced out the window. It was a full expanse of pure white snowyndscape.


    (I must be way north of the capital.)


    The Shi ns territory is in the north. It was correct to think that, but how far was it from the capital? Even if she considered the speed of the horse carriage and the travel time, she figured that it wouldnt work with this snow.


    (Thinking of that,)


    Maomao glided her fingers across the bedsheet. She dimly recalled the map of the entire country she had memorised.


    The northern half of the capital came to mind as a semi-circle. No matter how fast the horse was, it didnt appear likely that it would be further than six hundred ri (200km) from the capital. Within this range, ces with snow in this period must be on high ground only.


    (Im pretty sure theres a mountain.)


    There should be a mountain range in the north. That ce shouldnt be a site that is politically important. She had a feeling that it was something Jinshi had muttered while looking at the map.


    (I shouldve studied properly if its like this.)


    In the exam she took to be an imperial courtdy, she had a feeling that there were geography questions. Theres no way she was going to remember since she had slept whenever she cracked open the reference book.


    What to do? She looked outside again.


    (Oh?)


    She couldnt see clearly with the falling snow, but were those walls she could see in the distance? No, rather than walls, those were closer to castle walls. She could only see one side, but it probably circled the building.


    (A castle, and its like a fort.)


    If you were to speak of forts, it would have to be used for the military, but if the mistress of this ce was Rourans mother, then it must be different.


    There were certainly army garrisons in various ces around the country, but was there one this close?


    If this kind of thing was built in a ce unknown to the overseer of the country, it would be inevitable to see it as treason.


    (Also, its in a ce not that far from the capital.)


    Was it really correct to think that Shishou was trying to overthrow the country?


    Even though Maomao had to the point of death incited that monocle. Does it mean that it didnt go through to that man? Maomao swallowed the saliva that had filled her mouth.


    That moment, she heard shrill voicesing down from the corridor.


    What? Maomao went down from the bed and stuck her ear against the door facing the corridor.


    Young master, you cant y here!


    Ehhh, it should be fine. We havent explored here yet.


    The shrill voice seems to belong to a young boy. It seems he was pulled to a stop by his nursemaid.


    (Are there children here too?)


    What are you doing Therell be no snacks for you left


    I get it okay, you cant just eat my food.


    Furthermore, she could hear other shrill voices a fair distance away. There should be five to six of them at least.


    Maomao, knowing that there are children, leaned against the wall and sighed tremendously.


    No matter how much of a stronghold the castle was, it was clear that it was used for a siege.


    The current emperor is a rtively benevolent sovereign. However, he still has a line you cannot cross. The courtdy who was the perpetrator of the attempted assassination of a high ranked consort previously was sentenced to hanging. Her kin were exposed to physical punishment. To preserve the authority of the emperor, he cannot avoid these sorts of measures too.


    What would happen if they were to raise a tumult of this scale? Familial extermination. Everyone wont be allowed to live, right? It didnt matter whether there were children or babies or not.


    Did they bring their children here with that resolution?


    Maomao sighed again. She hugged her legs and rested her chin on her knee.


    (!?)


    She sensed something out of ce in her chest area. She touched her cor.


    (That reminds me.)


    She took out a piece of paper from her cor. It was what Rouran had left in Maomaos breast pocket.


    Maomao opened it and tilted her head. There was a trumpet-shaped flower pressed into the high-quality paper. Flowers pressed in during the making of paper, was something that seemed to be liked by a portion of the elite.


    It looked like morning glory[note], asagao. Ipomoea nil.[/note], but it was wayrger in size and the colours were pale.


    Devils trumpet[note], mandarake, mand flower. Datura metel.[/note]?


    Its a nt used as an ingredient for anaesthetic, but its poison is potent; something you must handle with care. When you ingest it, your mouth dries and you get dizzy. Depending on the case, it seems you can see hallucinations, but she has never reached that point.


    What does she want to say? Maomao thought as she returned it to her breast pocket.


    Which reminds her, there was something strange the girl had said before kidnapping her. It was about bell crickets, but Maomao waspletely ignorant of it. But, was there something she wanted to tell Maomao from that? Was that why she brought her to such a ce?


    She had absolutely no idea.


    There was no point in thinking when she doesnt know. Maomao decided to change her thinking.


    She looked at the things that were umted in the room.


    There were many kinds of tableware. They were handled roughly, but they were all first-ss items. She picked up one of the things wrapped in a thin cloth from the inside of the wooden box. It was acquered bowl iid with mother of pearl.


    She tried fishing around for something she could use, but there wasnt anything of the sort. They were allcquered ware.


    (Iscquer a speciality of these parts?)


    Even the casually ced table usedcquer extravagantly. The polish was beautiful. However, the ones who had a reaction fromcquer once wouldnt want to touch it. Theres no chance of a reaction if thecquer is dried, but if they touch freshcquer they will turn into what Maomao looked like now.


    Thinking that it was just used as a storeroom, she found tools and bowls that were still in the process of being made.


    (Why?)


    Were there craftsmen here too?


    It was a given that seamstresses and cksmiths would be hired in arge fortress. There might also be various craftsmen here for the same reason.


    There were various other tools, but there was nothing that could be useful at present.


    She understood that it was likely that this ce must be used to put various things that are in preparation to be moved around.


    Well then, she was in a stalemate. There was nothing she could do even if she were to do something. So, for now, sheid down on the bed and pulled up the covers.


    (Lets ask if theres brazier afterwards.)


    She decided to sleep as she shivered. Even if a brazier was not allowed, she would like anotheryer of clothes.


    If it was anyone else, they might retort Do you even understand your circumstance? Even she was shocked at her bold personality. But its Maomao, so it couldnt be helped.


    While being kidnapped and confined, Maomao was, as Maomao is.


    When he entered the inner pce, the atmosphere was different.


    Jinshi, leading Gaoshun and several eunuchs, headed to the Jade Pce.


    Consort Gyokuyous condition had been strange since a few days ago. He got a message that she went intobour this morning.


    Maomaos adoptive father, Ruomen, had been giving her constant attendance, but it seems she couldnt give birth easily.


    The consorts childbirth wasnt made public, but everyone must have realised from the atmosphere of the Jade Pce. There were courtdiesing to inquire now and again. The moment they noticed Jinshi, they hurried back to work, faces flushed.


    Jinshi was greeted by a slightly worn out looking Honnyan, and went inside. There were arge tub and a kettle ced on the brazier in the corridor, so it was ready for whenever she gives birth.


    Her condition?


    Jinshi asked, as calm as he could.


    The maids expression simply clouded over. It was the old man who came out of the room who exined to him.


    Currently the contractions have lessened. We are still not clear when she will give birth.


    And her condition?


    The consort is currently not exhausted. She is resting.


    Currently. Does that mean that they dont know what was toe?


    There was another man wearing medical officer robes in the corridor. He had a thin moustache. Originally the man worked as the medical officer in the inner pce, but he was treated unkindly by the courtdies like he was a nuisance. His shoulders were drooped, though when Ruomen whispered something into his ears, he triumphantly left the pce.


    Jinshi looked at Ruomen with a dubious expression, and the old man, who read the atmosphere, politely informed him.


    Since I cant look over my adopted child, would it be fine if I send him on a small errand?


    Theres no problem.


    He was told that Maomao had been resting in the clinic that was in the inner pce since then. Her entire body had broken out in rashes and she was bedridden for a couple of days, but how was she now?


    He was told that the man called Ruomen was, as his name suggested, a member of the Ra n. He had oncemitted a blunder in the inner pce and received physical punishment, so he walked with one leg dragging.


    What kind of blunder was it? He didnt investigate in that much detail, but that man didnt look like that kind of person. Just that, when he heard that he incurred the empress wrath, he had a general idea, so he didnt investigate it deeply.


    When he told the emperor about the incident, just in case, he didnt really get any opposition. Rather, was it his imagination that the emperor looked pleased about it?


    Anyway, there was no doubt that this personage was many times more reliablepared to the medical officer from before.


    He came to see the situation,but since it wasnt good position-wise for him to see the consort inbour, he waited in the parlour. One of the usually noisy maids brought tea over to him, but her eyes were slightly dulled.


    Perhaps, the mere presence of Jinshi must have increased their workload. Feeling very ufortable and not knowing when Consort Gyokuyou would give birth, he looked outside just as when the medical officer from before trudged back with his shoulders drooping.


    The medical officer went to Ruomen like a child who failed his errand.


    Jinshi, since there was nothing much he could do, inclined his ear to the conversation.


    ording to the conversation, it seems he was turned away from the clinic. As an informal ce, where medicine wasnt originally allowed to be used at all, it seems they werent really favourable towards medical officers.


    How strange. I can go in normally when I went.


    Is it because Im bad?


    The medical officer muttered, his thin moustache more dejected.


    Hmm, Jinshi stood up from his seat.


    In that case, how about I go?


    At Jinshis proposal, the medical officers moustache stood up with a twang. Ruomen tilted his head.


    Would that be alright?


    Yeah. I naturally have a responsibility as well if it turns out like this.


    Just the moment he was concerned. There was nothing for Jinshi to do even if he was here, and if there was anything, Gaoshun would deal with it skilfully for him.


    And so, Jinshi decided to head for the clinic.


    When Jinshi led the moustached medical offer and two eunuchs to the clinic, a middle-aged courtdy came to greet them.


    I want to see a girl called Maomao.


    Jinshi said. The courtdy knitted her brows like she was troubled.


    That girl, shes in a slightly poor state of health so she doesnt want to see anyone.


    It was a somewhat roundabout way of speaking.


    Jinshi raised his brows in surprise.


    Then, how is the girl right now?


    She made murky expression about that too.


    actually, Im not looking after her. It is left to a courtdy called Shenryu. The girl seems to be shy, so she doesnt want to face us either.


    Hoh?


    He heard something that made him want to tilt his head for some reason.


    It was certainly true that Maomao had a side where she dislikes people, but she didnt seem to be that sensitive. If she has that side of her, he wanted to see.


    And so, Jinshi walked inside the clinic. The middle-aged courtdy looked like she wanted to say something, but she couldnt oppose Jinshi so she could only be flustered.


    Which room?


    the innermost room on the left.


    He opened the door on the left side at the end of the corridor that smelled of alcohol. There were only two beds in the simple white room.


    Inside, he approached the bed that had a bump like there was a person sleeping there.


    oi.


    No answer. No movement of surprise.


    Jinshi put his hand on the covers. And he tugged it with all his might. Under it was a rolled-up futon that was shaped like a person.


    .


    thess, did she run away?


    The medical officer inadvertently muttered the most probable answer. Because he was close to Maomao, he knew her actions very well.


    However, Jinshi thought it wasnt possible this time.


    He saw something under the bed.


    He crouched down and picked it up. It was a gorgeous feather of a foreign bird. Jinshi had seen this before.


    What are you doing?


    He heard a middle-aged womans voice behind him.


    Shenryu!


    The middle-aged courtdy said. Is this courtdy Shenryu? Jinshi looked.


    The girl who should be here, why is she not here?


    Shenryu tilted her head at Jinshis question.


    That girl must have gone off somewhere again. She should be resting.


    The medical officer nodded, moustache swinging, as if he agreed.


    Is that so?


    Jinshi slowly approached the courtdy. He stared into her ck eyes.


    Its great that she is healthy. Will she be back soon?


    The courtdy blinked once. Then her lips curved into an arc.


    I think she will return eventually. I dont know when. She seems to have a whimsical personality.


    She blinked again and nced out the window.


    I see, seems like I have inconvenienced you greatly.


    Jinshi said that and took Shenryus hand. He noticed her pulse had sped up a notch.


    He intently watched Shenryus response. When he nced back, the middle-aged courtdy and the medical officers faces were deep red and bashful.


    The eunuchs that came along also looked ufortable.


    Even so, Jinshi gave a smile and whispered into Shenryus ear.


    So, where did you get acquainted with Consort Rouran?


    Shenryus pupils dted in an instant. And her pulse pounded.


    The inner pce was covered with lies. Jinshi had some knowledge of seeing through that.


    It was simr to the method he used to chase up Maomao in the beginning.


    It wasnt a monstrous talent like Rakan who can see through his opponents ability by just looking. What Jinshi can do was only the discrimination between truth and lies by observing the other person.


    He didnt have an outstanding gift. Nevertheless, with his ability alone, he can handle his work easily.


    Shenryu looked at Jinshi with wide eyes.


    I remembered my old memories.


    Shenryu regarded Jinshi with a bewildered expression.


    He called my name with a tender voice and gave me foreign sweets.


    Large tears flowed from Shenryus eyes.


    It seems everyone has forgotten that gentlemans looks when he was young. I heard that he was a mere shadow of his former self in his final years. Hey, dont you think he resembles him when you look at him properly? That voice and features, that bearing that is like candy, hey.


    Shenryu addressed the middle-aged courtdy.


    The middle-aged courtdy, whose face was scarlet until just then, paled instantly at those words. Eek, she stepped back, looking at Jinshi like she saw something terrifying. She acted like she remembered something that was the object of fear.


    Wondering what was up, Jinshi reached out. However, the courtdy covered her face and cowered.


    That gentlemen, wont he ever set us free?


    It was that moment. Blood flowed out from Shenryus mouth.


    She inserted her tongue between her front teeth and tried to bite it off.


    !?


    Jinshi thrust his hand into Shenryus mouth. He tore his sleeve and wedged it into her mouth.


    He thought he heard a loud sound behind him. It seems the moustached medical officer had fallen over in panic. The waiting eunuchs approached Jinshi, wondering what to do, and bound Shenryus limbs so that she doesnt struggle.


    As the middle-aged courtdy had shrieked, panicking, other courtdies appeared to see what was up. They were taken back by the unexpected disaster.


    Oi. She bit her tongue. Is there anyone who can treat her!


    A eunuch shouted on behalf of Jinshi.


    The other courtdies who showed up pacified the panicking courtdy. Only the medical officer moved about in confusion with his moustache swinging about.


    Jinshi passed Shenryu over to the courtdy who volunteered to treat her. And Shenryu, whose mouth was stuffed with cloth, stared back at Jinshi with her ck eyes.


    Like she was asking, why wont you set us free.


    T/N: Each chapter will be a cliffhanger from now on, so this will be fun~ Next chapter on Friday and that will be the final release of the year :3


    Its interesting how Shenryu was originally described to have green eyes (v3ch13), only for it to be ck here. Continuity error? Or does her eye colour change with mood? Because she joined the dark side? No, its totally contact lenses.

 Volume 3, Chapter 34: Hole

    Jinshi raced out the clinic and headed for the Pomegranate Pce where Consort Rouran resided.


    The other courtdies were shocked that Shenryu bit her tongue, but they went to treat her one way or another. At least, they were more reliable than that thin moustached medical officer. None of them seemed to know why Shenryu bit her tongue. It was likely she had no aplice in the clinic. And even if there were, there was another matter that took precedence right now.


    The pce had transformed into a gorgeous building overflowing with an exotic ambience. There were no traces of the minimalistic appearance left fromst year. Jinshi knocked on the door a little forcefully.


    In little time, a maid opened the door for him.


    Jinshi let out a small breath and focused on maintaining his usual smile. The maid bowed shyly and let him in.


    They traversed the corridor that was set up with garish mother-of-pearl crafts and made way for the parlour as usual. The mistress of this pce was already waiting. She was lying on the coach just like usual, listlessly polishing her nails.


    Jinshi squinted. There were six maids standing in wait around her. Somehow, their tending of Consort Rouran was spirited. All of them were wearing showy outfits. They were wearing the traditional dress worn in the ind country of the east. The manyyered outfits were brilliant to the eye. Though not to the extent of Consort Rourans, the maids also wore severalyers, blurring the shape of their body figures. Also, they wore make-up that lifted the corner of their eyes and exposed the contours of their faces. It was strange.


    Why were they dressed up this garishly? Jinshi wanted to tilt his head. He understood that this tackiness must make the emperor wince.


    No, Jinshi blinked. Didnt Maomao mention it before? About the maid called Shisui. And wasnt that maid Consort Rouran ying around in a disguise?


    When Jinshi heard that the first time, he thought that was in no way possible.


    The Consort Rouran Jinshi knew was Shishous daughter. A high ranked consort that he understood more than enough.


    Consort Rouran hid her lips behind her fan and whispered into the ears of a maid. He was amazed at her considerably modest way of conversing, but it wasnt anything like that.


    Supposedly, if Maomao couldnt recognise Consort Rouran as the maid called Shishui, then Jinshi wouldnt either. Speaking of what.


    Jinshi didnt sit on the seat the maid prepared and headed straight for Consort Rouran.


    What is it? Even if its Jinshi-sama, isnt it rude?


    One of the maids said, the corner of her eyes raised. What was her name? Jinshi pretty much had the names and birthces, of the kind of maids and how many of them in each and every one of the pces, in his head. However, the maids of the Pomegranate Pce wore different outfits and make-up each time, and puzzlingly, their figures were very simr. And so, though he remembered their names, he cant match them with their faces.


    Jinshi reached out, threaded his fingers through the fan Consort Rouran was holding, and flung it away.


    Wh-what are you doing!?


    One of the maids shouted. Consort Rouran turned her back to Jinshi in fright. The maids stood around her to cover up for her. This behaviour looked like they were thinking of their master, but it wasnt the case.


    Jinshi gave a look to the apanying eunuchs. The eunuchs held down the maids and dragged them off Consort Rouran.


    Jinshi gripped Consort Rourans shoulder a little forcefully. He wrenched her face towards him. Her face was garishly made-up, but her cheeks were dyed scarlet.


    I was pretty sure, that Consort Rouran had seven maids looking after her.


    Jinshi asked for verification. The girl, pampered as Shishous daughter, had entered court with more than fifty attendants with her.


    Jinshi, holding Consort Rourans face, smeared off the make-up from the corner of her eyes with his finger. Revealing plump eyes with hooded double eyelids.


    Sourin[note], Shuang Lin.[/note]. No, is it Renpuu[note], Lian Feng.[/note]? Your name.


    Jinshi smiled to not express anger towards that face. However, the face of the maid who was disguised as Consort Rouran changed from red to ghastly pale. She trembled.


    Ji


    One of the maids tried to cut in again to deceive him, but Jinshi gave her a look. She jerked back in surprise, freezing.


    Where did the real one go?


    Was this all nned from the start? Having arge number of attendants entering the inner pce, choosing maids that look simr to her, and wearing entric outfits each time so no one will know when someone changes ces with her?


    Was this her intention from the start?


    Then, what about where did the real one go?


    Where did she go?


    .


    The maid who was disguised as Consort Rouran merely trembled. She made no sign of speaking.


    Jinshi tightened his grip.


    Where did she go?


    The third time he asked, the maid who had tried to barge in before pushed herself in. She hugged the fake consort as though she was protecting her, then she looked at Jinshi, her brows lowered.


    My apologies. This child really doesnt know.


    He hadnt noticed it since everyone was wearing simr outfits, but this maid seemed to be several years older than the fake Rouran.


    Please forgive us.


    Saying that, the maid awkwardly looked at the fake consorts legs.


    Her long skirt was wet. Water dripped from her legs to her toes.


    Jinshi released his hold on the fake consorts chin. The fake consorts eyes were wide. Her pupils were dted. She gasped for breath, trembling. There were stark traces of Jinshis hand left on her pale neck and jaws.


    The act of having the daughters of high officials enter the inner pce was actually advantageous for the emperor as well.


    For the high officials, if their daughter falls pregnant, their grandchild can assume the status of the son of heaven too. However, on the other hand, there is a disadvantage.


    This is not restricted to all parents, but there must be those among them who see their daughters as the apple of their eyes. The birdcage called the inner ce is a ce that treats the daughters that hold such value as prisoners.


    For Shishou, aside from his child that was borne by a concubine, Shisui, there was only the child of his main wife, Rouran.


    Even considering how he forced her into the inner pce, it appears that he loves her greatly.


    This daughter, was in the position of a high ranked consort.


    While worrying about this, Rouran must also maintain the minimum criterion.


    To no longer require the title of Consort attached to her, she vited that criterion.


    She said that shes noting back.


    The maid from before said solemnly. The woman, Rourans head maid, answered Jinshis question on behalf of the fake consort. The fake consort, unable to breathe properly, was in the state where she cannot speak at all. With the reason that she resembled Rouran the most, she substituted for the consort, but it seems that she didnt know much about the circumstances.


    She must have thought she was told to act as her substitute for Rourans whims as usual.


    Jinshi clenched his fist.


    That was no good. He realised that the way he did it was a mistake for the eunuch Jinshi who possesses a tender smile. However, to the extent of taking a different method in that ce, Jinshis feelings were not calm.


    Noting back. Should he take that as her breaking out of the inner pce?


    Breaking out from the inner pce was a serious crime that meant capital punishment at times. And if she was a high ranked consort, the crime was all the more heavy.


    It was like a runaway prostitute, the pharmacist girl had said before. Going to the pleasure quarter together when the next emperor was born was, as a matter of fact, just like that girl. Jinshi gave a bitter smile.


    That girl is still missing too.


    He guessed that it was likely that she had left the inner pce together with Rouran.


    In Maomaos case, considering her personality, there was the possibility of her following on her own ord. However, the girls physical strength was weakened with her strong reaction against buckwheat. The possibility of her being taken away without her consent was higher.


    Just, for what reason?


    And how did she go outside?


    The question remains.


    Even though he cross-examined the head maid, he could only tilt his head. There was also the option of torture, but that is pointless too, Jinshi thought. The head maids eyes were not lying.


    The maids of the Pomegranate Pce, maidservants, eunuchs, all the people rted to Consort Rouran were all shut up in one ce. The auditorium where that inner pce lesson was held was just the right size.


    Just in case, using eunuchs, they straightforwardly worked through the courtdies in the inner pce one by one, but they havent yet found a courtdy who was like Rouran at present.


    He wasnt in the condition to witness Consort Gyokuyous childbirth at all. Although the back of his hair was being pulled[note], painfully reluctant. Exnation: like how you cant easily move forward when the hair on the back of your hair is being tugged, you cant easily let go of the regret/reluctance left in your heart and move on.[/note], he decided to leave it to Gaoshun.


    Jinshi clutched his head in his office. Perhaps they were in the state of emergency, Basen was with Jinshi.


    He didnt have the free time to sell oil[note], to dawdle. Exnation: From the Edo period, hair oil peddlers gossip with female customers as they sell their wares. Passing time while neglecting your work.[/note] in such a ce. He was brimming with the impatience to rush out and look for Rouran even now.


    However, there was too little information. And even if he were to rush out now, it would only amount to finding a needle in the sands of the desert. Therefore, Jinshi could only pace around aimlessly in his office.


    Amid that, Basen nced at Jinshi. It seems there was a guest in front of the office. He must want to tell him to stop looking so shameful.


    Nothing he could do. He sat down in his chair and feigned serenity.


    The person who entered was a short man with fox eyes. Rahan.


    Did you discover something?


    Rahan, with the cost of repairs of the inner pce wall destroyed by his uncle and adoptive father, Rakan, as a coteral, was undertaking work from Jinshi. He was quite the miser. Along with having Jinshi take on half of the cost of repairs, he had the ability to get a thirty percent discount on the quote with a negotiation with the wall repairers.


    Rahan squinted, his eyes somewhat like a nasty someone, and spread out a map on the table.


    This is from around these fifteen years. Its gradual, but there is certainly an area where the cirction of stone, lumber, metal and etc has increased.


    Rakan pointed to the north of the capital. Crossing the ins, it was on the ridge of the mountain range.


    That area didnt have arge city worth speaking about. And if there were, there was only a fortress that was used as an army garrison from the era of the previous emperor. Additionally, he remembered it was a ce that was abandoned to decrease maintenance costs. It wasnt a ce where enemies would invade, and he heard that dealing with the fallen snow and so on in winter since it was on high-ground was dreadful.


    Did you know about it? The area nearby used to prosper as a health resort in the past. It is now, being distanced from the trade route, a depopted area known for the secret hot springs though.


    And what about it?


    Basen, who was slightly quick-tempered, interrupted Rahan who spoke in a roundabout manner.


    Im saying theres a sulfur spring. The quality and quantity are inferiorpared the southern volcanic range, but I wonder if they can take the amount throughout the year.


    Hearing sulfur, Jinshis ears pricked up. It was a typical raw material for gunpowder.


    The abandoned fortress. Stone. Lumber. Metal. And sulfur.


    And speaking of the further north, it was close to Shishous territory. Even considering where the territories of the officials who were pointed out by Rakan were situated, it wasnt that bad of a location.


    It was more suspicious.


    How was it? Should I prepare more reliable numbers?


    Jinshi could only sigh. The response was more than he had expected. Instantly, Basen held the map and sent out a lower official as a messenger.


    It seems that this small man can see some shape from the numbers, but it must be like that. The members of the Ra family were truly terrifying.


    While youre at it, can you investigate whether there is a secret passage in the inner pce?


    He inadvertently spoke of it.


    The inner pce? If I remember correctly, thergest construction work was the expansion from forty years ago. The current outer wall should have also be built then, so if there is a possibility of there being one made, it would have to be there?


    really?


    He knew that Shishou instigated the empress and erged the inner pce like it is now. Perchance, the possibility of him participating in the construction was also high.


    However, if it was forty years ago, it was quite old. Theres no way he would have thought to have his own daughter use that to escape forty yearster.


    If we look at the materials in those days, the contractors who were used then will know. The possibility of them being used several times is high, so shall we pick out the ones that make suspicious numbers?


    Ill leave it to you.


    Well then.


    Saying that, he took out the other half of the invoice for the cost of repairs of the what Rakan destroyed. Jinshi was to pay for half. The other half should have been in Rakans possession though.


    I get it.


    Jinshi, hanging his head, promised to pay for the entire sum. The sight of Suiren condemning him with an indescribable smile, saying Oh my my, and the wrinkles on Gaoshuns brow being even deeper afterwards came to his mind vividly.


    It was dreadful to have Rakan as an enemy. But I dont want to have his adopted son as an enemy either, Jinshi thought.


    While having that much ability, it was a mystery why he holds an abacus as an insignificant official. He found himself asking that question.


    If you have that much ability, cant you promote to a higher rank?


    At those words, Rahan shed him a smile while shaking his head.


    In that case, I wouldnt be able to correct the distorted flow of money then, would I?


    Numbers are beautiful because theres no obscurity.


    He once again felt that this man was Maomaos cousin. It seems he has a peculiar aesthetic.


    T/N: Chapter title: Hole Missing person, faults, hidden passage, hole in a certain someones pocket


    And thats it for Jinshis POV. Were going back to Maomao next.


    See you guys next year(-) Happy new year~!


    (I admit Im kinda miffed that I didnt reach my target of finishing this arc this year But oh well, one more month then.)

 Volume 3, Chapter 35: Shenmei

    Monotonous days are boring. Maomao was unable to put up with that, unfortunately.


    With that in consideration, Maomao was, in a sense, thankful that half of this room was being used for storage. Fishing around the pile of goods yielded some rather interesting things.


    (Th-this is!?)


    Under thecquer bowls and tes, there was a paulownia box crammed with books. The box had signs of damage in various ces; it looked quite old.


    Though the silverfish damaged books were tattered, it could still be read. And above all, the contents made her eyes shine.


    The books dealt all the way to flora and fauna that were originally foreign in this country.


    The books, which were about one sun[note]~3cm.[/note] thick, werebelled Insect, Bird, Beast, Fish, Tree, and Grass. They were numbered like there were continuations, but there were only ten volumes here. It seems that there were at least several volumes still missing.


    Maomao flipped through the pages of the book that wasbelled Grass. There was one genus per page, included with exnations. The literary style was a little antiquated, so it was hard to read.


    (Woodblock printing huh.)


    These are quite old, Maomao thought. Paper seems to have be valuable within these couple of decades. Due to that, she had heard from her dad that the woodblock printing technique that prints arge quantity of paper is greatly unusual nowadays. Novels for amusements aside, honestly, the demand for illustrated books had been restricted, and furthermore, if they were to publish continuations, it must be before the regtion of lumber at least. She wouldnt think they would get their moneys worth.


    (The content is good though.)


    Maomao, who cant get tired of reading it, flipped through the pages, her eyes zing.


    When she did so, she raked in the small text or something that were here and there. The characters were slightly quirky. It seems like they were supplementary to the illustrations.


    Maomaos eyes zed brighter. She carefully flipped through the book page by page, flying through it. She only looked over the pages that had the supplementary text carefully.


    Her whole body got goosebumps. The contents were unexpectantly so exciting she got goosebumps.


    Some parts of the description were mixed in with a script that wasnt this countrys characters. It was the same script as the foreign medical book that was burned in the past so that Maomao couldnt read it.


    But not only that, the handwritten passages of that script were all on the special characteristics of the nt and its use as medicine. She understood that the person who had owned these books took part in medicine, and additionally, he had studied abroad in a foreign country like her dad.


    (To think that were such a person aside from dad.)


    She was super excited to meet him.


    However, that reminded her of something.


    Why were that persons things in this kind of ce? Then she arrived at a certain possibility.


    Dont leave them around.


    Since when had Suirei stood here? There was a basket containing food in her hands.


    Since when?


    About the time when you started to wriggle your body with a strange smile and your hands on your cheeks.


    .


    Maomao slowly averted her eyes and closed the book with overwhelming sorrow. Thinking that she will continue reading when Suirei wasnt around, she stroked the book as she returned it to the paulownia box.


    Just saying, these are my grandfathers things so please dont lose them.


    Murmuring that, Suirei set up the dishes on the table.


    (Grandfather.)


    Maomao recalled Suireis personal history.


    The medical officer who was banished from imperial court forying his hands on a courtdy. And Suireis mother would have to be the child who left the inner pce with that medical officer.


    Supposedly, if there was something different, Suireis mother would have been a blue-blooded princess who was raised with the butterflies and flowers[note], a child brought up with tender care and affection.[/note]. However, the words supposedly were actually distant from the empty reality.


    In order to hide the emperors peculiar inclination, what happened to the medical officer who had the crime med on him? And then, this Suirei who called that person grandfather would have to be.


    (Theres no point bearing a grudge.)


    Was the reason for her being in this fortress now from that? Maomao didnt understand the women called Suirei. Simrly, she didnt understand Rouran either.


    Even if she thought hard on this, Maomao wasnt Suirei nor Rouran. She figured that it was a given that she didnt understand.


    And more than that, there was something she was more interested in.


    Can I meet that person you call grandfather?


    She made a request that didnt read the atmosphere. Maomao understood, considering her current situation, that even if she said such a thing it was futile.


    But she couldnt not ask.


    hes no longer around. He was always confined in this room, and passed away five years ago.


    Maomao dropped her shoulders, crestfallen, at the smooth reply.


    (Confinement huh.)


    In other words, after he died, his room became a storeroom. Thats why her grandfathers things were left underneath. Speaking of that, she also understood the reason why there were grids on the window and the toilet connected to the room.


    He was told to make the elixir of life for the mistress here.


    Maomaos eyes once again shone at those words.


    There was no omnipotent medicine; the elixir of life was also the same. Her dad had already told her, but she couldnt help getting interested when she heard it.


    Suirei took out the Insect and Fish books from the box and read over it adeptly.


    Did he achieve it?


    He wouldnt be dead if he achieved it.


    She said the usible. Maomaos personality was also on the cold side, but this woman called Suirei was even more so.


    If he made it, he can make up properly to the mistress here.


    Saying that, she passed the book over to Maomao.


    Also, please dont make a racket. Your voice went all the way outside just then.


    Maomao covered her mouth with her hands.


    Suirei, taking the empty basket, left the room. For a moment, she heard noisy voices from the other side of the opened door, but was it her imagination?


    Maomao decided to work hard on reading for a short while as she stuffed her cheeks with the prepared meal.


    When she noticed, it was dark outside. As if Maomaos presence was a secret, she wasnt allowed to put lights on as she pleased.


    While thinking that she wanted to read for a bit longer, Maomaoid down on the bed.


    The former medical officer who was said to have researched eternal life, you can see how outstanding of a person he was by looking at the addendum notes.


    (Hes no match for dad though.)


    Wouldnt that make him a capable person that is second to him? Maomao thought.


    She was aware that she raised a creepy voice whenever she found the names of nts and animals that she didnt know, and knew the kind of effect which parts had.


    (Not good, not good.)


    She covered her mouth when she thought that, but this time her limbs wriggled.


    It was that interesting.


    However, it was good enough as a time waster for Maomao, though she was quite helpless when it came to research. There must be other various tools, but were they taken away?


    (I want to see more.)


    She closed her eyes as she thought that. She ruminated on what she learnt today. Firsthand, aside from the text written in the book, there were papers slipped between the pages like a bookmark in several ces. The papers pressed with various nts were just inserted right into the pages.


    Maomao fumbled around and took out the paper in her cor. It was likely that this was pulled out from what was slipped among these.


    (Huh?)


    Maomao inadvertently got up. She tried to get off the bed to check the contents of the paulownia box, but it was a dark. She couldnt see. She missed her footing, and ceremoniously crashed onto the floor.


    (Uooh!)


    There were a loud sound and the thing she was leaning against fell. The box full ofcquer bowls fell directly onto Maomaos belly, and she cried out like a frog getting crushed.


    For a short while, though she squirmed around, she held her mouth.


    Although she was slightly drawn back by the pain, she put her ear against the door.


    (No one noticed right?)


    It was when she was going to sigh deeply as she rubbed her belly.


    (!?)


    When she thought she heard a click, she fell forward with a thump.


    Half of Maomaos body had fallen into the corridor. She could see silver embroidered shoes before her eyes. The long skirt was made of silk, and when she shifted her gaze upwards, she saw a middle-aged woman.


    The woman was wearing garish hair ornaments and clothes. The nails of her ring finger and pinky were around two sun long, and had tortoiseshell nail guards on. However, a crooked smile emerged on her face. Her face, which must have been beautiful before, produced a different twistedness with the wrinkles from her age.


    There were two maids behind the woman, smiles practiced at their master. There was a pale-faced Suirei behind them. It was like she was saying to Maomao, What was that racket?


    (Yeah, crap.)


    I knew there was a gutter rat mixed in here.


    As she cackled loudly in delight, she looked up and gazed backwards at Suirei. That calm, cool and collected Suireisplexion worsened.


    It was a voice she heard before. It was the person who stabbed the hairpin into the basket when she entered this fortress, the woman who was the former high ranked consort, who was Shishous main wife, who was Rourans mother.


    Was it time? Or was it a different cause? The one called the peerless beauty was already gone. As sheughed with her face reversed, she approached Suirei as her hair swayed. Maomao was aware that Suirei was trembling from the ghost-like movement.


    You cant keep dirty creatures, right?


    The woman, when she thought if she was going to raise her right hand as sheughed, struck.


    The two nail guards sliced Suireis cheek. A red line oozed. And then, without missing a beat, the fan in the womans left hand smacked Suireis temple.


    (Nasty.)


    She purposely changed her direction like there was no wind resistance, and went to hit bone. Suirei covered her face, and repeated, My sincerest apologies. The maids who were smiling at the back, werent smiling in their eyes.


    How dreadful. In any case, this must be Rourans wilfulness.


    As she said that, she grabbed Suireis hair, and tugged her face closer. And then, contrary to what she expected, she licked the flowing blood.


    No matter how you dilute noble blood, its the end if you mixed it with filthy blood once.


    The woman wrapped up the paper that had been tucked into her outfit with the spit mixed with blood, and threw it on Suireis head.


    And when she thought the woman was going to leave in satisfaction.


    Thats right, that little rat.


    She wasnt forgotten.


    (Its fine to forget me.)


    On the contrary, Maomao was held down from the top by a man who seemed to be aguard, and forced back into the room.


    The children working underground, someone call them up. Even this kind of thing can befort.


    Saying that, the woman left with a cruel smile.


    Suirei, with a pale face,


    My sincerest apologies, Shenmei-sama[note], Shen Mei. Divine Beauty.[/note]. My sincerest apologies.


    earnestly apologised.


    (What an exaggerated name.)


    Maomao thought as she watched the mistress leave from the gap of the closed door.


    T/N: Woot first post of the year! \\o/ Nine chapters left to this arc, go go go~

 Volume 3, Chapter 36: Poison Maiden

    The chapter contains scenes that some readers will find unpleasant.


    It seems, Rourans mother, Shenmei, is a woman who is as good as her word.


    As she had promised, two men showed up at the room not long after.


    Maomao had hidden the contents of the paulownia box under the bed. She probed around in the dark, and only pulled out the papers that were slipped between the books.


    (I failed.)


    Perhaps, she wouldnt have been noticed if she didnt make such a loud sound. However, it was also likely that they had suspected it to no small extent from that situation. But Maomao had needed to check the contents of the box immediately.


    Why did Rouran bring Maomao all the way to such a dangerous ce even though she thought she was going to solve that mystery, it seems there is no time to allow her to think.


    She figured she might be discovered sooner orter, but it had to be in the worst-case scenario.


    The lighting in their hand brightly illuminated effeminate faces. Their clothes were threadbare, stained with ck splotches here and there. The moment they entered, she was assailed by a characteristic stench, and reflexively covered her mouth.


    With vulgar smiles, they approached Maomao who was sitting on the bed.


    Maomao wasnt that much of a child to not know why these guys were here. Being one raised in the prostitution quarter, these are faces she would go as far as to call loathsome.


    It was honestly extremely unpleasant. She had thought of trying to escape, but that was a pipe dream too.


    For just a bit, she had hoped that Rouran or Suirei would do something about it, but she resolved herself into thinking that it was better to not hold herself to such faint hope.


    (Two people?)


    There were less than she had expected. She had thought there would be more.


    Lets get this over with quickly. Since well have to switch over in half an hour.


    So thats how it is. It seems they will being in shifts. No, that is still troubling though. To speak of how troubling it would be, it would be to the point where a deep thinking youngdy would pale and drop to a dead faint, and a haughty girl would bite her tongue off before she falls under their hands.


    As for Maomao, if possible, she would prefer to not be met with this kind of experience. Even if shes like this, shes still a virgin, and above all, the men before her eyes look filthy.


    It didnt matter whether they were filthy or injured, for Maomao, her life is the most important. That is, she considered the best way to survive this with minimal injuries.


    (Dont they have some disease?)


    She had to be resigned to the fact that contagious diseasesewith external wounds to begin with.


    Even with her attempts to escape, one person may be fine, but there are two. Even after that, it is extremely unlikely for this to end with no issues if she is held back.


    One of the men put the lighting on thecquered table. The room was illuminated in a dim light.


    Woah.


    One of the men tantly grimaced.


    What the hell. Isnt she covered in rashes?


    Maomaos entire body is still covered in rashes. She must look like an ugly woman with her usual freckled face.


    One of the men, as though he lost energy, went off to sit on the table, but the moment he touched it, he sprang off it like he was repelled and went far away.


    (What happened?)


    The man went to sit down against the wall, rubbing his hand with the hem of his shirt.


    Im good. Do whatever you want.


    Why thank you.


    The man seemed to be a gross eater; it seems he was fine with even Maomao. You can have better standards, Maomao thought. She turned away from the face of the approaching man, and he seized her head.


    Be obedient. Otherwise, Ill hurt you more.


    Saying that, he tugged Maomaos hair and forced her down onto the bed. Just as when she felt his grip on her hair cken, he bounded both her wrists this time.


    Sticky spit dribbled from his dirty fangs. ck grains tumbled from the mans body.


    Maomao, like she was turning away from the mans face, inspected the grains that fell on the bed. She had a feeling she had seen them before. During that, her outer garment was torn off, and a tepid slug crawled along the line of her neck. Her thigh was stroked.


    It was extremely ufortable. But she focused more on the fallen ck grains.


    (Gunpowder?)


    It looked like sand, but she got that conclusion from the stench that was currently emanating from the man. Burning this gunpowder will release a stench that islike rotten eggs. It was made from sulfur, saltpetre, and charcoal.


    The men must havee from the basement. In other words, are they producing or manufacturing gunpowder underground?


    (Are they going for a full-blown war?)


    As she was thinking about that, teeth were pressed against her shoulders.


    What the hell? You have zero reaction?


    The man pped Maomaos cheeks uninterestedly.


    (Pain is pain.)


    Though, it wasnt to the point of making a sound. She didnt have the free time to make such a reaction right now. But, as if he cant stand the fact that she was making no sound, he pped her again.


    Oi, stop that. What are you going to do if you make her filthier?


    The other man said as he leaned against the wall.


    Whatever.


    While saying that, the man put his hands around Maomaos neck.


    (This b*stard.)


    There is asionally this kind of guys among the guests of the brothel. They torment the prostitutes and feel sexual arousal from seeing their faces screw up in anguish.


    Seeing Maomaos face screw up from suffocation, the manughed. He tightened his hold on her neck.


    Seeing the mans arousal, the man at the back stood up.


    Im off to take a leak. Dont overdo it.


    The man left the room like it was bothersome. He must not find it enjoyable to see other people getting it on.


    (No?)


    The mans gaze flickered towards the table. He rubbed his hand against his hem again.


    She heard a click it seems he didnt forget the lock. He probably wont be back until its time, Maomao thought as she breathed heavily. The man licked his lips.


    Youre not crying at all huh.


    It seems he was dissatisfied with that. The man took out a small knife from his breast pocket. He removed the sheath. The de gleamed.


    How about this then?


    Smirking, he dropped the small knife right next to her face.


    -!?


    Her right ear suddenly burned. Not her earlobe, the top part of her ear. She noticed something hot flowing from there. The smell of rust rushed into her nose.


    (This b*stard.)


    It seems, he ignored the guys previous warningand ran with his own desire. As if he was turned on by the voice she let out, he started to rock his body.


    With both her hands bound, the weak Maomao couldnt shake free. Taking advantage of that, the man took the weapon between his teeth, and leisurely traced a line along Maomaos neck to her chest. With a thinyer of skin cut, blood welled upon her skin.


    He then spat out the de, seemingly satisfied with that, and slowly loosened his belt with his free hand.


    It was the moment he rolled up the bottom of Maomaos garment.


    (I nned to stay quiet though.)


    She had no ns of holding back. It was the exact moment her body was lifted, so it was easy to aim. First, she kicked into his sr plexus. It seemed it went well the man couldnt make a sound as he vomited spit.


    The restraints around her hands loosened.


    Maomao pulled the sheet and charged at him as she thrust it into the mans mouth. There was arge crash, but people can, by all means, get the impression that they were doing something impressive.


    Maomao cannot stay pinned down. She will put an end to it before that.


    She mercilessly swung her leg down into the livid mans crotch.


    !!!!!!!


    The scream that should have rushed out from his stuffed mouth was killed by the sheet. Only bubbly drool leaked out.


    The disastrous spectacle of the man, she didnt want to speak in detail. No doubt its a situation that is painful to watch. However, Maomao isnt kind enough to feel sympathy for him.


    The red line and blood clotting ran from her neck to her chest like a twisted earthworm. Was it because her ears were roused? The blood wouldnt stop flowing.


    Im so done.She wiped it with the edge of the sheet. She wanted to properly stop the blood flow, but she had no free time.


    (I probably have no time.)


    To have the men called through an alternation in the middle of the night, wouldnt that mean that there are still other guys working? Also, it is evident that working with gunpowder at night is dangerous. And yet, if there is a reason for them to continue working.


    They are urgent to start a war.


    It was a good luck that the man had stepped out from his seat. If there were more than two people, Maomao will be at a loss for what to do.


    However, that man should be back soon.


    Before that, what Maomao should do is.


    Maomao looked at the pile of goods.


    She decided to try for high-stakes.


    Should be about time now.


    The man, slowly lifted his back, and headed to the earlier storeroom. If they werete, he would be beaten up too it was the mans consideration that they should finish this quickly.


    Its fine unless they get ineptly make it dirty though.


    When he thought that, maybe he should have guarded that room. But the man didnt want to be in that room. His whole body somehow felt itchy. He scratched his stomach.


    He stopped at the doorand turned the lock.


    Oi, hurry up and.


    The man widened his eyes. Sh*t, he thought.


    He went inside and hurriedly shut the door.


    What the hell did he do, this b*stard?


    The room is a mess. There is blood everywhere and the woman is copsed on the bed. The top half of her body is covered in blood and she isnt moving.


    The curtain is fluttering. Was there violence? The ss of the window is broken. The man shuddered in the cold wind.


    That b*stard, where the f*ck did he go? The man looked around. No, before that, is the woman still alive or not? Certainly, they were told to do however they liked, but its a different case if she dies. He thought of how many people will be held back after this. Even at the best of times, they werent allowed to take a break. He would be beaten up the other guys.


    The man approached the woman and looked at her injuries.


    There is a thin cut from her neck to her chest. It was when he was going to check whether shes dead or not.


    He touched something sticky on her cheeks. And just like that, he went to touch his mouth. An iron taste spread out on his tongue, and he inadvertently turned away.


    Heh?


    The womans hand moved. Her bloody hand grabbed the mans wrists this time.


    The woman looked like shes still around the age of a girl. The woman is overly-skinny, but her eyes are zing like burning fire.


    Do-dont threaten me.


    The man shook the girls hand away and let out a breath. She is still alive. She is in a terrible state, but for now, she is still breathing. He was relieved that things are still fine. No, could he be relieved?


    Though the girl is here, the other person isnt. Where did he go?


    As if the girl saw through him, she pointed with her bloody finger at the pile of goods.


    The man is sitting like he was propped against it. There are red rashes on his face and hands. And blood is flowing from his mouth.


    It seems my skin doesnt go well with mouths.


    The girls voice, somewhat alluring, reminded him of the women of the brothel he happened to pass by once. Different to the streetwalkers, it isnt just flirtatious, its the voice of a woman who knew her own worth.


    Oi, what did you do!?


    At the mans question, the girl replied indifferently.


    Nothing. He shouldnt have injured me.


    The girl said, touching her ear. Was it cut by a de? A small triangr notch is missing, and blood still oozed from it.


    Im, a poison maiden.


    Poison maiden?


    The man repeated back the unfamiliar words.


    Indeed. I was raised holding poison since I was young. The blood that flows in this body is concentrated with the poison I have taken in until now.


    What kind of bullshit story is that?


    Bullshit story? Is that so?


    The girl tilted her head as she smiled. Her bloody fingers touched her own cheek.


    Youll know soon. The rashes will appear as the poison spreads.


    !?


    The goosebumps on his skin are faintly mixed with red rashes.


    The man edged back in shock. The girl neared as though she was chasing him. She slowly drew closer, and before he knew it, he collided with the pile of goods. In his surprise, he found himself sitting on the box there.


    He thought of running and escaping to the outside of the room, but before he noticed the girl had turned her back to the exit.


    Do-donte any closer.


    How cruel. Is it because Im this kind of ugly woman?


    The woman tilted her head, and smeared her face with her bloody fingers.


    The flickering light illuminated the girls face.


    His opponent is a little girl. He shouldnt lose when ites to strength. He could just push her down and go outside the room. He wanted to quickly wash away this poison. The red rashes are rapidly spreading to the mans arm, spreading to his face; he felt like scratching it all off.


    If you want to run away, go right ahead.


    The girl took out a small de from her bosom, and thrust the handle towards the mans forehead.


    The small knife is in the sheath; it isnt the de that was thrust at him. However, the man couldnt move his body before. The girl hadnt put energy into it. She had only held the small knife against his forehead.


    !?


    I have a request.


    The girl said as she stared at the man.


    What are you doing in this fortress?


    He could only say it is suspicious, to be asked what he was doing. However, he couldnt speak of it. To him, the mistress is scarier than the girl before his eyes.


    She had said poison, but his hands were merely covered in rashes. He thought that he wouldnt die if he didnt put it in hismouth like that guy.


    What are you doing?


    The girl, expressionless, asked once more.


    Lets wait a little more. Then, the guys who are out of patience will be here. Unfortunately, the lock is still open.


    That was what he thought.


    Is that so?


    The girl raised a leg and rested it on the mans abdomen. And then, she lightly pressed down.


    !?


    Even so, my gender is female. Everyone says that its unbelievably painful, but to what extent?


    Her toes stopped at his lower abdomen. She rested her whole weight on it.


    The girl slowly closed her eyes. Slowly opened them.


    A smile full of affection emerged in them.


    Right or left, which one do you want to leave?


    The girl said to the man, in a gentle voice like she was soothing a child.


    T/N: The idea of poisonous maidens seems to havee from India. Also, the LN version had her stuffed in a basement with loads of snakes and creepy crawlies (ssic Maomao happily ate them all).


    (Im ying around with the writing style, let me know if it sounds awkward.)

 Volume 3, Chapter 37: Clan Of Insects

    Maomao had wiped down her entire body but she still felt gross. Her body had been covered in blood. However, the amount of blood wasnt as much as it looked.


    She looked at the man who had fainted frothing in his mouth. The blood on him wasnt just Maomaos.


    She had made use of the redcquer paint in the room as blood. The mixture of paint and oil yielded a brilliant red paint. The blood had aplished its job perfectly in a room with a single flickering light source. The rash on the other man was also from this paint.


    It was a relief that it turned out well.


    Maomao had half-spoken about the poison maiden thing, but as if that kind of fairy-tale-like thing exists. If you were to just eat poison continuously, youll quickly die.


    The fortress, maybe because the airtightness was high, wasparatively warmer than the snowy exterior. Peoples bodies will go out of whack without them knowing if they suddenly get hit by the cold wind after breaking the windows. Not just goosebumps, they could get rashes as well.


    On top of that, there was one other thing.


    The time the man entered the room, he had said Shes broken out in rashes, when he saw Maomao. Her whole body was certainly broken in rashes, but seeing how he dered that with certainty, she thought that, perhaps, he must have seen something simr.


    Also, as soon as he touched the table in the room, he reacted with surprise and distanced himself. The table was painted withcquer, but as long as it was dried, you rarely get skin irritation. People who had a reaction once would end up excessively avoiding that feeling.


    Sometimes, they could develop a rash on their body just by thinking that they touched it.


    That was why she used thecquer as blood. In actuality, it will take time for them to be affected by rashes, but people who are weak against it would be more mentally insecure. Even if she didnt understand the said person, they will recall the time they got a reaction from the scent.


    If she were to speak honestly, it happened that half of them came in even if they were to harass her afterward*.


    Maomao made use of that, and acted as a poison maiden.


    When the man sat down, there was also a reason why he couldnt stand up.


    When you sit on a chair, human bodies were made so that you cant stand up when your foreheads are held. When you first get up, your head moves forward. If you are unable to do that first motion, the other parts of you cannot move.


    Even so, there might be other ways of moving, but the confused man reacted in the way Maomao had said.


    It was a godsend that he moved toopliantly. If this man didnt leave his seat originally, about this time, she would have be the victim of another person. She was grateful for that point.


    And so, after hearing what she asked, she only stepped on him without crushing them.


    As soon as she left the room, she passed by the men who turned up to swap over. They went past Maomao, not paying attention to her as if they saw her as an apprentice.


    The lock on the room was closed just in case, but there was no time left.


    (This isnt a joke.)


    Maomao clicked her tongue as she ran down the corridor. She had deceived them by wearing the outer garment she had plundered from the man just then, and had her ear wrapped in a cloth.


    Hearing that they were manufacturing gunpowder, Maomao had imagined hand cannons[note], feifa. I only found this term in Japanese sources, and it stated that this contraption was the precursor to firences (,which was invented during the Song Dynasty.) that was invented during the Tang Dynasty of China by some nameless person. If anyone knows the English equivalent name for it or something, that would be super helpful. The author calls it gun as the modern equivalent should I just with this? Hand cannons came a little after firences so its not quite the right term.[/note] or firences at first. Either one were tools that were used in wars since olden times. However, the man said cannon.


    Cannon. A weapon that shoots out projectiles you put inside a gigantic tube. Cannons were wooden or bronze weapons that had been around since olden times.


    He said that they were making a thing that shoots with iron bullets.


    As far as Maomao knew, rocks were typically used as projectiles. What would be of it if they made it from iron?


    Maomao didnt know about weapons in that much detail. However, she understood that using uniformly shaped metal bullets had more destructive power than irregrly shaped rocks. It might be an artillery that used thetest technology.


    But, it was still too reckless.


    She only knew about of the scale of it from the number of people in this fortress. Suppose there were co-operators that endorsed the Shi n, it might be a different story. However, their scheme should have already been exposed. How many people will support the Shi n after all this time with the risk?


    And yet, they were still trying to raise this thing.


    Do they know what will happen from here on?


    Maomao continued underground, descending the stairs step by step. She could feel the rumbles of the production from the interior along the cold stone wall.


    Maomao quietly looked inside.


    There were several tens of slightly dirty men working topless. A characteristic scent reached her nose. Rather than the smell of burning sulfur, it was the smell of fermenting manure.


    She could see a huge mound of some ck clumps.


    (Manure?)


    No, it was small for that. It seems to be droppings from small animals like mice. She heard that beast dropping are among the ingredients used for saltpetre. That must be used as an ingredient.


    The underground was warmer than she imagined. The room temperature must have been raised to dry thepleted gunpowder. Thus, it was terrifying.


    The brazier was kept at a distance just in case and was wrapped around with a curtain so the sparks dont catch. Still, if the fire spreads, what would happen?


    Do they know that danger, being in this environment?


    Generally, if you are always in a ce with such bad air, you would eventually breathe in too much of it, and get poisoning symptoms. You can say the environment was poor.


    Thepleted gunpowder was transported out via a different exit. If she were to chase after that, would she get to the armoury?


    But, how shall she go there?


    As she thought that, she heard footsteps behind her.


    Maomao hid behind a nearby shelf.


    Her heart pounded loudly. Maomao looked at the person who showed up, worried if the people around her would notice that sound.


    .


    Maomao was dumbfounded. She looked at the person who walked past.


    It was Rouran who was walking with a meek expression. Rouran, who wore an extravagant outfit like her mother, was an ill-matched existence in this space that was cloying with the smell of excretion in the dim underground.


    Roura


    Maomao tried to call out to her. However, the girl didnt hear her voice, and with something strong contained within her eyes, continued to walk towards the centre of the underground.


    The men who were working around Rouran noticed her and started to be noisy.


    One of the men nervously came before her. He seems to be theman who manages this ce.


    Young


    Please leave here right away.


    Her dignified voice echoed all throughout the underground.


    The men looked at one another, not understanding what was up.


    This fortress is going to fall soon. Before that happens, I want you people to quickly get away from here.


    Saying that, Rouran took out arge bag from her bosom and threw it aside. Silvers spilled out from it. The men, dazzled by the sight of it, started to scramble forward to gather them up.


    After affirming that they were almost finished with picking them up, Rouran held up the light in her hands and flung it away with all her might.


    The light drew a parab and fell into the dried gunpowder.


    Try your best to get away.


    Rouran wore her previous innocent smile.


    Maomao covered her ears without a moments dy, and crouched down on the spot.


    The roar passed through her palms, reverberating into her eardrums. The men who were escaping in haste kicked and stepped on Maomao many times.


    The explosion rapidly expanded, spreading to the charcoal and droppings.


    (I have to quickly get away.)


    As she did so, someone impressively fell down beside her. The beautiful fabric had been dirtied from being trampled on many times. Maomao pulled up the hands of its owner who had fallen over.


    Huh? Why is Maomao here?


    Rouran, her hair dishevelled, made a nk face.


    Thats what I want to ask you though.


    She said that with a shocked expression. Rouran brushed Maomaos cheek, and reached for her right ear.


    Blood. Does that mean I was toote?


    Speaking of what she waste for, it must be that. It seems the reason Rouran came to such a ce and suddenly blew it up was to save Maomao.


    quickly go.


    Maomao covered her mouth with Rourans sleeve, and somehow crawled out of the basement. We need to get out of here now, she tugged Rouran to go outside.


    However, Rouran went to the steps and ascended the stairs.


    The fire is spreading.


    Its fine. I have to go up.


    Rouran went up the stairs, dragging her tattered skirt along.


    The smoke was quickly rising. Her eyes stung with the stench that made her nose feel strange. Even if the fire didnt spread, she might end up dying from smokeinhtion.


    Are youing along?


    I guess so.


    If its this situation, it would be easy for Maomao to run away. The men who had escaped earlier on had scrambled towards the fortress exit. Would they break into the stables or whatever, and escape from here?


    Itll be scary if Mother knew. Since its about that person, even if they stay, they would be pressed to take responsibility for what happened. Its better to end it with whipping.


    At the speech about her own mother, Rouran cast down her eyes.


    Rouran stopped before the room on the secondstorey[note]or Third story/floor depending on where you live.[/note].


    Maomao grasped the papers in her chest. She didnt even take one of the books that were in the room. She had only taken the papers that had been hidden under the bed.


    If she were to separate from Rouran right now, it will end with her not knowing her goal. She wanted to make sure of that.


    Hey


    Maomao stopped momentarily and wavered on what she was going to say. Rouran was no longer a consort. It would somehow be a bad fit to suddenly call her Rouran. And so, she decided to call her this name.


    Shisui.


    What is it?


    Her hands on the doorknob, Rouran, no, Shisui smiled.


    The abortion drug ingredients that appeared in the inner pce, was something that Shisui arranged, right?


    It was likely that she used Suirei who was outside the inner pce, or another person.


    Shisui continued to smile.


    Its for me to use.


    Shisuis expression was unchanged. Still smiling, she opened the door.


    Maomao really is sharp. Its worth calling you.


    Shisui said.


    The insect that has a call that sounds like a bell, eats the male in order to beget offspring. The insects she received from Shisui, had eaten themselves in the cage without even eating the vegetables she gave them. Maomao released the surviving insect in the garden. The surviving one must have been female. She willy her eggs on the ground, and then she will cease to breathe as well.


    The description was in the books in the paulownia box.


    She understood now. That the one Shisui called an insect was herself.


    If she begets a child, she will eat her father.


    The insect cage signified the inner pce. The male and female insects denoted the emperor and the consorts.


    She also understood the reason why Shisui often appeared in ces with insects. She might have been taking the opportunity to harvest other things while she was collecting insects.


    Ground cherry to white-powder flower. The ingredients that can be abortion drugs are also in the inner pce.


    There was arge bed inside the room. There were five children sleeping there in a row. The voices of the children she heard a couple of days ago must be them.


    Shisui continued to open the doors from the guardrail. The curtain fluttered, snowy wind rushed into the room.


    We have to get the children outside.


    Theres no meaning even if they go out.


    Shisui, no, it was Rourans voice who said it this time.


    Rouran looked outside with a smile.


    It should have been a pitch ck scenery devoid of anything. Maomao had only seen the white ins that extended beyond the outer walls in the daytime at a distance from the grid of the window.


    Watchfires were rising. She could see groups that looked like antsing in while assembled in ranks of troops.


    And then.


    There was a loud bang.


    What?


    The underground explosion must still be going on. Maomao rushed over to the bed and looked at the children.


    Even with such a loud sound, all the children remained sleeping without a stir of surprise. Maomao felt one of the children.


    !?


    His skin was cold. Maomao picked up the childs hand and felt for a pulse with her finger.


    !?


    All the children were cold and had no pulse. There was a pitcher on the side of the bed. There were cups for the number of people here.


    Rouran affectionately stroked the brow of one of the children.


    Was it you who did it?


    Rouran nodded slowly. With eyes filled with affection, she stroked the children like they were her own. Whether she was Rouran or Shisui, Maomao no longer knew.


    If we do such a shy thing, it would be familial extermination. That much is clear.


    Even if there were young children, they will be included among them. They will go up to the gallows while not knowing the deeds of their parents.


    I made them drink it mixed with sweet juice. It was after everyone happily looked at picture scrolls in a warm room. I suppose there was a grumbling child? He looked like he wanted to sleep with his mother, but its unfortunate. Your mother is having fun with my mother.


    Rouran disyed a crooked smile with the corner of her mouth.


    There was a heavy sound of the onught outside, but beyond that, she didnt take her eyes away from Rourans face.


    My nanny said she wasnt that kind of person in the past, but what of it? She was that kind of woman when I was born. She bullied Elder Sister every time she found her, even bullied the young maids, and taught the female rtives to drink and y with male prostitutes. Father said nothing, he didnt oppose her, he just waited for Mother to forgive him.


    Her mother, Shenmei, was mad. She had known just by seeing her.


    After she gave birth, she had her husband as food. Just like an insect. Its much better to be an insect, they do it with their lives connected to their offspring.


    Rouran hated the idea of bing a mother. To the point of making abortion drugs herself and continuing to drink that.


    Maomao felt that she heard her biggest reason.


    All the mothers in the world, are not the same as Shenmei. But for Rouran, her mother was just Shenmei.


    About Maomao, I investigated a little. Your personal history is somewhat like Elder Sister.


    About how she was raised by a former medical officer. About how her father was a high official.


    I have neither a father nor a mother. I only have an adoptive father.


    Fufu, Elder Sister also said something simr. I guess so, I guess so. Elder Sister always said that she wasnt my Elder Sister. Its possible. What if, as harassment to Father, a woman from somece might have just forced Elder Sister.


    Her tone changed again.


    She no longer knew whether this woman was Rouran or Shisui.


    However, the woman had something she wanted to tell Maomao.


    That woman, is not my older sister.


    Not my older sister. In other words, Rouran voiced that Suirei wasnt rted to the Shi n.


    (Liar.)


    Rouran and Suirei look really simr. In particr, her current expressionless face was truly really simr.


    Rouran adores her older sister. And yet, she called her that woman.


    If these children are insects, they will ovee the winter.


    She said and stroked the children once again.


    (If they are insects.)


    Maomao realised once again.


    Silently, she pulled out the folded sheets of papers from her cor.


    One sheet was the devils trumpet paper Rouran had left. The rest were the several sheets that Maomao had pulled out from the books.


    She took out a sheet among those.


    There was a fish fin was pasted onto it. It was Maomaos favourite food. It was delicious to drink the wine steeped with the fin.


    Maomao looked at Rouran wordlessly.


    Rourans eyes were brimming with tears.


    When Maomao was going to extend her hand, Rouran shook her head.


    (We should run away.)


    Maomao thought. But, she didnt know what to do afterward.


    Maomao knew nothing about politics. She had no interest in such things. She only wanted to study lots about medicine, research, and make all sorts of medicine. Just that was fine.


    Just that should have been fine. She didnt care about other people. The most important person was herself. She wondered what she was exposed to, having been brought here.


    But, Maomao extended her hand.


    Rouran refused her.


    I have my role. Dont stop me.


    is there some meaning to it?


    She didnt know what is in the ce she is heading towards. But, she could easily imagine the ending.


    I guess I can only say its obstinance if I say if theres any meaning to it.


    Then, wouldnt it be better to run away?


    At that reply, Rouran gave an impish smile.


    Say, Maomao. You have an unknown poison. What would you do if you only have one chance to drink it?


    Ill drink it all up.


    She replied immediately. It was about what other paths there were.


    Thought so.


    Rouran said that, and stood up with a smile.


    She left the room with light steps as if she was going shopping.


    Ill leave the rest to you.


    The door closed with a click.


    Her footsteps quickly faded.


    Maomao was facing up before she realised. The back of her eyes was hot. She desperately held it in.


    The brief time she endured, the building shook with the rumble that gradually got louder.


    Two drops of water fell, soaking into the pressed devils trumpet.


    T/N: Psst. If youre lost, and want a tant hint, you can check out the summary of chapter 13 of Volume 2 of the LN on my blog ;D


    TueThuSat until the end of the arc.


    Jinshi POV next.


    Also, let me know which of the previous chapters you feel are in a dire need for rewriting/retrantion. Ill go back and redo those if time permits. You can leave ament on the specific chapter or list them in thements here. Itll be helpful for me to pin down the worst ones. Thanks (Cause 2018.)


    Time to mow down those terrible trantions yeah speetion was a bad idea after all but ying that game with those guys had been fun while itsted *cough*

 Volume 3, Chapter 38: Strategy

    Going back a little in time.


    While rocking in the horse carriage, Jinshi was face to face with a person he cant deal with.


    It was called a horse carriage, but it was drawn by ten horses, making it closer to a mobile house than a carriage. There were furs spread out on the floor, and a roundtable was set in the centre.


    Rakan, the personage whom he had expected to be grinning per usual, was currently scowling over a map with a look of annoyance. Behind him, his adopted son, as he scrutinised Rakan and Jinshis countenance, was studying the state of the cashflow invoice of his wallet. Money opens all doors it was as though he was going to act depending on the state of it.


    The man called Rahan was the greatest miser among the people he met so far, but Jinshi wholeheartedly felt that it was a godsend that he was present this time.


    Jinshi was currently in the state where it couldnt be helped if Rakan hit him at any moment.


    Gaoshun, who was standing in wait behind him, was also prepared to draw the sword at his waist at any moment.


    Raising your hand at Jinshi, meant that there was no other way than to be cut down by Gaoshun, but the current Rakan must have got into Jinshis horse carriage thinking of wanting to hit him regardless of that.


    Rakan had already seized Jinshi by the cor before departure. It was when he was told that his daughter Maomao had disappeared from the inner pce.


    Rakan doted on Maomao. Being deemed not a father and being treated lower than dirt and bugs didnt matter. Jinshi recalled Rakans cut-off spiel at the banquet seat from the other day. The hand he had injured then was still wrapped in bandages. It also looks hard for him to hold a brush.


    He surmised that Maomao had followed or was taken along with the former high-ranked consort, Rourans escape. Beyond her escape from the inner pce, was Jinshis responsibility.


    Shishou, as well as his close rtives, were already gone from their estate. He surmised that the n had barricaded themselves in the fortress.


    And Rakan, who was honourably defeated from charging at the inner pce three times, cannot forgive Jinshi for that. He had screamed, close enough to his ears that it hurt, that if she was close at his hand, this sort of thing wouldnt have happened.


    Jinshi had known too. Even if there was a secret passage in the inner pce, even if none of the people concerned knew about its existence, he had no intention of avoiding responsibility. He had confronted the contractors who carried out the building project in those days, and made them spit out whether there was something like a secret passage. There was no honest person who would meekly confess that they made a secret passage, but he gathered that the workers who were already dead had made such a thing.


    There was a small shrine dedicated to deceased courtdies in the inner pce. They had discovered a secret passage skilfully hidden in the floor there.


    It was Rakans nephew and adopted son, Rahan, who had stopped Rakan when he was going to raise his hand at Jinshi.


    Father, this is just for example, but in the case where you raise your hand at the imperial family, would that crime end with just the person concerned?


    Rakan was stopped with that roundabout remark.


    Raising a hand at Jinshi, meant familial extinction. Even Rakans daughter, Maomao, would be a target.


    Rakan had known who Jinshi was. There were not many people who can deceive his eyes. Rahan as well. Jinshi had wondered perhaps when the man came for negotiations the other day, but it seems he really had noticed.


    When he asked Rahan whats up with that, he replied with a Ra n-esque answer.


    Your height and weight, the measurements of your chest, torso and etc., theyre all the same numbers after all. That kind of person is rare.


    Rahan as well, had known it from seeing it in a way that other people didnt understand.


    If its like that. Thus he specially allowed him toe along as Rakans assistant while being a civil official.


    The current Jinshi wasnt the eunuch named Jinshi. There was a silver kanzashi slipped into his bundled hair. He was wearing thickly padded bluish purple armour, not his usual official robes.


    Jinshi and the others were marching. And as they advanced, they were revising the strategy.


    Is this truly fine?


    Theres no problem.


    It was Rahan who replied.


    The map that was spread out was a drawing of the area around the fortress that stood on the mountain ridge. As the fortress hadnt been used for a long time, the map was considerably old, but they assembled senior military officers who had been stationed there before and re-edited it.


    It was positioned with the mountain at the back and the ins in front of it.


    Above all, Rahan had predicted the possibility that they were making some kind of firearm. The area had lots of lumber. As a forest resource, it was a locality that was wanted so badly one could taste it, but it had been protected by the Shi n for generations.


    Hot springs gushed out in a nearby area. He was told that there was the possibility that they are obtaining sulfur from there too.


    What about saltpetre?


    They are making gunpowder. It was another ingredient they required.


    Maybe its because there are hot springs? There seems to arge cave nearby where small animals can pass the winter easily.


    He was told that caves umtearge amount of bat droppings. It seems that it is possible to produce saltpetre using animal waste as a material.


    Jinshi groaned. If they were to use firearms, it wouldnt be the type of things called hand cannons. They are deploying weapons that collectively aim at enemies from the castle walls.


    It was a little troubling that they are using cannons.


    Rakan had already known what Jinshi hade up with.


    He must be seeing the map that was spread out right now as a mere Go board.


    Rakan pointed to the cliff behind the fortress.


    This is theoretically possible.


    Rahan said inly.


    If you were to speak of possibilities, this would have to be the best way of doing it logically.


    The strategy that Rakan had nned was suppression without allowing the use of cannons. The gunpowder used by cannons gets moist very easily. Even if there is enough gunpowder left beside the cannon as the asion calls, it would have to be normally stored in the armoury for it to stay dry.


    In particr, the fortress is on high ground. A terrain where snow always falls. ording to the scout, it seems that it was snowing heavily tonight.


    Theyll be marks if they were to march normally.


    And so, Rakan suggested eliminating the armoury first so they cannot use cannons, but that method was too outrageous. Being outrageous but possible to implement, was a scary part of this man.


    I think this method is a greatly economical.


    Did Rahan get lured by the words economical that got pressed forward? He had a feeling that he understood this small mans personality too well in this short period of time.


    Quickly suppress them, we have to rescue Maomao. Papa ising to save you!


    He wanted to smile wryly at the words papa, but there was no way he could do that.


    Jinshi recalled the short girl as he chewed on his lips. Was she taken as a pawn, or was it for a different reason? Or did shee along on her own ord? He didnt know. Just that, if she was in the midst of the enemy, he wanted to take her out as soon as possible. Her body was so skinny like it would break. She shouldnt be in perfect health yet.


    Jinshi squeezed his fist.


    Lets go with that.


    Please wait.


    It was Gaoshun who cut into Jinshis decision.


    Theres a problem.


    Gaoshun, brows furrowed, got onto his knee and made a suggestion.


    Whats the problem?


    Besides Jinshi, Rakan and Rahan also tilted their heads.


    About the march this time, have you forgotten?


    It was a single brigademanding the troops. It can be said the number of people was over-sufficient considering the scale of the fortress. If the strategy devised by Rakan went well, he would think that there would almost no damage to themselves though.


    The imperial guard doing a surprise attack?


    Ngh, Jinshi backed up for an instant.


    Slowly, he touched the kanzashi on his head. Touched the symbol of the imperial family that was shaped as a kirin.


    He had been a eunuch for a long time; he sometimes forgot his own position. The current Jinshi wasnt Jinshi. Gaoshun wasnt Gaoshun either.


    Considering his own position, he must gain control with the poise befitting that. He got it, but the words that came from his mouth were different.


    I approve the captains judgement.


    I understand.


    Gaoshun drew back acquiescently. His gaze was turned towards the man behind him.


    It seems the mans glowering look was piercing the back of Jinshis head.


    Thats a relief. I have no interest in making a cup from a skull.


    Saying that, Rakan scoffed, and left the tent. It wasnt a funny joke.


    Rahan flipped the abacus, making sure there was no mistake in the calctions.


    -sama.


    It was Gaoshun who called Jinshi by his real name. The deep wrinkles on his brow were knitted.


    After this, youll have to change the way you deal with that girl.


    Gaoshun said, his tone like he was soothing a child.


    I get it.


    Jinshi sighed tremendously. The atmosphere was cold; his breath turned white.


    He shivered and put on the white overcoat that snugly covered up to his head.


    The deafening roar came after midnight.


    Whats the matter? Shishou got up and strapped on the sword left at his bedside. Although he went to bed, there was no way he could sleep. Though he was called the Roon Geezer in the Imperial Court, his delicateness of going through sleepless nights stayed with him.


    There was no way he could sleep.


    For these couples of decades, he couldnt sleep even when he tried. Thats why his eyelids had darkened and produced eyes circles just like a roon.


    As if they were surprised by the rumbling, the coquettish voices that came from the room next door went silent. The lustful female voices turned noisy.


    On the other side of the wall, his wife must be gulping down wine. Simply for show, she made the woman of the n assume improper appearances and y with the men she bought with money. That, was the daily routine of his wife after she gave birth to his daughter Rouran. She purposely indulged herself in pleasure in a ce that Shishou would notice.


    The women with herhad been perplexed at first, but were now enjoying that amusement. She had delighted in the degrading of chaste wives, dragging over those who had already given birth, those who had done their duty as wives.


    She hadnt been that sort of woman.


    Shishou went out onto the balcony and looked outside.


    He had wondered if it was an enemy attack. The lights of the army, most likely imperial guards, were still far away. This fortress, being on high ground, gave an extensive view of a couple tens of ri ahead. There should be enough time to just take a nap.


    Mmm, Shishou noticed a strange stench intermingled with the wind.


    Was it the stench of sulfur?


    Gunpowder was being made underground. Did that explode? Shishou realised.


    I knew it, he gripped his cor


    I must do something about it, even if he thought, he couldnt move. It was miserable. He cant put energy into it.


    The person highly favoured by the empress. The personage unmatched by the emperor. A sly, cunning old man.


    The Shishou that was called such in the imperial court, would have to be apletely different to the current Shishou. He even thought that of himself too it could not be helped.


    He carried his belly that had suddenly protruded after passing his forties, and walked onwards step by step. Him going out to check the situation required him passing the room his wife was in. That act was unbelievably painful.


    The female bestowed from the previous emperor, no, his betrothed who was finally returned to him after twenty years, during the time she was in the inner pce, had gained a thorn.


    The time when she finally returned to Shishous side, he already had a wife, already had a child. The child, was Shisui.


    His wife, not just a thorn, also gained venom.


    That venomkilled Shisuis mother and continued to undermine Shisui.


    He had to deal with her quickly, otherwise-


    Persuading himself, he finally opened the door to the room. The male prostitutes were surprised, and the women, with their remaining shame perhaps, covered themselves with the covers in a panic.


    Only his wife was stretched out on the couch, smoking a pipe. Clear colours of scorn appeared in her sharp eyes.


    What was that sound just now?


    She grumbled as she blew tobo smoke.


    I am going to check now it was when he was going to say that.


    The door on the side of the corridor was opened with a loud bang. Standing there, was his daughter covered in soot, Rouran.


    Your disgraceful appearance, what is up with that?


    I dont need to tell Mother and rest of you.


    Rouran said over her shoulders starkly and looked at the women who were struggling for the covers.


    I dont need to tell you people who leave your children and throw yourselves into pleasure.


    At Rourans words, the woman who finally remembered her children was going to rush out. However, Rouran pped that womans face. When the woman crumbled down to the side, the male prostitutes ran away, finally knowing the severity of the situation.


    Is this my daughter? Shishou wanted to tilt his head. He had thought his daughter, named Rouran, was a meek child. He had thought she was a child who behaved like a doll, who wore clothes like her mother told her.


    Rouran strode into the room, and opened the sliding doors that were lined on the shelf. When she opened thergest door, he noticed that there was a young woman imprisoned within the narrow space.


    Elder Sister, Im sorry. Im a bitte.


    The trembling woman was bound up and tortured. Her face was really simr to Rouran. It was his other daughter, Shisui.


    Shishous face twisted. He knew she was getting beat up, but to think that it was like this.


    Rouran released Shisui, rubbed her back. And then she looked at her father, Shishou.


    Father.


    Rouran grinned.


    Please take responsibility for the end, at least.


    What responsibility there was no time for him to ask her back.


    The rushing sound gradually got closer.


    !?


    When he thought there was yet a different rumble, the fortress shook in its entirety this time. He found purchase with the walls, and as he supported himself, he went out to the balcony again to see what just happened.


    He could see snow falling. The east side of the fortress was pure white, he couldnt see anything. What happened? He didnt know at first.


    And then, he noticed the ce where the snow had slightly settled. The building that should have been there was buried in snow. If he remembered correctly, that should be where the armoury was.


    However, snow had surged into it, burying half of it.


    Rouran called out to the dumbfounded Shishou.


    You should have known that they are an enemy you cannot beat. Please take responsibility.


    For I shall take responsibility for Mother, she said.


    His daughter, her singed hair swaying, went to stand in front of her own mother with dignified poise.


    Take responsibility. Shishou clenched a fist at his daughters sentence.


    T/N: I quadruplechecked the names. I made doubly sure that the names are right. Rakan and Rahan, why are your names so simr orz


    Also, first tranted chapter of the year, yeahhh

 Volume 3, Chapter 39: Trampled Snow

    Dont do the impossible, Rihaku thought.


    Before his eyes, Shishous private army who couldnt properly deal with the sudden intruders were panicking. Though they brandished their spears as they panicked, they were no match for Rihakus people who hade here perfectly prepared.


    Right now, Rihaku was here to capture the rebels, the Shi n. The location was five hundred ri north of the capital. Them repairing the fortress that should have already been abandoned and having soldiers must be something like that. It was equivalent to thinking that they are retaliating against the emperor.


    The fortress was moderatelyrge, but it was truly foolish to n an uprising with just that. ording to what he heard, the fellows who had nned the uprising had broken up internally, and it was only the Shi n who came to be unyielding among them. The head of the Shi n, Shishou, was a personage who was quite respectable even within the imperial court. He was a person that emperor was no match for, to the point where he chased out the previous high-ranked consort and installed his own daughter on that seat, though-.


    Rihaku tilted his head as he swung his staff.


    He didnt know if they were lost in their greed, or they have gone mad.


    Just that, be as it may that they were driven to a wall, since they had disappeared from the capital and barricaded themselves in this kind of ce, they couldnt be the type of people to be treated as rebels, right? That the personage who is called the Racoon Geezer even in the imperial court wouldnt do such a foolish thing.


    However, Rihaku was a military officer. Hell leave the over thinking to the other guys, and finish the job. He mmed the staff on an enemy soldiers leg and swept him off his feet. His subordinates in white overcoats were tying up the fallen soldiers behind Rihaku. Rihaku was also wearing the same overcoat, but he had just taken it off with it being in the way.


    The white overcoat stood out with the blood stters. It was a costume that was essentially inappropriate for battle, though.


    It was a colour that blended in with the white of the snow. It was just the right thing to disappear into it. Also, they would stand out even less in a moonless night.


    Rihakus troop were marching without carrying torches. The unit had split into two groups en route to the fortress. The leading infantry unit who were assembled being used to the snow and had pride in their skill, and the rest of the unit. The two were mobilised a couple of ten ri apart.


    As a result, speaking what happens, at night, the fortress lookout would notice the lights carried by the unit at the back, and wouldnt notice the unit that had approached in advance. They would be mistaken to think that the enemys arrival would be a whileter.


    In that case, Rihakus unit had another problem. They were walking on the ins that had nothing since a couple of ten ri ago. It was a different matter if even the stars came out, but even the moon was hidden by the clouds. It was normal that their sense of direction was muddled.


    Rihaku, for a moment, let out a breath after he finished capturing the enemy. During then, something fell out from his cor.


    This thing is thought up really well.


    Rihaku picked up the fish-shaped wooden sculpture that had fallen onto the snow. They grasped the location of the fortress ording to this.


    There was a ma inside the sculpture. Youll know your bearings when you float this in a bucket of water. Its a tool used by sailors. The surface of it had been rubbed on with some mysterious powder that shone. He could see which direction even in the dark. It seems the raw material was a mushroom that glowed in the night.


    Also, with this surprise attack, there was one other bonus.


    With a look of surprise, Rihaku thought when he saw the surging snow from the top of the cliff.


    The guy who thought of this strategy, what kind of mind does he have?


    One of the reasons this fortress was abandoned came from the following facts.


    He heard that ces close to hot springs have lots of earthquakes. There was arge earthquake a couple of decades ago, and the surrounding topography seemed to have changed then. The slope of the mountain had crumbled, making avnches appear in winter since then. Though the scale itself was small and it wasnt something that urred frequently, the location was bad.


    Since it falls right on top of the building, the deterioration of it progressed, and they got right on to reducing the size of the army.


    He was told that this times was artificially induced. It was based on the fact that this year was colder than average and the snow was also deep.


    Several people used to the snowy mountains had been taken along by the leading unit. If he were to figure out where they were going while bearing arge number of firences, it must be for this.


    He looked around. Fresh blood scattered in the air. The red spots were stark on the white snow. One of his subordinates ran a sword through the chest of an enemy soldier who continued to struggle. The soldier copsed, caught off-guard; he was out of luck to brandish his dagger. He coughed, feeling the bloody froth overflowing from his mouth. His movements faltered and stopped.


    Dont take their lives if they surrender. They should have been told that. It would have been fine if they just listened obediently. Did they not have thatposure? Seeing that scene, the men around them wentpliant.


    Beyond the possibility of being able to take lives, they must not be heartless. Rihaku was taught that, had taught that.


    He located a personage treading on the dirty snow, entering the fortress.


    His ck hair looked very stunning with his white overcoat. Rihaku, who couldnt imagine himself thinking about that towards a man, smiled bitterly at this situation.


    This man originally shouldnt be on the battlefields. His handsome visage was the gardener of the flower garden known as the inner pce, and was also counted as one of its flowers at the same time.


    However, in reality, he wasnt a flower[note][/note], but a Flower[note][/note].


    In his hair that was half down and had the remaining half in a bundle, there was a silver kanzashi. You can do nothing but prostrate before it when you see that design.


    It was the thing above the three des in the country called Rii. There were only two individuals unique in this country that bore names with Ka[note][/note]. This was one individual.


    Originally, he should not be on this ground. He was in the night march, and had also walked tens of ri in order to not make a sound. The unit was assembled with those with physical strength, but he could see his fatigue.


    However, the owner of the graceful face that was like a celestial maiden, was wielding a liuyedao[note], willow leaf sabre. A single-edged sword with a moderate curve along the de.[/note] that didnt match him. He was d in bluish purple armour, which indicated his existence to his surroundings.


    Eunuch Jinshi, that should have been that mans position. The young eunuch highly favoured by the emperor, with a beauty that, at times, went as far as to spread insolent rumours.


    When he appeared before he tookmand of the army, several people must have dropped their jaws in shock. There were also officials whoseplexions had tantly gone bad. That lord, who was popr with both men and women, had been wooed by even men at times.


    Rihaku was also one of those in shock. A few days ago, he was entrusted with various matters from Jinshis close aide, a man called Gaoshun. This time too, being called to assemble those with strong physical ability in the cold among his associates and own subordinates was something like this.


    His name wasnt Jinshi anymore, but Rihaku cannot call him by his Ka name. There was no one aside from the emperor who can directly call him by that name even in writing.


    Jinshi went inside the fortress. Rihaku followed so he doesnt fall behind. Gaoshun wasnt by his side, instead, a young military officer kept close to his back.


    Rihaku also went after them.


    The inside of the fortress was shrouded by a cloying stench. The stench was like rotten eggs. As he wondered what happened, there were men carrying clumps of snow to the underground.


    Could a fire or something have broken out underground? When Rihaku caught a man who was carrying snow in a panic and asked him, that was the case. He was told there was an explosion.


    We h-have to be put it out quickly, or the m-mistress will.


    The trembling man looked away from Rihaku. Rihaku released the man.


    He didnt know if his badplexion was due to the smoke, or that was he scared of this mistress or whoever.


    However, they might have made such a miscalction that there were fewer soldiers in the fortress than they had expected.


    Rihaku covered his mouth with his sleeves, and went down on his knee behind Jinshi who was standing in the lead.


    A word of advice?


    Im thankful that I can speak from the other side, Rihaku thought.


    Permitted.


    Then, I shall presume upon your words.


    He always regretted that he should have studiednguage properly for moments like this.


    I believe there is no need to remain in this smoke for long. Shall we have the people inside promptly leave as well?


    I get it.


    Did I say the obvious? Rihaku reflected.


    However, there might be people inside who cant escape.


    In that case, we shall have everyone search, outside.


    We cannot do that.


    At Jinshis words, Rihakus face twisted. He thought it was good that his face was bowed down.


    For Rihaku, it was intolerable for Jinshi to get injured. He wanted him to go outside as soon as possible, even if it was to observe from a safe ce. However, on the honour of the Imperial Guard, Jinshi was also required toe out in front. Precisely because they wereunching what appears to be a surprise attack, he might not relinquish that part.


    His showing his face to the public majestically like so, meant that he was throwing away the eunuch Jinshi. It must signify that he was living, not as the useless shut-in imperial brother.


    With that, the harmony of the imperial court will copse at once. The Shi n that was once a cut above the rest was in this state. Those guys must be mixed with the captured enemy. It was good that they were captured, but their crimes were settled. It was standard that those who retaliate against the emperor will be sentenced to familial extermination. The hopes on the extent of how the reigning emperors kindness will deal with them must be faint.


    Captain Kans daughter is captured here.


    That is.


    Captain Kan, in other words, the weirdo tactician. Rihaku was told this before they broke into here. He was surprised that man had a daughter, and why she was captured was also a mystery, but that was all he was told.


    Can we abandon her?


    They could not.


    A new political opponent will be born.


    His mouth slipped. He had a feeling that a small amount of something was revealed within Jinshis stiff expression.


    Ahh, I guess so.


    As he revealed a bitter expression as though something was tearing him up, Jinshi went ahead.


    Rihaku got to his feet and scratched his head. If its like this, he should finish his job as soon as possible.


    T/N: This is amusing, but Rihakus POV is the easiest to trante out of all the voices in this novel for me.


    Chapter Title: The snow that was used to base the strategy on, and the snow that was stepped on.

 Volume 3, Chapter 40: Rescue

    There was a giant cascade of snow that came with the deafening roar. Maomao knew that it was called an avnche from her knowledge.


    The snow surged like a waterfall from behind the cliffs top. The snowy cascade quickly stopped, not flowing all the way down to where Maomao was, but the ce she assumed was the storehouse disappeared under a flurry of snow.


    Maomao watched that scene from the balcony.


    Due to the underground explosion, most of the workers had run away, and the ones left were fighting the fire. Moreover, the other personnel would have to split up if there was an avncheing. There were soldiers flying out from the outer wall she could see that they were dumbfounded by the situation.


    Then, there were people who couldnt escape that situation.


    White somethings broke into the outer wall that had be short-handed. She couldnt see them clearly with their protective colouringfrom a distance. However, they confronted the panicking soldiers, and she could see something red flying. Blood sttered on the pure white snow.


    The white somethings were invaders. When they took off and threw away their white overcoats, they revealed themselves as soldiers.


    Maomao recognised the one leading them.


    Even though he had changed his clothes into armour, it was detestable that his elegance was still the same. His hair danced with every swing of his de. Even though he was on a bloody battlefield, it looked like she was watching a sword dance.


    (Did hee to suppress them?)


    A high ranked consort escaping from the inner pce, was equivalent to treason. Furthermore, with her family having barricaded themselves in this kind of fortress, they had no excuse. Then she looked at Jinshis appearance.


    Those with the social position to wear bluish purple on their body were limited. She wouldnt think that Jinshi was at this ce as a eunuch.


    It was a little relieving, but she still cant let down her guard yet.


    There was still the stench of sulfur in the air. She could end up getting poisoned, being here for such a long time. How was the situation underneath? The fire wouldnt spread much as the fortress was built of brick and stone, but she had to pay attention to the smoke.


    Even if not, it wasnt limited to not rousing Shenmeis frenzy either. Basing on how she treated Maomao, the woman might not have realised that she was rted to the weirdo monocle. Also, she didnt think Rouran would slip her mouth.


    Had it turned out like so, Maomao had nned to jump down from the balcony,nd on the snow and run away, but-


    That would be the worse case scenario.


    From the balcony, Maomao looked at the prone children who look like they were sleeping. It was just pitiful that they were pale, not breathing and had no pulse either.


    (We should have just run away.)


    That went for Rouran, and for herself as well.


    Maomao had no idea what Rouran was going to do from here on, but she felt that she only understood why Rouran brought her here. It was due to that reason that Maomao couldnt leave this ce.


    Intense footsteps approached. She heard the sound of metal.


    The door was kicked opened just as she heard something fall heavily.


    A soldier in a white overcoat came in. The overcoat was patterned like red dots scattering on a white background.


    you are?


    In his confusion, he squinted at Maomao.


    Oi, what is it?


    Approaching them was a voice she recognised. It was the mongrel she knew who unexpectantly appeared.


    Is this person the one?


    He asked the mongrel soldier, Rihaku, for confirmation.


    Rihaku crossed his arms and tilted his head. He approached her with his brows furrowed.


    Awkward question. I have a feeling that you look like a girl called Maomao who works in the imperial court.


    Im that person.


    Rihaku was asking a stupid question, but he was in armour rather than his usual official robes. There was a staff in his hand.


    Why are you here?


    It seems I was abducted.


    The angle of Rihakus head tilted down even more to almost horizontal.


    Hey, is your daddy.


    Its probably as you imagine. Please cease from mentioning that name. Ill understand if you call him that old man or something.


    Rihaku stopped speaking in response to Maomaos request, but he was tantly shuddering. Afterward, he smacked his fist into his palm, looking like he strangely understood.


    What did he understand in his thoughts? She had no idea, but it was somewhat aggravating.


    Rihaku pointed to Maomao and said, Its this person, this person. The subordinate made a dubious expression as he pulled out a flute from his breast pocket and blew it.


    Welllll, my bad my bad, its like this if you say so. That aside, you look filthy. Huh? Your ear hurt?


    He was a rude guy as usual, but he came over peering at her in concern. The military officer with a somewhat detestable personality was also bathed in blood stters, stinking of iron when he came closer.


    Stop it with the injuries. That old man, he said that he was going toe along even though he couldnt even move properly. He couldnt move as expected.


    He really used that old man. It must be that old man who thought up this strategy. Even the avnche urring, there was no mistaking that old man did something, Maomao thought.


    She had wondered if Rihaku was a guy who didnt get a sense of wariness, but then he instructed his subordinate to stand by the door as a lookout.


    What is this? Are the children sleeping?


    Maomao spread out her arms and stopped Rihaku from getting closer.


    Theyre not breathing. They seem to have drunk poison.


    Rihakus face contorted at Maomaos words.


    He must think it is a cruel scene. However, even if they were alive here, their only path is to go up to the gallows.


    Even with the attempted assassination of a high ranked consort, the person concerned was sentenced to hanging, and their n more or less had their fortunes seized.


    This time there was no other way but that.


    It didnt matter whether they were woman or children. Everyone would be executed.


    Maomao wanted to ascertain a certain matter from Rihaku who was disying a pathetic expression.


    The executed ones, are they thrown away?


    Of course not. They are interred in a dedicated graveyard. Its only just that they are cremated.


    Can we let them, at least, have a memorial service with their mother?


    At Maomaos words, Rihaku made an indescribable expression. He tugged his hair roughly and groaned.


    I dont know. This kind of thing aint my job.


    However, Rihaku came closer and lifted up one of the children. He ripped up the nket, tore up half of it and bundled the child in it.


    They look like theyre sleeping. I thought about getting them together, but theyre quite heavy.


    Rihaku said, and he wrapped the next child with the rest of the nket. He ripped up the bedsheet in the same way, and bundled up the next. When she thought that there wouldnt be enough cloth for thest child, he ripped up the overcoat of the subordinate who was keeping a lookout at the door.


    Oi, call for another two people toe.


    Saying only that, he then carried the children under both of his arms.


    Rihaku-sama?


    We cant hold a memorial service for them together, but leaving them here is also like that, right? We can just secretly bury them close to the graveyard then.


    Rihaku grinned, showing white teeth.


    Would you get used of a crime?


    Who knows. But, in that time you can do something for me.


    Even if you say something.


    Maomao crossed her arms sullenly, and Rihaku made a look like something had urred to him.


    Oh, you have a good hand.


    What could it be?


    Rihaku said, and his lips curled into a grin.


    If you call him papa even, wouldnt that old man do whatever you ask?


    It goes without saying what kind of response Maomao made to those words.


    sorry. That was nothing.


    Rihaku immediately looked away and apologised.


    It seems she had made that face.


    T/N: Oops. Seems I didnt upload the better-edited version. Fixed.


    That saying, short chapters, how have I missed you so

 Volume 3, Chapter 41: Hand Cannon

    Jinshi could hear the ear-piercing sounds of a flute. He felt his thread of tension loosen slightly. They had agreed to sound the flute when the target is found. If there is an abnormality, it would be in a series of short tones, and if there are no issues, a long unbroken tone.


    Seeing how it had ended with a single long tone, there had been no issues whatsoever. Or at least, that must be how it was handled.


    Jinshi came out of a long corridor. He recalled the rough sketch he had looked at beforehand there was the banquet hall and the office ahead, then the living quarters.


    Basen was behind Jinshi. Gaoshun should originally be in this position, but that man had his own job.Basen always had the habit of raising his right shoulder when he took over his fathers job as a substitute.


    Dont be too on guard.


    Jinshi said, in a voice only Basen can hear. There were another two military officers behind Basen.


    Then, please allow me to go ahead.


    Jinshi understood what Basen wanted to say. Position-wise, he must want to fortify Jinshis guard front and back. He snickered, going to push open the heavy door, but then, all of a sudden, he had an unpleasant premonition.


    He told everyone to keep away from the front of the door.


    He then opened the door, and in that instant, hid his body behind a wall.


    That moment, a bullet passed through Jinshis side with an ear-popping sound.


    This is!?


    Basens face contorted.


    It is within range as hypothesised.


    You would have to prepare hand cannon at least if you were to prepare gunpowder. The weather outside was bad, and besides, there were limited ces where you can use hand cannons that took time to load. It can only be used in the fortress in a ce that was spacious enough for it.


    And it was as Jinshi had expected. There were men in the hall who were reloading bullets in a fluster.


    LETS GO!


    With Jinshis yell, the men bearing the hand cannons panicked and drew their swords, but it was already toote. Hand cannons are originally weapons that are used in alternations. If the first shot failed, there was no time to reload bullets.


    There were about five people in the hall, all of them were wearing first-ss clothes. He could recognise some of the faces among them. Therge room with cold stone flooring was teeming with the characteristic smell of gunpowder.


    Where did Shishou go?


    All the people here must be members of the Shi n. Their subordinates who remained from the lost battle were not around, he could see that their engagement with hand cannons was ast resort.


    You have no ns of speaking?


    W-We dont know! We didnt have that intention.


    One of the men spoke. As his spit flew, he looked at Jinshi with desperation, but since he seemed as though he was going to spring on him, he was immediately pinned down by Basen.


    We were just lied to.


    He continued to speak as his face was pressed down on the floor.


    Shameless!


    His face was forced further down by the irritated Basen.


    You bastards embezzled the money of this country. The proof that youre using this fortress is what is left! And besides, with you setting up weapons like that, what do you think we can get from just that?


    Basen held the edge of the sword against the mans neck. The man, who had spit on the side of his lips, stiffened his face.


    W-we dont know! We were told that this was for the country. We were just, for the country.


    The sword shed the floor. Sparks flew as de and stone collided. The mans eyes rolled back; he could say nothing more. A wet spot spread out across the floor. The other men were silent as if they didnt want to expose such an unsightly appearance. Only fear surfaced in their eyes.


    Dont look at me with such eyes Jinshi couldnt tell them.


    No matter how muchpassion they sought from him, he was handing down a decision he couldnt undermine.


    What Jinshi could do at most, was only to react to those gazes as the target of their emotions.


    How kindly. Since theyre heading up the gallows anyways, you should just resolutely bring them down.


    A voice closed in with thesound of shuffling footsteps. Basen and the retainers put themselves on guard.


    Shishou, the fat, slow-moving man, had turned up. There was a hand cannon in his hands.


    Jinshi looked at the man who was known as the Old Roon.


    What a very easy-going manner of speaking, Shishou.


    Jinshi took out a document from his breast pocket. The gist of what was written in the note that bore the emperors seal was the capture of the Shi n.


    Shishou moved slowly as he set up the hand cannon.


    Has he gone senile?


    One of the retainers whispered. Shishou wasnt carrying flint. It seems he had deduced that there was no way he could use it.


    Jinshi quickly tuggedBasen and the other retainers hands. They were then crawling on the floor.


    There was the sound of firing. The bullet rebounded off the wall and, unluckily, hit the leg of a n member who had fallen over. His scream reverberated in the hall.


    How miserable. Havent you tried shooting at a beast before as well?


    Shishou said to the one who was screaming.


    Even though you were so tempted to try it on people as soon as possible. How disappointing.


    What an emotionless voice, Jinshi thought. Was it his imagination that he sounded like he was chanting his lines in monotone?


    Hm, is that all? If only I have a bit more time mm.


    Shishou said, and threw away the hand cannon he had brought over. Then he looked at Jinshi, and for an instant, his face eased.


    What does he want to say?


    He couldnt press him. Even if he did, this man wouldnt speak.


    GO!


    Basenid down the order from the ground.


    Blood sprayed. Three swords ran through the plump Shishous torso in quick session.


    Shishou didnt scream. He only looked up. Red foam leaked from his mouth, his eyes became bloodshot. However, he didnt fall and only spread out hisrge hands as he faced up.


    Laughter, or was it a curse?


    There was nothing in the ceiling, or was he looking further up? Jinshi didnt know.


    Without leaving behind an answer, Shishou let out his dying breath.


    If you say it was too quick, it was too quick. His final moments were just like that.


    There were lightly-dressed women and gaudy men in the corridor past the hall.


    The women ran their mouths saying who was inside and begged for their lives. The men insisted that the women were members of the Shi n and they were not.


    He knew the feeling of wanting to help them, but Jinshi turned his face away from the unsightly appearance of selling other people, and left their arrest to his retainers.


    He was told the former high-ranked consort Rouran and her mother Shenmei was in the innermost room.


    Isnt there no one here?


    Basenentered the room before Jinshi did.


    There was a singlerge bed and several couches lined up inside. Clothes tossed about, the wafting scent of incense, the overturned wine, and pipes. What kind of act was done here, he didnt need to see it to guess.


    Jinshi, who was dizzy from the incense, found himself throwing away the incense burner.


    Things that looked like dried herbs spilled out of the incense burner. If the pharmacist girl was here, she would be telling him what kind of use they had.


    Where did they go?


    There was no one in the connecting room or balcony either.


    Could they have jumped off outside?


    As everyone was going to the balcony, Jinshi turned his head.


    The room he went into and the room next door, structure-wise, should be the same size, but he strangely felt it was out of sorts.


    He sensed that the inner room was smaller. Jinshi walked through both rooms. The inner room only had one entrance, the opposite side facing the balcony was a wall. He could feel the space in proportion to the small number of furniture, but the distance from the wall to the balcony was somewhat, short.


    Jinshi returned to the room he first entered and looked at the dresser that was ced against the wall. The width of the dresser was just the right size to the size difference to the room next door.


    .


    Jinshi opened the dresser. He reached through the rows of gaudy outfits. The dresser looked solid but the board at the back was strangely thin. He tried pressing it lightly, and noticed the backboard had shifted up.


    Jinshi stepped into the dresser, crawling in on all fours and emerged his face inside. There was a space spread out where there should originally be a wall.


    There was a hidden passageway.


    And then, he could see a faint light.


    Baaang.


    He heard a yful voice. There was a muzzle pointed right at his direction. Rouran was deeper inside the hidden passageway. The shape of the hand cannon wasplepared to the ones Jinshi knew. It resembled the hand cannon Shishou had fired some time ago, but this was a lot smaller than that it could even be carried into a cramped space. Not just gunpowder, they even went as far as to produce new models. That was surprising.


    For convenience sake, I shall call you Jinshi-sama.


    Rouran said as she faced the muzzle at Jinshi.


    The woman was covered in soot and her hair was singed. The candle me in her hand wavered every time she spoke.


    Shall I have you follow me?


    What if I refuse?


    Thats why Im threatening you.


    Jinshi felt it was even more refreshing with her dignified manner of speaking.


    Jinshi looked at the new hand cannon model. He affirmed the parts were different structural-wise to the traditional models, so he raised both his hands.


    I understand.


    Saying only just that, he decided to follow Rouran.


    The hidden passageway wasnt drawn in the sketch Jinshi had looked at. There wouldnt be a meaning for hidden if it was drawn in the sketch. Or perhaps, it could have been something Shishou had newly constructed.


    The passageway was narrow so Rouran was walking backwards with the muzzle pointed at Jinshi. It would be easier if Jinshi walked in front, but were he to pass over, she would have to be cautious about him taking the hand cannon off her.


    You truly areing along obediently.


    It was you who told me toe along though.


    Jinshi replied curtly, and Rouran giggled. Mysteriously, he thought that her expressions were more humanpared to her time in the inner pce.


    Wouldnt it be easy for you to steal this from me?


    .


    Not saying for certain, I can probably render her powerless, Jinshi thought.


    He didnt say that, and only just replied her with silence.


    The candle me started to go out as if the air in the narrow passageway was thin. And just as it was going to vanish, they reached the hidden room.


    As if there was surely an air vent inside, the candle me that he thought had disappeared flickered back to life.


    Illuminated by the flickering me, were two women aside from Rouran. One was a girl who greatly resembled Rouran. There was a ck bruise on her face. Would this be Shishous other daughter, Shisui? Jinshi inferred.


    Then he looked at the other middle-aged woman. Gaudy outfit and gaudy make-up, Jinshi thought. Her appearance, that was unbing of her age, reminded him of Rourans appearance when she was in the inner pce.


    There were only two chairs and one table in the room.


    Rouran, this man is


    Yes, Mother. I had hime along to grant your wish.


    Rourans mother, Shenmei, raised the corner of her eyes forcefully and red at Jinshi.


    You always hated his appearance, havent you? Was it because he looked like someone, or were you always jealous that he is more beautiful than you?


    Rouran!


    Shenmei shouted at her daughter. However, Rouran wasnt fazed. Instead, Shisui trembled.


    That joke went too far. Well then, shall we have one entertainment before Mother achieves her long-cherished ambition?


    Rouran set the candle on the table and slipped the hand cannon into the sash of her clothes.


    And then, she began to tell the story in a clear voice.


    T/N: RIP Shishou.

 Volume 3, Chapter 42: Villain

    Jinshi thought that Rourans story was about what happened during the era of the previous emperor.


    The dim-witted emperor had ruled as his mothers puppet she was loftily making a fool of the previous emperor with her speech, though Jinshi couldnt get offended as he knew it to be the truth.


    He never regarded the man said to be his sire to be frightening, rather, it was the mans mother who stood behind him that he feared. Jinshi looked back to his past. He couldnt clearly remember the final moments of the woman who was known as the Empress. The only thing he could remember was how the previous emperor had passed away like he was chasing after her.


    The Empress had grown impatient of her son who disyed no interest in women and had sent forth many beauties into the inner pce. And once, she had told the head of a certain n in the north to send in his daughter. She had told him that she would officially appoint his daughter as her sons high-ranked consort.


    what are you talking about, Rouran?


    Shenmei, her mother, asked about her daughters iprehensible sorry. It was a little different to the story she knew from long ago.


    Rouran giggled behind her sleeve.


    Is this your first-time hearing this, Mother? Grandfather had cursed it out while in his sickbed.


    It wasnt historically unusual to have the daughters of high officials taken as hostages by making them consorts.


    Do you know why the inner pce became thisrge?


    Rouran asked Jinshi.


    I heard in a story that your father had prompted the Empress.


    That was the typical view of the imperial court. The man called Shishou had curried up to the famous empress who was known to be hard to please. The man was originally no more than a branch member of the Shi n, and it was due to his intelligence that he was adopted into the main family that wascking an heir and received the name Shishou. Also, that main family was Shenmeis family.


    In other words, Shishou and Shenmei had been engaged before she was bestowed on him.


    Indeed. It seems he had proposed to have the inner pce expanded as a new public utility.


    Well put, Jinshi thought. The topic of reducing the size of the inner pce was avoided due to that.


    As a project that reces the ve trade.


    Jinshi widened his eyes at Rourans words. Shenmei, bewildered, also widened her eyes. Shisui remained expressionless.


    Rouran grinned at Jinshi. Then she looked at Shenmei.


    It looks like Mother doesnt know anything. About what Grandfather did to have the empress have her eyes on him, and about why she got him to send his daughter to the inner pce to keep an eye on him.


    In those days, very was going strong. There were even government-owned ves in the imperial court. However, Rouran said ve trade.


    The treatment of ves in the country of Rii was basically the same as the prostitutes of the brothels. They work befitting their selling price, otherwise, there are cases where they can also change from lowly people tow-abiding citizens at the end of their term of service. However, that was limited to within the country. It was prohibited to export ves to foreign countries.


    It seems ves were profitable. Even prohibited, there was no end to people who get involved in it. In particr, young girls sold high in those days.


    The Shi n, who had their daughter taken as a hostage, had beenpelled to curtail the ve trade. Even so, he was told that they borrowed the ce known as the inner pce for the drain of ves that wouldnt go away. And it wasnt only young girls who entered, there were men as well. After all, there were not few who get castrated and sold off when they be ves.


    Shishou had proposed to have the inner pce as a ce of temporary refuge, gathering young girls who were expected to be sold to foreign countries. It coincided with the Empress motive. As the ruling administrator, and as a mother thinking of her son, it seems that she had seen it as a n that killed two birds with one stone.


    The parents who sold their daughters also felt guilt. If there was the choice of working as an inner pce courtdy over being sold as a ve, they should choose the former. If they gain some skill or training in those two years of service, the chance of them falling to very afterward would also decrease. And best of all, serving in the inner pce in itself is treated as a form of privilege.


    Of course, just as the Empress didnt have a single motive, Father didnt only have just one consideration.


    That was to return trust to the Shi n by gaining the Empress confidence, and the time when it was still impossible was.


    Mother had suffered too. If it turned out this way, why didnt you escape in the first ce? By using what Father had specially constructed for you.


    Was Rouran talking about the hidden passageway that she used to sneak out the inner pce?


    Shenmeis face was clouded.


    Were you unable to trust the man who told you cast aside your position and run away?


    Rouran, what are you


    Shenmei looked at her daughter, the wrinkles on her face deep. It wasnt Rouran who was scared of her expression. It was Shisui.


    As if Shenmei noticed that, she shifted her gaze towards Shisui, looking at her like she was seeing garbage.


    As if I could trust him. As if I could trust the man who seeded the family headship as soon as Father died and married that womans mother afterward!


    Shisui was trembling as she looked at Shenmei.


    Rouran giggled as she approached Shisui. She took her half-sisters hand and touched her cor. She pulled out the thing that was hanging from her neck. Hanging from a cord was a handcraft that greatly resembled Jinshis silver kanzashi. Like how Jinshis was shaped like a Kirin, Shisuis was shaped like a bird. A Phoenix[note], houou, fenghuang.[/note] people who knew of it would understand.


    Just like the Kirin, the people who can wear the Phoenix on their body are limited.


    It looks like the previous emperor had feelings of guilt. He had been worried about the baby he had banished from the inner pce and frequently showed himself with Fathers guidance.


    He was told that it was Shishou who had secretly sheltered the medical officer and baby who had been banished.


    And when the baby grew up and reached marriageable age, Shishou seeded the family headship.


    Though the previous emperor had denied it once, it looked like he knew that she was his daughter. It seemed it went like this-


    Can I marry your daughter, Shishou had asked.


    For the emperor, Shishou, who had the Empress deep confidence and treated him warmly, must have been the ideal son-inw.


    When Shishou pleaded that Ill grant any wish of yours, how could the emperor have rejected him?


    The previous family head whom the Empress had her eyes on was in his sickbed, and the head of the Shi n had transferred to the deeply trusted Shishou. The need to have Shenmei as a hostage wasnt as great as before.


    Also, it was the emperor who had the greatest right to decide on what to do with the flowers of the inner pce. He had his daughter married. She birthed a child in the meantime. Her child was bestowed upon the name Shisui with the Shi character. From that, the satisfied previous emperor finally gave the Flower of the Inner Pce to Shishou.


    And like so, Mother was bestowed.


    The previous emperor was a foolish man. He didnt even know what kind of effect he gave his own daughter. After a short time, Shisuis mother died a natural death, and Shisui was taken in by the former medical officer of the inner pce. About that time, the previous emperor reached the point where he was bedridden, and he left no instructions whatsoever in the ten-odd yearster until he passed away. Shisui only had her name and a single silver handcraft, she had nothing besides those. She didnt even know who she was, the granddaughter of the previous emperor, only treated as the child of a concubine after Rouran was born.


    L-lies. Dont sprout nonsense!


    Shenmei shrank back from the reality that was thrust before her.


    It should be a shocking story to Shisui as well, but she didnt look that shaken. She was only watching Shenmei uneasily. She might have known from the start.


    Nonsense, you say? Father had alwayse around for Mother. Even though he had done it for his final moments where there was nothing left but destruction?


    Rouranughed as she approached her own mother.


    And so, do you also know the reason why Jinshi-sama is here?


    Rouran looked at her mother scornfully, then shifted her gaze to Jinshi.


    How were Fathers final moments?


    he wentughing.


    He hadnt known what kind of meaning thatugh had. Jinshi hadnt known Shishous motive at all. However, having heard Rourans story, he could see a somewhat different perspective.


    From the start, he even felt that he had thought wrong about the Shi ns uprising.


    that man, he only desired power. Even getting me married, that was surely only just a disy of his seat as the n head.


    Shenmeis face contorted. And in response, Rourans face eased.


    But, in the end, the one who exercised her authority in the n more than Father, would have to be Mother, right? Does Mother know, what kind of people are the n members who tter Mother?


    The fools who repeatedly bribed and embezzled were the ones who buttered up to Shenmei. As long as Shenmei was pleased with it, the n head Shishou wouldnt say anything. After all, he was the man who entered as a son-inw. Compared to his influence in the imperial court, he didnt have that much power within his own n.


    Shenmei steadily drove out the ones who proposed things that troubled her. And as a consequence, the pus steadily umted.


    From there, the miscalction of her warped perception became apparent.


    The expansion of the inner pce and the embezzlement of the national treasury. What kind of purpose did those two serve?


    Rouran grinned, seeing Jinshis face. She must have realised what Jinshi wanted to say.


    The ve trade was abolished when the current emperor came into power. Though it remained behind the scenes even now, it progressed rtively smoothly owing to the inner pce project carried out by Shishou and the Empress. Jinshi was still exploring for another project to take over with the downscale of the inner pce. Even concerning that point, there was an incident where it was obstructed with the connection to the Shi n.


    Father is a roon, though he is called a roon, roons are actually a cowardly creature. Precisely because he knew he was actually weak and small, he tried his best to delude his opponent.


    Tried to delude. Jinshi reached an understanding with those words.


    About the reason Shishou had diedughing.


    Did Father properly finish ying the role of the viin?


    Rouran smiled faintly. At her sentence, Jinshi finally understood Shishous motive.


    He clenched his fist. His nails sank into his palm, drawing blood.


    Is there evidence that states that that is true?


    It depends on you whether you believe there is evidence or not.


    Is there evidence that will do the trick?


    If it doesnt do the trick, it would be better if the country takes it. If the country is going to fall from that, it would much better if there isnt any.


    Rouran said in a tone that could even be heard as careless.


    W-were you always doing such a thing!


    Shenmeis voice quivered.


    Have you always been deceiving me with that man!


    What deceiving, I have just been doing as Mother says. Didnt you say that this kind of country should just fall? You chased out the n members who opposed you, and encircled yourself with the morons who tter you. Did you think you can win against the government forces with that disorderly crowd full of those kinds of guys?


    Shenmei raised her eyes at her daughters cold words. She then sprang upon Rouran. She scratched her nail guard covered fingers on Rourans cheeks, drawing two red lines.


    Didnt we have this made for that reason?


    In Shenmeis hand was the hand cannon she seized.


    This is too much for Mothers hands. Please give it back.


    Shut up!


    She hooked her finger on the trigger of the new model hand cannon. And pulled.


    Jinshi dropped down.


    With a booming sound, something sttered.


    I told Father that I would take responsibility, but it really was impossible for me.


    There was blood on Rourans face. Before her, was Shenmei who was covered in pure red. In her hands were the remains of the hand cannon that had misfired.


    The structure of the new model isplex. Since its a prototype.


    She had carried it to threaten Jinshi from the start. Perhaps, it might have packing inside from the start.


    Didnt Jinshi-sama think of snatching this away? If you looked for a chance, you couldve taken it many times.


    You must have wanted to tell me something.


    Fufu, it would truly be good if you are a fool with only looks to speak of.


    Rouran, smiling as she said something rude, took the hand cannon from the blood covered Shenmei and flung it away. Then sheid the woman down slowly and grasped her trembling hand.


    Father is dead. Please shed one tear at least.


    .


    Shenmei didnt speak, couldnt speak. Due to the misfire, the womans face had a piece of shrapnel lodged into it. There was no shadow of the face that should have once been beautiful, it was just drenched in red.


    Shisui only trembled as she looked at that appearance.


    Isnt there a different method?


    Jinshi asked Rouran who got to her feet.


    There might have been. But, it is difficult to grant everything everyone wanted to do. We are not that smart.


    Shenmei had only loathed. She had wanted to overthrow the country that continued to make a fool of her.


    Shishou had always worked for Shenmeis sake. Even if it was going to backfire, he was thinking about her. And, at the same time, he was the loyal subject who was unable to abandon his country. To the point of continuing to act for several decades as the viin for their sakes.


    Jinshi didnt know what Shisui was thinking. Only that, was it his imagination that he could see relief reflected in her hollow eyes when she looked at the feebly breathing Shenmei.


    Andstly, speaking of Rouran.


    It seems extravagant, but can I ask you two requests?


    What is it?


    Thank you.


    As if she understood that she originally wouldnt get him to listen, Rouran bowed her head deeply. Then she took out some paper from her bosom. She handed that to Jinshi.


    Jinshi looked over that. Something unexpected to Jinshi was written on it.


    !?


    This is merely an empty theory at the utmost, but I think this will be useful. For the probability of this happening in a couple of years hereafter is high.


    Rouran stroked her own mother. Shenmeis breaths were on the verge of dying out.


    The one who had upright thoughts in the n had already discarded their name. My older sister is also the same. Can you overlook the ones who have died once?


    Ill try.


    Well then, youll overlook the ones who have died once, right?


    Rouran said like she was making sure.


    Shisui, as long as she had ties to the previous emperor, he couldnt tly refuse.


    Thank you.


    Rouran bowed her head again, and then she took Shenmeis hand. The twisted nail guards were barely on her crushed fingers. Rouran wore that on her own fingers.


    At the same time, Jinshi sensed a presence.


    They must have finally noticed the hidden passage. Had Rouran realised it?


    Well then, the one other request-


    Rouran extended her hand towards Jinshi. She extended her hand that had the long nail decorations.


    It looked like Rouran moved slowly. He could have avoided it if he thought of doing so. However, he didnt move, and took it.


    The tips of the twisted nail guards sank into Jinshis cheek. It sliced into his skin and flesh. He saw blood flying. Jinshi looked at Rouran with one eye closed.


    Thank you.


    Rouran thanked him for the third time.


    Have I be an actress like Father too?


    Rouran, saying it in a joking tone, looked at Shenmei.


    Mother, this is the best I could do.


    With a smile, Rouran opened the door.


    As expected, in the narrow passage, Basen and the other had been there peeking through the gap.


    Rouran, confirming that, raised the nails on her fingers up high. Even in the dim lighting, they could see that there was blood on it.


    And behind her was Jinshi with an injury on his face.


    AHAHAHAHAHA!


    Rouran suddenlyughed. Her voice echoed loudly down the narrow passageway.


    Basen and the others expression changed to anger.


    There was no longer any light in Shenmeis eyes.


    Shisui reached out as she trembled, but she couldnt get to Rouran.


    Jinshi could only oversee her final moments as he clutched the document she had handed over to him.


    A determined body was heavy.


    It seems all his fatigue from this past couple of days had finally caught up with him.


    As soon as he left the fortress, they had adjoined with thete arriving unit, and the medical officer stitched his face. It was Jinshi who was getting stitched up, so he couldnt understand why the people around him were making pained faces.


    The one who told him to sleep immediately was Gaoshun who finally adjoined. Since it was decided that Jinshi was in thete arriving unit, Gaoshun naturally was obliged to stay behind. Speaking of that, he finally realised that he hadnt slept properly for this past couple of days.


    How is that girl?


    Shes fine so please sleep.


    Am I making such a sleepy face, Jinshi thought, but he didnt feel like doing that. As if he lost patience to Jinshi who wasnt listening to him, Gaoshun secretly pointed to the horse carriage in the interior.


    I believe its better if you dont get too close.


    Ignoring Gaoshuns words, he entered the horse carriage, and lying inside was a thin girl covered in soot with blood stains in several ces. She was sleeping on top of severalyers of furs. Her sleeping form, curled like a baby, made her look smaller than usual.


    There were somethings bundled in white cloths around her.


    Those are the dead Shi n children.


    Why, is she sleeping in such a ce?


    Even if you ask her why, its not like she would say anything.


    This girl, Maomao had a strangely stubborn side of her. Does she have something she was expecting?


    She looks, considerably awful.


    You too.


    With a bitter look, Gaoshun looked at Jinshi. His heart pained, recalling how as soon as he returned, Gaoshun had sent Basen flying.


    Im good. At any rate, not letting the Tactician see her was the correct answer.


    ording to the story, he was told that after forcibly setting out to march, the man was stopped by everyone, and yet, as he tried to leave when he saw the chance, he overexerted himself and strained his back. It seems he was in the condition where he couldnt move an inch.


    Jinshi went up the horse carriage.


    Wait outside.


    Gaoshun nodded slowly, not going up.


    Jinshi studied Maomaos face. There was blood on her face that still had rashes. There was a small triangr notch on her left ear, which was thickly smeared with ointment.


    If Maomao didnt have anything to do with Jinshi, she might not have to go through this kind of thing. When he thought that, his heart pained.


    Aside from her ear, there didnt seem to be any injury on her face. Though, he could see a red line on her neck.


    Could that be a knife wound?


    Jinshi slowly extended his hand.


    And then.


    What are you doing, Jinshi-sama?


    Maomao was looking at him like she was infuriatingly chasing away a fly.

 Volume 3, Chapter 43: Breath

    When she woke up, there was a beautiful noble before her eyes. For some reason, he was leaning over Maomao with his hand on her cor.


    Th-this is-


    Maomao narrowed her eyes back at him and Jinshi spoke frantically eximed, waving his hands about. Normally, she would re at him for a bit longer, but she noticed that Jinshis face was bandaged.


    Jinshi-sama, what happened?


    Maomao said as she fixed her cor.


    Nothing big. Its just a scratch.


    He hid it behind his hand. Maomao frowned.


    Please show me.


    Theres nothing to see.


    It was concerning that he was ying it like this. She inched closer to Jinshi. And Jinshi drew back. She drove him to the wall, and slowly reached her hand out.


    .


    There was a cut that ran diagonally along the left cheek of his face, which would be called his greatest asset. The cut went through flesh, not just skin. It had been stitched with thread. It was treated properly, but it would have to leave a permanent scar.


    Did you go out to the front lines?


    Its not like I alone can watch from a safe ce.


    Wouldnt it have been fine if you just watched? You have that position after all.


    Maomao said slightly exasperatedly.


    Please dont go right ahead to dangerous ces. It will inconvenience everyone if Jinshi-sama gets hurt.


    Jinshi scratched his head, smiling bitterly at Maomaos words.


    Yeah, I did something inexcusable to Basen. You mightnt think so, but Gaoshuns fists are quite effective.


    He said, and he started to clumsily rebandage his face. Maomao snatched the bandage away from him and wrapped it for him.


    I didnt n on getting hurt though.


    Anyone would say the same.


    Its because I heard a strange request.


    Jinshi lowered hisshes. Gloominess brimmed in his obsidian eyes.


    were you, close to Rouran?


    Jinshi suddenly asked Maomao.


    Rtively.


    Were you friends?


    I have no idea.


    She really had no idea. She thought that they probably had a close rtionship. That was what Maomao felt, at least. Though she had no idea about the other person.


    She was a person who was really hard to understand.


    for me too.


    Jinshis expression became even more aggrieved.


    She was finished while I knew nothing.


    It wasnt Maomao who didnt understand the meaning of those words.


    Is that so?


    It was something she understood. That time, when she left the room, Rouran had entrusted Maomao with a certain thing. And then she made her resolution and left.


    What she left Maomao to do, the only thing she entrusted her to aplish was.


    Jinshi-sama, how about you rest?


    Yeah, Im so sleepy.


    Jinshisplexion was bad. It was likely his condition was much worse than Maomao who had been held captive. She could see faint bags under his eyes and his lips were dry.


    He should have quickly returned to his own horse carriage to sleep, but Jinshi of all thingsid down on the furs that Maomao had been sleeping on. Maomaos face tantly contorted.


    Jinshi-sama, please dont sleep here.


    Why? Im tired.


    Even if you ask why.


    Maomao looked around. There were five bundles in the horse carriage. Those were the children of the Shi n.


    This is a taboo ce.


    I know that.


    Then


    He grabbed and pulled her wrist before she could finish speaking. His hand was very cold.


    They were now facing each other atop the pile of furs.


    Then, why are you here?


    Even I dont have the heart to pity children.


    It was a speech she had prepared beforehand.


    I wonder if thats really true. I find that slightly mysterious.


    Jinshi, who was lying on his side, tilted his head slightly.


    Didnt you say that doctors cant touch dead bodies?


    (He remembered!)


    Maomao subconsciously scowled.


    I dont think that you would stay in this kind of ce for a long time.


    His intuition worked in strange ces. Maomao racked her brain, thinking how she could escape the pair of eyes that were watching her intently.


    While she stayed frozen like that, Jinshi reached out. He grabbed hold of Maomaos cor and wrenched it open.


    And what is it that happened to you?


    Jinshi said while knitting his brows.


    There was a red knife cut that ran across her bared skin. There were also bite marks on her shoulders and neck, but what would happen if he saw that?


    Maomao felt a little shy, but she decided to proceed with it indifferently.


    There were good for nothing guys.


    were you assaulted?


    She heard a cold voice.


    It was attempted.


    She made sure to add. This man intrudes on other peoples chastity in detail.


    I turned the tables on them. I was able to render their function as men unusable for a short while.


    She had stepped and crushed them, but they shouldnt be ruptured.


    Hearing that, Jinshis face turned blue.


    No, I know theyre reaping what they sowed, I know but-


    There must be some parts that he understood, being the same gender. Jinshis face was bitter. And with that bitter face, he reached out.


    He traced a finger down her wound and she involuntarily twitched.


    It wont leave a scar, right?


    The cut is only skin deep.


    Feeling ufortable from the sensation of his finger, she drew back, but ordingly, Jinshi reached out with his hand. Maomao, unable to bear with that, sat up and fixed her cor.


    Dont let it leave a scar.


    Shall I return those words back at you as well?


    Jinshi smiled broadly at Maomaos words.


    Im a man. No problem.


    Jinshi-sama has excelled in that.


    As if I know about that.


    Then I dont know. If you be worthless from a single scar, then well leave it at that.


    Werent you speaking harshly to me just then?


    Jinshi didnt release Maomaos wrist as hey down. His hands, which had been strangely cold until a moment ago, were now a little warmer.


    Am I, a man who bes worthless from a single scar?


    Jinshi asked, his grip on Maomaos wrist tightening.


    A doll with only looks?


    At his question, Maomao naturally shook her head.


    Actually, it might be better if you have a bit more scars.


    She unintendedly revealed her true thoughts.


    Jinshi is too beautiful. Everyone is thrown into disarray just be seeing him. Everyone looks too much into his appearance. His essence isnt as majestic as his appearance, it is more honest, Maomao thought.


    And the only ones that know that are the very few people around him.


    Maomao sighed deeply and broke into a faint smile.


    Havent you be manlier than before?


    That moment, she realised that Jinshi had mmed his lips shut. He looked around restlessly, then shook his head, closing and opening his eyes.


    What is wrong?


    Maomao asked. Jinshi scratched the back of his head with his free hand.


    due to the situation around us, I had thought of enduring it.


    Enduring it, is it? If youre sleepy, then please hurry up and


    She was going to chase him out by telling him to please hurry up and leave here to sleep. However, as she was wondering if he was enduring his sleepiness, he tugged her wrist once again.


    She now sat facing Jinshi. He was holding down her upper arms.


    When I saw your injury just then, I had nned to go with it calmly.


    With an uneasy face, he inched over little by little towards Maomao. His warm breath fell over Maomaos face.


    It seemed to have gone unexpectantly, or perhaps I should say, better than I thought.


    Hah?


    Jinshis face slowly closed in. It was the moment when their noses were about to touch.


    There was a clunk.


    Jinshi leapt up in surprise.


    The sound came from where the children had beenid down.


    !?


    Maomao pushed Jinshi aside, and went towards the sound. One by one, she took the wrists of the bundled children.


    (No, no.)


    It was when Maomao touched the third child.


    .


    The childs small mouth moved weakly.


    His pulse, though soft, was beating.


    If these children are insects, they will ovee the winter.


    She recalled Rourans words.


    The females of the insect that cries with the sound of bells after eating the males also die too. Only the offspring ovee the winter and survive.


    Rouran had likened her own n to insects.


    Also, Rouran had provided Maomao one other clue.


    Devils Trumpet. It is both a poison and a medicine. The thing on the paper that had been shown and given to Maomao. At times, it is used as a medicine of the secret art in foreign countries.


    As a medicine that kills a person once and revives them again.


    She recalled the former medical officer who had been confined by Shenmei and forced to make the elixir of life. Though it wasnt immortality, had he researched a medicine that was still somewhat simr? There were sheets of written notes slipped inside the books the former medical officer had used. Among those, there had been fish fins. Fugu fins.


    It uses poisons that kill people once. However, mixing several of these poisons will offset each other and get neutralised. She was told that once the poisons be neutralised, the person who had died once will be revived.


    Are they alive?


    Jinshi was behind her.


    However, Maomao didnt have the leisure to care about that. She rubbed the childrens bodies. It was important for their resuscitation to be sessful by any means possible.


    It was for this reason that Rouran had brought Maomao here.


    Jinshi had no idea what to do with the revived children. But, he didnt have the leisure to have that excuse.


    Jinshi-sama, hot water, please prepare hot water. And something warm! Clothes, food, anything.


    those who have died once, is it?


    Jinshi chuckled.


    She got me.


    Jinshi-sama!


    Whatever he was muttering about was nothing of concern to Maomao. She shouted, raising her eyes.


    Yeah, I get it.


    She felt that Jinshi had said it in a somewhat cheerful voice. His expression looked more eased that before, but yet, he looked a little disappointed.


    Maomao frantically resuscitated the children, trying to revive them no matter what one after the other. Jinshi brought in nkets and a pail, and when he left, he whispered into her ear.


    Shall we continue this another time?


    Aah, yeah sure.


    The busy Maomao didnt think too deeply about it, replying with just that, and then immersed herself into looking after the children.


    T/N: One more chapter left to this arc.

 Volume 4, Chapter 1: Locust

    Volume 4: Town 1


    Mornings in the pleasure district are slow. The caged birds that had chirped up until dawn, upon the guests leaving, strip off their masks of civility. In the short time until the sun rises, they sleep like their strings are cut.


    Maomao came out of her dpidated shack yawning. She could see steam trailing out from the Rokushoukan before her eyes. The manservants must be working hard preparing the morning baths.


    The cold air stung her skin. The air she breathed out was white. The sun was slow to rise it was still cold with just a padded nket.


    It was when it became quiet after the new year celebrations, one month after she left the inner pce. As her dad has entered court as a court physician, Maomao is once again back in the pleasure district.


    A child is still sound asleep inside the dpidated shack. He will be noisy once he awakes so lets have him sleep a little while longer. The name of the child is Chouu. Though a survivor of the Shi n, Maomao is stuck with bringing him up for a certain reason.


    He is a shitty brat with a good upbringing, but she wanted to appreciate his high adaptability. He had the guts to sleep through the draughty shack to the point of snoring.


    (That saying, gran called me.)


    While she was at it, shell go get some hot water. You cant not take a bath in such coldness.


    Maomao shivered as she went to stand before the well. She dropped the bucket in and drew up some water.


    While grimacing from the icy water, she washed her face and woke up.


    When she went to the Rokushoukan, the courtesans who had finished bathing were getting their hair dried by the kamuro.


    Oh, youre early today.


    It was Meimei with wet hair who had called out to her. The courtesans went to bathe starting from the higher sses.


    Meimei-neechan, know where gran is?


    Gran would be talking to the brothel owner over there.


    Thank ya.


    The madam manages the Rokushoukan, but the owner is another person. Hees about once every month and discusses with the crone about the this and that of the brothel. He is a middle-aged man, someone the crone had known since he was small, so he cannot stand up against her. Rumours were that he is the son of the previous owner and the crone, but the truth is, no one knows.


    It seems he also runs a normal respectable business aside from managing the brothel, so he looks like a very normal good person at a nce.


    In truth, his personality makes people worry if he can cross over with the times. He is a sucker to the extent that the management of this brothel will be a worry after the madam passes.


    Betcha hese to propose some strange idea or something again?


    Who knows? Well see.


    It was the moment Meimei spread her hands.


    You fool! The hell did you do!


    The madams voice burst out from the inside of the building.


    Maomao and Meimei exchanged nces.


    Seems to be the case.


    Seems so.


    The two looked at each other, wondering what he did this time.


    A little whileter, the crone came out from inside. A middle-aged man with gentle eyes followed after her. Everyone in the Rokushoukan called him Okan-san[note], the same kan as in the Rokushoukan. A polite way of calling him something like Mr Establishment.[/note]. If they dont call him such, they will probably forget that he is the owner of this establishment. Seeing how Okan-san was rubbing the crown of his head, he must have taken a fist.


    Oh, Maomao, youre here?


    Didnt Gran call me?


    So I did.


    (You senile, hag?)


    She had meant to say it in her mind, but the next moment a fist sank into the crown of Maomaos head.


    Okan-san looked at Maomao with eyes of pity. When she got a sense of dj vu of the quack doctor from the inner pce, Maomao thought, after all this time, that it must be because he looked like this old man.


    She got suspicious at times that the crone is like an ayakashi, being able to read peoples minds.


    For now, seeing how it is, you must want to take a bath? Why dont youe in for breakfast as well? Bring that sonny with you too.


    Youre quite generous.


    Even I have times like this asionally.


    Saying that, the crone briskly headed for the kitchen.


    Okan-san said Well, then, and departed in haste. Normally he would have the spare time for breakfast, Maomao thought as she lowered her head and sent him off.


    .


    Everyone assembled in the dining room was lost for words.


    It is often that everyone is divided into several times and ate together in the Rokushoukan. Maomao had figured that she was allowed to mix with this times group.


    The worst.


    Pairin-neechan sitting next to her said as she screwed her face. She is known as one of the three flowers that bloom in the Rokushoukan, but if her patrons ever see this face of hers, they will be guaranteed to be disillusioned.


    She was making that kind of face.


    As for Maomao, it would be the moment she finds mosquitorvae hatching in a puddle, that kind of face.


    There was twenty peoples worth of bowls filled with congee, soup, and small bowls on the table, as well as three imposinglyrge tters set up with equal distance between them.


    It is standard in the Rokushoukan to have one rice, one soup, and usually one side dish. The small bowl had namasu today. And additionally, as there were therge tters, two side dishes would normally be considered a very extravagant breakfast.


    The certain thing in therge tes had a ck lustre. The thing that is normally treated as a harmful insect thatys waste to crops, is being served on the table as a side dish.


    It is locust.


    Gran, this is?


    Shut up and eat. Its a souvenir from Okan-san.


    She figured out why the madam was angry, Okan-san had work aside from managing the brothel. Officially, he lives respectfully under the sun as the owner of arge store. However, she cant say that his business method is good.


    There is poor crop this year. It seems he was thrown into peoples mercy.


    The crone said in irritation as she drizzled ck vinegar on her congee.


    Okan-san deals with grain in his business. Produce is collected in the form of tax from the farmers in this country, moreover, the country buys up a fixed portion. The ones that distribute the rest is Okan-sans business.


    Even so, what was he doing buying this at his business partners asking price. Its something that wont sell well even at the best of times. And theres so much this year.


    On the tters were crispily fried locust simmered in sauce and sugar.


    Itll be waste if you buy too much and cant preserve it. If you have to go as far as to use sugar, you might as well just chuck it out.


    Sugar is a high-ss item. Even if you simmer it in plenty of sugar, as if there would be anyone who would eat simmered insects. As expected, there was arge amount left unsold, and thus it is being served on the dining table of the Rokushoukan.


    It seems Okan-san even tried self-consumption, but he also had his own circumstances. He had a wife who wasnt feeling pleased about his business. In any case, if there was his wife getting angry at him, he must have preferred the madams fist.


    Maomao scratched the back of her head. She was used to eating strange things, but she didnt want to start on this huge pile of insects. Even eating two or three, she wanted to put her hands together.


    The courtesans, as they hated strange things more than Maomao, scrunched up their faces and none of them started either.


    Hurry up and eat! Its the side dish you guys have been yapping about. Eat five per person.


    As the madam spoke in irritation, the very first pair of chopsticks went for therge te.


    (Oh?)


    It was an unexpected person who ate it first. Unfazed, he crunched on the insect with an ominous look.


    Its not tasty at all. Kinda hollow, this.


    It was Chouu who was eating as he gave his honest opinion.


    She was sure that, with his young master upbringing, he would be opposed to putting this sort of thing in his mouth, but it didnt seem to be the case.


    Did he lose that mien because he lost his memories? Or has he eaten this before? Or could it be the adaptability of a child?


    You can eat well, dont you.


    Pairin said, inserting herself between Maomao.


    Its not delicious but its not like its inedible. Its just extremely hollow.


    (Hollow?)


    If she was not mistaken, the locust innards are removed before it is cooked, so it being hollow is a given. So its something like this, Maomao thought as she half-heartedly picked up a locust.


    (Mn!?)


    It really is hollow. Rather than the hollow texture when she had eaten it before, it felt more like that there were no insides. Even though it was simmered in soy sauce, that feeling must be because there is only the texture of the exoskeleton in her mouth.


    Not that it has meat, she felt that it was more that it didnt have any in the first ce.


    Hey hey, why dont you have me eat for you? You can trade me one mooncake.


    She seized Chouus head, who was offering a negotiation with Pairin, and pressed down firmly. Ow, owowowow, Chouu groaned.


    Maomao picked up a locust with her chopsticks and studied it intently.


    It was her usual bad habit. Once she gets interested in it, that would be all she thinks about.


    Oh yeah, I was thinking of getting you to go shopping.


    After breakfast, the madam finally remembered why she had summoned Maomao. It was to go shopping at the market that is set up in the central road of the town.


    The courtesans cannot leave the brothel and the manservants were not smart. The market has a lot of unusual goods, but there arent few of those fellows that rip people off. As they dont set up shop, they should sell with cheap prices, but there arent few bad guys that dont put up signboards. You need a good sense of judgement to buy good items.


    I want you to go buy incense. The usual one.


    It is the incense that burns with the usual faint aroma at the entrance of the Rokushoukan. Since its a consumable, she would want it as cheap as possible, but something of poor quality was out of the question.


    Kay. And the reward?


    When Maomao put out her hand, it was pped away.


    Two persons worth of morning baths and breakfast. Aint that first-ss?


    Stingy hag, Maomao thought.


    Heeyyy, freckles. Buy that.


    No way.


    Maomao ignored Chouu who was pulling her sleeve and pointing to the open-air toy store. She honestly wanted to go alone, but she had no choice but to bring this shitty brat along as he threw a tantrum, rolling on the ground, saying that he wanted to follow. Maomao took Chouus hand, and walked while dragging him along.


    The market is set up daily on therge stretch of road in the centre of the capital. Amid theing and going of horse-drawn carriages, beyond there is the ce where the people of the heavens resided.


    Seeing it like this, she ended up wondering whether the time she worked at that ce was a dream or something. However, Chouu next to her signified that she had been in the imperial court and thus had also been involved in that incident.


    The uprising of the Shi n. It seems it more or less also had an effect on the market.


    A lot of the special products from the northern regions are types of grain and wooden goods, but she felt that there were less of these products than usual in the shops. Instead, the dried fruit and textile shopsmon from the southern and western regions caught her eye. And then, Maomao made an unpleasant face when she came across a certain thing.


    They were selling simmered insects.


    Locust again.


    That, is absolutely bad. Would anyone buy this?


    Chouu had said it in front of a shop, so Maomao mped his mouth shut and dragged him away. Honestly, the food cart shopkeepers eyes were scary.


    Maomao finally released Chouu in a ce a fair distance away.


    What was that? Isnt it true that its bad?


    Shut up.


    Maomao looked at Chouu coldly. Thats why I really hate children, she thought deeply.


    Insects with that hollow shape is bad. This years produce is already no good.


    just then, what did you say?


    Maomao blinked incessantly.


    Ah, that its absolutely bad?


    No, not that. What you said after.


    That this years produce is already no good?


    (What was that?)


    Maomao stared at Chouu.


    How did you know that?


    Ummm, what was that again


    Chouu roughly scratched his head with his right hand. His left hand is slightly cramped, so it hung limply by his side. Chouu had died once, having drunk the resurrection drug, and somehow came back to life afterwards. Because of that, his body is still numb, and he had lost most of his memories.


    I cant remember well. Its just, I feel that I heard that when insects be hollow, theyll be crop failure.


    Ummm, Chouu clutched his head.


    He might recall something if I shake his head, Maomao thought, but she cant treat him anymore slovenly as he is pretty much in her custody.


    However, if what Chouu said is true, then there will be quite a serious issue, Maomao thought.


    Perhaps, I might be able to remember.


    Really?


    Maomao replied, and Chouu looked towards the food cart. The toy shop was over there.


    If you buy something, I might be able to remember.


    For now, she wrenched his mouth wide open.


    T/N: so I promised myself that Ill take it easy this time, thus two chapters per week starting next week (this week Ill release a chapter on Sat too). Tues and Thur. It sounds less, but its still an average of ~5000 English words a week. Aint that first ss, as the madam would say ;D


    I might increase the number if the chapters get a bit shorter, but for now, lets take it easy


    This arc has twenty-seven chapters. The atmosphere of the rest of the story is a little different to the previous arcs, so Id like to consider this as the next part (i.e. if this was an anime, this would be season 2).


    Also, a question on how to trante the name of a new character thates inter (chapter 10). Mind its not actually her name, but rather what other people are calling her. Shes albino and is treated like a fairy/goddess. To make it easier, Ive made a poll. Please vote, thanks

 Volume 4, Chapter 2: Chouu

    The shitty brat is undoubtedly a shitty brat. Maomao really thought.


    (He might be able to remember something.)


    Chouu was moving a brush gleefully while nursing a lump on his head. Unexpectantly, what this shitty brat had wanted wasnt toys, but rather, stationery.


    As paper had been surprisingly expensive, the brush was what Maomao had given him. Perhaps with him originally from a good ce, he could tell apart the high-quality goods from the low-quality ones in the paper store. After saying this is no good, and that is no good either, he had settled on wanting the best and most expensive item in the store.


    Of course, Maomao wouldnt allow such luxury, so he picked the one that was usable, no matter how inferior the quality was, and bought that.


    Paper is expensive as a consumable, but its price isnt unaffordable. Every time she would think that it would go cheaper if it is circted more.


    She looked at Chouu who was carrying the bundle of papers gleefully, and decided to excuse him from a fist for now.


    As soon as they returned to the Rokushoukan, without preamble,Chouu was drawing something enthusiastically. As for Maomao, she was busy with the order of abortion drug and cold medicine. Chouu asked the courtesans who were grinding tea and the kamuro who were close to his age to notmit any mischief today and secluded himself inside the pharmacy.


    It was when she was back after leaving to deliver the ordered medicine to another brothel.


    (What is it?)


    There was a crowd at the entrance. There were courtesans and kamuro gathered there even manservants, surprisingly enough. As she wondered what was up, she strained her eyes. And right in the middle of it all was the cheeky brat.


    What did you do? Maomao hurried over to Chouu. She broke through the crowd to stand before the shitty brat. And there, on the white paper was dancing elegant lines.


    What is it, Freckles? Wait in line.


    What are you doing?


    Chouu was drawing. He had the paper set on a t board as a makeshift table. A courtesan was sitting demurely on a chair in front of him.


    What, you say. Im drawing pictures.


    He drew, gliding the brush forward. And there was a beauty that was the courtesan before his eyes with a little colour.


    Okayy, Im done.


    Chouuced the brush t across the ink pot and fluttered the paper. The model courtesans demure expression transformed into a smile. Oh my, she said as she took out her wallet from her bosom.


    Thanks for your patronage


    He received not coins but five beautiful notes of money and put it in his breast pocket. That amount is too much for a brats pocket money.


    Im next.


    A manservant sat on the chair. Could he be messing about without keeping watch? Hes going to be punished if the madam finds him.


    Ah, sorry dude. Im out of paper. Ill go buy some more in a bit, so well do this tomorrow.


    What Ive been waiting forever you know!


    Im sorry. Ill start with the men first tomorrow alright.


    He was quite used to it. After saying that, he scampered away, heading back towards the paper store again.


    She was pretty sure that he bought ten sheets. Does that mean that hes already out of that?


    It seems that it was only the three people here that he drew portraits for. To think that he got funds from just that.


    (To think he had such a special skill.)


    Maomao roughly scratched the back of her head as she studied the portrait.


    Yall! What are ya doing!


    When they heard the hoarse screeching of the crone, all the faces, which had been amicable until now, paled.


    Hurry up and set up shop, the guests are going to flee.


    Since it was the crone who said it while waving about a bamboo cane, the courtesans, kamuro, and manservants all scattered away like spiderlings.


    Just as Maomao was also going to hurry back to her ce, her shoulder was firmly gripped by a boney hand.


    What is it, gran?


    Its not what is it. That brat. No matter how much child-rearing expenses you get, you cant just spoil him.


    Aint it gran whos wangling the money?


    For some reason, the crone is the one who is keeping the money she received. To a certain extent, Chouu doing as he pleased in the Rokushoukan is rted to that part. However, although he is a child, men cannot reside in the brothel and he cant be stuffed into the row houses where the manservants resided, so in the end, he went to live in Maomaos dpidated shack.


    I dont get the rental fee for the space.


    (Greedy hag.)


    She hadnt intended to say it out loud, but mysteriously, the crones fist fell upon Maomaos head.


    Come on, you have to pack up that brush and ink pot.


    Why?


    If you dont shut up and do it, its locust broth today.


    (This hag.)


    Maomao reluctantly started to pack up the inkpot as she clutched her head.


    Come evening, Maomao looked at the dissatisfied expression of Chouu who had returned to the shack.


    Could Chouu have borrowed a brush from somewhere? He was carrying a bundle of papers that had been scribbled on.


    Freckles, wheres the brush?


    Im not giving it anymore to the guy who doesnt tidy up after himself.


    She turned her back on him in a huff and added firewood to the kitchen range. Maomao was wearing a nket. The moment the sun set, it suddenly got cold.


    Dont be stingy.


    Assign the stingy to the madam.


    Maomao stirred the y pot. She scooped at the congee and tasted it. It was a little nd so she added some salt.


    Gran said that shes collecting a rental fee.


    I get it. Ill go to a different ce next time.


    Hearing his words, Maomao knitted her brows. She plunged thedle into the y pot, set that on the woven mat, and stood before Chouu was making himself at home. She bent forward and stared at Chouu.


    What is it?


    Even if you pay the rental fee, it must be only in the surroundings of the Rokushoukan. You cant go to ces far from the manservants. Also, you cant go buy paper alone.


    Isnt that sorta thing up to me?


    Chouu turned his face away in a huff and Maomao seized his head. She forced him to face her.


    If you want to be a lump of meat, then, by all means, do whatever you want.


    Lump of meat?


    She red. The words lump of meat werent a joke. The Rokushoukan may be a peaceful, but here is the pleasure district. A ce where the face and reverse side of the capital are, by nature, jumbled together.


    Maomao furtively gestured to the window of the shack. She pointed from the gap of the badly fitted door.


    Youll be involved with that kind.


    From the gap, there was an isted light in the dusk. Clothes up to her head, she was holding antern and woven mat in her hands. At a nce, she looked like a normal woman, but-.


    !?


    With a nk, Chouu rose up.


    He should be able to see it from a distance. The face of a streetwalker with a missing nose. The worst ss prostitute, whocks decent lodging and can only take in customers from the roadside, due to a type of venereal disease, has her body worn out in various ces. There was no way she could keep at it for long with that, but she still needed to take men to earn her meal expenses for today.


    It must her dads merciful heart that they settled down in these parts. Something bothersome had turned up, Maomao thought.


    Here isnt a clean ce. If there is a brat with money, there will be many guys who are going to steal it even if it means killing you.


    Listen to me if you dont want to die, she said.


    Chouu pursed his lips. Eyes slightly teary, he nodded.


    I get it. Ill eat quickly then sleep.


    He said that and Maomao moved to the front of the stove. She stirred the congee again.


    The next morning, when Maomao awoke, Chouu was already up.


    There was some rustling sound, and when she looked, there were papers strewn about the table. Chouu was fervently moving the brush.


    (That brat just)


    Maomao got up to drop a fist. As she did so, a sheet of paper with something drawn on it fell from the table.


    (Mm?)


    Thinking it fishy, she picked it up.


    There was a detailed picture of an insect drawn on it.


    It was drawn really realistically. Looking at it was almost enough to make her feel gross.


    (Reminds me of her.)


    Of the pcedy who liked insects, no, the girl who was a consort.


    That the girl who assumed the name Shisui, had also drawn in this manner.


    She got a little sad as she looked at it.


    Done


    Chouu suddenly got up. He went before Maomao with a sheet of paper in his hand.


    Freckles, Ive done it.


    What did you do?


    This. Its this.


    He disyed the paper close to her face.


    There were two insects locusts drawn there. Both of them were locusts, but their forms were slightly different.


    I cant remember it properly, but I have a feeling its something like this. I think I saw this with the talk on crop failure.


    He spoke vaguely, but his drawings were extremely clear.


    This is the locust during normal times. Underneath is the locust when there is crop failure.


    Is that true?


    I think so. Its just bits and pieces though.


    Chouu has lost his memories. But could he be in the process of regaining bits and pieces of his memory? If so, there will be a whole lot of inconveniences, but on the other hand, there was another thing that was more important.


    Two kinds of locusts.


    I need to study more about this, Maomao thought.


    There is a thing called locust gue. It is one of the natural disasters that ruin the country, where arge swarm of insects eat up all the crops.


    There is great crop damage from insects every year, but there is noparison in the case of the locust gue. Locusts eat up every and all things. It is said that in bad years, they will go as far as to even eat grass sandals and straw ropes.


    Though she had no idea what kind of pattern it would ur in, it happens every couple of years. Besides, it hasnt urred since the current emperor came to reign.


    The current emperors reign is splendid, therefore the heavens wont let the locust gue happen, is something that is not possible, Maomao thought. At any rate, wouldnt it be more likely that it hasnte yet?


    If thats the case, just having the first locust gue ur in this era would be a chance to test the emperors power. The other day, they had only just punished the Shi n that had consolidated the most power in this country. The timing is bad.


    If the locust gue urs, people could take the punishment of the Shi n as heavens punishment.


    (Yeah, its not rted, not rted.)


    Though that was what she had been intending to do, Maomao found herself heading off to the bookstore in town.


    (I doubt they have anything though.)


    She recalled seeing Chouus detailed picture. She was sure that she had seen that sort of picture before.


    Maomao entered the shop among the rows of shops that had books lined up in detail.


    When the bell jingled, the owner who looked like an ornament gave a light greeting from the interior. That was the limits of his courtesy, as he returned to his posture where it wasnt clear whether he went back to sleep or not.


    The books inside were generally books for loan or second hand. He also sold new items, but as books are high-ss items, you had to order them otherwise they rarelye out.


    (I guess theres no way there would be any.)


    The books here were generally all popr fiction or otherwise things that are, so to speak, vulgar, pornographic prints. Still, asionally there would be lucky finds so she came to have a look but


    .


    Maomao rubbed her eyes.


    What is with this convenience?


    She reflexively pulled her cheeks.


    Uncle, can I look at this for a bit?


    Maomao pointed to the stack of books on the shop owners table.


    Ahh, Ahhhhh.


    Maomao took that indescribable response as an affirmative and picked up that book.


    The book was thick. It had a drawing of a bird on the cover.


    (This has to be a lie.)


    No, it wasnt possible. But it was actually possible.


    The book had lots of illustrations of birds and exnations, as well as written notes here and there.


    Whats up with this?


    Mmm, this came in to be sold yesterday.


    It was an apathetic response.


    Are there other ones that hade in to be sold?


    There is only one volume for this. Though, he said helle again.


    Maomaos face lit up.


    This was the second time this book fell into Maomaos hands.


    Thats right. It was the exact same book she saw from that time.


    From the room she was confined in after Shisui brought her along for the short while. This was one of the volumes of the books she found there.


    T/N: Last time I checked, the poll has Lady Paiing first by a smidge.

 Volume 4, Chapter 3: Ukyou

    Why is such a thing, Maomao thought.


    She was pretty sure that Shishous fortress had been sealed up after that. It was strange to have something from that ce here. Even if the things in the fortress had been moved, to have it appear on the market in the city meant that it had been smuggled in.


    (Mm)


    If its like that.


    Maomao had an idea too.


    The perpetrator was soon found in two days.


    Speaking of how he was found, it was easy.


    Dont just go right ahead and call me for this sort of thing,ss.


    It was Rihaku who was speaking with annoyance. While he was saying that, he was restlessly looking inside the Rokushoukan.


    They were inside the pharmacy that Maomao operated. He had to shrink down hisrge body to get into the confined shop.


    I dont have the free time to go after a sneak thief either, you know.


    While he was saying that, he nced up the ceiling of the stairwell and searched for the face of the flower on the upper floor.


    Rihaku, a military officer she is acquainted with, had fallen for Pairin, one of the Three Princess of this Rokushoukan. However, even visiting the brothel required money. And so, if it was Maomaos favour, who is on good terms with Pairin, he would be amodating to whatever she tells him.


    She wanted to him to stand watch since the stolen goods the archive ransacked might appear in town.


    That was what she requested.


    Speaking of unusual stolen goods like illustrated books, it can be easily traced from the point of sale. Just in case, as there was also the possibility of them being disposed in shops aside from that bookstore, she left it to Rihaku just like so.


    Fufu, be grateful that I have been keeping watch since morning.


    So you didnt call your subordinates.


    Did he want to show his extremely good side? It seems he worked hard himself. To be on a lookout in the still cold season, that was appreciative of his efforts.


    Rihaku passed the package in his hands to Maomao. It looks to be a gift of dango. Then he nced at the stairwell again.


    Drink tea with everyone, then call for Pairin toe, could that be what he means?


    However, there was one thing to do before that.


    So, what about the criminal?


    If its about him, hes outside. I got your ces manservants to look after him for us.


    Is that so?


    Maomao looked out the window. There was a skinny, seedy looking man being surrounded by two manservants. Rashes on his face, a man certainly with that appearance.


    (Huh?)


    Oi.


    Ignoring Rihakus voice, Maomao put on her shoes. She headed for the manservants.


    The criminal that was being surrounded by the two brawny manservants appeared smaller than he looked.


    It aint safe. Donte any closer.


    The senior manservant said, grabbing Maomao by her cor. It was unpleasant to be being treated like a cat, but there was nothing she could do since that was how it was ever since she was young. Maomao regarded the criminal in that posture.


    .


    .


    The criminal and her eyes met. She had thought it was rashes, but it looked like he got an irritation from something. Though mostly healed, it was still conspicuous.


    The criminal stared at Maomaos face. And then he paled. And then, considering what he was going to say.


    Poison maiden!


    Spittle flying, he said.


    Maomao narrowed her eyes. The two manservants looked at one another and burst intoughter.


    (This guy is)


    On top of not remembering peoples faces well, she wasnt sure with his face covered in rashes, but if she remembered properly, this man was the man from the fortress. The man who Maomao had smearedcquer on his face, who fainted when his crotch got stomped on.


    (I seeeee.)


    So its something like that, Maomao realised.


    This means that he is one of the people who escaped from that fortress during the confusion. Maomao crossed her arms and thought for a short while.


    Whats wrong,ss?


    Rihaku showed up and red at the criminal.


    The criminal tantly shuddered.


    (Hm.)


    I can use this, Maomao thought.


    My apologies. I know this guy.


    Maomao dered it indifferently, then grinned at the criminal.


    Rihaku looked like he thought that Maomaos behaviour was slightly strange, but the moment Maomao carried tea snacks and called Pairin, he left with his tail wagging.


    And so now in Maomaos pharmacy was Maomao, the criminal in question, and.


    Old man, its fine to not watch.


    Maomao looked at the senior manservant in annoyance. As everyone was in the middle of starting tea, it was only this man who went to Maomao. Shrewdly, he was holding dango in his hands.


    That cant do. The Fox-dono and the Mask-dono will get angry if there are strange bugs.


    The fox would be the monocle tactician, and the mask would have to be Jinshi. The man still has plenty of value despite his face being damaged goods. On top of his mere appearance being eye-catching enough as it is, it must be all the more considering his position.


    It shouldnt be good for that which is the imperial brother to loiter in the pleasure district. However, he is a whimsical whoes here every ten days.


    Whaaaat, Im keeping silent and eating dango only. I wont hear anyyyything.


    said he, leaning against the wall. He is reaching his forties and had been here before Maomao was born. His name is Ukyou[note], You Jiao[/note], a man who handled anything wlessly. In any case, the madam must have told him. He said he wont hear, but it is a given that he will tell if the madam asks of it.


    If ites to that, she could only talk to the part where she wouldnt be troubled even if the madam asks of it.


    (No problems even if its leaked huh.)


    Maomao thought as she watched the man sitting before her. There were two volumes set out on the wooden floor. It is what Maomao had found in the bookstore and what this man came to sell today.


    What happened to the other books?


    At Maomaos question, the man turned his face away in a huff. It is a somewhat understandable reaction, but honestly, he didnt have that liberty. If he sold it elsewhere, there is the possibility that it will be bought by another person.


    Maomao pped the floor.


    The military officer over there, he is rted to the suppression of that fortress. Will you be okay with me telling him that you were in that ce?


    Maomao said slowly in a low voice. The mansplexion got worse. Seeing that his face rashes were still pitiful, Maomao felt a little guilty, but she didnt really regret it since there was no way for her to make an allowance for the other person who escaped from that ce.


    Ukyou mindlessly stuffed his cheeks with dango and chewed slowly.


    The man bent his lips and lowered his head in resignation.


    I still have three volumes on hand. I sold two volumes in another district, I didnt bring the rest with me.


    If the fire didnt spread to that room from the gunpowder explosion, the rest of the books might be retrieved. In that case, the issue is the remaining two volumes that were sold.


    The bird and fish illustrated books were in her hands.


    Did you sell the insect illustrated book?


    No, I have one volume on hand.


    (One volume?)


    Hm, Maomao twisted her neck. There were numbers allocated to the bird illustrated book. If there was onebelled One, there would be bound to be a Two.


    Can you bring that illustrated book as soon as possible?


    Can you promise me that you wont turn me over?


    That will depend on your attitude.


    In response to Maomao who spoke overbearingly, Ukyou, who had been standing on the side the whole time, sighed deeply.


    Oi oi, Maomao. Thatll make it not much different to a threat.


    After he said that, Ukyou sat down on the wooden floors of the cramped pharmacy, and pped the mans shoulders.


    Hey, you hungry? There seems to be some reason, so you should rx a little.


    .


    The man said nothing, but Ukyou went silent and left the pharmacy. Soon after he returned with a tray with a bowl full of rice and side dish. The side dish was nothing other than the remainders of the simmered locust, but when the man was presented with chopsticks from Ukyou, he devoured the bowl with no hesitation.


    Maomao was shocked by his vigour.


    .


    You still have a way to go.


    Ukyou pped Maomaos shoulders. The man who was busy eating took no notice of them.


    Uykou said in a whisper.


    Seeing the state of him, various things must have happened before he came to the capital? Even if he said that he sold the books, it couldnt be helped to lose the means to make his livelihood surely. He handled the actual books carefully. So I dont think hes a bad person.


    Is that so.


    Maomaos first impression of him was that so she couldnt say anything.


    You have to master the carrot and stick well.


    I knoooow.


    If the madam is the stick of the Rokushoukan, the head manservant would have to be the carrot. The old man wasnt tall nor was his face good, but him being popr with the courtesans must be from this.


    Mm? What is it?


    The unkempt man who was eating ravenously, his hand had stopped. Ukyou looked with his head tilted.


    Disgusting.


    You hate locust?


    This aint locust.


    The man said as he picked up a locust with his chopsticks.


    Aint that locust?


    These guys may be if you put them together, but the farmers call them differently.


    How so?


    Maomao and Ukyou peered at the man. The man picked at the pile of simmered insects, bit at them one by one and sorted them out.


    Split into two piles, the ratio would have to be around one to eight.


    This is locust. It is what the farmers simmer and eat. This is grasshopper. They look simr, but this one is disgusting.


    Are their tastes really that different?


    Ukyou returned. Honestly, she didnt know that grasshoppers and locust have that kind of difference. Maomao had put them together without thinking hard on it.


    Youll know when you eat it. When the legs are chopped up finely and you boil them, you wont even tell the colouring, so the guys with terrible character sell them to unsuspecting merchants. Thats why you think that locusts are disgusting.


    So thats how it is. There is no doubt that Okan-san is a good business partner. Locust one part, grasshopper eight parts. No wonder it was disgusting.


    Maomao reached out for the locust and put it in her mouth. Certainly, she felt that this side had meat and was tastier.


    The man made a serious look and stared at the grasshoppers.


    If you got something to say, say it.


    Instead of Maomao, Ukyou asked.


    There might be famine this year.


    At those words, Maomao drew close to the man.


    Is that really true?


    I, I dont have proof. Its just that when the numbers of grasshoppers are a lot greater than locusts, the insect damage will be horrible the year after.


    Considering the ratio of grasshoppers and locusts, it should be sufficient.


    Maomao stared at the man.


    Speaking of which, do you know much about that? Though it had insects, I thought that most of the other things aside from the books can be sold in that room.


    He might not have emotionally wanted to take thecquerware, but a normal guy would choose something that would sell easier than books.


    The man scratched the back of his head with a little embarrassment.


    I really didnt want to sell the illustrated books.


    Didnt you tell the bookstore owner that you woulde to sell moreter?


    For that, wouldnt they buy it high for courtesy? Besides, I was going to buy it back when I have the allowance. Its not like there are people who like illustrated books and would buy it.


    No, lets not mention that there is one here.


    Honestly, the man only had the clothes on his back. It was fine since it was still winter, but she was honestly against himing into the pharmacy with the grime on his face.


    The elderly man who lived in that room before in that fortress. I was the one who brought in his meals.


    Maomao widened her eyes at the unexpected talk.


    Though he was brought in to make new medicine or whatever it was, he also researched on various other things, you know.


    Like what?


    That would be, this.


    He indicated the grasshoppers.


    What can we do to prevent the locust gue?


    He studied that, the man said.


    Maomao gulped. And it was the moment she opened her mouth to ask the man.


    The door of the pharmacy was opened with a loud bang.


    Freckles! Can I eat your dango!


    Chouu showed up with dango in both hands.


    The man blinked in surprise.


    Huh? Young Mas.


    As he was going to call out to him, the mans mouth was gapped stupidly. Maomao grabbed some mashed medicinal herbs nearby and crammed it in his mouth.


    Bitter!


    She was sorry that he was suffering, but he was going to speak of something very ominous, so it cant be helped. Since the Shi n should have been exterminated in the eyes of society.


    Chouu watched the man who was rolling on the floor in amusement.


    Ill give you the dango, so donte in.


    What is this, shoo, you say. Im not a dog or a cat.


    Chouu didnt seem to recognise the man. He naturally ignored him.


    Chouu, shall this old chap give you a piggy back?


    Eh, can you, old man? Do it, do it


    While feeling grateful towards Ukyou who skilfully sidestepped the boys condition, Maomao bent her fingers and counted.


    (I dont have proof though.)


    It was better to get a heads-up just in case. She counted how many days left until Jinshies.


    T/N: In this case, Locust refers to locusts in the solitary phase, (), and Grasshopper the locusts in the gregarious phase, (). (I know the names are the opposite of how they are referred to in English.) But dont worry, the novel willter refer to both of them as grasshoppers They are both locusts, just in different physiological forms.


    Im just taking thezy route. Otherwise, I would have to introduce that simmered dish as Simmered Grasshopper first, and that sounds off since its locust gue, not grasshopper gue

 Volume 4, Chapter 4: Sleep

    It was three dayster since then, the time the sun was crossing the meridian, when the masked noble finally appeared in the pharmacy.


    Wee!


    It was Jinshi who shuddered at Maomaos jovial greeting. Gaoshun was behind him, his mouth gaped stupidly as if to say what happened.


    O-oi, what is it?


    Shaomao, this here now is Jinshi-sama. Could you have mistaken him for someone else?


    Maomao got offended. Whats with that reaction? When Gaoshun gave the slip of his tongue, he nced at Jinshi, and Jinshi returned him a fishy look from the gap of his mask.


    When Jinshi entered the pharmacy, he sat on the senbei zabuton[note]A sitting cushion thats superrge and round like a senbei/rice cracker.[/note]. As the interior is very cramped, Gaoshun waited out at the entrance of the Rokushoukan per usual. She shut the sliding door and he finally removed his mask.


    And there was the usual beautiful face with a single unsightly scar. The pitifulness has subsided greatly with the stitches off, but people who see it will still let out an unwilling sigh. In the meaning that its a waste.


    The Shi n uprising fromst year has been amusingly whipped up in town. The beautiful imperial brother and the viin, Rouran, were the stars of the story. It had been the Shi n head Shishou when it originally came out, but Rouran came forth to be taunted. The reason must be Jinshis scar.


    The viiness who greatly scarred the beauty that was unbelievable for the people of this world will be passed down from here on.


    Recalling the pcedy with a sunny smile who loved insects, Maomao made a distant stare.


    Dont you have some business?


    At Jinshis question, Maomao jolted.


    (Thats right.)


    Maomao took out the illustrated book she bought at the bookstore from the cupboard.


    What is this?


    It appears to be something sold off by some looter who had stolen from the fortress at the scene of the fire.


    She decided to cover up about the man who escaped from the fortress. She had entrusted him to the head manservant Ukyou, so if she handed him over on her own ord, that helpful man will get angry.


    They decided to call the man who had escaped from the fortress with the name Sazen[note], Zuo Shan.[/note]. Since Chouu, the brat, might regain his memories, they had him use a false name just in case. The man, who also didnt seem to be attached to his name, is learning the job from Ukyou.


    (We recovered the portions that had been sold in the bookstores.)


    Ukyou had promptly gathered them for her. It was good that his close friend, a pimp, had just gone to the district where the illustrated book was being sold. It seems they talked and bought it back for her.


    In that case, the remaining issue is-


    I think the rest of these illustrated books are in the fortress. I want to collect them.


    Jinshi squinted a single eye and looked at Maomao.


    Why are you collecting that?


    In response to that question, she took out the goods and showed him.


    With a thud, the rice-bowl set before Jinshi was mounted with a pile of disgusting insects that had been simmered in soy sauce.


    Jinshis face stiffened. He shrank back.


    What the heck is this?


    Simmered locust. Its mostly grasshoppers(swarming locusts) though.


    Maomao picked up one with a pair of chopsticks and thrust it towards Jinshi. He shrank back even more.


    Im not eating!


    Im not telling you to do that.


    Maomao ced the grasshopper onto a te, then took out the sheet of paper with insects drawn on it. It was the drawing of grasshopper and locust. The drawing was of before they had been simmered, but she thought he could perceive their characteristics.


    It seems there is arge outbreak of grasshoppersst year. Have you heard anything from the farmers about a locust gue?


    .


    Jinshis expression clouded. He sighed deeply as he scratched his head.


    I have received that report. The damage in the farming viges in the north is great.


    However, it wasnt to the point where there were people dying from starvation. Luckily or unluckily, this years autumn had been cold, so it seems the locust extermination had been easy.


    The locust damage has continued for this past couple of years. What about this year?


    Jinshis face twisted. Had he also predicted that situation?


    The northern regions would have to be most of the Shi n dominion. As long as those people are gone, wouldnt it have to be the emperor who would manage that?


    For the parts with poor cropst year, there was an arrangement to rotate the emergency stores of the southern regions.


    They mustnt have gotten around to what will happen afterward.


    If it urs this year again, it will be more or less painful.


    It is said that the urrence of the locust gue is due to the emperor not reigning properly. It is insects at most, but it seems, it is historically because of that in reality, that it is the cause of its downfall.


    And what would the citizens think, if that happened the year after the overthrowing of the Shi n?


    (Its foolish superstition.)


    It is not a lot of people who would end the matter with those words.


    And then, it is emperor, and people with his lineage, who rules over those people as his people.


    The locust gue is something that happens naturally. It is about what we can do about it. Shall we light a bonfire and lure out the insects, or shall we crush them one by one?


    Its natural. That sort of thing will make no progress.


    Thats why Im looking for this.


    Maomao presented the illustrated book before Jinshi. It is the insect illustrated book that Sazen, the man who had escaped from the fortress, had possessed. There are written notes packed inside.


    I found another volume of the insect illustrated book at the fortress. Locusts were written in detail there.


    Certainly, she had a feeling that it was written, but it was honestly just conjecture. Her eyes passed over the other descriptions, she had only flipped through the insect illustrated book. But, if Sazen had said that he didnt take it out, it could only be like so.


    The doctor that used to be in that fortress seemed to have researched locust gues.


    Truly?


    I dont know how far he went with it though.


    She exined to him that it was probable that she needed to check.


    Hm, Jinshi rubbed his chin. He opened the door and called Gaoshun over. Gaoshun immediately summoned an attendant who had been on standby outside the Rokushoukan.


    We should have it retrieved within a couple of days.


    Thank you very much.


    Maomao sighed deeply. It wont end with that, but the thing that has been spinning in her head for this past couple of days have been mentioned and resolved.


    Instead, Jinshisplexion worsened. Jinshi, who had changed from his position as a eunuch, looked tired even at the best of times.


    What Maomao said, had, in the end, increased Jinshis workload.


    Are you tired?


    As it is. But Im fine.


    The bags under his eyes were dark. However, the officials and courtdies around him must not recognise it as fatigue but as gloominess. Even with his facial scar, this mans inhuman beauty is going strong, thus people will misinterpret his substance.


    (At this rate, hes going to copse.)


    People who are numb to the sensation of tiredness will not understand fatigue even more. Even Gaoshun, if Jinshi said he was fine, is unable to stop him.


    (He should sleep.)


    If he purposely came all the way here, it would be better he took this time resting in his room.


    Maomao faced Jinshi in amazement.


    Jinshi-sama, why dont you take a rest?


    Why so suddenly?


    Ill prepare you a bed immediately. Please sleep.


    Maomao stared at Jinshi. She caught sight of the scar on his right cheek. As she observed the neat stitches, she involuntarily cast down her eyes. The wound her dad stitched and the salve smeared on top of it, she wanted to keep staring at it. Jinshis scar might remain, but she wanted to see it heal faster.


    Are you telling me to sleep in such a ce?


    Can you not sleep alone?


    Maomao had said it slightly jokingly. However, as expected, she was treating him too much like a child.


    Its a jok


    Yeah, alone is no good.


    Just as she was going to correct herself, she got interrupted halfway. It seems sleeping alone is lonely.


    (I see.)


    Maomao poked her head out from the pharmacy door and called the kamuro who was nearby. She got her to summon the madam for her.


    What is it?


    When she ryed the matter to an unmotivated madam, the eyes inside the wrinkly eyelids shone.


    Wait a quarter-dual-hour(thirty minutes).


    (Can you prepare with that?)


    Giving a backward nce to the randomly enthusiastic madam, Maomao held out the tea that is effective for fatigue towards Jinshi.


    Its here.


    Maomao said, guiding Jinshi to another ce. The ce she brought him is the highest floor of the Rokushoukan. The room, surrounded by the highest-grade furniture, is spread out with the full set of cushions. Since they were imbued by incense, it is filled with a sweet aroma.


    Please rest here. Work is important, but a break is also essential.


    She had thought that the madam would overcharge again, but it seems the crone had put some thought into this, she rented them the best room as it is. The madam having prepared this room in a quarter-dual-hour, is a big thing. She might have thought that it is a better n to give a good impression to a noble.


    If you wish to take a bath, a medicine bath has been prepared. I dont know if the sleepwear will suit you, but please use this.


    Maomao handed over the soft cotton sleepwear.


    Jinshis look of surprise gradually shifted into a gentle smile. It wasnt the celestial maidens smile, but the effect that bewitched both men and women is unchanged.


    Im going to take a bath.


    Jinshi headed for the connecting bathroom. The bathwater that the manservants had taken several round trips to fill up should be at the perfect temperature.


    Maomao patted down her chest in relief.


    Gaoshun, who was in the corner of the room, also looked like the wrinkles of his brows had eased.


    However, the moment Jinshi opened the door that continued to the bathroom, he froze. Some seconds passed, and he mmed the door shut and rapidly drew towards Maomao.


    Why are there lightly dressed women in the bathroom?


    Theyre pros so theres no issue.


    Since hes a young master whose nanny peels mandarins for him, she didnt think he would take a bath alone. She prepared attendants just like how when the emperor takes his bath, and while she was at it, asked them to give him a massage.


    do you hate massages?


    Does it end with just a massage?


    There are many cases where it doesnt.


    Since its the service industry, if there are those who give additional service that is difficult to speak of if the customer asks for it, there are also those who do not. It ismon knowledge in the pleasure district.


    Jinshi ignored the bathroom and came back.


    What about your bath?


    Ill hold back on that.


    What about changing clothes?


    Ill do it myself.


    Jinshi said, throwing off his clothes and putting on the sleepwear.


    (How muscr.)


    There was no feeling in the matter-of-fact impression. Maomao courteously picked up the fallen clothes, folded them neatly and put them in his luggage.


    Maomao took the bowl and small teapot that had been left on the side of the bed. She poured out the liquid from the teapot and passed it to Jinshi.


    Is this a sleeping-draught or what?


    Jinshi said, holding it in his mouth. It must have a strange taste.


    Its an analeptic.


    At Maomaos words, the tea spurted out of Jinshis mouth.


    Why, why an analeptic?


    I heard that is best when gentlemen are tired.


    are you saying this knowing the meaning?


    What other meaning is there?


    Maomao said. Jinshi gave an awkward-ish, shy-ish expression.


    (Its hard to say it openly huh.)


    Nevermind that he is gentlemen, It must be embarrassing to speak about that kind of biological thing. Jinshi is still young could it be that he is not as mature as he looks? Considering that, Jinshis reaction was a little different to what she expected, but she shouldnt mind that.


    Maomao continued speaking to Jinshi who kept lowering his eyes.


    Well then, what kind of girl do you like?


    Maomao pped twice and a troupe of five gorgeous girls appeared from the inside. All of them were sweet and still retained their innocent looks.


    Again, since he oftenmented about her sense of virtue before, she tried arranging for virgins. It is more desirable since they wont have diseases either.


    It was difficult to have all of them arranged from the Rokushoukan, so they also talked to other brothels and had some temporarily sent in. The madam had knitted her brows, but it was hard to arrange just that with the short notice.


    The girls had only heard that the other party is a noble, so they were quite eager. They sighed from the beauty that was visible from the gap of Jinshis mask.


    Speaking of that popr noble, he was taken back with his mouth stupidly gapped open. It was understandable even under the mask Maomao saw his silly actions.


    In the corner of the room, Gaoshun wasnt just clutching his head, he was pressing his forehead against the wall.


    Are none to your liking?


    The ones who reacted to Maomaos inquiry wasnt Jinshi but the courtesans. Each and every one of them directed their gestures what they believe is their charm towards Jinshi.


    All of them are inexperienced. The madam has checked properly.


    How she checked that, she shall take by conjecture.


    Jinshi, who was moving stiffly like a puppet, looked at Maomao.


    for the time being, I just want to sleep. Let me sleep.


    Is that so?


    Maomao drooped her shoulders in disappointment and requested to have the dissatisfied courtesans withdraw from the room.


    She went to Gaoshun whose shoulders were even more drooped,


    What about you instead?


    and when she asked,


    I am a hen-pecked husband.


    he said. Indeed, offering courtesans to a married man is a bit problematic.


    Since the taciturn attendant was finding it hard to remain standing, she decided to have him sit on the sofa for stability. He had politely refused an empty room with aplete set of futon.


    Maomao carefully covered Jinshi with the nket. Just as she was going to leave the room herself, he grabbed her arm.


    Sing me a luby.


    She was on the verge of refusing, but he was ncing at her with the puppy dog eyes he asionally disyed. Besides, with the fruitless effort at present, Jinshis fatigue hasnt seemed to have been vanquished.


    Im lousy at it.


    I dont mind.


    Slowly tapping to the beat on the nket, Maomao started to sing. It is a nursery song sung by courtesans.


    It didnt take much time for her to hear the sounds of Jinshi sleeping.

 Volume 4, Chapter 5: The Robe Of The Fire Rat

    It was dusk, before sunset, when Jinshi went back. Perhaps due to having slept, hisplexion was good that he also ate three bowls of congee when he woke up. Would it be meddlesome to wonder if Suiren will get angry at him if he skips dinner when he gets back?


    He firmly put on the mask, and Maomao sent off his carriage. When she did so, she felt some sort of gaze. She turned back to take a look, and there was a scantily d courtesan smoking a pipe while leaning against the first-floor guardrail. It was Pairin, one of the Three Princesses. Her voluptuous body was spilling out from the openings of her clothes.


    How about you give up soon?


    Give up what?


    Maomao ignored the smirking older sister and returned to the pharmacy.


    The pharmacy closed with the lighting of the Rokushoukannterns. There wont be decent customersing at night for business, and it was a waste ofntern oil price.


    After Maomao counted the shop proceeds, she turned it over to the madam. If she were to hold arge amount of money in the dpidated shack she lived in, she will be targeted by robbers. It was better to store it properly no matter much money she earned. She put the kindling coal and medicinals to order and locked up the small shop.


    Oi, were going back


    Ehhh, already


    Maomao, while grabbing the reluctant Chouu by the scruff of his neck, returned to their shack. The house that was just behind the Rokushoukan was draughty and very cold.


    She lit up the kindling coal with the burning paper from the stove. She added firewood when the fire grew.


    Chouu seemed cold he had wrapped himself up with the futon and was curled up on the sleeping straw.


    Maomao warmed up the broth as she stirred the pot on the stove. It was a mixture of the vegetables and arrowroot harvested from the garden in dried meat stock. Since its cold, she also added in some ginger slices.


    Oi, you eating?


    Im eating


    She dropped a fist onto Chouu who was rolling around like a caterpir. She tugged away the futon and threw a padded shirt at him instead.


    (I want another set of winter clothes.)


    Though she received enough money, she had no intentions of squandering it away. Chouu wasining, but as far as he was in Maomaos custody, she nned to educate him that those who do not work do not eat.


    She poured the broth into a chipped bowl and passed it to Chouu. He sipped the broth while sitting on a chair with his knees drawn up.


    Add more meat


    Then go earn money.


    Maomao slurped the soup. There was no congee, she got bread instead. She hung the stock of bread across the stove and warmed it, then cut it in half and added the simmered vegetables inside.


    Freckles, you earn quite a bit already, so how about we eat something better?


    Though heined, Chouu reached out for his second helping of bread.


    Stuuupid, Im renting that shop from that gran. How much do you think the rent is?


    Then move somewhere else.


    Heyy. There are a whole lot of other things if I work elsewhere too.


    Saying that, Maomao soaked the bread into the rest of the broth and threw it into her mouth. It should be possible to think about being little more extravagant. But there were also reasons not to do so.


    tomorrow, Im going clothes shopping, soe along. Itll be cold at this rate, right?


    Maomao said only that, and began to tidy up the dishes.


    Yay, Chouu spread his limbs out widely and fell off the chair. Was it because half his body is paralysed, he couldnt catch himself properly and was now writhing around.


    (.)


    Maomao watched him with cold eyes and put the bowls in the bucket.


    The next day, they went to the market. The main street that divided the capital into east and west is set up with a market every day. If you go north, it is lined up with splendid shops, and the grade lowers as you go south. The pleasure district is in the south of the capital, so the starting point of the market began with only crude goods on woven mats without a tent.


    Also, if you go into the side roads, suspicious carts aremon too. Perhaps with the pleasure district being nearby, there arent few shops selling strange drugs. Of course, Maomao, being a doctor, wont get caught in this kind of things. The merchants also dont call out to her, as they dont consider her a customer.


    As she grabbed the scruff of Chouus neck, who kept walking about, Maomao headed to the centre of the capital. There is a saying that buying cheap goods is a waste of money. The padded shirts in the stalls were certainly cheap, but the materials were crude. Itll end up getting torn by the brat if he runs around that way.


    Even it was somewhat expensive, she can have a peace of mind from the reliable goods from the stores. Since they were trading in a settled plot ofnd, they ce importance on trust.


    Maomao entered her regr shop among the row of shops. It was a clothing shop aimed at the masses, but they also handled second-hand goods.


    They passed under the sunshade, entering the shop. Clothes hung down from the ceiling. The shop owner was yawning as he mended clothes inside. The brazier beside him was cracking with the popping of embers. It was enclosed so the clothes wont catch sparks.


    Ehh, second-hand goods really?


    Dont be extravagant.


    Chouu is still small. Hell be growing quickly from here on. It will be more convenient to buy clothes he can change out of quickly.


    Are there no padded shirts for children? She looked at the goods, and suddenly something caught her eyes.


    What is this?


    The sharp-sighted Chouu came over. It was the dress that was hanging on the wall. Along aoqun [note], a type of ruqun/traditional Han female dress popr during thete Ming dynasty.[/note]. It was white both top and bottom, so it looked tasteless. Resembling the outfit of some foreign tribe, it was emanating a strange air. The sleeves caught her eyes -it had embroidery that looked like ivy.


    Its kinda shabby.


    The honest brat spoke what he thought. The shop old man must have heard him she pped his head but what they heard was hisughter.


    Hahah, do you think thats shabby?


    But isnt it? Shouldnt a girls outfit use more showy colours?


    I guess so.


    The shop owner stabbed a pin into the pincushion and came towards them while rxing his stiff shoulders.


    And then he squinted up at that dress.


    That, you know, is the dress worn by a celestial maiden.


    Celestial maiden?


    Chouu bent forward in fascination. As if he couldnt keep standing for long due to the numbness on his body, he was sitting on the dresser before long.


    While amazed, Maomao continued to search high and low in the shop. The owner talking to his customers like that, is wasting time. She didnt know how much of his words were true. However, she recalled how her adoptive father Ruomen often ended up getting caught up in things and wasting half a day of work.


    (Lets decide quickly and return quickly.)


    It is perfect that Chouu is engrossed in the story, lets decide during then. However, she had no choice in hearing the owners story inside the narrow shop.


    Lets see. This garment is an article brought in from the west.


    In a certain vige in the west, a viger had rescued a girl who had lost her way. The girl was beautiful, so the viger was charmed by her.


    The girl was a mysterious girl; the thread she spun was different to any thread she repaid the viger by weaving many clothes with that. The clothes that were embroidered with a mysterious design sold many times more than other fabric.


    The girl wanted to return to her hometown many times, but she didnt even know where she lived. The viger proposed to her many times, and the girl finally epted.


    But you see, the timing was bad. It was about that time, that the girls family who havee to find her visited the vige. The vige, who finally obtained the girl, didnt want to part with her. He hid her, and all the vigers feigned ignorance.


    The girls family returned once, but it seemed they found it suspicious. Thats why, the viger decided to speed up on finishing the wedding ceremony and marry the girl. If she married once, her family wont be her family anymore.


    The girl refused, but the viger didnt know about that. She decided to bathe in the vige spring and cleanse her body, and quickly perform the wedding ceremony. The girl cried as she bathed. At least, the wedding dress she wore was what the girl had made of her hometown.


    How sorrowful was the girl? Even when she changed into her wedding dress, her tears never ceased and continued to soak her entire body.


    As everyone celebrated, the girl headed for the alter to pledge with the viger. However, it seems the girl couldnt forget about her family.


    I want you to return me to my family, she petitioned.


    If that is no good, the girl doused herself with the oil that was at the ce. Then she tipped the torch me onto her body.


    The girl, who burst into mes, ran through the confused vigers. And then she disappeared into the spring.


    What was left was a single sheet of cloth the veil the girl wore on her head.


    The girl who was covered in mes was gone, perhaps she returned to the heavens, the viger thought.


    The girls family had also disappeared. They have returned to the heavens with the girl, so everyone agreed.


    And this is the dress that was woven by the celestial maiden.


    Heeeeh.


    Chouu was in awe.


    I wonder if it really is such a thing, Maomaopared the several padded shirts she picked up with Chouus back.


    Hey, Freckles. This is amazing. Its amazing. How about we buy it?


    Chouu asked, his eyes glittering.


    Thats right. Lass must be around the same age as the celestial maiden. Ill lower the price for our friendship.


    So he said, but the abacus he flipped was one digit off. Maomao almost snorted.


    Oi oi, you dont believe the legend of the celestial maiden? Youre not romantic at all.


    What a pity, the shop owner spread his hands and shook his head. Maomao squinted and looked at the dress that was woven by the celestial maiden or something.


    Can I touch it a little?


    Yeah. Just dont dirty it.


    She stared at the embroidery on the sleeves and touched it to make sure. And then she grinned.


    Owner, can you sell it at this price?


    Wh-what are you talking about? Of course I can sell it.


    Considering all that, he was trying to sell it off to Maomao. If it is really the dress of the celestial maiden, it should be fine to have the price that is different by yet another digit.


    Maomao picked up the dress in her hands.


    Hey, owner, how about you sell this at ten times this price?


    Ten times? Haha, Ill be happy if thats the case. The dress youre holding, Ill just give it you.


    He said it jokingly.


    Hohoh, is that so? Chouu, did you just hear that?


    I heard, but theres no way you can sell it for ten times, right? What are you talking about, Freckles.


    Even Chouu said like she was a fool.


    Maomao curled her lips and held the brazier coal with metal chopsticks.


    Owner, Im going to borrow this dress and charcoal for a bit.


    Oi! What are you doing!


    Maomao took out her coin purse from her bosom and ced it on the dresser with a thud. It was all the money she had, but it should make up for one of this garment.


    Giving the silenced shop old man a backward nce, she took the dress and charcoal outside the shop.


    Then, Maomao threw the dress onto the street.


    O, oi!


    She knew nothing about the shop owners face contorting.


    And then, she dropped the coal she was grabbing with the chopsticks onto the dress.


    Freckles, its kinda hot


    Chouu, who was wearing severalyers of padded shirts, said. He was wearing so much that his figure looked like a daruma.


    Then take it off.


    It was Chouu who had worn it, saying that he hated carrying it. Maomao was holding her new clothes in her right hand.


    Maomao would have preferred something with more subdued colours, but she had no ns to nit-pick on something that was just given to her.


    Hey, Freckles. Why didnt that dress burn?


    Chouu asked, his head tilted.


    The article the shop owner had called the celestial maidens dress, Maomao unintentionally snorted. That thing had a better name.


    The robe of the fire rat[note]The fire rat is an imaginary creature of Ancient China, said to live in the volcanoes of the South China Sea and have fireproof fur. The third impossible gift requested by Princess Kaguya to the five princes who wanted her hand in marriage in the Bamboo-cutters Tale. [/note], Maomao had mentioned. From the start, the thing Maomao, who had whispered that into the shop owners ear, had said, but


    The dress didnt catch fire even when the burning coal was ced on it. Instead, there wasnt even a scorch mark.


    Chouu, did you know what material are clothes made from?


    Cotton and linen? I heard that is mostly made from nts.


    That just then, was made from rock.


    Chouus expression transformed to interest.


    Rock, from rock, you say! How is that possible?


    Rock has many forms.


    Fibrous rock can be made into fabric. It is rare but this is something that has been around since olden times. It is called asbestos cloth. That was slightly tasteless, so she loaned the name used in the ind country of the east.


    It wont burn because its rock.


    However, what would the people who see that think? Even if they knew about the existence of asbestos cloth, it should mostly be people who see it for the first time. With the help of that rarity, there would more or less be whimsicals who would buy it even with an inted price.


    And so, Maomao could get her hands on clothes as it is.


    Heh, is that so. Then, what about the celestial maiden story?


    That would have to be


    Half-truth and half-lie.


    The embroidery on the sleeves of the dress, Maomao had recognised. It is the western script that Ruomen, her dad, had often written in. The cursive script must look like an ivy design.


    She guessed that the girl that was called a celestial maiden was a western race or a traveller. In rural viges, as consanguineous marriages continue, the offspring will weaken so they would be in need of new blood from elsewhere. She didnt know if the girl really was lost or that she had been abducted, and if there had been such a girl, they wouldnt think of parting with her.


    The girl, wholeheartedly wishing to return to home, made clothes. Using unusual rock fibres as material, and embroidering with the script that the vigers cannot read as the pattern, she secretly called for the people of her hometown to save her.


    In the event of the wedding ceremony, the girl must have worn wet underclothes under her asbestos garment. Her hair was also wet; she had covered that with the veil.


    Did you know? There is a method to not make wooden bowls catch fire.


    You put water in the bowl. In doing so, that wooden bowl will not burn until the water haspletely dried up. As long as there is water, if the temperature is constant, the wood will not burn at that temperature.


    The asbestos dress over the wet underclothes she had also worn an outfit that doesnt burn easily on top.


    Before she gets burned, she could just jump into theke.


    If the escape method was recorded in the design of the garment, the girl must have been saved afterward. Of course, she cannot guarantee that went well, but as far as what she heard from the shop owners story, it looked like it seeded.


    Hoeeeehh.


    Chouu was in awe, his face foolish.


    Why didnt you tell the old chap of the store that?


    Romance is important, right?


    Theres no need to destroy it that much, Maomao said, and Chouuughed with a face of amazement.

 Volume 4, Chapter 6: The Final Volume

    It was Gaoshuns son, Basen, who knocked on the doors of the pharmacy while carrying several volumes of illustrated books.


    Maomao presented a tattered zabuton to the young man who was displeased as usual, and served him tea.


    Jinshi-sama is busy.


    Seems like, Basen wanted to say that Jinshi had no free time toe here, in other words.


    Still using the eunuch name Jinshi, meant it was an alias, but above all, would also have to be that he cannot mention his real name. His blue-blooded name cannot be lightly spoken of before the townspeople.


    The eyes of the courtesans of Rokushoukan were sparkling towards the guest who was different to the usual handsome man and his attendant. The madam especially Maomao could understand that the crone was flipping the abacus in her head while acting nonchnt.


    Unlike the time with Jinshi, the door of the pharmacy remained open, so it was clear what was happening inside.


    Its the things you mentioned.


    Basen took out the thick books from the cloth bundle. Out came the illustrated books she recognised.


    She picked out the insect illustrated bookfrom among the array of bird, fish, insects,and nts.


    What Maomao was fundamentally interested in were the ingredients for natural remedies. Though she had read the nt illustrated book like she could taste it, she only flipped through the insect book.


    However, Sazen said that the court physician had researched locusts. It should be there.


    However, she couldnt find it. No matter how many times she readover it, she couldnt find it. In the end, even Basen started to flip through it.


    is it not there?


    Its not there.


    Didnt you say it had it?


    Even if she said so, theres nothing if theres nothing.


    How could this be? Could she have been deceived by Sazen? No, there is no merit for that man to do such a thing.


    Did somebody take it while this was in storage?


    Who would be interested in this kind of thing?


    The people who like it like it.


    However, that would also be hard to think of. If they were to specifically go steal from that ce, there should be expensive things that would be more understandable.


    She groaned, then noticed a shadowing towards the pharmacy.


    From the willowy sashaying despite her voluptuous body, it was Pairin-neechan.


    (.)


    Maomao contorted her face. She could see the madam at the back was making no move of stopping Pairin. It seems they are finally done with the appraisal of Basen.


    Pairin-neechan is a very pleasant courtesan. She is the oldest courtesan in the Rokushoukan, but her beauty, still fascinating to many gentlemen, has yet to wane. The mongrel, the military officer Rihaku, is a good example.


    She is also known as the best dancer in the capital. She is kind to young courtesans and kamuro, a good elder sister, but


    That courtesan also has a w.


    Pairin, who appeared rxedly, stood behind Basen. And then, her neat, beautiful fingers slid across Basens cheeks.


    !?


    Basen shivered and spontaneously, while sitting, flew up. He might not know, but he gave her something useful, to hop while sitting.


    Neechan.


    Ah, Im sorry. There was dust on your shoulders.


    Its a lie, definitely a lie. Was there a need for her to touch his cheeks?


    From her sashaying movements, her femininity drifted about.


    Her eyes were smiling gracefully, but Maomao was reminded of the eyes of a hunting carnivore.


    Her older sister had been grinding tea for thest few couple of days in other words, she had no guests. It wasnt that she couldnt sell, rather it was shameful to have a high-ss courtesan take guests every day.


    In other words, how should she say it?


    This courtesan seems to be dissatisfied about that.


    It meant she was frustrated.


    Wh-what? Just what!?


    Oh my, it hasnte off yet. Come on, Ill take it off for you, so stay still.


    Inside the cramped pharmacy,Basen shrank back, and Pairin chased. So things wouldnt get knocked over, Maomao put the mortar and grinder onto the shelf before Basen came over. She propped the teacups and tea snacks onto the tray and carried it.


    (You can have a free service for the first time.)


    No, he didnt have thatposure. She didnt know if Basens face was red or green. Itll be amusing if Rihaku came in right now, Maomao put on her shoes and ate the tea snacks she was protecting. It was just like the madam to give out confectionary that was of a much lower grade than when Jinshi came. Even so, it was superior enough. The senbei with a faint aroma of shrimp was to Maomaos liking.


    (Oh my, its the first picking of the season.)


    She somehow inferred that, but she was confident. While thinking so thats how it is, she leaned against the wall, grabbed another senbei and washed it down with tea.


    The kamuro were looking at her enviously, but there was no way they could do it before the madam. It cant be helped, she stopped taking another one and decided to leave it.


    Ahhh! Whatever, Im leaving. Ive already passed over what I am supposed to pass over.


    As he tugged away his loosened sash, Basen left the pharmacy.


    Aaannh.


    Pairin sat down reluctantly.


    Even though he was the long-awaited first picking


    It seems he really was the first picking. If it wasnt for this side of her, she would really be a good elder sister. It feels that she is getting worse year by the year.


    Even though itll be paradise if he falls into it once, right?


    The madam also said regretfully.


    (No, wouldnt that be no good?)


    Rihaku needs to save up his coins quickly and redeem her, Maomao thought.


    Sazen was sweeping outside. While he was unsatisfactory to work as a manservant as he still didnt have enough strength, he was made to do work that wasnt different to the kamuro. That was the way the head manservant, Ukyou, did things. Were he be satisfied with this, he wont be useful as a manservant and will eventually be dismissed. Those who are indignant with this and try to learn other jobs are properly favoured.


    Seeing how Sazen was humming as he held the broom, no matter how you see it, he could only be on the dismissed side.


    Oi.


    Mm?


    Sazen, who changed out of his filthy appearance and shaved his beard, looked many years younger.


    The books have been delivered.


    Saying so, Maomao showed him the books that Basen had brought over just then. With a thud, Maomao set down the books that were wrapped in a cloth bundle.


    It is different to what you said.


    There were fourteen volumes in total, counting in the ones that Sazen had possessed. However, they didnt have notes on locusts. Maomao was pretty sure that when she was in that research room, there were fourteen volumes, so the numbers shouldnt be off.


    No, that shouldnt be.


    Sazen stripped of the cloth wrapping and checked the contents.


    He squinted, and stared.


    Oi, that aint all of it.


    Thats all there was in that room.


    Maomao had also counted. She couldnt be wrong.


    No, this book.


    Sazen took the insect book. The insect illustrated book had two volumes; none of them had notes on locusts. They werebelled with numbers: One and Two.


    The insect illustrated book should have three volumes.


    what the heck.


    If its like so, then it wasnt in the room from the start. At least, in the time point Maomao came, someone had already taken it out.


    Uwahh, who is it? To have taken that kind of thing away.


    Wouldnt that be you?


    No, its not that. When the elderly man was around, it was surely there.


    The elderly man would have to be the court physician who got banished from the inner pce. If she remembered correctly, she heard that he had researched immortality.


    Could it have been in the elderly mans coffin


    Why would you do such a thing?


    Its a custom in my hometown.


    No, she wasnt interested in Sazens hometown.


    However, she was interested in the elderly man that Sazen mentioned.


    Speaking of which, how did he die?


    Could it be old age? Hell be around the same age as her dad if hes alive, so it wont be particrly strange.


    About that. It looks like his experiment failed.


    Failed?


    If you make something like the elixir of life, you will need to experiment, right?


    (Is that)


    Maomao had a mysterious thought. The resurrection drug that had been used on the children with Chouu included, about that.


    Chouu still had numbness in his body, but the medicine that revived you after your dying once, naturally, would rarely go well. There is no other way to than to increase the sess rate by repeating the experiment countless times, Maomao thought.


    Then, how did he test out that experiment?


    Animals? Or, he would have to test it out on simr humans, right?


    Oi, what is it? Uugh!


    Sazens face stiffened. She wondered why, but she soon understood.


    The corners of her mouth had quirked up more greatly than usual. She was grinning.


    Hey, who dealt with his body?


    I dont know. Most of that was done by that person.


    That person?


    Sazen scratched his head roughly.


    Youll know if I say Suirei-san. She was the elderly mans assistant.


    Alllright!


    Maomao inadvertently pped Sazens back with all her strength.


    Oww! What was that for?


    I got it. Dont shirk on sweeping.


    Maomao rewrapped the books into the cloth bundle, and quickly returned to the pharmacy to prepare a letter.

 Volume 4, Chapter 7: The Aftermath Of The Court Physician

    Maomao got a manservant to quickly send off the letter she had written. Since it will have to follow the steps if it were to be directly delivered to Jinshi, she asked Gaoshun or Basen for the most part. Though, as Basen wascking in quite some parts, she usually addressed it to Gaoshun.


    The reply to the letter came promptly the next morning. And soon after, the carriage to pick up Maomao arrived. It was headed to the ce where Suirei is. If she remembered properly, she heard that it is where the former of the Four Madames, Ah Duo, is.


    Maomao passed all the illustrated books into the custody of the attendant who showed up, then closed the door of the pharmacy.


    How nice. Are you going out?


    Chouu was greatly interested, tugging on Maomaos sleeves. Maomao grimaced.


    Take me along.


    No.


    There wasnt just Suirei at Ah Duos ce. The Shi n children were also there. It would be meaningless to take the trouble to have him raised separately if she were to bring him along.


    Why? Petty!


    Im going for work. You can go sweep the shopfront.


    She pounded his head, then handed him over to Ukyou who was nearby. The child-loving Ukyou piggybacked Chouu and distanced themselves from the carriage.


    If half his body didnt remain paralysed, they could have raised him as a manservant. However, the guards of the brothel required strength at it is.


    (Shall I make him into a pharmacist?)


    However, he exhibited not even interest at present. When Maomao was his age, she had learned a hundred medicinalpounds.


    (Even though its interesting.)


    Maomao made a slightly sulky face, then boarded the carriage.


    Ah Duos estate, as the emperors vi, was greatly imposing. Due to that, Maomao was forced to change her clothes before she disembarked from the carriage. Though Ah Dou didnt seem to care about this sort of thing, it had to be etiquette.


    Maomao clutched onto her long skirt, walking so to keep it clean. She passed under the splendid gate and walked on the garden that was spread out with pebbles. The garden, that looked like a picture with garden stones, pebbles, and moss, was beautiful that it made you feel the gardeners pride.


    After walking for a short while, the owner of the residence, Ah Duo, and one other person was in the room she arrived. Both of them assumed the appearances of gentlemen. The other person was Suirei.


    Wee.


    Her dignified tone was unchanged rather, it was livelier than before. Her appearance as well. Her current lifestyle must be well-suited to her. Suirei as if that was what she was used to, or for a different reason was also dressed as a man. She stood a step behind Ah Duo, expressionless as usual.


    There shouldnt particrly be a need for introductory remarks. Im present, but do speak as if Im not here.


    Ah Duo said, and satfortably on the couch.


    Shesignalled them to sit with her hand, so Maomao being the guest sat down next, and Suirei satst.


    (Even if you tell me to speak as if youre not here.)


    Wouldnt it be normal to end up getting anxious? Maomao, feeling the challenge of doing so, ced the illustrated books the attendant brought in over on the table.


    For now, Jinshis side should take more ount of the things that would be bad if known. She had no choice but to proceed as it is.


    Do you recognise this?


    It is what my teacher used.


    Could it be because she is before Ah Duo? Suireis speech was more courteous than usual.


    Is this all of it?


    At the question, Suiren looked at the illustrated books with her head tilted.


    it is missing one volume. Im pretty sure there were fifteen volumes.


    Do you know where thest volume is?


    I do not know.


    It didnt look like Suirei who was speaking quietly was lying. She shouldnt have a reason to lie, above all.


    She no longer had any rtion to the Shi n. She, who had no reason to appear in public after all this time, is only left with a life where she is kept until she dies. What will happen to her from now on, what the emperor was thinking Maomao didnt know, but she thought that it was a waste.


    If she didnt know about the book, then she could only strike on this question next.


    Then, your teacher, where is he now?


    She didnt overlook that Suirei gave a start. Ah Duo watched the woman as she drank tea.


    So, he really is alive.


    Maomao said in confirmation.


    The resurrection medicine, did your teacher try it on himself?


    Suirei lowered her gaze. Her eyes slowly closed, and she nodded in resignation.


    it is as you say. If he didnt do so, he wouldnt have been able to leave that fortress.


    As an experiment as well, Suireis teacher drank the resurrection medicine. And from her hints, Maomao guessed that he was still alive. Only just.


    But, there would have to be something I want to know that you wont let out?


    What are you talking about?


    At Maomaos question, Suirei responded, her eyes cracking slightly open.


    Chouu, thats his current name. Had you guessed it when you saw that child?


    Chouu, upon dying from drinking the medicine, had revived. However, as a result, the freedom of half his body was stolen. He even lost his memories.


    Even when I say that he lost his memories?


    Its a little different, but its that part. Rather, you might have walked passed him without knowing.


    What do you mean?


    Suirei lowered hershes sadly.


    Do you remember the hot spring vige we used to treat the children?


    Yes.


    My teacher is one of the old men bedridden there.


    She could recall a ce like that in the hot spring vige. There were many people who had already started dementia wandering about.


    He had already forgotten who I was. If teacher was in good health, that child wouldnt have thought about involving you in that incident too.


    When she mentioned that child, Suireis face darkened once more. Suirei and Shisui, what kind of rtion the two had built up as half-sisters Maomao didnt know. It was only that the smart Suirei must have realisedthat the reason Shisui had caused the matter had to also be rted to herself.


    is that how it is?


    Crestfallen, Maomao felt energy escaping from her whole body.


    She had thought she was getting information after all this effort. No, she still had hope.


    Then, I want to know about the locust that your teacher had researched.


    Maomao ced the insect illustrated book before Suirei.


    However, Suirei shook her head again.


    I did not take part in that case. Insects, would fall into that childs territory.


    And that child was no longer around.


    Once again, Maomao drooped her shoulders.


    When he was ordered to create the elixir of life, the materials teacher had researched up until then were almost disposed. The things brought with him were to the extent of what was in that room.


    In order to focus on making the elixir of life, they tried to erase the research he had done until then. Suireis teacher, who had wanted to continue with it no matter what, had used Sazen and studied on various things.


    I see.


    Suddenly, Ah Duo, who had been listening quietly, moved. She set the teacup on the table and looked at Suirei.


    I heard that child was a very bright child.


    No matter how bright a child she was, shes no longer around.


    It cant be helped that she is not around. There was nothing they could do.


    Then, could that bright child be gone without leaving anything behind?


    !?


    There was a thud. Maomao had hit the table with her hand, and Suirei had stood up energetically.


    no, my sincere apologies.


    Its fine. Be more at ease.


    Ah Duo said to the apologising Suirei.


    I hate formality. I want you to be more at ease. This one doesnt mind that kind of thing, arent you brooding?


    No, she should have apologised, Maomao thought as well. However, she realised that she was stuck on something that Ah Duo had said just then.


    What couldnt it be?


    Just what.


    She traced her memories. Was there something at the fortress? Or was it before that.


    Before. The inner pce. Medical office? No, thats wrong.


    If she remembered correctly, that ce was.


    Maomao banged on the table again.


    Its the clinic! The clinic. What happened to the clinic now?


    Before Maomao was swept away from the inner pce, she was in the clinic. The thing she discovered there. The book that was inserted into the bookshelf. That illustrated book, wasnt that also on insects?


    (What a cunning person.)


    Recalling the girl she can no longer meet, Maomaoughed. Aiming barely for that, thinking that she might have wanted to show Maomao, she went beyond chagrin, andughter welled up.


    As sheughed in delight while recalling Shisuis pranking face, Maomao pped the table many times.

 Volume 4, Chapter 8: Illustrated Book

    It was said the clinic had been closed down once. Although it wasnt all the members, it was a serious crime to assist in an escape from the inner pce, and even among them, the crimes of the pcedy called Shenryu were heavy.


    Shenryu attempted suicide, and though her life was preserved, she was treated as a criminal.


    However, in the inner pce where the medical office is hopeless, the clinic is an indispensable existence. It seems that, although it is under the eunuchs surveince now, the closing down has been revoked.


    However, during the time Maomao was kidnapped, everything in the clinic had been thoroughly seized beforehand. And the illustrated book that Maomao had seen then was there.


    Its done with this, right?


    Jinshi presented her the illustrated book. It seems he finally got a break today. Gaoshun should be receiving tea from the kamuro outside the pharmacy.


    Excuse me.


    Maomao epted the illustrated bookand flipped through the pages. She found a lot of handwritten sections inside. The handwritten papers fell out when she slowly opened it.


    Maomao ced the book on the floor, opened at the page for Jinshi to see. And then she carefully lined up the papers that had fallen out.


    Its this.


    There were a lot of detailed drawings of insects. The drawings all looked simr, but since they werebelled grasshopper, they would have to be grasshoppers.


    The full body drawing focused on the legs and wings. There were various drawings of the breakdowns of its parts. The colouring, though slightly dull, was thorough.


    Among them were tworge drawings of insects. If you were pedantic, you can separate it into three. Maomao ssified them as she read the description in the illustrated book.


    This grasshopper seemed to be the one thats normally found.


    She pointed to the grasshopper that was painted green. She didnt know with the full body drawing, but when she saw the drawing of only the dissected wing part, she could see that it was a little shorterpared to the other two.


    And, this, is the one we believed to have increased in numbers this year. This variety is the one that causes locust gues.


    Jinshi should have also read the text, but she took upon herself to voice it out. Doing so will engrave it into her memories, it would be easier to remember. She gathered that Jinshi was also silent to think about this.


    The grasshopper painted brown had wings that were longer than the green one.


    And, wasnt it written that the small-scale locust gue that broke outst year was from this one?


    She picked up the drawing of the grasshopper in the middle. Its shape was between the green and brown ones; the colouring was also in between.


    In other words, it bes this brown grasshopper by decreasing its growth stages?


    It seems to be the case.


    Grasshoppers gather in certain conditions, and their body colour and wing shape changes. This takes several generations, and they seem to increase their numbers each time.


    Do their forms change due to the increase in numbers? Do their numbers increase due to their forms changing? Speaking of which one, it was written as an addendum in the illustrated book that the reason was the former.


    In other words, the small-scale locust damage is the herald of arge-scale one afterwards.


    So there will be greater damages this year?


    Indeed, I dont know how great the scale will be, though.


    Its just that if the prediction is wrong, there will be a locust gue where people will die from starvation. By making light of the insects, they will incidentally cloak the sky, and all and every grain will be eaten up.


    Maomao was raised in the capital so she had never seen such a thing, but there were many girls among the courtesans that had been sold to the pleasure district from rural viges due to having nothing to eat from the locust damage.


    And besides, the timing is also bad.


    Last year, the news of the overthrown Shi n spread all over the country. It seems that locust gues are treated as a way to test the reign through the scale of the damages it wrought since olden times. And so, if locust gues urred, the reign had issues there were not few and it was a recognition that the heavens were punishing the emperor.


    If the locust gues be worse next year with the Shi n incident, it wouldnt be amusing for the country.


    Well then, what Maomao and Jinshi had wanted to know wasnt just that. If research had been done on locust gues, they must also be studies on its prevention methods.


    But.


    There wasnt a silver bullet mentioned there.


    About dealing with the next gue after a small scale gue urs that was enumerated. Either of them were in forms that were close to human-wave tactics.


    It was important to exterminate them while they were in theirrvae stage. For that reason, there was a production method written up for an effective pesticide. Maybe as it uses up arge quantity, it appears to be made with ingredients that are rtively easy to acquire.


    Also, in the case of the grasshoppers reaching the adult stage, it was rmended cook them with fire. This was an approach from olden times. Were they are summer insects that jump into fire?


    We didnt obtain significant information.


    No, it would be a grave matter if we left it as it is without knowing, wouldnt it?


    Jinshi scratched his head as he took out arge map from his breast pocket. It was a map on the central of this country all the way to the Shi Northern Province and the western regions there were many scarlet circles on it. Todigress, the central is called the Ka Central Province, and she didnt know what name the Shi Northern Province will be changed to hereafter.


    The locations of the rural viges that had reports of damage. Can you understand anything with this?


    Even if you ask me that.


    She heard that locust guesmonly ur in vast grassy ins. Certainly, the locations of all those viges were close to ins.


    Is it really true that it is easy to breed grasshoppers in ces with lots of ins?


    I guess so. But, in this ce, it has already been several decades where locust gues havent urred though.


    Jinshi turned the map around and circled with his finger for her to see. It was right in the area that was under the direct control of the Shi n in the northern regions. It was a fertile farming area, but it was adjacent to the forests and mountains.


    For some reason, Jinshi was irately pointing to the section of the forest.


    I thought that normally, close to the forests, birds eat insects, but


    That huh.


    The Shi Northern Province was abundant in lumber, but it seems its environs had already been reduced to treeless hills. The felling of lumber in this country had been excessively prohibited during the era of the Empress.


    Due to the passing of the Empress, it seems the good-for-nothings of the Shi n had been felling without informing the central.


    She was told that, in order to raise the price of the portions that flowed within the country, everything else was sold off in other countries. Because of the reckless lumbering, it seems the nature of the area has be greatly disturbed.


    so with that, are you saying that the locust gues are because there are no birds?


    Youve thought enough.


    He got sorrowful for some reason.


    The intensity of Jinshis depression might be, to some extent, from his anticipation of the Shi Northern Provinces forest resources. With the money acquired from selling lumber to fill in the gaps where the grains couldnt be harvested, he might have appraised that it could be managed somehow or another if they buy extra food from far away, but he had been crushed from that basis.


    (Huh?)


    In that case, concerning the reason the Empress had limited the felling of lumber, she had wondered perhaps. But lets take that into a consideration again.


    Maomao stared at the map. She looked at the description of the pesticide several times, then stood up.


    She took out a volume from the bookshelf in the room, flipped through it, and then showed it to Jinshi.


    I believe the drug cannot possibly be enough with just thispound. The effectiveness might decrease, but I will also prepare otherpounds.


    And afterward, the other thing she came up with was-.


    Is it no good to burn the ces where thervaee from?


    Yeah. That also depends on the ce. I think its quick and easy to burn them to death though.


    Also, what she considered is.


    To the point of a hunting ban on sparrows huh.


    Sparrows are treated as a pest, but it is also big that they eat pest insects. If they hit that point beforehand, the damage that has yet to ur might be reduced. However, the people who do that as an upation will phraseints.


    She didnt know how much damage could be decreased even if they attempt all of those. Above all, there might be nothing of it, but if thats the case, it is good fortune so theres no issue.


    To crush down on the possibility of negatives that was the job of those that carry out the reign. Even if they cannot obtain a proper evaluation.


    A ban on sparrow hunting? There would be opposition if we suddenly imposed that.


    Sparrow dishes also line up in the market of the capital. It is a rtively popr foodstuff since it is ubiquitous.


    If would be good if there was something to substitute it though.


    We might as well take up grasshopper dishes as an imperial court dish. How about that?


    Maomao said it as a good idea without thinking. If they did that, grasshoppers would be an ingredient purveyor to the imperial court, so their catching would increase, and if the emperor eats it, the officials would also eat it as servile behaviour.


    However.


    Jinshi stiffened. The man who usually gave off a gorgeous colour looked grey.


    (This guy.)


    She thought of taking out the simmered grasshopper that still remained in this ce.


    Jinshi, when she thought that he finally moved, looked up, softly pressed his brows with his fingers and let out a sound that sounded like a groan. It seems his person was at a conflict. That result.


    can we have that as thest resort?


    Its not an issue since they havent increased in particr.


    Maomao said, but she felt slightly disappointed.


    By just saying that, Jinshis air became more motivated than before.


    It seems, he hated eating it that much.


    (.)


    Maomao gave a faint smile.


    Seeing that, Jinshi stiffened again.


    Um, Jinshi-sama.


    Wh-what is it?


    He replied with a slight stammer.


    How about you go back after eating?


    Maomao politely requested.

 Volume 4, Chapter 9: Portrait

    Afterward, Jinshi decided to leave after eating dinner.


    Of course, as the pharmacy was cramped, she prepared a guest room that wasnt being used.


    It goes without saying that Maomao served him the leftover simmered grasshopper. Of course, she wasnt nning to force him to eat it. She wasnt taking it seriously, just as a slight prank.


    She was meaning to immediately take it down when Jinshi shows even a little displeasure. The madam was also ring at her like she wanted to say something too.


    However.


    Though he faltered for an instant, Jinshi put the grasshopper that Maomao had presented jokingly into his mouth.


    Maomaos own face reflexively contorted.


    She watched Jinshi chew the grasshopper with furrowed brows, and felt like she was looking at something she shouldnt be seeing. Everyone around her seemed to be the same. All in all, they had expressions like lightning had crashed down behind their backs.


    Gaoshuns hands were trembling.


    The kamuro, who carried in the dinner, was on the verge of tears, looking as though her favourite doll had been besmirched with mud.


    Chouu, who came to pick at the dinner, became stiff faced. This is no good, he said, shaking his head.


    Even the madams face had stiffened.


    Jinshi ignored all those faces. He chewed and swallowed. His expression was still ghastly but he looked at Maomao as if he wanted to say something.


    Congee.


    Ah, yes.


    She presented him the bowl of congee, but Jinshi made no movements of taking it. He alternated his gaze between the congee and Maomao.


    (You want me to cool it down?)


    What does he want to say? Maomao picked up the soupspoon. Was he not pleased with the ingredients? She scooped the congee and studied it. When she did so, Jinshi came forward to chomp on it.


    Youre not a baby.


    She scooped the congee with the soupspoon once again, and he closed in again. Since it was going to spill, she brought it to his mouth.


    He snapped up the congee.


    Maomao narrowed her eyes as she picked up the grasshopper with a pair of chopsticks this time. Though Jinshi scrunched up his face again, he ate it.


    Eek, she heard Gaoshuns scream.


    When she thought there was a thud, the kamuro was cowering on the floor with tears rolling down her cheeks. Chouu was soothing her.


    Was it really that much of shocking scene? Maomao thought. It might be a strong stimulus for children.


    Freckles, Im taking her out for a bit. Also, niichan, hold responsibility for what you did.


    Jinshi chewed and swallowed the grasshopper with all his might. It didnt look delicious no matter what. However, he ate it.


    Chouu left with the crying kamuro.


    (I did something bad huh.)


    As Jinshi had his looks, they tried not to disy his face for as much as possible even in the Rokushoukan. As the courtesans wont do their work, the madam wouldnt want them to see him.


    And so, the kamuro who carried in the meals was a girl whose mouth doesnt work. She seemed to be agirl who got sold off after getting abused by her parents; her throat was crushed so she cannot speak. She had a considerably timid personality, but she worked steadily to return home.


    Chouu, who had the character of the boss of the children, often protected this timid kamuro someway or other. Because shes a follower, he insisted, but how about that?


    Jinshi who finished swallowing the grasshopper looked at Maomao again.


    (Okay okay.)


    Maomao brought the spoon to Jinshis mouth again.


    Oi, Freckles.


    Chouu, who finished looking after the kamuro after Jinshi left, showed up. For some reason, he was holding onto a brush and paper.


    What is with that paper?


    Yeah, the gran gave it to me.


    The stingy hag gave it to you?


    Its the madam that is always called thrifty. She wouldnt think that the crone would readily give out high-ss items like paper.


    But she gave it to me, so it should be fine. That aside, sit there.


    Why.


    As for Maomao, as it waste from dinner, she wanted to quickly go back to clean up the pharmacy. And yet the brat was here speaking of wilfulness.


    Just as she was going to chase him out for being a bother, she heard a hoarse voice from behind him.


    Come on, listen to Chouu. Sleep here today. Wouldnt it be rough to build a fire after going back? Ill also prepare sleepwear.


    Gran, what is it? Did you be strange after seeing something weird?


    In response to the kind crone, her tongue unintentionally slipped. The crone dropped a fist with a speed that was unthinkable for the crone. This sh*tty hag, though older, was taller than Maomao, so her thrown off power was to the point of making her want to squirm in reflex.


    Its fine. Iid out the futon in the previous room. Take a bath before you sleep. It should still be warm.


    (How suspicious.)


    While thinking that, since she was at it, she entered the room. As Chouu spread out the paper, the madam also diligently prepared the ink.


    (Too suspicious.)


    For some reason, Pairin-neechan and Joga-neechan were also around as curious onlookers. It seemed they were grinding tea today. The other courtesans had customers.


    Gran, is it alright to not watch the incense stick?


    I left it to Ukyou. Hell do it adequately.


    Despite having work, why is she gathered here, when she wondered that, Chouu who finished preparing the brush looked at Maomao.


    What?


    Freckles, tell me what man is your type.


    Haah?


    What was he on about? Its stupid, so she picked up the sleepwear in the basket and prepared for her bath. However, the madam tugged her sleeves and stopped her.


    Come on, be serious.


    Maomao, its no good to disobey gran-


    Even Pairin told her.


    Joga was smoking a pipe with an aloof expression. Its the time the guestse and go, but since this room was a private room for people that dont want others to know, hardly anyonees here. And so, even if she was somewhat bad mannered, the crone wont voice herints.


    For now, what is your preference? Height? Has muscles?


    (What a pain.)


    Rather than tall, its better to not be too big.


    Hmhm.


    Its best to reply dutifully Maomao sat on the cushion reluctantly. Since its cold, she slipped her feet into the futon.


    Rather than skinny, its better to be plump.


    For the small Maomao, tall is painful for her neck. If hes skinny, itll look like he isnt being fed, so itll be troubling.


    Facial hair?


    Its fine if he has some, but no thanks for the thick ones.


    It was said to be manly, but speaking of which side, the filthiness was stronger. Generally, when she sees those guys who shirk on grooming, she gets mad when rice get stuck to it.


    Then face(jawline)?


    Rather than sharp, soft is better.


    Fox eyes were no good. It would really be the worst.


    Should his brows hang down?


    Yeah, Ill leave that to you.


    Hmmm, then is he something like this?


    Chouu fluttered the paper he drew on.


    Oh myyy, hes somewhat in huh.


    Pairin, who preferred muscr handsome men, said.


    Its a face that seems naive huh.


    The madam also didnt have a really good assessment.


    The heck is this? Rejected.


    It was Joga who cut him offpletely. This courtesan, one of the Three Princesses, despite being a courtesan, had a difficult personality that was a big manhater. Most males were rejected.


    And then Maomao alsoid her eyes on him.


    .


    Whats wrong?


    The madam asked the wordless Maomao.


    No, its because he looks so much like someone.


    Eeehh, Maomao, dont tell me, you have a gentleman you like


    In response to Pairin who was in high spirits, the madams expression wasnt merry.


    She certainly didnt hate him.


    What kind of man is he?


    No, he used to be a man.


    Since hes a eunuch.


    A man that looked exactly like the quack doctor was drawn there.


    Following the anticlimactic reply, everyone quickly left the room.


    Whattt, how boring.


    Pairin, who bloomed with love stories, lost interest and was the first to leave. She nced at Maomao, but lets not notice that.


    The madam also left with a bored expression and Chouu headed off to bath.


    Last remaining was Joga who was smoking a pipe.


    Joga gently opened the window. The cold wind blew in from the opened gap. The half moon and the sparse stars in the sky that looked like its dissolved in ink, from that, you can see the windows that cast the shadows of men and women.


    Tonight as well, in this brothel, a great number of love is born and will disappear along with daybreak.


    As she puffed out tobo smoke, Joga looked at Maomao.


    Im in favour. People like men, we dont know when they will change their minds. It is all the more with men that possess power.


    Joga set down the pipe. Her actions werenguid yet beautiful. The youngest of the Three Princess was valued by guests with her culture of a talented woman. If you abide by Jogas words, it was even said that you can pass the civil examinations.


    I wont bother stopping you if you have a personality like Pairin-nee. Pairin-nee is also impatient, but I want you to understand that your personalities are different. Maomao, you know better than me which of the two you are.


    She understood what she was saying.


    Most likely, it was about that.


    There is no personage whose heart doesnt change. If you are here, youll even know as far as hate. What is the point of believing?


    Joga picked up the pipe again and quietly discarded the ashes inside. Then she stuffed it with tobo leaves and lit it with the brazier.


    The white smoke engulfed her.


    After all, I am a harlot, and you are the child of one.


    Thats reality.


    Maomao looked at the ashes that fell onto the brazier and knitted her brows slightly.


    Neechan, arent you smoking a little too much?


    Its fine once in a while. Civil officials with honest faces hate women smoking.


    Let me do what I want when there are no guests around at least Joga blew smoke into the sky.

 Volume 4, Chapter 10: White Snake Fairy First Part

    It started from the story from a certain guest.


    Its no wonder that I thought there are fewer gueststely.


    Meimei-neechan was lying down slovenly as she was setting up stones on the Go board. Her kamuro was looking over that, cing down stones as she agonised over it. They were ying the zhenlong[note]. A Go problem. From the Wuxia novel Demi-gods and Semi-devils, where its a formation that even masters of the game were unable to solve, until the monk Xuzhu (one of the three protagonists) does it serendipitously 30 yearster.[/note].


    The very important ministers like unusual things after all.


    The one who said that, while puffing out smoke, was Joga.


    Maomao had prepared for moxibustion by her sisters asking. As the twos womanly paths were heavy, sometimes they relieved themselves by stimting their pressure points like this.


    She was told that was what Meimei s Go opponent had told her yesterday. That there was a fairy-like maiden who was more unusual than the Three Princesses of the Rokushoukan.


    We are at the age where they would be getting sick and tired of us. Even though we were treated like jewels of admiration in times past.


    Keh, Joga spat. Yeah sure, Maomao make sounds of listening, making Joga lie down and lit the moxa she ced on the womans skin. Hearing the sexy Haaaaah~ and the curling of toes, she wanted to say that theres still a while to go.


    Somehow, ording to him, she has pure white hair. If its just that, he should have just said that she has normal white hair then.


    Also, it seems her eyes are red, Meimei added.


    (White hair and red eyes.)


    That is unusual, Maomao nodded. She prepared Meimeis moxibustion after Jogas.


    Meimei stretched a slender leg out from her clothes. Maomao carefully rolled her dress up so it wouldnt get burnt, and ce the moxa on her leg and lit it.


    Hair aside, her eyes are also red huh. Would that make her an albino then?


    That seems to be the case.


    Her older sisters hummed in agreement. The kamuro who was holding the Go stone didnt understand at all; she tugged at Maomaos sleeves. It was the girl who had shrieked when she saw Jinshi eating the locusts the other day. If Maomao remembered correctly, the girls name is Zuurin[note], Zi Lin.[/note].


    Maomao squinted in annoyance, but when she saw Zuurin act scared, she reluctantly opened her mouth.


    Its rare for humans, but children can be born with no colour. Their hair and skin are both white, and their eyes looked red as the blood inside are transparent. Those are called albino.


    It also exists in animals. White snakes and foxes are revered as auspicious gods, but what about humans? She was told that distant foreign countries believing that white skinned children are a panacea have a custom of eating them. However, that story is false. Though their hair and skin are white, that is just a difference in colour, and their insides are no different, is what Maomao was taught by her dad Ruomen.


    Maomao had caught a white snake once, but she had really thought that was a mysterious creature.


    It seems that, this time, the albino was being worshipped as a curious fairy.


    Even though the big-shots will get tired of her sooner orter.


    About that.


    Meimei said as she stretched out her other leg.


    The story is that she actually uses sage arts.


    At those words, Maomaos brows twitched.


    She was told that the fairy used the power to read minds and to create gold.


    Its a story that made one want to smear spit on their brows [note]To be wary of trickery. Something you do to not be bewitched by a fox or tanuki.[/note], but it was what whimsical people took strong interests in. In the beginning, it was said the fairy had performed in a small exhibition hut, but she was now renting the theatre of the capital.


    Since the exhibition that gathered the wealthy opened once per night, the grumbling of the courtesans of the pleasure district would also have to be unreasonable. Considering that the wealthy guests had shown up after a long time, it was unamusing because they were praising the inhuman appearance of the fairy and admiring her ability.


    At the twenty percent decrease in profits than the usual, even the madam was hurling down the pipe. The guestsing in for the middle-ranked courtesans stayed the same, but the Rokushoukan is a high-ss brothel. With the upper guests hardlying in, the proceeds changed greatly.


    Its an exhibition. Seeing it once should be good enough.


    Its nothing like that.


    It was the head manservant, Ukyou, who responded to Maomaos monologue. This man, who is before his forties, must be having it rough from taking care of Chouu and Sazen recently. It seems he finally got the break before he raised thenterns of the night shop. He was eating arge steamed meat bun.


    Maomao took the opportunity to give him insipid tea. scuse me, Ukyou said, taking the teacup and pouring tea into it.


    You know about alchemy[note], more specifically Chinese alchemy, literally the art of transmuting cinnabar[/note], right?


    Why this so suddenly?


    Alchemy. The art of creating medicine that turns one into an unageing, undying immortal. Having heard such a thing from her dad, there would be no way Maomaos eyes wouldnt shine. And then, she immediately remembered getting stabbed with nails.


    Dont copy that.


    Ruomen had said. In other words, it was that kind of immensely suspicious art.


    Is this a story of wanting to share the luck of the power of immortality?


    Who knows. It goes without saying that theres her unusual appearance, but I heard that she could read peoples minds.


    Hohoh.


    The big shots who turned up with spit on their brows, what would they think of having their minds seen through? From undermining their feelings by ying them as fools, she might be a figure of worship. And they might think the thing called the elixir of life is real.


    (As if such an idiotic thing exists.)


    Maomao knew about the person who created the medicine of resurrection on the eve of his research on immortality medicine. Even though he was an outstanding as a medical officer, from the side effect, there was no shadow of what he was left now.


    Maomao clenched her fist. She understood thatmenting that if she had his knowledge, they could create a proper countern against the locust gue, was something that couldnt be helped.


    The disaster was still on its way. That might change depending on what they will do from now on.


    Even though Jinshis people were puzzling over the countermeasures for the disaster that will possibly ur hereafter, she sighed at the other big shots who were rxing too much.


    Though, Maomao got interested in that art.


    Is it that in other words? That fairy, is she gathering her audience with the elixir of life as the pull?


    I dont know that much. I only heard it from the officials followers.


    In saying that, Ukyou threw the steamed bun into his mouth and washed it down with the rest of the tea.


    It was time to light thenterns.


    If youre interested, how about you go see it?


    I cant pay for such an expensive show.


    Then, why dont you earnestly ask somebody?


    Ukyou said, skilfully winked his right eye, and hurried away.


    (Who could I ask?)


    Maomao spat out a keh as one face urred to her, as a matter of course.


    Even though it would be easier if he said that it was impossible since hes busy.


    When she tried voicing it out a little, he became exaggeratedly eager. Far from that, it seems the exhibition had already reached Jinshis ears, so he was interested.


    She was told to quickly prepare to leave.


    Maomao thought that as she put on her outer garment. It was given by the clothing shop, a first-ss padded garment. The colours were a little shy, but it was a waste to take what she was given and set it aside. And it was a waste to not use it.


    She dressed warmly and went out. A horse-drawn carriage awaited.


    It was already dark out. Wet snow was falling from the sky. When she informed Chouu, he got noisy about bringing him along, so she had Ukyou make him eat dinner.


    Shall we head off?


    Gaoshun said. When she went inside, there was Jinshi wearing a mask.


    Maomao slowly lowered her head, and sat on the seat by his signal to sit.


    Jinshi-sama, will you be going with a mask?


    Yeah.


    Maomao made a dubious expression.


    In response to that, Jinshis expression was calm.


    Its fine. It shouldnt be a problem.


    He said and the carriage moved.


    The theatre with the fairy was said to be a little to the east of the middle of the capital. It was in the location that prospered the most in the capital, which had rows of shops, so it was close to the exclusive residential district. This ce was normally the centre of where the ys are performed, so it was mysterious to have it hold the fairys solo performance.


    (What a mundane fairy.)


    The fairy, from her appearance, is called Lady Pai[note], Pai-nyannyan, Bai-niangniang in Chinese. The White Lady. : nyannyan [niangniang in Chinese] is a title of reverence for females, normally used for goddesses, empresses and consorts, meaning mother''[/note].


    They descended from the carriage. It already had lines of many people. The reception man epted the money, and briskly led them inside.


    (I see huh.)


    There isnt a problem, right?


    Maomao understood that Jinshi was making a triumphant expression even under a mask. Half the audience around them were wearing masks or veils. Even Maomao was wearing a veil on her head Gaoshun had brought it, putting where he got it from aside.


    If it was the case that the wealthy big shots enjoy seeing this sort of thing, it could be seen as that they were making a bit too much merry. Otherwise, this could be something like an amusement festival. She felt like she was drowning in that questionable atmosphere.


    There was a stage inside the theatre and several tens of tables before it. The ceiling was open so you can watch from the second floor. You can put in more than a hundred people in one go. The building in the inner pce was a construction that was a lotrger, but the design here allowed everyone to see the theatre. That being the case, the design carved into the pirs and beams were detailed and beautiful.


    Argentern dangled down from the ceiling. They walked in relying on its dim lighting.


    The ce Jinshi sat, was the seat on the second row of theleft side from the stage. Directly in front of them and right in the middle, was a well-built man and a young maiden who were sitting and being waited upon.


    Sorry. I couldnt get the seats in the middle.


    The one who said it regretfully, was the young man who had joined up with them before she realised. From his voice, even with his mask on, she knew it to be Basen.


    The table was for four. Including Gaoshun, it was just enough.


    No, rather, it would be better if it was further back.


    It was Gaoshun who said that. Certainly, no matter if you wore a mask, if you take up the good seats, it is easy to imagine the extent of the persons power and fortune.


    Judging from appearances, the man in the middle seat could only look like the nouveau rich who had money in excess. If she was not mistaken, wasnt the trade dealer whos swaggering around in the pleasure district recently that kind of man?


    As soon as they sat down, female servants who were smiling showed up carrying sake cups.


    Maomao sniffed it.


    Its wine. Youre not drinking?


    She liked wine. However, she wanted to look at the Lady Pai or whoever with sober eyes.


    Ill partake itter. So do you want me to food taste?


    No, its fine.


    Jinshi also put the cup on the table like he was copying her. If he did so, Gaoshun and Basen had no choice but to do the same. As far as she saw from those around her, the wine in the cups seemed very delicious. While thinking pitifully that she should drink it, Maomao eyed the stage.


    The dim interior was cloaked in white mist. And, along with the crash of the gong, the star of the stage appeared from the inside like she was releasing light.


    It was a maiden with white clothes and white skin. Her white hair was untied, trailing behind her. Amid the pure white colouring, her red dyed lips and her pair of eyes were the only things that stood out. As the gong reverberated, Lady Pai stood at the centre of the stage. There was a single beautiful table prepared on it. The maiden went to it. She disyed the paper that has been prepared on the table beforehand. Drawn there was the current arrangement of the tables and the stage.


    When she did so, a man d in white appeared on the tform. His hair was ck, but aside from that, from his appearance that matched with Lady Pai, Maomao understood that he was the maidens follower.


    The man received that arrangement diagram from the maiden and pasted it on the wall on the tform. And then he threw something towards it.


    Could it be a type of throwing weapon? The long and narrow thing went through the paper and was embedded into the wall. As the wall was papier mache that had been prepared beforehand, it was immediately pierced through.


    Well then, the guest sitting on this seat is-


    A hole was opened in the paper.


    It was right exactly on the left side, the seats on the second row from the front.


    Its here yeah.


    Its here yes.


    In other words, the seats Maomao and the others were sitting on.


    What do we do?


    Even you ask what do we do.


    Jinshi didnt seem to want to stand out.


    Gaoshun also wasnt at the age to be in high spirits from that.


    Speaking of Basen.


    He was slightly fidgety. I want to go out for a bit, but suggesting myself is also that, that kind of expression. Just as much as he is too serious, he cant be honest about that kind of thing, it seems.


    However, at this rate, if no one is going, then it cant be helped


    Then, Ill.


    You go.


    Jinshi said. He was pointing at Maomao.


    Isnt this a chance to see it up close?


    .


    Basen, who was about stand up beside her, was a little stumped. Right now, Maomao was on the verge of wanting to throw the ball over to him, but she didnt have that kind of personality either.


    Ill go then.


    She said, giving a sidelong nce to Basen who dejectedly hung his head, and went up on the tform.


    Lady Pai was more dazzling under the flickeringntern light. Her overly white skin exposed her transparent veins. Maomao understood that it was different to just painting your skin white.


    From one to ten, can you pick your favourite number?


    She heard a delicate voice that seemed to vanish. As if to supplement the maiden, the man beside her repeated her words in a loud voice.


    Write it down so I cant see it. Please also fold it down into a small piece so no one can see it.


    Lady Pai and the man both turned around. That moment, Maomao smoothly wrote the character with the brush that had been handed to her. The brush had been filled with ink beforehand, so it was a little hard to write with. The feel of the brush was also a little bad, so they might have used mediocre ink. There was a mat underneath so she wont get it on the table.


    When she was done with writing down the number, Maomao folded it up.


    Im done.


    When she said it, Lady Pai and the man turned around. The man pushed a strange cart over this time. In exchange, the previous table was moved to the back of the stage.


    There was a box with the bases of several strange tubes stuck to it. Ten vertical, ten horizontal, a total of a hundred tubes.


    Can you cram that paper into one of them?


    Lady Pai said, then turned around with the man again.


    Even if they didnt specially turn around, the audience wouldnt be able to see from the stage either.


    Maomao scrunched up the paper to an even smaller size and stuffed it into a tube. The paper was soft, but the width of the tube she stuffed it into was narrow, so she had some trouble.


    After she was done, she covered it with a thin gauze at the top to obscure it.


    When she did so, the man moved that again. The box that packed with tubes was ced on a different table on the side of the stage. As if the gauze was thin and light, it fluttered airily.


    Im done.


    Just as she said that, the gong reverberated. Though her eyes widened at the shock, she felt grateful she was wearing a veil.


    However, as if Jinshi noticed that somehow, she got that his shoulders were shaking from his faraway seat.


    How very irritating.


    Lady Pai smiled and presented her hand.


    Maomao, as she was told, put out her hand and the maidens cold white hand took Maomaos wrist.


    The bell rang this time.


    Lady Pai stared at Maomao.


    (Ah, this person.)


    Her eyes are bad, Maomao thought. Her eyes moved strangely sometimes. Which reminds her, since there was no pigment in her eyes,pared to others, there must be a lot of aspects she would have to be impaired in.


    When she thought that


    The number written is seven.


    !?


    Correct.


    Her red lips curved into a grin. Together with her red eyes, Maomao was reminded of the white snake she caught a long time ago. When she was going to broil the red eyed and white skinned snake, her dad got angry at her. They are the gods messengers, so you cant, she was told, but Maomao knew they arent really that kind of creature. Her dad, even though the white skin they possess were unrted to gods, he asionally carried out that moral outlook so it was troubling.


    She felt like she was getting absorbed into those round red eyes, when the gong sounded again.


    Maybe because she was being shrouded by the haze around her, it was strangely warm and her head strangely hurt. She abruptly felt irritated by the sensation that was like mosquitos buzzing around her ear, and Lady Pai opened her mouth again.


    Third from the top, second from the left.


    How is it?


    The man grabbed hold of the gauze, so the audience could see the contents of the box. And then from the inside, he took the tube that was third from the top and second from the left, and thrust a thin stick through it.


    When he did so.


    Paper came out from inside. The man opened up the finely folded paper, there was the number 7 written clearly on it.


    It goes without saying that it was what Maomao had written.


    T/N: LN version had Rahan and Rikuson (youll meet him soon) instead of the Jinshi group.

 Volume 4, Chapter 11: White Snake Fairy Latter Part

    Maomao returned to her seat wondering what could have happened.


    Cheers erupted around her. Everyones voices were merry as though they were tipsy.


    Only Jinshis group was patiently waiting for Maomaos return.


    Hey, what was that?


    Even if you ask me what.


    The one asking her in rapt attention was Basen.


    Dont tell me. You got bribed with money?


    Leave out the rude matters, Maomao thought. As Gaoshuns fist descended immediately,Basen was silent.


    I didnt take anything.


    Maomao opened up her palms and showed them the inside of her sleeves too.


    Did someone see you?


    No.


    There were only Lady Pai and her male helper on the tform. They didnt see the character nor what tube she had put it in as it got covered with a cloth, so they couldnt have known.


    (Dont tell me)


    Maomao suddenly looked at the tform. Thentern hung down from the ceiling, red tassel swinging.


    If there had been a mirror, by any chance, Maomao had thought that they could have seen the character she had written, but that was wrong. It seems hard to attach something like that to the ceiling, and above all, they would require another mirror to reflect it. With that much haze, and in the dim lighting, the mirror would also end up getting foggy. Even if they didnt use a bronze mirror but an imported high-grade mirror instead, they still shouldnt be able to see it.


    And above all, that Lady Pai seemed to have poor vision.


    She should only see it without getting blurry beyond one shaku.


    She spected how it could be for that case, and the next event began.


    There was a new table with various tools on it on the tform.


    Lady Pai picked up a small, thin piece of metal from the table. She also prepared a different te. The male helper took the piece of metal and te, ced it on a tray and went around the theatre. The piece of metal was polished it merely looked like a in piece of copper. The te was deep so the liquid inside wouldnt spill.


    Of course, there was no time for him to go around all the way up to the second floor. Sounds of discontent could be heard above from here and there. Since this is the difference of seating price, give it up.


    Lady Pai took the piece of metal and te from the man who came back. And then, she put the metal on the te and before Maomao noticed, that te was sitting over a prepared me.


    When Lady Pai put that in there, she started to chant something like a spell and dance. In the hazy dim room, her entire body looked like it was glowing.


    After the Lady finished dancing, she picked up the chopsticks and took out the piece of metal. She disyed it.


    (The colour changed.)


    The reddish colour of copper had changed to silver.


    The people nearby raised cheers. Ohhh!


    It changed from copper to silver!


    You serious!?


    The people far away could not see, but after they sawthe reactions of the other people, they started to bring themselves forward. The guards would stop them from going up to the stage. They should know that they cannot get that close.


    The Lady washed the metal with some liquid and wiped it with a cloth. And then, she put it directly on the me this time.


    The cheers got louder.


    The silver turned to gold!


    The silver changed to shimmering gold this time.


    The Lady shook it with the chopsticks, and as it radiated heat, she ced it on the te. So they could see properly, the man went around to show everyone the board that was shining gold.


    can you exin this?


    Jinshi said as he crossed his arms.


    Afterwards. Can I enjoy the entertainment first?


    Maomao said as her eyes glittered. Honestly, she had thought that it would be waste to look away.


    Even if the maiden isnt a fairy, she had that much merit.


    After that, Lady Pai performed several interesting shows.


    She ced a wet rock on paper. She chanted a spell, and a momentter it burst into mes.


    As she wondered where the butterflies came out from nowhere, they flew and burnt away into ashes.


    All the audiences cheered. And in the final act.


    The Lady brought over a shining silver fluid.


    As everyone had their attention on that mysterious liquid, the maiden poured it into a small cup and drank it all down.


    !?


    Without thinking, Maomao was about to get up. However, as she was half up, she stopped and watched her.


    Did you enjoy this night as well?


    The Lady smilingly descended from the tform and left.


    Inside the theatre in the lingering heat, the audiences delightfully talked about what just happened. Some people carried fire in their eyes, and some looked at the ce where the fairy was in worship.


    However, only four people, Maomao included, were not that excited.


    It doesnt feel extraordinary.


    Jinshi finally reached out for the wine cup.


    Jinshi-sama.


    Maomao reflexively stopped his hand.


    Thats rude.


    Basen watched in disapproval.


    Food taste?


    Jinshi put down the cup.


    Yes.


    Maomao picked up the cup in front of her. She smelled it, and ced a drop on her skin. After watching for the reaction, she tasted it with the tip of her tongue.


    I dont know clearly, but I feel the arousal effect is a little strong.


    There was little alcohol content. It was easy to drink as it was close to fruit juice, but there was a trace of a differentplex taste. It was a mixture of several types. She understood that there was a bit of salt mixed in it.


    I think its not a poison.


    However, it will enhance the effectparative to the concentration of alcohol content. It was just that.


    Besides.


    The swingingntern.


    The dim room.


    The mysterious haze and wondrous fairy.


    The unfathomable phenomenon urring before your eyes.


    (Oh hey there.)


    Would this be a sufficient reason for anyone to ept it blindly?


    And, what proportion of the people in this theatre turned out like this?


    While thinking good gracious, Maomao sipped the wine.


    (It really is a little salty.)


    It was the instant she thought that it would be tasty if they didnt add salt.


    !?


    Maomao suddenly stuck her finger in the cup. And then, she glided the fruit wine-like ink across the table.


    What are you doing?


    So its something like this huh.


    Not long after she answered Jinshis question, Maomao looked around.


    (If its something like that, there would be some trick in addition to that.)


    She regretted that she should have looked around more when she was standing on the stage when possible. Could there be something over there?


    The haze was thicker than anywhere else. It was hot. Her head ached. And strangely, her ability to concentrate was inhibited.


    (Haze.)


    Could that steam, possibly? Could that be vapouring out from the back of the stage?


    If so, she also understood the cause of the heat.


    Then, the headache. The sensation was as if there were mosquitos buzzing.


    What could that be?


    (Mm?)


    When she thought could it be, she nced at Lady Pai who was at the back of the stage.


    Maomao stuck her fingers in her mouth, puckered her lips, and blew.


    What, you blowing a whistle or something?


    Basen squinted and watched Maomao.


    The sound wasnt that loud. People were talking loudly around her. She shouldnt have heard from this distance.


    And yet, Lady Pais shoulders shook with surprise and she seemed to look around.


    (Ahh, so its something like that huh.)


    Maomao grinned, and then suggested, Shall we go outside?


    It was cold outside. If possible, she wanted to go inside the nearby restaurant and talk, but it was hard while wearing masks. It cant be helped, she decided to talk inside the carriage.


    It was also fine to return to the Rokushoukan and talk there, but the three seemed to want to know whats what as soon as possible.


    Maomao decided to first exin how the copper was changed into silver and into gold.


    That is very simr to something called the Art of Yellow and White[note][/note].


    Would it be easier to understand if she said alchemy? Gunpowder is another thing that is made in ordance to that. The Art of Yellow and White was among that the changing of base metals into precious metals.


    Alchemy is an art for the prolonging of the human lifespan, but in reality, there are a lot of counterfeits. An emperor from antiquity was left in the records as one who sought perpetual youth and longevity, so much so that he lost his life from an erroneous method.


    It was certainly simr, but, speaking of which-.


    I feel it is closer to the alchemy[note], the Art of Transmuting Gold[/note] of the West.


    The West?


    Yes.


    Maomao nodded at Jinshis question.


    Ive only it from my dads stories, but this is actually the first time Ive ever seen it. However, my dad has seen that in person many times, and understood the structure of it. Even if that did turn into silver, it didnt necessarily turn into gold. It is covered by ting, it seems to be just a transition to something else from warming over fire.


    Maomao had tried it too, but her dad didnt teach her the essentials materials. Even if he taught her, there wouldnt be all the materials in the pharmacy.


    If you want to know the details, please ask Ruomen. And while youre at it, Ill be happy if you inform me what he tells you.


    She said, her eyes gleaming.


    In addition, the spontaneous burning of the paper too. There is the possibility if you use the by-product made from that process. And making the butterflies can also be taken as probable if they were made with good paper.


    The people at that ce had poor vision from the haze, and besides, they had drunk wine that induced drunkenness. Even Jinshis group, who did not drink the wine, were tricked, so there shouldnt be people who would have noticed it.


    By the way, the paper butterflies appeared to be a type of magic that is introduced in the ind country in the east.


    Then, how did they see through your mind?


    Even in regards to that.


    Maomao got Gaoshun to lend her two sheets of paper and a portable writing tool. She thenyered the two sheets of paper and used an inky brush to write down 7. After writing, she showed Jinshi and the others the paper that was underneath.


    What do you think?


    What or this, wouldnt that be a marking on the back?


    Its fragmented, but the 7 had clearly passed through.


    Yes, its something like so.


    Even if its something like this, wouldnt be found out if there were markings under the paper you wrote on?


    Indeed, thats true.


    There had been a ck mat underneath the paper Maomao had written on. They wouldnt be able to see the markings with that.


    But it went through.


    Maomao had dipped the brush with an ample amount of ink when she received it. She recalled the ink had been strangely cheap-looking and had a gravelly texture.


    What if there was something else contained within the ink-


    What about salt? That had been dissolved into the ink. To be used for writing on paper. The ink that oozed out from the thin and soft paper will soak into the ck mat. What would happen once they dry that?


    The salt that had been dissolved in the ink will dry and stand out.


    Of course, salt was just an example, but if thats the case, they would know what had been written.


    Then, how did they know which pipe was the paper ced in?


    That, should be sound.


    Sound?


    The sounds of bells and the gong echoed in that theatre.


    However, that was one other important sound that had been hidden.


    When I was there, my head was hurting a lot. I believe there was probably a sound in a high level of frequency that I couldnt perceive being emitted.


    High-frequency sounds hurt your ears. Even if she didnt recognise it as sound, Maomao seemed have been feeling difort unconsciously.


    High-frequency sound?


    Indeed.


    Maomao blew a whistle.


    Everyone should have heard this, right?


    My ears aint bad.


    Then, as for this-


    She tuned it so the sound was as high as she could make it. Jinshi and Basen had the usual expressions, but Gaoshun tilted his head for an instant.


    Heard that.


    I heard that.


    I heard that, certainly.


    Gaoshuns reply was a little dyed.


    Thats a relief. Since it gets harder to hear as you age.


    Gaoshun froze up.


    He believed that he was still young, but his body was nheless getting old.


    People, have their own different high ranges of frequency they can hear.


    There are differences even within the those with the same age. Just like how there are good and bad for vision, it is also the same for hearing.


    Also, she cannot make a posttion, but there are also case where those with bad vision arepensated with good hearing.


    That fairys hearing must have been very sensitive.


    She had reacted to Maomaos whistle from far away in the mour.


    She must have always trained to hearapart the notes of the flutes. Therefore, there mustnt have been a kind of flute in the musical instruments in that theatre.


    End-blown flutes and transverse flutes both have holes, so when you press those down, the pitch of the sound can be changed. Suppose that the one hundred pipes that had been struck into that box had changes in the hole of the pipe. If Maomao jammed the paper tightly into the pipe, it would be same as pressing down on the holes of the flute.


    So youre saying, she understood which one it was from recognising the one hundred sounds that passed through? How would that be blown? By taking that the box as the substitute for a flute?


    There is also that possibility, but theres a more reliable method.


    The sound of the gong and the bells. With those as the signal, what if they blew the flute ten times? Since they were covered with a cloth on top, there wouldnt be an issue even if there was the male helper close by. If the man managed the passage that air goes in from the side of the box.


    Even if she didnt learn the one hundred sounds, there will be no problems if she could tell apart ten notes.


    And, regarding how they were blown, you get the exnation from that haze.


    The haze was steam, supposing that there was hot water being boiled from somewhere.


    How would be if that steam entered from under the desk? Everyone would only be focusing on above the table, they wont go as far as to see the structure of the table underneath.


    Do you understand with that?


    Yeah.


    Jinshi and the others nodded. Only Gaoshun was staring off into the distance as he rubbed his own ears.


    Andstly


    Maomao gave an exnation regarding the silver liquid Lady Pai had drunk at the end.


    That is a deadly poison. So that no one will copy her, is it fine if you make an opportunity to exin it to the high officials?


    Maomao said to Jinshi with a serious look.


    Even if she said one word and didnt say more, Jinshi was capable that he was able to do as far as two or three.


    Despite that, the other person seemed to be several steps higher.


    Several days after Lady Pais stage, the maiden disappeared without a trace.


    Instead, what remained was the incident of mysterious deaths from ingesting poison among the merchants of the capital.


    What had she wanted to achieve? That fairy that was like a white snake.


    Leaving behind that puzzle, she disappeared.


    In the days of old, the powers that be had all sought for the elixir of life. On that asion, they took the water-like silver that was both a metal and a liquid as medicine.


    Without even thinking that they would shorten their lifespan as a consequence.


    That water-like silver, as it is, is referred to as quicksilver(mercury).


    At that time, Maomao had wondered what would happen to Lady Pai who had drunk the liquid silver as it is. Mercury, in its liquid state, is none other than a deadly poison if not excreted by the body. When it bes vapour and is inhaled, it bes a serious poison once the state changes when it adheres to other things.


    It is sometimes used as a medicine. Poison or medicine is dependant upon the way it is used.


    As Maomao looked at the vivid scarlet of the cinnabar, she gently packed it up into the medicine shelves.


    T/N: Therell be a little something released on Sunday as well. ;D

 Side Stories: April First

    T/N: Im not evil enough to make an April Fools joke. So heres a side story. This was written back in 2012, as a sequel to the story when it ended at the second arc before it got rewritten and expanded to arc two and arc three. So timeline-wise, it should be around this arc 4. Before the rewrite, Rouran was a bona fide viiness.


    Source.


    April Fools Joke.


    Please take note that this is a nympho story.


    Oh, is there that kind of day?


    Jinshi responded to the Western guest,


    Thats right. There is that kind of day.


    The man replied.


    This season, of warm winds and spreading buddings of spring, was just tomorrow. It seems to be that day. And speaking of day


    To think that theres a day where its good to lie. The ancestors thought of amusing things.


    Jinshi passed his arms into his sleeves and grinned.


    He was unaffected by the attendant who had the habit of worrying behind him who let out a sigh with an expression of amazement.


    You know of a bird that is called Zhen?


    As usual, he visited the pharmacy once in ten days. Recently, his fingers were stretched out to the first joint. Normally there would be no meaning to visit any more than that but-


    Take responsibility. Look after me until I can stretch it all out.


    He ryed.


    The female owner of the pharmacy, as soon as she heard the name Zhen, widened her eyes. Is this the saying to sink ones teeth into it?


    Yes. What about it?


    Curiosity engulfed her face. Even though she was unmotivated and was cleaning the water pipe until just then. The pipe wasnt something Maomao used habitually, she was maintaining it for her older sister from the brothel. The person in question didnt seem to have a hobby on smoking.


    She set down the cleaning cloth and faced Jinshi. Even though she was speaking at odd intervals until just then.


    Jinshi crossed his legs. And as he braced his hands on his chin,


    Yeah. It turns out the people who were dealing with trade goods from the south had encountered it yesterday. It seems to have wings of green rust and a bill of gold-copper. And it pecks at venomous snakes.


    The Zhen is a bird that possesses deadly poison. It is said that it poisons wine by merely steeping its feathers into it, and it withers the crops by simply flying over the fields. Well, although its fake, its a legend, there was no way of knowing whether it exists or not.


    However, even if its a little suspicious, if its this touched woman, wouldnt she would bite at it so he had tried talking about it, and it was as he anticipated.


    Her eyes were bleary, lips slightly gapped. Her cheeks were flushed pale crimson. A woman who craves poison, the heavens seems to have made some mistake by producing her.


    Since the matter had proceeded so well in his way, Jinshi got amused,


    Unfortunately, they couldnt catch it, but it seems they picked up this thing instead.


    He said and took out a in wooden box from his breast pocket.


    Even if its just a feather, it seems to be a terrifyingly deadly poi.


    Before Jinshi could finish speaking, Maomaos face was at the tip of his nose. Jinshi drew back in surprise, and Maomao, as if to chase after him, drew closer.


    Jinshi-sama, please open it quickly.


    No, this has a deadly poison so


    Jinshi faltered. There was a feather inside. However, it had no poison. It was a in peacock feather.


    He wanted to open it and disclose the secret, but for some reason, he was left with the atmosphere where he couldnt say it out.


    Is that so. Since its a poison.


    Maomao closed the door of the pharmacypletely.


    Why did you close it?


    Itll be dangerous to have the feather get blown away by the wind.


    Ive done the preparations, so open it quickly please.


    Saying that, Maomao speedily drove Jinshi to the wall. This here, was quite bad.


    Jinshi inadvertently put the wooden box into his cor. If she were to see the contents, if the joke were to get exposed, he didnt know what kind of reaction she would make.


    Dont hide it. Please show me.


    It seems, Maomao, who always frowned at immodest behaviour, didnt do that kind of thing this time. She leaned against Jinshi had been cornered to the wall, barred from escape, and slid her slender fingers down the fold of his clothes. Her cool fingers contacted his bare skin. The sight of her licking her lips was strangely alluring.


    Jinshi, who had never been on the side of the receiver like this, was in chaos. Impulsively, he took out the wooden box he hid and flung it away.


    A, aahn.


    Maomao raised a somewhat sweet echo-ey voice. She stopped leaning against Jinshi and went for the wooden box.


    His heart beating like an rm, Jinshi, while also feeling half-wasteful for some reason, gave a sigh of relief.


    What is this?


    Maomao, who had opened the box in haste, asked Jinshi as she bent her brows.


    .yeah, that is. the thing is.


    Please speak clearly.


    Maomao picked up the thing that was called the feather of a poisonous bird with her fingers. It was that in other words. She had found out.


    I had intended to make a light joke.


    I never expected you to eat it up to this point.


    Maomao, who was taken back by surprise, gapped her mouth. She then gradually returned to her originalplexion. The lips that had fascinating smile changed into an image of scorn.


    Its been a long time. The gaze was like she was gazing at a blocked drain. He had felt lonely that it had decreasedtely, but to be looked at in this kind of ce


    Maomao sat down with one leg up, not caring that her shins were showing. She started to hold the water pipe she had been maintaining some time ago in her mouth. She made exhausted eyes and sighed.


    Didnt you not smoke?


    I feel like smoking.


    Jinshi, without fixing up his dishevelled cor, watched her. And then he btedly realised that he did something he shouldnt have done.


    He covered his face with both hands and turned his back to Maomao.


    Have they finally done it?


    In response to the madam who was puffing a pipe with a smirk, Gaoshun was looking at the pharmacy that has its door shut with a look of unease.


    Up until a moment ago, there seemed to be a loudmotion inside the room. Well, if there were a man and a woman of tender years alone inside a cramped room, it wasnt that he didnt know what that loud sound denoted. The problem was, the partner.


    Could it be that he was somehow forced his way? She was a woman that knew about the difference in social position, but the impossible could also be there.


    Supposedly, in that case, it would be the man was using force who would be in danger. The possibility of being served a dose of medicine was entirely existent. No, itll be fine if it was medicine, if it were to be poison.


    Restlessly, Gaoshun paced about at the front of the closed door.


    He wanted to quickly break inside, but if they were in the middle of what the madam was saying, Gaoshuns master would probably resent him for life.


    Apart from the discord that was unfolding in Gaoshuns mind, the loud noise subsided.


    Oh my, theyre quite fast. How youthful.


    The hag said vulgarly.


    Gaoshuns own heart was pounding past its limit, he couldnt endure anymore. In order to know the well-being of his master, he decide to behave quite tackily.


    Taking care not to be noticed, he secretly slid the door of the pharmacy, and peered inside.


    When he did so.


    Maomao was cross-legged, smoking a water pipe, sulking.


    Jinshi was behind her, hands covering his face, his cor dishevelled. It also looked like he could be crying. It was as if he was a girl who got his virginity stolen.


    The two were like that.


    As Gaoshuns mind was in turmoil, he took a deep breath, and returned to his seat as if nothing happened.


    He had no idea what happened, but it would be kind to pretend as if he knew nothing the experienced attendant knew very well.

 Volume 4, Chapter 12: Calico Cat

    Mercury is passed down as a wonder drug of immortality due to its curious properties.


    You make mercury by cooling down the vapour you get from heating up its ingredient, a vermillion rock that can be used as a pigment and as a drug.


    From the fact that it bes flowing silver after bing gas, the rock that gives the impression of crimson bloodis said to be believed by the ancient people to contain eternal life. It is said the ancient people, but there are not few people nowadays who also believe that mystery.


    There would be ignorant people who, when they are shown the mysterious change of state, will fall into believing in it utterly. There are many cases where the traders handling the drug will make its recipe a secret. If that can be a source of profit, that would be quite natural.


    Even Maomao, if she hadnt been taught by her dad, would drink the mercury in the name of experiment.


    From the fact that the Lady Pai in question had suppressed the news, she knew that some people will try to do it.


    At least, Maomao understood that the maiden had wanted to throw the capital into confusion. The wealthy merchants had died from consuming poison, but it was likely that they were copying Lady Pai by ingesting mercury. The toxicity of mercury changes depending on its state. If she disyed herself drinking it before their eyes like that, they would think that they would be no harm to themselves if they drank it too.


    (Did she want to stir up trouble in society?)


    Those kinds of people also exist. However, there are many fanciful jerks who get enjoyment from the sight of panicking people. If there are fellows who cut at people just because they just wanted to do so, there are also people who give poisoned buns to beggars under the pretence of charity.


    However, the other party was bad. Given how she had purposely tried to pretend and circte that she is a fairy to wealthy merchants and high officials. And as a result, there were fatalities.


    (What was her aim? And besides-)


    Alchemy (), no, from the flow of events, it was closer to western alchemy (). Maomao was also curious about that. Since the maiden also had a show where she used eastern paper, it would be the end of it if she just said the maiden is from a nomadic race, but-


    That alchemy is a western thing. She had a thought regarding that.


    Maomao was bothered by it, but thinking about that wasnt her job. The settlement of the Shi n, the counter-measure of the locust gue Jinshi must be busy with various things, but it would be correct to leave this kind of thing to him. However, it would be the loss of the interest and the principal if he died from overwork.


    She had no idea if hes the actual younger brother or whatever, but the emperor is also working him considerably hard. It cant be helped if thats his duty, but its as if


    (As if hes grooming a sessor)


    And she abandoned the thought right here.


    Currently, the crown prince is the imperial prince that Consort, no, Empress Gyokuyou has given birth to. And above all, Consort Rifa has also given birth to a male infant.


    The emperor is only halfway in his thirties, a great man who is still healthy. If there are no issues until the crown prince grows up, they would be going strong.


    Lets not think about tumultuous matters. Considering even sweeping as a change of mood, she opened the door of the pharmacy. When she did so, she saw a drab old man tottering around. It was a plump old man that she recognised.


    The old man waved his hands exaggeratedly when he noticed Maomao. There was arge cloth bundle on his back, and he was carrying a basket in his hands.


    Lassssss.


    The one waving his hands exaggeratedly was the quack doctor who should be in the inner pce.


    (Why is he here?)


    As she held onto that question, Maomao opened the entrance to the pharmacy.


    Goodness gracious, I thought that I had made a mistake with the address I heard from Ruomen-san.


    The quack sighed deeply and wiped away his sweat. It seems, due to his fat, he heats up quickly when he runs a little even in winter.


    Maomao handed out the tea that she purposely cooled down, and the quack downed it in one gulp.


    By the way, why here? Ah, dont worry about it.


    How pitiful, has he finally been dismissed? He certainly isnt a bad person, but since wage theft is also a good part for it, it couldnt be helped, right?


    It would also be difficult for a former eunuch to get a new job, but when she thought of being kind for as much as she could


    Lass, arent you mistaken about something?


    The quack stared at her with narrowed eyes.


    No, dont worry about it. Please say that kind of matter without being ashamed.


    No, really.


    As they argued back and forth like that, there was a swoosh of something moving.


    What is it, she thought, when the basket the quack doctor was carrying moved. And then.


    Nyaa.


    There was a high pitched cry.


    is that a cat?


    Yeah, thats a cat.


    Why this again?


    The quack took out the cat from the basket. It was a young calico cat. Its peach-coloured paw pads were raised up in a celebratory gesture as if to show Maomao.


    I cant raise it in the inner pce.


    So you got chased out due to something like this.


    No, I told you its not that.


    The quack doctor puckered his lips and shook his head. The calico cat, as if lured by that, kicked its hind legs.


    The quack doctor returned the cat to the basket and gave it a small fish snack.


    About that, I was allowed to return to my hometown after a long time.


    Hohoh, are you finally sent back to your vige?


    Lass, are you saying this on purpose?


    Well then, the talk wont proceed with this, so she decided to keep silence for now.


    As Ruomen had returned to the imperial court, it seems the quack doctor was given a short break. Ruomen didnt work in the inner pce, but she was told there was an arrangement for him to stay in the inner pce for as long as the quack wasnt around. Of course, the rules where there must be court physicians in the medical office, meant that the quack had no breaks for a long time as the inner pce didnt have other physicians.


    At the uncouthness here, it was Maomaos kindness that she didnt add, Werent you always ying around?


    Well then, about that is up with this cat-.


    This one, you know, is the moment I got out of the imperial court.


    She was told that he met children who told him to Please take the cat. From their appearances, they seemed to be good kids, an older sister and a young brother, but it looked like they were secretly keeping the kitten without their parents knowing.


    However, they had been discovered by the servants, and it seems they had to end up abandoning the kitten in a far away ce as it is. If thats the case, he was told that they were looking for a pet owner who can take care of it properly.


    So thats how it is. Everyone who serves in the imperial court must be wealthy to a certain degree. And furthermore, as they avoided the hard-to-please civil officials and the stern military officials, they must think that it was a blessing when a nonchnt old man with a loach moustache came by.


    The quack is a softy inside and outside.


    Those kids were bad, but since its impossible for me to take her into the inner pce, I thought of bringing her home. Since my younger sister likes cats.


    The quack doctor seemed happy at the expectations that he will be returning home after ten-odd years. If she remembered properly, the quack doctors home makes paper and also send the goods to the imperial court. It might be good to have a lookout so mice dont chew on the paper.


    Is that so?


    However, the journey seems long. It was when she thought, I wonder if the cat can stay docile?


    The lid of the basket slid to the side, and the cat leapt out.


    Ahh. maomao[note], Mao Mao (using no caps to differentiate between our heroine)[/note]!


    What is with that name!


    No, thats what the children named it.


    The cat with an immensely unpleasant name slipped through the gap of the pharmacy door and ran for the entrance of the Rokushoukan.


    Maomao and the quack doctor hastily put on their shoes and chased after the cat.


    It went through the slovenly women who had taken their morning baths, passed between the legs of the manservant who was tidying up the cushions in the room. Its destination was the dining hall.


    Mm?


    Chouuwas gulping down food on the table. The mute little girl, Zuurin, was slurping congee next to him.


    Whats this guy?


    As he chewed on his chopsticks, Chouu peered at the calico cat. Zuurin blinked at the cat with round eyes. The cat plopped its forelegs on Chouus foot.


    Could it be this?


    Chouu picked up his fish with his chopsticks. It was a blueback fish that was only just roasted under charcoal fire, but it tasted salty even without added vouring.


    Nya!


    The cat knocked down Chouus fish.


    Ah!


    The fish fell tragically onto the dirt floor. The cat gobbled it up.


    maomao. You cant do that.


    The quack doctor turned up out of breath.


    What is with this cat! Who are you, old man?


    And. He said.


    maomao or whatever, what is with that name?


    Chouu smirked as he looked at Maomao. Zuurin alsoughed silently.


    Maomao got sullen and caught the calico cat for now. The cat was holding onto the fish in its mouth, showing no sign of letting go. ThoughChouu looked at the fish in disappointment, he looked at the cat in amusement. Ohh! his eyes shone every time he prodded at its squishy flushed peach-coloured paw pads.


    As for Maomao, she quickly gave it back to the quack doctor and wanted to have him deliver it home. However, there must be some reason that the quack doctor hade here.


    For now, she decided to leave it to the kids, directing them to not let the cat escape. Just in case, she called for a manservant, so they wont do bad things like that.


    They returned to the pharmacy, and when she asked what was the main topic of the conversation, the quack doctor started to speak as he fidgeted with his moustache.


    So you know that my family makes paper.


    Yes.


    Actually, Im going back this time because theres something a little concerning thats happening there.


    Previously, the quacks sister had sent a letter saying that the quality of paper got worse. That should have already been settled, but could a new issue have presented itself?


    What does it say in the letter?


    No, she told me that she wanted me to return home personally.


    Hmhm. I see, Maomao nodded.


    And so, I wantss toe along with me for a bit


    No doubt the quack had written grandiosely in his reply to his sister before. This minister, hes a wimp, but he has the tendency to show his good points as it is.


    In other words, he seems he had no confidence in whether he can produce his reply promisingly after hearing the story.


    .


    She was sorry for the quack doctor, but Maomao didnt have that much sense of duty. As far as breaking on the job, she had no reason to follow him.


    Seeing the Maomaos indifferent attitude, the quack clung to her as his eyes teared up.


    Lass, for mercys sake. Its not that far. Itll wont take more than half a day by carriage from here.


    Nheless, she would have to close the pharmacy for three days at least. Besides, with springing, she wanted to till the fields.


    And above all, there is another person that wont allow with that reason.


    Oh my, that would be troubling.


    Showing up as if she had arranged it beforehand, leaning against the wall, was the dried goods, er, the madam.


    This child, pretty much, works as the pharmacy here. Since we have nothing like a doctor here, it would be the worse case if shes impudently nowhere to be found.


    The crone said as she gnawed on a cuttlefish she took out from somewhere.


    Dont say that.


    Even the quack doctor would want to preserve the dignity of an older brother.


    Even if you say that huh.


    The crones eyes flickered away as she said that.


    (Ah.)


    Maomao realised the madams intention. She was probably listening intently to their conversation from before. And furthermore, she must have seen that Maomao had been recently obtaining fine quality medicine wrapping paper free of charge.


    Gran, that reminds me, didnt you say that you wanted to rece the wallpaper recently?


    Oh yah, I feel that it was something like that.


    The crone unnaturally turned away as she gnawed on the cuttlefish.


    Also, didnt you say that there you dont have good paper even to send letters regrly?


    Was it something like that.


    Saying that, Maomao and the madam nced at the quack doctor.


    Our paper is the highest quality. It can be wallpaper, letters or anything else.


    The quack doctor said, clenching his fist.


    Just send only what you like.


    As the madam turned away with those words, Maomao didnt overlook her grin.


    She really is a miserly hag.


    T/N: Best character is finally here! Cat!Maomao used to be an LN-only character that got introduced back in vol2 of the LN :3


    I know the kitty is female, but Im going with the it pronoun so we dont herconfused with human!Maomao.

 Volume 4, Chapter 13: Paper Village Former Part

    The quacks hometown was a vige half-a-day south-west of the capital by horse-drawn carriage. She was told it was based at the foot of the mountains.


    It was beyond the headwaters of therge river that divided the country into east and west. There was an irrigation channel alongside the river, but weed-like nts were growing on the fields.


    When Maomao stared at it, the chatty quack exined to her.


    Thats wheat.


    Wheat? The irrigation is done quite rigorously.


    There are channels constructed around the fields. Does wheat require that much water? Maomao tilted her head. At her feet was maomao, the cat with a distasteful name. It seemed to have had enough of being inside the basket, so it was purring on the quacksp and peeking out the window.


    That is for rice farming use in the summertime. We produce rice and wheat. Two types a year here.


    I see.


    If its rice, the soil wont get barren even if you produce other crops on the same plot ofnd.


    From just producing crops twice a year, nutrients will be leached out from the soil. However, when ites rice paddies, the water would carry over nutrients, so it would be hard for the soil to be barren.


    Once they came out of the fields, she could see forests. There was a vige in that vicinity.


    The soil is quite fertile.


    She felt it was also fine to not make paper if it was that fertile, but could that part be wrong?


    When we moved here, the fields were already owned by other people. Because of that, they left the forest alone without looking towards it.


    She was told that as spring water flowed down from the nearby mountain, the forest has an abundance of trees growing that are the raw materials for paper. It was difficult to makerge quantities of it, but they had seeded in selling it in a high grade. The means of transportation was also convenient as the river was close by.


    However, there was one thing she was interested in.


    She locked eyes with a farmer who was treading the wheat. Was there some resentment at the act of strengthening wheat? She felt the eyes looking this way were strangely sharp and gloomy.


    Maomao pretended to not have noticed and continued making sounds of hearing to the quack doctors talking.


    When they reached the vige, the person who came to greet them was an aunty in her forties. The softness of the corner of the eyes and the dropping of her brows was reminiscent of the quack. She must be the quack doctors younger sister.


    When she received the basket with the cat, she petted maomao with squinted eyes. They must have talked about it before.


    Oh my, older brother. Wee home.


    Im back.


    The quack looked calm at a nce, but his eyes had slightly welled up with tears. It must be because he was back after several decades.


    I wish to visit the graves of Father and others.


    They must have passed away while he couldnt leave the inner pce. The quack sniffled.


    Yes, I understand. That aside,


    The aunty nced at Maomao.


    Who is thisss?


    She said as she tilted her head.


    Oh, is that so, an assistant? Then you should have told me earlier.


    (Did Ie as an assistant?)


    The quacks sister said that. Though she had mentioned her name somehow, Maomao wasnt used to hearing it so she couldnt remember it, honestly. Yup, it cant be helped, so lets call her quack aunty.


    The quacks face was amodating, so he wont reject that part.


    The quack younger sister steadily set down side dishes on the long table. They looked delicious. There was steamed river fish with herbs, steamed buns in the steamer, and fried rice that shone gold.


    There was a mixture of congee and fish purposely given to maomao. maomao was a cat, and yet she was eating voraciously and shamelessly.


    I thought that there was no way you would bring back such a young bride despite you being a eunuch.


    Hahaha, theres no such thing.


    I know right.


    The time the long table was set with lots of side dishes, the quack auntys family showed up. There was a middle-aged man with a towel around his head, and two young men. The middle-aged man was the auntys husband, and she was told the rest of them were her sons.


    Brother-inw, long time no see.


    The husband removed his head towel and reverently greeted the quack. The quack doctor smiled and replied, Its been a while. Following the husband, one of the young men came to greet him. However, the other one sat in his seat, ignoring the quack, and started to devour his meal.


    Hey, what are you doing without greeting him!


    The aunty red at her son.


    Elder brother.


    The other young man watched with an air of silence. This here must be the younger brother, and the one with the bad manners would have to be the older one.


    The quack nephew-number-one split a steaming bun in half and popped it in his mouth. The insides had pork filling Maomao drooled.


    Even if you show respect to uncle, isnt he a eunuch who hasnte home for many years? Why would you call him after all this time? Whats the point?


    At those words, the quack doctor gave his usual troubled smile with his brows lowered. He was used to being tantly treated as a fool for being a eunuch, but it must be bitter to receive this treatment from his nephew.


    Even Maomao got pretty sullen.


    To this nephew only, no way was she going to let him eat delicious food. She plomped down on the seat,


    Im sorry that itll get cold, so thanks for the meal.


    And stole away every bit of the dishes the nephew was about to take.


    Aaahhhhhn, the youngster ring at Maomao was something she didnt know. Maomao knew a manservant and a military official who was way bigger than this guy.


    The aunty also seemed quite angry. She distributed congee and soup excluding her older sons share. The husband and her younger son ignored that, keeping clear of the gods.


    Maybe he was angry at his familys attitude, the older son took another bun, and quickly left.


    After he left the room, the husband lowered his head at the quack doctor as he scratched his head.


    Excuse him. He, doesnt know how much brother-inw has worked for his vige.


    Its okay. Im fine. Im used to this sort of thing.


    The quack said as he scrumptiously slurped his congee.


    The words that he was used to, the quack must have used it without thinking, but the quack aunty made a bitter expression at that.


    Originally, the quack became a eunuch in exchange for not selling the quack aunty to the inner pce. Even though the quacks parents should have treasured their son more than their daughter.


    At any rate, wasnt there something you actually want to say before we eat?


    .


    In response to the quacks words, the family became wordless.


    Maomao was a listener either way, so she had no intentions to stop eating. The seasoning of the steamed fish was good; the herbs also work, it was delicious. She considered having to get the quack aunty to tell her the seasoning for itter.


    The husband set down his chopsticks and looked at the quack.


    And he slowly lowered his head.


    I heard that brother-inw is a noted physician who only took up the child of the Son of Heaven. And that the Son of Heaven had directly requested for you.


    Ha!?


    (Took up huh.)


    The one who was taken up wasnt the quack, but Ruomen, but the quack must have exaggerated that part. Maomao still had kindness remaining to keep silent for him.


    However.


    The quacks brows drooped even lower, and he set down his chopsticks.


    Its beyond my position from him to hear my words.


    You were also present at the favoured consorts childbirth?


    He was speaking absurdity. It was also limited for even high officials to be permitted to speak to him, and yet being disrespectful like talking directly, your head might roll. Maomao had been granted the chance to speak with the emperor several times, but any of those times were because the other had permitted so.


    The consort was also no longer a consort, she had be the empress. As far as she had left the inner pce, it was also difficult to contact her.


    At this rate, the quack doctor will be pressed down by the conversation even if it was unreasonable, so Maomao spoke on behalf of him.


    The court physician who had been in the inner pce before had been found fault with the work that wasnt his to me, and was banished from the inner pce after bearing physical punishment.


    !?


    Rumours say that he imprudently knew of things that were better he didnt know, but that was said to be the reason as well.


    It was about her dad, but it wasnt aplete lie.


    Uugh, the quack auntys face contorted. And then her shoulders drooped.


    The quack, seeing that, waved his hands as he put himself forward.


    No, the Son of Heaven is impossible, but I might be able to talk to someone else. Please tell me about the matter.


    When he said that, the aunty and her husband exchanged nces. Maomao wondered if she was in the way by being here, but she had no idea what was the reason she hade along with the quack to not be in the conversation.


    Thisss would be no problem. She can keep a secret.


    Unusually, the quack doctor read the atmosphere.


    In that case.


    He said, opening his mouth heavily.


    It seems the vige was on borrowednd from the start. They had been cheaply lent thend from the neighbouringndowner as he cant use it, but the years they lived here lengthened and had progressed that it was better to buy it. Thendowner from those times was a master with good character, and harmoniously gave it to be residents of this vige.


    Nevertheless, a couple of years ago, the talks changed when thatndowner passed away and the son took over.


    The newndowner was different to the previous generation, he hated people from other parts. And above that, he had a tendency to make fools of artisans, and he couldnt stand that they became the purveyor to the imperial court by making paper, it seems. In the time when the quality of the paper dropped previously, he came to this vige many times to collect debt.


    On the document, the previousndowner had passed over thend of the vige and the forest twenty years ago. The amount of money was also specified, and the payment was smooth, but-


    One way or another, he came to attach faults, saying, that the yield of rice had decreased because you dirtied the water, or, that we cant produce rice without sufficient water..


    Son-number-two said with a wince.


    And then, this time, it was worse than usual. Quickly cough up the money, and if you cant then vacate thisnd, so he said.


    There were five years of payment left for until the deadline. Of course, to be told to y up five years worth of money in one go was impossible.


    The other party was a rich family. Like how Maomao was no match for the madam, this side cant leave on a grand scale either.


    If we were to leave, well have to abandon our house and furniture. I dont know how much time it will take to find a new ce again.


    The other partyseems to be nning to buy our vige as it is, and make paper themselves.


    Why this again? They should be leaving the mochi to the mochi shop (every man to his trade).


    The quack said as he twirled his moustache. The cat at his feet, who got nothing to do, saw that, and twitched its backside like it was going to jump.


    About that


    The aunty said, shaking her head.


    The produce tax got suddenly raised this year.


    Furthermore, in our case, since our tax was lowered sincest year, they got even more displeased.


    Hearing that, Maomao understood what kind of aim they were acting on.


    She could see the anticipation that the lowering of the paper tax was because they want to spread paper in order to raise the literacy rate from here on.


    Even regarding the tax of produce, this plot ofnd that produces two crops a year wont go as far as to fall into poverty even the tax got raised in terms of the yield. They must be considering reverse from here on.


    (The countermeasure against the locust gue, I wonder.)


    If they send crops produced from fertilend tond that has been ravaged by damage, that much starving people would decrease. She understood that it was Jinshi and the others way of dealing with it, and she didnt think that was wrong, but it wasnt something for the people who got their taxes raised would bear with.


    And, that point of the spear was aimed towards this vige like so.


    However, as the quack also mentioned, she wouldnt think they could make paper easily even if they obtained this vige. Its exactly because that there was the know-how of the manufacturing process that they could make good quality paper.


    And moreover, troublingly, theres that guy.


    The that guy the husband had said must be about the bad mannered son from before.


    That guy, for some unknown reason, is siding with the farmers here.


    Yeah, big brother is


    The younger brother gave a strainedugh.


    The quack doctor tilted his head, but Maomao guessed that it was probably about a girl.


    Embarrassingly, that guy had no schooling. He thinks that officials are all the same.


    And thats why he mixed up eunuchs with the officials who raised the tax and red up at the quack.


    And the request is-


    Can you ask to lower the tax? about that.


    This vige was in the region of Ka Central (Kaou) that was under the emperors direct jurisdiction. Thats why, from the start, he must have asked if the quack can directly speak to him.


    However, that would also have to be impossible. It wasnt that she couldnt understand that bad provincial officials raise taxes for their self-interest, but it couldnt be helped in this case. Even if they raise the tax, they wont rise to the point where it would hard for them to eat.


    The quack was also troubled. Thats right, it was something the quack couldnt do. At the quacksp, there was maomao who was batting his swaying moustache with its front paws.


    Since Im merely a eunuch.


    At the quacks half-hearted response, everyone drooped their shoulders.


    Though he was crestfallen, the husband opened his mouth.


    Then, there is a meeting tomorrow. Cant youe along for that at least?


    If its that much.


    (He wont be any use though.)


    I wonder if I cane along, Maomao thought, as she picked up maomao who was wing at the quack.


    T/N: Three parter.


    LN version had Jinshi and Basene along in disguises lol

 Volume 4, Chapter 14: Paper Village Middle Part

    The discussion was to be held in an eating-house in thatndowners vige. The ce wasnt that far from the papermaking vige. It didnt take more than one hour by foot. The dreary eating house was a moderatelyrge building. As it also functioned as an inn, it probably dealt with travellers from the high road rather than the locals.


    There was the quacks brother inw, his two sons, and three men from the vige here. And with the quack and Maomao included, it made a total of eight people. The opposition had more than ten old well-built men, and there was an important looking middle-aged man with a beard who had plonked himself down.


    The boss and the bossdy of the eating house regarded that group in aggravation.


    They must have chosen this ce since they might break out into a scuffle with the talks being an unreasonable demand. That kind of troublesome talk.


    The quack was trembling. Maomao peered at the bossdy of the shop and felt out of ce by being the only female here. Unfortunately, no one seemed to be interested in a girl who was like chicken bones. Why is someone like this here? they shook their heads and snorted.


    It had been hard work for her to follow along. The quack aunty had stopped her. She was told that even if she was like this, she was not married, so it would be dreadful for her to go through some danger. And above all, she would stick out too much.


    Even if she was told that, on the other hand, there was the quack who was looking at Maomao miserably, and Maomao was also interested in that contract or whatever it was.


    Cant be helped. She voiced an adequate response.


    I have a distant rtive that knows much about this. Is it no good for me to hear it and tell him that there is this kind of thing?


    She had said.


    After she said that, as if the aunty had thought they were an Officer of the Court (as in the judicial court), she reluctantly relented.


    Unfortunately, she didnt have an Officer of the Court as an acquaintance. If there is a pseudo-eunuch who does something simr, then there is, but thats another thing. The distant rtive that Maomao had mentioned is the short man whose speciality was flipping the abacus. If she consulted that guy, she could know any methods of making money where thew cannot touch.


    And so, Maomao sat on a seat a fair distance away and epted the tea from the shops bossdy. Perhaps it also functioned as a bar, the smell of wine was intense, involuntarily making her want to order some, but lets endure.


    The wine looked to be unrefined rice wine. There was arge barrel on the side of the kitchen she could see white wine from there. Clear wine and distilled liquor are preferred in the capital, so there was that impression with the typical countryside wine.


    While Maomao got preupied with the wine, the discussions were started by the opposition. Just in case, lets listen in.


    Have ya prepared the money?


    Of course, the one who spat out the lines like a third-rate viin was the bearded middle-aged man who was sitting like he was important looking. The people around thendowner man, she wasnt sure if they were tenant farmers or bodyguards; they were all tough scoundrels.


    The physiques of the husbands people were good, but their numbers were at a disadvantage no matter how she saw it, Maomao thought.


    There should still be the deadline. Can we consider it for a bit longer?


    The husband said meekly. Laid out between thendowner and the husband was a sheet of paper. That must be the written contract.


    Ya have no liberty to consider. Theres no way we can do it with good intentions. If ya cant pay up, the only way is to leave.


    They were thrown upon their own resources. They must have been told many times, from the looks of it.


    Even we think of wanting to have some convenience. Thats why, we told ya well wait until this winter, didnt we? We just said that we wanted ya to teach us some during that period, didnt we?


    (How unreasonable.)


    Do they leave immediately? Or do they leave before the end of the year? Even if they were given the grace period, that would be the period for them to teach their own craft to the opposition.


    There was no way they could have chosen their next ce of residence, and the craft could be leaked at thetters discretion. It was probably so that they could snatch away the appearance of being the purveyor to the imperial court as it is, with the extent that only the personnel had been reced.


    Its irritating, but theres no way that would pass through normally. And above all, the evidence was on the table.


    However, she thought it was strange. Rather than going out of his way to make them go away from learning the work of farmers, he should have just made them work as his servants in a way to bnce out their debt. Does he hate outsiders that much?


    Maomao trotted over to stand behind the husband. The quack was beside him. His moustache was quivering.


    Despite the fact that the contract had been written more than ten years ago, the quality of the paper was beautiful. Crude products would get tattered in a couple of years.


    Written there, was the purport stating the monthly repayment sum and that it had been paid for in twenty years. A signature was properly marked in ce of a seal at the end.


    Even though it was a reliable thing as it is. What was he haughtily getting upon his high horse for? She tilted her head, and the younger son stealthily told her. He could be telling the quack, but Maomao would hear him too.


    He said that the contract is invalid.


    And furthermore, the text on it was said to be written by a scribe.


    Even though there is a signature?


    Thats the genuine article though.


    It seems he cant read the previousndowners writing.


    Can he not read it?


    Maomao asked. Isnt that strange?Maomao tilted her head. Thendowner should have scanned over the document, and he should have received that kind of education foremost.


    Its because hes the son-inw.


    (Ah.)


    She presumed. If hes the son-inw, she understood. He would have to be a tenant farmer who had worked hard. In that case, there was no way he could get educated, and even he thought of learning after bing the son-inw, it wasnt something he would do easily.


    The previous wasnt the scribe. His wife had done it.


    Seems the contract was written up after the wifes death.


    (Hmmm.)


    She wanted to believe that the contract is real. Since the signature was said to be the real thing, it must be true that the contract had been written up before the previousndowners eyes.


    Are there no people who stood with the scribe during that asion?


    All of them died.


    The contract was from fifteen years ago. All of them seemed to be old aged.


    (It really is unreasonable.)


    While Maomao was scratching her head, thendowner thrust the two narrow choices at the husband. As the farmers around them gave unpleasant smirks, the paper artisans could only shrink down. Only that eldest son bit his lip with aplicated expression.


    If ya dont leave immediately, theres nothing we can do. From tomorrow, hand over your younguns. If you assist us, teach us the job until the end of the year.


    The paper artisans fists trembled. Although the quack hade along, he really is a blockhead. Theres no way he would be useful.


    Only Maomao looked at everyone nonchntly. As expected, she was interested in the wine.


    She thought of drinking one cup afterwards, but doing that here would be not reading the atmosphere.


    However, thendowners side was brimming with that atmosphere. They started to order for wine in a good mood.


    Oi, order for these guys too.


    The farmers who came along to thendowners splendid banquet moured. This side, on the contrary, was like a funeral.


    The bossdy of the shop unwillingly ced the wine and cups onto a tray and brought it over.


    Maomao sniffed.


    (Huh?)


    She looked at the contents of the cups the farmers were holding. It wasnt unrefined sake, it was clear wine. What thendowner man was drinking, was something else an amber liquid she knew to be distilled liquor. It seemed to be considerably strong for wine.


    Thendowner she understood. It was a given for him to drink his wine of preference. However, she felt it was a very big treat to go as far as to give refined sake to the tenant farmers. This eating house had a lot of unrefined sake that was one step inferior.


    (.)


    Maomao, as she felt sorry for the bossdy who was carrying wine like it was a bother, raised her hand and called out to her.


    What?


    One cup for me too. Of that wine.


    Cant be helped then, the bossdy brought the wine over to her.


    Lass, in this kind of time


    Not just the quack, the paper artisans also watched her in shock.


    Maomao enthusiastically sculled the wine. The vour was a good sweet taste. It wasnt as refined as the wine of the capital, but as you have it, this wasnt bad. Its just that the mildness of the taste of alcohol content was strong inparison.


    If this was exceptionally bad she reached the reason.


    Maomao licked her lips.


    The eating house, that was unable to bar out troublesome guests, had arge volume of refined sake. Furthermore, even though he is a high-handedndowner, he treated the farmers to a different wine.


    (Hmm, I see now.)


    Maomao looked at the amazed husband.


    Excuse me. Is there a winery in this area?


    no, I dont think theres something like that.


    Thats what I thought.


    Maomao curled her lips. She picked up the wine and the cup, and went to stand before the bustlingndowner and his people. Maomao mmed the cup on the table and gave a smile that gave the impression of a bird of prey.


    What is it,ss? Are ya pouring me a cup?


    Thendowner gave her a mocking smile, suddenly making herugh.


    Lass!


    The quack clung onto Maomao, trying to quickly get her away from here. But Maomao ignored him, and said to thendowner as sheughed.


    Shall we have a drinking contest?


    Saying that, Maomao thumped her body.

 Volume 4, Chapter 15: Paper Village Latter Part

    A drinking contest, how gutsy of ya.


    Thendowner said to the impertinent maiden who had appeared before him. The farmersughed derisively.


    Oi, you serious?


    The artisans looked at Maomao in concern. It was too much for the quack he became dazed and just copsed. Just as his head was about to hit the ground, his younger nephew caught him.


    Theres no problem. That aside, a question. How much debt do you have left?


    a thousand notes of silver in a year. Since weve paid for half this year, there is four thousand five hundred left.


    Hm, that wasnt something even a moneylender can easily lend to them. They were purveyors to the imperial court, but they were not fit for mass production, so they cannot easily make money.


    Is that so?


    Maomao fwumped onto the chair.


    While were at it, shall we make a wager?


    A wager, ya say. What a huge pitch.


    Thendowner seemed greatly confident in his drinking. He was totally mocking her.


    Ya have something ya want to wager?


    Indeed, as I said, Didnt I already indicate that before?


    Maomao pat her own chest.


    I can go for three hundred if you sell me to a procurer.


    Buhoh The scoundrels spat out wine one after another.


    Hahahaha! Three hundred, ya say. What a huge pitch. Lass, ya know about the market price of things?


    Its because she knew that she said it. She thought of seeing the many maidens who had been sold off.


    No matter how pretty a woman, they wont manage a hundred either way, and yet, and yet


    Seemingly like he hit the spot, heughed, spittle flying everywhere. It was convenient as the surrounds of the wine was also good.


    Puh, seeing those guys, Maomaoughed. Half the drunk men red at her, understanding that they were clearly being scorned.


    I mean, isnt it a given that they wont manage fifty silvers even if you hand over a soil-covered daikon as it is? To think you dont even know thatmon sense.


    Maomaos body swayed. Her nape was grabbed, and she was pulled up to her tiptoes.


    It seems a daikon being the ridicule of a country girl was well circted.


    Oi, try saying another piece!


    Number one of the red-faced farmers had seized Maomao up. The fist that was raised overhead was ckened with dirt if she got hit, she would have no resistance.


    (It cant be helped if I get hit though.)


    She cant withdraw here.


    The quack had fallen t. The artisans were all stiff-faced.


    You cant even read and write properly. Fufu, in that case, you cant ever use paper in your lifetime.


    Although the hand moved to strike Maomao, it didnt hit her.


    Stop that. If she bes damaged goods, her value would decrease.


    Told by the bigndowner, farmer number one put her down.


    Thendowner said that her value will decrease. In other words, he indicated that he will be taking up Maomaos wager.


    Well then, whos starting?


    The shocked artisans dumbfoundedly looked at Maomao.


    The eating houses boss and bossdy had expressions of suspense.


    The quack was lying on the floor.


    And.


    Ill be your first opponent!


    The man who hade to seize Maomao said.


    It was, superbly convenient.


    How many empty wine bottles had fallen to the ground?


    And the number of jerks who were dead drunk on the floor was four. Five now.


    are you kidding me?


    It was the quacks nephew, who was looking after the quack, who said that in a shocked voice.


    Oh my, is it already over?


    Maomao sculled the rest of the wine in the cup. It was a distilled liquor that burned her throat. An item that was too high-ss for such an eating house in the countryside. But, for Maomao who was used to drinking much stronger wine, it was no big deal.


    It was a mistake for them to try to crush down Maomao quickly by putting out high proof distilled liquor. The men rapidly got smashed at the high strength wine they were not used to drinking. They were passed out, but it shouldnt be to the point of death. And above all, Maomao found it intolerable to be sold off, so she had no intentions of going easy on them.


    Its a hundred and fifty.


    That was said to be Maomaos value. Since she overcharged with three hundred silvers at the start, she thought that was adequate.


    By the way, there were cases where procurers, who stroke hard bargains, also acquire vige girls for about twenty silvers.


    She won against the first person with those funds. Once she did so, the second person came up. He must have been drunk from the start as he didnt take it seriously, downing the strong wine in one go, and got wrecked. The third and fourth person challenged like so. For as much as remaining from the previous portion of wine, Maomao was at a disadvantage. That wasmon sense, but unfortunately, Maomao didnt cross their anticipation.


    (It makes five people with this huh.)


    The first person was a hundred and fifty, the second person three hundred, third person six hundred. The two thousand four hundred silvers with the five people were the amount Maomao earned.


    Perhaps they realised that part, the jerks were ring at her with flushed faces.


    There were still half remaining on the side of the opposition but Maomao had no problems if she won in the next single bout. There should be four thousand five hundred of debt remaining.


    It was a relief that her opponents were drunk. By saying what came to head, she got the draft of a simple contract. That was five sheets. In any case, these guys must be thinking that contract is mere scrap paper. She understood that from the part where thergendowner who took the leading position was going to throw it away like it was scrap.


    While his face twisted in vexation, he finally brought out his favourite wine bottle.


    Shall I to be your opponent?


    The beardedndowner smiled, but his eyes were sharp.


    Maomao rubbed her belly.


    (I wonder if I can keep going.)


    As expected, to have five opponents, you somewhat get filled.


    As thendowner was drinking his usual distilled wine, the wine seemed strong. As he smiled at the sight of Maomao who looked like she was suffering a little, he scanned over the contract.


    Dont lump me together with those guys.


    He scribbled on his signature and pped the contract onto the table.


    Shall we have the procurere for us tomorrow?


    I know that much.


    Cant be helped. Maomao took out a small bottle from her bosom.


    Oi! What the heck is that!


    Thendowners followers lunged towards her.


    I had enough of the taste of this wine, so I just thought of changing the vour for a bit.


    Saying that, Maomao triumphantly poured the contents of the small bottle into the cup where the amber liquid was drifting.


    Thendowner, seeing that, twitched.


    Wait up. In that case, can I have some for my share too?


    Since he said that, Maomao passed the small bottle over to thendowner. Thendowner studied the small bottle and poured all of what was left into his cup.


    This aint medicine that makes one harder to get drunk or something, right?


    In response to the grinning man, Maomao gulped down the cup expressionlessly.


    Thendowner confirmed Maomaos sober face after drinking it all up, and then gulped down his cup with a grin. He swallowed it all down, and then.


    Copsed.


    The followers rushed up to wake thendowner, but his lights were out.


    Oi! What did you serve him?


    Serve what. He drank the same thing I did.


    The reason he was entirely out, was none other than alcohol.


    The wager is my victory.


    .


    While everyone present was dumbfounded, Maomao stood up and took the contract. Without staggering, she passed that over to the artisan husband, and went to stand before the eating houses bossdy.


    Where is the toilet?


    Go outside. Its on the right.


    Thank you very much.


    Maomao headed to the toilet with a partial jog.


    If you were to have several bottles of wine, youll have to get the urge to urinate at least once.


    Even Maomao was unable to shamefully leak in public.


    Hey, my dear. What did you do?


    The artisan husband said as he carefully folded the contract.


    Nothing much. I just wanted to change the taste of the wine and added alcohol.


    Maomao had put in plenty of medicinal herbs and medical instruments in the cor of her outfit. She also had disinfectant alcohol. Since it was for disinfectant use, its strength was different to normal wine. A normal guy would copse with a sip, and yet thendowner had filled it to the brim.


    Can I, ask one question?


    What is it?


    You also put in that alcohol or whatever and drank it, right?


    He said as his face stiffened a little.


    Yeah. Since I know that I would still be fine with much. I just thought that it would be better if I could end this quickly.


    If Maomao were to act suspiciously like that, she had gathered that the other side would get sucked in. It was relief that they got into a fortunate state. She might have won even if she went on with it normally, but honestly, she didnt know how long she could hold her dder.


    Its a relief I got to the toilet in time.


    that is the best thing. Just because you have that much confidence, to make a wager with your body as coteral, I think badly of it. And to say nothing of it being for our sake.


    Do we have some misunderstanding?


    Maomao took the folded contract from the husband.


    This is my portion.


    Maomao beamed.


    Wa-wait, Lass!


    In ce of the husband who was in mute amazement, the quack finally woke up.


    Dont say such cruel things.


    Even if you say that, I dont have that much obligation. Besides, the talk hasnt finishedpletely.


    Maomao nced away. Thendowner was there, getting up with the assistance of his follower as he held his lolling head. From the fact that there was spew scattered on the floor, he must have returned to sobriety by forcing the wine up.


    Wouldnt it be better if you slept a bit longer?


    The previous wager is invalid!


    Oh, his reaction was as she expected.


    The drinking bout was something like a sideshow. I wasnt serious from the start.


    But, the contract is here. Its drafted with your own handwriting. Dont tell me that you are going to say that you cant read this too?


    As if I know about that sort of thing! Its scrap paper, scrap!


    Maomao crossed her arms and went to the wine barrels that were left in the eating house.


    Then, it cant be helped.


    She pped the wine barrels.


    Then I have no choice but to report to the officials that you are falsifying taxes.


    At Maomaos sentence, everyone became as still as death.


    Thendowner gapped his mouth. The farmers who were still awake were tantly agitated.


    The bosses of the eating house looked a little uneasy, but at the same time, made expressions of relief.


    The artisans exchanged nces, and afterwards, looked at Maomao.


    The quack only tilted his head.


    What do you mean by falsifying taxes?


    The one who first opened his mouth was the rebellious eldest son.


    You need the permission of the country to make wine. Its a different matter if its for private enjoyment but selling it in shops like this is a subject of liquor tax no matter how you consider it.


    Upon trading it, it wille under some taxation. And the tax rate is higher for luxury items. The tax for wine ships are higher than eating houses, and when it bes a brothel, the rate jumps up. The madam had always muttered about it.


    She considered the question why this shop lent its ce as the ce of discussion to thendowner. She also considered that it was because they were tenants, but therge volume of wine was what caught her eyes more.


    If the store was to stock a lot cheap, reasonably tasty wine, it would have to be helpful for it. They cannot disregard a bit of trouble even.


    When thendowner ordered wine, the reason they didnt take out this unrefined sake, she considered it was there. They would have to be brewing wine for the farmers use. There was no reason to request the wine they have gotten tired of drinking after all this time here.


    Could it be, that the ingredients for the wine have also been rejected?


    Wine uses arge volume of rice and wheat. This wine seemed to use rice.


    Suddenly, she recalled thisndowners usation.


    The yield of rice had decreased because you b*stards have contaminated the water. If theres not enough water, you cant grow rice.


    Maomao countered.


    Isnt this a lie? Rather, isnt the quality of the rice better than before?


    Rice crops, through the flow of water carrying rotting leaves and soil nutrients from upstream, the soil wont be barren. Its a different matter if its poison, but what dissolves in the water from papermaking is glue made from rice and wood shavings that are the source of paper. Rather, it functioned as good fertiliser, Maomao considered.


    The previousndowner deciding to sell the plot ofnd instead of a lease contract, would have to be because of that part? Whatever the reason, the other side probably didnt really know, but there was no mistaking the rice harvest has increased. She judged that having them stay here for long will be useful hereafter.


    And so, at some time, they had covered up the part where their harvest has increased and turned it onto wine or whatever, she arbitrarily presumed. Its going to be quite grave to have double tax evasion. Voicing up to that point was against her dads teaching so she remained silent, but as far as she saw the expressions of thendowner and the farmers, she didnt seem to be mistaken either.


    Yo-you have proof?


    One of the farmers voiced.


    Thats right! Do you have proof?!


    In agreement to that, the other farmers also spoke.


    Its fine. If youre innocent, nothing wille out of it even if the officials investigate your family.


    Maomao said, purposely pasting on a smile.


    The farmers who were energetically protesting shut up. Could it be bullseye?


    Youre quite firm,ss.


    Thendowner said as he held his still woozy head.


    You think that itll end as it is by doing this?


    Those words, Ill return them back to you. At least, please look at the current situation.


    Maomao stood in a position to look down on thendowner.


    Half of his helpers were out from wine, showing no signs of moving, thendowner himself too. Speaking of the rest, though they werent to the point of copsing, they drank a lot of wine. It was hard to say they were sober.


    Inparison, there were six sober men with good physical builds here. The quack was not on the team, so she didnt include him from the start.


    The owners of the eating house seemed to want to be unrted for as much as they could. They should be wanting to absolve any knowledge about the wine as well.


    She had no ns of settling this with violence, but if the opposition had that intention, this side would have to do the same. From the repeated usations, the artisans would have to get mad too.


    Maomao gave an immensely vulgar smile and fluttered the contract on the forehead of thendowner.


    Its fine to call for help. Since this side will dispatch a fast horse all the way to the officials in exchange for that.


    Maomao sang, in a good mood.


    Lass, isnt your atmosphere somewhat different than usual?


    The quack mumbled that.


    Amid that, the door of the eating house was opened with a loud bang.


    What is it? when she thought that, there was a maiden d in a trim dress standing by the doorway. And as soon as she saw the state of the interior, she paled. Contrary to running to the fallenndowner, she went down to her knees and lowered her head.


    I know that Father is making an unreasonable request again. But, please stop with the unnecessary force.


    She lowered her head deeply.


    Not at Maomao. She lowered her head towards the artisans.


    No, its not us.


    The second son shook his head, but the maiden kept her head lowered. Her forehead touched the floor, no signs of paying heed that her hair was messy.


    Im sorry. Please forgive him. Please forgive my foolish Father.


    Not hearing the voices around her, the maiden only apologised. Amid that, the one who moved was the rebellious eldest son.


    Dont do such a thing. To your father.


    He slowly hugged the maidens shoulders, and raised her head as he calmed her down. The maiden, as tears rolled down her cheeks, nodded when she saw the eldest sons face.


    The one who was in a frenzy from seeing that, was thendowner.


    Oi! Dont get close to my daughter, you b*stard who dont even know where you came from!


    He yelled, and when he tried to stand up his legs seemed to be still wobbly he crashed to the floor.


    Dad!


    Father-inw!


    I have no intentions of being your father!


    What is it, this atmosphere.


    The second son watched his older brother and the others in amazement.


    Could this be-


    Its mostly as I have guessed.


    The reason the eldest son was close to the farmers, the reason thendowner hated people from elsewhere and tried to chase them out, she felt she understood the two.


    Its good that she knows, but it was better to not know anything about it, she thought.


    From the foolishedy-like negotiations that were spread out before her eyes, she honestly had no mood to describe it.


    Older brother does it all the way.


    Itll be unbearable if one vige gets ruined from that.


    Maomao spoke for the other artisans. Uh huh, she nodded. For the most part, she thought that it would have to be a mistake to bring the eldest son to this ce of discussions at this time point, but when she thought really hard, she had forgotten that he was the quacks rtives.


    It cant be helped since hes the quacks rtives. It was a given that hescking.


    Maomao plopped down on a seat in the absurdity of it.


    Wine please.


    She raised her hand and called for the bossdy.


    You still want to drink?


    I can keep going.


    At her words, gazes of shock were gathered on her, but she didnt pay mind to that.


    The wine might have been unexpectantly effective. When she noticed that she was more talkative than normal, was after she sobered up.


    You were a really bad person.


    The quack told her many times.


    In the end, the four thousand eight hundred silvers didnte into Maomaos hands. Of course, it was easy money that she got. The strange feeling of discontent would have to be bigger.


    Instead, for a decade hereafter, they promised to deliver a hundred and fifty koku (1 koku is 180.39kg) of rice free of charge to the Rokushoukan. For the most part, the amount of rice consumption in a year in the Rokushoukan is around three koku per two people. It was considerablyrge for several persons serving, but since rice can be exchanged for money, its no problem.


    She was lending it to the madam. She didnt have to pay for the rent of the pharmacy for fifty years.


    Furthermore, the contract with the paper artisans was unchanged from before. It was big that their brewing of wine out of their own orded was exposed. As the farmers were scared of the officials, they were unable of say anything imprudent. For now, after that, they were told that the quack was one who works in the imperial court.


    For the time being, the quack did not lose face.


    After this, whether they falsified their taxes or not, was unrted to Maomao.


    Moreover, she didnt know what happened to the eldest son of the paper artisans and thendowners daughter. Even though if they quickly split up, they would tie closer rtionships with the farmers. Shall I tempt him by bringing him to the pleasure district once, Maomao considered something evil.


    And so, Maomao finally returned to the pleasure district, but-.


    Nyaaaa.


    Why is it here?


    Even though it wasnt that calm on the way to the ce, it was wandering about in the horse-drawn carriage.


    The luggage that had the highest grade paper she epted as souvenir. It went inside there. The topmostyer of paper was tattered, used to grind its ws.


    Oh, its maomao.


    The sharp-sighted Chouu turned up and swung the cord of a sash without dy, ying with the cat.


    The quack returned to the inner pce in haste, and even if Maomao was once again wishing to send maomao to him, a lot of medicine prescription requests came in her room.


    Maomao exhaled and started to look for the medicinal herbs she needed for the prescription from the shelves.

 Volume 4, Chapter 16: The Issues Piling Up

    The moon shone brightly in the sky. The cloudless night was cold, though the snow didnt pile up thickly. There was a brazier in the room, and Suiren, his maid, had passed him some ginger tea to warm him up.


    Jinshi sat on the bed that has gotten slightly warmer. He gulped it down.


    How long was she going to treat him like a child? She had added in a generous amount of honey. Thest time he whined about the spiciness of ginger was when he was seven.


    To be honest, he would have preferred a drink that kept him awake, but he knew that if he were to pass it back to Suiren, she would give him unspoken pressure. She must have found out that he hadnt been sleeping properlytely. Jinshis obfuscations were transparent to the nanny who had known him since he was young.


    However, as long as he had things he needed to do, he currently had no other choice than to continue working.


    It is a hardship.


    Those who stand on top, in exchange for their authority, need to hold responsibility. Though, it would be easy to just cast aside that troublesome thing and degrade into a dumb creature.


    To eat whatever he likes. To sleep whenever he likes. To do whatever he likes.


    It would be even better if he was a beloved thing with that.


    As he thought that, he sighed. That probably wont be granted.


    This world was full of matters that were beyond ones control. While thinking that it would be easier if he became dumb, there was a part of himself who rejected the idea of bing dumb.


    As the lights swayed, Jinshi took out a sheet of paper from the locked drawer. He spread out the folded wrinkled paper.


    It was what Rouran, the eldest daughter of the Shi n, had left him.


    To overlook the ones who have died once, was it?


    The woman had promised that from Jinshi. She had passed this over in return for her gratitude.


    How serious was what she had written? Could it be that, even after Rourans passing, she was continuing to make a sport of Jinshi?


    Its subject made one suspect that.


    Locust gue huh.


    It is a natural disaster that caused the downfall of a country at times. Rouran was an assistant to that research. Unfortunately, the man who conducted that had already be an invalid. From the side effect of that the resurrection drug.


    The paper had a drawing of a map. It was noted with arrows. The movements of the wind from the west that was what it showed.


    The former court physician who had be an invalid was a man who had the experience of studying abroad in the West. It was because he had known about the geography of that ce, his idea was so extraordinary that Jinshi couldnt havee up with it.


    Locust gue. In many cases, it starts off with the appearance of swarming locusts hitching a ride on the westerly winds. The swarming locustsoriginate from ces several hundred ri, and at times, even several thousand ri away. These locusts multiply on the grounds of this country and start off by causing small-scale locust damages. And if left as is, in the following year, they will wreak even greater damages.


    That coincided with what the pharmacist maiden, Maomao, had pointed out to Jinshi. The countermeasures have already been changed for implementation this year for the increased tax in regions with little locust damage and the provisional ban on sparrow hunting, and in addition, the initiation and so on of the manufacturing of pesticides for the rural areas.


    He had no idea whether there will be a locust gue or not, but even if there werent any, it was not a bad plunge as a means to increase the yield of crops.


    Even Maomao could note up with ideas for what to do beyond that, so Jinshi didnt think it was a bad move.


    However, there was one more thing in Rourans descriptions that made his head hurt.


    The case where locusts cane from other areas, no, other countries.


    Locust gues exist in other countries too. And it is not absent historically that countries wage war with each other due to famine.


    Jinshi took out yet another sheet of paper. It was a drawing of what locust had over-multipliedst year. Hepared that with Rourans paper.


    There were several kinds of locusts drawn on the side of the map.


    That was a presentation of what kinds of locusts aremon in what region.


    .


    He had plucked at his hair subconsciously.


    Quite an unpleasant possibility was increasing.


    Just how much happy would he be if he was mistaken. The former court physicians research was iplete, and from the start, he would be happy if this was an empty theory after all.


    Therge outbreak of locustsst year. Speaking of which regions locusts it resembled the most.


    The country northwest of the country of Rii. Possessing vast regions that produce grain and forestry resources, the country was called North Aren( Hokuaren) by Jinshis people.


    The reason nomadic tribes frequently make a pass at this country, was due to this North Aren.


    As for the rtionship between countries, lets say that they were not that friendly.


    Thestrge war that was waged with this country was in the era before the previous emperor. After that war, the previous emperor from thest fell, and afterwards, the previous emperor was enthroned.


    And then, in the year that war began, it was left on the records that his own country and North Aren both had locust gues.


    If you be needy, you will have no choice but to steal from elsewhere. That calls forth increased hunger, where several thousands of people die from starvation. Although the numbers were recorded, it was said that it would have to be several times more in reality. The fact that the numbers of war dead and famine dead were not clear in regards to this, was rted to the fact that the government of those days was much more depravedpared to nowadays.


    The previous emperors empress dowager who was called the Empress was named a wicked woman in the current era. However, she assisted the previous emperor who had been enthroned afterwards, and in response to her ability to cut away the rotten pus, he could only be in awe.


    It was absurd.


    His current majesty being treated as a wise gentleman was from his using the legacy the Empress had left behind, And when he thought that it was because there was the viin called Shishou, he understood to what extent they were made to dance on her palms.


    An inconceivable parting gift.


    As Jinshi wished that this was a needless anxiety, he closed the drawer and locked it.


    It would be good if there is nothing. If there is nothing, that is fine.


    However, there was no way he can see it optimistically and invite the worst-case scenario.


    It wasnt that he liked war. But, it also had to be done.


    That would have to be a parting gift too.


    He inadvertently spoke.


    Jinshi recalled the fortress the Shi n had used as a stronghold. Due to the avnche, it got buried under snow, but underneath that slept arge quantity of gunpowder and hand-cannons. The hand-cannons that had been refined many times were more outstanding than what is carried by the military. Unfortunately, its blueprints had been burned up from the fire, but as long as they had the actual thing, they can write it up again.


    By using the fortress as is, they had progressed in the production of gunpowder. However, he took into ount the point where the danger of the gunpowder catching fire with the previous manufacturing process was high.


    In regards to the manufacturing of the actual hand-cannon, they switched gears. It was because Jinshi had hopes in the forestry resources of the Shi Northern Province with that unusable, they needed toe up with something else. There were also raw materials for iron manufacture, but they will need fuel.


    His head hurt. There were other things he had to do.


    He must look over the matter in question that would have to be appearing in tomorrows court council.


    The high officials were momentarilypliant from the Shi n incident, but it was hard to say that they had removed all the pus. He wont say its a lizards tail, but it was almost only the Shi n that got cut down from that incident, so there should be other high officials who had stuck with them.


    How far will they bepliant? It would be a godsend if they permanently stayed quiet


    Conversely, the ones who started to raise their voices were those people unrted to the Shi n or did they have a lot of guts? Which one could it be?


    There was one person of interest among those.


    In terms of position, the guy, who had treated Shishou like a small fry, had a strong impression. However, as his upwardpatibility was gone, his presence shot up in one breath.


    Although Jinshi was no longer a eunuch, the work was still like what he had undertaken then.


    Currently, there are two high ranked consorts in the inner pce one is Consort Rifa. She, a distant rtive to the reigning emperor and Jinshi, had only given birth to her second child recently. Rifas child is a boy, but as Gyokuyou, once the favoured consort, had already be empress, thetters child was made the crown prince. As long as any misfortune wouldnt befall Empress Gyokuyou, the chance of Rifa being the legal wife was low, and the reigning emperor also nned it that way.


    As blood gets thick, the offspring will be susceptible to illnesses Ruomen who had recently returned to being a court physician had said that. That was something he had already known.


    At the same time.


    Empress Gyokuyou was born in the west, in the Western I Province(). Hereafter, in the case that there is a strife with the neighbouring country, this ce will be importantnd.


    For Jinshi, he had thought that it was still too early to pick the empress, but when he was exined this, he had no choice but to agree.


    Consort Rifa is smart. She understood that well enough in her mind too.


    However, speaking of the other consort.


    Consort Riishu. She is sixteen this year. It was already good to treat her as an adult but


    Jinshi sighed deeply.


    He knew about the reigning emperors taste in women. His tastes were for those who were really femininely voluptuous. He had no idea if that was his taste from the start or was it because of the unpleasant feelings from the previous emperors inclination.


    However, he wanted him to remember that those called consorts are a job, and at the same time, that they maintain the bnce in politics.


    Considering how his tastes spanned to a wide range, even just for appearances, would it be worded as being as subtle as a sledgehammer by saying that its because hes a man?


    The current emperor, he had another reason where that wasnt his taste.


    Former high ranked consort Ah Duo had doted on Consort Riishu like a daughter. It seemed the current emperor had also held tea parties in the time when he was the crown prince, together with Consort Riishu and Ah Duo.


    A make-believe family that was what they made.


    He likes voluptuous women?


    He also heard another exnation. Before Ah Duo couldnt give birth anymore, she had a slender figure.


    However, the current emperor, at the time he was the crown prince, didnt try to ce any other consort aside from Ah Duo.


    How was he supposed to take that?


    Jinshi had noticed that a couple of years ago. Gaoshun had also noticed from quite a while ago.


    Jinshi, who hadnt known that, got stuck with being the eunuch Jinshi. As he didnt want to assume the position of the next emperor, he came forward with the duty of picking a wife for his brother.


    When he thought about it now, he felt it was quite a cruel thing.


    He sighed and closed the materials for the court council.


    He went to bed, extinguished the light. While thinking that he has been cking on training before sleep recently, he decided to sleep.


    Lets inform his majesty about that matter tomorrow.


    If he were to show his attendance even for appearances, the official who is now allowed to raise his face little by little might also calm down. The opposite was also possible, but it cant be helped in that case.


    The man well-matched to being Shishous subordinate. That is Consort Riishus father, Uryuu (, Mao Liu).


    T/N: And this starts off the next part of this arc~ Its Riishus turn in the spotlight!


    This is also where the LN starts to diverge a little. Most of the exposition here was delivered by his majesty himself, as Jinshi (disguised) was still on a field trip with Maomao and Basen. The paper vige was en route to their final destination Western I Province. Everyone else (important to this part of the arc) will be there too. (Quack Dr. stayed behind in the vige with kitty!Maomao.)


    Im due for a break (read: my brain needs rest and I have too many things to do this week), so next chapter will be out after next week.


    Also, I want feedback! I want to make the trantions better! Rate and review on NU! Give me constructive criticism! Let me know if theres something I do that annoys the heck out of you (or that theres something I dont do enough)! No need to sugarcoat it.


    This break will give me enough time to think over it :3


    Also, should I leave it as Hokuaren, or is North Aren okay?

 Volume 4, Chapter 17: Tool Of Politics

    When the bare branches were spouting buds, a meek-faced messenger showed up.


    (Something bothersome again?)


    Maomao epted the message apathetically and noticed that it wasnt from the usual gorgeous noble. No, theres no mistaking they are a gorgeous noble though


    Is it Ah Duo-sama?


    Itwas from the former high ranked consort.


    As she wondered what was up, the carriage rocked up to the outer court rather than Ah Duos vi. The pce of the outer court was situated on the border of the inner court that enclosed the inner pce.


    Maomao swung her legs like a child atop a chair, still wondering what this could be about.


    There were military officials at the entrance of the spacious room. She thought they were military officials, but she recognised those officials from the inner pce before. In other words, they were eunuchs.


    (Why eunuchs?)


    If they were outside the inner pce, it would be normal to use military officials. Her question was quickly answered.


    Thanks for waiting.


    Speaking like a man, the person who entered the room was Ah Duo. It was Ah Duo with her figure tall and slender, d in barbarian robes. Then, Maomao could see a small shadow hiding behind her.


    Ah Duo-sama, and.


    It was Consort Riishu, on the verge of tears.


    This time is special. I was nning to borrow the flower of the inner pce for a short while.


    Ah Duo dered with the bearing of a dignified actor.


    And so, together with Consort Riishu who was specially allowed to go out, Maomao was at Ah Duos vi. Maomao was overawed by the atmosphere of the tea party that started in the gazebo.


    (This aroma would have to be rose tea.)


    The tea was made from roses the aroma and taste were both bittersweet. Though it was called a rose tea, it seems the red colouring wasnt from roses but a red flower from the southern countries. It beautified skin and was also good for health, but at any rate, that flower was rare so it was a product that even Maomao hadnt drunk outside the inner pce.


    (The older sisters might like it.)


    I wonder if she can give me someter it was her usual thought.


    However, she also thought the rare high-ss item was a little out of ce here.


    Ah, thats mine


    I dont care. I took it first so its mine


    Laughing rowdily around them, were the children who lived in the vi. They were different to the survivors of the Shi n, it seems the whimsical owner of the vi looks after orphans. The Shi n children were nowhere to be found, and Suirei wasnt around either, so they were probably somewhere else. Consort Riishu wouldnt have known, but just in case, it was better that she doesnt meet them.


    And so, even the high-ss tea was treated as paint to stain the tablecloth. The powder from the baked sweet that had been served on the tes was scattered all over the table. Since they were picking up the sweets with muddy hands, Consort Riishu, who had a good upbringing, waspletely taken back. Ah Duo chided them with a slightly troubled expression.


    (These guys, wont they listen after you hit them?)


    Unfortunately, while disguising as a man was a strong point of Ah Duo, her disposition seemed to be gentle, so she probably wouldnt ept Maomaos education by fists.


    The one who was more out of ce here than the child-hating Maomao was Consort Riishuu. She was quivering like a small animal as she was being surrounded by children smaller than her.


    Come on, y over there.


    Ah Duo finally said. The maidservants pulled the childrens hands.


    Ah Duo and Consort Riishu. The two had known each other for a long time. However, why did Ah Duo take Consort Riishu out of the inner pce like this? And called Maomao as well?


    Speaking of that reason.


    I heard that you opened an inner pce ss before. Can you hold one now for this child?


    Hah?


    In response to Maomaos amazed reply, Consort Riishu trembled like a baby mouse.


    Consort Riishu is sixteen this year. Even if the emperor didnt crook his index finger, it was the age where she must attend to him.


    Amongst the four high ranked consorts, Rouran was gone. Consort, no, Empress Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa had each recently given birth to imperial princes. Even if it was like this, Consort Riishu must apany the emperor in the bedroom. The emperors position would also have to be bad.


    It was about whether or not her heart is in it.


    Hm, Maomao nodded. Since its Ah Duo, she must have properly gotten the emperors permission. That was because, rather than the fact that she was a former high ranked consort, she was thinking about Consort Riishus matter.


    However, on the other hand, she noticed that the former consort was producing needlessplications.


    Gloomy regret was also mixed within the fear-filled eyes of the trembling Consort Riishu. Unfortunately, Ah Duo hadnt noticed that.


    (Ah, oh boy.)


    Maomao wont talk about other peoples matters, but Ah Duo would have to be that kind of person. It was likely that since she, as a person, was biased to the allocation of ability*, she was the type who couldnt recognise the emotion she should have recognised.


    And so, the first thing Maomao, who was watching cooly as the third party, said was.


    In that case, can I be alone with Consort Riishu?


    At Maomaos words, Consort Riishu trembled. Ah Duo nodded eagerly, Sure thing.


    After Ah Duo left, Maomao sighed as she looked at Consort Riishu.


    Consort Riishus eyes were zed over.


    The other consorts have given birth. I have to do so too.


    Maomao whispered.


    It cant be helped with the seat of the empress. I just really have to quickly give birth to a boy now.


    Children are weak. You dont know when they might die.


    Give birth as soon as possible. Why else did Ie into the inner pce?


    As if she didnt want to listen to Maomaos speech, Consort Riishu covered her ears. However, she would have heard it.


    It wasnt that unusual for virgins to be scared of men. Maomao knew that very well, having always been in the shop that traded where that was an added value. Girls get sold to brothels before theiring of age in order to be brought up there, and in exchange for beautiful clothes and meals, they take up guests. Courtesans who took their first guest are given a first ss meat dish to eat the day after. Even the miserly madam had that much kindness.


    There was nothing to criticise about Riishus partner. Despite the age difference, her partner is the emperor. A great man with a beautiful beard. There was the point where he was somewhat overenergetic at night, but he shouldnt force her.


    However, on the reason whereConsort Riishu was afraid of her first night with the emperor, Maomao also grasped that there was more to the fact that the consort was that kind of bothersome virgin.


    How many people have noticed?


    The emperor had probably also noticed it, she thought. Thats exactly why he had dyed it until now.


    And one other important person hadnt noticed thatand was currently right in the middle of meddling.


    Maomao sat down and sipped the already cold tea.


    If Ah Duo-sama is like a mother, then his majesty would have to be someone thats like a father, right?


    Her words might be taken as disrespect, but there was only Maomao and Consort Riishu here.


    She heard that Consort Riishus mother had already passed away. Her father only thought his daughter as a tool of politics and had put her into the inner pce when she was young. At that time, it was no doubt that the Ah Duo, the crown princes consort, was Consort Riishus mental support.


    Consort Riishus lips and brows were twisted. She was about to cry even now. Despite that, she somehow sniffed and looked at Maomao.


    I, really. wasnt supposed to return to the inner pce.


    Consort Riishu strung her words together.


    The father of the daughter who got put in a nunnery after the passing of the previous emperor had tried to use her again. From that start, she was supposed to have been sent away as a wife to the viceroy of the south, but that man was old enough to be her grandfather, and furthermore, it was said that though hecked a wife, he was a pervert surrounded by ten concubines.


    Consort Riishu is from a family lineage that had a name bestowed from the imperial family, the U(, Mao.) n. However, it was said that the power of their merit-based name was weakened in the era of the Empress. Therefore, no matter what hand they used to try to promote themselves, it was themon consensus that their n was beginning to go under.


    The people who stopped that was Ah Duo-samaand his majesty.


    It was rumoured that Ah Duo, who had heard about Consort Riishus engagement, had requested it to the emperor. Considering it now, she guessed that might have also been the policy. As their betrothal was nearly finalised, they will need a suitable reason to overturn it.


    (Its no wonder.)


    Whenpared to the other high ranked consorts, Consort Riishu will lose. Although she would say that she will lose to them, she didnt mean the consorts looks. She thought that her intelligence and spirit as a high-rank consort wascking.


    Will you have a maiden of tender years be the bride to some damned geezer, or have her attain the tranquil years even if it is just for a few years as a flower of the inner pce? Ah Duos choice would have to be thetter.


    A long time ago, the emperor sat me on his knee and cuddled me, you know.


    My goodness.


    That was fine when she was young, but if he did that now, the owner of the flimsy heart would have ceased breathing just like that.


    Hm, in this society, there are many marriages with age differences. It was a different matter if the woman is older, but it wasnt that unusual to have an older man. If they were asked the child on his back, Is that your daughter? there would be cases where they reply with No, shes my wife.


    In that kind of meaning, Ah Duo seemed to have thought that Consort Riishu would grow up after a few years. Like how she said it just then, if she became a wife of the gentleman who stood at the summit of the country, her treatment had no way of being bad.


    (This is rough.)


    Ah Duos n was off.


    Consort Riishu was still a child. And within the reason for her wanting to be a child, there was Ah Duo.


    Ah Duo wasnt a high ranked consort now, but she must still be someone who is by the side of his majesty though not in thepany of Consort Riishu.


    I understand you cant see it apart, but its your job.


    Everyone in the inner pce received a sry. Consorts were the same.


    .


    However, Consort Riishu tugged her dress and her eyes moistened.


    If he were to take such a consort as a partner, she would be inclined to think that it would be tough for the emperor. Though not to the point of Consort Riishu, the emperor who had dyed sleeping with her must also have the same sentiments.


    At least, it would be better if Ah Duo noticed her feelings


    (Aaaahhh.)


    What can I do, Maomao clutched her head.

 Volume 4, Chapter 18: Ah Duos Scheme

    For the time being, since Ah Duo had asked her, Maomao did what she had been told precisely. She hadnt prepared anything, so she got them to take her to the Rokushoukan on a fast horse to pick up the teaching materials.


    Perhaps due to the recent efforts for the diffusion of books, the price of erotic books seemed to be gradually decreasing. Though, even with that basis, it seems the madam still overcharged her.


    Different tost time, she brought something that was a little atypical. Lets give up on putting what it is into tangible words. Its a little, no, theres nothing quite like it; when she took it out to show Consort Riishu, the consort made a face like she saw a cockroach and just retreated until her back touched the wall.


    Since Maomao was at it, she also tried calling for Ah Duo, but the woman tantly drew back. It seems that the former consorts night life back when she was the crown prince consort was extremely proper.


    Since the children tried entering the room every now and then,


    Hey, its too early for you.


    Or,


    You cant look.


    She covered their eyes and chased them back out.


    During the lesson, blood rushed to the consorts head many times, so it was troubling. Each time, the head maid who came along with Consort Riishu tended to her.


    She tried teaching her the programme that courtesans have before they take their first guest. Together with the tastes of guests, there was a certain job that was done beforehand for courtesans.


    Want to try doing it?


    When she asked Consort Riishu, the consort immediately shook her head.


    Shell also leave what kind of job it is to her imagination.


    And so, the time the lesson ended was when the sun had already gone down. She was treated to dinner since she was at it. After that, Ah Dou also told her to stay overnight since its alreadyte.


    (Should I decline?)


    Since it was sudden, she would have to respect Maomaos will. Maomao wanted topound medicine, and when she went out, Chouu was noisy somehow. And the other day, he was also noisy when she went to the quack doctors hometown.


    (But then.)


    Maomao decided to take up her invitation.


    The food was tasty. The bath was spacious. The bed was warm and soft. It must be cotton that was stuffed in the futon it was different from covering yourself with a sheet on top of a pile of straw mats.


    Maomao was going to fall into a state of bliss, but she shook her head. Not good, not good.


    She put on a jacket that had been prepared on top of her dressing gown and went out of the room. She only ryed to the outside guard that Im going out for a walk. He woulde along if it was suspicious, so she had no problems if he did so.


    She shuffled along the corridor. It was called the emperors vi; it was already gorgeous. The imperial court was right beside it, so the question of why the vi was built in such a ce exists, but that would most likely have to be due to the atmosphere.


    The tranquil atmosphere that was different to the inner pce and the imperial court flowed here. The children who have been creating a racket in the afternoon must be only making sounds of slumber now.


    The courtyard was illuminated by moonlight. Maomao didnt understand the hobbies of the wealthy, but there was arge stone in the centre of the garden. It was bored with holes she heard that it was good omen the more holes there were.


    Leaning against it, was a person who was pouring herself a drink.


    (She hasnt changed.)


    Maomao sighed. It was this kind of settingst time as well. That time, she was on the top of the inner pce outer wall in the guise of a man just like then.


    Oh, have I been discovered?


    It was suitable for Ah Duo, whose hair merely tied up at the back, to be called a young man. Her body, which had few curves, emphasised her manliness all the more.


    Yeah. Arent you cold?


    Instead of replying, Ah Duo showed her the wine. The alcoholic content seemed to be high just drinking that would warm you up.


    Ah Duo pped the spot next to her, telling her to sit here. She carefully set down a towel for her.


    In that case, excuse me.


    Maomao said, not holding back. She didnt think that much would anger Ah Duo, and moreover, she rubbed her sleepy eyes.


    Maybe because Ah Duo was close by, the guard waited a fair distance away. If he was that much far away from them, as long as he didnt have rabbit ears, he probably cant hear their voices.


    Ah Duo was also the same in that thought.


    so, whats your business?


    Its helpful that we get to the point.


    In truth, she wanted to speak in a ce that was a little warmer, but it wasnt bad if there was wine. After Ah Duo passed her a cupful of wine, she drank directly from the gourd.


    May I speak hypothetically?


    Go ahead.


    What if Ah Duo-samas father is actually a stranger with no blood rtion to you?


    Ah Duo scratched the back of her head roughly.


    My dad died before I was born. I didnt have a stepfather. My mum raised me by being his majestys wet nurse.


    Its hypothetical. What would you think if that your dad told you that you must marry on a certain day?


    Who Maomao was talking about, would Ah Duo understand? She was worried about that, but it seems the woman understood.


    Ah Duo scratched the tip of her nose, and then tugged her hair.


    so thats what its about huh.


    Yeah, its about that.


    I dont think my father was that important though.


    Maomao was also the same, but at least, her adoptive father was a respectable existence. In this world, there were a great number of people who consider the rtion between women and men to be the greatest. However, Maomao was one who didnt think that was everything.


    And one more thing.


    She thought this was the greatest fault for Ah Duo.


    Isnt it also the same with his majesty?


    At those words, Ah Duo blinked rapidly.


    isnt that fine? He paired up with the person who was like his older sister, you know.


    (Paired up, you say)


    She dered it. It was disrespect to the utmost. However, Ah Duo could say it because she is the emperors milk-sibling.


    (Is that how it is?)


    The emperor was like a younger brother to her. Even if he sported a splendid beard, even if he stood at the top of the country, he was her younger brother.


    Ah Duo, who became the instructor for her younger brother, must have seen that through clearly. Because she could take it as such, she thought that others could do the same. People believe that other people can do what they can do that kind of thing.


    (Younger brother huh)


    She suddenly recalled that the emperor didnt take in another consort when he was a crown prince aside from Ah Duo. And she was left in the inner pce even after when she was no longer able to have children.


    .


    Whats wrong.


    No, its nothing.


    Ah Duo tilted her head. What she didnt know Maomao thought that was cruel from that alone.


    And it was also cruel to pretend not knowing.


    If she is something thats like a daughter to me, she would also be like a daughter for his majesty huh.


    Ah Duo giggled, and put the gourd to her lips as if to swallow herughter.


    But then, as this rate, I dont want to have this daughter be in the position to feel ashamed in the inner pce.


    (That is natural.)


    Although it was less than before, because she is a high ranked consort in name only, everyone looked down on Consort Riishu.


    If you stand there, you cant stand here. She was unable to have her way with it. This ismon in this society.


    Even so, if there is something thats unbearable, there is one other method.


    ncing at Maomao, Ah Duo grinned. It was a somewhat mean expression.


    Maomao didnt have anything else to say. She only steadily emptied the contents of the cup.


    It was a couple of days after she returned from Ah Duos vi. Maomao was sitting down by the riverside, looking at the greenery that was gentle for her eyes.


    (Hm, a good feeling.)


    Maomao picked up the mugwort that had been growing on the side of the road. Her basket had fuki buds and water dropwort. The horsetail had only just sprouted so she refrained from picking it. She thought of bringing Chouu along to have him help her, but she supposed that kid would mistake it with poisonous dropwort and pick it. She needed to teach him properly.


    The soil near the river was fertile. asionally, she took walks outside the capital like so and pick wild herbs. Before, she got ahead of herself and went out too far, and got kidnapped and sold by human traffickers, but she was taking care that this sort of thing wont ever happen again hereafter.


    There was arge outer wall surrounding the capital, but it was free toe and go by principle.


    Around the capital, fields spread out along the main road. In order to carry in the food supply to support the poption of several ten thousand in the capital, it would be inconvenient to restrict movement.


    Of course,rge horse-drawn carriages operate by affirming their luggage, but Maomao dipped her head by the side of that and entered the capital.


    The regtions of south gate, since it is directly connected to the pleasure district, are quitex. Wagons loaded with bags of rice show wooden slips to the guards and enter.


    Well then, what shall I do with the spoils I got from the riverside, Maomao thought. As the dropwort and fuki buds can make up for dinner, shall I use the mugwort for moxibustion or shall I make kusamochi the possibilities of its use were endless.


    And so, when she walked with a little bounce in her steps, someone grabbed her shoulders. And just like that, she was being dragged into the alleyway.


    Although its daytime, this ce is the pleasure district. The public order is bad even if its within the capital. Maomao, without a moments dy, took out a clump of bitter medicine from her cor and pressed it towards the persons eyes.


    Ah


    Hit by the medicine, the man who had dragged her in held his eyes with both hands and copsed to the floor. His appearance can be taken as a rouge, and yet she recognised him.


    What are you doing, Basen-sama?


    Thats what I want to ask you!


    As he rolled on the floor, Basen gushed out profanities.


    Basen who was pressing his eyes with a damp cloth and Maomao moved ces. She was going to head towards the Rokushoukan, but since Basen told her to Stop, she stopped. Even though his face couldnt be seen, from his tone of voice, he had implored her with that earnestness. He seems he got terrified of getting his important thing snatched away by Pairin-neechan the other day.


    Though Consort Riishu is the same, this man is this man so its problematic, Maomao thought. His father Gaoshun has already gotten a grandchild from another child, so it doesnt seem like he would mind that much though.


    Basen, seeming as though the pain in his eye has finally subsided, removed the towel.


    Whats this ce? The stables?


    My home.


    .


    If the Rokushoukan was no good, there was no other ce. Do you live in such a miserable house he looked at her in pity.


    are you, by any chance, in debt?


    Umm, dont worry about me.


    From the humble atmosphere, even after they came inside, he seemed to be pitying her again. We can just go outside, Maomao said as she brought in the hatchet stump. That was for Basen to sit on. Then she went to sit on top of therge stone that was over there.


    There were no signs of life around them, so it should be no problem.


    Whats wrong?


    Normally, tomorrow or the day after would be fixed date Jinshi came. To have Basen show up before meant that there must be some urgent matter. To the extent that he had to purposely go out and look for Maomao.


    About that.


    With aplicated expression, he mumbled.


    If theres nothing in particr, can I go do the washing?


    Oi, wait a bit!


    Basen signed tremendously and drew his face towards Maomao.


    Hey, do you know what kind of person is Consort Riishu?


    If its about that, itll be better if you ask Gaoshun-sama.


    It was a given that Gaoshun, who was always with Jinshi, would know more that Maomao.


    He came to talk at a very good time.


    Im troubled because I cant do that.


    Basen said with a serious expression.


    For Maomao, Gaoshun is outwardly stoic, but he is a rather experience mischievous old man on the inside. He doesnt show that side before his son, only projecting the image of the outstanding attendant of the imperial brother.


    Even if you ask me what.


    Her personality was timid, a crybaby, and she was still young in various respects, but if you say it in another way, shes pure. Her likes were understandable from her youth, but she stimted the urge to protect with her underlying cuteness.


    is she really like that?


    Why do you doubt that?


    Basen, eyes steady, with his arms crossed, beckoned Maomao toe closer.


    When Jinshi-sama, and Father heard her name, they looked reluctant.


    About what?


    I cant follow the conversation Maomao tilted her head.


    Concerning her parentage, I was bothered that she was from the recently corrupted U n, but its not to be the point of refusing. No, its rather


    No, please dont mutter to yourself.


    ying innocent to what she normally did herself, Maomao said to the groaning Basen.


    you wont tell anyone?


    If its like that, then I dont particrly want to hear.


    Oi, were all the way here, so Im going to say it.


    Saying that, Basen whispered into Maomaos ear.


    Consort Riishu bestowal talk hase up. Her partner is Jinshi-sama.


    Oh my.


    So thats what Ah Duos smile from the other day meant. Maomao smacked her fist on her palm.

 Volume 4, Chapter 19: Meeting First Part

    Jinshi and Consort Riishu.


    I see, Maomao thought.


    In terms of age, it was perfect. Jinshi was twenty and Consort Riishu was sixteen. Appearance-wise, Jinshi was a little older, no, hes grown up, but it was all within the level of tolerance.


    Jinshi was the imperial brother. Although the crown prince was currently Empress Gyokuyous imperial prince, his right to session was still high. Rather than being in the emperors inner pce where it was intense with the addedpetition, it might be better for her to have Jinshi who still hasnt married anyone.


    Though she wont be able to be the empress dowager in the future, she could be the wife of the prime minister.


    Of course, she might be the enemy of the countrys women as well as a portion of men though.


    As a no-risk choice, he was a partner that was too good to be true.


    Those called powerful people must regard marriage with a clear-cut attitude. The freedom in romance that Pairin-neechan endorsed was equivalent to a fantasy.


    Maomao stared at the person next to her.


    Basen, Jinshis milk sibling, would have to understand that as well. However, it seems he has some irritation that he couldnt ry properly in his heart.


    To put it frankly-


    (He resents his sister inw.)


    It seems he wanted to verify with his own eyes whether she was appropriate for the beautiful, capable noble he served.


    Father didnt make a good face.


    And it seems he got uneasy from that.


    (I suppose so.)


    To see it from the emperors perspective, he didnty his hand on Consort Riishu who was like a daughter, and from Ah Duos, she had moved her to a ce that was safer than the inner pce. For Consort Riishu, on top of the noble she admired being not a eunuch, as he was bing her husband, she would have to be over the moon.


    From Jinshis perspective, he wouldnt mind it anyway with Consort Riishu herself. She was pretty, and in a couple of years she will grow up. She had no capability to speak of, but she probably wont untactfully intrude on him. However, their blood rtionship was slightly a bother, but that was something that more or less happens even when you get a wife from anywhere else.


    Dont tell me, she might have some defect.


    Basen said, breathing roughly.


    (Dont call it defect.)


    Its a word that will have people gang up on you if they heard.


    That reminds me.


    Maomao looked at Basen, recalling.


    If youre that interested, why dont you go see her directly?


    Basen returned a displeased look to Maomao.


    I am not a eunuch.


    No, thats not what I meant.


    When she talked about Consort Riishu being at Ah Duos ce temporarily, Basens face changed before her eyes.


    He punched the shack.


    (Dont break it.)


    Even if this house was this run-down, Maomao had an attachment to it. If it broke now, she would have to repick all the medicinal herbs she had gathered.


    Dont shit with me! Do you think you can leave the inner pce this easily!


    Even if you say that, it seems she got permission from his majesty.


    That saying, the inner pce wasnt supposed to be a ce you can freelye in and out as you will. It was more so for high ranked consorts. She should know that from recalling the incident with Consort Rouran.


    On top of that, Consort Riishu said that she will be going shopping on the main road today. Honestly, even Maomao thought that the consort was going overboard, but that was also allowed by his majesty, and it seems there were guarding along with her.


    (Theyre over pampering her.)


    Therefore, Consort Riishus father must be getting cocky.


    (Lets shut up about that.)


    So she thought, when Basens eyes zeroed right at her.


    Are you hiding something?


    Could I be?


    When Maomao feigned ignorance, Basen pursed his lips and covered his eyes with his hand.


    Ow. Owowow.


    It was in an unnatural monotone.


    Because of that poison, my eyes, my eyes are weird.


    He said and his eyes flickered over to Maomao. She was irritated from being looked at.


    No, that wasnt poison.


    No, my eyes are useless. Ill be going blind at this rate.


    course not. She only put some bitterponent in his eyes. It was fundamentally harmless since she had only just made it as a diversion. If she wanted to make him blind, Maomao would havepounded something nastier.


    As he continued ying the ham actor, he nced at Maomao.


    (This man)


    It seems he has some yfulness in his straightcedness. However, he hadnt reached the limits of his father Gaoshun. There was quite a bit of shyness. Rather, it was more embarrassing to watch him.


    Maomao scratched her calf with her toes in a bother.


    Since she made a mistake and pressed herbs into his eyes, she decided to confess honestly. Rather than that, Maomao was getting embarrassed from watching the cheap, overblown drama.


    And so, she meant to voice that she was going out to shopping, but it goes without saying that she got caught up in something troublesome.


    What a consort! Geez.


    Basen stomped along the main road.


    Maomao, with a clear expression of Can we end this quickly? followed three steps behind him.


    Maomao had thought that she would be relieved from her post if she only spoke when she spoke, but it wasnt the case.


    Maomao was acquainted with both Ah Duo and Consort Riishu, but it wasnt so for Basen. He had seen Ah Duo at the garden party from a distance, but he told her that he was never acquainted with Consort Riishu. It seems that during Consort Riishus attempted assassination incident, he was far away by chance and didnt see her.


    Also, he has never seen Ah Duo in her male disguise, so he will have a hard time finding her so he took Maomao along.


    Oi, what about the two people over there?


    Dont point at people.


    Not them, she shook her head, and Basen searched for the next people. The main street bes crowded in the afternoon from the market. Searching for Ah Duo amid that would be hard to do, and above all, Maomao was unmotivated.


    (Rather, did they really go out?)


    Since she heard that they are going out, Maomao had told Basen that. Its because it is Basen that she did so, but normally, it wasnt something you could freely talk about. That went for Maomao, and for Ah Duo too.


    The inner pce was saferpared to town to dally around. There might be envy between women and quarrels between consorts, but it wont develop to the extent of killing and wounding. Rather, if there were even fights, the eunuchs would quickly rush in to break it up. And if there were, there were harassment and poison, but there were countermeasures in ce so it would rarely lead to something serious. The possibility of getting food poisoning from a food cart in the market was higher.


    (There would be guardsing along though.)


    You dont know where there are eyes and ears.


    Dont walk so loudly. Other people will pick up on it.


    When Maomao spoke, it seems his footsteps calmed down for a little. Basen only scrutinised his surroundings with his eyes. If he were to look this bad, he could only look like a pathetic pickpocket whos looking for things to steal.


    We need to buy something in the market, otherwise people will think were weird.


    Saying that, Maomao pointed to the kushiyaki shop. Okay, Basen went to line up at the cart.


    One?


    .


    Basen bought two and gave Maomao one.


    This is delicious, you know.


    Even though he ate it one bite, Basen went to line up again for another one. He truly had an easy to understand personality.


    Seeming that he was opposed to eating while walking, they sat on the makeshift seats made from barrels on the site of the shop and ate.


    Are you thirsty?


    Maomao pointed to the shop that sold fruit juice next.


    .


    It was a bullseye, but as he seemed to dislike following Maomaos words at this rate, he passed that shop and went to buy fruit juice from the other beverage shop.


    (Aahhh.)


    However, the moment he drank that, Basens face twisted violently, paled, and he hurried into the alleyway. Maomao bought fruit juice and water from the shop she pointed to the first time, and entered the alleyway.


    Basen had his hands on the wall, vomiting out what he just drank.


    Shall I stroke your back?


    No way!


    Do you want to drink water?


    Give it.


    Basen chugged it all down, water dribbling down the side of his mouth.


    What the heck was that?


    Basen, who finally calmed down, asked her.


    The owner of that food cart is stingy. He acquires rotten fruit cheaply and makes juice from that. And it was also mixed with the leftover from the previous day and the day before that as well.


    The squeezed juice had started to ferment, partly turning into something like wine. The whimsicals would find that tasty, but it wouldnt match the tastebuds of the elite like Basen.


    Close down that shop.


    If you close it down, itll just move elsewhere.


    Basen, suddenly tired, let out a sigh.


    Do you want to go back?


    What are you talking about!


    Since he was still motivated, Maomao helplessly passed him another bottle of fruit juice to remove the bad taste from his mouth.


    Though Basen took it, he squinted and sniffed it before he drank it slowly. It seems to be fine this time; his throat moved as he swallowed.


    When he drank it all, Maomao took the empty bottle from Basen.


    What are you going to do with that?


    The price of the beverage is included with the bottle. You get money back when you return it.


    Basen didnt understand the money sense of the town, so it seems he didnt realise that the fruit juice was expensive.


    This too, Basen also gave her the bottle from the unappetising one. Rather than saying give me back my money, he disliked throwing it out as it is, so he must have given it to her.


    What a profit, Maomao took that to get money from it, when Basen firmly grabbed her wrist.


    Whats wrong?


    I can hear something.


    Hear?


    She could hear fine, but she couldnt hear anything. She looked at Basen, thinking that he misheard, but he was already gone.


    Im going to see whats up!


    Only saying that, he dashed to the back of the alleyway.

 Volume 4, Chapter 20: Meeting Latter Part

    (Hes fast.)


    Maomao honestly thought.


    However, that didnt mean that he was fast running in a straight line. It was like his speed didnt die down amid the narrow obstacle-ridden paths of the back streets from the many unused barrels.


    (Oi oi, give me a break.)


    Maomao left the bottles she was holding onto and chased after him.


    It was a godsend that despite the twist and turns, the path was fundamentally straight. Even Maomao who had lived in the capital since birth didnt know all the roads.


    (I dont really want to go here though.)


    Rat-like scoundrels skulked around in ces with little human traffic. These fellows either dont work at all or cant. However, they were full-fledged members of society by only being aware of turfs.


    Could the sound that Basen heard be a turf war between those fellows?


    (You didnt need to poke your nose into it.)


    His thoughts are jumping a little too far ahead, isnt he, Maomao thought.


    That moment, she heard the shriek of metal and a scream.


    Maomao looked through the two forks in the path. She looked left and right, then veered towards the sound. She headed right.


    (!?)


    There was a za at the end of the bend. There was a storehouse at the back. She could see human figures before it.


    One, two, three


    (Seven people huh.)


    The thugs were attacking two men. Basen involved himself into the original two against four.


    The two men were dressed as good townspeople. It looked like they were in the middle of getting robbed. However, the des in their hands were somewhat unrefined for self-defence. They were fighting with the thugs like they were protecting something.


    The four thugs looked filthy, but their weapons were more specialised. There were no chips on their des either.


    As if he was going to settle it at that moment, it seems Basen had decided how he was going to act.


    Only allowed on


    (Oi oi.)


    Even though his mind and his hands were both empty. Just what was he nning?


    Maomao thought as she hid herself behind the wall.


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    But then.


    It was the thug who fell first.


    (!?)


    Basen was gone. She thought he was gone, but then his shadow appeared behind the thugs. She had no idea what he did. Only that another thug had fallen before she realised it.


    She wasnt sure, but either of the two had to be done in by Basen. One was showing the whites of his eyes, and the other one trembled as he clutched his knee.


    (Did it get broken?)


    The leg was bent in a strange direction. It was broken, not twisted. His skill was too high to have done that in the space of a moment.


    And during the interval Maomao observed them, it seems thest two were also finished.


    She had no idea how he did it, but the rest of the thugs went flying. That moment, Basen twisted the thugs arm strangely. There was an unpleasant sound.


    (No chance of recovery?)


    All four thugs who had fallen to the ground had their joints broken.


    Certainly, it was unnecessary to go easy on armed robbers, but she felt that he went too far by haphazardly going in to help people.


    However, the two people Basen helped didnt thank him. They only got down on their knees.


    (Huh?)


    You were quite careless.


    My deepest apologies.


    One man lowered his head at Basens words. The other one took out a cord from his breast pocket and tied up the fallen thugs. It seems they knew each other.


    Basen-sama.


    Maomao came out, her head tilted.


    Basen ignored her and went into the storehouse.


    Inside?


    Y-yes.


    She saw the man cover his mouth reflexively. With a face that wanted to say that there are limits to sloppiness, Basen strode off.


    (.)


    Maomao also hurried after Basen.


    Basen violently threw open the doors of the storehouse. She could see the shadow of someone huddled inside.


    .


    .


    There was a pretty town girl. No, for a town girl, she was much too perfect, a fine jewel. A girl, where a maiden that is highly rmended by a pimp couldntpare.


    Of course, there was no way this was a normal girl.


    (Oh yeah, normally, shes considerably beautiful.)


    She tended to forget while she was in the inner pce. The dazzling flower garden  no matter how beautiful a flower, they will pretty much get overshadowed when they get surrounded by bigger flowers.


    Consort Riishu was there.


    She got it. The men outside were the consorts guards; they would have to be military officials or something. No doubt they would also be acquainted with Basen. And so, it was as Maomao had worried. Was the consorts outing leaked? Or did she happen to meet robbers by chance? It would probably have to be the former.


    Whether it be a raid for weapons or they were driven into a dead-end in the back of the alleyway, she couldnt see it as a random crime.


    Consort Riishu wasnt wearing her usual gorgeous dress. Nheless, she was wearing clothes that were worn by the daughter of arge business. Maybe she had been shivering the whole time inside the cramped storehouse, when they opened the door, there was a burst of perfume fragrance.


    The corner of her eyes that had less makeup than usual was filled with more tears than usual. Her lips were twisted. Her whole body was shuddering.


    Her eyes were dyed with terror.


    Basen, who was lit up from the back, was reflected in Consort Riishus eyes.


    Even though Basen should have also said something, he was just standing. At this rate, the timid Consort Riishu might just wet herself while her face is covered with snot in her fear.


    The exasperated Maomao showed her face from behind Basen.


    Are you hurt?


    Absolutely naturally, Maomao made a smile to ease the consorts nervousness.


    However, Consort Riishu drew back like she was bristling. Eek! She inadvertently raised her voice.


    Oh now, isnt this worse then she saw Basen, Maomao thought as she crouched down for the time being, and wilfully looked to see if she was hurt. Though her clothes were dirty in ces, she didnt seem to have any external injuries.


    As if she finally calmed down, Consort Riishus stiff face gradually eased.


    It was just that her face seemed feverish. Could it be that she got suddenly worn out after her tension was eased  she looked a little dazed.


    Basen-sama.


    Maomao looked at Basen. She couldnt see his face properly with the backlighting, but she knew that his tension still hasnt gone down.


    Ill leave her to you for a little while. Ill go help with dealing with them over there.


    Leaving with a stiff tone, Basen headed towards the guards.


    It seems Maomao had a slightly wrong impression about Basen.


    She had thought that he was Jinshis close aide because he is Gaoshuns son, Jinshis milk-sibling. His essence was straightforward and impulsive, but with his youth as well, she had always thought that he was waiting to grow up.


    (No way for that?)


    Honestly, she thought that Basen wasnt capable. Or rather, she thought that he was a simple person that was easy to deal with.


    Lets amend that.


    Certainly, on the civil side of things, she felt that he was a littlecking to work for Jinshi. Of course, she thought that he is perfectly outstandingpared to a civil officer of the same age. However, it wasnt enough with just that.


    Unfortunately, it appears his talent was more on the military side of things. There was no way you can easily defeat four thugs barehandedly. However, Basen did away with it with movements like he was breathing.


    Maomao, who had no idea about martial arts, also knew that much.


    Which reminds her, it had been Basen who apanied Jinshi when they headed off to suppress the Shi n, not Gaoshun. Since Jinshi returned with an injury on his face, Basen was hit by Gaoshun and his cheeks had swelled up. However, Gaoshun must have also not put any guards with Jinshi because he doted on his son. Him hitting his son might have been because he had betrayed that trust.


    (Lets tease him a little less.)


    He doesnt look like the type to raise his hand at women, but for now, she got a better opinion of him.


    Even so, Maomao looked at Consort Riishu.


    Are you okay?


    Eh, ye-yeah.


    I-Im fine, Consort Riishus face was redder than before.


    And then her red face was turned towards the za, watching Basen who was giving directions to the guards.


    She had an unpleasant premonition.


    And that was most likely on the mark.


    sama.


    The consort whispered something. However, she couldnt hear it properly. It was a knockout this time  it wasnt something like that.


    So his name is Basen-sama


    The thirty percent better looking Basen was projected in the consorts teary eyes.


    (can we stop here?)


    Consort Riishus face had be the extremely bothersome maiden.

 Volume 4, Chapter 21: Bewilderment And Confusion

    The world is full of matters that dont go well at all.


    And when it gets into the heart, it doesnt just not go well, but also twists, tangles and throws you into mayhem.


    I should think of things more lightheartedly, straightforwardly, and simply, Maomao thought.


    As she examined Basens tension-lined face.


    Could the wrinkles on his brows be the deepest it has ever been? It surpassed his father Gaoshuns  setting a new record.


    Maomao sipped tea as she watched the sour-faced man. For dim sum, they had sesame balls  the outside was covered with sesame seeds and the inside had sesame paste filling. The sesame filling being not so sweet might have been a consideration for Basen, but Maomao was into this mild sweetness.


    She took her second one, split it with a bamboo spoon, and ate it.


    They were in the guestroom of Ah Duos vi.


    Ah Duo quickly came to pick them up after that riot. Consort Riishus head maid had rushed towards the consort who must have been scared.


    Unfortunately, there wasnt a consort who was pale from fear. Only a bothersome maiden of marriageable age who was wrapped up in a strange fantasy.


    And that maiden of marriageable age was looking towards this man.


    (Mhm.)


    Maomao stared at Basen.


    She heard that he was the same age as Jinshi, so hes twenty huh. Unlike Jinshi, he looked his age.His height should be around five shaku seven sun (170cm). He might be a little short for a military official, but it was possible that he might grow a little more.


    His looks resembled Gaoshun, so it wasnt bad, but he didnt have enough of that overwhelming refinement. It would be better if he was a little moreposed, but he exuded inexperience.However, young people his age would generally be something like this, right?Maomao thought. Of course, when she considered the person he worked for, she knew that it wasnt good enough with that, but-


    The person himself wasnt bad.Considering that he was in the Ma n, he was bestowed a single character name.


    And this skill from the martial arts she saw before wasmendable. He defeated several armed opponents barehanded. That wasnt something that was as simple as it looked.


    To start with, people get scared.


    A long time ago, a manservant had told her that by just having them wield a de, youll falter from the fear of the possibility of getting stabbed.


    However, Basen, who took them down without showing even an ounce of that, must have that much skill.


    (Its probably, from that.)


    That he was assigned beside Jinshi.


    She was mistaken in the thought that this man always a civil official type assistant. His current duty seemed to epass that too, but frankly, it didnt suit his character.


    Despite the fact that it suited this man more to be thrown into the military.


    (Unexpectantly, his personality might match someone like Rihaku.)


    As she thought along those lines, her head was lifted up. Mm?


    Maomao be somewhat awkward, looking at the sesame ball te.


    What? Basen said.


    No, it is okay if I take a sesame ball? she asked.


    Suit yourself.


    Since there were five balls, it meant that Maomao will be eating one more. She was honestly full from eating two, but she somehow ate her third one.


    Basen was moaning and groaning, looking outside as he sighed in a way unbefitting of him.


    (What is with this atmosphere?)


    I want to have anyone as a conversation partner at least,Maomao thought. That noisy brat would be fine too on this asion.


    When she thought about that, Ah Duo finally entered the guestroom.


    The woman bowed deeply right after she came in.


    Wh-what are you doing! ;Basen raised his head in a fluster.


    From the look of things, although she is a former high ranked consort, Ah Duo still has power,Maomao thought.


    Honestly, she had no idea who was higher ranked. She somehow grasped from the atmosphere that her side felt more important.


    Thank you very much for saving Consort Riishu.


    I understand that. Please raise your hethh!


    (Ah, he fumbled.)


    This doesnt look good Maomao looked at Ah Duo.


    Ah Duo looked at Maomao and nodded as if she was permitting her to speak. She decided to talk.


    Why did you use Consort Riishu as bait? Maomao asked, point-nk.


    How sharp. ;Ah Duo smiled without it reaching her eyes, and slowly sat down in the chair.


    Maomao knew that the woman was implying dont stick your nose into it. She had considered how she could escape from that, but as a result, her discretion couldnt get through to the woman.


    Hence, she asked this question. Is it okay for me to be here?


    At that, Ah Duo grinned and grabbed her hand.


    It was like she was saying  ;Dont run away.


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    There had been something suspicious about it from the start.


    Even if she had obtained the emperors permission, a high ranked consort has left the inner pce.


    Moreover, aside from going out to the streets, the consort had spoken to Maomao who was originally an outsider.


    And Consort Riishu was practically assaulted in the back alleys. Furthermore, she only had two guards with her. And let alone Ah Duo, even the consorts head maid wasnt by her side.


    If that was not abnormal, then what else should Maomao call it?


    Only allowed on


    Consort Riishus life was targeted on that street.


    Since Ah Duo going to pour herself some tea, Maomao reached for it first, snatched away the teapot and poured tea for her. Perhaps it was due to Honnyan having worked her hard at the Jade Pce, she acted naturally.


    I dont know who it is. I just decided to take drastic measures to eliminate the consorts unease, Ah Duo said.


    Is that so? Drastic measures, is it?


    Maomao heard a reply that sounded like a criticism somewhere, so she covered her own mouth in reflex. No, she was wrong. The voice wasnt from Maomao. It was Basen.


    The wrinkles on his brow were in the midst of setting a new record. There were two new lines.


    So thats why you treated the delicate and dainty consort like bait? he said.


    (Delicate and ;dainty)


    Certainly, Consort Riishu was delicate. Beyond delicate, her appearance was charming so there are no problems with calling her dainty.


    However, those words hade from that Basens mouth.


    From the man who has kept asking Maomao about whether Consort Riishu was suitable to be the main wife or not. That man.


    Delicate aside, isnt it a little out of ce to say dainty?


    Moreover.


    Arent the guards who were with her at that ce neers who only came inst year? Basen said.


    Ohh, there were acquaintances huh. ;Ah Duoughed in amusement.


    They were unsuitable to be the consorts guards. And furthermore. ;Basen paused as though he was hesitating, and continued. Shouldnt you being out earlier if she was guarded to that extent? Then what was that supposed to mean?


    Maomao widened her eyes at Basens words.


    Oh, you noticed it huh.


    Ah Duo nodded as she stroked her chin. Her actions reminded Maomao of the emperor in some respects. Was the resemnce somehow because they have lived the longest together as husband and wife?


    (So in other words, they had been watching while in hiding?)


    Maomao didnt notice at all. On the contrary, those guards and thugs probably hadnt noticed either.


    Isnt it somehow too reckless to bring it to light in this manner? ;Basen said tersely.He was speaking while paying respect to Ah Duo.


    (Mhm, plus one point.)


    Maomao wilfully evaluated Basen. Currently, he was in a delicate situation with sixty points out of a hundred.


    At that rate, I might reach out for the consort, he said.


    At his words, Ah Duo jolted in surprise.


    Unfortunately, Basen didnt have the character for detail to the point of reading her reaction. Even if he continued to speak like that, Ah Duo would continue to evade him, so it was a fail.


    (Minus two points.)


    As she muttered that in her head, she decided to lend him a bit of a hand.


    Maomao raised her hand slightly. Ah Duo nodded.


    May I ask one question? Maomao asked.


    What?


    Just who is targeting Consort Riishu?


    First, it was that question.


    Honestly, she would still understand if Empress Gyokuyou or Consort Rifa was being targeted. However, there was no reason to target Consort Riishu who the emperor has not even visited.


    .


    No, wait.


    Rather, wouldnt you be aiming for her life because of that?


    Even if he still had a scar on his cheek, that lords beauty didnt wane. Rather, didnt it cultivate a freshyer of wildness to him?


    As if she read Maomaos spection, Ah Duoughed. Haha. Its because Zui(, rui.)is popr.


    (Zui?)


    Who is that?She tilted her head, when Basen nudged her with his elbow.


    Thats Jinshi-sama, he told her.


    I see, Maomao pped her hands. Speaking of that, that was an alias, but honestly, she never called him by his real name, so she didnt remember.


    He isnt just popr in this country. ;Ah Duo said and took out a folded sheet of paper from her cor. She unfolded the paper that had been folded four times. It was a map.


    With this country, Rii, at the centre, there was the ind country of the east, vassal states scattered around the four directions, then the countries further north and west. If you go further west from that, it would connect to the country that her dad had studied abroad in.


    There are countries that really want to be friendly with us. Moreover, there were talks of having that countrys woman as his wife, she exined.


    and then, what about Consort Riishu? Maomao asked.


    Yeah, when we declined, we said that it would be better to have a suitable partner. It was just the right time.


    (.)


    What is with the speed of this?


    Then what was the various things said about the matter about consummation up until a couple of days ago Maomao tilted her head.


    Its fine if the switchover was fast, but honestly, Maomao couldnt follow. Could it be that theres already an alternative  it might have been decided after that.


    And then, have you already told the matter to the other party? Maomao asked.


    No, not yet. Though they could have already heard, Ah Duo replied.


    (A spy?)


    It seems she had purposely let them go.What a scarydy, Maomao thought.


    However, isnt the timing too short for them to aim for her life? Basen asked.


    Maomao also sensed what Basen had said.And even if Consort Riishu disappeared, honestly, they can probably choose another partner at their own discretion. Above all, it would be better if its the emperor or the crown prince, but the partner was the imperial brother. Considering the point in favour of going that far, she could only think that they would have charmed by Jinshi.


    (It cant be.)


    Its a different thing if they saw the actual person, but that couldnt be, Maomao thought.


    thats why, ;Ah Duo said slowly in a deep voice. This proposal was from Consort Riishu.


    Consort Riishu is a pitiful consort.


    Her mother passed away when she was young, and her father married a second wife soon after. It was said that the second wife was originally her fathers concubine, and there was already a half-sibling.


    Her original parents were second cousins. Her father entered her mothers family, the main family of the U n.


    Though the family structure resembled the Shi n, the difference was in the way they treated Consort Riishu, the daughter of the legal wife.


    It seems they doted on the daughter of the second wife more than the daughter of the legal wife. Apparently, they said that they will have the half-sister enter the inner pce this time.


    What is that supposed to mean! With enough vigour to knock the table, Basen stood up. Isnt the consort too pitiful?


    (Nonono.)


    Even Maomao thought that she generally spoke everything about Consort Riishu. That it seems bted that the others said that they want to put the half-sister into the inner pce  that subject.


    About why he would be angry about it this time.


    Maomao felt a second unpleasant premonition.


    However, it would be greatly troublesome to notice that, and moreover, she would be wrapped up in it, so she wanted to ignore it.


    For now, lets leave this incident aside and return to the topic.


    Whether shes pitiful or what, if you say that, cant you say the same about the countless flowers in the inner pce? The words of one of the former flowers, Ah Duo, wasden with emotion.


    Since they wont progress if Basen continues to speak, Maomao decided to add to the conversation.


    How does that connect with the incident where the consort was bait? she asked.


    Yeah, about that. ;Ah Duo lowered her gaze a little mncholically.


    And then.


    She suggested that her life might be targeted by her father, ;Ah Duo professed with a cynical look.

 Volume 4, Chapter 22: Rumours And Bothersome Matters

    It was extremely noisy inside the carriage on the way back.


    Basen kept tapping his shoes. Needless to say, Consort Riishu was the cause of it. When Maomao saw his reaction, all her doubts went up in smoke, but it was troubling that way.


    Consort Riishu was also, very much towards this guy.


    Basen-sama, Maomao said.


    What? Basen looked at Maomao unhappily.


    From the way things look, it seems Consort Riishu has no problems. As the partner for Jinshi-sama.


    Ah, ye-yeah, no, we still dont know. he stuttered.


    At least, wont they be happier than they are now?


    Whether for Jinshi or for Consort Riishu.


    When Maomao stered on a fake smile, Basen bit his lip.


    (And yet you found faults about other people.)


    I want to think that you are bothering other people when you are beside yourself about yourself.Maomao yed innocent to her own matters, stabbing it with needles.


    The carriage stopped at the Rokushoukan first. In terms of distance from the vi, Basens house was closer, but he had left his horse here.


    She descended the carriage, thinking that since she hade along she wanted him to make up for todays share of pay.


    When she did so, she noticed that there was a different carriage stopped by the Rokushoukan.


    .


    .


    Maomao and Basen exchanged nces.


    Cold sweat dripping, they descended from the carriage and stealthily peered through the gap of the window of the pharmacy.


    And there, was a masked man who was sipping tea while being surrounded by high-ss tea cakes.


    (No, it should still be early for his visit.)


    That was also why Basen had turned up today.However, it was the unmistakable truth that that gentleman is here.


    Judging from the variety of tea snacks, she grasped that he had been here for a while.


    Certainly, this atmosphere also got to Basen too. ;This is bad hisplexion changed. She didnt know what was bad, but she knew that it was bad. They crept over to the entrance of the Rokushoukan and snuck a look inside.


    Gaoshun, whose brow was deep with wrinkles, was being followed by Chouu.


    They had nned to peek in secretly, but even their presence was enough for this military man.


    Gaoshuns eyes snapped wide open. Then he stood up and rushed towards them.


    Basen was frozen on the spot.


    Gaoshun, who wordlessly approached them, was radiating pure rage. He bowed at Maomao, then grabbed his sons head with his right hand. My slightest apologies. Jinshi-sama is waiting, so I bid you to quickly head in.


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    yes.


    Gaoshun said and dragged Basen outside.Rather than a dog carrying his puppy by the scruff by his neck, it looked more like a raptor catching a wild rabbit  why was that?


    For the time being, she saw them off like she was looking at a calf that was rocking the wagon.


    Maomao entered the pharmacy.She felt a piercing gaze. It was a clingy gaze that she could grasp even from beneath his mask.


    You took your time, huh?


    (Since I didnt hear that you wereing.)


    Maomao bowed her head slowly and entered the cramped room. He hadnt started with the tea snacks. She couldnt sit, so she asked him what he wanted to do with them. When he told her that he didnt want them, she gave it to Chouu who was loitering outside. The kamuro gathered in a bustle and quickly finished them off.


    Basen? Jinshi asked.


    Hes being detained by Gaoshun-sama, she answered.


    is that so. He assumed a haughty posture, arms braced on his chin. Was it her imagination that he looked sulky?


    Maomao closed the door and he finally took off his mask.


    Maomao took the salve out from the shelves. She had mixed several varieties of crude medicine and let it ferment for a couple of days, so it should be fine by now.


    Well then, excuse me. She knelt and scooped out some salve with a finger. The wound on Jinshis cheek was already healed, but there was still a scar. It might be better if only the stitching scar on his right cheek goes away.


    Maomao gently smeared the viscous salve on Jinshis scar. She held her breath to not breathe on it.His longshes were lowered. The direction of his gaze was at Maomaos finger. It looked like he was following the ball of the finger that was smearing salve onto his cheeks.When she leaned closer to check the injury, his warm breath fell upon her.


    (Is this guy a flower spirit?)


    She thought that there was the faint fragrance of flowers. He had drunk rose tea. Yeah, it would have to be that  she was a ;little relieved.


    The salve was something prescribed by her dad a long time ago for a courtesan with a burn scar. While it didnt make the scar vanish as soon as you smear it on, it promoted the growth of new skin.


    There was new skin growth on Jinshis cheeks, but the redness stood out. She wanted to have it stand out less even for a little.


    (He could have just smeared it on himself.)


    Jinshi had Maomao apply this medicine for him each time. Did he have Suiren do it for him in his room?


    Maomao was ticklish, so it would be all the better that she did it for herself.Was this because hes part of the elite?


    Where did you go? he asked.


    to Ah Duo-samas. she answered.


    Basen would have admitted it anyhow,Maomao said honestly.


    then-


    Yeah, she weed me.


    She imagined what came after the then. Thats why, even if she didnt add in the proper noun, Jinshi seemed to have understood.


    You seem to have a lot on your hands, Maomao emphasised that she was unrted as she praised him.


    Yeah, the other party also has various things to consider.


    The other side  could he be talking about Consort Riishus family?From hearing the story, it seems that Consort Riishus n was structured like the Shi n. They were bestowed the single character name U.


    If she remembered properly, she heard that the ns who received the single character names from the ;sexagenary cycle(More specifically, the earthly branches.)were the descendants of the retainers from the time this country flourished. In other words, it meant that Gaoshuns Ma n was an ancient n of the same esteem.


    In the current time with the Shi n gone, she understood that they were making themselves look superior. She also understood that they were trying to obtain favour by sending their other daughter into court. It wasnt that she didnt also understand the bestowal talks of the high ranked consort who wasnt the emperors taste to Jinshi.


    However, the thing she was bothered about was.


    (Why is he aiming for his daughters life?)


    No, that was what Consort Riishu had suggested. The possibility of that being a mistake was also high.


    However, in actuality, the consort was assaulted.


    Was it a different subordinate?


    Or was it-


    One more thing.About why Consort Riishu was being neglected by her father to that extent.


    It can only be said that the matter where the high ranked consort got wedded to the previous emperor was sorrowful. Maomao understood that the consorts father had sent in his young daughter when he knew about the tastes of the lolicon emperor, but at that time, the previous emperor had been bedridden by illness.


    Even if the consort was sent in at such a time, there would be hardly any possibility her of bing a mistress.


    Even though there was still another way to use her as a tool of politics.


    Oi, what are you pondering about? Jinshi looked at Maomao dubiously.


    (Not good, not good.)


    This incident is unrted to Maomao.It was uncouth for her to stick her head in it.


    But.


    Only allowed on


    .Can I ask, one question? she asked.


    What?


    She had a bted thought. About Ah Duo-sama. That person seems to have quite a rational personality, right?


    On how she devoted herself to being the emperors instructor while thinking him as her younger brother, and on how she immediately advocated the talks between Jinshi and Consort Riishu.


    The former consort was someone that is easy to use for Maomao, but there was also the part where she wanted the woman to understand people.


    It was about why this person, among the others that were in the inner pce at the time, took Consort Riishu under her wing. Even though there were other girls who were brought into the inner pce for the same reasons, Crown Prince Consort hadnt considered about taking all of them under her wing.


    There was one thing to consider from that.


    Did Consort Riishu and Ah Duo-sama know each other from before? she asked.


    Your guess is good. Jinshi made a look of slight embarrassment. Ah Duo-dono and Consort Riishus mother were friends.


    Oh really.


    She was friends with his highness too.


    .


    When ites to also being friends with his majesty the emperor, the question gets heated.


    As boorish and uncouth thinking strikes the core of people, they would care nothing about same-sex friends and would talk about opposite gender rtions differently.


    To say nothing of it when the partner is the gentleman who stands at the top of the country.


    As if he read Maomaos expression, Jinshi told her something that was difficult to take in.


    At the time, Ah Duo-dono didnt wish for a second child.


    And also, the emperor of that time was bedridden by illness, whereas the current emperor who was the crown prince then didnt have another consort.


    I heard the Empress proposed some idea to the U n. Often times, under the Empress directions, the imperial child of the reigning emperor of those times had summoned the consorts mother.


    In those times, although the consorts mother had a husband called Uryuu, he was merely a groom she was given from blood rtion after all. It was said the main family of the U n had other considerations, as said groom had a concubine from elsewhere and had begotten a child.


    Maomao wanted to cover her ears, but unfortunately, she was held down by Jinshi who had noticed her doing so. Jinshi whispered into her ears so that only she could hear. The fragrance of perfume and the salve intermingled, tickling her nose with a peculiar scent.


    Is it okay for someone like me to hear this? she asked.


    Its a rumour. Theres no proof, he said.


    However, this thing he called a rumour could be none other than the truth for those who believe it. And if there were people in the vicinity  even more so when their characters are bad.


    Does Consort Riishu know about this? she asked.


    Wouldnt it be cruel to tell her? he countered.


    She got the answer to her question from before.


    About why Consort Riishu is being ignored by her father.


    Her anger boiled.


    (What a bothersome bastard.)


    What a narrow-minded man.While he goes to make a child himself from elsewhere, was it no good for his wife to do the same?


    Whether this rumour was true or what  Maomao didnt know.


    Ah Duo rmending Consort Riishu to the emperor  did that signify the rumour as false? Or was it that she didnt know about the rumour?


    Does it mean that, with the emperor disliking sleeping with Consort Riishu, the rumour was true?


    If so, considering how it would turn out with her betrothal with Jinshi, it would be a consanguineous marriage between distinguished people. If they were a different gender, it didnt matter if they were uncle and niece or half-siblings.


    Its just that it was pitiful for Consort Riishu to be the only one kept in the dark.


    What are you thinking of? Jinshi asked.


    Youre too close, Jinshi-sama, Maomao said.


    Jinshis lips were on Maomaos ears again.The fragrance of rose tea was still in the air.


    What are you thinking of? he asked.


    for a better future for Consort Riishu.


    She wont say make her happy.That was beyond Maomaos realm.


    Jinshi-sama, please value Consort Riishu.


    Right now, Im driven by the need to grab the head thats right in front of me and rammed it into the wall. Jinshis voice was mixed with deep anger. He was also tugging Maomaos hair like he was going to pull it out.


    If you have to torture me, it would be better if you cut me. I want to avoid a fatal wound though.


    If its a cut, she had medicine she wanted to try out. This would be better than getting beaten up.


    This counter is new, he remarked.


    Rather, Jinshi-sama, your return has gotten fast.


    Normally, he would be slumping his shoulders with a single statement. Had he gotten a little tougher?


    I learned that it makes no progress. After saying that, Jinshi drove her to the wall, still grabbing her hair. ;Is he really going to m me onto the wall?She closed her eyes.


    However, her head didnt hit the wall.


    Her hair was tugged down; her face forced up.And then, her lips touched something.


    A tender rose tea breath entered Maomao. Her eyes opened from the sudden action. Her posture was back to normal; Jinshi had his back faced to her.


    Maomao watched that back wordlessly.


    Jinshi put on his mask without turning around and opened the door of the pharmacy. Oi, Im leaving.


    Jinshi-sama.


    Wh-what?


    Since he was wearing the mask, she didnt know what kind of face he was making.


    Please dont forget the salve. Maomao wrapped the medicine up in cloth and passed it to Jinshi. He snatched it off her hands and left the pharmacy.


    Outside, there was a tired Basen looking like he got a lecture, and an even more tired Gaoshun despite being the angry one.


    After seeing off the three people, Maomao closed the door and sighed.


    She wiped her fingers over her lips.


    What a pain.


    Lets revise what she just said.


    Its be difficult.


    T/N:


    YES JINSHI MBOY YOU FINALLY LANDED THAT KISS CONGRATULATIONS

 Volume 4, Chapter 23: The Western Merchants Former Part

    It was ten days after Jinshis visit when Maomao saw any progress on the matter about Consort Riishu. And on the topic of what the trigger was, it came from an unexpected personages request.


    Whats your business? she asked.


    How cold of you. To speak to your adoptive brother like that.


    Huh? I dont have any siblings but.


    There was a short man standing before Maomao. He had unruly hair and was wearing round sses over his fox eyes, but aside from those, his face didnt really stand out.


    Normally, she would let him into the pharmacy, but she was in the middle ofpounding a lot of medicine, so she was borrowing the entrance of the still-closed Rokushoukan. And if they were in such a conspicuous ce, the cheeky brat will wander up to them.


    What?


    Maomao grabbed Chouus cor like it was the scruff of a kittens neck. The boy, being the boy, was clutching onto maomao the cat with both hands. The cat with the superbly distasteful name was now living with them after that time. She couldnt throw it away as the courtesans liked it. It was despicable either way.


    Is this big bro Freckles big bro? the boy asked.


    Why? She had already said that he wasnt just now. Did he not hear?


    He looks a lot like Freckles.


    . Maomao narrowed her eyes. She carried him over to the head manservant Ukyou who was manning the entrance. That man, being that man, looked pained from the morning shift  yawning, he passed the boy over to the manservant apprentice Sazen.


    Sazen made a tantly bothered look, but seeing as though he had special feelings for the kid, seemed to agree to babysitting Chouu without anyints. As Chouu currently wasnt in the state to remember his past, they judged it shouldnt be an issue. This man was handier than expected  helpful that he picks medicinal nts for her when hes out on his walks. She thought to try to teach him how to make medicine eventually.


    It was irritating that this man, Rahan, resembled Maomao a lot. If he eased his fox eyes a little, took off his sses and changed genders, he would be two peas in a pod with Maomao.


    It was really irritating.


    So, whats your business? She returned to the topic. Rahan asionally showed up at the Rokushoukan with that weirdo. Maomao only recognised him as an essory of that unpleasant being.


    If he had no issues with it, she supposed it would be fine to speak while standing here.


    Is the pharmacy free? he asked.


    Im currently in the middle ofpounding a special medicine, so I cant have peoplee in carelessly, she answered.


    That was a lie. It was just a pain to clean up.


    Rahan took out a money bag from his breast pocket a little reluctantly. And then he ced coins on Maomaos palm.


    With this paltry sum, the hag here can only lend you the overhang of the roof, she said.


    What a terrible miser, he said.


    (Like youre one to say.)


    Maomao knew he came second after the madam here. Due to the fact that he had an outrageous rtive, he wont catch up with only the wages of an official, so he does various things on an extensive scale.


    He unwillingly added coins, but Maomao shook her head. It was when he ced on three times the original sum did she finally nod and call for a kamuro nearby to summon the madam. The kamuro quickly disappeared inside the shop, and soon after, a crone that looked like a wrinkled withered branch appeared.


    Gran, were renting a room, Maomao said.


    This sum is enough for precisely a half-dual-hour, the madam said, holding the pipe in her mouth. She prodded the lit ashes with embers.


    Its quite expensive, Rahan said.


    In that case, its fine if you dont use it. However, if you take her outside the shop, Ill take that sum, the madam answered.


    Maomao wasnt really the property of the Rokushoukan, so the madam didnt have any rights to stop her if she went outside whenever she wished. However, it was frankly a pain to deal with Rahan, so she didnt mention that. From the start, he had no rights to go into the pharmacy until she cleaned up.


    The room the kamuro led them to was for middle-ss courtesans when they take in guests. Since no one was using it now, they onlyid out a mat as an apology on the bare wooden floor. It looked painful to just sit on it directly, so Maomao brought seating cushions from the pharmacy and set two down. She gave him cushions for receptions but had no ns on even serving him tea.


    The rooms of the Rokushoukan were made reliably as a standard. The walls were thick so sounds of love-making wouldnt leak out. There were guests that dislike it when the sounds leak, but they asionally rent it out as a ce for confidential talk.


    You know this individual?


    The same time the doors closed, Rahan took out a sheet of paper from his breast pocket. It was a portrait drawn with a fine brush.


    This is. Maomao said.


    It was the drawing of a woman. Since it was fine to call her a youthful maiden, she had noble features. Maomao wouldnt know if it was just that, but thements stated, red eyes, white hair, white skin. If it was like so, there was certainly one person that came to mind.


    If its Lady Pai, a lot of people aside from me would know her, she said.


    I guess so.


    However, he showed her another sheet of paper.


    Who? she asked.


    This time, it was the portrait of a man. However, drawings were different from real people, and moreover, Maomao didnt try to remember the faces of people she had no interest in.


    In other words, she didnt know.


    Rahan lined up the two portraits side by side.


    (Mm?)


    What could it be?She recalled something, but it didnte up. Could this perhaps be a person she had seen before?


    The other day, this man appeared in a certain meeting. Of course, the person himself hadnt intended for that to happen. It seems he was working behind the scenes, Rahan said.


    However, it was bad that he got visible for a mere instant. And he also got seen by the worse person.


    Among my esteemed fathers subordinates, there is one who can never forget a face he sees once, he added.


    I see.


    There would be no loss to possess such a special skill if you were the subordinate of that weirdo who cant discriminate the faces of other people at all.


    That gossip-loving person went to see that Lady Pais show. It seems he was set up by the details of the talk. And also, his subordinate caught sight of the man on the portrait, when I borrowed him for a bit toe along to where I went to.


    This man, while being an official, worked on various businesses. It would have to be his meeting.


    When was it? Maomao asked.


    About two days ago.


    One day would be for making a request to the weirdo tactician. Then it would be for drawing the portrait, and after some more back and forth, would it be today for him to finally get around to her?


    And so, why did youe all the way here? Normally, I wouldnt be rted, right? she said.


    My business partner that time is a merchant from Shaou, you see.


    Shaou(), the country over the desert west of this country. Aside from the mountains in the south, it was situated with arger country looking over it in three directions. It feels small at a nce, but if you take the opposing argument, it was formed as a centre of trade.


    Maomaos face dimmed. isnt, that bad?


    It would be bad if you think about it normally, yeah.


    This fellow, who did various things in the capital, was currently associating with a foreign country.


    Even Maomao who wasnt interested in politics knew that it would be bad to be a foreign country that is surrounded by its enemy.


    Furthermore, the national character of Shaou is a ce of non-aggression.


    In other words, even if you try to arrest him as a criminal, they cannot move as they will.


    Normally, you cannot make a move.


    If they were merchants who went out of their way toe all to the way to this country, it would be difficult to think that they arent moving in line with their country.


    Its troubling since I cant say anything about it, Rahan said.


    After all, it was that one subordinate with the good memory who is the evidence. Even if that person himself gave a speech, the others would say that he couldve seen it wrong if he was the only one who had seen it. And it seems, as a result, he came around to Maomao.


    And so? she asked.


    I want you toe along as a food taster, he answered.


    In other words, leaving whether that aforementioned man is the actual person or not aside, Rahan was unable to turn it down with the reason that it is an important business discussion. But he wanted to protect his own person. If that man was the real thing, could that Lady Pai be together with him as well? If thats the case, there was also the possibility that they would serve a yet unknown poison created through alchemy.


    Youre interested, right? You might even encounter unusual poisons, he said.


    What an unfair hand.


    Does he mean to pull Maomao by saying that?


    However, there was one concern.


    What about that man? she asked.


    Worry not, he wont being along for this and I wont talk about your going either.


    It was needless to point out that man was that weirdo.


    However, it was also irritating to have him reply as is here.


    Only allowed on


    Isnt there my dad? she asked.


    The dad she was talking about here is Ruomen. Even if you make a mistake, he wasnt a weirdo.


    He gave a mean smile. Compared to Maomao, her dad would know more about western poisons.


    Even though my esteemed adoptive father is in the medical office every time? Rahan asked.


    Generally, it was a different matter if its a neighbourhood pharmacist, but theres no way you can take an imperial court physician out as you please.


    And so, Rahan showed up to bring the neighbourhood pharmacist.


    Ill pay you, he said.


    I cant believe the words of a miser, she answered.


    Youll get to see western medicine.


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    Cant be helped, she said, and so, Maomao will be travelling with him, though


    She watched in a daze.


    An average built middle-aged man was standing there. He was conversing with Rahan.


    And so, Uryuu-sama.


    She felt that she heard a name she recognised.


    Maomao wanted to have not heard it, but she heard the name many times. It seems that he was entrusted with this asion.


    Everyst one of them neglected their principal upation, she thought, but the talks wont proceed with just merchants.


    (You should just get poisoned.)


    Maomao sighed as she considered something unbing for a food taster.

 Volume 4, Chapter 24: The Western Merchants Middle Part

    The business discussion will be held in a small province west of the capital that is sandwiched between Kaou Province(, Ka Central Province)and Seii Province(, Western I Province). Maomao heard the name of the province, but she didnt try to memorise it since she had no intentions of doing so.


    It took about ten days for them to get there, by going upriver by boat then changing to carriage. Even though the presence of Spring was getting stronger, she couldnt feel the change of seasons in the desating steppe area.


    Maomao was shown into a room in the estate that was to be used for the business discussion. It was too splendid for a servant to use, so she was also provided clothes that were more splendid than usual. ;How thoughtful of the stingy Rakan, she thought, but it seems to be the necessary expenses.


    Since she will be leaving the capital for a period close to a month, she had told everyone. The madams expression was grave, but when Maomao handed over the golden snacks, the crones cheeks eased into a smile of delight. ;This is also a necessary expense, Rahan had said, but he looked somewhat vexed.


    The discussions with the Shaou merchants will be tomorrow. Until then, Rahan moved about as if hes busy and the man called Uryuu also seemed busy as is.


    ording to what she overheard, it seems Uryuu was originally chosen as the adopted son-inw due to his business sense. The U n in those days was apparently in grave states so it must have been a blessing for them that there was a second son of a wealthy merchant who was distantly rted to them.


    Maomao looked out the window. The view was good from the third storey.


    Unlike the capital, houses constructed of a lot of stone and bricks stood out. There was a pond in the garden. She could see lush vegetation, but the greenery outside the estate was sparse.


    If you head a little west, it spreads out into a desert.


    The desating breeze caressed her cheeks.


    There doesnt seem to be a lot of interesting nts.


    Maomao gazed out in boredom.


    Only allowed on


    (Shall I go catch some scorpions?)


    Scorpions seem to live here  she was advised to check her shoes before she wore them when she woke up.


    Nheless, they were holding a discussion in a delicate ce.


    The discussions from the other day had been held in the capital, but it seems that was something that had been arranged beforehand. Since the real big shot will show up this time, they decided to hold the discussions in this town rather than the capital.


    Considering the geographic condition, she thought that they should do it in the more-developed ;Seii Province, but they would be involved with some bothersome matters there.


    (The U n huh.)


    This Uryuu person who had tried to send his own daughters into the inner pce must see Seii Province as an eyesore. That ce was the hometown of the current main wife, Empress Gyokuyou. Maomao thought that normally he didnt need to purposely protrude and leave it to them, but would this be a sense ofpetition?


    Even though that Uryuu hade along out of duty to negotiate with the merchants like so, Maomao had a single thought.


    It was about Empress Gyokuyous family.


    The truth was that the empress family didnt even have a conferred name. Could it be due to the fact that they were from a remote ce, so there had been no opportunity for them to be conferred a name from the imperial family? Even if their family wasrge, it seems that, from the fact that they didnt have a name, their slight gravity was different.


    The barbarian princess was born from such a family. That is, Empress Gyokuyou is a princess flowing with foreign blood, but that was also an issue. It could be that Empress Gyokuyou is the child of a concubine or an adopted daughter that had been taken in from a distant rtive. The foreigners in the western territory are mostly merchants or performers.


    She didnt think that there was a problem with Empress Gyokuyous education. The empress was still young at twenty-one years, but Maomao knew her intelligence and determination very well.


    However, everyone else probably wouldnt hold the antipathy to treat the woman, who was only twenty-one,cking a name, and possessing foreign blood, as the empress.


    (Why is it this sort of pretence again?)


    At least, wouldnt it be fine in another couple of years? ; Although the empress had given birth to the crown prince, the child was still young. Honestly, no matter how carefully you handle very young infants, they die easily.


    Maomao didnt know much about politics, but she had also noticed that regardless.


    (Since that province runs along the national border huh.)


    About the big shots expectation  she thought that she would just get tired by pondering about it.


    Maomao made a big stretch and fell onto the bed. The futon was warm, woven with wool. Since it would suddenly get cold at night, this futon was a godsend.


    She rolled around on the bed, and there was knock on the door from outside.


    (Ah, is it already time?)


    Maomao got up, smoothed out the wrinkles on her clothes and left her room.


    Maomao looked at the cooking that was served on the te before her eyes.


    This too.


    The tes on the tray were vibrantly hued. They had used valuable vegetables here, garnishing the colours. It was a dish that was made with mutton as the core.


    Maomao nced at the kitchen.


    She didnt see anything strange in the raw materials.


    Is there anything moving strangely inside the dishes?


    She looked at it.


    Appearance-wise, it was most suspicious to have a seat prepared for her to just study the dishes. However, she wasnt going to mention that Im looking since Im worried that youll add any strange things, and the other party also understood so they kept silent.


    Thus the gazes pointed at Maomao were sharp, but she shouldnt mind them at all.


    (Houhou.)


    If thend is different, the cuisines are also different. It was interesting to see their ingredients.


    The food staple was bread primarily made from wheat. They also used rice, but rather than congee, they cooked it with ingredients and added vouring. It seems they also cooked buckwheat grains like they did with rice, but it wasnt something familiar to the central region, so they didnt make any for them. Maomao was d about it that way.


    There were also noodles  boiled with mutton. In order to remove the gamey stink, they aremonly garnished with potherbs.


    Honestly speaking, the cooking of this area had a lot of peculiarities. Maomao wasnt really perturbed by it, but the big shots wereining. About how the broth with goat milk is spoiled, or that they want to eat something other than mutton and goat.


    If Maomao didnt observe them properly like this, she thought they might end up spitting.


    Nheless, since they were pros who did what they could do, it seems they procured a new ingredient today. Chicken and fish, and could that be dried fruit in the basket? ;Its hard to obtain fish here, Maomao thought.


    During the time she observed the food like so, it seems the evening meal was ready. They will be carried over in wagons.


    Maomao followed the servant who transported that.


    The meal will be eaten in the hall of the estate.


    You sit on the carpets that had beenid out. Large tters of food were ced in the centre.


    The people of the central region probably wouldnt like this setup.


    The eating ways of a savage tribe huh.


    There were those who spoke ill of it that way.


    This must have been done to resemble the eating manner of nomadic tribes. It was a cause to eat not with chopsticks, but with bare hands.


    Maomao sat down half a step behind, next to Rahan who had already sat down. Theres a custom that dislikes having women in the same seat, but Maomao was being treated as a guest. Uryuu was inside, and the one sitting close by would have to be the lord of this town.


    It was a manly man who was growing a bushy beard. Maomao didnt need to remember him, so she didnt even remember his name.


    Around them were women who bravely looked after them. When the tters were cleared, they would serve up the next dish, but unfortunately, Uryuu had no appetite. He only went for themb on the bone and boiled rice, and afterwards, he refused everything else aside from seconds for wine.


    Rahan seemed to have taken a liking to the fish dish  that was all he was eating. The cooks, as if theyck confidence, looked relieved.


    Maomao also helped herself with some of the fish. The was a blueback fish that had been pickled in salt, so the preservation must have been effective. It had a slightly peculiar stench, but that was probably the smell of fermentation rather than rot.


    For one who was used to eating fresh fish in the capital, it might be unsatisfactory, but it must be good for Rahan who didnt mind it over the stink of mutton.


    Maomao, who didnt mind the stink, ate everything without exception.


    Since there was no food tasting or anything with this meal pattern, there was no other way than to eat a little bit of everything at the start and see if theres anything weird in it.


    (From the way it looks, it would have to be that kind of meal pattern.)


    Shaou is an area with a lot of nomadic tribes. Culturally, they would have to be simr to this ce.


    For the portions where you dont know who will eat, expecting that, you will need to pay attention to the servants. Also, you will have to know what kind of ingredient is in it, otherwise it is likely that you can mistake potherbs with poisonous nts.


    Due to that, she had to eat while remembering the taste and appearance of the dishes.


    She chewed, and when she saw a cup of wine ced next to her, she thought, What a thoughtful servant. It was set down by the man who was sitting next to her.


    The wine had been poured by the servant, but it seems the person himself doesnt drink.


    It was a man in his thirties with slender, nice looks. She was pretty sure this man would have to be the subordinate of the weirdo tactician that Rahan had mentioned. His name was


    .


    She couldnt remember.


    Its Rikuson.


    Rikuson-sama.


    Please drop the title, Lady Maomao.


    When she was calleddy, Maomao contorted her face with all her might. However, since it was also irritating to correct him, she offered this condition.


    Then just Rikuson.


    Then just Maomao. Since I cant drink, Ill be happy if you drink this though.


    Since he told her that, she had no reason to hold back.


    (Since itll be bothersome if there is something weird in the wine.)


    Maomao raised the cup to her lips. Grape wine. It wasnt that strong. ;The cooking aside, the wine isnt bad,Maomao thought. However, unless you eat the cooking all the way, there was no reason for you to dull your taste buds.


    Dear Readers. Scrapers have recently been devasting our views. At this rate, the site (creativenovels ) might...let''s just hope it doesn''te to that. If you are reading on a scraper site. Please don''t.


    After she drank some water and refreshed her pte, she went for the next dish.


    The servants were postponing Maomaos share, so she had to get it herself.


    Is this one eptable?


    Thank you very much.


    It was Rikuson who presented Maomao what she wanted to get. He had properly portioned off a little for her.


    It doesnt appear that he was merely following that weirdo tactician pointlessly. He must be following that man because he paid full attention to things.


    Rikuson frequently called the servants to a stop and indicated, Take that for me, and this isnt enough.


    At a nce, he looked like a ve driver, but his attention was directed to the faces and figures of the servants.


    (Does he remember them?)


    It seems Maomao didnt need to remember the faces of the servants.


    Shell leave that to this man and focus on just remembering the taste of the cooking and the ingredients.


    It was that moment.


    She heard the crash of breaking crockery. She looked towards the sound. There was a panicking maid and Uryuu who had his hands raised overhead.


    The lord was beside them, taken back by surprise.


    Didnt I tell you that I dont want it?


    my, my apologies.


    The woman cleaned up the te as she panicked. The te had been pushed away, shattered when it hit the wall. The contents were scattered everywhere.


    (What a waste.)


    She must have wanted to have him eat the fish dish that had been specially prepared for him. It wasnt that Maomao didnt understand her feelings, but the servant overdid it.


    The lord whispered into the ear of another servant as he fiddled with his beard. She wondered if that servant will be punished or fired.


    It was a pity, but that cant be helped. ;Thats the way it is, Maomao continued to eat.

 Volume 4, Chapter 25: The Western Merchants Latter Part

    The discussions were held the day after.


    It ended without a hitch.


    As for why  Maomao wasnt invited to the discussion. She was only attending the dinner party.


    Should she say that it ended while she was napping?


    It seems this dinner party thing will be done in a western style, where everyone will eat while standing. She was told there would be various dishes set up on the table, and you carry a te and take whatever dish that you like.


    Honestly, she wasnt used to this style. But, there were also points to it where it will be easier to do that way.


    Firstly, why this style? It seems to be customary to attend as male-female couples. It seems it is usual to bring a wife or a lover along, but in the case where you had none, you can bring your sister or a rtive instead. Rahan had introduced Maomao to everyone as his younger sister, but since she stomped on his toes, they settled on being rtives.


    Dear Readers. Scrapers have recently been devasting our views. At this rate, the site (creativenovels ) might...let''s just hope it doesn''te to that. If you are reading on a scraper site. Please don''t.


    Secondly, its both easy and difficult to serve poison. Since you dont know who was going to eat what, it wasnt suited to the assassination of a specific personage. Of course, that didnt matter if you are indiscriminative.


    Finally, you wont feel out ce even to food taste. You could just wait upon them at the side and peck at their food. Since it looks a little shameless if she did that, Rahan also kindly faked Maomaos age to be fifteen, the age of a growing child with arge appetite. Maomao, her expression unchanged, crushed the scot-free Rahans toes.


    If its a style where its fine whether you eat or not, it would be unpleasant as guests to not eat at all.


    This was all just a preparation


    Hmmm.


    Maomao answered in a rxed-ish, unamused-ish expression.


    Nevertheless.


    Rahan ogled at Maomao.


    The fine feathers didnt make fine birds huh.


    Shut up.


    Maomao pulled her heavy skirt.


    As the meals were also in western style, the clothes also matched the atmosphere. Of course, they didnt prepare something that waspletely the same but to have the figure resemble it, there was a frame inserted under the skirt to have it re out at the waist. On top of the western dress, there was cinching at the hips and half the cleavage was on disy, but unfortunately, since she looked shameless without that splendid meat, she worerge sleeves for her upper body and only tied a sash tautly at her waist.


    They also had some wigs for hair  it was gorgeously exaggerated, but raw materials were raw materials. Originally, that shouldnt be good, but everyone around her was an object ofparison that was more splendid than her. It was like a shepherds purse had mixed in among the roses and peonies.


    Worry not. Youve reached the point of a dandelion.


    Why was that this cousin had good judgement for such a thing?


    She red at Rahan with narrowed eyes as she entered the assembly hall.


    (The ceiling is high huh.)


    That was the first thing she thought.


    The vastness was two times the entrance of the Rokushoukan, but as the ceiling was high, there was the feeling of openness. One portion of it was made into an atrium, andyers of fabrics peculiar to this area dangled from the ceiling.


    Despite wearing shoes, there were short pile carpetsid out. This would have to be a special product too. Its wasteful to get dirt onto it.


    The quality and structure of the building werentparable to the capital. Nheless, she got the atmosphere that they were weing them with all their might.


    For Maomao, who didnt know the real ways of the west, just this was something she had never seen before, but what would the other party think of it? She thought that they would break out in sniggers, but when she thought hard about it, the other party was also people who lived in the sand, so they probably wouldnt mind it that much.


    For now, how about I eat whatever you have?


    No, shouldnt you just follow me?


    ?


    What? What is this remark after inviting people to food taste?


    She wanted him to take responsibility and prepare poison for her.


    Separate to the displeased Maomao, Rahan watched the guests. Since it was standard to be in couples, there were a lot of women too.


    .


    The fox eyes behind his sses gleamed. Since Shaou was rampant with mixing blood, there were many beauties. This scoundrel said  the numbers that beauties areposed of are beautiful. It wasnt that beauties are beautiful, its theposing numbers that are beautiful  this guy had said something that was iprehensible, but hes the nephew of the weirdo tactician, so hes also a weirdo. He was surely looking into a world that was iputable for Maomao.


    However, he rubbed his chin,


    If its like that, the imperial brother is nicer.


    And calmly voiced something along those lines, so it wasnt that he understood the thingsprising of a womans heart.


    Rahan suddenly looked at Maomao. His appraising eyes must be looking at numbers that werent nice.


    Hey.


    Hah?


    It was entertaining that her attitude got unintentionally bad. This man wasnt one to mind that sort of thing. Maomao epted a cup of wine from a maid since she was at it. Red liquid was filled to the brim of thepiszuli ss. It must be grape wine. The taste wasnt bad despite the sweetness. If she wasnt food tasting, it shouldnt be a problem even if she drank some wine.


    How about you ask the imperial brother to bear his seed?


    Could it be that Maomao was an adult so she didnt spit out the grape wine she had just drunk? The sweetness of the wine disappeared; she swallowed the liquid that suddenly got bitter.


    Why?  she didnt need to return a question.


    In any case, you just want to try give birth. Youre not interested in children, right? If its the imperial brothers child, Ill raise them properly, so you can do whatever you want. Its not like Im telling you to be his main wife. Itll be fine no matter how many mistakes you make. Even for me, getting an heir is a matter of great congrattions.


    Only allowed on


    Yougo make it.


    I dont have an ideal partner after all.


    It was likely that his ideal partner would be a beauty that is the female version of Jinshi who could cause the downfall of a country. That kind of person would have a tremendous talent to be able to have everything around them crash down.


    The imperial brother really such a waste. To have no one who can surpass his beauty even with that scar still there.


    I might as well just try to imnt a womans womb in you. How about that?


    can you?


    A serious-faced Rahan was scary. When Maomao replied, No, he hung his head in slight disappointment. Hes straight, but it seems he has no problems with changing his gender. She didnt really know his standards.


    He must have considered that even if Jinshi was not good, he could just get someone simr if he could get someone give birth to the Jinshis child. If it was Maomaos child, he could give a reason and take charge of them.


    Also, though he said heir, what if the child was a daughter. Speaking of that-


    Ill take responsibility and support her until death, so dont worry.


    In other words, he was saying that he will raise her and marry her.


    She wanted to nder him as a lolicon, but he must be ;that ;attached to Jinshis face. Since he was hopelessly no good, if she was ever asked if she knew anyone good, he will be the only one she wont introduce.


    And so, try asking him for me.


    Maomao sculled the wine. Then she stepped on Rahans toes, returned to the cup to him and walked off.


    (Everyone is giant.)


    When the mixing of blood is rampant, it seems you get taller too. There was also the point where people of the western regions were tall, but that aside, youll have to berger than your parents when youre a hybrid. She didnt know how it was for humans, but when you cross fertilise simr species for nts, you get arger specimen from those seeds.


    If I have the time, I want to try that on my fields, she thought as she was going to go back. There was a wall around the small Rahan.


    There were a woman and two men.


    Among the men, one looked to be an interpreter, but the other seemed more like an attendant than the master. The one who looked the most important out of the three was the woman who was wearing clothes that emphasised her chest.


    She was a beauty with bright hair and sky coloured eyes. She was tall, and yet she was wearing high heels.


    ..


    Maomaos eyes nced over to Rahans.


    Come here. His fingers moved.


    (Was it not a discussion with western merchants?)


    The woman didnt feel like a merchant. She didnt have the air of a maiden either. If she was ady, then there would be the husband rather than an attendant.


    Speaking of which-


    (The same kind as Empress Gyokuyou.)


    Rather than business, it had the scent of politics.


    (Is this the main topic?)


    What western merchant,Maomao thought as she picked up her skirt and followed after Rahan.


    T/N: Ah Rahan *facepalm* kek


    So with the new site, if you guys look back to the earlier chapters, youll see that I have gone over the entire first arc, tidied up the formatting and made the terms consistent with what I have decided on it now. I still need to go back to change to names of ces to the Japanese reading (i.e. Shi Northern Province > Shihoku Province)  just for consistency though.


    Since the site has only barely beenunched, I hope everyone can be patient as we iron out all the issues. If you guys have any suggestions (or spot any issues), dont hesitate to hop onto the discord channel and let us know ;D Or you can leave them here, and Ill y messenger hahahaha


    The previous chapter got released unnoticed since NU didnt pick up on it, and it got buried under all the other mass releases ;_; But it did go up on the appointed time *cough*


    Anyways, as always, thanks for reading, guys <3

 Volume 4, Chapter 26: A Woman’S Anticipation

    T/N: Im going to change the dialogue style to English. Hopefully, this will make the conversations easier to follow. Let me know if that doesnt work. If you guys are okay with that, Ill go back to give the older chapters the same treatment.


    In such arge estate, there would have to be one or two rooms just for ndestine meetings.


    Rahan spoke to a server. And it was there where she would never forget how he took out a heavy thing from his breast pocket. It seems even he wont be stingy in times like this.


    A short whileter, the server brought a key over and guided them, This way.


    Maomao tilted her head, wondering if this was fine since it wasnt that secretive, but then Rahan whispered in her ear. This is normal.


    Hmmm. She felt a little gloomy, but that cant be helped. Better bend than break  if there is this kind of rule, then youll just have to abide by it.But then theres no meaning for him to be careful by taking the pains to have her food taste, right?


    The room at the end of the corridor was really a room. There was wine, dried fruits and jerky on the roundtable  all of them containedponents that made you feel vigorous. There was a couch and a bed  either of them was big enough to fit two people.


    It seems a little cramped for five people, but the interpreter left his seat for them. Looks like hes going to keep a lookout outside.Now then, she wondered how they were going tomunicate, when the woman spoke to them.


    Thank you foring all the way to here.


    Fluent words flowed out of her mouth.


    My name is Irene. Mypanion is my attendant. Please rest assured that he is tight-lipped.


    May I call you Airin-san? I am Kan Rahan. Mypanion is a rtive so dont mind her.


    Extremely simple self-introductions. If she had to say it, it was like a conversation where they verified the identity of the other party they already knew.


    Rahan surveyed the room. Maomao rapped the wall lightly. There were no concerns about sound leaking from the room that had been constructed from stone. Perfect for ndestine meetings.


    Rahan took out a sheet of paper from his breast pocket. He opened the wax seal. I was surprised at first when I heard the talks will be with Shaou merchants. Is that serious, I had thought, he said.


    The attendant pulled out a seat in front of the roundtable. Airin looked at Rahan. Rahan grinned, urging her, and Airin sat.Maomao didnt know if that was the behaviour of an attendant or that was etiquette from Shaou, but Rahan also drew a seat back and gestured Maomao to sit. Maomao was against going along with him, but it was hard to stay standing for a long time so she decided ;to ;sit.


    The attendant brought in a seat before she realised and Rahan set it down in a ce that would be easy to sit.


    After Rahan sat down, the attendant began to prepare drinks. It wasnt something you can drink as is; it was diluted with water. Since its a strong spirit.


    (Just what kind of talk is starting?)


    There shouldnt be a need for Maomao to be here, right? Apart from drinking wine, there was nothing for her to do. It would have to be no good to sleep just because there was arge bed, right?


    However, the woman called Airin started to talk about something that forced Maomao wide awake.


    Ill say it clearly since its hard to beat around the bush. Can you allow us to live in your country?


    can you exin what you mean by that? Rahan said as he pushed up his sses.


    It should be fine to just move here, right? It wasnt absent for foreign entertainers to be interested in other countries and just stay there. It was quitemon for merchants too.


    However, the woman before her eyes didnt look like an entertainer. And her air was different to a merchants


    Whats ;your reason? he asked.


    Do you know the governing style of my country? Airin asked.


    At Airins question, Maomao tilted her head. Maomao only had knowledge of how that country was used as an intermediator for trade.


    This part, Rahan was quite able for it. I heard that it is governed based on the oracle of the priestess.


    The government does this and that ording to divination. Even this country, Rii, had a couple of parts that rely on it, although the weight of it is small. The imperial court also has a post that specialises in divination.


    In truth, it is the god. The young girl is worshipped as the god, and her words be the voice of the god, Airin said.


    It was something that was difficult to understand for Maomao. It was the same for Rahan. Both of them had characters where they believe what they see with their own eyes. However, they got the gist of it. Otherwise, they wouldnt cross over with society.


    Rahan regarded Airin as he stroked his chin. What ;Iknow, is that I heard that the current goddess has reigned for close to thirty years, though?


    From the fact that he was using I(watashi) rather than I(boku), Rahan must be recognising that this is a public ce. In other words, he wasnt putting confidence into this woman.


    At his question, Airins expression shifted into a faint smile Indeed, in the past, there are also those whose lives ended as gods. The current goddess mark of a woman has yet toe. Thus, she still possesses the qualifications of a god.


    In other words, her menarche hasnte. There are cases where ites extremelyte, but if it hasnte when shes past thirty, it probably wouldnte at all.


    Normally, even if its long, it will change in around ten years, Airin said.


    She felt that Airins words were filled with slight contempt.


    Only allowed on


    Even I might have sat there with that duty, she added.


    Maomao understood the reasons for this woman to suggest her moving.


    Do you think the current government of Shaou moves with only the words of the goddess? Airin continued.


    It was a remark that struck the core of what happens afterwards.


    How will my country move when it is incited by the ;North?


    And then.


    What would happen if my country that is surrounded by sand is unable to buy food rations from other countries?


    Airins sky coloured eyes faced them.


    As soon as Maomao returned to her room, she threw off her peculiar dress. The clothes had something weird built-in, but more than that, her body suddenly got heavy.


    Could the North that the foreign woman called Airin had mentioned be Hokuaren(North Aren)?


    Also, the reason she mentioned food would be


    (Is there already the fear of food shortages?)


    Maomao violently wiped off her makeup and copsed onto the bed.


    The desert region procures its grains from other countries. It was difficult to obtain a steady food source from barrennd.


    From the looks of things, the North made a price hike for grains. The North suddenly raised the price of grains due to the locust damagesst year. It is obviously apparent that it was the share sold to other countries that had been put off first.


    From this time point, if its like this, if there will crop failure this year too, what coulde of it?


    If it turns out like so, how would the North go out? Selling grains sparingly, on the contrary, will turn out to be not enough. Countries that cannot provide meals to themselves have no choice but to steal from elsewhere.


    If it turns out like so, Shaou is the closest. If that country falls, it would be a foothold to other countries thatmunicate to it.


    In the worst case, a war will break out.


    (No, no, wait a sec.)


    Was it really a country that would think so rashly?But, in this society, it would require the conditions to requestmon sense from the other party. Common sense exists from the situation where the other party possesses the same values as you and has the flexibility to a certain extent.


    Maomao pped her limbs on the bed, and stopped.


    (Alright.)


    Speaking of that, what woulde out of Maomao thinking of something like this?


    This kind of matter is better left to the big shots. Even if they get overworked, this is the work for the people who eat much nicer meals. What this means is that theres no point for her to just think about it here.


    However, it would be meaningless if those big shots are ipetent.


    Maomao suddenly recalled the man called Uryuu.Riishus father. The man who considered his daughter as a political tool.


    If he was the type of shallow person, who, believing that his daughter wasnt his child, had tried to get rid of her, he was in no way useful.


    .


    Maomao fixed her posture. She had been slouching. And then, moving sluggishly, she headed for the desk that furnished the room.


    The ink in the ss bottle didnt need to be dissolved in water. There was a quill instead of a brush, and parchment, not paper made from nt material.


    (What a waste.)


    This is expensive, Maomao searched in the drawer. When she did so, there was wool paper inside, so she reced the parchment with this. She wasnt used to the stationery, so the ink blotted and the characters became unsightly. ;Afterwards, he would say all kinds of things, but its fine if its readable ; Maomao wrote down the things to be done.


    And then she located a servant to discreetly pass the paper over to Rahan.


    (Now then, will he get on board with it?)


    How would Rahan move in such a time? He would get on board with it if he considers that he could properly make a connection with the other party, or he might say that he wont assist with such an unprofitable thing.


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    (Well, Im fine with it either way though.)


    Whether hes up for it or not, it was no loss or gain for Maomao. Rather, he might treat it as meddling.


    However, normally, he would perfectly set the ce for me for this kind of thing though, she thought.If it was Jinshi.


    Well then, well then, what should I do when I return from this trip a different issue came to Maomaos mind, but she decided to forget about it as well.


    If its something you dont know even if you agonise over it, it would be better to use that time for something else.That was Maomaos personality.

 Volume 4, Chapter 27: Father And Daughter (Volume End)

    What do you want to talk about? Uryuu said with dissatisfaction towards the established seating.


    The man was sitting on the long table with two of his subordinates. Rahan, Rikuson and Maomao sat across them.


    It seems he wasnt pleased with the fact that he had been summoned by a younger man who had a lower status than him, and that Maomao was sitting with them for the meal. Thats true, it was typical in this situation to be taken back when you have a woman here. Yesterdays banquet was more on the side of unusual.


    The table was set up with dishes that had been ordered beforehand. They werent that stingy to have yesterdays leftovers.


    Haha. Are you curious about this person? Rahan said, looking at Maomao.


    No, I just thought it was odd. I didnt think Rahan-dono would engage in small talk. Uryuu gave a tactful reply. As there wasnt small talk, it must be a reply based on his quick temper.


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    This person is my younger sister, Rahan said.


    Hoh, younger sister? This is the first time Ive heard of it though?


    Uryuus brow twitched in surprise. Thats true. Rahans adoptive father would be Rakan, his uncle. Everyone knew the story where Rakan chased out his father and half-brother to usurp the family headship. Then, what would happen if he said that there is a younger sister here?


    She was driven by the urge to stomp on Rahans toes and even smear salve on him, but lets endure. As a result, it seems Uryuus interest was piqued.


    Indeed, even my adoptive father is a man after all. She is a daughter from a courtesan, Rahan answered.


    He wasnt wrong. Maomao silently watched their reaction.


    The ones who looked tantly shocked were Uryuus subordinates. They ogled at Maomao like they were looking at something unusual.


    Though she entered the inner pce once, her looks are as you see. She was sent home just like that, Rahan added.


    He wasnt wrong about that either. Though, it was somewhat irritating.


    No, but even if shes Rakans daughter, isnt it stranger to cherish her since shes illegitimate? Uryuu asked.


    Mhm, she wont deny it about her appearance, but his words were reasonable. That old man didnt send her into the inner pce, but he probably didnt need to exin that part. It was a little special andplicated.


    Haha. My dad is one of those types who wont give his daughter away to those he doesnt have a good eye for. Hell start boasting about it sooner orter too, Rahan said.


    She thought that there was nothing that shouldnt be said, but its one of those things that sound more radical if you try to talk about it.


    Then, just as Rahan piqued their interest, he advanced the talks.


    Incidentally, shall we move onto the main topic? he said.


    Rahan took out a sheet of parchment from his breast pocket and showed it to Uryuu.


    Uryuus brows twitched in surprise. What is this?


    Yes, this is about the business discussion that will start now. Rahan smiled, his sses glinting. She heard that Uryuu was someone who had a good business sense from the start. It wasnt a bad means to broach the topic by garnering his interest about Maomao first to get to the main topic. At least, with Rahans position


    (This bastard.)


    It will be a pain if the story about whose daughter Maomao is gets leaked, but it probably wouldnt matter for this guy. Rather, he must have thought that he could use it as a bargaining chip.


    However, Maomao was the one who had asked Rahan. She couldnt raise a fuss about it here.


    (Lets think about itter.)


    They were currently doing something else.


    Rahan started the new business talks with pleasure. It looks like the intelligence he obtained from the woman called Irene was practical enough. If that womans story is true, Shaou might join up with Hokuaren(North Aren)hereafter. Even if that isnt the case, the possibility of their suffering from food shortages is high.


    If it is the former, there will be a spike in pre-war special procurement demands. If all the needed items are bought up, the prices will shoot up.


    If it is thetter, there will be an increase in new exported goods. Shaou could buy grains from here in ce of the North if they take it there. ;It seems it is unprofitable by nature to transport food with the current geographical conditions due to time constraints. Nheless, if that country buys it at higher prices, there was ;also the means to transport the excess rice and wheat by ship.


    (Thats if our country has food supply left over.)


    If there are locust damages here too, they probably wont ship it out. Still, it might be possible as a means of diplomacy though.


    Maomao didnt know about that part. She only knew that Rahan was making a very evil expression. Maomao had requested him to do this, but it seems he had no intentions of not making good use of his duty.


    Though they were dining together, everyone was ignoring the food. It will be waste for it to get cold. ;Is it okay if I eat? Maomao nced around, just as a te of food was gently ced before her. Rikuson had prepared it for her, his face genial. Mhm, his diligence that waspletely unlike his appearance reminded her of Gaoshun. Is that uncle healthy? Even if he wasnt apanying Jinshi, he must be having difficulties.


    From Maomaos perspective, Uryuu looked like he was nothing more than an intolerant man, and yet when she saw him conversing with Rahan, she thought that he must really have good business sense. ; He was just discussing while considering if there was profit even if he was probing and not taking his conversational partners words at face value. Although, it wasnt a conversation he could go in depth with Maomao and Rikuson in proximity.


    Has his mood been cated a little? Maomao checked Uryuu who had a goodplexion and discreetly poked Rahan under the table.


    Rahan nced at Maomao, then looked at Uryuu as if nothing happened.


    The dishes have also gone a little cold. Lets prepare something fresh. Rikuson smoothly inserted himself into the discussion. When he did so, a server came in carrying food as if she had been waiting. However, the servers looked a little gloomy. Maomao know the reason for that very well.


    Theyid out the steaming fish dish. Seeing that, Uryuus mood soured. As if they read his expression, the servers gave a start.


    It was only the other day when the server who had rmended the fish dish to Uryuu was punished. And yet, everything they brought out was fish. Of course, their expressions would change.


    Of course, it had been Maomao who had directed them to do so.


    For the ind, the fish here is delicious, Rahan said.


    Rahan was into the fish dish so he must be okay with it, but Uryuusplexion looked horrible. Position-wise, he could just decline the food. It seems like he was only hesitant about speaking about the reason for it.


    At the point, Maomao finally opened her mouth. Was itst year? Do you remember the poisoning incident at the garden party?


    Uryuus brow twitched in surprise at Maomaos talking, but that was all. Ahh. The incident where Empress Gyokuyou was targeted.


    That must be how it is officially. However, does Uryuu know who was the actual target? Or does he not? Doesnt matter. Maomao was only talking about that time anyways.


    That time, Consort Riishus entire body broke out in hives, she said.


    is that so?


    How is that rted that was what he sounded like.


    It seems there was a dish brought out at the garden party that she couldnt eat. What was it again? Oh, thats right, it was a fish namasu.


    . Uryuus look changed.


    He stared at Maomao.


    I was also in the inner pce during that incident. I happened to be at the ce, she told him.


    Only allowed on


    Consort Riishu was cowardly from a long time ago. ; Still, she tried her best to bluff. That must be why she ate the namasu while knowing perfectly well that she couldnt eat it.


    Namasu is a dish made with raw fish and meat. However, there could be poison lurking in raw ingredients. In the case of blueback fish, there could be parasites, so it is not suited to eat when it has gone off. Youll get poisoned if you eat that.


    However, it was an imperial dish, and moreover, for the emperor to eat. There would be no way people will bring out something that has gone off. Besides, if there was poison, the other consorts and food tasters should also get hit too. Since nothing happened, Maomao thought that was due to Consort Riishus constitution.


    And Maomao knew that it wasmon for this predisposition to be passed on from parents.


    It didnt seem like there were any good maids around Consort Riishu. Even if there was something she couldnt eat, they treated her as a picky eater. Even though her skin that had broken out in rashes wont pass by the emperors eyes, she said.


    There was no way the man, who was good at business, was dumb to not know what she had been talking about up until now. Still, Maomao continued to push forward.


    By the way, the dishes in the garden party were all his majestys favourites, she added.


    He was an old man who was surprisingly health conscious. That might be connected to his vigour at night.


    Maomao alternated her gaze between the fish dish and Uryuu.


    It seems like you dont like fish dishes at all. Shall we prepare something else for you instead? Maomao said, her tone courteous, as she gave a look solely for Rahan that ordered him to Quickly prepare it.


    Rikuson was helpful as always  he went to talk to the server who was standing outside the room. He was truly attentive, all because he is the subordinate of the weirdo tactician.


    Maomao looked at the fish dish nonchntly. When she nced at the dish, wondering if it was okay for her to start eating, Uryuu stared at Maomao.


    Wait a bit, Rahan looked at her.


    Maomao decided to wait for a little while until a different meat dish was carried over.


    Afterwards, the dining continued on for another dual-hour, but Uryuu was silent. He looked like he was thinking of something, yet looking like he held some conviction.


    However, his reaction was different to how Maomao had imagined it.


    (Didnt he try to get his daughter assaulted by robbers?)


    In reality, Consort Riishu had been assaulted in town.


    Could he be regretting that, and is now in a peace of mind? Or could he be.


    (I was too shallow.)


    It wasnt wise to get gript by his emotions and assault Consort Riishu. ; He would have done it earlier if he were to do it.


    Excuse me though As Maomao was groaning as she was about to return to her room, Uryuu called out to her.


    Ive seen you before from somewhere. Could you be, the food taster, from that time? he asked.


    . Maomao gave an ambiguous smile and slowly lowered her head. Why would I be food tasting?


    No, it seems I was just imagining things, Uryuu said.


    Maomao had exined it away barefacedly. He withdrew. She held her smile with all her might to stop it from quivering.


    (Does he remember?)


    Not good  her body suddenly broke out in tepid sweat.


    Most of the big shot would have been at that garden party. Excluding the quirky weirdo who had skipped out.


    She was relieved that she changed her makeup. It had beenst year. She didnt think he would have remembered. Even though practically no one paid attention during the banquet.


    Of course, it would be troubling if she got exposed as the maid who food tasted while smiling.


    Town 1 END


    T/N: Everytime I type fish dish I snort. Rhyming is hrious okay >A<


    So weve reached the end of another arc. Yay! This one was pretty uneventful as far as the other arcs are concerned, but I think we can all guess that its the calm before the storm. I kinda slogged through it, I apologise, but next arc will be fun, I promise >_< Theyll be more stuff on family business, and our star-crossed couple gets the spotlight too. Its 20 chapters long phew.


    So I had promised that Ill tell you guys what happened in the LN for that particr scene. Unfortunately, life caught up to me and LN takes more time to TL since its a physical copy (my attention span haha) so its nowhere near eptable for release atm. Ill take my time on it and release it when I think its perfect enough. Fair?


    And of course, break time for me. This time itll be a week off since Ill be gone for the most of June and July. Should I try to get through the next arc as much as possible before I go on holidays (then take a long break), or should I just release one chapter a week starting this next arc until Im back from holidays?


    Next chapter will be out next Tuesday (Monday 2300 EST).

 Volume 5, Chapter 1: The Journey Back

    Maomao and the others finally decided to return to the capital two dayster.


    They had seen off Uryuu who returned first. She felt that, for some reason, he looked a little more unambitiouspared to the first time she saw him. It wasnt something that concerned Maomao, so she went around town without care afterwards. She went shopping for things that couldnt be obtained anywhere else with the pocket money she had snatched off Rahan.


    Will I be rocking in the carriage on the way back too?Maomao winced, but it seems they will be taking a different route on the way back. And so, they reached the riverside.


    I think well return by boat, Rahan said.


    What Rahan said was that since the water level upstream has increased due to this rainy season, they could sail on arger boat. He also said that the water will be gone by the time the dry seasones around though.


    In terms of distance, it was more of a detour than going by horse, but while they cant rest on horseback, since they will be heading downriver, they can keep moving. The seasonal winds were also strong; it seems they will be moving quickly. Conversely, he said that on top of the journey there being far, they needed to go upriver and the wind was going in the opposite direction, so it had been faster to go by carriage then.


    Only allowed on


    (A ship huh.)


    Rahan paid the sailor and boarded the boat. Everyone on board were slightly grim looking old men, but it was obvious given the standard for physicalbour. They also had guards along with them, so she wanted to believe that they wont get sunk into the bottom of the river, intangible, deprived of all their possessions.


    Seeing Maomaos eyes, Rikuson who was next to herughed. This ship is owned by a business partner of Rahan-sama.


    So, was he saying that its not dubious so she shouldnt worry about riding the boat?


    Maomao went up the ship since it cant be helped.


    Oi, do you have motion sickness medicine? Rahan said.


    He was hugging a pail, pale-faced. And Rikuson was a little distance away with a simrly pale face. They were in a small cabin. This boat only had two, so the other passengers all had pale faces.


    You used it up when you vomited just then though, Maomao replied.


    She had handed it over to him. He had already vomited it out. It didnt stay in long enough to be effective.


    She had prepared motion sickness medicine as a precaution, considering that they will be travelling by carriage, but she didnt think that they would be used here.


    Although they will arrive earlier since they will be moving without stopping, in other words, it meant they will be rocking continuously. Even though he was fine in the carriage; to think that a boat was no good.


    (Its not that I dont understand.)


    Maomao nted her body with the rocking of the boat. sh floods werent few with the river that had suddenly risen in water level. In other words, the river was rough.


    Bleeuughhh.


    Maomao turned her body to the opposite side this time. She felt gross; the cabin was stuffy with the stink of vomit. She wanted to go out, but she could be thrown off the boat if she went out onto the deck, so she was told not to leave. There was also such a danger.


    Why are you not dizzy? Rahan said reproachfully.


    Isnt it because I dont get dizzy from wine either? Maomao replied.


    Maomaosplexion was unchanging. Rahan red at her in vexation. This man, if she had to say it, wasnt strong to wine.


    The ship headed downriver. And when the river widened, they boarded a boat that wasrger with another storey. They did that so they wont drift into the great river while they advanced. They will repeat this several times until they get back home.


    I dont want to ride any more ships! Rahan said with a look of exhaustion, but he couldnt get his hands on a carriage midway the journey, so they had no choice but to change boats.


    It was the time they were transferring to their third boat.


    There was a loud thud.


    Whats happened, she thought. It turns out a person had fallen over on the harbour.


    The sailor doubtfully roused them. The limp person was a man who was d in a worn overcoat.


    Oi, bro, are you okay? the sailor asked. He raised the mans face, then groaned. Ugh.


    The face must have been beautiful before. It revealed a distinct nose bridge and willowy brows. However, half of it was covered in pockmarks. As his features were round, the pockmarks created a ying-yang on the smooth skin.


    The sailor flung the man away.


    The man mbered to his feet.


    Excuse meee. May I board the ship? The man formed a smile on his ugly face. She could see a bag filled with money on his offered hand. He was still young. A youth who was around his mid-twenties.


    Y-you bastard! Dont you have a weird sickness? The sailor who had lifted him up was rubbing where he had touched the man.


    Smiling, the man touched his ugly face.


    Yeah. He nodded in assent and crouched down. Did he drop it when he fell? There was a scarf by his feet. The man picked it up and folded it in half into a triangle. He covered his face with that. At a nce, it looked like an eyepatch.


    I know. That. Its smallpox, right! the sailor cried.


    Smallpox  ; a terrifying disease forms pustules all over your body. An infectious disease that is said to destroy even countries. It was extremely contagious; the sick can infect others by coughing and sneezing.


    The manughed with ax smile and scratched his bumpy face. Haha, its fine. These are just scars. I got it once before, but Im all lively right now. Come one on!


    The hell are you on about! Didnt you just fall over just then! Donte over!


    At the sailors words, the people surrounding them distanced away.


    Maomao squinted.


    Whats wrong? Rikuson who had boarded the ship first came to ask her. It seems he had been carrying the luggage. He was truly diligent. Lets just call him Gaoshun number two.


    That eyepatch man wants to board the ship, but the sailor is just rejecting him on the grounds that sick people cant board, she answered straightforwardly.


    Rikuson looked at the youth with an Hmm. If that youth hid his pockmarks, he will be quite thedy-killer. Also, his tone was pretty frivolous.


    Whats inconvenient? Isnt this boat free for anyone to board? Rikuson asked.


    It looks like he has money, but he has pockmarks on his face, so the sailor suspects that hes sick, Maomao answered.


    Rikuson squinted. Is he really sick?


    Ummm. From a distance, she had no idea. She could see pockmarks, but there was no pus. Its likely that what the youth was saying could be true. It seems that its been a while even if he had gotten sick.


    Then, speaking of why she was not telling the sailor that


    (Its a pain to get involved.)


    It was just that.


    Though, the man didnt look like he was giving up on boarding the ship. He was clinging to the sailor. Pleaase. Let me board Arent you a bit of a meany


    Let go! Stop it, youll spread your pox!


    So mean. Discrimination! Im lively as you can see!


    Normally, speaking of the beautiful man with facial scars, he had a shadow of his beauty, but it seems this guy didnt fall into that category. He had wound himself around the sailors rugged legs, showing no signs of letting go.


    The other sailors wanted to help their mate, but they didnt want to get infected with some strange disease so they watched from a distance. At this rate, the ship wont leave.


    As if he read Maomaos expression, Rikuson grinned at her. You want the boat to leave soon, right?


    . She looked at the deck. Rahan was gazing at the blue sky while clutching onto the pail. It seems he couldnt obtain horses at this harbour too.


    Maomao reluctantly descended the ship and went to stand before the runny-nosed eyepatch man who was clinging to the extremely annoyed sailor. Excuse me, she said.


    Yes?


    When Maomao heard the reply that couldnt be taken as an affirmative, she took off the mans scarf. She could see that the ugly pockmarks were from years ago. She looked at the eye on the side of the pockmarks. They didnt seem to focus. The size of the pupils was different on both eyes. He might have lost his vision on one eye.


    This man isnt sick. He has scars, but it shouldnt infect other people, she said.


    At least for smallpox. She had no idea if he had anything else.


    Looking extremely opposed to it, the sailor gingerly took the mans money bag with his fingertips. He upturned it and money ttered to the floor. How far do you want to go?


    I want to go all the way to the capital! The capital, the capital! The youth had the undisguised air of a country bumpkin. He made fists and shook them. And so I made a lot of medicines!


    Medicines? It was Maomao who reacted to the mans words.


    Ahh, Im amazing despite my looks!


    Saying that, he took out arge sack from his filthy overcoat. When he opened it, a characteristic stench wafted out from the opening. Maomao reached in and picked out a pot. She opened the lid. It contained a salve. She didnt know its effect, but it has been made extremely conscientiously. The herbs had been thoroughly mashed and the manner of the kneading was of the perfect consistency. Of course, the quality was assured as thebination of the herbs was done so carefully.


    Maomao looked at the man again.


    The man smiled frivolously as he offered it to the sailor before him. How about this medicine-? Its really good for seasickness.


    Of course, the sailor didnt need to buy such a thing.


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    Stingy. Isnt it fine to buy it? The man passed money over to the sailor. It seems he can finally board the ship.


    And then he looked at Maomao and grinned. Thanks, you saved-saved me? Ill give you motion sickness medicine as thanks


    He spoke like a kid. His outside didnt match with his inside.


    No, I wont get seasick, so I dont need that, she replied.


    Is that so. Thats too bad.


    Just as the man was going to put away the medicine, she heard a loud WAIT!! from behind.


    And it was Rahan who was running up with great vigour towards them from the boat.


    G-give me, the motion sickness medicine, Rahan said, panting.


    (Heard you loud and clear.)


    Maomao returned to the boat as she thought that.

 Volume 5, Chapter 2: Kokuyou

    The eyepatch mans name is Kokuyou(, Ke Yong). As she could imagine from his filthy appearance, he appeared to be a traveller. Though, ording to the person himself, hes a doctor.


    Yeah, to put it simply, ;youre cursed so scram, was what Id been told how mean was that


    It didnt sound mean at all. His tone reminded her of gossiping aunties  there were no bitter emotions in it whatsoever.


    I had been staying in the same ce for thest couple of years. There was crop damage in the vige from the locust guest yearBecause of that, the witch doctor suddenly started to cry curse


    Kokuyou told her that he, being the newest neer in the vige, got chased out. Doctors and witch doctors dont get along by nature. For Maomao, the idea of believing in unfounded things like curses was more stupid, but itsmon sense for the general people. How irritating.


    In opposed to his yful tone, his motion sickness medicine was very effective. To the point that the Rahan who couldnt let go of the pail could join in with their conversation. It could also be that it was more stable as the boat had increased in size, but Rahan was quite satisfied with it.


    Mhm. So you said that youll be going to the capital to look for work, Rahan said.


    Yeah, I guess. Something like that Kokuyou affirmed.


    Rahan stroked his chin in acknowledgement. It looked like he was calcting something. Maomao nudged him with her elbow.


    (Dont draw him in in a weird way.)


    Kokuyou is weird, but if his skill as a doctor is attested, he can probably eat fine even in the capital. He just needs to cover his pockmarks though.


    I know, Rahan looked at Maomao.As he said that, he took out some paper from his breast pocket and started to write something on it.


    Come here if anything happens. I think Ill be able to help somewhat, he said.


    What he had written down was a certain address of a house in the capital


    Kokuyou epted the paper and gave a carefree smile. Ahahaha, I met nice people.


    (Its not really with good intentions.)


    Rahan has a calctive personality. This man only passed it over, thinking that there was some utility value, as little as there is, to it after all.


    By the way, how wasst years locust gue? Maomao asked.


    Maomao wanted to grill him about his knowledge as a doctor, but she asked this first.


    Mm. It wasnt to the extent of eating tree roots and culling babies. Though, the children gradually got weaker from malnutrition yeah, Kokuyou said with a look of sadness.


    Its easier to get sick with malnutrition. And the one who cures that would be the doctor. The vige that chased out this man  how is it going now?


    I think itll be fine if theres abundant harvest this year though he added.


    Thats not the case, were Maomaos thoughts, and it looks like this man had the same opinion.


    Until then, itll be greaaat if everyone in the vige helps out one another yeah.


    The words ;helps out oneanother ;sounds good. However, there were requirements for that.


    To the point of being able to help others, youll need the liberty or something to do so. You ensure you have enough for yourself to eat and give away what you have left. The majority of help is something like this, and theres no meaning if you starve to death helping others. There are idiots who dont consider themselves and help others, but those are mere idiots who generally appear in stories.


    If you think that doctors and pharmacists are saints or something, its just an impression you get from their position. If they have no liberty, they cannot heal. It would be a total loss if you live frugally, get sick and infect everyone around you.


    The vige that chased out this man  even if they desired a new doctor, it would be toote.


    No matter what happens, whats done has been done.


    The boat journey ended a couple of dayster. Maomao and the rest finally arrived in the capital. After alighting from the boat, the eyepatch man parted ways with them. He said that he had something else to do.


    Rahan had tried to falsify his tipping when they got back, so they didnt lose a cent at all. Rikuson hadughed over that. Maomao really didnt understand this mild-mannered man.


    When she was getting dropped off by carriage in front of the Rokushoukan, a kamuro raced up to her, mouth pping as if she wasining about something. It was Zuurin, the little girl who couldnt speak.


    Whats wrong? Maomao asked.


    The little girl pulled Maomaos sleeves. She couldnt say anything even if she was asked. Maomao helplessly went along with her.Zuurin threw open the doors of the pharmacy. Sazen was there, diligently sorting medicinal herbs right in the middle of the scattered bundles of paper. Despite having cleaned up since then, he looked like the wanderer from the time when he just arrived in the capital. His hair had grown and was loose and dishevelled. There were heavy bags under his eyes.


    As Maomao was going away for a long period of time, she had taught him simplepounding. It seems that he was doing the work properly.


    Sazen looked at her with vacant eyes.


    I. He stepped over the papers that had been scattered all over the floor, nearly stumbling, stopped in front of Maomao and grabbed her shoulders. I didnt hear about it! That itll get so busy! he cried.


    His appearance, nose dribbling, face gaunt, certainly told how her busy he was.


    Maomao looked at the notebook that had been left on the low table.It seems there was three times more work than usual.The medicine she saved up was already used up.


    yeah, Im, kinda, sorry about that, Maomao said.


    Sazen finally gave a look of relief and hit the floor. She lightly prodded him to see if he was still alive. She could hear the faint sounds of snoring.


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    Cant be helped. She covered him with a nket. Hes in the way so she will have to carry him outter.


    She took off her shoes and was about to enter the pharmacy when her back was pushed. She wondered what was up, and it turned out the brat was butting his head against Maomaos back.


    What? she said.


    Its not ;what. Youre back sote, the brat replied.


    I already told you its far away.


    It was Chouu. The time Maomao went away, she left him for the head manservant, Ukyou, to look after him. Was he dissatisfied about something? He kept bumping his head on Maomao.


    Youre in the way. Maomao grabbed his head.


    Ooow, Chouus exposed gums, the front teeth were half grown.


    By the way, whats this? Maomao asked him to ascertain the situation.Zuurin couldnt exin, and the courtesans must be sleeping after their night work finished. The brothel was very silent.


    The old man, he slept over here, in this room He somehow caught a cold, Chouu exined.


    Hmm.


    It was a little out of season, but that might be exactly why there wasnt enough medicine. Maomao didnt prepare that much cold medicine either.


    Then, whats this? Maomao looked at the papers that had been scattered everywhere. They werent notes, but letters. Here and there, tree branches apanied them.


    Ahh, that. Half is from the usual big bro. But I dont know about the other half, Chouu admitted.


    Would the usual mean Jinshi? Certainly, the writing was familiar. And when she looked at the contents, they were things that made her tilt her head.


    Big bro is bted. To bring up weather as a topic. He normally doesnt even use that, he said.


    Did you just go and read it? Maomao asked.


    Im studying my words!


    Only allowed on


    He didnt look like he was reflecting at all. Maomao lightly ground the brats head.


    However, wouldnt you send important letters more carefully? In reality, there was nothing but dry letters. Normally, he would send messages when he brought bothersome matters.


    Moreover, he brought it over despite knowing that you were away. Did you tell him the exact day you wereing back? Chouu asked.


    Looking at the numbers of messages she picked up, he hade over at least four times.Then, speaking about the rest of the messages.


    ?


    Hahaha. Its amusingthese. Its those, right? The things you call love letters? he said.


    The branches that adorned it were seasonal flowers. The addressees names were all different. But, looking at the contents, there was nothing but love letters.


    Maomao tilted her head as she bundled the letters to the side, then started topound what Sazen had left behind.


    I dont know who the hell they are, but it looks like they sniffed it out yeah, the madam said as she puffed her pipe. That weirdo hade here to raise a fuss every time. Gosh.


    It neednt be said who that weirdo is.Its that monocle old man.


    He yelled it out. That ;I wont give you my daughter, she added.


    (Just what is this about?)


    It happens to be a considerably familiar sight to have that weirdo yell out in front of the Rokushoukan. But, up until now, he only looked like a guest who got banned from entering the brothel.The weirdo tactician is famous, but the Rokushoukan madam is also famous in the pleasure districts. Even that old man who has no enemies in the imperial court got chased out by the madam. That was how it was taken as.


    The madam, being who she is, seemed to have warned him against using that bothersome wording for daughter(, musume. This word is normally used to mean daughter, but can also refer to a typical maiden/girl). The old man had some way or other abided by her words faithfully, but it seems he broke that promise this time.


    Speaking of the reason


    It was truly a sight when he butted heads with the masked patron, ya know, the madam said.


    The letters from Jinshi that was left in her room had been overly vague and hard to understand. It seems it was that kind of message.


    Thats right. There were sparks flying. Fufu, it was amusing. Pairin showed up without any preamble and added to the conversation. She gave a smirk that made Maomao feel ufortable.


    (What went awry?)


    When she put the news together, she got this.


    It seems Jinshi, having made some mistake, had proposed marriage to Maomao.And then, the weirdo tactician who knew of it repeatedly went to the Rokushoukan and yelled ;thatout. From that, there were rumours that there is a rtive of the weirdo here.When that happened, a portion of daredevil officials who are filled with the desire for promotion caught sound of it, and in the manner of aiming for the horse first to shoot themander, sent love letters to Maomao.


    And so, they brought letters over. They passed it to the kamuro without knowing who the daughter is. Everyone was stumped and just dumped the letters all in the room. Ah. asionally there were also guests who came to buy so we did something bad though, Pairin said.


    I guess so. It seems we sold two neer virgins for high, the madam said.


    The madam was full of deception. Maomao wondered what would happen if their lies got busted, but until then, that could be training for the neers to chain men down skilfully.


    Maomao touched her lips softly, and let go.


    (What am I thinking about?)


    As a certain nobles face appeared in her mind, Maomao decided to continue working.

 Volume 5, Chapter 3: Treasure Hunt

    It looks like spring has finallye for Maomao.Pairin hid her mouth behind her sleeve andughed. Her hair was a little messy and her cor was slovenly as if she had just woken up. But then, it wasmon for her to dress slovenly on purpose though.


    Maomao entered the pharmacy very naturally and picked up the letters she had put to the side. She put those with Jinshis handwriting in a different letterbox and left the rest. Among those five letters, two had the same handwriting; the rest were different. If she were to consider it normally, it would mean that the letters hade from four people.


    (How whimsical.)


    It was likely that they didnt know Maomaos name. Not even her face. Thats why they had passed it over to the kamuro. They must have thought that the weirdos tacticians daughter hasnt taken a guest.


    It wasnt an unusual story to hear that the girl in the brothel is the daughter of a big shot. This is the pleasure district where big shots show up as guests for services that can make children. And so, there are courtesans who calcte and give birth without abortion. And what would turn out of it when they show the big shot the child they had given birth to and say that This is your child?


    One portion would believe the words of the courtesan and raise the child. Even if the child is treated as an illegitimate child, there are still ways to aid that. If the child is male, if it goes smoothly, there are also cases where they could take over.


    However, the rest would not recognise that child as theirs and reject them.


    It wasnt unusual to hear the stories of girls lying on top of a cushion dead from venereal diseases and epidemics who had once insisted that they were the bastards of the previous emperor. But then, while the current emperor is a different matter, being the illegitimate child of the previous emperor is a story that is impossible to believe Maomao knew that very well from the circumstances of the inner pce.


    (It would be better if they take it as nonsense.)


    It was because the weirdo tactician had personally proimed it that it became such a bothersome thing.


    Speaking of why that weirdo did that at such a bted time, she had some knowledge of it.


    Maomao opened the letterbox and took out a scented letter.


    The handwriting was Jinshis. However, she was curious about the writing style; it was more unpolished than usual. The writing was strangely awkward. Normally, his writing would be elegant like his appearance, and yet the characters were crooked in various ces, and there happened to be weird empty spaces.


    From that, there was another thing she was bothered about.


    (What could this be?)


    Normally, Jinshis letters would be folded three times and wrapped in cloth when it was brought over. However, it was a little different this time. There were strange creases of the same length on four sides of the square-shaped paper.


    Maomao tilted her head. The creases were all the same. It was an unnatural shape from folding a letter.


    She stuck her head out from the doorway of the pharmacy. She located Chouu who was ying with the kamuro and beckoned him over.


    Whats wrong? Chouu asked.


    Did you fold this for fun? she asked


    You can make boxes and flowers by folding square shaped paper. You require high-quality paper to make that, so it wasnt something done bymoners. At the Rokushoukan, there were times where they had folded paper in ce of flowers to decorate, but you dont do that with letters. If there was anyone who would do that, it would have to be the brats doing, Maomao thought.


    Freckles, are you doubting me? Chous asked.


    Who else would do that aside from you? Maomao replied.


    No wayyy. It wasnt me! Maybe for other peoples letters, but if I dont treat the masked big bros things with respect, the hag will get scary!


    Thats true, Maomao nodded.


    It was like that from the start.Chouu left with a rough snort. His kamuro follower copied him.


    What is this supposed to mean?Maomao tilted her head and folded the paper in line with the creases.


    It made an even four-sided shape. She scrutinised the shape that looked like the tip of a small de. Then she noticed something strange. She unfolded the paper again. And then refolded it.


    The characters were crooked exactly where the folds touched.


    (Dont tell me.)


    Wasnt Jinshis writing crooked in ces because of the fact that it had been written on the folds? The paper had been folded not after he had written the letter but beforehand. Maomao stacked the four letters and interposed them. When she stacked two of the letters, the radical of the crooked character ovepped with another crooked character.


    (I see.)


    She folded the four letters and stacked them. This created a pinwheel shape. And then, the hidden message was revealed.


    The reason there were crooked characters. It was because he had written it on top of this shape where the four sheets of paper had been stacked first. He unfolded it, and to conceal it like it was nothing, he turned them to dry letters. The strange empty spaces would also have to be from that.


    What he had written there was


    Maomao left the pharmacy and went behind the Rokushoukan. There were deep peach coloured flowers, lily magnolias, growing there. Maomao looked at its roots. The earth was slightly disturbed. That was the only ce that didnt have weeds.


    She picked up a stick and dug up the soil. A box wrapped in cloth came up.


    .


    She brushed away the soil and stripped off the cloth. It was a wooden box. She lifted the lid. There were mushrooms like things inside. Its name is velvet antler(, Rokujou). It looks like a mushroom but is actually deer antlers.


    It was a high-ss item that is used as an analeptic medicine.


    (Whats going to happen if I didnt notice this?)


    Maomaos lips drew an arc as she knitted her brows.


    Her happiness wont abate before the precious crude medicine, but at the same time, she got a little sullen that he had hidden it in such a ce where it might not be found.


    She got sullen, but his smiling face appearing in her mind expecting that she would be able to find it was vexing.


    (Even so, velvet antler is)


    Did he choose it knowing its effects? Maomao tilted her head slightly.


    Maomao covered up the hole and returned to the pharmacy while stroking the box.


    She was angry that she was somehow seen through, but the velvet antler had no sin.


    It seems that girl has finally returned,Basen said as he set down the supplementary documents on the table.


    As Jinshi flipped through the ludicrous documents of the topic in hand, he listened in on that. The pharmacist of the pleasure district had gone out for around one month. Speaking of what word he got, it had been rumours at most. Since the personage who took her along was that girls adopted brother, he could imagine what kind of matter it was for, but they had been gone for longer than he expected.


    To the point where he couldnt resist ying a little prank on her.


    In response to Jinshi, Basen stared at him. It was a gaze that vaguely resembled Gaoshun.


    What? Jinshi asked.


    No. You look happy, Basen replied.


    Not at all.


    Seeing the mountains of piled up documents on the table, there was no way he could be happy. Moreover, more than half of those had insubstantial content. He could just say that this was harassment.


    Concerning that person who was harassing him, Jinshi could onlyugh though.


    Its from the Tactician-dono, he said.


    The majority of the meaningless documents were sent from the one and only weirdo in the imperial court.


    Jinshi had been regrly harassed in such a manner since a long while ago. asionally, there would be an increased number of strange ornaments in the office, grease smeared in various ces in the room, but he had tolerated it for the time being. He wondered how that man got inside but it shouldnt be an issue since he didnt try to leave anything important when he leaves his seat. Probably.


    He looked at Basen. The gaze was strangely painful. It wasnt as mature as Gaoshuns, but the mans preaching look strangely resembled his father.


    What are you nning to do with it? Basen asked.


    What about?


    The incident where you spoke to the Tactician-dono the other day.


    Jinshi thought that the reason the harassment increased was because of that. Basen must also know too.


    It should be fine. Better than getting talks from all directions, he replied.


    Isnt the other party too terrible? Basen said.


    Speaking of what Basen was talking about:


    From Jinshis position, he was pressured by everyone around him that it was about time for him to take a consort. He was almost pushed to the daughters of high officials, talks about a princess from a foreign countrying in had alsoe up. Among those, there was also the talks of having an emperors consort from the inner pce bestowed to him.


    its perfect as a diversion, Jinshi said.


    Speaking of what diversion:


    Normally, the only woman in Jinshis pce was his nanny Suiren. However, there had been neer maids who stand in front of his pce unnaturally. Though they were maids, they were all gaudy women doused with the intense stench of perfume.


    Even during work, the number of courtdies visiting had increased. They fluttered their eyshes more than usual, ande closer carrying things with moist eyes. They carry heavy items unnaturally, drop that and pull up their skirts so he cant progress on his work.


    There were a lot of amorous nces before, but he had been treated as a eunuch then. From that, there had been those who kept a step back, so it was good, and yet-


    For what reason do I have this scar? Jinshi subconsciously stroked the scar on his right cheek.


    Jinshi-sama, please dont say such a thing, Basen said.


    My bad.


    Jinshi had got this scar from neglecting to dodge. About that, he didnt regret; rather he liked it. However, as Jinshi was injured, Basen got beat up by Gaoshun. Contrary to Jinshis sunniness, Basen was quite depressed.


    Recently, Jinshi thought that Basen had finally broken through it, but the other man was sighing more than usual this time. It looks like he has more new worries again, but he wont talk to Jinshi. If Jinshi pressed him, he might talk, but he probably didnt need to go that far. Basen must have a pessimistic nature like his father.


    Such a Basen was putting the rejected documents into the collection basket.


    Shouldnt there be a better method? Medicine may be medicine but it could also be strong poison, Basen said.


    Thats also true, Jinshi agreed.


    The method Jinshi used to change the persistent attitudes of everyone around him.


    Even bringing up the topic of his daughter to the Tactician-donoin front of such arge audience, Basen continued.


    Jinshi who was s towards everyone had never asked anyone out. From there, upon dering that the tactician has a daughter, if it looks like Jinshi was interested in her, how would it turn out?


    At least, its effect was so perfect to shut up the flies. The harassment had increased in turn though.


    Even if its just a pretence, itll turn into a troublesome issue, Basen added.


    . Jinshi wavered, wanting to correct Basens words, but kept silent.


    Instead of that, he asked him something else. Hey, if the person you kissed had no reaction whatsoever, what would you think?


    Ki-kiss!!Basen widened his eyes, face pure red. The documents in his arms scattered over the floor. I-if you do such a thing, how are you going to take responsibility!?


    Seeing his foster brother m the table, Jinshi got a superiorityplex of sorts. At least, it didntplicate to this point he was relieved.


    First, you have to start with an exchanging of letters Basen said.


    You start with letters? Jinshi asked.


    Yes! Isnt that the correct interaction! the other man insisted.


    No, it shouldnt be. Not for that.


    Jinshi, before Gaoshun remembered and meddled into his matters, considered what he should do about the mans son.

 Volume 5, Chapter 4: The Hanging Woman First Part

    That delivery arrived when there were green buds on the slender irises. The cart in front of the Rokushoukan was piled with jute sacks. The cargo was all for Maomao.


    Hmm, the quality aint bad. The madam arrogantly helped herself with inspecting the contents. The jute sacks were filled with wheat. They were the share she had won from the bet during the incident in the paper vige. She had demanded rice, but wheat was good enough. Itll just a little bothersome to turn it into flour.


    As far as she could see, as the madam had said, the quality of the wheat wasnt bad. Maomao picked up several grains and peeled off the husk. They were still damp. These had to be freshly harvested wheat from this year.


    Could this be the defiance of the other party? It would be better to set these aside for a bit longer before they get ground into flour. Since Maomao had only got those people to just deliver it to her as earnings, she wont get angry with this much.


    She took just one sack to make porridge. Lets sell the rest to the miller. She had no ns to store it forever, not at the least.


    Ill introduce you to a good miller, the crone said, sympathising with Maomao.


    I want to leave out themissioning though.


    Still, to not get taken light of by the buyer, Maomao decided to go along with the madams words since it would be smarter to go through her. She had those people deliver it to the front of the Rokushoukan as she had been intending for that from the start.


    The cat maomao was very interested in the wheat sacks. It was scratching its ws on it. Since it was in heat recently, Maomao had to keep a watchful eye out for it so it doesnt have a lot of kittens.


    Maomao, grimacing, pulled maomao away from the bag. The cat resisted, thrashing its legs around.


    (Oh?)


    There was some box hidden inside the sacks. She opened it. There was good quality paper inside. Maomao picked a sheet up and felt it.


    How nice is this. Its the first time Ive seen such thin paper. That was yet another remark the madam gave out. As the crone had said, the paper was thin and transparent. The colours were also vivid, coloured peach and chartreuse. Not just that, it was scattered with flower petals.


    It looks like a new product.


    As they are purveyors to the imperial court, they can make stylish things. It could be called paper at best and paper still. It must be from the quack doctors family.


    maomao waved its forelegs, eyes round. It looks like it wanted to sharpen its ws on that paper, but she wont let it do that. Maomao flung maomao away, then shut the box of paper and was going to take it back to her dpidated shack she fixed her thought and showed it to the madam.


    How much do you want to buy? Maomao asked


    Oh, are you selling what you simply received? the madam countered.


    Its fine if you dont want it though, she said.


    Dont you really resemble someone?


    (I am the fruit of the crones teachings.)


    She picked out of a sheet of the paper that had been pressed with flowers and showed it to the crone. If its paper that elegant gentleman would like, it would be suited for use for the letters for honoured guests. Since there arent few people who ask about the quality of the courtesans among the guests. This kind of stationery shouldnt be bad.


    (where should I put this away?)


    If she carelessly left it somewhere, Chouu would probably use it for his scribbles. For the time being, she considered putting in the back of the medicine shelves, when she heard the neigh of a horse. Whats that, she thought, and there was a face she recognised outside.


    Whats wrong, Basen-sama?


    Ill exinter. Get on now! he said, and forced Maomao onto the back of the horse.


    (Hes full of troublestely huh.)


    Maomao felt sorry for the sweaty horse as she wound her arms around Basens belly to stay on.


    The ce they got to was an estate in the northeast of the capital. She knew it from a considerably powerful family from the height of the building and the wideness of thend.


    Where is this ce? She asked.


    Jinshi-samas vi, Basen replied.


    And then he sneaked a nce to the side. Maomao followed his gaze. There was yet another impressive estate.


    And that ce?


    Thats Uryuu-samas estate.


    Ill exin the details inside, Basen went through the door.


    Since its Jinshis vi, of course, she had to assume that the owner was around. It went without saying. He was there. Quite surely.


    Jinshi was slouching on the couch, continuously looking out the window. His face was, more than tired, looked gloomy.


    Whats up?


    Youre here? Jinshi turned towards her, so she lowered her head.


    Long time no see, he said.


    Long time no see, Jinshi-sama.


    Ahh, its a rush, but lets move to the main topic. Jinshi looked out the window again. Uryuus estate was there. Basen was looking at it just then.


    Last night, there was a banquet at Uryuu-donos estate, he said.


    It seems Jinshi had still stayed in this vi that was closer.


    I was told that it was to deepen friendship, but it was also a celebration of his daughters birthday, he continued.


    Birthday? Maomao asked.


    At the words daughter, she thought of Consort Riishu, but this would have to mean her half-sister. Normally,moners dont attach much importance to birthdays. One year from birth, and then a year from then on. Celebrating birthdays for the sake of it wasnt absent but it was done by a minority.


    (Did he get offered marriage talks?)


    Even if its merely for forms sake, Uryuus daughter would have a reason toe out to centre stage in the form of a celebration. And if she were to meet Jinshi there, it could lead to that topic. If it were to be Consort Riishus older sister, her age would be suitable.


    To think about it normally, this way would be more natural than Consort Riishus bestowal.


    Maomao had no idea what the person called Uryuu currently thought about Consort Riishu, but it wasnt strange as an official for him to sell his daughter to Jinshi.


    Whats up with that then? About Jinshis gloomy face.


    Even though it wasnt that Jinshi was eager or that he was unable to decline it properly.


    Uryuus daughter,st night,mitted suicide, he said.


    As Jinshis words, Maomaos gapped open.


    Did you reject her that cruelly? she asked.


    A young maiden might get shocked from getting rejected by Jinshi. Even though she thought that he did that quite well up until now, did he make some blunder somewhere?


    No, I didnt reject her or anything, he said.


    Poor thing. She was dropped to the earth by the celestial maiden, Maomao whispered, casting her eyes down.


    I told you its nothing like that! Jinshi said in a slight fluster and dropped the documents on the table.


    Oh is that all, Maomao looked at that. Written on those documents were the details of the time where Consort Riishu got assaulted in the capital the other day. This is


    It turns out that there was intelligence that the one who pulled the strings behind Consort Riishus assault was her older half-sister, he answered.


    And so,st night, she was coerced to reveal it, Maomao said.


    thats right, Jinshi said awkwardly.


    If she hadmitted suicide over the fact that she had been coerced to reveal the truth, it would be most awkward.


    However, even if shes the half-sister, if she was trying to inflict harm to a flower of the inner pce, she certainly wouldnt be able to escape capital punishment.


    Even if they are half-sisters, by her blood sister huh, Maomao remarked.


    She really has a harsh life, Maomao thought about Consort Riishu. It would be cruel to tell the person herself.


    (Ah, is it with that?)


    Was Basen that agitated because it was rted to Consort Riishu?


    However, what does calling Maomao have a rtion to this then?


    Jinshi stared at Uryuus estate. I was told Consort Riishus half-sister had hung herself.


    Yes, she said.


    And that everyone in the banquet saw it.


    Yes.


    That was a drastic way to do it. Does that mean she had been in quite a conspicuous ce?


    The reason Jinshi had summoned Maomao there would be:


    She had hung herself in a ce that can be seen from the banquet. And then, while they called for everyone to help, she disappeared from the ce.


    Maomao gave a start.


    At the ce where she was thought to have hung herself, there were only shoes left. Her corpse wasnt there. There was only a suspended rope. There were signs of the rope having been cut.


    And then, while everyone was desperately looking for the half-sister, what they found was


    The burnt remains of her body. The torch fire had spread, Jinshi finally said.


    .


    (Too much of a bad aftertaste.)


    She also got the reason for Jinshis sad face.


    With this, even if they use the half-sister of the crime, they couldnt use her, right? On the contrary, couldnt this be material that could also drive Jinshi to a corner?


    Honestly, Maomao was concerned about what kind of attitude Jinshi woulde with today. She was sorry, but for Maomao, it was easier to be preupied with other matters. If its this, it seems they will be as usual.


    And so, is that why you called me? Maomao asked.


    He didnt know the truth about the matter of the suicide. And above all, was it truly a suicide?


    Looks like he wanted to tell her to investigate it.


    (Even if you ask what should you do.)


    Yes there was nothing to say aside from that.


    Maomao nodded and looked out the window.

 Volume 5, Chapter 5: The Hanging Woman Latter Part

    Maomao stayed over at Jinshis vi for the night. The funeral will be held at Uryuus estate.


    Normally, it would be a more private affair, but as the incident had been so overblown in public, they couldnt hold the funeral service quietly either. Jinshi will also be attending the service.


    She looked at Uryuus estate from Jinshis. There were women d in white going inside. Seeing how they were wearing ck veils, they had to be mourners. They arranged quite a number of them, Maomao saw. Around the house, servants adorned with flower wreaths were greeting the attendees who showed up with their heads bowed.


    Maomao then looked at the clothes that had been given to her as well. White outfit and white veil. Mourner clothes.


    Honestly, there isnt a job that suits you least.


    It was Basen who said that, but Maomao agreed with him entirely. Mournersment and cry for the dead. There was no way it suited her. It turns out Maomao will be a mourner employed by Jinshi. As he employed several, she was going to hide among them.


    (I suppose thats the case.)


    Uryuu knew Maomaos face. It was just perfect that she could hide it.


    There were paper money and models of daily necessities on the table.


    Even though youre rich, youre not using the real things? she asked.


    Isnt that what the nouveau rich do? Jinshi countered.


    That was natural. Furthermore, it was bad taste to do that at another persons funeral.


    Even so, the emperors rtive mourning the dead like sodidnt feel entirely strange. As the emperor himself is the heavens messenger ording to the people, he is a person of respect from the start.


    The quality of the paper money was very good. Was it made by the quacks vige? She thought it would be a waste to burn it, but she shouldnt be stingy here.


    She nced at Jinshi. He looked somewhat gloomy. asionally, he squeezed his fist, nails digging in.


    Normally, Maomao would be more involved in it though. Its just right to be indiscrete when youre involved, she thought.


    Well then, shall we head off?


    From Jinshis words, Maomao slipped herself into the group of people d in white who were waiting outside. She followed from the back of the group of mourners who trailed behind Jinshi, Basen, and the guards. Even though the distance was a mere eyes distance, he had specially prepared a carriage. It would be faster to walk, but it seems this will set a bad example for others.


    Maomao, with the rest of the subordinates who didnt board the carriage, headed towards Uryuus estate on feet. There was a curtain in front of the estate to check the people who were entering the estate. Jinshis carriage would pass through it quickly, but it seems this group d in white would require various procedures.


    The reception checked the number of mourners and passed them a wooden tag. There was a number written on the tag.


    Come on, move it.


    The mourners abided by those words.


    Uryuus estate was a building based around a water garden. When they first went through the stone paved pathways, there was water flowing on both sides. Willows swayed refreshingly here and there. It was dotted with red pirs and yellow roofed gazebo. Lotus leaves floated on the expansive pond, where the water asionally rippled.


    (Fish?)


    She peeked at the waters surface. And saw something pping their mouths. They were ck, she couldnt see them properly, but they seem to be koi fish.


    It seems these bottom feeders had approached from hearing peoples footsteps. Looks like they are reliably fed by people.


    Oi, move it.


    From the words of the man who came to lead Maomao, she went silent and returned to the group of white-d people.


    There were also people gathered in front of the estate. A different group of mourners were crying.


    There were many faces she had seen before among the condolence callers. Even if Maomao didnt remember them, she thought that she had seen them before when she was serving at the imperial court. Again, I cant let my face be seen, she thought and wore the veil again.


    Jinshi had prepared five mourners with Maomao included altogether. However, there were over fifty mourners who had already cried.


    They might have been brought over by the other condolences callers, but she couldnt help feeling that it was a little too much. It was the work of women to raise their voices and cry, but she felt they were holding back a little this time. If they didnt do so, it would be loud, so it couldnt be helped. They really are crying for work, she ended up thinking.


    And so, Maomao was obliged to cry lousily with them, but she was relieved that there were those who were worse than her. As the mourners had been assembled from within the capital, as expected, there would be a bad mourner mixed in as well. As her voice still had some shyness to it, she might have just started this job not so long ago.


    During the drawn-out funeral, as if it was tough to keep crying, asionally, the front would swap over with those at the back. In other words, by swapping to cry, they must be preserving their energy. With the mourners cing an importance on efficiency, there would be the question of whether the dead woulde to mind it, but Maomao thought that therell be nothing to it as they were dead to start off with. It cant be helped at these women were working to eat.


    When Maomao was behind the next in turn, someone tugged her sleeves. She wondered what it was. It was the man who had guided Maomao just then.


    Ill exin, soe.


    Maomao pulled back as she was being told. It was just thick with foliage; it was perfect as a hiding spot. With this many mourners, it would be no problem if there was one less person.


    My apologies for before, the man said.


    Its okay, she said.


    Towards Maomao, it would have to be a haughty manner of speaking. She didnt really mind it; she thought it was normal, but him taking a friendly attitude like so could also probably mean that he knew of Maomaos lineage.


    Maomao decided to hear the circumstances for the time being. She had heard the details from Jinshi and Basen first, it was greatly different to have someone who had been at the actual scene.


    I was also present at the banquet, the man said andsmoothly pointed to the building that could be seen from the top of the trees. It was a tower with a four-fold roof. It was tall so it could be seen even with obstacles. She had hung down from the top of that ce.


    If she had hung herself at such a ce, she had quite some guts. After trying to harm her younger half-sister, would it be bold that shemitted suicide?


    Its like she was showing off.


    Considering Jinshis gloominess, she also gave a bitter smile. Him acting in such a way, meant that Jinshi and the others cannot condemn Uryuu.


    It was fundamental that parents would take up the daughters misconduct, but the victim this time was also an actual daughter as well. Even if she is a consort who entered the inner pce, if she is forced against idents from the family up until now, it is something she is forced to avoid.


    (This would be troubling huh.)


    Previously, there was also the incidence where the perpetrator had been Consort Rifas head maid. That ended with the head maid just returning home with Consort Rifas kindness.


    Honestly, any of those matters werent things that could be settled in a better way. It just that there could be various issues if the point ofpromise was left within that range of pardon. Even in regards to the Shi n, exempting the children and those were already left the family, the rest of the n getting executed was also apromise that the emperor and Jinshi had decided on.


    They should squeeze more if they want to squeeze out the pus, but if you try to hollow out more of the wound, the system of the country could also copse. Even if it was from the perspective of ayperson, Maomao thought that it was the right decision.


    As for Jinshi, even if the daughter were to die, it was important to rify whether there was a ringleader or not. And Maomao was here to investigate that.


    It was a mysterious sight. A woman in white clothing dangling from the topmost storey of that tower. It was like she was floating, the man said.


    At that point, Maomao got a question. Like she was floating, you say? As she was wearing white clothing, normally, isnt that something that cant be seen from such a distance?


    About that, as it was her birthday celebration, the tower was brightly lit up. The garden had been lit up in various ces.


    If its like that, she understood.


    Maomao took out a sheet of paper from her bosom. It was the map of Uryuus estate that had been given to her beforehand. As it was another persons house, it wasnt drawn in much detail, but she tapped the tower where the suicide had taken ce with her finger.


    Well then, so what is this about the one who hung here being the daughter? she asked.


    She was wearing the same clothes as the celebration. A white dress and red sash, the man answered.


    And the possibility of it being someone else?


    The man was silent in regards to that. He only averted his gaze and whispered. Can you say that right to my face?


    In regards to this, he could only be dumbfounded. Besides, the body who fell to the bottom of the tower was the daughters.


    So Uryuu-sama had confirmed that, Maomao said.


    Thats the case, the man affirmed.


    And speaking of what Jinshi got Maomao to investigate something amid that, he was really talking about the absurd.


    So youre saying that her body was found at the bottom of the tower, she said.


    Thats right. The body was crushed and burned. There were cut bits of rope around her neck.


    It was a given that she would be crushed if she fell from such a height.


    When everyone saw the hanging woman, they all ran towards the tower. However, what they found when they reached the top was only some cut rope. And when they went down to look, the body was there, he continued.


    Was there anyone who saw the moment the body fell? Maomao asked.


    The servants saw. However, no matter how hard they looked, they couldnt find the body.


    It was because the exact moment when the body fell from the tower, they saw a strange light. The watchfire had been burning the clothes the body was wearing.


    So the servants headed to the ce where the body fell, right? Maomao asked.


    Thats right. They said they couldnt see as it was from a distance. They timidly told that it was like she had been floating airily, he replied.


    (Airily?)


    The half-sister had been wearing white. The man said that she was like a ghost.


    Which reminds me, I was told that it was distasteful that there were a lot of mourners today.


    (Well yeah.)


    It is distasteful to have fifty women just to cry.


    Its about time theyre moving so Ill be back, the man said and went somewhere.


    Maomao returned to the files of mourners with an innocent look.


    The coffin was decorated with flowers, mes leapt around it. There was a young man there, feeding fake money into the fire. Aside from that, there were imitations of clothes and paper flowers that were being burned. That way, was a customary practice where you send things to the world of the dead. As this was done by rtives, could that be the older brother? The half-brother, in the case of Consort Riishu?


    They moved to the next ce. As the women walking closely together in groups with eyes suppressing tears, she ended up stepping on the dress of the mourner in front of her many times. When Maomao gave off a small distance to walk, a different woman stepped with all her might and someone fell shily. There was a tter. A numbered tag had fallen. Maomao picked it up and handed it to the fallen woman.


    Thank you. I was so close to being stuck here, the fallen woman said.


    Her voice was still young, but she must be working as a mourner like this for ie.


    They shuffled along, and the koi fishes once again gathered with their mouths pping. Speaking of how energetic they were for food, the moment a leaf fell into the surface of the water, there were sshes.


    (Are they fed properly, these guys?)


    They had to be fed, but there would have to be quite a lot as the pond was too big.


    Suddenly, Maomao looked in the direction of the tower.


    There was a pond around the tower too.


    Then, she looked at mourners again.


    Maomao took out the tag she was given.


    (So its something like that.)


    Maomao curled her lips lightly and entered the centre of the ranks, and identally stepped on the mourners hems shily.


    Even at the next ce, the work of a mourner had ended.


    The man who was Jinshis messenger turned up, but after he told her only a single word, she soon returned to her post.


    As Maomao heard a lousy crying voice beside her, she gave a terrible ham performance of a cry, but midway she skipped out and was poked by another mourner beside her.


    The mourners who had finished their work were guided by the servants and left the estate. And in the ce of the tent, they would return the tag but.


    Hey, is it okay if I take a look? It was Basen who was waiting in front of the tent.


    Face severe, he was looking at the mourner who had taken out her tag.


    The mourners around them exchanged nces, and mysteriously looked at the mourner Basen had called out to.


    The number on the mourners tag was the same as Maomaos.


    And then


    Maomao approached that mourner and tore off her thick veil.


    And there, on her face, was gaudy make-up unbefitting of a mourner.

 Volume 5, Chapter 6: Something Twisted

    Sitting on the chair with a terribly sulky expression was the mourner with the gaudy makeup Uryuus supposedly dead daughter. There was some fear in her attitude, but beyond that, she was acting like one who did nothing wrong.


    With her funeral already over, they moved over to Jinshis estate so no one will find them. Maomao secretly peeked at them from the corner of the room.


    The men around her looked like they wanted to escape. It was Uryuu and his son. Jinshi and Basen both watched them, looking stunned and brows twitching respectively.


    So, in other words, am I not mistaken that you tried to plot a cover-up? Jinshi said.


    The reason Jinshi phrased his statement as a question was because he remembered Uryuus daughters face properly. Uryuu had three children. He only had this displeased woman and Consort Riishu as his daughters. It was about who the dead girl had been.


    For that part, for dead bodies and such, they can pick up as many as they want. By going to the slums, there would be young girls and such who would have copsed and all. For that part, Maomao didnt want to think that they had purposely prepared one.


    They might have crushed the body and burnt it as a cover-up, which was why they had hung it out in such a conspicuous ce for people to see.


    Are you working together? he asked.


    Uryuu had determined the dead body to be his daughter. That was how it turned out.


    However, it was his son standing next to him who protested. Maomao didnt remember his name; it was U something. What in the world is this about? We pretty much saw the hanging when it was discovered with you people. How can we even possibly plot a cover-up? the son countered.


    In other words, he was saying that it was impossible for them to hang the body from the tower and burn it so it cant be identified. It wasnt that they werent disying a bit of arrogance before the imperial brother, but they must be quite impatient.


    Certainly, if they dont exin that, the talks wont proceed. For high handed people, this would be the part where they would brandish their authority, but unfortunately, Jinshis personality wasnt like that.


    Of course, Maomao had already exined that to Jinshi.


    Jinshi took out a box of joss papers. Then he set it next to another box a messenger had brought over from the pleasure district. It was the high-quality paper she got from the quacks hometown. The paper looks to be quite good for joss paper, but you have also got your hands on this, right? he asked.


    It was thin and soft paper. The size of a sheet was quiterge three shaku on each side.


    When you liken this to clothes, you can make a simple doll out of it, Jinshi said.


    That was what had hung down from the tower. It had been made to resemble a dead body.


    Even if it was a dummy, how did it disappear, you ask? With that, what happens if someone saw it? It was in such a conspicuous ce, you know, the son said.


    That, would be this. Jinshi twisted to paper thinly into a thread. Its quite sturdy when you tug it; it wont rip. However, if one drop of water gets onto it, itll easily tear.


    The part where they got people to investigate the tower again there were scraps of ripped paper on the top of the pir. There were water stains on it.


    The paper doll was hung up by two threads. You make one thread thin, make it easy to soak. If it was made in a way where it had been cut beforehand, it would be a matter of time. And speaking of how you get it wet, you can just use ice, Jinshi exined.


    When the ice melts, the paper thread will snap. It had been nned that when the second thread breaks, the doll will fall from the tower.


    Hearing that, Uryuus son exhaled. Then where could that doll have fallen? If you look for it and find it, youll still know but


    The doll has not been found. Since its already been disposed of.


    The servants said that the doll looked like it was floating when it fell. And then, that they couldnt find it when they scoured the ce where it fell.


    When Maomao tried to ask about the details of that ce, she was told that it was beside the pond.


    I was told that the servant said that the koi fish went crazy.


    The bottom feeder koi fish show up when just a leaf falls onto the water, mistaking it as food. If its like that, what would happen if the paper doll fell?


    Arge number of koi fish will peck at it. The doll had probably disintegrated in the water.


    And then, they discovered the burnt body in apletely different ce.


    There were a lot of guest carriages around the estate. You wont be able to get your daughter out even if you tried. Thats why you gathered mourners for the funeral, Jinshi said.


    Just like how Maomao had covered her face with a veil to be unrecognisable, the daughter had worn white and covered her face with a veil as well. That was why there had been a randomly lousy mourner there.


    And then, Maomao had surprised her in order to ascertain whether she was really Uryuus daughter or not.


    While they were moving, Maomao had stepped on that woman with the lousy crying voice and another womans skirts and made them fall. And then, she would approach the lousy one and show her the wooden tag she was carrying and say:


    Did you drop this? If you lose it, you wont be able to leave the estate.


    If she was wrong, she was going to go to the other person who fell. However, that woman said nothing and took Maomaos wooden tag.


    Uryuus daughter had cast her eyes down. She was pouting.


    It didnt look like Uryuu and his son were going to say anything more. They were silent. And while Maomao thought that was all they would do, Uryuu took a step forward.


    Everything is my fault, he said, and slowly lowered his head.


    Seeing that, the son moved forward. Father did nothing. I did it. Misidentifying the body too, I had been upset.


    No, it was me!


    (Its fine either way.)


    It might be beautiful that parent and child were sticking up for each other, but the main issue, the daughter, was sending amorous nces towards Jinshi. Even though he wont fall to such charms.


    Amid that, there was one person who was trembling.


    . This person wordlessly stepped forward. Jinshi was already toote to stretch his hand out to stop him.


    There was a dull sound. Something fell alongside it. That continued two times.


    Basen had raised his fists. Uryuu and his son were on the ground, their faces twisted. The twisted faces were literal, no, it would be more correct to say that Basen had twisted them. Blood sttered and several mrs had fallen to the ground.


    I dont really care about your disy of familial love. But Consort Riishu isnt included in this, you see, Basen said, thick with cynicism.


    Basen! Jinshi tugged back Basens sleeve. For an instant, Basens face was full of bitterness, but he somehow went back to normal.


    My sincere apologies, Basen apologised.


    Uryuus daughter, who had been displeased up until now, had gone pale. She trembled.


    It seems Basen also had the sense to not go as far as to raise his hand on women.


    My apologies. Lets continue the conversation after you get treatment, Jinshi said, and summoned a different attendant.


    (They goofed up.)


    As Maomao thought that, she tilted her head slightly.


    It wasnt the question of whether Uryuu or his son had done it. Either way, they would go as far as to help his daughter, younger sister, whatever it takes.


    However, the way they did it was too extreme.


    She thought of the example of the Shi n, seeing it as an overreaction, but she could also take the opposite view. The Empress era aside, the current emperor didnt have the character to throw away any more retainers one after another, right?


    (Could he have ns for something?)


    Hm, Maomao, in the corner of the room, scratched her head.


    She looked at the floor; there were still teeth.


    (Even though its bad to hit them here.)


    Lets not think hard about why Basen got angry. Postpone it, postpone.


    The daughter was still trembling on the chair, frightened.


    Even if this kind of woman gets kicked out, theres no way she can live decently on her own, huh, Maomao thought.


    In that case, there had to be someone outside who will look after her. We have to ask about that too it was the moment she thought that.


    The guard was outside the room. The only people in this room was Maomao, who was hiding, and Uryuus daughter. The daughter must have thought that she was the only person here.


    How did this happen? Id done it as the Fairy-sama told me, she said.


    !? It cant be helped that Maomao had stood up energetically.


    Surprised, the daughter looked at Maomao who was in the corner of the room.


    Could this fairy be, Lady Pai? Maomao had drawn closer before she realised.

 Volume 5, Chapter 7: The Deal And The Use Of The Cat

    As expected, Lady Pai did not just disappear into thin air.


    Maomao saw her as an artist. Though, it seems that a fraction of peoplesaw her as something else. As a figure of worship a religion, so to speak.


    And a fraction of these people are fanatics who got too absorbed. Uryuus daughter, whose name appears to be Yakou(, Ye Guang), looks like one of those types.


    This woman, who got a deep impression from watching Lady Pai on the stage, had tried to get in contact with the Lady. As a result, it seems the Lady had performed a divination for Yakou.


    You have someone who will be a cmity beside you. This could be a neighbour or a blood rtive. Yes, it seems to be a blood rtive. Do you have a clue as to who that could be?


    The Lady spoke so vaguely; she must have been examining the daughtersplexion with it. She gave several options, then continued the conversation by choosing the words that elicited a reaction. It was a technique oft-used by swindlers as well.


    Yakou, being the daughter of the former concubine, might have had some thoughts. At home, she treated her half-sister as inferior. She said that she had been scared of the worst case, where Consort Riishu would be pregnant with the emperors child. Her persecutionplex quickly grew. And the one who nurtured it was Lady Pai. It was amon story.


    And so, Yakou mentioned her own sister. And that she had uttered thus:


    Aah, it would be better if shes gone.


    Lady Pai had smiled at Yakou who whispered that, answering with I understand. The thing the Lady handed over after saying that, was the paper doll.


    (How dicey.)


    If the daughter was one who believed in divination, she would also believe in curses. After that, when she came to know about Consort Riishus assault, she thought that her curse had been sessful.


    And then, when she got distrust from Jinshi. And when she was believed to have tried attempting something to the consort, even though Consort Riishu is her half-sister.


    (Is she a moron?)


    Lady Pai had hidden herself, but she could give word if there was anything. And so, Yakou, who then informed Lady Pai of what she had been suspected of, received a letter.


    How she could escape that was what had been detailed in the writing. It seems it was written that the Lady would look after the daughter after she left the estate as a mourner.


    It was Yakous older brother who had been the most slumped when he heard about the details.


    didnt you employ the thugs yourself? he asked.


    The older brother, who thought that the family will be punished along with his younger sister due to Consort Riishus assault, had coborated with his younger sisters words. The one who arranged for the mourners was also the older brother. As for Uryuu, he said nothing from start to finish. If he believed the words of Yakou and her older brother, the coborators in the family were not just two people, but could the fact that he had erroneously determined the body as his daughter, be a mere mistake, or something of suspect?


    In order to hide away from Uryuu and the others who had finished their medical treatment, Maomao returned to the corner of the room once again. She paid no heed to the daughters nces.


    Well then, if the curse will lead to punishment, Yakous crimes would be heavy, but that will depend on the judges end as well. Unfortunately, neither the emperor nor Jinshi believed in curses to such an extent. They will simply read that as ill-intent, but it will be difficult to treat it as if it was implemented.


    The issue for that would be.


    Everything about the consort, huh, Jinshi said.


    It would have to be about the connection with Lady Pai on whether the question of confidentiality still exists.


    In the face of Jinshis questioning about that point, the one who opened his mouth was Uryuu.


    How did youmunicate with her? The father asked his daughter. He didnt enunciate properly due to the gap in his teeth.


    That. I was told to tell no one.


    In that case, all of us will be punished.


    Hearing the words punished, Yakou shivered. But, thedy fairy said I must not tell.


    Have you forgotten about the Shi n?


    Yakou trembled in fright. Her brother also turned green.


    Jinshi made a bitter expression. A different subordinate was standing expressionlessly behind him on the side. Not Basen that man will surely be chastised by Gaoshun after this.


    Well then, she had heard before that the man called Uryuu was a person who excelled in business, but he was made to demonstrate his speciality here.


    Uryuu stroke his own misshapen cheek.


    Bringing up the name of the Shi n what could he be nning with that?


    It appears that the information of this Lady Pai person is stillcking.


    What about it? Jinshi gave a chilly expression, but he must be smiling wryly inside.


    Yakou. Youll speak?


    B-but, Father.


    Youll speak.


    At her fathers derative tone, Yakou could only nod.


    Jinshi slipped his hands into his sleeves and sent Uryuu a slightly overbearing gaze. With your daughters information, we can render everything as naught.


    In other words, it seems he had proposed that thing called plea bargaining.


    Uryuu had a fathomless smile set on his warped face. Rather than an official, it was the face of a merchant. Yes, I understand. Just one thing I wish to rify, however.


    What is it?


    I heard that Consort Rifas head maid left the inner pcest year. What was the reason for it?


    Hitting it where it hurts. That incident had been dealt with off the record, but it turns out to be something suspicious for those sharp-sighted people. As Consort Rifa herself had requested it, the person who hadmitted a serious crime had been let off with a dismissal.


    In regards to Consort Riishus half-sister, it would be a different matter if the consort sought punishment, but considering her personality, that wouldnt happen.


    Jinshis eyes quickly chilled. Does this have any rtion to this?


    No, my sincerest apologies. I said too much. Uryuu smoothly retreated. His son and daughter were stricken with terror from Jinshis icy expression.


    The man called Uryuu was mentioned here and there in the imperial court, but it seems he happened to also have inexplicable shrewdness.


    Talk about the incident with the white woman without covering anything up. Itll be troubling if you try to hide anything.


    By your will. Uryuu bowed. His children copied him as they trembled, then retired from the room.


    You people leave too, Jinshi said to the remaining subordinates. They left with sour expressions.


    Oi. Come out. When there was no one else left in the room, he finally called Maomao out. She slipped out from the corner of the room.


    Youre more a mouse than a cat, he remarked.


    Im neither a cat nor a mouse.


    Jinshi disyed a look of exhaustion andid his face on the table. He threw out his legs. His posture was slovenly.


    That posture, you havent been disciplined. Ill have to call Gaoshun-sama, she said.


    If youre talking about Gaoshun, he will being to hit Basen sooner orter, Jinshi said, and gestured for Maomao to sit on the chair on the other side of the table. Maomao did as she was told. Unlike before, there was azy atmosphere. She thought there was no one around, but she controlled the volume of her voice.


    Im sorry for Gaoshun-sama, but didnt he help out this time?


    Speaking of what he helped out for, it was the incident with U n. Basen going on a rampage like that could only be seen as a foolish move. However, with the gains changed from this incident, it could be perceived as perfect.


    Since, someway or another, the judgement Jinshi handed down to the U n became generous.


    From the start, his majesty does not wish for punishment. Moreover, Mother probably would not approve.


    She felt that it was the first time she heard of Jinshi talk about his mother. She thought that he was talking about the empress dowager, but it felt somewhat weird.


    She had been aggrieved from the Shi n incident. She had pleaded his majesty to reduce the penalty to the very end.


    No matter how the empress dowager insisted, it was impossible. If they were to sit irresponsible emotions into this, another fire will start elsewhere and the damage could be amplified. Of course, fires are something that you think you can defend against but are not, though.


    The U n wouldnt be able to take arge punishment officially. However, since they had held such arge funeral, they cant say that their daughter is alive after all this time now.


    (What are they going to do now?)


    The daughter seems to be brought up quite lovingly, unlike Consort Riishu, but how she is going to live from now on is a mystery.


    (Shes reaping what she sowed though.)


    Whether she is going to continuing living in secret in the estate, or going to live quietly in a distant ce was something that wasnt rted to Maomao.


    In the groggy atmosphere, Maomao unwittingly wanted to yawn. It was quite sunny outside so it looks to be quitefortable if she took a nap in the garden. And so, she wanted to leave the room as soon as possible, but Jinshi was face down on the table, unmoving.


    (Could he be asleep?)


    When she prodded him to check, he raised his face.


    Did you prod me just now?


    What are you talking about? That aside, isnt it time I got back?


    As Maomaos question, Jinshi narrowed his eyes back at her.


    Its fine to stay a bit longer, he said.


    Theres nothing much to talk about.


    (Why are you looking at me with such eyes?)


    Jinshi had the annoying expression of a brat. Dont you have anything?


    What substantial thing is there to talk about?


    She wanted him to stop it with telling her to do the impossible by talking about something interesting. It was too difficult for Maomao who always slips up with stock phrases from the pleasure district.


    There should be. Something like the weather and such. Or something like what youve up totely.


    Todays weather is sunny. The humidity is also dry, so it seems to be perfect for washing. About what Ive dely, its procuring andpounding the medicine stock that has gotten low since my absence. And then theres Chouus discipline. His pranks have gotten overboard so I would like to request an increase in child-rearing expenses. If you can, have that moneye to me directly rather than through the Rokushoukan. And I wonder if its possible to be paid by imported medicines rather than money?


    Isnt this a businessmunication? Also, about the child-rearing expenses, Gaoshun mentioned that it was quite overcharged.


    (Is that so?)


    Since most of the money is snatched away by the madam before ites to Maomao, she had no idea how much she got in the first ce. She always thought that she gets three times the amount Maomao gets given, but it looks like she got more than that. What a greedy hag.


    . Jinshi, shouldered slumped, nced at Maomao. How can you interact with me like normal?


    Even if you ask how.


    Which reminded her, its been a while since she spoke to Jinshi properly. Up until then, there was the trouble with the U n where she got an exnation about the incident but.


    It was since they had spoken in the pharmacy before she left for the West.


    And speaking of what happened at that time .


    Im not bothered by it so Jinshi-sama can take your mind off it.


    be bothered. Jinshis eyes moistened. No. Isnt there more to that?


    Not really. Ah. Thank you very much for the velvet antler. Maomao remembered and thanked him insincerely. I have sliced them up andpounded them as soon as I could. As expected of its name as a miracle drug, its effectiveness is marvellous. I have given a packet to a number of honoured guests, but it sold very well as the word spread from that. Ive also raised the price. Nheless there seems to a lot of gentlemen who want to be vigorous, so there are those who said that they will pay no matter how much it is, you know. Is it possible for you to tell me the channel you obtained the velvet antlers?


    No, what effect are you on about? Rather, just then you were way more talkative than usual, huh!


    Did he order them because they were unusual while not even knowing about its effect? In that case, she decided the portion she left for Jinshi was unneeded. Lets sell it.


    No, thats not what Im talking about! Jinshi raised his chin. His ears were a little red.


    Are younot even embarrassed before the one who k-kissed you? Jinshi said with a little stammer.


    Even if you say that, if you get bothered by that all the time you cant work.


    Its amon sight in the pleasure district. Rather, its because its a ce where people do what bugs do when they mate.


    Work, you say.


    If I get shy towards Consort Rifa, I wont be able to do my work, right?


    What does Consort Rifa have to do with this? Jinshi looked at her with a look of heartfelt marvel.


    Didnt Consort Rifa not eat properly when she was sick?


    Moreover, she didnt even try to put food in her mouth herself. Maomao had to take tough measures for the women then.


    About what measures she took Jinshi, who guessed it, pped the table. O-oi! Consort Rifa is a woman!


    Its because shes a consort. Itll be problematic if shes a gentlemen, right?


    No, thats not what I meant!


    She understood what he was trying to say, but Maomao was also desperate then. Rather, if Consort Rifa were to pass away, Maomao thought that her head will be separated from her body as well. Even if she had to chase out the people in the way who had kicked themselves in away from the room as the maids were shouting around her, she needed to feed the consort.


    Since she recovered because of that, Im d.


    Consort Rifa is embracing a new imperial prince. Could she have imagined that from the circumstances then? Maomao believed the things she did was not wrong.


    Jinshi slumped his face down again. As his face was lowered, he gestured for Maomao toe towards him.


    Do you want to kiss? she asked.


    Thats totally not what I mean! Jinshi said as he gently hugged her. He did nothing else. He simply hugged her.


    asionally, the man resembles the shitty brat when hees to fawn on her. Chouus memories have yet to return, but it appears that he knows that he lost something big. He has been hugging that distasteful ball of fur called maomao or something to sleep a lottely, so he could be stemming that feeling away with that. It seems it has some use.


    Does Jinshi want to be pampered like a ten year old child again or something?


    Will it be over soon? she asked.


    Wait a hundred counts more.


    (Thats quite long.)


    Her posture was a little strained with his body weight, but lets endure.


    One, two, three


    Stop counting.


    (What a pain.)


    Maomao waited patiently as she wondered if she could push the ball of fur onto Jinshi.

 Volume 5, Chapter 8: In Accordance With The Snake God

    It was sprinkling. During this time of the year when its starting to warm up, Maomao always got mncholic from the constant raining.


    Maomao opened the medicine drawers and checked to see if the herbs inside were damp.


    (I did this at the medical officest year, huh.)


    She had cleaned up the ce while spanking the quack doctors butt for his sloppy management. Could the quack be spoiling the goods in the medicine shelves again this year?


    The whole time Maomao cleaned the shelves, maomao was showing its belly at her feet. The sight of it, lookingpletely domesticated, was a hindrance to Maomao so she toed it to the side. maomao looked up in displeasure, but it made no attempt to move so it got pushed to the wall.


    Maomao flicked away the spoiled herbs and added what she didnt have enough of onto the wooden slips. Some could be obtained from the market, whereas other she had to depend on traders to bring over.


    (I think I can get these.)


    A number of them were nts that grew this season. Lets go out a little way and harvest some.


    (Looks like the rain has stopped too.)


    Though its wet, it wasnt to the point of rain. Theres no time like the present. If she waited for the clear skies, theres no work to be done.


    Maomao looked outside the pharmacy. The courtesans were, for the most part, sleeping to prepare for their night work, so the people around were manservants or little girls who were forced to study.


    Maomao headed towards the room where the manservants congregated. She slid the sliding door open. There were manservants lying sluggishly on the floor. Sazen was among them.


    Im leaving the store tending to you, she said.


    Hah? Whats the rush? Sazen scratched his head in annoyance as he sat up.


    Ill be back by evening. Itll be to the nearby vige.


    Sure sure. So, just store tending? He remembered being worked hard by Maomao, so it looks like he got smart.


    There are medicinal herbs hanging from the ceiling to dry. I want you to crush only the dried ones. The management will be as usual.


    Sure sure. Sazen stood up from his sitting position. He shoved a hand down his cor and scratched his belly. Maomao narrowed her eyes at that. She saw dirt under his fingernails.


    Wash your hands properly.


    I know.


    His memory wasnt bad, but it might be better if he was more conscious about hygiene. There are a great number of guest who found fault in that.


    She had to warn him properly about that.


    (Will I make it in time for a bus at this time?)


    Its expensive to ride a carriage alone. Many carriages go through the nearby vige throughout the day to transport food supply to the capital. They function as a horse bus when they return since they have nothing to carry. The feeling you get when youre riding one is the worst, but its nothing but cheap.


    When Maomao left the manservants room to quickly clean up, she saw sparkling eyes looking her way.


    Freckles. Are you going somewhere? Chouu said, his front teeth have finally grown. Zuurin was standing next to him like a follower.


    Maomao made a tant look of reluctance. She pushed aside the brats who came to stick close to her, returned to the pharmacy and wrapped up the necessary tools.


    Hey, youre going out, right? Is it the market? If youre going shopping, take me with you.


    Chouu stepped into the pharmacy and picked up maomao who was lying down into his arms. Take me along, take me along, he used maomaos paws to poke Maomao. maomao just meowed a naaa in annoyance.


    Ill be going into the forest. Whatever you say, its the boring countryside.


    The forest! I wanna go to the forest! I wanna go, I wanna go, I wanna go!


    He pped maomaos front paws together. The cat obviously didnt like it. It kicked its back legs and sprung away from Chouu.


    Chouu threw a tantrum on the floor. She thought that he would stop throwing tantrums at the age of ten, but could it be because of hisx discipline? Even though there are other parts that have strangely grown, Maomao clutched her head.


    Since Zuurin was also going to copy her leader Chouu, Maomao grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and pulled her up to her feet.


    Im telling the madam. When Maomao threatened her, the girl stood rigid straight. Only her head bobbed up and down.


    Whats the fuss?


    The madam had showed up with a listless expression.


    Zuurin gave a start.


    I want to harvest some medicinal herbs while its not raining. This guy will only be in the way if hees along. Maomao said as she pointed to Chouu who was rolling on the floor.


    The madam squinted and looked at the boy. She took a breath of surprise, then said to Maomao. Take him along.


    Hah?Why this again, Maomao gave a look of displeasure. She had thought that, if it was the madam, being one whospletely rational, thered be no reason she would have her bring the bothersome brat to work.


    Eh, no way! Are you serious, Granny! Yay, Chouu got up and skipped around in a circle.


    Zuurin also copied him in skipping around, but the madam held her head. Not you.


    As her words, Zuurin hung her head. Unlike Chouu, who somehow got special treatment, Zuurin is a kamuro. It will set a bad example for the other kamuro if she went out along with them.


    Chouu smacked the sad Zuurins shoulder. Ill bring back souvenirs, he said


    Whos going to pay for that? Maomao retorted immediately.


    If you want to go out, bear with it for a bit longer. Ill redeem you soon, he said.


    !?


    Where did he learn that phrase? By the way, a lot of the guests who say that were good-for-nothings.


    Leaving the happy brats alone, Maomao poked the madam.


    Again, why do I have to bring him along? Maomao said aversively.


    The madam watched the brats as she scratched her vicle. Did you go to somewhere far away not so long ago? Do you know how Chouu was the whole time?


    She knew nothing of the sort. He would have to be kicking up a fuss as usual. Hes close to the head manservant Ukyou, so he should be fine even if Maomao wasnt around.


    He was never that lively. Since hes here without his parents, even when someone like you is away, hes lonely.


    I really cant believe the words of a hag who use up money to buy children from a procurer, Maomao said cynically. Apparently, her adoptive father Roumen had gone as far as taking her in and shutting her alone in the room no matter how much she cried. The infant Maomao had then reached an understanding that it was pointless to cry so she had stopped since. This might also be the reason as to why her tear nds were so dry.


    She didnt really resent him for that. Not like she remembered it. The woman who gave birth to her had to work and Pairin who breastfed her also had work. It was when the Rokushoukan was in decline so Maomao wouldnt have anyone to be jealous of. She just thought that shell be happy as long as she doesnt get strangled to death.


    The madam put her hands into her sleeves. It cant be helped that they get sold to a procurer. Its their parents job. It doesnt concern me. But, raising a durd who does nothing and bludges isnt something we want here. You think that Im being kind? Im just educating them so that doesnt happen.


    What about Chouu?


    Isnt that up to you how he turns out? I can only watch while making sure I dont die. You have to raise him ording to the money you get, okay.


    Thats a given. What a robber, Maomao ndered.


    Oh really, the madam yed dumb then left for somece.


    Half a dual hour after rocking in a horse bus, they arrived at the vige that was close to the forest. It was by the river; the atmosphere was simr to the quacks hometown, but they produced rice and vegetables instead. The paddies that had recently finished growing rice reflected the sky like a giant mirror.


    Whoaaaa.


    Chouu was looking outside, leaning out from the carriage. Certainly, the paddies are the highlight of this season. It didnt look like it was going to rain right now. The sky was also blue. The world surrounded by blue, on the sky and on the ground, looked irresistibly marvellous.


    Hey, Freckles. Whats that? Chouu tugged Maomaos sleeves. She wondered what he pointed at; there were poles stuck into two sand hills, twisted straw strung between them. It was situated right along the stream that flowed beside the paddy field.


    Arent those warding ropes(, churen)?


    Maomao didnt know much about it, but if her memory served her correctly, its a spell. Wasnt that something where they make a barrier to ward off bad things? The reason the shape of the rope was a little different she thought that it was mixed with the folk belief of this region, but


    (Huh?)


    Maomao leaned forward. She felt that the shape of the warding rope was a lot different to what she had seen before. She thought that the rope was a lot iner before; there was a bit of a twist to it this year and white paper scraps were rolled into it. Shape-wise, she felt it was a lot more refined than before, but are these things something you change willy-nilly?


    Well be arriving soon the peasant manning the carriage said. Although its a horse bus, the current passengers were only Maomao and Chouu. A good point about this carriage is that the fee doesnt change with fewer people. Conversely, there are horse buses that get cheaper the more people there are, but she disliked it when its too messy. The horse also slows down so Maomao preferred going by this one.


    After alighting from the carriage, Maomao looked at the forest. It didnt mean that this forest belonged to the vige. However, she adds it in for them when she goes to talk to the vige chief. She wont getints if she gave them some money. This sort of thing is required to maintain long rtions. It would be helpful to have them remember her face.


    Maomao tugged Chouus hand and headed for the vige chiefs house.


    This vige has nothing.


    It certainly has nothing, but theres no need to say it out loud. She poked Chouus head. She aimed for the innermost house of the vige.


    There were dried vegetables hanging off the roof of the shabby house. They must be drying it for preservation, but it could grow mouldy this season if they arent careful. There was a shorter version of the warding rope they saw just then next to the dried vegetables.


    Has it been three years since Maomao came to this vige? Since she had work in the inner pce, there was a lot of missing time. The vige chief had a good memory of faces though.


    Hello. She rapped on the door, and Chouu copied her by thumping on it. Stop that, she got angry and grabbed the boys head, when a young woman came out of the house.


    Who might you people be?


    The woman was quite pretty for one out in such a countryside. She was wearing clothes that were simple yet sturdy.


    I wish to see the vige chief. Hell understand if you tell him that its the pharmacist Ruomens disciple.


    The reason she gave out her adoptive fathers name rather than her own was easily understood. There were a lot of people who wont trust a pharmacist with Maomao for a name. If she aged a little, that distrust will probably disappear. But since she had no reason to show off the fact that shes a pharmacist, she used words that were easy to understand for the other person.


    The woman called a man in his prime from inside the house. If Maomaos memory was correct, this would have to be the son of the vige chief. The son also seemed to remember Maomao, as he nodded, Ahh.


    My father died fromplications of a coldst year, he said.


    I see.


    You shouldnt treat a cold as a trivial thing. If you take it lightly, itll soon get worse, progressing to pneumonia and then youre suddenly gone.


    If she remembered correctly, the previous vige chief didnt drink medicine. He had a hearty personality where he asserted that if you drink wine and rest well youll get better, so while he wont be their customer, he didnt hate them.


    I told him to see a doctor, but, well, it cant be helped. No, lets stop the gloomy topic. Youll be going into the forest, right?


    Yes. Maomao passed the new vige chief the usual amount of money. In doing so, the vige chief shook his head.


    I dont want it. If you dont hurry in, the sun is going to set.


    if you tell me that, thats great though.


    What a strange turn of events. Maomao was going to put the money back into her bosom, when Chouu stretched out his hand.


    Freckles! Buy sweets with that! Buy it!


    Didnt you say that youll earn the money yourself? Maomao put the money away securely and headed for the forest.


    Snakese out this season so be careful, the vige chief said.


    I know that much. Theyll be good ingredients.


    No, thats not what I mean, he rebutted and grabbed the warding rope that was hanging from the roof for her to see.


    She looked at it carefully and saw that the shape of the rope was different on both ends. The thickness of one side tapered off, whilst the other end was thicker and torn at the tip. It looked like a snake.


    If you kill snakes, the vigers mighte to attack you.


    whats up with that? Isnt thispletely in conflict with Maomaos thoughts of broiling snakes in soy sauce if she saw any? Even though they had thanked her for the extermination when she caught a number of snakes before.


    The vige chief also gave a bitter smile. It was in my fathers will, you see. Before he died, he got a little weak-spirited and ended up calling for a witch doctor.


    From that, in exchange for getting incense that alleviated his suffering, he was told to spread their teachings throughout the vige.


    And from that, Maomao understood. So thats why the strange warding ropes were everywhere.


    This ce originally worshipped the snake god, you see. Thats why. Its for worship. The vige chief gave a bitter smile. If it was a belief that has been around in the past, it cant be helped he had that kind of expression, but she was strangely stuck on something.


    But, what about the venomous snakes? she asked.


    Species of pit viper were the enemy of farmers. If they get bit by one, they would lose everything.


    The vige chief whispered as he smiled bitterly, For those, we kill them without getting found out. Though we are deeply religious, thats something that cant be helped.


    The vige chief must have various faces as well. The young woman who was probably his wife was ring at them.


    It might be unpleasant to see her husband talking secretively in front of her.


    Come on, shall we go? Maomao said.


    kay, Chouu replied.


    Maomao quickly entered the forest with Chouu in tow.

 Volume 5, Chapter 9: Dancing Water Spirit First Part

    Freckles, are you done yet? Chouu asked. He was sitting on a tree stump, kicking his feet.


    (Thats why I didnt want him toe.)


    The brat is fickle. Though its fine to bring him along, she could see him bing baggage. No doubt the hag told her to bring the boy along to get him out of the way of the manservants work. What lonely.


    Maomao ignored Chouu sints and cut the grass growing at the roots of a tree. She only wanted to use the buds, but the sorting willeter.


    Heyyyy, Freckles


    Shut up. You were the one who wanted toe along, Maomao said as she thrust the medicinal herb into the jute bag.


    Chouu ced his hands on hisp and looked at Maomao with displeasure. But Im tired.


    The walking distance wasnt too great, but its hard to walk on grass and dead leaves. She understood that this will be tiring for Chouu whose body was still numb. Theres nothing she could do about it. Even so, Maomao wasnt going to spoil him.


    Then wait here. Im going to go deeper in, she said.


    Ehhh Chouus mouth gaped open. He looked like he wanted to say something to her. Are you leaving me behind!


    Youre tired, right? Wait for me.


    Chouu twisted his face in reluctance and got off the tree stump. As the crone had mentioned, some people are the type to get lonely. Its quitemon among manservants and little girls in the pleasure district.


    Im going! Im going, so dont leave me behind!


    Chouu hobbled after Maomao. She looked at him coldly as she headed deeper into the forest.


    The forest was growing with various types of trees. Since there were a lot of broadleaf trees, there would be a lot of fruits in autumn. Conifer trees were suited for timber products, but it seems that these were mostly found in the forests of the northern region.


    Maomao ate a raspberry she found along the way. It was fine that Chouu was copying her, but his mouth got red and sticky.


    Theyre sour.


    They are just starting to grow, she said, not stopping her raspberry picking.


    Freckles! Can you eat this mushroom? Chouu said. He found a small mushroom on a dead tree.


    (How unusual.)


    She thought that the mushroom would be found a little further north, but to think that they would even grow here. Maomao picked the small mushroom.


    Is it edible? he asked.


    Unfortunately, this isnt tasty. Also, its not poisonous.


    In other words, it was something Maomao had no interest in. Chouu dropped his shoulders in disappointment.


    She proceeded happily, having found reishi along the way, and then came upon ake. This forest used to be arge enough that it also surrounded theke but it grew smaller and scattered due to the paddies. Whats left of the divided forest was adjacent to a different vige. Rather, it might have been divided when the vige got built.


    Since there were nts that only grew by the waterside, Maomao headed towards theke. She could see a small ind right in the centre. There were warding ropes at the boundary between the forest and theke. In times past, it was said that ces of water were entrances to the other world. The small ind in theke would be for that reason too as a small shrine. She had heard before that the guardian of theke resided there, and that the said-guardian transformed into arge snake. The saying to not kill snakes must havee from there. And then, there was a small hut on the bank of theke that managed all of that.


    Maomao headed for that small hut.


    The small hut had a raised floor. It seems thatke water rises up to this small hut when it rains heavily it was for that reason. There were markings on the pirs of the hut showing how high the water went.


    Chouu pointed and looked at the water level marks with interest. Maomao went up the stairs and peered inside the hut.


    A hairy old man emerged from inside as if he had noticed her gaze. Since I havent seen you for a couple of years, I thought you became a bride and left or something.


    Too bad. Im an old maid, she said.


    Considering all that, it looks like you have a big child.


    Hes such a sharp-tongued old man, as usual, Maomao thought. It seems hes an old acquaintance of her adoptive father Ruomen; a doctor in the capital a long time ago. His skill was good, but due to his entric personality and misanthropy, hes now retired and living in such a remote ce.


    Nowadays he scraped by while picking medicinal herbs. Hes the manager of the shrine, but it seems it wasnt a big deal in the end. There was no boat on theke. It doesnt even look like he went to the shrine either.


    Here. If theres what you want, take it and go. The old manid out the herbs he had dried on the wall on the shabby table. It would be quicker to buy rare and out of season herbs from this old man.


    Maomao went inside the hut to appraise those herbs.


    The old man sat on a chair and stooped forward. Hes more than ten years older than Ruomen so she had no idea when he will keel over. From the three years she hadnt met him, it looks like he has aged even more.


    However, he had dried the herbs carefully and the quality wasnt bad either. And besides, she thought that the amount he gathered was quite steady for a senile old fool.


    Im relieved that youre not senile, but youve gathered some pretty nice stuff, she said.


    The old maid really has a sharp tongue.


    At the words directed to Maomao, the one whoughed was Chouu. She glowered at him with narrowed eyes and set the herbs she needed on the cloth bag.


    What are you on about. I recently got a helper, the old man continued.


    A helper I see. A vige child? Youre doing pretty well, I see.


    Maomao looked at Chouu purposely. What the heck, the boy pouted.


    Not at all. Its a guy I recently picked up in the capital. He does pretty well. Come on, if you spread rumours


    When he said that, she heard a voice from the upper floor.


    Grandpaaa. I got what you asked for. Huh? Guests?


    She somehow recognised that absolutely cheerful voice.


    The one who showed up swinging arge cloth bag was a young man who was wearing a cloth as an eyepatch.


    (So thats why I recognised his voice.)


    Standing there was the man with a face full of smallpox scars who should have been looking for work in the capital, Kokuyou.


    Wellll, and then, you see, they told me that they didnt want a doctor with such a horrible face


    The man called Kokuyou was once again talking to her with a voice that didnt sound sorry for himself at all.


    This talkative man, when he noticed Maomao, went to chat with her nonstop. The old man asked her You know him? and Chouu was surprised, You sure know a lot of weird big bros.


    To put it simply, when this man tried to start out as a doctor at the capital, he visited several clinics. And then he was asked about the reason for his eyepatch every time and the idiot honestly showed them his scars. The doctorscking in knowledge told him to nevere back again as hell spread the disease and chased him out. The doctors with the knowledge knew that he wasnt infectious anymore, and still, while they were doctors, they were also a service business. There was no simple reason to employ a strange man with an eyepatch. And amid that, he said he got picked up by this old man who, spurred by his ageing body, came to deliver the ordered medicine herbs. They had happened to meet as he was being chased out from a clinic.


    The old man may be misanthropic, but he was also a doctor with attested skill. Since he was at the age where it was hard to move around, he had been wishing for a helper. When Kokuyou was asked for his knowledge as a doctor as a trial, he was more decent than the doctor realised and thats why hes here. If hes in such a remote ce, the eyepatch man wouldnt make as much as a racket than in the capital, and it seems it had been exined to the vige chief.


    Hahaha. The world is tough. Its fine if I can eat for the time being I guess


    With Kokuyou in this state, and the old man having got himself a good helper, both of them seemed satisfied for now.


    (If its like this, would it be better if I called him to my ce?)


    Maomao felt that she had done something a little wasteful, but it was toote. Even if she were to bring him back, he would be worked hard by the madam like her adoptive father Ruomen, so it might be better that Kokuyou was here.


    Kokuyouid out the medicinal herbs he newly harvested.


    I just picked them. Theyre fresh.


    Chouu looked up at the griming young man. The stupid squirrel-like face approached Kokuyou, hands stretched out.


    Big bro, under this eyepatch, what happened?


    Ah, wanna see?


    Its gross, Kokuyou warned beforehand as he took off his eyepatch. Chouu raised a terribly rude shout and pped the mans shoulder.


    Big bro, thats such a waste. Even though you looked fine before, with this you cant work in the service industry.


    I know right. I dont think my sociability is bad though


    Maomao ignored the carefree duo and started to appraise the herbs. She squinted at arge leaf she had never seen before. Whats this?


    Tobo leaves, Kokuyou said as he joked around with Chouu.


    Tobo. Pipes were habitually used by the madam and the prostitutes. Surprisingly, it didnt spread to the masses. Maomao had repaired a broken pipe before and tried to return it to its previous owner since she had thought it was quite an important thing.


    The pipe leaves are a luxury grocery item. The stingy madam smokes because she is dependent on it. The courtesans or the madam probably cant go without smoking. Smoking too much is detrimental to the body her adoptive father Ruomen had also said.


    As far as Maomao knew, the leaves are often used by visitors. Since she had only seen the dried and smashed version, she hadnt known.


    The cultivation itself isnt that difficult.


    Saying that at the side was the old man.


    Is that so? Maomao studied the leaves with great interest. She thought that if she cultivated these in her garden, she could get good business. However, would he simply give her the seeds? At most, he could split the leaves with her, but she wondered what would happen if this got the courtesans into the habit of smoking were she to stock up on them cheaply.


    She just tried asking.


    So, how much are you selling this for?


    This is not for sale. The old man picked up the tobo leaves and hung several stacks under the roof.


    (For personal use?)


    However, there doesnt seem to be any smoking instrument in this house. She had never seen him smoke either.


    In response to Maomaos question, the old man lifted a jar from the floor and set it on the long table. When he removed the lid, a characteristic stench wafted out.


    Grandpa, this stinks! Chouu gave a show of pinching his nose. He peered in while pinching. This cant be drinkable, yeah?


    There was a brown coloured liquid inside.


    Even if I make a mistake, I wouldnt drink it. Youll die. It has tobo leaves, the old man said.


    Ueeeh, why are you doing something like this again? Chouu said, sitting on the wooden box that was set on the floor.


    Its used as a snake repellent.


    Maomao pped. Tobo leaves are poison when you ingest it. And she knew that this poison is also effective for insects. It was the first time Maomao knew that it could also be useful against snakes. Insects were a different matter, but she always caught snakes so she never thought about repelling them.


    Dont kill snakes, its because theres that kind of bullshit around. Ill have to be careful since itll be rough when it bes a major problem, the old man spat. Kokuyou prepared tea with a grin. Chouus eyes sparkled when he saw mantou(steamed buns) appear from the shelves.


    Even though they had about ten or so years for them to worry about the shrine. To tell me that after all this time that the messenger of the snake god appeared.


    Ahahah. Witch doctors are the worst Kokuyou also agreed with a cheerful voice. Does he even have a personal grudge?


    As for Maomao, she thought it was a little mysterious. Be as it may that it was the will of the previous vige chief, to think that there are vigers who would hate killing snakes to that extent. Was it because they had originally worshipped the snake god here?


    Did that witch doctor have such a persuasive power? She asked casually, and the old man snorted.


    Haha, about that. It looked the deeply religious guys somehow got bewitched.


    Bewitched?


    Foxes aside, to think that they would get bewitched by a snake.


    (Its already bad enough that foxes are the ones that bewitch people.)


    When Maomao tilted her head, Kokuyou opened the window of the hut. Theke and shrine were in sight. The old man looked outside and stroked his shaggy beard.


    I didnt see it firsthand. ording to what they say, that witch doctor


    He said that they floated on the surface of the water of theke, danced upon it as they headed for the shrine.


    said that they are the messenger of the guardian of theke.


    And that was what he told her.

 Volume 5, Chapter 10: Dancing Water Spirit Latter Part

    (So fishy)


    It seems Maomao had snorted subconsciously. The old doctor and Kokuyou were both nodding. Only Chouus eyes were sparkling.


    Thats so cool, how do you walk on water? the boy asked.


    About that, you see, you can keep going by taking a step forward on the water before your other foot sinks.


    So cool!!


    Dont get tricked, Maomao knocked Chouus head and narrowed her eyes at Kokuyou. She had thought that he was harmless, but it turns out he also has that side of him.


    Can you really do that?


    As if is what I wanted to say, but. The old man looked outside, stroking his beard. He had a slightlyplicated expression. When I was a child, I had seen such a thing before.


    Walking and dancing on the water? Maomao asked, her head tilted. Chouu copied her, and for some reason, Kokuyou also assumed the same posture.


    (Hes quite noisy, this guy)


    She thought as she looked at the old man.


    Yeah. It was before I left the vige. It was originally the priestess duty to serve the snake god though.


    The old man was a distant rtive of the vige chief. It seems they picked women from the chiefs family to be priestesses. However, the old man had just said that the shrine has been neglected for several decades just a moment ago. And speaking of why-


    Its because there werent any girls left due to the pcedy hunts for the inner pce.


    She could only nod in understanding.


    And so, he said that the shrine was neglected since the customs from oral tradition was lost. That was just around that time the previous vige chief took over. The previous vige chief wasnt religious so the management of the shine died out. What was once a single vige split up into three just like the forest. Or rather, could it be said that the vige split because the priestess who tied them together was gone?


    And now, for forms sake, the old man, who returned to the vige, came to live in the small hut as the caretaker.


    Did the former priestess not return to the vige after her work was over? she asked.


    Haha. She was a good-natured girl. Why does she need toe back to the vige after all that?


    (Thats a given.)


    She recalled Shaoran whom she had been close to in the inner pce. Her parents had sold her to reduce the number of mouths to feed. The girl also understood the reality that there would be no ce for her to go if she went back. So after quitting from the inner pce, she went to look for work with her own power.


    If the former priestess was a girl who could think, she would probably look for a better way of life to what she had before. Its simr to the inner pce, being a stepping stone in a way for women to improve their lives.


    Before the previous vige chief died, people had grief over that. If you have toin about that, youll definitely need a doctor to look after you.


    Hahaha. Thats soughable So there are people like that around


    As Kokuyou wasughing as if he found something amusing about that, the old man poked his head.


    Maomao gazed outside. Theres no boat, so how do you get to the other side? Wouldnt it be bad if you cant see the condition of the shrine?


    When Maomao asked, the old man drew a circle on the long table for her.


    The Guardian doesnt seem to like boats. Theres even a designated area for fishing. Though you cant see it from here, theres a bridge on the other side of the ind. You can go take a look if youre curious. Go do some weeding for me since youre already here to pick medicinal herbs.


    Why do I even have to weed?


    You just entered a sacred ce, isnt that a bargain? Come on, Kokuyou. You take them there.


    Ehhh You have it rough, huh Kokuyou said as he got the grass sickles ready.


    If would have been fine to ignore it, but Chouus eyes were shining in wonder. She thought that even if this brats been throwing tantrums and crawling on the floor recently, he was turning out as she expected.


    There are tobo leaves growing close to the shrine. You cant touch the leaves, but if there are seeds you can pick some.


    Maomao scowled at the shrewd old man as she held onto the grass sickle.


    They circled over to the other side of theke. Despite being called ake, with the waters murky, it might be better to call it a swamp if it was a little smaller. Leaves resembling lotus floated on the surface of the water in various ces.


    Chouu had been scared of the smallpox scars, but he expressed his pointless adaptation ability andpletely warmed up to Kokuyou. Before she knew it, Kokuyou was giving him a piggyback, but unlike the manservants, he was swaying a little dangerously.


    Look, its over there.


    As Kokuyou pointed out, there was certainly a bridge connecting the other side of the small ind. It wasnt particrly unusual; logsthrown into the water as pirs.


    (Will this bridge be okay?)


    Maomao looked at the bridge doubtfully. She wasnt meaning to insult stone bridges, but it looked pretty old. Itll be troubling if it broke when shes halfway on the bridge.


    Hahaha, its okay. Its surprisingly unbreakable


    Kokuyou let Chouu down from his shoulders and went to stand on the bridge. He jumped on it. It certainly didnt look as bad as it looked.


    Ah Together with a stupid sound, Kokuyou lost his footing and fell into theke.


    What are you doing, big bro?Chouu stretched his hand out and pulled Kokuyou up.


    Hahaha, sorry, sorry. Kokuyou mussed his head with a wet hand. It might have been hard for him to gauge distance due to his eyepatch.


    He took off his outer garment and wrung it. There were patches of scars all over his thin body. Since its rude to stare, Maomao crouched down and studied the bridge. When she tried knocking it, there was the sound of hard, dense wood.


    It seems, this bridge was made more than thirty years ago Kokuyou said, slinging his wet garment over his shoulders. The bridge had been built considerably high above the water. It should be fine even if the water level rises.


    Its made from something that wont rot, huh.


    Yeah, it looks like its been made from wood from the south. Its probable that this bridge, was a lot more splendid that it looks now. Its made quite nicely, but that would cost a lot of money, right Kokuyou said. He walked towards the small ind.


    Maomao followed him. Though she felt a little out of sorts. As there was the shine, the ind was quite high above the water, just like the bridge. The stone steps that led to the shrine had stains of high water levels.


    At the top of the steps, there was a small shrine surrounded by clumps of thickly overgrown weeds. She foundrge leaves amid that these are the tobo leaves, Maomao thought. There were flower-like things at the ends, but no seeds yet. Itll need a little more time.


    (That old fart.)


    Ill get some seeds after this and go home, Maomao snorted.


    She looked around theke. The forest that had once been one had been divided into three. She could see a vige on the side.


    (How strange.)


    She got the actual reason for the sense of difort she had a moment ago.


    It was the position of the ind and the bridge. The ce with the bridge was right in the centre. Its positioned the furthest from any of the viges. Moreover, it started from a ce furthest from the ind.


    (Is it because theres some meaning to it?)


    Even though it would be best if the bridge crossed over from a ce closest to the ind. Otherwise, it should be in a ce that would be easy for everyone. It was also far from the hut that old man lived in; she couldnt really think of an advantage.


    Maomao looked at the shrine with her head tilted. As it had been neglected for many years, it was quite rundown. Only the warding ropes surrounding it were brand new. Even though it was to worship snakes, there were leaves that repelled snakes growing around it what an entric old man, Maomao thought.


    Kokuyou had started to mow the grass as he hummed, so Maomao reluctantly also went to assist.


    Chouu didnt seem like he had any intention to help from the start. He picked up a stone and drew on the floor.


    Do you know? Kokuyou, who stopped humming, spoke to her as if he was grumbling to himself.


    bout what?


    About the priestess person of this vige


    As if I would know, Maomao shook her head.


    The old man told me about it. The girls used to be ves.


    Kokuyou continued in a voice that only Maomao could hear. It seems this ce used to be a ce where the rivers flood often. Until they could control the flooding properly, the fields would be washed away every year and houses would be submerged by the flood.


    And speaking of what futile thing they did to manage the natural disaster in the ancient times


    They bought ves to be human sacrifices. Of course, its when they have money to spare, otherwise, they would pick a girl from the vige but


    The priestess was a sacrifice in name.


    However, one day, a priestess with the power tomunicate with the god appeared.


    It was said that this priestess walked and danced on the water.


    The vigers were shocked; they worshipped her. And she married into the vige chiefs family.


    That was how the priestess lineage began.


    (The old man, he really opened his heart to this guy, huh.)


    It was something that Maomao had never heard before. The old man probably knew about this story because he had a connection to the priestess lineage.


    So its like that in other words. If the priestess didnt have that power of hers, it would be a story where she wouldnt know when she would be sacrificed.


    It doesnt matter if it was to a god or a guardian, it would have to be intolerable for the one who would be sacrificed.


    But then, if she thought that she wouldnt be sacrificed, wouldnt she be sent to the inner pce next time


    That, in the end, she would be sent not the guardian of theke, but the master of the country.


    (If its like that, I wouldnt want toe back.)


    On the contrary, it couldnt be helped if she held a grudge.


    Maomao stared at the water in a daze. In the depths of theke, there were leaves swaying on the surface of the water.


    Children can climb onto somerge lotus leaves, but theres no way you can dance on top of these of course, it was the moment she thought of something foolish.


    Maomao stood up from her crouching.


    Whats wrong, Freckles?Chouu peered at Maomao.


    She ignored him and went down the steps. Then she looked at the old bridge. Not at it, but at the supports below it. It was covered in algae from being submerged, but they were sturdy pirs that hadnt rot.


    Im telling the old man that you cked off Kokyou said to Maomao with the grass sickle in hand.


    Maomao grinned. Youre right. Lets get this over and done with, she said and returned to her post.


    Give me the tobo seeds.


    That was the first thing Maomao said to the old man when she came back from cutting grass.


    The old man was slurping noodles. It looked like he was eating half his beard.


    I was wondering what you were going to say. If the seeds havente out, give up, he said, chewing his noodles noisily.


    Since she pretty much knew that he was going to show such a reaction, Maomao had an idea.


    What if I tell you that I know the real form of the witch doctor you talked about? Maomao said in a whisper.


    The old man stopped his unpleasant chewing sounds and set down the chopsticks.


    Oi, Kokuyou. Go y with that sonny, the old man said, taking a ball out from the shelve that he threw to Kokuyou. The man failed to catch it. He ran out of the hut, chasing the ball, and Chouu went after him.


    When the man got the people out of the way, he pointed at the chair, telling Maomao to sit.


    Maomao sat on the chair and looked at theke outside the window. When that witch doctor appeared, was it right in the middle of summer?


    Thats right.


    The rain was lighter than it is now, and besides, its the time the paddies needed water, right?


    In this region, the waters for the paddy were drawn from theke. Though it rained a lot right now, the water levels will rapidly decrease from hereon.


    Was the priestess dance also at that time?


    it was to pray for rain though.


    How are those rted, the old man wanted to say.


    Maomao dipped her finger into the tea the old man had taken out for her out of obligation and drew a map on the table. The oval-shapedke, the ind and then the bridge. As if it was difficult to see, the old man passed her pen and paper. The paper was rough, but itll still be easy to look. She drew on the paper.


    In the middle of that, Maomao pointed to the bank of theke that was closest to the ind. So, she prayed for the rain or something over here.


    Thats right.


    It was just right at the ce that could be seen from the window.


    Normally, I think it would studier to build the bridge here, but why not? Maomao purposefully asked the old man.


    As if I know about that. Hurry up and exin it to me.


    Maomao grinned at the old mans words.


    This is hypothetical. Lets pretend that the water in theke is quite deep at this ce. At the start, you tried crossing this ce with a bridge, but the water got deep along the way, so the bridge was abandoned for being useless. It was a waste of materials but youll need workers to take it apart as well. So leaving that as is in the water, you make a bridge somewhere else.


    And so, they built it where the current bridge was. Until then, they must have used boats to go the shrine.


    What if the pirs that were submerged in the water are still in theke?


    The timber for the bridge was sturdy wood from the south. If they used the same material, it should still be in the water.


    And so, only in the season where theke water was at its lowest, was when it is close to the surface of the water. And if you walk on top of it, it would only look like you were walking on water. The small water level adjustment should be good enough if you adjust the amount of water that flowed into the paddies.


    In the murky water and floating weeds, if you cant see whats close by, you wouldnt know the existence of that pir.


    The reason you cant have boats out, its so that you wont hit those pirs, right?


    Had the workers requested that when they were building the bridge? In order to hide their sloppy bridge building project from the vigers, they must have buried the pirs to keep it a secret. And that it was the priestess at that time who had cleverly made use of that.


    The old man squinted. It looked like he wanted to say something. Did Ruomen raise you to talk of spection like this as well?


    I want to investigate theke to investigate that spection though.


    She spoke to the old man to make sure of that. The old man scowled at Maomao, but stood up, telling her toe with him.


    I wont talk about myself, but you really dont have a bit of emotion, huh, he said.


    The old man called out the two people who were ying with the ball outside.


    Go buy something that we can have for dinner, he said and had Kokuyou hold onto the money. Sonny, this guy gets overcharged a lot. Im sorry, but can you go along with him?


    Yeah, leave it to me,Chouu said and followed Kokuyou.


    Lets go. The old man went out, carrying a broom.


    The ce he led her to was enclosed in the middle of theke. There were floating weeds on the water. It wasnt a ce where you can sit down to fish; theres no one who woulde here by choice.


    Maomao grimaced at the muddy ground. She took off her shoes and pulled up her skirts to walk. The old man did the same, lifting his hakama as he walked.


    The water was murky. There was nothing pir-like to be seen.


    Here. The old man handed the broom to Maomao. She brushed the water with the handle. And when she did so.


    The broom hit something with a ck. She knew that the thing was considerably solid even through the broom. It wasnt wood; It felt like something harder and heavier.


    The maidens were sunk into thiske in the name of sacrifice. They had weights drag them to the bottom of the water while they were still alive, the old man said.


    Although it was a customary practice, it must have been a disgusting spectacle for the viges who watched on. And so they did something meaningless to repent and ask for forgiveness.


    The stone pirs in theke, those are graves.


    .


    Isnt it a folly? Because they regretted that they did themselves if they see it, they built it just so it is high enough to not be seen on the surface of the water.


    And so, from the number of drowned sacrifices, the gravestones eventually reached up to the shrine.


    When the next offering of the sacrifice was decided, the son of the vige chief told the sacrificial maiden about the existence of those gravestones.


    And it was said that, by using the existence of the guardian of theke against them, the maiden was elevated to a priestess.


    It seems the previous vige chief had known nothing about that. As far as what Maomao saw with the state of the vige, the one who knew about this now, would have to be just this old men, right?


    Maomao glowered at the old man. You have a rough idea as to who the witch doctor is, seeing how you know this much, right?


    The old man had known from the start. And he kept silent about it. Maomao who had taken it upon herself to exin her spection was now like an idiot.


    I didnt see their face. Im not confident.


    It was likely that they had some rtion to the former priestess who didnte back from the inner pce. They could be the priestess daughter, her grandchild, or someone who heard about the story.


    No matter who they were, it didnt have anything to do with Maomao. Even for this old man, it was a behaviour from the distant past. Does he have something with that former priestess person who was brought into the inner pce in the past? The instant she imagined that juicy story, her head got hazy, but lets not mention it.


    She didnt want him to say that she didnt have any emotions any more than this.


    If you dont make too many weird movements, Ill disclose the trick to you, After saying that, the old man took out a cloth pouch from his breast pocket. He handed that to Maomao. Its a bribe to secrecy. Ill leave this case to you.


    There were some seeds in the pouch. They were probably tobo seeds.


    .


    Since Maomao got what she wanted to get, she didnt have any need to say anymore. She kept silent, pocketed the seeds, then decided to return to the hut.

 Volume 5, Chapter 11: The Ra Clan

    The things that suddenlye up are really the most annoying thing in the world.


    (Stop bothering me with more annoyances already.)


    Maomao, with no cause to rebuff, squinted at that personage.


    The gentle mild-mannered man in his thirties didnt have his usual air of calmness. He was out of breath. His clothes were stained with mud, ripped in various ces, and soaked in blood.


    His horse copsed from fatigue.


    There was nothing short of abnormal to see the man who is the adjutant of this countrys tactician like this. As if he had rushed here in a great haste, he was being tailed by guards from the south gate. He must have cut through them since he had been making a beeline towards Rokushoukan.


    Whats happening? Maomao only came out because of themotion outside. However, she was the only person in the pleasure district who has a connection with this man. In other words, it seems he was here for her.


    The feebly breathing mild-mannered man, Rikuson, smiled in relief for an instant and took out a letter from his breast pocket. And then, just like that, he lost consciousness.


    Maomao epted his letter, squinting.


    Whats up? The madam came up to her with a grimace while gnawing on a toothpick as if she had just eaten.


    Maomao made the same expression as the crone. Hey, those officials, can you drive them all away?


    Depends on the money.


    This big bro, isnt he carrying money? Maomao said irresponsibly.


    With that, the crone appraised Rikuson. She determined that his clothes were first ss despite being slightly dirty, then checked his face and fingertips. Her head was a little tilted but she seemed to ept him after a short observation and went off to persuade the officials.


    Something troublesome again, huh.


    Ukyou came to talk to Maomao when she tried to carry the unconscious Rikuson under her arms. He took over and carried Rikuson off to the pharmacy for her.


    After Ukyou put him on the floor, Maomao stripped Rikuson of his clothes. When she had taken off his upper garments and was about to untie his sash, Ukyou came to stop her.


    Maomao. Itll be pitiful for him if you take off his bottoms so give him a break, he said.


    Dont you need to check since hes fainted? Even if he doesnt have any cuts, he might have bruising.


    From what she could see, Rikusons injuries were arrow wounds. They were all scrapes, no deep punctures. There was no discolouration on his skin she thought that the possibility of poisoning was low, but she couldnt just leave him like this.


    In response to Maomao who was treating Rikusons injuries indifferently, Ukyou clutched his forehead. I get it. I get it, so Ill check the bottom half. Ill be quickly done so go outside.


    What youngdy is he?


    Will he bite off his tongue if people saw his skin?


    Isnt this guy Fox-donos subordinate? I know already. Wouldnt it be pitiful for this guy if he gets bullied afterwards in the distant future? Besides, isnt it better if you check out that letter properly? Ukyou said.


    Maomao helplessly went out of the pharmacy with the letter she got from Rikuson.


    She sat on the seat where Rihaku and the kamuro usually drink tea and stared at the contents of the letter.


    Yet more troublesome matters were written on it.


    Why did Rikuson the military official show up at the pleasure district covered in wounds? There are much more reliable people elsewhere.


    The reasoning for that was written on the easily understandable letter.


    Rikusons reaching here was suspicious. And even if he got here, he wouldnt be able to exin the situation immediately so this letter would have to have been prepared in advance.


    And she could inly see that Rahan was the writer of this letter. Seems that guy is calctive.


    The shape of the characters also looked like they had ideal numbers that abacus flipping man has good writing. Though his handwriting was good, there was nothing self-identifying to it so the rows of neat model writing became characteristic on its own.


    Rikuson and Rahan, and with that, another person a certain personage who makes Maomao tantly contort her face whenever hees to her mind.


    Lets summarise the contents of the letter. Rikuson, Rahan, and one other person the monocle-wearing old man had set out for a certain estate. And then they were attacked by the owners of the house and captured. Only Rikuson was somehow able to break out and went to call for help, but


    The problem was thendowners.


    For Rahan, his parent and grandfather. For the old man, his younger brother and father.


    In other words, the adversaries were the previous n heads who got expelled from the Ra n.


    It was no wonder he purposely came to the pleasure district without notifying the imperial court.


    It was a dual-hour after his injuries got treated when Rikuson woke up.


    It was too cramped to sleep inside the pharmacy, so they lent him a vacant room in Rokushoukan. The room fee would be collectedter.


    Ill immediately chase you out if the talks sound unmanageable.


    The crone who said that had Ukyou stand guard. Then she went out.


    !?


    When Maomao thought that Rikuson had opened his eyes, he sat up with gusto. As if he was affected by his arrow wounds, he knit his brows and pat his bandaged arms.


    Maomao presented him some cooled water. Rikuson, with movements that were unexpected for the usually mild-mannered man, took the water and poured it down at a breath.


    Maomao opened her mouth after a pause. I read the letter.


    Rikuson lowered his face at her words. He squeezed his fists. my sincere apologies. I am worthless.


    No, its the idiots who had set out willy-nilly without escorts earlier who are at fault.


    Before that, what do you want to do? That is currently more important.


    It must be due to the family quarrel that he showed up at Rokushoukan. It was widely known in the imperial court that you honestly dont want to have that n as an enemy. At the same time, you feel that you wont want to have them as allies either. And so, even if he were to openly seek for help, he wouldnt know if there would be people who will lend a hand on the contrary, theres no doubt that there would be more people who will see this as a blessing.


    They were a n with no benevolence at all.


    No, all that benevolence got absorbed by her adoptive father,Ruomen. It might be more correct to say that there was nothing left over for the rest. Ruomens benevolence seemed to be a counterbnce for those peoples misfortunate disposition.


    Since Ruomen lives in the medical office of the imperial court, Rikuson had to havee to Maomao by process of elimination, but theyre calling at the wrong house.


    Rikusoning here to seek help like so as a subordinate, was far from worthless, rather, it was far too much, Maomao thought. If she was him, she would abandon them, and watch from a distance with an air of wless indifference and not get involved.


    You say that those two are confined, but I cant do anything. Just what is up? Maomao asked.


    The letter didnt say that much.


    After Rahans grandfather and father were driven out by the current family head, they left the capital and quietly moved to an estate in the countryside. Of course, they had deserved a lifestyle of such an extent, but it seems it was unthinkable that such an action woulde out of it.


    While she said that she could do nothing, she developed an interest in how things turned out this way. She watched Rikuson intently, listening carefully. Ukyou was leaning on the wall next door. The head manservant who takes excessive care wouldmonly stand guard like this whenever he tries to stick his head into Maomaos troublesome matters.


    Rikuson didnt look like he wanted to speak indiscreetly with Ukyou before them, but he opened his mouth in resignation when he saw that the head manservant wasnt going to budge.


    there were talks of meeting from them before.


    Rahans grandfather had requested to meet their estranged rtives after ten odd years. The subject was to forgive and forget about everything that had happened up until now and be on cordial terms.


    (As if.)


    That was obviously a pretence. She didnt think that those rtives of hers would be that much of a fool.


    Since, for Rahan-dono, they are his parents.


    Does that abacus bastard even have feelings for his family? Maomao tilted her head, but when she tried to think deeply about it, he had been separated from his parents at a young age and forced to be an adopted child. If you think about it normally, Rahan should be hating that monocle tactician instead. She ended up forgetting about it since she gotpletely used to seeing it as normal.


    At least, if he has feelings left for his parents, Rahan might suggest hearing their story.


    And so it was said that the two careless sses-wearers only had this mild-mannered man when they thought about who to bring along as an attendant.


    arent you working on your holidays? Its fine to refuse, you know?


    Itll be troublesome if I refuse as is. Before I realised, everyone else had already hurried out of the room. I had thought about getting different escorts, but there was that gentlemans personality to consider.


    And that was why this poor man who got the short end of the stick was covered in wounds.


    Its obviously better to bring escorts if you think a bit more, Maomao thought. Considering their social statuses, it wouldnt be weird for them to get assassinated one day.


    However, what woulde out of it if thendowners captured the two sses-wearers? What would happen if they returned to being the family head? That weirdo monocle seems to be a prominent high official within the military circles; its not like he got into that position together with the family headship just like that. Even in the worst case where they take over, the military circle was made into a type of ecosystem with the monocles ability. Everyone around them would only take it as a blessing and woulde to crush the Ra n.


    To not understand that much could Rahans grandfather and father be idiots?


    Oi oi, dont forget the important stuff.


    The one who spoke at that part was Ukyou, the outsider.


    Forget what, you say?


    When Maomao tilted her head, Ukyou sighed in amazement. They can just make allies. A big connection.


    Rikuson opened his mouth for the wordless Maomao. The other party wants to adopt you as a daughter. It looks like they want to forge a connection with the imperial brother.


    It seems they caught windof what Jinshi did from somewhere. Maomao scowled with all her might. Oi, stop that, Ukyou pped her brow.


    Counting on that, is good thinking on the foxs over-optimistic calction.


    Theres that too, but in this world, people who are driven to the wall will do anything.


    There are people like that. They exist, but others dont want these people to spring up.


    For the most part, isnt it bad to not even bring escorts along? Maomao asked.


    I have nothing to say about that. But, even if we did bring some along, I dont know if we can deal with them all properly, Rikuson answered.


    Dont speak with hidden implications, Ill be happy if you speak without beating around the bush. Ukyou spoke for Maomao.


    For some reason, we were surrounded by followers who were beyond their position. Even if we employed mercenaries, I dont even think we have that much extra money on hand, Rikuson said.


    And, amid that, there was also a little problem on why was it only this mild-mannered man who escaped sessfully. Rather, she also considered that he could have been purposely made to escape. Couldnt their fired arrows be a way to purposely spur him outside?


    And so, if he was set free with the assumption that he would rush to Maomaos ce like so


    Maomao nced out the window. More people walk around at night in the pleasure district. It wouldnt be strange to have dubious shadows there.


    As Maomao scratched the back of her head, she stuck her head out of the room.


    Oiii, Chouu, Maomao called out to the muddy children who had returned.


    What?Chouu was carrying a fishing rod and an old bucket. There were crayfish crawling inside. Looks like thats what they will be eating today.


    Stay here today. Meimei-neechan is grinding tea today, so shell let you sleep in her room, she said.


    What? So sudden.


    I have to boil medicine in the middle of the night. Can you sleep properly with the bitter stench of broth?


    When Chouu heard that, he seemed to understand.


    Oh my. Im also on break today. Pairin, who had been nearby, came closer and hugged Chouu. As usual, her voluptuous body was peeking out from her dress.


    Pairin-neechan is no good. Its still too early to eat him, Maomao said.


    Whats eat?


    Chouu still doesnt know much. As if she had noticed that Pairin was sticking onto him, Zuurin came up unaware and went to tug at Pairins sleeves in a bid to free him. It seems this one understands the meaning of edible.


    Hey, whats eat?


    Go roll around at Meimei-neechans ce for now.


    Heyy, what about meeee?


    Maomao ignored Pairin-neechan and sneaked a nce at Ukyou. He nodded.


    It was helpful that he has good judgement.


    That night, thugs entered the dpidated shack in the pleasure district. Maomao quietly submitted and was simply taken away.

 Volume 5, Chapter 12: Who Is The Mastermind? Former Part

    Familiarity was troubling. To speak of how troubling it was, she had lost her sense of danger. Maomao was sipping tea while she sat sandwiched between thugs. They were her abductors. The interior of the rattling horse-drawn carriage was cleaner than expected.


    Do you have anything savoury? she asked.


    Just then she said that she wanted to drink tea, now she desired something savoury. As a result, everyone around her looked at her in amazement.


    A thug spoke. Oi, btch, do you understand your position?


    Maomao nodded as she ate the jerky he handed her. Im acting like this because I understand that. Your general attitudes towards a guest would be more problematic, is it not?


    She had assumed a polite tone of voice because she thought that it would work out better for her. Certainly, they were a bunch of people who had ordered her toe with them with an authoritative attitude, but their treatment of her was courteous.


    Am I not a guest? Maomao ascertained, looking at the man who had spoken to her. He seemed to be the leader of the group he was the only one among them who looked like he had a good upbringing. Also, there was his fox face that gave her an unpleasant feeling.


    (A rtive of the Ra n?)


    Maomao wondered about that. Since this was about that tactician, she could surmise that the followers under the expelled former family heads had been left alone. Even if there was blood rtion worth mentioning, that man would ignore them if theycked talent.


    Seeing how the thug was saying nothing with a face twisted with vexation, he had to understand that Maomao had value. At least, he wont be violent, Maomao thought, belittling him.


    She couldnt look outside as there were no windows in the carriage, but seeing how the journey was rtively smooth, they must be travelling on a road-like path.


    How much time passed? There was nothing she could do in particr, so she slept. There was nothing she could substitute as a pillow so she requested an overcoat, which she rolled up and used. It had a faint aroma of incense, so it turns out his upbringing really wasnt bad. It was just that it was too hot to not even open a window in this season.


    Were here.


    Maomao woke up, rubbing her drowsy eyes. The man opened the carriage door. She went outside yawning.


    There was an estate before her eyes. An isted estate that wasnt in a town. She could see that she was on farnd from the fields around her. She could see small houses dotted here and there in the distance, but they were too far apart to be considered a settlement.


    (I see, huh.)


    Splendid the estate may be, its regrettable that its surrounded by the countryside. Such a ce would be nothing but humiliation for a high official driven away from the capital. Maomao thought as she sat on the ground.


    What are you doing? the man asked sullenly.


    Nothing. There are pretty bellflowers(, kikyou, tycodongrandiflorum), she answered.


    Are you interested in flowers?


    They make good medicine.


    The garden looked well-kept. The bellfloweris astar-shaped flower with buds that resembled balloons. Maomao used to always y with those buds, crushing them before they bloomed. Then she would get scolded. The roots of this flower can be used as a natural remedy. Its roots were also big so it looks like good medicine cane out of it.


    .go inside for now. He looked like he wanted to say something, but she knew nothing about that. For the time being, she entered the estate as she was told.


    Here. He led her into a room with an elderly man, a middle-aged man, and a middle-aged woman. The elderly man and the woman squinted hard at Maomao as if they were appraising her. The middle-aged man seemed timid, with -shaped eyebrows that she recognised from somewhere.


    Are you Rakans daughter? the elderly man asked.


    You got that wrong, Maomao replied seriously.


    The elderly mans face twisted. His wrinkles were deep, so much that his long beard couldnt cover them all. He could have got them from ageing, but it looked like they were deeply carved in due to his personality. Oi, what are you doing? She told me that you got it wrong.


    Th-theres no way! I made sure to bring back the right person! the man said to the elderly man hastily.


    The women, seeing that, eased her fan towards her lips. She must have originally been a beauty, but it was regrettable that she was oozing with the forcefulness of her personality. There was a white twisted cord at the end of the handle of the fan. Maomao squinted her eyes at that. It was a white cord essory that resembled thedys sash. She was bothered by it but decided to leave it forter.


    Father-inw, would my son make such a blunder? the woman asked.


    When Maomao considered it normally, the elderly man would have to be the nuisance of a previous family head. He looked nothing like his sibling Ruomen. It would be appropriate to consider the middle-aged man and woman as Rahans parents.


    When she did so.


    (My son?)


    Maomao looked at her abductors face.


    Yes, I did not make a mistake, he said.


    She had thought that his fox eyes were unpleasant, but there was another person with the same eyes. The thug looked exactly like Rahan.


    That said, she heard that Rahan is the nephew of that weirdo, but there was also the possibility where that nephew would have siblings. As far as she could tell with his age, this man would have to be Rahans older brother, but.


    Are you the older brother? she asked.


    Is that bad?


    It seems to be the case. Maomao squinted. Rahans brother didnt look stupid, but how to say it, hes mediocre. Even if you say it nicely, as far as being excellent, its hard to say that hes outstanding. The weirdo had picked the younger brother to be his adopted son over the older brother. There could also be the issue of personality, but in this case, he must have selected via the nature of the person himself.


    (In a way its good fortune.)


    It was correct that he wouldnt be the weirdo tacticians adopted son, but wouldnt that be a disgrace for the person himself?


    Rahans brother was frowning when he heard the words older brother.


    The person called Maomao who works as a pharmacist at Rokushoukan. Am I not mistaken that you are that person? the elderly man asked.


    Its certainly as you say.


    That was not wrong. She confirmed the elderly mans words.


    In that case, you would have to be the daughter my younger brother Ruomen had raised there?


    Yes.


    She also confirmed that. It was a little offputting that her dad Ruomens older brother is this kind of person.


    Arent you Rakans daughter?


    Thats wrong. She clearly denied this part.


    Everyone tilted their heads.


    I heard that guy produced a daughter with a courtesan though. And that she was brought up by Ruomen.


    Its definitely true that I was borne from a courtesans belly, but in that case, there would be no way for me to know who my father is.


    Thats quite true.


    She finally heard Rahans fathers voice. He had a somewhat slow way of speaking but he resembled someone.


    Rakou(, Luo Hong), the elderly man said what looks to be Rahans fathers name in a deep voice. It seems he got displeased by his words of agreement with Maomao.


    Rahans father went silent. She felt a sense of familiarity with this man from the part where hecked fox eyes. Speaking of who, his face was more likeRuomens.


    Nheless, it wasplicated that everyone had simr names.


    Isnt it fine either way? Leaving that aside, the issue would have to be her connection with the imperial brother, right? However Rahans mother squinted. I cant help feeling it doubtful.


    Why, to this girl, her eyes said.


    Even with ttery, there was no way Maomao would suit the man who was beautiful enough to topple nations. She knew that best even if that was left unsaid. Even she wanted to ask.


    So if we had mistaken her for someone else, shouldnt we let her go back? Since I have work to do.


    No, that cannot do. The elderly fiddled with his pure white beard as he red at Maomao. The point is, it would be good if my n has a connection with her. Its of no matter what kind of person she is; if she aplishes her role its no problem.


    So its something like that, Father-in-Law. It would be better if I had given birth to a daughter so we dont have to do such a bothersome thing.


    (No way.)


    Hows it fun to associate with a n of weirdos? she was going to say that but stopped. Whats to say, if she ended up saying that, they would take it as that he had an interest in Maomao rather than the n. Those who are excessively self-conscious do not know their social position, Maomao snorted.


    Since the conversation was showing no signs of progress at this rate even if she denied it, Maomao decided to bring up a different matter.


    By the way, is the middle-aged fox-eyed monocle weirdo and his nephew here?


    the hell are you on about?


    For some reason he countered.


    In that case, would you understand if I say the board gamer fool who cant hold his liquor and the abacus man whos only attracted to physical appearances?


    .


    The atmosphere became utterly silent.


    She didnt think she got it wrong in terms of description, but.


    It cant be helped, so she changed her speech once more.


    Is Rahan and his uncle here?


    It would be rude to call him adoptive father when the real father is in front of her, so she took some consideration.


    Want to see them?


    Its fine if I dont. It seems theyre alive here for now.


    Everyone tilted their heads at Maomaos response.


    Im tired from the long journey, so it wont be a problem if I rested, right? Please show me to a room if you have one. Also, I would be grateful if you prepare me a light meal and hot water for a bath.


    And while Im at it, shall I also request for a change of clothes? she added and the gazes around her turned painful.


    Ill say it once more. Do you understand your position? Rahans brother said.


    I understand. Which is exactly why Ill try my best to gain some weight to be a little more attractive.


    So give me delicious food, Maomao said in a roundabout way as she gave a faint smile.

 Volume 5, Chapter 13: Who Is The Mastermind? Latter Part

    The room she was shown into was stark but well tidied. This would have to be an unused guest room. The furniture seemed to be high-ss, seeing as though they were imported goods, but they had seen better days. It was pretty much the same as what was in the room where she had a conversation with the former family heads just then, but there was newer stuff there. Those were rather in though.


    The meal tasted okay. They didnt use any bad ingredients. There was both meat and fish, but the fish was a little on the salty side. It must have been salt-pickled. It wasmon to preserve seafood in salt when you move ind. The fish used in imperial court cuisine were freshly caught, brought over on a fast horse before it spoiled, so those werent pickled in salt.


    That weirdo tactician and Rahan actually did provide them with sufficient living expenses. They had enough to employ servants for housework, but not to buy high-ss furniture and eat extravagantly.


    She thought that these measures were sufficiently generous. It would be humiliating for people who had once lived in luxury in the capital though.


    And as they endured with this humiliation for many years, they might explode given some push. What could that push be?


    Maomao recalled the white cord Rahans mother was wearing. The snake-like white cord that resembled those warding ropes.


    It would be good if she had remembered wrong, but she thought up something unpleasant.


    When she sat on the bed and crossed her arms, there was a knock on the door.


    I have arrived with hot water.


    She heard a servants voice. Maomao opened the door. A man bearing arge wooden pail entered. He lowered it slowly to avoid spige, then set down a basket with a towel beside it. It also contained a change of clothes. They were typical clothes for this season, made from linen. They were neither gaudy nor crude.


    She thought that it would be a woman who would bring the tub regardless of its weight for this asion, but it turned out otherwise. In a normal situation, a lone man wouldnt enter the room of a female guest. He would have women apanying him at least. The servant retreated from the room with his head bowed.


    Maomao felt a sense of difort, but not for long. When she picked up a towel from the basket, a piece of paper fell out. It was nk paper. Fine quality paper that had been properly made rather than those of inferior make. It had flowers pressed into it.


    (I see, huh.)


    The corners of Maomaos lips raised up into a grin and she dropped the paper into the tub.


    The previous family heads had looked baffled from the rude way Maomao treated the weirdo tactician. It wasnt baffling; there were times where blood ties were weaker than ties with other people. Conversely, it could also be seen as hateful. The people in question were like that, and yet they were trying to demand something from Maomao. Honestly, their attempts to take the weirdo tactician and his ward as hostages to have Maomao listen to them was more worthless than a mooncake dropped into a puddle.


    It was just annoying to be captured like so, thus she decided to cooperate with them for a little while.


    Maomao was only just abducted.


    It can be said that her job was fully aplished with just that.


    When Maomao was lying on the bed yawning, she heard a loud sound.


    (Just in time, huh)


    Maomao looked at the crumpled paper in the rubbish bin. Being low-quality paper, it had disintegrated as soon as it touched the water. Good paper would retain its shape for longer.


    Maomao opened the door. It wasnt locked; no guards stood outside either. She would walk around on her own, but since she had no idea where she was, she returned to her room and decided to take a nap. They wille to wake her up if they need her.


    Oi, wake up


    She woke up with her hair being messed about. There was a meddlesome middle-aged man. It was Ukyou, the head manservant.


    Maomao yawned. Yourete.


    Thats not the case. Ukyou was wearing dark-coloured clothes. It was the perfect colour to sneak in through the side door of the estate at night. It was tough, you know, he said. I needed to tell the granny first and then theres the personnel. Also, its not like I could leave when Chouu wasnt going to sleep.


    For one who was saying that it was tough, he was making a cool expression.


    In other words, the talks had been settled ever since Rikuson showed up at Maomaos ce. The other party must have been aiming for Maomaos capture while letting Rikuson go. It seems they known about her as a rumour but might not have known who exactly she was. Even when Maomao having a conversation at the pharmacy she hadnt noticed, but there must have been people who were keeping a lookout.


    And so, Maomao made a situation where it was easy for them to know and easy for her to be captured.


    After that conversation, the perceptive Ukyou would understand the reason Maomao secluded herself alone in the shack at least, she thought.


    Hes a very well-bnced man. Its really wasteful that hes working as a manservant in the pleasure district.


    .


    Hm? Whats wrong?


    Since Maomao was staring at Uykou, he peered back at her with a mystified expression.


    nothing. And so, what happened? Maomao asked.


    Fox-dono and his nephew are in another room. They had the free time to draw a go board on the table with ink and y on it. They even went as far as to say that we werete. The nephew who was getting to a hundred loses was relieved to be finally released.


    She could easily imagine it. To be stuck in the same room as that old man even if Rahan was his opponent, she ended up feeling sympathy for him.


    Mm but then, everyone is gathered in the hall, so what do you want to do?


    Isnt it fine if I dont go? Honestly, she didnt want to be in the same ce as that fox sses.


    We cant have that. The nephew is holding down Fox-dono. You have to go. We cant have Fox-dono get violent. Besides


    Besides?


    Ukyou said as if he was putting on airs, Youll understand when youe to take a look. It looks like we fished up something strange.


    Maomao reluctantly headed for the hall as she was told. There were men she had never seen before standing at the entrance of the room most likely Ukyous acquaintances acted as bodyguards at the pleasure district and thugs copsed on the corridor.


    When she entered the room, Maomaos expression immediately twisted.


    MA-O-MA-O!!


    It was the monocle weirdo, punching into the jaws of Rahan who had been holding him down and sweeping aside Rikuson who had showed up unawares. He charged towards Maomao with movements inconceivable for a bastard who would normally strain his back from exercising his unfit body.


    Maomao immediately thrust her hand into her bosom, taking out a small bottle, which she sloshed over the fox bastards face. Just as she thought the fox would crash right onto her, he copsed into a heap at her feet.


    Oi, what did you do? Rahan stoked his chin as he came up to her. There were fine cracks on his sses, but lets not meddle too much.


    Its not a poison so its no problem. Its a secret miracle drug. Maomao returned the small bottle to her bosom.


    A secret miracle drug? Can you mass produce that? Rahan hade to get his teeth into it, seemingly gotten wind of the smell of business.


    Its not that I cant, but its exclusive for this old man.


    To say it simply, it was highly concentrated alcohol. Its already a well-known item; it was effective because the old man was umonly weak to alcohol. However, to think that he would pass out with just a sprinkle over his face, wasnt he weaker than before Maomao scrunched her face. The old man was snoring with a flushed face.


    With this, its quiet.


    Just in case, Maomao opened his eyes and check his pupils for irregrities. There shouldnt be a problem.


    My adoptive father can only be managed by you. Why dont you show your face more often? Rahan said seriously.


    No thanks. Maomao didnt want to see his face at all. It cannot be helped this time. That aside, what are you going to do about this incident?


    Maomao scowled at Rahan.


    Rahan made a show of moving his gaze towards the interior of the room as he stroked this chin again. That point is okay. Since we discovered something very nice.


    WHAT! WHAT IS WITH YOUR SPEECH! FORGET THAT. WHAT ARE YOU UP TO, RAHAN!!


    She heard a hoarse voice. Inside, there was an elderly man the previous family head who had been tied to a chair. Beside him, were Rahans mother and older brother who looked mortified.


    Maomao ogled at the personage who was sitting more to the side of them. that person.


    Didnt I tell you? We fished up something strange, Ukyou said cynically.


    Right there, was a woman d in white. She wore a white veil over her head, looking down as she was shielding her eyes from the nearby light source. The white of her skin and hair overflowed from her dress. Only her pair of eyes were red like ga stones.


    Lady Pai


    There was a wanted person among them. It was really unexpected. It brought aboutughter.


    NOT JUST US, BUT EVEN FAIRY-SAMA! DO YOU FCKERS THINK THAT IT WILL END WITH THIS!


    It was Rahans mother who cried out. Certainly, Maomao had a feeling the woman had such ties to Lady Pai. The womans sash and fan had reminded her of the warding rope at the vige with the water spirit. And besides, like Consort Riishus half-sister, it was a given fact that people who are into divination exist. If Lady Pai is the ringleader who started all those problems, there would be no reason that there wouldnt be the possibility of her being connected to the problem here right now.


    However, seeing as the woman was so taken into it, it was conversely just anti-climatic.


    Lady Pai was tied to a chair, silent.


    Maomao got curious, but she put it aside and looked at the previous family heads people. The three were openly angry, looking as though they wanted to snap at her.


    (Huh? One, two three)


    There were three people there. Rahans father should also be there, but where could he have gone off to?


    It looks like were missing one more person though, she said.


    You dont have to mind the fact that my dad isnt here.


    Dad, Rahan had said. Looks like he still saw his father as his father even with ten-odd years of separation.


    THAT FOOLISH SON! IM CAPTURED AND WHAT IS HE DOING!


    Rahan told her to not mind it, but it seems that its a huge problem for the elderly man.


    Isnt the time to tend the morning glories() now? Rahan said as he looked out the window. He opened the bamboo blind; the morning sun was starting to rise.


    Lady Pai turned her face away; it was too bright for her who sat next to the window.


    Tend the flowers! DONT BULLSHIT ME! WHY ARE YOU ONLY LETTING HIM HAVE THAT MUCH FREEDOM!


    (Hey, hey, hey.)


    Shouldnt it be wont anyonee save me if I get caught? Maomao sat on a chair as she had that question. There was mooncake on the table so she picked up it. Rahans older brother watched her resentfully, but she paid no heed to it.


    (Oh.)


    The mooncake stuffing seemed like out-of-season chestnut. However, it was the most delicious chestnut she had ever tasted. It was sweet and didnt have the sensation of being dried. No, was it chestnut? The texture also resembled beans that had been carefully strained. Even for Maomao who didnt really like sweet food, it was a mooncake with quite a nice vour. Even confectionary shops in the capital rarely release such vours.


    While she was interested, the elderly man moved his mouth.


    EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! GOOD FOR NOTHINGS! A DISGRACE TO THE CLAN!


    The elderly man stamped his feet. It sounded like the floor was going to break apart.


    TO THINK THAT I HAVE AN ELDEST SON WHO CANT TELL FACES APART LIKE A NORMAL PERSON AND A SECOND SON WHO PLAYS FARMER. BOTH WOMBS I SOWED WERE BAD! I HAVE TO GO MAKE ANOTHER ONE, A PROPER ONE!


    The elderly man continued to swear. Everyone around him squinted at his words.


    Maomao ate the mooncake without paying attention. Its actually different to chestnut, she chewed as she wondered what could be inside. Since her throat was parched, she helped herself to some tea.


    EVEN RUOMEN WHO, ON TOP OF NOT EVEN HOLDING A SWORD LIKE A DECENT PERSON, GOT HIMSELF CASTRATED, I DONT HAVE ANY DECENT PEOPLE AROUND ME!


    Maomaos hand stopped moving.


    She gulped down everything in her mouth and stood up with the teapot in hand.


    Maomao went to stand before the elderly man. Then spilt all the tea onto the elderly mans feet.


    WHAT ARE YOU DOING!


    Nothing. I just spilt some tea, Maomao said in a serene voice.


    WERENT YOU STAYING OUT OF IT!


    Yes, I decided to stop. Since I also have a reason. Ill say it once, but if you nder my adoptive father anymore, I prepare boiling water immediately. So please, shut up for a bit.


    WHATS WITH YOUR TONE! WHO DO YOU THINK I AM!?


    A noisy old man whos tied to a chair. A measly old man who cant even avoid tea water, Maomao said with a smile.


    The elderly mans face stiffened. Rahans mother and brothers faces paled.


    Maomao, no more. Stand down. Its fine. Dont say anymore. Even if my adoptive father is quiet now, if you are annoyed, the talks wont proceed, right? Rahan said.


    Rikuson also nodded at the back.


    Ukyou pushed Maomaos shoulders and sat her down. He was carrying a basket with something shes never seen before inside. The thing that looked like a ttened dried daikon was releasing white powder.


    I dunno what this is, but its quite delish.


    After saying that, Ukyou put that enigmatic object into Maomaos mouth. Sweet. And when she chewed it, it got sticky. It was stringy but didnt have a bad texture.


    (The stuffing of the mooncake is this, huh.)


    Maomao scrutinized the object. It was sweet but didnt taste like it used sugar or honey.


    Could it be dried fruit? What kind of fruit is it? She scrutinised it when the door to the entrance opened.


    A gentle middle-aged man with a towel draped over his neck came in. It was Rahans father. She was told that he was tending the morning glories, but he was holding onto some nt stems.


    dear, youre doing such a filthy thing again, Rahans mother said.


    RAKOU! DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, QUICKLY! the elderly man yelled.


    FATHER! Rahans brother also yelled.


    Rahans father set the bundle of stems on the table as he rubbed his face with the towel. She observed it intently. It looked to be some stalk, but she didnt know what they were.


    Rahan had said that this father was tending the morning glories, but it seemed to be something else.


    Rahans father put down the towel. His face, gentle and cid, actually resembled Ruomen in some ways.


    Father, even if I return to the family head seat now, theres no ce for us in the imperial court, Rahans father said in a gentle voice that resembled Ruomen. And besides, its not a good n to be with this Fairy person.


    Dear! What are you saying? Rahans mother said.Didnt Fairy-samas divination see through everything about us!


    Lady Pai was in a daze; it was unknown what she was thinking about.


    Youll easily know that sort of thing from looking at your brows, Rahans father unreservedly dered in a gentle voice. Their son beside them looked like he hit upon something regarding that and gave an indescribable expression.


    Its not that you want to believe the divination, you just want confirmation, right? he continued. And if you break everything, well be right where we started, right?


    WHAT! What everything! Tell me what is enjoyable about this countryside!? Theres no proper store, you cant buy imported goods. There are just fields. Moreover, far from vegetables, its all nonsense grass. TELL ME WHATS LEFT! Rahans mother said in a passionate voice.


    Maomaos ears hurt.


    While theres life, theres hope. You heard about the Shi n, right? The imperial court is still in chaos. I dont know what will happen if we stir up something untactful. Older brother is acknowledged by his majesty even so. What do you think will happen if we take over that person? Itll be a loss if we get crushed by everyone around us.


    Then wouldnt now be the opportunity?


    That was stirred up by Fairy-sama, Rahans father smiled sadly.


    As if he hit the mark, Rahans mother went silent.


    Its fine to feel strongly about that Fairy-sama, but if this gets out, well get beheaded along with her. More than your thinking, it would be a greater sin to shelter that person.


    Thats why you got into contact with me, Dad, Rahan said.


    YOU TWERP! TO DO SUCH A THING WITHOUT TELLING ME! The elderly man stamped his feet again. WERE YOU UNUSUALLY ON BOARD WITH THIS CASE BECAUSE OF THAT!


    . The silence was telling. Rahans father headed towards Rahan.


    The elderly man tried to yell again, but hell be interfering with the talks, so Ukyou came over and gagged him. The elderly man wasnt required in this conversation anymore.


    Will we get med if we hand over this Fairy? Rahans father asked.


    I think it will depend on when you started to shelter her. We spared a lot of personnel to find this maiden, Rahan replied.


    then, what if I say that I will hand you this? Rahans father showed him the bundle of stems he was carrying.


    Whats this?


    A long time ago, I heard that there are some interesting morning glory, where the seedlings are sold for high prices. Its a product from the south. While it looks simr, it seems to be a different flower that it grows roots instead of seeds. Moreover, it didnt bloom flowers for some reason, so I really wanted to make this sessful and widely known.


    Rahans father looked out the window.


    Sinceing here, the fields have be considerably big. I know that flowers bloom very asionally only when certain conditions are met, but I ended up with a strange by-product.


    After saying that, Rahans father picked up the enigmatic foodstuff that Ukyou had brought in.


    Its a root vegetable called sweet potato. Its sweeter than chestnut and can grow even on barren soil. Its likely that its not just me thats cultivating this in this country. I have distributed a small number of seed potatoes to our neighbours who have helped us, but it looks like everyone ate it without growing them. As an item for sale, itll all be ripened by the time they are sent around.


    It looks like the enigmatic foodstuff was a dried version of that potato.


    Could they have employed thugs with money that came from there?


    Rahans dad mentioned that and reflected upon it. Aside from increasing the number of roots, there are also ways to increase the use of this stem. Its already the end of nting season, but if you do it as soon as possible, you might still be able to make it.


    Maomao blinked. Rahan did the same. However, his eyes were shining brightly.


    Rahan did say it, right? That theres nothing that can be used as a countermeasure for the locust gue. Besides, you said that at this point in time, you wanted to get your hands on something useful thats rtively easy to obtain.


    When was it when Maomao proposed the idea of tobo to Jinshi? Jinshi should have gotten proactive in cultivating it. Rahan had seen that, so it would mean that he was asionally keeping in touch with his father.


    (Ill have to revoke it, the fact that he resembles dad. )


    So Rahans father is really Rahans father, huh.


    Maomao looked at the gentle-faced mastermind and had an indescribable feeling. Lets just say that she got a pleasant miscalction on the sweet potatoes.

 Volume 5, Chapter 14: One Other Shadow

    They prefer to grow in barren well-drained soil. There wont be rent failure even if you nt them every year.


    Maomao noted it down on paper.


    The fields were expansive, dense with green leaves.


    To improve the taste, make sure the vines dont get too thick. You can prune the roots that have grown vines. Rahans father gave Maomao a demonstration.


    The neighbouring farmerse to help at the end of the rice nting season. They were paid withst years potatoes. He had said that he sold them after processing them, but seeing the size of the field, he was bound to get excess.


    Why didnt you sell them all? she asked


    That aint my strong suit. He gave an awkward reply. It seems the stock he processed and sold was originally grown for self-consumption, but he had sold them to spread the word to everyone when he realised they were more delicious than expected.


    People liked it, but they thought it was pumpkin or chestnut rather than potato. And not just the potato, you can also eat the stem itself.


    It certainly does resemble pumpkin as well. It was dry for pumpkin, sticky for chestnut. From the looks of the stem, would it taste like butterbur(, fuki. Petasites japonicus)?


    Rather than getting a monopoly, it just seems that this man doesnt know greed.


    Besides, Ill get noisy people if I sold them in a grand scale. It wont go well even if I get Rahans advice.


    He said it indirectly, but he probably meant his rtives. She didnt know about Rahans brother but the elderly man and Rahans mother werepletely against muddy work like this. And yet, they use the money earned from it so if he were to carelessly raise his profits, theres no knowing of what they would use that money for.


    It seems he corresponded with Rahan regrly, but his rtives checked the contents of those letters.


    So thats why you called us this way. Have you not thought about what to do? Rahan said in amazement. He was walking on tiptoes; he seemed to dislike getting his feet muddy.


    You should know that Im not smart enough to go as far as to think about what to do. Otherwise, I wouldnt have moved to the countryside after my name got stained by Rakan-niisan.


    Its a nuisance for the people dragged into this.


    The weirdo tactician had driven the former family head and seeding former family head, his father and half-brother, from the capital and seed the family headship. Then he made his nephew, Rahan, his adopted son. That was all Maomao knew, but it had to be the case. However, it seems that it was good fortune for Rahans father to be driven out.


    This ce is good. The more you till the more fields you get. I could only grow potted nts in the capital.


    Rahans father was smiling so brightly despite being a middle-aged man covered in a shiny sheen of sweat.


    Isnt it great? I might even save starving people, right? Lets fill the country with potatoes!


    He was extremely enthused.


    Is that why you sold out Grandfather? Rahan asked.


    What sold out. The n will be ruined otherwise. That persons pride hasnt changed for ten years. The heck, were just continuing our usual lives. The daily life is boring for Father, its like he swallowed a bitter bug. Rahans fathers expression got strangely cold.


    Grandfather is umting ugly numbers, Rahan said.


    Maomao was between understanding and not understanding the meaning of Rahans words. She imagined that it was likely that it was just that man didnt really have a clean financial standing.


    After noting down most of the cultivation method, she put away her stationery. Rahan calcted the size of the field and how many seedlings it can hold. The cut seedlings were already loaded onto the carriage. When they get watered, theyll grow vines in a couple of days.


    Honestly, if they grow them now, theres no guarantee that they will get a good harvest this year. Like how theres no omnipotent medicine, policies are not perfect. Its only a weighing of the pros and cons and choosing whats more beneficial.


    Maomao squinted at the carriage that was loaded with seedlings. How skilled.


    Yeah, the manservant of Rokushoukan is truly skilled. Seems he borrowed horses from an acquaintance from the neighbouring vige.


    Rahan was in admiration. In other words, Ukyou had arranged for it, not Rahan.


    Maomao put away her notes and left the field.


    Ukyou was speaking to the horse lender before the doors of the estate. The man, who was speaking intimately to the other man as he stroked the horse, was an old timer of Rokushoukan who had been around ever since Maomao was aware of the things around her.


    When the conversation ended, he noticed Maomao and waved at her. Doing well?


    Yeah, doing well, she answered.


    Hepat the bunch of seedings. The horse-drawn carriage had a sun-cover canopy, normally used for travelling with others.


    At any rate, is it fine to return Fox-dono while hes asleep? he asked.


    Hell just be noisy if hes here, right? she replied.


    The weirdo tactician was put onto the first carriage that arrived. It will head straight to the capital. Of course, the talks wont progress with just the weirdo so Rikuson went along. Even though hes still injured and tired, it was unbearable that he was being worked hard again, but he was the right person in the right ce.


    (At any rate.)


    Maomao stared at the head manservant. Ukyou noticed her gaze and scratched his cheek.


    Oi, oi, what is it? Is there something on my face? he asked.


    Medium build, capable, quick-witted. Hes popr with women, but if she remembered properly, hes married. He had taken in a retired courtesan whos past her prime. He likes children and often ys with Chouu and the kamuro. A long time ago, he also piggybacked Maomao many times.


    Im so used to him, so how did I not realise, Maomao thought.


    Ukyou is too capable.


    And he did really well this time as well,ing across Lady Pai who was being sheltered in this estate by chance.


    Fox-donos little brother is such a good person. He gave us this as a souvenir.


    Ukyou was carrying a small bottle on the palm of his hand. He removed the lid and stirred it with chopsticks. He pulled out a thread of something sticky.


    Its candy made from boiling that potato. The kids will be delighted.


    He licked the candy with a carefree smile. He thrust the chopstick in Maomaos direction, and she shook her head.


    She thought that he was always soft on Chouu, but was she unable to change her thoughts on this?


    Chouus existence is under the watchful eye of the imperial court. Maomao had met the watcher many times, but they werent around twenty-four seven.


    Rather, wasnt it Ukyou whos around him for longer?


    Then she recalled the time she treated Rikusons injuries. Ukyou had taken over midway. He should have already known that Maomao was fine with looking at the bottom half of patients after all this time. Was he trying to cover up for Rikuson? That was what she thought, but it was that case in a different meaning.


    If there was something that cannot be shown to Maomao.


    Speaking of interest, her interest piqued. However, she knew that it was a foolish n to pursue that. But she couldnt restrain her curiosity.


    Thats why she tried toeing the line.


    Why is Ukyou working as a guard at Rokushoukan? There are better jobs out there.


    Hahaha, what are you talking about now? Ukyou said and let out a sigh. I like this job. Let me keep going on with it for a bit longer.


    Maomao replied yeah sure at the words that could be taken either way.


    In short, its something like that.


    The current emperor has a cunning personality. Its likely that the subordinates he has on hand arent just officials.


    The ears of his majesty that have been scattered all over the country probably obtained information while living extremely normal lives.


    Its quite amusing to blow up this wild idea.


    They might be in brothels that high-ss bureaucrats frequent, and they might be among the direct subordinates of crafty high officials. And depending on the person, they will take it upon themselves to keep that knowledge inside.


    Working with a face of innocence in normal times, and moving only when the situation calls for it.


    Well then, lets stop here with the cheap plotline.


    Whats going to happen to that Lady Pai? she asked.


    Lady Pai was once again taken away to the capital. She had two guards escorting her. However, Maomao was caught up on the fact that thedy was alone in this estate.


    And Lady Pai had not said a word at all this time.


    Well, you know. Its nothing I should know about, Ukyou said, putting down the jar of starch syrup.


    (Whats going to happen?)


    Maomao sat in the carriage, then picked a sweet potato vine and bit into it. It hasnt been cooked, so of course it wasnt tasty.

 Volume 5, Chapter 15: The Cat And The Artist

    It was humid in the room. Rain fell outside, with no signs of stopping. And yet, a young master of arge business and his prostitute was walking under an umbre with a sense of refinement. She was probably against getting her clothes wet, but she wont let the chance to go outside escape her. The courtesans range of activity is small the brothel is the cage and the courtesans the birds.


    The cuckoos are calling.


    It was Meimei who was looking at the courtesan walking outside with a look of envy. Her shapely lips were eating something. She had dried sweet potato in her hand.


    What a nuisance.


    Rahans father, who spoke in a carefree voice, had Maomao carry back a cloth-bag full of dried potatoes. There were still some raw potatoes left, but they were already sprouted so she was told the taste wasnt as good. Well, she also received those raw potatoes, but it seems the processed version was more popr.


    Its delicious when it softens after you toast it a little. The sweetness is different from sweets made from sugar or honey.


    Rahans father was the only one who sent Maomao off. The elderly man, Rahans mother and his brother were nowhere to be seen. Since the elderly man seemed to have various issues, he might have to be properly observed from now on.


    As for Rahans mother, if she was younger she might have been able to divorce, Maomao thought. It was likely that she was an arranged marriage prepared by the elderly man. It appeared to be the case, seeing how she was siding with the elderly man.


    As for Rahans brother, yeah, theres nothing to be said. If he broke himself off from the elderly man, he seems to be the type that can be a very normal government official, but whether the person himself wanted that path was a different matter. For some reason, it seems like he has an inferiorityplex towards his younger brother Rahan was it her imagination? Though this didnt matter to Maomao either way.


    Neechan, is it okay to not sleep? Maomao asked.


    Meimei should have been workingst night. She had finished her afterwork bath. Her hair was still wet. Sleep when its time to sleep that too was a courtesans job. It was also the same for the high-ss courtesan Meimei; she starts her practice to polish her arts at noon.


    Meimei was eating the potato listlessly. She stared at Maomao with her eyes narrowed. You see, yesterday, Master(, danna-sama. Means Husband, Patron, or Master.), he


    Master, he?


    There should be around three of Meimeis customers that she calls Master. All of them like board games. One is a government official and the other two are merchants, she thought.


    saide with me.


    Come with me in other words, Ill take you home. If he had gone out of his way to say that, it didnt mean an outing with him.


    Redemption? Maomao asked.


    like so, Meimei replied.


    Redemption is the same as a marriage for a courtesan. Its an opportunity to leave the cage that is known as the brothel.


    However, Meimei wasnt in high spirits.


    A good for nothing guest? Maomao asked.


    Nothing of the sort.


    The madam against it?


    Shes over the moon.


    Then it shouldnt be a problem, but seeing how its something that will decide the rest of her life, it had to be something that Meimei cant decide easily. Once you decide, you cant easily go back.


    Though she is still a popr courtesan now, it will not be the case in a couple of years. From the issue where courtesans and age being something that goes hand in hand, she was at the age where it would be the best time to retire.


    The other party is already widowed, but he has children.


    (Ahh, its the merchant.)


    One is still young, so its the other one. If she remembered properly, its therge patron who deals with wine.


    Ill be against it, if thats the case, Maomao said.


    I know right, Meimei agreed.


    The world will gossip if the second wife of arge patron is a courtesan. More than that, if the children have grown up, its a given that they will oppose.


    Master said that hell have a different house prepared, though.


    That cant be helped since she lived as a courtesan. You can already say that its her work. But Meimei should have a clear idea of the differences for that much.


    Its just that, if Meimei gets redeemed, she wont be able toe to Rokushoukan anymore. Meimei, who is emotional even among the prostitutes, might be bothered about that.


    Besides, even if she leaves the cage that is known as the brothel, itll be the same if she goes into a new cage after that.


    Maomao didnt know if she will ever see Meimei again after this.


    Among mean masters, there are those that see the courtesans they redeemed as their property and hit and kick them. Several years ago, a man who redeemed a courtesan at another brothel strode inside to say, How dare you sell me a weak one. Give me a new one. Maomao had to hold herself back from throwing stones at him; she saw officials arrest him.


    Maomao wanted Meimei to find happiness. But, the courtesan will be going to a ce where she couldnt dere that with utmost certainty.


    Meimei seemed to have noticed that Maomaos expression had be slightly mncholic. Though her face doesnt really change much, people will know when they see it.


    Come on. Its probably, not that bad. If its bad, the madam would have seen through it, Meimei said, and ruffled Maomaos head. The madams inspection is strict. The talks wont go strange, and its not like its urgent.


    By the way, wheres the pipsqueak? Meimei changed the topic.


    I dont know about Chouu. Ukyou or Sazen is probably watching him.


    Is that so? I wanted him to draw me something.


    P-rn? (T/N: idk if this word is censored on this site, so just in case ;D)


    Meimei pinched Maomaos cheek with a smile. Ah crap, this type of joke is for Pairin-neechan.


    Maomao rubbed her reddened cheeks. I thought everyone was going to get tired of it soon, but its been going on for an unexpectantly long time.She thought that Chouu drawing portraits of courtesans and manservants and selling them to earn money was peculiar.


    my, that child is a big deal. Here.


    Meimei went out of the pharmacy and came back carrying something from the back of the clerk desk. It was a fan made from bamboo frames. It was pasted on with high-quality paper that had a painting of a cat ying with a ball. Could maomao be the model the figure of the yful calico cat was drawn with few lines but was strangely lively.


    When I thought that the guests for portraits were decreasing, he came out with this. There are many courtesans who like cats. I thought he was clinging to maomao for the entire day, then he drew such a thing.


    .


    What a crafty kid.


    Moreover, the paper on this fan was new despite the age of the frames. It seems it was repapered with what the quacks hometown had sent over. The old fan looked like it was remade in other words, he got it for peanuts.


    He really is crafty.


    However, it was said that children grow quickly, but as far as she could see with the painting on the fan, she felt Chouus artistic skills had gone up quite a bit. She felt his drawings before were more of putting down exactly what he saw.


    That reminds me, Meimei said. That child seems to be studying under an artist.


    Maomao knitted her brows. first time Ive heard about it, that.


    It was when you went on a long journey to the West. Arge patron customer brought him over. Said that hes an up-anding artist.


    Its amon story. It wasnt unusual for the wealthy to buy paintings and ceramics as a hobby. And they cut off the artists who create what they like when they are unsatisfied with it. Its a refined hobby people who have money in excess can do.


    But theres more, she added. He was introduced to Joga.


    Woah.


    This is one of the Three Princesses of Rokushoukan, a great man hater while being a courtesan. She holds conversations on poems and civil examinations with officials and students, but paintings were a little removed from Jogas interests.


    Moreover, wasnt that artist said to be good at drawing beauties? Meimeiughed and pped her hands, the mncholic expression she had just then suddenly changed.


    Joga-nee, could she be furious? Maomao asked.


    Yeah, shes furious. So furious she scribbled poems. A foolish new courtesan copied thatpletely and sent it to a guest, so its going to be a wild ride after this.


    Joga is talented in writing poetry. But you need to be careful about the things she writes when shes in a fit of anger. The words look beautiful at a nce, but its chockful of poison. She cannot be allowed to write letters requested by guests when she is angry. In those times, the madam inspects the letters before she sends them.


    The amorous Pairin is a problem, but conversely, Joga is also one.


    Before she knew it, maomao had drawn close to Meimeis feet. It raised a wheedling cry, begging for treats.


    Meimei held it up and ced it on her knee. She stroked its chin.


    And so, is Chouu studying under that artist? Maomao asked.


    Yeah. It seems Joga really wanted to send him lots of hate letters so she had Chouu do the runs.


    It seems therge patron really wanted to have a portrait of Joga drawn up. The artist wanted to draw a simple sketch at the ce then draw up a clean copy for therge patronter, but Joga isnt nice enough to give him a full look of her face without an introduction.


    She was told therge patron and the artist unrelentingly wrote down the address, asking her to get in touch.


    Normally, a letter would be given to kamuro, who, apanied by manservants, would deliver them to guests. Of course, there was no way they can take hate letters, so Joga called forChouu to deliver them.


    It was fine that Chouu went to deliver the letter, but he took a liking to the artists paintings and started to hang out there.


    He might be there today too, Meimei said.


    I told him that he cant go outside already.


    Maomao wanted to tell Chouu to try put himself into his minders shoes. If something were to happen, it would be most certainly troubling to deal with it.


    And then, in that case,


    Ooooi, Maomao.


    She heard Ukyou call out.


    Maomao got up, stepped over maomao that was showing its belly begging for treats and looked towards the voice. What is it?


    Ukyou looked somewhat harried. No, its Chouu.


    Did he do something again? Maomao frowned, saying I told you so.


    About that, can youe with for now?


    Ukyou pulled her hand.


    His acquaintance looks like hes going to die, he said.

 Volume 5, Chapter 16: The Spoiled Xianbing

    Maomao was taken to the residential district in the centre of the capital. Public order improves as you go north, so the rows of houses around here were middle-ss.


    There was an old house there. It was decentlyrge, but the roof tiles were chipped and its bamboo frames were showing through the cracks in the mud walls.


    Standing at the entranceway was a man she has seen many times before. It was Chouus observer, so she pretended as if she had never seen him before.


    Maomao entered the rundown house.


    (Oooh!?)


    Despite the rundown exterior of the house, its interior was cleaner than expected. That wasnt what surprised her, however.


    The walls were painted white. There was a painting drawn over the ster.


    One side of the walls had the scene of a peach garden. Beautiful maidens, not three warriors, were biting into those peaches. With their faces that were round like peaches, ck hair like pitch, and cherry-like lips with white teeth peeking out, they looked very vibrant. It was a painting of the fairies of the Peach Blossom Spring(, tougenkyou or tao yuan xiang. A utopia referenced in a Chinese fable, a vige hidden within a forest of peach trees).


    She heard the artist was talented in drawing beauties, but she never had thought that he would be this good.


    Maomao studied the wall. There was a peculiar sheen on the surface of the painted wall. This type of painting was somewhat unlike what she was familiar with.


    When she tried to study it, there was the sound of footsteps.


    Oi, Freckles! What are you doing! Come look, hurry!


    Chouu had rushed over with a pale face.


    (Not good, not good.)


    It was Maomaos bad habit to get distracted by things that catch her attention. Chouu pulled her deeper into the house. What appears to be the living room had a colourful assortment of pigment-like powders, eggshells for some reason, white powder that seemed to be ster, and a mixture of those scattered all over the floor.


    There was acouch in the middle of the room. A man was lying down on it. There was another man beside him, watching in concern. The prone man was unshaven, face so pale it looked white. His fingertips were stained with colours or something. The man beside him had a tidy appearance, but his hands were simrly stained.


    Give Teacher() a check-up, Chouu said.


    Hes young to be called Teacher, but he must be the aforementioned up-anding artist. There was a pail beside the couch. There was vomit in it.


    Maomao looked at the man. His limbs were trembling. She opened his eyes, looked at his pupils, then took his pulse.


    As far as she could see, it looked to be some kind of food poisoning?


    Symptoms? she asked.


    Hes been vomiting and getting diarrhoea nonstop, Chouu said.


    Hes been suffering ever since. He looked cold so weid him down, though, the man who was standing added.


    This man is? Maomao asked.


    Hes Teachers workmate! Forget that, hurry, hurry!


    Even if he told her to hurry up, the things Maomao could do were limited. If she didnt know what the poison was, she didnt know how she could treat him. However, if the mans continuously getting diarrhoea and vomiting, there is something he certainly wont have enough of.


    Chouu, get me water, salt and sugar. If theres none in this house, get it from elsewhere. Maomao threw the money bag from her bosom to Chouu. The boy ran out of the house with a Gotcha.


    Ill borrow the kitchen. Maomao went inside. She peered into the kettle and checked if the water had gone bad. In truth, she wanted to boil it, but there probably wasnt time for that. Is this unboiled water?


    It was bought from the drinking water vendor yesterday, so it should still be good.


    Bought water should be fine. She considered the chance of having loose bowels from drinking unboiled water was slim. Of course, its the case with properly checked water, but as far as Maomao tasted with the water shedled out, there was no strange vour.


    The house looked rundown on the outside, but it seemed affluent enough based on the water they bought.


    Maomao looked at the man who was in the same profession. How this happened, can you exin to me?


    Yeah. The man, while flustered, carried a chair over to Maomao. Then he started to speak with frequent pauses. Its that guys bad habit, to have no qualms about eating spoiled food. I think, thats probably the cause.


    Seems it really was the food poisoning she imagined.


    There was xianbing(, ), he ate that. It looked like it was spoiled, so we didnt eat it, but this guy said that its edible if you grill it, and then ended up eating it.


    (T/N: Oyaki in Japanese, Xianbing in Chinese: A ttened round wheat flour pastry/pie stuffed with sweet or savoury filling like meat, vegetables, red bean, thats been grilled, baked or panfried. Kinda like a meat pie. This chapter gives the Chinese term andbels it with the Japanese equivalent. Again, seeing how this is in a Chinese setting (like how I chose mahua over karintou back in volume 3), Ill stick with the Chinese term. Unless you guys would prefer that I just call it meat pie instead?)


    Of course, it was spoiled. Its not like old food can get back to normal after you grill it. The poison stays in the spoiled food.


    Geez, what going to happen now. We wont make it in time to finish the product.


    The man touched therge board that was leaning against the wall. The board was painted white. There was a woman drawn lightly on it. It would be then coloured over withyers of paint. As the colours be more vivid, the painting of the woman would no doubt look like she was alive.


    Even though they told us to finish this up within ten days.


    Within ten days? she asked.


    It even had a deadline?


    Im back!


    Chouu returned. Maomao took the salt and sugar he brought over.


    She dissolved the salt and sugar in the water she prepared. She then took out a cloth from her belongings and soaked it in the mixture. She had the man drink by wetting his lips. She had him drink to hydrate him.


    She agonised over whether it be better to warm up his body or to have the fever run its course. For the time being, his sweat wont absorbpletely with his dirty clothes. She prepared clothes that could absorb sweat and changed him into them.


    It was also terrible to have him sleep on the couch, so she prepared him a proper bed and medicine for abdominal pain.


    During the course of that, he vomited twice. Nothing really came out; the stink of bile filledthe entire room.


    Probably thanks to the repeated hydration as she wiped his sweat, when night came around, he stabilised and the tremors also lessened.


    By that time, Maomao, Chouu and the man from the same profession werepletely exhausted. This house had nothing else aside from art materials, just thinking that a single bed was enough, so they had to borrow from the neighbours.


    Drained, Maomao and Chouu leaned against a chair that had been carried over from another room. The couch the owner of this house had been sleeping on was empty, but honestly, until its cleaned properly, it wasnt in the state to be used.


    Frecklesis he saved? Chouu asked.


    Probably. She couldnt state it with utmost certainty. Its likely that he will recover his consciousness soon. However, he shouldnt be allowed to move for a while and will have to eat something thats easy to digest. Even if she were to make thin rice gruel, he didnt have rice at all, so they needed to get supplies. There wasnt a proper pot either.


    The rice and y pot, Ill bring it from my house. The man who read the atmosphere left the house. Its rough even though hes tired. Is he that close to the owner of this house?


    What does the house owner normally eat?


    Maomao spoke to herself, and Chouu answered.


    It looks like Teacher always buys from food carts, or he gets something from the neighbourhood. It was xianbing today.


    Hmmm, then was that what he ate this time? Maomao asked.


    Chouus face contorted magnificently.


    Whats wrong?


    No, I just remembered what we ate today. We all ate the xianbing together, that uncle, Teacher and I. It was bad so I spat it out immediately though. But, I thought it was strange from the start.


    Speaking of whats strange, it seems this Teacher guy said, Did I have something like this at home? when he looked at the xianbing that wasid out on the table. You would certainly get uneasy from that first point, but she was told that he rmended it to Chouu and that man who hade to his house.


    Anyways, I would be happy if I get treated to anything if he has something, but he has a lot of questionable things that makes you wonder if its edible. Chouu was also shocked. It seems its true that a lot of those so-called artists are wierdos.


    Maomao rested her elbow on the armrest and braced her chin. You often, you know, ate things like that.


    I mean, he said that Uncle also ate it, and it looked delicious.


    Chouuis a glutton, so if theres anything edible, he would put it in his mouth.


    But, the xianbing seemed like it had gone off, so it was super bitter.


    bitter?


    Yeah, it was so bad I spat it out. Uncle also spat it out.


    (Bitter, but it looked delicious?)


    Maomao crossed her arms and tilted her head. Hey, it was bitter? Not sour?


    It was bitter. You wouldnt think its sour.


    Then, did the filling have a strange smell?


    If there was, he probably wouldnt eat it. Chouu took off his shoes and swung his legs. The room was ventted with the window open, but it was somehow humid. It also got dark outside, so she lit amp that had toppled over in that area. Not just paints, does this Teacher guy like imported things? It was an unusual lighting equipment in this region, but it used fish oil so she was used to the stench. Its troubling since maomao had been licking oil recently.


    The filling inside, was it stringy? Sticky? she asked.


    Sticky? Now that you mention it


    Seems he had hit upon of something.


    It may have been a little slimy. Im not too sure since I spat it out immediately, with it being bitter. Uncle said that it was rotten, and said to spit it out quickly. Soon after that, I rinsed my mouth and drank it all down.


    Maomao tilted her head at the strangeness of it. Then, what about the leftovers of what you ate?


    We chucked it. Theres abin outside. I threw it there. Teacher got angry though.


    When Maomao heard that, she picked up themp and went out of the house. Then she looked at the wooden box that had been ced outside.


    There was still food waste inside the stinky wooden box. There were two xianbing at the very top of the pile. It was a good thing that it hadnt been collected for livestock feeding yet.


    Woah! What are you doing! Thats disgusting! Chouu said, looking at Maomao who was rummaging through the scraps. Maomao paid no heed to him, picking up a filthy xianbing with her bare hands and split them. It was filled with minced pork and several kinds of vegetables. Then she broke it apart to check what was inside.


    Freckles, dont smile while youre looking through food waste. Its really scary.


    It seems she had smiled before she realised it. Maomao smiling in other words, it meant that.


    Did your Teacher guy grill and eat this?


    Yeah, he has no sense of taste. Absolutely. Theres no way something this bitter would go away after you grill it. And yet he was saying its delicious.


    Her confidence grew. Hey, that guy you call Uncle, what did hee today for?


    he probably came to stop Teacher. Teacher said that hell be going on a journey as soon as he finishes his next job. Chouu looked down in disappointment.


    Journey?


    Its like, a long time ago, he studied painting in the West. And he said that he saw a beauty he could never forget that time, and that hes still only drawing paintings of women.


    (West?)


    Certainly, with both themp and the paints, there were a lot of things that had a foreign air to it.


    Though Uncle said that theres no way the person Teacher saw twenty years ago is still alive, he still really wanted to see her.


    Twenty years is a long time; any beauty isnt immune to ageing. If that didnt happen, she would be either a fairy or a demon.


    Wh-what are you doing!


    Speaking of the devil, the man had returned with rice and a pot. It must be a strange sight to see Maomao covered in trash in the dark. Moreover, half her face was lit up.


    Maomao, while holding onto food waste with both hands, smiled at the man. Then she looked at Chouu. Chouu,you should go back already. It should be about time the manservant is here for you.


    She expected that Ukyou, who would be worried about them, woulde around to pick them up when it got dark. If he had work, he would probably leave it to someone else.


    What, so suddenly?


    Arent you tired? Sleep until someonees to pick you up.


    .Freckles, you go wash your hands.


    He didnt object. In other words, hes sleepy.


    The boy went inside the house yawning.


    What did you do? The man looked at Maomao, entranced. No, he was looking at the food waste in her hands.


    After I wash my hands, can I have a chat with you? Maomao put down the trash and headed to the well.


    Maomao and the man sat on the chairs in the kitchen. Chouu and his teacher slept in the room next door.


    What do you want to talk about?


    How much do you know about poisonous mushrooms?


    that came out of nowhere. The mans gaze strayed from Maomao.


    There were several things that she thought was strange.


    She would normally associate spoge with sour foods. Certainly, there might be food that would taste bitter when it is spoiled, but can you proim that its spoiled?


    It was so bitter it made you vomit, and yet why was the teacher fine with it?


    Also, where did the bad xianbinge from?


    Did you know? Among mushrooms, there are those that are bitter when they are raw, and loses that vour when it is heated. Moreover, there is a lot of food poisoning in this season with poisonous mushrooms.


    Its a mushroom that is frequently mistaken with edible mushrooms. The surface is a little shiny. It matched with Chouus testimony and in actuality, the xianbing was filled with mushrooms that looked like that.


    If it was bought from the food cart, it would have already caused a riot on the streets.


    If it was received from the neighbourhood, she hasnt heard any news about someone copsing from stomach pain anyway. If there was such a thing, this house should also be informed of it.


    In that case.


    Did someone bring over the xianbing? Maomao looked at the painting that was all over the wall. All were beauties that resembled gorgeous fairies. Were each modelled after someone they all had their own individuality.


    Now, it was close to the time the teacher would close his business. The teacher said that when thats over, hell go on a journey to the west. This man tried to stop him.


    He called as a worker of the same profession, but this man didnt have much of the so-called air of an artist.


    What are you trying to say? Isnt this just food poisoning? the man asked.


    Yes, it is food poisoning. Caused by mushrooms.


    The xianbing werent spoiled. They were just poisoned from the start.


    the poison was stronger than I thought.


    The man had an honest personality. It was a deration that could be taken as a confession. Maomao was a little relieved over that. She wondered what would happen if he were to go crazy. Although, if anything happened to Maomao, the someone who watched Chouu would surely do something, she thought.


    All of the paintings here are splendid. Maomao squinted at the wall painting. If there was a certain beauty in that, he would blend in with them without feeling out of ce, huh an unrted thought came to her mind. There are even merchants that want to store them, so if you finish up themissioned painting, you can probably get a lot of money.


    If we dont finish it up, other ces wouldnt offer that much, you see, he answered.


    If he were to journey to the West, he would also need funds, but more than that, he would need apanion he can count on.


    Yeah, the matter has been settled half a year ago. Its since he doesnt know many more months will it take if he let this chance escape him.


    What the man wanted to do, was to poison the teacher. In order to dy the appointed day using that as the reason. The journey to the west it was to wipe that te clean.


    Ahhh, its really the worst. I really thought he was going to die. He was clutching his head, saying please dont die.


    Dont you have a more gentle poison?


    Its weird to call it a gentle poison, but its like that, Maomao thought.


    His stomach is stronger than iron, the man answered.


    To consider that he can eat anything if he grilled it it seemed like he wanted to build an iron stomach.


    Thats why, to pretend to get food poisoning, he purposely used Chouu. Upon having a third party recognise the xianbing as spoiled, if he were to upset his stomach, they wouldnt think it is a mere poisoning.


    Maomao was shocked. In that case, wouldnt it be fine you talked about it instead?


    Talking. I did that so many times already.


    The man had said he painted, but in truth, he was no more than the teachers painting assistant. He mixed the paints, bought materials and looked for merchants who would buy art from them.


    Im just like a mere attendant. If hes gone, Ill be a nobody.


    Is that so?


    Certainly, the teacher is a talented artist, but he iscking in something as a person. This kind of human will end up dying by the roadside if left alone. A person who supports him like so is important.


    Its just that, I know various things from talking to merchants a lot.


    That the strange movements present in the western region, was no more than just a precursor stage. But, if it were true, it would be better to stay quiet right now.


    When I did so, he said: then itll be bad if I dont go now.


    With his feelings of going to the west unchanged, the artist made steady preparations. Even though hes a person who cant even prepare rice properly.


    The man slowly got up from his chair. And then he moved to the room next door. Maomao followed after him. There was a singlerge board in the dark room. It was covered by a white cloth.


    He said that he wanted to finish this painting this time once and for all. The man took off the cloth.


    this is?


    Seems to be the fairy he saw in the West.


    (How did ite to this?)


    Maomao broke out in cold sweat. She wanted this story to be over already. But in actuality, it seems it was still connected.


    He said that its the priestess he saw in Shaou.


    And painted there, was a beauty with white hair and red eyes.

 Volume 5, Chapter 17: Consort Riishus Turning Point Former Part

    You dont know what things are connected in this world.


    It was unavoidable that Maomao was bothered about the white woman painted by the popr artist. She looked so much like Lady Pai that she couldnt be anyone else.


    (Is my mind ying tricks on me? I want it to be my imagination.)


    Lady Pai was pretty much already taken into custody. There was no need for Maomao to be hung up on her anymore after this.


    Jinshi and his people had already done various things in regards to the locust issue. They also had hardy nts in the form of sweet potatoes.


    It was about time for Maomao to not be worried about anything. It wouldnt be strange for her to be working as an exceptionally normal pharmacist now either.


    It was all the more mysterious that problems keeping up for some reason.


    The letter came not even ten days since the artists food poisoning incident, and it wasnt even two months since she came back from the West.


    Come on. Take this.


    It was a cold Rokushoukan courtesan who had handed it to her. Apparently, some messenger hade around while she was out shopping in town. Though the identity of the sender wasnt written, it was imbued with the scent of incense instead. Those who did that among Maomaos acquaintances were limited.


    As expected, Jinshi was the sender, but the contents of the letter couldnt be regarded as refined at all.


    Consort Riishu is to be punished.


    For him to write something like this out of the blue, Maomaos eyes could only widen in surprise.


    The circumstances of the matter were as follows:


    Consort Riishu had headed to the West. It had been to fulfil her duty as a consort, but she had left the inner pce for a prolonged period of timethis gave rise to various issues. She may have been kept under close observation, but to say it frankly, the moment she stepped out of the flower garden known as the inner pce, the chance of her mixing with seeds from elsewhere shoots up.


    Thus, when Consort Riishu returned to the capital, she wasnt able to return to the inner pce immediately. For a short while, the same ritual she did before she left needed to be performedjust to make sure.


    Maidservants like Maomao could enter the inner pce rtively easily, only requiring the minimum etiquette and a check to see if they were pregnant.


    For high ranking consorts, however, it was more bothersome. They not only need to perform some ritual, but also seclude themselves in a shrine in a way to freshly purify their bodies. This takes around a month, so it should already be over by now.


    Its troubling.


    Jinshi made an expression of exhaustion under his mask. It was sweltering to be shut up inside the cramped pharmacy, so she got the madam to prepare a room for them again. Normally it would just be the two of them, but Basen was present in the corner of the room today. He was sitting stiffly with his usual sour-faced look.


    (Its kinda easy to do and hard to do.)


    If she was alone with Jinshi, its troubling when he would try to touch her weirdly and strangely, but if there was someone watching, Maomao couldnt easily sit however she liked. Jinshi being Jinshi looked at Basen in annoyance, but the other man was sitting silently.


    Was Basen watching them so Jinshi doesnt do anything to Maomao?


    No, or was it?


    It seems it had something to do with Jinshis words of Its troubling.


    Her monthly cycle hasnte, Jinshi said.


    I see, Maomao replied.


    It was said the reason Consort Riishu couldnt return to the inner pce had to do with herte period.


    Maomao understood it from the bottom of her heart. The inner pce was made solely for the emperor. It was the goal of the flowers inside to bear fruit with the emperor.


    Amid that, it will be a bit of a problem for a consort who had left the inner pce for a prolonged amount of time to have ate period.


    I dont think Consort Riishu would ever be unfaithful, Maomao said.


    I know that, but its just in case. At this rate, shell be held under suspicion. Even if that wasnt the case, she wont be able to return to the inner pce, Jinshi replied.


    When you consider the structure of the inner pce, the part where it is the high ranking consorts job to give birth to children is important. It may be unfeeling, but the consorts duty wouldnt be aplished if it wasnt the caseits that kind of ce.


    Shes still young too. Isnt it normally irregr at her age? Maomao said.


    However, it hasnte for two months already, Jinshi countered.


    Maomao and Jinshi continued their discussion.


    Basen cast his eyes down and was trembling for some reason.


    Since she seems to have bad blood cirction, can you treat it with medicine? If it doesnt work, we can also include massages. It seems her bowel movement has gotten worse too.


    Yeah, you know it well. That way is better, but the problem lies with the court physicians. Theres only one of that sort in the inner pce.


    If thats the case, I wonder if we can use my adoptive father.


    Thats true. That would be the best option.


    For no particr reason, Basen looked up in the middle of the conversation. He was biting his lips and his face was flushed pure red. J-Jinshi-sama.


    What is it? The beautiful noble, unperturbed, looked at Basen who was as red as a ground tomato.


    H-how, can you talk about such things with a straight face?


    Talk about what with a straight face? Jinshi tilted his head in puzzlement.


    Maomao understood what Basen was trying to say.


    Jinshi had been working among women in the inner pce for a long time. In a certain meaning, she could understand that he needed to talk about things only privy to women.


    But.


    A normal gentleman, wouldnt speak so boldly, about a womans monthly thing, Basen said.


    Ah, Jinshi said.


    I just saying it incidentally Maomao said.


    Since he was talking so boldly about it in such detail


    (Its kinda gross.)


    What of it if he had somehow slipped his tongue? Certainly, its more helpful to know a bit than nothing at all, but its also troubling if he knew too much. Since he wasnt a court physician.


    She couldnt say that out so she shut her mouth, but Jinshi drew closer to Maomao.


    Oi, did you say something just now? he asked.


    I didnt say anything in particr.


    When Maomao turned her face away, Jinshi drew even closer.


    Dont lie to me. What did you say?


    I didnt say anything.


    Tell me honestly!


    Hes persistent. Maomao narrowed her eyes.


    If he was asking this much, she would have no other choice than to say it.


    And since he was so pointlessly close as he was asking her, Maomaos expression also stiffened. She bent down to get away from Jinshi and he was now looking at her from higher above.


    Thus, upon the piling of coincidences, it can be said that what Maomao said was an inevitable ident. It was that, but


    Its gross, she said.


    Jinshi and Basens expression froze.


    To say it again, it was an inevitable ident.


    Maomao had no malice. It was just an ident since Jinshi was looking down on her, so she narrowed her eyes and uttered those words.


    However.


    When she looked at the two men who became stone so brittle they could crumble with a push, Maomao wondered if she had done something again.


    The next letter she got a few dayster was from her adoptive father Ruomen. Looks like Jinshi had promptly made the arrangements to send Ruomen to Consort Riishu.


    It appears that despite his hopelessly darkened expression when he went back the other day, he did his work properly.


    The letter mentioned that Ruomen got Consort Riishu to drink medicine, but there was nothing else he could do beyond that.


    Though the letter was only a summary, it seems the maids allowed him to do palpation since he was a former eunuch.


    The maids mentioned here wasnt the head maid but the other haughty maids.


    (Its better to bring it to a close as soon as possible.)


    The check for her virginity was the quickest. Consort Riishu shouldnt have attended the emperor yet, so she should clear herself of the suspicion of infidelity at least if she proves her virginity.


    However, when you consider the method to determine that, it didnt matter if the one checking was a eunuchthere would be resistance.


    There was also the means to ask for some midwife, but they were talking about Consort Riishu she would faint.


    For the time being, Consort Riishus irregr period should be due to exhaustion from her long journey, so it was believed that if she rested well and improved her blood cirction, she would be cured in no time.


    That was what she thought.


    It was another five day after when Consort Riishu was ced into house arrest.


    It seems the medicine wasnt useful and she remained irregr in the end. So it was pitiful that she got ced into house arrest for that, but speaking of how it turned out this way, the higher up have various thoughts, she thought.


    However, there was a person who had run over, unable to ept it. A guest hade to Maomaos pharmacy.


    I cant ept it.


    It was Basen, mouth twisted and brows drawn together.


    (Its not like I dont understand what he cant ept.)


    However, why was he at Maomaos ce? Hes absolutely interfering with her work.


    How did it turn out like this!


    Though he wasining, he was ncing out the window of the pharmacy probably because he was afraid of Pairin-neechan. The man who still had his important thing Basen, twenty-years-old.


    Even if you ask me about this, she said.


    Why is Jinshi-sama also saying nothing in regards to her poor treatment?


    (Listen to me already.)


    Maomao narrowed her eyes at Basen. She wondered if she could call the madam to assemble courtesans and give him some pseudo inner pce experience. It was vomit-inducing for Maomao who knew the inner pce so well to call it unpleasant, but apparently, for the wealthy who know nothing about it, its a paradise not unlike the Peach Blossom Spring. It seems the madam got carried away and passed it off by saying, Well show you the techniques of an inner pce returner, to cheat people of their money. Of course, the inner pce returner in question was Maomao, but she hardly touched anything regarding that. There was this one time


    Howzit?


    Isnt it good?


    where they had that exchange, but that was still easy-going.


    In reality, as one who returned from the inner pce, the very first thing that came to her mind was the eunuchs. That had to be omitted in its entirety. If the point was to create a customers desire, the real thing didnt matter.


    Well then, returning to the conversation.


    Then, what does Basen-sama wish to do about it?


    Wh-what, you say.?


    He suddenly trailed off. She would still understand if he was giving advice and words of support instead of saying you have to do whatever in a certain way, but it was meaningless if he was just grumbling about it without knowing what he wanted to do.


    Maomao suddenly decided to speak of what she wanted to ask Basen now. Is there a reason as to why Basen-sama is supporting Consort-Riishu?


    that is.


    Maomao also knew the answer. But she took it upon herself to say it out. It is becauseBasen-sama is Jinshi-samas retainer, that you are backing a specific consort for Jinshi-samas sake?


    She thought the incident where Consort Riishu got bestowed to Jinshi was stirred up by the U n. Honestly, he wasnt keen from the get-go, and he wouldnt even think of marrying Consort Riishu after all this time either.


    And yet, only Basen was thinking of Consort Riishu.


    And that reason for that is:


    (Personal feelings.)


    Considering Basens birth and upbringing, hes a nave man where its possible to say its abnormal. It wouldnt be strange for him to know one woman, and being a member of the elite, it had to have been taught to him as a part of his education.


    (What is Gaoshun doing?)


    Since he was supervising Jinshi all the time, was the discipline of his actual son sloppy? His personality seemed to one who believes something firmly once he makes up his mind, so its actually dangerous for him to delve into this too deeply.


    Even though its dangerous.


    (Moreover, its Consort Riishu, huh.)


    It looked like a thorny path no matter what. Its better to y more carefreely. Should she do business? The courtesans of Rokushoukan are all good, how about that?


    While knowing that its futile, Maomao could only warn him just in case. Its not really good to hold feelings to a specific consort. Are your actions based on that?


    I get it. He made a slightly bitter expression and looked down.


    One way, she could have him go back without her asking him. However, itll also be troubling if Jinshi came over to her ce if something urred as a result of that.


    And so, she decided to just ask him about what was up. So, whats going to happen to Consort Riishu?


    Shes going to move out of the capital to the vi in the north.


    Outside the capital, you say?


    Let alone the inner pce, but even outside the imperial court, huh, Maomao thought. If she were to leave the capital, no matter how it was glossed over, you would think that Consort Riishu had done something wrong.


    She will be moving out tomorrow, Basen said.


    are you even allowed to talk about this? Maomao asked.


    Are you going to spill?


    No.


    She had no intentions of that, but she thought it was strange that he was speaking about highly ssified information.


    Normally, I wouldnt be talking about it. It appears that Basen could discriminate that much. As an unspoken agreement, Consort Riishu will move to the shrine of the vi. It was officially stated that it was for a ground-breaking ceremony.


    Officially she was somewhat tripping over that word.


    However, it wasnt Maomaos ce to stick her head into any more than this.


    Basen-sama.


    What?Basen looked at Maomao stiffly.


    Who will be travelling with Consort Riishu when she is heading out?


    now that you mention it, I was told that the man called Rihaku or something who got appointed by Jinshi-sama to an important post will being along. Also, the people rmended by Tactician-dono.


    When she heard tactician, Maomao held herself back from contorting her face.


    (Rihaku, huh.)


    The man is like arge breed dog, but hes skilled and his head isnt bad either. A quick-witted man.


    The monocle weirdo tactician as well. While he isnt one at all, there shouldnt be an issue on the side of personnel selection.


    She was strangely tripping over it.


    And what about Basen-sama? she asked.


    unusually, me too, he replied.


    Maomao could only nod at this.


    (Is there something up?)


    In that case, what Maomao could do was


    She took out bandages and medicines from the shelf. She put those all together and made a small pack. It was a simpler version of the first aid kit she normally carried in her bosom.


    If this wont get in the way, take this, she said.


    Whats this? he asked.


    Its a kit to treat small injuries. There are painkillers and bandages and things. Also, for when youre hungry, a number of sweets.


    Am I a kid?


    Basens face twisted, but Maomao pushed it to him.


    Theyre things that wont get in the way, so take it.


    cant be helped. He reluctantly put it into his breast pocket.


    Its fine if he doesnt really use itthough wasteful, theyre things that could be thrown away.


    However, Maomao wanted to keep in mind what her intuition had just hit.


    Ill leave Consort Riishus escorting to you, she said.


    I know that much.


    Nothing was really resolved, but Basen went back for the time being.


    Maomao sighed deeply. Was he unable to hold back fromining to someone?


    (He has troublesome subordinates, huh.)


    As Maomao thought that, she cleared away the emptied teacup.

 Volume 5, Chapter 18: Consort Riishus Turning Point Latter Part

    The jangle of bells filled the air.


    Its such an awful din, Basen thought.


    As it had officially be a divine ritual, they will be walking with the odd music until they leave the capital. Although, since Basen had been frequenting the pleasure district as ofte, it was inevitable that he had associated the sound of bells with the red-light district.


    Cant they use a different musical instrument?


    Wont the sarcastic types nder Consort Riishu by associating it with the pleasure district?


    Wont ridiculous rumours that ridicule her inability to return to the inner pce spread?


    Basen was on horseback, buried in his thoughts. Consort Riishu was in the horse-drawn carriage that was right in the centre of the procession.


    Her maids and belongings were in the carriage behind hers.


    Basen was positioned to the side in front of the consorts carriage. The man called Rihaku that the Prince of the Moon(, tsuki no kimi. itself doesnt necessarily mean prince. Its an honorific title denoting high rank. Not the same as the -kun honorific thats written with the same kanji. , or moon, is a reference to his real name :D) had recently appointed to an important post was at the back.


    An easy-going man, he had spoken to Basen many times, but he actually didnt have the liberty to do so this time.


    Such people like them wouldnt be escorting in a normal situation, right? Even Basen thought that it was bizarre that he was here. Hes the subordinate of the Prince of the Moon.


    But he was included to the consorts procession. Since he was only here temporarily, someone else led the procession. Though Basen was higher in terms of social status, this couldnt be helped.


    Basen had an ufortable feeling about the procession to send off Consort Riishu.


    The evidence for that was the pouch he carried. The pharmacy maiden had handed it to him. How to say it, he had thought that he wont get hurt so it wouldnt be needed.


    He understood the Prince of the Moon was hiding something. It wasnt beyond Basens position to pursue that at all. He wondered if there surely was something that personage had in mind.


    Thus, how to act in a situation where you dont know what will happen, that was important.


    It will take around two days to reach the vi by carriage. The weather wasnt bad. Would be zing sunlight be more of an issue rather?


    The procession with the consort as its core proceeded slowly while taking breaks to not tire out the horses.


    Seems like well be lodging there tonight.


    It was Rihaku who spoke to him. Unlike Basen, the other man was on foot. Since hes tall and physically tough, Basen didnt need to look down from atop the horse.


    Arent there other viges?


    What Basen inadvertently stated was that they couldnt find a ce suitable in the rural vige for the consort to stay overnight. The rows of houses look like dingy huts.


    Wasnt this too poor?


    Seems therere only farming viges in the ces midway. At any rate, its terrible.


    Itd be nicer if they went along a more decent path, he thought. Its no different to camping then.


    Shell be sleeping in the carriage, Rihaku said.


    .will she be okay? Basen asked.


    The carriages were certainlyrge, but the interior shouldnt be asrge as a small room.


    She did the same thing when she went to the West, so its not an issue. Rihaku grinned with a sh of his white teeth.


    Should a nice guy be saying this? Rihaku was seven sun taller than Basen. Tanned skin and a sturdy physique. He had a sword strapped to his waist, but Basen heard that the mans speciality was a six-sided club.


    Is he skilled?


    That saying, they never sparred. Would it be better if I spar with him once, he wondered along those lines.


    However, seeing how the consort wouldnt be staying at a lodge, Basen and the others will be camping.


    If it was a single night, it wouldnt be much of an issue. Theyll have to light a fire so wild dogs wont appear.


    Outside, you say. There are a lot of insects in this season, Rihaku grimaced. I wonder if there are things that can burn to repel mosquitos in the area.


    Mosquitos, huh.


    Certainly, Basen was against that.


    Even if they light a fire, its not like they wont get bitten at all.


    Immediately he heard an unpleasant whine by his ears. He pped it. There was a squashed imprint of a mosquito stuck on his palm.


    When he looked around, he saw paddy fields. It was probably teeming with mosquitorvae.


    He could only grimace.


    When they reached the vige, the vigers greeted them simply. A deeply tanned elderly man hade to meet them. Basen, who was only temporary, limited himself to a light greeting.


    Since theyll be leaving first thing in the morning, they decided to sleep as soon as night came around.


    Borrowing the fire from the viges stove, they treated themselves to a meal. It cant be said the meal was extravagant. Only the warm congee and roasted meat that came out could be regarded as extravagant. However, the maids who were on Consort Riishus side were tantlyining.


    Uncultured.


    Even if it was only temporary, people who serve a high ranking consort should have learnt etiquetteand yet they wereining unreservedly. And then, speaking of what they did after, they immediately secluded themselves in the carriage.


    Oh dear, Basen thought as he looked at the maids who were returning to the carriage.


    Aint that strange?


    It was Rihaku who came up to him with a spoon in his mouth. There was roasted meat haphazardly piled on his bowl of congee.


    Those women should be looking after the consorts needs. Why are they secluding themselves in a different carriage?


    Hearing the question, Basen only felt a sense of unease.


    This isnt a good thing to talk about, he said.


    It seemed as though the maids didnt have confidence in Consort Riishus personal history. She had entered the current emperors inner pce while being the consort of the previous emperor. It was said that they were unable to stomach that part.


    Poor thing. I wonder if those maids would consider promoting their own consort, the other man said.


    Basen knew that the man called Rihaku boded no ill-will. However, Basen poured his congee into his mouth and chewed up the roast meat.


    Oh, youre finished? Not drinking soup? Rihaku asked.


    Yeah. I lost my appetite. You have my share if you want, Basen answered.


    He put away his bowl and went to look at his horse.


    His horse was already fed. Basen brushed its mane.


    Whats with their attitude?


    He had heard about the rumours regarding Consort Riishu. He had investigated her since she might be his masters, the Prince of the Moons, wife.


    However, he didnt hear any good things about those rumours.


    A determined woman who had tried to serve two emperors. Inferior to the other high ranking consorts. An upstart maiden in essence.


    Basen recalled the face of Consort Riishu that he had seen once.


    A fragile maiden, she had been trembling violently.


    She was so small that she would break with just a touch.


    The inner pce was known as a flower garden. That wasnt wrong. However, there are poisonous flowers within delicate flowers. What kind of flower was Consort Riishu?


    When he stroked the horses back, he saw a lone maide out of the consorts carriage.


    Its only that maid.


    There was only a single maid around the consort who worked properly. Basen knew about that too.


    He also understood the reason the Prince of the Moon was agonising over his thoughts. When his master acted at Eunuch Jinshi in the inner pce it was asional but he had spoken to her. Normally, he would show a gloomy look on his lovely face, but he had disyed a somewhat crumbled expression before Basen.


    Even after leaving the inner pce, it seemed as though he still had troubles.


    The maid who came out of the carriage put down a bowl. Though a distance away, he saw that were leftovers inside. Perhaps it didnt match her pte, it seems she didnt eat much at all.


    Understandable, I guess.


    With the suspicions of her infidelityying heavy in her stomach, she was moving to the vi to be ced under house arrest. She must have a great burden in her mind to end her meal without eating everything.


    Basen, hearing the annoying whine of mosquitos, waved his hand.


    Have they prepared the mosquito repellent?he thought as he looked around. That moment a maid came out the carriage. She was carrying a jar. It was releasing smoke.


    Could this be the mosquito repellent?


    The maid carried it to Consort Riishus carriage. It seems aside from the maid who brought and took away the meals just then, they did other work-like things. However, the only thing she carried over was the mosquito repellent fire.


    Basen sniffed. Was it incense instead? It had a peculiar smell.


    He left his brushed horse and decided to go back to where the other escorts were.


    He heard the sound of a ground dove.


    Was it midnight when he opened his eyes?


    What was the sentry doing?


    Basensurveyed his surroundings.


    !?


    Everyone was sleeping in a temporary tent, but no one was awake. The smoke of the bonfire was thick. His eyes teared up.


    Oi.


    He shook one of the guards who was sleeping in a nearby tent. He didnt budge. What was happening?


    Basen strapped his sword to his waist and peeked through the gap of the tent. None of the vige houses had lighting.


    Only the bonfire wavered. Winged insects burned up when they got too close.


    A stretched shadow moved. The shadow came from the carriage side.


    Something was happening. And the thingBasen should do in this current situation, was to guard the consort. He left the tent soundlessly. He moved while making sure his shadow doesnt get lit by the fire. There were several men surrounding the carriage. It wasnt Consort Riishus carriage, but the one that contained the maids and the belongings. For some reason, the men seemed to be talking a single maid.


    It was totally shady.


    The men entered the cargo carriage.


    Was there something there?


    When Basen shrank back to hide, he felt a presence. He flipped out his de and shed backwards.


    , haha. Calm down a little.


    It was Rihaku, hands on the air and surrendering. The point of the de had been thrust at his neck, stopping at the firstyer of skin.


    Good thing Im not alone. Rihaku dropped his voice to a low whisper as he rubbed the red line on his neck with his finger.


    Whats happening? Basen asked.


    Even if you ask. You must have thought that it was somewhat weird from the start, right? About the consorts ritual.


    Basen nodded at Rihakus words. When he looked properly, he saw that the back of Rihakus hand was stained red.


    Seems the evening meal was drugged. As you see, Im still kinda woozy. Rihaku disyed the back of his hand. It seemed the red stain was a result of him stabbing himself to ward off drowsiness. Master is fine. It must have been in the soup.


    I see.


    Even if it was coincidental that he didnt drink it, he had done his work.


    Rihaku had drunk even the soup, but seeing how hes awake now, the man must have anticipated this beforehand.


    Jinshi-samasmand? Basen asked.


    Correct, Rihaku said as he rubbed his hand.


    Basen felt his heart squeeze from that fact. For duties, there were also things that Basen didnt need to know. Thats why he understood what the Prince of the Moon was keeping silent from him, but was it due to his inexperience that he felt vexed?


    Basen nced at the cargo carriage. For some reason, people were gathering around the carriage that should only be containing baggage.


    Consort Riishu wasnt their target?


    Is your actualmand something else? Basen asked.


    Astute, Rihaku said.


    The actualmand was in the cargo carriage. The consorts travel was the coverup.


    I was told to protect that cargo carriage. There was also another person but ahhh, how pitiful.


    They saw a figure copsed by the side of the carriage. She looked like a maidservant, but she wasnt moving. Its hard to tell if she was alive or dead in this darkness.


    Is there something in that cargo carriage? Basen asked.


    Thats my job, Master, Rihaku said as he licked the back of his hand.


    Are you going to fight against those numbers?


    Itll be a little hard with that many, but its not a problem.


    Rihaku had said it indifferently. And then he looked at Basen. What is your job? he asked.


    . Basens job was to guard Consort Riishu.


    If he couldnt handle the job he was told to do, he wasnt worth trust or anything.


    Basen squeezed his fist. And then he looked at Rihaku who was licking his wound.


    Use this.


    He took out a pouch from his breast pocket and threw the styptic and bandages at the other man. He didnt think it would be useful this soon.


    Thank you very much. The nice guy grinned, then wrapped his hand with the bandages.


    Basen put whats left of the pouch in this breast pocket and headed for Consort Riishus carriage.


    Its all your fault.


    When he approached the carriage, he heard a womans voice.


    As far as he could see with the outfit illuminated by the bonfire, he understood her to be one of Consort Riishus maids.


    You assumed the rank of a high ranking consort that was beyond your position. Its inevitable that I was always displeased.


    He couldnt see the consort.


    However, seeing how the maid was talking to someonewas the consort still awake, or was the maid talking to herself?


    The only thing he understood was that the maid had betrayed Consort Riishu, and the people before had entered with her guidance.


    What was this about?


    With this, he also understood the reason Consort Riishu was assaulted by hoodlums in the middle of the street. Since there was an insider who had known about the consorts entourage.


    Basen looked at the wavering shadow. He could see another person beside the maid.


    Amid the incense and the bonfire smoke, he perceived the characteristic smell of rust.


    What was happening inside? Was the consort safe?


    Basen looked at the de strapped at his waist. He unsheathed it, and silently hid behind the carriage wheels. Dagger in hand, he then picked up a pebble. He slipped the jade ornament of the de into his waistband.


    He inhaled and exhaled.


    Without making a sound. Just silently.


    The highest priority was the protection of the consort.


    Basen stood in the blind spot from the entrance of the carriage. He threw the pebble inside.


    tter. tter.


    The pebble rolled across the floor of the carriage.


    Who is it!


    A mans voice, then the floor creaking loudly. A maid reacted in surprise, a small creaking sound. She squeaked in fear at the mans voice, and there was the sound of a body moving.


    In that single instant, Basen categorised all the sounds. Footsteps, and then arge shadow appeared before Basen. The man was around three sun taller than Basen, d in dark clothing, perhaps to blend into the dead of the night. However, his move was very clumsy.


    Basen mmed the back of his palm at the mans chin. Spittle flew from the mans mouth, however, his eyes were focused on Basen.


    Too shallow, huh.


    The man held the short sword across his eyes. The same time the hair fell loosely, he stepped forward.


    In the twinkling of an eye, Basen targeted the temples this time.


    The man who received two palm strikes disyed the whites of his eyes, and copsed. The chin and templesboth were suitable ces to disorient someone. His first strike miscalcted the height difference of his opponent and the level difference of the carriage.


    As he checked that the mans consciousness was out, Basen climbed into the carriage. As he expected, Consort Riishu and her head maid were inside. Together with the traitor maid who had been ndering her.


    He covered the traitors mouth and seized both her hands.


    Dont struggle. I dont want to be violent, he whispered in a muffled voice.


    The trembling woman nodded.


    Honestly, it would be troubling if she struggled. It wasnt Basens forte toy his hand on women. Even so, he couldnt leave it as is.


    He tied up the womans hands with a cord he had brought with him. He unintentionally tied it too tightly; the maid gave a soft cry. He was sorry for that, but he didnt have the liberty to fuss about that sort of thing.


    He nced at the consort. She was trembling as she tried to open her mouth.


    Are you hurt? Were you scared? The Prince of the Moon would be able to attend to her naturally, but notBasen. He could only eliminate the sources of danger that threatened the consort, for even a little.


    He tied up the maid, apprehended the fainted man, and went to Rihaku.


    Removing the consorts threatshe should just think about that.


    Trembling, the consort took out something from her bosom. It seemed to be a hand towel. While scared, she presented it to Basen.


    It was inevitable that she feared him. Even if he had helped her, he was the type of man who had tied up a woman even if she was a traitor. Seeing the hand towel she presented, what does she want to do, he thought. Though the maid didnt have anything to cover her mouth. Was that why she handed it to him?


    Thank you very much. Its the perfect length


    The moment Basen was about to take it, the towel touched his cheek.


    ?


    B-blood.


    He had nearly mistaken her voice to a mosquito. Blood, when he heard that word, Basen felt his cheek. Something red and slippery was flowing. He had cut the firstyer of his skin. Looks like he failed to perceive everything just then.


    It was Basens bad habit. The pain was dullparticrly in these situations, he wouldnt feel it at all.


    th-thank, you very much Consort Riishu forced out words as she trembled.


    Feeling like his body got squeezed, Basenbecame extremely nervous. Now wasnt the situation for it. And yet his pulse was getting faster.


    ngh!


    It seems he unintentionally strengthened to his hold over her mouth. The maid was pale.


    T-take this.


    It was Consort Riishus other maid who took care to bring a different towel. Basen rolled the towel into the traitors mouth.


    He had to also tie up the other man.


    However, with his heart thundering, he ended up tying the cord so tight he cut off the cirction to the mans arms.

 Volume 5, Chapter 19: Consort Riishus Decision, Basens Resolve (Volume End)

    The total sum of people captured amounted to seven. The numbers included three of Consort Riishus maids.


    The three maids had served Consort Riishu prior to entering the inner pce. And the rest of the maids, even if they werent present here, will also be kept under surveince just in case. The head maid was the only person who remained by Consort Riishus side.


    Basen clenched his fists.


    Despite being a high ranking consort, Consort Riishu was only able to trust one subordinate.


    And it was the unmistakable truth that it was those maids who had guided the hoodlums in.


    The consort, trembling in spite of it all, kept her eyes on the apprehended maids.


    Here ya go, in the end, wasnt it Master who needed more? Rihaku, who had ended the incident without any injury, returned the medicine Basen had given him just then. Thatss made this, right? It looks like she added painkillers too.


    The self-inflicted injury on his hand was wrapped in bandages.


    Basen scooped up the remaining medicine with his finger, and when he tried to apply it on the cut on his cheek, stopped. He recalled the sensation of the towel on his cheek, and felt that he would erase that.


    Whats wrong? Rihaku asked.


    No, nothing at all.Basen rubbed the medicine on his finger onto his paper handkerchief and returned the medicine to his breast pocket.


    Then he looked at the apprehended men.


    What is their motive?Basen looked at Rihaku with a sharp gaze.


    Can I not say it? the other man asked.


    Not like you can hide it now.


    You have a point.


    After saying that, Rihaku pointed to the cargo carriage the hoodlums had been going for. Just take a glimpse. Dont make a sound and do anything else. Can youe back after that?


    Can youe back?


    With those emphasised words, Basen could only nod.


    Before the cargo carriage, he could see the figure of the maidservant who had copsed not long ago. She looked like she was cut, the bandages around her limbs looked painful, but her life didnt seem to be in danger. She dipped her head at Basen.


    What was there exactly?


    He peered in from the carriage canopy. The inside of the canopy was also covered by a curtain. He flipped it and looked inside.


    There was something like looked like some cage. It wasrge enough to fit a beast. There was a fur rug spread out beneath it.


    It was a cage, and yet there was a rug; a somewhat mismatched impression. What kind of beast could be inside that?


    That moment.


    My? Are you here to save me?


    He heard a womans voice. Drab and delicate, a voice that invited a protective instinct.


    He saw pure white threads. That spilt from the cage.


    A pair of red specks, like ground tomato, shone amid the darkness.


    Its fairly cramped here. Can you take me out to somewhere more spacious?


    When he saw the light that seemed to suck him in, Basen closed the curtain.


    Is that how it is?Basen had an inexplicable feeling. There was a young woman. She was shut up inside a beasts cage.


    It would probably be a maddening scene if it were the usual Basen.


    However. The was a reason for that inhumane act.


    The reason Consort Riishu was purposely heading to the vi, the curious escorts deployed, the motives of the robbersthat was all right there.


    Lady Pai.


    The woman who stirred up trouble in the capital was there.


    Thank you for saving us.


    Thanking him once again, was not Consort Riishu but a messenger maid.


    The consorts face was veiled. She was entering the vi quietly. The flowers of the inner pce rarely expose their bare face to outside men.


    There was a modest pce in the vi. The servants who came for her were also dressed humbly.


    In contrast to that, the fortified defence of the pce was strong. Basen found a number of familiar faces among the military officials.


    The consorts escorts in this kind of ce and allit might be taken as a demotion by onlookers. And yet, no one looked dissatisfied at all.


    Thats right. The consorts escorts were all a cover. They were all assigned to a greater duty.


    When he saw the consorts back, he wanted to run to stop her. The moment he had inadvertently reached out, he felt something heavy prop onto his shoulder.


    You cant sympathise. Its an order thats been handed down, Rihaku said.


    What are you talking about?Basen dropped his hand, feigning ignorance.


    Jinshi-sama told me. That theres nothing to criticise about your skill, but you do get a little emotional.


    am I that undependable?


    Does Jinshi find this man more reliable than Basen who had been serving him ever since childhood?the seeds of resentment sprouted in his heart.


    Its not that youre undependable, I think. My point being that right person at the right ce thing, this is more-or-less a rtion of seniority. Please take that as me ying that part.


    Though he was speaking casually, the man called Rihaku didnt have any difort. His mind was a lot more flexible than Basen who was known to be a straightced person.


    That consort will be entering this pce for the ritual now, but theres no telling when she will be returning, it seems.


    the ritual was just in name, wasnt it? Basen said.


    Yeah, I think it might be more appropriate to call this ce a nunnery instead.


    It was for this reason Lady Pai was brought to this ce alongside the consort.


    He felt resentful. It must have been the emperors decree to lock the two maidens who were a bother in the capital in the same ce.


    How is this a good thing?


    . Rihaku wordlessly stared at Basen. He looked like he wanted to say something.


    What is it? Basen asked.


    No, umm, I was thinking if I should say it.


    Just let it out.


    Rihaku groaned, letting out a sigh of resignation as he looked up to the sky. That consort, about this matter, it seems she had suggested it herself.


    what are you talking about!?


    Wasnt she in the vi to cool the remaining heat from the suspicion of infidelity?


    Rihaku leaned against the wall of the outer pce and crossed his arms. Well, Im not entirely sure, but I heard that she never matched with the atmosphere of the inner pce in the first ce. It seems she also knew that she was surrounded by maids that werent very good, and so decided to move out this time in the form of a ritual  so to speak, it seems shell be retiring to religion.


    Retiring to religion


    Consort Riishu had be a nun once because she had been the consort of the previous emperor in the past.


    If she retires to religion for the second time, she wouldnt be able to go out anymore, so his majesty seemed to have read too much into it.


    Certainly, he heard that his majesty doted on Consort Riishu like a daughter. That was probably the exact reason the talks of marriage to the Prince of the Moon had been raised.


    It seems there were also talks of bestowal, but from the way things look, it might have been called off. I think the U n wouldnt be silent if it were true, but they seemed quiettely.


    The U n was unable to p their mouths loudly due to the incident Consort Riishus half-sister raised.


    There was also no need to leave Consort Riishu as a high ranking consort as is. It was more so if the consort herself didnt desire for it.


    so youre saying the consort chose the path of retiring to religion herself, Basen remarked.


    While Im at it, Ill say that it was also under her consent to be the cover to transport Lady Pai, Rihaku said.


    why that too?Basen vaguely realised the answer as he asked.


    Was it for her father? For her family?


    There was also the possibility of her being exposed to danger. And in truth, she was.


    Was the maids betrayal because they were struggling against apanying the consort to be nuns? No, the consort was also assaulted by hoodlums before. If the ones who had a hand in that were also the maids


    In Consort Riishus way of thinking, the best measure might have been to leave the inner pce.


    Whether that was the right answer or not remains unknown. Consort Riishu might not be able to leave this solemn vi hereafter.


    Basen was severely downtrodden. Suddenly, when he realised, his fingers had stopped at the cut on his cheek.


    Why do you know so much about whats behind the scenes? Did you hear that from Jinshi-sama as well? he asked.


    No. My original station was close to Tactician-donos room, Rihaku said with a strangely shocked expression. The gossip-loving weirdo tactician would also appear anywhere with fruit juice in hand every time to gossip and get involved in them. Which reminded Basen, all the escorts deployed here should be chosen by the weirdo tactician too.


    For the time being, your job is over with this. Shall we proceed?


    Is it over?Basen wondered what the consort on the other side of the wall was doing right now.


    When Rihaku saw him like that, the man smiled wryly. If the target of your affections is a courtesan, save money. Pay for her value, giving your all, without haggling the price. You can aplish that, though.


    What does this conversation have to do with courtesans?


    A courtesan is probably a courtesan to Master, but to me, she is my beloved person, Rihaku continued. My way of obtaining the woman I love is through money, but what is it that for Master?


    Its not like a bestowal is settled with a single person, no?


    At the phrasing that somehow lit the coals under his feet, Basan felt ufortable. Such emotions, for a c-consort. Moreover, theres what the consort feels about me and all.


    Its nothing if theres nothing. However, youll just be sending the consort to a life of a nun in this vi forever from now on. Rihaku scratched the tip of his nose, A man who achieves victories for my sake andes for me, isnt that already cool enough?


    Basen found himself wanting to swing his fist at Rihaku who was giving him a somewhat teasing smile.


    The same time he wanted to swing, he wanted to treat him to a cup of wine.


    His heart thundered. Before he realised, Basen was standing at the front gate.


    Consort Riishus back was no longer in sight.


    He sucked in a deep breath.


    THANK YOU VERY MUCH! FOR THE TOWEL!


    The escorts were shocked


    Even the military officials he recognised.


    It was truly embarrassing. An act unbefitting of Basen.


    But, he thought that he had to say something, anything.


    Basen was unable to say pretentious lines with poise.


    He couldnt find words that would make nice women happy.


    He could only honestly, straightforwardly, get it across.


    His personality was that awkward.


    Basen turned his heels, his face bright red.


    With this, his job was done.


    At this ce where there were escorts he could trust, it would probably be fine if anything happens here on after.


    What Basen could do was to question the traitors and hoodlums they arrested. To investigate their motives thoroughly, so the consort who lives in this vi can get a peace of mind.


    For that, Basen had to return to the capital post haste.


    Town 2 END


    T/N: Hopefully, this wont be thest well hear of Riishu. Keep it up, Basen. Perhaps well be seeing something simr to Princess Fuyou and her soldier sweetheart in the future hmmm


    Well then. Arc 5 over. Onwards to Arc 6. Is it time for a break? Totally. But first, let me release one more chapter, the start of the next arc. A teaser of what to expect. Poke next chapter :

 Volume 6, Chapter 1: New Duty

    Volume 6: Shaou


    Long time no see.


    Long time no see.


    The person standing before Maomao echoed her words back at her.


    It was Gaoshun, the original healing-type military official. He had shown up while she wasckadaisically making medicine in her pharmacy in the pleasure district. It really had been a long time. She felt like it had been more than half-a-year since shest saw him.


    Well, my foolish son was supposed toe but he got injured the other day doing something stupid.


    So, Gaoshun was here instead.


    Forthat Basento be greatly injured, it must have been really bad.


    How did he get hurt? she asked.


    Well, he went to escort Consort Riishu, but it seems he was strangely unsteady on his feet on the way back. When he was getting onto his horse, he heard a loud sound, which scared the horse. He got bucked off and trampled on.


    thats quite a joke.


    You would certainly get gravely wounded if a horse steps on you. It wouldnt be strange if you die either.


    Hes in a condition where it wouldnt be weird to have his innards ruptured, but the fact that hes quite sturdy is a strong point of his, at least.


    I see, Maomao nodded as she opened a drawer. There should be some tea cakes in here.


    Shaomao, you dont have to.


    Is that so? Its steamed bun from the main street thats gone by noon.


    A courtesan from Rokushoukan had given it to her. It seemed the courtesan was going to give them to the kamuro, but she didnt have enough so itll turn into a fight. There was brown sugar mixed into the steamed dough; its feature was its tart sweetness.


    thanks for the food.


    Gaoshun looked like a stern warrior, but he had quite a weakness for sweet stuff.


    Maomao prepared tea that went well with the steamed buns. She cooled the tea she brewed this morning with well water. Its the greatest luxury to bring out chilled drinks in this hot season. Though these were for the guests of honour, when she mentioned Gaoshuns name, the madam gave it out without reserve.


    Gaoshun was eating the steamed bun with a slight smile on his lips, but what was he here for? It wasnt like him to be here to chat. When Maomao studied him intently, Gaoshun stuffed his cheeks with the steam buns in a fluster and washed it down with tea.


    Umm, shall I move on to the main topic? he said.


    I have one more. Here you go.


    Maomao presented him her share of the steam buns. She wanted wine more than sweet food. The thoughtful Gaoshun, if he came over a little whileter, would probablye back with good wine in exchange for the steamed buns. And above all, she didnt want to hear about the main topic.


    After eating up one more steamed bun, Gaoshun cleared his throat. Shaomao, have you no ns of bing a court physician?


    I cant be one, right?


    Women cannot be court physicians. That was thew of this country.


    I phrased it wrong. Have you no n for bing someone who has the same power as a court physician?


    Same power as a court physician  in short, using as much of the medicine in that room as she liked. Her lips, which should be a straight line, trembled. Gaoshuns eyes shone.


    You can also try new medicines. There are also a lot of people you can try it on.


    .


    Her cheeks twitched. The corner of her lips was starting to rise.


    (No, I cant. Its suspicious. Really suspicious.)


    It sounded too good to be true. Moreover, it was Gaoshun who came bearing the news. It was not necessarily tasty.


    Besides, there was also this pharmacy to consider. Though she had an apprentice, he would probablyin if she went away. He was still far away from bing fully fledged.


    (Alright. I should decline)


    But well, it didnt turn out as she expected. Gaoshun had made the first move.


    And speaking of what.


    Are you aware of the emissary who came from the West?


    Maomao searched her memories. Westin other words, it should be about Shaou. She didnt know anyone from Shaou, but it would have to be the woman she met up with the number fool Rahan some time ago.


    The woman had forced an unreasonable demand on Rahan, whether it was the issue of food supply or defection from her country; she had quite some guts.


    What did she say her name was? Maomao remembered that she was atall beauty with blonde hair and blue eyes. In regards to the food supply issue, the great key was whether the sweet potato will turn out well.


    The woman is called Irene. She came in as a new middle-ranking consort the other day.


    Whuh?


    Maomao let out a stupid sound. She had thought that the woman had a determined personality, but she indeed was determined. Certainly, it might be the case that the inner pce was safe in a way. If you consider the internal quarrels.


    Gaoshun continued. Of course, she has one or two peculiarities. Since shes a foreigner, the stares of the consorts and pcedies in the inner pce are also intense. Moreover, she didnt bring along any kind of maidservant with her from Shaou.


    Certainly, considering her position, that was probably appropriate, but it would appear to be somewhat pitiful.


    And Ill be there? Maomao asked.


    It would be easy to enter the inner pce if she had the same ranking as a court physician.


    We wanted to have youe in as a maid at first. Gaoshuns expression wasplicated.


    Somehow or other, Maomao had been working as Consort, no, Empress Gyokuyous food taster up untilst year. Although she had declined and was decreed to return to town  to the pleasure district -there would be a lot of problems if she were to be a maid to a consort from somewhere else. Empress Gyokuyou might end up being contrary.


    You can meet Empress Gyokuyou as an assistant with the same authority as a court physician. Thatdy was extremely delighted when we talked about that, he said.


    I havent given my agreement yet, though, she said.


    And if he had already announced it to Empress Gyokuyou


    Yes, Im here to deliver a letter of rmendation from the empress.


    Gaoshun took out the letter with an innocent look.


    I have also received one from Jinshi-sama.


    Gaoshun added another to the stack.


    And, from His Majesty as well.


    Why Maomao was taken aback by thest letter.


    The wrinkles on his brows deep, Gaoshun slowly closed his eyes.


    Before, you took the exam to be qualified to work as a courtdy in the imperial court, right?


    I failed though.


    Once, Maomao had worked directly for Jinshi. That time, she was told to be a courtdy and was forced to a huge volume of reference books.


    Yeah, I thought you would pass easily. You are that much passionate about medicines and poisons, and your memory is also good.


    Unfortunately, it wasnt the case.


    It wasnt the case that Maomao was more outstanding than other people. She only erased the things that were a given to other people, and made use of that part for her field of interest.


    Its not that Shaomao cant learn what youre not interested in. Its just hard to learn, right? In actual fact, you have learnt the manners of the pleasure district from start to finish.


    Thats something that couldnt be helped.


    The madam, even though shes already a mummy, was still spirited. If Maomao didnt learn, she would be punished, she wont even get food. Ruomenmight have taken her under his wing, but there was no way her frail dad could win against the madam.


    And thus, in order to survive, while getting help from her older sisters, she somehow learnt the manners of the pleasure district.


    In other words, youll learn it if theres a need for it. You didnt feel like studying properly before even though Jinshi-sama had ordered you before.


    There were three letters.


    Jinshi, Empress Gyokuyou, His Majesty.


    Even if they were informal, even as a joke, the three names of the people who cannot be opposed in this country were ring menacingly back at her.


    Ill have you pass by any means possible, Gaoshun said.


    E-even if you say that.


    Gaoshun pushed the pharmacy doors wide open. As if he had left it outside, he picked up arge cloth bag and dropped it in front of her.


    By any means possible, he repeated.


    For some reason, the madam was standing behind Gaoshun with a punishment cane in hand. Maomao could see a money bag in the crones bosom. Turns out the old woman had already been bribed.


    (Shes been taken in!)


    I want to have you pass this time by any means possible, Gaoshun dered to Maomao.


    T/N: RIP Maomao.


    Anyways, break time. Back in two weeks. See you guys then o/


    (This chapter is for the kind sir who bought me coffee. Thank you very much for your donation *bows*)


    That said, as usual, thanks for reading. I wouldnt have made it this far without you guys

 Volume 6, Chapter 2: Exam Requirements

    This matter was aplished magnificently, once again courtesy of Gaoshunsmendable finesse.


    With the madam already bribed and the apprentice Sazen looking after the pharmacy, Maomao was to be reserving a room in Rokushoushan to study. The madam will be nearby, so she could go ask the crone questions if there was something she didnt understand. It wasnt that she was constantly sticking to her, but there had been no slip-upstely.


    Chouu, the brat, would asionallye in to bother Maomao, but the madam or a manservant woulde to drag him away by the scruff of his neck every time.


    An incense that improved concentration was lit in the room, and she could hear gentle erhu and qin melodies from the room next door. Courtesans talented in music were performing for her.


    Though it was said that youll crave for sweet food when you study, Maomao was provided salty senbei and cold fruit juice instead.


    How very gracious of them.


    (Just how high is this pile?)


    Even such a question came to her mind. The madam was also making rounds at the same time in case Maomao skipped out by napping, so it was actually difficult for her to do. Even though it had been a long time ago, the madam had used to be quite a high-ss courtesan in her youth. As a result, her education was a step higher than the average person.


    Hey, can you not even do poetry properly either? the madam said.


    Its mysterious. Why do you need poetry in a court physician exam? Maomao said.


    More correctly, it wasnt a court physician exam, but one for courtdies to serve court physicians. There were several requirements to bing a courtdy in this court  she was told that this exam was new. If they had to go so far as to make a new exam, why couldnt they just do away with poetry?


    What does poetry have to do with medicine? Also, whats up with history, and copyingsutras? Maomao said.


    A depth of a person changes by knowing history. Characters are easier to read when they are pretty, so sutras are a good thing to study. It was only in moments like this when the madam talks about decent things. Her usual Its fine to not remember things that wont get you money would have been good enough.


    Her copybook handwritten characters were neat. Those now withered hands of hers must have been long and slender fingers with beautiful nails a long time ago.


    Women with beautiful handwriting were liked. Women with good looks were liked.


    She was a woman who had been polished for the sake of men, and yet she was still training courtesans in the pleasure district. If she was known to be that much of a beauty, why hadnt she chosen a different life? Or had she been unable to choose?


    Even if the words you write are pretty, it doesnt always mean what you write about is pretty too.


    Maomao was expecting the madam to drop a fist, but nothing happened.


    Not everyone is going to know if the things you write are pretty or ugly. If so, wouldnt it be better if its just your words that are pretty? The madam gave her a look of her sample as if to tell her to So, write. Her standard, uniform words seemed as if they were the model solution of the civil exam.


    Yeah sure.


    If she procrastinated, the cane woulde hurtling towards her. Maomao rolled up her sleeves and picked up the brush.


    Apparently, the courtdy examinations were held quite frequently. Unlike the civil examination, the examinees were all young girls. Unlike men, their work period was short, so personnel were employed at fixed intervals otherwise there would soon be a shortage of workers.


    The girls who wished to be courtdies were mostly the daughters of officials, so in a way, it was also for them to train in homemaking and groom searching. So, it also felt like it wouldnt be an issue even if their numbers more or less decreased.


    The examination site was in a school in the north side of the capital. Though the civil examinations were held in a provincial city north of the capital, a frequent exam would be better off held within the capital.


    After cramming for around half-a-month, Maomao haggardly went to take the exam. There were around a hundred examinees in the examination site. There were also examinees aside from court physician apprentices, so it must be that.


    In regards to the exam, it wasnt difficult. It was finished within a dual hour, and she promptly went back. Apparently, the judging was already over. They probably didnt want to show their crushed faces when they fail people during the screening process.


    The ces where Maomao had issues in were the subjects she had no interest in  namely poetry and sutras. She should be getting good marks for the other subjects. Rather, if she made any mistakes, they would be things that she wanted them to teach her.


    After taking the exam and writing what she had to write, she had nothing left to do so she was going to hurry back to the pleasure district on foot.


    If she didnt hear that stupid voice.


    Ehhh, why arent you letting me take the exam?


    There was some dispute in front of the examination hall. It looked like it was between an official who supervised the exam and an examinee, but no matter how Maomao looked, the examinee was strange. She was wearing womens clothes, womens clothes, but she was tall for a woman. It was fine if she was just tall, but her voice was deep, and above all, Maomao recognised it.


    (Its like Ive seen this scene before.)


    Maomao had an unpleasant premonition. She wanted to ignore them, but she couldnt as the scene was bizarre.


    Cant you let me in?


    The coy-acting woman had half her face covered by a cloth. Maomao was already suspicious at this point, but her confidence faltered there. Certainly, by looking at that womans face, it wasnt that they didnt look like a woman. Their face was attractive; the contours itself were slender. Their makeup was also done quite prettily. However, that person was unable to hide it properly even if they spoke in falsetto, and above all, the way they wiggled their body was gross.


    what are you doing? Maomao said. It would have been fine to ignore them, but she felt sorry for the official who got roped into this. Hes a nice official. Maomao would have handed the woman over to a military official as soon as she could.


    Kokuyou.


    A man she knew from before at the harbour. There were smallpox scars on half his face, covered by the cloth. He worked as a doctor, but he was an unfortunate person who was unable to find decent work due to his face  though it really didnt seem unfortunate with his idiotic personality.


    Ah, Maomao. Long time no seeee. Listennn, why isnt this uncle letting me take the exam? He fluttered theshes of his uncovered eye as if to cajole her into joining the conversation. Stop that, its gross.


    (Even if you tell me to join in.)


    The exams already ended, she said.


    Ehhh, no wayyy. He covered his cheeks with both hands. Its troubling even if he had spoken in a falsetto.


    Come on, youll trouble the uncle. Maomao tugged Kokuyous sleeves and took him away from the examination site.


    The flow of things is a scary thing, so Maomao was now eating lunch with a pervert in womens clothes. It would have been better if he changed out of it, but unfortunately, he hadnt brought a change of clothes with him. By the way, it seemed he had borrowed the clothes from the wife of the vige head.


    And here I thought I found a ce to work. The next examination is in two months, huhhh, Kokuyou said.


    The exam requirements made it impossible for you to take the exam from the start, Maomao said.


    He may be a beauty who can pass as a woman, but it was most bizarre with his deep voice on top of his half-covered face. Does this guy think that he could work in the imperial court normally if he took the exam? It was really fortunate of him that he didnt even get booted out.


    Work, you say. What happened to grandpas ce? If she remembered properly, the man was assisting the entric old doctor who lived next to the vige. They seemed to be getting along just fine, though.


    Grandpa, you see. He hasnt been welltely. Hes going to retire soon so he told me togo look for work now.


    Maomao made a slightlyplicated expression. She pretty much remembered the reason the old doctor was weak-spirited.


    It was just the perfect timing that I heard that you can get qualifications to be a court physicians assistant.


    (Check your gender first.)


    Or rather, she wanted him to do something about his womens clothes. Moreover, the problem was that he looked quite pretty  the men around them were ncing their way. He seemed to look mysterious with half his face covered. Even though they would beid at a breath when they hear his voice.


    Maomao ate her light meal, a steamed bun, and Kokuyou, his boiled gyoza.


    There are a lot of medicinal herbs in the vige. Grandpa said that for as long as I live there, he would give me the house he said.


    Wouldnt it fine if you take over after grandpa? she asked.


    That wont go well. Grandpa used to be a court physician, right? Its because he has that title that peoplee from far away to see him. If a guy whoes from who-knows-where were to take over, itll be weird, I dont think they would want him to see them.


    That was most definitely true. He might have earned some degree of trust in the vige, but it would difficult for him to earn a living in that small ce. Was he meaning to scrape by selling herbs and doing a number of side jobs?


    Maomaos index finger shot up.


    Last time, she had thought of getting more people for the pharmacy, but then she decided that it would be better to leave it since there was Sazen around. But the situation was different now, right? Hey, from the vige to the pleasure district, how many times in a month can you make the trip?


    Its fine if I have travel expenses- Also, Ill be happy if meals are also included, he answered.


    We have a surplus for rice, so its not a problem. As there was rice attained from connections from the quack doctors vige, there was also sweet potato. I want you to teach the apprentice doctor knowledge about medicinal herbs and to maintain the sales of the herbs. And while youre at it, I want you topound whatever medicine the apprentice doctor cant manage. On that asion, I want you to let the apprentice and the madam, who is thendy of the pharmacy, to check the medicine.


    Since hes a person with a sketchy background, she decided to take such measures.


    Also, the shop tending is originally left to the apprentice doctor, so you dont have to serve customers.


    Ehh, I have confidence in serving customers He wiggled his body. She decided to ignore that since this was the words of someone who was unable to find work due to his personality, unfortunately.


    How about this much for your wage? Maomao lifted a finger. It was a sum that, even with vige work included, was survivable. Its somewhat low for the wage of a doctor, though.


    Should be more like this, perhaps. Kokuyou prised up two more of Maomaos fingers.


    Huhihihihihihi


    As theyughed together, Maomao scowled.


    In proportion to his stupid actions, he understood the value of things.


    From raising several fingers to making detailed calctions, Maomao had no choice but to discuss with him as she ate her steamed bun.

 Volume 6, Chapter 3: First Day Of Work

    After Maomao told him that she had found a new doctor, Sazen disyed a look of intense relief.


    This is so much better. I thought I would be looking after the store alone again.


    Since he gave her such an impression, Maomao was going to give him a sharp retort: I can do this on my own!, but well, lets just leave it.


    The few days after the exam were peaceful. It was the most gracious thingthe half-month where she did nothing aside from studying for the exams had nothing aside from suffering.


    Maomao was satisfied tending the fields andpounding medicine after a long time.


    A couple of dayster, while she thought that it should be about time for her to get a notice of her results, the letter she received was exactly what she had been expecting.


    I wonder if anyone failed this, the madam said, having asked Maomao what kind of questions appeared in the exam.


    Though it was difficult to get full marks, the passing mark was apparently around sixty percent. Even Maomao, who had crammed, got over eighty percent, so the girls who normally study as much as possible to be courtdies probably wouldnt fail. There were a few questions on doctors knowledge and technical stuff; they were all things you would understand if you give it some thought.


    Thats said by people who know. Granny. Maomao.


    It was Pairin, who showed her face, looking really slovenly. Perhaps having gotten a customer yesterday, her skin was very glossy. The customer must have been sucked up like dried goods when he returned. The beauty, not yet in decline despite being long past her thirties, was also rumoured to be a master in bedroom arts. She was the oldest among the courtesans of Rokushoukan.


    Just the simple act of thinking about it hurts my head. I try to learn it, but it doesnt even get into my head from the start.


    People have their strength and weaknesses. Its normal that you can somehow get it if you put in some effort, but there are things that cant be settled with the word effort alone.


    Pairin-neechan cant write characters properly. When she tries, it would end up reflected like a mirror image. The madam had tried to fix it many times, but her habit couldnt be fixed, so every time someone had to be around to correct it for her.


    Instead, she was a dancer that no one can hold a candle to, even in the pleasure district.


    Its fine that you passed this, but what are you going to do about it? Any rmended outfits? the madam asked.


    Wouldnt they prepare that part for me? Maomao had no intentions of relying on others. Even before the day of the exam, she only got Gaoshuns messenger to deliver her stationery and a set of clothes to wear. Apparently, he had also wanted to drop her off, but that was somewhat of a bother, so she ignored that. Thanks to that, she ended up eating lunch with Kokuyou in womens clothes, though.


    The pass notice wrote that they would be conducting an interview. It will be held the day after tomorrow in one area within the imperial court. Along with the letter, there was a wooden tag branded with a flower mark. That would have to be the proof of passage.


    Maomao gave a hmmm, setting the pass notice on the medicine shelf, and started to crush medicinal herbs in the mortar.


    The day after tomorrow, Maomao arrived at the designated ce. She was standing before a building that employed a lot of civil officials. It was also close to the medical office.


    Would the number of sessful applicants who gathered for the interview be around eighty percent of the examinees? When she heard that the passing rate was eighty percent, Maomao was relieved that she hadnt failed. At the same time, she btedly understood Jinshis and Gaoshuns surprise when she failed her previous exam.


    Most of them were around fifteen to sixteen years of age. There were several who were over twenty, but Maomao felt that their eyes were zing strangely. The reason for that neednt much thought to be understood. Courtdies were here to seek their future husbands. They would get more impatient the older they were.


    (I think that its ideal to be a mother when youre over twenty, though.)


    It isnt really strange to marry and have a child at fourteen-fifteen, but their bodies arent fully grown yet. For some people, there is also the case where they havent gotten their menarche yet. Considering how the monthly cycle stabilises a couple of years after their first period, which is when their bodies arepletely grown, it isnt good to marry when youre too young.


    (Its difficult to give birth unless your pelvis is fully grown.)


    Maomao felt her own hips. She had no desire to grow anymore, but if she were to give birth, she had to gain some weight. There are also cases where childbirth goes hand in hand with death.


    Maomao had considered trying to give birth once, but she couldnt just casually say that. If she were to say that she wanted to try to give birth, she thought that people would probably treat her as a fool. And also, if they were to know of one other of Maomaos considerations, there was also the chance where they would bury her with a barrage of yells.


    (I cant get a splendid centa.)


    During childbirth, the centa falls out with the birth of the child. That centa is eaten in some regions by the mother as a form of nourishment. It is said to be delicious, tasting like liver sashimi. Of course, there is the chance of bugs when you eat raw animal innards, but this, in this case, would be safe.


    Maomao was told by her dad to Never use humans for medicine. So she doesnt go enthusiastic with strange interests, she was told to never touch dead bodies.


    However, what about her own centa? It wasnt a dead body. She wasnt even using other people as ingredients. It was originally a part of her body. She was just re-taking it in; nothing wrong about that.


    In other words, Maomao was keeping her promise with her dad, but she was also trying a yet unknown medicine that hasnt been adopted before.


    I must try this once while Im alive, Maomao thought.


    Please gather round. An elderly courtdy assembled the sessful applicants. She had a sharp gaze.


    The outfits should have already been handed out, but a couple of people had made quite gaudy adjustments. Peacocks fan out their feathers shily, but human women dress up shily.


    Maomao only wore the outfit as it had been prepared for her, so it wasnt anything that stood out. And yet, for some reason, she felt people were ncing at her.


    (Did I wear it strangely?)


    Like everyone elses, it was a in aoqun. The top was a pale-peach colour, the bottom, red. Perhaps the colours were different depending on their posts, there were no more than five people among the sessful applicants who wore the same colours as Maomao. Since it was a new post that assisted the court physicians, it might be unusual.


    If there was something different, it would have to be the colour of her cord essory. Maomao felt that only her cord was a little darker.


    Theres no need to think hard about it, she thought as she was going to gather and line up in ordance with the elderly courtdys words, when something bumped into her back.


    No, it wasnt as much as a bump. Maomao crashed onto the floor with her hands before her. It might be a good thing that her face wascking in contours. She fell t onto the floor and was thoroughly covered in sand.


    She got to her feet while brushing her face.


    Im sorry. Walking past her with elegant smiles, was a group d in the same colours as Maomao.


    Are you okay? The elderly courtdy jogged over.


    Im fine. Maomao stood up with an innocent look.


    Everyone around her sent her sympathetic gazes. However, Maomao didnt care about that.


    The only thing she thought was.


    (How nostalgic.)


    This is it, the workce of women.


    Towards the promise from a long time ago, she was flooded with deep emotions.

 Volume 6, Chapter 4: Court Physicians Of The Military

    The first day of work. Apparently, they will first pack in knowledge about working in the imperial court as courtdies.


    So, nearly a hundred neer courtdies were led by their senior courtdies into arge auditorium for a lecture. Maomao had given a lecture in the inner pce auditorium before but it was honestly sleep-inducing to hear other peoples lectures.


    Since there was a surplus of tables and chairs, the neer courtdies sat sparsely in their own posts.


    No one sat around Maomao. The courtdies, who had pushed her before, were sitting like good friends in the seats in front of her.


    Most women who be courtdies were the daughters of officials. asionally, there would be the daughters of wealthy merchants. There werent few quarrels even among the maidens in the inner pce, but it was also the same here. Maomao got quite a bit of harassment when she was working at Jinshis ce, so she understood.


    However, while, in a certain meaning, there was the hungry air of upstarts in the inner pce, it was a little different here.


    It seemed as though your standing was already determined by the pyramid structure that had been present from the start. Speaking of what, the neer courtdies had already formed cliques; the important people in those cliques were known from the air about them.


    (Does the position of their parents reflect the position of their daughter?)


    And if there was a Maomao who was from who-knows-where, of course, she would be excluded. Otherwise, they would find a way to figure out her position. Considering that, it wasnt that she didnt understand their previous actions.


    But then, that was childish, Maomao thought.


    After the half-dual-hour-long lecture ended, the courtdies scattered off to their posts. Maomao and everyone else belonging to the same post headed to the medical office together. Though it was called the medical office, there were a number of them in the imperial court. The one that Maomao dropped by frequently was the medical office in the west sidewhere her dad was stationed.


    Inparison, there was also one on the east side. It seems they will be going to this one this time.


    Maomao grimaced.


    The west of the imperial court had a lot of civil officials, while the east had military officials. The reason her dad Ruomen was stationed on the west side, was in consideration that he wont have to deal with military officials for as much as he could, but it turns out it was all for naught.


    As for why he was avoiding the military officials, Maomao also wanted to avoid them for the same reasons.


    (Why, hes already noticed.)


    While giving her all to school her face into the picture of calm, Maomao walked through the passageway behind the elderly courtdy. As they walked, the grim military officials would nce over. Maomao aside, the other courtdies were young and attractive. Faces that men would look at against their better judgement.


    It was already the turn of the summer, the sticky season. The smell of sweat permeated the air just by their walking. Seeing the men training with the top halves of their bodies exposed, the neer courtdies gazes wandered.


    Amid that, a suspicious shadow followed them.


    Maomao wanted to ignore that presence, but he entered her peripheral nheless. He had been nning to tail them, but he was found out, being so careless. And speaking of who she had noticed


    Foxy eyes with no beard. A useless monocle who cant drink, theres no knowingwhat his intention is  saying this much would be enough to know who, right? The person whose name she didnt want to say either.


    Whats with that person? the neer courtdies whispered to each other.


    (Hes the most important guy here.)


    She thought that there were still people above him in the military, but in that case, their office would be on the central side. He was loitering like he had free time; it seemed as though he was only good due to this title.


    To the point of amusement, when they noticed the weirdo tacticians presence, the military officials, who were ncing at them, averted their eyes and focused on their training. There was probably an iron-d rule for these guysthat theyre not allowed to touch.


    (So noisy.)


    Maomao wanted to move quickly, but it was troubling that the elderly courtdy walked slowly. It was covered by her skirt, but from the way her backside sashayed, she might have foot-binding.


    (Even though its hard to walk.)


    The neer courtdies, the five people with Maomao included, had light gaits. Being the daughters of officials, it was expected that at least one of them would have foot-binding, but by chance, everyone had healthy feet.


    That ce is the medical office. The elderly courtdy pointed to the sturdy in building that was close to the training grounds. The medical office on the west side was showier.


    While Maomao had that impression, she heard a voice call out from behind them.


    Everyone turned around. There was a man being carried over on a stretcher. He was prone; there were beat marks on his body.


    Carry him into the medical office! The strong military officials ran into the office with practised ease.


    Let us go too. Maomao and rest went after them.


    When they reached the medical office, the men were bewildered.


    Whats wrong?


    No, normally, there would be court physicians around.


    There was no one inside. There wasnt even note saying that they were away.


    The fainted man was unmoving,id onto the bed. Maomao suddenly looked at the man. His body was covered in bruises. He was a youth who hadnt grown a proper beard, so she understood he was being worked hard every day.


    How did he copse? Maomao studied the youths face.


    Hey, you!


    When a neer courtdy tried to stop Maomao, the elderly courtdy held her back. The older womans eyes were saying, If you know what to do, give him an examination.


    He suddenly copsed during training. The spot where he got hit got worseit should be that.


    The military official was biting his words. He might have been seen through that he was overworking the youth. Or he might have been ufortable from the weirdo who was staring in from the window, where only the top half of his face was visible.


    The youths temperature was normal. He was also sweating. Only his pulse was a little erratic.


    Rather than the spot where he was hit Maomao picked up several towels that were in the medical office and dipped them into the jug. She ced the wet towels onto the copsed youth.


    May I use the things on the shelves? she asked the elderly courtdy, but the womans reply was questionable.


    Instead, the person outside the window raised an index finger.


    When courtdy saw that, she replied, You may.


    The weirdo tactician was an eyesore, but he was pretty useful.


    The shelves, aside from medicine, contained seasoningfor supper perhaps.


    Maomao poured water into a bowl and added salt and sugar. Speaking of what she was doing, it was the same as the thing she made when Jinshi copsed in the summer resort. The reason the youth fainted was due to dehydration from the heat.


    She slowly lifted his head up and made him drink from the bowl by wetting his lips. His consciousness seemed to have mostly returned, so afterwards she let him drink it himself.


    When the youth recovered his consciousness, the overworked military officials gave a sigh of relief. However, Maomao felt like scowling from the staring.


    She wet the towel again and cooled his body when she heard the sound of apuse.


    When she wondered what it was, men d in white hade over. The white outerwear was the proof of a court physician. There was one elderly man and two in their prime.


    You pass, One said.


    P-pass what?


    It was a neer courtdy who asked.


    Pass what? Since you came as helpers, it would be troubling if you were just chosen through a written exam, right? We also need to see.


    In other words, it seems they were hiding until now to see what Maomao and the rest were going to do.


    Such evil conduct.


    If you were useless, we could have also cut you from this ce. The elderly court physician drank from the jug as he looked at Maomao in disappointment.


    (What a peculiar old man.)


    Maomao bore in mind that she couldnt state her honest impressions.


    By the way, it should be fine enough to ignore the weirdo tactician who was still staring in, right?

 Volume 6, Chapter 5: Nepotism

    With Maomao included, the five courtdies who were assistant to the court physicians will be training for the job at the medical office near the military training grounds for the first month give or take. Speaking of why the one in the military grounds, it was the ce with most work.


    Maomao might have gotten Jinshis rmendation, but she was told that doesnt mean that she would be getting special treatment. So, she had tond herself the job properly for the first time since entering and leaving the inner pce.


    Warriors would be carried in every day. Scratches and cuts weremonce, and the asional injuries that required stitching werent few either.


    It was the perfect ce for them to get used to the job.


    (Its unexpectantly serious, huh.)


    Maomao had thought that the post was made just for show. She had thought that the other neer courtdies were all working here to find a husband, but


    (The ones who are trying unexpectantly hard are those two.)


    Out of the other four people, those two worked briskly. The courtdy who appeared to be the leader of the clique and a quiet courtdy. The remaining two were unmotivated; they had fainted at the first sight of bloodst time. Though they got used to it after a couple of days, they still made faces. It would be better if they just stopped, seeing how they grimaced whenever they saw sweaty and grimy military officials.


    Enen, pass me the bandages please. Yes, Yao-sama.


    (Enen: , yan yanin Chinese. Swallow2as in the bird) (Yao: , yaoin Chinese)


    The one called Enen seemed to be the attendant of the courtdy called Yao. Everyone was taken as colleagues here, but as far as Maomao could see with their behaviour, their hierarchical rtionship was clear.


    As usual, their treatment towards Maomao was harsh. Since they only spoke as little as possible to her, Maomao didnt chat much. As long as they didnt speak to her, Maomao wont speak to them, so could this be something that goes both ways?


    The court physicians also worked the courtdies hard, but Maomao was used to this kind of work, so she didnt need to ask anyone to help her.


    As a result, Maomao finished her job without getting close to anyone.


    Can I ask a question? a court physician asked.


    What is it? she asked.


    Isnt the work and all hard?


    When work ended today, a court physician came to speak to her while she was cleaning and drying the used bandages. She felt that she had seen him beforeshe had gone to the medical office when she was working at Jinshis ce; it was the court physician that was often there. He was still young and wore sses.


    Not really, she replied.


    You look like you eat alone during meals though.


    The food here is delicious.


    Lunch was served to them. Maomao, who didnt eat much, also went for seconds. They could have seconds here, unlike the inner pce.


    No, thats not what I mean. Isnt it painful to be tantly ignored? he said.


    Even if you say that, when the others ask me, itll get easy for them, and it is rare to have it go the opposite way.


    It was the others who have it harder. asionally, she wasnt given word about important messages, but since there was a weirdo who would re at the court physician who was scolding Maomao from the window outside, there was nothing they could say. Multiple times he appeared in the day, and every time he continued to be hauled back by his subordinates.


    Rather, the ones who have it the hardest would have to be court physicians who were teaching them.


    Its hard for me to get along, but I more or less know a way to handle the weirdo, Maomao said.


    please tell me, the court physician said.


    For the time being, she put out Ruomens name. She was sorry for her dad, but Maomao was annoyed by the fact that that old man was clinging to her.


    Can I ask a question? the court physician said, while troubled by the monocle old man who was peering at them from the shades of the trees. It seems hed turned up without them realising again. The old mans eyes were stabbing into the court physician who was talking to Maomao. Whats your rtionship with Tactician-sama?


    Hes a stranger.


    No, then


    Hes a stranger, Maomao stated and continued with her washing.


    Ever since she started working at the medical office, she stayed in the lodgings near the imperial court. In terms of distance, it wasnt an issue tomute from the pleasure district, but it was about avoiding strange rumours from spreading about the ce she was living in.


    (I feel its a bitte for that, though.)


    Still, people want to preserve their reputations.


    Her dad also lived in the same lodging as Maomao. Naturally, court physicians also work night shifts, so there werent few people who just stay in the nap room near the medical office. It appears her dad rarely returned to the lodgings.


    The sizes of the rooms werentrge or small. It wasrge enough to have a bed and a cab, as well as a desk, so Maomao had noints. It was also furnished with a bookshelf. Books were valuables so they couldnt buy so much, but she was told that if you get permission, you can borrow the books in the medical office.


    This lifestyle wasnt that bad for Maomao. However, the meals needed to be individually prepared. There was also an eating house nearby, but she often borrowed the stove to cook congee.


    While sitting on the bed, she opened the letters she had received at noon. There were two lettersone was from the pleasure district, so it was a report about the happenings at the pharmacy. The madam was keeping a close eye on Kokuyou, but he hadnt shown any strange actionstely. Sazen seemed to be doing well too.


    The other letter was from Jinshi. It came with Gaoshuns name, but the writing was Jinshis. The contents looked like an extremely normal report of the current circumstances, with no issues. In truth, it contained information about the new middle-ranking consort in the inner pce, the woman from Shaou who was called Airin.


    However, it was strange.


    The person has certainly had one or two peculiarities, but the consort was alone when she entered the inner pce. So why are they so vignt towards her? Maomao thought as she finished reading the letter and ced it in the letter box. Airins actions didnt seem to be particrly strange, though.


    It was a couple of dayster when she understood that, but at this point in time, Maomao had no reason to know.


    When she was mostly used to the work in the medical office, the weirdo tactician who was still relentlessly staring in from the window was taken away by her dad. Her dad had a bad leg, so as if they were sorry that he had to make several round trips, he was recently ced on a wagon and carried away. It seemed very mean, but he was missing a bone in his knee, so it cant be helped.


    Huh? she said.


    Ruomen, her dad, who should have taken that weirdo away just then, had shown up again. When she wondered if he had forgotten something, he went inside the medical office.


    Maomao packed up the dried bandages and went inside. The other courtdies had already assembled. It seems she hadnt gotten any messages again. The grim-faced court physician told Maomao to line up as well.


    I was thinking of going to the inner pce today, but I want to get a number of helpers, Ruomen said.


    So thats how it is. Is that why Ruomen came here?


    The inner pce had the quack doctor, but recently, Ruomen also visited the inner pce. The other court physicians still possessed their important thing, so only the former eunuch Ruomen could enter the inner pce.


    In that case, I shall.


    Stepping forward smoothly was the leader of the clique of four courtdies, Yao. Enen also came forward, like a subordinate. When it came to that, the other two also followed.


    Unfortunately, we have already decided who will being along.


    When the court physician said that, Yao narrowed her eyes.


    In that case, is it this person? Without calling out her name, she just nced at Maomao.


    Its fine if this girl didnt remember her name, but Maomao wanted her to give up on stopping her from going to the inner pce. She became a courtdy to work there.


    The only thing she does is washing, and it doesnt look like she does a good job. Ahh, and she also sweeps the floor. As if she was covering for Yao, one courtdy, whose name Maomao couldnt remember, uttered.


    Rather than a courtdy, wouldnt it be more appropriate for her to be a maidservant?


    They giggled together.


    (No, isnt it because you wont do it?)


    Even if she was called a maidservant, that was all she did, so she didnt think much of it, but she wondered what woulde of denying the work she was told to do as work.


    Should I rebut, she looked, when the bearded court physician smiled and ced his hand on the shoulders of the two courtdies whose names she didnt know. It was the court physician who had tested them when they came in the first time.


    I see. You two can go home.


    At the sudden words, the two courtdies widened their eyes. Wh-what?


    I mean, I was sure that I have told you to wash up properly. Do you think I should keep those who arbitrarily decide that its not work and do nothing? I hate those types the most.


    He was speaking gently, but on the other hand, there was an atmosphere that gave people no options.


    You passed the exam, I guess. But you werent suited for work in the medical office. Youll be rotated to another post, but theres heaps of cleaning and washing in other ces, so you should be prepared for that.


    After stating that, he indicated to the young court physician to take the two away.


    Y-yao-sama! They looked at Yao for help.


    Speaking of Yao and Enen, they only looked shocked.


    Well then, its quieted down. I have one more thing to add. The court physician looked at the remaining two courtdies, Maomao, and then her dad. I also hate nepotism.


    Her dads brows bent into a  shape in embarrassment.


    (Could this be..?)


    Maomao had nned to take the exam properly, but seeing her surroundings, it might not have been taken as so.


    Above all, sinceing here, she couldnt deny that it had been a hindrance to work due to the weirdo tactician hanging around.


    Well then, thats all from me. Quickly go to the inner pce or whatever, please.


    Her dad dipped his head with a troubled expression.


    In the end, it was Maomao and the two who remained, the three of them, who will be going.

 Volume 6, Chapter 6: The Unchanging Inner Palace

    Before entering the inner pce, whether you were a eunuch or a pcedy, your body had to undergo a checkup. Maomao and her dad were used to it, but Yao and Enen seemed to have found it quite humiliating. They looked terribly ufortable about the fact that they would be touched by eunuchs, so they tantly made indignant faces. With a look of resignation, her dad called for pcedies for them.


    Just this time, okay? he said.


    We understand.


    It didnt look like they were intending to defy her dad. The only thingwas that after they heard that he was a eunuch, it felt like their attitudes had worsened a little.


    (Its not particrly unusual, though.)


    It wasnt unusual to be dismissive towards eunuchs. Her dad was also used to it, so he might not be that bothered by it, but it irritated Maomao.


    They entered the inner pce, and a nostalgic atmosphere filled the air. The garden of women; the men around here were all eunuchs. For a ce that gets influenced by this peculiarity on a daily basis, the people who live here also be a little peculiar.


    Flickering stares focused on Maomaos group. As this ce that had no freedom of movement, they were sensitive to people whoe in from the outside world. Their eyes glittered, wondering if they had any interesting news or anything that could spark a rumour.


    Among those, there were a couple of faces she recognised. Though she wasnt particrly close to them, they were maidservants whom she had asionally chatted with when she was in the washing area. They looked marvelled, as every single time Maomao left the inner pce she would return.


    Her dad made a beeline for the inner pce medical office first. The two courtdies looked around in wonder as they walked, but Maomao and her dad didnt really care. As if Yao couldnt stand her behaviour, unusually, she went to talk to Maomao.


    Why are you acting like youre used to it? she asked.


    I have worked here for close to two years, Maomao answered. It was at short intervals, but she had been here until the autumn ofst year. Since the term of service of pcedies in the inner pce is two years.


    As it was bothersome to exin everything, the courtdy should understand if she just said that.


    The conversation ended on that note, and they reached the medical office in silence. A familiar loach moustached face was dozing in the medical office.


    Hello.


    When her dad called out to him apologetically, his nostril red and he flew up in a fluster.


    OH! If it isnt Ruomen-san. And Lass! Long time no see.


    The quack doctor tottered over to them, his heavy belly under his arms. Although he said long time no see, Maomao had apanied him to his family home, the papermaking vige, so it had only been a couple of months.


    It looked like Yao couldnt stand the fact that Maomao was also acquainted with the quack doctor.


    (Nepotism, huh.)


    She had intended to take the exam, but it probably would be strange for people to even see it that way. She ruminated on the words the court physician, who worked in the military, had said just then. It cant be helped that he thought that way, but it wasnt something to be bothered about.


    Who are the youngdies at the back? the quack doctor asked, seeing Yao and Enen.


    The two had a delicate expression. He may be a eunuch but he was also a court physician. They seem to understand that in their heads but were at a lost on how they should act towards him. The quack couldnt read their expressions, no, didnt read their expressions, and started to search the shelves while asking, What tea cakes would be good?


    His personality was enviable in a way.


    These three are courtdies of the imperial court who will be acting as assistants for court physicians from now on. Since it will be difficult for us alone to watch over the inner pce, we will be taking them around with us as a test. Did you not get the correspondence?


    At her dads words, the quack doctor was taken aback. He nced over to the table. An unopened letter was in view, but lets not meddle.


    Ahhh, is that so, thats how it is. And how will this be done? the quack doctor said meaningfully as if he had already known about it.


    Maomao thought that it was the usual and her dad gave a wry smile. Yao and Enen immediately faced this court physician with eyes of full ofdoubt like he was somewhat strange. It shouldnt take much time for them to figure out that the quack doctor is a quack.


    Today, we will be heading to Consort Rifas ce, then the middle ranking consorts.


    The high ranking consorts in the inner pce were Consort Rouran who had passed away due to the rebellion, and Consort Gyokuyou who became an empress and left the inner pce, And then, there was Consort Riishu who was still retired to religion. In essence, there was only Consort Rifa.


    (I heard she had given birth to a boy, but how is she?)


    Its really been a long time since she met Consort Rifa. She was a consort that she had various feelings about, seeing how she had once nursed her constantly before. Though it wasnt to the point of Consort Riishu, Consort Rifa also had various baggage on her. Apparently, the good-for-nothing maids were all fired in one clean sweep, but how was it now?


    And then, speaking of the middle ranking consort, she was also bothered about the woman from Shaou who had newly entered, Airin. She originally became a courtdy assistant to court physicians for this woman.


    For the time being, shall we go to the Crystal Pce?


    And so, they will be going to meet Consort Rifa.


    Upon reaching the high ranking consorts ce, there were eunuchs that were different from the usual court physicians standing guard. Along with being escorts for the court physician, they were also guards for consorts to keep her out of harms way. Faces dont change that way, so thesewere also faces that Maomao were familiar with. They were devoted to their work, and so didnt talk to Maomaos group who were outside their required realm, thus she didnt know their names either. Maomao was fine with that, and the other party would be better off not troubling them too.


    As usual, the pce of one of the high ranking consorts, Able Consort Rifa, was gorgeous. Maomao had borrowed a room once before to cultivate roses. The roses left over from that time had been nted all over, so the pce garden was full of roses. Maomaos roses had been white, but the gardeners might have felt that the colours were a little dreary. It was now vibrant with reds, yellows and hybridised greens. It was a little wasteful that the flowering season was already over.


    Eek!


    The maid who came to receive them at the entrance of the Crystal Pce cried out when she saw Maomao.


    It appears that there were still a number of old-timers left, seeing how there were those who tantly contorted their faces at the sight of Maomao. As usual, they were treating her like a demon-she wanted to them stop.


    She felt that Yao and Enen were giving her strange looks again.


    On the contrary, even her dad looked at Maomao. His eyes were uneasy, asking, Did you do something here too?


    They were led to the interior of the pce. Not the bedroom, but the parlour. A short whileter, with the sound of clothes rustling, the consort that was like a rose appeared. In her arms, there was a chubby infant who was smacking his lips. He had a slight milky smellhis mother might have just been breastfeeding him just now.


    Consort Rifa wasnt wearing face powder, she had only applied a light amount of rouge. Her skin was naturally beautiful, so she was fine even without face powder.


    Following after the quack and her dad, Maomao and the others greeted her as well. Its a good thing the consort I havent met in a long time looks healthy, Maomao thought. The infant in her arms also had a goodplexion. He was already a lot older than the crown prince who had passed away.


    The legal wife Empress Gyokyous son was currently the crown prince, but the sessor was Consort Rifas child. Considering the issue of session, they will get a little uneasy in the future, but its good enough that he is being raised soundly now, Maomao thought.


    We can keep the greetings short. More importantly, can you check his condition?


    Consort Rifa gently passed the baby over to Maomao. To be suddenly given the baby, she got a little bewildered, but the baby wasnt shy, squinting his eyes as he sucked his thumb.


    (Im not that good with kids, though.)


    Consort Rifa probably wanted to show to Maomao this. That Consort Rifa, who was a hollow shell after losing her previous child, had now given birth to a son and was raising him. When Maomao thought of it that way, theres no way she could say that the baby wasnt cute at all.


    The maid who had joined the Crystal Pce was outstanding. She prepared a chair for Maomao to sit on so she could hold the infant properly.


    Her dad asked Consort Rifa questions about her health, then took her wrist and measured her pulse. The quack doctor did nothing, only smiling as he stood beside them. Instead of him, it was Enen who took out the tools.


    Maomao examined the baby.


    Perhaps due to the considerably warmer temperatures, there was a light amount of sweat on the babys head. Aside from that, there was nothing to worry about, he was the picture of health. She whispered into the ears of the quack who was smiling with his eyes, and he passed the message for her to her dad. It seemed to be within his expectations, so the quack was told by her dad to take out medicine for heat rash from the medicine box they had brought over.


    It was the best thing that he was being brought up in good health, but the whole time Maomao carried the baby, Yao and Enen were ring at her.

 Volume 6, Chapter 7: Fortune Cookies Former Part

    After Consort Rifa, there was the Shaou woman who recently became a middle-ranking consort. She wasnt using any of the three other high ranking consort pces; like other middle-ranking consorts, she was given a building. It was situated in the central-east side of the inner pce. It didnt seem like she was given special treatment, but the building didnt seem like it has been used for a while; the surroundings were a little dreary. There was no ce to grow a tree and the colour of the soil looked like it was freshly dug up.


    The maids, who came to receive them, let them in with a smile. There were five of themnot many or little for a middle ranking consort. However, from their over-exemry movements, there was the atmosphere where she had been provided with obedient maids.


    Hello.


    The blonde new consort who showed up was wearing arge-sleeved dress, looking like she was unustomed in it. She had white skin that looked transparent, sky coloured eyes, a voluptuous body, and was also tall. She stretched out on the couchnguidly and watched the maids as they prepared tea.


    (The emperors strike zone.)


    Probably, but Maomao didnt think he wouldy his hands on the consort, considering her position. His majesty was vigorous at night, but Maomao knew him to be a sharp and able person. He had two sons who were growing up quickly; he had no need to go into a panic to increase the number of children. Rather, if a woman who defected from her country were to give birth to a child, it might spark a diplomatic issue soon after.


    (There are already enough sparks.)


    Maomao looked at the woman who had majestically argued with Rahan in thends of the West. She may be modestly drinking tea now, but there was no way of knowing what was going on in the womans mind.


    The maid beside her tasted for poison, then handed the teas around.


    Have you familiarised yourself with the inner pce? Her dad spoke slowly to the consort. Airin spoke theirnguage fluently, but it might be easier for her to understand if she was spoken to at a slower pace.


    Yes, everyone is good to me. Her long fingers picked up the cup. The teacup was a foreign style with a handle. There was nail rouge painted on her long fingers. The tea also had a sweet aroma, so it must be western fermented tea. Maomao wanted to try some, but they were only prepared for her dad and the quack doctor.


    (It was given out at the Crystal Pce though.)


    Consort Rifa must have been acting thoughtfully on that part.


    Her dad asked questions about her health and took the consorts pulse. Where her dad differed from other court physicians was probably the part where he noted down the numbers. Though not to the extent of Rahan, the numbers that clearly denoted their physical condition looked weighty.


    He opened the portable stationery on the table and smoothly noted it down.


    What she noticed there were words that were different than usual.


    (Western script?)


    At a nce, the script looked like curvy worms. A long time ago, her dad made lists in this script when it came to medicine. Maomao had desperately tried to read it, so he changed the way he wrote.


    Why is he using that again, she thought, but there were a couple of people who were studying it desperately. The quack doctor was just handing out tools as he was told without knowing anything. A maid who was steaming a fresh batch of tea was ncing over. And one other person.


    Enen was looking with a cool expression.


    The contents werent anything important. Maomao could also more or less read it. Pulse is regr, health is goodsimple phrases like that.


    There are no abnormalities.


    Is that s ? Airin, who normally spoke fluently, would asionally have a strange intonation at the end of her speech. She probably remembered Maomao; her gaze flickered towards her once in a while.


    With nothing changed in particr, they were about to leave after their job was over, when Airin called them to a stop.


    Since youre here, please take these sweets.


    There were baked pastries wrapped in pretty pouches. The strangely shaped cookies had a fragrant buttery aroma. Only the courtdies received it, so the quack was looking at the curious pastries with a look of envy, so she had to give some to him when they return to the medical office. Perhaps the pouches didnt all contain the same thing; only Enens was patterned.


    After they went around to the rest of the middle-ranking consorts, it was already evening. Maomao didnt eat much, but she got hungry nheless. Am I allowed to tempt the quack doctor to drink some tea in the medical office, she wondered.


    Its only middle ranking consorts today, but well have to see the low ranking consorts and then the maids next, her dad said in a gentle tone. Before, they should have only examined up to the middle-ranking consorts. Additionally, it was the quack doctor who was doing the examinations, so there was no knowing if it was useful or not.


    Her dad had returned as a court physician and the numbers had also increased with courtdy assistants. There was no way her dad could keep examining with his age, so it was nned that, eventually, the courtdies would take over as the core. By that time, the inner pce should be smaller than it is now, so it might be easier to do then.


    How about we take a break now then? her dad said.


    Its okay to take it more slowly, the quack said.


    That cannot do. We still have other things to do.


    The quack doctor looked reluctant to part from them. He probably didnt have many friends to drink tea with, besides the asional eunuch who came. Maomaos only friend when she was a maidservant, Shaoran, was already gone, so it must be lonely.


    (I wonder how she is.)


    She recalled the amicable maiden who skilfully decided to work in town. How about taking this opportunity to send a letter to her?


    He looked like he wanted the pastries she received, so she took it out from her bosom, thinking, shall I share some? She took out the pouch and was going to pick one up, but Maomao suddenly realised. The strangely shaped cookies was an odd cylinder. There was something inside. She plucked it out; it had a small piece of paper inside. All the pastries contained it.


    (What?)


    Maomao returned the pastry that she was thinking of giving to the quack doctor back into her bosom and left the inner pce once again.


    She decided to not look at the dejected quack.


    Maomao took out the pastries when she finished work and returned to her lodgings. She spread out a sheet of cloth and ced the pastries on top. There were seven cookies. All of them contained paper that was the same size.


    (whats this?)


    A script that was like snakes and worms. It was the same script her dad had scribbled, but the letters didnt make words. Different from thenguage that Maomao used, a single letter in the western script doesnt have meaning. A single word is formed from several letters. However, she couldnt read the broken up words at all. Could it mean something? Unfortunately, the pieces of paper she had now didnt connect neatly even if she tried.


    (I tried.)


    The consort really was peculiar. She was a woman who had big guts to just enter the inner pce alone.


    Knowing that she tried, Maomao was irritated, but she was more vexed that she couldnt figure it out.


    Maomao lined up the pastries and paper. The number of letters written on the paper ranged between two to three. As if they have been crudely cut, they werent neat squares but were nted and crooked.


    What a crude cut.


    The paper was splotched with grease from the pastry in various ces. The consort had used good paper. There was no tearing.


    (Its suspicious even if it was a prank.)


    What does she want to do? Maomao looked through the paper.


    When she tilted her head, she heard the door knock.


    She went out with the paper in hand, wondering who it could be. Yao and Enen were standing outside. The two also lived in the same lodging. Of course, they never spoke to Maomao, so theres no problem whether they exist or not, though.


    What is it?


    At Maomaos inquiry, the frowning Yao answered.


    You got pastries from the consort this afternoon, right? Hand that over to us.


    She had said in amanding tone. How mysterious, even Maomao who wasnt that attached to sweet stuff didnt feel like giving it to this person. Of course, Maomao also understood that it wasnt that this woman was a glutton that she wanted it.


    So she decided to bully her a little.


    My apologies, I ate it for dinner. Western-style pastries have a slightly crumbly texture. Was there some wheat germ or something else inside?


    She purposely tried saying it as though there was some foreign substance in her mouth. Yao, who turned pale, drew towards Maomao.


    Spit it out! Hurry up, spit it out!


    Maomao was being shaken. It seems the womans cookies also had paper scraps inside them like Maomaos.


    What about the rest? Dont tell me you ate everything!


    Yao-sama. It was Enen who stopped Yao from shaking Maomaos shoulders. I feel that Maomao-san is smiling. Its like an expression of contempt, so isnt she making fun of you?


    It appeared that Enen remembered Maomaos name. And while she was at it, she had also read Maomaos poker face.


    Making fun of me, really?!


    (Did I get exposed?)


    Maomao looked at Yao as she fixed her cor. Certainly. its true that Im ying around, but wasnt the one who acted rude, you? I dont know what resentment you have towards me, but if you were to suddenlye up to someone and try to snatch away their things, if youre not a robber, I dont know what you are.


    What Maomao said was sound. The two must think her as impertinent, but she wasnt going to yield here. As expected, the woman didnt react sharply against that.


    Yao gave a big sigh and looked straight at Maomao. Is there anything strange about the baked pastries you just got? If there is, I want you to hand it over. Ill pay you back for the pastries in exchange.


    What strange thing are you talking about? Maomao asked.


    Strange things. Like something strange inside.


    It wasnt bad if she got a reward, but Maomao was curious about the strange paper as well. She didnt want to readily hand it over.


    Was there also something inside their baked pastries? However, she didnt think that they would easily speak to Maomao.


    Maomao nced at Enen. She was only a courtdy who attended to Yao, but she was still looking at Maomao calmly.


    (Shall I try turning them down?)


    Maomao considered how she could progress with the conversation as she opened her mouth. If you are asking if my pastries have something inside, does that mean there is something inside yours too? If you tell me, Ill tell you.


    . Yao had an expression that could be said as discontent. Enen watched her masters attitude intensely.


    Maomao took out the paper scraps in her hand. If you show me, Ill also show the rest of this.


    There were different letters written on every paper. If there was any meaning, theyll have to put it all together. And so, it should be fine to show them one piece.


    Where are the other pieces?


    If you show me yours, Ill show you mine.


    In the end, Maomao and Yao were on the same level. Beyond taking the same exam and passing, their differences in statuses didnt matter. There were many people who consider that wasnt actually the case, but now, they were equals in this ce and time.


    Yao-sama.


    I know.


    At Enens words, Yao nodded reluctantly. Its just that we cant chat in the hallway.


    Then, in my room, Maomao said.


    No, my room.


    Maomao was fine with either option, but she would giving power to the others if she did exactly as they said here.


    Then, how about we use the lounge? We can borrow it now. As expected, it was Enen who avoided the stalemate. There was a lounge in the boarding house, and you can speak about work there. It would be certainly easy to have a confidential talk.


    I understand. Ill make preparations. Maomao agreed and returned to her room.

 Volume 6, Chapter 8: Fortune Cookies Latter Part

    Well take it out altogether.


    I know.


    Apparently, they were able to borrow the lounge room immediately. The room could fit around ten people, so it was spacious for three. They faced each other on the long table and took out the baked treats with aplomb.


    Maomao looked at the three pouches. The number of baked treats totalled seven, seven, and six. Only one had less. The one who put out thecking one was Yao. The courtdy looked away awkwardly. I-I kind of bit into it.


    I see, Maomao said, looking at the torn piece of paper with smudged letters. There were exactly seven pieces of paper. Like Maomaos, there were one or two letters written on it.


    Enens didnt have any paper despite having the treats.


    Have you not taken it out yet?


    No, mine didnt have any at all. Enen showed her the tube-shaped treats. There was nothing stuffed inside. If Maomao believed her words, seven pieces plus seven pieces, what kind of meaning could the letters in those fourteen pieces of paper make?


    (Will the meaninge out if we line them back up together?)


    Like she had the same thoughts as Maomao, Yao scrambled the papers and lined them back up. To know whose was whose, Maomaos papers had a crease.


    They lined up the letters, but not just Yao, even Maomao and Enen tilted their heads.


    Enen, you understand it? Maomao asked.


    My apologies. I only know a smattering. Its not conversational level yet, Enen replied.


    So it appears that she could read and write somewhat of what her dad had written. Looks like Yao doesnt know it at all.


    Yao looked at Maomao in displeasure. What about you?


    Im the same. I can still understand some if I line it up with vocabry.


    She was probably not much different from Enen. However, when they lined up the letters somehow, they werent able to get any meaning. She felt she would somehow get it if she did it straightforwardly, but it would take an extraordinary amount of time. Unfortunately, one piece was chewed so the letter couldnt be deciphered anymore. As if she knew that, Yao was a little quiet.


    Do we have anything else that we can use as a hint? Maomao looked at the baked treats. The treats were all shaped the same way. Of course, they werentpletely identical, but it wasnt something that she could differentiate with her eyes.


    What about the vour?


    Maomao sniffed them. They all have the same scent, so even if she were to try one, it would be the same. And besides, at this point in time, there was no more knowing which piece belonged to which treat.


    Does it truly have no particr meaning, then?


    Enen tilted her head. Come to think of it, didnt some temple put lots inside treats to tell the fortune?


    If these were lots, then would the letters here mean fortune? It didnt seem to be the case as far as Maomao could see.


    If these are lots, then why does one of ours have nothing inside them? Thats the part Im concerned about.


    At Maomaos insight, the both of them also nodded.


    When they were given the baked treats, it didnt look like the consort was looking at anyone in particr.


    !? Maomao looked at the cloths that had wrapped the treats. Maomaos and Yaos were in; only Enens was patterned.


    Maomao studied the patterned cloth. It looked like there was colour on the back of cloth; there were a lot of angr patterns.


    Could this be? Maomao spread out the patterned cloth. Then shepared the patterns with the pieces of paper. She stacked the papers on top. She stacked them as she tilted her head. All the papers sorted nicely.


    In other words


    The letters lined up side by side. Several words appeared. It looked like it became a sentence.


    Umm, how do you read that?


    White, followed by question mark.


    And then its know, right? Could this be realidentity?


    One letter was gone, so it couldnt be read. However, when theypared it with the rest of the words, they somehow got the meaning.


    Could this be maiden?


    Looks like it.


    When Maomao considered them together


    Do you want to know the real identity of the white maiden?


    She got goosebumps.


    (Give me a break.)


    Isnt this already over? Its troubling that itse back up again? Too insistent, much too insistent.


    What is this white maiden?


    It was Yao who tilted her head. Unlike Maomao, it seems she doesnt know about the Lady Pai who had stirred up the capital. Enen was silent, looking at the row of words.


    As for Maomao, this made her recall the matter about reporting to Jinshi as soon as possible. As she got up, someone grabbed her wrists.


    Where are you intending to go?


    It was Enen who caught her.


    Even if you ask me where. Isnt this something you should report? Maomao answered honestly. She was cautious. She wanted to be excused from carrying a bothersome secret on her own.


    Lets say that her actions were exemry.


    I dont think its wrong to report it. Unusually, Yao also supported Maomao. If Yao said so, Maomao thought that Enen would stay silent, but


    What kind of person would suddenly give out such a puzzle to mere court physician apprentices? Enen looked at Maomao. It was as if she was saying that Maomao knew Airin.


    (No, I dont really know her.)


    However, she understood that the consort was a somewhat suspicious person. A person who entered the inner pce alone to escape from her country. And even if they were to report this, there was a high possibility that she was well versed with the art of escaping.


    Could this also be some exam?


    Exam


    Now that the courtdy mentioned it, it seemed so. It was harsher for court physician apprentices to get shaken offpared to other courtdies. You can get cut on the spot when they think youre incapable even if you had passed the exam.


    It wasnt entirely outside of the realm of impossibility.


    (No, but,)


    Maomao felt that it was indeed outside the realm of responsibility for court physician assistants. Firstly, to solve this puzzle, you have to understand some semnce of westernnguage. Moreover, it was not necessarily the case that the three of them own the information from the baked treats.


    It was like they were seeking for talents who canpare variousposite sides and apply it in a wide variety of uses.


    (Its like)


    Its like a spy.


    She cant say its nothing if Jinshi were to get involved with this role.


    If that was the case, it was not about reporting everything and anything, but also discretely asking Airin.


    It was, but


    Im reporting this, she said.


    Listen to me! What if this is an exam!? Yao red up at Maomao.


    If it was an exam, it would be limited to a fail. Maomao already got the qualifications to be court physician assistant. Still, its not like the numbers of assistants would decrease any more than this.


    Please be at ease. You two get in touch with the consort, Maomao said.


    It was enough to have these two pass the supplementary exam. If they were to take the supplementary exam, she didnt know what else they had to do.


    (Can they do it?)


    As for Maomao, she only thought of doing odd jobs like cleaning and serving tea while learning medicinalpounds from her dad and other court physicians and asionally trying new medicines on sturdy military officials who show up at the office. This would have been a slight happiness, and yet


    However, the twos expressions were scary.


    Grabbing firmly onto Maomao, and ring. It was mostly Yao though. This thing cant be solved without the three of us together. If you are reported alone, consider us the same.


    Is that so?


    And speaking of what they wanted to say:


    You are an aplice too.


    Yao and Enens voices ovepped.


    Maomao raised her hands slightly and smiled wryly.

 Volume 6, Chapter 9: En’En

    Apparently, external court physicians, which was primarily her dad, would enter the inner pce once every ten days. He would visit high ranking consorts once a month, and middle and low ranking ones once every three months.


    It appeared that he also went to Empress Gyokuyous ce, but courtdies still werent allowed yet. It seems that theiring was to be determined based on their reactions at the inner pce.


    After that, whether it be low ranking consorts or low ranking pcedies, if the emperor were to visit them, it was customary for them to get a health check within half a month. But then, the current emperor wouldnt carelesslyy his hand on maidservants. If he were to put his hand carelessly, some seed woulde in from somece. They would have to be trying to avoid that possibility.


    (They said that Im an aplice.)


    The gist of it was that if the puzzle was a ploy for Airin to drag Maomao and others over individually, it would mean that they would be transgressing by not reporting to the authorities. That sort of meaning.


    And so, Enen was currently right next to Maomao. They were washing bandages with their tubs set side by side. They had prepared soapberry peel, so the filthes out from the bandages cleanly.


    After they washed the bandages, they would boil them once. There are cases where human blood has toxins, and when you bathe in the blood or lick it, you can get an infection.


    Isnt washing a maidservants job? Maomao asked.


    I never said such a thing, Enen replied.


    The one who had said that were the courtdies who had been forced to quit. It unintentionally became a disagreeable topic.


    Wheres Yao-san? Maomao asked.


    It was strange to not use honorifics, and also strange to use sama, so for the time being, she called her this way, but it didnt seem fitting.


    Yao-sama was asked by Court Physician Shuu(, Zhou) to goout with him to buy medicine.


    (Court Physician Shuu)


    Whos that, Maomao tilted her head. It was a bad habit, but she had yet to match names with faces. Even so, the way Enen had said it was also bad. As there were only dozens of surnames in this country, the name Shuu was asmon as a pebble on the ground. There should be three or four even among the court physicians and court physician apprentices.


    Maomao wrung the washed bandages. And then, she also ced Enens bandages into her own tub. Leave the rest to me, so please work on something else.


    However, Enen curled her lips. Maomao was also expressionless, so she wouldnt say that the other person was arrogant, but it was a forced smile no matter how one looked at it. She snatched away half of Maomaos tub of bandages.


    We should share each others lot.


    In other words, dont you dare go report it when I take my eyes off you.


    From the baked pastry incident, it seemed the two of them, Yao and Enen were clinging more closely to Maomao.


    Maybe it was a blessing, since Yao aside, Maomao was talking more to Enen. In the beginning, the other courtdy didnt overtly charge at Maomao. She was expressionless and silent. It was probably the same reason she didnt talk to Maomao, as Yao was around.


    (Its a bother to chat.)


    Her personality was probably really simr to Maomao. Her unfriendliness and outstanding points were really simr to Suirei, but she was also somewhat hard to grasp.


    Please dont mind Yao-samas attitude. She was supposed to be the top scorer, but you took that spot, Enen said.


    Top scorer?


    Didnt you hear the exnation? The one who earns the highest score in the exam will be given a different essory cord to the other sessful applicants.


    Ahhh. Maomao recalled that only hers was deeper in colour. She had left all her clothes and so on to Gaoshun, and yet when the clothes were brought over, she had been worked hard by the madam, so there wasnt much.


    (I didnt hear about it.)


    She was sorry about that.


    However, she had thought that she barely passed the exam. Turns out it wasnt the case.


    The general education was another matter, the specialised knowledge was the part I would do well in even if half got taken out, Maomao said.


    The general education. Was that the history and poetry that Maomao had reluctantly studied? She tried hard for that, she tried really hard.


    The specialised knowledge. That was Maomaos field of expertise, so there was no examinee who could beat her results. She understood.


    Yao-sama said that she got all the questions in general education correct, so she probably lost to you in the specialised knowledge section.


    Was that how it is? Maomao felt slightly regretful that she could havecked a bit more while studying. Either way, with the point in the time where the madam had been bribed, there was no way she could have escaped from studying for the exam.


    I worked as a pharmacist.


    Yes, I somehow got that. But, its Yao-sama who still finds it vexing.


    It was not that Maomao didnt understand. She didnt hate that kind of personality. It was way better than having the courtdy act abjectly towards her. But, the issues was how Maomao didnt know how everyone around them would react to seeing the womans behaviour. Among the courtdies who passed, the one with the best parentage was Yao, so the other courtdies would have no choice but to follow.


    Shes not a bad person, so please forgive her for the time being.


    On the other hand, Enen gave quite a mature response. Maomao didnt hear her age, but was she around the same age as her? Yao looked mature, but she had heard that when she was chatting that she was three years younger.


    (Shes sixteen, so it cant be helped.)


    She might get angry if Maomao said that shes still a child.


    However, there was one question that remained.


    The courtdy called Enen. Maomao knew her to be Yaos attendant, but she seemed quite smart. Moreover, she also understood bits of the westernnguage that even Yao didnt know.


    May I ask a question? Maomao asked.


    What is it?


    If Im not there, what if you became the top scorer?


    At Maomaos question, Enen gave another doll-like smile. She moved to stand in front of the stove and put the bandages in the pot. That would never happen.


    (Never, huh.)


    It was an issue to cheat to raise your marks, but it wouldnt be dishonest to dare to give incorrect answers to what you know.


    So it was something like that.


    (Shes a capable woman that is different to Suirei in a different meaning.)


    Rather than Suirei, she was simr to the maid who is Jinshis nursemaid, Suiren. She had a polite bearing, but you cant be negligent.


    Speaking of what


    Shes a cunning person.


    Outside of being observed by the two courtdies, it was a normal ten days for Maomao.


    But she was a little troubled that every time a letter arrived, they would inspect it. It was a relief that there were no direct letters from Jinshi. For the most part, it came under Gaoshuns name. What happened next was of no matter, it seemedBasen had already returned to work. Considering how his injuries had been grievous, he had a resilience that could also be seen as abnormal.


    (Is his body somehow structured differently?)


    During that, she ended up thinking about wanting to try topare wound healing with other people. He seemed sturdy, so it shouldnt be an issue even if he were to get treated somewhat roughly. The person himself would seem to reject it, so shall she sound out Gaoshun?


    The pharmacy was doing wellthat came from Sazen. However, he wrote that Kokuyou would asionally be noisy. He had to bear with that.


    asionally slipped into the letters were the drawings of a cat, maomao, but that was Chouu. There was a paw print carefully pressed onto the paper instead of a seal. It looked like there were scratch marks, so he must have forced it.


    Yao studied the cat drawing intently, saying that she was inspecting. After just looking at it, she reluctantly passed it back to Maomao. Afterwards, Enen asked if she could give her the cat drawing, so she was probably giving it to Yao.


    Yao and Enen seem to see the white maiden as a mere secret code. Enen looked a little caught up on it, but if Yao didnt worry about it, she had no ns of interfering with it deeply.


    (A white maiden, huh.)


    Eight-nine chances out of ten, it was about Lady Pai, she thought, but perhaps there was also another possibility.


    The one thing Maomao was curious about was the food poisoned artist that she had savedst time. There was a painting of a white beauty with red eyes in his house. She was told that it was a woman the artist had seen a long time ago, that he had met in thends of the west.


    If that was the woman Airin, a native of Shaou, was talking about


    No, Airin had purposely given out the solution to the riddle. Maomao shook her headit indeed was about Lady Pai.


    However, she was still caught up on the fact about the white woman the artist had met.


    (Could they be connected somehow?)


    When she knew the answer to that question, was the day after when she met Airin again.

 Volume 6, Chapter 10: Visit

    No more than a hundred women who hold the position of consort in the inner pce.


    When high ranking consorts leave, they spur various rumours, but it is not umon for consorts of lower positions to remain unnoticed. Even when they get bestowed, they can also get returned to their families without getting a visit from the emperor.


    There are many pcedies who snort about leaving the inner pce, but Maomao thought that too was fine.


    The room had a tag with a flower and a number. It was the room of a low ranking consort, but there was a ck cloth hanging on the door.


    A ck cloth had the significance of mourning, that is, it signified that the consort, the owner of this room, had died. It was done the same way as the time the previous crown prince had passed away.


    Maomaos group had her dad, the quack doctor, and then Yao and Enen going around the inner pce together. This was their second visit to the inner pce.


    Could it be fromillness?


    It was Yao who suddenly spoke. If it was from illness, her dad would have examined her thest time he came. The fact that it wasnt the case meant


    It would have to be suicide, huh.


    It actually wasnt unusual. If this was clearly a suicide without incident, there wont be a fuss in the inner pce. She wont say that it was an everyday urrence, but it wasnt something that would cause a stir.


    Although their kind of floweris different, many a consort who enter the inner pcee in boasting of their beauty being greater than anyone else. Thus there are also many who have high self-esteem, and there are not few who get stricken from the difference of their dream of after entering the inner pce and reality.


    I heard that she was dependent on alcohol.


    Maomao heard pcedies chatting. They were so engrossed in their chatting, they didnt seem to have noticed that they had walked close to the court physicians. When they noticed their white outer garment, they panicked and returned to their station.


    (It is indeed a womans graveyard, no, battleground.)


    Those who lose the battle could only disappear.


    In a certain meaning, it is the overworked maidservants who still dont have a defined term of service who have more freedom.


    Todays ns were that they will be going around to the low ranking consorts rooms and then head to Airins cest. Was it because she wanted to know the answer to the puzzle? It seems the consort had taken it upon herself to tell them that shes feverish so she wanted them to see her


    There are no issues in particr.


    The consort who smelled strongly of perfume said as a maid fanned her. It was already summer, so when they got here they wanted to pinch their noses from the heavy fumes. Of all things, the room was closed up, so the stench wasnt going anywhere.


    (Even though her body shape is the emperors tastes.)


    She possessed a full bodyeven with her corpletely done up, it was noticeable. Her features were a little sharp, but she didnt seem dim-witted. It was probably within the His vigorous Majestys defensive range.


    Maomao snuck a nce at the notebook the quack doctor was holding. The name of the low ranking consort who stunk like perfume, who was currently before them, was written on the page. The consorts medical history was also noted there. And not just that, there was also a memo of the number of visits she got from the emperor.


    (Ah, I knew it. She is his tastes.)


    It was written that he had visited her once. He probably didnt return because of the overwhelming stench of the perfume.


    She thought it was frank and vulgar, but the records of the rooms in the inner pce were taken in detail. They were also obligated to report it to the court physicians. Rather than an obligation, it was honestly stringent.


    (Yeah, like Empress Gyokuyous time and such.)


    When Maomao was in the Jade Pce, his majesty came once every three days.


    On whether they actually did it, they had to be on alert outside the room. The head maid Honnyan normally did it, but in the cases where it was tiring when he came in consecutive days, Maomao took over.


    (Nah, Im just used to it from the pleasure district.)


    Even for Maomao, who got used to his majesty and Empress Gyokuyous snusnu to a certain extent, they were considerably advanced. Even just the sound through the walls was quite tough. She always thought it would probably be mortifying for Honnyan, the single woman in her thirties.


    During that asion where they noted it down several times like so, she thought that this ce was already different from the outside world.


    He probably wouldnt visit this low ranking consort again if this present situation were to continue. Perhaps due to the fact that she had been chosen, she was strangely lofty, but Maomao, on the contrary, felt that was pitiful instead.


    By being chosen, leaving the inner pce bes distant.


    (If she didnt have this smell at least.)


    Wouldnt your nose go strange with this much perfume? Maomao thought.


    No, she didnt think wrong, it looked like it was that in actual fact.


    The consort opened her small shapely mouth widely. Rather than a habit, it seemed like she breathed through her mouth.


    Normally, living beings breathe through their noses. Cats, dogs, and so on. Humans too, also breathe that way, but.


    Could her nose be blocked the reason she was breathing through her mouth? If she had a habit of breathing through her mouth since young, it could influence the shape of her teeth.


    (Her teeth.)


    Just that moment, her dad opened her mouth. The rows of her teeth werent bad. It seems her dad had the same thought as Maomao.


    Do you sneeze often? he asked.


    Yes, the consort replied.


    Blocked nose?


    It ismon from Spring to the beginning of Summer. Its gotten quick bad sinceing to the inner pce.


    Is it difficult to sleep well?


    I can sleep if my nose wasnt blocked.


    He noted it down with a flourish.


    The quack looked dazed, so Maomao passed the medicine box to her dad.


    What her dad took out was medicine for nasal inmmation. Please use this. Stop using it when it gives you insomnia. Also, it may increase the amount of urination, but that shouldnt be an issue.


    Also, her dad added. I believe the incense you are currently using isnt good for the body. If you are to use it, it would be better to light a small amount. Your physical condition will improve.


    I understand. As if the consort was relieved that it was sinusitis, she answered meekly.


    It was what Maomao had noticed; it wasnt that her dad didnt know. Furthermore, he had gently pointed out that the incense was strong. If she didnt have a stuffed nose, how would she have known how strong the stench was herself?


    When they left the consorts room, her dad studied the tree. It was blooming with a lot of brightly coloured summer flowers.


    Where was the consort from? he asked.


    It seemed she hailed from the north-west. Its close to a desert, so the climate must have also been intense, the quack said as he flipped open the notebook.


    Her dad slowly turned around to Maomao and the others. Well then, shall I ask you a question while were at it? What did you think is the cause of the consorts nasal inmmation?


    He proposed them a riddle, eyes squinting gently. Maomao was going to raise her hand, but her dad stared her down so she slowly lowered them. The question wasnt directed to Maomao, but Yao and Enen.


    The one who raised her hand slowly was Yao. Could it be the fact that her room was sealed shut?


    Certainly, the room was tightly sealed. That was why the smell didnt leave and it stunk.


    (Theres that too.)


    The room looked clean, but it wasnt known if it was properly ventted. They didnt see her bedroom, but it might have been dusty.


    If the bedroom is filthy, bugs will grow and it can harm the body.


    That certainly wasnt impossible. However, Maomao had a different opinion.


    (I wouldnt think that consort had given up on his majestys visits.)


    The consort wouldnt be negligent on maintaining her bedroom. In a certain meaning, her strong incense can be taken as a form of personal grooming. She couldnt measure it with her blocked nose, though.


    Maomao looked at the nts growing in the garden.


    (A bad nasal inmmation from Spring to the beginning of Summer.)


    She crouched down and picked the grass growing on the side of the road. Mugworta herb she often used for moxibustion. Its a ubiquitous nt, but it probably didnt grow in the consorts hometown.


    Maomao made a bored look, and as if her dad was saying, What an impatient child, he took the mugwort she picked off her hands.


    The consorts bedroom is pristine, he said. She should be maintaining her room, so it wouldnt be an issue whenever his majestyes. Especially in the case he were to visit even once.


    Being told that her answer was wrong, Yao made a look of discontent.


    Her dad praised her to put her into good spirits. Your perspective was good. You can get ill from unsanitary conditions. This is especially important in the bedroom.


    Like she was not as dissatisfied as she would have them believe by being praised, but then she was praised by a eunuch, Yao made a mixed expression.


    (I wouldve given the correct answer.)


    Maomao was being childish towards someone younger than her, but her dad was one of the few people she behaved like a spoilt child towards.


    The reasons for her sneezes could be rted to the nts and flowers, he said.


    It was different from a cold. When you breathe in the pollen and spores of nts, you can sneeze and your nose would run.


    Pollen can have a detrimental effect to your body, so you sneeze.


    Her dad had stated clearly, but normally, wouldnt he say this to Maomao:Can you think about another reason that can harm your body? But, it was probably easier for the two to understand if they are told that here. Aside from Yao and Enen, even the quack doctor was in awe.


    (No, you should be the one thats teaching that.)


    Maomaos thoughts reached the back of her throat; she held it back.


    Um.


    It was Yao who raised her hand again. There was a part she was bothered about, but Maomao had to approve of her enthusiasm for her studies.


    If pollen has a detrimental effect to the body, then why isnt everyone sneezing? she asked.


    Her dad smiled. You have a point. But, like how there are people who catch colds and those who dont, there are people who are affected by pollen and those who dont. Also, there are those that suddenly get affected one day. For example, when a persons constitution happens to get worse. Like when you live in a new ce after you journey from a distant ce.


    In other words, that consort.


    (I already knew that.)


    Maomao frowned. Her dad gave her a troubled expression.


    Court physicians would arrogantly dere that people were trying to steal their skills, but her dad was different. He would exin it nicely to anyone.


    It was a little vexing, but Maomao was also an adult. Reluctantly, she fixed her expression and headed to the next consorts ce.


    After visiting around ten consorts, thest ce they went to was the aforementioned Airins building. It was somewhat difficult to call that foreign woman as a consort. It wasnt because she was a foreigner. If there was such a distinction, the barbarian princess Empress Gyokuyou would also be the same.


    The reason Maomao couldnt see Airin as a consort was only that she couldnt consider that she had entered the inner pce with the position of a consort.


    A friendly exemry maid opened the door and led them to the same room asst time.


    Before they went inside, Enen nudged her sleeves.


    (Yeah, yeah, I know.)


    It was said that Maomao was an aplice and the main offender was done by Yao. As for Maomao, Enen thought that she could support by improvisation, but that cannot do. So Enen was just supporting Yao.


    And so, it was about when they would propose the issue.


    Because she had been purposely called out, Airin showed up with a feverish expression. Was it an act, was it true, there was no way of knowing. However, her flushed cheeks had a strange charm.


    (Her chest is huge.)


    Maomao subconsciously made grabby hand motions. As her physical condition was bad, the consort was wearing an outfit that was close to nightwear. One maids gaze wavered as if she was saying that it was immodest.


    Well then, Ill take your pulse.


    No matter how sexy her outfit was, the men here dont have their important thing. There was an elderly man and an old man; they were already withered, so seductive techniques dont work on them.


    Seeing her symptoms, her dad prepared her medicine. The area around her neck was stiff, so the medicine had arrowroot mixed into it.


    Maomao looked at unsettled Yao next to her. It looked like she wanted to catch a chance to speak to the consort. At this rate, it would be better to say nothing.


    However, the one who skilfully helped out was her reliable subordinate.


    A crisp sound could be heard in the examination room.


    It was the sound of someone eating the lightly baked crackers, the tea snacks, that had been prepared on the table. Enen was eating the cracker with a deadpan expression.


    Enen!


    Yao scolded Enen. Yao had spoken out, so her dad and the quack no longer had any part to y. However, the usual Enen probably wouldnt be doing such a rude and wanton thing.


    My apologies. This looked really delicious, Enen said.


    Its fine. Thats why I took it ut, Airin said, her expressionnguid.


    Did you bring that?Enen exchanged looks with Yao. Thetter finally noticed that it was her cue.


    It certainly does look delicious. The sweets we receivedst time was also very delicious. They were very unusual white sweets, Yao said.


    The cookies had a slightly unusual shape, but it wasnt white. In other words, Yao was teasing that they had solved the secret message.


    Airins expression was unchanged, instead, the maid gave a mysterious look. She might not have known that there were pieces of paper inside those cookies. Or it could have probably been exined away as lots to her.


    Thats good to hear. I actually have an interest in making sweets. I also have some today, so if you like please take some back with you.


    Airin made a light smile. Whether she had read Yaos hints or not, it was hard to judge with her expression. It was a sight to see what kind of sweets she was going to give them.

 Volume 6, Chapter 11: The One Who Was Waiting

    There wasnt any twist to the sweets they got Airin this time. It only contained a written note saying that they will be waiting at the eating house near the lodgings. Seeing how the three of them got the same message, it seems they all needed to pass together.


    (Tch.)


    She headed to the appointed ce with the two who were looking like they had been done in.


    There were many high-end shops at the north side of the capital. The shop that they were called to was yet another one of those high-end restaurants(). There were a lot of bureaucrats and hence would also have reserved rooms prepared.


    Were so out of ce, arent we?


    A winehouse(, lit. wine house, but basicallya fancy restaurant originating from Southern China (Cantonese) that typically serves banquets), as its name suggests, is a shop that serves wine. The tall building was extravagant, and although Yao had her wares, it wasnt something familiar for someone who was still a sixteen-year-old maiden.


    It wasnt a ce for the three women to drop by to.


    There were mostly males inside; females, if you exclude the waitresses, were hardly seen. It wasmon sense to think that this wasnt a ce for them to drop by. Although, for Maomao who was used to drinking ces from the pleasure district as well, the chilly stares around her were of no matter. This ce was only better in the way it didnt have drunks with impaired judgement.


    A waitress with polished makeup came up to them. How may I help you?


    They didnt look like customers. There was also the possibility that they might have been mistaken as job applicants.


    We are western guests, Maomao recited what the note had said.


    The waitress, as if she understood, guided them inside.


    As soon as they entered the room they were led to, Maomao was met with extreme fatigue from the tension.


    Yo. A short man wearing round sses with unruly hair was drinking fruit wine. No, rather than wine, it might be juice instead.


    The weirdo tacticians nephew, his adopted son, Rahan was there. There was one other man, but as he was an escort Rahan had brought along, it should probably be fine to ignore him since he wont be speaking at all.


    Its good that you arrived soundly. I was wondering what I should do if you didnte, he said.


    Were leaving. Maomao turned around, and Enen gripped onto her arm.


    Why are we leaving? Or rather, do you know him? Yao looked back and forth between Maomao and Rahan with a question mark on her head.


    Maomao-san is Captain Kans daughter, Enen said.


    That was the weirdo tacticians formal title.


    Were strangers, Maomao replied like she usually did.


    Oh, you know a lot, Rahan said in awe.


    Enen replied with a look saying that it was nothing. Wouldnt you want to investigate when he shows his face every time to such an extent? A portion seemed to havetaken it as tacit understanding.


    (That bloody weirdo.)


    Maomao mentally cursed him. He does nothing but good for nothing stuff for the most part.


    And this person, Enen said, is Captain Kans son.


    Yao reacted to Enens words. Older brother?


    Thats right, Rahan said.


    No way, Maomao said.


    Which one is it?


    Ill need to win over Yao here at least, Maomao thought.


    However, Yao was ring at Maomao. So, does that mean that your rtives were in on it from the start?


    Looks like she got a misunderstanding from a different side. It is certainly true if it was known that the ringleader was someone she knew, it would be understandable to think that way.


    Its not true. The one who denied it was Rahan. We dont want any person who cant solve this level of puzzles here, even if they are rtives. I mean, sending in useless people would just increase the amount of trouble, the round sses said, squinting his eyes further. He wasnt covering for Maomao, this was Rahans true feelings. The cunning one who betrayed his family and chased them from the housethat was Rahan.


    Enen twisted her lips slightly. It looked like a smile, but it felt like it wasced with sarcasm. She might have heard from rumours about the kind of person Rahan was. Compared to Yao who was tilting her head, the woman was quite worldly.


    (Rather, she might not match with her master if she wasnt worldly.)


    There was no mistaking with human resources.


    Why are we standing around talking? Why dont we talk slowly as we eat? Maomao took a seat with a look of displeasure. In terms of position, it should be Rahans treat. Lets order as many expensive dishes as possible.


    And so.


    Rahan had said it flippantly, but the topic was quite bothersome. There was a reason he specifically chose an important store that purveyed to the government for this. The subject was confidential.


    In simple terms, Rahan had a hand in Airins entry to the inner pce. The reason was that Airins political rival had tried to seize power and that she felt that her life was in danger.


    The request for importations of food supply can be said, in a certain meaning, to be a means to create a lifeline. During times of famine, the seizing of food is great. And that she had tried to oppose that.


    And they even disregarded that, he said.


    Its awkward when you consider the citizens, but its meaningless if you get assassinated first. And so, she had decided to enter the inner pce of the emperor of this country, Rii. Officially, it wasnt seen as a defection, but rather, a way to tie a connection to the other country.


    Maomao tilted her head.


    You have a question? Rahan asked.


    No, I was thinking that theres a lot of Shaou women in this, she replied.


    It was unthinkable in this country. The inner pce aside, the position of women outside would never be higher than men. Even bing a courtdy is considered a part of training for homemaking.


    Certainly, it might be important as a tool for political marriage, but they probably wouldnt be able to meddle as much as Airin did.


    Do you not even know about this?


    Unusually, Yao lifted her nose in a proud snigger. Apparently, she was happy that she knew something that Maomao didnt, and that she had no other choice than to exin it to her. This maidens personality was gradually getting adorable.


    The country called Shaou is made up of two pirs. One is the king. And the other is the priestess, Yao said.


    Maomao had heard a little about the priestess. That was the one who directed this and that with divination.


    Its the king who holds the final say in the government, but recently the state of affairs have been different.


    Normally they dont stay in power for more than ten odd years. The reason being that priestesses were young girls who have yet to get their first period, and asionally were those who can be called infants.


    So to speak, they exist as a symbol or an idol.


    But the current priestess has already passed forty. If she were to be older than the king, she would be meddling in parts where she normally shouldnt be meddling. Moreover, from that, women would also get more power to have a say in politics.


    I see. Maomao had already known about some of these, but she understood it once again.


    (Passed forties and still havent got her first period, huh.)


    Maomao got curious about that. Its rare, but apparently, there are stories. Several reasons exist. asionally, it could be due to them being intersex. She had no idea what those people feel about it, but Maomao was very interested in it to an inhumane extent.


    Are there no simr examples in the past? she asked.


    That is connected to the main topic, so allow me to exin, Rahan said, as he picked up a thin slice of pigs ear. Apparently, there are several simr cases in the past. However, even if what shoulde didnte, it would be transferred to the next generation in twenty years.


    It would be better politically and symbolically as well.


    Then why is the current priestess still in power? she asked.


    The current priestess is special. He took about a sheet of paper from his breast pocket. It looked like a drawing of a beauty, but the hair was painted in a light colour. The current priestess is probably an albino. There are several conditions on the choosing of a priestess, and among that, white children are the most sacred.


    A rare albino even among priestesses. It was said that she ignored custom and was still in power.


    . And with this, Maomao finally came to an understanding.


    Do you want to know the real identity of the white maiden?


    The western white beauty the painter of beauties had seen. That beauty could be the priestess; didnt it match perfectly in terms of age?


    It was said that albinosck something to create the colour they should normally have. If there are cases where a white baby could be suddenly born, it is also true that they could be born through family lineages. It was the case in Rii, so it should also be extremely rare in Shaou.


    Does Lady Pai also have some rtion to this?


    That priestess is now retired in illness. And so, she will being to rely on the doctors of this country, but apparently the priestess cannot be touched by males, even if they were a former eunuch, Rahan said.


    And thats why you have the courtdies that will be assisting the court physicians, Maomao said.


    Yeah. Just the ce in itself, she has to make a long journey, and above all, it has also developed into an international problem. We require talents who are quite capable of coping with the moment.


    Was this the reason for the rather peculiar selection?


    And what about the possibility where no one can take it up? Enen said.


    In that case, well go to someone else. As ast resort, Rahan answered.


    What kind of person could that be?Maomao thought, and suddenly recalled the beauty who looked good in male clothes. If its Suirei, leaving out where she was descended from, she might be the best person for the job. Shes all but a prisonercould that be why they wanted to avoid her?


    ording to the story, could Consort Airin bearing in mind about the priestess illness be from a diversion by her so-called political opponent?


    Could she be mistaken on the whole, I wonder.


    It was a vague manner of speaking. Certainly, what Rahan said had no contradictions. There werent any but Maomao was strangely caught up on it.


    Good lies are skilfully mixed with truth. In Rahans case, he didnt lie, but he didnt say the truth either, she felt.


    It was inconceivable for the white maiden to be the priestess who was over her forties.


    (Do I ask a leading question here?)


    No, if she did something careless, Yao aside, there was the chance that Enen would notice it.


    Maomao decided to keep her mouth shut for the time being.

 Volume 6, Chapter 12: True Intentions

    It was on the day of her first holiday in a long time when she found that there was indeed more to it all.


    Though she was told not to venture out too much, she was also curious about the situation at the pleasure district. She slipped out of the lodgings and snuck off to Rokushoukan.


    The letter wrote that there werent any issues, and apparently, it was so. The store wasidback at noon, the kamuro were sweeping the entranceway and the brat was ying with maomao the cat.


    Freckles!!


    Chouu raced up to her with the cat in his arms. maomao thrashed, kicked the boy squarely in the belly, freeing itself, and circled behind Maomao.


    Apparently, it still remembered Maomao. She picked up the furball and threw it over the wall, where it promptly sprinted off. What an unfeeling furball. She wanted it to return with some precious natural medicine to repay the favour.


    Oi, you didnte back for so long. Whats up with that? Chouu asked.


    I have work so theres nothing I can do about it. Maomao grabbed onto the head of the boy who had closed in to hug her and pushed him off.


    (Mm?)


    Did he grow a bit taller? Maomao looked at Chouu. Was it because he yed around in the outdoors every day? He was a little sunburnt. With his front teeth having grown nicely, he had lost his goofiness*.


    (*A punny pun sadly lost in trantion. >collectively, gap[]+lost[]=stupidity; the gap can refer to the gap between the boys teeth. His teeth have grown back, so he lost his gapand his stupid look.)


    Is Sazen around? she asked about the apprentice pharmacist.


    Yeah, the one-eyed big bro is here now.


    Apparently, Kokuyou was also here.


    Maomao, while giving simple greeting to the courtesans she knew, went into the pharmacy that was rented from Rokushoukan.


    Yeah, the main point is that you have to grind it all down evenly. As for why, if there is even a little uneven when you mix it, the effectiveness of the pill will decrease.


    Hmmm.


    Kokuyou was patiently teaching Sazen who was grinding powder. It was praiseworthy that they were working properly, but seeing two rascals glued next to each other in the cramped pharmacy, it cant be helped that it looked filthy.


    As if they acknowledged that it was hot, the venttion was good with the window and doorpletely open, but that was yet another problem.


    (Rotten.)


    A number of courtesans were smirking as they watched the two rascals chatting while sitting glued together. Kokuyou would be a beauty if he had half his face covered, and Sazen with his simple and inconspicuous face wouldnt be said as in.


    Rokushoukan didnt deal with male prostituteskagemaso apparently it was quite fun for the courtesans.


    Maomao strode in between the two who were utterly ignorant of the fact that they were being looked at this way. Doesnt seem like theres a problem, she said.


    Ahh, Im doing it properly As usual, Kokuyou replied with an idiotic tone.


    No, its quite tight, Sazen said with a little reproachful look.


    Its the best thing that there are no problems, she said.


    Hey, listen to me! Sazen was probably justining to her from what shes heard. He was quite obstinate.


    Maomao gave the interior of the pharmacy a once-over and went to see if there was an increase in weird things and if there was anything they were down on.


    Whats this? she asked.


    It wasnt medicine; something she has never seen before was on the shelf. It looked like some thin wafer that could also be a sweetcould it be a snack?


    Ahh. That. I tried making that since it didnt seem like medicine we can find here Kokuyou took a thin cracker and ced it over the crushed medicine. You take it like this. Otherwise, you swallow it down by wrapping it up after melting it to soften it.


    Hehh, first time seeing this. Maomao was honestly in awe. It was said that good medicine is bitter, so the excuse of not buying medicine because it tastes bad was a given. Maomao would make them eat it by mixing it with honey and such, but honey was a high-ss item in and on itself. If they can eat it without it touching their tongue, there would be no need to adjust for taste.


    But, doesnt that make it hard to swallow? she asked.


    I guess so. Its not rmended for children and elderly. As if to say that water was also properly prepared, he shook the jug. But this is amon way to eat it in the west. I heard before that it was because, in terms of race, they have more saliva.


    you know a lot. Maomaos eyes were slightly shining. Come to think of it, where did Kokuyou get taught medicine? Theres no way you were self-taught?


    She understood by seeing him teach Sazen just then that his foundations were down pat.


    Hahaha. By the person who took care of me, you see. He was a person from the west. His hair was gold, and both his hair and body hair were thick he answered.


    A Sha-ou person? she asked.


    Nah, further west?


    Maomao was interested in that.


    Can you speak thenguage there? she asked.


    Only a little he replied.


    So where is your foster parent? Maomao was going to say that she wanted to meet them if possible, but..


    Ahhh. He died. By this, you see Kokuyou said as he pointed to his smallpox scars.


    I see. She thought it was a little unfortunate. It wasnt unusual for doctors to die from a contracted illness. Rather, it wasmon. They have the most contact with sick people. My bad for delving too much into it.


    Sazen, who was standing outside the mosquito, poked Maomao. Theyre calling for you.


    In the direction Sazen was pointing, there were the madam and Rahan.


    They were provided with a room for private talks as usual.


    The amusing part of the madam was that she would increase the extravagance of the room the more they return, so todays snacks were around the upper of the middle ss. By the way, in the case when Rahans adoptive fatheres, apparently he only gets served water in a chipped cup.


    I heard that you have a holiday today so I wondered if you would be here, and it was a good thing you were, Rahan said.


    No, you probably investigated, Maomao said.


    It was like Rahan to be thoroughly prepared like this.


    Rather, can we skip the preface and get to the point. I have things to do, she said.


    No, werent you just chattering away like normal just now? he said.


    Its kinda like whenever I talk to you, I dont have enough time to spare.


    What is this you? Call me Brother Dearest.


    She was already done with this exchange. She wanted him to get on with the talk.


    So, the subject, would have to be about the courtdies who assist court physicians, right?


    Its helpful that you get to the point.


    Rahan was wary. He probably investigated Yao and Enens backgrounds and came to see if their characters would pose an issue, but it seems he wasnt able to broach the main topic regardless. I have seen the condition of the Shaou Priestess, but I have one more thing Im bothered about.


    How so? Maomao tilted her head.


    What if the priestess isnt the priestess? he said.


    Dont mourise the information and just get straight to the point. Maomao picked up a steamed bun and split it in half. It had sweet stuffing inside, so she clicked her tongue, ate half and put the rest on Rahans te.


    (No stuffing or meat stuffing was better.)


    Maomao didnt like sweet stuff that much. It was unfortunate, but the madam had prioritised Rahans preference over hers.


    You must have heard about the priestess condition. That they are limited to girls who havent gotten their first period, Rahan said.


    Ahh. But in truth, there are women who never get it, she said.


    It was unusual, but she couldnt dere it as strange.


    However.


    What if this priestess person had given birth? Rahan asked.


    Maomaos face twitched.


    It undermines the hypothesis, he said.


    when? she asked.


    It seems there was a period of time where the priestess health was bad so she left the Shaou capital for a distant ce to recuperate. For around several years from twenty years back.


    Maomao suddenly recalled the time the artist saw the white beauty. White women were hardlymonif it was a big shot like the priestess, it wouldnt be an existence that a travelling artist could see.


    But if she had been recuperating in the countryside, it was valid.


    And if that priestess had given birth to a child during that period of recuperation.


    Is it possible for a white daughter to be borne from the white priestess? he asked.


    I think there is a higher chance than those born naturally.


    But if the father was also an albino, it would probably be almost certain.


    And if the priestess had given birth to a child, it wasnt a single question thates from it.


    What if that child is Lady Pai? Rahan gave an eerie grin. We dont know honestly, but it makes sense. Lady Pai is currently imprisoned. But she wont confess about under whose orders she did it.


    Strangely, when it came to Lady Pai, he disyed a cautious stance.


    For what reason the current priestesss daughter, Lady Pai, would cause trouble in another country. Even for Shaou, Lady Pais existence could only be troublesome.


    However, there might be people who would find it favourable.


    If the political rival who had chased out Airin had known about this fact.


    Does Airin know about that? Maomao asked.


    Yeah. But the person had uttered that as the priestess apparent supporter in terms of position, Rahan said.


    Apparent, he said but it was actually scary. Politics can turn someone into an enemy at any time. However, it coincided with her interests. In short, was it about Airin knowing that the fact that they had secured Lady Pai and entered the inner pce?


    (Howplicated.)


    There were also a lot of points she wanted to question. While saying that she is the priestess supporter, she was talking to people of another nation about Lady Pai. Wouldnt this be arge problem for Shaou?


    (There might be various other things though.)


    There were many things people like Maomao who were distant from politics didnt know. However, she knew that they couldnt carelessly execute Lady Pai. Lets say that was all she understood.


    If you are saying that you dont know what I am trying to say, would you understand if I say this way? Rahan grasped Maomaos thoughts. If we know that the priestesss child is Lady Pai, as far as we shelter her, the priestess will be in our debt. At the same time, as long as Lady Pai is in our hands, we can restrain the person who drove Airin away and acts as though they are greater than the priestess. If we can believe Airins words, Lady Pai was apparently being used by this political rival person.


    He meant that Lady Pai could be the key to diplomacy. Maomaos face stiffened.


    Of course you wont mention everything weve said up until now, right? he said.


    Speaking if who to, it was Yao and Enen.


    Yes, but dont drag me into this. She wanted to crush his sses.


    I thought that if you didnt pass, I would be at a lost. I would have no choice but to rely on the Sui noble, but in terms of position, it would be bothersome in various ways, you see.


    Could the Sui noble be about Suirei? If he were to use someone who doesnt exist, he would have to create a background for her first. He would probably fabricate her to be the daughter of some official on the spot, but her original background was an issue.


    Maomao was also concerned about what kind of background she would be given for this exam, but she told them beforehand to treat her as the adopted daughter of Ruomen. It would be absolutely fine if Ruomen, who was now working properly as a court physician, was her rtive.


    However, going all the way to Shaou this time? Even though it was harsh enough to go to the western capital. She had no idea how long it would take for a round trip.


    No, that point is fine, Rahan said as he picked up the steamed bun Maomao had halved. The priestess will being to the capital.


    Hahhh!? Maomao burst out in rage.


    Rahan choked on his steamed bun in his surprise and drank it down with tea.


    What is this suppose to mean? Are people forcing her to make the long journey to check up on her illness? Maomao said, her temples pinching.


    Rahan, who had droplets of tea on the side of his mouth, calmed down Maomao with his hand. This is politics. Even for Shaou, this country, Rii, possesses a great duty. They want to make an appearance at therge ceremony.


    Large ceremony? she asked.


    You didnt know? The legal wife was decided, and her imperial child was able to be the crown prince. Empress Gyokuyous family will be bestowed a name in a formal ceremony. Its the family of the empress, that is powerful in the areas close to the national border. Shaou would also want to win their favour.


    Ahh.


    There were several distinguished families in Rii that could be known as named. With the Shi n destroyed, the named decreased, so if the empress family were to be named, it wouldnt be an issue.


    If it were to also be the crown princes debut, would it be a grand festival?


    (All the crown princes up until now were short-lived children after all.)


    They had died before the ceremony was carried out.


    The current crown prince has yet toreach one year old, but that part might have been embroiled with politics.


    Although its a long journey, Shaou has a long sea-route. If they ride the seasonal winds, they will be arriving faster than the ovend route, Rahan exined.


    Still.


    If there were some problems in the other country, wouldnt they be able to push responsibility to themshe got anxious about that. With theing of the leader of the foreign country, that alone could have a harmful influence. Politically, that might be their aim instead.


    However, if it goes well, they could get stronger ties with Shaou.


    You might not want to do it, but you have to. Thats why Im requesting you this way, he said.


    Maomao drank her cold tea with a frown.


    As long as she had heard about it, she couldnt feign ignorance anymore.


    By the way, the one who thought this up was Jinshi-sama, Rahan said.


    (That sod.)


    Maomao somehow stopped herself from saying that out loud.


    Jinshi also had to pay attention to his appearance and bearings position-wise. But she wanted him to be someone who could be annoyed as well.


    Will I get a special allowance? she asked.


    Leave the negotiations for that part to me. Rahan beat his chest, sses twinkling. That alone was the most promising part.

 Volume 6, Chapter 13: En’En’S Tale

    A consort became an empress. Officially, Empress Gyokuyou was already the legal wife, but apparently, it was important to overtly show that to everyone.


    In war, the damages wouldnt be little the greater there is an overwhelming difference in power. If a consort of the same ranking were to give birth to a son at the same time, it would rain blood. The reason Gyokuyou became the legal wife, the empress, was because she had given birth before Consort Rifa.


    Consort Rifas lineage was suitable for her to be empress. However, there was a reason where she couldnt be the legal wife on the asion she were to give birth to a son.


    (That theres no way of knowing if her child will live long, and, in a certain meaning, the issue with her lineage.)


    The emperor had deigned to avoid consanguineous marriages. In the era of the previous emperor, there was the consideration that the bloodline, weakened from repeated consanguineous marriages, had quickly died off from contagious diseases.


    Consort Rifa being unable to be the mother of the nation while possessing the qualifications was unrted to her character.


    And if there was one other thing.


    There was a need to get into the good graces of the Empress Gyokuyous n for their rtion with foreign countries hereafter.


    In any case, currently, Empress Gyokuyou was a person above the clouds who was close to the summit. The people who will be meeting her for the first time would probably wither, and in fact, they had withered.


    Fufufufu. Have you been taken in by the dim sum?


    The owner of the graceful voice Maomao was hearing for the first time a long while had prepared pastries that were mild in sweetness. The one acting as a waitress was a skilled maid, or so she appeared, the gossip-lover with eyes that glittered, Infa. The obliging and cheerful maid that she hadnt met in a little over half a year was receiving them as usual. Unfortunately, the head maid Honnyan, who was close by, also had shining eyes, but she couldnt call out to her, as the head maid had soon went away even when tasked as the minder.


    (Can I take one?)


    Unlike Maomao who had that suchposure, Yao, who sitting beside her, was frozen stiff. Enen was pokerfaced, so it was difficult to know, but since she was ncing over to Yao, she was probably more or less concerned.


    When they got used to giving doctors visits to the consorts in the inner pce, Maomao and the others were finally able toe along for Empress Gyokuyous visit.


    Empress Gyokuyou must have been waiting for this moment. To the extent of specifically rmending Maomao to take the exam to be a court physician assisting courtdy. And no doubt considering that if Maomao were toe, there would be time for the amusement that she had so little of, and currently, they were holding something that resembled a tea party.


    Ah, umm, where is Court Physician Kan? Yao asked Infa.


    Court Physician Kan meant her dad.


    Yes, he is currently giving the crown prince a check-up. While hes at it, he will also be checking up on Rinrii-sama and the maids. You have nothing to do, so Gyokuyou-sama said to enjoy some tea.


    Honnyan probably went out to observe the situation.


    Imperial Princess Rinrii had gotten quite big. The toddling child had raced out to observe the guests the moment they arrived at the pce. Her tomboyish part apparently resembled Empress Gyokuyou. Unfortunately, it didnt seem like she remembered Maomao, but it looked like she saw every guest as her ymate so she had been trailing after them the whole time. Along the way, Honnyan sent her back and she left regrettably.


    (It must be face.)


    The Empress Gyokuyou, who was sitting right in front of them, had glittering eyes. It was as if she couldnt help it that she wanted to hear something interesting.


    (I dont have anything of the sort.)


    Infa also sat down cheekily. Hey, I want to hear some interesting stories once in a while, do you have some?


    (Youre asking for too much!)


    If she was telling an interesting story on the spot, Maomao probably couldnt be called a tongue-tied person. However, unfortunately, she didnt have that much of a glib tongue.


    However, an unexpected person raised their hand. Speaking of who, it was Enen.


    I dont know if you would like it, though, she said.


    Oh my, really?


    Its something about an incident from a long time ago, would that be okay?


    Oh my, Im looking forward to it. Empress Gyokuyou was immensely curious.


    Enen suddenly shifted from her usual quietness and began her tale.


    A long time ago, in a certain ce, there was a cooking showdown. The chefs had, along with their pride, wagered for the position of head chef for a certain estate.


    One was a chef who lived in the area since a long time ago, and the other was a chef who hade in from a faraway ce.


    The dishes was the masters favourite egg dish and tangyuan(,glutinous rice balls in a sweet soup). Both chefs had confidence in their own skills. And so, even with the in theme, they devoted themselves squarely into the dishes.


    Both dishes should have been something that could be deemed as evenly matched. However, one chef, the chef from far away, was unable to do it properly. There was no way he could bring out something this terrible for the egg dish; it really wasnt something that one should be serving to the owner of the estate at all.


    At least, he only served the tangyuan, but the owner, having eaten that, was enraged and said to put the chef to death.


    The chef didnt understand the meaning of this at all. With the ingredients too, he had only made use what had already been prepared, and the ingredients he used were also the same as the other chef.


    Why was there a difference to the dishes?


    (Rather than an interesting story)


    It sounded like a riddle to Maomao.


    She understood that by seeing the probing atmosphere from Enen.


    Do you know why he failed with his dishes? The courtdy nced at Maomao. She could pretty much recall this flow.


    Could it be that he failed by cooking normally? It was Infa who said that. You said that the chef was still young, right?


    Yeah, but he was first ss as a chef, which was exactly why he was called over from far away, Enen added. Her master Yao was sitting quietly. She was watching with a meek expression as she swirled her tea.


    (Even though it wasnt that terrible to fail a dish and not serving it.)


    If it was said that it was clearly bad even after eating the tangyuan, could it be terrible to the extent of confusing between salt and sugar?


    (Taste disorder?)


    It probably wasnt that either. If she were to think about it.


    I have several questions. Maomao raised a hand.


    What is it?


    What kind of water does the owner drink in that ce?


    Isnt water the same wherever you go?


    At Infas answer, Enen shook her head in ce of Maomao.


    That ce ced importance in fresh water, so it ismon to serve salted water outside of drinking water. The water is safe from the start, and produces rock salt, so it wasmon to mix them.


    In other words, when they boiled the tangyuan, the chef, who was anoutsider and didnt know the property of the water, would use it without knowing that its salt water, right?


    At Maomaos answer, Enen nodded slowly. Infa also pped her hands in understanding.


    However, Empress Gyokuyou tilted her head. Hey, why cant you boil tangyuan in salt water?


    Maomao answered Empress Gyokuyous question. The tangyuan will rise up as soon as it is cooked through. When you boil them, the tangyuan will naturally float to the surface of the water.


    But, with salt, it is different. The weight of water changes with the addition of salt. If you boil the tangyuan in heavier water, theyll float to the surface before it gets cooked through.


    So, are you saying that the tangyuan were raw?


    Yes.


    Enen was also nodding silently, so this was probably correct. Infa, who was asionally the cook in the Jade Pce, seemed to get it when she heard that it had been boiled in salt water.


    But, what about the egg dish then? That cant also be the salt water, right? Infa tilted her head again.


    About what happened to the egg dish, you will understand too if you know the ingredients that had been prepared afterwards.


    Then, what do you think he made and what ingredients did he choose?


    At Enens words, Maomao replied. Steamed eggwould use maitake mushrooms, right?


    Maitake mushrooms are a high-ss ingredient in the countryside. Egg is a highly nutritious ingredient of course, but in a cooking showdown, they would probably also need a centrepiece ingredient.


    Maitake mushrooms are delicious with a crisp texture, so to make the best use of it, you wont need to steam it with much heat, right? Raw maitake mushroom would soften meat, so the egg wouldnt solidify either.


    There are things among food that can be used to tenderise meats. There are many for fruits, and there are also cases where it could soften meat when steamed together.


    Thats right! Infas eyes shone upon hearing something interesting.


    Correct. Enens brows twitched a little. She was expressionless, but she somehow looked bored that Maomao had answered smoothly.


    Until just now Enen was talkative, but instead, Yao was quiet. She was hanging her head like she was embarrassed.


    Oh my? What happened to that chef? Empress Gyokuyou asked.


    Please be at ease. He got saved by a different person. He didnt be the chef for the estate, but he got to work for a different family. There was someone who said that they wanted to eat the steamed egg in a proper form. Fortunately, it was the youngdy of a family the owner of the estate was acquainted with.


    Thats a relief. Empress Gyokuyouughed cheerfully. It was different from the interesting story she wanted, but it seemed to have amused her as is.


    Yes. It was just perfect that that chef had a younger sister who was still young, and thanks to the youngdy, she wasnt left out in the cold. Enen raised the corner of her lips.


    (Can she smile normally?)


    It seemed her cheerful smile was vaguely directed towards the embarrassed Yao.


    (So its something like that.)


    She felt that she understood why Enen talked about that topic.


    However, her keeping silent and feigning ignorance, was probably Maomaos kindness.

 Volume 6, Chapter 14: Secret Manoeuvres

    Dad returned after they shared some gossip following Enens story. When Maomao thought that she could hear a shrill cry, there was Honnyan with the crown prince in her arms and Imperial Princess Rinrii by her side.


    Hes the picture of health, he said.


    Thats a relief. Empress Gyokuyou looked genuinely relieved from Dads report. The baby seemed to have grown his teeththere was the sh of white when he opened his mouth.


    There are several points of concern about baby food, Dad exined before Honnyan and the empress. In ordance with peoples constitution, there are things that they must take and things they cannot. Babies must not eat honey, and there are also cases where the body can break out in rashes from things like fish and wheat.


    When you introduce new foods, please feed it to him separately and in small quantities.


    This was so they would know the exact cause of strange changes to the body when they introduce several types of food.


    (Since this is the imperial prince.)


    Commoners, particrly the poor that live in the slums, dont even have the freedom to pay attention to such a thing as they dont even have food in the first ce.Yao and Enen were listening intently to Dads words. And while he was at it, the quack doctor was also noting it down.


    Will the crown prince be fine for his next debut? Empress Gyokuyou asked anxiously.


    Debutif she remembered properly, Rahan had mentioned it. He said that it would be a grand ceremony with even foreign emissaries showing up.


    Honestly, I dont rmend having him in an unfamiliar ce for long periods of time. Infants tire out in unfamiliar environments.


    He might cry during moments where they must be silent, and they would have to change his nappy. He could also get hungry.


    Around two years ago, they had brought Imperial Princess Rinrii along to the garden party, but it had also been tough then. They had to make sure she didnt catch a cold and kept her warm by cing warmed stones in her basket, so she didnt get chilled.


    This time, they would probably be outside for longer.


    Shorten the time as much as you can, and Ill also sound him out, Dad said.


    Ill be in your care.


    The empress prudence was linked with who else will be there along with the crown prince this time. Of the emperors children, there was Imperial Princess Rinrii, the crown prince, and then Consort Rifas son. Consort Rifas son also possessed the right to session.


    Maomao wouldnt think Consort Rifa would do anything unjust, but people could manipte power in ces the person herself had no hand in.


    There was a pcedy who had tried to poison another consort in the past for their beloved consort. She had moved in ces her master was unaware of and then failed.


    If there are people who think of making Consort Rifa the mother of the nation, the current crown prince would probably be in the way for them. They might think that it would be better if he was gone.


    It was dangerous in many ways.


    (Speaking of danger)


    She hadnt met up with Jinshi recently, but how was he?


    (Hes also in the line of session.)


    After the crown prince. Normally, a baby wouldnt be immediately made the crown princeinstead, they would wait and see for a bit longerbut Jinshi was absolutely uninterested in the position of the next emperor. On the contrary, he, who was rejoicing over the birth of the crown prince, had even wished to step down into a retainer.


    However, the one who decides that probably wont be Jinshi alone.


    (I wonder what wille of that.)


    Maomao thought as she looked at the crown princes hand that resembled red leaves.


    The humid atmosphere was gross. His hair clung onto his neck.


    Paperwork was miserable in the rainy season. Jinshi swept his hair away from the back of his neck and sat at his desk. He flipped the documents. One section of the characters was blotted as if someone had touched it with sweaty hands. He sighed deeply and picked up the cup that had been set on the edge of the table. It contained brewed tea.


    . Jinshi swirled the teacup. When was this tea ced here? he asked the civil official who was in the same office. Gaoshun wasnt here today. He returned to his original job as Basen was healed of his injuries and reinstated. He had hired someone who was skilled in document organisation as a substitute.


    Yes. A courtdy brought it over when you left your seat just now.


    Even Jinshi was human. He would feel the need for a bathroom break at least. However, to have it happen in that short amount of time, and moreover to have it brought over by a pcedy


    There were always guards installed at the entrance of the office, but they must have moved with Jinshi at their own discretion.


    Courtdies were essentially barred from entering Jinshis office. The time he was a eunuch, he had chanced upon a scene where courtdies had fought it out to decide who will be delivering the tea to Jinshi. Moreover, he also got hair and fingernails in his teacakes as a curse, and when he would find himself alone with one, she would suddenly strip and force herself on himthey were all nothing but troublesome.


    The substitute civil official didnt seem to know about Jinshis circumstances despite his skill in document organisation.


    Jinshi pulled out a drawer at his desk. He took out a cloth pouch. Wrapped carefully inside it, was a silver spoon. He picked it up with the cloth and stirred the tea.


    The gleaming silver spoon darkened.


    The civil official watched it happen with an ashen face. Jinshi had purposely shown to it him to sound his reaction.Apparently, he was truly unaware.


    Jinshi passed the spoon in his hand to the guard at the entrance. The guard wrapped the spoon in the cloth and put it into his breast pocket without a change in expression. His shift-change wasing soon. He was probably passing it over after that.


    What kind of courtdy came by? Jinshi asked.


    Th-that.


    It was a mess. Young. Not very tall. He didnt provide useful information. As expected of an over-diligent civil officer, he was probably so engrossed in sorting documents that he didnt see the courtdy properly. And incidentally, there was also tea on the civil officials desk. He had drunk around half.


    Jinshi, with no other choice, took out another spoon and stirred it. The spoon gave no reaction to this tea. No problem.


    The civil official looked a little relieved, but withered as if to say, Oh no.


    Jinshi had no intentions of telling him what to do. He just wanted him to sort documents without incident. In addition to his passable diligence, the part where he didnt give Jinshi strange looks was a strong point of this civil official. Jinshi wanted him to perform his job properly during his fill-in time.


    Dont worry about it and continue working please. Jinshi left the poisoned tea on the edge of his table and went back to his paperwork.


    Although the civil officials face was stark white, he returned to his desk.


    Jinshi gave a deep sigh in a way the civil official wouldnt notice and continued to sort the documents.

 Volume 6, Chapter 15: Dim Sum

    It was the height of summer,the moment when there was still some time until the first whiff of spring came around. The capital was brimming with a festive atmosphere. The economy cycles when there are peopleing in from other countries. As a result, social gatherings would naturally increase, turning into festivals.


    Maomao didnt hate festivals. One way or other, it made her surroundings lively. This was also apparent in the imperial court.


    And speaking of how it was expressed


    Youre over-worked.


    That was the phrase a sour-faced court physical uttered when a ghastly pale civil official was carried in. There were bags under the officials eyes and he was staring into space.


    Take proper sleep. Youll die, literally.


    Sleep is important. You can make a fuss saying that its fine to not sleep for one or two days, but its not unusual to suddenly drop dead when youre older. There was a period of time where Jinshi didnt sleep to quite a dangerous degree.


    You need the governments permission to open a shop in the capital. There are not few that take it upon themselves to open a street stall, but if you want a properrge shop set up, permission is required on the basis of tax. If you get caught, to say nothing of a fine, you can also get jailed.


    Peoplee together before a festival. As there are foreign peopleing over, there will be more trade goods than before, and there wont be a few people who settle down in the capital with that in mind as well.


    Thanks to that, the civil official had spent all his time going through documents.


    It didnt mean that the military officials werent busy either. Thanks to that, she was grateful that the weirdo tactician had been showing up less often recently.


    With the influx of people, public order will also worsen. It was the military officials job to control that. Unfortunately,pared to civil officials, military officials can swap their training times for work and are, to say it sinctly, muscle-brains, so none have fainted.


    However, there are more injured people.


    OWW! Cant you be a tad more gentle!


    Yao was smearing ointment onto a military officials arm. The cut was a red line around three sun(~3cm)long.


    (Even though its only skin deep.)


    It appears that someone had wilfully started a street stall, and was even selling questionable medicines. When this official had tried to crack down on it, they went crazy and apparently took out a ded weapon.


    Excuse me, Yao replied without a change in tone, but her lips were slightly puckered. Rather than anger, it looked like she was holding in her tears.


    Enen went to help such a master. She presented the official some cooled tea, saying that it was a painkiller, but that had to be normal brewed coarse tea.


    There still werent many court physicians who would entrust the patients to the courtdies, but apparently, they were appreciative of Enens attentiveness. Theints towards court physicians seemed to have decreased.


    And speaking of what Maomao was doing


    She was making medicine.


    You can make simple salves at least, they said and left it to her. It wasnt bad if she held back on her desire to make medicines that were more peculiar. It was probably just perfect for Maomao who fell behind the other two in terms of her appearance, where it wasnt fit for dealing with customers.


    Maomao, the salve, Enen said.


    Since the aforementioned baked treats incident, Enen was speaking a lot more affably. Although, Yao puffed her cheeks a little when she saw Enens attitude. There were times Maomao thought that Enen was doing this to make her master act like a child.


    The salve, right? Maomao, as she was going to pass the salve over, nced at the injured person. It was the military official who had been yelling out before. He was noisy even though his injury wasnt major.


    Maomao snuck out the salve she was carrying in her bosom and switched it with what she was supposed to hand over.


    (Perfect timing.)


    If he is that energetic, he should be fine to experiment on with the new salve, she thought, but


    Oi, what are you doing?


    The voice that called out from behind her scared Maomao. She turned back. A court physician was narrowing his eyes at her.


    Did you switch the medicine just now? he asked.


    What are you talking about? Maomao yed dumb, but the court physician snatched away the medicine she was going to hand over. The court physician, his eyes squinted, checked the salve with his fingertips.


    Oi, you added something different to this, didnt you?


    What are you talking about? She kept ying dumb. A fist dropped onto Maomaos head.


    Ruomen told me to tell you off harshly.


    With him being an acquaintance to her dad, it got hard to act.


    What did you put inside? he asked.


    A little bit of frog. She had tried it out, hearing that frog oil was good. In truth, she couldnt extract much oil from the frogs, so all she got, in the end, was what she had carried over now. I heard that frog oil is used as medicine in other countries.


    You say that, but Ive never heard of that before.


    Its true, Maomao had never heard about it either. She just tried it out in case there was some effect. She had chosen frogs that had no poison and studied it on her own body for any disasters. Of course, she wasnt that inhumane to test out things she had no idea if it had poison or not.


    Im confiscating this for now, he said.


    Ahhhh!


    It got taken away. She had even taken the time to go out into the paddy fields to find some during her holiday.


    You frogs Yao looked at her, pale-faced. She looked like she was in disbelief. What were you thinking to put something like that in medicine!


    Maomao ignored her, picking an ear. Apparently, her manners were bad, as Enen poked her elbow.


    I dont think that this has any rtion to Yao-san, but its an extremelymon food formoners, Maomao said.


    Yao made another look of disbelief. She looked searchingly at Enen for her opinion.


    Yes. It is eaten verymonly. asionally, snake fillets are also sold to imitate fish, Enen replied.


    Hearing the word snake, Yaos face paled.


    Rest assured. There is nothing uncertain in Yao-samas food, Enen said.


    Snake is also not half bad, Maomao added. Its a bit annoying that it has a lot of small bones, but its not a problem when fried. If you are bothered by the stink, you can get rid of it with herbs and spices.


    Maomao had brought dried snake as a recement for dim sum for times when she gets peckish. When she offered Yao some to eat, the courtdy leaned against the wall and feebly turned it down.


    She returned it to her bosom helplessly.


    Oi, you people, stop cking!


    Told off by the court physician, they stopped chatting and went back on with work.


    .


    .


    .


    Maomao and the others ate lunch in the dining hall. Meals were served, but as the serving sizes were small, there were many who bring extras with them.


    Officials and courtdies ate in separate ces. Yao was normally cold towards Maomao, but during these times, she always stuck to her a little closer.


    The reason was the atmosphere around them.


    This was felt in both inner pce and the pleasure district; women have a true nature that can only be seen by women. Gossip and vulgar conversations fly in the dining hall that was away from mens eyes.


    You know, military officials are indeed no good. They dont get much for how busy they get. Since they eat so much, food expenses are nothing insignificant, so they dont even treat you to meals properly.


    Uwah, thats the worst. But then, its not like civil officials are any better. Its good that I got asked out the other day but. By the window. Seriously. By a guy who only has rows of dusty books and no luck with promotion. Its a good thing that he gave me a kanzashi, but its so old-fashioned Im sick of it.


    Isnt it still better that you got one? You can pawn it off anyways, right?


    Many courtdies were the youngdies of good families. However, it cant be said that their personalities were as good as their upbringing.


    Apparently, it was a reality that was hopelessly difficult to ept in the eyes of a youngdy whose upbringing was perfectly good. When Maomao sat down at the edge of the dining hall, the said courtdy would follow her quietly.


    The reason was that those lot, particrly those who gave hostile looks to the courtdies of the new post who assisted the court physicians, wont approach when Maomao was around.


    (I only just gave them advice.)


    And they gave her a wide berth from that.


    Speaking of what happened, there was a courtdy who hade up to them to give a pre-emptive strike to the court physician assistants who stink of being virgins. Just like how Yao did in the beginning, she had brought followers with her. The difference was that, rather than living for the job, it felt that this courtdy hade to the imperial court to fish for men. Rather, she was the arrogant type, from the atmosphere she exuded of being one who changed what she ate all the time.


    Maomao had noticed the rashes around that courtdys mouth.


    Excuse me. You seem to have several partners, but do you know about the diseases? she asked to make sure.


    I wont go out with a diseased man!


    And she denied it, but Maomao told her about the incubation period. And also that even if her partner didnt have a disease, if the partner of her partner had one, there was a high chance that it could be passed on. It wouldnt be limited just herself to have several partners.


    Once again, she exined that sexually transmitted diseases werent a single type, but several types that can be passed on altogether.


    Have you been feeling tired recently? Also, do you have sores or feelings of difort, or even bleeding in your genital area?


    While Maomao interviewed her, the courtdys face went pale and she never approached her again.


    Maomao was quite serious, but Yaos face turned red. Enen took notes as if she didnt have knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases.


    Well then, returning to the topic, todays meal was a set consisting of congee, soup, and a side dish. There were several side dishes avableyour choices were limited to what hadnt been sold out.


    She had said that the portion sizes were small, but normally, there were two meals: morning and night. At noon, in ce of snack time, it came with rice.


    Maomao got cold steamed chicken as her side dish. Meat dishes were popr so if she didnt get there ahead of time, therell soon be nothing left. The two of them got the same thing.


    Its not like Im copying you, Yao said.


    (Yeah, since I never said that.)


    Depending on the point of view, it was an adorable reaction.


    Seeing the other side dishes, there was a fish dish and a pickled dish. The fish fillet looked a bit like snake. That was probably the reason she avoided the fish.


    With that, she wanted to bully her a little, but Maomao was contrary.


    Normally, she would camp on the edge of the dining hall, and just eat silently but


    Come to think of it, I heard that a bigshot from a foreign country ising over, Maomao said.


    That was all people talked about these days.


    Ive been told that snakes and lizards are a valuable source of nutrients in the desert, but it seems they really do eat it. I wonder what well have to do for cooking?


    She understood when she travelled to the west, that their cultures were different. She had understood that when she was taken along to the West before. It wasnt that she went sightseeing, but there were a lot of strange things in the street stalls.


    Maomao, Enen said, looking at her with eyes of me. Yao was holding onto her spoon, unmoving.


    I lost my appetite, Yao said and set down the spoon gently.


    Yao-sama, you have to eat it properly, Enen said.


    Ill eat it if its dim sum, she said to Enen with a slightly sulky look. With a troubled expression, Enen took out a cloth pouch. There was a bamboo sk inside. Just the meals in the dining hall werent enough for Yao, who had the hearty appetite of a growing child, so she always brought dim sum with her


    You can eat it after your meal, though. Enen nced at Yao. Yao twisted her face with reluctance and picked up the bowl of congee.


    (What a clever way of dealing with her.)


    By the way, speaking of what was inside the bamboo sk, Enen took out a bowl and poured the contents into it. Some jiggly semi-transparent thing with a sweet fragrance came out.


    Is this Maomao asked.


    She really was wealthy. It was a high-ss dim sum, a dessert perfect for summer. Nourishing and had a beautifying effect, it was something that asionally gets served at Empress Gyokuyous supper as well.


    Yao-samas favourite. Enen held her index finger over her lips secretly. She was probably doing so thinking that Maomao knew what this dessert was.


    (Contains nothing uncertain, is it?)


    What she was doing was cruel.


    Ahhh, its a little lukewarm but its delicious. Yao ate the jiggly dim sum earnestly.


    The name of this confectionary is hasma(, lit snow frog.).


    It was probably for Yaos sake that it would be better to stay quiet about the fact that it was made from frog ovaries.

 Volume 6, Chapter 16: Dim Sum And The Foreign Girl Former Part

    Its gotten quite bustling.


    It was her dad, Ruomen, who was speaking in a calm tone. He had taken off his white court physician robes today. Though he was wearing trendy male clothes, his round features and gentle face resembled an old woman. He was tapping his cane as he ambled along the main street.


    Try not to fall. Maomao looked around as she walked beside her dad. It was fine if it was the street with nothing, but arge street with lots of traffic had more people, which had more than usual with the festival racket. An elderly man missing a kneecap would fall over if anyone bumped into him.


    Its fine, he said.


    Yes, yes. Please listen.


    Normally, she would be speaking more bluntly, but she controlled it today as there were other people around. Yao and Enen, and the constantly angry court physician whose name she couldnt remember had alsoe along. There was also a military official, but this was an escort.


    It would be better if we used a carriage.


    With this many people here, wouldnt a carriage just hold up the street? Dad had said it cheerfully, but it was awkward to make an elderly with a bad leg walk.


    To speak of why these individuals were out and about, they were tagging along to buy medicine. Ingredients for householdmedicines would normally be delivered right to the medical offices doorstep, but apparently, for rare medicines, they would go for direct meetings. She was told that they would be tagging along frequently now for medicine buying since there were a lot of merchants from distance ces in particr.


    The reason Dad was out to buy medicine was that he was the most adept among the court physicians in foreignnguages. The reason Maomao and the others wereing along was for study.


    This was a very joyous asion for Maomao. On top of being able to be with Dad, she can see unusual medicines. She was excited, but


    Dont do anything unwarranted. The court physician, the angry court physician, watched Maomao fixedly. She felt that he had been observing her from the start, but he got more strict ever since he discovered the frogced salve from the other day.


    Im sorry. Dad didnt contest it either.


    Maomao herself had been already been nning to staypliant in other ces.


    Compared to before, Yao seemed to be more respectful to Dad. She was a meddlesome person as usual when it came to Enen, but recently, Maomao understood that the courtdy had quite a good personality.


    (Yao is probably sheltered.)


    The courtdy was wearing aposed expression, but there would asionally be a crazy look in her eyes when she perused the shops. Along with being unused to the throngs of people, she looked unsteady on her feet. Enen, seeing that, seemed as though there was some inexplicable emotion brimming in her expressionless mien. How to put it, it looked like the eyes you get when you stare at a squirrel you sighted adoringly from a distance.


    (Could it be the right person in the right ce?)


    Enen handled the Yao protection charm well, though.


    (Could she be having a bit of fun?)


    was what she wouldnt not think. It might be better than doing it against her will, though.


    During the time Yaos eyes sparkled at the candy sculptures, they reached their destination. It was an eating house targeted to the elite. A shop where you can organise confidential discussions.


    (It would be more useful to have private rooms.)


    Even though its medicine, foreign wares are expensive. If you carelessly try to make a deal on the road, it wouldnt be unusual to get robbed on the way back. Thus, they had an escort with them.


    As it was during the daytime, there were many female customers. It seems that there were a lot of light dim sums during the day; the freshly steamed baozi looked delicious.


    Pleasee in. A waiter guided them to a private room.


    There was a bright haired foreigner in the private room. He had thick body hair and wore a thick beard under his nose.


    Maomao and the others were going to follow in after Dad into the room, but the foreigner raised his hand.


    .


    He was a bit far away so she couldnt hear him. However, Dad looked at Maomao and the other two while shaking his head.


    Only three people cane in, he said.


    Eh


    If it was three people, then the ones left out would be Maomao and the others. The two court physicians were required, and they also wanted to leave the escort just in case.


    Or rather, dont bring the female children, it seems he said. If it were someone else, it would have been fine.


    Will we have to wait in the corridor? she asked, crestfallen.


    You are experienced with shopping, right? Why dont you go outside to buy other things for us? The court physician handed a piece of paper and some money to Maomao. The court physicians favourite treats were written down. The paper was crammed with writing and there was a considerable sum of money too. You can buy whatever you like if theres change leftover. Candy sculptures are fine too. Come back in a dual hour.


    understood.


    This court physician was always angry, but it seems he didnt forget about awarding sweets. It seems he clearly saw that Yao was interested in the street stalls.


    You know how to use money properly at least, right? As if she couldnt stand that Maomao was the one who got the money, Yao charged at her.


    (Does she even know what she means by saying that?)


    In other words, this youngdy revealed that she didnt know how to use money. As if she had learned about it recently, she was a little proud.


    Behind Yao, Enens eyes were sparkling. Isnt our youngdy adorable? her eyes said.


    Yao wasining that Maomao was carrying the money. That said, she didnt feel at ease to pass it to Yao, so she handed it to Enen instead.


    Yao looked somewhat dissatisfied, but it seems she didnt oppose leaving the wallet to Enen.


    .


    .


    .


    Shall we start with the steamed buns?


    As the money was now in her hands, Enen naturally started to split up the sums.


    When Maomao peeked at the piece of paper and saw the name of the shop indicated, she contorted her expression.


    Whats wrong? Yao asked.


    This shop always sells out at noon. Maomao pointed in the direction of the shop.


    Yao-sama, thats how it is. Enen was quick to read the atmosphere.


    Eh? Eh?


    Maomao tugged the hand of the lost Yao. Enen too.


    Once its sold out, our evaluation will go down, Maomao said.


    And Yao shuddered. Lets hurry up.


    The three of them dashed all the way to the steamed bun shop.


    .


    .


    .


    Strolling idly on the main streetwhat a nave thought.


    Maomao, Yao and Enen sighed deeply under the shade of a willow tree.


    Court physicians get paid so well, dont they


    Maomao looked at the mountain of pastry packages. To some degree, it was a statement that was rich with sarcasm.


    There are a lot of fresh sweets, but can they finish them all?


    They visited multiple shops and got their hands on arge volume of sweets. Was the money leftover their tip?


    . Yao was not used to running, so tired it seems she couldnt make a sound. Enen tactfully went to buy fruit juice from a street stall and passed it to her.


    The sweets they bought were all from famous shops. They weremonly procured at Rokushoukan. To have left the money in Maomaos custody, the court physician must have known that she knew a lot of those shops.


    I think weve bought enough, though. Enen sqinted at the piece of paper.


    There was one more name written at the end.


    Ahhh, this ce, huh. Maomao dropped her shoulders. It was located quite far off, so she didnt really want to walk.


    I dont think its sold out, but. We still have half-a-dual hour left too. She peered at Yao.


    Im good. Yao looked lively as she had drunk up the fruit juice.


    Maomao and Enen exchanged nces and tilted their heads. What should we do?


    Enen. Whats with that attitude? Yao said.


    No, Yao-sama. I wont ask for the impossible.


    Im going! Im going, okay!


    Understood.


    Though Enen was expressionless, she was probably be thinking, A bluffing mdy, so cute. From the back, Maomao could see her shapely backside was sashaying yfully.


    The shop is a little way out on a side street Maomao guided them as they walked. The bags of snack in her arms were questionably a hassle. Yao pretended to be tough by carrying the most items, so it was somewhat better, though.


    (Apetitive spirit isnt bad.)


    In this world, there are many arrogant people who make a show of the position they got from birth. However, it seems Yao wasnt the type. Her expressed desire to be a court physician assisting courtdy, was that also rted to that part of hers?


    The shop they were headed for wasnt actually a confectionary shop. It was a shop that sold unusual ingredients, more of a wholesale shop. For a court physician who is skilled inpounding medicine, he might cook a little too.


    The instant they entered the backalleys, the atmosphere changed substantially. Private homes increased when they passed through the space between the shops. A cat yawned under the shade of a tree, and a child wearing an apron was teasing it with a foxtail in hand.


    There were women washingundry at the canal, and before a tethered dog, chickens in cagestonights sidedish perhaps.


    I-is there a shop in such a ce? Yao said uneasily.


    Instead of replying, Maomao pointed to a small signboard. When it matched with the name written at the end of the piece of paper, Yao looked relieved.


    Why couldnt they set this shop closer to the front? she asked


    The closer to the main street, the higher the tax, Maomao answered.


    The higher the pedestrian traffic and the better the location, the more tax they will take. She didnt know how it was calcted, but this ce would have to be somehow cheaperpared to the front.


    Shall we finish this as soon as possible?


    They were going to head inside the store, but Enen suddenly stopped in her tracks.


    Whats wrong? Maomao asked, and Enen pointed to the other side of the canal. There were a number of children crowding around a single person.


    Are they ying? she thought, but it looked strange.


    As she watched to see what was happening, a shadow dashed past them.


    WHAT ARE YOU DOING!


    It was Yao, crossing the small bridge and pushing herself into the crowd. It surprised the children.


    YOURE BULLYING, ARENT YOU?!


    Since she screamed out, the children scattered.


    (How should I say this?)


    Shes young, Maomao thought as she chased after Yao. There was a lone child left standing before Yao. The one who had been surrounded. If they took Yaos word at face value, it would have to be the bullied child, but


    huh? This child? Yao tilted her head.


    Maomao also studied the childs face and copied her in tilting her head.


    She seems to be a foreigner child, Enen said.


    The child was wearing their clothes but her facial features were different. She looked under ten. Her hair and eyes were ck, but her skin was rosy, white colour rather than yellow. She had a sweet face; she had big eyes with thickshes.


    (Her skin colour resembles Empress Gyokuyou.)


    In that case, she could consider that she is a mixed blood child, but she understood why Enen had said foreigner child. There was a pattern on her face. It wasnt the type of ink drawn on criminals. It looked like a curse, the red ivy design that framed her eyes.


    Ink isnt put on faces in this country. Maomao drawing freckles on her face was quite out of the ordinary.


    Are you okay? Yao asked the child.


    The child tilted her head with a lovable expression.


    Could it be that she doesnt understand? Yao looked troubled. It would be fine if the child said something, but there was not a peep out of her.


    It seems this child cant speak.


    It was one of the children Yao had scattered just then who suddenly spoke to them. She looked lost, so we asked where she came from but she wasnt speaking to us at all. Thats why all of us were asking her, but it seems she cant talk. The child simply stated that and ran off.


    Ummm It seems Yao had dived in without any idea of what to do.


    (Its troubling even if you look at me.)


    A lost, mute child from a foreign country. They also had no knowing if she understood them.


    What should we do? Yao asked.


    (Thats what I want to ask.)


    What should we do? Maomao was at a loss.

 Volume 6, Chapter 17: Dim Sum And The Foreign Girl Latter Part

    Humans live bymunicating with words. How inconvenient would it be if that cant be done?


    They were currently feeling this.


    Ummm, your name, what is your name?


    It was Yao who spoke to the child flusteredly. She was stooped over, eye level with the foreign girl. The girl only tilted her head with an innocent look. She couldnt speak at all. From the fact that she could catch Yaos words, made it seem like she could hear, but she couldnt speak at all.


    (We would know which country the child is from if she says something.)


    She didnt utter a single word.


    Yao, being the one who had pushed herself in, was somehow trying to figure out the girls identity, but she looked greatly perplexed. asionally, she would ncetowards Maomao and Enen.


    (You should be helping her.)


    Enen, the subordinate, was studying her masters actions.


    She always thought that Enen was always Yaos faithful subordinate, but Maomao noticed that it was a little different. The courtdy held Yao to great esteem, and her work as a subordinate was perfect, but


    (Its somewhat twisted)


    That was Maomaos opinion.


    It was kinda cute that the courtdy wanted to bully the other a little and kinda not.


    And so, Enen just kept watching Yaos troubled expression until she was satisfied with it.


    Of course, if they kept going at this rate, theyll run out of free time, so Maomao was going to put herself forward, when Enen stepped in.


    Yao-sama, I dont think she understands ournguage, so Ill take over.


    Enen, please. Yao looked relieved. She seemed grateful towards Enen, but the problem was that this Enen had been wagging her backside in enjoyment the whole time she was watching Yao put on the spot.


    (Ignorance is whatever.)


    Maomao watched the two with narrowed eyes.


    Enen asked the child for her name in a foreignnguage. Though she said foreignnguage, there were several types. What Maomao could speak brokenly was just the Shaounguage. If it was forsimple reading and writing, she could also understand thenguage that was from further west. But since this was all self-taught in the end, she had no confidence in her pronunciation.


    Enen was also not much different to Maomao, saying only what she had learnt, so she was also speaking slowly to the girl. However, the girl who was tilting her head widened her eyes and jumped up and down. Apparently, she understood.


    She seems to be a Shaou child.


    Irene had blonde hair and blue eyes, but that didnt mean that all Shaou people had bright coloured hair and eyes. Darker colours are more easily passed on from parent to child, so it seems that, naturally, ck and brown would bemon.


    She understood? But, her name


    The girl cannot speak at all. She only pped her throat and made shapes with her hands.


    Could it be that she cant speak?


    You cant speak? Maomao asked her in Shaounguage, and the girl made a round circle with her hands.


    If she cant speak Maomao picked up a stick from the ground and wrote letters on the ground. And then she passed the stick over to the girl.


    Can you write your name?


    At Maomaos question, the girl shook her head. For some reason, she drew a picture. It looked like a flower, but she didnt know what kind of flower it was.


    doesnt look like she cant write either.


    What should we do? Yao asked.


    Thats what I want to ask, Maomao countered.


    From the start, this was caused by Yao who had pushed herself in without thinking. However, the courtdy might have a strong sense of justice from the looks of it.


    Yao made an awkward expression.


    The girl only drew pictures on the ground.


    What is this? Maomao said.


    It was a drawing that looked like a bowl with a handle.


    Could it be food? Enen asked.


    I wonder what this is about? Yao said.


    The girl tapped the drawing with the stick.


    Could it be that she is looking for this? Yao said, so Enen asked the girl in brokennguage, where she drew arge circle. And then she showed them her palm. There was a small nugget of gold dust on it.


    Wait, is that


    Its small, but its gold. This isnt something you readily show people, Maomao closed the girls hand.


    If she has money, could she mean that she wants to go shopping? Maomao supposed.


    I dont think thats wrong.


    She got Enens agreement. Yeah, Yao also affirmed.


    But then, we dont know what that is, right? Maomao looked at the drawing. Do you want this kind of bowl? she asked.


    The girl shook her head.


    At least, she might understand if the drawing was better.


    (If only she is as good as Chouu.)


    No, theres no helpingit even if she said such a thing. It is better to consider drawings with age.


    It looks like some food, but do we have any other clues?


    They were making no progress.


    The girl looked towards the canal. The children that had scattered off before had started to y by the water. What are they fishing for?Maomao thought, when they caught a crayfish. If you remove the mud and cook it, its delicious.


    However, the crayfish wasnt the girls goal; she shook her head as if it say thats not it.


    Theres nothing we can do, so shall we go back for now? The court physicians would be able to speak more fluently, Maomao said.


    True.


    Yao had also given up, so she frankly agreed.


    Hey,e with us. Yao held the girls hand. Since thetter was tilting her head, Maomao exined to her that they were going to take her to people who can understand thenguage better.


    However, the child shook her head. It seems she wanted to tell them something, but since she couldnt articte, they didnt understand her. She was just drawing pictures on the ground.


    Could this be, by any chance, a steamed bun? Yao asked.


    It seems like it if you say so.


    She had only drawn an oval, so it was hard to judge. Maomao and the others tilted their heads, and the girl tilted her head as if to say you still dont understand?


    Could this be a fruit?


    Could it be anapple? Yao said.


    As Yao had said, there was a leaf on the stalk that stabbed through the circle. When they looked at the other things, it didnt not look like fruits and pastries. Then, could the picture of the bowl before to be a bowl with dim sum?


    Dont tell me


    Do you want dim sum?


    At Enens question, the girl waved her arms widely. It seems to be the case.


    Maomao opened the bag she was carrying. She showed her the pastries they had bought just then. Is that not it?


    Yao and Enen also showed her their bags, but the child shook her head for all of them.


    I think, we have pretty much every variety avable.


    Baked pastries, steamed pastries, sweet food, savoury foodthere really were a lot of orders.


    Whats left would be the things from the next shop, though. Maomao pointed to the shop as she said that, and the girl hopped.


    Eh?


    They didnt understand now, but she told the child that they will be going to a shop that sells confectionary. With that, she hopped even more.


    Is she telling us to take her along with us?


    Apparently, it was so.


    Could she mean that shop had what she wanted?


    They crossed the canal and headed for the shop. There was a signboard on one of the private houses. It was somehow gloomy with it closed up.


    The girl couldnt read even though there was a signboard. Could that be why she didnt know?


    This is a confectionary shop? Yao faced it with eyes that suspected everything.


    The shop is a little peculiar, Maomao answered.


    They slid open the shop door; the previous customer was there. In the dim lighting of the shop interior, there was a customer of the plump shop owner. The customer looks to be a woman, but she was quite tall. Her skin tone was also a little dark.


    (Foreigner?)


    Jazgl! the woman uttered in an unfamiliar word.


    Not long after Maomao tilted her head, wondering what it was about, the foreigner girl leapt forward.


    Geez! Where did you go! She spoke in a foreignnguage. It seems Jazuguru was the girls name.


    Ummm, she seems to be her guardian?


    From the looks of it.


    Then just what was that four and eight kinds of suffering they were subject to until now? They slumped their shoulders.


    Jazuguru pointed to them and tried to tell the woman something.


    Could it b that you brought Jazgl ll the wy here? It was ented, but they understood her words well enough.


    It was just at this canal. She looked like she wanted pastries Yao answered.


    In other words, she had been brought along to the sweet shop and then got lost and didnt know where the sweet shop was. To think that she was this close.


    Im srry. This child really wanted to go n matter what, the woman exined. During that, the owner of the shop went to look for what she had ordered. He rummaged through the shelves.


    Ahhh, this shop. Enen understood when she saw the shop sign on the wrapping paper. The paper was made crudely, but it was good enough for wrapping.


    What is it? Yao asked.


    No, I noticed that our estate also has dealings with this shop, Enen replied.


    Maomao looked at the stock that the shop dealt in and understood. Rather than raw food, it had a lot of dried food.


    Okaythis is all we have today, is that okay?


    Geh!? When she saw what the owner of the shop took out, Yao shrieked.


    Speaking of what he took out, it was a bundle of dried frogs. The frogs had been stretched out and dried.


    Could it be that the child reacted to the crayfish fishing at the canal thinking that they were catching frogs? And that was why she was dejected.


    (The kind of frog is different, but.)


    Since its a frog that used in high ssed treats, it is iparable to frogs that are in nobility.


    (Frog)


    Maomao recalled the decently sized thing that she had no idea if it was fine to call frog that was present in the corner of her memories and shook her head.


    Wh-what is it used in? Yao asked.


    (Probably in a cooling summer dim sum.)


    The fat lining of the reproductive organs of female frogs that are only avable in one region is jiggly and delicious. Yao should know about that really well, but


    (Its happier if she doesnt know.)


    Certainly.


    Hey, its true that foreigners eat snakes and frogs, right? Yao hunkered over to ask Enen. Enen answered, Thats true, but that was so barefaced.


    However, when she saw what the foreigner customer had bought up, Maomao was troubled. Um


    Dried frog was another case, but they had brought up the entire stock of the dried fig and pomegranate that had been simmered in rock sugar.


    Can you leave just a bit of the fig? she asked.


    My aplogies. How much d you require?


    Maomao told her the amount, and the customer quickly agreed.


    If its fig, they are avable raw this season, so we can prepare them whenever. I guess theres still a bit of time left for the pomegranate, the shop owner said.


    Thnk you very much. The woman thanked the shop owner politely. Jazuguru also followed suit in lowering her head.


    Maomao saw what the woman bought and squinted her eyes.


    (I want to ask a bit, though.)


    She would be speaking over the other person and moreover, with their voices ovepping, she didnt know she could convey it properly, so she didnt speak.


    The woman wrapped up the goods in a cloth and went to stand before them.


    Ths isnt much. The woman presented them some white cloth. She passed it over, one person per sheet. Since you looked after Jazgl.


    After saying that, the foreign customer left the shop. When Maomao felt the cloth, she ended up flustered. Umm!


    The goods have been prepared.


    Maomao was going to chase after them, but the shop owner called her to a stop. When they epted the errand goods and left the shop, the two foreigners were already nowhere to be seen.


    Whats wrong? Yao asked.


    Its this. Maomao fluttered the white cloth she received. It looked in; there was a small embroidery of a nt on the edge.


    From the cool feel of it, its silk, isnt it? Enen said.


    Yeah, its silk, but what about it? At the youngdy who fired back with indifference, Maomao spread her hands and shook her head.


    Yao-sama. To receive a silk product from bringing back a lost child at best is avish treat. Generally.


    Th-thats true. I also thought that.


    Yeah, she gradually understood the adorableness of Yao. Enen raised her index finger in a ce where Yao couldnt see.


    They had brought up the shop; they were people who give awayhigh-ss items at the drop of a hat.


    (Theyre quite wealthy.)


    I should have buttered up to them a bit more, she sighed.


    Could she have some gynecological disease or something? Maomao asked.


    She only bought things for that. It seems Enen had the same thought as her.


    It seems only Yao hadnt noticed, she looked at Maomao and Enen with a little vexation.


    Amid that, the bell rang, indicating the time.


    Th-the time!


    Noticing that its already time they got back, the three had no choice but to dash back with all their might.

 Volume 6, Chapter 18: Selection Criteria

    It was still at the height of summer. A notice had arrived for the court physician assistants who had been washing and sterilising bandages over and over for days on end despite their exhaustion.


    For me?


    It was Enen who tilted her head. The notice that came was only for her.


    What could this be about? Yao studied it in wonder. Including Maomao, she had the best physique out of the three, but her inquisitiveness made her look younger.


    It looks like a notice of personnel change, Maomao said.


    After seeing the contents, the three scrunched up their faces. Then they looked at the court physician who had brought in the notice.


    And so, this is where Enen will be working temporarily, he said.


    To say who contorted their face the most from the court physicans words, it was Enen herself.


    My apologies, but I would rather not separate from Yao-sama, she said.


    Do you think you can oppose this person? the court physician asked.


    The phrasing was polite all in all, but it seems he wasnt giving her a direct answer.


    Speaking of what was written on the notice


    Ummm, so its about working for His Highness the imperial brother, for a fixed term, Yao summarised the letter. In other words, being in charge of assisting Jinshi.


    May I ask a question? Why me? If you review the results and such, wouldnt Yao-sama be considered the more excellent choice? Enen asked.


    (Nah, thats because you undermined your performance, no?)


    It was Maomaos kindness that she didnt retort despite her wanting to do so.


    Besides, when you consider parentage, I think Im unfitting.


    While Yao was a different matter, Enen was amoner. It would be natural to select someone with a good pedigree to be the maid of royalty.


    However, Maomao felt that she understood the reason Enen was chosen. (T/N: The webnovel had Yao, which sounded really off imo, so I checked the light novel versionEnen made more sense.)


    Rather, he is avoiding people with good parentage, the court physician said, putting on some airs. If he was to carelessly select someone from a good family, there wont be few suspecting that person to be His Highnesss consort candidate.


    Jinshi was one year older than Maomao, twenty-years-old. He looked older, but it wouldnt be strange for him to even get a concubine soon. Rather, it would be strange if he didnt have one.


    Also, I was notified that it would be troubling to get someone unskilful due to that face of his.


    It was as she predicted. If it was Enen, though it was somewhat twisted, since she lived for her youngdy, she probably wouldnt get infatuated with Jinshi. Rather, it was written on the courtdys face that she was against transferring.


    Maomao was also among the candidates, but The court physician peeked outside. There was monocle weirdo stuck to the window. Just when she thought she hasnt seen him recently, he was back at it again. Everyone was already used to it. I got a notice from a certain gentleman stating she was unsuitable, so she has been exempted.


    As that gentleman stared in, a pair of people who looked like his subordinates were behind him, dragging him back by his hands. She wished for him to never return, but he would probably be back a little whileter.


    (Which reminds me.)


    She had caught sight of the weirdo tactician, but his adjutant, Rikuson, was nowhere to be found. That man was treated as a priceless treasure with his ability to never forget a face he has seen once, but could he have other jobs?


    Its abrupt, but I want you to go starting from tomorrow, the court physician said.


    Enen was expressionless, but she was releasing an absolutely reluctant aura. She stared at Yao for help. And that Yao epted it, saying that if you say parentage, then it cant be helped. Maomao had thought that the other courtdy would be jealous, but she was surprisingly fine for that part. Yao might have known that Enen was the power behind the throne.


    If its Enen, it wouldnt be strange wherever you go. Good luck, Yao said with a sparkling smile. Instead of what Maomao had normally expected her to do, to retaliate in response to giving Enen away, there were no signs of that air whatsoevershe was giving her blessings. She couldnt read Enens cues at all.


    Enens face twisted. She couldnt say anything since her master hadpletely sold her off even though it would be better for her to speak out here.


    Then, Ill leave it to you. pped on the shoulders by the court physician, Enen hung her head, crestfallen.


    .


    .


    .


    With one less person, it indeed got busier at work, Yao said as she cleaned up the medicine in the shelf. She was speaking more frequently to Maomao, but this was due to Enens absence.


    I guess so. Enen works a lot after all. Maomao checked the medicines as she sorted them. There were asions where unusual medicines would be mixed among those, but the ones brought here today were pretty much only additions to normally used medicines.


    I want to believe that it will be okay, but itll be great if theres no blunder, Yao said.


    Theres nothing to worry about, Maomao replied.


    Thats true. Its Enen. Shell be fine.


    (No, even if you make some blunder, you wont get beheaded.)


    Rather than Enens ability, it was a judgement based on Jinshis character. It wasnt Jinshis specialty to punish people willy-nilly. Of course, hell punish if its unavoidable, but she didnt think Enen wouldmit such a terrible mistake.


    (Limited to notmitting treason.)


    Anyhow, Maomao worked as she normally did.


    There were more people in the office than usual. With documents in one hand, Jinshi looked at the civil official, military official and courtdy who had been referred to him.


    Normally, with Jinshis position, he wouldnt have face to face meetings with newly assigned people. However, it was Jinshis consideration to purposely confirm it.


    It will get busy from here on, so do your best at work. Jinshi smiled. It really wasnt that he wanted to show courtesy, nor was it to make the subordinates feel anxious.


    All the people here stood without a change in their expression.


    The act of smiling is used to give a good impression to the other party, but for Jinshi, on the contrary, itmonly called for disaster.


    It was during the first day he entered the inner pce as a eunuch. When he greeted another eunuch with a smile, he was dragged into the thicket the moment Gaoshun looked away for an instant. It wasnt as if ones libido is erasedpletely with the tool gone, the eunuch had tried to treat Jinshi as the boy in a pederastic rtionship. Jinshi had no idea how it was going to work, but that moment, his body had been in danger.


    Theres no way that would give a good memory, at this stage, he inadvertently muttered to himself. He had kicked that ce and ran away. In truth, it wasnt unusual to have such rtions between eunuchs; apparently, they are officially known as sworn brothers.


    He didnt want to think about it.


    Whats wrong, Jinshi-sama?Basen, who was finally back, healed of his injuries, tilted his head. His body was shattered all over, but apparently, he trained every single day without fail. Even Gaoshun, as a father, was shocked by his sons sturdiness.


    No, its nothing.


    The people selected this time didnt seem bad. He was a little uneasy when he heard that there had to be a young maid, but there didnt seem to be an issue in that respect.


    However, with the incident where he got served poisonst time, it was better he braced himself. He had to be vignt. Jinshi personally wanted to employ an old friend, but who he got this time was the co-worker of that old friend. In other words, it was about the court physician assisting courtdy.


    For a person from a newly constructed post, the exam in and of itself was created to be difficult. He heard that among their numbers, those who were deemed unsuitable by the court physicians were quickly expelled, so he would think that her ability was assured.


    Due to the crown princes debut, he will allocate work to each of them from now on. Jinshi also had to start on his work, so he decided to promptly dissolve the meeting here.


    .


    .


    .


    When everyone was gone, Jinshi gave a big sigh. Basen, being the only person in the room, would overlook this much for him.


    Basen also tried his best at work for the time he spent in his break. Jinshi was delighted that the other man tried his best on the paperwork he was weak in.


    Jinshi-sama, what shall we do about the matter about the Shaou Priestess in the vi?Basen asked, a document in hand.


    Politics is truly a pain. What would be faster to speak out is sent around through letters. Certainly, he had a feeling that the other party had shown up at the vi quite some time ago. At this point, it was also troubling to inquire through documents. If he remembered properly, Jinshi had greeted her once, but that was all. He had thought that someone else was interacting with her, but it was unforeseen that it woulde around to Jinshi now.


    Am I doing it? He could only sigh when he saw the mountain of documents. Work rted to the inner pce was stilling over, and he had a feeling that everything from the gap with the Shi n out of the equation wasing around to him too. I wonder if everyone hates me.


    No, I would believe that you are beloved instead, Basen said.


    Stop saying that with a straight face.


    Is that so? Whats with everyoneing here wanting to see Jinshi-sama then?


    It was because the man was saying it with no sense of malice whatsoever that it was troubling.


    The reason courtdies were forbidden entry was that there were too many who purposely drop their documents to prolong their work. There would be the asional civil official who would such a thing, so he could only forbid anyone who drops their documents from entering ever again.


    Thanks to that, for a portion of people, it is seen as a ce where you get punished the moment you fail.


    Nheless, the documents do not decrease.


    The matter is about what we should do about the Shaou Priestess, but she has yet to meet the court physicians, right?


    Yes. Those going will be Court Physician Kan and the court physician assistants.


    The other party is a leader of a foreign country, a person with the title of Priestess. Be as it may that she was here for medical treatment, she wasnt someone who was fine to be readily touched by males, so the former eunuch, Court Physician Kan, in other words, Kan Ruomen, Maomaos adoptive father, Rakans uncle, will be going. Those touching and examining her will be the courtdies, and Ruomen will probably by examining the priestess illness through their information.


    It was drawn-out, but it was the other partys wish, so it cant be helped. Although there were two courtdies left as he had just headhunted one of them, Maomao was there, so it would probably go well with her cooperating with Ruomen.


    Well then, ask about the circumstance of both parties. Along with whens convenient for the Priestess, report to the medical office so she can visit, Jinshi said.


    Certainly.Basen promptly wrote up a document and make use of the messenger who was waiting outside the office.


    Anything else? Jinshi wanted to get the important matters over and done with first. It was fine to postpone the trivial matter that kepting back.


    Theres nothing in particr, but, ah, theres one if you say theres one, Basen said.


    What is it?


    I was given a request for immediate transfer.


    . Jinshi epted the quickly scrawled transfer request. It would have to be someone among those he had met up with just now.


    Return me to be a court physician assistant, the courtdy called Enen had requested, Basen said.


    There was indeed a saying, birds of a feather(lit. badgers of the same hole), apparently, there are a lot of peculiar people among those who seek a slightly peculiar profession.


    The young maid didnt want to stay for as much as possible, so if the other maids learn the job it shouldnt be a problem if the numbers decrease, Jinshi thought, so he was going to respond to her request if she bore with it for a bit longer.


    This Enen courtdy, what kind of rmendation did she get? Jinshi asked.


    She is careful, good at lifting people up at work. Also, she has been trained as a maid since the age of ten, so there shouldnt be a problem. She also has agood memory, but her inability to go ahead on her own ord is a strength and counts as a weakness.


    That is certainly not bad.


    And also theres something else, thats unrted to ability, thoughBasen turned his face away from the document, somehow at a loss as to what to say.


    What is it? Speak up.


    yes. In the remarks, dislikes men, its not that she hates them, but.. he hesitated a little, then went on. It seems, just a little, shes inclined towards lilies.


    Lilies, that is, she preferred getting along with those of the same gender over the opposite gender. (T/N: Lilies, as in Yuri. Lesbian.)


    EMPLOY!Jinshi threw away the transfer request.


    J-Jinshi-sama!


    It has nothing to do with ability, right? Shes a good talent. I wont let her escape me, Jinshi said to Basen, grinning, and started to resume working.

 Volume 6, Chapter 19: First Contact

    Near the imperial court, there was anotherrge vi close to the one Ah Duo resided in. It was primarily a ce to offer hospitality to foreign guests. It seems the priestess and her entourage were staying there this time.


    Maomao, Yao, Ruomen and a couple of escorts showed up at the vi to see the priestess for a medical interview. Maomao recognised the escorts faces. They were the eunuchs she metst time in the inner pce. With the priestess being the other party, this vi became half forbidden to men.


    Its a slightly peculiar ce.


    Although it was close to the imperial court, it was in the opposite direction to the dorms where Maomao and Yao were living in. Maomao never really had the chance to scrutinise it. She had seen it every time she went to Ah Duos ce, but now that she looked at it properly, it was certainly an unusual structure.


    Could she say that it had the air of a foreign country? Atmosphere-wise, rather than Shaou, the impression it gave was closer to western architecture. It wasnt something that Maomao had personally witnessed, but it resembled the illustration in a borrowed book she had read a long time ago. It was built from timber and had bricks in various ces; the top half of the windows were a semi-circle. ss was used here and there; it could certainly be deemed as luxurious. In the garden, there was an arch fashioned out of roses, surely a sight to be seen during theflowering season.


    While the servants outfits were slightly peculiar, they all had ck hair and eyes like the people of Rii.


    (Since they wont employ foreigners in a ce that has an important person from a foreign country.)


    If there were spies, it wont turn into a simple matter. Even the old gardenerdy who was covered in dirt would have had a thorough background check.


    When they entered the building, a woman with foreign features came forth to greet them. She was tall, and her hair was a light shade of brown. The colour of her eyes resembled olives, a hue in the middle of dark green and yellow.


    Thnk you for waiting. It seems this person was no different with her characteristic pronunciation. Cme in.


    They went inside as they were told.


    The interior was more refined than the exterior. The floor was paved with stone and there were carved stone pirs here and there. What seemed to be imported ornaments were arranged symmetrically. Dropping that would probably amount to turning amoners lifetime of gold into bubbles, she thought as she gave them a sidelong nce.


    It quickly got darker the deeper they headed in. The curtains at the windows were drawn, shutting out the light from outside.


    (Which reminds me, shes an albino.)


    White hair, white skin and red eyes. Some among them have light blue eyes, gold hair, but all are weak to sunlight. ording to her dads words, albinosck the colours people are supposed to have and because of that deficit, arepletely subject to the brunt of sunlight.


    Along with obstructing the light from the window, light sources were set by their feet. Candles were being used in the daytime, set equally spaced along the floor of the corridor. They released a sweet fragrance. How extravagant, Maomao thought.


    W are here. My apolgies, but can the men wait here?


    Understood. Her dad, Ruomen, and the escorts stopped in front of the entrance.


    Maomao and Yao went inside the room. The interior was dim and filled with a sweet fragrance. Orange lights wavering, they would see a figure on the canopied bed.


    I have brought thm.


    A woman who seemed to be the attendant stood by the bed. She had dark skin. When Maomao tilted her head at the somewhat familiar face, Yao reacted first.


    Ah. Yaos stupid voice resounded.


    Maomao nudged Yao. As she did so, she recalled why she recognised the attendant. It was theforeign woman who brought along the foreign girl called Jazuguru from the other day. She had an inkling that the woman was wealthy from the embroidered cloth they had received from her as gratitude for bringing back the lost child, but to think that she was the priestess attendant.


    (So Priestess-san also eats frogs.)


    From the fact that killing was condemned and stuff, Maomao had thought that the priestess wouldnt eat meat and fish. When she heard that the priestess was ill, she had also thought that she would have malnutrition from not eating meat, but could that be wrong?


    The dark skinned woman also seemed to remember them; surprise flittered across her face for a moment. She returned to her former serious expression. Thats right, they were here for work, so they had to keep official business separate from their private lives.


    Cme.


    The priestess ent was stronger than the attendant. The one who pulled away the curtain to show her face was certainly an albino beauty. Maomao heard that the priestess was in her forties, but she hadugh lines befitting her age. The woman was lying down so it was hard to see, but she was probably quite on the tall side. If Maomao had to say it, she seemed plump, but she didnt look fat with her arms long.


    (If she was a lot younger and skinner)


    She was the spitting image of the foreign woman drawn by the artist who only drew beauties. And.


    (If you say they look simr, they do.)


    Speaking of who to, it was Lady Pai.


    Maomao had a secret task from Rahan.


    (Whether that this priestess really has the qualifications of a priestess, or)


    That she has already lost the qualifications of a priestess by giving birth to the child called Lady Pai.


    Maomao was here to ascertain that.


    (To probe whether she had given birth is somehow)


    The fastest way to do it was to take a quick look at her abdomen, but that was probably impossible. Maomao might be able to do it if she gradually questioned the priestess about gynecological disorders, though.


    (If I cant, theres one other way.)


    During pregnancy, the abdomen will suddenly grow during the tenth month. It will swell up like it is about to burst and then contract following childbirth. The stretch marks from that asion are known as pregnancy stretch marks. Speaking of why this urs, the skin cannot catch up with the rapid swelling of the abdomen, so it tears.


    (Neither Empress Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa have it, though.)


    There is a higher possibility to get it from normal childbirth. Of course, there is also the possibility that there isnt, but checking for it was one method she can use.


    (At the very least, I wonder if I can have her show me her abdomen.)


    Maomao slowly dipped her head and approached the bed. They had already allocated their roles. Yao will be the one recording and Maomao will be the one doing the medical examination. It seemed as though Yao wanted to conduct the examination herself, but based on other court physicians, Maomaos technique for pulse measurement was more urate, so she relented.


    Maomao also understood in many ways why Enen doted on Yao. Yao is too straightforward, and for someone contrary, an existence that is sometimes irritating and sometimes dazzling.


    Like how Yao understood why Enen had been chosen as Jinshis maid, she epted the evaluation of Maomaos ability as well.


    Beforehand, they had the other party to show them the book that had the condition of the priestess and what treatments she had gotten recorded down. Maomao had conferred with Dad and guessed a number of illnesses.


    May I take your pulse first? Maomao spoke slowly in a way that was easy to understand.


    Ys.


    Maomao touched the outstretched hand. It was soft to touch. Due to the priestess white skin, the location of her blue veins was conspicuous, easy to trace.


    Maomao ced three fingers on the priestess wrist. She felt the heart beats. How many beats within a single timeframe, she counted. Maomao told Yao the heart rate with her fingers, wherein thetter noted it down on portable stationery.


    Are you a little nervous? Your pulse seems a little fast, Maomao said.


    Apparently, there were words she couldnt understand, the priestess tilted her head. When the woman next to her tranted in a foreignnguage, she replied with a smile. Yh,  lttle.


    Her heart rate wasnt out of the ordinary, so it shouldnt be an issue.


    May I touch your face? I want to check your eyes and tongue.


    G head.


    Maomao touched the priestess cheeks with both hands. She hadugh lines, but aside from that, her skin was very supple and beautiful.


    She pulled down her lower eyelid, examined her eyes. Opened her mouth and had her stick out her tongue.


    (In a way, its good fortune.)


    Maomao thought about their meeting with the girl called Jazuguru from the other day.


    (Pomegranate, and hasma.)


    That time, a lot of what the attendant had bought had been ingredients for medicine. However, there was nothing written about it on the document that had been passed over to them.


    Maomao nced at the attendant who was standing by the bed. The attendant who had been surprised just then now looked like she was unsatisfied with something.


    (Could that be prescribed medicine? Or was it all a coincidence?)


    There are cases where you can harm your body by taking too much medicine.


    Excuse me, but about what you normally prefer to eat and stuff, can you record it down in detail? Maomao asked.


    nderstood.


    The one who replied was the attendant.


    She smoothly wrote it down, but the problem was that it was in a foreignnguage. In various ces, there was vocabry that Maomao didnt understand, so she had to consider that whilst tranting it afterwards. Either way, Dad will be the one to hand down the diagnosis in the end, so she will wait for that.


    Then, can you open up your outer garment? Maomao asked.


    It seems her worries about whether shell get a reply was unfounded.


    ys.


    Maomao got the priestess to slowly open her outer garment. The sleepwear was because the other party had known that they would being to give her a medical examination, so it was fastened at the front. A pair of breasts came into view, the navel as well.


    may I touch? Maomao asked.


    Go ahead, the priestess said.


    Maomao touched directly, and while weighing the differences in sound, looked at her abdomen.


    (There are no pregnancy stretch marks.)


    With her plump belly, it might have been hard for her to get stretch marks in the first ce, or she might not have given birth. There was the possibility of being mistaken starting from her presumption.


    (No, but)


    She had been quite slender in the drawing. If she slimmed up, it would be easy for her to get stretchmarks for how much her skin stretched.


    Above all, it might have been that there was nothing strange from the start.


    And speaking of why Maomao thought that


    (Her breasts are tiny in proportion to her body fat.)


    For those whose menarche never came, there was the possibility of their gender being intersex. Male, female, and not either. That possibility was there due to her small breasts, but it could also be that she originally had small breasts.


    Whether she had given birth or not, there was no way of knowing for certain. Even her illness, dependingon whether she had her menstrual period or not, can change.


    Maomao examined as her brows twitched up and down.


    She examined but she didnt know, she didnt know, but she felt gloomy for some reason.


    (I wonder if I overlooked something.)


    She felt out of sorts, but without noticing what, the medical examination ended.


    (If she would show me whats below as well)


    No, lets stop. This was the first examination. Just having her show the top half of her body was enough. Even among the consorts in the inner pce, there were those who are against showing their skin to strangers.


    You can put your clothes back on, Maomao said.


    The world wasnt that optimistic to have everything finish in one go. It cant be helped even if she kept tugging beyond that, so reporting the contents of the examination to Dad took precedence.


    We will speak with the court physician about what weve asked and examined today, she said.


    nderstood. The attendant draped the outer garment over the priestess.


    Maomao and Yao excused themselves and retired from the room.

 Volume 6, Chapter 20: The Results Of The Diagnosis

    Th-that was nerve-wracking, Yao let drop as soon as they boarded the carriage back. Noticing that she had spoken, she immediately schooled her expression, but it was already toote. If Enen was here, she would probably be making a face saying isnt our careless youngdy adorable. Instead, Maomao kept a close eye on her.


    Their first doctors visit was over, but Maomao could say that it was dicey. She couldnt confirm the circumstance with Dad at the ce; they had to speak after leaving the vi.


    (Its too roundabout.)


    The priestess hade all the way here via a boat from far away so she had thought that she had some hope with the medical treatment here, but


    So how was it?


    How was it? Dad had asked, but Maomao felt that this gentle, kind and overly soft-hearted man knew her answer.


    She reported. Is the Priestess-sama really ill?


    It was Maomaos honest impressions.


    What are you talking about? She came all the way here from Shaou, you know, Yao cut in.


    Yeah, she purposely took a long journey here by boat. Certainly, I thought that she was ill, but I wouldnt think that it is something you would go as far as to rely on foreign doctors to cure.


    Since Yao was before them, Maomao made sure to speak politely to Dad.


    Then, what kind of illness does she have?


    At Dads question, Maomao answered as she looked at Yaos written notes. Her symptoms are fatigue, insomnia, low physical strength, and she seemed to have put on weight. Also, the most worrying is


    That her broken bone cant be healed. It was the pinky of her left hand, so it doesnt have much influence on her daily life, but it would probably be diforting.


    I think it is probably a disorder based on losing her femininity. Its a prettymon illness for people in old age.


    It is mainly an illness from the ceasing of menses. From their diminished feminity, they be unstable mentally and physically. Among that, their bones be brittle.


    Considering that she was in her forties, it was a little early, but menopause wasnt unusual, and hypothetically, if she never got her period in the first ce, she would probably get sick more easily.


    Is that so? Dad said, Then, Ill ask a question on the assumption that Maomaos diagnosis is correct. Medical treatments will differ depending on the country. The priestess might be depending on Rii while truly believing that Shaou cannot treat her illness. Do you have some basis for that?


    Yes. Maomao took out the written record of what the priestess ate. Her medicine isprised of things that increase feminity. But, as far as I can see of her usual diet, to the point that is unneeded, she is only eating things that can rece medicine.


    By that, could you mean that time, where they bought up the entire shops inventory?


    It seems Yao noticed. A couple of days ago, the priestess attendant had bought up arge number of ingredients. Among those, wereprised of a lot of things that can be used for gynecological disorders.


    How the priestess dealt with her own illness, that was understandable. And yet, does the reason she purposely came all the way to Rii have a great rtion to politics?


    Can I take that you two share the same sentiments? Dad asked Yao as well.


    I dont have as much doctors knowledge as Maomao does, but I did see Priestess-samas attendant buy a lot of medicine the other day, so I dont have a different opinion. Yao was probably slightly vexed that she had to mention herck of ability. She was frank enough to acknowledge that, which was cute.


    (She knew that it was medicine.)


    Then, is she personally aware that eating hasma is medicine?Maomao suddenly thought. Lets try asking herter.


    Dad made a troubled expression. He usually made a troubled expression, so speaking of what troubled face it was, it was an expression that was a little troubled. Ill say one thing.


    Yes.


    Yes.


    Maomao and Yao replied.


    Our job is tied with peoples lives, he said.


    That was a given.


    There must not be anything about the priestesss medical treatment that is tied with life.


    Yes, thats the case, though? Yao asked, looking confused.


    Even if mistaken, you must not speak of what you said just then to the Priestess side. We should just give the Priestess medical treatment that is adequate for her.


    Even if the remedy was what the other party had already been doing.


    (She looks like shes disagreeing.)


    It was probably that. In the capacity of Yao, she was thinking why they cant talk about using the same treatment the other party was doing. If they do such a thing, she would probably be wanting to say that they were ipetent.


    (Acting stupid, is also important.)


    Dad had said that you must not have anything that is tied with life just then.


    The life he said here, was about Maomao and Yaos.


    In the air that stunk like politics, it posed a danger to life to carelessly speak the truth. It was something the nave youngdy still needed to understand.


    (Enen would be able to persuade her well, though.)


    Said courtdy was currently in the middle of a business trip, so it cant be helped.


    Yao, well be arriving soon.


    Maomao looked out the carriage to skirt the topic. It took longer to return from the imperial court to the medical office than the vi from the imperial court, so it was rough. Shall we look for medicine when were back at the medical office? There might be somemedicine that can only be found in this country, and isnt it good enough if we make her physical condition a little better with that? she asked.


    I get it, Yao said.


    Shes smart, so she understood that its meaningless to raise a fuss here.


    She went silent for once.


    .


    .


    .


    When they arrived at the medical office, Dad immediately went to report all the data.


    Maomao and Yao obtained Dads permission and started to look for prescription medicine in the drug room. Things that wont be effective to the priestess constitution, and things that probably cant be used, theyid those out for the time being.


    With the things Maomao knew on one side, Yao took them out one by one as she looked through a book. Although they got permission, they had the drug room to themselves so a court physician got curious and looked in.


    What are you doing, having such a spread, what medicine. Woah!


    She heard a voice of disgust. When she wondered who it was, it was an old court physician who was an old acquaintance of Dad. He was one of the court physicians who went along to check Former Consort Riishus virginity.


    What is it? It is an oddbination? Maomao looked puzzled.


    Ahh, no, for a second I got a shock, thinking that I got taken back to that ce.


    That ce?


    That ce. The old court physician pointed to the north of the imperial court. The inner pce.


    What about it? Certainly, Ive gathered up medicine for gynecological disorders, but it has nothing to do with the inner pce. Maomao looked at the spread of medicine, feeling mystified.


    Gynecological disorders, huh. Then I understand. We dont treat those often since the vast majority of our patients in the imperial court are male, so I fell into a panic.


    Could he have some unpleasant memory? That said, she was reminded of the fact that court physicians that werent eunuchs also had passage into the inner pce a long time ago.


    Which reminds me, I heard that you have once worked as an inner pce court physician before, but did something happen at that time?


    Its nothing major. I just have a slightly unpleasant memory. This, this, and next is He picked up the medicines Maomao and Yao took out. If you mix various other types, you get a special pseudo-eunuch medicine.


    Pseudo-eunuch medicine?Maomao and Yaos voices ovepped.


    Its nothing major. It was when the inner pce needed men that arent eunuchs. Itll be troubling if something happens, right? Hence, theres medicine to suppress male desire where you can be considered like a eunuch.


    Ahhh. Maomao understood. Jinshi aside, when Gaoshun entered the inner pce, she had wondered if anything would happen, but he was probably made to drink this kind of medicine. Anyways, it sounds bad.


    Yeah, it was really bad, the one with personal experience said. Moreover, if you get used to it, youll get odd side effects.


    So they really do have it, side effects.


    There are. Thats why I didnt really like it.


    She understood the reason he sounded disgusted. She wanted to ask him about the kinds of side effects there were, but he had already left the drug room, seemingly busy.


    This type of thing is Enens forte though, Yao said.


    It seems shell be good at it.


    Theres also the side effects he mentioned just then, but shall we write a letter to get her tocheck, just in case?


    I guess so. Enen will be delighted.


    The courtdy had beencking in her youngdy, so she might be getting withdrawal symptoms soon.


    But perhaps, thanks to that, Maomao was able to speak better to Yao, so it was a good thing. This was what Maomao felt while she considered what she should do with thebination of medicines.

 Volume 6, Chapter 21: Mama

    When they were heading back after their multiple doctors visits to the priestess were over, the streets from the view of the carriage were bustling with a spirit akin to new year celebrations.


    It seems like itll be faster to walk back, Yao said.


    Maomao knew about her dads bad leg, so she kept quiet.


    Dad gave a troubled smile. Im sorry. Its a bit far for my legs.


    Yao made an expression of dismay, but it was already toote. While Dad was fine with it, being who he is, it might sour the mood of any other big shot.


    Maomao didnt know if there was any point to the doctors visits, but some aspects of it seemed to be useful. Unfortunately, the useful thing wasnt the medicine that Maomao and Yao prepared, but their lifestyle pointers about taking in more hydration.


    In Shaou, water, being a valuable resource, isnt drunk frequently. And the priestess, with her position making it that she couldnt go relieve herself easily, appeared to drink extremely little. She had been pleased that her headaches subsided when she drank more often.


    Next, the priestess reported to them in brokennguage that she was delighted that she can go out for walks. As an albino, she could only go out at night time, but the sun wasparatively weaker in Riipared to Shaou, and it also rained more often. She told them that she could walk outside with an umbre when the weather was downcast.


    (Shes carefree.)


    Maomao was on the verge of suspecting that the priestess actually came to Rii for sightseeing.


    Of course, it wasnt that the priestess was free for the entire day. asionally, she would also get visitors. Big shots were understandable, but there were also people whoe in asking to speak with her for one time.


    Like how Lady Pai was popr, the foreign albino priestess was also fascinating to people.


    It seems todays visitor sought for divination, Maomao said, suddenly remembering.


    Considering the priestess position, divination would be one of her jobs, but that might have been a little disrespectful. She is the authority of a foreign country after all.


    Everyone agreed with Dad.


    Furthermore, she was officially here for medical treatment. Maomao couldnt feel their concern, but worryingly, most people are like that.


    Its said that her divinations are spot on, but I have no idea what to think about relying on that. Theres no clear reason for it, and I also dont know what to think about deciding the future through fortune-telling. Maomao was bothered about that part. There was no basis to divination. And even if there was, would that priestess possess the ability to read minds?


    Its because Maomao wants to make sense of uncertain things, yeah, Dad said.


    You hate divination? Yao broke in.


    Isnt it disgusting? Maomao said.


    She understood that things dont evere in ck and white. But Maomao believed that mysterious things in the world were only due to herck of knowledge and information. Like how do you decide where to relocate a capital by burning a turtles shell?


    No, unexpectantly, that has logic to it, Dad refuted. By using the animals in the area, you can determine the state of nutrition of the time. That is to say, we can tell how the bountiful thend is. By using the gods and sages in the name of divination, with believers, you can do things on arge scale. That might have been the start of government.


    (I see.)


    She can agree with what Dad said. Yao also listened with great interest.


    However, whats troubling is that even if it was meaningful in the past, it now remains merely for forms sake, without knowledge of why its done and what meaning it holds. That is the most worrying part of it. Dad made a sorrowful expression. In the past, when there was crop failure, there was a vige who bury the babies born in that year as sacrifices. The poor crop did not abate even with the sacrifices, so they went right on burying new sacrifices. And it was just when there were no vigers to turn into sacrifices, I happened to pass by in the middle of my travels.


    (Ah, I can imagine that.)


    Since it was Dad who is predisposed to suffering, she could tell what happened next.


    When I was tied up with rope and dropped into a hole, I thought I was really going to die. If mypanion who came after hadnt noticed, I would probably still be underground even now.


    . Yao was lost for words. Dad was talking about quite a heavy past in a calm tone. Dad is wise, but he had the tendency to get a little numb to stories of his personal misfortune.


    You might think that sacrifices are silly, but there is a product to that in the past as well. In that vige, fields were nted every year as usual. Though they add fertiliser, there will always be some nutrients theyck. Those are found in the human body, he said.


    Of course, with that reasoning, it would be pointless for other hindrances regarding repeated cultivation. The vige Dad visited had crop failure from an insect-borne disease, so their sacrifices had been in vain.


    They would do it from experience even if they dont know the meaning to it. The origin of sacrifices probably came to be by chance from how crops only grew in the areas where bodies had been buried. However, god was added to it in time, and it became sanctified. The word god is very useful, Dad said.


    The Shaou Priestess might also be something that had been sanctified via this process.


    While they talked about that, they reached the medical office. Maomao supported Dad as she alighted from the carriage. They still had to write up a report after this.


    However, it was noisy in the medical office.


    And when she wondered why


    Youre finally back. A troubled looking court physician approached them.


    Whats wrong? Dad asked.


    For crying out loud, have you ever thought that he woulde when you two are not around? Its awkward. We told him that youre not here, and he said that hell wait until youre back.


    The people who would speak in such a way were limited.


    Maomao exchanged nces with Dad.


    Cant be helped. Dad went into the medical office first. Inside, as imagined, was the monocle weirdo. The weirdo tactician was lying on a sofa that had been carried in from somewhere.


    Uncle! You took so long!


    Come on, Rakan ah. Dont bring in furniture from other ces. Look, throw the paper wrapping in the bin. Also, if you only drink juice, I dont care if you get cavities, Dad said.


    What can she say about the figure of his bending forward to pick up the paper wrapping?


    H-hes like a nanny. This was what Yao, who had been brought up by a wet nurse, had thought, but other people would probably have something simr.


    Dad started to clean up around him, so the weirdos subordinates and the court physician apprentices started to panic and pick up rubbish. Normally, Maomao would join in, but if she were to get close, she wouldnt be able to help as itll get noisy again, so she observed them from behind a pir.


    Uncle! Maomao! Maomao is close by! The weirdo sniffed the air.


    Gross Maomao inadvertently muttered.


    Maomao, your face, youre making a really amazing face, so cant you stop it, I kinda want to keep my distance too.


    Being told by Yao, she smoothed back her twisted mouth and brow wrinkles with her fingers, but she still twitched.


    Maomao! Bring out Maomao!


    Whats wrong? Since youre making a racket, should I put in a lot of carrots for dinner? Well have carrot congee today, Dad said.


    In addition to that looks like a nannyaction just now, he said this line. There were a couple who clutched their bellies, destroyed. The rest looked bewildered.


    Congee is good enough with eggs, Uncle. No, thats beside the point, Maomao. Im actually here with a proper reason! the weirdo said.


    I dont know what to think about the fact that you were reclined on a sofa you brought in and making a mess from eating snacks, Dad said as he pulled out the drawer in the medical office. He took out a tuffed toothpick and passed it to the weirdo tactician. Apparently, he was telling him to clean his teeth. Ill listen. You turn irrational whenever it concerns Maomao. If you can say something I can agree with, Ill pass on the message.


    The weirdo tactician nodded as he chewed on the toothpick.


    It should be fine to leave it to Dad. Maomao picked up a basket of used bandages that had been left in the corridor. She thought that they can finish the conversation while she was washing up.


    .


    .


    .


    Maomao was summoned when she finished washing the bandages and was about to start drying them, so around half a dual-hour passed? Dad showed up at her ce with a tired look.


    What did he want in the end?


    Rather than Maomao, it was Yao who asked. It seems she had a curiosity befitting her age.


    No, you see, it was an unexpected request, Dad replied.


    In what way?


    Its nearly time for the crown princes debut. It seems he wants Maomao toe in as a food taster for him at the banquet then.


    (Is he even nning to go?)


    As Rahan said, the weirdo tactician would skip out for every meeting like the garden party. To the point where he didnte to the garden party where Maomao had food tastedst time.


    Why this again. Maomao said.


    She knew full well that he will provoke ire. But it was truly unexpected that he would nominate her. Eating poison is outrageouseven though he would say such a thing from previous experience.


    Telling you to be a maid is one matter, but itll be hard to turn down the food tasting post, so what will you do? Dad asked.


    Even if you ask me.


    The hard to turn down that Dad was talking about was equivalent to saying cant be turned down. He was weak to pressure. She didnt care, but due to the exchange before, Dads nickname became Mama. She really didnt care.


    May I ask a question?


    It was Yao who gently raised her hand. Dad nodded for her to go on.


    Didnt we have a conversation about us sitting with Priestess-sama at the banquet? she asked.


    Thats true. But we were informed to have either one of you, he answered.


    Maomao or Yao, it was still undecided. It was better than having a lot of attendants and escorts sitting with the priestess, being the important person of a foreign country.


    In that case, Maomao, you go. It should be fine with me there, Yao dered.


    W-wait a second. Then what about my right to be chosen as well? Maomao asked.


    You have been specifically nominated, so its better you take that up. Above all, what are you going to do if Tactician-sama wanders around when youre carelessly by the Priestess side? Yao said.


    Maomao could say nothing.


    Dad was also wordless.


    His arrogant behaviour became normalised in this country, but itll be troubling to have him act that way before the foreign Priestess-sama. She was someone that even castrated men were not permitted to touch.


    Maomao Dad pped Maomaos shoulders.


    Leave Priestess-sama to me. Yao also pped her shoulders.


    Pl-please wait! Maomao looked at the two as she waved her hands.


    Maomao, Im sorry, but you cant turn it down. Considering Priestess-samas circumstances, you have to be with Rakan. Itll be an international problem otherwise, Dad said.


    N-no, Dad, Ill work harder.


    Its impossible, he dered, pping Maomaos shoulders once again.

 Volume 6, Chapter 22: Bits Of The Answer

    The flow of time is not uniform. Fun times are fleeting; bitter times are prolonged.As such, the period leading up to the banquet was brief to the point that it could be said that time flew like an arrow. The days that led up to unpleasant matters were in all, too short.At her own insistence, Maomao didnt have to visit the weirdos ce until the day itself. Unlike Maomao, Yao was enthused when most of the work was entrusted to her alone. Shed been staying at the priestess vi over thest couple of days. This was to ensure she would eat whatever the priestess is eating, whether its at the banquet or with her usual meals.The priestess had insisted although meals are checked thoroughly, thered be trouble if anything was overlooked.Maomao was interested in the foreign dishes, but that, too, was that weirdos fault.And so, until the very day of the banquet, she had to start work half-a-dual hour earlier than usual.(I dont want to go.)How many times had she thought that?It was as she was taking her time leaving her room at thest minute after slowly changing clothes.Maomao.Oh, long time no see. She bumped into Enen in the hallway. The courtdy had been sent to work as Jinshis attendant, so she stayed elsewhere outside of the lodgings, but(Yao deficiency?)The courtdy looked haggard. She bore a somewhat hollow gaze and her lips were dry. Her aimless movements reminded Maomao of a ghost. Maomao wheres Mdy?U-umm, if youre asking for YaoWhen Maomao told her Yao wasnt there, she looked like the stars had fallen from the sky and crashed on to her head. Swaying, she leaned against the wall and sank right down to the floor.Are you okay?Enen didnt look okay in any respect, but it was probably good manners to check.M-mdy(She really likes her.)Maomao considered what to do while twiddling her fingers. She didnt want to go to work, but it was an offence to bete due to personalmitments, so she cant always be around to apany Enen.Whats wrong? What about work? Dont you have to stick close for the entire day today? she asked.Uu, Uuu. I slipped away by saying its not time yet. The Prince of the Moons head maid, she keeps a really close eye Enen answered.Ahh. Maomao understood. If her memories served her correctly, the Prince of the Moon refers to Jinshi. He has an official name as the imperial brother, but only his majesty could say it. And so, everyone calls him by a different name.And the person whoes to mind as Jinshis head maid was an elderly maid called Suirenshe was quite a cunning person. It appears Enen couldnt escape Suirens clutches either.If you dont go back now, shell get mad again, no?thats true. Its okay, I just wanted to get close for a whiff. I only wanted to tie up her hair properly. I dont want to tie up a scoundrels hair no matter how silky it is.Even entrusted to tie up Jinshis hairseems like shes in Suirens good graces. By the way, when Maomao grew used to working for Jinshi, she was told to tie up his hair many times, but she refused every time saying that she had never done such a thing before.Enen rose sluggishly to her feet. She was going to drag herself back, but then turned to face Maomao, as if remembering something. Which reminds me, I havent sent you the reply to that letter. I couldnt send it using the excuse from before either.


    If they were to exchange letters carelessly, its possible for them to be mistaken for spies. Enen showing up here now was already suspicious enough, but if she fell under suspicion, Maomao would need toe up with an for her.Thank you very much for all this. Maomao epted the letter. She requested it, since Enen seemed to know a lot of about gynaecological diseases and beautification medicines.She opened the letter. It was written in quite some detail. Maomao knew most of it, but she was in awe, seeing it had so many effects of this sort.!?Maomaos eyes rested on a line in the middle of the letter.Umm, this part, she asked, grabbing onto Enen who was wobbling back. About the hasma, is this, true?yes.Umm, you made her eat it knowing such a thing?Its so Yao-sama can grow beautifully. Enens face sparkled for an instant, before returning to its hollowness.As Maomao felt a pang of sympathy for Yao, she decided to go to work as well....Maomao didnt know much about the proceedings leading up to the banquet. Apparently, it was carried out like a ritual, but there were so many steps she honestly couldnt remember them all. And above all, only pertinent individuals could enter, so she was on standby for orders until then. She was on standby, so she couldnt understand why she was forced to work half-a-dual hour earlier.Maomao eyed the medicine shelf in the medical office and considered gloating, but she just had to be summoned by a court physician. As she wondered what it was about, it seemed to be for an errand.I want you to take these to the consorts.Whether its the garden party or the banquet, these events are some of the very few chances for the flowers of the inner pce to go outside. And so, even for errands, they couldnt send for a man. Yao and Enen werent around, so Maomao had to go.She checked the package in her hands; there were incense sticks inside. As to why these were found in the medical office, its because they also have medicinal properties. Smoke is effective as an insect repellent, and the fragrance is calming.She wants a substitute for mosquito repellent. She said its unavoidable as simple mosquito repellent is smoky, the court physician said.When ites to mosquito repellent, its usually not something refined like incense sticks, but rather wooden sticks with an insect repelling effect. Even smoke on its own has some effect, but certainly is smoky.Which consort is being selfish? Maomao asked.Come on, its the new consort from that foreign country.How unexpected, Maomao thought.It was that Airin woman. She has the lightplexion of a foreigner, high stature, and on top of that, just for kicks, a voluptuous figure.(There still arent any sexy news yet, huh)Maomao hadnt informed Yao and Enen. On what Rahan had only told Maomao to investigate.(Did the priestess give birth to a child?)In the end, she left withouting up with an answer.As she hails from Shaou, despite being newly instated, there have been protests against her presence at the banquet. Try to give these to other consorts as well, and try not to mix up the order when you give it to them. The court physician ryed to her a summary of the consorts in attendance and exined the map of the buildings with consorts. Empress Gyokuyou was a given; high ranking consort Rifa, the middle-ranking consortAirin, and two others.If you mix up the order, itll be scary-scary.(Even so.)I dont really understand the hierarchy of power in Shaou, Maomao mused as she went about her errand.(Airins defection enabled her political rival, a woman called Aira, to seize the priestess weakness, though Airin imed shes one of the priestess people.)Maomao wracked her brainwas the corrtion chart something like that?Not to say she wasnt curious, she was, but carelessly sticking her head into things could get her entangled to the point where her head rolling bes a real possibility.Poking around whats kept in the dark seems extremely dangerous, so it would be better to retreat as soon as possible.The antechamber was where she could deliver things to each consort respectively. Only Empress Gyokuyou will be waiting somewhere else. In terms of the order, itd be appropriate to start from Consort Rifa, but discussions tend to drag on whenever she makes an appearance.Maomao waited before Consort Rifas antechamber for a familiar-faced maid toe. It was good that all the good-for-nothing maids were fired, but Maomao wished the remaining ones would stop freaking out every time they saw her.She quickly passed them on, one after another.She came to a stop in front of Airins room. Suddenly, Maomao sniffed the air.(What is this?)There was a rather peculiar smell. She couldnt recall what the smell was. For the time being, she knocked on the door.Cme in.Hearing the consorts characteristic pronunciation, she opened the door. Only Airin was inside. None of her maids were around.Airin had something pressed against her breast region. When she got closer, that strange smell became stronger.I have brought the mosquito repellent, Maomao said.Thnk you very much. Can you put it there? My maid just left her pst.Did she go off to the bathroom or something? The consorts maid hade along to half-watch, but this antechamber didnt have a single window, and only one entrance. There were guards outside. Probably there to see if anything goes wrong.Then, Ill be taking my leaveAs Maomao made to head back, her sleeve was grasped.Wh-what is it? she said.You went to Priestess-samas ce as well, right? How was herdition? the consort asked.(How should I reply?)Maomao wavered for an instant, then decided to reply as is. She didnt seem tired from her travels. As for her illness, we are examining her closely, so please rest at ease.Having given such a safe response, Maomao wanted to smile at herself.Is that s. Ive heard that youre particrly outstanding among the courtdies, so I have high hopes. The consort piled on the pressure. As she drew closer, the smell intensified.(Just what is this smell again?)Hmm, Maomao pondered as she left Airins room.(What is this gloomy feeling?)It was the same with the smell from just now; she was consumed by a sense of gloom about other things as well. She was stuck on a few things regarding the rtionships of Shaou. Its likely that she had gathered several chances to get to the answer, but she couldnt derive it from what she had. Otherwise, she felt that she was missing a few pieces before she could arrive at the answer.(If its Dad, he would have reached the answer already.)Giving a sigh at her own inexperience, Maomao returned to the medical office.

 Volume 6, Chapter 23: The Banquet And The Food Taster Post

    Big shots im that while banquets are something you want to enjoy in a carefree manner, it wont turn out that way.


    Theres a massive, long table upying the centre of the room, lined by seats on either side. This is connected to arge table at the end, where his imperial majesty, the empress, Jinshi, as well as the guestthe priestesswill be seated.


    The rest of the crowd was arranged symmetrically along both ends of the long table, with the arrangement identical to that of the garden party previously. If there was anything different, would it be the people sitting at the back of the room?


    Maomao stood by the wall with an expression of Can we end this quickly? She looked around; food tasters, as over the top as they are, apanied every important personhis imperial majesty, the guest, the empress, and others.


    (This guy probably doesnt need one.)


    Wanting to spit out a keh, Maomao regarded the entrics back. Barring that medium build, slightly hunched back, and nted eyes bearing a monocle, he was a man of conspicuous and unconventional talent. The guy known as this countrys tactician.


    For the most part, the title of tactician was in name only. Apparently, his rank was originally Grand Marshal, but Maomao had no idea what that even meant. It was just that as far as she could see from his seating, he was most likely quite a big shot.


    (If you want a food taster, youre better off noting at all.)


    The people around the weirdo tactician wore simr expressions. This useless old man is bothersome once he starts poking his nose into the affairs of those around him in his free time. The fact that he didnt getints whenever he took a day off from events like the garden party or whatever, was probably because hed be in the way if he did go.


    Without dy, the weirdo, seemingly free, started to chat with the man seated next to him, who looked to be a military official.


    As Maomao watched with narrowed eyes, she yanked the cloth in her hands. The fabric, twisted into a long rope, was tied to the weirdos ankle at the other end. Every time she yanked, the weirdo would jolt. Afterwards, he would look back, make a somewhat satisfied expression, and straighten his back.


    It was quite distasteful for him to look at her each time, but it couldnt be helped. The miser Rahan had included his supervision on top of the food tasting post. Of course, she was in no mood to go along with him, but Dad had also entreated her. She was promised unusual imported medicine for next time as well, so she agreed. And so, like a cat that moves without ringing its own bell, she had tied a cord to the weirdo.


    She sensed strange looks from those around them, but as it was normally this weirdo who got such looks, no one would say anything, so she decided to go along without paying attention to it.


    Although its called a banquet, dining doesnt begin right awaythere were several introductions to be made. It was different to the outdoor garden party; there was no showy opening like a sword dance, but it was nice to hear pleasant-sounding music. Was the slight exotic air brimming from it an attempt to imitate Shaou music?


    As if he had no interest in the music, the tactician took out a Go book from his breast pocket and started to read, so she tugged the cord again. She had absolutely no idea why his imperial majesty did not sentence this man to death by hanging.


    The important looking people discussed matters importantly, and when conversations ceased, the dining began. Behind Jinshi stood Enen. Normally, his nanny Suiren would have wanted toe along, but many close attendants were young. Even the robust nanny will read the atmosphere in times like these and leave it to Enen.


    (Seems like she got a nice promotion.)


    This didnt seem to be the case for the person in question. However, Enen kept ncing to the side, the reason being, like how Jinshi had Enen apany him, the Shaou Priestess also had Yao with her. Yaosplexion was a little poor, as though she was nervous.


    Enens hollow, zombie-like demeanour from this morning had gained a little more life. However, it didnt seem like she was free from her mdy deficiency yetshe looked around,ining with her eyes for the banquet to end quickly. She seemed worried about Yaos terribleplexion.


    Although they were painstakingly trained as courtdies who assisted court physicians, how everyone became food tasters in the end was a source of amusement for Maomao. Even though food tasting is usually left to the surplus of lower ranking people instead. Yao appeared to be a youngdy with a good background, but the fact that her parents hadnt stopped her was a little worrying.


    (I taught her how to taste for poison though.)


    Its called food tasting, but when someone fails, they fail. It could be a new poison, or it could be a dyed onset type.


    (In the end, people die when they die.)


    Such was the case. But Maomao decided if she was going to die anyway, she wanted to die from a new type of poison. Would it be too ambitious of her to want to check for its toxicity before passing away?


    As she entertained such thoughts, the meals were carried over.


    As usual, she wanted to carry out the food tasting and end it quickly.


    So Maomao thought as she epted a small te used for food tasting and glued her eyes on the weirdo tactician as she ate.


    .


    .


    .


    Once the meals began, the banquet ended. There would be a feast after thisMaomao, who didnt know the difference between a banquet and a feast, could only sigh.


    It seems there will be fewer people at the feast and the location will be changed. Yao and Enen had more work following this, but Maomao was done here, so she nned on leaving the room. Just as she was throwing away the tacticians cord like a cat that doesnt ring its own bell


    There was a thud. When she turned back to see what happened, a courtdy had copsed. When she wondered who it was, it was Yao.


    Mdy!Enen flew over. She tried to rouse Yao to see what had happened.


    Maomao threw away the cord and approached the two. Yao was lying face down. There was vomit strewn all over the floor.


    The courtdies in the vicinity screamed. It was as though they were shrieking, How rude of you to throw up in a ce with big shots around, but that wasnt the issue.


    Mdy, Mdy!


    Maomao pped Enens cheeks. Thetter was shaking Yao.


    Check if theres anything still lodged in her throat. If her airways are blocked, she could suffocate.


    yes.Enen was frantic, but as Maomao had instructed, she stuck her fingers inside Yaos mouth. Yao seemed to be breathing, but she was trembling and clutching her stomach. Her pupils were dted.


    (The fact that Yao had copsed means)


    How was the priestess? As Maomao turned to look, the priestess was already surrounded. The food taster alongside Yao also had tremors and a pale face. She was moving away while holding her hand over her mouth; the priestess was also distancing herself.


    (The priestess had been served poison.)


    Maomao had Yao put on an outer garment. As Enen kept calling Mdy, Mdy, with a pale face, Maomao thought about what she needed to do.


    Water, salt water, and


    With unknown poisons, the first priority is to clear the contents of the stomach. To force a heave, she pulled Enen away and thrust her fingers into Yaos mouth, just as an elderly man with a bad leg approached her.


    Maomao. Switch with me.


    Dad was here. He was carrying a pitcher and a bucket. He also had a nket, which heid over Yaos waist. With abdominal pain and vomiting, there was also a high chance of diarrhoea. Even if its involuntary, its prudent to not draw attention to it.


    The priestess should be prioritised, right? Leave this to me,Dad said, picking up the cord Maomao threw away and pulling. The one who reacted by standing up in a daze was the weirdo tactician.


    Can you bring some charcoal over? If possible, crush it into powder in a mortar. Also, prepare a room. Its for this child, the priestess and the other food taster. You can do that, right, Rakan?


    Yeah, Uncle. Ill prepare it immediately.


    It was the weirdo who answered, but the ones who sprung into action were the subordinates around him. Rather than due to Dads direct order, they hurried in response to the weirdos reply.


    Dad, Ill leave Yao to you.That was all Maomao said, before heading off to where the priestess and the other food taster were taken.


    .


    .


    .


    She entered the room that had been urgently prepared for the priestess and the other food taster.


    The priestess and the other food taster kept vomiting. They had to be given salt water to flush out their stomachs. She also gave them powdered charcoal and axative. It was foul-tasting, but they needed it to clear out their systems.


    As long as Dad couldnt examine the priestess, it was solely Maomaos responsibility to check her condition. She had them expel everything from their stomachs and excrete everything from their bowels. If thexative was deemed ineffective, she was going to induce diarrhoea by administering liquid medicine through their anus. Both the priestess and the food taster seemed averse to it, so they were relieved when thexative worked.


    The condition of the two seemed milderpared to Yaos, so they remained conscious despite being poisoned.


    Speaking of Yao, she was in quite a critical state, so Enen was nursing Yao without being mindful of her current master, Jinshi. As Jinshi wasnt a monster either, he didnt try to take her away.


    However, the day after the banquet, when the priestess condition stabilised a little, he turned up at Maomaos ce. His appearance was iner than usual, but the sparkles remained. Beside him was Basen, who had been reinstated.


    Maomao was wearing the same clothes from yesterday and hadnt yet taken a bath, but on this asion, she didnt have the luxury to consider it rude.


    How is the priestess doing? Jinshi asked.


    Shes stable. Her symptoms werent as bad as Yaos, the food taster girl, she answered.


    A court physician had given Maomao a detailed report on Yaos condition. Maomao also spoke to the court physician about the priestess condition in detail. If anything were to happen, it would cause international problems. It must not be allowed to get any worse.


    Jinshis personal visit was probably also concerning that.


    This Yao you mentioned, Im told shes Enens master, he said.


    You seem to favour Enen a lot, but its about time you sent her back. Shes turned into a corpse from Yao deficiency.


    Amidst all that, with Yaos condition being what it is, shes probably on edge. Maomao joked a little, as if she had calmed down somewhat.


    With your colleague in this kind of predicament, arent you worried? he asked.


    Im not so heartless as to not worry. Its simply that my current task is to examine the priestess. Besides, Yao is with my foster father.


    As long as Yao was with Dad, Maomao believed things will turn out fine. Enen* (again, another typo by the author) also dabbled in medicine. If she collected herself, shed be able to nurse properly. Therefore Maomao had no need to throw away her work to go to her.


    Above all, due to the serious nature of the priestess presence, it may develop into a national problem. That oue is the one thing that must be avoided.


    by the way, do you know who the culprit is? The one who served the priestess poison?She was told that aside from the priestesss attendants, no one else had been poisoned.


    Even if they saved the priestess, the fact that her life had been targeted hasnt changed. In that case, they must locate the culprit post haste and deliver punishment to avoid causing a dispute.


    Jinshi wore an indescribable expression. Then, he nced at Basen. Basen also had aplicated expression as he took out a pouch from his breast pocket. As she wondered what was inside, a small bottle was revealed. With the cap removed, powder could be seen inside.


    This is


    Maomao gave a sniff. It was a smell she hade across before. Very recently, at that.


    !?Remembering, she unconsciously stretched out for the bottle, but Basen had covered it with the cloth pouch.


    Looks like you know something.


    is this incense powder? she asked.


    Ahh.


    Incense powdera kind of incense made from nts. It was made from a nt known as shikimi (, Japanese Star Anise). With its high toxicity, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea are among its symptoms.


    I heard from Court Physician Kan that its toxic, Jinshi asked.


    Yes. It matches their symptoms perfectly, Maomao said.


    The poisoning symptoms manifest a few hours after ingestion.


    This incenseJinshi looked at Maomao meekly.Consort Airiin had been carrying it.


    (I knew it.)


    Maomao had brought mosquito repellent to Airins ce before the banquet. It was the exact same smell as that time.

 Volume 6, Chapter 24: The Real Nature Of The Poison

    Yao, the priestess, and the priestess other food taster. Out of the three, Yao had it the worst. Though she was in remission for a time, she had rpsed once again. Now, three dayster, she seems to have mostly stabilised, but there were no grounds for guesses.


    Maomao had taken over Yaos duties at the priestess vi to nurse them. However, as their symptoms were minor, she was only staying over as a precaution.


    Most importantly, the real issue was regarding the individual deemed as the poisoner.


    (Why is it Airiin again?)


    Why would this woman from Shaou, the same country as the priestess herself, poison her?


    (Shes only treated as a suspect, though.)


    There was a witness. Its been confirmed that Airin had indeed procured the poisonous incense powder beforehand, and that she was seated close to the priestess during the banquet, as her formerpatriot. Moreover, although she was under constant monitoring, Maomao knew that wasnt strictly the case. When Maomao delivered the incense, there hadnt been a maid around Airin. She imagined the consort mustve snuck it onto the te when the opportunity arose.


    It wasnt impossible.


    After looking at the witness and the circumstances, she was told Airin was undergoing questioning about the matter.


    (We have to find the culprit as soon as possible.)


    Itll blow up into an international problem.


    (But if that person is from the same country)


    The situation is convenient for Rii as a country. They can shift the responsibility of the priestess attempted poisoning over to Shaous as internal strife. If Airin turned out to be the actual culprit, it will be all the more convenient.


    (If so, how will things pan out for Rahan?)


    Maomao recalled the small man whose head was full of numbers and was only attracted to appearances. To begin with, Rahan had invited Airin into the country under the guise of either improving food security or providing asylum. Even if it was a mistake on his part, that calctive man probably wont be implicated as an aplice. Nevertheless, its not something that can be brought upfortably in conversation.


    (There might be something more to it.)


    Above all, Maomao felt sick. There were too many things she couldnt figure out.


    .


    .


    .


    Priestess-sama is already doing better.


    It was on the morning of the fifth day when the attendant ryed this to Maomao.


    Priestess-samasplexion still seems poor, though, Maomao said.


    Thats due to her frame of mind. With someone like that as the other party, theres no way shed feel well.


    (I know right.)


    Considering how even though her life had been targeted in a distant, foreignnd, the poisoner was still someone from her own country.


    Thats true. Do they know each other? Maomao asked.


    yes. She was originally among those who had shown up as the next priestess candidate, the attendant replied.


    (I see now.)


    Understood. Maomao thought as she agreed.


    .


    .


    .


    A horse-drawn carriage arrived just as she left the priestess vi. Maomao stepped on board as is, but the person inside was Dad.


    Is Yao all right? she asked.


    For the moment, yes. Enen is looking after her. She will let me know as soon as her condition worsens, Dad answered.


    Maomao was told that Yao had been in remission, after which her condition had worsened, and has now stabilised. They couldnt let down their guard just yet, but there was probably a reason behind Dading to pick up Maomao. Dad looked outside, and as expected, he said:


    Were not returning to the medical office. Well be going a little further inside.


    The inside of the medical office was the area where the so-called big shots in the imperial court congregated. Maomao had an inkling as to why they were headed there.is it about the banquet?


    Maomao with the priestess and the priestess attendant, and Dad with Yao, respectively. The two of them have been providing medical care to victims of the poisoning. With Airin as the suspect, it wasnt hard to guess why Maomao and her dad were summoned as witnesses.


    The carriage passed by the medical office and headed for its destination. It was Jinshis pce.


    Come in.


    Greeting them with a polite bearing, was Suiren. The aging maid, with her white hair twisted into a bun, gave a faint smile as soon as she saw Mamao. Maomao bowed her head at the somewhat crafty olddy in response.


    The olddy guided them into a room with Jinshi, Basen, and Rahan. Briefly, she wondered why Rahan was present, but he was the one who had a hand in Airins entry into the inner pce. He seemed perplexed at the current situationthe short, bespectacled mans lips were twisted.


    Did you hear about the matter at hand? Jinshi asked.


    Is it the matter regarding Consort Airin? Maomao said.


    Then lets get to the point. First, I want to hear from Ruomen-dono.


    The discussions proceeded without preamble.


    I can only talk about Yao, a courtdy who assists court physicians, Dad said.


    (That has to be a lie.)


    Maomao thought. Dad has a cautious personality. Or more urately, something along the lines of he only verbalises thoughts grounded in concrete evidence? Hes the type of person who refuses to speak of assumptions.


    Yao is in a critical condition. She has symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Though she was in remission, her condition deteriorated once again, and she is currently back to a stable state.


    It was also as Maomao had heard. The symptoms matched those of incense powder poisoning. But the severity of her symptoms, where her condition worsened again, made Maomao tilt her head a little.


    Shikimi, an ingredient in incense powder, is toxic. It is a potent poison that is potentially fatal, but the poison itself is only found in high concentrations within the fruit. The powdered form of the leaves and peel are whats used in incense. If you eat copious amounts to such an extent


    (I would have expected her to notice it.)


    Maomao had taught Yao how to food taste. She also told the courtdy to examine by smell. However, Yaosplexion had been bad since before the food tasting, so Maomao feared she may have had a blocked nose.


    However, what Dad said next transformed Maomaos uncertainty into something more decisive:


    I believe the poison is likely to be mushroom poison. It is not shikimi poison.


    At the words that overturned their assumptions, everyone was dumbfounded. The ones who summoned Dad were probably here to rify the suspicion of Airin over the assembled evidence.


    I see.Maomao understood now. Mushroom poison has many varieties, some of which are much stronger than shikimi. Moreover, the symptoms are simr. Indeed, Yao wouldnt be able to identify the smell and taste of poisonous mushrooms.


    Amidst the shock, Rahan leaned forward.Then, can we interpret this as an attempt to frame Airin-dono, Great Uncle?!


    He sounded happy. It was true. If the person he had won over in the first ce caused trouble, the responsibility would also fall unto him. This would be nothing more than an incident outside of his calctions for the small man.


    I only said that the poison wasnt incense powder, Dad said.


    Dads roundabout way of speaking sometimes aggravated others. Maomao spoke up to move the discussion along; to put forward the facts as objectively as possible, so that those present wont get carried away by Dads words.


    As for the priestess and the other food taster, both experienced simr degrees of abdominal pain and nausea. Their symptoms appeared much milder inparison to Yaos, and their physical conditions improved somewhat after three days. If there is a point of concern with regards to the mushroom poison hypothesis, I feel that the doses ingested by the priestess and the other food taster were nowhere near sufficient and that the poison itself acted too quickly.


    Poisonous mushroomsfrom the symptoms, it reminded her of the destroying angel(). It contains a strong toxin with a dyed onset. It was frightening in the way it takes effect as its absorbed by the body; a terrifying poison where the next set of symptoms take hold just as you start to think you might be cured. Its not that she thought Dads treatments inadequate, but if Yaos condition was due to mushroom poisoning, hed have to treat it more seriously than shikimi.


    Maomao had also considered poisonous mushrooms, but had eliminated that possibility as symptoms take over six hours to develop. It was a little too soon for the poison to take effect right after food tasting.


    (Dad should already know all this.)


    And yet, despite all that, there must be a reason he brought it up. Is there a drug that can elerate the effect of the poison? Or was he saying that it wasnt the destroying angel, but a poisonous mushroom of a different variety? Or was it


    (that they ate it long before the food tasting.?)


    .


    Maomao found herself pping the table.


    How did she miss it? She recalled the conversation in the vi just then.


    Jinshi-sama, she said.


    What is it? Jinshi asked.


    Was the Shaou priestess told that Consort Airin is the suspect?


    We have no intention of informing her until its been confirmed. We dont want to cause pointless anxiety.


    Thats it, thats the case. However, the attendant at the vi said:


    Thats due to her frame of mind. With someone like that as the other party, theres no way shed feel well.


    yes. She was originally among those who had shown up as the next priestess candidate.


    From that exchange, Maomao had concluded the priestess had already been made aware of the suspects identity. Since Maomao had also heard the news, she didnt think much of it, assuming they, too, had caught wind of it.


    (How did the priestess attendant hear of it?)


    The exnation for why Yaos condition was critical while the priestess and the other food taster only experienced minor symptoms. The mismatch in the time taken for the poison to set inall will be adequately exined from here on.


    Dad this is only a deduction, but can still I say it?Maomao said, facing Dad with earnest eyes.


    Dad looked troubled.Can you take responsibility for what you say?


    Once its out in the open, theres no way she can stop herself.


    But, there are times when you just need to say it, right? she said.


    Dad was silent. Maomao took that as eptance.


    There seems to be something, Jinshi said.


    Yes. This is nothing more than deduction though, Maomao said.


    Perhaps, by phrasing it this way, shed left herself a way out. Even Maomao didnt have enough confidence to dere it with conviction.


    It would seem that Consort Airin wasnt the one who served the poison.


    Your basis being?Jinshi sought for an exnation without taking her words at face value. Rahan and Basen also observed Maomao.


    Its because Dad, no, Court Physician Kan proposed the poison to be mushroom poison. In that case, itd difficult to justify Consort Airin as the one who served the poison.


    The time at which the poison started to take effect. For it to be the destroying angel, it needed to be served before the banquet. Airin had been under constant surveince since leaving the inner pce. Although her maid had taken her eyes off her, with no allies, the consort herself couldnt leave the room. It would be impossible for her to serve the poison before the banquet.


    Then, are you saying someone served the poison before the banquet? Jinshi supposed.


    Yes. The poison mustve been served at the vi, Maomao said.


    Yao had stayed at the vi for a couple of days beforehand to eat the same meals as the priestess. Itd be reasonable to presume that the poison had already been ingested while they were at the vi. In that case, the person who served the poison would have to be


    It would have to be someone among the priestess attendants. In other words, its a charade.


    !?Whilst everyone looked shocked, only Dads expression stayed the same. Hed probably reached the same conclusion. However, he wont simply voice spection on his partthat was Dad.


    If it was a charade, she could ount for why the two aside from Yao had milder symptoms. The only one who ingested the poison was Yao, and the other two were acting, or had eaten a different poison that was a lot weaker. Besides, it also exined why they knew who the suspect was, even though they shouldnt have known.


    If it was a charade, and it was to pin the me on Airin If they were old associates, they would probably know, at the very least, that she habitually used incense powder with a simr toxicity to poisonous mushrooms.


    Dont speak of spectionsMaomao understood the reason behind her dads teachings. But there were times where she would get pissed off.


    (The reason Yao got dragged into it is this!)


    If a food taster from Rii became terribly ill, death from poisoning alone would have a significant impact. Yao was exploited for such a reason. She has a slightly haughty side to her, but in essence, shes an honest and diligent girl.


    She was no Enen, but Maomao still felt indignant.


    Btedly noticing her numb hand, Maomao reflected on whether she had lost her cool when she spoke. She looked aroundDad was silent, Jinshi and the others were taken aback.


    A question.


    The one who spoke first was Basen. In times like these, he reacts quickly.Why did the priestess set up Consort Airin?


    I have an idea about that.Rahan raised his hand, taking over for Maomao.To me, Consort Airin had hinted at the possibility of the priestess giving birth at some point, and whether the child could be Lady Pai. Therefore, I asked Maomao to investigate whether the priestess had ever given birth.


    If the priestesscked the qualifications to be one, she would be expelled from her position and have it snatched from her. If anything, she might receive punishment instead.


    Is the priestess Lady Pais mother? This, too, is a huge blow, Jinshi said.


    With this, the reason she defected was not only due to the existence of a political opponent, but also that she had grasped part of the priestess secret.


    And the reason why the priestess came all the way to Rii as well.


    If we think that it was to keep her mouth shut


    At Rahans remark, Maomao felt like she was stuck on something.


    Why? Theres nothing off about her deduction. So whats with this unpleasant sensation, like theres something stuck between her teeth?


    Maomao looked at Dad.


    Dad sat silently, neither affirming nor denying.

 Volume 6, Chapter 25: Implications Behind Implications

    Maomao didnt consider her own words to be absolute. However, through speaking with Jinshi and the others, her opinions appeared to carry some weight. Its been the case up until now, so she mightve gotten a little too self-conscious.


    With Airin remaining as the suspect of the priestess attempting poisoning incident, the discussions continued.


    Airin confessed when they interrogated her. Her reason being that shee into this country despite her own unwillingness. One of the key motivating factors had been her grudge against the priestess. Despite being raised as the next in line after the current priestess, she lost the opportunity to the person who continued to upy that position unfailingly for years upon years.


    From her confession,bined with her resentment towards both the priestess and the country of Rii, they could only conclude that she became desperate in the end.


    (Bearing resentment towards the emperor also leaves the worst impression possible.)


    Despite being a shallow, foreign woman, she had attacked the priestess out of malice.


    It was more convenient, to do it.


    Thats absurdMaomao unintentionally spat out at Rahan who hade to inform her. Since it wasnt a topic that could be settled through messengers, he had summoned Maomao to speak with her directly. He had specially called her out under the pretence of a medicine errand.


    Im also troubled by what she told me, he said while swallowing the stomach medicine brought along for the errand. Can this guy even get a stomach ache, Maomao wondered as an afterthought.


    How is that courtdy, the one called Yao or something?


    Shes probably fine by now, but there might be after-effects.


    Her condition had mostly improved with Dad and Enens medical attention. However, she has yet to make a full recovery, and was down in the dumps about having eaten poison unknowingly. Its only natural for you to be unaware, poisonous mushrooms are unexpectedly delicious after all, Maomao had tried to console her. But Dad had gently stopped her. Apparently, itd backfire instead of having the intended effect.


    Maomao checked on the priestesss condition once per day, though to be frank, it was near impossible to judge as thetter masked her expressions expertly.


    If the priestess was faking her illness, Maomao didnt need to enquire after her condition, and whats more, she would beplicit in charging Airin with the crime.


    Even though she had time to meet the priestessit was vexing how she wasnt able to probe her about it then.


    Moreover, what Maomao said was no more than an inference; she didnt have solid evidence. If she had travelled outside the country to specially set Airin up, what kind of weakness did she seize? The risk was much too great.


    That woman, what kind of weakness did she snatch from the priestess.?


    Certainly. Even I thought they were on good terms with each other, she said.


    Rahan ced his elbows on the table and drank some water. At this Maomao said, remembering, if you dont eat anything afterwards, itll upset your stomach. He took out some dim sum from the shelf with a look of dissatisfaction. Maomao asked Dont you have any with meat filling? at the sweet potato filled steamed buns, but he replied, none. How boring.


    Cant be helped. She continued to speak while stealing a sweet potato filled steamed bun.If they were on good terms, this sort of thing wouldnt have happened, right?


    At the very least, I thought Airin-dono adored the priestess. If not, she wouldnt have given a testimony like that, right? For arguments sake, what if thats a false usation?


    thats true.


    Even though I told her that Ill listen properly if theres an exnation. She went and openly abandoned herself. Shes quite the actress.Rahan seemed to believe that Airin had been falsely used.


    She had confessed while speaking ill of the priestess, but looking at it from another perspective, she seemed to be covering up the crime herself.


    Maomao still had no idea what kind of rtionship the two of them had.What have you heard about Airins rtion to the priestess?


    Nothing more than gossip. Airin-dono had trained by the priestess side for five years as the candidate sessor. As an apprentice, she resided in the pce up until she lost the qualification to be a priestess when her monthly cycle began.


    She heard that shed once been a priestess apprentice, but she didnt think that they would be together for such a long time.


    Hmmmm. Wait a sec.


    She didnt know the exact age of the foreigner but she looked to be about twenty-five. If you do the maths.


    Doesnt that ovep with the period the priestess had suspicions of pregnancy!?


    Yes. Did I not mention that? Thats why I personally asked you to investigate, Rahan said.


    Wait. If she lived with her for five years, then wouldnt she know if she had gotten pregnant or not?!


    is that how it is? Normal people cant tell when its covered by clothes, right?


    Even if someone like you cant tell, its difficult to hide a pregnancy. Even more so if she apanied her as an apprentice.


    Rahan chewed on his steamed bun, and gulped down the tea.That could be the case, if you put it like that.


    He might seem level-headed at a nce, but in the end, this guy is a member of the Ra n. He was off andcking in some areas.


    Moreover, even if she had suspicions at the time, wouldnt it be unusual for her to reveal it now? he continued.


    Certainly.


    As if beauties were his weakness, Rahans train of thought seems to have dulled, somewhat. He pushed up his sses and fell deep into thought.


    Then, can we look at it this way?Rahan crossed his arms and closed his eyes.The investigation into whether she had a child was actually a front.


    Youre going with that, huh, Maomao said.


    Airin was hiding something bigger behind that front. How she fell into the current state of affairs also stemmed from that.


    Its not illogical when you put it like that.


    The problem was, what she was hiding?


    Maomao and Rahan groaned.


    If only Dad was here


    Great Uncle would definitely figure something out. But even if he knew, he might not speak up.


    Which reminded her, he had made an expression like he was stuck on something. Did he realise something Maomao hadnt noticed?


    Even the priestess. If Great Uncle examined her, he mighte up with something.


    I apologise for being a novice,Maomao replied sarcastically. But Maomao felt the same way. Being touched by a eunuch should be fine, even if they were considered men..


    Whats wrong?


    Eunuch.Maomao clutched at her forehead. There were still many bits of the answer scattered about. She remembered something.


    Maomao took out a notepad from her bosom. It was a record from the time she interviewed the priestess. Yaos notes from the banquet were also scribbled in.


    And this is? Rahan asked.


    Food the priestess often ate. Its effective for gynaecological diseases, that is, things that boost femininity.


    There were also ingredients for a medicine the old court physician had taken a long time ago. Shed initially thought his face of disgust was due to the taste, however, a note on its effects made her smile wryly.


    Maomao, arent you better off using it instead?


    Yes, moving on. Try sounding out the characteristics of eunuchs.


    Treating your brother dearest with disrespect. Okay, okay, I understand, Ill say them. Their masculinity decreases, their hair thins, and their voices be higher, right?


    Other than that, they put on weight as they age, and afterwards, immediately grow old. You can tell when you look at Dad, but there are additional features.


    What kind? Rahan watched her with great interest.


    When males are castrated before puberty, their voices dont change, nor do they grow body hair. And since theyre missing the increase in masculinity thates with puberty, their limbs be excessively long


    I havent gotten a good look at the priestess, but could it be


    Shes tall for a woman, her limbs are long, and shes started to put on weight recently. Even her illness from her decline in femininity; eunuchs experience a simr phenomenon.


    The traits coincided.


    Oi, wait a sec. Surely you can differentiate between a eunuch and a woman, right? Didnt you check the top half of her body?


    Yes, she has a proper set of breasts.Maomao took out the notepad from before sardonically. Enens letter listed the effects of the medicines, including those of hasma.


    Hasma: good for beautiful skin and a beautiful figure. High nutritional value and highly nourishing. However, the chest area swells when overeaten


    The delicacy Enen made Yao eat. For Yaos healthy physical development.


    This may have been the reason for the old court physicians wry smile. It was noughing matter to eat too much and have your chest swell up.


    Its because you distinguish between genders by looking at the chest. Though, it wouldve been better if I had taken note of the position of her navel..


    Since the priestess was plump, even if she found it odd, its probably hard to notice. If even Maomao, who had an extensive understanding of the differences between men and women, didnt notice, suffice it to say Yao and Enen wouldnt question it either.


    The reason even eunuchs couldnt get close to her, was because eunuchs possessed physical characteristics much closer to her own. She had been afraid of being exposed.


    It had been arranged from the start.


    Investigate whether the priestess had given birth or not.


    She hadnt considered the priestess to be a man at that point in time.


    (Oh no.)


    She had beenpletely duped. Dads delicate expression probably suggested that possibility, judging from the priestess physical characteristics he heard from Maomao.


    In other words, if this is the secret the priestess wanted to hide


    It was a weakness, absolutely.


    No, but wait. Even if thats the case, would shee all the way to silence a woman who had be the consort of another country? And do it in such an borate manner, taking it this far.


    About that.


    The priestess wasnt a woman. If this premise holds, wouldnt the other things also flip over?


    If the priestess pushed the crime on to, no, if Airin had pinned the crime on herself. If so, then she couldnt exin thetters actions. Having her shoulder the crime alone would benefit the country of Rii instead.


    hypothetically, what will happen if a resident of our country kills the priestess?


    Itll be on the face of the country. If handled carelessly, itll probably escte into a war. We can only be grateful for Airin-donos confession now.


    Then, are you saying, as long as its Airin, it wont be a issue?


    Not entirely, but a war probably wont break out over it. Our country will have to yield to the whims of Shaou, though.


    Without warfare, Shaou can conduct itself proudly next to itsrge, neighbouring nation.


    Her thoughts were in disarray, but she had to calm down and piece it together. Lets consider the priestess gender.Whats happens if the priestess is outed as a man in Shaou?


    What happens if his imperial majesty is a woman in this country?


    Its a stupid question. First and foremost, itd be impossible. Rii only had a female emperor up until now. Yes, the mother of the previous emperors Empress was only a nicknameher title was Empress Dowager.


    If she had faked her gender to be enthroned, not only will she receive retribution, the dignity of the country itself will also be marred.


    In Shaou, the government consists of two pirs: the priestess and the king. If only one pir remained, no doubt a faction of the poption would rejoice. Even if the next priestess is selected, their dignity will be rock bottom. Things created in the era of the white priestess will bepletely destroyed.


    The current priestess has been in power for a long time. Owing to that, the freedom of speech of the women of Shaou can be said to be emboldened. However, if this very priestess is revealed to be a man, this notion will be dismantled from the source.


    If enemies of the priestess, for example, the king or his subjects, were to catch a whiff of it the priestess would be in a position to be exposed sooner orter. Thus, she did something she wouldnt normally do. Travel outside the country.Maomao said to verify.The reason she travelled outside the country, was to ensure her true physique wont be revealed to the king and his people


    For the sake of reaching a ce where shell no longer be exposed. A ce beyond the reach of others. Somewhere she can go without leaving behind any evidence.


    Maomao clutched her brows. No, theres no way, right? She gritted her teeth. But, once you piece together the things shed done up until now, everything falls neatly into ce.


    In order tomit suicide.Maomao flew out of the room with those words.

 Volume 6, Chapter 26: The Truth Of The Priestess

    The wind was humid. It should be a lot cooler than the climate she was ustomed to, and yet she wasnt used to feeling it against her skin. She only knew that the sunlight here was weaker, even from within the building. This afforded a bit more time for her to stroll around than she was used toshe was happy for that.


    Around a month ago, she had wondered how many adventures would she have. She was always enclosed in her room, a life where she was only worshipped. She was used to being revered by people, she had taken it for granted, and at the same time, she was tired of it. If there was anyone who sought after it, she was prepared to relinquish it at any time. And yet, due to her existence, she was always bereft of that chance.


    Always hailed as Priestess, she ended up forgetting her original name. If she were to surrender her seat, shed probably be troubled over what to call herself


    It was finally over.


    Passing the time that could be considered slow. This time, its the final stretch, she thought.


    In the room covered with countless curtains, there was the sound of rustling fabric. Wondering who, she found the face of a girl peeking at up her. The girls name was Jazgl, meaning the flower of spring. A girl shed brought along one year ago; it seems she was mute at birth.


    It was probably uncouth to ask how the girl came here. She had a lovable appearance, but the priestess could see signs of malnutrition from her short limbs. She was told the girl couldnt read, but understood the nativenguage as she could still hear. Conversely, her ignorance was convenient.


    When the priestess gestured for her toe closer,Jazgl happily approached. There were no guests today. She had been bedridden for thest couple of days, hadnt been Jazglspany. She had to prepare the girl for it.


    The priestess smiled at the girl who came over happily. She slowly moved from the bed to pick up the utensils in the corner of the room. There were paints inside. She scooped out some red paint with a finger and drew on the girls brows. The girl happily let her do as she pleased.


    Maybe because she didnt speak with other people, or maybe because she had no education, butJazgl was more childish than she looked.


    After she painted her face in red, the priestess took out a sheet of parchment. She arranged the paints on the table and passed a quill to Jazgl.


    What dreams did you have today?


    At the priestess request,Jazgl began to draw with clumsy strokes. Unable to speak and unable to write, her clumsy drawings were her only form ofmunication.


    She became enthusiastic as she drew. But she couldnt always stay in the priestess room. It was nearly meal time.


    Return to your room.The priestess gathered the paper and paints and passed it to Jazgl. As the parchment was bulky,Jazgl was unable to catch hold of it, dropping a few sheets. As the girl picked up the papers, she looked at the priestess with upturned eyes, pleading to stay longer with her, but it cant be helped. The priestess patted the girls head kindly, more so than usual.


    I cant always be with you. You can draw on your own.


    Seeing the girl nod, the priestess smiled.


    Shortly afterJazgl left, her attendant came in. The priestess called her the oracle. Oraclethe name was simr in meaning to Priestess. Like the priestess, she had forgotten her own name. After seeding the previous oracle, she had been by her side for close to twenty years.


    Priestess was originally Diviner.


    (T/N:: Oracle; : Priestess; : Diviner. Thetter two are pronounced the same in Japanese, miko, and have pretty much the same meaning.)


    The priestess recalled the previous oracles words. It was fitting for the one who serves the Diviner to be called Oracle. Since it is the duty of both to hear the voice of the divine.


    Diviner eventually became Priestess. Was it because only females were chosen, or that only females held the positionwhich one was it?


    The priestess also thought that it was appropriate for her to be Priestess.


    She had been selected by the previous oracle when she was young. Before she was old enough to be aware of her surroundings, she was taken away and raised inside the pce.


    She was told that she was special. Her white hair, white skin and red eyes. She was told that it was precisely because of herck of colour that she could hear the voice of the divine.


    Every single one of her movements told a fortunewhich the oracle then deciphered.


    The divination of the white priestess is urate. The one person who even the king cannot raise his head tono, can she even be treated as a human?sat inside the pce as a god.


    The priestess did not need education. Her existence itself was supreme. No generation of Oracle ever taught the Priestess. Was the oracle who taught her an exception?


    Even so, there was no mistaking her own navety.


    A Priestess must relinquish her position with theing of her menarche. What happens to a Priestess after that? Unable to imagine it, the years passed her by. She passed ten, then fifteen.


    There were individual differences in menarche. She heard that historically, some Priestesses never got theirs. If it wasnt unusual after all, she could just continue being the priestess. However, aside from an absence of menarche, she couldnt help but notice she was different in other ways.


    She didnt have any womanly growth to her at all. Her breasts never swelled, and only her body and limbs grew. No matter how nave she was, she knew the difference between men and women. When she asked the oracle, she was told that she was special. She was told that, but from then on, she had to eat food that she wasnt familiar with.


    While knowing nothing and understanding nothing, the years passed. As if her poprity as the priestess has risen, more people came, seeking divinations. The priestess behaved however she liked during divinationsshe was only told not to make a sound. The speaking was all left to the oracle.


    That oracles health declined after the priestess reached the age of twenty. The oracle lived a long life, but the priestess, having never witnessed death, did not understand. Recing the weakened oracle, was the current oracle. It was the oracles granddaughter.


    The aged oracle spoke to the priestess. About why the priestess had not gotten her first period yet, about why she didnt have a womanly body.


    The priestess was born in a small vige. A green, fertile ce in the middle of the sandy desert. A ce where former Priestesses retired to; many vigers carried the blood of bygone Priestesses in their veins.


    There were probably white Priestesses in the past. The priestess received her life there.


    As a male.


    What kind of joke is this, she thought. It wasnt funny. She wondered if she was being made fun of.


    However, the oracle continued in a hoarse voice.


    The king of that time was a wed one. As Shaou prospered as the centre of trade, he spoke foolishly of waging war against another country. His retainers tried to pacify him, but the delusional young king wouldnt listen.


    The one who could control the King was the other pir, the Priestess. However, the unifying force of the Priestess of that time wasnt high enough, and she was close to retiring age.


    When the new Priestess is born, she will meet with the king. A special white priestess would be all the more meaningful.


    The oracle used the priestess to dethrone the foolish king. By not treating the priestess as a male. Like how you would a male goat kid, she had castrated the priestess.


    The priestess was made into a female, and brought before the king. It wasnt unusual for a baby to grumble, she was told that the priestess had cried in the unfamiliar environment. The result of the divination, ording to the oracle, indicated the king had been unsuitable.


    It was a confession that rendered all of her life to naught. Despite having lived as Priestess for over twenty years, this moment revealed that everything had been a lie.


    A pawn that had been prepared to dethrone the king, that was all she was, and yet she lived for all these years believing she had been special.


    She had wanted to disparage the oracle who had breathed herst breath. But, the priestess had been oblivious to the point where she didnt know words of disparagement. What little knowledge she possessed was meaningless. Even the trifling knowledge she had, was probably given to allow the oracle to escape her guilty conscience.


    With the previous oracles death, the priestess moved to a ce near the vige she was born in, iming it was for medical treatment. The previous oracle had been excellent. She manipted the puppet priestess till the government stabilised. The oracles granddaughter was also excellent, but she wascking in experience. It might have been more correct to say that she had been running away.


    In truth, along with the change in Oracle, there was an unspoken request for a change in Priestess as well. Several girls from good families came to the priestess as apprentices. Irene had also been among them.


    She was ready to pass on her position at any time, and yet she had no choice but to cling onto it. She was an existence created to fill the role of Priestess, a person who had forgotten even her own name.


    Irene became emotionally attached to the priestess, but inevitably, many of the others started to regard the priestess as a hindrance.


    It was around the time she decided that she could no longer prolong her recuperation period. A messenger from the vige of her birth arrived. Bringing with them a baby in white baby clothes. That baby had skin so white, veins could be seen through it.


    .


    .


    .


    Priestess-sama.


    The priestess startled at the familiar voice. The oracle stood before her. She had gotten lost in her memories.


    is this really okay?


    A bowl of congee sat before her eyes. Thats right. She had been preparing her meal for her.


    Wouldnt it be strange if we dyed this any further?


    .The oracles face was dark. She should have known everything, but why was she making such an expression. She clenched her fist and cast down her eyes, so their gazes wouldnt meet.


    I will eat alone. So, go over to there.


    Smile. She could only smile.


    Ill leave the rest to you then.


    She slowly bought the spoon to her mouth, but she noticed amotion outside.


    She wrinkled her brows and exchanged nces with the oracle, when the door was flung wide open.


    Excuse me!The bold entrance was made by a short woman speaking in the Riinguage. She was a courtdy who assisted the court physicians, and hade over many times for doctors visits. If the priestess remembered correctly, she shouldnt be here today.


    H-how rude!The oracle blocked her path, but the courtdy slipped through with ease to stand before the priestess. What happened to the guards?


    Not rude. My job, this!


    The maiden now switched to the Shaounguage. It was broken. While they stood dumbfounded, wondering what she had said, the spoon was snatched away. And then, she brought the congee to her lips and gulped it down.


    The priestess and the oracle went pale.


    The courtdy smiled, eyes squinting, and looked at the priestess.


    Delicious. Mushroom congee, the courtdy dered with a triumphant look.

 Volume 6, Chapter 27: The Priestess And The Scheme

    Maomao went for another spoonful. However, the delicious mushroom congee was snatched away by the priestess attendant.


    Wh-wht are you doing?!


    What, you ask, Im tasting for poison.


    The other party had switched to hernguage. It seems Maomaos proficiency in the Shaounguage was indeedcking. She was grateful for this.


    Please hand over the congee. I still havent finished tasting for poison. Also, do you intend to give the rest of it to the priestess?


    Maomao pushed on at the attendants silence.Realistically, theres no way youd give it to me, but isnt it quite valuable? The poison youve managed to obtain which leaves no evidence behind.


    Whats yur basis?


    The attendants face had stiffened for an instant, but immediately returned to calmness. People who cane up with such aplex plot are also brazen. The priestess also wore a look of innocence.


    (I guess thats true.)


    How easy would it be to have them confess here?


    Then, can you wait for a while? If there is poison in the congee I just ate, I should be showing symptoms of poisoning soon. I dont know if the poison is effective with a single mouthful, so please give me the rest.


    Maomao held out her hand. The attendant made no move to pass it over.


    My current mouthful only has bits of mushroom. It hasnt reached the lethal dose. Please give it to me.


    Dnt say such foolish things. If you say thres poison, please spit it ut.


    No. I wont.Maomao took out a notebook from her bosom.


    Wht is that?


    This notebook belongs to a courtdy called Yao: Priestess-samas food taster. Shes an earnest learner, so I taught her to not eat anything that smells strange when tasting for poison. For example, even if Consort Airin had served poison, she should notice the smell. Shes inexperienced, but she shouldnt have made a mistake when ites to the basics.


    And the notebook contained a thorough record of events in the days prior to the banquet.


    She noted down everything Priestess-sama ate. It seems that before the banquet, she ate something simr to this for breakfast.


    The notebook read: Morning: Mushroom Congee.


    You meticulously calcted the efficacy of the poison, didnt you? So that she would fall ill at the end of the banquet. So then, do you feel even a sliver of guilt? The dose wasnt lethal, provided there was adequate treatment.


    Yao was currently stable. There is concern over whether her internal organs will sustain any permanent damage, but at least the worries over her losing her life were dropped. Enen was probably also relieved.


    The things youve said so fr dont mke any sense, so please stp talking. The culprit should have confssed already, right?


    Yeah, she has. The day youll receive news about the culprit and her punishment should be today, right? Therefore, you can rest at ease andmit suicide, Maomao said.


    Beyond the culprit needing to be Airin, a guilty conscience was necessary in order for her tomit suicide. Was that the reason they chose a poison with two stages? On top of that, if Airin is settled as the culprit, its highly likely that the priestess subsequent death will be left unresolved. On the contrary, any mess-ups during the search for the true perpetrator will spell trouble for both sides.


    Maomao watched the two calmly.


    (They wont suddenly decide to silence me here, right?)


    Rahan had ordered her to standby at the priestess vi. He was going to bring Dad here via a messenger, so they should arrive soon.


    (Itll be difficult to seal my mouth, but itll be more troubling to have them reveal it now.)


    She understood. Even Maomao couldnt pretend itd do her any good. Her threats were not intended to expose their crimes, it was merely a strategy to keep them focussed on what she was saying.


    Priestess-sama, you seem to know Consort Airin very well.


    ys, as the priestessdidate in the pst.The priestess opened her mouth. She looked somewhat sad.


    (I knew it.)


    Airin had covered up for the priestess. If the priestess made a one-sided usation, would she have reacted in such a way? Rather, could it be that Airins entry into the inner pce in and of itself had been factored in their calctions from the start, since it involved the priestess?


    At this rate, she will be sentenced to hanging.


    The priestess jolted. She seemed more of a ham actorpared to the attendant. It would probably be better to target the priestess if she was going to sway them.


    I dont know about Shaou, but assassinations or assassination attempts are death sentences in this country, no exceptions. Are you going to watch the person who put her life on the line for you to die?


    The two stayed silent.


    Are you going to watch Consort Airin die? Maomao asked.


    (Is it really impossible?)


    As Maomao deliberated over her next step, the priestess lowered her head onto the bed and let out a wail.


    P-priestess-sama.


    w-wht should w do?


    There was no dignity to her cry. It was a fleeting, pitiful sound.


    My life has been wrped ever since I was born, and I have lived with the flow of things without subvrting it. The position of priestess wasll I had. And so, I wanted to live on as a splndid priestessll the wy till the nd.


    Priestess!The attendant shook the priestess who continued her monologue.


    Broken Riinguage and fluent Shaounguage intermingled.


    Its contentsrgely confirmed Maomaos predictions. The kings faction, who viewed the priestess influence as a hindrance, had attempted to evict her from her position. The eviction wasnt much of an issue on its own, but following that, they had even picked out a groom for her, so she mustve panicked.


    Their aim is probably to lwer the sttus of Priestess to rock bottom.


    Whether they had realised the priestess true physique, or that they had tried to negate the sacred existence known as the priestess by marrying her as a normal human bridethere was no knowing which one it was. However, they could whittle down her great power by just passing on the position of Priestess.


    Maomao made no mention of the priestess real physique, but from the context of the story, they spoke as though she had already noticed. It mightve been a slip of tongue from her hysteria, but Maomao didnt dare point it out.


    It ws Irenes idea.


    Airin was well-versed in Riis national affairs. In the case where the priestess dies in a foreign country, her body will be returned as bones. Burials were the standard in Rii, and only those on the death penalty will be cremated, but that was a difference in culture. She was told that the priestess will be burned and returned to the sun.


    (If she was reduced to bones, no one would be able to identify her gender.)


    With the priestess death, Rii will be indebted to Shaou. The perpetrator was a citizen of Shaou, there was no mistaking that. With that, Shaou will be rid of the thorn known as the priestess. On that point alone, the king will be satisfied.


    Wouldnt it be the same in the end if Priestess-sama passes away?


    No.The priestess looked at her attendant gently.Evn without me, there is a sessor.


    (Is that how it is?)


    The priestess has set up a girl who hadnt gotten her first period. Once the attendant returns to her home country, she would be the brain.


    The nxt priestess is much more superior than me. Thats why I can hnd myslf over.


    A girl of tender years being much more superior than a priestess in her forties; where was the foundation for that statement?? Maomao was doubtful, but decided to keep quiet.


    It will be fine, evn if Im gone.


    However, Maomao couldnt help but cut into the priestess words.


    Is it truly the case?Maomao said as she offered her water.Thats the ideal oue. Have you ever thought about what would happen if his imperial majesty is angered?


    Everything mentioned thus far only benefited Shaou. By raising amotion, Rii, who became indebted to Shaou, reaped no benefits whatsoever in the end. Even if the priestess and Airin became scapegoats.


    The priestess was thinking on behalf of her country, however, the act of imposing misfortune on others had given rise to her own feelings of sorrow.


    If Yao had died, what did you intend to do?


    That was all she wanted to say.


    She thumped Yaos notebook. She wanted to ask what the girls offence was.


    Th-tht


    The two indeed harboured feelings of guilt. They didnt have the means of using a weak poison. They needed to demonstrate the strength of the poison for people to understand and ept the priestesss death. Although they made adjustments for the potency of the poison, a misstep would probably end in her death.


    Inflicting drawbacks on my country, while everything falls nicely into ce for yourselves, even I cant stay silent over something like that.


    will I hve to die?


    I cant stand for that, having you die or trying to end it another way.


    Maomao felt refreshed, having said what she wanted to say the most. In other words, would it be, why not see this all the way to the end?


    Suddenly, she recalled the innocent girl who loved insects. The girl who had disappeared in the snow and was unable to be found.


    Following Priestess-samas death, is there any guarantee that Shaou wont make any unreasonable demands?


    about that, we did consider overwhlming you with sveral demands.


    Such as? Food supply?


    Theres tht. One other thing we thought of was requsting for the white girl, who should be hre, to be rturned.


    Lady Pai was it?


    Parent and childits just not possible. Which reminds her, Airin had also hinted at it from the start. Just what kind of connection do they have?


    That girl was supposed to hve been raised as the nxt priestess.


    She mentioned a rtion to the priestess. As blood rtives, indeed they were from a lineage where albinos weremonly born, but apparently, it was still rare.


    At that time, had I obediently handed it over, we wouldnt be in such a predicment. I, as priestess, had clung to that position and snt the white baby bck home.


    However, the baby became a criminal after kicking up a fuss in another country.


    If there was another albin, it will be a problem in the distant future. With that in mind, I instructed them to raise her in secret. But


    Why is she here in this country?


    She was being used by someone who wanted to see my dwnfall. I heard they took the girl away with thm around five years ago.The priestess could only cover her face sadly.


    Even if she didnt be the priestess, the albino girl whose existence was concealed had nowhere else to go.


    so youre saying its Priestess-samas fault that this country had all these issues.


    What are you insinuating!At Maomaos candidness, the previouslyposed attendantshed out in anger. The priestess held her down. When either one bes emotional, the other calms them down. It was the air of partners who had been together for a long time.


    Snce its true.


    Yes, then, do you n to atone for that for the rest of your life?Maomao proposed the idea she had been thinking about. Nothing else had urred to her, so if this was no good, they were out of options.Shall we have you actually die once?


    At Maomaos words, the two exchanged nces.

 Volume 6, Chapter 28: The Next Priestess

    With a rattle, bones were ced inside a ceramic jar. Only small shards of a bone justrge enough to rest on two palms could go in.


    It was adorned with a bundle of white hair bound by silk, resembling a cord with tassels.


    Not even in ones wildest dreams, would the bones of a nameless woman be held in such esteem in a distant, foreignnd. She couldnt have imagined that she would be sent off by arge throng of people, apanied by the thrumming of music that calmed the spirits.


    While touching the ck band that signified mourning only for appearances sake, Maomao quietly left the scene.


    .


    .


    .


    After that, the priestess passed away as nned. Her examination was performed not only by Maomao, but also in Dads presence. If it were another court physician, Maomao wouldve had to give the priestess medicine that wouldve really made her die once.


    (Since I cant fool Dadpletely.)


    She felt bad that it came across like a threat, but Dad was a person who always bes generous when human life is concerned. He became partlyplicit for her sake.


    And then, speaking of the real priestess


    .


    .


    .


    Is this ce all right with you, Priestess?


    It was Jinshi who enquired. They had no idea what to call the woman who was no longer priestess, so in the end, they continued to call her that.


    As long as she was no longer priestess, she wasnt forbidden to men.


    Yes, it is very clming.


    The room was covered with multipleyers of curtains. It was specially prepared for the priestess so she wouldnt be in contact with direct sunlight.


    Im d to hear it. If you cant stand the furniture, I wouldve considered recing though.


    The voice resounding out from behind Jinshi was a beauty in male-garb. It goes without saying that its Ah Duo. Its not a stretch to say her ce has already be a haven for people who cant go out in public.


    His imperial highness still visits Ah Duos vi. Although Ah Duo was no longer a consort, the fact that she possessed a wisdom greater than that of low-rank officials is well circted. Otherwise, they might have returned to being drinking friends.


    It was reason enough to enclose the priestess in such a ce.


    The priestess didnt want to step down from the position of Shaous priestess. Thus, she erased evidence of her physical body, by losing her life outside the country.


    She didnt have the means to defect. The dignity of the priestess will plummet.


    That the priestess had tried to choose death, might have meant that she felt that she had no options left.


    (No such thing.)


    Does she understand the value of an individual who has continued to sit at the top of a nation, to a neighbouring country? Shell be useful even after stepping down from that public stage.


    The intelligence she had umted over several decades, how valuable would that be?


    The priestess might consider it as a betrayal of the country she had resided in for a long time, but it seems she cant say that now.


    I wonder if they will properlyply with the bargaining chip.


    They will. Since there are two hstages.


    Arrested as criminalsit was regarding Lady Pai and Airin. Considering their crimes, it wouldnt be out of the question to have them beheaded one day.


    Besides, I have requested for ssistance with ensuring the king doesnt participate in wr, she said something considerably bold.


    If we can have correspondence to thatJinshi also disyed a determined smile. It probably wont have any effect on the priestess who transcended genders, but it was unpleasantly dazzling even in this dark room.


    There was no clean and dirty to government, it was only about being able to govern wellso conversations like these probably arent that unusual.


    Even though Maomao had left Jinshis room, she made to follow after him.


    Ah, wit.The priestess called her to a stop, and Maomao turned around. The priestess was holding onto some scrolls.Tke this.


    Instead of Jinshi, she passed it to Maomao. What could it be, she wondered as she opened the scroll. It was just some rolled up parchment, several of them stacked together. They were very clumsily drawn doodles.


    A childs drawings? Maomaofound herself saying.


    Ys, the priestess affirmed.


    But were there children in that vi?Maomao tried to remember, and her eyes widened.


    (There should be one.)


    There was a child who couldnt speak whom that attendant had brought along. There should be a girl called Jazuguru, whom the three of them had tried to search for the guardian of to no avail.


    (Which reminds me, I havent seen her in the vi.)


    As it was something that Jazuguru had drawn, Maomao studied it intently to see if there was a deeper meaning to it. Hmm, she wanted to tilt her head.


    The drawing made using dyes depicted two people wearing white clothes. They were most likely young women. One persons hand was wrapped in something that looked like bandages.


    Is that, me? Maomao asked.


    Ys, the priestess answered.


    If she took it as that the girl had drawn Maomao and Yao, she probably had to ept it. However, when Jazuguru met them, Enen was also there. Also, back then, they werent wearing their court physician apprentice uniforms.


    What? She tilted her head. There were numbers written on the back of the parchment. It was probably a date, but it wasnt numbers she was familiar with.


    Ummm, this is


    This is whtJazgl drew before we left onur journey.


    Before?


    No, isnt that odd? It was before their meeting with the girl. What kind of joke is the priestess making?


    Unusually, the priestess disyed a slightly yful expression.


    Didnt I tll you? Even withut me, the nxt priestess will surelye along. That day, whenJazgl got lst, she ws unusually wilful and ventured outside. Without a doubt, it ws to meet you and the others.


    N-no, that sort of thing isMaomao didnt believe in things that had no proper basis. The priestess had to be making a joke, she thought as she flipped to the next parchment. The second sheet had the drawing of someone who looked like the priestess, an excessively sparkly person, a slender person, and in addition to that, the drawing of the Maomao from just then.


    It was the current scene as is.


    Please look at the lst page carefully afterwards.


    Maomaohad no idea what to say. She just stood stock still in shock.


    Ill just sayne thing. I also had it in the pst. The Priestess of Shaou, in exchnge forcking something, is said to pssess a different pwer. I lck colour, andJazglcks her voice. It was something that disappeared once I discvered my true physique, however.


    Jinshi came back to the shocked Maomao.Oi, what are you doing. Were leaving.


    Y-yes.Maomao followed him flusteredly, and Jinshi went onwards with a mystified expression. Did he not hear the conversion from just then?


    (What on earth is it, this priestess business?)


    There should be some kind of exnation behind it. But she didnt know. No, wait, the girl might have drawn that by chance, and it just matched up with the situation and such, Maomao thought as she boarded the carriage.


    When she got on, she unrolled thest sheet of parchment. She could only tilt her head again.


    Whats this? Jinshi asked.


    Who knows?


    It was a pitch ck drawing rendered by a single, unbroken line that had been haphazardly scribbled all over the page.

 Volume 6, Epilogue: The End Of Summer, The Beginning Of Autumn

    With the ending of cicada songs, the sounds of crickets could be heard.


    (There are probably cricket fights in town.)


    Cricket fightinga pastime that pits two crickets against each other. Simr to cockfights, it wasnt unusual for it to involve money, but the hubbub in town was located a little further away. Maomao was sitting by Yaos bedside in an estate within the capitals suburbs. They were at Yaos home.


    I want to return to work soon. ;Yao looked outside while d in sleepwear. Over ten days have passed since her food tasting. Her consciousness was murky for a time, but she was probably fine by now.


    Enen will be delighted if you return soon, Maomao said.


    Enen was working. Though she had stepped down from serving Jinshi and was working at the medical office, she was probably still absent-minded. She had been dismissed upon her constant cking off ever since Yao copsed. It seems she had been nursing her the entire time, but Yao had chased her out, Maomao was told.


    I felt that I couldve made it even without Enen, though, ;Yao muttered to herself.


    I dont think that couldve been prevented.


    Maomao too?


    ;She inadvertently went silent. Maomao had a disposition where she would stuff poison she was interested in her mouth. She already had an experience with the destroying angel as well, she had spat it out before it was absorbed by her digestive system.


    (That time, the madam also punched my gut.)


    As if she was used to courtesan aborticides, the madam showed no mercy. Maomao thought that even her stomach would be vomited out.


    And so, she learnt of the taste and texture of mushrooms. She might have noticed it from retaining the model of mushrooms.


    Am I really inexperienced? ;Yaobed her bangs up. Due to the poison, she had lost all her fat. Her breasts were still in good health.


    Maomao passed Yao the medical broth Dad had entrusted her with. She had crossed the mountains to recuperate in her own home, but Maomao tilted her head a little when she saw the estate.


    The estate itself was splendid but had a somewhat lonely atmosphere. Even the servants who came to greet Maomao were few for the size of the estate.


    Im sorry that we dont have many servants, Yao said.


    Maomao should reply with Not at all, but she couldnt do ttery well.


    This is supposed to be a secondary residence. My uncle had seized the main residence.


    Is that how it is? ;So thats why she was living in such a quiet ce. Maomao had known that Yao had good parentage, but why did she try to be a courtdy who assisted court physiciansMaomao felt she understood her excessively high aspirations.


    Enen was also dismissed once, but she came back. Having her serve me didnt erase my desire to seed in life, though.


    Apparently, Yaos father had passed away. She had an inheritance, but the entire family was passed down to her uncle. ording to Riis customs, women followed men. When her uncle took over, Yao would have to marry in ordance with her uncles wishes.


    (Also where she tried to get skilled at her job.)


    The brave girl might have used this as a way to rebel against that fate.


    Enen even did something wasteful. It seems the Prince of the Moon had taken quite a liking to her.


    I guess so, Maomao said. ;


    Its not like she doesnt understand why he had taken a liking to her. Maomao wasnt one to talk, but Jinshi was quite twisted. Rather than someone who pampers him, hes probably more at ease with someone who maintains the minimum contact necessary with him.


    Even though I think Enen would be fine wherever she goes.


    Actually, I feel that Enen can disy her true capabilities since shes by Yaos side. ;


    The part where she disys to the extent where its troubling is scary. Yaos chest in particr, she had no doubt raised her while always keeping in mind the nutrients she needed.


    (I want her to pass me a list of the things she made her eat.)


    Maomao found herself making grabby hand motions.


    Yes. Thats why even though I tried to make her leave, its really, no good. Its not that only I am no good. Enen also said she really needed me, so it cant be helped, Yao said.


    How to put it, could the part where Yao is ;tsunand asionally ;derea bulls eye for Enen as well? Maomao looked forward to seeing how she would react if Yao were to get married.


    (T/N: It was easier to trante with tsundere as is, but for those who dont know what it means: ;this exins it in better detail than I can.)


    Since it really cant be helped, ;Maomao said, ncing at Yao.


    Only allowed on


    It seems Maomao carried out a number of jobs that we didnt know about.


    Dear Readers. Scrapers have recently been devasting our views. At this rate, the site (creativenovels ) might...let''s just hope it doesn''te to that. If you are reading on a scraper site. Please don''t.


    About what? ;Here she feigned ignorance. She felt guilty. Although it helped out, Maomao had made use of the criminal who had served lethal poison to Yao. And, officially, Yao had failed her food tasting, and besides, she suffered a stigma where she let an important person die.


    (There arent any good points.)


    By all rights, I shouldnt be treated this courteously. All I did was fail the food tasting. But Im treated respectfully and will still get a job even hereafter. Im not a child who thinks of the world as a forgiving ce, Yao said.


    ngh.


    You dont have to say anything, Im just talking to myself. Maomao can just drink tea while zoning out, ;Yao continued speaking animatedly. ;Its not only that Im not getting punished, everyone around me is being nice. Only that, I know, at least, that Im not taking people seriously. Since I feel that it wouldnt be smart toin at this point, all I say here is just childish proof, but I want you to let me say this much. Yeah, Im only speaking to myself.


    It appears that Yao had vaguely noticed that the incident ended differently to how it did in public. There were probably many people aside from Yao who also found it suspicious. However, as it was best to pretend as though nothing happened, everyone was staying silent.


    If Enen were to know about it, I dont know what she will do. Even if I understand, she might not listen to me. Thats why I want you to never, ever let Enen realise this.


    Its definitely true that Enen would suspect this matter. If she bes aware of who the true culprit is, and that they are still alive, she might take revenge for Yao.


    The weird things Enen does for my sake, I dont want them to influence my future prospects in this life. Im done. Thats all.


    It indeed felt like ;tsunand then dere.


    This incident ends hereas long as its what the higher-ups decided, Maomao was happy to follow their lead.


    It wasnt good to stir up things clumsily.


    My hearing is poor so I couldnt hear properly. Are you okay with that? Maomao asked.


    Oh my, what a pity, ;Yao replied with a hint of yfulness. After discussing with Yao her return to her former professional duties after a couple of days, Maomao left the estate.


    Since she had a day off today, the usual carriage wasnt here. It was a little far, but shell walk home.


    She looked to the sidechildren were running along with insect cages in their hands. The bustle of the festival was gone, and the atmosphere feltzy and calm.


    Everyone in town will probably only be talking about the foreign priestess death for some time. ;The lingering memory of the festival was also gone, reverting back to ordinary life.


    Breathing in the slight chill in the wind, Maomao headed for home.


    -


    Shaou END

 Volume 7, Chapter 1: Autumn Of Beginnings

    Volume 7: Jinshi


    It was around the time the wind gained a certain chill, a time when youre tempted to add an extrayer to your nkets.


    Maomaos mouth hung open at the sight of the mountain of books. To Maomao was written in huge letters on a stack that blocked the lodgings entrance.


    What are these? Books, right? Yao emerged from her room. She was recuperating for a short while, but will return to work from tomorrow onwards. It was good that she had somehow recovered from the critical condition she was in from the poison served during her food tasting job. However, there was still a tinge of jaundice on her skin. There was considerable damage to her kidneys and liver so she probably has to hold back on alcohol and salt from now on.


    Theyre all copies of the same book, yeah. Where Yao goes, Enen will surely follow. She was clutching a cloth bag full of ingredients for Yaos dinner. In order to get rid of Yaos jaundice, she was doing her best to gather medicine and foodstuff.


    Its a Go book. The author is Kan Rakan.


    When it concerns a certain bothersome individual, only bothersome matters will followMaomao understood. She understood but it was difficult to avoid them nheless.


    I told them itd be an inconvenience, but they insisted it had to be left here. They also gave me a letter to hold onto for you. The olddy who managed the lodgings passed Maomao the letter. A direct trantion of the beautifully written, roundabout words seemed to be I wrote a lot of Go books. Ill give some to Maomao too. It was clear as day that the weirdo tactician had had a subordinate write it on his behalf. It mustve been troubling for the subordinate themselves too.


    What should we do with all this?


    There were enough books for Yao to lean against. Books were valuable and a single volume was often expensive enough to cover an entire months worth of food expenses. Since it wasnt a handwritten manuscript, but printed, it probably can be a little cheaper, but how dare he make only this many.


    She imagined that at this time, Rahan would be weeping about raising money. However, that had nothing to do with Maomao.


    Burning it. Is not something we should do, right?


    In spite of the author, the books themselvesmitted no sins. She flipped through the pagesthe Go book was surprisingly well written. It had an exnation of the important positions on the Go board with the game pieces in ce. It was hard to say whether it was targeted towards beginners, but the contents seemed enjoyable for Go yers.


    Maomao nced at Enen, who was opening a book with great interest. Enen, is it interesting?


    Yes. As expected of Tactician-sama. This is well put together. The first half describes exemry game settings which use established tactics, and thetter half contains unconventional settings.


    Maomao wasnt as knowledgeable. Go and Shogi were only things taught to her by her older sisters.


    You want? she asked.


    If youre willing to give it to me, Ill ept. If you want money, Ill give you no more than one silver. The standard of its contents goes without saying. The paper and print quality are also beautiful, Enen replied.


    One silver Maomao looked at the mountain of books. To think they were that valuable.


    One silver, huh. Should it be this cheap? Yao asked.


    It certainly is cheap, but I felt that Maomao would give me a friends discount, Enen said.


    (Were friends?)


    Not coworkers, but friends. If Enen said Maomao is her friend, then its probably rude to not acknowledge it from her side. Therefore, Enen is her friend.


    Setting aside Yaos skewed perception of money, its probably fine to purchase such a book at one silver per volume if Enen said so. However, from the look of things, there may yet be a further drop in price as arge number of them are still being printed.


    Enen and Maomao are friends Yao stared. Hey, what about me? Yao asked Enen and Maomao.


    Mdy is an irreceable mdy for me, Enen responded with a bright smile.


    (That response, is probably an incorrect one.)


    Mdy looked sullen at that moment. She sat down on a chair at the entrance, and crossed her legs as if sulking.


    Enen. Ill give the books to you, so if you know someone who likes Go, can you let me know? Maomao asked.


    Go yers? There are a few of them. Court physicians generally spend their days off ying Go after all.


    She heard some good news. Maomaos cheeks started to rx before the huge number of books.


    Due to the Shaou priestess visit, various things from the West have assembled in the capital. Unusual things were first bought by the wealthy, before appearing on the town market a short whileter. During her walk around town when she was off duty, medicine she had never seen before had be avable for purchase.


    Of course, although it came out on the market, imported goods are expensive. Expensive, but it was buyable if youe up with the money.


    Can you tell me who those Go yers are? Maomao requested.


    Enen took out a silver coin from her money bag. Yes, the cost.


    No, I dont need it though.


    No, Im paying. In exchange for that Enen nced at the mountain of books. Please leave one coin with me as well. She indicated the money with her fingers.


    (She is indeed cunning.)


    Understood, Maomao replied with her eyes, when there was a thump behind her.


    Yao was tapping her feet.


    Hey, Enen! Are you not done with dinner yet? She scowled at Maomao and Enen.


    Ah, Mdy. Sorry. Ill prepare it soon. Enen headed towards the kitchen.


    Maomao caressed therge number of books and looked at Yao, thinking, how cute.


    She decided to bring the books into her room for the time being. Right now, there was no space left to stand on.


    There were several issues, but the air around Maomao was overall peaceful.


    Regarding the incident of the Shaou priestess death, at first, there were many rumours floating around town, but it has since moved on to the topic of the crown princes debut.


    It was truly peaceful.


    Around Maomao, at least.


    T/N: Well, with this, Im officially ahead of the LN (but not for long, seeing how that LN8 will be released on the 28th of this month lol. I wont be able to get my hands on it for a while though.). The issue with that is that I cant cross-check for typos and stuff, but Ill do my best


    Anyways Jinshi arc. Lets hope, per its name, that there will be more Jinshi this arc

 Volume 7, Chapter 2: Advertisement

    The huge pile of paperwork. The civil official waiting in line. The asional courtdy appearing out of nowhere to sneak a peek.


    Jinshi carried out his usual work. The fact that he feels truly happy with the usual, is that a sign of his skewed threshold for happiness?


    The normal busy workload had doubled ever since the Western Priestess arrival. Afterwards, there was the banquet to which the priestess was invited, where the assassination by poison upheaval took ce. In the end, the incident had been a performance orchestrated by the priestess, but the priestess herself had to end up dead.


    Issuing me with such unreasonable demands, Jinshi thought.


    The priestess was still alive and is currently with former High-ranking Consort Ah Duo. He was sorry that her residence has somehow turned into a haven of sorts.


    However, a select few, Jinshi included, had to deal with the aftermath of the priestess death.


    There were also officials who added fuel to the fire by iming Shaou will invade using the priestess as an excuse. However, that was unlikely as Shaou is a trade-dependent nation. Without prominent backing, waging a war would be impossible for them.


    And so, their propositions were as feared.


    It involved rxing tariffs, in particr, reducing those imposed on food items.


    He thought that there was no way that they would admit to running low on provisions. The former priestess of Shaou was well acquainted with the kings government. Based on their personality and political inclination, the response was within expectations.


    There was too much pre-established harmony that it was just enough to parry it, but it didnt mean diplomatic issues were simple.


    After all, it was only a few days ago when he was hounded by work that made him yearn for the tasks in front of him now.


    Jinshi-sama, this as well. Basen handed over a new stack of paperwork. Still, itd be better if the workload could be reduced by at least half before it got to him.


    Cant you cut that down to half already? Jinshi asked.


    Even if you say that.


    The stamps on the documents mostly belonged to high officials. The civil officials who did the sorting cannot reject documents from those with stamps higher than their own. And so, even trivial matters go to Jinshi.


    Jinshi sighed as he affixed his seal.


    Meanwhile, a civil official who was sorting stood up, casting a nce at Jinshi. He was the one present when Jinshis tea was poisoned. A talented individual and a temporary substitute for Basen until thetter was fully reinstated, he was kept on for his outstanding work manner. As for the person himself, he wanted to return to his former post as soon as possible, but Jinshi was forever shorthanded, and had no ns to release him.


    What is it? Basen asked on behalf of Jinshi.


    The civil officials shoulders gave a shudder. N-no, its nothing


    For as much as he said theres nothing, he was fidgeting. Which reminded Jinshi, his behaviour has been odd ever since a few days ago.


    Could it be, Jinshi narrowed his eyes.


    Is it really nothing? Spit it out. Basen pressed the civil official. These days, dangerous matters were stirring around Jinshi. Itll be toote once something happens; so Basen, with his guard duties, was particrly on his toes.


    E-eek! The civil officials face stiffened, and with a shaking hand, reached into his breast pocket. Without a moments dy, Basen held the civil official down.


    Are you concealing a weapon? Basen didnt hold back.


    Who put you up to this? Basen seized the civil officials wrists. What he retrieved from his breast pocket, was a scrap of paper.


    Basen, let go. Jinshi sighed when he saw the piece of paper. You were restless because of this?


    Hah? Whats that? Basen tilted his head.


    Ow. P-please let go of me.


    Basen let go of the civil official and looked at the scrap in Jinshis hands. Something like that


    I dont know when it was made, but its done meticulously.


    The piece of paper contained information about a book publication at a bookstore in the capital on this very day.


    I, I want it. I dont know if I can buy it once it sells out, the civil official said tearfully as he rubbed his right arm. Basens face was full of guilt.


    A book is a high-ss item. A reprint is out of the question unless it garners huge poprity. Once sold out, the only thing he can do is wait for it to be sold second hand.


    However, to intentionally print and distribute paper to advertise, arent they quite prepared? Jinshi said.


    Printing requires quite a number of sheets. To break even with production costs, more books need to be printed


    I, I dont know. I think itll be popr, the civil official said.


    Is the author that popr? Jinshi examined the piece of paper thoroughly. However, he was in awe at this new form of distribution to arge, unspecified number of people by printing on paper. Just who could.


    !? He saw a name he mustnt see.


    Umm, is this Grand Marshal Kan? Basen asked.


    Jinshi, who also saw the title, nodded. A question, if I may. From whom did you receive this paper?


    A, A friend in the Ministry of Revenue, is an acquaintance of the grand marshals son. I got it from a private distribution, the civil official answered.


    The Ministry of Revenue is the department that oversees financial affairs.


    Its Rahan. If Rahan is involved, then the book is not solely Tactician-donos ideait would have undergone genuine editing.


    they came up with a Go book, huh, Jinshi said.


    Which reminds him, he overheard a rumour. That Tactician-dono had been worked up about writing a Go book.


    He never expected it to turn into something thisrge in scale.


    Jinshi can appreciate the distribution of literature, having also dabbled in the paper and printing business in the past.


    However, it was unexpected that even this diligent civil official would desire Tactician-donos book.


    I wasnt aware Tactician-dono has such a literary talent.


    I dont care if he does. I heard his words are difficult to decipher. And yet, Im told the book catalogues all the Go formations pointed out by Grand Marshal Kan up until now. Theres no way I can ignore something like this! Even though he was in tears just a moment ago, the civil official was speaking up now. He was making nonchnt jibes about Tactician-dono. Its said that people often get worked up about their favourite things, but for this man, it was Go.


    Ive only dabbled in Go, but is Grand Marshal Kan that good? Basen looked truly puzzled.


    Not just good. The only person in this country who can best him is his majestys instructor.


    Now that is good. Jinshi was also taught by the instructor on a number of asions. How many pieces of his were left on the board after theirst session?


    Grand Marshal Kans algorithm is impossible to grasp from the start, so you cant predict how hes going to y. If you be familiar with the records of his games, this item is a coveted one for Go enthusiasts. The civil official clenched his fist, eyes sparkling. Basens guilty conscience at restraining him also subsided a little.


    But the grand marshal is also human. To im hes unbeatable in Go Again, Basen was making terrible remarks about Tactician-dono. But since it was the truth, Jinshi couldnt help but agree.


    What are you saying? It means that in Go, the instructor will triumph six times out of ten.


    .


    At shogi, too, no one can win against him.


    .


    Indeed, the treatment of that person was no good.


    I understand. Basen, did you bring the wallet? Jinshi asked.


    Eh, yes. Basen took out the wallet from his breast pocket. Jinshi made the civil official hold onto it. The civil official, flustered, alternated his gaze between Jinshi and Basen.


    Basen has troubled you. Its not much, but please take it.


    N-no. Theres no way I can. Moreover, its Basen-samas


    Unfortunately, it wasnt Basens wallet. He was only managing Jinshis money for expenses. He didnt know the price, but it should be enough for constion money.


    Also, your right hand must hurt. You can finish your work here and go to that bookstore. It should cover the cost of the book.


    N-no. This is too much. I cant take this much.


    The guy was too upright. He should just ept it obediently.


    In that case, lets rephrase it this way.


    What are you talking about? Its not just one copy. My share is also included. If theres money remaining, Ill also leave Basens share to you. Come on, hurry up. Itll probably sell out. Or do you want a different reward?


    N-no. I understand. Ill be taking my leave! The civil official left the office in panic.


    Once he could no longer hear the sound of running feet, Jinshi exhaled. Basen, isnt it no good to suddenly hold someone down?


    E-even if you say that, Basen said apologetically.


    Whatever. The fact that you didnt break his arm means youve adjusted your strength.


    Considering Basens innate superhuman strength, it wouldnt be strange if the civil officials bones were crushed into tiny pieces. More or less, he maturedJinshi approved.


    Jinshi-sama. I have no interest in something like Go though.


    It was concerning his request for Basens copy.


    What are you on about, theres no loss from learning it. Even secluded youngdies have an interest in Go. Even if marriage partners have nothing to talk about, if they can y Go at least, theyll get by. He had said it jokingly, but Basens face turned bright red.


    Dear me, Jinshi returned to his desk as he tilted his head.


    He regretted it as soon as he got there.


    The mountain of documents was still there.


    It was toote to call back the helper civil official.

 Volume 7, Chapter 3: Brother Ryou

    The clink, clink of stones being rearranged.


    As Jinshi headed towards his office, he noticed military officials ying Go in the guardroom.


    Its a craze, huh?


    Seems like it. Jinshi answered Basens question.


    What set the craze alight, goes without saying. Jinshi also had six copies in hand.


    It wasnt the one copy he had requested of the civil official, and speaking of why six copies.


    Its something I received. Take it.


    Maomao had sent them along with a brief note. As to why she sent them, it might be inventory disposal. She wouldnt want to keep them on hand.


    He didnt consider the money given to the civil official to be a waste, but there was nothing he could do even with six copies. Since Basen had one, he wondered if he should give copies to Gaoshun, his majesty and Ah Duo.


    It might simply be that, but it might not. The pharmacist maiden is determined and cunning, so its worth looking into any hidden meanings behind the gesture.


    As Jinshi pondered over it, he ended up assuming that Maomao had a way to talk herself out of it. Severalyers of preparation were necessary to ensure she had no way out.


    Meanwhile, Jinshi had reached his office under the watchful gaze of courtdies from a distance.


    There was an official standing in front of the office. When he noticed Jinshi, he approached him flusteredly.


    What is it? Basen responded on behalf of Jinshi.


    Excuse me, this The official meekly passed a document over. Upon opening it, Basens eyebrows shot up.


    When Jinshi saw the document, he entered the office expressionlessly. Give me a full report of the damage.


    Yes! The official went back. If theres new information, theyll send a messenger.


    When he entered the office, Jinshi gave a deep sigh. Its finally here, huh.


    The document contained a brief message:


    There has been an outbreak of locust gue.


    .


    .


    .


    He already received reports of small scale insect damage. Jinshi also looked over the document, but honestly, the contents werent that interesting, so he left it to his subordinates.


    Although, currently, there hasnt been extensive damage


    Harvest has cut down by thirty percent, huh.


    The damage was enormous. Upon hearing it was in the western farnds, Jinshis ears twitched in surprise. Isnt it toote to harvest wheat?


    The harvest period should have been in the summer.


    Its not wheat, but rice. Starting from around twenty years ago, they implementedrge scale irrigation in order to grow rice. To put it conversely, as theres only rice in an area, you can say that the local area has been eaten up.


    It was the Go-loving civil official who answered Jinshi. His name is Tenyuu(, tian you. Divine aid). If he were a little less timid, he would have made an exceptional man.


    Is the water drawn from the river?


    Which reminded him, Jinshi heard that at the time of his birth,rge scale flood prevention construction was taking ce. It seems the water drawing mechanism was also implemented at the same time.


    Yes. It was trialled in one region. As a crop, its more affordable than wheat, however, if the scale is too wide, it will affect water quality downstream, so the expansion was cancelled. Tenyuu drew arge circle on the map.


    Twenty years ago was the era of the Empress. That brave woman had enacted a great number of astounding policies.


    Jinshi looked at the encircled part of the map. It neither far nor close to the capital. Can a round trip be made in four to five days?


    The documents had formed a mountain on his table. Jinshi looked between Basen who had always been serving him, and Tenyuu who looked uneasy.


    He didnt want the work to stockpile. However, he couldnt ignore what bothered him.


    Jinshi held back a groan.


    U-um. Tenyuu timidly raised his hand.


    What is it? Jinshi looked at Tenyuu, trying his best to maintain his expression. It was hard to do so in front of Basen.


    A-acknowledging my rudeness, if I may ask, but isnt the Prince of the Moon burdened with too much work?


    Im well aware of that. But what can I do? I cant leave it to other people, right?


    At Jinshis words, Tenyuu looked a little guilty.


    I-its dreadfully hard to say, but Tenyuu continued, averting his eyes. Other people do leave it their subordinates


    Do they act so unfairly!? Basen pped the table.


    Tenyuu quivered with a shriek.


    Who on earth? You know who, right? Basen pressed, so Jinshi gently took control of the situation.


    Basen. Hes scared. So, I just want you to tell me who does that.


    Even with Jinshis softness, Tenyuu replied in a grudging tone. U-umm Grand Marshal Kan*.


    Though its certainly understandable if its Tactician-dono, Tenyuus face looked as though he was withholding something.


    Are there others? When Jinshis face neared, Tenyuus cheeks turned bright red. He picked people who had no interest in that kind of thing, but it seems it was no good when he got too close. Jinshi stroked the scar on his face.


    H-his majesty too


    Jinshi and Basen could only remain silent.


    Wh-what is it? Tenyuu covered his face as if to say donte any closer. However, Basen didnt seem satisfied.


    Just who works as his majestys substitute?


    Tenyuu stood firm and drew close


    G-Gaoshun-sama!


    They could only fall silent once again.


    Of course, his majesty is affixing all the seals. I-if, just one more person cane between and settle the documents, wouldnt the Prince of the Moons workload decrease by a third?


    Hearing a third, Jinshis heart wavered. However, he couldnt leave the important sorting to an official at such short notice.


    Jinshi looked at Basen.


    He thought that since Gaoshun was doing it, he could leave it to his son Basen, but, unfortunately, thetter wasnt suited for deskwork. He worked conscientiously, but he was serious to the point of being inflexible, so work will probably pile up.


    Jinshi wanting to leave his work to a subordinate from a good family, who was loyal, and can work smoothly, was that too much to ask for?


    Jinshi-sama, Basen said.


    What is it?


    I know someone whos good at paperwork.


    Jinshis eyes widened at Basens words. Truly? I was fairly sure you werent acquainted with civil officials.


    No, there is one. He passed the civil examinationsst year, but isnt in government service currently.


    could it be? Jinshi had one person in mind.


    Yes. Baryou(, Ma Liang). Will you know who if I say Brother Ryou?


    Baryou, as his name suggests, is a member of the Ma n. Basens older brother.

 Volume 7, Chapter 4: Visit

    Warning: insects


    Baryou. Gaoshuns son. Basens older brother.


    Hes a member of the Ma n known for producing many warriors, but the person himself had more talent in the literary side of the literary and military arts pairing or rather, he possessed no talent in the military arts.


    And so, that was why Basen, his younger brother, became Jinshis assistant.


    Baryou will bepleting office work as Jinshis aide for the time being, while Jinshi himself goes on an expedition.


    Will Baryou be okay?


    Yes. I think hell be okay.


    Rocking around in a carriage for half a day. To finish the task as quickly as possible, they changed horses at every town, and alternated coachmen. Nheless, escorts included, they had around ten subordinates with them.


    An expedition group of this size was a little small for someone of Jinshis status, however expanding the entourage takes time. In order to swiftly inspect the site, he forced the others to go along with his whims.


    Thus, he forgave them for the selfishness with the members. Currently, the one next to him wasnt Basen, but Gaoshun. Basen was escorting on horseback.


    No offence to Basen, but Gaoshun was still better as Jinshis advisor. He borrowed him from his majesty.


    There was revenge for his majesty using Gaoshun to ease his workload included though.


    That guy has been physically weak since long ago. I heard that he was recuperating at home due to his illness, though, Jinshi said.


    And yet, it was Jinshi who made an unreasonable request and brought him along, but he felt awkward about the deterioration of his condition once again.


    You can call it an illness, but its the usual, Gaoshun said.


    The usual?


    Yes. This time, he didnt hit it off with his boss from the same department, and opened a hole in his stomach. He vomited a torrent of blood on his boss table, was carried to the medical office and promptly retired from his office. This was around three months ago?


    He wasnt fine at all. Hes been bad at socialising since a long time ago. Jinshi recalled how that guy got loose bowels whenever he interacted with people he couldnt get along with.


    As if he read Jinshis look of unease, Gaoshun made ament. My daughter is there to assist him. Now that her baby has gotten quite big, she said she wanted to return to work.


    Then it should be, okay?


    Gaoshuns daughter. Basen and Baryous elder sister. She already has two children, and greatly resembles Gaoshuns wife, a strong-willed woman. Wouldnt Baryous stress get worse, he couldnt help but think.


    Take a look. We have arrived. Gaoshun looked out the carriage window.


    Jinshi also gazed out. He saw an isted vige amidst a tranquil ruralndscape. Amongst the rows of simple shacks, he could see arge estate rising up from behind them. There?


    Yes. Shall we head straight for the vige chiefs residence?


    No, before that. Can Rihakue along?


    Rihaku. The military official who somehow had the aura of a dog. He doesnt get agitated even with a nce at Jinshis face, moreover, he had a generous personality, so Jinshi valued him. This time, Jinshi nominated him and had him apany them as an escort.


    Understood. Gaoshun then called for Rihaku from the window. It was faster for Jinshi to call him directly, but it was better if he doesnt show his face too much. He nned to wear a mask outside.


    It was most suspicious, but if they give out Gaoshuns name, the vige chief probably wouldnt probe deeply.


    What is it, Jinshi-sama? Rihaku lightly hopped onto the moving carriage.


    This man, who knew Jinshi from his eunuch days, didnt call him by the long-winded name Prince of the Moon, but by Jinshi.


    Youre from the countryside, right? What are your thoughts when you see this vige? Jinshi asked.


    Even if you ask me


    For a farming vige, the houses are sturdily built. It might seem simple to the big shots, but its proper. However, the locust damage appears to be particrly dreadful.


    The in appearance was due to the awfully worn out pirs.


    I heard from my grandfather, that locusts not only eat grains, but also gnaw on house frames and clothes.


    It was bound to look somewhat worn out.


    ording to the reports, the remaining crop have all been harvested and are being stored in the warehouse.


    This talk is headache inducing. Rihakus face stiffened.


    Unfortunately, having it ur during this season might have been fortuitous.


    If it were during wheat harvesting season, the damage would be a much more severe. Otherwise, if it travelled south, itll be dangerous due to the rice farnds in the region.


    Its hard to see from here, but there are dead insects on the ground. Its from the extermination preparation performed beforehand. Despite how it looks, the damage was fairly minor.


    Rihaku shook his head in relief while sighing. His actions were a little disrespectful, but he was aware of his timing, so Jinshi let it pass. Above all, it was a relief for Jinshi. Gaoshun also said nothing, appearing to take Jinshis feelings into consideration. Basen would snarl on this asion.


    Then Ill be heading out. Since Basen-sama will re at me, Rihaku said.


    Not long after he left, the carriage stopped. Apparently, they had reached the vige chiefs house.


    Apparently, it wasnt amusing to Basen that Jinshi valued Rihaku. The dog-like man quickly alighted from the carriage.


    Jinshi put on his mask and followed.


    The house of the vige chief, though the supports and the roof were bitten, was splendid enough. He understood that from Rihakus incredulous expression.


    Rather than a house, this is more of an estate, huh. The mandared to say that.


    There was a canal surrounding the estate, with ake in the centre of the garden. It looked stylish, but with theck of greenery, it seemed deste.


    It looked stylish as a reservoir for the paddy field, but lets not mention that part.


    Jinshi stood behind Gaoshun.


    The vige chief who was rubbing his hands together, lowered his head at Gaoshun while ncing at the suspicious, masked man, that is, Jinshi.


    Was even the interior of the estate splendid enough for a vige chief? He spected as he listened to Rihakus mutters from behind his mask. Whilst he looks simple-minded, Rihaku is sharp.


    Come here.


    The ce the vige chief guided them to was a room that had been prepared for a banquet. For Jinshi, who was tired of imperial court dishes, the meals could be considered in, but it was probably excessive for a farming vige in the countryside.


    .


    Gaoshun didnt even nce at Jinshi, but he knew the gist of the message he wanted to convey. Were not here for a banquet. Tell us about the circumstances of the vige.


    Jinshi was used to Gaoshuns usual polite way of speaking. His overbearing manner of speaking sounded somewhat refreshing to him.


    Y-yes. The vige chief panicked and made servants clear therge, long table of food. Apparently, he was nervous at the prospect of government officials from the capital visiting. The room was thoroughly cleaned; the garden could now be seen from the window. It may be a prized garden, but he could see it was littered with the remains of dead insects.


    The vige chief brought over a rough sketch of the vige.


    We can skip the introductions. Please speak directly and in detail, Gaoshun said.


    Yes. It was an incident from half-a-month ago The vige head started to speak.


    Half a month ago, they witnessed a dark cloud approach from the northwestern skies.


    Although it wasnt yet the rainy season, they had observed rain clouds, and that was when they heard the ugly sound. The real form of the dark cloud over the empty horizon was arge swarm of locusts.


    As soon as the swarm reached the vige, they devoured the unharvested rice. The vigers fended against them single-handedly with torches ands, but no matter how many they killed, how many they caught, the numbers never decreased. On the contrary, they werent satisfied with just the rice, but also chewed on the vigers clothes, shoes, even their hair and skin.


    The menfolk burned the locusts every time they caught them, killed them every time they caught them.


    The women and children took refuge inside the house. The womenfolk killed the insects that slipped through the cracks and the children trembled in the corner of the room.


    The locust onught continued on for three days and three nights.


    This is what I wore at the time. The vige chief gently presented the clothes. The clothes made of durable linen were torn in several ces. The dye had yet to fade, so he could see that it wasnt worn out due to time. We made insecticides, but it was like trying to cool a hot stone with droplets of water before such a huge swarm.


    So the drugs are indeed insufficient huh, Jinshi bit his lip.


    Theres this as well. The vige chief went out into the garden and stroked the stark trunk of a tree. All the lush leaves have been eaten up. He sighed deeply.


    The insects


    We killed what we could, burned what we could. The bodies are gathered at the back of the vige. Would you be inclined to take a look?


    It wont be a pleasant sight, surely, but Jinshi had no choice but to inspect it.


    Under the guidance of the vige chief, they headed to the back of the estate. As they drew closer, the number of dead insects increased, crunching under their feet.


    Lets stop with the detailed imagery. However, lets just say that arge hole had been dug, where a ck mound spilled out from within.


    Apparently, some of the escorts were bad with insects. They covered their mouths and held back their nausea.


    Is this everything? Gaoshun confirmed with the vige chief.


    Everything we could deal with.


    Do you know how many escaped?


    I havent the slightest idea.


    Gaoshun stroked his chin. Basen.


    Yes. Basen became spirited at his fathers call.


    Ask around about the damages suffered by viges in the vicinity, in detail. You can return in fifteen minutes on a fast horse, right?


    Understood. Basen swiftly left to question the vigers about the surrounding viges.


    Jinshis brows moved up and down beneath his mask.


    What shall we do? Gaoshun asked Jinshi quietly.


    No At this point, Jinshi can consider the whole incident to be resolved. However, there should be something else he had to do beyond this.


    If the crazy pharmacist maiden was here, what would she do?


    Jinshi suddenly crouched down.


    The dead, unmoving locusts had swollen abdomens close to bursting. Beforehand, the locust swarms were a shade darker and their legs were shortened. If he remembered correctly, they were the colour of the soil.


    Jinshi took out a small de from his breast pocket.


    He pierced the torso of a locust. It wasnt a good feeling. However, if Maomao was here, she would probably do this.


    He dissected one locust, then another.


    The vigers looked on doubtfully, but they shouldnt have the liberty to get bothered by it.


    Jinshi lined up the torsos he cut open.


    This is Apparently, Gaoshun had noticed Jinshis intentions.


    Jinshi didnt know much about insects. However, he could imagine what was inside them, at least.


    The swollen abdomens were filled with long, thin, yellow tube-like things.


    It was autumn, and winter wille around once it ends. Insects cannot ovee the cold winter, leaving survival to theing generation.


    Eggs?


    Jinshi cast down his eyes at Gaoshuns voice.


    What will the locusts with swollen abdomens do next?


    The locust gue has yet to end, Jinshi muttered under his mask. Scorch the earth.


    The surviving insect eggs had to be burned.


    The wheat crops in spring will end up as feeding grounds for the hatched insects.

 Volume 7, Chapter 5: Individual Differences And Speculation

    It was early morning on a cool spring day. Maomao, trying to work at the medical office as usual, had received a package. No matter what spin you put on it, the delivery could hardly be called refreshing.


    Are you, by any chance, being bullied? Yao, looking pitiful, was facing away. She darted backwards, face stiffening.


    Theres no wa..


    It wasnt unreasonable to doubt her. The package contained arge number of dead insect.


    Maomao twisted her expression as she studied the insects. They were locusts.


    Normally, its not easy to gather this many. However, it must have been made possible through certain conditions.


    It was left here because it was brought in by the higher-ups, but hurry and take it away now.


    It was the elderly Court Physician Ryuu(, Liu) who spoke in a curt tone. He, who held a high position in the medical office, was strict with others no matter who they were.


    (Even if you tell me to take it away.)


    She didnt want to return with a basketful of locusts either. As she could guess who the sender was, she was at a loss.


    Even Court Physician Ryuu seemed to realise it was unreasonable. Come here, he beckoned to her. You can use the empty room in the next building. Its normally outside of our jurisdiction, but bring anyone whos free with you and take care of it quickly.


    This matter seems to be prioritised over the odd jobs around the medical office.


    In that case


    U-umm, what?


    She tugged Yaos sleeves.


    Maomao smiled and decided to guide the stiffening Yao to where the bugs are.


    .


    .


    .


    With a pale face, Yao loaded the insects onto the scale.


    Enen observed Yao with flushed cheeks.


    Maomao silently measured the wingspan and leg length of the locusts.


    Wh-when is this going to end The insect hater Yao timidly set one down with a pair of chopsticks. She ced fourteen of them on the dish to find the average weight.


    I dont think we need to measure all of them. But, the more we count the better it is. Maomao measured the size of the insects and sorted them by colour.


    Mdy, I can do it if its too hard. Enen acted worried when she spoke to Yao, however


    I-its fine. So-something like this, is also work For a sore loser like Yao, this would set off herpetitive spirit. Of course, Enen probably said such a thing with this in mind.


    Mdy Heart pounding, she watched goosebumps rise up on Yaos skin as she picked up an insect.


    Maomao narrowed her eyes at the two as she continued on with her work.


    When they cleared away one-third of the insects, a visitor showed up.


    Yo.


    Grinning, was a small man with round sses and unruly hair. Needless to say, it was Rahan.


    Maomao continued working sullenly. Ignoring this, Rahan started reading the numbers they were checking over.


    Hmmm, Maomao, can you exin some of this to your brother?


    . She ignored him.


    I brought the reward I mentionedst time, but perhaps Maomao has forgotten? he whispered into her ear.


    Maomao nced at Yao and Enen. Yao hadnt noticed. Enen had, but pretended not to. If memory serves her right, it was regarding the secret investigation of the Western Priestess between the two of them. The deal was suspended due to the priestess attempted poisoning incident, but it appears he remembered.


    Maomaos hands stopped. There are around three hundred and four so far. In addition to wingspan, leg length, colour, and weight, were also checking for the number of eggs in the females abdomens I think the locusts have flown in from somewhere far away.


    Uh-huh. As he flipped through the pages, Rahan seemed to be considering something. At a nce, it was a collection of in, uninteresting numbers, but it must be more intriguing to this man.


    It seems Yao, looking haggard, had finally noticed Rahanshe greeted him in her fatigued way. Maomao wanted to take a break in order to prepare tea, however, doing so in front of Yao right now would probably be too cruel.


    Here you go. Enen only set down the tea in front of Rahan. Rahan took a sip, still engrossed in the numbers and taking no notice of the mountain of dead locusts.


    Maomao, what do these numbers mean? Rahan indicated the values that had been segregated from the rest.


    Those are the locusts here. Based on colour, shape and weight, I dont think theyre of the flying variety and were probably originallyndbound, so I separated them.


    When locusts cause damage, their bodies undergo morphological transformations. Locusts flying in from distant ces had developed lighter wings.


    I thought so. Then, how much distance do these locusts cover when they fly?


    . It was outside of Maomaos field of expertise. Yao and Enen also joined the discussion, tilting their heads.


    They cant fly that far, right? It would be a few ri at most. Theyre insects, Yao said.


    Rahan continued on with a nod. Interestingly, there has been no locust damage in the vicinity of the vige with the outbreak. With such arge number of locusts, theyd need a ce to eat and grow.


    However, the viges in the vicinity did not suffer locust outbreaks.


    Rahan took out a map from his breast pocket. It was arge,plete map of Rii. Just then, you imed they can only fly a few ri, because theyre insects, right?


    Yes. Even a couple of ri is a generous estimate.


    However. Rahan took out a cord and set it on the map. It seemed that he didnt want to draw on the map directly, so he used a cord to produce a line. It was ced diagonally from the northwest, extending to the region of the vige. This is the direction of the seasonal wind.


    Are you saying that they rode the winds?


    I guess so. In that case, not just a few ri, even dozens of ri is not out of the question. This time he ced a Go stone on the map.


    What does this Go stone represent? Enen pointed to the white stone.


    The area with locust damage. Using this as the ry point, would it be fair to assume that the locusts travelled from further northwest?


    Its in the direction of Hokuaren.


    Uneasy sweating ensued.


    Merely speaking logically, Yao had not realised the implications of her words. What Rahan was suggesting was a few steps ahead, in the future. Enen seemed to understand, but she had no ns to meddle, choosing to earnestly adore her youngdy.


    Rahan bundled up the papers with the collection of numbers. For the most part, with this many, it shouldnt pose as an issue. Ill take over and arrange for someone else to deal with it in your ce.


    you shouldve said so earlier, Maomao grumbled.


    Rahan waggled his index finger. You can collect figures, however, if theyre not exact, youll lose sight of whats apparent. You have to make urate measurements from the start.


    She understood what he was trying to say. He probably already obtained the useful numbers.


    With that, Rahan made to head back, so Maomao grabbed onto his sleeves. You havent forgotten, right?


    Ooh, thats right. Rahan took out a package theatrically. There was a single root vegetable in it.


    !! Maomao found herself sniffing the air.


    Then, Ill be heading back.


    Once she received it, her business with Rahan was settled.


    Whats that? A carrot? Yao closed in for a peek.


    Its certainly a carrot, but that is


    Apparently, Enen knew what it was.


    However, Maomao could only stare intently at the carrot. Ffufufufufufufufufu


    W-whats wrong?


    Ufufufufufufufufufu


    Enen, Maomao is kinda weird!


    Mdy. Maomao is normally weird.


    Their words went in one ear and out the other. It wasnt anything importantpared to whats in front of her.


    Fufufufufufufufufufu


    Its indeed strange! That thing you received, isnt it some kind of strange medicine!


    Mdy, its okay. Its medicine, but its not anything strange.


    Maomao raised the package of carrot high into the air and twirled around. Its ginseng


    Ginseng.


    Despite being called ginseng, it wasnt mere ginseng. Medical ginseng, from ages past, cannot be cultivated and can only grow and be found in the wild. It is also known as bangchui().


    Red ginseng that has been steamed and dried with the peel intact. Something of this size was certainly a high-ss item.


    In a room filled with dead insects, under the scrutiny of a flustered Yao and a calm Enen, Maomao danced her happy dance for the first time in a while.

 Volume 7, Chapter 6: The Ma Siblings

    The daily mountain of documents was now at a height where he could see through to the other side.


    Jinshi sighed in relief and looked over at the individual working quietly in the corner of the room.


    He had erected a screen in the blind spot of the entrance so visitors wont be able to see whoever is there. He would have set up an all-enclosing wall if he could, but Basen stopped him.


    Well then, speaking of the identity of the individual behind the screen


    J-Jinshi-sama The man carrying over a stack of settled documents was slim, of average height, and had a mild pallor to his skin. It wasnt that he didnt look unhealthy, he certainly did but it was amusing how simr his face looked to the healthier kid, err, Basen beside him.


    Was he around one sun shorter than Basen? He had a hunched-back so he appeared much shorter.


    Basens elder brother by one year. Gaoshuns son. Baryou.


    The Ma n produced many warriors every generation. The Ma n primarily guarded the imperial family. Like how Gaoshun was his majestys, and Basen, Jinshis.


    Baryou was originally supposed to be Jinshis retainer. Although hes Gaoshuns second child and the eldest son, a weakling like him wasnt suitable for guard duty.


    Although Baryou received the name Ba, his younger brother, who was born a yearter, was also bestowed the name.


    How quick. Are you already done?


    Yes. I finished the work, since Jinshi-sama is an ornament.


    what do you mean?


    It sounded like an abridged sentence. Jinshi didnt understand. However, someone appeared at the scene without a moments dy.


    This is what Baryou means:


    A tall beauty with an unpleasant expression stood there. Wedging herself between them, she moved in such a way that even Jinshi wasnt able to grasp where she hade from at first. Baryou jolted in ce.


    He said: Jinshi-sama is beautiful like an ornament, so I can never see him as human. Thus, even I, someone who is bad with people, cannot perceive him as human but rather as a different being, allowing me to treat him withposure and concentrate on my work.


    What was Jinshi supposed to make of that? Also, he was being casually treated as non-human. No, this man has always been like this in the past.


    The beauty with an unpleasant expression who had tranted Baryous words, was Baryou and Basens elder sister. Her name is Maamei(, Ma Mei),the mother of two infant children.


    The two brothers resembled their father Gaoshun, but Maamei resembled their mother. Their mother was Jinshis wet nurse; his intuition told him that she would be hard to deal with.


    Maameis resemnce to her mother also extended to personality. Apparently, shes strong-willed while her husband is henpecked as well. Her father Gaoshun was, up until a few years ago, despised like a caterpir by her.


    Simply put, it was probably the case that Maamei was the only person who can manipte the reins of the hard-to-handle Baryou. While Baryou passed the civil examinations with high marks, due to his weak constitution and peculiar thinking patterns, he stopped working. He struggled with forming new human connections, and was harassed by his colleagues and boss before they got close, and his stomach got sick.


    He was indeed capable, but it was his personality that was problematic.


    In a way, he bore an uncanny resemnce to the Ra n, but unfortunately, those individuals also possessed excessively tough spirits, which actually gave those around them a bellyache instead.


    Not to say half, but even if he had one-tenth of a disposition that didnt care for his surroundings, it would be good.


    As Jinshi thought that, he checked over the documents he received.


    Alongside paperwork, messengers would asionally show up. The content was regarding the locusts that had been brought back.


    Bringing back such arge quantity of dead insects was in consideration of needing every bit of intel they could scavenge, in order to investigate what caused the locust gue.


    Normally, this kind of job will be left to the experts. However, in the past few years, there had been no incidence of extensive locust gues, and no individuals who were familiar with the countermeasures. Theyre gone.


    And so, Jinshi had no choice but to leave it to Maomao as usual.


    Although he felt it would interfere with work at the medical office, he knew that she would do it for him if he asked.


    if only we had more capable people He didnt want to bother her. However, the number of useful people around Jinshi was limited.


    Its because you cant create capable people, Maamei said curtly.


    I shouldve pushed it onto the Directorate of Waterways(), or the Minister of Agriculture(, aka Minister of Finance).


    The Directorate of Waterways presides over flood control and the Minister of Agriculture, money and grain. Although he had asked them, they both refused, iming it wasnt under their jurisdiction.


    Maamei was the one listening as he exined. Hah? You shouldve just pushed it onto them. Thinking about others? Wouldnt it be better if you just used those scoundrels who turn up leisurely at noon, only to drink tea before heading back? Busy? Not free? Should I hold them down in a busy spot in the pleasure district until morning? They seem to have connections of the sort.


    Cant win against her.


    And then she pressed for another answer. Also, you seemed to have turned nearsighted, so Ill give you one piece of advice.


    wh-what is it? He found himself faltering.


    Very broadly speaking, sending a load of insects is considered harassment and nothing else. Especially to women.


    Jinshis shoulder slumped and he clutched his forehead.


    .


    .


    .


    Divide the work. Those useable, anyone can use them. Those unuseable, please assign them tasks that will do neither harm nor good so they dont get in the way.


    Per Maameis instructions, Jinshi was chased out of his office. unt your authority, and if thats not enough, use even seduction to press the work onto them, she had said.


    If Jinshi paid them a personal visit, their attitudes will changehe was told, but he wasnt really looking forward to it.


    Having Jinshi personally walk himself there, that on its own, would appear to carry profound meaning. He had made use of this tactic many times during his time as a eunuch, but he had scruples over using it as the imperial brother.


    Nheless, he was going since it was better than failing to manage them.


    I dont think I know any seduction techniques.


    My apologies. For my sister. Basen came along as his escort. Jinshi wasnt the only one who couldnt defy Maamei.


    Still, its not that I dont understand what my sister is saying. Basen looked around.


    When Jinshi got closer, it was clear they were anxiously hiding something.


    I heard that Go is popr, but I wonder if its worse than before, Jinshi said.


    There was a person reading a Go book while sitting on a handrail. In the rest area, there were a number of officials crowded around a Go board.


    As soon as they saw Jinshi, some stopped ying Go and acted normal, but among them were those who were too engrossed in their game to notice.


    Do your workMaameis opinion was quite correct.


    Jinshis cut down on sleep seemed stupid now.


    Even this kind of thing. Shocked, Basen was looking at the ce where notices of personnel change were posted. As he wondered what it could be, a notice about themencement of a Go tournament was posted.


    no, they would probably need to take a breather as well. Even Jinshi wouldntmit the boorish action of tearing down the poster.


    However, the problem was the ce they were holding it.


    What were they thinking? It was written as the military training grounds.


    Jinshi-sama. Please look at the organiser.


    I can imagine it, even if you didnt tell me.


    The fox tacticians face came to mind.


    Jinshi cared not for the person who did whatever he wanted in the imperial court.


    It seems quite genuine, but could he be allowing ordinary people to participate as well? Basen asked.


    The poster seemed to be printed instead of handwritten. In other words, arge number had been printed.


    No, itll be troubling even if that had been intentionally included, Jinshi said.


    Although it was the outer court, the emperor is still here. Itll be concerning if anyone outside of authorised personnel is given ess.


    Then, let us quickly raise an objection to Grand Marshal K


    No, wait. That will backfire. Rather, it has to be Rahan, Jinshi said.


    Honestly, if they were going to hold a tournament like this, it was more suited to the fox tacticians nephew. He was probably using it as a pretext for some business dealings.


    As expected, there was something amusing written on the poster.


    It seems the right to challenge Grand Marshal Kan is ten silvers, Basen said.


    Its Rahan. The shadow organiser is all Rahan.


    Also, a new publication for sale. It seems they will be selling aption of Go problems. Limited to five hundred copies, can they sell it all? Basen asked.


    He probably ns to sell those, Jinshi replied.


    How powerful is he?


    No, this is probably the least Rahan had to do. There should still be some repair costs left over from the time the fox tactician destroyed the inner pce wall.


    However, isnt ten silvers for a single Go match too much? Basen said.


    Ten silvers are said to be amoners livelihood for one month. Taking lessons in money sense from Maomao and Gaoshunhe was told that many times, so Jinshi himself was also aware it wasnt a cheap sum.


    However.


    Actually, this would probably be considered cheap, huh, Jinshi said.


    Cheap? Theres no way, right? Basen refuted. Certainly, it was expensive as a teaching fee.


    Hypothetically, if you win against Grand Marshal Kan, wouldnt it be as cheap as pocket change? Jinshi said.


    !?


    That notion alone boosts its value to those around them.


    The challenger holds the ck stone. It seems they will be ying with no komi.


    ck stones, having the right of the first move, has the advantage in Go. Thus, to make it fair, it is ensured that white stones have more pieces beforehand.


    which reminds me, I feel that Grand Marshal Kan is treatedparatively more respectfully by people who are good at Go, Basen said.


    Like Jinshis Go instructor. But then again, it wasparatively; its hard to say under ordinary circumstances.


    If Jinshi-sama were to win, I have the feeling that he will being to your office to bother you, and refuse to leave.


    Its hard, huh.


    Even if he were holding the ck stone, the opponent was the fox tactician. He was a much stronger opponent than an unskilled professional.


    Well then. Lets end the chit chat here.


    Later, send a messenger to Rahan, Jinshi said.


    Yes, Basen answered.


    Ill authorise it, so why dont we have them change the location?


    This was where he refuses to yield.

 Volume 7, Chapter 7: Grape Wine, Baked Pastries, And Go

    The days have gotten shorter, Jinshi thought. It was truly a relief that he managed to return before sunset.


    Then, thats all for me.


    Basen will be returning home. Night guard duties were left to someone else. He had been worked up over staying overnight to guard before, but honestly, Jinshi would get tired if he were to stick to him for the entire day, so he wanted to practice restraint.


    Suiren greeted him as soon as he returned to his pce. First, youre eating.


    No, a bath first. Jinshi tried to correct her, but the pce had a different feel to it from usual. Normally, she would light an incense that Jinshi was fond ofit was a little sweeter than usual.


    Even the guards inside was different from the usual faces.


    A guest?


    Yes.


    And guests who show up at Jinshis pce were few and far between.


    As the guards lining the corridor lowered their heads, Jinshi headed for the living room.


    The person he pictured was rxing in the living room.


    Is it okay to not visit the inner pce today? As he lowered his head, Jinshi spoke to his majesty.


    Thetest administrator has been rmending me too many of the new consorts. The great man with the beautiful beard read a book as he tilted his cup. There was a Go board before his eyes. Here too was another individual who rode the craze. Pushing all girls of my tastes at me.


    In other words, those withrge breastsJinshi knew. The sovereign of a country, this gentleman wouldnt pick consort based on just that.


    By carelessly choosing a consort of his liking, itll be troubling to have individuals who were politically unsuitable. His majestys troubles refer to that.


    But that wasnt the only reason.


    There was Empress Gyokuyou, who rose from consort to empress. In other words, she had be the main wife. Her father, Gyokuen, was currently staying in the capital.


    Worried about your father-inws eyes?


    They were now at Jinshis pce. Their conversation took a casual turn.


    No matter the era, those who bear a crown must keep an eye on everyones countenance. His majesty set down a Go stone with a clink and urged Jinshi to sit with his free hand.


    Jinshi smiled at his action and sat on the seat opposite the Go board. The Go bowl on his side contained ck stones.


    His majesty lowered his book. Needless to say, it was the weirdo tacticians book.


    Suiren brought a cup to Jinshi. The fluid within was as red as blood.


    He relished the swirling liquid that was visible through the clear ss.


    This grape wine is really sour. Beside his majesty was a cup that had already been set down.


    This taste is to my liking, Jinshi said.


    I dont dislike it either, but recently I heard that sweet wine is popr.


    Hearing sweet wine, Maomaos disgusted expression suddenly came to mind.


    Whats wrong?


    No, nothing. His face had broken into a wide smile. He smoothed it over flusteredly.


    His majesty looked puzzled and swirled his cup. Which reminds me, the Go craze is liable to overshadow it, but apparently imported goods have appeared on the town market.


    I guess so. Jinshi also knew. Alongside the western priestess arrival the other day, foreign products are on the market in abundance. For a time, taxes had also been lowered temporarily.


    Do you know what the most popr good among them is?


    What is it?


    The emperor smiled. Normally, it wasnt unusual for him to look silly before Jinshi, so long as hes not exhausted from work. It seems to be grape wine.


    Grape wine? Jinshi tilted his head. Its not something made in the West?


    In the vicinity of the western capital, Empress Gyokuyous hometown, grapes are produced in abundance. The grape wine he currently held in his hand was also a product of the western capital.


    Do things produced in the western capital possess a characteristic sourness like this? However, apparently, the imported ones are sweeter and more delicious.


    Are they of such high quality? Jinshi took a gulp of wine. The western capital produce is sour but its initial vour isnt bad. However, he felt that Maomao had said it wasnt supposed to be this sour.


    When was that?


    Was it around the time Maomao stopped working at the inner pcest year to start work at Jinshis ce?


    Jinshi suddenly swirled the cup. Is this truly an imported product?


    is the taste different? Ive never drunk it before, but the cab minister said its delicious?


    It might be better if you dont drink it. Jinshi shared a look with Suiren. When she came closer, he whispered into her ear.


    Suiren left the room and returned with a cloth pouch.


    This is?


    Jinshi showed the contents of the package to the emperor who was stroking his beard. It was a metal cup. This is something I received before. Was itst year?


    Jinshi suddenly recalled the early spring of the previous year.


    I believe its better if you dont drink that wine, the unsociable pharmacist maid said as she stowed away the tableware. It was when he was pouring a cup of grape wine after a meal.


    Why? You tasted for poison just then, right? Jinshi tilted his head as he swirled his cup.


    The pharmacist had left the inner pce the other day and returned to the pleasure district. She had been employed as Jinshis maid and food taster, saying that shelle if the pay is good.


    Ive tasted for poison. I dont think theres anything poisonous in the grape wine. If anything, its really sour.


    Jinshi preferred sour over sweet. Suiren must have prepared it to suit his tastes. It was a product from the western capital. Then


    Its just the container thats an issue.


    The container? Jinshi looked at the metal container. Is it coated with poison or something?


    No.


    Then what?


    The pharmacist gently took the cup away from Jinshi. Excuse me.


    She dipped a pair of chopsticks into the cup of wine and ced a drop into her mouth. After tasting it slowly, she slipped out of the room. Probably to spit it out and rinse her mouth.


    The pharmacist, who returned in no time, took away the cup of wine. It turned into poison.


    Turned into?


    The pharmacist said meaningfully. Its gotten a lot sweeter since I first drunk it. If you use it for a while longer, it would probably turn even sweeter. It tastes delicious, but theponent is poison.


    I dont quite get it, but can I give my opinion?


    Go ahead. The pharmacist nodded, expression unchanging.


    The item itself isnt poison. But when the two arebined, it bes poisonous?


    The corner of the pharmacists lips lifted faintly at Jinshis words. It seems he was right. Metals dissolve in strong acids. This container is probably made of lead. When lead and sour grape wine is mixed, it is said that the dissolved lead will turn it sweet. I have heard before that in the west, lead is added to grape wine to sweeten it.


    And that there are a high proportion of people who are poisoned from drinking that.


    In the end, all of it is my foster fathers opinion, but there is a high chance that the poison originates from that.


    Apparently, her foster father is a considerably excellent doctor. As the pharmacist says, was he a person who understands everything from only oneponent?


    Jinshi gently ced the lead container down.


    I dont know if you can suddenly be poisoned from drinking it once or twice, but it might be dangerous with regr use. She didnt dere it outright. It was this pharmacists trait to not want to speak of spection.


    For arguments sake, if this is poison, what sort of symptoms do you think will appear?


    At Jinshis question, the pharmacist thought for a moment. do you remember the poisonous face powder in the inner pce?


    Ah. Theres no way I can forget that.


    I have heard that those are made from adding vinegar to lead.


    In other words, was she saying that it will cause the same symptoms as face powder poisoning?


    Jinshi understood.


    To the person who taught you how to drink the grape wine, its better to investigate how they drink it themselves.


    If the person also drank from a lead cup, they would have told Jinshi out of goodwill. If not, there is the possibility of malice.


    Jinshi had his life targeted many times. For what purpose, how they did it. He had a need to investigate things like that.


    May I add one more thing? she asked.


    What is it?


    The pharmacist looked at the grape wine that had yet to be poured into a cup. Jinshi-sama thinks that this wines sourness stems from its ce of origin. She swirled the bottle. But I believe that the wine had just turned into vinegar due to its long journey.


    In other words, she was saying that the taste Jinshi liked drinking was the vour of inferior goods.


    I believe it used to be a good product. However, if you think a little more about the transportation method, the wine probably wont change in quality.


    The western capital was quite far. And furthermore, hot.


    But I can taste its deliciousness.


    Maomao narrowed her eyes at Jinshi who tilted his head. When youre tired, your sense of taste dulls and you wont be able to taste sourness.


    Also, I like spicier wine. The food taster side of hers made a request.


    Unfortunately, Jinshi wanted to say that he originally liked the sourness. Wanted to believe it. Ill have grape wine for the time being, he said.


    Understood, young master.


    Since Suiren gave a judicious reply, the pharmacist made a look of displeasure.


    Was there such a thing? His majesty drained the cup. Nearby, Suiren had set down some baked pastries she prepared unnoticed.


    Jinshis cup had been filled to the brim as well.


    Hmmm, then youre saying that the wine currently on the market is


    An inferior product, otherwise there is a high possibility that its a counterfeit product, Jinshi said.


    The grape wine was transported over from a foreign country. There was no doubt that it had taken more time to transport overpared to from the western capital. If so, it would be difficult to preserve its quality. And if it appeared on the market in town, inferior products would probably inevitably increase.


    To make it sweet nheless, it had to undergo processing. In that case, whats on the market would have to be poisoned grape wine.


    Also, if they produced grape wine that is a fake of the imported product, its considered swindling. Among imported goods, that alone is taxed. Even if the tax is lowered, its price will be beyond double that of the western capital produce due to factors such as transportation expenses and rarity.


    There is also the possibility of good quality imported grape wine appearing on the market by chance, but the likelihood of that was low.


    We should probably investigate this a little. Jinshi picked up a baked pastry. It had an airy, peculiar texture, with dried fruit kneaded inside. It had the faint aroma of alcohol. When he took a bite, it had a soft sweetness that faded into obscurity.


    She must have known his majesty wasing. Suiren is Jinshis nanny, but she was also his majestys. Apparently, she had prepared interesting pastries for them to savour.


    His majesty seemed to be pleased with it, stuffing his cheeks without dy. He seemed to enjoy himself, leaving not a crumb as he ate it all, washing it down with freshly poured grape wine.


    Want to y for the first time in a long while? His majesty stroked his beard, brushing away stray crumbs while his free hand picked up a ck stone. Thest time we yed, was right before you entered the inner pce, huh.


    His majesty nostalgically returned the Go stone to the bowl.


    When Jinshi was thirteen, the previous emperor had passed away. That year, when he became the crown prince, Jinshi had brought up the suggestion to y Go with his majesty.


    ying Go for stakes and such, wasnt what I intended to doI have always thought so ever since that time.


    you cant overturn that now. Jinshi, holding the ck stone, had won against his majesty. Then he had demanded a reward.


    If you said that you wanted the throne, I would have given it to you in time.


    I dont want it.


    Jinshi had thrown a tantrum, saying that he didnt want to be the crown prince.


    However, during that time, the emperor didnt have a child. The previous emperor who already died didnt have any other children.


    As a result, he decided to make a new substitute.


    As a eunuch, as Jinshi, he entered the inner pce, and looked for consorts for the emperor.


    Ive never regretted losing in Go that time, his majesty said.


    Thats not possible, right?


    The reigning emperor loved not just the crown prince, his child with Empress Gyokuyou, but Imperial Princess Rinrii as well. There was no meaning to restoring Jinshi as the crown prince now. If there were, it is simply to sow causes for conflict.


    His own existence must not be the cause of war.


    And at the same time, he had to avoid the sparks in the air.


    .your majesty, I do have a request, though?


    Are you scheming up something bad again? Were not betting anymore, you know?


    Its nothing significant. Jinshi picked up the ck Go bowl. However, his majesty also seemed to have the same idea, and did not let go.


    Can you lend me your Go instructor for a short while?


    At Jinshis request, his majesty quizzically let go of the bowl of ck stones.

 Volume 7, Chapter 8: Thunder Former Part

    Looks like they caught the merchants responsible for selling wine containing questionable substances.


    While eating lunch in the dining hall, Maomao and the others chatted away about current affairs.


    They stationed themselves in the corner as to not intrude on the lunch break of military officials. There were more people than usual with the pouring rain outside. It was unusual weather for autumn, and yesterday there had been a huge p of thunder. It had been so loud that Yao made a fuss at the lodgings, clinging to Enen.


    Maomao remembered it was around the time of the evening bell.


    If rumours are to be believed, the lighting had struck the forest just northwest of the capital. The courtdies nearby were chatting about it.


    Strange substances in the wine? Was it watered down? Maomao asked.


    No, to sweeten the originally sour wine, they added medicine to it, Enen answered.


    Yao ate her namasu, looking a little disappointed as though she had wanted to exin. Todays main dish was noodles with meat and bean paste. The tingling spiciness was delectable.


    Sweeten it, you say. They must have added lead, right? Maomao was surprised. Drinkers will suffer from lead poisoning if that were the case.


    On top of that, they faked imported goods. In fact, they purchased cheap, inferior grape wine for boiling and processing. Unwilling to give up, Yao added on.


    Inferior grape wine, was it? Then, could it be a product from the region of the western capital, or something that uses crimson glory vine from the north? Maomao wanted to try tasting it to see what it is, but considering how Jinshi didnt give her the option, the matter was probably already resolved.


    You sure know a lot about grape wine, huh? Yao asked with great interest.


    I have sampled them many times. Maomao had been raised in a brothel known as Rokushoukan. Customers were treated to wine at that shop, a high-ss bordello, but Maomao had also been summoned for tasting. The madam allowed it, since Maomaos sense of smell and taste was quite sharp.


    Grape wine, huh.


    Mdy Enen watched Yao with a lonely expression.


    Yaos liver was damaged from food tasting, so she has to refrain from ingesting salt and alcohol.


    I dont know its original strength, but just sampling should be okay, right? Its just that you cant drink to the point of drunkenness. Shall we look for grape wine with low alcohol content?


    is there such a thing? Yaos eyes shed. She looked grown-up, but she was still a fifteen-year-old girl. It seems she has some interest in wine.


    Grape wine, you say. Once you take away the alcohol, its fruit juice, Maomao said.


    Only Maomao would think that, Enen said starkly. Mdy, Ill apany you while you drink, so please dont ever drink in a way that will damage your body.


    Enen was overprotective. Dont push it, her eyes appealed to Ma0mao. Maomao also understood, so she shut up and ate her food.


    As she opened her jaw wide for thest bite.


    STOP LYING!


    A mans voice resounded.


    Maomao and the others turned to face the sound.


    Amotion appeared to be breaking out at the other end of the hall, where many officials congregated.


    What could this be about? Yao asked.


    As everyone feigned ignorance, they listened in.


    WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, TO LAY YOUR HANDS ON MY YOUNGER SISTER!?


    Thats not really something you talk about in the dining hall at noon, Maomao thought, even as she nced over.


    Arge man stood before three others, a vein bulging beneath his skin. If it were only that, she wouldnt have given it much thought, but


    Dont they have the same face? Yao tilted her head.


    thats true. Maomao was looking up at them as well.


    The three men being shouted at, despite donning different outfits, all possessed the same face. As they have lovely faces with neat brows, the three of them side by side resembled dolls in a line.


    All eyes were on the white-faced man who was yelling.


    The triplets. Theyre at it again, I see, anearby courtdy exined to them with a know-it-all look. In her early thirties, she had a peculiar dignity to her.


    Triplets? And what do you mean, again?


    Those triplets, arent they quite thedy killers? The three of them are also promiscuous, so they often make moves on women. Unmarried girls, married women, it matters not. They have no integrity. Thats why, asionally, you get this yelling


    A bunch of troublemakers, Maomao thought as she looked at the triplets.


    Yao frowned and scorned the men as despicable. And speaking of Enen, she clutched onto the tableware as a makeshift blunt weapon, as if warning off those who want to approach her mdy carelessly.


    They always seem to get out of it, since theres no evidence.


    Evidence?


    Yeah. Of which of the triplets made a move on the woman. In the end however, no one knows who did it. The idiots father is a big shot, and he had retorted, rify whos done it. If you sue the wrong person, dont expect to get away scot-free!


    Like father, like son, it seems.


    You people as well, if you want to avoid a painful experience, dont approach them.


    Thank you very much. They thanked the well-informed miss, and cleared away their tableware.


    They were somewhat curious, but in the end, it was someone elses affairs. It wasnt something for Maomao and the other to pry.


    Yao seemed quite curious, but Enen was an iron wall impervious to vermin.


    It was time they returned back to their noon tasks.


    If she doesnt know who she was with, even I wont have any evidence, right?


    One of the triplets, the one with the blue tassel, looked at the big man, a challenging look in his eyes. It was just as the know-it-all courtdy had said.


    Thats true. Can your younger sister even tell peoples faces apart at all? the man with the red cloth said.


    If you have aint, you have to formally file awsuit, the man with the yellow sash said.


    The threeughed at the big man as they walked away. Since they were walking so haughtily, it seems they couldnt see whats in front of them.


    They bumped into an old official who was walking unsteadily. The old official dropped his uneaten lunch and fell over.


    My bad. Dont walk so unsteadily.


    The triplets left without apologising.


    Maomao. Yao peered at Maomaos face.


    Dont. Dont get involved. Enen gently held down Maomaos hand. Maomao noticed that she was going to chase after the men with a nearby kettle in hand.


    I know. Maomao helplessly put down the kettle and went to the old official who had fallen over. Dad, are you okay?


    She pulled on his arm. It was her dad, Ruomen, wearing a miserable expression.


    Hahaha. Its all spilled.


    His lunch was all over the floor. Enen immediately went to clean it up. Yao saw Enen, and in panic, started to help out with the cleaning.


    Sorry, old man. Therge man immediately rushed up to them.


    What is up with those people? Maomao said in a fit of anger. She felt bad for therge man, but you dont quarrel in a ce with this many people at noon.


    Theres nothing you can do about those guys, he spat out, with an expression like he had chewed on a bitter bug.


    does your younger sister feel the same? Dad asked timidly. He must have overheard as he passed by.


    what feel the same, my younger sister is only fourteen. Shes at the age where she still doesnt know much, and they still went after her.


    theyd be better off dead, Enen said without hesitation and stuck to Yaos rear to protect her. Yao is also fifteen years of age; her appearance aside, she still carried some childishness within her.


    I understand how you feel, but you made a mistake with the setting. This was a terrible way of being considerate towards your younger sister. Dad stood up as he admonished the man. There was congee all over his clothes; a damp cloth was not enough to wipe it all off.


    I, I know that, but


    He must have been unable to hold back.


    Dads brows lowered.


    It was this former eunuchs bad habit. Not being able leave troubled people alone when he saw them.


    Would knowing who the perpetrator was among those three help?


    C-can you tell? Therge man reacted to Dads words. He seemed to be a military official, his air somehow resembled Rihaku, but didnt have enoughposure.


    I dont know how helpful I can be though. Dad ced his hands on the table and started to walk by pulling his legs along.


    .


    .


    .


    Borrowing a room in the medical office, Dad and therge man sat across from each other. Calming tea had been prepared andid out on the table.


    I should have held my tongue in telling her to go shopping for a bit. Shes bad with thunder, so she got scared when it struck yesterday. One of the triplets was close by, and called out to my sister.


    Therge mans name is Boku*. Per his appearance, a military official.


    (, Boku, or Mu in Chinese, is the Han Dynasty title for Governor.)


    The noon work had already started, and normally, Boku would have also returned to his post. However, Dad had enough sense to bring him here.


    Just what is he nning to do? Yao was peeking from behind the pir, with half her face visible.


    Good for nothing bastards need to be punished. Enen breathed roughly.


    You two have heavy heads. Maomao, being the shortest, naturally had the two others leaning over her. Yao wasnt the only one who was peeking.


    I cant help but ask if you guys are doing your work properly, or what your intentions in doing this might be. A voice filled with anger came from behind them. When they timidly looked back, Court Physician Ryuu was standing there.


    S-sorry! The three scattered hastily.


    .


    .


    .


    Their conversation ended in a quarter of a dual hour(30min).


    What happened? Yao, unable to suppress her curiosity, asked Dad. In a ce where Court Physician couldnt see them, of course.


    I arranged a meeting to hear out the triplets. Since they all seem to be military officials.


    Dad. Maomao could imagine what Dad was trying to do. He was probably summoning the military officials in the form of amand. It was clear who he was depending on.


    There was that annoying individual, although his appearances have decreasedtely.


    I dont know what to think about summoning them using such a strange connection.


    It cant be helped, right? No need to feel bad. Besides, speaking in that tone is no good, right? He gently calmed her down.


    Maomao frowned as she wondered how things will turn out.

 Volume 7, Chapter 9-1: Thunder Latter Part (1/2)

    Tomorrow, Dad will be hearing the triplets out.


    She felt that things were moving along quite quickly, but there was no way a certain monocle weirdo tactician would turn down Dads request.


    Maomao, can youe along to transcribe the talks into notes for me?


    it seems weird one will be there.


    If well be with the weirdo tactician, Maomao shook her head.


    You can rest easy, Rakan wont being.


    Thats fine then, but what about Yao-san? Maomao nced over.


    I turned her down. It wont work out because she cant write in shorthand.


    (I cant either)


    Maomao stopped mid-sentence.


    If she were to speak carelessly, Yao would probably insist on doing it, which Enen would wholeheartedly forbid. Theyd be at a stalemate.


    If she were to know that its due tock of skill, Yao would ept it even if she was vexed, so it would be wiser for Maomao to keep her mouth shut here.


    For a while now, a frustrated Yao has been watching Maomao from behind a pir. From behind her, Enen waved a cloth as if to say Please just leave already.


    Since you understand, shall we get going?


    The earlier they finish, the earlier they can return, Maomao thought.


    .


    .


    .


    A military conference room had been arranged for them. It was neither spacious nor crampedrather than a conference room, its size was closer to that of an interrogation room.


    Oh, youre here.


    Coming to greet them in front of the room was the familiarrge breed dog, no, Rihaku.


    Ill leave it to you. Dad greeted him politely.


    Yeah, as soon as anything happens, call for me. Theres also another person inside, a secretary, but hes only a civil official, so Rihaku thumped his muscr chest. His personality was refreshing as usual.


    Why is Rihaku-sama here? Maomao asked, tilting her head.


    Its an order from the higher ups. With the people in question being who they are, itll be troublesome if they raise a ruckus right? Youll need a strong guard. But you see, I am acquainted with the triplets and Boku, and moreover, I know you, which is why I was picked.


    I see.


    It was reasonable.


    asionally, a job like this one is a good change of pace.


    The ranking of the tassel on the waist of smiling, nice guy was different tost times.


    You seem to be doing quite well in terms of promotion, she said.


    Yeah, thanks to that, Ive been getting a lot of deskwork.


    She wanted to ask how much higher his ie is now, but that would be rude so lets not. Also, how long until Rihaku can redeem the owner of his heart, Pairin of Rokushoukan*?


    (T/N:  Taihakurou??? Totally a typo here. The author got mixed up with the brothel of another story she wrote (Zegenya Guen) xD)


    Sorry, I know youre in the middle of a conversation, but can I ask a couple of questions? Dad looked at Rihaku.


    Yeah, sorry. By all means.


    You mentioned before that you were acquainted with the triplets, but do you know their individual personalities?


    At Dads question, Rihaku ced his hand on his chin and tilted his head.


    You can ask, but how do I put it? Those three, you can say that theyre sly. They look exactly the same and their voices are really simr. As for their personalities, can you really say theyre simr? I dont know them well enough to tell them apart.


    Hoh. Dad nodded. Do they get along with one another?


    No, I dont think so, Rihaku denied resolutely. In the past, when they messed up at work, I questioned them to see which one was responsible. However, the other two didnt even try to cover for the one who messed up. Instead, there was a dont smear my reputation kind of attitude.


    This messing up at work incident, could they be doing it to avoid being caught or something?


    Do you think they could do it? Put on an act before Raka no, the monocle old man? Rihaku, conscientious as he is, remembered what Maomao told him before.


    The weirdo tactician is a creature who amassed all the bad points of a human being, but he was a cut above the rest in Go and Shogi, as well as his character-seeing eyes.


    It was amusing, that time. Ah, I remembered.


    What?


    I think, among the triplets, two of them spoke truthfully. Though they were self-indulgent and basked in their fathers power, they had no intention of shouldering the punishment themselves. As such, they didnt put on a show of covering up their own mistakes. Provided they dont have a guilty conscience, they probably wont lie.


    Can I take your word for it? Dad asked for confirmation, squinting.


    Even if I ask you to believe me, theres no guarantee Im correct, right? Well, as a tendency, please take it as that I dont think that they would lie to give themselves drawbacks by covering up for the others.


    You are a very honest person.


    D-do you think so?


    Thank you. Well then, if anything happens, Ill have you rush over, Dad said and entered the room.


    Maomao followed him.


    .


    .


    .


    There was one other person inside the room, a man who appeared to be a civil official. He must be the secretary Rihaku mentioned.


    When the secretary noticed Maomao and her dad, he stood up from his seat and bowed. They should be here very soon. Please sit here.


    Excuse me. Dad sat down on the seat. There was a single sheet of document on the table.


    (A threat?)


    It contained information on the triplets official positions and their rtions. It was prepared on the weirdo tacticians orders, but its presence seemed to say others dont have the authority to punish you.


    Well then, what shall we do?


    They will be hearing out the triplets one by one.


    Anyway, the first person showed up, so they had to start the talks.


    Maomao dipped the brush tip in ink in preparation to record the conversation to the best of her abilities.


    There seems to be a misunderstanding, but I have nothing to do with Bokus younger sister.


    Its unthinkable to make a move on a fourteen-year-old little girl. You cant suspect me without evidence though.


    Hm? Where did I go yesterday?


    About that, I was strolling idly around town when I finished work. Anyone can go for a drink at least, right?


    Yesterday, I felt like gulping down some cheap wine, so I headed in a southerly direction.


    I didnt go all the way to the pleasure district. That ce isnt somewhere you can enjoy wine.


    The thunderstorm? (T/N: Just so people know, in Japanese, , refers to both thunder and lightning. I tried to ount for both contextually, but if it reads like someone got sound and light mixed up, Im ountable for it. Let me know if so.)


    Ohh, are you referring to that blinding sh of light?


    It seemed to have crashed down nearby. Not long after I felt the sky light up, there was a loud rumble. It gave me quite a shock.


    When was it?


    It was when the evening bell rang. Since the thunder was heard right after that.


    Yes, thats why it has nothing to do with me,


    The one responsible was one of my younger brothers. Do whatever you want.


    But you know, you should have an inkling as to what will happen if you use one of us as the culprit based on guesswork and no evidence?


    The first person was the eldest son.


    His tone suggested that he didnt believe they knew the identity of the culprit.


    Maomao wrote her notes with irritation.


    Dad was stroking his chin in thought.


    Even if Maomao and the secretary didnt note it down, if its Dad, he can probably memorise every single word without error. He was that capable a person.


    Swapping over with the eldest son was another one with the same face. She looked at the documentthe second son was next. It seems they will be taking turns in an easily understood manner, starting from the oldest.


    Its suuuch a bother. Calling me in while Im in the middle of work for an interrogation, really now. What are you going to do if Im not the culprit?


    Well, Im certain of my own innocence, so let me go back as soon as were done with whatever there is to talk about.


    Where I went yesterday? I was off-duty so I rode around lightly on horseback. I have work the day after so I came back during the evening after a day trip.


    I was tired so I went to sleep as soon as I got back. You know where my ce is, right? If you know who my dad is.


    Is there anyone who can testify?


    Even if you ask that, you wont believe my servants, right?


    Thats how it is.


    I dont think anyone noticed that I left my room.


    What I was doing at the time of the evening bell?


    Aah, that? When it thundered?


    I was shocked. The sky lit up with the sound of the bell, followed by that violent roar of thunder.


    The person ringing the bell was probably surprised as well. If you were standing in such a high ce, it cant be helped if youre struck by lightning.


    Unfortunately, it seems that the worry was unfounded.


    Are we done?


    Im going back to work.


    Whether it was my older brother or my younger brother, please investigate properly, okay?


    Well, of course, I would advise that you think very hard so you dont mess it up.


    This one also spoke in a provocative manner.


    Maomao recorded it on paper, eyes narrowed.


    Dad was nodding as he stroked his chin again.


    She wanted this farce to end soon.


    Interrogation of the third and youngest brother began.


    Needless to say, he had the same face, so she was somewhat tired of it, but bore with it nheless.


    Why am Ist?


    You dont even have to see me if my older brothers already confessed.


    Yeah, can we end this quickly?


    My work has already ended for today.


    Speaking of where I was yesterday, I was working the entire day.


    Yeah, it was around the time I returned home, but some annoying task was forced onto me.


    Something like fetching documents from the archivethey should have asked for a civil official. That weirdo tactician, gosh. No, its nothing. Anyway, I went to retrieve it, but there was a courtdy who caught my eye, so I had some fun chatting with her.


    Which archives, you ask?


    The one on the west side. Military officials dont even go there. Well, shall I be thankful for the new encounter?


    Well, after we did this and that, I ended up staying over time.


    Yeah, I think I was at the archives when the evening bell rang.


    I didnt hear the bell, but, it was probably around that time.


    If its the thunder, I heard that.


    I was holding a letter in both hands, and the sudden sh made me drop it in shock.


    When I stooped down to pick it up, there was a sound like the earth was trembling. That had been really loud.


    How long until I picked it back up?


    I was a little disoriented, but it was at most four, to five seconds?


    I want to go back quickly, so can we leave it at that?


    Okay, then Im going back.


    The three of them were hopeless.


    Maomao got tired from just writing it all down.


    Only Dad that was nodding, looking like he understood.


    The secretary seemed to have more work still; he swiftly wrote a clean copy of his notes.


    Maomao whispered to Dad so the secretary couldnt hear. Dad, do you understand?


    More or less. I wonder if weve gathered all the evidence there is? he said indifferently.


    A question mark hovered above Maomaos face.


    She had intended to learn many things from Dad, but it would seem she still has a long way to go.


    What is going on inside this old eunuchs head?


    Well then, shall we organise all the information once we return? As he supported his unsteady body with a cane, Dad got up from the chair.


    Once outside the room, she saw Rihaku who looked a little disappointed that he didnt get his turn.


    .


    .


    .


    What Dad had asked for as soon as they returned to the medical office was a map of the capital and its surrounding regions.


    Itd be better to borrow one from the archives, she thought, just as Court Physician Ryuu produced his own copy, which was good.


    Dont dirty it, Court Physician Ryuu said.


    Dad, who nned on writing on it, hid the brush.


    Do we have something we can use instead? She looked around and brought back a few small multicoloured ceramic paperweights used to pin down medicine wrapping paper from flying away.


    What are you doing? Yao and Enen showed up.


    It was the end of the workday for the two of them. Court Physician Ryuu also said nothing.


    I was thinking of sorting some of the information. Itd help if you two are also here.


    Since he spoke with some anticipation, Yao turned a little red, turning away as if to say of course.


    Enen carved her mdys actions deep into her heart.


    First, this one. Dad set a red paperweight on the centre of the capital.


    This is?


    Is this where the evening bell was rung?


    Definitely. Its stationed here so it could be heard all over the capital.


    As the second son of the triplets had said, the bell was in a ce resembling a sentry watchtower.


    Next, Dad ced three navy blue paperweights down. This is where the eldest son imed he was, this is the home the second son mentioned, and this is the third sons western archives.


    So everyone imed to be at different locations during the incident.


    Thats right. From Bokus conversation, his younger sister had been around here. Dad pointed to the red paperweight. It was just at the row of shops.


    Some eye-witnesses would be good, but none of the three have any. Do you know who is lying? Maomao made sure to speak with a little more politeness to Dad so she wouldnt get scolded this time.


    Yeah. But before that, shall we organise some of the information Dad looked at the three courtdies. Does everyone remember the thunder from yesterday?


    Yes, it was a dreadful sound, Yao said.


    Since it was so close to the lodgings, Enen said.


    The lodgings, located in the northwest of the capital, wasnt very far from the northwestern forest.


    It was around here. Dad set a blue paperweight on the map.


    And the ce where the lightning struck was He set down a yellow paperweight.


    knh v7c9 diagram


    Maomao and the others blinked. They couldnt grasp what he was trying to do.


    May I ask another question? Dad asked.


    Go ahead.


    The lightning, the thunder and the sound of the evening bell, do you know the order in which they took ce?


    Enen raised her hand energetically. First the sky lit up. Then, it thundered around three seconds after. I think the evening bell was around the same time. Since the earth rumbled at the same time the bell rang.


    You have a good memory. Dad was in awe.


    Maomao understood that Enens memory was vividly engraved with the sensation of Yao clinging to her.


    That was all there was.


    (Why did Dad ask about that?)

 Volume 7, Chapter 9-2: Thunder Latter Part (2/2)

    [T/N: Yeah, okay. That didnt take long at all xD Good job, guys!]


    Heres the second part of the chapter.


    Maomao looked at the map and checked the cement of the paperweights.


    (!?)


    Maomao checked the details she had recorded just then.


    She looked at each of the testimonies; the oldest son, the second son, and the third son.


    Maomao, whats wrong?


    What are your thoughts when you read this?


    She showed Yao the description. Mostly the part about the thunder.


    hm? Isnt it kind of strange? Yao studied the eldest sons description. Enen, take a look. Isnt it strange? The order here is different, right?


    Putting the eldest sons descriptions together: After the sky lit up, the evening bell rang, and the thunder followed.


    Ah, this one too.


    The second sons description had: The sky lit up at the same time the bell rang, and then there was the violent sound of thunder.


    Only this one is consistent. But we dont know when the evening bell rang.


    The third sons description had: After the sky lit up, there was thunder that resembled the earth tremoring about four to five secondster.


    Could the eldest son and second son be lying?


    No, thats not it. Maomao refuted Yaos words.


    (I see, is that how it is?)


    Maomao looked at Dad.


    Dad, with a gentle expression, seemed to be looking to see if the three of them had arrived at the answer.


    At least, two people have not lied.


    If Rihakus words are to be believed. It seems even though therge breed dog never got his turn, he provided them with some interesting information indeed.


    The triplets will not cover for one another.


    With that in mind, aside from the one who made a move on Bokus younger sister, if they didnt have a guilty conscience, they had no reason to lie.


    In that case.


    Maomao, please exin what it all means, Enen asked.


    Maomao looked at Dad softly. Dad smiled, Please exin.


    Hearing that, Maomao didnt want to provide the wrong answer. She took a deep breath. She organised her mind to exin in a way that was easy to understand.


    Yao-san and Enen, do you know how far or close the thunder was?


    Something like that, soundes after light Yao is also inherently a bright child. With some prompting, she realised the answer. What youre saying is, the closer the lighting is, the faster we hear the sound?


    Dad nodded. Along with that, the louder the sound, the closer it is.


    Yaopared the descriptions by the three people.


    Her brows knitted together. I dont know the chronological order. The thunder aside, the sound of the bell is mismatched.


    She also understood the reason for the confusion.


    However, Maomao thought of it like this:


    If the timing of the thunder depends on distance, wouldnt the same logic apply for the bell sound?


    If that were the case, she understood why the two sounds were heard in that order


    With that in mind, only one persons descriptions stood out as odd.


    Was it the second son? If he were at home during the thunder yesterday, it would be a contradiction.


    Enen ascertained the position of the yellow, red and navy stones with her finger.


    Its an estimated distance, but if he were at home, it would be strange for him to hear the bell at around the same time as the lightning.


    The location of the bell was far from the house where the second son was. It was around the same distance away as the lodgings Maomao and the others stayed in, so the sound should be dyed by a couple of seconds after the sh.


    And yet, if he had heard it at roughly the same time


    The ce where the second son was


    It was not far from where the red paperweight was ced.


    The testimony about the thunder wasnt a lie specifically. That became his downfall.


    In other words, it ended up being the ce where Bokus sister was called out by one of the triplets.


    . Maomao and the others looked at Dad.


    Did Dad ask them that initially with this in mind?


    (Who determines someones location by sound?)


    It was utterly inconceivable.


    Even the other party didnt think of such a thing, having honestly given their testimony about the thunder.


    Well then, theres also the secretarys notes. Ill go to Boku-sans ce and gift him with this. Of course, theres a chance that the culprit will be unreasonable regardless.


    Hup, Dad stood up.


    why is such an amazing person a eunuch?


    Maomao silently agreed with the words Yao suddenly uttered, as Dad, who had a bad leg, supported his body.


    For the insolent individuals who caused Dad to fall over, he went on to request for all of them, not just the second son, to receive punishment.

 Volume 7, Chapter 10: Go Tournament – Morning Of The First Day

    Maomao beat the bandages with an audible p.


    The dried, white bandages fluttered in the autumn breeze, reflecting the blue sky. A blue sky devoid of clouds. The skies have stayed clear ever since the heavy rain from the other day.


    The temperature will start to drop quickly from here on, so washing duty will probably be more tedious. Enen, who lived for herdy, was researching the making of salves to prevent Yaos skin from bing rough.


    Other than the asional annoyance, the generally peaceful times continued.


    (What was that drawing about?)


    Maomao suddenly remembered a certain drawing. The ominous drawing by the girl called Jazuguru.


    Speaking of which, the Western Priestess remained in Rii, but was she livingfortably? Of course, it was Ah Duo who was entrusted with this responsibility, so nothing strange wille of it


    However, she once again felt that Ah Duo, as a former consort, was bearing the entire weight of this countrys darkness.


    The surviving children of the Shi n; though informally, the grandchild of the previous emperor and niece of the current emperor, Suirei; and the Shaou Priestess who was considered dead.


    The beauty in male-garb handled everything wlessly, but how does everyone around her see it? No, naturally, it was all under the veil of secrecy, so she didnt think it would be exposed so simply.


    However, the imperial court is a terrifying ce, filled with those with excessively sensitive noses.


    (Itll be fine as long as its not sniffed out by weird people)


    Caught in her musings, Maomao suddenly poured the leftover water in the tub into the canal.


    .


    .


    .


    We have no work for the entire day, Court Physician Ryuu remarked, dumbfounded.


    The sound of crickets chirping filled the medical office. Usually, injured military officials would be arriving in droves around this time.


    Theres nothing we can do if theyre just following the suprememanders lead by skipping out. The young court physician shed a wry smile, looking somewhat disappointed. He clutched a Go book in one hand.


    More civil officials are skipping, it seems. There was even a dispute over whose turn it was to take a day off. The military officials have it easier, they can just use going out on patrol as an excuse.


    Maomao knew about it. About how desperate this young physician was for a day off, but had to show up for work in the end.


    Since the medical office requires a minimum number of working court physicians at one time,pared to other departments, it was harder to take days off.


    If theres no work for us to do, can I go home?


    Such feeble protests were ineffective against Court Physician Ryuu. You have free time. How aboutpounding some medicine that are low in stock? He smiled cruelly.


    Upon hearing the wordpound, Maomaos eyes lit up and she started edging towards Court Physician Ryuu. What shall we make?


    Ah, yeah, sorry, I can see that youre keen, but. Court Physician Ryuu carried over a cloth pouch. Go on an errand for me.


    Maomaos expression turned displeased in an instant.


    What did you say? Mind sharing it with this old man?


    Dont be absurd, she replied monotonously. Apparently, it reflected on her face.


    I-if its that errand, I can.


    You cant.


    The young court physician was shot downpletely. Because Maomao was the one nominated, the person herself became uneasy about what it could mean.


    Deliver it to this ce. Court Physician Ryuu took out a map and indicated a location to her. It was a za in one block of the capital. It was near the shop where Lady Pai had disyed her magic previously.


    here? she asked.


    No need to look so reluctant.


    Speaking of she why she was unwilling, the za was smack bang in the middle of that programme. A Go event. Needless to say, she could imagine just who was going to be there.


    Court Physician Kan should also be there. Hes off-duty, so he took the initiative to go out. Its not his job.


    Somehow, Maomao understood what he was implying.


    With so many people, even if theyre just ying Go, some people are still bound to feel unwell. I hesitate to bother the court physician under normal circumstances, but after all, this is the type of situation where we should ask for help, right?


    How contrived.


    Perhaps, most of this can be attributed to arrangements made by Rahan, as the organiser of this entire tournament. Allegedly, the weirdo tactician was eager to y Go, but since his intentions in doing so are unclear, they probably decided to take precautionary measures.


    Dad wouldnt refuse them, and even Maomao was exploited and forced along by Court Physician Ryuu.


    (Good for nothing.)


    Even though due to Enens interest in Go, Maomao hade to work on purpose so that she can take the day off together with Yao.


    Youll do it properly since its work, right?


    Since Court Physician ced emphasis on those words, Maomao could only nod.


    Lets ignore the profoundly envious look the young court physician was giving her.


    .


    .


    .


    Even without a map, Maomao could find her way to the hall just by looking at the streams of people carrying Go books.


    Crowds of people, irrespective of age or gender, gathered around the rows of Go boards at the za. There were a sorry amount of sunshade cloths, and crude setups where games boards were stacked atop wooden boxes.


    (But then.)


    The impressive gathering of people made even the tacky venue appear splendid. Restaurants on the main street had set up stands all the way along. Children demanded baked sweets from their mothers.


    Go rted merchandise on sale included even Shogi, the leaf game* and mahjong. On top of that, ornament shops had also moved over for business. Even those with no interest in Go were lured in by the crowds.


    (*, yezixi. The granddaddy of card games from Tang Dynasty China. Madiao, the wiki link, is said to be the modern variant of it. ystyle is kinda like poker.)


    (All of which appears to be Rahans handiwork)


    It was that business loving bastrd. No doubt he had charged location fees.


    As Maomao weaved through the crowd, she came across familiar faces.


    Yao-san. Enen.


    As expected, the two of them were here. Yao was applying salve to a childs skinned knee. Enen was giving an old man hot water.


    Maomao, what happened to work? Yao cast her a dubious look.


    Court Physician Ryuu sent me on an errand. Rather than that, I want to know what you two are up to.


    Ahh, its your esteemed brothers fault.


    Maomaos eyes narrowed at Yaos words.


    He rounded up Court Physician Kan, who was meant to have a day-off, and wanted us to help out as well, since one person wasnt enough hands to go around.


    You couldve just refused.


    Apologies to Dad, but these two are off duty. They have no obligation to do the same work as in the medical office. To begin with, this sort of thing shouldnt be left to Dad, Yao or Enen, but to the town doctors.


    And to use Maomao as well.


    Sounds like something the stingy Rahan would do.


    You should ask for money. It bothered Maomao. That pair of sses with unruly hair is charging an exorbitant sum of money.


    Im okay with it. Im not interested in Go anyway, Yao said.


    Finished with applying the salve on the child, she called out Done.


    Thank you, big sis. The child thanked Yao.


    (Hoho.)


    Yao being Yao, waved at the child with a smile. And then, noticing Maomaos gaze, her face stiffened.


    Enen lifted her index finger, as if saying See, our youngdy is adorable.


    If youre on an errand, you need to go to Court Physician Kan, right? Hes over there though. Yao pointed towards the theatre. It was quite arge building, one often used to host events.


    Actually, it seems they nned to hold the entire event in there, but


    There were Go boards set up along the za. No matter how you look at it, there were too many people.


    I would like to say its been a huge sess, but no matter what, this is overdoing it.


    Its fine to expand the venue all the way to the za on short notice, but there were issues with that n.


    There were injured people, as well as those who feel unwell.


    The elderly man Enen had been nursing seemed to have recovered. With a toothless smile, he covered his head with a hand towel, since he was going back to y Go, and drank another cup of water. Although it has cooled down, today was a sunny day. It wouldnt be strange to faint from the sun exposure.


    Of course, its not that Dad isnt aware of this. There are people walking around the Go yers bearingrge bottles and bowls. When a Go yer raises their hand, theyd pour out a bowl and pass it over.


    Though it was simple, they also prepared means of sun protection, so they must be doing the best they could.


    Ah, Maomao. Enen drew closer and whispered into her ear. Besides Court Physician Kan, Grand Marshal Kan is also over there.


    Maomao looked at the package in her hands with an extremely unpleasant expression.


    I was going to offer to go in your stead, but personally, I want Maomao to go.


    why?


    Once this job is over, Enen wants you to let her y one game against the grand marshal, Yao said.


    Yes. Its an honour, Enen said.


    In other words, it seems they were telling her to go to the weirdo tactician obediently.


    Allowing you to y for free, really.


    (No, wouldnt that just be a steal?)


    Its a sum we would hesitate to pay given our wages, Yao said.


    (No, Yaos after-meal dessert is also quite expensive.)


    All the dim sums jam-packed with ingredients for beauty, health and chest growing she ate every day were high-ss goods; does she know how much it costs per month?


    (Shes probably being kept in the dark.)


    As expected of Enen.


    To minimisemotion, people who win thrice in the za will enter the theatre. And people who win another three times in the theatre will be given the right to challenge the grand marshal.


    You can y if you pay? The fastest way is to y six boutswouldnt that be very time consuming? Maomao tilted her head at Enen.


    Yes, upon winning you gain the right to challenge. Also, the tournament will continue till tomorrow. Understandably, six wins are considered difficult, so itll be truly fortuitous if I can receive guidance.


    Does she think its gonna be a walk in the park? Maomao was surprised. Moreover, the second day would be tomorrowMaomao was off-duty.


    (Ill definitely be called out.)


    Maomao spat out a keh as she headed towards the main venue: the theatre.

 Volume 7, Chapter 11: Maamei’S Day

    And with that, were done.


    Finished with her task, Maamei stretched herself. After distributing the towering stack of documents to those tasked with sorting it in the first ce, the office became much cleaner than before.


    The current upants of the room consisted of Maamei and one other person. The one staying in the partitioned section of the room, her younger brotherBaryou.


    Ryou, you done yet? She spoke casually, as it was just the two of them.


    Ill be by the end of today, but


    With no one else there, Baryou was also speaking casually. Unexpectedly, he poked his head out, his features very much like those of a weakling. Of course, when ites to this particr younger brother, he refuses to even show himself to strangers, let alone speak to them.


    I should be making a joke out of this, but Im out of ideas.


    What have you thought up?


    Baryou passed a page over to her.


    Is that all?


    What?


    I expected more from you.


    Ahh, Im sorry.


    Her younger brother hated people, but that didnt mean that he wouldnt think up ideas to prank people in his spare time. She might be biased, but only his brain is good. If only her other younger brother gave him a bit of his excessive sturdiness, it would have been perfect.


    Were already toote to set this up, so well just leave it for next year.


    Are you sure?


    I think its pointless even if you do. Maamei took out a sheet of paper from her bosom. Details of the Competition were printed on it.


    Ahhh, there was such a thing.


    In the meantime, you can focus on this, okay?


    will it be okay?


    He hid himself back behind the partition, so only his worried voice could be heard. Going by the sound of pages being flipped, it seems he had no intentions of taking a break.


    You can fool people on other days of the year too, you know?


    .


    Im sorry.


    Ill stop now.


    m(_ _)m


    All the way from the top again, the real chapter starts now:


    And with that, were done.


    Finished with her task, Maamei stretched herself. After distributing the towering stack of documents to those tasked with sorting it in the first ce, the office became much cleaner than before.


    The current upants of the room consisted of Maamei and one other person. The one staying in the partitioned section of the room, her younger brotherBaryou.


    Ryou, you done yet? She spoke casually, as it was just the two of them.


    Ill be done by today.


    With no one else there, Baryou was also speaking casually. Unexpectedly, he poked his head out, his features very much like those of a weakling. Of course, when ites to this particr younger brother, he refuses to even show himself to strangers, let alone speak to them.


    Theres something different mixed in here.


    Show me?


    Baryou passed a page over to her.


    Isnt this Grand Marshal Kans matter?


    Kan?


    The Ra person.


    Ahh, the weirdo tactician.


    Her younger brother hated people, but memorised everyones names and departments. She might be biased, but only his brain is good. If only her other younger brother gave him a bit of his excessive sturdiness, it would have been perfect.


    If theres no rush, just bring it to himter.


    Are you sure?


    I think its pointless even if you do. Maamei took out a sheet of paper from her bosom. Details of the Go tournament were printed on it.


    Ahhh, there was such a thing.


    He wont be working while hes organising it, right?


    will he be okay? He hid himself back behind the partition, so only his worried voice could be heard. Going by the sound of pages being flipped, it seems he had no intentions of taking a break.


    Isnt he reaping what he sowed?


    Supposedly, the weirdo tactician, that is, Kan Rakan, didnt get along with the Prince of the Moon. Maybe because of that, he was the one who pushed the most work onto the Prince of the Moon. Lately, Maameis job consisted of off-loading the mountain of documents onto him.


    Apparently, there were many protests at the start, but Rakans side managed to skilfully deflect them every time. He had a cunning subordinate, who always talked them out of it.


    At the moment, that particr subordinate was working for a third party big shot after being headhunted. Thanks to that, Maamei was able to firmly distribute the workload.


    Indeed, the Prince of the Moon was probably also enraged by that. The other day, he came to Maamei, dering Cant you make sure he does the work properly? Moreover, he instructed her to use whatever means avable.


    Being told to use everything at her disposal, Maamei had various ways to aplish it.


    The easiest way would be to use the Prince of the Moons influence to make use of courtdies in the area, but lets hold back. Indeed, she mustnt exploit her masters name like that.


    Therefore, she used Rakans weakness instead.


    Mostly, she used Kan Ruomen, Rakans uncle. The old court physician apologetically went to reprimand his freeloading nephew. In the end, under the threat of being fed carrot congee whenever he cked off, he became quite cooperative.


    Of course, the matter wasnt resolved so easily. Rakan started going on a rampage again in thest few days, so she tried a different tactic.


    It was regarding the Go tournament being held today. He tried to hold it in the imperial court on his own ord at first, but the Prince of the Moon put a stop to that. Instead, a different venue was prepared, but the issue was, since it was in the middle of town, the crowds wererger than expected.


    And so, he suggested using the za near the value, but that required permission from a national level. Ovepping with the rush of the few days before the tournament, the Prince of the Moon was the one who affixed the seal.


    As one would expect, he settled down as he wanted the tournament he organised to seed. The Prince of the Moon said he couldnt grant them permission if Rakan allowed work to umte.


    And so, the weirdo tactician worked diligently as if spears were falling out of the sky for the past couple of days, so the military became chaotic for a time.


    Thanks to that, the Prince of the Moon was able to return home from work ahead of time. For today as well as yesterday, he was taking a break for the first time in how many months?


    Even so, its a mystery.


    What is a mystery, Ryou? she responded to the voice behind the partition.


    About why there is a Go tournament. I thought the grand marshal preferred, not to mention is better at, Shogi.


    isnt he good at Go as well?


    Hes good. Its said that only the Grand Master of Go could beat him. But Baryou paused to think. Hes unbeatable in Shogi. A monster.


    A monster, you say.


    Its as if Baryou was saying the weirdo tactician lives in a different world.


    The world the grand marshal sees is surely different from ours. Hesplex, bizarre and very interesting. Perhaps due to that, he finds it difficult to distinguish between the people around him, who are far too simplistic inposition.


    You say it as if you know all about it. Maamei snuck a peek at her younger brother from the other side of the partition.


    Swamped by documents, Baryou was rapidly clearing his workspace with no signs of his hand stopping.


    The Civil Examinations, you know, is full of those types of people. I felt like a mediocre person amidst them.


    If youre mediocre, what does that make me?


    Older sister is older sister, a wife and a mother.


    Arent I extremely normal then?


    She was working right now, but she had children at home. They had a wet nurse and was weaned as well, so it was fine.


    Her husband is a military official; she wasnt sure whether he was working now or sneaking a peek at the Go tournament. Hes a good man, who allowed Maamei to work again, so she wont pursue the matter.


    Being normal is hard Im very envious. Sighing deeply, Baryou retrieved a bamboo pipe filled with tea from a drawer and drank from it. Its because hes scared of spilling from a teacup. Thats why I dont understand.


    Dont understand what? Maamai was about to ask and stopped.


    Why is that person who is not a person, obsessed with gaining something from the likes of a tournament?


    Since Baryou, wearing a look of utter iprehension, went back to work, Maamei poked her face into the partition.


    I have something else to do now, will you be okay alone? If anythinges up, tell the guard outside.


    understood, big sister.


    Although she felt a little uneasy, Maamei left the office.


    .


    .


    .


    She wanted to say that her work waspleted with this, but she still had one more task.


    She headed to the Prince of the Moons pce. As it was close to the inner court, she had to pass through various gates as well as present her proof of passage.


    At a nce, the pce looked too in for the residence of the imperial brother. However, the materials it was built with were all of special grade. If there were any officials here who wouldugh at it for being simple, you can dere that they are blind to the bad taste of the nouveau rich.


    She showed her face to the guards of the pce and was granted passage.


    As soon as she entered, a pleasant sweet fragrance filled the air. She followed the aroma to the kitchen. A middle-age woman was cooking baked pastries on a square container.


    Wee. The middle-aged woman, Suiren, smiled.


    Thank you for your hospitality. After greeting her courteously, Maamei looked to the baked pasties. This looks delicious.


    Yes. Ive done well, but Im baking a couple more. I also have what I made several days ago, so I want you topare them and tell me which one tastes the best.


    My goodness.


    It was a side benefit for Maamei, but she must not forget her work. She mustnt think of bringing some souvenirs for her children. But, thinking of their happy faces as they ate, her face suddenly softened.


    Is something wrong?


    N-no. You have steamed ones as well as baked ones.


    Yes. The steamed ones have better shapes, but the baked ones definitely stand out in terms of aroma.


    The lightly charred ones seem to have been baked in the shape of mooncakes.


    Suiren sliced it with a kitchen knife and passed it to her.


    It was stuffed with a lot of dried fruit, but had a different texture to mooncake.


    Yes, and this too.


    She was passed a steamed one. This one had a fluffy texture, but because of that, the fragrance was diminished.


    Can you bake it in the shape of the steamed ones?


    Indeed so. Thats what I thought. Suiren took out the pastry that had been ced in a square mold. She cut it and passed it to Maamei.


    This one is good. Maameifound herself smiling. It was fluffy, andbined with the consistency of walnut, the sweet vours of jujube and raisins gradually filled her mouth. Along with the buttery notes, it was mixed with another type of sweetness.


    And then, what I have been setting aside for three days.


    Maamei put it in her mouth. The dough waspletely suffused with fruity vours. Perhaps to prevent it from drying out, the surface was coated with a sweet juicethis too, was moist and delicious.


    .Can I bring some back for my children? she inadvertently said. Oh no, Maamei found herself holding her mouth.


    Oh my. In that case, these are no good. As for the ones over here, you can take as many as you want.


    How many did she make? After opening the shelf, she was faced with rows upon rows of different types of pastries, all made in different ways.


    What you are eating now is for the young master tomorrow, you see.


    I, I see. Maamei, feeling a little disappointed, ate thest crumbs. I was unsure about which one is good, but theres no problem with this. Thank you.


    No problem. But, is it okay to end your work for today here?


    Yes, its fine to take a break from time to time. Since the children dont give me any trouble, Ill end up forgetting their faces if I dont see them.


    It was painful to admit. She liked working, but of course, her children were adorable.


    Um, wheres the Prince of the Moon? Maamei asked.


    If he was around, she nned to greet him before she left, but Suiren shook her head.


    Hes been studying with a tutor for the entire day. Please dont bother him. Of course, considering tomorrows matters, Ill have him sleep early, so dont worry, Suiren answered.


    Well, I definitely have to go see the Go tournament.


    Maamei knew he was studious, so she didnt find it particrly strange.


    Ahh. Thats right, I havent mentioned it to you yet. Maamei, wont you be the young masters maid? Youll pick up the work style quickly since the young master returns early.


    I think it will be difficult for me to be a maid. I have children.


    In that case, she would always be with Suiren. What kind of person Suiren wasshe had heard many tales from her mother who was the wet nurse of the Prince of the Moon, being friends, so she felt that it was impossible.


    I see. Thats a pity. Then well have to look for another maid, Suiren said, not sounding disappointed in the least. It was as if she already had other possibilities in mind.


    With the pastries packaged, Maamei left the pce.


    A pleasant aroma wafted from the package, but she felt that it was somehow unsatisfactorypared what she had eaten just then.


    How mysterious, she thought, looking up at the sky.


    Looks like itll be sunny tomorrow too.


    While pondering over whether this Go tournament business will be sessful, she looked down at the package of baked pastries. When the happy faces of her children came to mind, her face naturally rxed into a smile.

 Volume 7, Chapter 12: Go Tournament – Morning Of The Second Day

    I want to go back.


    Maomao thought as she mixed honey and salt into the water.


    The location was the same as yesterdays: the za where the Go tournament is held. Maomao was at the edge of the theatre, earnestly making drinks.


    Even though she was meant to work yesterday and take the day off today. Even though she nned onzing around the lodgings while reading a book she borrowed off Court Physician Ryuu.


    She was back here again.


    Yao and Enen are currently keeping herpany after being sent by Court Physician Ryuu, just like Maomao was yesterday. Enen liked Go, so she found the work enjoyable.


    Maomao was grateful for their presence, but Dad had said to her, You stay here, so she was stuck at the theatre by herself.


    The reason for that goes without saying.


    She didnt want to think about what happened when she was brought here yesterday.


    Lets just say, as usual, that old man raised a ruckus, that old man yelled, and Dad had to pacify him.


    A great number of Go boards were set up inside therge theatre. Purportedly, contestants will firstpete outside for several matches, and those with consecutive wins will move onto the stage.


    Only a handful of people made it that far yesterday, so they yed against the weirdo tactician one by one.


    The number of victors had increased today, so the weirdo is currently ying against three people simultaneously.


    Wouldnt he get confused, she thought. But that aspect of him, though rotten, was just like the weirdo. He struggles with everyday tasks, but sure enough, every challenger was leaving the Go board with bowed heads, one after another.


    asionally, he would look in her direction and wave, but Maomao ignored him.


    Maomao, youre all done? Yao came over with a kettle.


    Yes. I want some citrus since theyre running out. Maomao carefully poured the honey infused drinks shed just made into the kettle.


    Understood, Yao said.


    Also.


    What?


    Shall we switch? Maomao was the only one inside. She felt bad that Yao and Enen were running around outside.


    Ahh, its okay. No problem. Yao pushed out her bountiful chest as if to say dont worry, you can leave it to us.


    Leaving that aside, do we have enough snack refill?


    Whilst keeping a lookout for participants who may have copsed, they also handed out snacks. Apparently, it was already included in the entry fee.


    We might run out soon. Maomao snuck a nce at the weirdo tactician. There was a mountain of mooncakes and steamed buns next to that guy.


    He liked to eat sweet things when using his brain to y board games, it would seem.


    Supposedly, that was the reason behind the distribution of snacks, but it was probably Rahans idea. The steamed buns and mooncakes were filled with sweet potato.


    The use of sweet potato was probably intended to encourage its uptake given it has yet to appear on the market.


    Its innate sweetness should lower production costs associated with added sugar.


    By the way, the snacks were also avable on food carts for non-participants to enjoy. How cunning.


    Whats it like outside? Maomao asked.


    Nothing much? Just fights between people who keep losing and children falling over in the crowds and getting hurt.


    Fighting?


    It ends with minor injuries. Since military officials are loitering around and skipping out to be here, theyre resolved quickly. In this case, are they considered to be working, or not working? Yao picked up the filled kettle with a look of surprise. Then Ill add sweeteners and citrus.


    Yes, Ill leave it to you. Maomao saw Yao off.


    Sis, I won.


    Maomao was being called, so she went to receive the new participant at the entrance of the theatre.


    (Employ someone else to be the receptionist at least.)


    Rahan allocated tasks to his liking before disappearing off somewhere.


    The old man at the entrance passed her the tags bearing the names of opponents he defeated.


    You receive the opponents tag upon winning. Once youve collected three tags, you are told to move to the main venue.


    However, there are different types of wins. Some participants choose to reach their three wins by onlypeting against weak opponents. When she asked him if it was allowed, Rahan said only As long as the entry fee is paid, theres no problem.


    (Either way, the weak ones are beaten ck and blue.)


    When you lose once, you must once again return to the za.


    Maomao passed him a new tag, a drink and a mooncake.


    The people on the right are waiting topete. Please y against them at once.


    You cannot pick your opponent. The old man made a look of distaste but reluctantly moved to sit on the right.


    If he had voiced any words of dissent, shed have him leave immediately.


    To make sure he doesnt try to pull anything, a number of the weirdos subordinates were on standby alongside Dad.


    Excuse me, may I have a refill of mooncakes? A timid looking man said to Maomao.


    Not a participant. It was the man who recently became the substitute for the weirdos subordinate, Rikuson. A man of average build, he didnt seem like a military official.


    Rikuson is a gentle man with a self-assured personality, but this one had the air of a pushover.


    Understood, Maomao said.


    Did he eat it all already? With a look of surprise, she handed over the small amount of steamed buns left overboriously. Here you go.


    N-no, um. The subordinate looked like he had something difficult to say. can you bring it over to Rakan-sama?


    I-Im sorry. You seem busy so Ill do it myself.


    As soon as he saw Maomaos face, he retreated. Good. He understands.


    Maomao ah


    She heard a sad voice.


    It was Dad.


    Dont make such a face, he said.


    Such a face, you say. Maomao rxed her face. It seems her temple was throbbing and her lips were terribly twisted.


    Im sorry. Apologising to the subordinate, Dad looked towards the old man concerned. Has Rakan been feeling unwelltely?


    You can tell? The subordinate looked at Dad.


    Rakan-sama seemed to be looking forward to todays tournament, that he, so, so unusually, to the point that it was truly unbelievable, yes, very, worked extremely hard.


    .


    How much does he work normally?


    Normally he woulde to work at noon and leave right before the sun sets, but he was in the office like other people, and moreover, didnt take any naps.


    That child is working hard, considering. Normally he would sleep half the day away.


    So he finally turned into an average person.


    Dad stared at the weirdo tactician.


    Maomao wasnt entirely sure herself, but apparently that thing gets tired too.


    It was hard to tell since he was extremely lively when ying Go.


    Hell probably start work from tomorrow onwards, but my apologies, can you allow him some time to sleep? If he doesnt get enough sleep, his judgement ability will plummet all at once.


    What judgement. Seems to me hes rampaging on the regr, Maomao murmured, and Dad lowered his brows a little destely.


    Dad is somewhat soft on the weirdo.


    Maomao, Im going to walk around outside.


    Understood. Call me if anythinges up.


    He could probably just leave the apprehending to a nearby military official.


    Rahans intention in calling Maomao and Dad over was to use them to buffer the weirdo tacticians antics. He was behaving himself right now, and it was more important for Dad to check for any unwell people outside.


    There are a lot of people, so be careful, she said.


    Ill be fine.


    So he said, but Dad had a disabled leg and was walking with a cane. While worrying over him being pushed around by the crowd and falling over,she picked up a mooncake.


    They should have prepared rice crackers as well.


    It was delicious, but she wanted something saltyas she entertained such whimsical thoughts, she decided to make more honey infused drinks.

 Volume 7, Chapter 13: Go Tournament – Noon Of The Second Day

    Come noon, three individuals had fallen sick from getting too absorbed in the games, two made a scene by starting a fight over ims of cheating, and a child fell over after bumping into bystanders.


    The numbers in the main venue fluctuated, some of whom were there for the second or third time.


    Isnt he being swindled?


    Maomao said, looking at a man who made an entrance for the fourth time.


    No such thing, Rahan responded to Maomaos muttering. The organiser of this merriment was very pleased with himself.


    Maomao narrowed her eyes at the unruly-haired round sses. Youre just making me work.


    Ill be paying you your wage properly. Ive confirmed that theres profit.


    So thats the reason for his good mood.


    The person just now is an expert, even if hes earning money for wine at the corner of the bar.


    Hmmph. Maomao checked the amount of steamed buns and teacups in stock, as if to say she had no interest whatsoever.


    Come on. Cant you show a little more interest? You wont say Woah, thats amaaazing, or You know just about everything, huhhh, will you? Not cute at all.


    Even if I say that, you wont take it as apliment, right?


    Yeah, Id feel like Im being made fun of.


    In other words, its best to refrain from handing outpliments carelessly in the first ce.


    In your case, above all else, you believe that those who use ttery are the ones to be cautious of, right?


    You know me so well, little sister.


    . Maomao ignored him. This guy is a natural born talker. Even if she retorted, hed just return the favour noisily.


    This is boring as is, Rahan spread his hands and lifted his shoulders.


    He now makes a living ying Go for stakes, but he taught Go to the elite in the past.


    Maomao could guess as to why it was in the past tense. In other words, he lost his job after being beaten to within an inch of his life by a nasty old man?


    Correct. Esteemed adoptive father obliterated his pride one way or another by forcing him to y against a certain magnate. As a result, he suffered an utter defeat at their hands.


    Poor guy.


    It must be a nuisance to have to return, and thene back each time he won.


    Suddenly, Maomao had an unpleasant premonition. dont tell me. Could it be that those who hold a grudge against the old man have gathered here in this tournament? Thats why there are so many challengers?


    In that case, she could see why so many military officers were on patrol.


    Half right. We have to be on guard as he could be stabbed any time. Provided he doesnt perish instantly from a stab to the heart, Grand uncle-sama will do whatever he can in retaliation.


    Dont summon Dad for such an absurd matter. Maomao stomped on Rahans toes.


    Ow owowow! Cut it out, stahp.


    More injured people will just create more work, so she lifted her foot.


    And the other half? Maomao continued the conversation curtly.


    Rahan raised his leg and rubbed his toes. only the Grandmaster of Go has won against esteemed adoptive father. As the challenger, it was rumoured that he was acknowledged by esteemed adoptive father as the winner.


    Recognised, huh.


    The man sees the visages of others as Go stones. Even if its a little petty, some trickery should suffice.


    And apparently, that rumour The slender eyes behind Rahans sses narrowed further into slits. Somehow became If you win against Kan Rakan, he will listen to one request of yours.


    Maomao closed her gaping mouth. Who would im something so absurd?


    I wonder. Rahan averted his eyes.


    Maomao was eighty to ny percent sure this guy right here is the source of that rumour. It seems he was willing to do anything as long as money is involved.


    indeed, to think that there are busybodies whod believe such a rumour.


    Is this the reception area?


    From above, resounded a voice like the music of heaven.


    She looked up.


    A man donning a sweltering mask was smiling with squinted eyes.


    On the reception tabley the tags signifying three consecutive wins.


    Rahan, although looking disappointed with the mask, stared at the man. Even with his face hidden behind the mask, Rahan probably knew his identity.


    Here you go. The participation prize. Maomao set down the tea and a mooncake.


    Ill take the tea. Im good with the teacake. Mypanion will be bringing snacks, so bring them to meter.


    yes. Please line up over there topete.


    Because she knew who she was talking to, she had no choice but to say Yes.


    Rahan was smiling. As long as the other party is attractive, theres no need to differentiate between men and women.


    Therell definitely be busybodies who believe in the rumour, right?


    See? How about that?Rahans face had taken on such an expression, so she stomped on his toes again.

 Volume 7, Chapter 14: Go Tournament – Evening Of The Second Day

    The masked man, otherwise known as Jinshi, faced off against his next opponenta portly old man.


    Although he was misconstrued as a masked weirdo, they yed Go against each other. It was an effortless win.


    Ive been told he was good in his own way, but it seems I was mistaken. Hes considerably good, Rahan said.


    You think so? Maomao had served Jinshi for a while, but hadnt seen him y much Go during that time. Hes naturally gifted to begin with, so she considered his skills to be above those of the average person. Wasnt the old man just weak?


    Because Jinshi had won so easily, suspicions of the old man engaging in foul y in his earlier matches arose.


    Seems like it. How lucky.


    Lowering his head before the Go board, Jinshi moved on to a new opponent.


    Arent you going to penalise the old man who made it this far by cheating? she asked.


    Penalise the frequent customer who pays the participation fee every time he loses?


    Cant be helped.


    Im joking. Either way, as long as he pays, he has the opportunity to challenge esteemed adoptive father. There shouldnt be an issue with that.


    arent you nning to charge more money after he finally wins?


    Competing and teaching are different in nature, right? Well, I dont know if esteemed adoptive father knows the meaning of teaching, but Ill make sure Enen meets with him the day after. Rahan nced over to the weirdo tactician.


    The day after? Not today after the tournament finishes? she asked.


    Yeah. He might reach his limit soon. From the looks of it, hell fall asleep as soon as it ends. Rahan started to flick his mental abacus.


    Shed heard from Dad that the weirdo tactician sleeps half the day away, but was he some kid who dozes off as soon as he finishes his chores?


    She knows of an illness where one would fall asleep suddenly, but in that old mans case, its probably something else.


    Those who I already received an advanced payment from will visit the day after. No, itll be problematic to bring them separately, so Ill wake him up somehow after getting him to sleep once, no, thats impossible


    You money grubber. Maomao shifted her gaze to Jinshi with a look of surprise. His next opponent had been decided, it seemed.


    He probably wont win against that guy.


    It was the former pro old man she saw from before.


    What is he thinking, showing up to such arge tournament, she thought as she watched the match from a distance. A crowd was gathering around the masked individual, who stuck out like a sore thumb.


    While Shogi was a different matter, she wasnt that well-versed in Go, so she idly manned the reception and kept a lookout any ill people.


    (I should clean up and leave.)


    Heading over to clean the seats with spilled crumbs, Maomao heard a disappointed sigh.


    It came from the spectators surrounding Jinshi. Many participants had given up on attaining victory and had be engrossed in observing the matches instead.


    Maomao approached Rahan, who had blended in with the onlookers. Whats up?


    Its not a bad ystyle, but as expected, he was matched with a difficult opponent. Hes stuck.


    Is that so? Is that how it is? Maomao nodded. Would a reversal be difficult?


    Its not that he cant, but so long as the opponent doesnt slip-up, its probably impossible. His opponent isnt someone who wouldmit such an elementary mistake


    Just as he said it, a hubbub rose up within the venue.


    The mask that didnt match the asion slid off. Glossy ck hair fluttered in the air and the fragrance of incense wafted from his attire.


    Those who tried to make a sound found that they couldnt.


    Over there, was the figure of a celestial being who existed only within picture scrolls.


    For a moment, his beauty could be mistaken for a womans, but it was offset by the ruggedness of his throat and his broad shoulders. A slight hint of despondency permeated the soundless voices.


    The scar across his right cheek had yet to fadelike a crack through a piece of jade.


    It was Jinshi, whose beauty stood out even amongst the colourful flowers of the inner ce.


    It was probably enough to render everyone shocked.


    (I had forgotten, but his face was troublesome enough to exert an evil influence.)


    His form in cing down stones was pleasing to the eye, and people would cry out in admiration every time he did so.


    Ignoring whatever his intentions were in removing the mask, the one whos actually in trouble was probably the man who was his opponent. Despite gaining the upper hand up until this point, he now looked as white as a sheet.


    Has the tide of battle been overturned? No, that wasnt the case.


    If he used to teach Go to nobility, he was probably acquainted with the courtiers.


    Had he met Jinshi in the past? Or did he have an idea about who the fine figure of a man with a scar on his right cheek is?


    (Hell be able to win with this.)


    The crowd hadnt recognised the identity of this good looking man. The story of the scar on the imperial brothers right cheek should have spread as far as the streets, but they wouldnt think that he would be ying Go in such a ce.


    Of course, there were others aside from his opponent who noticed. Everyone had hecticplexions; pale, flushed. They were all pping their mouths like fish, saying not a thing.


    (As long as he doesnt make a major slip-up.)


    And he slipped up.


    The man lowered his head, pale faced and sweating bullets. Ive lost.


    He was trembling. Was it because he slipped up, or was he anxious about making a blunder before Jinshi?


    (Poor guy.)


    Even Maomao could only press her palms together.


    Why was Jinshi wearing a mask? If he was going to reveal his face, he couldve done so from the start. Was it to rattle his opponent?


    (How cowardly.)


    However, this made two wins. A victory is a victory. No rules were broken.


    She considered it a dishonest ystyle, but Maomao recalled that Jinshi was the type to do so without breaking a sweat. After all, he had made use of his face in the inner pce to deceive the pcedies and eunuchs.


    Even though one of his powers was there, he probably didnt go as far as to scorn it now.


    (Hes serious about winning.)


    Coming this far, did he want to confront the weirdo tactician?


    Could it be that he really believes in the rumour spread by Rahan? Maomao scowled.


    !? Feeling chills all of a sudden, she turned around. An old man with an unshaven face from the stage has directed his eyes this way.


    Maomao, move aside a little. Esteemed adoptive father cant concentrate on the match.


    Yeah.


    Esteemed adoptive father can now distinguish the Prince of the Moon.


    Rather, was he unable to before?


    It was truly tough to be unable to differentiate between peoples faces.


    Maomao returned to her post, holding the cleaning equipment in one hand.


    At the reception, a new victor had turned up, a young man. She passed him the snacks and tea. He was still young. He possessed an innocence which made it hard to tell whether he was over the age of twenty or not.


    Im going to win after this. Eyes shining, the youth clenched his fist tightly, but


    She had no way of knowing that in the next match, he will face an excessively dazzling youth from the same generation, get distracted, and suffer a crushing defeat.

 Volume 7, Chapter 15: Jinshi Vs. Rakan

    (I feel like Ive seen this scene from somewhere before)


    Maomao watched the two people on the stage who were surrounded by spectators. Jinshi and the monocle bastrda Go board in between them.


    Previously, Maomao had faced against the weirdo in Shogi. She won the five-bout match against the weirdo by cheating on her end, but


    (Is Jinshi attempting to do the same?)


    Is he going to fall for the same trick twice? He may indeed be a weirdo, but hes unlikely to be fooled. The tactic from before worked solely because it was Maomao herself.


    Then, did Jinshi want to y a genuine match of Go against the weirdo?


    In that case, its probably better to gather money instead.


    If it turns out as such, did he want to make it look like a showdown at least?


    Up until just now, there were several opponents around the weirdo, but all of them had since vacated their seats, reading the change in atmosphere with Jinshis arrival.


    This will probably turn out to be thest match of the day.


    There seems to be some exchange of words, but Maomao was diligently counting steamed buns at the reception desk. It was already nightfall, so there probably wont be any more peopleing. Lets bring the remaining snacks back to the medical office and enjoy them as dim sum. It would be a waste to leave leftovers.


    Excuse me.


    Hearing a voice from above, she looked up to see a sharp-eyed woman. A familiar face stood next to her.


    Basen-sama, and


    Maomao had never seen the woman before. A new face.


    Older sister, Basen said curtly. The woman pushed down Basens head.


    Thank you for looking after my brother. My name is Maamei.


    She was smiling, but Maomao was reminded of a bird of prey. As Basens older sister, she had to be Gaoshuns daughter.


    (Is this the rumoured elder sister who treats her father as if he were air?)


    She didnt resemble Basen nor Gaoshun, so she probably takes after her mother.


    Im here to deliver what the Prince of the Moon left in my care. Maamei gently passed a cloth pouch to Maomao. A sweet aromatic smell wafted from within.


    Jinshi had mentioned it. That apanion will be bringing snackster.


    Maomao looked at Maamei. She is Basens older sister, and Basen himself is also present, so there shouldnt be any concerns. However, due to the nature of her job, she felt uneasy about allowing Jinshi to eat it as it is.


    If you wish to food taste, go ahead. Suiren-sama was the one who came up with them, so its vour is guaranteed, Maamei said.


    excuse me. Maomao opened the pouch. Each of the baked pastries were around the size of her palm and wrapped in greased paper. She took one out.


    The aroma intensified with the removal of the paper wrapping, predominated by the scent of fruit and butter.


    The airy dough gave away readily as she sank her teeth into it. Unlike the denseness of mooncakes, its texture remained soft as you chew, an easily digestible snack.


    fu. Oh my, Maomao blinked rapidly. She usually preferred savoury foods, but found herself relishing in the sweetness. The gentle vour was spreading throughout her body with its softness. The use of the tang of the raisin and consistency of walnuts was very effective.


    And above all, the elusive vour worked well.


    She found herself reaching for another, and shook her head. Not good, not good.


    As expected of Suiren-sama, right? Are there any among the imperial chefs who can do the same, I wonder, Maamei said.


    Even Maomao, who attained the status of gourmet from food tasting at tea parties hosted by consorts, Rokushoukan and the like, moaned in appreciation. It wouldnt be strange if it were sold elsewhere.


    Yeah, Ive received some as well. The children will be overjoyed. Maamei smiled somewhat boastfully.


    Its certainly delicious, but is it really that good? Basen asked.


    Those with no sense of taste should shut up, Maamei retorted.


    It seems Basen-samas taste buds are underdeveloped, Maomao remarked.


    After being told so by the two, Basen made a somewhat displeased expression.


    Well then, please bring them to Jinshi-sama, Maamei said.


    If possible, Maomao preferred to maintain some distance from the weirdo, so she tried it pass it off to Maamei, however


    Im an outsider, so I cant go up to the stage. Please, bring them to him.


    what about Basen-sama? Maomaoturned to Basen. It shouldnt be a problem if hes Jinshis aide.


    Then, I shall


    Basens head was pushed down by Maamei again.


    You bring them, please. Jinshi-sama entrusted you with them, Maamei said.


    Understood. Transferring the pastries onto a te and setting it on a tray, Maomao made her way towards the stage.


    Pushing through the crowd, Maomao saw two people other than Jinshi and the old man up on the stage. One was Rahanwho, unlike Maomao, apparently knows Go, was pushing his sses up his nose as he observed the board. The other was an unknown man, middle-aged and neatly dressed. From his clothes, she knew him to be one of the elite, but he didnt exude the air of a bureaucrat.


    (He seems like a cultured person.)


    He gave off an air that set him apart from themon people.


    Surrounding the stage were off-duty military officials who served as guards, most likely to ensure the yers are not disturbed by the audience.


    Maomao had them fetch Rahan for her.


    Whats up? Rahan asked.


    Ive brought Jinshi-samas pastries. By the way, how are things progressing at the moment? she replied.


    It was hard to tell from a distance. Above all, even she could see, she knew nothing about the state of the battlefield on the Go board.


    I cantment yet. Jinshi-sama is ying by the book. I wouldnt say the match is progressing poorly. Moreover, hes ying without komi with a ck stone, so he should have the upper hand, but


    Those remarks somehow favoured Jinshi.


    Esteemed adoptive father is fearsome from the middle stage onwards. He attacks without warning, and in addition, uses many moves outside of established tactics. Be it without komi or whatever, he can overturn the game in one move.


    She somehow understood. The weirdo tactician was not one to study and follow tactics. Speaking of his ystyle, his moves were based on intuition alone, and inexplicably, they turn out to be the right ones.


    Its just that Rahan tilted his head. I think his attacks are slower than usual.


    Hmmm. Maomao didnt care who won, but it would be interesting if it were Jinshi. However, it bothered her that the reason behind Jinshi choosing to y the match now of all times remained unclear. Who is the person over there?


    That individual is the Grandmaster of Go. Hes also his majestys Go instructor.


    If she remembered correctly, hes currently said to be the only person who is better than the weirdo.


    Anyway, can Ie up? she asked.


    Yeah, set it down wherever theres space, but not near the Go bowls. Theyll get the stones mixed up with the pastries.


    Understood. She ascended the stairs and went up onto the stage.


    Everyones eyes fell on her, but they recognised she was a mere tea server when they saw the pastries on the tray. However, the weirdo nced over immediately and shed her a gross smile, which she ignored.


    (Even if you tell me to set it down where theres space.)


    There was no space. Other than the Go board, there was a Go bowl on the side of each yers dominant hand, Jinshis on the right, and the weirdos on the left. In theory, she could ce the pastries on the opposite side: Jinshis left and the weirdos right, but


    Arge tter of steamed buns and mooncakes took up the remaining space, even the section originally intended for Jinshi to ce pastries.


    Even if she moved the pile of pastries, there was no opening for her to put down the te.


    Maomao, as ast resort, ced it on the same side as Go bowls. So they dont mistake it as Go stones, she set it down right at the centre of the empty space, but


    The instant she set it down, a hand reached out. The hand then headed for the mouth of an unshaven face which inhaled it in one go.


    . She could only be shocked. The weirdo tactician ate Jinshis pastry innocently.


    He chewed, swallowed, then licked his fingers.


    Maomao was troubled by the dissatisfied expression he was regarding her with.


    Maomao. Jinshi called out.


    The weirdo tacticians face stiffened.


    Lately, he finally started calling her by her name.


    Restock the pastries.


    Understood.


    The weirdo would probably just eat it all, so Maomao decided to dump all of it on to te. She had wanted to eat another if there were leftovers, but it couldnt be helped. Would Suiren teach her how to make the baked pastries?


    Can this match end already, she thought as she descended the stairs.


    .


    .


    .


    Before she knew it, participants from the outside had started to mingle inside the theatre.


    (There arent any more contestantsing.)


    With the sun setting, itll be getting darker outside soon. Participants were packing away the Go boards and the food stands around them were also closing up.


    Still, only the centre of the theatre retained the enthusiasm, moreover, it was only the one-to-one battle between Jinshi and the weirdo.


    (Is everyone cing bets?)


    If they were, she wanted to ce some bets on the dark horse, Jinshi.


    The siblings Basen and Maamei were mixed in with the spectators, but the older sister had left early. She had promised to go home at nightfall, and she was currently workingits rough to have children; Maomao saw it like it was someone elses problem.


    Yao and Enen seemed to be taking a short break from cleaning up and showed up to watch the game. Enens eyes shone.


    When everyone is enthusiastic about something you have no interest in, the feeling of alienation is staggering, Maomao felt.


    Everyone looked like they were holding their breath, but they suddenly cried out.


    (Is the game over?)


    If its over, then finish up quickly and go home, she thought as she headed to the stage


    The two of them were still seated.


    Looking around, she found Yao and Enen, and began to approach them.


    Has the game ended?


    Not yet, Yao answered.


    Yeah, but they might be giving up soon. Enen pointed to the stage wall. There was arge piece of paper stuck to the wall with a grid drawn on it. Rahan stood beside it with a brush in hand, drawing in Go stones.


    It must be for those who arent able to see from a distance.


    Is it the challengers loss?


    no, the Prince of the Moon might be winning. Enen shook her head. The somehow grudging tone was probably because it was Jinshis fault that Enen was separated from Yao. She was one who shunned the treasured Jinshi. I think the move just then was Rakan-samas fatal mistake.


    Enens tone suggested she couldnt quite believe it. Maomao endured with hearing the name that hurt her ears.


    Fatal?


    Normally, Rakan-sama wouldnt choose such a dangerous strategy. Its like taking the shortest route by running along a tightrope, so to speak. So, when he loses, its not the usual defeat, but a move where you step off the rope and cant backtrack, Enen answered.


    Maomao, do you understand? Yao asked.


    Not at all.


    It seems Yao wasnt really interested in Go either. She did, however, seem to be interested in Jinshis face. With a slight flush to her cheeks, she denied, I cant. No, no. Apparently, she wanted to focus on her career for now.


    Enens expression transformed into one of even stronger disdain for Jinshi. Anyway, a reversal from this would require an aggressive and risky move, but Rakan-samas physical condition today seems really bad.


    .


    It was as Enen had said. Hisplexion was bad. Bad, and his eyelids were somewhat heavy.


    He must be sleepy.


    Uncharacteristically, he seemed to be working hard at his jobtely.


    It was for the sake of opening the Go tournament. It looks like a lot of work from Jinshi had been dumped onto him.


    Hes also been sleeping for fewer hours than usual.


    Despite that, he was still sleeping average hours. Sleep deficiency goes hand in hand with lowered judgement ability. She remembered expressing this to Jinshi, who constantly pulled all-nighters, on many asions in the past.


    Hes been ying Go non-stop since yesterday.


    asionally, he would y with three or four people. The brain bes fatigued when you overuse it.


    And in the end.


    Could those pastries be the cause as well? Maomao recalled the pastries Maamei brought over. The extremely delicious pastry with voursome dried fruit and soft, moist dough.


    The reason Maomao, who didnt like particrly like sweet food, had found it so delicious was


    (Could the elusive vour be strong distilled liquor?)


    The fragrance of alcohol was faintly blended in with the butter. Much of the alcohol content had evaporated during the baking process, but the fruit remained soaked with a small portion of it.


    When ites to the weirdo tactician who was weak to wine, while it wont make him faint, he might get drunk.


    (that man.)


    Did Jinshi base it on what Maomao did before?


    Even so, the method was too roundabout.


    In that case, a different side emerges.


    Dont ce it close to the Go bowls.


    Rahans wordshadnt he said so to make sure it would be within the weirdo tacticians reach? Since it was that man, he would probably snatch it if Maomao was the one to bring the pastries.


    Maomao clutched at her forehead. She had beenpletely used. There was no harm done, but it was somewhat vexing.


    He has a nice face, but how wicked is that mans nature?


    (I wont be able to settle down unless I get a drug from him.)


    As she plotted, she once again became bothered about why he had gone to such lengths to prepare beforehand and ensure his victory.


    Rted to the weirdo tacticianfor an instant, she was struck with a terrible premonition.


    (Dont tell me)


    If there was indeed no other reason, isnt he even dragging other people into it?


    While she was in thought, there was the clink of a Go stone being set down from the weirdo tactician.


    It was then.


    The door of the theatre was violently pushed open. With loud footsteps, an arrogant middle-aged man strode in.


    COURT PHYSICIAN KAN. IS COURT PHYSICIAN KAN HERE? he yelled with an impolite bearing. Behind the middle-aged man were two people with the same face.


    They are


    It was the phndering triplets they investigated before.


    What happened? Dad, who was sitting on a chair beside the stage, stood up. He walked with a cane, but as if saying he was too slow, the middle-aged man pushed through the spectators to stand before Dad.


    Maomao was going to go to her dad, but halted when she saw the row of military officials nearby.


    ITS YOUR FAULT. MY SON, MY SON IS!


    What on earth happened?


    Son. If she remembered correctly, he was missing one.


    ITS THIS! The middle-aged man ced a cloth pouch on the table. He opened it


    It contained two male fingers.


    Screams came from all directions.


    LOOK FOR MY SON! WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN IF MY SON DIES BECAUSE OF YOU! hemanded Dad with a yell.

 Volume 7, Chapter 16: The Owner Of The Fingers

    The man who suddenly barged in was the aforementioned triplets father. Apparently, his name is Buoen. Unlike his name, his temperament was far fromposedin the chaos of his forced entry, the match was inevitably interrupted.


    (T/N: , Bo Wen in Chinese, meaning: erudite, or well-learnt in the schrly arts)


    He seemed to have registered Jinshi and the weirdos presence, but he had a reason to be caught up in his own matters.


    You im these fingers belong to your son Dad said.


    The spectators had left the theatre due to themotion, leaving behind only those involved in the matter.


    With the match interrupted, the weirdo tactician looked like he had something to say, but by the time somebody noticed, he was already sound asleep, face nted against the Go board.


    It seems he had tired himself out. His official aide was attending to him in the corner and looked like he wanted to ask Maomao to take over in Dads stead. He quickly zipped his mouth after she scowled though.


    Enen and Yao, who had stayed behind due to curiosity, ended up looking after the weirdo instead.


    Yao got lightheaded from seeing the fingers on the table. She may be used to it for the most part, but she probably baulked at seeing it severed.


    With the weirdo in this state due to the intruders, the match will probably be resumed in the future.


    Everythings been recorded down properly, so its not a problem, Rahan said to Jinshi. Once this is settled, you can continue.


    Although Jinshi appeared somewhat cated by this, he wore a displeased expression on his face.


    Even though he had put in the effort to make use of every underhanded, sly maneuver to ensure a wless victory for himself.


    (Of course, with such arge difference in skill level, the weirdos win is almost guaranteed.)


    However, from the way things turned out, it seems Jinshi had colluded with Rahan after all.


    Being a man who sold out even his biological father and grandfather, if theres something to be gained, it follows that he would go as far as to sell out his adoptive father.


    (Should I pursue this matter?)


    No, even if she asked, it would just drag out this entire farce.


    Maomao was more bothered about how Buoen had lunged at Dad.


    Can you exin what you mean? Dad asked.


    Buoen was being restrained by his two sons.


    Having made an abrupt entrance, the three of them looked out of ce. If they then try to use violence on Dad, it was inevitable that they would be held down.


    Jinshi had stayed behind with an inexplicable expression. With the match disrupted, he had a hopelesslyplicated look. Lets have you speak up, shall we? You must have a good reason to put a hamper on our match, right?


    It appeared Buoen still retained enoughmon sense not to refute Jinshi. He couldnt seem to say it properly, so one of the triplets behind him took over. I cant find older second brother.


    Second brother, the second oldest brother, so would that make him the middle of the triplets? She heard that he had been wrung dry about what he did the other day during the thunderstorm amongst various other things.


    Hes been missing for three days. This morning, this cloth pouch was delivered to our home.


    The fingers were from an adult male. He said that it was the second sons, the one who wasnt here.


    Please let me take a closer look, Dad said.


    WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?! Buoen screamed, but fell silent when Jinshi red at him.


    Whilst hes hardly rted to the incident, he was at least aware of the circumstances. The same went for Yao and Enen.


    However.


    (Even that person stayed behind. Whats up with that?)


    It was the Grandmaster of Go person who had been observing Jinshis match.


    The grandmaster was sitting on a chair with an innocent look. He was really imposing, so Buoen and his sons couldnt say anything.


    It seemed like they had a lot to say, but as long as Jinshis eyes were on them, they had to exin it in a calm manner. Buoen took a deep breath and continued. Because of you, my son was taken to court and detained. And not just that,wsuits of past wrongdoings followed in session.


    He reaped what he sowed. The youngest of the triplets averted his eyes. The second brother must have also taken the me for his crimes.


    The father was concerned for his son, but it was toote. He had covered up for his prodigal sons, but did he not realise his disciplinary style was wed?


    Youre asking who among us had kidnapped your son? Dad asked.


    ISNT THAT OBVIOUS? Buoen pped the table loudly in response.


    Has anyone looked into it?


    Theres no way Id know, right? Do you expect me to watch my childrens movements individually?!


    (It would have been better if you had.)


    Maomao studied the fingers. The severed section had already darkened.


    (If it were fresh, it could have been reattached but.)


    Could this be chopped after death, or before it?


    She heard that there are differences in cutting the human body whilst its alive versus when its dead. Dad would know, and above all, his grim expression when he saw the fingers was telling of something.


    And, one more thing.


    (The nails are discoloured.)


    The colour right at the centre had changed into a ckish-green.


    . Maomao tugged Yao and Enens sleeves.


    What is it? Yao asked.


    I was thinking we should pass out some tea. Please give me a hand, Maomao said.


    Ahh, thats true.


    They didnt need three people, but if she asked Yao, Enen woulde. And if she only asked Enen, Yao would be unhappy so it cant be helped.


    But do we have tea? Yao asked.


    We do, but it might be good to provide something thats a little superior. Enen nced at Jinshi. As long as she is aware of who he is, she wouldnt take out something strange. Although she didnt harbour any warm feelings towards him, she is a capable courtdy who can show consideration over that at least.


    Hes not going to head back?


    He likes sticking his head into strange matters, so I dont think it can be helped, Enen said.


    As expected, Enen wasnt going easy on him. While its harsh to listen to, Maomao recalled she often made simrments on many asions herself.


    If its fruit juice, we have a lot. As Rakan-samas refreshments, Yao said.


    Fruit juice, huh. Maomao stroked her chin. Do we have grape juice?


    I think we do. Its stored in ss bottles so the quality should also be good.


    Then shall we go with that? Maomao headed to the waiting room at the back of the stage.


    Umm, are you allowed to just take some as you please? Yao seemed worried.


    He received a lot, huh. Hes asleep so he wont know if we take one bottle, Maomao said.


    if Maomao says its fine, shouldnt it be fine? Enen was also in favour, so she decided to look for an offering.


    .


    .


    .


    They returned after preparing cups for several people, but the discussions seemed to be at an impasse.


    Buoen was shouting. Dad was listening in silence.


    Jinshi was sitting still and doing nothing but his fingers looked like he was grasping onto a Go stone. Was he thinking about his next move?


    The Grandmaster of Gos face was unreadable. She didnt know why he was even here.


    Rahan had stayed behind, but the post-tournament settlement of affairs seemed rough. The manual cleaning as well, but it appeared that he had already received advance payment so he was writing a letter about what will happen in regards to the weirdo teaching.


    Here you go. Yao and Enen handed out the fruit juice.


    Wine? Rahan looked daunted for an instant but seemed to realise it was fruit juice after sniffing it. Like the weirdo, his alcohol tolerance was low. It probably wasnt unreasonable to make a mistake since it was held in a container usually reserved for wine.


    It was when Enen handed a ss to the alleged eldest of the triplets.


    The cup was flung away.


    Red liquid sailed through the air. The metal cup ttered across the floor.


    Brothe. The youngest son made a disgusted look.


    Enen was dripping in red liquid, but her expression was unchanged.


    (Fortunately, it wasnt Yao.)


    If it were, Enen would be scary. Enen wouldnt tremble if fruit juice got on herself, but she changes when ites to her youngdy. Of course, Enen didnt act like she was standing before a man she knew to be lustful.


    My apologies. I wasnt aware of your preference. Enen went to clean up, her movements indifferent.


    Maomao took it upon herself to hand it to the remaining two people.


    (I knew it.)


    The wrinkles on Dads face deepened. His brows lowered in sadness.


    Maomao had noticed it, so there was no way that Dad hadnt.


    Dad let out a small breath and stood from his chair. Do you hate grape wine? heasked the oldest son.


    no.


    His enunciation was somewhat poor.


    Isnt grape wine your favourite? Buoen tilted his head. No, that doesnt matter now. More importantly, look for my son. Otherwise


    I already know where your son is. Dad shook his head sadly as he looked up.


    Wh-where!


    Your son. Its your second son, right?


    Thats right!


    Though she wasnt Dad, Maomao also felt sad.


    (He doesnt know, does he?)


    This annoying man called Buoen was thinking that his child was truly gone.


    However.


    (To think that he couldnt tell his children apart either.)


    Dad pointed to the oldest son, the one who knocked over the cup. No, the second son who is pretending to be the oldest son.


    what do you mean? Buoen asked.


    The one who disappeared is the oldest son. Regarding that, I think we better ask the two sons of yours who are present, Dad said.


    Buoen stood up and tried to make a grab at Dad. However, the remaining military official stepped between them.


    What are you saying! Dont spout nonsense!


    What nonsense. Its the truth. Maomao found herself stepping forward as well. She unintentionally spoken, then retreated half a step. Ive gone and done it.


    Shall I exin what happened in the way I understood it?


    Jinshi finally opened his mouth. The Grandmaster of Go beside him also nodded.


    Buoen, I understand what you are trying to say, but shut up for a bit, otherwise the discussion wont continue. Also, the two behind him, dont think about trying to run away.


    He gave a stern warning.


    Ruomen. If its difficult for you to say, can your disciple speak for you? It seems your capable disciple has reached the answer.


    Jinshi was saying something unnecessary.


    If shes mistaken, you can verify her answers like a teacher.


    Maomao. Dad looked at her.


    All eyes were fell on her so she reluctantly stepped forward.


    Contemting where she should start from, she first checked the fingers.


    The owner of the finger was probably already dead. If she started off by exining why he died or how he was killed


    Please focus on this nail, she said.


    The discoloured nails.


    The colour of this nail is indicative of the absorption of poison. Most likely arsenic or lead.


    Lead, Jinshi said.


    It was probably fresh in his memory.


    Maomao looked at Buoen. Your oldest son liked grape wine, right?


    yeah. If I remember correctly.


    Could he have liked cheap grape wine?


    Maomao recalled it. When Dad told her to take notes before, the eldest son had testified that he went to drink cheap wine.


    The poisoned wine incident had been something that was exposed not too long ago.


    There may still be grape wine that havent been recalled from the market.


    If he continued drinking, the poison will appear on his nails.


    There was nothing strange about the eldest son at the time of her notetaking. If his poisoning symptoms appeared after that


    And.


    Didnt he die from lead poisoning? In front of you two. Maomao looked at the remaining two of the triplets.


    Wh-what are you talking about?


    Thats right. I dont get you.


    Why are they feigning ignorance?


    I have a question, though. The Grandmaster of Go raised his hand.


    Yes, Maomao said.


    Just now, you said that the second son was pretending to the eldest son, but the way you said it sounded like the third son knew as well.


    Yes. No matter how simr the triplets look, I doubt they can fool themselves. Even if their father hasnt realised it, she said, taking a jab at Buoen.


    then, did those two cut the fingers and put up a charade?


    Yes.


    Again, why? Buoen asked.


    (Has he really not noticed?)


    As one might expect from someone called the Grandmaster of Go, he had a good brain. The answer to his question was easy to exin to others.


    He might have taken it upon himself to do it.


    If the second son disappears, he can be cleared of his crimes. Is that the case? Maomao looked at the eldest, no, the second son.


    He was ring at her, but his fists were clenched, unable to retaliate.


    i-is that true? Buoen looked at his two sons.


    Cant you tell just by looking? Can you really not distinguish between their faces?


    . Buoen strained his eyes.


    Maomao. Dad called out to her.


    Excuse me. Maomao quietly stepped back.


    Then, the remaining two should know where the eldest son is, right?


    When questioned by Jinshi, they had no choice but to answer. A beautys face has intensity.


    hes buried in the garden. We didnt kill him. He was drinking wine and suddenly started behaving strangely. Hisplexion was also bad, and he looked strange. And then


    The second son said that when he suddenly turned violent, he copsed and bumped his head.


    We thought of calling for someone immediately. But, older brother said  The third son looked at the second son.


    Let me be the one who died. And Ill be older brother.


    For that reason, its better to keep the fact of whether he was alive or dead ambiguous.


    That he chopped the fingers off the corpse and delivered a threatening letter alongside it to their home.


    WHAT ARE YOU SAYING! Buoens tone turned rough.


    ITS DADS FAULT! The second son pped the table. If you fail to cover for everyone, youll push all the responsibilities onto me alone. The most sticky-fingered was older brother! Its the same with you! Who do you think covered for you when youid hands on dads concubine!


    Oi, are you serious about what youre saying! Buoen red up at the third son, his breaths haggard.


    Yeah, our three-year-old little sister who youre currently doting on, huh, isnt she this guys kid? And you doted on her since shes your first daughter, didnt you?


    Elder brother! You promised that you wont speak of it!


    Are you serious!? Are you SERIOUS!?


    (Absurrrd.)


    Not just Maomao, everyone else probably shared the same sentiments.


    (To cut his fingers because hes dead is)


    Maomao thought she had no idea about what happened to the corpse of the dead person.


    However, she could only be shocked by what she saw of the truly unsightly argument.


    When she looked outside, the moon was shining in the night sky. I want to go back to the lodgings quickly, she thought.

 Volume 7, Chapter 17: Post-Game Review

    I dare say itll be impossible.


    The emperors Go instructor, an entity known as the Grandmaster of Go, said to Jinshi with augh.


    If you fail to beat me even once, you have no hope. The elderly individual set down a white stone with a clink, his expression unreadable.


    Ngh. Jinshi could only be at a loss for words.


    He knew this. Jinshi seems to be a jack of all trades, master of none. Hes capable of doing most things, but performed only slightly better than others at the majority of them. In no way was he outstanding.


    Even if he was known as a talent, he couldnt be called a genius.


    Even so, this was better than doing nothing.


    You read into established tactics, but when you encounter unfamiliar out-of-the-box moves that do not extend beyond the limits of the average person, you be too hasty.


    dont mince words.


    Isnt that what you wanted to hear? The Grandmaster of Go munched on a steamed bun Suiren had prepared. The act did not match his outward elegance, but apparently, itsmon to eat sweets while ying Go. You tend to crave sweet foods when you think. Was that why a certain weirdo tactician eats nothing but sweet foods?


    A couple of days after borrowing the Grandmaster of Go from the emperor, Jinshi was earnestly ying Go after work.


    You have no talent.Your moves are too simplistic.Your ystyle is that of an honour students. Boring.


    He was scolded harshly.


    Jinshi had told him to not show any mercy when they first met, but the grandmaster really didnt go easy on him.


    When Jinshi asked him whether he spoke to his other opponents in this manner, he replied, A person who said he wont punish me had chosen it.


    Can you beat that weirdo at this rate?


    The way the grandmaster lit the fire under his feet was also good.


    Jinshi, holding onto a ck stone, set it down on the board while agonising over the correct answer.


    The reason Jinshi had borrowed the Grandmaster of Go as his instructor was because he was the only one capable of beating the weirdo tactician, Rakan.


    Didnt you just say that I cant? Jinshi asked.


    Yes, you cannot. The Prince of the Moon is too honest. Shall we say youre honest to a fault?


    So Im looking for a way to win despite that.


    You even have me as the teacher. But, its utterly impossible. The Grandmaster of Go ate another steamed bun.


    Even if its a one in a hundred chance, make it so I can win, Jinshi said.


    Even my chance of defeating Rakan-dono is cleaved by half when he is in peak form. Even when Im at my peak.


    .I dont understand though.


    The Grandmaster of Go is stronger than Rakan, hence he was known as such.


    No, its not that you dont understand. Does the Prince of the Moon think you can defeat a bear alone in unarmedbat?


    Thats obviously impossible.


    A wolf?


    I might be able to depending on the situation, but itll be difficult.


    A dog?


    I think I can manage that somehow.


    It was something he was taught when he was hunting. Humans are weak for their size. They could only win using tools, and when barehanded, their chance of defeating a dog is uncertain.


    What do you think youll need to win? The Grandmaster of Go set down a stone.


    Jinshi groaned again at the action that saw through his moves. If its to emerge unscathed, I was going to say a hand cannon, but Ill probably miss. I would prefer a sword Im familiar with. Otherwise, a dagger and an armguard.


    He can fight with a sword in narrow spaces, but doing so in wide and open settings will be more difficult. He would lead the opponent to a ce where it cant veer off, have it bite his armguard, then aim for the head.


    Unlike your appearance, you like underhanded methods.


    Its not that I like them. Im just not that talented with a sword.


    Basen can probably do better. That guy might be able to square off against a bear.


    Hm, then, it would be easy for me to teach you a secret trick, The grandmaster said.


    Secret trick?


    No, its nothing major. Im just teaching you about a condition that will make it easy to beat Rakan-dono. The Grandmaster of Go grinnedunthinkable for the individual who usually walked with the mien of a cultured person. It doesnt break any rules. Since this, in the end, is a battle outside the legal board.


    Jinshi gulped.


    If you dont use this move, you can never defeat Rakan-dono for as long as you live, the Grandmaster of Go dered.


    .


    .


    .


    I lost.


    Even if he were to count the stones he picked up and positioned on the board, they were not as spread out as the white ones.


    It was only a difference of two eyes. But it was a huge difference.


    How great was his lead during the middle stage? Jinshis positions had been settled; he thought a reversal would be impossible.


    Even though Jinshi didnt mean to y so obviously terribly following that.


    Currently, the individual who was munching on a baked pastry was filling in the differences with overwhelming speed.


    Around them, stood Basen and a handful of guards.


    Several days after the Go tournament, Jinshi was working in his office when the monocle tactician suddenly showed up and said, Lets continue.


    It would be a different matter if he was procrastinating from work, but it was lunch time.


    A Go board along with stones were set up in a gazebo near the office. It wasid out with the formation of the interrupted game from the tournament a few days ago.


    Although there were spectators watching from a distance, he had no reason to decline.


    Since then, he had thought many times about how to take the lead and win.


    He thought he wouldnt lose with such a wide margin.


    impossible. Basen cried out in surprise.


    Impossibleit was exactly that word.


    Just what kind of mind does he have?


    You can never defeat Rakan-dono for as long as you live.


    He recalled the Grandmaster of Gos words.


    Why had hepared his opponent to a beast rather than a human?


    Jinshi felt a sense of regret. Bear, wolf, dog, it was none of those. Rakan himself probably didnt know that he is a monster known as Rakan.


    The man who was adjusting his monocle and gulping down fruit juice had a healthyplexion. His sleep deprivation was cured and he was no longer fatigued from ying consecutive games. Neither his drink nor pastries contained alcohol; he looked refreshed.


    It was somewhat miserable feeling.


    Even though Jinshi used so many underhanded methods. To think that he would lose in the end


    It was too unsightly, but Jinshi didnt have the liberty to maintain his image.


    If there were no spectators surrounding them, he would probably nt his face onto the board and groan.


    It was a trifling disy, but Jinshi had crafted an elegant appearance. He wanted people to admire the thickness of the skin he tempered from his time in the inner pce.


    If he didnt lift his face


    If he didnt don the appearance of losing after learning the basics


    As he slowly raised his face, he saw a finger on the Go board.


    This move at the end of the game. If youunched an attack here, huh.


    It was Rakans voice.


    . Jinshi looked up.


    The weirdo, while stroking the stubble on his chin, was pointing as he exined.


    ce it here, like so. Then, white will have nowhere to move to


    Although he was mumbling, he was clearly giving an exnation.


    Rakan-sama is giving a post-game review?


    It was Rakans aide, wearing a look of wonderment.


    A post-game review, he said.


    When everyone heard that, they started an uproar.


    Esteemed adoptive father never does post-game reviews, Rahan said, appearing out of nowhere.


    Did he rush over upon hearing the game was resumed? His breathing was a little unsteady.


    Could this mean he acknowledges the Prince of the Moon?


    He emphasised the acknowledgespart of his sentence.


    The spectators became rowdy.


    Why did I make a move here at this point in time? Muuu. The weirdo tactician, while giving a post-game review, was holding a review meeting alone. Apparently, he was talking about the aforementioned failed move; the person himself doesnt seem to understand why he made such a move.


    Even though he was sleepy, fatigued and drunk, he remembered all the moves in order.


    Jinshi could onlyugh.


    anyhow, I had fun. The weirdo closed in on Jinshi. I dont know what your goal was, but the way you in which you did it was interesting.


    Leaving the Go board as is, he walked away while swinging his sake bottle.


    Jinshi was left dumbfounded.


    The crowd of onlookers scattered. Some people looked like they wanted to approach Jinshi, but Basen and other guards eyes shed.


    Only Rahan aloofly came to stand before Jinshi. Basen permitted Rahans presence with a look of shame. Jinshi hardly saw the two converse, but it seems theirpatibility wasnt great.


    I apologise that you werent able to achieve it. But esteemed adoptive father looks satisfied, Rahan said.


    satisfied, huh. At that shoddy strategy?


    Have I been taken for a fool?Jinshis lips twisted with irony.


    No, it doesnt matter what method you used. If that person finds it amusing, then it is amusing, Rahan said.


    Jinshi didnt understand.


    However, Jinshi didnt know if it was due to blood rtion, or that they both possess a unique talent, but Rahans choice of words allowed Jinshi to understand something he couldnt grasp before.


    Suddenly, he decided to voice the question on his mind. Why do you think Rakan-dono held a Go tournament? Honestly, I feel he has the character to y Go whenever he likes, regardless of whether money is involved.


    Yes, thats true. If it was esteemed adoptive father alone, hell surely to do that, Rahan said and took out a book from his breast pocket. It was the Go book that had be a part of the craze. The Go games recorded here contain many settings from matches esteemed adoptive father and a certain woman yed together. Even games from over twenty years ago, esteemed adoptive father still remembers them. Even though he has no recollection of who he encountered yesterday. To him, just this alone is something that cannot be reced. More than likely, they are remnants of the past he can no longer be added to.


    ahhh. Jinshi had an inkling who that certain woman was.


    She was probably a courtesan of Rokushoukan, the woman who was Maomaos mother.


    That person no longer exists. Father also understands that. However, he is probably using games of the past to see if someone who ys like her will appear.


    is he seeking the past?


    No. If I had to say then, he might be searching for a connection to whates next. No, would he think that far? As if he got uneasy, Rahan scratched the back of his head. however, like todays match, it would be better if he also did post game reviews for his other opponents. If they demand a refund for the teaching fee, Ill be troubled.


    Teaching as in? If Jinshi remembered correctly, he heard that people can y Go with Rakan by paying a fee. As Rakan was in bad shape, it got postponed.


    These couple of days, teaching took precedence. Mannn, it was also hard to match the days and times. Up until just now, he was ying a game with a different opponent, but then he suddenly disappeared, and I find him here.


    He had thought Rahan was out of breath; apparently, that was the reason.


    I have a question too, Rahan said,


    What?


    Was it the Grandmaster of Go who gave Jinshi-sama the suggestion.


    It wasnt phrased as a question. Rahan probably deduced it as the Grandmaster was also at the match.


    I took some of his majestys time and had him instruct me, Jinshi answered.


    I see, then I understand, Rahan nodded. When esteemed adoptive father ys a game with the Grandmaster of Go, he alwaysins that the grandmaster only prepares salty dim sum.


    I see.


    Apparently, it was true that he had no intentions of fighting a bear barehanded.


    Then, its about time I excused myself, oh, before that. Rahan gave a sweep of his surroundings. Amongst the spectators just now, there are around two people who are part of the waiting-and-seeing faction. Their attitudes might change hereafter. And one more thing.


    Rahans mouth curled into a smile. The baked pastries that were given out the other day, esteemed adoptive father seems to have taken a fancy to them. He said he wants to know the recipe. Ahh, and if possible, without the alcohol.


    After whispering such, the short man, who was yet another weirdo, left.


    It seems you were deep in discussion about various things, but how was it? Basen asked, approaching Jinshi with a look of slight displeasure.


    What of it. We were chatting. Can you tell Suiren to put together a recipe for the baked pastries? Jinshi asked.


    Y-yes. Understood, but.


    Without alcohol. Okay?


    Okay. Basen tilted his head as he followed Jinshi.

 Volume 7, Chapter 18: Harbinger

    Trouble arrives without warning.


    Jinshi saw the signs, so it was within expectations. But its actual arrival was disconcerting nheless.


    As to what happened exactly


    We were under attack from the nomadic tribe of the north.


    There are the odd minor skirmishes, but nothing beyond that. Those usually resolve by themselves.


    It appears they were after the wheat, Baryou said, summarising the detailed report for Jinshi.


    thought so. Jinshi answered while resting his chin on his hands. He did so as only Baryou and Maamei were in the room with him. If Gaoshun were here, hed probably be frowning.


    Even now, Maamei was briskly sorting documents. The brother and sister pair were truly hard workers. Basen, their other sibling, was out training at the military grounds right now. He was holding an unarmed, one-on-one sparring session, one that ended only when he lost. The unsociable Basen didnt have an abundance of sparring partners, but Jinshi was a little envious of that too.


    Nomads are also human. They consume vegetables and grains, not just goat milk and meat products. As they dont own fields, they often trade furs and meat in exchange for other foodstuffs in town. It wasnt unusual for the trading to take ce in the town on the national border, but


    This tribe is normally located further up north.


    Many guards were posted in the north, but even so, it seems they only captured a small number of enemy stragglers.


    Rather than a sudden attack, it seemed they had tried to purchase supplies from another town. However, they only owned Hokuaren currency and withmunications issues due to thenguage barrier, negotiations had broken down.


    They dont understand ournguage? Jinshi asked.


    Seems like it. Apparently, their ents were so thick it was hard to follow what they were saying, so interrogation of those captured took too much effort.


    His head hurt.


    From the information they managed to gather so far, the nomads normally bought grain from somewhere else. However, they werent able to this time, so they went to a different town, but failed to acquire it in the end. Did they attack the farms because they couldnt return empty-handed?


    Hokuaren is keeping a tight rein on their supplies, right?


    Yes. I believe thats more or less the case.


    Its not as if Rii enjoyed a good harvest this year either, but only regions with locust damage were struggling to provide products for sale. Taking into ount harvest from other regions, they should still be able to make up for the shortage.


    Any news of the sweet potato produce?


    If I recall correctly, Rahan-dono sent over the documents.


    Maamei passed over the paperwork without a moments dy.


    The capable woman worked as if it were her second-nature.


    For the most part, the amount of harvest is within expectations.


    Is that so. Having prepared himself for the worst case scenario of there being no harvest, Jinshi was relieved. Following that, there were issues rted to the preservation, processing and transportation of the crop, but its probably safe to leave that with Rahan. Despite his idiosyncrasies, hes a capable person once you understand his nature. Jinshi felt that he had left too many tasks to the other man recently, so he mustnt give him anymore.


    Theres no problem with leaving work to those you trust, but doing so in excess only leads to bothersome matters.


    He was meant to understand that, but.


    It was the moment he ced the document down on the table.


    The door was flung wide open.


    JINSHI-SAMA!


    BASEN! Maamei raged at Basens sudden entrance. However, Basen was out of breath as he stood before Jinshis desk. He was in training clothes, so Jinshi assumed he hade straight from the training grounds.


    Whats wrong? That was much too brazen. Out of consideration for Maamei who had gone red in the face, Jinshi also reprimanded him a little. However, no matter how quick-tempered Basen was, there must be a reason why he was in such a hurry.


    There were signs of a break-in at Ah Duos estate.


    What? Jinshis brows rose in shock. I havent heard anything.


    Yes. Its also my first time hearing of it. B-by chance.


    Basen was out of breath, so Jinshi looked at Maamei. Although she was angry at her younger brother, the capable courtdy passed Basen some water.


    Basen drained the bowl of water in one gulp and wiped the side of his mouth. I happened to hear about it by chance. Around ten days ago, what appears to be a burr had broken into Ah Duo-samas pce, leaving behind a fire during their escape.


    Really?


    Yes. I questioned them. They were keeping it under wraps as a secret, but I overheard it when they suddenly spoke of it among themselves. Basen clenched his fist. Although they had suddenly let it slip, they wont be speaking about it in detail. Could he have used force to make them spit it out?


    The crime of burry, no, could it be that they choose Ah Duos pce on purpose? It used to be the emperors vi. Even if it was outside the imperial court, many guards were present.


    If it were a burry, itd be much easier to go for a wealthy merchants house.


    Moreover, there were the surviving children of the Shi n, Suireithe previous emperors grandchildand the western priestess.


    . Jinshibtedly reflected that they were overly reliant on her.


    Ah Duo is a smart, trustworthy individual. However, they still shouldnt have relied on her to such an extent.


    after this, well head to Ah Duo-donos ce, Jinshi said.


    What shall we provide as the subject matter? Maamei prepared a wooden slip and a brush. As paper increased in quality, use of wooden slips had decreased significantly, but there were those who take it upon themselves to use it. In Maameis case, she used it often, appearing to like scented woods.


    write that I want to y a game of Go.


    Ah Duo seemed like the type to snap up an invitation to falconry over board games, but it was also toote at night.


    Jinshi-sama.


    Youre still here, Basen? Jinshi said with a hint of distaste.


    Please bring me along too!


    no.


    WHY!?


    Basen was indignant, but it didnt mean that Jinshi hadnt considered it. And Maamei and Baryou, who were present, understood what their younger brother wanted to do.


    Didnt you force them to tell you about Ah Duo-sama? Did you do it somewhere outside of the public eye?


    As Maameis pressed him, Basen shuddered. Basen was weak to women in general, but was even weaker to his mother and sister in particr.


    I, I led them to the back.


    You didnt check your surroundings properly, right? And whats with your outfit? I dont know if you were in the middle of training or what, but you stink. You got that? You. Stink. If you walk into the office soaked in sweat and oil, what will people think? Theyd be suspicious, right? Even children know, even monkeys know, so is your brain the same as a monkeys?


    . Basens face twisted miserably.


    Baryou watched in pity through the gap in his partition.


    The women of the Ma n are extremely strong.


    Youve already been exposed. Being covert is impossible for you. Thats why Jinshi-sama also used Go as an excuse to visit Ah Duo-sama.


    I, I know.


    You dont! Come on, go outside. You stink. Uwah, did you eat garlic today? My nose just clogged up. She covered her nose with her sleeve.


    Scary.


    She was probably still holding back since Jinshi was there, but she was scary regardless.


    Although Baryou felt sorry for Basen, he understood that he would lose even if he spoke up. He could only watch intently through the gap.


    If you dont do something about that stench, you wont be popr with women. Youll be hated.


    hated!


    It was a crushing blow for Basen.


    Eh, what? That reaction. Could it be that you have someone you like? Oh my, really. Do tell big sister. Maameis eyes glittered.


    Though she has two children, she is still only twenty-two. Since she found a good match, she married at sixteen, but that didnt mean she was opposed to this line of conversation.


    Wh-what are you saying? W-were in front of Jinshi-sama. Basen panicked.


    That has the opposite effect, Jinshi thought.


    Maamei nudged Basen around with her elbow.


    Indeed, the conversation wont progress at this rate.


    Maamei, leave it at that. Thats right. While were at it, shall we bring some pastries along? Go check if Suiren can prepare those baked pastries, Jinshi said.


    Yes. Maamei had a messenger take the wooden slip and headed for the pce Suiren was in.


    Basen sighed deeply.


    so, who is it?


    Jinshi-sama too, Basen said quite dejectedly, so Jinshiughed without meaning to.

 Volume 7, Chapter 19: Intruder

    Ah Duos pce had the usual feel to it.


    Ah Duo-sama. Please read a book.


    The children gathered around Ah Duo. The scene of them asking her to read a book under the gazebo resembled a western painting.


    While it was hard for him to call out to her, Ah Duo seemed to have registered his presence. She gently closed the book and stood, soothing the children.


    Ehh, done already?


    Haha. Its already time for dinner. Ill read before bedtime, so brush your teeth properly beforehand.


    After petting the childrens heads, the beauty in barbarian robes approached Jinshi. She was a youthful person to begin with, but he felt she had aged backwards since moving to the vi.


    Prince of the Moon, its been a while. Ah Duo greeted him like an official, on one knee, hands atop each other. It seemed reverent, but she was probably sticking out her tongue while facing downJinshi smiled wryly.


    You havent changed.


    Jinshi gently motioned with his hand. Taking that as a sign, Ah Duo, who had stuck out her tongue as expected, raised her face.


    For Jinshi, as someone who is often held at arms length by others, Ah Duo was one of the few people who treated him as an equal.


    He hade whilst leaving behind Basen who was also naggy about escorts.


    Although he didnt bring it up specifically, Basens expression didnt look good.


    In that case, Basen should probably take heed of Maameis advice exactly because she was his own sister, but he cant do that at all, being a weak man considering his physical strength. Once he gets married, he would, most definitely, be more henpecked than Gaoshun.


    Well, it also depends on who it is, Jinshi said.


    What was that? Ah Duo asked.


    No, nothing.


    He was shown into the pce. A sweet fragrance permeated the air.


    Whats this?


    There were wine bottles on the table. From the smell, they seemed to be considerably high in alcohol content.


    This is He found himself checking once again.


    His majesty gave me Suirens pastries. However, Im more pleased with the alcohol used in it. Ive specially set aside some for you.


    The guard stayed outside. Only Jinshi and Ah Duo were in the room. Ah Duos speech turned even more casual.


    He remembered the previous asion he drank wine with Ah Duo. Was it the night before she left the inner pce? He was summoned and made to drink so much, and in the end, he was told, Meeting breakup, and chased out of the pce.


    Aside from the wine, there was also a Go board on the table.


    Ah Duo picked up a Go stone and fiddled with it. Didnt you have an interesting match the other day?


    Has it be a topic of discussion? Jinshi averted his eyes. He only had an unpleasant premonition. Their positions suddenly reversed, and Jinshisnguage became polite.


    Given the many years of banter in the inner pce between them, this was closer to their natural way of speaking.


    The two of them were alone, so their conversation continued down this path.


    Yeah. When I heard that the weirdo tactician was driven to a wall, I found myselfughing. What trick did you use?


    She shouldve alreadye up with the correct answer, as she was sloshing the wine bottle around.


    I wonder. I lost in the end, he said.


    A loss is a loss.


    Winning against Rakan using whatever moves possible. To Jinshi, a wins a win.


    However, it seemed you had been going well, Ah Duo said.


    Yeah. I was confident. Who would have thought aeback was possible even though he was hanging by a thread?


    Even so, he didnt rx his guard. He had thought of every possible move to prepare for the rematch, but he waspletely overthrown.


    Dont see your opponent as human


    It was just as the Grandmaster of Go had said.


    Thats why, Jinshi had tried to win bybining several moves to bind him as a stopgap measure.


    As if Ah Duo had anticipated that, she poured the amber-hued wine into ss containers. A mellow fragrance instantly filled the room.


    Well then, he was an opponent you went to great lengths to defeat. What were you thinking of doing once you defeated him? Ah Duo asked.


    well, what I was thinking of doing? Jinshi responded with a question.


    Amused, Ah Duo had Jinshi hold onto the wine she had poured for herself.


    Regardless of how its done, if I were to defeat Rakan-dono, therell be fewer of the fools who see my appearance as my only redeeming feature, right? Jinshi said.


    You have so much confidence in solely your appearance as usual. Doesnt it sound sarcastic now? Ah Duo replied.


    In that regard, shall I thank my mother who gave birth to me?


    Jinshis outward appearance was a weapon, asionally to the point of annoyance.


    .


    Ah Duo was silent. He checked through the sscould she be surprised by the extent of his confidence in his appearance?


    Ah Duo-dono?


    Beyond the amber-hued liquid, was a woman with a bitter expression. For an instant, she looked different from the usual tough beauty in male-garb.


    Are you feeling a little out of it? he asked.


    No, its nothing. This is quite strong. Ah Duo set down the ss of wine. Her bitter expression was gone, instead, there was the dignified look that gave the impression of a young official.


    You neednt defeat the weirdo tactician. Even if you dont be more reputable, from the Shi n incident, no one would think that you were the weak, shut-in imperial brother, she said.


    The Shi n incident wasnt my achievement.


    He was shouldering it instead. For the vixen who was no longer around.


    Wine had been passed to him, but he had yet to taste it. He had to broach the main topic before that.


    More importantly, Ah Duo-dono. I heard that your pce was set on fire.


    Oh, you have sharp ears, she replied indifferently.


    What do you mean sharp. Hasnt it already been ten days since then?


    Why didnt you report it? he emphasised.


    Report what. It was a small fire. Besides, nothing was stolen.


    Why didnt you lodge a report?


    Ah Duo grinned.


    Please dont hide it behind a smile, he said.


    Its impossible, huh. It would seduce the pcedies and eunuchs though, she said.


    I am neither of those. More importantly, did you seduce them?


    You cant speak for yourself either, right?


    Jinshi was stuck for words.


    Rather, during his time in the inner pce, he used it so much. Even now, he made use of it asionally.


    So, the reason you remained silent? he asked.


    Youre smart. You have an idea of it, right? Ah Duo brought over some grilled ham as a side dish. She picked it up with both hands, and yed with it, peeling off the thin slices.


    That behaviour would make Suiren discipline him immediately if she ever saw it.


    The intruder seemed to be looking for Suirei.


    It was mostly as he had predicted.


    Suirei. The previous emperors grandchild and one of the survivors of the Shi n.


    The person who, under normal circumstances, should have been executed was in Ah Duos pce. This was a serious topic.


    What about the children? he asked.


    She was also raising orphans along with the surviving Shi n children.


    They are living here soundly. They hadnt noticed since the small fire happened in the middle of the night. Everyone is young and theyre all good kids. Their past memories are being overwritten by new memories from now on, to erase the sad ones.


    It was better topletely forget they were from the Shi n. If they did so, Jinshi and the others can take care of it without a hassle.


    If theres anything amiss, they will immediately be executed.


    Due to that promise, he had extended the lives of the children.


    One of them, a child called Chouu, had lost all his memories. So, as a special treatment, he was left in the care of Rokushoukan who had looked after Maomao in town.


    He had no idea what to think of leaving a child in a brothel, but from a certain standpoint, that was the first ce to send him.


    And, Suirei?


    She is pestered by the children to read books. She is sleeping in the childrens room now.


    Jinshi inadvertently made a look of iprehension. Suirei was the tall woman who dressed as a man most of the time. It was difficult for Jinshi to imagine. He could hardly imagine her looking after the children expressionlessly.


    Shes probably tired since she was entrusted to prune the trees in the garden during the day. Every time there was a caterpir, she screamed, you see.


    Making someone who was originally confined do gardeningit was just like Ah Duo.


    Ah Duo-dono.


    To think she would treat the woman, who once caused trouble to the imperial court, in this way.


    I am no match for Ah Duo, Jinshi thought wholeheartedly.


    In other words, am I to take it that you didnt obtain evidence, although you escaped from harm.


    Thats right. Also, the reason I kept quiet Ah Duo gently took out a pouch from her bosom. It contained something like rods the length of the tip of nails.


    My word.


    This was dropped at the scene of the fire. Its covered in soot, but once you feel it, youll know.


    . He checked with his fingers. Could the cool material be ss? It seemed to be ss that had been stretched thinly and cut, but it was hollow inside. Theyre beads.


    Beads werent unusual as an ornament, but as far as Jinshi could see, these beads were quite small. It wasnt something to be strung together as a single article, but something that can be sewn onto clothes and shoes.


    And Jinshi, who had lived in the inner pce for a long time, remembered what kind of consort wore clothes that were sewn on with beads.


    Could it be someone who hails from the West?


    In the West, women were required to study embroidery for marriage. All their clothes were embroidered and sewn with beads.


    This is why I stayed quiet.


    Someone from the West. How many would react to this?


    Currently, while the emperor was in the middle of strengthening ties with the West, there was also a lot of bacsh.


    I am suspicious of Gyokuen-donos rtives, but what do you think?


    (T/N: , Yu Yuan.)


    Gyokuen, Gyokuyous father, presided over Riis west. He should be currently staying in the capital.


    Im not in a position toment on this lightly.


    I know right.


    Ah Duo split the ham she had been ying with right in half and put it in her mouth. Jinshi also took some ham and brought it to his mouth. It was nicely salted meat. Suiren prepared a lot of sweet foods as side dishes, so this wasnt bad, once in a while.


    Anyway, it cant be helped if weve already noticed.


    Ah Duo wiped her fingers with a towel and swallowed the ss of wine.


    You are too kind. So take care, shesaid and set the ss down on the table.


    The contents of Jinishis untouched cup shook from the action. The rippling amber-hued surface distorted and reflected Jinshis expression.

 Volume 7, Chapter 20: Arrow Poison

    There are various rituals held in the pce, and today was no exception. A procession of people dressed in monk-like outfits was walking around in the imperial court.


    There are more than usual, huh. Maomao wrung the washed bandages.


    It seems the Prince of the Moon will be heading a ritual today. Its at the shrine close by, Enen said with a little irritation.


    Youre quite knowledgeable.


    Yes. The courtdies have been squealing about it in excitement.


    I see, Maomao understood.


    Enen peered at Maomao.


    Whats up? Maomao asked.


    No, just a question


    What is it?


    Enen beckoned Maomao over discreetly, as if wanting to keep it a secret. Do all women, fall for that man?


    Hah? Maomaounintentionally let out a stupid sound. It was as if Enen was talking like a young maiden. Moreover, she looked a little troubled.


    (Ahhh, is that how it is?)


    Maomao understood why Enen asked that kind of question. In other words, that man, referred to Jinshi.


    This time, Maomao whispered into Enens ears. I dont think Yao-san is interested in that kind of thing since she has her hands full with work still.


    Enens face brightened.


    (So easy to read.)


    At least, Yao had seen Jinshis face on several asions.


    Even when Yao-san sees the Prince of the Moons face, her face does not flush and her heart doesnt race, nor does she get short of breath or freeze up. I think she only thinks about what she has to do next, Maomao said.


    then thats fine, Enen said.


    However Maomao knew. Certainly, the chance of Yao falling in love with Jinshi is low at this point in time. It is low, but she didnt know what it would be in the future. Yao is still young. The likelihood shell fall for that sickly-sweet face one day is notpletely zero.


    In particr, things will get dangerous once the pressure of work eases.


    If they meet during their private life outside of work, there might be a slightly different reacti


    Maomao heard a crash. Enen had knocked over the bucket of bandages. She looked pale.


    Enen?


    .j-just for mdy, that kind of thing is


    Calm down. The chance of them meeting outside of work is low, right?


    Enen was pale, teeth chattering and trembling. Maomao patted her back.


    Oi, what happened? A young court physician nearby hade over, noticing that Enens condition was off. As a court physician, his speedy reaction was good, but he wasnt needed here.


    Theres nothing wrong. Its okay. Ill have her rest a bit. Maomao supported Enen, and decided to return to the medical office.


    .


    .


    .


    Okay, here you go. Maomao passed tea to Enen who was lying on the bed.


    It was good timing that Yao was off work today. As expected, even Enen cant get days off with Yao every time.


    Court Physician Ryuu was in the medical office. She thought that he would be angry about them cking off, but as soon as he saw Enen, he ended the matter with a single word: Rest.


    I dont know if theres a point in saying this, but when ites to Yao-san, wouldnt rampaging about be a little dangerous? Shocked, Maomao said to Enen who was drinking tea.


    I know, but. Enen replied.


    What are you going to do when Yao-san has to get married?


    .


    When Maomao thought that Enen will turn pale again, she calmed down.


    Mdy will have to get married someday too. I am prepared for that moment. But I will be investigating to see if the potential groom is appropriate for mdy. In fact, I have already done so.


    It was in past tense.


    Could it be, the engagement proposal that her uncle brought in? Maomao had heard it in passing. The uncle was currently looking after the family following the death of Yaos father.


    Yes, that damned geezer no, the family head had brought in engagement proposals one after another since three years ago when mdy grew up nicely. Even now, since she started work, hes been sending her letters about attending marriage interviews alongside other things!


    Three years ago, when Yao was twelve. She had a reason to be super vignt against lolicons.


    Enen. I understand, so put down your cup. Its going to break.


    Fine cracks were starting to appear on the cup. Maomao took it away and set it down. She had unintentionally panicked.


    but, arbitrary partners aside, if he were someone Yao chose, you wont need to find any faults with him, right? Maomao asked.


    With that question, Enen hung her head. She was muttering something under her breath. It seemed like she was spitting curses, but such things were unforgivable in the pce. She covered her mouth so no one would hear.


    (Yao has it hard too.)


    Maomao felt sympathy for Yao who has a troublesome follower.


    Then, Ill be returning to work


    So please take it a little easieras Maomao was about to say that.


    The medical office door was violently thrown open.


    Oi, what is it?! Court Physician Ryuu, who was on standby, asked the officials who entered. There were three people, and one was slumped down on an emergency stretcher.


    The three people were neither civil officials nor military officials. They were dressed in shy ritual robes. The person who had been carried in by a stretcher was breathingboriously, and there were specks of vomit on the side of his mouth.


    He was struck by an arrow.


    The man in ritual robes who had been carried over had his arm wrapped in blood-soaked bandages. He looked pale.


    Hurriedly, Maomao carried over a kettle from the cooking stove.


    Court Physician Ryuu tore off the first aid treatment. The wound site around the arrow was discoloured.


    Maomao carried over a small knife along with boiled water. She heated the knife, cooled it, and handed it to Court Physician Ryuu.


    Wh-what are you nning to do?


    Even if you ask that, were just cutting it. The first aid treatment wasnt bad, but if you leave it as is, the poison will remain. Did he experience diarrhoea? Court Physician Ryuu answered.


    I-I dont think so.


    His bottom half wasnt soiled, which was good as he wont have to go through humiliation.


    Blood will be drawn to allow the remaining poison to flow out.


    Maomao?


    Perhaps due to themotion next door, Enen got up.


    Its all right. We have enough hands, Maomao said.


    They were just making an incision, sewing the wound back up with a needle, and preparing some medicine.


    They had the other officials hold down the struggling official before draining his blood.


    If its arrow poison, could it be monkshood? Maomao asked.


    From the symptoms, thats likely, Court Physician Ryuu replied.


    If thats that case, they didnt have an antidote. Lets prepare antibiotic ointment and medicine that will aid in blood replenishment.


    While Maomao was in the middle of preparing it, a new guest entered.


    Dressed in the same ritual robes as the previous guestsno, his clothes were superior, and he was wearing a cap with a bamboo screen.


    It was Jinshi.


    As everyone lowered their heads, Court Physician Ryuu finished with the blood-letting. Maomao passed him a threaded needle.


    (What a gutsy court physician.)


    Even before the imperial brother, the treatment of wounds took priority. While it wasnt on Dads level, he is a capable and well-rounded court physician.


    How are things? Jinshi asked.


    Hes fortunate. As it only pierced flesh, theres no need to shave off any bone. Its also good that the treatment to drain the poison first was prompt, Maomao said.


    Is that so? Seems like I did well for my first time, Jinshi said a little boastfully.


    For some reason, the pale-faced, wounded man flushed red.


    (This guy performed the treatment?)


    Maomao moved faster than she could be shocked. She grabbed Jinshis cor and closed in. She pinched his surprised face with both hands and peered into his mouth.


    Insolence!


    Jinshi stopped the panicking officials who tried to restrain Maomao with his hand.


    Seems like you dont have cavities, she said.


    The neat row of teeth was perfect to the point of being irritating. The pearly white teeth must be due to his nanny Suirens daily meticulous brushing.


    You dont have cuts or ulcers in your mouth either.


    No, Jinshi said.


    Maomao was facing Jinshi fully. She gently released her hands. She prepared a cup that contained half fresh water and half boiled water.


    Have you rinsed your mouth? If you swallow it down with saliva, extracting the poison will be pointless, she asked.


    I have rinsed my mouth. If youre worried, prepare an antidote for me, he said.


    Unfortunately, theres no antidote for monkshood.


    Spitting the poison out is the first priority


    This person is saved, right? he asked.


    Yes. Thanks to your prompt treatment. Court Physician Ryuu answered instead. Done with sewing, he was wiping the wound with a towel soaked in alcohol.


    He used his body to protect mine. Treat his injuries well, Jinshi said.


    The face of the official who had been struggling from the pain of bloodletting now transformed into one of shock. As Jinshi had personally sucked the poison out of him by mouth, this man looked like he had already passed on to Sukhavati.


    Prince of the Moon, please leave the rest to us. Its a problem to have you in such a ce, one of the official aides said. He was probably implying a ce stinking of blood wasnt appropriate for Jinshi.


    No, Ill stay. Its better than moving elsewhere carelessly. At least, theres no space here for an arrow toe in.


    A lot of herbal medicines prefer cool, dark ces. If even the windows were closed, a poisoned arrow wouldnt be able to fly in.


    More importantly, if the medical treatment ispleted, carry him to a bed. And send a message to Maamei. Jinshi pped his right hand. Grudgingly, Maomao prepared writing materials and paper.


    She passed the effortlessly written document to the official aide.


    Is it fine that its not to Basen-sama? she asked.


    Even if it suddenly became a rumour, we dont need to turn it into amotion, Jinshi said.


    Considering Basens personality, it would only turn out like so. Although hes extremely loyal, hes a muscle brain after all.


    She looked at the official who had been entrusted with the message. Maomao felt that he was being cleared out of the room.


    You people return to work. Okay? The ritual ended with no issues. This matter is about what happens after the ritual, Jinshi said.


    Y-yes.


    With this, nothing would be recorded down.


    It seems Jinshi didnt want to let this out in public.


    The ones left was two of Jinshis official aides. They were people Maomao recognised but didnt know their names, so she could trust them.


    Maomao nced at the room next door. Im going to take my leave from the room as w


    Stay, Jinshi said.


    Enen is next door


    Enen would be fine. Jinshi gingerly took a pouch out from his breast pocket. There was a broken arrowhead inside. I want you to look at this.


    Court Physician Ryuu raised his hand when Jinshi took it out. I am a court physician. Wouldnt it be better to show the arrowhead to a military official?


    Yes. I know that Court Physician Ryuu has excellent medical skills too. However, you probably know more than other people in regards to one art.


    Maomao studied the arrowhead.


    The arrowhead, that was the length of the tip of an index finger, had a neat triangr shape. Though it was stained with blood, the surface looked smooth.


    May I touch it? she asked.


    Dont cut yourself, Jinshi said.


    Picking it up with a towel, she gently wiped the blood off it. As expected, it had a smooth surface.


    Can you think up the kind of person who would shoot this? Jinshi asked.


    .


    He was testing Maomao like usual.


    To coat on poison, there is no notch on the arrowhead to contain it. If my main goal is assassination, I would put scratches and notches on the arrowhead to better contain the poison, Maomao said.


    Could it have been in a sticky consistency like resin? Or was resin itself smeared on and poison added? If they were to carry such a slippery arrowhead with the poison coated on as is, the poison will fall off.


    Can we take it that the poison was coated just before the arrow was released? Maomao said.


    Its fine to think that there is the possibility that it still carries poison, right? Jinshi said.


    This is just a possibility, she said.


    Oi, oi. Court Physician Ryuu looked shocked. I dont want to hear anymore. May I leave my post? Of course, this girl as well.


    With this, there will be no more court physicians in the medical office.


    Jinshi was speaking of dangerous matters before Court Physician Ryuu, but he probably believed that this court physician wouldnt betray him.


    Court Physician Ryuu. This hinges on my life too, so I want to settle this quickly.


    The life of the imperial n and the life of other people. The court physician raised his hand with aplicated expression.


    Is the poison monkshood? Jinshi said.


    I cannot confidently assert that. Oleander is also used in arrow poisons, but in that case, symptoms are often apanied by diarrhoea, so it doesnt match with what we had from just now. The South uses poison frogs, but this also doesnt match the symptoms, Maomao said.


    Court Physician Ryuu, your opinion?


    If she is mistaken with something, Ill refute. I am a court physician, not a food taster nor an assassin, Court Physician Ryuu said.


    (Im a food taster, but not an assassin, you know.)


    However, at this point in time, he didnt go challenge Maomaos opinion.


    Then shall we hear of it? What kind of person shot this arrow? Jinshi asked.


    It was a mean question.


    For an assassin, there wasnt enough killing intent in the tool.


    Even for a hunter, they would be a little more particr about the use of poison.


    Then, if they went by the process of elimination


    A person who is good at archery and uses poison that they have no idea about. Additionally, if they had carried it out in a ce close to the military grounds.


    Did you just say a military official who is good at archery? Jinshi wilfully read Maomaos answer. Moreover, since they used poison they werent familiar with, could they have been forced?


    (poor guy.)


    Jinshi should understand too. The moment they are caught, that persons life is already forfeit. Even if they had been threatened, the death sentence wouldnt change.


    (Hold the ritual in a less dangerous ce, hey.)


    was going toe out of her mouth but she held it in.


    (No.)


    Wrong.


    What if he had purposely used a ce easy to aim at?


    Jinshi probably knew very well that for his political opponents, he is viewed as an eyesore. To arrest them in no time, it should be a good idea to use himself as bait.


    Maomaos heart went cold.


    This person is part of the imperial family, a person who rules, and at the same time, a person who doesnt see himself as important.


    (Its unpleasant.)


    Maomao couldnt help finding people who rush through life as unpleasant.

 Volume 7, Chapter 21: Baitang Soup

    MAOMAO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?


    Even if you ask me that.


    Maomao put down the small knife she cut her left hand with.


    She was testing new medicine in her room. Though it was an ordinary scene for Maomao, no doubt it was out of the ordinary for Yao.


    Its fine. I have medicine here.


    However, she didnt know whether it would work or not. The making of new medicine is a cycle of trial and error.


    (If only there are other people I can test it on.)


    Dad will give her a grim look. asionally, she could use the medicine on healthy military officials, but those who fit the criteria were limited, and often, they dont return after the first treatment.


    People got angry at her for using mice, and before, when she thought about shaving off maomaos fur to try hair growth medicine, everyone in Rokushoukan objected fiercely, so she couldnt try it out. Even though she had made sure to use the cut fur as a brush.


    So Maomao had no choice but to use her own body. However.


    FOOL!


    Yao got angry at her.


    Whats wrong?


    Hearing Yaos voice, Enen came over.


    Enen watched as Yao grabbed hold of Maomaos left hand in anger.


    Enen, say something to her!


    What should I say?


    Apparently, Enen was in the middle of dinner preparationsthere was a napa cabbage in her hands. Is it hot pot today? Enens baitang is delicious, rich in the vours of seafood and pork bone stock. Lets partake in itter.


    (, lit. white soup, Chinese version of pork bone soup. A milky white broth. The equivalent of tonkotsu broth in Japanese cuisine.)


    What, you say. Its this, look. Her left hand is a mess, Yao said.


    Yes. Shes probably testing medicine on it, Enen said.


    Really?!


    Really. Enen is sharp, so it seems like she realised it despite having never seen it before.


    If you knew, why didnt you stop her? I thought it didnt look like it was healing at all, but it turns out she was making new cuts. Yao had never pried into the bandage matter. So apparently, it wasnt that she hadnt noticed, but that she was worried and couldnt broach the topic.


    This, Mdy, is what Maomao did to herself. Since its for the sake of making medicine rather than simply self-harm, I decided there was no reason to stop her, Enen said.


    Yes. Theres a reason for it. The difference between medicine and poison is paper thin, so I have no choice but to test out how I shouldpound them, Maomao said.


    As a healthcare practitioner, Yao should know the importance of drug experimentation. In order to test the efficacy of the medicine, the medical office keeps several types of animals for testing. Yao had looked at it with aplicated expression, but she didntin. Since she knew that it was needed.


    And so, Maomao thought that Yao had no right to speak out, but Yao furrowed her brows, not looking like she was going to draw back.


    Even so, I cant just leave it like this. Yao didnt let go of Maomaos hand. To think that my friend is doing something like this!


    Maomao and Enens eyes widened.


    Friend, yes, if youre close enough to be friends. Yes, I guess Enen looked at Maomao a little enviously.


    Were friends, huh, Maomao said.


    Which reminds her, recently, outside of work, they had been eating and chatting together. This might be ssified as hanging out with friends.


    When Enen and Maomao each spoke like they were checking, Yaos face quickly flushed red.


    N-no! Were not friends. W-were colleagues! Colleagues! Youll stop colleagues when they experiment on strange medicines, right? Youd do the same too, right, Enen?


    Yao sought for Enens agreement.


    Enen thought for a moment. honestly, its pointless to stop Maomao. Moreover, if its meaningful, itll be right to let her do it.


    Maomao also nodded.


    Then, Ill do the same! Yao said.


    YOU CANT! Enen snapped back. The cabbage in her hands dropped to the floor. I wont allow any injuries on Yao-samas beautiful, delicate skin. Its not possible. It cannot be. If you were to do such a thing, I would inflict myself ten times, no, a hundred times the injuries on my body. Even so, would that still be fine?


    Retorting a spiel of words with a serious look, Enen grabbed Yaos shoulders and shook her.


    It seems Maomao was being treated rudely, but since Yao was the subject, it couldnt be helped.


    It was about wanting to restrict the other partys actions to the point of attachment. All the more so, if it was connected to self-harm.


    Maomao tilted her head and groaned.


    She felt that was something that was there and not there in the back of her mind.


    (No, lets take it as nothing.)


    As Maomao groaned, she smeared medicine on the left hand that Yao had released and bandaged it. She picked up the cabbage Enen dropped.


    Hey, I smell something burning. Maomao sniffed the air.


    the pot. I left it on the fire, Enen said.


    The three frantically headed to the kitchen.


    .


    .


    .


    The pan fried buns that had been made in addition to the hot pot had transformed into charcoal. There were three of them; Maomao wanted to believe that it included her share, but she didnt feel like eating the burnt things.


    Ill wash itter. Enens shoulders slumped. She was probably more depressed over cleaning off the charred surface than the food wastage.


    (Thats rough.)


    Maomao helped herself to a meal of congee and hot pot that was more simple than usual. She scooped up some broth with a soup spoon. Enens baitang is delicious. Maomao had asked about the recipe once but Enen never taught her. Although, as Enen was smiling while she watched Yao, it might be the correct answer to not ask for the details.


    (What could be in it?)


    Unlike Yao, Maomao was fine with strange things, so lets not mind it.


    Yao seemed a little disappointed over the slightly fewer side dishes, but didnt say anything when she saw that Enen was down in the dumps. The reason this master and follower got along with each other, was also because, looking from Enens perspective, there was Yao who can take her overly one-sided love.


    Maomao picked up a dried shellfish with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth. It was still voursome. Which reminds me, Yao-san. What business did you have with me?


    The reason for the burning pot was because Yao had gone to Maomaos room. The shy Yao wouldnt go to Maomao meaninglessly, or without a reason.


    I forgot. Yao put down her chopsticks that was holding onto some pork. She took out a sheet of paper from her bosom. Here, the schedule.


    The schedule.


    Court physicians are often stationed at the medical office for every ritual. So, court physicians arent called out but provided a monthly schedule.


    Maomao opened it. There were familiar words.


    Garden party.


    Thats right. Its said that this season, before winter, has the garden party feared by the consorts of the inner pce.


    The main events are the garden party and the end of year ritual. Enen also stepped in.


    Isnt it a bitte for the garden party? Maomao felt that it was already past the month for the season of the previous garden party. There wouldnt be any flowers left to admire.


    Itste. But I feel this time, the garden party is a faade. The well-informed Enen traced the words Garden Party with her finger. I wonder if its for the introduction of the new Named that has turned ambiguous?


    Gyoku?


    Gyoku in other words, Empress Gyokuyous father: Gyokuen. It has been six months since he, who governed the west of Rii, the western capital, was summoned to the capital.


    Normally, he would have been debuted immediately. If there wasnt the poisoning incident with that Shaou priestess, that is.


    Yao and Enen looked a little sick.


    The two didnt know that the priestess was still alive. Yao might have noticed, but Enen shouldnt know of it. If Enen were to, she, who lived for Yao, might do something.


    It seems that enlistment has started anew in the West. No, not just the West, other regions as well, Enen said.


    (Where did you get this information from?)


    Enlistment, you say.


    Yes. Its fine if its just expanding the army.


    Enen was probably thinking about it through some kind of perspective.


    Anyway, it wasnt something for Maomao, a court physician assistant, to stick her head into.


    Enen, may I ask a question? Yao asked.


    What is it?


    Can you trust the people from the western capital?


    With Yaos overly direct words, Maomao checked her surroundings. There was no one in the dining hall. It was cold so the doors and windows were shut tight. No one would hear it.


    Mdy.


    I know. Thats why Im asking here.


    Even Yao wasnt a fool. She spoke because there was only the three of them here.


    Certainly, Ive heard rumours about Empress Gyokuyou. Shes beautiful, but not prideful, even nice to lower people in the inner pce. Maomao would know that well, though.


    Empress Gyokuyou isnt the temptress type that ruins nations. And it doesnt appear like his majesty is obsessed with women either.


    I spoke too much here, Maomao realised.


    is what the inner pce court physician said.


    She slipped the quack doctor in.


    They were aware of the fact that Maomao had worked in the inner pce before, but she didnt say that it had been at the Jade Pce. Enen might know, but she was keeping silent since its safer to not speak of it. Shell talk about it if its mentioned.


    You say shes not a temptress. Yao spooned up some congee. But, I wonder how many temptresses in the past were truly wicked?


    She dripped the congee back into the bowl.


    Maomao understood what Yao was getting by.


    No matter how aplished a person Empress Gyokuyou is, I dont know if I can say the same for her rtives.


    Maomao didnt know much about the man called Gyokuen.


    Normally, if pushed to say it, Yao is impulsive, but she is strangely sharp at times.


    Yes. I want to believe Empress Gyokuyou isnt a pawn, to put it nicely.


    Yao-sama. Enen looked at Yao worriedly.


    What does this girl, who had been used by her uncle as a pawn, think about Empress Gyokuyou who, as an instrument for highest promotion, had ascended to be the top woman of the nation?


    Yao scooped up another spoonful of congee and put it in her mouth.

 Volume 7, Chapter 22: A Head Maid’S Responsibility

    In preparation for the garden party in the next couple of days, Gyokuyou was finalising her choice of outfit with her maids in the room.


    Gyokuyou-sama, is it too in after all? Infa tilted her head as she matched the essories to the outfit. The colour of the dress was the same hue she wore during her time as a consort, red, but slightly darker. Isnt it kind of dull?


    It goes well with the colours of the banquet. More importantly, were thinking of finding a good bnce with his majesty. Honnyan, who had beenbing Gyokuyous hair, answered. As if she, too, found the shade tooposed, the head maid set down theb and headed for the dressing room. She added another kanzashi hairpin to the essories in Infas hands.


    Moderation was probably difficult.


    If it were the time they were in the inner pce before, it would be natural to steal the march on the other consorts. So, with somemon sense in mind, the maids had looked forward to how they can add some fun to it, but the circumstances were a little different this time.


    Honnyan-sama. Can we add that? Infa looked at the kanzashi Honyan brought over disapprovingly


    Oh my, does it look strange?


    I also think its okay, but hasnt she worn it before? Back then, the empress dowagers maid was scrutinising her outfit.


    We cant use this then. Honnyan returned the kanzashi.


    Fundamentally, outfits worn inrge banquets are not used again in anotherrge one. Extravagant outfits will be altered down to trifling stylish wear for tea parties and such.


    As for small essories, they can be used many times, but they cannot have people think that they only use the same things.


    But itll look too in like this.


    I agree.


    The two of them groaned.


    Gyokuyou didnt not understand their views. Colours aside, I want something that leaves a shy impression. Like arge gem or the like.


    Jade, they have in abundance, but it doesntplement her current outfit. Something more transparent and draws attention would work better.


    Like crystal.


    As well as.


    Like polished diamond from the West.


    Searching for it at this point in time will be difficult. If we do have some, well have to rush an artisan to make it though.


    Though she said that, she was going to take a look. Honnyan headed for the dressing room again. Although Gyokuyou is said to be more modest than other consorts, she is currently the empress nheless. Shell have one or two crystals.


    However


    Its a little boring like this. Gyokuyou stuck out her tongue.


    Amusements have decreased since leaving the inner pce. It was fun to pass the days with her children, and there were various worries from the position of the emperor and empress.


    But Gyokuyou is a woman still not much older than twenty. She still retained her inquisitiveness from her younger days.


    If we must, something amusing would be good. She grinned and got up from her seat.


    And then she stealthily went off to get a certain thing. The two maids didnt recognise what Gyokuyou went to get and where she went.


    Honnyan. Infa


    Yes, what is it?


    The two immediately came over. Gyokuyou showed them the rocks that had been wrapped up in cloth. There were three stones, highly transparent crystal; they could see through to the other side.


    we had crystals like this? Honnyan was bewildered.


    On the other hand, Infas eyes widened and shepared Gyokuyou to the crystal. Gyokuyou winked, and as if she knew what Infa wanted to say, raised her index finger out of Honnyans notice and replied,


    I want it in this shape.


    Gyokuyou went to the table for a brush and drew a simple picture. It was a picture of a kanzashi in the shape that resembled a ground cherry, that resembled antern. Have it in the shape of a cage and have the crystal visible inside it. She added an exnation to the two people and passed the crystal and paper to Infa.


    Infa, go request it at once.


    Gyokuyou-sama, if its a request, I can always Honnyan tried to take the crystal off Infa, but Gyokuyou blocked her way.


    We can have Infa do it once in a while, right? Infa should know what to do.


    Thats true, but Gyokuyou-sama, what are you plotting?


    How sharp. As expected of the head maid. There was also the fact that Honnyan had been keeping an eye on Gyokuyou ever since she was a child.


    However, like how Honnyan knew Gyokuyou, Gyokuyou also understood Honnyan.


    I mean, we cant always leave it all to Honnyan, right?


    Gyokuyou dropped her gaze and looked at Honnyan with upturned eyes.


    Seeing that, Honnyans expression stiffened. No, as Gyokuyou-samas head maid, I have to do my work properly.


    But then you wont be able to get married, right?


    At the words married, Honnyans expression changedpletely. It was like she got stuck by lighting. M-married.


    Honnyan is still healthy and pretty, but she has also passed marriageable age. Where people mostly married when they were in their mid-teens and early twenties, Honnyan is thirty two. Maomao, who has medical knowledge, had said that you can still bear children at that age, but the person herself is impatient.


    Speaking of how impatient, when they were at the inner pce, she had even gone after Gaoshun even though hes a eunuch. By the way, Gaoshun isnt a eunuch, but has a wife from hell who is older than him, so he clearly turned her down.


    Honnyan always does everything on your own. At this rate, once youre gone, I wont be able to do anything. You have to leave some work to the other maids at least.


    As a consequence of being too capable, it was probably too difficult for gentlemen to approach her as well.


    Honnyan came along when Gyokuyou entered court at the age of fifteen. A capable maid was needed when you go to the inner pce, which is, in a certain meaning, an abode of demons. At the time, there were a number of maids older than Honnyan, but they returned to their hometowns one after another, after being subject to getting their lives targeted when Gyokuyou was picked by his majesty. There were some who returned to their hometown for marriage, and others who copsed from food tasting.


    The ones remaining was Honnyan, and Infas groupthe three young and inexperienced girls. Honnyan probably stretched herself thin, thinking that she had to do it all herself.


    Although she had temporarily employed a wet nurse when her daughter was born, Gyokuyou didnt know friend from foe as she had been raised in the desert, so they hadnt taken in any new maids.


    Entering in the middle of that, was Maomao.


    It was fun when that girl was here, Gyokuyou fell deep into her memories, but now wasnt the time to think about it.


    For Gyokuyou to kill time, she had to give her all into misleading Honnyan.


    Dad also mentioned it before. That we have to prepare a good marriage match for Honnayn.


    Gyokuen-sama did. Honnyan was moved.


    It wasnt a lie. Dad had said that Honnyans children will be excellent no matter their gender. And that its toote to have them as foster siblings, but they would serve us well.


    Its also different from then, we have more maids now. You dont need to always get worked up.


    Due to the crown princes birth, three maids hade in from their hometown, and the numbers increased further when Gyokuyou became the empress.


    I understand that youre uneasy. It may not be the inner pce, but this is still a battlefield for women. We dont know what will happen. But, you are no longer alone. Please think more about your future and live.


    Gyokuyou was impressed by her eloquence. This personality of hers is fortunate. She might survive even in the battlefield of women.


    Gyokuyou-sama, you think about me this way Honnyans eyes were damp. I understand. From now on, I will call for Airan and Guien. Ill check to see how much I can entrust my work to them.


    Immediately motivated, she left the room.


    Her side profile was flushed like a maiden.


    When Gyokuyou was left alone in the room, she stretched out her hand for the writing materials on the desk again.


    This goes beyond a joke. She decided to write a letter to Gyokuen in the capital to see if theres a good marriage match.

 Volume 7, Chapter 23: The Revolting Dish

    Snow was falling in flurries against a leaden sky.


    Just when I thought it was getting chilly, it really did start snowing.


    Yao blew on her fingertips, which had reddened from the washing. No doubt Enen will start to painstakingly apply ointment to them as soon as she sees.


    It was clear the night before though.


    Maomao recalled the beautiful starry sky. The clearer the days, the colder the winter. Dad taught her that without cloud cover, the air warmed by the sun during the day will escape.


    At this rate, the garden party is going to be a hard time.


    Yeah.


    Chatting about the people around them, they returned to the medical office with a basketful ofundry.


    Huh? Somehow, theres a lot of people, Yao said.


    There were both military and civil officials present. Even though civil officials dont tend to frequent the area under normal circumstances.


    When she realised that they were heading to the toilet, Maomao thumped a fist against her palm. Theyre here for the garden party. They have to relieve themselves before it begins.


    But isnt that far from here? Yao asked.


    The closest one is for the big shots. The next closest would be for maids, right? Maomao remembered fromst year.


    Then for his imperial majesty?


    They should be setting up a new ce for him.


    He wont take care of his business in a toilet used by just anyone. Hes the gentleman who stands at the summit of the country.


    Yaos footsteps suddenly came to a halt.


    Whats wrong?


    Maomao, lets not go this way. She tugged on Maomaos hand.


    Well be taking a detour then?


    Theres someone I dont want to run into.


    Her exnation was easy to understand.


    Apparently, among the civil and military officials heading towards the toilet, was someone she couldnt stand. Maomao understood very well the feeling of wanting to avoid carelessly catching someones eye.


    (Who on earth could it be?)


    If its an official known to Yao, could it be her uncle whos currently serving as her guardian? Or perhaps one of the lolicons she was forced into a marriage interview with, as Enen mentioned before?


    There was no point even if she looked into it so Maomao meekly followed after her.


    Yao clutched onto Enen as soon as they returned to the medical office.


    Mdy!


    Enen, its a bit cold.


    Enen prepared a jacket and warm ginger soup for Yao, whose ears and cheeks had gone red. She also gave some ginger soup to Maomao.


    Maomao blew into the bowl and swallowed a mouthful, feeling herself warm up. There seems to be some orange zest added in; it had a nice fragrance.


    As the interior of the room was also heated for when sick and injured people arrive, she was on the verge of dozing off. Apparently, in winter, military officials whoe here to procrastinate are oft dragged back to training by their superiors by the scruffs of their necks.


    The noisy court physicians were out today. The only ones left were younger court physicians who were rtively kinder to Maomao and the others. Everyone turned into cowards when the superiors werent around.


    Ahhh, Ive warmed up. Shall we get back to work? Yao said.


    Mdy, please stay here for today. Maomao and I can do the outside work, Enen said.


    We cant do that, right? from the look of things, Uncle came before, didnt he?


    Mdy.


    It seems it was the uncle Maomao had expected.


    So, how was it? Did he not trouble other people? Yao asked.


    Y-yes. Its just that he had nned to wait, but Enen snuck a nce backwards.


    The young court physician at the desk stood up with a determined expression. I have exined to him. This ce is for the sick and injured, not a rest area. Also, when I told him he wont make it in time for the garden party, he left.


    Is that so. Thank you very much. Yao dipped her head.


    Enen looked at the young court physician with jealousy.


    (You can rest assured. This person isnt aiming for Yao, but Enen.)


    For Enen who lived for her youngdy, every man who approaches her youngdy is like a caterpir.


    Maomao moved the washed bandages to the pot and prepared to boil them. She wanted to drag it out for a bit longer, but getting work done takes priority.


    Maomao.


    She turned around at Enens call.


    Please use this as kindling.


    She was passed over a board covered in cloth. There were two joined together. A drawing of a man was interposed between them.


    An incorrigible man, huh.


    A surprised Yao borrowed fire from the brazier to light the stove.


    Maomao understood what this uncle person came to do. It was the portrait of a marriage interview partner, but it was hard to tell to what extent it had been beautified. It looked like a drawing of an actor.


    ncing at Maomao and Yao, the young physicianined: Leave the room already. Even if hes left alone with her, Maomao didnt think hed get close to Enen. The other young court physicians had already given up on Enen, as well as Yao, who is guarded by Enen. What a tenacious individual. By the way, it should be added that Maomao was excluded from the start.


    (Rather, will their conversation progress once theyre alone?)


    It was a simple question, but this court physician is quite determined. As soon as Maomao and Yao made to leave the room, he entangled himself with Enen.


    Enen, how about we continue our conversation? You can talk with Yao-santer.


    .


    If she could draw attention away from Yao, Enen would more or less bear with it.


    (I think she would only talk about simple topics though)


    Enen is tough, Maomao thought as she headed towards the cooking stove.


    .


    .


    .


    Drying the bandages they boiled in the afternoon took around a dual hour. Theyll have lunch once they returned to the medical office.


    It seems there was also a break for the garden party. People rapidly crowded around the toilet.


    Yao-san, are you okay with not going to the toilet?


    I-Im okay. What about Maomao?


    I went just then.


    Yao looked betrayed. As it looked like more people wille, she went quickly while Yao was drying the bandages.


    Yao-san, are you not going?


    Im not going!


    The toilet is separated by gender, but while there were many civil officials and military officials, youll probably need the courage to go. Moreover, there are some who cant hold it in and use the female toilets. Its ufortable for the courtdies who normally use it.


    Maomao has been to the garden party before, right? Yao asked.


    Did you hear about it from Enen?


    Yeah.


    Shes truly well-informed, Maomao thought.


    How was it? Yao asked.


    It was cold. And it wasnt really like something you see in your dreams.


    The scene was sunny, but for Maomao who attended as a maid, it was a battle with the cold. She had been desperate in making sure Imperial Princess Rinrii, who was still a baby, didnt catch a cold.


    Next, was the meals. The food tasting was full of people who looked like they dont know the taste of food. So it meant that they were bringing their spoons into cold soup.


    (There arent many opportunities to add poison in the first ce.)


    Naturally, the risk is great when ites to mixing in the poison. The poisoner needs to be prepared for that as well.


    However, there was a person who attempted it even at the cost of a sacrifice.


    And so, Maomao ingested poisoned soup in the past.


    (I want to eat it.)


    Maomao, are you smiling? Yao peered at Maomao.


    Ah, excuse me.


    She recalled the vour of the soup once again. Poisons are bitter and astringent tasting, but there are also a lot of delicious things in the world. Like fugu, like mushrooms.


    As they passed the front of the toilet, they heard sounds of vomiting.


    She wondered what it was. There were a number of military officials huddled around the well, filling their mouths with water before spitting it out.


    What could have happened? Yao asked.


    The military officials were wearing clothes of higher quality than usual. They must be attendees of the garden party. There was a face she recognised.


    If youre curious, shall we try asking? Maomao said.


    Eh, wait.


    Maomao approached the side of the well.


    Amongst the nicely built military officials, there was a man who reminded her of arge breed dog.


    Long time no see, she said.


    Lass.


    It was Rihaku.


    This man also came to the garden party two years ago. It wasnt strange for him to attend this year as well.


    What happened? You looked like you were vomiting up something, she said.


    Yeah. Thanks for your concern. Theres nothing strange in particr. Just that the food was revolting. Isnt that right? Rihaku called to the military officials around him.


    Thats right. It was terrible. Even though I was looking forward to it, as it was imperial court dishes. If its like that, the food made by the old man of the dining hall is way better.


    Some were cold. Not that soup though. No matter how I think about it, I can only see that vour as a mistake in portioning. Theres no way his imperial majesty is served the same things, right?


    His imperial majesty has something else. No way he gets the same things as us.


    Thats true, huh.


    The military officialsughed.


    The food was unptable? Maomao knew what kind of dishes were served. Cold or not, the vours of the dishes should all be delicious.


    What kind of dish was served? That soup thing was


    If his imperial majesty and high officials were served strange dishes, the chef might get firedter. Otherwise, if something strange was mixed in it, that was a problem in and of itself.


    Really salty, right? They may have thought of serving interesting dishes so they made a southern dish. There was a patterned boiled egg as a garnish. It looked delicious.


    On the contrary, when he put the garnish in his mouth, it was somewhat salty. When he got to the soup, he was on the verge of vomiting.


    I tried my best to eat it all somehow. I wondered if the rest of the dishes tasted strange, Rihaku said.


    Yes, yes. But everyone else looked fine. Our superior officer was even smacking his lips, saying delicious, delicious. His tongue might have turned useless.


    The military officials here were saying that they wondered if their own tongues were weird. However, seeing how everyone had the same impression, they were sure that it was indeed the dish that was strange.


    So then, everyone, how long has it been since you drank the soup? Maomao asked.


    Ummm, about half-a-dual-hour? I stopped myself from spitting it back out, and ran all the way here when it was break time.


    Come to think of it, they were slightly sweaty, Rihaku included.


    Half-a-dual-hour, is it? Your physical condition seems fine, she said.


    Why are you speaking like that? Dont tell me its been poisoned. Come on, Im lively, as you can see, Rihaku said.


    Depending on the type of poison, some start to take effect muchter. Yao quietly came over. As she had personal experience, her tone was imbued with emotion.


    D-dont intimidate me. Rihakus face contorted.


    If anything happens, pleasee to the medical office. Well make preparations for you to puke your guts out, Maomao said.


    Isnt it bad to puke out your guts?


    As Rihaku turned pale, Maomao and Yao returned to the medical office.


    Maomao, what do you think, about just now? Yao asked.


    Under normal circumstances, I would consider it to be clumped-up salt. I dont think so much would be undissolved in soup though, Maomao replied.


    Did they put in arge chunk of rock salt? Or was the salt added inter?


    Either way, if he feels unwell, hell have no choice but toe again.


    Thats true.


    With a tilt of her head, Yao decided to ept Maomaos hypothesis for the time being.

 Volume 7, Chapter 24: Summon

    Something strange has happened again, hasnt it?


    It wasnt that she was gloomy and couldnt sleep at night from the sky falling, but could she be feeling this way because she became much too used to irritating matters?


    Maomao cleaned up the medical office while lost in thought. The three court physician assistants work ended with this. Lets cook a warm dinner once theyre back at the dorms.


    Ahhh, since today was such a breeze, it would be nice if tomorrows the same. If I have time after this, I can even go out for a meal


    The young court physician asked Enen out when they finished work.


    You didnt write a report. Court Physician Ryuu will be back soon, so its better if you do.


    Enen set the logbook before the court physician, then took out a jacket to drape over Yao.


    Mdy, its chilly so please warm up.


    I know.


    A scarf was firmly wound around her neck.


    Maomao put on her padded garment, then sidled over to stand before the young court physician. By the way, he is called Court Physician Ri, but they dont really call him that as there were two other people with the same surname. His first name is Tenyuu, but Maomao and the others have never called him that. The reason being that Tenyuu had told them at the very beginning to, feel free to call me by my name. Maomao, Yao, Enenconsidering the threes respective personalities, they will never do so.


    (T/N: The same Tenyuu as the Go lover employed at Jinshis office. They seem to be different people though. The LN equivalent of the document sorter is called Sei [, qing] fyi.)


    Well then, excuse me, Maomao said.


    Excuse me, Yao said.


    Mdy, what shall we have for dinner? Enen said.


    (Completely ignored, huh.)


    It seems he had been persistently speaking to Enen today. Tenyuu waved from the medical office, but Enen didnt wave back.


    (Pork is good. Pork. Pork.)


    Since its cold, I want to eat fatty porkMaomao sent her thoughts to Yao. Once they left the medical office, the cold air bit into their ears.


    Hmm yes, I feel like chicken. Something grilled with a crispy exterior, Yao said.


    Maomaos thoughts didnt reach Yao. But chicken wasnt bad either.


    Then well need something that goes well with it.


    Maomao inserted herself into the conversation.


    Hmm yes, I might feel like namasu too, Yao replied.


    Enen looked at Maomao. In that case, Maomao. We dont have enough vegetables, so please go buy some.


    Enens eyes were saying, Those who dont work dont deserve to eat.


    No other choice, Maomao nodded as she drooped her shoulders and shivered.


    She decided to part ways with Yao and Enen and head to the market.


    .


    .


    .


    As the sun had set, more than half the vendors in the market had closed. The street stalls were already closed, so she looked for shops even though they were somewhat expensive.


    (I wonder if there are any seasonal gourds. Carrot and daikon.)


    She found a shopid out with plump daikons and approached it. She looked at the price. It was expensive since it looked appetising. Was the price double the street stalls?


    (I wonder if hell give me freebies.)


    She tried to haggle with the vendor, but when the old man saw Maomaos face, he took off a sorry fraction of the price. He might give her a better discount if Yao was here with her.


    Here, the money, she said.


    kay, gimme a moment. The old man scrutinised the money he got from Maomao.


    I dont think theyre iron coins though.


    (T/N: , bita, the lowest value coin that is made from iron.)


    The value of money decreases when chipped. He may have given her a small discount, but she wouldnt be able to take if he found fault with her.


    Ahh, my bad. Theres been bad guys about. Theres been a lot of impure coinstely.


    They wouldnt mix anything in such small change, right?


    Gold and silver aside, it would rougher if there were impurities in copper coins.


    Ahhh, my bad, my bad. Ive been deceived before, so it seems like I got nervous. Illp you with this.


    The old man skilfully tied up the carrot with the daikon, and added a turnip.


    (If you do this, I guess Ill forgive you.)


    The leaf, picked in salt, will go well with congee. Lets add the root to the namasu.


    Its not just money. It seems that even stuff like kanzashi has things mixed in them. I hear it a lot, people buy it thinking its made from gold, only for it to be ted. You should be careful too,ss.


    It was amon story in open air markets. Shops can be immediately closed down, so these vendors call over customers with eloquent words, sell them inferior goods, and disappear before they realise it.


    Money aside, when ites to jewellery, you cant tell them apart. You cant yell at them to take off the ting, and they use simr coloured metals so you cant tell them apart, the vendor exined.


    there is a method to discriminate between the metals without needing to yell at them, you know.


    Really?


    She gave the old man with a suspicions will raise bogies look. Real gold is heavier than other metals, so


    Fill a container to the brim. Put in the thing you want to measure in the container. Check the amount of water spilt out and prepare a metal that takes out the same amount of water.


    If they are made with the same materials, the weight will not change. If it has a lot of impurities in itself, it will be lighter, she said.


    Ooh, was there such a method?


    Yeah. It works for gold since its extremely heavy. It might be difficult for other things though.


    The old man understood it, so Maomao no longer had any business with him.


    She decided to return quickly since its cold.


    .


    .


    .


    (Yesterdays chicken was truly delicious.)


    Maomao worked as she recalled yesterdays dinner. While she was crushing medicinal herbs in the mortar, she swallowed her drool.


    Enens cooking skill was quite good. Maomao nned to cook some too, but she was no match for the other courtdy.


    Enen had said that her older brother is a chef, but she wasparable enough to him.


    The pale pink meat under the crispy grilled skin. The meat juices overflowed when you bit into it. It was seasoned with salt and ck specksthat couldnt have been pepper, right? Enens meal for Yao wasnt half-rate; Maomao felt that, just for the meal expenses alone, most of their wages were slipping right through their hands.


    Moreover, Maomao had recently been joining in with a lot of their meals, so their expenses probably increased.


    Now that I think about it, I should pitch in for food expenses, Maomao reflected. It was more delicious than eating at an inferior shop. She should pay for the cost of materials.


    Yup, yup.


    What are you nodding about?


    Before she realised, Yao was next to her.


    Court Physician Ryuu has been calling for you since a moment ago, Yao said.


    Is that so? Maomao packed away the medicinal herbs and mortar.


    Ill do it, so please go. What did you do?


    Nothing at the moment.


    Ahh, Maomao hasnt done anything yet.


    From Yaos expression, she was probably making a joke. There was even some envy in it.


    Maomao had more experience as a doctor than Yao and Enen, so the other two weremonly given other jobs. Maomao was usually recruited to pick medicinal herbs and such.


    Apparently, Yao was vexed that she wouldnt get the same job as Maomao. Her joke from just now also stemmed from there.


    (Shes more gentlepared to before)


    Did Yao change, or was it Maomaos feelings that changed?


    Court Physician Ryuu, you called for me? Maomao said.


    Yes, for this.


    The court physician passed a letter to her. Maomao recognised the seal pressed on beeswax.


    (Empress Gyokuyou.)


    Normally, the empress would do it in a different way through letter exchanges, but with Court Physician Ryuu bringing it, could it mean there was some urgent business?


    It seems she wants you to go to the pce immediately.


    The contents of the letter was the same. There were no details.


    Then, Ruo


    No, you alone.


    If it were to see the empress, the qualified one should be her dad, the eunuch. To have called Maomao aloneshe tilted her head.


    You probably have questions, but as far as what the other party said, I wasnt told anything. Come on, get a move on.


    Court Physician Ryuu had some thoughts about it as well, but the other party was the empress. Even if hes in the position that manages court physicians, he cannot talk back to her.


    Understood.


    Maomao decided to do as she was told.


    .


    .


    .


    She brought by carriage from the medical office to Empress Gyokuyous pce. It was also inside the imperial court, but since it moved from the outer court to the inner court, it was bad form to have Maomao totter over alone on foot.


    She passed through many gates and reached the empress pce.


    The pce in the inner pce was also plenty magnificent, but Empress Gyokuyous current pce was probably over triple in size.


    She alighted from the carriage and stood before the door. The door opened on its own. It was a slender beauty who opened it.


    (Was it Hakuu?)


    (T/N: , Bai Yu, White Feather. )


    Maomao remembered. Hakuu was a co-worker whom she had worked with in the Jade pce for a period of time. She was one of the three maids who came from Empress Gyokuyous hometown. The three maids were sisters born in consecutive years, and looked simr, but they were easy to tell apart through the colours of their essories. The current maid was wearing a white hair cord, so it meant she had to be Hakuu.


    She remembered that the other two were called Sekiu, and Kokuu.


    (T/N: , Chi Yu, Red Feather. , Hei Yu, ck Feather. The names of the three sisters were introduced when they first appeared in volume 3 of the LN, so its nice to finally see them named in the WN.)


    Thanks for waiting. Pleasee in.


    Unlike the talkative three old-timers, Infa and the others, the three new girls were silent and mature.


    Normally, when Maomao came here, Infa and the other would be raring toe greet her, but it was quiet today.


    did something happen?


    And to summon Maomao alone like this


    This is the room. Please ask directly.


    Hakuu guided Maomao to the parlour, and quickly left.


    Maomao entered the room. Empress Gyokuyou was sitting on the couch, and Honnyan was beside her.


    Maomao bowed her head. Its been a while.


    Yes. We havent seen you in a long time.


    That said, the previous visit was the doctors visit, so has it been around a month?


    Do you know why I called you?


    Maomao shook her head.


    Empress Gyokuyous voice was lower than usual. Even though the empress is usually cheery, eyes shining with the expectation for fun things.


    (This facial expression)


    Maomao felt like she had seen it before.


    When Maomao saw Empress Gyokuyou for the first time. She recalled the wary expression the empress had when she was confronting Consort Rifa, when they were being menaced by an illness of unknown cause.


    Itll be faster to exin without the indirectness, Honnyan.


    The empress looked at the head maid.


    Honnyan set a cloth pouch on the table. She unravelled the cloth to show a kanzashi.


    The kanzashi was made from silver. It was an interesting make; a cage that looked like ground cherry dangled from it. The cage design was shy, so Maomao understood it wasnt made by a run of the mill artisan.


    However


    (Its ckened in various ces.)


    Silver tarnishes quickly, but the ckened parts lowered the kanzashis charm by half. Also, the design itself was splendid, but as a whole, it looked like it was missing something for some reason.


    Maomao tilted her head. This is?


    What I wore at the garden party.


    At the garden party? Maomao knitted her brows.


    I know what you want to say. Theres no way she would wear it at the garden party with the way it looks now, Honnyan cut in.


    (I know right)


    There was no way that Honnyan, who was quite fussy among the maids, would stay quiet and let the empress wear the essory that even Maomao foundcking. Was there was something attached to this kanzashi?


    It was something I rushed the artisan to make, but it was made nicely. Its ckened now though. Also, theres a decoration inside the cage. Its half the size of the cage.


    Decoration, you say?


    A decoration inside the cage that looks like a ground cherry. It certainly looks good. It might jingle like a bell when youre walking.


    Not that either, huh.


    The cage had thin gaps. It doesnt look like it had fallen out.


    I wore this kanzashi at the garden party. It was already missing when I left my seat once to change my clothes at noon.


    Going by the course of the garden party during their days in the inner pce, there was no time to change clothes. However, there shouldnt be any people who would approach the consorts.


    Could a sticky fingered maid be mingled in?


    Of course, not a maid who serves Empress Gyokuyou, but the maids who came to wait.


    Empress Gyokuyou shook her head. On behalf of the empress, Honnyan opened her mouth.


    The kanzashi came back today slipped in among the gifts to the empress.


    Maomao took it that the maid who took the kanzashi had tried to return it out of a guilty conscience. Or could she have been made to hide the kanzashi among Empress Gyokuyous gifts?


    (Thats impossible.)


    This was a threat.


    It meant that they could go near Empress Gyokuyou and could sneak into the pces goods.


    Empress Gyokuyou had been served poison by other consorts during her days in the inner pce. She is now the mother of the crown prince and moved pces, so Maomao felt that there wouldnt be as much danger as before, but.


    You cane back whenever.


    The words that had been said countless times. It was abouting back to work for Empress Gyokuyou.


    That wasnt something said out of familiarity, Maomao realised btedly.


    Maomao, can you catch the perpetrator?


    Empress Gyokuyou smiled anxiously as her fist quivered.

 Volume 7, Chapter 25: Kanzashi Thief Former Part

    She thought Empress Gyokuyou was an easy-going person.


    In the garden of women known as the inner pce, the treatment of the woman who is loved by the emperor is horrifying. Yet, her smile never waned. Maomao believed Empress Gyokuyou, who possessed both the curiosity of a young girl and the determination of a woman would be fine, even without her.


    (Was that not the case?)


    Empress, mother of the nation or not, she was still human.


    Maomao examined the kanzashi entrusted to her.


    She was told to stay the night since it was alreadyte. The dorm was already notified.


    In terms of distance, the dorms were a quarter of a dual hour away. More importantly, isnt allowing an outsider stay in the empress pce a much more serious matter?


    (Was she going to remain uneasy until the culprit is found?)


    That said, was it because there was no one else she could entrust it to?


    Or could it be


    Maomao sat cross legged on the bed in the room prepared for her, and crossed her arms.


    (ckened silver.)


    Silver tarnishes. It darkens when neglected, so its constantly polished.


    The nobility prefer silver cutlery. Rather, they have no other choice.


    Since silver ckens in contact with arsenic.


    Arsenic ckens silver quickly. It is colourless, tasteless, odourless, but due to this property, it is easy to discover. Putting it another way, they cannot part with silver cutlery.


    Had Empress Gyokuyoue into contact with arsenic before? No, mood aside, her constitution has been generally good, not the air of someone whos been served poison.


    Then, why did it cken?


    (Did the kanzashi be ckened after it was stolen?)


    They tried to use poison, but couldnt. Thats why they stole the kanzashi to threaten Empress Gyokuyou.


    (Thats not it)


    It was too indirect.


    Assuming they had a motive, Maomao couldnt make a guess. What could their objective be?


    And there was one other thing that bothered her.


    It doesnt look broken.


    Honnyan said there was arge crystal inside. Where did that crystal go?


    (Crystal, huh.)


    Hmm.


    When she crossed her arms, there was a knock at the door.


    Maomao, are you free?


    It was Infa.


    What is it?


    Normally, Maomao would think Infa was here to chat, but that didnt seem to be the case. However, it was perfect timing. Maomao also had something to ask her.


    I-Its about the kanzashi, but. Infa made a somewhat awkward expression.


    Suddenly, Maomao understood. Could the crystal used in this kanzashi be


    She recalled something she made when she was at the Jade Pce.


    A salt crystal?


    She had steadily grown crystals from small grains. She gave a number of nicely made ones to Empress Gyokuyou. If she didnt mention what it was made from, they might be mistaken for quartz crystals.


    as expected of Maomao. You know it well. Infa nodded in shock.


    I knew it. Maomao picked up the kanzashi with a cloth and waved it around. Why did she use salt in the kanzashi? It breaks easily.


    She had warned Empress Gyokuyou when she gave it to her that it will melt in high humidity. No matter how pretty it looks, salt is salt.


    Gyokuyou-sama has been boredtely. Thats why she wanted to have some fun at the garden party.


    Infa said that it was Empress Gyokuyou who orchestrated it.


    Of course, it was kept a secret from the inflexible Honnyan. That was why Infa was behaving awkwardly.


    What was she nning to do if it broke midway?


    The garden party is also a ce to appraise women. They were scrutinised from the tips of toes to the ends of their hair.


    When they were in the inner pce, there were many middle ranking and low ranking consorts who imitated Empress Gyokuyou to receive the emperors affection like she does.


    If the inside of the kanzashi breaks, it wouldnt be a good look.


    She was sent to change her clothes before that. She probably had half-a-dual-hour to fix the colours, she said.


    The peculiar shape of the kanzashi that resembled a ground cherry drew everyones attention. Everyone must be wondering what that rock inside the cage was. The women who help out at the banquet, in particr.


    Not just in the inner pce, there are many women outside who think about trying to attract the emperors attention.


    She must have had fun watching her surroundings who had no idea what was used in the kanzashi. Or she might have been enjoying the excitement of what happens when it breaks.


    If you say its like Empress Gyokuyou, it is.


    (Did a maid who was needed to study the kanzashi steal it?)


    It wasnt out of the question. If the reason she returned it was because she had been feeling uneasy about stealing it, that was still relieving. But, it wasnt something you can simply return.


    Excuse me. What were the surroundings at the garden party like? Maomao asked.


    What do you mean by that?


    How the seats at the banquet were arranged and who worked behind the scenes.


    Got it. Infa left the room and returned with stationery and paper. She sketched it out for her. His imperial majesty was seated at the middle of the banquet. To his right, was the empress dowager and Jinno, the Prince of the Moon. On his left was Gyokuyou-sama, followed by Gyokuen-sama a little further down.


    Maomao knew from the arrangement that the grand purpose of this garden party was the granting of a name to Gyokuen. Of course, there were other powerful people in line as well.


    Where did she change?


    This time it was close to the pce, so we moved over to there.


    Since there was also a toilet in the pce, it seems this times was rtively easy.


    However, the kitchen was a bit far. Its typical for the dishes to get cold, but it seemed rough to have them carry about several peoples worth of food.


    During food tasting, the dishes get cold. Such a waste of the good vour that has been especially prepared, Maomao thought.


    Here, there was a pot right next to the pce.


    Maomao narrowed her eyes. Was anyone watching the pot?


    I dont think so. Its probably for the people at the lowest seats.


    The share for people who require food tasting is prepared elsewhere.


    Then, did she lose the kanzashi while the pot was there?


    Ah, yes, thats right. It was just when the food was being prepared. I was asked to do something else, so I wasnt with Gyokuyou-sama for a time. When I returned, there was a fuss over the missing kanzashi.


    (Ahhh, is that how it is?)


    Maomao looked at the kanzashi, understanding. She knew why it was ckened.


    Maomao, you kinda look like you know something?


    Do I?


    You do! What is it, tell me!


    Even if she told her to tell, its troubling. It wasnt proven yet, still within the range of a hypothesis.


    I dont have enough information yet.


    No way! Tell me!


    Maomao groaned.


    However, if she refused to divulge it now, Infa wouldnt obediently keep quiet.


    I understand. But first I have to make sure of one more thing, Maomao said.


    What is it?


    Its nothing major. At that time, do you know who was at the pce? Its okay if its just people you know.


    In that case


    Maomao added the names of the people Infa said to the paper.

 Volume 7, Chapter 26: Kanzashi Thief Latter Part (Volume End)

    It may not be entirely correct to say the mystery has been solved, but Maomao has figured out how the kanzashi was lost.


    However


    (This is problematic in and of itself.)


    Byparing the information gleaned from Infa with her own guess, it could only head in a fishy direction.


    She wanted to give Empress Gyokuyou a peace of mind, but should she tell the truth?


    While she was lost in thought, morning came around.


    Rubbing her eyes, Maomao looked at the kanzashi.


    Given that she had asked Infa about this and that, Maomao had no choice but to say it.


    Maomao, lets have breakfast!


    Infa quickly showed up.


    Maomao took up her offer. Guien and Airan were also at the breakfast area. Guien had the same gentle demeanour, and gained a bit of weight. Did Airan grow a little tallerher gaze was higher than before. Maomao, who was short, envied Airans height.


    Maomao also smiled a little at the nostalgic gathering.


    I made the breakfast fancy and added dried abalone!


    Ooooh!


    Maomao found herself pping along. Could it have been pinched from the ingredients for Empress Gyokuyous night meal?


    It was a simple meal consisting of good soup stock with a tiny bit of salt, but it was delicious, with the ingredients being what they are. The rice was also first ssas expected of being part of the empress entourage, the maids meals have also risen in ranking.


    As the four people chatted, Maomao looked around.


    What is it? Guien asked Maomao, who looked unsettled.


    No, are the others eating a good breakfast?


    Alongside Hakuu and two others, the number of maids should have increased when Gyokuyou became Empress.


    Yeah, Hakuu-san and the others are eating elsewhere. The other maids dont eat here.


    Yup, I want to get closer to them but those three are diligent.


    (I think only the three of you areidback.)


    Thats why theyre easy to get along with, though.


    Infas group had been around longer with Empress Gyokuyou in the inner pce as maids. However, they probably affixed an honorific title to Hakuu and the others since thetter were acquainted with Empress Gyokuyou from the start.


    As the head maid, Honnyan stood at the top, but for some reason, in terms of standing, Maomao couldnt help feeling that Hakuu was higher up than Infas group.


    Hey, Maomao, you still havent figured out who the culprit is? Infa asked her.


    theres a difficult part, Maomao replied vaguely.


    The three girls expressions fell.


    If you havent figured it out, Maomao, you cane back here again. It might be difficult for you topound medicine and the like, but if we provide a reason, we can get permission.


    Thats right. There are many more rooms here than at the Jade Pce. A lot of cooking stoves as well.


    I think we can also get our hands on imported medicines.


    (Imported!)


    She found herself falling for it. Not good, not good.


    Maomao drank some tea, calming herself. Currently, my adoptive father and the other court physicians are teaching me the work. Itll also inconvenience the other colleagues. Theres no way I can easily change my job.


    She understood that working at Empress Gyokuyous ce also has its charms. However, by heading to the empress side, in a different meaning, it wouldnt work with various adjustments.


    (Like that weirdo.)


    The monocle tactician might show up at the empress ce. That man might only see it as that hes visiting Maomao, but other people will take it differently.


    Empress Gyokuyou probably isnt oblivious to the rtion Maomao has with the weirdo tactician now.


    (I only see him as aplete stranger.)


    Maomao honestly wondered if she was actually the child of a different male customer. Thats what she wanted to believe. But the chances are low.


    It would be less troublesome if Empress Gyokuyou saw Maomao as a pawn, but the woman valued Maomaos abilities.


    (I cant t out refuse her.)


    Moreover, Infa and others gazes were painful.


    As she wondered how she could struggle through it, a woman with a red hair cord showed up. She looked very simr to Hakuu, but a little younger.


    What is it, Sekiu?


    If Maomao remembered correctly, Sekiu was the same age as her. Hakuus younger sister, the youngest of the three sisters; unlike Hakuu, Sekiu seemed to speak casually.


    Empress Gyokuyou is calling for Maomao.


    Maomao picked up her finished bowl at the frank reply.


    Ahhh, well clear it awayter, so leave it.


    Going along with Guiens words, Maomao left it as it is.


    Were waiting for a good answer


    Bowing once at the three people who were waving their hands, Maomao headed to where Empress Gyokuyou was.


    .


    .


    .


    In the empress room was Honnyan, Hakuu, the imperial princess, and the crown prince.


    The imperial princess was showing toys to the crawling crown prince. Was she meaning to pacify him?


    Noticing Maomaos arrival, Hakuu picked up the crown prince. Sekiu, the Imperial Princess.


    Understood. Sekiu, who had guided Maomao in, took Imperial Princess Rinriis hand.


    y more.


    Was she two years old? It seems the imperial princess can say words. However, she regarded Maomao as if seeing an unfamiliar face, apparently not remembering her.


    Feeling a little lonely, Maomao waved her hand lightly. Cant be helped.


    Hakuu also made to leave the room with the baby in her arms. Maomao inadvertently grabbed her sleeves.


    What is it?


    Although they met before, they didnt have much contact. Hakuu looked a little stiff at the rude gesture.


    Can you stay here? Maomao asked.


    Why?


    I think I want you to listen to the discussion together.


    Hakuus expression was unchanged.


    Honnyan went out to the hallway and called Airan, who had showed up nearby, to a stop. Look after him.


    The crown prince was transferred from Hakuu to Airan. The crown princeughed as he tugged Airans hair. Airan smiled wryly as she took him away.


    Maomao, whats this discussion about?


    Empress Gyokuyou and Honnyan didntment on the fact that Hakuu had remained. Apparently, they wanted the discussion to proceed quickly.


    Its about this. Maomao took out the kanzashi that had been entrusted to her.


    Did you figure out who the culprit is? Gyokuyou asked.


    I dont know the answer to that. As to why the kanzashi turned ck, and whether the stone inside is missing, I believe I have an exnation for those two things.


    Really?


    Yes. Maomao took out the sketch Infa had drawn for herst night. Empress Gyokuyou, you headed to the pce to change your dress, right? And whilst doing that, you noticed the kanzashi was missing.


    Thats right. We were short on time, so changing clothes took precedence over looking for it.


    (I knew it.)


    They didnt make amotion when the kanzashi went missing.


    You thought you dropped it, right?


    Yes. Since we were in a hurry. I thought I dropped it along the way when my head collided with the tree branches.


    could it be, around here? Maomao pointed at the sketch.


    Yes, thats right. There was a pallet at my side. To avoid it, I came into contact with a tree branch.


    Pallet, in other words, where the pot was?


    Maomao nced at Hakuu. Her expression was unchanged.


    (Was I wrong?)


    But, it would faster to exin with her here.


    Frankly speaking, I wondering if this kanzashi was dropped rather than stolen. Maomao said.


    what do you mean?


    Exactly what I said. Empress Gyokyou is worried that the kanzashi has been stolen without your knowledge and then returned as a threat, correct?


    The kanzashi was ckened and missing the stone inside it, as if threatening the owner with the same fate. The darkened silver suggested poisoning.


    As to why the kanzashi was ckened and why the stone is missing, if there was no malicious intent, will Empress Gyokuyou gain a peace of mind?


    my.


    Also, Empress Gyokyou, do you have an idea about why the stone disappeared?


    Empress Gyokuyou twirled the ends of her hair. Her eyes wandered.


    Please exin it already. Why is the stone in the kanzashi missing? Honnyan said.


    Empress Gyokuyou. Do you still have the rock?


    so we cant avoid exining it, huh. The empress stood in resignation. She went deeper into the room, bringing back a small box from which she produced a clear, six-sided crystal.


    May I use it? Maomao asked.


    It was Maomao who gave it to me in the first ce.


    Maomao pick up the stone and a pitcher of water. Can you lend me a container?


    Hakuu brought over a bowl. Maomao ced the stone inside it and poured water over it.


    its dissolving?


    Its salt.


    SALT!?


    So Honnyan actually hadnt known. Otherwise, she wouldnt have allowed it to be used in the kanzashi worn at the garden party.


    G-Gyokuyou-sama. Whats the meaning of this?


    Fu-fufufu. I mean, its pretty. No one noticed, right? Empress Gyokuyous mischievous expression was certainly just like her.


    I didnt think rock salt could take such a pretty form though. Hakuu watched the dissolving salt.


    Yes, I crystallised it nicely and picked a pretty looking one, Maomao said.


    Maomao, dont tell me, you made something like this at the Jade Pce? Honnyan said.


    Its past the time to be told this now.


    So, the rock had dissolved in water. What about this ckening then? Gyokuyou asked.


    There are many reasons as to why silver will cloud up. For example Maomao drew an oval on the edge of the sketch. Egg.


    Egg? The three people looked mystified.


    Yes, egg. Do you know what rotten egg smells like?


    The three people shook their heads. Its fundamentally the maidservants job to clear out the kitchen waste, so they might not havee across the stench of rot before.


    Its hard to exin, huh, she thought as she looked for a different example.


    You would know what boiled egg smells like, right?


    In that case


    It has a characteristic smell, but in fact, hot springs also have the same smell.


    Hot springs. Ahhh, now that you mention it.


    It seems Empress Gyokuyou had bathed in hot springs before. There might be one or two hot springs on the journey from the westernnds to the capital.


    Hot springs contain sulphur. In reality, so do boiled eggs. Silverware will tarnish when you eat egg with it.


    I see.


    Honnyan made a face that said, Why didnt I realise this?


    She knew about the dishes at the garden party, so shed probably have an idea about why the kanzashi ckened.


    The reason something happened to the kanzashi was that it fell into a pot containing boiled eggs. The salt crystal inside it dissolved and the silver ckened because of the eggs.


    The extremely salty soup that Rihaku mentioned, was probably because of the salt crystal.


    Then how did the kanzashi end up in the pot?


    I dont know. It could have fallen in coincidentally when Empress Gyokuyou dropped it, or someone put it in.


    Someone put it in, you said. What was their intention? Hakuus eyes narrowed.


    Pretend youre someone whos preparing the cooking. You find a kanzashi. Then a maid appears, looking for a dropped kanzashi. What do you do then?


    Immediately present it, asking, Is it this?


    y dumb?


    Or


    Try and hide it somewhere in surprise and panic?


    Are you saying, they unintentionally put it in the pot in front of them?


    Yes. Maomao continued on with a slight sense of guilt at the ambiguous details. In the end, once inside the pot, it cant be retrieved right away. Even if it was dropped by ident and hidden inside the pot temporarily, it became ckened with the rock inside missing when it was taken out.


    They probably kept silent and couldnt return it.


    Just a moment. If a server found the kanzashi, wouldnt it be hard for them to return it?


    Yes. Thats right.


    Going by that, how was it returned to Empress Gyokuyou?


    It is difficult for a server to return the kanzashi by hiding it amongst the empress gifts. I can only assume they asked someone else for help.


    And so, how the missing kanzashi became a threat was due to the manner in which it was returned.


    Maomao wasnt confident, but she had some theories.


    The reason she had Hakuu stay behind was because of that.


    However, as far as Maomao could see, Hakuu wasnt behaving strangely. She might be thick-skinned, or she might really be unaware.


    What would happen if someone near the pce saw a maid part of Empress Gyokuyous entourage? It would probably be easy for that maid to slip the kanzashi in among the gifts.


    When returned in such a worn condition, they should have known what the reaction would be.


    Honnyan would surely report it. Knowing Empress Gyokuyous character, there was no way shed deliver punishment.


    How about the Infa and the others, those three girls?


    The three individuals also knew the crystal was made of salt. They could exin it properly, and they had no reason to hide it either.


    Then, what about Hakuus group?


    In terms of personality, Maomao is inclined to think theyd report it honestly. If you exclude a certain point


    There are some ipetent individuals too. Nevermind the fact that it would have ended with no issues if it had been returned properly. With this, youd think that someone is threatening a poisoning.


    And, for Empress Gyokuyou, who would fit the role of a political rival? Consort Rifa who gave birth to an imperial prince in the same year? Or


    Jinshi, the former crown prince and younger brother of his majesty?


    Maomao wasnt saying Hakuus group wasnt loyal to Empress Gyokuyou. However, something about them that was clearly set them apart from the old timer maids.


    I have one question for Hakuu-sama. Do you think the person who stole and returned the kanzashi is Jinshi-sama? Maomao asked.


    wouldnt it be the case if you think about it normally? Hakuu answered.


    Hakuu, didnt I tell you that wont happen? Empress Gyokuyou smiled bitterly. Empress Gyokuyou was aware of the fact that Jinshi didnt want the right to imperial session.


    Honnyan and Infas group was also in close terms with Jinshi. They wouldnt think that he would mess with them.


    Even Maomao knew very well that Jinshi found his own position as a pain above all else.


    Thats why she decided to take it upon herself to say words that met halfway with Hakuu. From the look of things, Gyokuyou-sama, it seems strange people will enter your circle before you realise it.


    My sincerest apologies, but it is the case. For some reason, Hakuu looked at Maomao.


    Honnyan looked like she had an epiphany.


    (Whats with this reaction?)


    Maomao felt a little uneasy.


    Gyokuyou-sama needs to understand that there are many enemies around you, Hakuu said.


    I know. But, we dont need to bare our fangs against people who arent our enemies. hey, Hakuu. could this be a message from Father? Gyokuyou asked.


    no, its my own opinion.


    Then, this isnt something you did, right?


    What are you talking about! Hakuu raised her voice.


    Honnyan looked at Hakuu. Could it be Gyokuou-sama, then?


    (T/N: , Yu Ying)


    (Gyokuou?)


    It was Maomaos first time hearing that name.


    Its not something done under Older Brothers suggestion, right? Empress Gyokuyou said, checking.


    (Older brother, huh.)


    Maomao heard that Empress Gyokuyou has an older brother, who is currently governing the westernnds on behalf of his father. She was sure that Rikuson, who had been the weirdo tacticians aide, was there as his advisor.


    No. Hakuus expression changed. I


    From her words, Maomao could clearly imagine who had done it.


    The other two maids, Kokuu and Sekiu. Hakus younger sisters.


    Empress Gyokuyou and Honnyan woreplicated expressions.


    Empress Gyokuyous faction wasnt a monolith either. Though their objectives were the same, their methods varied.


    (They seeded when Empress Gyokuyou got a sense of danger.)


    However, Maomao was hung up on the name, Gyokuou.


    Empress Gyokuyou, from her colouring, has foreign blood. Her father Gyokuen is old, so theres a high chance that her brother was born from a different mother.


    Specifically dispatching Rikuson to the westernnds as well, could there be some idea behind it?


    (I have absolutely no idea.)


    Hakuu went to summon her younger sisters. Maomao, feeling awkward, fidgeted with the kanzashi.


    She could go back to the dorms right now, but what could happen from here on?


    Other than that, she felt a little gloomy when she realised it was nearly time for work.


    Jinshi END

 Volume 8, Chapter 1: Break

    Volume 8: Jinshi 2


    Mmmm, so tired Yao stretched widely. She had a dust cloth clenched in her hand.


    Is this everything? Enen also washed and wrung the dust cloth.


    Isnt it good enough? Maomao closed the drawer. They had been cleaning the medical office for the past couple of days. With the spring cleaning over, their work came to an end.


    At the end of year, courtdies get a holiday. The court physicians will be taking shifts at the imperial court, but it appears Maomaos group wasnt needed.


    ording to what shed heard, the parents will kick up a fuss if the courtdies werent given a proper break.


    (Since theyre here for housekeeping training in the first ce.)


    Or groom searching.


    However, both Yao and Enen were here for the sake of work, so they probably wont be spending the holiday at home. It seems the uncle had taken over the household with the passing of Yaos father; the same uncle who was trying to marry Yao off.


    For Enen who lived for her youngdy, Yaos uncle could only be an enemy.


    Hey, Maomao, what are you doing over the break? Yao asked as she dried the dust cloth and washed her hands.


    On the contrary, itll be peak season for me, Maomao answered.


    Peak season?


    Not all gentlemen with fat wallets end up going home, you know.


    Yao tilted her head, but Enen scowled at Maomao, seemingly in realisation. This well-informed woman knew about Maomaos family business.


    Maomao, please dont talk about vulgar things in front of mdy.


    (You say its vulgar, but its the truth.)


    Simply put, men with high wages will go out to buy night butterflies. Doctors are also on break during this time, so the madam ordered her to keep the pharmacy open. So long as Dad doesnte home, Maomao had to watch over it. Moreover, she was worried about whether Sazen, who is still more of a novice than a pharmacist, could do a good job.


    (I want to believe everythings fine since I left it to Kokuyou.)


    She recalled the cheerful man with pox scars on his face. His skills as a doctor was assured, but she was still uneasy, considering his careless attitude.


    Theres no leisure for the poor, so I dont get a break.


    Not only the pharmacy, Maomao had to look after the fields too. There was also the madam, who was surely going to pin some work on her.


    After packing away the cleaning tools, Yao looked up, mumbling. She looked like she had something to say.


    What is it? Maomao asked.


    Umm, Maomaos home is a pharmacy, right?


    I guess so.


    Yao was now fidgeting.


    As Maomao tilted her head, Yao opened her mouth atst, as if finally finding her resolve.


    D-during the break, can Ie to Maomaos home, for studying purposes?


    M-mdy. Enen was shocked. It seems she was displeased with Yaos words.


    (With the ce being what it is, huh.)


    Enen looked at Maomao and appealed her to turn Yao down with an excuse.


    The public order is bad so please dont. On top of that, theres a crowd of gentlemen who are stinkier than military officials. Its a dangerous ce for Yao-san, Maomao said.


    but, doesnt Maomao live in such a ce? Yao retorted instead of flinching.


    Ive lived there since I was born. Its strange to put yourself in the same boat as me, since Im already used to it.


    She intentionally pointed out the obvious, but it seemed to ignite something in Yaos unyielding heart.


    Then, I just have to get used to it!


    M-mdy. Its dangerous, please spend your time at home during the holidays.


    If Im at home, that man is going toe.


    Even without mentioning who that man is, Maomao could already tell. It was the aforementioned uncle.


    (So she wants to use it as a ce of refuge, huh.)


    It would be unbearable if he were to bring a marriage interview partner to their home.


    I dont mind if youe in the afternoon, but what do you n to do at night? Maomao asked.


    Customerse in and out during nighttime, and more importantly, Maomaos abode is a dpidated shack. With Sazen and Chouu living there at the moment, she couldnt allow them to stay overnight.


    To be frank, Maomaos home is not suitable for living in, so I dont think its possible for Milday to stay there, Enen said.


    How does Enen know this? Yao said.


    (But I live there.)


    She also investigated the state of her home. What a prudent servant.


    Dont you have any other acquaintances? Like a friend wholl let you stay over or something.


    It seems Maomaos question was a no-go.


    Yao paled. She also looked a little tearful.


    Enen held onto Yaos shoulders and appealed to Maomao to apologise.


    (Ah)


    She figured it out. Yao probably didnt have friends.


    Maomao was the one at fault for not realising. She has to be astute with her response. Many homes will be filled with rtives, so theres nothing you can do about being turned down.


    Thats true. I thought Maomaos ce would be fine. Mdy?


    Enen gave her a thumbs up. However, is it really okay? At this rate, she would have no choice but to invite Yao to the pleasure district.


    (Shall we rent a room at the Rokushoukan?)


    Not possible. There are a lot of customersing and going so there are no vacancies. Even if there were, the madam would hike up the price. And even if they paid, it was a room where you hear heavy breathing in the middle of the night, she had no idea if Yao could remain conscious. Enen could be tempted to attack the owners of the voices midway.


    The other stores were simr. She wondered if there were any good lodgings somewhere in the capital.


    wouldnt a normal inn be better? Maomao asked.


    I guess so, Enen answered on behalf of Yao. We were a little noisyst time, so when we moved to another house, we were caught the next day.


    (Just who is this uncle?)


    Could Enens proficiency in espionage be trained by him?


    Wouldnt he find you quickly at my home too?


    No, its probably fine if its in the vicinity of Maomao.


    What could that mean?


    (Ah)


    She got it.


    Incidentally, the ideal lodgings Yao and Enen were currently looking for came to mind.


    A ce with good public order, cant be found by rtives, and even if found, cant be meddled with.


    She does, but it was hard for her to say aloud.


    Maomao, you seem to have an idea? Enens face closed in. If there is, you can tell us?


    There was a one cun distance between their nose. At this distance, she cant even avert her eyes.


    Enen, youre too close. Yao stopped her. Maomao breathed a sigh of relief.


    So, where? Yao also pressed.


    Maomao raised her hands in resignation. Its the house of someone you know. Ill never be the middleman, so if you want, you two can ask, please.


    They were originally a distinguished family, so they should have free rooms.


    How about you ask that bushy-haired sses?


    It was Rahan.

 Volume 8, Chapter 2: Rakan’S Residence

    Yao and Enen imposed on Rahans house.


    The circumstances are ideal, but at the same time, there are some issues.


    For one, it is the weirdo tacticians house.


    And two, they will be staying at a male strangers house.


    The house of a widower, so to speak. Even in terms of propriety, it was unthinkable that they would want young maidens staying over


    Maaan, how nice it is to have flowers.


    Rahan pushed up his sses as he walked over.


    Afterwards, the two of them immediately wrote a letter, and ordered a manservant to deliver it to Rahan.


    I mean, hes also male, so will it be fine?


    Maomao had winced at their exceedingly hasty actions.


    Why wouldnt it be? He doesnt have an indecent gaze, Yao answered in a carefree manner.


    No, Yao should think twice. He stares quite a bit at women, however, his perspective is a little different. Rahan, who sees everything around him in terms of numbers, in a sense, probably looks at women as he would admire a work of art.


    It should be fine if its Rahan-sama.


    Enen, whom Maomao thought would object, was also on board. When she asked why


    Rahan-samas rtionships with thedies end on a good note since theyre all older women.


    (I wish Id never heard that.)


    For aughing stock, hes a yer. That was one thing she didnt want to know despite understanding it.


    And so, without a hitch, Yao and Enen will be staying over at Rahans house from the first day of the holidays. Rahan courteously came to pick them up.


    A horse carriage, huh. How polite. Where do you n to extort money from? By asking Enen to pay rent? Maomao asked.


    Thats unrespectable. Isnt treating women with kindness a given? Rahan said.


    How suspicious.


    And the truth is?


    Apparently, he has no intention of telling her. It looks like he has some sort of hidden agenda. How scary.


    Whatever. Maomao nned to return to the pleasure district after sending Yao and Enen off. Since its the weirdo tactician, he probably wont mind having more people around.


    Maomao, Enen said.


    What?


    Youreing back with your older brother too dont make that face.


    Apparently, she was making a face. Enen came over to smooth out Maomaos face. What was that?


    No way. Maomao refused outright. She returned to her room to fetch her belongings. Well then, Ill be going home.


    See you, Maomao waved at Yao and Enen, but someone tugged her sleeve. Turns out Yao was holding onto her sleeves.


    Maomao ising along as well.


    This has nothing to do with me.


    She has to make this clear at this point. However, Yao looked hurt. Her face looked like that of a lost child, asking Why isnt Maomaoing?


    Maomao Enen scowled. Arent you too protective, this subordinate?


    Rest assured. I have arranged it so that Esteemed Father is away. He wont be back for the next couple of days. Rahans sses shed.


    .


    .


    .


    Are you fine with strange rumours? Maomao asked Yao and Enen in the carriage.


    Inevitably, two unmarried women staying at a mans household will raise suspicion.


    Yao looked at Maomao with aplicated expression. She looked like she wanted to say something but wasnt able to voice it. Upon seeing that, Enen opened her mouth.


    Is it strange for friends to visit each others houses?


    What the heck? Maomao found herself raising a threatening tone.


    I-if we do it this way, we can also save face. Thats why Maomao has toe along as well, Yao stammered.


    Im against it. It smells like old people.


    Maomao, Esteemed father smells young for his age, Rahan said.


    What the heck? Maomao said.


    Maomao. Enen smoothed out Maomaos face again. Yao watched them both with an inexplicable expression.


    Anyway, Esteemed Father isnt here, so dont make such a face. Come on, weve arrived, Rahan said.


    They were at the eastern end of the capital. The location was a little low within the residential area of the elite, but the estate itself was quite expansive. She knew that it was once a good building that had seen better days.


    Although there was nothing in the garden, could the impression of practical beauty from the arrangement be Rahans handiwork?


    Eerily, there were notches and scorch marks on the pirs, railings, and walls of the building.


    Truth be told, this was Maomaos first visit to the weirdo tacticians estate. The weirdo had tried to take her many times when she was young, but each time the madam would beat him ck and blue with a broom to have him release her.


    Could this be where the night burrs break in?


    Maomao ran her fingers down a burned pir. The red paint had worn away. She saw the resignation; it was meaningless to repair the pir.


    Our reputation is bad. Take a good look. Esteemed Father is behind the burn marks, but the sword cuts are old, right? There have been crooks breaking in since a decade ago, Rahan answered.


    (You make it sound as though they drop by from time to time.)


    The scorch marks may be rted to the use of gunpowder. It was reasonable, considering the size of the property and the fact it was not located in an affluent residential district.


    Leave it to Brother Dearest. We can rely on the guards.


    It seems they doe after all.


    Rahan passed through the main building and headed for the outbuilding. The outbuilding was a cosy structurepared to the main one, but it was still a two storey house.


    The interior wasnt extravagant, but that being said, neither was it modest. Enen was nodding as she looked around, so it seemed like it got a passing mark.


    Its a little cramped, but would this be okay? Of course, we cant have you go through to the main building. Next up, the servants


    Rahan called out to a middle aged woman walking down the hallway. Her appearance was not eye-catching, but as an employee of this particr household, she had an inexplicable air.


    Use this person. Shell listen to very typicalmands.


    (How typical?)


    Best regards. The maidservant lowered her head politely and left quickly, as if to say dont bother me.


    Given the size of the estate, there were few servants. Others included a manservant who was clearing away the garden leaves, and three girls who looked about ten who could be working or ying. No, was one of them a boy?


    As for meals, well be preparing them but if you wish to cook for yourselves, use the kitchen here. There are supplies if you go to the kitchen at the back of the main building. The servant from before is often there, so you can ask her.


    Thank you very much. Enen lowered her head politely. Yao also gave her thanks.


    My apologies for it being so in, Rahan said.


    No, its good enough.


    Enen can look after Yao alone so it shouldnt be an issue. If they have a ce of refuge, they can make do.


    Um Yao timidly raised her hand. When does the family head, Rakan-sama, return?


    He should be away for three days at the barest minimum. Hes ying a match with the Grandmaster of Go, Rakan answered after a look at Maomaos face. Although its not official, there are a lot of spectators. Hes staying over at an exclusive building.


    Did you arrange all that for us purposefully? Yao was a little surprised.


    No, this is held every year. Its fine for me to be away from Esteemed Father for around three days as well, right? At that point, I received a letter from you guys. I thought the timing was just perfect.


    Then, what about us?


    Its fine. As long as he doesnt have malice towards you guys, Esteemed Father wouldnt mind.


    Apparently, that weirdo tactician has something that can differentiate between friend and foe in an instant.


    Now then, my presence is probably a hindrance, so Ill disappear. Id tell you where my room is, but Ill stay quiet for Maomaos sake. If you need anything, talk to any of the servants. Rahan left the outbuilding. Ah, thats right. Maomao.


    .


    Please stay here for the night. You cant bear to leave your two friends at a strangers house, right? Ill let Rokushoukan know, so.


    This ce is also a strangers house for me, though, Maomao said.


    Stranger or not, please take a look at the inner room. Youll find out who used this room before. Im sure one night wont be enough.


    With those suggestive parting words, Rahan left.


    A room who used? Maomao spun around, looking inside the outbuilding. It was quite a dated structure. Walking to the end of the corridor, she found a kitchen on the right, and a room on the left. She opened the door at the end of the hallway.


    It smelt like paper.


    Rows of old medical books lined the shelves on one side, while the shelves opposite held medicines.


    (Ah, thats right.)


    Being the house of the Ra n, Dad would have lived here too.


    And, no doubt, shunned by his older brother, he would be given not the main building, but a room located faraway.


    She opened the drawers of the medicine shelf. There was nothing inside, of course, but the smell of herbal medicines tickled her nostrils.


    Amazing whats all this?


    Yao and Enen were also surprised. Maomao opened a book. The silverfish damage on the old books were conspicuous.


    Dad moved to the pleasure district to raise Maomao. The former eunuch, banished from the inner pce, was probably driven out of the estate with no possessions.


    Many of the books here would have gotten Maomao yelled at had she tried to peek into them in the past.


    with this many books, you wont be able to finish reading everything in one night.


    Yao seemed to speak for Maomaos heart.


    One night isnt enough.


    Though vexing, that was the case.

 Volume 8, Chapter 3: The Missing Numbers Former Part

    Books are things that need maintenance. Maomao was absorbedly copying from the silverfish damaged bookid open in front of her.


    Due to humidity and sun damage, some of the old books had smudged letterings, and some were crinkly from the elements. Instead of wooden slips, many of the books were made from paper. Must be because wooden slips would just take up space in the room. Thanks to that, with the books written on poor quality paper, Maomao had no choice but to transcribe them.


    Maomao, are you going to eat?


    Enen came over.


    No need.


    Reading the books takes precedence.


    (Theres no need for this description.)


    Dad had written many study books for Maomao to study. However, he didnt copy all the books; Maomao had never seen many of the descriptions here. She knew from the handwriting that it was her Dads, but the contents were written in finer detail.


    Some things Maomao had already learnt, some she hadnt, and some where the descriptions have changed


    Due to technological advances, many of the things previously considered to be correct were found to be wrong. This room was probablyst used around twenty years ago. At the very least, Dad would have gained better medical knowledge during those twenty or more years.


    With a brush in mouth, she turned the page. Knowledge is sustenance. She has no need for food while shes concentratingbut


    DINNER TIME!


    Yao had yelled into her ear. If Maomao were a cat, her fur would be standing on end.


    No nee


    Youre eating. Yaos eyes were zed over, showing no signs of listening to Maomao. Yao grabbed Maomaos cor and pulled at it. Maomao tried to take the book she was reading along with her, but it was also taken off her.


    Enen, make Maomao eat too.


    Im sorry, mdy. I thought itd be rude to disturb Maomao while shes concentrating. Besides, itd also be nice with just the two of us once in a while, Enen said.


    (Thetter is obviously the main reason.)


    Maomao heard Enen click her tongue. Enens cooking is delicious, and recently she had been treating herself to it every time.


    It wont just be the two of us. When Enen went to get food supplies, Rahan-san came over, Yao said.


    M-Mdy? I didnt hear about that. Enens face stiffened. Was she shocked that Yao had been chatting on her own with a male stranger?


    As for Yao, she wasnt fussed. If anything, she tends to be irritable in not wanting to lose to men at work, but she doesnt seem to mind Rahan. All in all, she might be used to himing over each time with odd jobs.


    I thought he called you since the servant said that she made sure to hand over four peoples share of ingredients. Yao gestured to the dishes on the round table. It was much too excessive for two people, and it was also a little too much for three. There were four chairs at the table.


    The main dish at the centre was a glistening roast duck.


    Maomao found herself swallowing down her saliva.


    Im going to cook some more pancakes. Maomao, please help me chop the vegetables. Enen was a little peeved.


    Ill help too, Yao said.


    No, mdy. Itll be done soon. Enen primly turned down Yaos offer.


    (Ahhhh.)


    Yaos expression fell.


    Maomao knew that Enen lived for her youngdy, but strangely enough, she didnt understand her youngdys feelings. It was probably because they were so close.


    Maomao sliced up the shallots and ted them. She wrapped the duck meat and condiments up in a pancake, dipped it in sauce and ate it in one mouthful.


    She had to thank Yao for interrupting her reading.


    It seems that the tableware had already been prepared in the kitchen from the start. They all came in sets of four.


    Maomao narrowed her eyes at the tes.


    When you squint your eyes like that, you look like Rahan-sama.


    Maomao widened her eyes at Enens words. Were strangers so there shouldnt be any resemnce, she said starkly.


    There was probably enough congee prepared for supper as well, so theres no need to add more.


    As for the after meal dessert, seeing how there were only three prepared to begin with, it was set up for them to eat after Rahan leaves.


    Im just asking but, dont you think its safe for you to leave the estate now? Maomaoasked the over-protective attendant.


    Didnt I say that wasnt an issue? More importantly, Yao-sama is on board with it, Enen replied.


    I dont understand that part.


    Mdy is a bright child, so those from the same generation were nothing but idiots.


    Enen steadily grilled pancakes as she spoke clearly and inly. Maomao ced them on the te, cooling them so they wont stick together.


    She works hard at her studies, avowing not to lose against men. So when she lost to Maomao fair and square in the entrance exam, she became very mortified and acted out of character.


    Making Maomao fall over and harassing her, was it? In any case, it was mostly the followers so she couldnt care less.


    She had done something bad.


    Theres no way she thought she could earn good marks by doing so.


    Although her uncle is the root cause of that, why does Yao-san want to seed so badly? Maomao suddenly tried asking.


    its because of Yao-samas mother, Enen said, after some hesitation. To Yao-sama, her mother is as good as dead. She lost her the same time the master passed away.


    Why? Maomao didnt have many feelings towards her own mother either. However, the circumstances of her upbringing were different to Yaos.


    After the masters passing, you know whats expected of thedy whos unable to manage the residence by herself, right? Enen said.


    Shes passed down to the uncle.


    And so, thedy remains thedy.


    The masters wife is thedy.


    Yaos mother probably remarried the uncle. It wasnt that unusual of a story, but for the daughter, it was probablyplicated and would asionally make her an object of disgust.


    Is that so? Maomao gave a single line in response, the te of vegetables and pancakes in hand.


    .


    .


    .


    Maaan, thanks for the invite.


    Approaching with a grin, was the small, bespectacled man with an aggravating mind.


    (You werent invited.)


    Maomao and Enens hearts were probably in agreement on this. He courteously brought a gift with him, but for some reason, it was hasma. Although its Yaos favourite, it was really extravagant.


    By the way, when Yao tried to check what it was, Enen quickly hid it away. Mdy still doesnt know that her favourite food is frog.


    (He earned a lot from the Go tournament the other day, huh.)


    It seemed he also ran a sweet potato business, but he had other core businesses to attend to as well. Even if he cloned himself, it wont be enough, yet his ability to handle them all with ease was, begrudgingly, praiseworthy.


    Im so happy to eat while surrounded by flowers. Theres a rose, an iris, and a wood sorrel, Rahan said.


    No need to say who the wood sorrel referred to.


    Ive heard many rumours about Miss Enens cooking. I wanted to try it out once.


    My. Enens expression was icy. But it was admirable that she didnt forget about serving.


    (A rumour about Enens cooking. Where did he hear that from?)


    Maomaos question was quickly answered.


    The older brothers shop is popr and the younger sisters cooking is also second to none, Ive heard, he said.


    Yes. Enens cooking is delicious. To the point where she wont lose to the head chef. Yao handed out high praises extremely naturally.


    Before, Maomao heard that Enens brother had been saved by Yao. He should be working for Yaos family, but it seemed he went independent afterwards.


    (Due to the change in family head?)


    She felt that she had found another reason behind Enens bad impression of Yaos uncle.


    I ate at the older brothers restaurant three times, but maaaaan, this cooking is delicious too.


    Three times? During which season did you go? The menu changes every season, right, Enen?


    Yes, he cooks with seasonal ingredients prepared every month.


    When the topic about Enens brother was brought up, Yao bit at it. Enen also joined the conversation.


    Maomao was enjoying the crispiness of the duck skin. The greasy skin and vour of the condiments are trapped within the pancake. You eat it after dipping it in the salty-sweet sauce. The umami and aroma of the meat, the texture of the vegetables, and the simple pancake, all exquisitely blended to invite salivation with every bite.


    To express it in one word, its delicious.


    Maaaan, this is truly delicious.


    Rahan held the same opinion.


    Rahan has another trait that was worth praising. He is good at making conversation. If she had to say it, as he was able to get the shy Yao to speak openly, Maomao felt she understood why Enen was a little annoyed.


    While eating in silence, Maomao became full. Since there were no longer ns to serve dim sum, she kept ncing at the direction of the room with the bookshelf, wondering if its okay to go read already.


    Maomao, dont say that you want to hurry back to read, okay? Yao scowled at Maomao. Apparently, despite not joining the conversation, she managed to give things away.


    . Maomao sat quietly, eating scallions to kill time.


    (That reminds me.)


    There was one thing about the arrangement of the bookshelf that bothered her.


    Rahan, were any of the books from the bookshelf taken somece else? Maomao asked.


    Books from the bookshelf? Rahan tilted his head. I have no idea. Esteemed father wont do anything to Great Uncles things. In fact, we only have the servants clean the room periodically.


    For the weirdo tactician, it was an unprecedented worry. Indeed, she had thought that this outbuilding was cleaned.


    Are you saying that there are gaps in the books? If so, the cleaning servants would get suspicious, but I dont think Esteemed father would employ strange individuals in the first ce. Since its truly troublesome to have that person as an enemy.


    Books, being valuable items, can be stolen, but would the servants working at the weirdo tacticians ce go that far?


    (This is hard.)


    What is missing? Yao asked.


    Im a little bothered about what it could be, but. Maomao left her seat and returned with two books from the bookshelf, as well as paper and stationary she used for transcribing. Please check the spine.


    Whats this? Yao tilted her head.


    [ ]


    [ ]


    it wrote. In other words, the first part of the sixth section of the third volume. She didnt understand it, but the number went up every time there was a postscript in each section, so it was finely divided.


    At least several hundred books on the bottom shelf were also numbered in this manner.


    I can read the first number, but


    Theyre western numbers, Enen answered, knowing a smattering of western words.


    Yes. Maomao wrote the numbers down on the paper.


    [, , , , , , , , ]


    [ , , , , , , , ,  ]


    (T/N: and for those who are unfamiliar with eastern numbers: )


    Upon hearing numbers, Rahans eyes shone.


    Yao gave a start at the paper written with [, , , , , , , , ].


    Could the next number be []? Yao traced it out on the table.


    Correct. As expected of mdy. Enen answered in Maomaos stead.


    Dad numbered each book properly. But there are gaps in the first and second volumes, Maomao said.


    Is that so, Rahan said.


    You love numbers, so I thought you would have noticed it at once.


    Unfortunately I hardlye to this outbuilding. Im busy, you see.


    Then f*cking quit eating here so casually. Maomao identally blurted out her real intention.


    Maomao, please dont use such vulgarnguage before Yao-sama. Enen cut in with her educational guidance.


    The numbering is for systematicbelling, right?


    Yes. The first and second volume are about the fundamentals. The first volume is about human anatomy, and the second about surgical procedures. Maomaos field of expertise is herbal medicine, but she wanted to understand it from the perspective of healing people.


    Unfortunately, I have no idea, but Im curious. Ill try asking the servants too. Rahan rose up from his seat while pushing up his sses. His te was cleaned. He seemed satisfied. I have some work tomorrow, so if theres anything, call someone.


    Understood, Enen replied curtly.


    Thanks for the food, it was extremely delicious. You must be tired. You can leave the tableware as it is, Ill call for the servants, Rahan said.


    Maomao intended to clear the table as well, but if its fine to leave it, then all the better. She wanted to quickly get back to copying the books.


    She wanted to head back to the room with the bookshelf as soon as Rahan leaves, but her shoulders were grabbed. What is it?


    Theres still dim sum. Yao smiled to say I wont let you escape.

 Volume 8, Chapter 4: The Missing Number Latter Part

    (Two books, I think?)


    Maomao noted down the numbering of the missing books. Two volumes clearly appear to be missing.


    Hm. Maomao leaned her head against the table. Today was another day of transcribing books. She considered pulling an all-nighterst night, but was forcefully dragged off to bed by Yao and Enen. Supposedly, staying upte is bad for ones skin.


    Most of the books were penned by Dad, and contained much of the knowledge from his time in the West. The texts were intermingled with foreignnguages from various regions; some of which even Maomao was unfamiliar with. Even Enen, when asked, didnt understand many of the spelling, so Maomao assumed they were technical terms that couldnt be tranted into the Riinguage.


    She wanted to read them all but there was no time. She was told the weirdo tactician will be back tomorrow, so she wanted to copy everything she wanted to copy, but that was probably impossible. In that case, she would like to get extracts from important sections if possible.


    Maomao, please dont cram too much.


    Enen came in with a vegetable in hand. Yesterdays was extravagant, so todays will be quick and easy, she had said. She was probably thinking about Yaos meals.


    Worry not, Maomao said.


    Yao-sama is copying you.


    She wasnt worried for Maomao. Enen was operating as usual.


    And where did this Yao-san go? Maomao had a feeling that Yao had been reading books with her throughout the morning, only to disappear halfway. Although Yao had said that she had no intention of leaving the weirdo tacticians residence during the holiday break since she didnt want to run into her uncle. Looks like she took some books with her, so I want them returned soon.


    Theyre not Maomaos books, right? Mdy is upstairs.


    its wasteful when no one reads them.


    At this rate, if all that awaits these books is weathering by the elements, no one would mind to her taking over the entire library, right? However, there was nowhere to store them. It will never make it into the dorms, and if she left them at the dpidated shack in the pleasure district, Dad will find out when hees home.


    Dad taught Maomao a lot of medical knowledge, but he had drawn a line somewhere. He was pleased about her bing a herbalist, but he forbade her from bing a doctor since he didnt want her touching human cadavers. He had relented to her current job as a courtdy who assisted court physicians, probably because it was nothing more than an aide position.


    (He doesnt like me doing surgical type treatments that much, huh.)


    Maomao could deal with cuts and bruises, but wound sewing and pus drainage using incisions were all left to Dad. Of course, she was still familiar with the procedures as she has performed them herself in Dads absence, having learnt it all by observation.


    Maomao suddenly looked at the numbers that stood out. Human anatomy, surgical procedures


    She figured the contents of the missing books were on the sections Dad didnt want to teach her.


    (Im all the more curious.)


    Maomao was furrowing her brow as she groaned, when a crash came from above. It sounded like somethingrge had toppled over. Dust fell down in clumps from the ceiling.


    Yao-sama!


    With a look of panic, Enen raced up the stairs. Maomao left the book behind and followed after her.


    A door on the second storey was open. Enen entered without a moments dy.


    Ow ow ow. Yao was clutching her backside. A chest of drawers had fallen next to her. That seemed to be the source of the noise.


    Are you okay? Are you hurt? Enen asked.


    No problem. Im perfectly fine, Yao said.


    Maomao looked around the room. She cant help but feel the room was peculiar in its design. Whats with this room, it has an uneasy edge to it.


    The pattern on the wall was one shed never seen before. She could tell that the floor and walls were made from wood, and she understood the strange pattern was created by dual coloured timber. Animals were drawn across the ceiling, and frankly, the room was unsettlingly discordant.


    I was also shocked when I saw it. But, once I heard this outbuilding also belongs to the Ra n, it kind of made sense, Yao said.


    Since its a family line that has produced entrics for generations, huh. It wont be strange if there were talents who make peculiar rooms, Maomao said.


    Yao and Enen looked at Maomao.


    anyway, what were you doing? Maomao, wanting to change the topic, asked Yao.


    This. Yao took out a book Dad had written. It showed [--]


    Whats wrong with it? Maomao asked. It was a book she hadnt looked into yet, although she had checked the cover and numbering.


    Here, look at thest page. Yao opened the book, and on the edge of the veryst page, was a small, hand drawn circle.


    Could it be a taiji diagram?


    A taiji diagram(, taikyoku zu in Japanese). Also known as the taiji fish(). A circr shape consisting of a ck and white fish melding together. Its a diagram often used in fortune tellingit failed to leave an impression on Maomao.


    Why this again?


    She could only tilt her head.


    If its the yin-yang diagram(, onmyouzu in Japanese)... Enen went downstairs and came back with a book. its here too.


    It wasbelled [ -- ]


    Its drawn on the very first page here.


    . Maomao lined up the two books. I feel now is about the time when we should find the book.


    Yes, thats right. Thats what I thought. Yao knocked on the wall of the room with great confidence. I was thinking that the book has to be hidden in this room.


    Why? Maomao furrowed her brows in iprehension, but Enen widened her eyes and pped.


    Yao-sama, as expected of you.


    Wasnt Enen praising her mdy for being cute? What was, as expected of her?


    This wall and the floor represents the eight trigrams, right? Yao said.


    I know right! Enen said.


    Hakke? Maomao tilted her head as she tranted the word.


    (Hakke, hakke(, white chicken), hakke(, hundred families), hakke(, eight trigrams))


    (T/N: Eight trigrams: , bagua in Chinese, Hakke in Japanese. Maomao was going through homonyms)


    Eight trigrams?


    If she remembered correctly, it was something rted to the yin-yang diagram, but unfortunately, it was outside Maomaos field of expertise. Maomaos memory declines markedly with things outside her area of interest.


    Its the eight trigrams. Look here, could this pattern represent the yao lines(, Kou in Japanese)? Yao said.


    Yao lines? Maomao said.


    Beyond being unfamiliar, a word she had no hope of guessing the meaning of was uttered.


    Dont tell me you dont know anything about it? Yao looked surprised. She seemed a little happy.


    Rather, arent there fewer of the people who know about it? Maomao frowned. It was somewhat vexing.


    Do you know of this kind of pattern? Yao traced the floorboard with her finger. Out of the whitish floorboard and the ckish floorboard, she traced the ck one. The eight trigrams is made up of permutations of broken and unbroken lines, known as yao lines, in sets of three. The lines are said to represent yin and yang, as well as softness and hardness respectively.


    (T/N: fyi not the same Yao as mdys  lol)


    Maomao bent her fingers, counting. From how there were two types of yao lines in sets of three, it made for eight configurations in total. Thats how it bes the eight trigrams.


    When she looked at the floor, only the middle had a white timber surface, whilst the rest of the surfaces made up the eight diagrams.


    The chest of drawers fell because you moved it to check the floorboards underneath, right?


    yes, Yao answered a little awkwardly.


    It represents the earlier heaven sequence(, xian tian tu in Chinese or senten zu in Japanese).


    Once again, words that Maomao didnt know were being tossed around. She considered replying, but then the conversation wont progress, so she feigned understanding to continue on.


    I know of the earlier heaven sequence. So, where is the book?


    (T/N: Maomao is bluffing that she knows, but itll be helpful for us to know more lol. As we know, there are eight different permutations for the trigrams, and they can be sequenced in ways to symbolise something different. Earlier heaven is used specifically for burials, and is used to represent bnce. ording to wiki at least.)


    Yao was silent. Apparently, that was as far as she got.


    Hypothetically, if Dad were to draw in the taiji diagram for some reason, there should be a proper answer to be derived from it.


    Maomao suddenly looked at the two books. The contents were about human anatomy. One contained detailed drawings of the hand, the other, the foot. Yao-san. Do each of the eight trigrams carry some kind of meaning?


    It has meanings forpass points, animals, and family members as well.


    Does it include the human body?


    It does! Yao looked at the book in surprise. Excluding the missing book, there are eight volumes with [-]


    Eight volumes, if there are hand and foot, then the remaining six would have to be head, mouth, eye, thigh, ear and abdomen.


    Ive brought them. Enen, with her quick understanding, came back with the rest of the books from downstairs. Maomao checked the contents; it was as Yao had said.


    If you consider the taiji diagram, there shouldnt be any missing parts.


    However, there were missing numbers.


    Maomao stood in the centre of the room, on top of the area without any eight trigrams, and looked up. Thats a lot of animals drawn here.


    Youll understand once you see it. Theres horse, dog, pheasant, and also a drawing that looks like a dragon, is that right?


    The dragon is a rude being, huh.


    Using the creature that symbolises the imperial n without permission is asionally punishable.


    so, the drawings on the ceiling also make up the eight trigrams. Yao squinted. The colours had faded over time, but it was still distinguishable.


    Yao-san, does the one horse and two sheep in the middle of the ceiling mean something?


    For the horse, it would be [Qian]. South in the earlier heaven sequence. The father within the family. The head of the body. Metal in the five elements, and one in numbers.


    (T/N: Qian: , ken in Japanese. Heres a chart with all the derivations.)


    Numbers? What is the number for sheep?


    For the sheep, its either two or eight. In the earlier heaven sequence it would be two.


    One and two twos. Maomao looked at the book. Should she say that its odd? The missing numbering happened to be [--].


    Maomao righted the position of her head, and faced the wall. The ck and white boards were arranged more delicately there than on the floor.


    Yao-san.


    Yes?


    Which is one and two in the eight trigrams?


    Yao moved to the floor.


    One is this: a set of three unbroken lines. Two has one broken line at the top, and two unbroken lines underneath.


    [] and [].


    Maomao searched the wall before her carefully.


    What are you doing? Yao asked.


    Im looking for a sequence with one, two, two, Maomao said. Her eyes started hurting from looking at the simrbinations. And moreover, if she were to look away, she would lose track of what she was looking at before.


    Then, Ill look from the other side, Yao said.


    In that case, Ill be cheering you on. Ill prepare some tea and snacks.


    Enen escaped. Wait, Maomao wanted to chase after her, but if she looked away, she wont know where she was up to. She wanted to put markers on the wall, but it was an eye-straining exercise where she couldnt do that.


    .


    .


    .


    Enen prepared the tea. The fragrant aroma of the pastries was from what Suiren had taught her before. After being taught the recipe, Enen was then able to make it herself.


    From the configurations here, it would seem like there would be a sequence of one, two, two, but there wasnt. When theres one, two, the next wouldnt be two.


    (It should show up right about now.)


    Maomao thought, then bumped into Yao.


    You found it? Yao asked.


    No, Maomao said.


    How could this be?


    Could we have missed it? Maomaolooked at the wall, straining her eyes. She had to check again, but she didnt want to.


    Are you up for tea? Enen held out a teapot.


    Yeah!


    Yes!


    Yao and Maomaos voices ovepped.


    The room didnt have a table, so theyid out a rug on the floor and drank there. Suirens prized pastry recipe was delicious. They hardly steamed food since there werent enough cooking utensils at the dorms, but Enen purposely borrowed a baking stove from elsewhere to make it.


    Deishious. Yao was extremely satisfied, but when she finished, she had to check once again. If it wasnt there, would it mean that Maomaos prediction was off?


    Its disappointing, isnt it? That after one, two, the next number is wrong.


    Yes. Only thest number is wrong. Even though itll be nice if there was at least one. Maomao agreed with Yao.


    I know right. The number changespletely if just one line is different. I was thinking that if yang bes yin here, Yao said.


    Yang is a long line. Yin is two short lines.


    yang bes yin.


    Maomao looked at the eight trigrams on the floor.


    When the uppermost yang for [] changes to yin [].


    Maomao stood up and studied the wall again.


    (It should be around here.)


    A sequence of one, two, one.


    She felt that this sequence wasnt found anywhere else.


    Maomao touched the third one, the uppermost yang of [].


    It was faint, but it felt out of ce under her fingers.


    Maomao tried pushing down on the centre of the long line.


    She pressed down hard on the centre of yang.


    (From yang to yin.)


    There was a ck and something jutted out from the wall. A drawer slid out.


    No way? Yaos eyes rounded.


    That surprised me. Enen stared at the drawer.


    Maomao took out a book from the drawer.


    []


    It was a book that had been missing, but its binding was quite roughpared to the others. The pages were crooked and the thickness didnt match.


    Is this parchment?


    It feels like it. Maomao gingerly turned the page. The words werent written with a brush but with Western writing instruments. Most of the content wasnt in Rii characters. It was mostly cursive Western words, and asionally there would be notes written in the Riinguage.


    (Something from when hes studying abroad.)


    Her dad, Ruomen, had studied in the West in his youth. His exceptional medical knowledge came from what hed learnt abroad.


    Although she only knew a little, Maomao understood Western words. Although there were vocabry she couldnt understand scattered here and there, she read on slowly


    And nched in horror.


    Maomao Enen also looked uneasy.


    Whats wrong? What does it say?


    As the only one who couldnt read Western words, Yao was envious of their reactions.


    Maomao didnt turn to the next page.


    Come on, whats wrong? Yao reached out for the book. She turned the page for Maomao.


    The page she turned to had what both Maomao and Enen feared.


    What is this? Yao said.


    A human body drawn in detail. It would be fine if that was all to it. However, the person on the picture had their skin peeled off and the flesh beneath it drawn in detail.


    Yao turned away in disgust. The brushwork, too realistic to be drawn from imagination, couldnt have been drawn without the real thing in front of them.


    Maomao turned to the next page.


    It was the drawing of an excised abdomen with the organs inside.


    (Dad had cut the empress dowagers abdomen using the skills he learnt from the West.)


    Childbirth by operation. Normally, when a delivery endangers both mother and child, a method to save the child only is employed.


    However, Ruomen had kept both mother and child alive.


    It wasnt something that can be achieved with knowledge alone.


    He had probably cut up many abdomens before.


    And


    As practice, he would have cut up many bodies.


    The reason Dad kept Maomao far away from cadavers. The reason he rmended her to be a herbalist rather than a doctor.


    (Is this the reason?)


    Maomao closed the distorted book.


    She wont deny what Dad had done. In medical practice, knowledge of the human body is a given, and Maomao too had repeatedly experimented on her own body to that end.


    However, would Yaos reaction be considered the mostmon one?


    Yao was holding her mouth as she regarded the distorted book with hatred.


    Maomao had no idea about what its like in the West. However, for the extremely average citizen of Rii, the contents of the book will be hard to ept.


    It was taboo based on their beliefs. The contents transgressed as taboo.


    Maomao looked at the back of the book she set down.


    [witchcraft]


    (T/N: yes, this is as it was written in the raws. The first instance of English. Surprised me when I saw it.)


    It was written in cursive.


    Whatever its meaning, she understood why Dad had hidden the book.


    If it were released into society, it would be burned as a prohibited book. A book that cannot exist.

 Volume 8, Chapter 5: Taboo

    Hearing prohibited book, what about it is forbidden?


    Maomao checked the contents of the misshapen book.


    Surgical procedures are recognised in Rii. Otherwise, the empress dowager wouldnt have been able to give birth to the emperor safely.


    Then, what is forbidden?


    The human body was meticulously drawn out on the parchment. A de was taken to the skin, and the internal organs were fully visible. It couldnt have been drawn without a dissected human in view, and the dissected human couldnt have been alive.


    To think that they would chop up a corpse.


    Yao was still pale. Enen fetched some water and passed it to Yao.


    (They have no other choice but to y around with one.)


    It was something that Dad had told Maomao. Dont touch them, he had taken the topic to an extreme.


    It doesnt end with death. This is what many believe, and this was especially the case for Yao, who suffered a huge shock. Someone like her, who is well-versed in the eight trigrams, is likely to believe in it much more profoundly.


    The dismembering of human beings is fundamentally prohibited.


    They wont be able to be reborn as a human, will they?


    You cannot destroy the corpse, as they wont be able to be human again


    Many eunuchs preserve the one thing they lost with utmost care. As it is said that if they lose that one thing, they wont be reborn as a human, but as a donkey.


    The cremation of criminals is also to prevent them from reincarnating as a human. In such cases, the criminal may undergo dissection under special circumstances, but this is often avoided on grounds of moral considerations


    On the other hand, one of the heaviest forms of punishment is the dismemberment of ones body whilst still being kept alive.


    It was ridiculous. As if theres such thing as a next life.


    Regrettably, despite wanting to dismiss such an idea, Maomao couldntpletely denounce the possibility of past lives. She too, may be the reincarnation of somebody, and she may not.


    (Its impossible to confirm even through dying.)


    Even if you reincarnate, no memories remain. Perchance, her current life could be the reincarnation of someone from the past, but she didnt possess any memories of her past life.


    Maomao groaned as she prepared to turn to the next page. However, Yao had grabbed hold of the book, and Maomao, flustered, grabbed Yaos hand.


    Let go, Yao said.


    What are you going to do? Maomao asked.


    I have to burn it. This cant be public.


    It was the conventional opinion. However, Maomao couldnt suppress her feelings of temptation.


    Yao-san. Have you ever witnessed a surgery? Maomao asked, lowering her voice to control her emotions.


    stitching a wound, Yao replied.


    Not that. What if a stomach has been stabbed with a de? What if theres an adequate treatment? What if they dont have to die?


    Yao bit her lip. She is only fifteen years old. Her mentality still has some childishness, but she is smart. Moreover, she is able to see things objectively.


    Will you be able to tell which organs are injured at first nce? Maomao asked.


    I will eventually be ableto


    How many people will you lose before you reach that point?


    Maomao snatched the book away from Yao.


    She understood what Yao was trying to say. Maomao, too, understood that it is a prohibited book throughmon sense.


    To begin with, with the exception of executioners, the harming of another human being is not permitted.


    Of course, war is a different matter.


    On the other hand, knowledge of human anatomy is indispensable in the medical profession. Aside from her Dad Ruomen, what was the case for other court physicians?


    I can understand why Yao-san would think the act of court physicians chopping people apart like executioners is inexcusable, let alone recording it in such a manner, Maomao said.


    Yes, thats right, Yao said.


    But, what if the dissected bodies belong to criminals?


    .


    Human morality is ambiguous. If there is aw that forbids this action, opposing it is unforgivable. However, if a teaching that allows exceptions is prepared, people can consent to it.


    At times it is known as politics, other times, religion.


    Maomao had a question ever since she started working at the medical office. The standards of the court physicians skill in surgery were high. Supposing that they were town doctors, they could easily treat a serious injury that would end up with an amputation of the limbs.


    She had seen Court Physician Ryuu perform a surgery once. As soon as Maomao was entrusted with jobs different to Yaos group, she also worked as an assistant for the operation.


    A doctor-hating military official had neglected his injuries and allowed them to fester. The struggling military official was restrained and made to drink a pain-killer.


    Maomao had seen that the infected area wasrge, with no other options than to cut it out, but Court Physician Ryuu only removed the smallest section needed and didnt amputate. There were still prognostic symptoms, but the aftermath of the operation was sound.


    If he hadnt understood the anatomy of the arm muscles, he probably wouldnt be able to perform such an efficient operation.


    (Its probably better to not ask that question with Yao here.)


    About what to do with this book now.


    I think Yao-sans perspective on how this book is prohibited literature is not wrong. However, I dont know about hunting out for things in other peoples homes and disposing of it without permission, Maomao said.


    B-but, Yao said.


    From the paper and writing implements, it was written in the West. Themon sense of the West is different from Rii. What if the medical procedures that are naturally performed over there is only odd here?


    still, I cant eptit. But


    Yao-sama. Enen, who had been quiet this whole time, opened her mouth. How about we return this book to its original location? At times, it might be wise to pretend it as we have never seen it.


    But


    Yao has a straightforward personality. Though it sounds good, she wasnt flexible.


    However, it seems itll take some time for her to cool her head.


    Lets eat. I prepared a lot of Yao-samas favourite dim sums today, Enen said.


    I dont have much of an appetite though, Yao said.


    We have hasma too.


    Ill eat some.


    While she didnt know what its made from, no doubt it was Yaos favourite.


    Enen pushed Yaos back and guided her to the living room.


    Maomao sighed as she wrapped the distorted book up and returned it to its hidden shelf.


    .


    .


    .


    It was cold at noon, but colder at night.


    Maomao was bundled up in a nket as she continued to copy books. In the end, from the incident at noon, she had her hands full and wasnt able topletely finish transcribing.


    She heard the shuffling sounds of footsteps.


    Please sleep at night.


    Enen came over.


    I havent finished, Maomao said.


    Theres no way youll finish. Enen sat down beside Maomao. From the looks of it, Yao was probably sound asleep. About the said book, what will you do with it?


    Even if you ask me, I returned it, Maomao said.


    Returning it to its original position as if nothing happened, might be the most amicable option. However, she couldnt assert that it was the right answer.


    Considering Yao, Maomao probably couldnt calm down. She had to put it somewhere where it wont be easily found.


    Concurrently, she was convinced that Yao wasnt suited for working at the medical office.


    Enen, as things stand, do you think its okay for Yao-san to continue working at the medical office?


    What are you asking now? Enen started to transcribe another book. Maomao was thankful for her assistance.


    Theres also the matter with food tasting, but theres also her personality. A talent like Yao-san would probably be in great demand at other posts too. Shes well-versed in the eight trigrams too.


    Enen continued to transcribe smoothly. The eight trigrams and the five elements is a required subject for the duty post she tried to take before.


    (, Gogyou in Japanese, Wu Xing in Chinese. Chinese Philosophy regarding the interaction and rtionship between the five elemental phasesfire, water, metal, wood, earth. It is a fivefold conceptual scheme that many traditional Chinese fields used to exin a wide array of phenomena, from cosmic cycles to the interaction between internal organs, and from the session of political regimes to theproperties of medicinal drugs. ording to wiki.)


    Go on.


    When she heard that the assignment to the medical office allows females, she switched posts. Since the five elements is used too.


    The five elements is also used in the medical office. Herbal medicine dishesmonly adopt the philosophies of the five elements.


    It was surprising that Maomao is disinterested in the eight trigrams though.


    I dabble a bit in the five elements, but the cursingponent of the eight trigrams is too much to suit me.


    Maomao had no intention of learning curses and divination.


    I see. Enen nodded very deeply.


    A person who doesnt have other special skills like me aside, I think Yao-san and Enen can demonstrate your abilities elsewhere. They went a little off-topic, so Maomao tried to go back on track.


    Enens brush stopped. I dont think Yao-sama will quit working at the medical office.


    No matter what?


    No matter what. even if the medical office were to touch onto taboo.


    .


    As expected, Enen is sharp. It seems she had realised what Maomao had also noticed.


    When did you realise that? Maomao asked.


    When we found the book today.


    The book that recorded the illustration of a dissected human being.


    Surgical procedures are permitted in this country, but not the chopping of human cadavers.


    However, Court Physician Ryuu knew the structure of the human body intimately.


    Criminals are allowed to be chopped up. The bodies of criminals are cremated, not allowed to be reborn as a human.


    At times, the imperial family will also get surgical procedures, but that can never be a failure.


    In other words, what shes meaning to say, is that the court physician used the bodies of criminals to polish their skills in medicine. If the chopped up cadaver is cremated, it wont leave behind any proof.


    Doctors have to be respectable people. Thats exactly why they would wish to hide their bloody, cruel actions to the best of their abilities.


    (Thats the reason Dad didnt want to have me be a doctor.)


    Court Physician Ruomen, Court Physician Ryuu, and a number of others know the structure of the human body considerably well. Neers and unskilled court physicians wouldnt know of it from the get-go, Maomao said.


    I am of the same opinion, Enen said.


    Its likely that only capable talents are allowed to know. And personality is also included in their suitability.


    If Yao-sama quits working at the medical office, she wouldnt be able to transfer to another post. There is a high chance that she wont get anywhere with pressure. The medical office is a domain that Yao-samas uncle cannot touch.


    The top brass of the court physicians is Court Physician Ryuu. There is hardly anyone who can defy him.


    I will let Yao-sama do however she likes until she finds a suitable husband.


    husband.


    Whats wrong, Maomao? You have an unexpected look on your face. Enen tilted her head.


    No, I thought Enen rejected every gentleman who got close to Yao-san.


    Theres no such thing. I wont deal with them if they surpass a certain standard for lineage, appearance, personality and the like, and if its Yao-samas wishes.


    (Deal with them)


    How motivated.


    Could she even find such an ideal husband? Maomao made a distant look.


    And so, I think we can work without any problems. As only excellent court physicians require special studies, we courtdies wont be called out, Enen said.


    (In other words, keep quiet, huh.)


    Maomao held a finger against her lip.


    The current issue would be the book we discovered, isnt it? Enen said.


    Yao-san wouldnt be able to keep quiet and pretend she never saw it, right? Maomao said.


    At least, Yao probably wont be able to treat dad like she would normally.


    It would be fine if she didnt find faults with da- Court physician Ruomen though.


    Dad is perceptive so hell probably figure it out quickly.


    I think, about Court Physician Ruomen, Yao-sama got a huge shock because she respects him. But I believe she would be a little more understanding if we tell her where he had studied in the West, Enen said.


    it would be nice that way though.


    Maomao started moving the brush, and continued transcribing the book.

 Volume 8, Chapter 6: Medicinal Herb Gathering

    Fussy voices and the smell of incense.


    Maomao was lying spread eagled in one of Rokushoukans rooms. The room was like a storeroom, in that half of it was crammed with trunks and shelves. On asions when the number of courtesan increase, it can be used as a bedroom, if one avoids the trunks.


    (So tired.)


    In the end, she was able to return to the pleasure district during the final two days of the end of year break.


    The few days she spent at the nasty bast*rds stronghold was worthwhile, but it also came with hardships.


    She wanted to make transcriptions, and she also wanted to check on Yaos movements.


    She finally returned to the Rokushokan after deciding itd be fine to do so. However


    Ya havent paid the room fee.


    The madam, with a pipe in mouth, looked down at Maomao who was lying on the ground.


    Maomaos dpidated shack was currently upied by Sazen the herbalist apprentice. The little sh*t, Chouu also stayed there previously, but he moved to the Rokushoukan for safety andfort. A patron who pays well is with him, so she couldnt say anything.


    Sazen used to impose on the manservants room, but that ce wasnt suitable forpounding medicine. So, he went to live at Maomaos house, which was unupied.


    Maomao herself had no problems with even lying down in the same room as him, but Sazen went blue in the face and told her to stop it. So for the time being, she decided to stay at the Rokushoukan, but.


    how much?


    About this much? the madam answered.


    Rip off! Maomaos face stiffened at the fingers the crone held up.


    My oh myya asked to rent a room in this long-standing Rokushoukan. Aint this quite a steal?


    What room. This is half a storeroom, innit?


    Scram if you dont like it. Will ya chase out Sazen who works hard at his job every day? Or are ya living on the roadside? If its a single straw mat, I can loan ya free of charge.


    (Greedy hag.)


    Maomao gave up and took out her wallet. As the crone left counting the coins, her cackles were like a bubbling cauldron from the depths of hell.


    (Its childish, but I cant bring myself to evict Sazen.)


    She spat out a breath and got off her heavy ass. She wanted to lie down, but she had to check the pharmacy beforehand. She took out a book from her belongings and left the storeroom.


    As she headed towards the room she rented on the Rokushoukans ground floor, she heard voicesing from inside.


    Ahhh, this is nice. This is really nice. So skilled. Youre so skilled now.


    (T/N: the word for skilled here could also mean tasty. Take that as you will.)


    R-really?


    Seriously, the first time I thought you were so sloppy I was at a loss.


    Its because you taught me so diligently.


    Really now. Then, can you do it in front of me?


    Eh, do I have to?


    She knew the owners of the voices. Sazen and one other, Kokuyou, who works as a herbalist in a nearby vige. The man had ugly pox scars on half his face, but the other half is good-looking.


    Still, there were courtesans with free time eavesdropping on what the two men were saying behind closed doors.


    What are you doing? Maomao asked.


    Oh my, ufufufufu. They left in haste with rather embarrassed looks. No doubt theyve been having filthy delusions.


    Iming in Maomao opened the door with a tter. There was Sazen who was grinding herbs and Kokuyou who was watching from behind him.


    Ahhh, what! Didnt you say that youd be there the entire break! Sazen said.


    I have a lot of things to do, so its been rough. Rather, dont close the shop just because its cold, please. Not when you two are alone, Maomao said.


    Ehhh, but its freezing Kokuyou shivered theatrically. His personality is carefree as usual.


    Maomao checked the interior of the pharmacy.


    (The medicinal herbs are properly stored. The ount book is properly recorded.)


    Not bad. Hes improved.


    Maomao passed the book she brought with her to Sazen. The shop will be closed now. Since youre always forced to make cold medicine and pain-killers, were making something new.


    The book was what she transcribed yesterday. It contained various things even Maomao hadnt heard of, so she thought about trying to make some while reviewing, but there was a medicinal herb she was bothered about, so she prioritised that.


    Wahh how fun. Mix, mix Kokuyou pressed his face towards her, so Maomao pushed him aside. Itll be handier with male help, so she wont stop him if he tagged along.


    (The ingredient, Dad grew it outside the town.)


    Despite his bad leg, he grew a medicinal herb field outside the wall. He has a habit of growing herbs whenever theres emptynd ever since he worked in the inner pce. Hes usually sensible too. Could his asional peculiarity be from his blood?


    (Somehow, he resembles Rahans biological father.)


    Even if its rotten, theyre still rtiveswas she about to say that? She recalled the middle-aged man with sparkling eyes who had absolutely no desire to seed and created a humongous sweet potato field.


    All right, were going to gather the ingredient so bring the tools, Maomao said.


    O-okay, Sazen said.


    What could it be? What could it be? Kokuyou said.


    Sazen stuck the be-back-soon sign on the pharmacys noticeboard. Kokuyou was in high spirits even though it was nothing major.


    Maomao took out several herbs from the shelf, boiled them, and downed the broth.


    What did you drink? Sazen peered at her.


    Its a tonic that keeps me awake and gives me a bit of energy. Im tired, Maomao answered.


    Hmm. Rather, are there medicinal herbs during this season? Also, the field is outside the wall, right? I heard that there are herbs, but I couldnt find it anywhere so I left it.


    Ahh, its nothing. Nothing weird is growing. so, youll know when we get to it. Maomao put on a jacket and left the Rokushoukan.


    Oh my. Youre going out with two sexy guys? Way to go


    Not a chance.


    Maomao and a simr aged courtesan said jokingly. She knew her from when she was a kamuro, so their exchanges were also casual.


    They left the still-empty-at-noon pleasure district via the south side. They could see beggars in the alleyway, staring at them and wondering if they could be extorted from.


    The old man guarding the castle gate yawned in boredom. Kokuyou smiled and waved at him like good friends, but the old man responded with a look of disgust. How much trouble did he stir up?


    What did you do? she asked Kokuyou.


    I did nothing, he replied.


    How suspicious.


    The gates are surrounded by a moat on the outside, simr to the inner pce in structure


    Apparently, the inner pce was constructed on what used to be the castle ruins of the previous dynasty a long, long time ago before Rii was created. Could this outer wall be simrly built from the town ruins?


    They turned right after leaving the gate. In terms of directions, they headed west.


    Here, that, she said.


    That?


    Maomao pointed to the outer wall. There were branch-like things creeping on the wall. It was currently winter, so to some extent, the leaves would be more green and lush during summer. Having spread over the waterway, their vitality is amazing.


    I can see withered branches, but whats this? Sazen asked.


    Were not using the stalks. Maomao grabbed onto a branch and followed it down to the roots. She dug up the soil with a tool.


    Hehh, arrowroot, huh? Kokuyou nodded, and helped her.


    By arrowroot, you mean kudzu? Sazen asked.


    Thats right. Dont stand around like an idiot. Help out, Maomao said.


    Y-yeah.


    The three of them dug in the soil.


    Umm, can I ask a question? Sazen asked.


    Sure, Maomao said.


    I feel the old man at the castle gate is looking at us weirdly.


    Its fine. The outer wall will be damaged with the kudzu growing on it, and moreover, itll be a path for foreign enemies to invade. Thats why kudzu harvest is encouraged, apparently.


    Apparently.


    Apparently, Dad had been apprehended by the guard many times and exined that. Thats why it was fine to dig up the arrowroot.


    I heard kudzu has high vitality. They can thrive even in a ce like this. Kokuyou was smiling in awe.


    Apparently they have been growing since around fifty years ago.


    She recalled what the old man of the castle gate said once. An old timer, he was gatekeeping during retirement.


    can I ask a question? Sazen said.


    Sure, Maomao said.


    You said, Ruomen-san created a field here.


    Eh, then, youre saying he grew kudzu?


    Yeah,e on, your hands are idle. Quickly, dig, dig!


    Maomao roughly shaved down an excessivelyrge root.


    She recalled Dad looking at the outer wall in apology a long time ago.


    He had left in a hurry to study in the West, and then worked in the inner pce afterwards.


    In the space of a few decades, the kudzu had grown densely.


    Dad started work at the imperial court again, and Maomao also became a courtdy who assisted the court physicians, so they once again grew quickly.


    Since there is a male help known as Sazen here, she wanted him to work hard at digging out the arrowroot.


    Theres a lot of arrowroot. Can we use them all? Kokuyou asked.


    We dont need to worry about the amount since kudzu powder can be sold as cold prevention, Maomao said.


    Kudzu powder, how nice. But, wouldnt that take a lot of work to make? Wouldnt it be easier to buy it norma


    Come on, your hands are free. Work, work. Maomao silenced Kokuyou who was saying unnecessary things. She noticed she was more talkative than usual to silence the chatterbox.


    (Sazen, sorry.)


    He wasnt someone responsible for cleaning up Dads mistakes, but she had hime along to eradicate the kudzu.


    Making kudzu powder will take more than one or two days, so shell exinter. Besides that, she had to forbid Kokuyou from speaking.


    (Ahh, we dont have enough time.)


    While she was thinking busy, busy, other things were on her mind, so it was good she could forget about her other worries.


    Maomao diligently dug out the kudzu whose roots had spread over the ground.

 Volume 8, Chapter 7: Kudzu Powder

    The heavy thuds of something being hit resounded from the side of the dpidated shack. Drawn in by the sound, a brat brimming with curiosity approached.


    What are you doing, Freckles? Youre finally home!


    It was Chouu. His cheeks were smeared with paint. She heard he had been learning to paint from an artist; it seems he is still continuing.


    Maomao was beating nt roots with a mallet, which were actually washed arrowroot. Sazen was also beating arrowroots with a mallet beside her. She thought Kokuyou was going to help her, but he left to watch the shop as there was a customer who came in at the perfect time to buy medicine. The madam would get noisy if they left the ce sitting empty for too long.


    (I didnt leave any valuables there. This will probably make the madams eyes shine.)


    Right now, teaching Sazen how to make the kudzu powder took precedence.


    Are you frustrated? Youre venting your anger on a tree root thing, Chouu asked.


    No. Were making medicine, Maomao answered.


    Hmmm, it looks mucky.


    Help out if youre going to watch. Go draw water from the well.


    Ehhh Chouu waspletely unmotivated. Cheeky kids wont move unless theres some bribery involved.


    If you help, Ill make you a confectionery youve never eaten before.


    Ill do it! Chouu headed towards the well, eyes shining.


    Its nice when the brat is energetic. Sazen who was forced to swing a mallet after digging holes was exhausted. There was no life in his eyes. Whatd we do after pulverising this?


    She held up the arrowroot that had been crushed by a mallet. Well wash it and strain it through a sieve. Then repeat.


    Maomao prepared a pail and sieve.


    I brought the water Chouu tottered back.


    Okay. Maomao washed the arrowroot carefully in the bucket of water. After that, she strained it through the sieve. She bore with the bitingly cold water as she repeated the steps.


    It really is mucky, Chouu said.


    Muddy brown water dripped from the sieve, while the nt root remained on the sieve.


    Come on already, we still dont have enough water. Go draw more water, Maomao said.


    Frecklesdrawing water is hard, Chouu said.


    When I was your age, I had to do around fifty round trips in a day.


    As if some part of him hated to lose, the brat went to draw water again.


    Aint fifty round trips intense for a child? Sazen said as he crushed the next arrowroot.


    But I was forced into it, Maomao said.


    What did you do?


    .


    (It was punishment for pickling snake in all the wine at the Rokushoukan.)


    The madam had given her a look of outrage and took away her meals until she was done. By the way, the madam made spectacr sales out of the pickled wer by telling customers it had energising properties.


    Sazen smashed the arrowroot. Chouu carried water over. Maomao carefully washed and strained.


    Chouu hated losing, but hes also a spoiled brat. Before she realised, he had roped a free manservant into helping him.


    (This bast*rd.)


    Now that there was a manservant helping out, she had no idea what the madam was going to say. Now she had to prepare something to make up for wages.


    Oiiiii, Maomao. Take your kind, off me. Sazen sounded aggrieved, as maomao the cat hadtched onto his back unnoticed.


    Whose kind? Maomao ced both hands by maomaos sides and lifted it up. It meowed as its torso was stretched excessively long. Hey hey, dont get in the way.


    The residents of Rokushouken had also spoiled maomao rotten, so it tended to treat humans with contempt. Especially towards underlings like Sazen.


    With some moodiness, maomao pawed at Maomao.


    If you get in the way, Ill turn you into a brush, she said.


    Just when she thought maomao would give a start, it gave the back of its head a scratch with its hindlegs before running off elsewhere.


    You can bully the cat, but Im done crushing everything. Sazen rolled his shoulders. How are we turning this into powder? He held up a piece of pulverised arrowroot, one that has already been strained.


    Were not using that, Maomao said.


    Eh?


    Maomao pointed to the dirty water. This is what were using.


    This? Isnt this dirty water? We werent chucking that out?


    Whaidiot! Dont chuck it out! She found herself yelling.


    The most important part of making kudzu powder is the water from the straining.


    As for why we crushed the arrowroot, there are nutrients in the root, she said.


    Hmhm.


    Its nutrients dissolve in water. So, the crushed roots are used up after they have been strained. Maomao intended to exin as thoroughly as possible, but it seems Sazen still has yet to catch on. Anyways, well let this strained water sit in the house overnight. Try not to move it around so much.


    No, I still dont get you.


    Youll know by tomorrow.


    Hmmm.


    Her reply was vague, but he will probably understand once he sees the actual thing tomorrow.


    Maomao sighed deeply as she strained thest of the arrowroot.


    .


    .


    .


    There was no rest for Maomao after that. She borrowed the kitchen of the Rokushoukan. As expected, the madam requested pay from her for the manservant.


    Heyy, what is this unusual confectionery? Chouu whined.


    Ahh, so annoying. Ill make it now, so shut up. Maomao took out the leftover kudzu powder and emptied them into arge pot. After it had dissolved, she added syrup.


    (It makes the colouring worse, so sugar or honey would be better.)


    Theyre expensive so its wasteful. Even syrup is extravagant.


    The colours kinda dirty, Chouu said.


    Shut up. Maomaoset the pot on the stove, stirring it briskly with a wooden spoon.


    It turned kinda gloopy,


    Its the same as kudzu tea.


    Kudzu powder bes viscous when heated. If the water evaporates, it turns into something mochi-esque.


    With only this, the hag will say its unsatisfactory.


    She added walnut. Walnut is also used as a nutritional supplement, so its perfect for the courtesans.


    Something like this?


    Maomao spread yellow powder on arge te and poured the boiled kudzu powder over it. Since its mochi instead of powder now, its better to call it kudzu mochi.


    Whats this yellow powder? Chouu asked.


    Its soybean. Roasted soybean powder, that is.


    In eastern medicine, it ismonly known as koushi(). It usually uses beans that are sticky from fermentation. This is made from roasted soybeans that have been grounded through a millstone. Theres also a little bit of sugar and salt in the power. A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness.


    She coated the kudzu mochi evenly with the roasted soybean powder.


    Oh my, looks good. Pairin-neechan came over, lured by the smell.


    (It would be better if neechan doesnt get any more vigorous than she is now though)


    There was no way she wont do it beyond having found this.


    Neechan, please dont sneakily eat as soon as its been ted, Maomao said.


    I know alreadyy, Pairin said, sticking out her tongue.


    Chouu, prepare the tes. Several peoples worth, Maomao said.


    kay, Chouu said.


    Although Maomao said leftovers, kudzu powder is expensive. She even used walnuts, sugar, syrup and roasted soybean powder.


    Shell distribute this to all the courtesans and manservants at the Rokushoukan, so the madam probably wontin.


    Hohoh, to make up for the pay for the manservant, izzit? The crone, who had slipped over, passed a critical eye over the kudzu mochi. Rather meagre.


    What are you saying, you olddy. You dont believe in the skills of a pastry maker trained in the inner pce? Maomao said.


    Ahaha. Ya were trained in a brothel before that, so its not like ya have skills or whatnot, the madam said, taking a te and eating one with a snap using chopsticks. walnut filling, huh. Its softpared to mochi. Wouldnt it be better if theres a tad more bite to it?


    Normally, I would eat it after chilling it.


    Can ya eat cold things like this in the dead of winter?


    (Ahh, can you just choke on it?)


    This granny who cant keep her mouth shut would probably live to a hundred.


    Maomao cooled the bottom of the te with cold well water as she diluted the syrup to make a sauce.


    .


    .


    .


    Partly because of the sweets, the courtesans who were practising and napping in their rooms showed up one by one


    They cant all enter the dining area, so the lower ss courtesans ate in the lobby by the entrance. It was perfect as there were no noontime customers today.


    Chouu was happily holding a te and eating with a kamuro friend in the hall.


    Mmmm, delicious. Pairin-neechans face eased into a smile. The taste improved after it was lightly drizzled with watered down syrup.


    Not bad. Joka-neechan gave her slightly haughty opinion. This was considered praise from the unsociable woman.


    Its made from kudzu powder, right? If only it was made from cheaper flours, Meimei-neechan said as she picked it up with chopsticks and studied it.


    Yes. Cant you make it with wheat flour? If not, from grounded rice?


    Joka-neechan was the one who suggested that. Pairin-neechan didnt hear, already in a trance from eating.


    Wheat would make it steamed bun, and rice would just be normal mochi.


    Even though we have so much wheat and rice.


    The Rokushoukan stored the wheat and rice Maomao was given. It was what she received from the time she had a wine-drinking contest.


    Kudzu is arrowroot, right? Can we make it from simr roots? Joka asked.


    Maomao made a cross with both hands. Kudzu root is chock full of nutrients. Since kudzu powder is what we extract from it She tilted her head.


    (Nutrients are stored in the root.)


    In other words, something like a potato.


    And, when it came to potato, Maomao had an idea. We might be able to try with sweet potato.


    Sweet potato, huh. If its sweet potato, wouldnt it be better to just bake it as it is? Pairin, who had cleared her te, said.


    Thats true. Its better to eat it normally. Besides, it takes work. Meimei also nodded.


    But turning it into powder makes it suitable for storage. Joka, the quick thinker, saw it from a different angle.


    Storage, definitely. It wont take up space either.


    (Thats right. Its good for storage.)


    Potato isnt suited for long storage to the extent of rice. It sprouts quickly and can also rot. However, if its been grounded into powder, the ease of storage increases remarkably. It wont sprout, does not rot easily, and moreover, it wont take up space.


    (Lets try taking up the suggestion.)


    There might be potatoes that have been leftover and rotting in the farm, and processing the potatoes might create jobs.


    Maomao was ayman for that part so someone would probably do it for her.


    Joka and Maomao are smart, huh. Pairin-neechan, aside from eating potatoes, dont understand much. Meimei was a little surprised.


    Neechan, aside from dancing, doesnt like studying much, Joka said.


    Yes. These days, the customers who visit often only speak about difficult things, so I quickly get lost, Pairin said.


    Neechan is being unfair. Your customers will be satisfied if you just smile. As for me, even though I reply to all of them, they are taken aback. Joka, who has enough knowledge to make a Civil Examination student turn pale, probably has customers who take it upon themselves to raise difficult questions. Civil officials oftene by in hopes of outwitting the courtesan someday.


    Heeh, what do they talk about? That reminds me, there have been a lot of customers from the West recently, Meimei said.


    Yes. The customers from the Western Capital. Like inspections and tax raises and such. Apparently, they were told dont talk about it, but they, like, talked about it. Its fine since I forget immediately though, Pairin said.


    (Inspection? Tax?)


    The Western Capital is Empress Gyokuyous birthce. At the moment, her father is visiting the Capital but


    (Is it because Jinshi had raised taxes in preparation for the famine?)


    No, then why the inspection? Could Dont talk about itbe a gag order?


    (Its a little suspicious.)


    Maomaos brow twitched as she put a kudzu mochi in her mouth.

 Volume 8, Chapter 8: The End Of The Break

    The next day, Maomao went to check the pail from yesterday. The water that had been brown was almost ck.


    See, look at this. Maomao slowly tilted the pail. She poured out the topyer of ck water; there was white sludge sedimented at the bottom.


    Whats dis?


    Sazen peered at it. Chouu was next to himdoes he have free time?


    The sedimentation at the bottom is what makes kudzu powder. Its denser than water, so if you leave it for some time, itll sink to the bottom. The topyer is dirty so get rid of it. After you strain it a few times and remove the firstyer, you can get clean kudzu powder, Maomao said.


    Is this what became yesterdays mochi Chouu asked.


    Hey, dont stick your finger in that, itll mix together. Maomao pushed Chouu, who was being a hindrance, away. After doing that a few times, the sedimentation gradually whitens. There are still some kudzu fibres in it; we can get rid of that with the water.


    I see, Sazen said.


    If you do it four to five times, we can reduce the amount of water and pour it into a different container. Once we remove that firstyer, we can dry it.


    W-wait a moment. Ill note it down. Sazen flusteredly went to grab writing equipment. The steps were all there even if he didnt write it down, but hed probably learnt it better if he wrote it down.


    If staying here is boring you, go y somewhere else. Maomao shooed Chouu away like a dog.


    Im here to help too. Be thankful, Freckles, Chouu said.


    Cat paws are more helpful, Maomao said.


    Nyaa Chouu carried maomao over and punched with its paws.


    Furs gonna fall in. Maomao set maomao free. If youre going to help, then carry water over. You stole Ukyous share yesterday, didnt you?


    The head manservant who likes children, Ukyou always spoils Chouu.


    Wha manualbour again, Chouu said as he headed to the well with a bucket. Oh yeah, Freckles.


    What? Maomao replied as she removed the topyer.


    You came back yesterday, right? When will you be back next time?


    Hmm


    Officials are given a break every ten days, and courtdies go on breaks with them. However, as thetter have fewer important dutiespared to the former, they have many breaks. On top of that, there are the seasonal national holidays, but those are scant after the new year break.


    (The next break is ten dayster? Coming back on a day trip is also a hassle.)


    Provided that Sazen is being more reliable than expected, its not necessarily a good thing for Maomao to show her face too often. He could send letters if anythinges up, so it should be fine.


    Also, on Maomaos breaks, she does theundry and medicine making she couldnt do on the days she has work, and reviews what shes learned. Recently, Yaos group also invite her to go shopping, so there was no way shes free.


    (I shouldnt forget about Yaos groups matter.)


    Itd be good if nothing bad happens with regards to the book they discovered at the weirdo tacticians house, however.


    About one monthter? Maomao said.


    What? Thats ages away.


    I have a lot of things to do.


    Chouu sulked. He headed to the well with a bucket, and Sazen came back to take his spot.


    Oi, are you bullying Chouu again? Sazen treated Chouu as a young master before, but it seems he treats him with no problem now. The man knew about the few secrets of the Shi n, but at this point in time, he probably hadnt done away with the veil of secrecy.


    Not really. I only told him that I wont be back since Im busy, Maomao said.


    Ahh, poor thing. Sazen was surprised as he listed down on the wooden slip the things she taught him. The man used to be a farmer in the Shihoku province, but he was very proficient in reading and writing. Kids pretend to be tough and still want to be spoiled. Especially Chouu, hes a littlehe doesnt have a family and he doesnt remember anything about those times.


    I dont know about family, but dont the courtesans spoil him?


    Even so. Hes imprinted onto the person who looked after him the first moment he didnt have his memories. Like a duckling.


    A duckling.


    Ducklings, as soon as they are born, believe the first being they see to be their parent.


    Im not that kids parent though, Maomao said.


    Chouu knows that much as well. But you know, hes still a child. Sazen, who finished writing on the wooden slip, started to slowly tip away the water in the bucket.


    When I was his age, I was earning my keep.


    capable people do not understand the feelings of those who are not, something along those lines, right? But, those who are extremely capable know the extent of an incapable persons ineptitudes.


    His words were somewhat reproachful, unlike those of the usually flustered Sazen.


    Sazen, youre just repeating what Ukyou told you, arent you?


    How did you know!?


    Right on the mark, it seems. The somewhat philosophical manservant had said many simr things to Maomao when she was young.


    Im done. Then, Im going to tell you the next steps so write it down, Maomao said as she picked away the remaining fibres.


    .


    .


    .


    The workdays following the end of the holidays were slow-moving.


    Maomao rubbed her sleepy eyes as she ate breakfast.


    Thats impolite, Yao said, a little displeased. She was eating abalone congee, which was a somewhat mysterious green. It was an unusual way to eat it in the capital Maomao was in, in Kaou Province.


    (Since abalone beautifies skin.)


    It was something Enen, who was currently nonchntly eating, had made. She had probably considered its benefits.


    By the way, Maomao was also eating the congee Enen had made, but instead of abalone, it was just in congee with ck vinegar. Abalone is a high-ss ingredient, so it was only included in Yaos share.


    Being the only one eating something different bothered Yao, and asionally she would ask to have the same thing prepared. However, Maomao was being treated to a free meal, so she had no desire to eat the same thing as Yao. Enen also understood this notion, and so prepares unlimited servings for Maomao.


    When Maomao went to wash the dishes after breakfast, Enen sidled up next to her.


    Thank you very much. Thanks to you, our holidays ended without meeting strange people.


    Rather, I thought you were at the house of a strange person but, Maomao replied, thinking that there are hardly any families who are stranger than that one.


    The master of the estate came back when Maomao left but he was hospitable in his own way.


    In his own waythey probably received an odd reception that was different from the norm.


    We also got souvenirs. Enen gingerly took out a stick whose shape portrayed a catastrophk of character. Maomao knew what it was since she was brought simr things many times. It was a kanzashi. She had no idea whether it was bought or made, but it was better to stick a twig from the ground in your hair than to use this.


    How about you throw that away? Maomao said.


    Yes. This doesnt suit Yao-sama at all, but the materials its made from are good, so I was thinking of taking it apart and selling them off, Enen replied.


    Yup. I think thats good.


    Maomao uses a fairly simr disposal method.


    Maomao was given one too, but. Enen took out another kanzashi. Compared to what Enen received, it was a lot gaudier and odd.


    Dispose of that for me over there, Maomao said.


    Understood. Enen returned it to her bosom pocket since she had separated them.


    The two of them washed the dishes.


    If its about Yao-sama, Ill take responsibility so please rest assured, Enen said.


    That will be extremely helpful, Maomao said. She didnt think much about it at Rokushoukan, but in truth, when she started working, she was worried about how Yao was going to act. However, even if Yao did her work as a court physician assistant as if nothing happened, Maomao was worried about what will happen from here on.


    There was no way that the perceptive Enen wouldnt notice that.


    Maomao, I have a question.


    What is it?


    What is the difference between court physicians and apprentice court physicians in this country?


    Maomao thought for a bit. I heard that apprentice court physicians rank up after passing the exam and learning under a court physician.


    Yes. And I investigated what kind of exam they take to be a court physician apprentice. When I did so, the problem arose as it was roughly the same as the exam we took.


    The same content? Maomao herself thought that it only contained foundational medical knowledge though.


    Yes, also, court physician apprentice and court physician assistant. Our work has more odd jobs, but we basically do the same things. Rather, if we just change the official names, its the same.


    Are you saying that we have the path to be court physicianster on?


    Yes.


    It wasnt a concept strange enough to be called wild. If there wasnt a barrier known as thew.


    (Theres no way Enen is thinking of wanting to be a court physician.)


    The one who has, would be her master, Yao.


    And, if they pass something that is between court physician and apprentice court physician, if they would be court physicians


    (Speaking of that something is)


    The conditions to be a court physician, I cant help feeling it has something to do with the said prohibited literature.


    The prohibited literature that Dad owned secretly. No doubt there was some rtion to it.


    Enens hypothesis had reached that far.


    And the reason she spoke to Maomao at a ce out of Yaos earshot is


    I dont want Yao-sama, dont want mdy to be a court physician.


    First, she couldnt ept it ethically, Maomao thought. But Yao tries hard to see things a little more flexibly than she seems. Her personality puts effort into eptance.


    Enens words were only just in case.


    understood. Maomao shook off the water droplets from the teacup. I wont say anything to Yao-san.


    However


    If Yao-san chooses it herself, I feel neither of us can do anything.


    That was all she told Enen.

 Volume 8, Chapter 9: Blood And White Robe

    Laundry that had piled up like a mountain awaited them upon their arrival at the medical office.


    Quickly, clear it all away.


    Court Physician Ryuu phrased it as if it were nothing, but doing the washing during wintertime is cold. Youll end up with numb hands.


    Understood.


    The umtion ofundry meant that the court physicians continued working even while Maomaos group were on break. They had no other choice but to shut up and do it.


    Most of the washing consisted of bandages that required sterilising. Theyll first separate theparatively cleaner ones from those dirty with blood and bodily fluids.


    The awfully dirty items will be discarded. Being bandages, those with only a few dirty sections can be cut and reused.


    To begin with, bandages are disposable items to be discarded when they get old. The use of bloody bandages, if at all possible, should be avoided. Human blood is a source of infectious diseases.


    Whats this


    Yao held up something pinched between her fingertips. It appears to be someones white robe. It had blood on itperhaps there was a procedure for a critically ill patient. It had a whiff of alcohol to it, as if the clothing was also disinfected.


    Its concerning that a court physicians robes were left here. Whose could it be?


    Enen inspected the lining of the robe. Although everyone wore the same robes, their name should be embroidered along the lining.


    .


    Enen furrowed her brows. Maomao nced over and saw Tenyuu. It was the young apprentice court physician, a superficial man. He had asked Enen out on many asions, but was ignored every time.


    (She threw it away.)


    Enen set about sorting the bandages as if nothing happened.


    Enen, why not clean it for him since were already at it? Yao asked.


    Mdy Yao, even if hes a court physician, I dont think we should spoil him. Its rules and regtions, Enen answered.


    But, he was working while we were on break.


    Enens face was unusually aggrieved.


    How do we remove the bloodstains? Yao asked.


    Enens movements were dull so Maomao stepped forward reluctantly.


    Let me borrow that for a bit, Maomao said. She nced at the section blotted with blood, which had changed to a dark red. She had no idea if it woulde off, but decided to submerge it in a pail of water.


    What are you doing? Are we using ash as well? Yao asked.


    Ash is used to remove filth, but something else is required for this.


    Ill be back in a moment with the materials.


    Maomao returned to the medical office and fished through the shelves.


    What are you looking for? Court Physician Ryuu, who was inside, came over to question her.


    I was thinking of using a daikon radish to remove some stains, she said.


    If she remembered correctly, daikon is used in cough medicine so it should still be in stock.


    Stain removal? Ahh, you want to remove blood.


    As expected of him, catching on after hearing about the daikon.


    While youre at it, wash these too. He passed her more court physician robes. It wasnt just one or two. Were there five or six?


    Not happy? Court Physician Ryuu asked.


    No, its nothing, Maomao said.


    This demon court physicians tone was a little mean. His features are chiseled in a way that might have made him popr in his youth, but at his age, hes a mean old man.


    Was there a major surgery? she asked.


    Perhaps. Court Physician Ryuu scribbled on the logbook as he gave a vague reply.


    However, with this many robes dirtied from a surgery, it would mean several people were involved or something reallyrge scale was done.


    (They must have worn aprons.)


    There wasnt that much blood, but the splotches here and there were curious.


    (It kinda stinks.)


    She didnt know whether the clothes washer on duty was away during wintertime, but she didnt want them to abandon their post.


    Maomao ced the court physician robes in theundry basket and grated the daikon.


    If youre going to use it, use just one. Theyre not disposables like bandages, Court Physician Ryuu said.


    understood, Maomao said.


    It was an order from above, so she listened meekly, but in this case, she regretted not just keeping quiet and just leaving with the daikon.


    When she saw Maomao return with more items, Yao smiled wryly.


    Apologising internally, Maomao soaked the white robes and ced a cloth underneath the stained sections. She wrapped the grated daikon with cotton and struck the top of the robes.


    Will this get rid of the stains? Yao peered closely at it.


    Yes. Daikon contains aponent that breaks down blood. Aside from blood, it also works for bed wetting and spilled eggs, Maomao said.


    Hehh, is that so.


    Maomao showed the cloth on the bottom to Yao who was in awe. The blood on the white robe had dissolved and transferred onto the cloth underneath it. If you understand how it works, please help out. Its most effective when it is freshly grated, so I want this finished quickly.


    I, I got it.


    Enen also joined in. The three of them struck the white robes.


    Im done, Yao said.


    Then, rinse them in water immediately. If it bes stained with daikon juice this time, itll be for naught.


    got it.


    Yao is someone who acts immediately once shes told. If she can be convinced by another persons opinion, then its a straightforward matter, while at the same time, she wont proceed if she has any doubts.


    When the washing was done and the bandages and white robes hung out to dry, a sickly-looking court physician happened to pass by. It was the apprentice court physician, Tenyuu.


    Excuse me. Your white robe was mixed in, Maomao called out to him. Enen treats Tenyuu like a hindrance and itll be a bother if Yao spoke to him. Maomao spoke up by process of elimination.


    Ahh, yeah. My bad. Wash it for me, Tenyuu answered.


    It was flippant, but he wasnt cheerful like he usually was.


    Were you made to assist in a surgery? Maomao asked.


    Ah, yeah. I guess.


    His answer was somewhat vague.


    Maomao was caught onto it.


    You seem tired, but we wont wash it for you from now on. Its drying over there, so once its dried, please take it away, she said.


    Sure. Tenyuu offered an unmotivated reply then left somewhere.


    Hes so slovenly, Yao raged as she cleaned the bucket they used. The white robes have dried but the bandages have to be boiled for sterilisation at the point.


    For hygiene, it would be better for the robes to receive the same treatment, but they werent consumable items so the material may be damaged. While Maomao wondered if ironing them would be appropriate, she didnt want to go that far for it.


    (While the stove is lit, shall I grill potatoes as well?)


    Rahans biological father had brought over arge amount of potatoes he grew. It was to check if they could be processed like kudzu powder, but they were more delicious when grilled normally.


    She felt a little better after she thought about eating potatoes.


    Maomao, Im leaving it here, Yao said.


    Okay. Maomao carried the wet bandages on her shoulders and followed after Yao and Enen.


    .


    .


    .


    It was close to the end of a day of work when the bandages were disinfected and driedpletely.


    I wasnt able to do anything, Maomao said.


    It was due to there being too many washing items, but it was somewhat annoying that she couldnt do anything else. What she was doing was no different to when she worked in the inner pce as a maidservant. By the way, the potatoes were eaten by Yao and Enen some way or other, reminding Maomao of her chats with Shaoran.


    (I want to prepare doses.)


    That being said, when it got dark, the courtdies immediately went home. The bandages cant be moved inside until its dried to a certain extent; if frost forms on top of it, itll be meaningless.


    Maomao looked at the dried white robes on the side of the drying area. Since it was missing one, Tenyuu must have taken his robe away.


    (Take all of them, oi.)


    Maomao checked the linings of the white robes. She thought of checking who they belong to, but.


    Court Physician Ryuus white robe was there. That was obvious, but she tilted her head when she saw the other names.


    (He said operation, right?)


    If it were a major operation, there would be a lot of court physicians. However, what does it mean when the only skilled court physician among them is Court Physician Ryuu?


    As far as Maomao knows, the other names on the white robes all belonged to apprentice court physicians.


    She suddenly recalled the conversation she had with Enen yesterday. About the difference between a court physician and apprentice court physician.


    (No, no, it cant be right.)


    So she thought as she returned to the medical office with the white robes.


    Tenyuu was the only person in the medical office. She wondered what he was doinghe was ironing the white robe he took inside.


    (Only your own?)


    Ill leave the white robes here, Maomao said.


    Ahh, got it. Tenyuu ironed with a look of fatigue. He didnt look like he wanted to do it, but if there were creases on the robes, Court Physician Ryuu would get angry and he probably decided to do it right now since preparing the iron at home is a hassle.


    As if he was concentrating, he took no notice of Maomao. More importantly, he didnt seem interested in looking around.


    Maomao, paying no heed, set the white robes across Court Physician Ryuus desk. It was a little damp, but it cant be helped.


    (Hm?)


    The logbook he had been writing on this morning was on the table. Maomao picked it up and flipped through the pages. It was fine for her to look at it, but


    (How strange.)


    Maomao looked at the record for this past couple of days.


    Considering the bloodstains, the court physicians had conducted operations while Maomaos group were on break.


    They ought to have.


    But.


    (Theres no record.)


    Ordinary treatment of wounds aside, if there were a major operation that required a number of court physicians, it should have been recorded down even if its a single word.


    No abnormalities


    There was only a short phrase written down.


    Maomao looked at Tenyuu. Tenyuu-san. Was the operation tough?


    it was tough. That was intense.


    His reply a little bted. His slow response was either because he was in the middle of working, or he was bewildered about how to answer..


    What kind of operation was it? Maomao asked as she folded the white robes.


    What kind of operation or whatever, its nothingfortable.


    His reply could be taken either way.


    (Is he forbidden to talk about it?)


    Tenyuu seems like a superficial moron who cant read the room from his behaviour towards Enen, but at least, he is intelligent enough to pass the court physician exam. Also,pared to the other apprentice court physicians, hes skilled in talking.


    (Am I the wrong person to have this conversation with?)


    While feeling regretful she didnt ask Enen to talk to him instead, she patted the folded white robes.


    (Shall I try the other apprentice court physicians?)


    Maomao left the medical office as she looked at the darkening sky. I have to bring the bandages inside, she thought.

 Volume 8, Chapter 10: Court Physician Qualifications

    A few dayster, an area of the medical office was emptied out. It was previously used as a storage area by an apprentice court physician, holding mortars and various study materials, but everything had been removed.


    Was there a major clean up? Maomao suddenly asked.


    That guy turned strange, Court Physician Ryuu answered.


    Did his training period end?


    -mthing like that. Court Physician Ryuu wrote something in the notebook.


    In reality, the medical office closest to the military is a thriving duty location for court physicians. The greater the number of injured people, the more court physician can apply their true skills.


    Apprentice court physicians are first assigned here, where it is known to be the prime location. At the end of their months-long internship, they are assigned to a different post; the mostpetent individuals aremonly assigned to busier workces.


    By the way, the reason her dad, Ruomen wasnt posted in the military medical office was that the weirdo tactician would stay around for too long.


    The monocle old man hung around every day ever since Maomao was assigned to the medical office, but he hardly visited now thanks to his match with Jinshi, much to her joy.


    (Thank thee, thank thee.)


    It was times like these when she was thankful for Jinshi.


    Ever since Maomao was assigned as a court physicians assistant, Jinshis visits had, too, decreased greatly in number. No doubt he was busy with work and it wasnt a ce he would want to approach. He, in a different sense, had no affinity with the weirdo tactician.


    As there were fewer items to wash today, Enen was doing theundry alone, and Yao was organising the warehouse. Enen, the worrywart, had given her a bell with a piercing sound, instructing Use this when someone tries to assault you.


    As for Maomao, she was watching over the medical office with Court Physician Ryuu. However, she wasnt just idling around; she changed the bedsheets, swept the floor and wrote in the logbook. When an injured person came in, Maomaos task was to provide preliminary medical treatment. Senior court physicians step in only for procedures unable to be performed by apprentices or assistants.


    There was little to do today as well. She applied ointment on training injuries and stuckpresses on the bruises of military officials. asionally, officials would stop by for cold medicine, and as it happens, the medicine that had been wrapped beforehand for ease of dispensing had run out. However, Court Physician Ryuu added to the stock right then and there. It seems even big-shots make medicine during downtime.


    She had nothing to do either, so she asked Court Physician Ryuu for permission to use the stove to distil alcohol, much to his surprise.


    A long time ago, Ruomen also said the same thing before doing so, but He wore a bitter expression. When that guy went to the toilet, a guy came into the room while smoking a pipe.


    Woah. So there are idiots out here too.


    Usingmon sense, they should exist somewhere.


    No, Ruomen didnt give any kind of warning.


    From his flusteredness, she understood perfectly who had been the one smoking the pipe. Her silence was her reading the room.


    Court Physician Ryuu seemed to be an old acquaintance of Dads, so it made her happy to hear stories such as this from time to time.


    Id prefer if you didnt use the stove. Since theres a chance some idiotic cker smoking a pipe will approach it. Yes, thats it. Go use a brazier in the room next door.


    The fire would be weak though, Maomao said.


    You wont need such a big me. Dont you just want to make something to kill time?


    (Bullseye.)


    Also, youre thinking that you wont be caught if you drank a cup of wine or something, right?


    Why is he so perceptive?


    Maomao took a sizeable brazier, a distiller that looks like a kettle with a pipe sticking out of it, disinfectant alcohol, and a bucket filled with cold water.


    Ah, thats right. Take this with you too. He left her scissors, medicine wrapping paper, andpounded medicine. Wrap up all hundred of these for me.


    understood.


    Apparently, he had no ns to allow her any free time from the start.


    Maomao added more coal to the brazier and ced the distiller on top. It was a splendid device, different from the distiller Maomao assembled before using materials from the Jade Pce. The apparatus had kettle spouts on either end of it; two on the top and bottom. It was a set-up where alcohol is poured into the lowest pot and heated with fire so that the evaporated alcohol rises up through the cooling spout on top.


    (I want one in the dorms too.)


    Due to its extremely unique shape, it would cost quite a sum to make. The one she was currently using was ceramicware, but even one made of metal would probably cost around the same amount.


    (I wonder if theyll give it to me when it gets old and outdated?)


    With that nave thought, she wrapped the medicine in wrapping paper. As there are many officials catching colds this season, they keep medicine in stock. Medicine is the same as food, spoiling when its not used immediately, but theyll probably be gone soon.


    While Maomao was diligently wrapping it seems someone had arrived at the room next door. Is it an injured person? she thought as she started to return to the room with Court Physician Ryuu, when


    Keep working. Court Physician Ryuu stood at the door to stop Maomao. We have a guest, but we dont need tea. Its probably safer not to prepare any.


    (Safer?)


    Maomao, while finding it strange, was going to go back to wrapping medicines like she was told As if.


    She pressed her ear against the door.


    I implore you not to say anything so unreasonable. Are you hoping for one more dependable court physician?


    By his standards, Court Physician Ryuu was speaking respectfully. Which meant the other person was stationed above him, but


    (Who could it be?)


    Maomaos question was answered in an instant.


    Im requesting it well aware that its unreasonable. Also, I want two people.


    The voice was beautiful, discernible even across a door. Although the sweetness had diminished, it was reced with something charming.


    (Not a celestial maiden, but he changed to a celestial sage, huh)


    It goes without saying that it was Jinshis voice.


    As youve said, Im right in the middle of training the apprentice court physicians. However, should I say that half are worthy? Even if they have the physique, their technique iscking, and even with proper technique, they dont have enough spirit. Cultivation of both spirit and technique takes time.


    (Spirit, technique and physique? Are those requirements for a court physician?)


    Is it impossible to make them master practical skills?


    I have no intention of creating dead people for experimentation. If one doesnt possess a strong spirit, theyll likely break immediately.


    (Dead people)


    The choice of words caught her attention.


    It was a topic Maomao had been stuck on for the past couple of days; conceived by her thoughts. She wanted to ask about it this instant, but held back for now and channelled all her energy into eavesdropping.


    Those with strong spirits seems good though.


    If I have to choose, those with fewer emotional attachments would be ideal. If they have abnormally overprotective parents, it would be troublesome. Besides, I dont think theres anyone whod want to head off to a distantnd.


    The choice of words wasden with implications.


    Jinshi wanted court physicians. Does the head off to a distantnd imply he wanted to take them on an expedition?


    (Preparations for war?)


    No, the situation may not have progressed to such an extent, but Jinshi is the type to make all the necessary arrangements. Considering what lies ahead, he might want to increase the number of people in ces that need defending.


    (If so, north or west?)


    Shaou is to the west. Hokuaren is in the north. Arge mountain range separates Rii and Hokuaren. It was near impossible to cross the mountains, which supposedly stand at several li in height. Additionally, most military forces from the north appear at the end of the mountains on the north-westthis question appeared in the courtdy exam.


    (Thanks to the madam, I still remember it.)


    As expected of the person who cant forgive half-hearted things likest-minute cramming.


    Speaking of things in the northwest, there is the western capital  Empress Gyokuyous hometown.


    (Which reminds me, Pairin-neechan had said something strange.)


    Like whether there have been unusual activities amongst the western merchants.


    Or these two events might be rted.


    Absorbed as she was in eavesdropping, Maomao was too slow in realising a strange smoke had started to billow out from the emptying distiller.


    Nose twitching, she timidly looked back and was surprised by the rising smoke. She panicked and put out the fire in the brazier with a ssh of water.


    Her reaction had been swift, but there was no way the people next door could miss the loud hiss of water.


    What are you doing?


    The surprised voice belonged to Jinshi.


    Maomao awkwardly wiped up the spilled water with a towel. Ummm, I dozed off a little while tending to the fire.


    Ohhh? You have a door imprint on your cheek though.


    Maomao covered her right cheek at Court Physician Ryuus words.


    .


    .


    She had been caught eavesdropping.


    Maomao averted her eyes, but couldnt escape from Court Physician Ryuus gaze. The court physician had grabbed onto Maomaos head, pressing it down forcefully.


    (Ow owowow!)


    Maomao crouched, her head bowed.


    She had honestly thought that being left in the adjacent room meant it was fine for her to overhear, but apparently straining her ears was nevertheless forbidden.


    Jinshi was holding back a smile. Basen and two other guard-like military officials stood next to him. Having good looks also has its own hardships.


    With his smile under control, Jinshi coughed seriously. Court Physician Ryuu, can I ask a question?


    What is it?


    You said that the sess of apprentice court physicians is fifty-fifty, but what about court physician assistants?


    what are you talking about? Court physician assistants are aides after all.


    However, I heard that the work for apprentice court physicians and court physician assistants arent much different. In other words, if they possess spirit, technique, and physique, should they be able to be promoted to court physician?


    Jinshi must also have been contemting what Enen and Maomao had discussed amongst themselves  how one bes a court physician.


    (The issue is with this spirit, technique, and physique though.)


    Did Jinshi consider what they have to possess in order to be a court physician? However, even if she argued this point here, itll be to her own inconvenience.


    Having been an associate of Jinshis for so long, she was now familiar with his thinking process. Of course, there are still things that she cant read, but she knew what he was going to say.


    How strong is this court physician assistants spirit?


    She felt a smile being directed her way. Rather than a smile, it was an impish grin.


    This Maomao is just overly bold. More importantly, shes a woman. Theres no way she can be a court physician, Court Physician Ryuu said starkly.


    (Certainly, its just that.)


    There was no way Maomao hadnt thought about whether she could be a court physician.


    (Dad would hate it, huh.)


    Ruomen had raised Maomao to be a herbalist. It was a skillset sufficient to make a living in the pleasure district, but he never trained her to be a doctor, despite the high prospective ie. On the contrary, he had instructed her to never touch dead bodies.


    You might even try use humans as medicine.


    was what he had said, but did he really mean something else?


    In this case, its also fine if they are not a court physician. If they have a court physicians skill, I can grant special permission to town doctors or pharmacists. So, can you arrange for at least two more people?


    There were implications hidden behind Jinshis words. It was simr to the air he emanated each time he brought troublesome matters with him during their inner pce days.


    But at the same time, Maomao felt a thrill throughout her entire body.


    It wasnt an unpleasant sensation. Along with the slight prickling tension, excitement appeared; akin to how she felt when she experimented with medicinal herbs by herself for the first time.


    Here, Maomao thought about what Jinshi wanted her to do. It was probably, no, it was most definitely troublesome. However, at the same time, it was an opportunity for Maomao to do something that she wouldnt have been otherwise allowed to do.


    Will she regret getting involved in a troublesome matter, or will she regret missing a once in a lifetime opportunity?


    Maomaos answer was a given.


    Court Physician Ryuu stared at Maomao. Turn it down, his expression read.


    (That I cant do.)


    Maomao went down on one knee before Jinshi. There is a pharmacist here. Will that be okay with you?


    The corner of Jinshis lip tilted up subtly. And thats how it is. Your thoughts, Court Physician Ryuu?


    . Court Physician Ryuu scowled at Maomao. The evaluation of the work, the apprentices and assistants can be considered to be equal. So was Maomao being female the issue like she thought?


    I cannot give you an answer at my own discretion. More importantly, this court physician assistants adoptive father is Ruomen.


    Dads name was dropped.


    (Did you have Dads feelings in mind?)


    Maomao recalled the face of her dad, the former eunuch, who was so soft-hearted he wouldnt harm a fly, but on extremely rare asions, destroyed ecosystems.


    If he were to gaze at Maomao in sadness


    (Thats really hard.)


    Dad is Maomaos greatest weakness.


    If Maomao can obtain Ruomens permission, Ill have nothing more to say.


    So, can you do it? Court Physician Ryuus eyes seemed to say as he looked at her.

 Volume 8, Chapter 11: Court Physician And Herbalist

    Within the imperial court, there is a medical office in the section where civil officials work. Inside it, of which is also established as a nap-room for civil officials, Maomao, Ruomen, and Court Physician Ryuu faced one another.


    Her adoptive father, whom she hadnt seen in a while, looked more distraught than usual.


    Although they had the same outer court duty, they were assigned to different medical offices, which meant that they could only meet asionally at work. Maomao also felt that she had been purposely ced to avoid her working together with Ruomen. The reason being that Yao and Enen were made to do rtively the same job.


    Its Court Physician Ryuus arrangement, Maomao thought.


    And thats how it is. What will you do, Ruomen?


    In contrast with Dads grim expression, Court Physician Ryuu had a look of astonishment.


    Maomao, ah


    (Stop it.)


    She wasnt meaning to trouble Dad. However, Maomao also had things she wanted to do.


    The reason Dad didnt want Maomao to be a doctor. It wasnt that she didnt understand.


    Ruomen probably wanted Maomao to be happy within doable limits.


    And amidst that, he tried to take away options that would make life hard for Maomao.


    (Its like Dad to go as far as to exclude it.)


    Do you really want to be a court physician no matter what? Dad asked.


    Im not fixated about being a court physician. However, I think I want to have the same skills as one.


    In consideration for Court Physician Ryuu, she spoke politely.


    Dad shook his head slowly. I cannot stop you if you are adamant about it. Above all, I have a good idea about what you are doing by having Court Physician Ryuu bring you here.


    Im prepared for the most part, Maomao said.


    Oh, Ruomen. Is it okay to give a yes so easily? Court Physician Ryuu prodded btedly. By bing a court physician, that on its own carries more weight. It is a role that takes charge of peoples lives. You cannot be in this position without holding a certain degree of respect. But, what happens if you dont have that position? Humans fear death. Is the upation that is closest to death the priest of a Buddhist temple, a gravedigger, or a doctor?


    He spoke eloquently.


    No matter how knowledgeable you are, people wont trust you if you dont have the position to use this knowledge. Even if you strive to help them, what is going to happen if an injured or a sick person dies?


    Isnt that the same for a herbalist? Maomao rebutted.


    She cant turn back now by having him object here.


    Herbalists and doctors are different. Herbalists only provide medicine, and only treat the simplest of injuries, correct? You might be able to treat broken bones or sew up cuts. But what about moments where an arrow has perforated organs and pulling it out will only lead to death? Can you leave it to a herbalist?


    .


    She couldnt answer. Maomao has never fallen into such a situation.


    No one would pin such a serious condition to a herbalist. Herbalists heal by providing medicine. Since people know that it is pointless to keep prescribing medicine if theres no physical energy. But it is different for a court physician.


    Court Physician Ryuus voice deepened. There is a soldier with an arrow that has barely missed his heart. A situation where it is best for a herbalist to raise their hands in surrender and give up, is within a court physicians duty to aplish. You have to cut into the skin and flesh without damaging the blood vessels, extract the arrow, and sew it back. Its easier said than done, but that is the difference between a doctor and a herbalist. If the patient moves so much as a cun, just about everything is over. You have to use just enough anaesthesia to sooth him. The patient has to be strapped to a bed, and held down by a few people to prevent him from moving. While you stare at a face of fear, with saliva and tears and soiling, as his chest is being cut up, it is unforgivable if your scalpel slips even a little. If you pull out the arrow, hell soon die, but if you fail at the extraction, hell immediately die.


    She understood. The degree of danger in the treatment of lives is different for herbalists and doctors.


    Its still fine for court physicians. They can give an excuse where there was nothing to be done if they fail since they have the skills and qualifications. But, what happens when someone without the qualifications does the same treatment and fails?


    They probably wont be allowed to get away with it. The situation will be dependent on the bereaved family and their having killed the patient wont be taken out of consideration as well.


    Court Physicians have a national title. The country will shelter the failure for them. But you are


    I cannot be a court physician. Not as of now, Maomao admitted honestly.


    Women cannot be court physicians.


    It is difficult to change thew. Now is not the time, and she didnt know when. There was a higher possibility that it would remain unchanged.


    And you still want to have the same skills as a court physician? Court Physician Ryuu asked.


    Maomao was going to look at Dad for a moment, but stopped herself. She could imagine the kind of face he would be making. She thought she would get emotionally swayed.


    Yes, she said.


    and thats how it is, Ruomen. Court Physician Ryuu sounded even more astonished. For a child raised by you, she is truly stubborn. In a different sense to you, she has a difficult character.


    She even sensed affection in Court Physician Ryuus tone.


    She really is a hopeless child. Dad slowly stood up and tapped Maomaos head gently.


    (Dad is thinking about me.)


    Thats why he was apologetic. But she was against being unable to do what she could do if she knew what she didnt know.


    .


    .


    .


    The first thing prepared was chicken. It was still warm and hadnt stiffenedpletely. Only the chest and belly area was plucked free of feathers, and it hadnt been drained of blood. When she pierced it with a well-sharpened scalpel, blood spurted out.


    Take out the organspletely. Dont injure a muscle either. Itll be foodter, so dont treat it sloppily.


    (If you dont drain out the bloodpletely itll stink when you eat it.)


    They were probably prioritising the advancement of the skill.


    Aside from Maomao, there were five to six other people. As far as she could confirm with the faces she knew, they were all apprentice court physicians.


    They were told toe along to buy medicine, and were then brought over to a plot in a farmhouse that ran a poultry raising business. It was situated a short distance from the capital.


    Since they started with catching free-range chickens, they couldnt go about wearing court physician robes. They started work with a thin farmers outfit and a leather apron. After catching the chickens outside and strangling them, they cut them up inside a hut.


    I didnt tell you to cut them up while theyre alive. Be grateful for that.


    Court Physician Ryuu sounded like he was having fun. After pompously giving out instructions, he started his dealings with the chicken farmer. He was evaluating the deposit for the chicken, chicken entrails and the source of the chicken for herbal medicines.


    When it came to catching and ughtering chickens, Maomao bragged that she was better than the other apprentice court physicians. However, it was Tenyuu the apprentice court physician who caught the first chicken, so it was somehow vexing.


    Are you from a family of farmers? Maomaoblurted out in her vexation.


    No, I got used to this training, with this being the third time Ive done it. That said, it doesnt feel good, does it? Tenyuu answered.


    As expected, he had been feigning ignorance that time a few days ago.


    Tenyuu seemed to be a generally useless man with a loose tongue, but it seems he has deft fingers. He sliced through the slippery chicken skin skilfully.


    Do it while thinking which organ is equivalent to the parts of the human body.


    Of course, the structure of humans and chickens are different.


    This was probably the very first point of introduction.


    If you cant catch a chicken thats running around, theres no way you can do it to a human subject.


    If you dont have the guts to strangle a living chicken, you wont be able to cut up a human.


    If you dont have the finesse to cut apart a strangled chicken, you wont be able to do it to a human body.


    It was the introduction of an introduction, but there were also apprentice court physicians who had a hard time with the first step.


    Whats after chicken? Maomao asked.


    Pig. Itsrge, so its one per three people. Once you get to cow, its five people. Once youre used to it, you don the court physician robe and do it without making any blood stters. And I havent advanced to the next step, Tenyuu said.


    You still havent advanced?


    No, I was made to start all over again. My skill is shaky, they said.


    He looked calmpared to the other apprentice court physicians, so she ended up talking with Tenyuu.


    Its fine if youre just doing it all over again. If they take that you dont have the potential at all, you dont have the path to promote, he said.


    (No potential, huh.)


    She recalled the apprentice court physician that went strange.


    I wont be able to make Enen-chan feel at ease with an apprentice court physicians wages, you see.


    (Enen, keep at it.)


    It seems this man is truly persistent.


    By chopping up chickens, it grew thick with the smell of blood. An apprentice court physicians who couldnt tolerate the smell cut the chicken while covering his nose and mouth with a towel, but Court Physician Ryuu, who had returned, stripped it off.


    It is correct to wear a mask when you treat patients. But take it off now.


    The face of the apprentice court physician who got his mask taken off turned ghastly pale. He ran out of the hut, sick.


    Ahh. How many times has it been? Hes going to be treated as having no potential now. Tenyuumented about others.


    Maomaoid out the organs on a te. Heart, liver, intestines, stomach


    (Intestines are easy to damage but theyre delicious. Its edible now though.)


    It was a bit of a hassle to wash chicken intestines since they are so thin though.


    (I want to turn it into a gizzard skewer and sprinkle salt on it.)


    It would probably be delicious if the blood was drained.


    (The galldder hasnt been crushed. Good.)


    When bile spills out, itll be spoiled.


    She gently ced the organ down. When she put it all of them down, Court Physician Ryuu


    Now, put it back together and sew it up.


    Even though she had divided all of them for cooking.


    I know that youre eager to eat it, but dont keep doing this. Youll be seeing your patients as meat, he said.


    That is not going to happen, obviously, she said.


    It seems Maomaos thoughts were transparent.


    She ced the organs back into their original positions. She put in special care for the galldder as to not crush it.


    You know how to use it? he asked.


    Taken out before Maomao was something carefully wrapped in cloth that looked like a fish hook. There was also some thread.


    Yes, she said.


    Was the thread silk? It had a characteristic sheen. She passed the thread through the hole in the fish hook and sewed it up with her fingers pinching onto it.


    (Since I have sewed before.)


    She always used a straight needle, but the fish hook shape was easier to use than expected.


    (When you be a bureaucrat, you get to use nice tools.)


    She sewed with awe. Calling it extravagant, the area she was pinching onto was thin so if there was a tool she could use to maintain a proper grip on it, she could do it more easily.


    (I cant hold on with tweezers, huh. If theres a tool that can grip on a little better, I want it.)


    She finished sewing while in thought.


    She looked over to the side. Tenyuu was looking like he had already finished his work, so it was vexing.


    How did it go? Give me a look. Court Physician Ryuu looked at the stitches. hmm, do whatever you like to it afterwards.


    It seems she got a passing mark.


    Wash the needle properly. Boil it afterwards. Its expensive, so dont lose it.


    Both with its shape and thinness, it probably can only be made by really skilled artisans. Sneaking it home would be impossibleshe gave up on that.


    Maomao cut the thread she had sewn with and decided to take out all the organs and wash it.

 Volume 8, Chapter 12: Lord Of The Western Capital

    Jinshi received a letter in his office.


    It was neither wooden slip nor paper, but parchment with a beeswax seal. The letter sending culture changes depending on the location, but this form ismon in the west.


    Is it from the western capital? Baryou peered over from his side of the partition.


    As you say. Its from Gyokuou-dono, Jinshi said.


    Gyokuen-samas oldest son, was it?


    Yeah.


    In other words, Empress Gyokuyous older brother. He was many years older than the empress so they must have different mothers. Jinshi had memories of him not really resembling the gentle Gyokuen-dono.


    What is it about?


    Although Jinshi and Baryou were the only people in the room, it was slightly impolite to suddenly ask about the contents of the letter. Baryou must have understood it as well, but probably had ventured to ask.


    Its about wanting to get his daughter into the inner pce. He had hinted at it some time ago, but he directly cut to the chase, Jinshi said.


    Is Gyokuen-sama aware of this matter as well?


    Wanting to get his daughter into the inner pce. Any high official would attempt it, but Empress Gyokuyou has already been established as his majestys main wife. Was he trying to say that he wished to deepen their ties?


    Or, was he trying to say that if possible, rather than the crown princes uncle, he wanted to be the crown princes grandfather instead?


    Empress Gyokuyou must feel conflicted.


    Gyokuen-dono looks like such, but hes a cunning individual. He might have known of it, but left it alone, Jinshi said.


    He looks like a good-natured old man who could get tricked, but this individual had risen to be the emperors father inw.


    Was it seventeen years ago, when the I(, Xu in Chinese) n disappeared?


    The western capital is the most important region in Rii. The region was called Isei Province() in the past, but the namesake I n was put to death by the Empress Regnant, the previous empress dowager. They were dealt with under suspicions of rebellion, but Jinshi was three years old at the time. There was no way he could remember that.


    Yeah. And after that, Gyokuen-dono gained a great deal of power.


    Gyokuen was staying at the central region, with no signs of returning home as is. This meant that it was appropriate to continue assuming an important central office.


    When Gyokuen showed up at the central, a capable person from the central who matched his criteria was dispatched to his son.


    It was Rikuson, the military official who had been working under the weirdo tactician.


    Gyokuen had pointed out that he wanted support for his son, of whom was still inexperienced in the matters of government.


    Normally, this request would be strange to hear. It was certainly the case that Rikuson is a military official, but he is skilled at paperwork. He should have done various things in the desk-work-hating weirdo tacticians stead.


    But there should be other more capable people around.


    No, or could he be trying to separate the military official from the weirdo tacticians side?


    Baryou, do you know about a man called Rikuson?


    hes the person who was once Rakan-samas adjutant.


    With only a bit of thought, Baryou effortlessly got the correct answer. He was bad at forming human rtionships, but he had a great memory for official positions and names.


    I heard that Rakan-sama is bad at remembering people, so he, who was once a civil official, was headhunted, having heard that he is good at remembering faces.


    Civil official. That fits him to a tee, Jinshi said,


    He is a delicate man. It fit him more to carry books than to carry a sword or a spear.


    Its better to ask my sister for the details.


    Maamei, huh. Is she the source of your information?


    So thats how it is. If its Maamei, he could agree that she is well-informed.


    Yes, my older sister speaks to my wife often.


    wife. Which reminds me, youre married.


    Quite some time ago, Gaoshun had mentioned that his grandchild was born. Was that Baryous? Baryou looked like a weakling who would faint from a touch of a girl outside his familyJinshi looked at the other man while feeling a strange sense of defeat.


    Can I ask you something?


    What is it?


    When did your romance start? Jinshi found himself swallowing saliva. It was all just out of curiosity.


    older sister Maamei and mum had plotted it. Afterparing me to Basen, it seems they had picked the method that would most reliably leave behind an heir.


    .


    The pr opposite Ma brothers. Certainly, whenpared to the idiosyncratic Basen, Baryou with his weak constitution might be the better of the two.


    I was told that I dont know how long left I would be alive, so quickly make a child. I was forced to prioritise it over the Civil Examinations.


    Since Jinshi heard that Baryou had passed the examst year, chronologically speaking, he must have taken the exam after getting a child.


    what kind of wife, no, Ive heard about it before.


    Jinshi was so busy he forgot about it, but it slipped in his ears before.


    She is descended from the Mi(, Si in Chinese) n.


    A valid answer. The Ma n heads as the guards of the imperial n, whereas the Mi n is the intelligence agency who reports directly to the imperial n.


    The Ma and Mi ns protect the imperial n overtly and covertly. To strengthen the rtions, asionally, there would be political marriages where they marry children from both ns.


    Must be rough, for you too.


    No, both appearance and position-wise, it is not asplicated as Jinshi-sama. Besides, my older sister told me that if I lie down and shut up at night, my wife will make do.


    .


    On top of easily telling something rude, Jinshi had a strong feeling that he had heard something that he shouldnt have heard.


    If such a candid political marriage was possible, the world will be easy.


    As they chatted, they heard footstepsing from down the corridor. The corridor in front of Jinshis office was purposely fashioned to make footsteps audible.


    It seems my older sister is back. Please ask herter, Baryou said.


    The sound of female shoes. Since courtdies are kept away at a distance for as much as possible to reduce trouble, they naturally knew that it belonged to Maamei.


    Got it, Jinshi said.


    With a knock on the door, Maamei came back, as they had expected. She was holding onto documents and a teacup.


    Im, back what are you two doing? Maamei tilted her head at Jinshi and Baryou who turned to stare at her.


    What do you know about Rikuson, who is Rakan-donos former adjutant who is currently in the western capital? Jinshi asked.


    They finally returned to the topic.


    Rikuson-sama, is it? Lets see. What I know is basically from connections, Maamei said as she put down the documents and prepared tea in the teacup she brought in. It is said that before he worked directly under Rakan-sama, he was a civil official, but I heard he wasnt a civil examination passer, but came in through connections. He came from a family of merchants or something.


    Through whose connections?


    I dont know that much. Shall I investigate?


    No need to hurry.


    It only just caught his attention. That should be all it was, but


    Clever Maamei set the tea and tea cakes before Jinshi and started to write a letter. It was probably to promptly check up on Rikuson. After she finished writing, she allowed it to dry and then put it in her bosom pocket.


    This is thest of todays documents, she said.


    Got it.


    Compared to before, it had decreased substantially. It seems it would be fine even if he were to take a short rest.


    Its gotten considerably easy now, but its going to get busy again. Maamei breathed out a deep sigh. At the end of her gaze was the parchment letter Jinshi had been reading just now. Are you serious? About going to the western capital?


    Its needed. Gyokuen-dono is bothered about how the western capital is going to end up. His majesty also said that hes concerned.


    Above all, the region is close to Shaou. He wanted to take one proper look.


    Does Jinshi-sama have to personally go there?


    Basen had said that to him too. That guy wasnt around, as today was when he trained with other military officials. If he was, it would probably be noisier.


    In terms of duty, it didnt have to be Jinshi. However, it was Jinshi who made the countermeasures for the locust gue while being concerned about the movements of the west sincest year. Regarding the counter-measure Jinshi had put forward, there were other officials whoughed it off as needless anxiety.


    If he were to send a high official to a pleasure jaunt, it would be pointless.


    Above all, the enemy wasnt just other countries or natural disasters.


    Hypothetically, what would you do if your life was targeted in the distantnds of the West?


    The greatest element of anxiety for Maamei was probably that.


    For that, I n to bring elites among court physicians and military officials, Jinshi said.


    The talk you had with Court Physician Ryuu about increasing the number of dependable court physicians, right? Then what about military officials?


    As for military officials Jinshi tugged at his hair.


    Maamei made a face that told him it was improper.


    This was the result of Jinshis many considerations. I was thinking of having Rakan-donoe along.


    Hahhhh? Maameis face contorted to an impossible degree. It was rare even for her to make such a tant look of disgust. What are you thinking? Hes going to go on a rampage. Itll be a huge problem, you know?


    I know, I know.


    Just who is going to hold his reins? Its absolutely impossible to bring Rahan-sama along. No, theres also Ruomen-sama if were talking about court physicians, though.


    As expected of Maamei. She understood.


    We cant have Ruomen-dono. Long journeys will be hard for him at his age. More importantly, he has a bad leg. Even if we were, hell be ast resort, Jinshi said.


    Then who are you dont tell me.


    He could skip the exnation since she was perceptive. If Rahan and Ruomen was no good, there could be only so many people left.


    could it be Maomao-san? Maamei said, face twitching.


    Jinshi averted his eyes from her with a wry smile.

 Volume 8, Chapter 13: Yao And Kitchen Knives

    You have a delivery.


    Maomao received a package from the olddy of the dorms. It was after dinner ended when work rante. Did the olddy purposely bring it over to her?


    The olddy was smirking a bit. Maomao looked at the sender, wondering who it was. It was Gaoshun.


    (Shes totally mistaken.)


    Theres no question who would use Gaoshuns name to send things. It could only be Jinshi. He also had the option of using Basens name, but he probably used Gaoshuns since it would be a hassle if he got outed.


    I wonder what on earth could it be?


    Maomao returned to her room, giving a side-eye to the giggling olddy. There was a cloth pouch that came alongside the letter. It gave off the smell of incense.


    Elegant as usual. She carefully opened the pouch. There was a ceramic pot inside, which contained incense.


    Maomao gave it a closer sniff.


    (A number of things mixed with sandalwood.)


    She knew that its a good item, butbining it made it feel cheap and crude. It was too in for something gifted by the Jinshi who handled the highest quality items.


    (No, could it be)


    That he had gifted her something lower in quality for her to use? She had a feeling that she had mentioned it to him before that you can discern a persons status through their incense.


    With that in consideration, the incense was a little overreaching for her position as a courtdy who assists court physicians.


    She wondered why Jinshi would gift her incense of all things. She had an inkling.


    Maomao sniffed her sleeves this time. It still smelled faintly of blood.


    (I thought I got rid of the smell.)


    Recently, in the name of excursions, she continued to dissect livestock. Of course, the dissected livestocks organs were used as ingredients for medicine, and their meat were also processed.


    Today, having heard the news that a lucky huntsman had hunted a bear, she was allowed to participate in its dissection. Court Physician Ryuu had been extremely delightedbear was rarely encountered since the stink remains if its not drained of blood and processed immediately.


    She had changed clothes for the dissection, and even put on a leather apron. When work ended, she went to take a bath before she returned to the imperial court.


    (The town bathhouse is nice once in a while.)


    As the dorm didnt have a bathtub, she was happy. Luxuriously, Maomao, who was raised in the pleasure district, took baths nearly every day. She was allowed to take baths once every couple of days when she lived in the inner pce.


    Speaking of whether she liked or hated baths, of course she didnt hate them.


    She was given the fee for the bath, and it wasnt bad to take baths in the afternoon too.


    (Ah, my hair, huh.)


    As expected, she didnt have the free time to dry her hair, so she let it up without washing it.


    Does Jinshi understand what is required to be an actual court physician?


    (I dont know if he knows as far as dissecting cadavers though.)


    The man was strangely attentive.


    So Maomao thought, as she spooned a heap of incense onto a small te and lit it. She set a basket on top and covered it with the clothes she will be wearing tomorrow.


    (Something like this?)


    Just a little bit.


    When Maomao was going to change into her sleepwear, there was a knock on the door.


    Come in.


    Enen came in. She had some spring rolls in her hand. These are the leftovers from todays dinner. Do you want it?


    Yes.


    There was no way that Maomao wouldnt eat Enens cooking. She wasnt that hungry now, but it should be fine to eat it for breakfast tomorrow.


    Enen ced the te of spring rolls on the table. She looked at the incense, eyes sharp. How unusual for you to light incense.


    Im on my period. Its a little heavy this time.


    That was half-lie. It was just around that weary time of the month.


    Yao-san does it as well, so I copied her, Maomao said.


    In truth, it was Enen who does it though.


    Is that so?


    Maomao thought Enen would stick her head into it, but the courtdy didnt say anything. She might have noticed that Maomao had been going on a lot of excursionstely.


    (She can pretend to know nothing, so it should be fine?)


    If it doesnt affect Yao as well, Enen probably wont interfere with the details of Maomaos behaviour.


    Maomao covered the spring rolls with a cloth, and continued to change clothes.


    .


    .


    .


    The next day, as soon as she reached the medical office, Yao was speaking with Court Physician Ryuu with a look of displeasure. Maomao hadnt seen her often, as all their work hadnt coincidedtely, but it seems Yao was in a bad temper.


    (Itll be good if she doesnt say anything weird.)


    Uneasy, Maomao started to arrange the herbal medicines on the shelf.


    Do I not have any excursions? Yao asked.


    Nope, Court Physician Ryuu replied starkly and flipped through the logbook. He wrote that there were no obstacles with yesterdays work.


    Maomao. Dont you have a lot of excursionstely? Yao also brought up Maomao.


    I do, Maomao said. She wont do a poor job of deceiving her.


    Where did you go and what did you do yesterday?


    I received a bears galldder.


    Currently, Maomao was packing away the bears gall she obtained yesterday. She had received the already processed item from the huntsman.


    She felt Court Physician Ryuus momentary re at her, but he showed no signs of stopping her. She understood that there was no problem with her talking about this topic.


    Bears gall is a valuable herbal medicine, so I was given the opportunity to see how it gets processed. I also dissected a cow to check for gallstones. Unfortunately, there werent any found at this point in time though, Maomao said.


    If its bezoar, cows gallstone, I heard that its only found in one in a thousand cows. Is there a point to go out of your way to look for something that you know is rare? Yao asked.


    Yes. Cows with symptoms of cholelithiasis have a significantly higher likelihood of having gallstones. When bezoars enter the market, their price rise by a dozen-fold, so finding dubious cows and butchering them at the site is not that strange, you know.


    Yaos face twisted, fuming. Court Physician Ryuu gazed at the logbook again. It seems her reply got a passing mark.


    (I know, I know it.)


    Of what Yao really wanted to say.


    (Why didnt you bring me along as well?)


    Was that what it was?


    And it was Court Physician Ryuu who told her the answer. If you also want to go on excursions, go to the dining hall first.


    Wh-why the dining hall? Yao asked.


    Have you never ughtered and taken apart a chicken? Do you think you are just watching a bear dissection? Thats how it is. Maomao is quite used to it, you know.


    Court Physician Ryuu was praising Maomao, unusually, but she somehow didnt feel happy.


    Then, what about Enen? She should be better than Maomao at ughtering chickens, Yao asked.


    Theres no point in bringing along people who arent motivated from the get go. Do you think Enen will leave you and go alone? I have no intentions of forcing someone with no ambition. If you think its unfair that Maomao is the only person who gets toe, then dont be a burden to the ones around you.


    Like always, Court Physician Ryuu was being strict.


    Yao clenched her skirt and endured with a look of vexation. It was true that she has never held a knife in the kitchen.


    (Leaving that aside)


    Enen was scary, standing behind Yao, teeth grinding audibly, and reaching for a bottle of disinfectant alcohol. Scary.


    Enen. Yao gently took Enens hand and stopped her.


    Yao is always treated nicely by Enen, but in times like this, she is well-aware of how to handle her over-protective attendant.


    I understand. Ill quickly learn how to use a kitchen knife, she said.


    Hoho. Then, start from ughtering a live chicken, okay? Court Physician Ryuu replied.


    S-ughter.


    Certainly, if she doesnt do that at least, she wont be allowed toe along. Since there were also apprentice court physicians who bawled with their noses running when a pig was killed for dissection.


    They cannot move from livestock, then humans. There are probably court physicians who have amputated limbs without anaesthesia or anything.


    (Its amon scene in the battlefield.)


    Even if there werent the dissection illustrations that Dad had hidden, it is a ce where you can see as many human organs are you would like. No doubt, in a sense, having dissection illustrations as prohibited literature meant that times are peaceful.


    (How has Yao taken it since that time?)


    Yao must have a great deal of suspicion towards Dad, Ruomen.


    If she could take animal dissection at face value, no matter how skilled she bes with the kitchen knife, its best she didnt do it at all.


    If she had gone on the path of medicine just to rebel against her uncle, it would be better for her to give up on it quickly.


    It may be the case that her internal organs got damaged from food tasting, but Yao is still young, beautiful, and smart. She would have many suitors.


    (No, then it would make me exactly like Yaos uncle.)


    Yao and Enen hated the uncle, but in a sense, there was still a side path left that could guarantee her happiness. The country of Rii fundamentally has a lot of customs that make life difficult for women alone.


    Maomao wrote on the notebook about the herbal medicine she obtained yesterday and put it on the shelf.


    .


    .


    .


    That night, Yao went to stand in the kitchen without dy. Enen, who was on the edge, watched Yaos faltering actions.


    This, like THIS!


    M-Mdy.


    Yao was swinging the knife like she was splitting firewood. Not just meat, she could even cut bone.


    I-Its dangerous, so start with something smaller, Enen said.


    Its fine. I-Im chopping meat, Yao said.


    Enen was panicking. Maomao thought the calm women would do a better job at teaching Yao, but this was no good.


    Maomao was going to return to her room as if she saw nothing, but her eyes caught onto Enens. Enen was watching Maomao with a terrible glint in her eyes as she secretly pointed to the table. A dish that was already cooked. Moreover, it was chilli prawns().


    Maomao gulped down saliva. Why did she cook it beforehand? The piping hot steam was quickly escaping. Large tender prawns and various kinds of vegetables. It should be spicy as it was cooked in sauce, but with a little bit of fruit juice added, it should result in a mild, good tasting vour.


    How delicious would it be when eaten with rice? The springy meat should pop in her mouth.


    So, speaking of what Enen was trying to say


    (If you want to eat, help out, is it?)


    Maomao washed her hands with narrowed eyes. In the end, she couldnt win against the allure of the prawns.


    For the time being, Maomao took out a knife that was a size smaller than what Yao was holding. Then she ced a carrot on the chopping board. Yao-san, please cut this first.


    A carrot? I want to chop meat though, Yao said.


    Court Physician Ryuu might say, you cant even chop a ginseng?


    Ginseng. A carrot for medicinal use.


    I get it.


    Then, please change the kitchen knife to this one. There are different ways to cut depending on the type of knife. The knife Yao-san is holding onto is used to chop bone so its not appropriate for soft meat or vegetables. Its not a problem if youre practising amputating a patients arm, though.


    . Yao bit her lip as she changed knives. Enen gave a sigh of relief.


    Yao, who is enthusiastic about studying should have the knowledge that medicine and food are equally important for a healthy body. However, the extent of her knowledge wouldnt go as far as the types of knives.


    Youre holding the knife wrong. Please hold it like this. Again, you prop up the carrot like so. Maomao gave instructions as she moved Yaos hand.Hold the carrot in ce, then without swinging it down, slowly insert the de. Enen maintains the knives properly, so its nice and sharp. You dont need to force it. When youre cutting off infected skin and flesh, youll end up cutting the living blood vessels.


    Yao chopped off the stem of the carrot.


    Round slices like this, at about five bu(, 3mm) thick.


    Chop. Chop. Chop. Once she got the knack, shes apetent child. Although she looks like a mature woman, she is actually a sixteen-year-old maiden.


    Im done, Yao said.


    The entire carrot was cut up.


    Then, this. Maomao took out a daikon radish.


    Im done with vegetables, Yao said.


    Youve only just cut round slices, right? Lets cut meat after youre good at peeling daikon skins.


    Speaking of which was harder, it was probably peeling, but Maomao wanted her to get used to vegetables. It would be troubling to have her charge at Court Physician Ryuu when she is able to handle meat. No, she has to ughter chickens before that happens, though.


    Yao seemed displeased but she obediently picked up the daikon.


    Please dont think you can immediately peel it entirely. First, cut it into easy to peel sizes.


    I know already.


    While Yao was slicing the daikon, Maomao gazed at the carrots, wondering what she could do with them.


    Maomao. Enen gestured at the pork Yao had hacked down and dried shiitake mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are a high-ss item, so Maomao wont bother asking how the other woman got her hands on them.


    And then speaking what else was avable, it was just seasoning.


    (Cook sweet and sour pork(), huh.)


    Just perfect that Maomao has powder made from potato. It might be good to cover the meat with it and fry it in oil.


    Although she was thinking that the prawns will get cold, Enen was staring fixedly at Yao to make sure her youngdy wouldnt get hurt. No other choice, Maomao decided to make it.


    Maomao.


    This time, Yao spoke to her. I wont quit at bing a court physician.


    Women cannot be court physicians. Maomao wasnt lying.


    But arent you being taught the skills required to be a court physician?


    Maomao couldnt answer. If she wasnt going to lie, she had no choice but to stay silent.


    Ive thought a lot since that time. About the book we found at Rakan-samas house.


    Despite wanting to make a weird face upon hearing the name she really didnt want to hear, Maomao listened quietly.


    The ideology is hard to ept, but I can understand that its probably required for people who take part in medicine. And to know the anatomy of the human body, you have to start from practising on livestock, right?


    A bright child is, at the same time, a hassle. It is likely that if she doesnt know if she pretended she didnt know, she would pick a more peaceful path.


    As far as Maomao thought, it was all the more so for Enen. She had to be wishing for Yaos happiness.


    However, by learning the same things as court physicians, her path to peaceful happiness would get further out of her grasp.


    Yao-san. A doctor is a job where you would asionally chop up people. There are also cases where you would have to cut open a pregnant mothers womb to prioritise the child when you are told that the mother and child are in danger. You would have to amputate a patients limb without anaesthesia while they beg you not to. Push in bowels that are protruded and sew the skin on the abdomen as well.


    I know.


    By having a job that makes you stink of blood, its possible that you wont be married for your whole life. You would be hated, as blood is filthy. People wont approach you unless they have extremely strange tastes, you know.


    Faint-hearted men who are afraid of blood would be refused from our side. Is that right, Enen?


    M-Mdy. Enen, who normally tries so much to get Yao far away from men, had aplicated expression.


    Ah, I cut it. Is peeling a daikon actually hard? Yao said.


    Its hard.


    Even though Enen made a tree peony for decoration.


    I think Enen-san is a special case, Maomao replied honestly, then fried the starch-covered-meat in oil.


    Yao puckered her lips at the shredded daikon as she challenged it resolutely.


    It seems it will be a little whileter when they could eat the prawns.

 Volume 8, Chapter 14: The Morgue

    Dissection time.


    When the weather had warmed up considerably and the butterburs were growing shoots and cant be eaten anymore, Maomao was shown into a gloomy ce.


    Is it finally the main event?


    Tenyuu cracked a joke. He was the only one who wasposed; the other apprentice court physicians around them were ghastly pale. asionally, they would give Maomao a mystified Why are you here? look, but they couldnt voice it out.


    Some special treatment, am I right?


    Except for Tenyuu.


    He may be a frivolous man, but he has balls. He was probably the most rxed when it came to dissections of livestock. He fell behind the other apprentice court physicians in ssroom lectures, but he surpassed the others in practical skills for hisposure.


    Could it be special treatment, I wonder.


    He had no particr reason to speak, but apparently, this talkative man has to talk to someone first to calm down. Compared to the other court physicians who were jittery from nerves, he spoke with Maomao more often.


    If I have special treatment, then can you give me that white court physician robe as well? she asked.


    Now that cant do, Nyannyan*.


    (*, niang niang in Chinese. Fyi, the same as thedy in Lady Pai [Pai-nyannyan])


    (No, its Maomao.)


    Tenyuu got her name wrong, perhaps on purpose.


    It was a pain to correct him, so she left it at that.


    However, it wasnt that she couldnt understand what Tenyuu said.


    (Special treatment, huh. Nothing I can do about it even if he calls me that.)


    By all rights, Maomao wouldnt be among the court physicians, walking along a dim corridor like so. As for where they were going, it was the ce where the bodies of criminals sentenced to death penalty were kept. Although they were apanying court physicians to the morgue, they were going along a special passage so they wont be seen.


    What is Jinshi letting Maomao do?


    (Does he have some idea or something?)


    Its somehow useful to have Maomao broaden the scope of her medical knowledgemight have been the reason, or it might not be.


    That man has a masterpiece of a face that is beloved by the heavens, but the same doesnt apply to his insides. No, that was a faulty expression. Was it more correct to say that he isnt bnced inside-out and has an inferiorityplex towards his outward appearance?


    Was that why? He had yed dirty before, to a surprising extent. When he was in the inner pce, he had put the consorts and pcedies in ce through his own appearance. And recently he had yed a match against the weirdo tactician.


    (That hadnt been dirty.)


    If it was for his own goals, there were some actions he couldnt take.


    Could the attempt to treat Maomao as a court physician this time be the same?


    (Since I was originally treated as a convenient pawn.)


    Maomao wasnt wondering about what happens next. And besides, it was going as she desired.


    They reached the morgue while she was thinking about that. The damp and humid atmosphere clung to her skin.


    Over here. Court Physician Ryuu pointed at the door at the end of the dim hallway. After he opened the heavy door, which creaked, the humidity intensified.


    (Smells like alcohol.)


    It should be a pleasing smell to Maomao who liked wine, but she wasnt in the mood to drink at all. In the middle of the room, was a bed with a naked man lying on it. There was a distinct rope mark around his neck.


    It was the body of a criminal who had been sentenced to death by hanging.


    The smell of alcohol was from what the criminal had been wiped with.


    Well be wearing aprons, but try your best to not get it dirty.


    Maomao put on the apron that was passed to her. She was also given a white triangr cloth. It wasnt used to tie up her hair, but apparently to cover up her face below her eyes.


    Ill be cutting. While checking which part, burn it in your eyes. Court Physician Ryuus hand was grasping a scalpel for surgical use. Do not ever forget this.


    It sounded like a threat.


    They had been forbidden to take notes beforehand. Rather, what Court Physician Ryuu was about to teach them now was something that cannot be. They could only memorise it at the scene and then leave.


    (Ethics or the advancement of medicine?)


    The court physicians had probablypromised by not doing it in public.


    The sharp scalpel sliced into the cadavers rounded belly. Blood didnt gush out, but nevertheless, the flesh wasnt hard either. They must have chosen a body that had gone past the rigour mortis stage.


    The internal organs that had been slowly cut open and spread out, was a better sightpared to freshly killed livestock. However, being the body of an actual person, the vividness of it was extreme. One or two people who were used to other animals held their mouths.


    This is the heart. Dont make the mistake of cutting therge blood vessel that connects to it.


    Stomach, small intestine,rge intestine. The organs of the digestive system. The intestines are packed in the flesh.


    They had to efficiently make practical use of the livestock.


    The organs of the reproductive system. Well call you immediately when there is a female criminal. It goes without saying that it will be shaped differently.


    Maomao wasnt surprised to see male genitals now.


    Do you know what disease this guy had when he was alive? Court Physician Ryuu raised a question.


    (Even if you ask what disease.)


    The body had been dead for days. It would be difficult to tell by looking at the skin colour now. She had a feeling that there were spots here and there, though.


    It was the first time she looked directly at internal organs too.


    If she took it upon herself to say it


    Could it be his liver? Maomao spoke, since no one answered. It wasnt good to cut in, but the talks wont progress if the question was unanswered.


    Why is that?


    I feel that the colour of his liver is badpared to other animals. Also, there are yellow spots on his skin. If its jaundice, there is a high possibility that his liver is damaged.


    The same symptoms as Yaos.


    Ill give you a passing mark. This guy drank too much wine and went on a rampage. He made a hugemotion at the shop, quarrelled, and killed other customers. He even killed his own mother who came in to stop him.


    Which was the reason he was hanged.


    Youll know when you put it up next to a healthy liver, but this one is inmed. You may think it is caused by wine, but it can asionally be from a blood infection. So, try not to injure your hands. Youll get sick when the toxins get into the wound.


    As he was threatening each and every one of them, even Tenyuu couldnt crack a joke.


    Maomao watched the cadaver intently, without missing the strict court physicians voice.


    .


    .


    .


    When the special lesson ended, she quickly changed and headed to the bathhouse.


    Huuuu


    It was past noon. The sun was still smiling down on the earth.


    The water was a little hot, but customers were few and far in-between, so it was the most blissful time for Maomao.


    Since it was fine to go straight home today, she washed her hair properly as well. She wanted to wash away the gloomy air that had sunk into it.


    The time you think of nothing while dazedly soaking in the tub is important.


    (Its disappointing that we couldnt take notes, though.)


    Itll be prohibited literature if it gets written down.


    (That reminds me.)


    Maomao recalled the prohibited literature that Ruomen had been hiding.


    (Dad had no need to write it down since he wont forget it, and yet.)


    Maomao recalled her specially capable adoptive father. If it cant be shown to anyone, being prohibited literature, he had no need to go out of his way to preserve it.


    (Did something happen in the West?)


    Suddenly, her curiosity piqued.


    Dad had studied abroad for many years and you can even say that he is the best doctor in the country, but he rarely talked about his past.


    (It probably isnt a good memory to be suddenly called back to his hometown and made to be a eunuch, though.)


    After she let out a deep breath, some young maidens went into the bathtub.


    Hey, do you really have to take it?


    Yup, I have to.


    What are they talking about? Maomao listened in.


    But, there arent any recently, right? Recruitments of pcedies for the inner pce?


    As I was saying. Theyre currently seeking to decrease the number of people.


    (Recruitment of pcedies for the inner pce?)


    Maomao raised her eyebrows.


    From the Shi n case, the inner pce was being downsized. If pcedies were being newly recruited, could it be the time a new consort will be entering court?


    They say crown prince or whatever but his majestys imperial children are currently two male babies. Theres still a position I can go for.


    What an extremely ambitious maiden.


    (Its good to have big dreams.)


    Maomao nodded, and water dripped down from her bangs.


    (That reminds me.)


    Jinshi was the one who had managed the inner pce. Was he still doing that?


    (Then itll be tough.)


    Maomao got up and headed to the dressing room.

 Volume 8, Chapter 15: The Man Called Gyoku’Ou

    Rikuson glided a quill pen across the parchment. How many shorthand cursive signatures has it been? asionally, he wouldpare it against the first signature he wrote to check whether its shape has changed.


    As he only ever affixed seals when he had been in the capital, his hand was never this tired. While shaking his wrist every now and then, he checked the documents.


    Rikuson-sama. This one please.


    A civil official brought in new documents. This official hade here five times in total, and owing to his near-perfect ent, seemed like he hailed from Kaou Province. His earlobes werergea shape that invites good fortune. As if he frequently carried loads on his right side, his right shoulder was nted downwards.


    Thank you. Then, these ones, Rikuson said.


    Certainly, the civil official replied.


    The documents passed to him could be described as odd jobs. At the very least, the lord of this domain perceived them as so.


    The majority of Seii Provinces poption were concentrated in the towns along the trade route that linked east with west.


    The odd jobs, as they were called here, wereints from residents of thend that were distanced from these trade routes. Rather than towns, were they more viges or settlements? It was mostly pasturage or cultivators of dried produce like grape. These odd jobs were on wanting to build waterways for irrigation, night burrs frequently stealing livestock, things like that.


    Hahaha. Rikusonughed despite himself.


    The civil official looked at Rikuson dubiously on his way out.


    Has it been over half a year since he was called over from the imperial capital to the western capital? Rikuson hade here officially on the grounds that they wanted a person who understood the government of the capital, but he was only ever given odd jobs. Was his workload increasing be what has changed since the beginning?


    It doesnt look like they trust me, Rikuson spoke to himself in the office that he was provided.


    While moving his right hand that was gradually getting wrist strain, he checked the documents.


    Even Rikuson could see the trends when he saw the bulky documents every day. Excepting remembering peoples faces, he wanted to believe he had some special skill.


    I give proper reports though.


    Gyokuou was the one who allocated his work. If Rikuson doesnt report what he noticed, there was a chance that once something careless happens, he would get his tail cut.


    Is that why Rikuson was purposely called over? He had his suspicions.


    Gyokuou. The current temporary lord of the western capital. Being the eldest son, if Gyokuen didnt return from the central region, he was next in power.


    Excuse me.


    Once again, another civil official brought in documents. This time, it wasnt an addition to the paperwork, but the return of the documents Rikuson had addressed to the higher-ups. Rikuson had only met him twice, as the civil official worked directly under Gyokuou. The first time was when Rikuson travelled to the westst year, and the second time he passed by the civil official was while he was on his way to greet Gyokuou.


    Im returning this, the civil official said.


    There was nothing written on the documents. Not even a signature or a seal.


    This means unauthorised, yes? Rikuson asked.


    Yes. Certainly, it might be needed, but there is more important work. He said to do it in order of priority, the civil official said inly.


    As the corners of Rikusons lips rose, he put the returned document in the drawer.


    And one more thing, the civil official said.


    What is it?


    A summon from Gyokuou-sama. Not right now, but how about a tea party once official duties end in the afternoon?


    It was phrased as a question, but Rikuson had no way of turning it down. Certainly. Is it okay if I go to the gazebo in the courtyard before the afternoon bell?


    Yes. The civil official left with a cool expression.


    It was the ce where Gyokuou always held his tea parties. It was near an oasis, a location cooler than anywhere else. Rikuson knew very well as insect repellent incense is lit from the morning the tea party is held.


    The man called Gyokuou isnt ipetent. Being the child of an influential man, he received a steady education. Even Rikuson was well-aware of Gyokuous passion to try to develop the western capital, perhaps due to the influence of Gyokuen who was once a merchant,


    His eyes were unchanged from his youth, possessing aspirations that resembled ambition.


    Perhaps for that, Rikuson even sensed danger from them.


    is this also under my jurisdiction?


    Rikuson had secluded himself in the office often, so his conversations with people had deceased. His developing a habit of muttering to himself was inevitable.


    I want to talk to people more often.


    His special skill of remembering peoples faces was also his interest. Being unable to ever forget a face he saw before, meant that he got tired of seeing the same faces all the time.


    What had appeared was a bill for essories of silk and jewels. Being a trading post, the price was no doubt a lot cheaper than buying in the capital, but still, the order of magnitude was different. He could easily surmise what it was used for.


    When Rikuson just arrived in the west, he had walked past a woman. Around fifteen or sixteen years old, a girl whose atmosphere resembled Empress Gyokuyou.


    When he asked the official who guided him around, he was told she is Gyokuous daughter.


    Theres no resemnce though, the official had whispered, but it might have been wise to say nothing more.


    He truly is ambitions. Rikusons lips quirked up and he glided the pen again.


    .


    .


    .


    The gentleman with thick ck hair, aside from his tanned skin, had a face and figure that was rarely seen among the residents of the western capital. Although he had some deep lines, his face was stereotypical of Rii. His hair was straight, a rtively round face, and his body figure looked more slender than the average person in the western capital.


    Speaking of who, before Rikuson was the man called Gyokuou.


    He was past his forties, but he looked ten years younger amongst the residents of the western capital with their beer bellies. His white teeth when he smiled cheerfully gave a favourable impression.


    Upon seeing the long double tooth, Rikuson quietly looked away.


    Thank you very much for the invitation. Rikuson slowly bowed his head.


    No, you dont have to be humble. Please sit, Gyokuou said.


    A manservant pulled out a rattan chair. When Rikuson sat down, fruit juice was ced on the table.


    Would you prefer tea?


    No, Id wish for something sweet when Im doing civil official work.


    Was it cooled by underground water? There was condensation on the ss container.


    Dont be humble. You think I am hiding something?


    Hahaha. I got nervous. Smiling, Rikuson drank a mouthful of fruit juice. I cant calm down, thinking that as I was dispatched from the royal capital, beyond my position, you must feel disappointed.


    Hahaha. Fathers personnel selection cant be wrong. More importantly, you worked under that Rakan-dono, so theres no way youre ipetent.


    Rakan-dono, is it?


    Rikuson put down the ss cup. Colourful fruit juice was served in the middle of the table.


    By the way. Gyokuou stood up and turned around. Rikuson saw that the man was facing a group of merchants. Is there anyone you recognise in this group?


    there are three people. Two are from the caravans thate to the capital every year. And other person worked in the centre of the sea trade route.


    A manservant showed up and set down a pen and paper before Rikuson.


    Rikuson wrote down their names and passed it over. I can only remember the names of two people. The rest are faces Im seeing for the first time.


    Understood. Well check.


    Were they checking to see if there were suspicious people, or were they just testing Rikusons special skill?


    The civil official came back a short whileter and whispered into Gyokuous ear.


    Hm. Gyokuou stroked his beard as if he was satisfied with the answer. As expected of you. All correct.


    I just remembered by chance. Rikuson bowed his head slowly in a show of modesty.


    How mysterious. How can you remember peoples faces, even though there are some dozens or some hundred in a day? Do have a blood rtion to the Ra n that is rumoured to have unusual abilities from the capital? Is this why you serve Rakan-dono?


    H-how can that be? Rikuson smiled for the first time today. Rather, this might be the most interesting conversation he had sinceing to the western capital.


    Thinking he has a blood rtion to the Rakan, how can that beit was more interesting than any travelling entertainers stock phrase.


    The people of that n are aberrant. In my case, lets see. Would it be something like a habit? Rikuson said.


    A habit? Gyokuou asked.


    Yes. My mother had taught me to never forget a persons face.


    That reminds me, you said that you came from a family of merchants.


    Yes, forgetting a customers face would beget obstacles in business. Think that you wont be allowed to live, my mother had said. As if he had eased his nerves fromughing, Rikuson spoke at length.


    What a strict mother.


    Yes.


    Rikuson drank the fruit juice like he was inhaling it. Tactician-sama would like what Im drinking too, he thought, when Gyokuou said something surprising.


    Would Rakan-dono be pleased with this taste as well?


    Are you aware that Rakan-sama cant drink?


    It is well-known.


    Rikuson also knew that it was well-known. After that person passes through, it was like a typhoon had stormed through.


    When hees to the western capital, lets prepare fruit juice with this included, Gyokuou said.


    When hees to the western capital? Rikuson repeated despite himself. He started to sweat.


    Oh, youre on guard again. Thats right. Is it the first time youre hearing this? Ill tell you some good news.


    Rather, Gyokuou was speaking as though this was the main topic.


    Rakan-dono will being to the western capital. Somehow, the imperial brother will being along too.


    He dered it like the imperial n was a bonus.


    Rikuson raised his lips for forms sake and sighed deeply in his heart.


    New chapter ising soon


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    - my thoughts:I swear when Rakan arrives, he''s gonna burn down the western capital. And Gyoku''ou''s gonna be in for a huge surprise lmao (unless that''s what''s he''s going for, then hmm......)


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 Volume 8, Chapter 16: Selection

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    (Surprisingly, I was okay with it.)


    Maomao was going to speak out about her impressions, but she softly closed her mouth.


    She washed her hands meticulously. She changed clothes.


    Next, she will go to the public bathhouse her superior had treated her to. That was it.


    She had dissected a human body for the first time. A cadaver of a robber who was executed by hanging; the body had been littered with cuts all over. People might believe that cutting a person up after their death, meant that they would go onto a different path in life.


    (I have to wash my body thoroughly too.)


    She sniffed her hand for any remaining stench. She thought that it would be fine if she imbued a faint incense onto her change of clothes, but


    That moment.


    Nyannyan.


    Maomao wondered if she should respond to that address. There was only one person who would call her this. She turned around. It was Tenyuu.


    .


    Her responding to him even though he had gotten her name wrong would mean that she was acknowledging it. That being said, she also had a problem with ignoring him.


    (If youre going to say something absurd, get a move on.)


    However, he had a reason to call her to a stop. Court Physician Ryuu has something to talk about now.


    What about the bath? she asked.


    Leave. It. Till. Later. Tenyuu spoke like he was putting on airs, but he also seemed unhappy that he couldnt take a bath either. He was sniffing the back of his hand.


    She couldntin since it wasnt just her. Maomao decided to follow Tenyuu.


    However, the other apprentice court physicians were leaving.


    What about the others? she asked.


    They probably dont know? Its supplementary exams.


    Upon hearing supplementary exams, she understood. While the other apprentice court physicians could dissect animals without a problem, their hands shook when it came to humans.


    Were Maomao and Tenyuu the only ones who could cut unfazed?


    (So this guy too, huh. I wonder how many more times he saw the actual thing.)


    Maomao sniffed her hand again.


    In the room she was led to, there was Court Physician Ryuu, her dad Ruomen, and a couple more court physicians. There were chairs set out along arge table used for meetings, where the chief seat was right in the middle.


    (All of them are high-ranking court physicians.)


    They were all people with assured skill and had studied extensively.


    Court physicians also have official rankings, but they aremonly referred to as high-ranking, middle-ranking, and apprentice.


    Maomao found herself rubbing her eyes when she sighted a person among that group who was visibly merry.


    The person was pping his hands. He had round features and gentle eyes. Although the man was a eunuch, he had a moustache that resembled a loach.


    Court Physician


    Of course, the court physician here had inner pce in front of his title.


    It was the quack doctor.


    (Why is he here? No, there cant be a mistake in the personnel selection.)


    Since he was working alone as a medical practitioner in the inner pce, even as a joke, it wouldnt be strange for his ranking to be a high-ranking court physician, even if its just for show.


    However, he was really frivolous.


    Among the other court physicians who possess some outstanding ability, the absentminded, piglet-like quack doctor was sitting down quietly.


    (Which reminds me)


    The quack doctor was scared of touching dead bodies.


    (How did he graduate from an apprentice to a court physician?)


    It was too much of a mystery.


    While Maomao was deep in thought, someone pped their hands.


    Looks like we have all gathered. Court Physician Ryuu silenced the noisy room.


    There were also a number of middle-ranking court physicians who had shown up before she realised. They looked at Maomao who was more out of ce than the quack doctor.


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    Even if her looks werent outstanding, a single female among male court physicians would invariably catch peoples eyes.


    Then, Ill begin. Feel free to sit on any empty seat.


    (Even if you tell us to sit.)


    The high-ranking court physicians sat down.


    The middle-ranking court physicians started to move.


    Tenyuu the apprentice remained standing.


    Maomao also waited for everyone to sit down.


    Even if he told them feel free to sit on any seat, in the end it was in the order of hierarchy. Emergencies aside, it was less discordant to sit in such a way in a situation like this.


    Tenyuu took the lowest seat. Maomao sat on the empty seat.


    (A delicate ce.)


    It looks like no one thought about sitting next to a high-ranking court physician, so the only empty seat was beside the quack doctor. Maomao sat beside the smiling quack doctor.


    Oh maaan, long time no see. Want to eat? He was hiding sweets under the table.


    Not now, she replied.


    There was no way she could listen with a lolly in her mouth. Moreover, Court Physician Ryuu was scowling. The quack hadnt noticed that he had been noticed.


    Well then, Court Physician Ryuu spoke on about why they were summoned. It seems he left the quack, whose cheeks were rolling, alone for now. I called you all to decide who among you will be going to the western capital.


    It was about what Jinshi had been discussing with Court Physician Ryuu.


    About his wanting to bring court physicians along on an expedition. And how he wanted twothat matter.


    Maomao had eagerly volunteered herself then. She had no idea if she was chosen in the end.


    Does anyone want to go to the western capital?


    Maomaos hand was about to shoot up, but there was someone faster. Before that, a question, he said.


    Upon his saying question, Maomao couldnt raise her hand. She dejectedly lowered it.


    The prerequisites are too ambiguous. Why are we going to the western capital? Is this another way to say a demotion?


    It was a young man who was aplished among the middle-ranking court physicians. She didnt remember his name.


    (Ahh, thats true.)


    Since she was told that Jinshi will be going to the western capital, Maomao naturally thought it was an expedition. However, for people who werent aware of the situation, it probably wont be different from calling it a demotion.


    (No, but could it actually be a demotion?)


    Demotion, no, Jinshi would say that outright, and she didnt think it was the case.


    Ehh, is it really a demotion? The quack doctor panicked and nudged Maomao, whispering.


    (Did you not hear about it?)


    He should have gotten an exnation if he were a high-ranking court physician. No, he got left out since hes a quack. Or else, did he miss out on hearing it when he was sucking on candy?


    Court Physician Ryuu cleared his throat theatrically. Maomao could only ignore the quack.


    Its not a demotion. But, it will take a long time, with the location being the location. Even by our shortest estimate, itll be three months away from the capital.


    Although Court Physician Ryuu is sharp, he wont mince matters.


    does that mean war is starting?


    Perhaps, for this reason, the surroundings were noisy. Even the quack doctor got scared. The gazes around Maomao were intense.


    Guen-san, ah. Please. Dad nudged the quack doctor.


    (Is Guen(, Yu Yuan in CN) the quack doctors name?)


    Only allowed on


    She only ever called him Court Physician when she was in the inner pce, so she never had the opportunity of hearing his name. She might have heard of it before, but honestly, it wasnt Maomaos forte to remember peoples names, so it cant be helped.


    (I wont be able to forget that military official, though.)


    Rikuson, who was the weirdo tacticians subordinate. She heard that he went to the western capital, so that man was probably demoted.


    Maomao was released from the quack doctor and then held down by Dad instead.


    Court Physician Ryuu was already astonished and didnt look at the quack doctor. She couldnt help thinking that being unable to read the atmosphere was a certain kind of talent.


    (Why havent they fired him yet?)


    It was truly too mysterious.


    I have no idea about war. Our work is to heal the sick and injured. Besides, this expedition will be on a grand scale, Court Physician Ryuu said.


    The surrounding reactions werent really good. There probably wont be volunteers here.


    (Their behaviour might change once they hear who will be going as the core.)


    Jinshi, so, the imperial n. A court physician might be given the opportunity to speak with him directly.


    (However, Jinshis going hasnt been announced yet)


    Considering his social status, they might be keeping quiet until thest moment.


    If so, no one would raise their hand on their own volition.


    Maomao was going to raise her hand, but Court Physician Ryuu red at her.


    (What was that supposed to mean?)


    Was he telling her to not volunteer? Did he want to tell her that she was indeed out of her league?


    Is no one raising their hands? I thought so, so I have already decided on three candidates. I want one more person, so Im looking for volunteers. Does no one want thest spot? Court Physician Ryuu stirred it up, but no one reacted. As if the high-ranking court physicians had already been informed about it, they looked disappointed.


    Yeeees.


    One person raised their hand. It was Tenyuu.


    If theres no one, may I? Im still an apprentice though. He sounded somewhat merry. Just as usual. It was the same both when he was dissecting animals, or humans.


    As he wasnt discouraged from Enen despite her chilly reception, Maomao thought that he was quite thick-skinned, but it seems it wasnt the case.


    Tenyuus emotional capacity was probably considerably lower than others. He appeared expressive from an outsiders point of view, as he was a loquacious and skilled talker, though.


    He might be talking to Enen because of the coldest, fascinating reaction she had given him too.


    Anyone else? Court Physician Ryuu asked.


    No one raised their hand.


    The high-ranking court physicians sighed deeply.


    (So long as Jinshi is going, someone from that group is probably among the candidates.)


    Court Physician Ryuu was in charge, so it cant be him. If they were going to the west, she thought it would be Dad who had in-depth knowledge of the region and also understood westernnguages, but Maomao shook her head.


    (With his age and physical condition, it would be difficult.)


    From bing a eunuch, he looked older than he actually was. Moreover, with his missing kneecap, he wasnt suited for long journeys.


    If three people were already chosen, what about Maomao?


    Many people think the western capital is remote, but it isnt so. In truth, it is quite a developed city from the influx of western cultures. Moreover, it would be easy for new techniques on the medical side of things toe in.


    Though it wont be to the extent of Dad who had studied abroad, Maomao could learn from it.


    (Is Dad not going?)


    Thats impossible. He cant, she thought. Dad was still stuck with the quack doctor and it seemed like a hassle, but he cant leave him.


    No one else? Court Physician Ryuu confirmed, and a middle-ranking court physician raised his hand. You want to go?


    I have a question. Then, the middle-ranking court physician looked at Maomao. Why is there a courtdy who assists court physicians here?


    Everyone probably wanted to ask that. However, asking that here also felt like not reading the room.


    Are you telling me that she is specially here because shes on the level of a court physician?


    (It would be nice if I am.)


    Hearing the answer here was as she desired, but the atmosphere was heavy. The high-ranking court physicians seemed unperturbed, perhaps having already heard it, but the middle-ranking court physicians had piercing stares. Tenyuu was looking around without a change in expression.


    She isnt on the same level, but will being along, Court Physician Ryuu answered.


    (I guess its something like that.)


    She thought it was a valid treatment. Anyways, she was happy that she coulde along.


    Since you said it will be a long journey, I dont think its suitable to bring a courtdy along. The middle-ranking court physician red up.


    Certainly, if you were topare her physical strength to that of a mans, but this one passed the practical skill exam. At the very least, she has the skill of a court physician. Also, her knowledge of pharmaceuticals likely surpasses yours. When our medicine stores run out at the destination, it is huge to be able to deal with the ingredients at the ce.


    Court Physician Ryuu is strict, but he sees.


    The middle-ranking court physicians still looked displeased. There were also some who looked disbelieving, asking That exam?


    You still cant stand that a woman is being treated the same as a court physician and taken along? Itll be arge group this time. Courtdies from other posts will being along too. Is it a problem to have more helpers?


    This is the first time we have courtdies that are exclusive to court physicians. More importantly, having her take the practical skill exam, even for Court Physician Ryuu, thats


    (Hm.)


    His personality was the opposite of Tenyuus. Although he was somewhat envious, it seems he had apprehensions towards Maomao. Same goes with his words that didnt read the atmosphereshe was thankful that he had thought about Maomao, but it was a bother.


    I wasnt the one who decided that, Court Physician Ryuu said a little sulkily. And then he said something dreadful:


    Grand Marshall Kan will be going this time.


    The middle-ranking court physicians went noisy.


    All the hairs on Maomaos body stood on end. She looked at Dad, and he was watching her with a sad expression. Although she wasnt Enen, her teeth started to grind audibly.


    Can you people take care of him properly? Court Physician Ryuu was speaking like he had given up, so no one objected. She was troubled over whether it was good or bad to say confidential information, but that man was someone who would go either way for personnel selection.


    However, Maomao didnt have the liberty to think that deeply. Her mind instantly boiled.


    (That bast*rd!!)


    Maomao, for the first time in a long time, felt like looking at Jinshi as if he was a swollen earthworm in a puddle of water.


    And on top of that.


    Departure will be in five days. Ill give you a break to prepare, so give your greetings to the people around you.


    Maomao couldnt close her gaped mouth.


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    - my thoughts:I must say, the quack doctor has such a pretty name. It''s the name of a ce from Chinese legends where the sun goes when it sets.


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 Volume 8, Chapter 17: Travel Preparations

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    Departure was in five days.


    As it was sudden, Maomao had to rush her preparations. Along with stocking up on things, she had to go around talking to various people.


    (No, is this expedition something I should talk freely about?)


    So she had wondered, but it didnt seem to be a problem as the notice had already gone around.


    (I absolutely have to tell the madam.)


    Otherwise, shell get punched in the belly again.


    And for that reason, she went to Rokushoukan.


    Hmmm, is that so. Ya can get me ambergris as a souvenir, the madam said.


    (T/N: , ryuuzenkou, Long Xian Xiang, lit. dragon saliva perfume. Some substance that is found in the digestive system of the sperm whale.)


    (No, thats unfeasible.)


    As the name suggests, its a perfume made from the saliva of dragons, but it was apparently something else in truth. Very expensive. Its even used as a medicine, beneficial to the heart.


    OI, AGAIN? WHAT AM I GOING TO DO? DO COURT LADIES EVEN GO ON EXPEDITIONS?


    Well, the one yelling was Sazen. He wasining with tears in his eyes.


    My bad. You can do something about it. Kokuyou is here too, and if theres anything, you can contact Dad, Maomao said, ending it by passing him a paper with a signature.


    Sazen reluctantly returned to the pharmacy as a customer had arrived.


    (Hes more capable than he believes himself to be, though.)


    Hes quite the worrywart.


    Oh my my. If youre talking about the west, sunburns are terrible there. The elder sister of Rokushoukan, Pairin, reacted calmly. Her skin was extremely glossy today.


    (Did an honoured customere in yesterday?)


    For this older sister whose sexual appetite was overly excessive, an honoured guest wasnt just someone who was well-paying. It must have been a gentleman with peerless muscles.


    Yes. This will be indispensable. Apply this every day when you wake up and wash it off before you sleep. Meimei ced down a ceramic container. It probably contained cream that was good for the skin.


    I dont know if Ill be able to wash my face, Maomao said.


    The road to the western capital was long. Even bynd or sea, there might not be enough water.


    What moron would take Maomao to such a ce?


    (Tis the masked noble you know every well.)


    Joka was the one who had said those biting words.


    The Three Princesses have all assembled.


    Im worried, Maomaoo. Cant you quit now? Pairin-neechan hugged her tightly. Her body temperature was feverish, as if she had gotten really good exercisest night.


    The money we desperately earned is used by the bigshots for travel, huh, Joka spat out.


    What are you talking about? Isnt it because of those bigshots that our business is viable? Meimei smiled brightly. Her words were heartless.


    Besides, I am worried though Meimei looked out the window. If theres a person who can increase the degree of danger to Maomao, it would have to be the unforgivable person who is going, right?


    Meimei-neechan. Im saying it indirectly, but that is actually my greatest anxiety.


    It was about the weirdo tacticians going.


    Maomao had no idea about the reason why he was going. At least, if the western capital was aware of the kind of person he was, they would probably decline.


    (A reason they cant decline? Theres no way they invited him.)


    For the weirdo tactician, even if he doesnt do a couple of months of work, his subordinates will do it so it shouldnt be a problem.


    Above all, the scary part was whether he would cause trouble in the middle of the trip.


    Just the act of imagining it hurt her head.


    (Did he use me basing it on this?)


    Her teeth ended up grinding audibly. Maomao, who had forgotten she was once used for anything, was sorry.


    To say it from another perspective, she was also a little relieved that she was being treated as how she was from the time she was in the inner pce.


    A person who stands on top cannot be swayed by emotions.


    Jinshis actions were emotionally fuelled at times, but she believed there was some reasoning in them. She wanted to believe.


    (I guess so?)


    If not, she couldnt understand his overly strange selection of people.


    From the start, the personnel selection wasnt what Jinshi had chosen, but might have been something he had done out of theck of other options.


    Either way, it was a bother to Maomao.


    Maomao packed away the cream she got from Meimei.


    Oi, Freckles. A cheeky voice.


    What is it, Chouu? Maomao turned around in annoyance.


    Idiooooooooot.


    He left after saying just that.


    His follower, Zuurin also stuck out her tongue and trailed after Chouu.


    What was that? Maomao said.


    Maomao. As we already told you, Chouu is feeling lonely, Meimei said.


    Hmmm. Is Zuurin is sticking close to Chouu, as usual too?


    She started again recently. Meimei looked troubled.


    Started again? Maomao asked.


    That child has an older sister, right? That older sister was training as a kamuro, but she started to take customers this year.


    Is that so? A lot of womene in and out of Rokushoukan, so Maomao didnt check every one of them. Isnt it still early for her?


    Shes fifteen. She filled up nicely when she could eat, and a regr customer was dumbfounded when he saw her. Before she came here, she must have not eaten any good food.


    The girl was also ambitious, so it seems she wanted to debut early.


    Her younger sister must feelplicated.


    Her skill is not quite there yet, but it seems shell grow, that child.


    You think so? I have doubts that shell get a little too edgy though.


    Joka was the one who said thatst bit, so Pairin burst outughing.


    Youre not one to say, when you have Joka as your name


    It wasnt the name her parent gave her in the beginning. The madam does give names to throw away the past, but Joka had named herself by parodying the name of the creation goddess.


    My mother had said that my father was a noble, so I have a right to use it. Or so Joka had said.


    (To think the partner is someone who can use the Ka character.)


    He could only be royalty. If so, the father could only match the age of thete emperor, but Maomao knew that was entirely impossible.


    (T/N: fyi, Joka is , and ka  is the character exclusive to the imperial n. So officially, only Jinshi and the emperor are allowed to have that character in their name at the moment.)


    She wondered how Joka-neechan felt about her mother who got tricked. She couldnt help thinking that the courtesans man-hating trait had originated from there.


    With the madam being how she is, she allowed that edgy name.


    (How scary.)


    Maomao sighed deeply and headed for the next thing she had to prepare.


    .


    .


    .


    After leaving Rokushoukan, she finished her shopping and returned to the dorms.


    (This now might be the greatest problem.)


    Maomao took a deep breath and entered the dorm.


    Chop Chop Chop. The sound of a kitchen knife resounded.


    (Theyre doing it.)


    Maomao peered into the kitchen.


    Yao was chopping chicken, under Enens guidance.


    Although Yaos hand was still shaky, she didnt apply the force that could sever bone the other day. It looked like she was cooking properly


    .


    .


    Yao, who was concentrated on the chicken, didnt notice Maomao. Enen did, and wasining to Maomao with her eyes.


    (Shes concentrating now. Dont get in the way, is that what Enen means?)


    Maomao headed to her room, and as she going down the corridor, the olddy of the dorm came up to her.


    Maomao, how many months will the expedition be? You can keep the room as it is, but would it be better to clean it?


    Sounds travel. Of course, as if it reached the kitchen, Ouch!, Mdy! Maomao heard the promised exchange.


    Only allowed on


    When she checked through the gap of the door, a spectacle she expected filled her vision.


    Ahh, Mdy, this cant do. Please stop sucking your finger. Ill treat it now.


    Even for foodstuff, there could be toxins and parasites present in raw meat.


    Enen, I think you overdid it, Maomao called out when Yao was rendered immobile by the bandage wrapped around her hand.


    However, when she did so, Yao frowned. Maomao realised that Yao looked like she wanted to say something, but Maomao wasnt skilled at human rtionships either. Maomao had no idea if it was a good idea for her to call out to them.


    While Yao was still learning how to use the knife, she probably hasnt been called by Court Physician Ryuu to take a special ss.


    Im sorry. Ill be away for a while, Maomao said.


    I understand. Enen looked a little lonely, but in an instant, an inexplicable Now I can be alone with Yao-sama face appeared. It was good that Yao, who was facing down, hadnt seen that.


    Maomao thought that Yao would understand too. The girl was smart. She understood mentally; it was just that her feelings hadnt caught up.


    (Shes still sixteen.)


    Four years younger than Maomao.


    Maomao was going to head to her room, out of things to do, when she heard the girl stamp her feet loudly.


    Maomao!


    Yes?


    Yao breathed roughly through her nose like a boar. The girl got up and made a face that looked like she made some resolutions.


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    Mdy. Enen was holding two fans, wherever she had taken them out from, that was written with Yao, Add oil. This attendant was somewhat meticulous.


    Yao took another deep breath and stood before Maomao.


    Yes, Mdy. Enen gingerly passed something that looked like a booklet to Yao.


    Mn. Yao pushed the booklet onto Maomao.


    Wh-what is this? Maomao asked.


    Wh-what, you say, Yao said.


    Enen supported Yao who couldnt speak out about it properly. We summarised the main points of the books that Maomao didnt get to transcribe when we were at Rakan-samas residence the other day.


    EH?


    (Whats that, I want.)


    C-can you give it to me? Maomao asked.


    D-didnt I tell you that Im giving it to you! Although Yao had been muttering, she hadnt said that.


    But, if she was giving, Maomao will take it. She quickly flipped through the pages to check.


    Oooo, Oooooooo.


    Hey, dont look at it now! I-Im telling you this in advance; its nothing major. Its just that Enen really wanted to transcribe it for you! Yao said.


    What to do? This child went tsun, then dere.


    Unfortunately, Maomao could tell the differences between Yao and Enens handwriting, so Maomao was kind enough to not point out who had written it.


    Thank you very much. Maomao courteously bowed her head


    Honestly, she was so happy her nose was running.


    hmph. Use it to kill time when youre travelling.


    Apparently, its a gift.


    Then, Ill buy you souvenirs in return, Maomao said.


    I dont need that! Sullen, Yao went back to the chopping board.


    Youre injured, so you cant cut anything now. Lets treat your wound for the time being, Maomao said.


    Yao was going to turn into a mummy if they left the wound treatment to Enen alone.


    The girl meekly let Maomao treat her wound, but Enen was a little scary.


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 Volume 8, Chapter 18: The Selected Personnel And The Voyage

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    On the day of departure, Maomao boarded a carriage with a bundle of belongings on her back. All medical equipment was to be prepared and packed separately. Most of her other necessities had been packed onto the carriage beforehand as well, so she only had her change of clothes and the book Yao and Enen had transcribed for her on hand. Maomao had nned to read to pass the time since she didnt get motion sickness.


    (I heard there will be four court physicians going.)


    But in the end, she wasnt told who they were. She had an idea about it, suspecting it was probably being kept under wraps.


    She knew the identity of one of them, though.


    Ooooh, were boarding these ships?


    Tenyuu stuck his head out of the carriage. In the end, he was the only one who volunteered, so, as she had mostly anticipated, he wasing along.


    (To be dispatching such a neer, well, not like I can talk about others.)


    Although Maomao wasnt included among the court physician numbers, she was also picked. Four court physicians and one court physician assistant. As Court Physician Ryuu had said there werent enough helpers, this must have been the result of his careful deliberations.


    With the imperial brotherJinshiand the weirdo tactician going, this trip will be on a grand scale. There were threerge sailing vessels. They will be going by sea, but these boats were the most magnificent she had ever seen. She could see that each of them had four to five masts, as well as a number of cannons. The models of the ships took on a lot of western engineering, while strangely emphasising that it was a Rii ship through its shy colouring.


    Was it big enough to hold several hundred people? They might be able to cram a thousand people on board.


    Wouldnt thend route be quicker? Maomao blurted out. No doubt in terms of distance, the sea route was more roundabout.


    Its probably because of the size of the cargo. The bigshots will be staying for a long time, and there are a lot of gifts too.


    Suddenly, she heard a sullen voice. It belonged to a high ranking court physician. He was growing a beard and had a slightly uncouth look. The nature of his work was indoors, and yet his skin was dark like it was tanned.


    She remembered him, but as they were assigned to different medical offices, she didnt remember his name.


    He was the second among the four people chosen.


    I guess so. Normally, she would evade it half-heartedly, but she had to remember his name from now on.


    Ill be giving directions during this trip, so best regards.


    He has quite a haughty personality. Court Physician Ryuu must picked someone while considering not just skill but spirit. From his skin colour, this court physician might be from the western capital.


    The other two court physicians are already on board. Ill be on the leading ship, Tenyuu will be on the back, and Nyannyan will be on the one in the middle. There will be another high ranking court physician apanying the court physician assistant.


    Should she correct her name? No, then she cant mention that she couldnt remember his name, so lets just leave it as is.


    Um, a question.


    Yes?


    Who is on the ship Im boarding? Maomao said as her face stiffened.


    The middle ship has the biggest bigshot. The younger one. You cant imagine from the splendour of the ship?


    The middle ship was thergest and the most stylish.


    The younger one Should she be relieved?


    So apparently, it was Jinshi, not the weirdo tactician.


    As for Grand Marshal Kan, if we go by what Ruomen-san said, hell be rtively quiet while the ship is swaying, so we can give him motion sickness medicine and nutritious fruit juice.


    I see.


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    It seems his constitution was roughly the same as Rahan. Not just wine, he was also weak with boats.


    Did you get the exnation for the ship?


    Yes. It is furnished with a medical office, so the required equipment will be carried there. Also, well be sleeping in the medical office too.


    Thats right. Nyannyan can sleep in the attendants room though.


    The medical office please.


    Since Jinshi will be present, he had to be bringing attendants as well, but


    Only allowed on


    (Did Suirene along too?)


    The elderly woman. The long journey would probably be hard on her. If not, Maomao could only think of Basens older sister, Maamei.


    (I feel like Ive heard that she has children.)


    While Maomao wondered how it was, either way, there were no doubt other attendants around. She thought he would be careful about the personnel selection, but just in case, it would be better for her to distance herself.


    Ask the other high ranking court physician for the details.


    (No, who is he?)


    Even though the report about the weirdo tactician was made public, why were the identities of the court physicians kept secretshe found it mysterious.


    Ehh, is that senior? Tenyuu called out as he was boarding the ship.


    What? Youre unhappy about that?


    It was the middle ranking court physician who had been excessively aggressive the other day. He looked like an honour student, but it seems it had all been in vain. Of course, she didnt know his name.


    Who is the other person? she thought as she boarded the ship.


    The sailors worked with fervour.


    The bigshot will be staying in a slightly opulent room that protruded out to the deck. The venttion also seemed good.


    (It seems to be the mostfortable, but the easiest to aim at.)


    She climbed down the stairs and went into the interior of the ship. The humid atmosphere clung to her skin. Perhaps to improve the venttion, it hadnt been partitioned by walls, but tacked through to a sorry degree.


    (Most of the officials would probably be sleeping huddled here.)


    It was the same with meals. Since the sailors were employed separately, they probably had free time when they have nothing to do. It seems board games will be even more popr.


    There were also batteries established, which allowed the ships to function as battleships.


    The several ces partitioned by walls were probably the rooms for the attendants and the bigshot. When you consider the proportion of male and females, male numbers overwhelmed. She knew it was a consideration to avoid anything happening if men and women were to sleep together in the same space.


    (Im starting to get a little excited.)


    At any rate, she thought she would get tired of this ce soon enough, as she will be seeing it every single day, but it was normal for people to explore. Each wall had straw ropes and wooden floatation devices hanging from them.


    The ship was a three storey construct. Including the bigshots room, it made four storeys.


    The storey right below was roughly the same structure, but it had the medical office and kitchen. As she will be visiting the medical officest, she checked the kitchen. There were a number of caskets of water. There was a cooking stove. Its design was focused on smoke expulsion.


    (Its scary to use fire on a ship.)


    Although materials used were hard to burn, you still have to be cautious.


    Considering the number of people on board the ship, the kitchen was very small, so it seems the bigshots meals were mostly done.


    It was probably enough for people of lower position like Maomao to have lukewarm soup.


    When you eat food, waste wille out.


    She wondered where the toilet was. There was an enclosure constructed on the bow of the ship. They probably nned to throw the waste overboard. She didnt want to make a mistake and fall in.


    The lowest storey was for cargo. Did it hold cannon shells, water, foodstuff, and the gifts to the western capital? She was surprised when she found sweet potato. The identity of the seller was obvious.


    Once she had gone about to most ces, she entered the medical office. There was a wall that could quarantine sick people when they show up. She opened the door. The owner of soft features was sitting on a chair.


    .


    For a moment, she thought it was Dad, but


    Oh, Lass.


    The individual who sat there was supposed to be in the inner pce. The quack doctor.


    Court Physician-sama?


    As for why there was a questioning tone, the quack doctors trademark, his loach moustache, was gone. It was smooth, truly smooth.


    Wah, dont look. Its embarrassing. The quack doctors face turned bright red and he puckered his lips. His actions were exactly like a young girl who had cut too much of her fringe off.


    What happened?


    Uuuu. They told me to shave my moustache. That its strange for a eunuch to be growing one in the first ce.


    Well, it is strange.


    Since eunuchs have their symbol of a man chopped off, they lose their male physical characteristics. Their facial and body hair will thin, but there are also exceptions of course. Depending on the person, it seems they could retain one masculine trait on their body.


    Even though the quack is a eunuch, he had stroked his very thin moustache like he was boasting that he was still growing facial hair.


    Even so, why is Court Physician-sama here?


    There arent any consort in the inner pce we need to be paying attention to. As there is only Consort Rifa among the high ranking consorts, Ruomen-san alone will be enough.


    (Ahhh, a demotion.)


    Court Physician Ryuu is truly cunning.


    He had prepared the number of court physicians Jinshi had requested as there werent enough going to the western capital. As there is one reliable high ranking court physician, it wont seem like there is another high ranking court physician missing.


    So, he had decided to use the quack doctor who had the title of high ranking court physician just for show.


    He might have also considered Maomaospatibility with the quack doctor, as he had crammed medical knowledge into her. Otherwise, could it be that he had the quack doctore along since Maomao was going?


    Fufufu, this is the first time Im travelling on a ship. Im so excited. I dont know what will happen, but it seems itll be fun with you,ss.


    Could the amazing part of the quack doctor, be this personality of his?


    Also, she somehow had a feeling that he had the luck to survive anything that happens. He might be liked by some mysterious being.


    Well then, shall we have tea? Well have to boil water.


    I think well get shouted at if we use the stove without permission.


    Ehh? Then, well use a brazier.


    I think well suffocate if we light a charcoal fire here, probably.


    Since the venttion is bad, itll probably be ipletebustion. There is a window, but its small. The room itself is dim.


    The quack doctors brows drooped. Could it be that it is extremely inconvenient to travel by ship?


    It goes without saying.


    The quack doctor was disappointed, and buried his face into the furnished bed. Uuum, the bed is also hard.


    Theres nothing we can do about it, so please give up. Rather, youre already better off that you dont have to sleep huddled together with other people. Ah, this shelf here, you can use it to store things.


    Maomao put her change of clothes into the shelf, and cracked open the book she got from Yao. She stationed herself in a ce where light came from the window and sat on the bed as a makeshift chair.


    Ehhh, isss reading a book?


    Itll be a while until we depart. Until then, someone wille to summon us?


    Muuu. The quack doctor puffed out his cheeks in disappointment as he took out a portable Go board. Fine. Ill be solving Go problems.


    It goes without saying that the book he took out was the weirdo tacticians Go book.


    ()Muu


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 Volume 8, Chapter 19: Life On The Ship (1)

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    Title: Holy Emperors Grandson is a Necromancer Synopsis: Our MC dies from an idental electrocution and ends up inhabiting the body of a young prince in another world, his new profession being the Necromancer he chose in the game he was ying before his untimely demise. However, things are not what they seem - including his own Necromancy skills! Tags: Antihero, Firearms, Goddesses, Necromancer, Male Protagonist.


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    The ships left the harbour following the ending of what appeared to be a departure ceremony. The bigshots, mainly Jinshi, had been carrying out some sort of ritual-like ceremony, but Maomao had only spectated absentmindedly. The weirdo tactician would look around restlessly every now and then, so she went down to the cabins midway.


    While it was hard to say that the voyage will be pleasant, it was a whole lot more decent than she had imagined it to be.


    (Ive heard from a story that they bit into bug-infested bread and stuff in the past.)


    And how for that reason, raw fish is kept to first lure out the bugs before the bread is eaten.


    Maomao ate both locusts and snakes, but she couldnt imagine voluntarily eating bug-infested bread.


    (Well, its not like its going to be that long of a journey.)


    While it felt long for Maomao, they wont be staying on the ship for months on end. Apparently, it will take about half a month and they will be stopping at a number of ports. Their very first meal on the ship was meat rice dumplings, fish soup, and mandarins. Maybe because it was the first day, it was a little extravagant.


    Only allowed on


    Im happy that we even have fruit. The quack doctor smiled while he peeled a mandarin and ate it.


    Maomao had already finished eating a long time ago. She was brushing her teeth with a toothbrush().


    Maomao had an idea why they were served mandarins. It seems there will be a shortage of vegetables during the voyage.


    Thats true. They wontst on board, the quack agreed.


    Youll get sick easily when youre deficient in nutrients.


    Yup, yup. We have to eat so we dont get deficiencies.


    Does the quack understand her or not?


    Even so, we have free time. There arent any patients, the quack said.


    (No, its always been like this when we were at the inner pce.)


    As she retorted inwardly, she rinsed her mouth with water and spat it out the window. She would be told off for being indecent, but since the ocean was outside, it was quick and easy.


    If theres no one hurt or sick, its better we dont have that. Maomao nced at the shelf in the medical office. Although the stock was limited, there was a considerable amount of medicine. A lot of them were medicinal herbs that were prescribed for basic illnesses and those specific to ships. Next were topical medicine for surgeries.


    Maomao stared at the quack doctor. May I ask a question?


    She had always been curious about this.


    Last time, it looked like Court Physician-sama found it hard to look at dead bodies, so how did you pass the exam?


    The exam? Yeah, I passed the court physician exam fair and square. The quack doctor huffed and pped his chest.


    Maomao faced him with dull eyes. Umm, by the exam, do you mean the written one?


    Yeah, thats right. Eunuchs were allowed to take the court physician exam as there were no court physicians in the inner pce. I was the only one who passed, the quack doctor boasted.


    Eunuchs are said to be people who failed at bing civil officials or military officials. A lot of them were ves who got castrated for being from a different race. Honestly, she understood why the eunuchs, who took the exam, had failed it.


    She didnt think that court physicians would want to be eunuchs just to work in the inner pce. And so, they had eunuchs be court physicians, but her assumption was totally off the mark.


    And then, what about the practical exam? she asked.


    Eh, practical? Umm, I feel like there was something like that that reminds me, there was a time they made me dissect a chicken.


    And then?


    Yeah, it was troubling that time. I fainted when I tried to strangle the chicken and it hit me square in the forehead.


    What is this? She could easily imagine it.


    They also summoned me to dissect a pig, but when it looked at me with such teary eyes, I couldnt bring myself to do it, the quack said.


    It goes without saying.


    It was scary that she could imagine it so easily.


    is that so? Maomao said.


    The high officials probably gave up on making the quack doctor an actual court physician at this point. It felt like they gave him the position only because there was no other way for them to look after the consorts of the inner pce, however.


    Were there no other eunuchs bing court physicians after that? She thought there would be more decent people who could be court physicians if they hold the exam a couple of times.


    About that, you see. The empress dowager had built a ce to assemble the pcedies of the inner pce, you remember? the quack said.


    There was.


    It was the ce that assembled the concubines of thete emperor. Apparently, the ce was built to protect the girls who cant leave the inner pce, but in the end, it was used during the Shi n rebellion.


    While there were no court physicians, they created a clinic. I was treated as an eyesore when I entered the medical office, and they strongly opposed against choosing new court physicians from among the eunuchs.


    Ahhh. It was as she guessed. They possessed much more medical knowledge than the inferior quack doctor.


    They opposed it, saying that new inner pce court physicians are unneeded, so in the end, the talks about having eunuchs be court physicians turned into apromise.


    And so, the only court physician in the inner pce was the quack.


    (This person is only alive through luck.)


    She thought about having him draw the lottery next.


    Was it Shenryu-san? That person was in the middle of it all The quack stared off into the distance.


    If Maomao remembered properly, that was the middle-aged woman from the clinic that gathered the pcedies. She heard the woman had conspired with Shisuis groupthe Shi nand assisted with the consorts escape from the inner pce. The woman had even nned tomit suicide when she was interrogated, but Maomao hadnt heard any news regarding the woman following that.


    (Dead or alive, she cant avoid execution.)


    They must have judged that there was no need for her to speak.


    After the quack also finished brushing his teeth, he started to prepare the medical equipment. Well then, a doctors visit once a day. Its scheduled to be after meals.


    Speaking of whose, it was probably the bigshot.


    Hyaaah. Im so nervous. I havent seen Jinshi-sama, no, the Prince of the Moon in so long.


    I guess.


    The quacks face had turned bright red even when Jinshi interacted with him as a eunuch.


    (Uhmm.)


    For the time being, Maomao will being along, but she was feeling somewhatplicated.


    Jinshis room was,pared to the other cabins, impossibly extravagant.


    (Good venttion. Spacious room too. Bright.)


    Of course, it had the conditions attached with being at the top of the ship, but if it was this splendid, it must befortableshe thought as she studied the room she walked into.


    Come, this way.


    Theposed voice of a woman.


    (Voyages would be harsh for her age, and yet.)


    However, the personnel selection suggested that there was no one else. It was the elderly attendant, Suiren.


    With a prim look, Suiren let the quack doctor into the room, but the instant her eyes met with Maomaos, her lips twisted into a smile.


    (Much appreciated for the good work.)


    There were two other attendants.


    They gave the quack a cursory nce, then studied Maomao.


    (As expected, he picked reliable people.)


    Maomao felt that they grasped the situation with just a look. From their not suddenly baring their hostility alone, she felt an immensely favourable impression.


    Was one of them in her forties? From her age, she might have been Jinshis wet nurse.


    Was the other in her early twenties? She didnt look much older than Maomao, but she was strangely serene. Honestly, it was difficult to ssify her appearance as a beauty, but it can be said that her face was conversely calming among themonce beauties around Jinshi.


    (She must be capable.)


    For the imperial brothers attendants, their faces were quite in, but it was so much like JInshi. If Enen continued to remain by Jinshis side, would she being along on the voyage? Maomao thought as she went inside.


    E-excyuse meh. The quack doctor immediately fumbled his words.


    On the other side of the folding screen, awaited Jinshi on a chair. He had changed from what he had worn for his ritual and was now in rtively easy-to-move-in clothes.


    Its been a while, Court Physician-dono. Ill leave it to you now. Jinshi put out his arm. Although the room smelled like incense, Jinshi seemed to be the greatest source of it.


    Before the quack doctor, the sparkling Jinshi from his time in the inner pce was in full force.


    (Even if this wasnt the quack doctor, theyd be nervous.)


    Yesh, the quack said.


    Maomao looked to the side, thinking that his loach moustache would be quivering if he still had them.


    Though it was called a doctors visit, it seemed it was just to ask questions and to check his pulse.


    (They dont have much expectation towards the quack, huh.)


    Suiren seemed quite practised, so even if there wasnt the quacks doctors visit, health management would be sound.


    For now, Maomao looked around to see if there wasnt anything strange.


    N-no problems in particyr. The quack doctor fumbled at the end.


    Excuse me. Ill leave it to you every day from now on, Jinshi said.


    Yesh. The quack doctor packed away the tools he usually brought but never used.


    Jinshi looked at the quack doctor again. When the quack doctor looked up, his sparkles intensified.


    (What, is, this?)


    Court Physician-dono. You shaved your moustache. It suits you.


    The quack doctors heart thumped. She could see something warm and fluffy around him.


    I feel apologetic to have made Court Physician-donoe on this expedition when youre supposed to be an inner pce court physician. However, this is an important duty. Ill be delighted if you can apany me all the way to the end.


    O-of course. The quacks eyes dampened. He looked like he trusted Jinshi with all his heart.


    It looked like nothing but a farce to Maomao. The attendants with Suiren included also turned apathetic. However, it was more important to have the quack believe in it.


    The fact that Court Physician-dono is a eunuch is known by everyone. I want you to tell me if you have any drawbacks by being a eunuch.


    Y-yes. The quacks eyes welled up with tears. His cheeks were flushed and there were roses on his back.


    Also With sad eyes, Jinshi nced at the quack doctor.


    Maomao narrowed her eyes. Can we just end this farce already? she thought.


    Court Physician-donos name is Guen, correct?


    Y-yes.


    (So thats his name.)


    There is one court physician on this ship. May I call you not by your name, but by your title Court Physician-dono? Jinshi asked.


    T-that would be an honour. The quack didnt object. Rather, it sounded like he was saying, Please call me that.


    (No matter how I see it, it feels like he has an ulterior motive.)


    Hey, I have a request.


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    When the quack finished clearing away the equipment, Suiren called out to him.


    Can you look at us every day as well? So we dont trouble Court Physician-sama, we wish to have your assistant.


    (Ahh, I didnt see thating.)


    Maomao nced at the quack doctor.


    I think Court Physician-sama will be busy, so please, you may leave first.


    Understood. The quack doctor spoke to Suiren without fumbling. Then, Lass. Ill leave the rest to you.


    Understood, Maomao replied in monotone.


    She sent the quack doctor off, and when she turned around, Jinshi was there with a gloomy air.


    When Maomao snorted, Suiren immediately batted her.

 Volume 8, Chapter 20: Life On The Ship (2)

    Avable Now


    Title: Holy Emperors Grandson is a Necromancer Synopsis: Our MC dies from an idental electrocution and ends up inhabiting the body of a young prince in another world, his new profession being the Necromancer he chose in the game he was ying before his untimely demise. However, things are not what they seem - including his own Necromancy skills! Tags: Antihero, Firearms, Goddesses, Necromancer, Male Protagonist.


    EMERGENCY! Please Subscribe to us on YouTube and Show your SUPPORT!!! I know you guys have YouTube, don''t even y! You read for free, so please subscribe. Thanks


    I dont want tea, Maomao told the attendant with the in face.


    Alright then.


    Though it was hard to call the attendant a beauty, would it be rude to say her looks were calming on the contrary?


    (There are too many beauties in the world.)


    Suiren was probably quite beautiful in the past, and there was still enough traces of it.


    The other attendant, who was in her forties, was a beauty despite her harsh looks.


    We can look at Suiren-samater, so can you start the examination with me? The attendant in her forties put out her hand.


    (Hm?)


    Oh? Her face looks familiar.


    If she were a little younger


    Oh my. Is there something on my face?


    Her face reminded Maomao of a raptor.


    Maomao, Taomei() is Basens mum, Suiren said.


    Only allowed on


    Mum? Maomao said.


    As Basens mum


    Have you met his older sister, Maamei, by any chance? Taomei asked.


    Of who she resembled, it was Maamei. The woman who delivered the baked pastriesst time. If Maamei were twenty years older, she would be a spitting image of this attendant called Taomei.


    Umm.


    In this case, should she say I am grateful for your help? No, Basen hadnt helped her in any way. Neither had Maamei.


    No, wait, there was one person who had helped her.


    I am grateful for Gaoshun-samas help, Maomao said.


    That diligent man. If she is the mother of Basen and the others, that would make her Gaoshuns wife.


    (Ah, this is bad.)


    There was a time she rmended prostitutes from the pleasure district to Gaoshun. That time, he had said that he was hen-pecked.


    Maomao didnt think her work was outed, but she felt kind of awkward now.


    Anyway, she took the womans arm and read her pulse. Her pulse was normal; rather, Maomaos heart rate was faster. The womans health was sound, but there was one thing that concerned Maomao. The colour of Taomeis eyes was somewhat mismatched.


    What is it? Taomei asked.


    Nothing.


    It looked like the movement of one of her eyesgged behind the other by a fraction. Maomao suddenly twirled her left hand. Then she twirled her right hand, and Taomeis gaze shifted.


    (Is she blind in her right eye?)


    Some people are born with different eye colours, and there are others whose eye colours can changeter in life. Thetter case ismonly caused by the loss of eyesight.


    Ah, are you testing out what youve noticed? Taomei seemed to have noticed Maomaos reaction. The woman pointed to her right eye. Being Gaoshuns wife, she was quite astute.


    Excuse my rudeness. Does it get in the way of your lifestyle? Maomao asked.


    Please dont mind it. Im used to it since I lost my eyesight a long time ago.


    Alright. Then, do you have any physical abnormalities in particr?


    No.


    Ill be checking your eyes and tongue. Maomao pulled down the attendants lower eyelid and looked at her eye. The woman was certainly blind in her right eye. Many eye diseases that cloud up the eye are due to aging. However, to have her lose her eyesight a long time ago meant that it was from injury. Footing is unsteady on ship, so please be careful.


    Understood.


    Maomao reflected that she had said the obvious. Since there was no way the woman wouldnt know.


    More importantly, did you think that there are no flowers among the prince of the moons attendants? Taomei raised the question that was difficult to affirm. Truth be told, if my daughter Maamei came, a granny like me would have no need toe.


    Oh? If Taomei is a granny, would that make me dried goods? Suiren suddenly retorted.


    I have three grandchildren. Treating me young is out of the question, right?


    From her direct rebuttal to Suirens quip, Maomao felt some strength from that woman.


    It seems only a small fraction of tempered women are left around Jinshi.


    Maomao quickly ended the examination and moved onto the next attendant, the young woman.


    My name is Chue(, que in).


    She had a dango-like nose and small eyes. She was also dark-skinned. It can be said that she was just like the meaning of her name, a sparrow.


    (Shes not a beauty though.)


    Her face gave off a sense of familiarity. Rather than serving the imperial brother, she was more suited to a vendor of a street stall.


    Chue is my sons wife, Taomei said.


    Sons wife its not Basen-sama, right?


    Yes. Shes my older sons. I want that child to get married already. Taomei clicked her tongue.


    Gaoshuns family is close.


    While were at it. Ill introduce you to my older son too. Taomei walked briskly and came to stand before the curtain in the corner of the room. She flipped the curtains; inside was a pale man who was solving go problems.


    Wh-what is it, esteemed mother? the pale man asked.


    Baryou, you cant even say your greetings?


    Ah, greetings, you say.


    The man called Baryou resembled Basen greatly. He was a little short and had a face that seemed like he hadnt seen the sun for half a year.


    P-please to mee.. ohhh.


    Baryou crashed onto the floor, barely meeting Maomaos gaze. He was clutching his belly. From his appearance, he looked sick, so Maomao thought it was time for work, but it seems she wasnt needed. Chue immediately showed up and shut Baryou behind the screen again.


    Mother-inw, hes bothered with meeting new people if he doesnt start with letter exchanges to get used to them first, and then have them chat with a bamboo screen between them. We dont have enough stomach medicine for sudden face-to-face meetings.


    Thats true. Youre skilled at handling Baryou. Rather, hes gotten worse than before.


    Maomao witnessed an inw rtionship she had no idea how to cut into.


    Should we have left Baryou and brought Maamei instead?


    If sister-inwes, who is going to look after my child?


    Thats true. You have no intentions of raising your child.


    There were a number of things Maomao wanted to retort to, but she felt like there was no end to it.


    Lets put it together in a simple way.


    Gaoshuns wife: Taomei.


    Gaoshuns son: Baryou.


    Baryous wife: Chue.


    Alrighty. Theres no problem with this.


    Should I go back now that the medical exam is up in the air, Maomao thought, when Suiren nudged her.


    What is it? Maomaoturned around, and bumped into a persistent gaze.


    Jinshi was scowling from behind the folding screen.


    M-may I call you Jinshi-sama? she asked.


    yeah, he replied.


    It seems he had been waiting behind the folding screen the entire time. She wasnt finished, so it seems he was looking over, but she felt his watching a medical examination of women was improper.


    Only here, is it fine to use that name. Suiren guided Maomao to a seat. The ship is swaying, so its more stable to sit.


    Understood. But the medical examination is still


    Suiren grinned and started to prepare tea. Maomao had said that she didnt want it. It was the other person who did.


    As it turns out, the medical exam was a cover for the main topic.


    Jinshi moved over from the other side of the folding screen.


    The attendants were around them, but it seems they had no intention of joining into the discussion.


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    By the way, there was the sound of stones from behind the curtain, so it seems Baryou had started to y go problems.


    Yup.


    Yes.


    Um


    Yes.


    Well then, Maomao had a lot she wanted to say, but at the time, was it rude to say that she didnt have anything to say?


    .


    It seems Jinshi, too, had no idea what to talk about.


    Maomao asked, tilting her head. May I speak first?


    Yes.


    So well be travelling to the western capital. How long will it take? She understood she wont get a clear answer, but she said it to initiate the conversation.


    I honestly have no idea. I heard that itll take three months at least.


    Yes. Then, one more thing. It is about the advantages of taking me on this journey.


    . Jinshi averted his eyes.


    (Ahhh, I knew it.)


    Did you use me as the bait for the weirdo tactician? she asked.


    I feel apologetic.


    Although Maomao felt like scowling at him, she bore with it since the attendants were looking at her. Instead, she waggled her finger at him, asking if there was anypensation.


    Jinshi was understanding on that part. He took something out from his breast pocket. He removed the cloth. It contained a whitish-grey rock-like thing.


    This is!


    Yeah. You want to check it?


    After exchanging looks with Jinshi, Suiren brought over tea along with a piece of wire. Here you go.


    Along with the wire, there was also heated charcoal prepared.


    He had said, check.


    Maomao took the stone from Jinshi. It was a pumice stone rather than a rock. It was quite light.


    Im going to check it, she said.


    She heated the wire with the coal and stuck it into the pumice stone. It gave off a characteristic smell.


    While I dont think Jinshi-sama will prepare fake items, this is the real thing. Its ambergris.


    Maomao immediately got her hands on her souvenir for the madam.


    Normally, he would be grand like he was dangling a carrot before a horse, but having him give it to her this way was somewhat awkward.


    No, she could only see him as a b*****d from the time he made her travel with the weirdo tactician.


    Raka no, Tactician-dono had toe on this journey no matter what, Jinshi said.


    is it a request from the western capital? Maomao asked.


    There is that too. At the same time, I wanted Tactician-dono to check the western capital.


    (Is that how it is?)


    The weirdo tactician is a durd who cant do the barest minimum as a human, but he is the best at strategising.


    I heard there might be war. Maomao looked around.


    She may be in Jinshis room, but she wanted to believe that it was structured so that the sound wont escape.


    Its not correct to win through war. It is correct to not start a war. However, what is correct is difficult.


    In other words, it seems Jinshi wanted to say that the possibility of war starting was considered.


    She also understood the reason he forced court physicians toe along.


    I dont think you can handle the weirdo tactician well by having mee along. Its another matter with my adoptive father, Maomao said.


    If it was Ruomen, he can achieve it somehow. If Ruomen were a little younger and his leg wasnt bad, he might being along as well.


    Unfortunately, it doesnt go that well, so it was the quack doctor who came.


    (The quack doctor being dads substitute is hm?)


    Maomao suddenly recalled Jinshis behaviour from a moment ago. It was like he was ttering the quack doctor, to be extent that it looked shady to onlookers


    Jinshi had referred to the quack doctors moustache. Having been praised so much, the quack doctor would probably be shaving his facial hair for a while.


    Again, he had called the quack doctor Court Physician-dono. There was hardly anyone on this ship who knew the quack doctor. If they knew that Maomao didnt call the quack by his name, the quack was a mere court physician. However, they should know that he is a eunuch from his physical features.


    Being called a high ranking court physician during the expedition, moreover, a eunuch. In addition, a person whom Maomao is always apanying.


    Maomao found herself pping the table.


    (No, I have to calm down a little.)


    The tea was set down before her, so she drained it without asking for permission. Perhaps to calm Maomaos emotions, it was made from herbs with a calming effect.


    She breathed out and looked at Jinshi. Are you setting up Court Physician-sama to be my adoptive fathers body double?


    We can skip the exnations since your judgement is as good as always.


    Jinshis eyes were the same as the time from the inner pce.


    The quack doctor and dad were both eunuchs, but their appearance and ages were different. However, the number of people who only know from rumours that he is a eunuch and a court physician could be counted on one hand. They wont think that they would purposely bring the inner pce court physician onto the expedition.


    If one were toe, they would probably think it would be Ruomen who was a former eunuch and had returned to the imperial court as a court physician.


    That was the reason she wasnt told the identities of the court physicians who had been picked until the very end.


    The western capital, no, Gyokuen-dono had probed whether Ruomen-dono will be brought along as well. Do you know what that is supposed to mean? Jinshi asked.


    By Gyokuen-dono wouldnt that mean he has sick people? Maomao replied.


    Ruomens medical skill is a cut above the rest. There are a lot of sick people who would want to hire him.


    He might, be nning to win over the Tactician-dono, is what I think. Of course, I didnt give a clear reply, so it is the other sides situation where they mistake Court Physician-dono as Ruomen-dono.


    From his use of I (watashi), the Jinshi here wasnt the usual disappointing man, but the imperial brother. The smart man who uses people as pawns is present.


    Winning over, you say. Its more constructive to tell the fox your ns. Moreover, its Gyokuyous older brother, right? Maomao said.


    There are many people who believe that they can achieve what others cant. Besides, there are cases where they have no other options. Its impossible for the rtives of a saint to be all saints. Moreover, its not unusual for the empresss kin to ruin a country.


    am I allowed to hear this?


    Im not asserting this. Its just a possibility.


    (No, but youre suspecting it, right?)


    That being said, not saying anything in itself is also vague.


    Jinshi raised an index finger as he grasped his teacup. His finger was pointing at Maomao.


    In the case he has no options, who will he target? he asked.


    Me, being the weakness? Maomao said.


    Its a weakness no matter how you see it. By Gyokuous side is Tactician-donos former adjutant.


    (Is this about Rikuson?)


    Theres no way he doesnt know about you.


    (hes in a position where if hes asked he has to speak, huh.)


    She understood Jinshis unreasonable choice of people for the expedition a bit more.


    Did you think I would be targeted if I stay in the capital? she asked.


    There is a possibility. Additionally, how many enemies does Tactician-dono have?


    You probably know of their existence so long as you think about yourself, and you are not a moron who overlooks that.


    Maomao could only nod at Jinshis words. She should have thought more before she became a court physician assistant.


    It was Jinshi who encouraged her to be one, but if the weirdo tactician hadnt taken such an extreme attitude, she would have attained a more tranquil lifestyle. Theres no point inmenting about the past.


    Rahan can take care of himself, so I had him stay in the capital. I had Ruomen-dono disappear by staying in the inner pce for a short while. My bad to you, but youll be taken to the western capital. More importantly, I felt that it was safer to keep you where Tactician-dono can keep an eye on you. Itll be hard to say that itll be peaceful.


    (Gosh, you.)


    Is that so.


    Maomaos thoughts were all jumbled, but she had considered what Jinshi said. No doubt he had thought about human rtionships, the stationing of personnel, and above all, the most efficient safety.


    For the Court Physician-dono, Ill give you the military official who is your old acquaintance, Rihaku, Jinshi said.


    Yes, Maomao replied coldly. She looked at the ambergris she was given in a daze.


    (Im not really satisfied.)


    Maomao stood up without taking the tea snacks.


    Maomao, wont you take some pastries back with you? Suiren wrapped up the baked pastries for her. Maomao felt the attendant had read her feelings.


    (The quack will be happy.)


    Thanks for the food. After epting the package of pastries, Maomao bowed her head and left the room.


    Ah, umm Jinshi reached forward, looking like he wanted to talk with Maomao, but she honestly wasnt in the mood today, having already spoken enough.


    Pretending to have not noticed, she went out.


    Basen seemed to be standing guard outside the room, but she decided to simply bow her head and return to the medical office.

 Volume 8, Chapter 21: Life On The Ship (3)

    Avable Now


    Title: Holy Emperors Grandson is a Necromancer Synopsis: Our MC dies from an idental electrocution and ends up inhabiting the body of a young prince in another world, his new profession being the Necromancer he chose in the game he was ying before his untimely demise. However, things are not what they seem - including his own Necromancy skills! Tags: Antihero, Firearms, Goddesses, Necromancer, Male Protagonist.


    EMERGENCY! Please Subscribe to us on YouTube and Show your SUPPORT!!! I know you guys have YouTube, don''t even y! You read for free, so please subscribe. Thanks


    Written on the log:


    Seasick: threeInjured: twoIn poor health: one


    Ahhh, how busy. The quack doctor wiped away from his forehead the sweat that didnte from simple medical examinations and medicine dispensing.


    They had been on board the ships for several days. There were still people who have yet to get used to the swaying of the ship. Even so, with the wind picking up, the rocking had lessened.


    You think so? Maomao found the medical office near the military section much busier, but it must be bustling for the quack who worked in the inner pce medical office that was deserted more often than not.


    A lot of seasick medicine had been prepared beforehand. That being said, they were to soothe, nothing more, so she thought it would be more effective to give the people whoe to the medical office with green faces a bucket and guide them to a well-ventted ce.


    (This is why Rahan didnte.)


    That miser has terrible seasickness. With the wierdo tactician brought along, it would be more convenient to have that guye too, but he must have turned it down with some excuse. Despite being the way he is, he is the scion of the n, so its not like he can leave the house empty.


    She had thought that the weirdo tactician might have noticed Maomao and woulde on the ship she was on, but there was nothing at the moment. Hes likely out ofmission from seasickness.


    Well then, shall we have some dim sum? Lass, call him over. When there were no patients, the quack prepared tea. That being said, they cant boil water as there was hardly any fire being used. He had been steeping the tea in cold water.


    There were three cups. Three pastries too. The pastries were high-ss on ship, but they were what they had received from Jinshis doctors visit. Since that time, they had been prepared pastries each time, and were given souvenirs each time.


    (Are they trying to curry favour?)


    Sighing, Maomao looked outside the medical office.


    What is it, Lass?


    There stood a man that was around two heads taller than Maomao. It was Rihaku. She was told the man will be guarding them, but he was carrying two weights. He had free time just by standing around, so it seems he was training.


    Its time for dim sum, she said.


    Thankee for that. After setting down the weights, he entered the medical office. When therge man came in, the room couldnt help feeling a little cramped.


    Rihaku-san, you okay with sweets? the quack asked.


    I can eat anything, the military official answered.


    Is that so? Want sugar in your tea?


    Eh? Thats a thing?


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    Apparently they do that in the south.


    Sounds interesting! Put in a whole heap for me!


    While excited by the prospective taste, the quack was going to put precious sugar into the cold brew tea. Maomao snatched the sugar away from him. You cant do that. Its a high-ss item.


    Ehhh, the quack pouted.


    This eunuch had been using the unused medicine from the medical office for tea for a long time, and had started to do something bad. She must hide away the sugar and honey.


    (There is no such thing as sweet teas.)


    Maomao had a savoury pte. She liked salty things and wine. She cannot forgive sweetness in tea.


    Just a little bit should be fine, right? Rihaku also pouted.


    The talkative eunuch and the good-natured military official. They look ipatible, but they immediately got along.


    It wasnt a mistake to pick Rihaku.


    That being said, the quack doctor was made to be dads substitute without his knowledge. If he were to know of the truth, how would he take it?


    (Is it the best to keep silent?)


    It would be a failure to tell careless information to this type of person. That was what Maomao thought.


    (If Jinshi also treated me like this)


    So Maomao thought as she immediately denied it.


    No doubt Jinshi had told Maomao, believing that it was better for her to know. For Maomao too, the choice of her knowing or not was easy to choose.


    That gorgeous imperial brother is a capable man. At the very least, his actions are based on thought, not reflex.


    Since he had thought deeply about it, even if it wasnt perfect, it was an answer Maomao could roughly understand, so she had noints either.


    Was she angry that the quack was being used as a decoy?


    Or


    Lass, are you not eating? Rihaku asked.


    I am. Maomao picked up a dim sum.


    There were pickles in the mochi. As a way to preserve it, the vouring was a little rich, so it was just perfect diluted down with tea.


    She spat out a keh as she ate. Tasty.


    Its not sweet, yeah? The quack looked dejected.


    Its delish. It looks simple, but this pastry is not half bad, Rihaku said.


    That was what the Prince of the Moon had handed down to us. The quack looked prideful for some reason.


    As Maomao poured herself another cup of tea, she looked out the small window. I can seend.


    Oh, really? The quack also looked out the window.


    I heard well reach the port at noon, but were running a littlete. Well, its probably within the margin of error. Rihaku checked the notebook. Well be really busy since well be departing in the morning after one night of rest.


    Only allowed on


    Maomao made a dubious look. Which ship is that old man on?


    That old man is on the leading ship.


    Rihaku understood who that old man was.


    (He mighte here when hes not seasick anymore.)


    Maomao twisted her face. It would be a pain if he boarded the same ship as her, even as a mistake.


    If its about that old man, I think you can rest assured that he will be taken to a banquet once we disembark. The imperial n is on a long voyage after all. There has to be diplomacy, Rihaku said.


    I heard about the banquet. There will be one court physician going, but since I wont be going,ss doesnt need to go either. Rather, who is that old man? The quack doctor looked at her nkly, but Maomao ended up ignoring him as there was something else on her mind.


    Diplomacy. I see.


    Thats right. Here, can you see? Rihaku took out a simple map from the notebook. He pointed to the ships route and the coastline. Although its under Rii, it is another country.


    There was a border drawn on the simple map as well.


    The princess of this country was in the inner pce a couple of years ago. I heard she got bestowed though.


    The story was really familiar.


    That would be Consort Fuyou. No, shes not a consort now, the quack said.


    Ahhh, that person?


    At the quacks words, Maomao pped her hands. The consort who had danced on the inner pce wall before. She heard that the consort is a princess of a vassal state.


    Then, would Fuyou-san be present as well? the quack asked.


    Ahh, I dont think so. Rihaku refuted. Its her, right? The princess who was bequeathed as a medal of merit when a military official rendered distinguished services, right?


    I guess so. Although its a vassal state, I find it improper that a princess from another country was freely offered.


    (There has to be more than meets the eye about that part.)


    Upon hearing that the military official originally knew Princess Fuyou, there is a high chance that their rtives are also acquaintances.


    If Princess Fuyou hadnt fulfilled her duty as a consort, they might have thought that it would be favourable for her to immediately leave the inner pce.


    A man with a deed of arms cannot simply return to his own country, Rihaku said.


    Ahh, is that so, the quack said.


    However, he got a bride from the inner pce, huh. If I got the deed of arms, I would prefer cash on hand though.


    Rihaku-san, thats surprising. You dont look like the type to be greedy for money.


    I have a number of things too.


    (Like wanting to redeem an uber high-ss courtesan and stuff, yeah.)


    How much has Rihaku saved up at this point of time? His career seemed to be going well, but honestly, if he doesnt strike it rich soon, Pairin-neechan will turn into the madam.


    Maomao looked out the window again.


    (If were arriving in the evening, the shops would probably be already closed.)


    It was quite south from the capital, but they probably cant immediately leave the ship as soon as they arrive.


    It would be nice if there were night markets, but those shops probably didnt really sell what Maomao desired.


    (Like baked pastries, grilled skewers, and fruits.)


    No, if its like that, it would be fun though.


    Is someoneing?


    Outside the medical office was the sound of approaching footsteps that halted. There was a knock on the door.


    Come in, the quack answered.


    It was Chue who came in. Excuse me.


    What is it? Is the Prince of the Moon unwell?


    No, I came with a request. Her small eyes looked at Maomao. I want to borrow a person to be a food taster for tonights banquet.


    The quack and Rihaku also faced Maomao.


    (No, Im not against that job.)


    However, she was against going to ces where the weirdo tactician will be. When she wondered how she should evade it, Chue was showing her something.


    She was showing Maomao dried mushroom. Dried shiitake mushrooms, from the looks of it.


    (Nggggh.)


    Was it Jinshis suggestion, or Suirens?


    Shiitake mushrooms are a high-ss mushroom. It is rare to find them growing in nature.


    (If they can be cultivated, theyll sell really well, though.)


    It is known as Koushin (, xiang xun), a medicine that is beneficial for anaemia and high blood pressure.


    It is good as medicine, and when rehydrated, delicious for cooking as well.


    The attendant called Chue, was she teasing Maomao? The attendant hid the shiitake mushroom she had shed at Maomao, and then fluttered it with the back of her hand. Her hands went out of sight, then it increased by two or three. It was like she was doing magic.


    What shall it be? Chue spoke politely, but Maomao had no options.


    While looking apologetic, she was forcing Maomao into it. It can be said that was exactly how Jinshi does things.


    understood, Maomao said.


    In that case, take this. Chue immediately produced some clothes out of thin air and presented it to Maomao. Please change into these clothes. If you like, Ill put make-up on you too.


    Makeup brushes and brushes for rouge were held out between Chues fingers. Her movements were like a viin concealed weapon user from a y.


    (What do I do? Shes inteeense.)


    Her simple introduction as Baryou (Basens older brother)s wife wasnt sufficient.


    (Even under normal circumstances, there are a lot of intense people around me.)


    Was it because of Chues in face, that her insides were steeled? Does she need the mental fortitude to just go against the headstrong women of the Ma n?


    (I might get buried.)


    Should I show some character so I wont lose to her, Maomao thought, but she didnt have a need to stand out.


    No thanks with the makeup. Please give me that. Maomao pointed to the shiitake mushrooms.


    Is that so? Being treated normally, Chue looked a little sad. She passed the dried shiitake mushrooms to Maomao.


    (From the looks of it, how many types of herbal medicines did he bring?)


    While thinking that, Maomao gazed at the shiitake mushrooms.

 Volume 8, Chapter 22: The Country Of Anan

    Avable Now


    Title: Holy Emperors Grandson is a Necromancer Synopsis: Our MC dies from an idental electrocution and ends up inhabiting the body of a young prince in another world, his new profession being the Necromancer he chose in the game he was ying before his untimely demise. However, things are not what they seem - including his own Necromancy skills! Tags: Antihero, Firearms, Goddesses, Necromancer, Male Protagonist.


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    When Maomao disembarked from the ship, the stench of fish and hustle and bustle of people came to her all at once. The street stalls were closed since it was already sundown, but she could see there was still thest-minute dinner shopping rush.


    Take care The quack fluttered his hand towel from the ships deck.


    Shell be fine with me apanying her Rihaku answered in Maomaos stead.


    (Wasnt this guy the quacks bodyguard?)


    Does this mean that Maomao is also someone who needs a bodyguard now?


    The materials of the clothes Chue prepared were fine despite its simplicity. It was appropriate for a food taster. The soft linen was cool against her skin,fortable in the humidity of this region.


    (Lets start wearing this tomorrow.)


    She hadnt prepared anything suitable to wear aside from underwear, so it was just what she needed. A material that dried quickly after washing was good. She had court physician assistant robes, but those were so stuffy they were no good.


    Chue came over many times since then to put makeup on Maomao, but Maomao refused her. But it would be rude to go without, so she gave herself a light application of face powder and rouge.


    Shed said a carriage will be arranged, hadnt she? Rihaku looked around restlessly.


    Is it not that? Maomao pointed to the carriage that had stopped before another ship.


    Is it? There are already people on board. Doesnt that mean we cant ride it?


    People were quickly climbing on board.


    (Women?)


    Were they the attendants of a bigshot? But she found their numbers high.


    When Maomao was at a lost with Rihaku, Chue suddenly popped over.


    Excuse me.


    Woah, you came out of nowhere. Rihaku was surprised. They hadnt felt her presence at all.


    The carriage has been arranged over there, so please, Chue said.


    Sis, you walk really lightly.


    Yes. I move well for my inness. That is the selling point of Chue-san. With a grin, she twirled and struck an inexplicable pose.


    (This person gets carried away.)


    She had the cheeriness of the type that didnt hang around Maomao. Chue took out something, a string of small gs, from her bosom pocket again.


    (I have no idea whateback to make.)


    Maomao ignored Chue who looked a little lonely, and boarded the carriage.


    .


    .


    .


    The country of Anan(, ya nan. Lit. A South) is situated to the south of Rii. It has been the vassal state of Rii for over a century. Anan used to be called something else in the past; this name was dubbed by an emperor of the past.


    The word A() had the meaning of Secondary, Following, and Lesser.


    Calling the countries north of Rii Hokuaren(, lit. North A Group) was also the same. It was a confederation of lesser countries in the north.


    (The person who named it was truly arrogant.)


    Giving such a mockery of a name was to give the namer a sense of superiority.


    (The other countries probably also name us as they see fit, though.)


    Foreigners from the west aremonly taller and have skin whiter than the people of Rii. So, asionally they would mock the people of Rii as monkeys. Maomao nned to speak in her nativenguage, but she, who understood a smattering of westernnguages, would notice the other party scorning them. When the madam noticed their nder, she would raise the room fee with a smile.


    (People do it anywhere.)


    If you dont want them to say it, you have to speak up about it. But she wanted to protect herself with her words before saying it.


    After all, the rtionship between countries is the same rtionship as a gathering of people.


    After Maomao alighted from the carriage, she was guided into arge pce.


    The red colour of the paint was the same as in Rii. The shape of the roof was a little different. It was a bit round, withnterns glowing in a row.


    A pure white passage cut through the centre of the pce. Hemp palms grew symmetrically in the garden.


    Hre please.


    Although they had a bit of an ent, the guide spoke the samenguage of Rii.


    (No, Im a food taster, so its not my concern.)


    So Maomao wanted to say, but Chue sped ahead. The attendant was probably meaning that she was going to lead the way for them.


    Maomao and Rihaku followed her meekly.


    Please use ths.


    They were guided to a room. Chue headed inside to check. She seemed well-practised.


    Are there anything strange? Rihaku joined in with her, looking around.


    Not really. Snakes and insects asionallye indoors in the south, Chue answered.


    Snakes? Eyes shining, Maomao started to look around. Are they venomous?


    They are, Chue said.


    Are there scorpions?


    There arent.


    The two of them were disappointed after finding nothing after their check.


    Not justss, but even sis is disappointed, Rihaku retorted calmly.


    Wouldnt it be more interesting if there were?


    Not only was Chue a show-off, but it seems she also found chaos interesting. So thats how it is. Maomao also understood the reason the attendant was married into Gaoshuns n that was rife with idiosyncratic people.


    Chue started to prepare tea. Tea had already been readied from the start. From the condensation, it seems the chilled drinks had been arranged just a moment ago.


    I can prepare it myself, so you dont have to mind, Maomao said.


    No, it contains my share too. Ill be staying with Maomao-san tonight. Chue prepared the teacup from the room with sleek movements. Suiren-sama told me that although hes a bodyguard, its improper for an unmarried maiden to stay alone with a gentleman, so here I am.


    Maomao and Rihaku exchanged nces.


    Ahhh, were not like this at all, they said in unison.


    Yes. I think so too, but if someone like big aunt tells me, Ill have no choice but to do it. Also, I have my actual mother-inw, right? I n to do it properly, but staying with her twenty-four seven is tiring, you know. My husband is like that, so no one can step in at all. I thought I could leave my husband to my mother-inw, and take a breather once in a while, Chuesaid, sitting on the couch and started to drink tea. She was very much at home.


    Treated to such an extent, Maomao and Rihaku both decided to do as they pleased. Rihaku, as if he couldnt think of anything to do, started to do pull-ups on the frames.


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    (Muscle brain.)


    Maomao sat down and started to drink tea.


    Also, I wish to give an exnation on the course of the banquet, Chue said.


    Please do.


    Chue started to speak like she was rxing at home. The food tasters will be Maomao-san and I. For the Prince of the Moon and Grand Marshall Kan. There are also other big shots, but theirs will be prepared separately.


    I wish to food taste for the Prince of the Moon, Maomao said.


    Yes, it seems more interesting to do it for the Grand Marshall, so I understand.


    Her reasoning aside, Maomao was happy that Chue would do it for her.


    For the most part, the food tasting will be conducted the same way as it was at the garden party and such. I dont think I need to exin much, but were on diplomacy grounds, so do it while hidden at the seat that is situated a little to the back.


    I guess so.


    And so, please make do from the top of your head at the scene of the banquet.


    (Its perfunctory, no, rather than that, its rough.)


    It was easy that it wasnt too exact though.


    In the beginning, Maomao thought Chue resembled Enen, but the attendant felt more like Maomao.


    Also, well be going to the Prince of the Moons room in a moment, Chue added.


    The Prince of the Moons? Maomao asked.


    Yes, youll know when we get there. Chue grinned and set down the teacup.


    .


    .


    .


    Jinshis room was right down the corridor from the room where Maomao was guided to. Being a bigshot, he had guards. Maomaos group passed through them with Chues face.


    They went in. There was Jinshi, Basen, Suiren, Taomei and something like Baryou who was hidden behind a curtain.


    The room was several timesrger. There was a balcony outside.


    (I remembered their names. Good going, me.)


    Maomao praised herself pointlessly. She was starting to forget Taomeis name from the introduction of the excessively idiosyncratic attendant called Chue, but she remembered properly. Good going.


    Rihaku was on standby outside the room.


    What is your business? Maomao asked.


    No, rather than a business- Jinshi made another somewhat awkward look.


    Maomao. Suiren ced her hand on Maomaos shoulder. We have guests. Please stand back a bit.


    yes.


    What are they doing?Maomao stepped back, when arge man came in followed by a woman. The man was supporting the woman like he ced importance on her body.


    (Huh, that person?)


    Maomao felt like she recognised the womans face.


    Fuyou-dono. Congrattions on your pregnancy on this asion. I apologise for myte greetings. I was on a different ship, Jinshi said.


    (Fuyou!)


    Its her. The consort who danced on the wall.


    In that case, could the man who apanied her, be the military official whom she had been bestowed to?


    Prince of the Moon, I have not forgotten my debt of gratitude from some time ago. My returning to this country like so, is thanks to the Prince of the Moon. Fuyou slowly bent her back. She wore an airy outfit, but her body looked a little heavy.


    Could the man not opening his mouth, mean that the position of the wife is higher than the husband at this location?


    (Could it be?)


    The people who rode on the different carriage might have been Fuyous people.


    Rihaku had said that excellent military officials arent released by Rii, but he must have returned due to Fuyous pregnancy.


    (What will happen to the husband?)


    Will he stay in Rii or will he return to Anan?


    Maomao didnt know that far, but being able to give birth in their homnd was probably a big thing.


    (It must be like that.)


    The Fuyou couple interacted with Jinshi courteously, then left the room.


    (They seem to be a harmonious couple.)


    The military official had been worried about Fuyou to the point that it looked embarrassing to watch.


    Fuyou was bestowed due to the military officials achievements, but afterwards, being able to return to her country was probably thanks to Jinshi. Again, Fuyou should know what Jinshi did in the inner pce.


    (Hes a softy, or what?)


    The type that cantpletely cast away their emotions.


    It was a virtue for a person, but a weakness for a figure of authority.


    This part of him was the source of Maomaos gloominess.


    Well then, you cane forward now. Suiren pushed her forward. She spoke with some implication, but it cant be helped that Maomao felt a little against it.


    Jinshi-sama. Thank you very much. Maomao lowered her head.


    Its nothing. About Fuyou-dono, I feel its better to have you know that she has depended on us before, Jinshi said.


    Yes, Im a little refreshed, Maomao nced around. This room looks splendid and it also has a balcony.


    You can look around if youre interested.


    Then dont mind if I do. Maomao headed to the balcony.


    H-HEY!


    Basen came over to say something, but it seems someone immediately stopped him. There were no signs of himing.


    (Hohoh.)


    If there were bows or firearms, she thought it would be the perfect ce to be assassinated, but


    (Its hard to aim since its hidden by the shade of the trees, and theres no ce to snipe from too.)


    She thought safety had been considered.


    And so, no one came after Jinshi when he chased after Maomao alone.


    Based on the incident with Fuyou, they probably have a favourable rtionship with Anan.


    (Its favourable, but theres the possibility of people sneaking into his bed at night.)


    Jinshi-sama, please take care tonight, Maomao said.


    Why are you suddenly saying that?


    As Jinshi had left the eye of his subordinates, he leaned against the wall.


    Dont you have an idea when you think back on the nights at the inner pce?


    Mn. Jinshi made a dubious look, as if it came to mind.


    And then, he looked like he wanted to say something but couldnt.


    Umm, so with this, Fuyou-dono will be returning to her hometown. In exchange, the niece of Anans king will be entering court, he said.


    That sounds rough, she said.


    Yeah. Empress Gyokuyous niece will be entering court as well.


    Is that so? Maomao felt like she had heard about it before. Jinshi-sama, youre not Jinshi-sama anymore, so I think you can do your work without sticking your head into the administration of the inner pce.


    Only allowed on


    I think so, but I cantpletely cut myself away from it.


    Maomao looked at Jinshi with cold eyes.


    Jinshi returned her gaze uneasily.


    Maomao got irritated again. Jinshi-sama, you are a figure of authority, so please act with more self-importance.


    I know.


    Its better to use what you can use.


    Ill do it.


    Then Maomao approached Jinshi.


    With a grin, she looked up at Jinshi. Her right hand smacked against the wall, pinning Jinshi in between.


    His eyes widened.


    Its unpleasant to be used by someone. But she whispered in a voice only Jinshi could hear. If Im going to be someones baggage, its still better to be used as a tool. Your indecision is the indecision of the country. A moment of indecision can kill tens of thousands of citizens. You are going to regret regardless, so please pick an upright path without hesitation.


    Maomao moved away from Jinshis face. Use it properly if you say youre going to use it. Medicine is made to be used.


    She closed her eyes and let out a breath.


    She spoke what had pent up from the past couple of days.


    There was a lot more she wanted to say, but this was probably her limit.


    (Jinshi would forgive this much right?)


    She opened her eyes. She checked to see if he was angry.


    (Hes not angry?)


    Jinshis face was beet red. But he wasnt angry. Rather, he was


    M-maomao.


    What is it?


    Jinshi clutched Maomaos sleeves.


    His gaze should be higher up than Maomao, but it seemed like he was giving her upturned eyes.


    Can you hug me? he asked.


    why are you the submissive?


    Of course, she refused.


    `)(.*)kabedon

 Volume 8, Chapter 23: Wrestling And The Gentle Man

    Avable Now


    Title: Holy Emperors Grandson is a Necromancer Synopsis: Our MC dies from an idental electrocution and ends up inhabiting the body of a young prince in another world, his new profession being the Necromancer he chose in the game he was ying before his untimely demise. However, things are not what they seem - including his own Necromancy skills! Tags: Antihero, Firearms, Goddesses, Necromancer, Male Protagonist.


    EMERGENCY! Please Subscribe to us on YouTube and Show your SUPPORT!!! I know you guys have YouTube, don''t even y! You read for free, so please subscribe. Thanks


    Question: How much food does three hundred thousand people require in a year?


    Answer: It depends on the food.


    Rikuson was mad beyond words when he was supplied that joke of an answer.


    In the want for a concrete answer, he had tried asking a number of officials. All of them were well versed in supply logistics, so he thought they would give him a more sensible reply.


    I cant give you a definite answer. The vegetation around the western capital is different from those of Kaou Province. Unlike the capital, rice is a high-ssmodity here.


    Rikuson understood when he was told the reason. Despite his understanding, he asked many times.


    If rice does not work, then wheat. If wheat does not work, then buckwheat. Putting together food supply that can be alternatedhe wanted to get a calction of how much of each he can secure.


    However, none of the officials in the western capital would honestly do this much for Rikuson. Were they brushing Rikuson aside for being nothing more than a stranger, stopped by the higher-ups, or so busy they couldnt take on the task?


    So this is what the Prince of the Moon feels all the time, huh, he let slip amid a sigh.


    As young as he was, that nobleman, who had to deal with Rakans obstruction all the time, worked hard. However, he wasnt valued for hard work alone. The imperial n isnt treated as right if they dont get the highest of evaluations.


    Rikuson heard footsteps, and the sound of the door being knocked.


    This is a letter from Kaou Province.


    Rikuson epted the box. Honestly, it was hard to call it a letter. The box was bound with a thread that was tied up like an essory. He often received this kind of letter in the capital. There is a standard way to tie the cord. When unravelled, it cant be tied back to how it was before.


    Although there is a trick to untying the string, Rikuson was honestly out of energy. Using a small knife, he cut the cord and opened the box.


    The letter in the top of the stack had . It was a secret code, a y on the character (Ra) broken down intoponents. Rahan enjoyed using this mainly when he corresponded with Rikuson.


    Rahan, due to his rtion as Rakans nephew, frequently worked with Rikuson. To Rikuson, the other man was more a friend than a colleague, but he reflected that, in the end, they only talk about work.


    As expected of him.


    Rahan, who was proficient with numbers, had given Rikuson the precise data he wanted.


    In the case of rice, one koku (, 150kg*) that is harvested from one tan (, 1000m2), can be considered the amount one person consumes. Of course, the proportion of rice changes when you include other foodstuffs. Rahan had written in detail about how much the quantity changes when it is reced by wheat, bean, or sweet potato. On top of that, he had even included the pros and cons of storage, the ease of distribution, and the current market value.


    (T/N: This is the measurement the author gave.)


    I thought he was going to advocate for sweet potato, but was I wrong?


    Rahans biological father cultivated sweet potatoes, butpared to rice and wheat, it is difficult to store and doesnt keep for long.


    Of course, Rahan had probably investigated it extensively.


    Only allowed on


    Rikuson got dizzy from the detailed row of numbers. Rahan probably wrote it with proper organisation, but the ability to grasp things from looking at numbers is rare. Rikuson can now do it when the situation calls, but generally, he could only understand nothing more than numbers at storefronts when shopping.


    With zed eyes, he read the smooth text of data. At longst, on the final page, appeared an article that wasnt an exnation of the numbers.


    He had heard that the Prince of the Moon and Rakan will being to the western capital. If the schedule was favourable, would it be in another ten days?


    Being a ship boarded by the imperial n, apparently, three sailing vessels had been prepared. And it was said that there will be more shipster on.


    They will be stopping at major ports along the way. More ships will be joining the expedition at every stop.


    Pirates may appear on the sea route to the western capital. A ship boarded by the imperial n will be no different from a battleship. The boats that followed the ships were probably being used to ward off pirates.


    Of course, the boats wont be able to follow without obtaining some permission. There should be conditions attached to the permission. Naturally, they wont give permission to suspicious merchant vessels.


    He understood the reason they purposely took the sea route.


    Was it someones suggestion? Rikuson smiled and returned the letter into its box. Then he picked up the thread he cut moments ago.


    Ngh.


    Although it was his own doing, he regretted cutting it. He searched through his drawer for a new piece of string, then took out a piece of hemp cord to twine around the box.


    He stored the box in the trunk under the shelf and gave a wide stretch.


    Should I take a short stroll?


    Indeed, he has been talking to himself more often.


    Lets leave the office and take a round through the courtyard. Gyokuou wasnt at the gazebo today. Rikuson was relieved since he will have to pay attention to the man if he were, but instead, he found it noisy outside.


    Changing course, he headed towards the sound. There were brawny men shouting.


    Are they fighting? Rikuson thought. There were two men grappling in the middle of a crowd of men. No, thats not right. They were wrestling.


    The men creating a racket wereughing merrily. Rikuson remembered all of them to be military officials. The scarves around their heads were all the same colourblue.


    Rikuson was drawn in; he almost stuck his face out. When the grappling was over, he recognised the winner. It was Gyokuou.


    The sight of himughing with his subordinates, covered in sweat, didnt look like the individual who controlled the western capital at all. The people around him probably saw him as a good-humoured lord who thought about the people below him.


    Rikuson gulped.


    He couldnt believe that Gyokuou would be wrestling with lower officials to earn points. Moreover, the person himself was probably having fun as well.


    fuu.


    It would be troubling if Gyokuou were to discover him. If he were told to wrestle with the other man, his body wouldnt be able to take it.


    Rikuson decided to return to his office. It seems it would be better to devote himself to work than to have a change of pace. Rikuson came to the western capital to assist in the areas Gyokuoucked in.


    Rikusons responsibility wasrge, but even he felt that it didnt mean for him to not work. The hustle and bustle from the revelry today as well, seemed to be effective in catching peoples hearts.


    He sighed again.


    While muttering,


    That person is needed in the western capital, huh.


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 Volume 8, Chapter 24: Arrival

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    Maomao looked out the window. More ships had appeared from behind the narrow window. Those were the merchant ships that had increased in number every time they stopped at a port along the journey. Seeing as they were heading to the western capital along the same route, were they a countermeasure against pirates?


    And so, at what seemed like a long journey, I can see that we have arrived at our destination.


    Chue-san, what are you on about? the quack doctor asked Chue who was rxing in the medical office like it was natural.


    No, it seemed like I coulde in at around this point, so I tried.


    I dont understand you. The quack tilted his head. Chue says truly inexplicable stuff, but people like that are a fixed number in this world.


    Maomao moved away from the window and decided to check the remaining stockpile of medicine. As Chue said, they will be reaching their destination, the western capital, soon. They had to consider replenishing the medicine stock, but where the essential quack was concerned, he was chattering away nonstop like always.


    Along with Rihaku, Chue had also gathered in the medical office. The person herself had said, Its work.


    Only allowed on


    Court Physician-sama, please record the number of medicines. Maomao passed him the ount book and stationery. It didnt take that much work, and Maomao could have done it herself, but she thought that she shouldnt spoil the quack doctor.


    Shall I help? Chue asked.


    No, well get told offter if someone unrted to medical staff gets involved in it.


    Too bad. Chue-san is also well versed in poisons.


    Chue was the type who sells herself.


    Since you food taste. Maomao recalled what happened in the country of Anan. Maomao was Jinshis food taster, and Chue was the weirdo tacticians.


    Lets leave what happened to your imagination.


    While there was no incident, lets just say that it was only a disturbance. It can be said that it was fortuitous that it didnt be a diplomatic issue.


    It was really tiring.


    Ahhh, I had fun at Anan. Im looking forward to the western capital Chues small eyes sparkled. From her fingers, came a small flower, a g, and for some reason, a dovethe quack and Rihaku ended up retorting as the straight man. Maomao didnt need to butt in now, but she was interested about


    How do you do that? Maomao asked.


    Hohoh. Are you interested in Chue-sans magic? Chue raised her small dango nose triumphantly.


    Yes. Your magic seems like it takes skill. Maomao had gone to Lady Pais show before, but that was more a trick derived from knowledge rather than skill.


    What do you n to do with it?


    Itll be the perfect show when the higher-ups tell me to do something to kill time.


    Maomao always bombed the stock phrases of the brothel, so she wanted to know a small trick.


    Unfortunately, I had disyed it while the Prince of the Moon was on ship, and as for his majesty, when I first showed him, we had a discussion about the course of action afterwards, Chue answered.


    (No, what course of action afterwards!)


    Maomao found herself on the verge of retorting; she bore with it.


    What an unreservedly impolite woman.


    As Maomao lined up the bags of medicine in the box and made the quack write on it, she returned it to the box and repeated the steps.


    That reminds me, I havent told you about the itinerary from now on, Chue said.


    So you did have a proper job.


    Yes. Chue-san works so that her mother-inw doesnt pick on her. Chue sat up straight and took out a wooden slip from her bosom pocket.


    Oh, how old fashioned, Chue-san. You should use paper. Its easier to use. The quack waggled his finger. He was acting haughty because his family manufactured paper.


    Noo. I am a refined person who loves the antique. I love touching wood, and I love its fragrance.


    Paper is convenient, but there are also a lot of dilettantes like this. Honestly, Maomao had no idea, but she had no reasons to stop the other woman. Its just that, she had a question about how Chue had fit that long wooden slip in her bosom pocket.


    As soon as we reach port, take your belongings and board the carriage. It will take about a quarter of a dual hour to reach the western capital, but please be careful of scorpions.


    Maomao replied as she wondered, Will scorpionse out?


    Quack, I mean, Court Physician-sama, when you reach the western capital, please join up with the other court physicians. Maomao-san too. You will be guided to the room you will be using as your base. It will be located at Gyokuen-samas vi, and you will be divided into three groups since it cannot fit all of you. Also, the upper-division will form one group, so please be understanding.


    (She said quack, didnt she?)


    It was a terribly lousy cover-up, but the quack didnt seem to have noticed as he was writing with one hand.


    Maomao-san is supposed to move with the other court physicians. Youll be called for food tasting, a special scene. I think Rihaku-san and I will be mobilised often together.


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    Rihaku was the quacks bodyguard, but was Chue in charge ofmunication? It did seem like she was cking away from the eyes of her mother-inw and big aunt, but lets pretend to know nothing. Itll be scary if Suiren came instead.


    Also, night is my free time, so please dont call for me then, Chue said.


    Ehh, even for emergencies? the quack said as he rolled the brush with his fat fingers.


    Yes. My mother-inw has been pestering me for a second one, so Ill have to use transcendent skills, Chuesaid with a smart expression.


    The quack tilted his head at first, but when Maomao said, Shes a married woman,  he seemed to guess, his face flushing beet red and dropping his brush. The inner pce court physician is often employed for this.


    However, the husband seemed to be the one behind the curtain. Is he usable?


    Huuuuuuu. Concentrate power in my dantian~.


    Chue-san, stop it with the weird gymnastics. Please continue. Maomao chopped at Chue who was bending down with her hands moving weirdly. The woman wasnt going to stop, so there was no helping it.


    I believe your lifestyle at the western capital will be the same as on the ship. However, the one taking charge will be high ranking court physician, Court Physician You(, yang. Fyi, it is pronounced as Yoh in Japanese), Chue fixed her posture, continuing with an innocent look.


    Apparently, that tanned high ranking court physician is called You. Its a prettymon surname in the west. Maomao had to memorise it.


    And well, I think well be mostly together, so it doesnt matter whether you ask Chue-san at any time or ask Court Physician You, whoever you prefer. However, not at night, please. I dont know if the second son of the Ma n can make kids, so Im getting pressured. If the Ma n dies out, no, there are branch families, but mother-inw will


    Chue had a serious look in her eyes. It seems the woman had things she feared.


    (Its rough being the wife of the eldest son.)


    As Maomao thought about other people, she arranged thest of the medicine. When she packed it away, Chue stood up as well.


    We are going to arrive soon, so Ill be heading back.


    See ya, Chue-san, the quack doctor said as if he was telling her toe back to y.


    Chue waved as she was going to leave the room, then turned around again. Maomao-san.


    What is it?


    Does she have some other business?


    People lie, no matter at the pleasure district or in the pce. There are a lot of liars in the western capital as well, so please be careful. Chue grinned. Her tanned face looked darker in the dim interior of the ship.


    Well then.


    The ship lurched with the sound of the door closing.

 Volume 8, Chapter 25: The Western Capital

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    Despite the fact that it was still spring, the sun zed hotter than it did in the capital in midsummer. It was hell even inside the moving carriage, so it must be scorching hell for the people who were apanying them on foot.


    As Chue had said, the court physicians were gathered the moment they reached the western capital.


    Well, its more or less like this. Ill be splitting all of you into three groups and have you on standby.


    Court Physician You had said the court physicians will be split up again and stationed at the pce. Maomao thought it would be the same arrangement as it was on the ship, but


    Eh, Im over here? Tenyuu tilted his head. They were split up as Court Physician You with another high ranking court physician, then the rest of the court physicians. In other words, he was with the quack and Maomao.


    I was so sure that you would be with Court Physician Ri. Maomao thought the same. The other high ranking court physician was apparently called Ri, but that name wasmonce. Somon that you often call them with their first name to differentiate them. Rihaku is a good example.


    Its a unanimous decision. You can be with Court Physician Ri too, but you can forget it until you can speak properly. It seems you were guilty of it many times during the voyage.


    It seems he hadmitted a faux pas on high officials who visited the medical office. Those in the pce Maomaos group will be in charge of were apparently all of lower positions, so despite the high number of people, they could rest easy.


    Only allowed on


    Youre good enough with the practical side, right? You are weak at medicine dispensing, but only your surgical skill is a cut above the rest among the neers. Ill have you teach what he is weak at.


    . Maomao snuck a look at the quack doctor.


    The likes of teaching, can I do it? The quack was fidgeting.


    Then, Ill be counting on you. Tenyuu pped Maomaos shoulders.


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    Its, I thank you in advance. Maomao stood in front of the quack doctor. The quack flushed crimson with embarrassment and hid behind her.


    Old man, pleased to meet you.


    Umm, my pleasure. The quack was totally being made light off, but he replied bashfully.


    Though the location has changed, the work remains the same. The work of a court physician is to examine patients, that is all! Each group will have a lower official to deliver news if theres anything. Formunication.


    An extremely easy to understand boss. As the location has changed, she thought a person who could adapt had been selected, but doesnt he have the atmosphere of a local?


    And so, shall we get a move on? Tenyuu carried the luggage. The ce Maomaos group was stationed at, was Gyokuens vi. There was also a main residence and a public hall. Three houseswith two being Gyokuens, does it mean that the man was that powerful in the western capital? The public hall and the main residence were next door to each other. Only the vi was a five-minute walk away,


    Currently, Maomaos group was in one of the rooms of the main residence. It seems they were given a tasteful guestroom to use as a medical office.


    Either way, it was in the heart of the western capital, facing the main street. The fact that they currently couldnt feel the hustle and bustle of outside, was probably due to the sheer size of the main residence. It was enclosed with an outer wall and trees to block out the din.


    Alongside the three people in Maomaos group, there was one messenger. The four of them was guided by a man who seemed to be a local.


    How exciting. If the quack still had his moustache, it would probably be jittering about. Although the eunuch is timid, he currently seemed excited over the hubbub of the western capital.


    Tenyuu himself was also moving busily. However, he had no change in expression. Rather than having fun, it looked like he was appraising things.


    (This guy is hard to grasp.)


    Maomao had no idea what he was thinking. She just knew that he really gets into interesting matters. If she understood what Tenyuus interesting was, she could then imagine how he would act, but she couldnt understand what that interesting was.


    Oh?


    At the entrance of the main residence, Tenyuu tilted his head.


    She wondered what was up. Turns out there was a familiar face at the entranceway. That person also seemed to have noticed, and was approaching Maomaos group.


    Long time no see.


    Lowering his head reverently, was Rikuson, the weirdo tacticians former adjutant. He was like a gentle man as usual, but he had more of a suntanpared to before. It must be due to the harsh sunlight of the western capital. He had two people apanying him; they were carrying document-like things.


    Long time no see.


    Its been a while.


    Tenyuu responded alongside Maomao. Only the quack was looking at Maomaos face, imploring, Who is this person?


    (Tenyuus acquaintance, huh.)


    Although he is a court physician apprentice, he has been employed longer than Maomao. With the medical office so close to the military grounds, it wouldnt be odd for the two of them to be acquainted.


    Maomao nced at Tenyuu. He said his greetings, but he didnt seem particrly interested. The quack as well, on top of not being acquainted, was shy of strangers. They wont pass through at this rate, so Maomao had no choice but to speak.


    This here is Court Physician-sama. I came to the western capital as his assistant this time.


    Court Physician-sama? Rikuson tilted his head, looking at the quack.


    (Umm, the quacks name is)


    She forgot again. If she remembered correctly, it was Guen. He had said it was Guen.


    Gu


    When she was about to speak, Tenyuu stepped forward.


    Hes famous, you know. Youd know if I tell you that hes the high ranking court physician who has been in the inner pce for many years, right?


    Ahh, is this person the one? Rikuson pped his hands.


    Maomao was confused for a second, then realised Tenyuus intention.


    (The quack is dads body double.)


    He was being treated like so.


    Did Tenyuu also reach the same conclusion as Maomao? It was preferable for the eunuch court physician to been seen as Ruomen rather than Guen here.


    And there was no way Rikuson wouldnt know of the weirdo tacticians uncle, Ruomen. From Tenyuus hinting, he must have understood that the quack was currently the only court physician in the inner pce.


    (We dont know where there are eyes and ears.)


    They may be in the same country, but the western capital can be considered strangend. More importantly, Rikusons entourage all seem to be people from the western capital. They have to be careful with their words.


    When Maomao realised her own blunder, Tenyuu didnt seem like he was in the mood to speak.


    Maomao didnt have anything worth talking about too, so she decided to end it here. Rikuson-sama seems busy. My apologies for taking up your time.


    No, I was returning from an excursion. Id feel down if Im always cooped up in my office, so I go outside once in a while.


    He was smiling, but his sleeves were muddy. Though it was drying, the mud was originally dark, the colour of fertiliser.


    (Did he go out to the fields?)


    The western capital is dry. There are no puddles on the roadside. Even if there were, they would be a more whitish innutritious colour. If fertilised ck soil were stuck on him, it would have to be from watered fields at least.


    If so, it would mean that he was returning from a distant ce. It was better to think that he likely came back at the same time as Maomaos group came from the capital rather than a coincidental meeting.


    Then, Ill see you again. If we chat for too long, my former boss eyes will be on us.


    It seems Rikuson still wanted to say something more, but he was probably also busy. Tenyuu chuckled, knowing who the former boss referred to.


    Only the quack couldnt get a word into the conversation. He looked lonely from start to finish. It cant be helped, so she had to fill him in on the identity of the man called RIkuson along the way.


    Maomao, who had a lot to think about, recalled Court Physician Yous words.


    (Court physicians can only do a court physicians work.)


    So, pharmacists can only do a pharmacists work.


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