Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Morning Sunshine~” Jinshi’s face was immediately pushed aside; a sleepy Maomao waking from his flirtatious attentions. 

Successfully pushing her husband’s heavenly  face away from her, Maomao rises from the bed— only in her dudou. “With all due respect Sir, get away from me.” She says, deadpanned. She was Jinshi’s wife— the sole woman that he would love for the rest of his life. Sometimes he thought decades into the future, once nations had fallen and the sun and the moon dangled by the divine string— who would die first? No, Jinshi wouldn’t be able to bear it; they would die at the same time and ascend to the heavens together.

“Oh but that wasn’t what you said last night darling—“ Maomao brings her face precariously close to his, and for a moment, lets them meet in a poisonously sweet embrace. Almost a year into their marriage and it still felt to him as if their relationship were still in the honeymoon phase. Some people claimed that love staled with time— theirs seemed to only bloom with time.

Curling into her side, Jinshi begs Maomao to stay this way for just a few more minutes, his body molding itself to her shape. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt…” with his wife’s confirmation, he nuzzles his face into the crook of her neck, drawing a soft hum from Maomao’s lips. The happiness she brought him was enough to last eons, not fading until the final shred of light disappeared under the weight of the stars. 

                          Maomao

Maomao has tested and been the victim of so many different poisons— yet this one might be her favorite by far. After years of rejecting love from the people around her and from her own heart; it feels strange to have somebody whose heart was solely devoted to her. Every kiss felt like the beginning of a new lifetime, every touch scrapped away at the cracks in her heart. It was almost as if Maomao were a wilting plant, pinning for the first cracks of spring water to rejuvenate her leaves. 

Jinsh had chased her for years, confessing his love to her profusely, going to war for her, branding himself so she could be the only one to take care of him— sometimes she wonders if it were all a dream. If it was even possible for the Moon Prince to love a lowly apothecary like her, but this was reality. Maomao was the love of his life, one that would never be able to escape the confines of his heart.

Sometimes Maomao thinks that Jinshi is aware of who he is, but he just refuses to acknowledge it. She shoves the thought into a corner of her mind, forcing it to stay there.  It isn’t her place or responsibility to worry about his heritage. She loves him and he loves her. That is enough. Does it matter who plants a tree if its shade and fruit can provide and nourish her?

“Shall I call Suiren to begin making breakfast?” Jinshi inquires as he dresses himself, seemingly composed after last night. Maomao’s face acquires its signature devious smile, remembering his embarrassed face as she sunk onto him last night with a sultry look on her face. A pink flush creeps onto her face though, as she remembers the faces she made when he slid into her, stretching time out so slowly it felt as if it had stopped. 

Jinshi shoots her an odd look when his eyes find her staring at him with an animal look in her eyes. “Who’s the pervert now Maomao?” He chuckles, holding up her robes for her to conveniently slide into. She follows his instructions, getting dressed and leaving their shared chambers.

Love.

The idea was so forgiven to her that she still would not admit it was what she felt for Jinshi yet, nor had she ever spoken it back to him. In a case where he’s heard it she means. Every “I love you” was met by a “I know sir” or just plain silence. Maomao just wasn’t ready yet Jinshi knew this, and  he was ok with it. 

Maomao carefully pinned her hair up with the hairpin her husband had given her years ago, adorned with a carefully crafted moon, surrounded by delicate poppies. She had gotten leave from the medical office, courtesy to her new status as Imperial “Sister” in law. (In truth she was the Emperor's daughter-in-law but best not to talk about that with Jinshi or anybody else for that matter.)

“Good morning Suiren.” Maomao speaks in tandem with Jinshi. The aroma of the old lady’s cooking could be scented from the dining room. Maomao looked just about ready to jump into the kitchen to get some for herself when Jinshi grabbed her by her collar, dragging her back, into his embrace. 

“Sir, would you be so kind as to let me go?” Maomao scowls, although a blush crept high onto her face when she felt his “frog” push up against her. 

“Sir?” Jinshi said, as a mischievously sweet shine took place in his eyes. “Why, I have no idea who you could be talking about my dearest wife~” Maomao scowls as he says this, seemingly ready to get divorced after barely a year of marriage. 

Jinshi leans down to her ear, and whispers low enough only for her to hear, even though there was no one else in the room. “You weren’t this disgusted with me last night were you?” At this Maomao decides to break free of his embrace, touch her lips to his briefly, and swiftly volunteer herself to help Suiren in the kitchen.

                           Jinshi 

Jinshi just stands there, combusting internally while trying to grasp the fact that this was his wife. The one he would spend the rest of his life with. Many men had extensive gardens, cultivating unique and extravagant flowers— his only contained stretch after stretch of wood sorrel. That was how he preferred his garden. And no other flower would ever appear.

                        Maomao

After breakfast, Jinshi somehow convinces Maomao to get in a carriage to go who-knows-where.  (Well he knows where but apparently it’s a surprise for her) Time cycles through as the carriage seems to move across entire continents, impatience gnawing at Maomao’s mind. 

When the carriage arrives Jinshi looks to Maomao with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Close your eyes and let me guide you.” He says. Maomao sighs, knowing there is nothing she can say to change his mind on this. Jinshi’s long fingers glide over her eyes, startling her slightly with their warmth. Compared to Maomao’s below average temperature, Jinshi was a furnace, causing her to cling onto him for warmth at night more-than-often.

She’s tense as Jinshi guides her off the carriage, but relaxes as she hears Gaoshun and Suiren chatting.  “Keep your eyes closed.” Jinshi’s honey sweet voice drifted to surround her as she held his hand that was currently set over her eyes. He guides her forward slowly, seemingly from the stone path they were walking on to… wooden planks of a… Pavillion? 

“Open” Jinshi whispers, sounding almost nervous as he removes his hands from her eyes. What stood in front of her was not the most extravagant but definitely the most beautiful building she had seen in her life. “This is a villa I had the Emperor procure for me as a wedding gift, it’s finally finished renovation just in time for our honeymoon.” The pair hung in silence as Jinshi waited for Maomao’s confirmation that she liked it. 

Now most women would be crying from joy, or profusely professing their love for him, or simply expressing their deep gratitude. Maomao, having still not been able to fully gain an understanding of the warm emotion that constantly roared aflame in her heart, could not think of a better way to thank him than a kiss.

As she brings her lips to his, Jinshi angles her head back to deepen the embrace, feeling an overwhelming desire to take her right then and there. 

She eventually slips from his grip though, staring at him with the most positivity he’s probably ever expecting to see from her.

“I love you Maomao.” Jinshi whispers.

“I know.” She affirms. 

Jinshi was often called the Moon Prince, a name that reflected the astrology and nobility that came into imperial titles. But sometimes Maomao wondered if in reality she was the sun and he the moon. Her life had been grayscaled, completely devoid of color besides some splotches here and there. Then with all his warmth, Jinshi shone his light on her, bringing out her beauty and love. It had always been there, she thinks. Just hidden.

“Let’s go inside, I’ll show you around since this will be our vacation home from now on.” Jinshi said with a noticeable perk in his voice. Maomao smiles and follows her giddy husband inside. 

As she toured around the villa, Suiren was taking charge of a small army of servants, instructing them how they should care for the villa when their masters were there and away. Gaoshun simply just stands by the corner, intimidated by the presence of Taomei, who was chastising servants that were slacking off.

Jinshi pushes open the balcony doors of their bedroom, “Look Maomao” he smiled behind her, holding her shoulders. Maomao’s jaw drops, eyes sparkling as if they held entire galaxies in them. “I built you this greenhouse not because I thought you wouldn’t marry me without it, but because I thought I should meet you halfway.” Maomao opens her mouth to speak but not a single syllable is able to make its way out. “You sacrificed so much freedom to be with me… I feel it’s only fair that I make it up to you both emotionally and physically .” Jinshi’s smile wavers as he gazes fondly down at her. “I hope you like it”

“I- I love it Jinshi…”  just for once Maomao is at a loss for words, not quite because of the gift in front of her, more so because of the pure love that Jinshi radiates for her. She would not have admitted it— but she was always somewhat unsure of his love. Of all the flowers, why her? Can’t he pick somebody who’ll benefit him? I’m just a common apothecary. 

Maomao had always thought herself immune to these types of insecure thoughts but in that moment she realized that she had always had them, until now. Now that Jinshi had proven the lengths he’d go to for her, taking a bullet for her, branding himself for her, repurposing an entire villa for her. Wow, Maomao thought, he’s whipped for me.

Jinshi gives her a quick little peck on the lips but apparently she’s his own type of poison, leaving the two of them embracing in a sweet respite from prying eyes.  The balcony overlooking the mountains and forests provides the perfect getaway. The two of them stay there wrapped in each other's embrace until the wind becomes too much for their hair to stay in place, at which point they go inside and shut the balcony door. 

“Young master,” Suiren knocks on their chamber door. Jinshi opens the door for her. “Yes Suiren?” The old lady chuckles seemingly knowing what they were up to. “Here is a package from the Emperor to you and there is one for Maomao in the parlor too.” When Jinshi looks at her and the box she is holding with a  confused look on his face she clarifies. “A congratulatory gift on the wedding”

“Didn’t we receive gifts from all the guests at the wedding already though?” Jinshi questions, seemingly wondering if this is another one of the Emperor's pranks meant to toy with him.

Maomao smiles behind her sleeve, knowing that this was the “repayment” that the Emperor had promised her in return for her “lessons” to the concubines during her time at the rear palace. 

In the parlor Maomao and Jinshi both open their respective boxes. In Maomao’s lies many different types of rare medicines, so many in fact, that it would be a waste of time to read them all out. Maomao sequels in delight but is cut off when a horrified half exhale half scream comes out of her husband. 

In his box lies an ornate sword and a book, a book which contained explicit wording and detailed pictures of… certain teachings. It was the same book that Maomao had shown the concubines to teach them how to satisfy the hungry Emperor. She herself had given one like it, albeit less sultry, to Jinshi in preparation for their wedding night. The Emperor must have thought this a funny joke. Well it was, for her, definitely not for her husband.

Jinshi’s ears and face were beet red now, and there even seemed to be steam puffing out of his ears. He uses his hands to cover his face, seemingly embarrassed. Maomao pats his arm in an attempt of consolation, “now, just imagine how happy you’ll be when we can apply those techniques tonight.”

At that Jinshi perks up immediately, but proceeds to blush even harder.  

Chapter Text

Maomao

“Jinshi, look here!” Maomao’s eyes shine as she teeters along the river stones, trying to cross, sticking her arms out like a bird to balance. Jinshi, seeing this, immediately rushes over to her, attempting to support her. Instead of doing that, Jinshi slips on the river stones, bringing both of them down in a split second.

“Hahahahaha!” Jinshi’s laugh fills the empty forest silence, “Maomao— there’s- a frog— on your head!” His laughs seem to interrupt each of the words that come out of his mouth. Maomao frowns, but a corner of her mouth lifts up when the poor frog jumped off her head and into the distance,

Just as Jinshi’s laughs die down Maomao rises and sticks a hand out to him, offering her help to pull him up from the stream. Jinshi, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to tease his adorable wife, pulls her into his lap, sitting on a river stone. “Jinshi! Suiren’s gonna make us wash our own robes now!” Jinshi chuckles at Maomao’s accusation.

“Don’t worry Wo De Ai,” Jinshi strokes her hair. “I’ll use my impeccable charm on her~” this earns him a good hard whack on his head. “Ow!” A whine escapes his mouth, a smile creeping onto his face. “Now now, that’s impolite Maomao.”

Maomao’s face remains passive, opting to lean into her husband’s embrace instead of fighting it. Jinshi snuggles into her, nuzzling his face into the nook of her neck. “What did you want to show me earlier?” They were outside of the Villa, the exact location of the building was somewhere south of the Imperial capital. Roughly sixty li away from the Moon Palace, their normal residence.

Maomao’s eyes begin to sparkle. “Oh yes!” She gets up, dusting off her robes and walking towards a nearby tree with some mushrooms near its stump. “Look! It’s a bunch of Lingzhi!” Maomao was wiggling like a worm now, dancing with the mushroom in her hand. Jinshi, exasperated, could only sigh. However much Maomao’s obsessions were, to Jinshi they were just endearing. How could one person have so much passion, so much love for their craft? If only he could muster an ounce of Maomao’s enthusiasm while working.

“This is a type of medicinal fungi!” Maomao explained, chuckling mischievously under her breath. “It is known to boost immunity and energy, consumable as a tea or a powder!” Maomao began scuffling around the trunk of the tree, truly embodying her namesake in that moment. “It’s great for preventing fatigue during pregnancy!” At this Jinshi became beet red.

Maomao frowns observing that look on his face. “We won’t make an heir that quickly Master Jinshi… unless you want to?” Maomao had never really appealed to the idea of pregnancy. The only reason she’d want it to happen is to get that placenta! Seriously? Oh the medicines she could make with it! Her father Loumen had forbidden her from ever experimenting with a human corpse or its body parts, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t experiment with her own placenta!

Don’t think about it don’t think about it—

“No—! I mean—” Jinshi sighed, attempting to compose himself, supporting his trembling body with a tree. What?!? That idiot was laughing at her! The audacity! As Jinshi’s tremors faded he straightened and positioned himself so his face was slightly angled sideways to hers, positioned as if they were about to kiss. “Of course I want to have a child with you eventually Maomao, but that choice is entirely yours to make.” Jinshi smiles with all the grace of a heavenly nymph, truly, only for her. “It won’t be my body that will swell and contract to hold our child.”

His expression is bittersweet; it's clear that he’s thinking of the false alarm as well. His heart had broken when Jinshi discovered Maomao really wasn’t pregnant. Every night he prayed that he could give her a child, but she never seemed able to conceive no matter how hard they tried. Maomao never lost hope though, never.

Maomao swats his hand away, “Obviously idiot.” Her ears heat with embarrassment at the comment even though she knows it’s nothing to be ashamed of. She grabs the last of the mushrooms and throws them in the gathering basket Suiren had prepared for them earlier when Jinshi declared that he was going to bring his wife to the forests to find herbs.

“Let’s head b— ack!” Maomao let out a cat-like yelp when Jinshi picked both her and the basket up. His arms felt engulfing around her skinny frame— then again he was always telling her to eat more. Maomao was, at this point, was used to eating lavish and full meals, but the experience of malnourishment during her childhood and teenage years seemed to stick with her. “Sir, I’d implore you to put. Me. Down.” Maomao says with a grumble. As careful as she’s being though, her husband seems to notice the sparkle of mirth in her eyes.

Like a man hanging from a cliff, Jinshi grabs onto that little detail for dear life, using it to propel his actions forward.

“Not a chance!” Jinshi begins the short walk back to the villa with a little extra energy than he hand displayed on the way here. Clearly, he was rejuvenated from spending time with his lovely wife. Jinshi had been exhausted in the weeks before the wedding, spending a copious amount of time finishing his paperwork in order to have enough time to take a week-long honeymoon with Maomao. She had to slip grounded lily bulbs into his tea to get him to even sleep a few hours.

When they made it back to the villa and Suiren saw them, she swiftly excused herself with a smile on her face to “work on dinner”. Jinshi gently set the basket of herbs and mushrooms on one of the tables in the parlor, and carried Maomao with one arm into their chambers, closing and locking the door.

When he reached the bed he gently set Maomao down on the soft mattress, staring at her with a look of hunger. “May I?” Jinshi stares at Maomao as if she is the heavenly nymph and not him. Hmp he seems ever unaware that I think he is beautiful Maomao observes.

“Do your worst—” Maomao begins, both her smirk and sentence being cut off when Jinshi takes her mouth in a tantalizing embrace. He leans onto her, tilting her head back to deepen the kiss and at the same time lifting one of her legs to hike her skirts up. Now that she thought about it, their position now was exactly the same as the one they had been in all those years ago when Jinshi had gone on the hunting trip and brought Maomao with him— intending to tell her his true identity.

As his mouth stayed attached to hers, Maomao pulled on the strap holding his zhiju together, tugging the robes apart to get to what she wanted the most. Jinshi groaned when her foot found his erection, teasing precum out of it. “Now, don’t get impatient Maomao.” Jinshi looked at her with a worshiping gleam in his eyes, his voice cascading over her like smooth honey. Untying her robes the same way she had his, Jinshi exposes her modest body to him.

Jinshi began to kiss his way down her chest, from her neck, through the valley between her breasts, down her stomach, eventually reaching her clit. His tongue lapped at the bud, resulting in Maomao arching her back forward, searching for the friction she needed. The thousands of nerves that condensed into one part of her spasmed and begged for attention, sending shockwaves through Maomao’s body.

After a few quick pumps to his cock, Jinshi pushes open Maomao’s inner lips, slowly sliding into her. The effect it had on her expression was noticeable; Maomao had that look on her face that only appeared when she was completely enamored with something. Jinshi let her adjust every few seconds to the centimeter or two that he nudged into her in intervals.

After what felt like years, Jinshi was able to push all the way in, savoring the look on Maomao’s face, staying there for a while to let her adjust to his complete size. He lived for the way she made little labored breaths every time he pushed into her. God— he needed her to sculpt her body around him for eternity. “I’m going to start moving love” Jinshi whispered, voice slightly trembling as she clenched around him.

“Just move already—!” Maomao impatiently wiggled around, seeking friction, or even some— any type of movement. Jinshi smiled, his little cat was finally giving into her desires. He pulled almost all the way out so only the tip of him was still buried in Maomao’s warmth. Then, he slammed into her, his cock creating a bulge in her stomach so apparent that it was visible from even Maomao’s perspective.

“Gods above Maomao you feel like Heaven.” Jinshi groaned as he continued to move within her core, stirring her insides up as her face contorted in pleasure.

“Are you sure it’s not Hell you think I feel like?” Maomao shoots back, voice labored and back slick with sweat. Jinshi smiles as he delivers a particularly deep blow into her, knocking the breath out of her. “No, anywhere you are is heavenly Maomao.” Jinshi replies after pulling out of her.

Maomao claws violently at Jinshi’s back when he re-enters her, stretching her walls so much it felt as if they would tear. “Shit—” Jinshi’s pace becomes sloppy, Maomao clenches around him one last time as he reaches his climax, planting his seed deep inside of her. This results in Maomao’s own orgasm, rocking her body, causing her to spasm; limp in Jinshi’s arms.

The two of them collapse onto their bed, chests heaving in exhaustion and faces depicting a clear feeling of contentment and pleasure. Jinshi’s hand finds itself massaging Maomao’s hips and drawing circles over various parts of her body. At this his cat hums in approval, seemingly enjoying the aftercare.

“That was fun…” Maomao muttered, punctuating her sentence with a yawn. She shuffled around under the covers so she was facing her husband's chest. “But you need to go get a wet towel and clean me up.” Jinshi’s face adopts an expression not so different from a scheming kitsune, but morphing into a smile of genuine affection when Maomao scowls. Rising from the bed, Jinshi goes to retrieve a wet towel for his wife, per her demand.

In the bathroom Jinshi stares into the mirror, viewing the reflection he sees as unrecognizable. It feels as if he has been in love with Maomao for eternity— yet the impact physical touch with her has had on him is catastrophic. He feels like a changed man! He lets himself marvel a bit more at how Maomao has finally given in to him, before wetting a towel for her.

Although Jinshi had planned to just clean her up and go to sleep, the moment he set eyes on Maomao his face became a shade of red akin to that of a ripe tomato. “What are you doing Maomao!” Jinshi shouts, attempting to cover his eyes but wanting to look at the same time. Maomao had her hand cupped around herself— to prevent the seed he had planted in her flowing out.

“It was making a mess.” She said, voice completely back to normal. “And besides,” she smiles, “it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.” Jinshi sighs, moving towards her and gently pulling her hand aside.

After he wipes her down and gets the both of them dressed, they both lie down onto the grandiose bed. “Goodnight Jinshi.” Maomao says, for once curling into him instead of the opposite.

“Goodnight… my love.”

Chapter Text

Maomao

“I said sleep!” Maomao hisses, face contorting into something that wasn’t a deadpanned expression, as she shoves the sleeping agent into Jinshi’s mouth. Now that? That caught him by surprise.

           · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Around twelve weeks after the pair’s wedding, Maomao realized something. Well, she had already known this fact, but only now was it really beginning to tick her off.

Jinshi worked himself to the bone! It had gotten a lot better a few years ago when Maamei began working for him,forcing the poor man to delegate all the work that others had forced onto him, back to those exact people.

But the fact was that her husband was still overworked! She couldn’t have him dying before she ever got her placenta or greenhouses now could she!

And her baby.

And that is how Maomao ended up having to barge into his office, order everyone to leave, and shove a sleeping agent down his throat. Ah, the beautiful act of shoving something into your loved one’s mouth.

Just the thought of it was reminding her of the multiple times he had violently forced her to throw up copious amounts of poison. Just as she was digesting it too! Perhaps Jinshi’s behavior was finally rubbing off on her after years— or, maybe she’s just finally found somebody worth caring about.

Jinshi begins to choke violently, pretending to be unable to breathe— he gets no sympathy from Maomao. “Honey— you’re— gonna kill me-” his voice cracks, and like a child, Jinshi flops onto Maomao’s lap.

“I know you’re faking it, Jinshi.” Maomao’s scowl blossoms into a smile as her husband pouts. He was truly in the possession of a heavenly beauty. “How about this, I'll watch over you if you swallow the medicine,fair deal?”

Immediately, Jinshi’s Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows the tea, making an audible gulping sound. “There I swallowed it, happswy?” Maomao chuckles as his words slur.

Maomao was in love. So so so in love. Being with Jinshi was like sitting near the hearth after a day of trekking through the snow, warmth always washed over her pitiful body, bringing it to life when she was with him.

Maomao watches as he slumps in her arms, eventually falling asleep with his head fitted in her embrace. She sighs and calls Gaoshun in to help her move Jinshi to his bed in the office, where they'll just have to stay the night.

“I know he’s been overworking himself but was this really necessary, Xiaomao?” Gaoshun looks ready to retire, the look on his face giving abused old man. The more he observes the situation, the more intense his wrinkles become.

Maomao smirks. “Yep. Definitely necessary!” Gaoshun leaves after setting Jinshi down on the bed, giving Maomao final warnings not to try any strange concoctions on him. She decides to sit down on the edge of the bed after the older man leaves, the firm mattress barely even dipping as she sits.

Jinshi, who was out like a light, doesn’t even flinch when Maomao tucks him in, pinching his cheek. He needed to sleep, and Maomao figured perhaps she’d try to help him have good dreams. So she decides to whisper a slow lullaby as she strokes his hair, drowsiness slowly invading her mind.

Eventually she drops down next to Jinshi, the last thing she feels being his hands wrapping around her. It was almost as if all her life Maomao had been swimming upstream, trying to escape the falls behind her. Until finally, she let go. And when she fell down she never met the ground, for she was caught by the most loving embrace.

Slowly, Maomao drifts into a deep slumber, comforted by the millions of little promises Jinshi has given her, the woven words like a soft blanket that’s been softly set over her.

         · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

                           Jinshi

It’s so warm- Jinshi raises his hand to shield his eyes from the sun, the little pinpricks of light peeking through the gaps of his fingers. “Maomao,” Jinshi’s eyes search for his wife, his gaze slowly trailing over the room. This continues until his eyes catch on a flash of blue— a ribbon.

Maomao stands on the balcony, back facing him with her hair caught in the wind. Tugging the covers off his body, Jinshi pulls himself from the bed, wrapping his robes only tightly enough to cover himself decently. “Jinshi!” Maomao’s voice rings out like glass, her voice sounding so far even though she looks so close.

The closer Jinshi walks towards the Maomao the further she gets, the sound of her voice following suit. When Jinshi’s outstretched hand finally grazes his wife’s silhouette, she dissolves into nothingness, fading away to the edges of his consciousness along with the rest of the dream.

“Jinshi,” a soft voice pulls his mind out from the dredges of sleep, coaxing him to rise from his slumber. The voice continues to chip away at his mind, slowly dragging him into reality. “Jinshi!” The volume of Maomao’s voice was, at this point, definitely not suited for a female member of the imperial family. “What are you mumbling about?” She went down a few decibels as Jinshi’s eyes cracked open, slowly adjusting to the light.

“Mmm? What is it love…” Soft croaks were all Jinshi could manage, his throat severely dehydrated after the twelve hour power nap he just took. It was probably more than he’d slept during the entire last week too.

Maomao scowls. “I know it was me who put you to sleep but it’s two in the afternoon now,” she gestures to the sun, hallways across the sky already. “You have to get up before Taomei gets here!” Jinshi jolts awake at the mention of Gaoshun’s wife, a cold sweat taking hold of him as thoughts of an angry Taomei crashing through his office doors fill his head.

“I’ve been asleep for a while, I suppose I should get up now then.” Jinshi sighs, leaning forward to rest his head onto Maomao’s shoulder. Small, thin fingers come up to his head to stroke the vibrant purple hair that stemmed from it.

Jinshi nuzzles into Maomao’s hand, thriving in his element of flirting. “Mmm, can we stay like this?” A soft purring emanates from Jinshi’s core, spreading through their entwined bodies. This was where he was most comfortable, in bed and with his wife.

Maomao’s hand leaves his head with a final pat. “You know you have work to do, I told Maamei to delegate most of your fake work back to those useless bureaucrats again.” She pats down his robes, helping him slide the silk onto his skin. “You better not let them shove it back to you, or my hard work will all be in vain.” A scoff escapes Maomao’s mouth as she speaks.

Jinshi groans and pulls himself up, his hair sticking out in all weird angles. “Yeah yeah, I hear you, I’ll make sure they don’t.” Jinshi really shouldn’t have too much to do as the Imperial younger brother, but he’s a pushover at heart. For years, bureaucrats have been shoving their work that has nothing to do with Jinshi’s to him, resulting in the man barely having a sleep schedule.

Oh well, as long as he can spend more time with his lovely wife, he’ll do anything.

           · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

When Jinshi finally arrives at his office, instead of feeling energized and ready for work, he feels gloomy without Maomao. The lack of her presence always seems to drain the life out of him like a vampire, sucking until he’s but an empty husk. And to think the Strategist could go to her whenever since he doesn’t do his work anyways!

Jinshi sighs audibly, causing Baryou to squeak in fear from behind the partition. The detail only makes Jinshi want to sigh even more, Maamei coming into his office just in time to save him from the social awkwardness.

“His Majesty the Emperor is here to see you, Moon Prince.” Maamei bows deeply, reflecting her ever-perfect etiquette. Jinshi cleans up his desk, putting away papers and ink-brushes before he meets with the Emperor. His eyes almost make a full barrel-roll when Maamei chastises Baryou from the other side of the partition. Hissing under her breath about “respect”.

“Please, inform his Imperial Majesty I shall be there soon.” Getting up after sending Maamei off with her directions, Jinshi motions at Basen to come over. “Grab that Map of the I-Sei Province will you?” Basen nods, grabbing the scroll of paper before swiftly following Jinshi towards the room the Emperor was waiting in.

            · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

                            Maomao

“Should I go out?” Maomao was mumbling to herself, contemplating what to do on her precious day off. Jinshi had already, albeit reluctantly, left for work. Leaving her all alone in the estate. Well, not completely alone, Suiren was there but the old lady was more likely to put Maomao to work than to let her enjoy her off-time.

The thing was, now that she was a member of the Imperial family, she couldn’t go anywhere without an escort. Unless… should I sneak out? A plan begins to form in Maomao’s head, the idea becoming more and more rationalized the more she thinks about it.

Maomao’s current best bet of getting out of the mansion and into the city was sneaking out a window in servant clothes. Nobody would recognize her anyways, given she’d never made an appearance in public besides their wedding day. Yeah, a day away from the court and medical office was just what she needed.

          · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

“It’s good to see you again Zui.” The Emperor chuckles, motioning for Jinshi to sit next to him, but Jinshi doesn’t move, just sits there with a smile on his face. It’s funny really, Gaoshun standing behind the Emperor, right across from Basen who stood behind Jinshi. Two pairs of father and son, one relationship acknowledged— the other forever lost to time.

The Emperor gently sets down his tea cup, the silver spoon drifting in its contents. “As overjoyed I am to be here talking to you, I’m afraid I must get down to business.” Jinshi knew the Emperor hadn’t just gotten an urge to come visit him, he had a purpose too.

Motioning to the map Jinshi brought, the Emperor begins to list off the multitude of problems occurring in the I-Sei province. Drought, political instability, and small rebellions. The list went on and on. “And that’s why I want you to travel to the Western Capitol again, just to make sure Shikyou isn’t causing any of the issues occurring there.”

The Emperor’s words break something in Jinshi. Him and Maomao had just gotten their lives in sync— had just smoothed out their relationship and pulled together their emotions. How could he ever leave the love of his life alone, especially while they were desperate for a child?

Maomao would say she doesn’t mind— Jinshi knows that. It’s just that he also knows that she does mind, and that the pain of being away from each other for that long would kill them both. A trip that included travel time to and back, plus the time it would take for diplomacy to occur, would amount to nearly two thirds of the year. That was far too long of a time for Jinshi to leave Maomao.

“Your Majesty I’m sorry but—” the Emperor cuts Jinshi off with his hand, dismissing Gaoshun and Basen from the room. The older man clears his throat as the door closes softly.

“Zuigetsu, this is not a suggestion, it is an order.” The words seemed pried from the Emperor’s mouth, as if he didn’t want to speak them any more than Jinshi wanted to hear them. A mask of neutrality hides the anger and despair that boils on Jinshi’ face. It’s not like he can refuse, it’s a direct order from the country’s most esteemed. A direct order from his father.

“When… when do I leave?” Jinshi’s voice grows meek, his usual honeyed tone stripped away by the rawness of the truth. Still he raises his head to meet the Emperor’s gaze.

“In five days' time, it is essential that you arrive before the storms of the upcoming winter ravage the seas and the land.” This information deals another blow to Jinshi’s heart, cementing the fact that he really will be torn away from his wife.

“The best I can do to ease the separation is to allow your wife to join you at the Western Capitol for the final part of your stay.” The Emperor's offer is generous already, with the fragile political state that the West was in right now, it would be best to send only Jinshi. Having multiple members of the Imperial family there would cause stress for both Shikyou and the people, tensions were too high to risk that.

“I understand Your Majesty.” Jinshi says, rising to bow. His expression cracks slightly when he sees the shared grief in the Emperor’s eyes. “If you’ll excuse me,” Jinshi motions to the door. “I must go find my wife.” Jinshi leaves the room without looking back, abandoning all sense of rationality along with his withering heart.

           · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

                           Maomao

Thick juicy sauce runs down Maomao’s chin as she bites into the savory meat of a chicken skewer. Since it’s late autumn now, all the food stalls were out of snake meat. Disappointing but expected. She had spent the entire day wandering around the city, shopping for herbs and little trinkets that she thought Jinshi might like.

The saltiness of the skewer pairs beautifully with the rice cracker she’d been munching on earlier, the flavors mixing in her mouth. “I wonder what time it is.” Maomao mutters to herself after swallowing the last of her food. The sun was about to touch the horizon, its light painting the sky an array of warm colors. Suddenly, a warmth envelops her vision.

“And here I thought my wife promised to share all she had with me for eternity.” A soft voice envelops Maomao’s person, the crystal clear sound caressing her ears. The owner's hands cover her eyes, blocking her from seeing them, although she knows exactly who it is.

“I did, just not food.” Maomao gently pries off Jinshi’s hands, finally meeting his sorrow-filled eyes. She looks at him, confused. “Why do you look so anguished love?” His eyes soften at the nickname, the mere presence of Maomao seemingly calming his nerves.

Jinshi kisses Maomao’s forehead, gently fixing her hair afterwards. “Let’s talk when we get back home, for now just let me enjoy an evening walk with my lovely wife~” He holds out his arm for Maomao to loop hers through, the two of them walking in tandem towards the carriage Jinshi took here.

          · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

                            Jinshi

“What is it that you wanted to tell me?” A soft click came from the door as it closed behind Maomao, Jinshi already laid back on the couch. The sun had set during the time it took them to get home, masking the estate like a curtain of darkness. Maomao sets two cups of steaming tea on the table in front of them, taking a seat across from Jinshi. Weird, she usually sits next to him.

When Jinshi doesn’t speak, Maomao gives him a quizzical look. “What is it? I’m waiting.” A slight, but playful, tone of annoyance seeps through Maomao’s words. Jinshi wished he could stay here forever with her- wished that she would never leave his side.

“I—” Jinshi pauses, unsure of how to continue without upsetting her. “The Emperor has decided that I shall travel to the Western Capitol again.” He bites his lip, unsure of how Maomao will respond to the news.

Nothing comes for a while, until the silence is broken by a voice. “How long?” Maomao’s voice is calm and leveled, the opposite of how Jinshi feels right now.

“Eight months, give or take.” Jinshi’s voice is resigned, pain threading his words. The lanterns in the room flickered, their flames threatening to disappear, just like the peace in his life. Maomao’s face hardens, her hands clenching subtly.

“You must go?” Jinshi can tell it’s difficult for her to even get the words out, tears that won’t ever fall visibly coating her eyes.

“Yes.” Jinshi sits down on Maomao’s side, grasping her ice-cold hand. “I must go, my love.” And at that moment the last of the evening light disappears, leaving the moon hanging alone in the sky. Cursed to be millions of miles away from his star.

Chapter Text

Two months after Jinshi’s departure:

Late December

                                    Maomao

Maomao sets down her morning tea, its pungent fragrance attacking her senses. “I’m sorry Suiren, I think perhaps I shall skip breakfast altogether today.” Her voice is sullen, devoid of the usual leveled grace she speaks with.

Suiren swiftly takes away the tray of food, a hint of a smile on her face. “Of course Maomao, let me know if you change your mind.” 

Just as she leaves the room, an imperial guard walks in, bowing before Maomao.  “My lady, Empress Gyokuyou is here to see you, she says you were expecting her?” The guard’s bow is sloppy, obviously lacking in respect and etiquette, but Maomao is too tired. She’ll just mull it over in bed.

“Yes yes, let her in please.” She waves the insolent man off, catching the stray sneer he points at her before leaving. The prejudice in this place, jeez. She couldn’t wait for Jinshi to be back. The next six months would be long ones.

The Empress enters with Hongniang, her other ladies in waiting obviously missing from the party. “Maomao! It’s so good to see you!” The Empress chuckles as she sits, politely motioning for Hongniang to leave them. 

Maomao rises to bow but the Empress stops her. “Please, no bow— oh! And do call me Gyokuyou, we are friends after all.” The Empress smiles even more while Maomao sighs. At least she can relax a bit more now.

“I understand you wanted to talk with me about something personal?” The Empress really is in high spirits today, far from Maomao’s current mood. 

“Yes Em- Lady Gyokuyou.” Maomao couldn’t drop the most basic of formalities, it was the bare minimum for someone of her standing. “If it’s not too personal, around when did your morning sickness begin for your past two pregnancies?” As Maomao speaks, Lady Grokuyou’s face shifts from shocked to knowing, then from knowing to triumphant. 

“Ah-hah! I knew it Maomao, I knew you’d get pregnant eventually!” The 25 year old woman suddenly transforms back into a gossip-loving teenager, her curiosity overtaking the etiquette that’s been wired into her. 

Maomao can only sit there, mouth agap at the accusation. “M-my lady— that’s not—” Lady Gyokuyou grabs Maomao’s wrists, her grip surprisingly strong for someone of her status.

“No need to deny it now, I can tell by the glow of your face!” The pink haired woman practically sings, her excitement obvious. 

“It’s only speculation…” Maomao mumbles, shocked by the bombardment of words that had just been fired at her. “But yes, I do think I am pregnant.” She bites her lip, the words barely squeezing past her lips. 

Lady Gyokuyou’s face softens. “It is hard to not have the Moon Prince here to share the news with, yes?” The Empress’s voice is soft, her presence soothing like slightly chilled water after a hot bath.

“I do hope it is real this time.” Memories of weeks spent alone beside the occasional visit from a friend, days of regret, and weeks of recovery flood Maomao’s mind. Maomao would make sure she’s truly pregnant before ever telling Jinshi something inaccurate again. I can’t let history repeat again, this time I must be sure!

“Yes, I pray for that outcome just as much Maomao.” Lady Gyokuyou rises from her seat, Hongniang suddenly by her side again. “Please let me know when the weather allows for communication with the West, I shall like to send a letter to the Moon Prince as well.” Maomao smiles and nods.

“Of course I will, my lady.” The two women bow to each other, parting in good spirits.

The silence fills the room as Lady Gyokuyou leaves, the lack of a voice creating a void in Maomao’s reality. God she wished he were here with her.

                    · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

                                      Jinshi

“I don’t care if the weather's shit!” Jinshi slams the table with his fist, the map  crumbing beneath his rage. A lazy bureaucrat stands to the side, his cowardly expression fueling Jinshi’s rage like coal. “If you really were good enough at your job you’d actually be able to do something—” Gaoshun places a hand on Jinshi’s shoulder, his touch firm.  

Slowly, his anger drains into the dregs of his heart, hiding away in the deepest corners of his soul. Gaoshun removes his hand, backing into his spot against the wall again.

“Ah, you’ll have to excuse me minister, it seems I didn’t get enough sleep last night~” Here we go again, time to butter up yet another worthless official. Jinshi’s head feels like it’s full of tidal waves; thoughts of his wife, the mountains of papers piling up in his absence, and the useless people that surround him consume his thoughts like parasites.

I can’t send communications to the capital in this weather, any sensible runner would turn down my request— it’s downright suicide to travel in a snowstorm. A pigeon? No- too risky. The letter could be lost, or the bird could die. Jinshi feels like pulling his hair out. He wished he could read a letter— even if it were just three words— anything from his wife. 

It was unfair, yes, to feel anger when it was nobody’s fault that such a harsh storm rolled in. But the only thing that consumed Jinshi’s mind through the cycles of cloudy days and bleak nights was Maomao. After all, she was one of the only people who wouldn’t eventually leave him all alone.

Piles of ink-stained papers clutter Jinshi’s desk, all of them addressed to the same person. All of them were unsent as well. Three months in and the man was already cracking under the pressure, Gaoshun and the Emperor were expecting him to brave the trip back to the capital by himself any day now.

How was he going to do this without her?

                 · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

                                  Maomao

“No, I think it’s just a sunburn.” Maomao stands parallel to Tianyu in the medical office, a lobster-red soldier sitting in the middle of the fight. The poor young man looks just about ready to risk death and leave when Maomao begins to shoot glares at the slothful physician. Yeah the guy might be better at surgery but she was— by far— better at diagnosis!

“I’m telling you NiangNiang, I think it’s a rash—” Tianyu sounds languished, kind of entitled considering he was wrong. 

Maomao turns to the soldier. “Tell me, where were you training when you felt the burn?” Maomao asks, an idea in her mind already.

The soldier looks skeptical but responds to her question nevertheless. “We were in the nearby mountains, it was hot and sunny so me and a few other soldiers took a dip in the stream.”

“Were you wearing anything to cover your skin?”

“We trained with our shirts off because of the heat.” Maomao nods along as the man answers her questions, pieces of the puzzle setting in to form a picture in her mind.

“May I ask how this is relevant at all to his diagnosis?” Tianyu asks, his voice sounding millions of miles away with how afloat he was. 

“With burns caused by the sun, they’re a lot faster to worsen when the skin is moist. I’m assuming he was up there during the afternoon with how tall and far that mountain is, the sun is the strongest during that time. High altitudes also increase the chance of sunburns.” Tianyu can only roll his eyes and admit defeat, trudging to the medicine cabinets to find a cream for the soldier.

“Thanks!” The burly soldier thanks the two doctors for the cream; squeezing through the narrow side door, completely ignoring the wider one in the front. 

Maomao sighs as she watches him walk away. “No wonder he’s a soldier and not a bureaucrat.” Her sarcastic quips come a little slower these days, her energy drained from having to feed another human. 

How had she confirmed she was pregnant? The other day Maomao’s old man had come by to visit, and after one look at her, deduced her condition. The confirmation hadn’t shocked her, just solidified her sadness. Sadness? Or should I be happy? I mean I am happy but I wish Jinshi were here— Maomao shakes her head, she doesn’t have the mental capacity to go down that rabbit hole right now.

Her belly was beginning to swell, with her being four months pregnant and all. The words that defined her life were now nausea, fatigue, and agitation. At least it would be springtime for the majority of her pregnancy, hopefully the good weather would calm her. 

“Right, the weather’s finally let up,” Maomao’s mutterings are lost in the clatter of the containers she’s washing, Dr. Liu really has no bias for anybody. “I should send a letter to Jinshi and notify the Empress to give me hers to send with it.” Recently, Maamei has been acting as Maomao’s aide, the two women getting along seamlessly. She hadn’t wanted to leave her children for such a long trip to the west, leaving her to tend to Maomao in Jinshi’s absence. 

“Maamei?” The young woman appears from the adjacent room where she’d been busying herself with organizing some of the medicines.

“Yes my lady?” Maamei sets down some dandelion tea, ever the diligent assistant. This was the only thing Maomao would drink these days, the tea did wonders for her blood flow. 

Maomao looks to the sky, the sun is halfway through the sky already, not the ideal time to send out a letter but it would do. 

“Do me a favor, send a messenger to the Jade Palace, tell them to inform Lady Gyokuyou I am ready to collect her letter.” Maamei nods, watching Maomao stamp an official statement with Jinshi’s seal, a carefully crafted moon surrounded by poppies. After that, she leaves the room with the scroll, carefully shutting the door behind her.

Only four months left.

                  · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

                                    Jinshi

“Sir! This came in via pigeon today!” A soldier comes bursting into Jinshi’s temporary office in Shikyou’s residence, two tiny scrolls clutched in his hands. 

Basen scowls, blocking the soldier’s path. “A little poise would do you some good you know—” the hotheaded man’s rant was cut off by the Prince's voice, the sound silencing the area around them.

“It’s ok Basen, I’m the one who informed Sir Yuo to come to me immediately if any messages sent by a white pigeon arrived.” At this, Basen immediately moves out of the way, bowing awkwardly in Jinshi’s direction. Sometimes Jinshi wondered if Basen had ever listened during his etiquette lessons as a child.

Once the letters were handed to him, and their seals inspected, Jinshi released everyone from his office, surrounding himself in a calm silence.

Slowly, he cracks open the first tube of crisp but weathered paper. Inside is a familiar swirly handwriting.

Dear Moon Prince,                 February 19, ——

I really hope you read my letter first before our little cats! I have some things to forewarn you about. Before that let me update you on the situation of the capital! 

Jinshi continues to read Lady Gyokuyou’s ridiculously long letter, word after word until he reaches the last sentence.

Don’t come running back to the capital once you hear the news! You still have a job to do over there! ;)

— Empress Gyokuyou

Jinshi’s brows scrunch. Run back to the capitol? What does that mean? His confusion continues until he cracks open the seal of the second letter, this one much shorter than the last.

Dear my love Jinshi,               February 20, ——

It’s now been four months since your departure, I still think about you every day. The more I try to convince myself I don’t miss you, the more my heart seems to ache at the thought.

I have many things to inform you of, but since the paper is so small I suppose I shall just tell you the most important thing. I’m pregnant.

Jinshi’s jaw drops, his eyes retracing the two words over and over again, his heart beating so fast it might as well have been a bomb. This had to be a dream, but no, he could feel the pain of being unable to breathe. Air escaped his lungs like birds, untouchable with his reach. 

The last two words of the letter were scrunched up to the end of the small paper, making it seem like the letter wasn’t even planned with them in mind. Did she write them last minute? Was she unsure of the fact?

She’s pregnant. With our child— Jinshi stands up in a rush, his hands knocking over all the clutter on his desk as he searches for something to write with, finally grasping a brush and some ink. Thick lines of swirling ink are scrawled on the paper in a hurry, the faster I get this to Maomao the faster she can know! Maomao consumed Jinshi, every corner, every surface, every beat of his heart was for her. 

If he sent the letter now, the bird would be able to make it back within a matter of days.

Hastily tying the letter onto the pigeon, Jinshi opens the window to release it. The moon and the stars witnessing his heart fly away, enclosed in the three words he had written down on the paper.

I’m overjoyed, Maomao.

Chapter Text

                      · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·   

                                        Jinshi

May 30, ——

Patience was said to be a virtue but Jinshi wasn’t feeling particularly “pure” per se, when he opened the package sent via courier from the Imperial Capital.

Inside was a letter from Maomao, and a book that she had sent along with it. Can I even consider it a book? Books aren’t usually this vulgar right? Poor poor Jinshi had been mailed a book full of “positions” from his wife, the pictures inside of it igniting an unquenchable fire in his abdomen.

Jinshi sets aside the book, choosing to invoke the idea that out of sight was out of mind. Instead, he chooses to open the letter that was tied to the box. 

Dear Jinshi                                  May 15, ——

      I’m seven months along now, though you probably have been keeping track more vigilantly than me. I’ve been keeping a record of my progress in a book. I hope that I can use the data I’ve gathered in it to further my knowledge of medicine. I even have some drawings that Chou-u drew of me inside. I hope we can look through them together once you’re home. I hear from some people that at this point, our baby should be the size of a cabbage head, can you imagine that? I miss you. Come back soon.

That was the most Maomao’s written him before, previous letters only consisting of one or two sentences, four or five at max. The pregnancy hormones must have finally hit her. Right now the only thing Jinshi prayed for was for his trip home to pass as quickly as the summer nights in the west. 

“Are the horses ready to move?” Basin jolts out of his trance, whipping around to face Jinshi. The sun was still just peeking over the horizon, the day having just begun.

“Yes sir! We are ready to leave whenever you wish.” With only one month before he was due to be home, and only two months before his baby’s arrival date, Jinshi was determined to leave for home as fast as possible.

Jinshi nods, tying the strings of his veil behind his head, hoping that the material was thin enough that it wouldn’t overheat him. The veil had been a tedious but necessary bit to make sure people didn’t mob him outside the palace. All political tensions had been solved, the governor's innocence and reliability proven. Jinshi had executed his job perfectly.

“Let’s head out then.”

                  · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

                                  Maomao

June 25, —— 

Seven am was not third-trimester Maomao’s favorite time of the day, getting up from the bed with her baby bump the size that it is was a challenge every single day. Back pains are the worst. 

“Suiren?” Maomao calls for the older woman, knowing she’s probably just outside the door tidying up. One knock at the door later, Suiren enters with Gaoshun, who’s trying to avert his eyes from Maomao’s completely decent nightgown. Why’s he embarrassed? He’s seen me and Jinshi in much worse—  definitely not the time to think about that.

“Xiaomao, I heard you are to be attending a tea party held by Lady Lihua, is there any particular lady in waiting you’d like to take?” Gaoshun offers, knowing it wouldn’t be appropriate for him or Suiren to attend with her. 

Maomao thinks for a moment, running the options over in her mind. “Might I actually bring Maamei with me? I’d appreciate her sharp eye for social cues. That is, if you don’t mind Gaoshun.” Her choice made sense considering their history.

Gaoshun looks unsurprised as if he suspected her answer. “Of course, I will notify her immediately, I’m sure she’d love to attend with you.” The two leave Maomao with some hot tea, the room falling back into a calm morning silence. 

Maomao chose Maamei for several reasons, mostly because they got along well and understood each other, but also because Maamei had a knack for handling the ladies of the court. 

A knock at the door shakes Maomao back to reality. “Come in.” 

Maamei bows. “Lady Maomao, I hear you would like me to accompany you to the tea party that Lady Lihua shall be holding?” 

Maomao nods, still sitting on the bed. “Yes, I hope you will attend with me.” There were a few main events in the Imperial Palace every year, most of them hosted in the Rear Palace. Besides the spring garden party, which this year had gone off without a hitch, there was also the summer tea parties that Lady Lihua hosted annually. 

“It would be my honor.” Maamei looks happy to spend some time with Maomao, her face lighting up with excitement. Is this what Yao feels like when En’en fusses over her? 

“Wonderful, if it isn’t too much trouble, might you help me get dressed?” Maamei’s eyes brighten even further, her excitement shining through her strict facade.

“Of course Lady Maomao!” And all of a sudden, Maomao is gently dragged out of the bed, and sitting in a chair where Maamei parades a number of different outfit choices in front of her.

Maamei holds up two garments in the air, weighing them in her hands as if she were a human scale. “Can’t be too heavy, nor too complex— it can’t be simple, this is an event hosted by a high consort!” It was really amusing to watch Maamei mutter to herself but Maomao was beginning to run out of energy.

“I like that one.” Maomao points to a pink and green hanfu, the magenta accents blending into the pattern like liquid metal. Maamei nods vigorously, folding the other clothes away.

For the next hour, Maamei helps Maomao get ready, dusting some makeup on her and pinning up her hair. Finally, Maamei slips on the hairpin, the one that Jinshi had given to her.

“You shall be the happiest woman there my lady, for you married for love.” Maamei’s words shake Maomao, the truth slapping her in the face for the first time since the day Jinshi confessed. They loved each other— against all the odds, all the obstacles and barriers they had faced— they loved each other. And that was all she needed.

                  · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

“This, is a ginger-based tea, I hope it suits all of your tastes.” Lady Lihua speaks with a slow-sort of elegance, the choice of tea not escaping Maomao’s notice. Ginger tea was known to help with nausea, the High Consort most likely picked the tea to include her in the proceedings. How thoughtful of her. 

Soft fondness begins to overcome Maomao, the tea party truly bringing her a sense of happiness. Despite not knowing most of the people there, both the Empress and Lihua, who treated her like family, were there.. Jeez these hormones can kill. Maomao thinks to herself. 

The only thing she hated here was the quality of the ladies in waiting. Lady Lihua has had issues with them before, but has never had the heart to rehire. One woman in particular, despised Maomao almost as much as she despised her.

This was the woman whom Maomao had slapped all those years ago for “poisoning” Lady Lihua, she’s surprised the girl wasn’t hanged. 

“Your tea.” That very girl, now ranked miles below Maomao, serves her the ginger tea, sneering as she sets it in front of her.

Maomao stares at the amber liquid, the spices smell of the supposed ginger stinging her senses. “And you said this was ginger tea, Lady Lihua?” Maomao stirs the tea with a small silver spoon, acting as if she were cooling it.

“Yes, is it not to your liking?” The High Consort looks worried, she couldn’t have been aware of this. 

Maomao sighs, loathsome to say the next words that come out of her mouth. “I’m afraid I cannot drink this, as this tea is poisoned.” Maomao says, the crowd of ladies bursting into whispers, Lady Lihua’s face turns horrified.

The lady that served her the tea steps up. “How dare you accuse our lady of poisoning you! Do you even have any idea who she is— ”

“Kanji! Enough—” so that’s her name. “She is a distinguished guest!” Lady Lihua speaks up, attempting to calm the situation. Instead, this fuels Maomao’s anger. How stupid must that girl be to treat a high consort and princess like this? 

“I’m not accusing anybody of anything!” Maomao growls, Maamei stands behind her now, eyes sharpened like knives at the other ladies.

“You are—” the woman seethes. “Somebody probably just accidentally put the wrong tea in your cup! You’re being dramatic for no reason!”

“Do you expect me to believe you ‘accidentally’ served me kansui root?” The venom is Maomao’s voice stings like acid, filling the room with a tense silence.

Kansui root is widely known for its toxicity and deathly harm to pregnant women and their babies. Usually it must be soaked in water for multiple hours before it can be consumed in small doses. for medicinal purposes.

Maomao stands from her seat. “I know it was someone in this room. Although I’m sure it was not Lady Lihua, then it must be one of you lot.” Maomao stares down the group of ladies in waiting gathered behind Kanji. 

She motions to Maamei. “Find Gaoshun, I want the name of every single person there, send word to Jinshi immediately, he should be near the imperial grounds now.” The volume of the command was low enough to sound like she was being discrete but loud enough to let the people around them hear.

Gaoshun’s there in a few minutes, some soldiers along with Lihaku arrive with him for safety measures. “Anything else, my lady?” 

“Make sure word of this does not leave this room, I know for sure that there is no way Lady Lihua orchestrated this.” Maomao rapid fires her whispers, Gaoshun nodding along, taking note of her directions. 

Maomao waves off the crowd. “The rest of you should go back home, the tea party shall be rescheduled.” Kenji and her friends try to sneak out of the room along with the other women, swiftly stopped by Lihaku and a few other soldiers. 

Lihaku smiles, his usually puppy-like demeanor traded for an intimidating one. “Sorry girls, you’ll be coming with us to the Moon Palace.” Kenji trembles, looking as if she’s about to faint.

“Now now, don’t die before me, that’s the last thing you’d want right?” Maomao says, her voice stone cold, Kenji’s face losing all its blood.

She’ll crush that girl if it was the last thing she did, she’ll crush her for trying to kill her child.

                 · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

                                   Jinshi

The imperial grounds smelled of sweet pollen, the flowers of early summer in full bloom. “It’s good to be home, isn’t it Basen?” Jinshi turns around, expecting to find the other man on the horse behind him, instead he finds an empty spot on the return parade. Confused, Jinshi scans the area around them, until his eyes catch on a moving figure. 

“Sir! I have urgent news!” Basen’s horse comes galloping towards him, stopping short of hitting him and his ride. The young man seems anxious and out of breath, holding out a missive to him. What could this be? 

Jinshi’s eyes read the missive line by line, his anger growing like an inferno as he does. Crumbling the paper in his hands, Jinshi grits his teeth and drags the reins of his horse to steer him away from the line. Motioning for a few soldiers to follow him, he heads in the direction of the Crystal Pavillion.

There has been an attempted poisoning on Lady Maomao, she is at the Crystal Pavillion, the preparator is most likely a brunette haired girl with green eyes. She is wearing the color of Lady Lihua.

            -Gaoshun

                 · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

                                 Maomao

All of a sudden, the doors slam open, footsteps storm into the room like thunder. “My lady, I failed to inform you, Master Jin—” Gaoshun is cut off when Jinshi storms into Maomao’s view, his hand immediately shooting out to grab the woman named Kenji.

“You” He spits, his voice virulent. Kenji begins to whimper, tears tracking trails of fear down her cheeks. This only seems to anger Jinshi more, his grip on her face growing more violent by the second. A few of the other women swoon, the act of violence shocking their bird-sized brains.

Maomao grabs Jinshi’s other hand before he can do too much damage, her fingers prying his out of a fist. “I missed you, and even though I’d love to see you throw her in the dungeons, I think maybe you should greet me first.” Immediately, Jinshi lets Kenji fall to the ground, waving at Basen to take her and the others away.

The second the room is cleared, Jinshi’s arms wrap around Maomao, enveloping her in his scent. “I missed you.” He mutters into her neck, breathing in her essence. “I missed you and our baby so much.” Carefully, Jinshi moves his hand to her baby bump, careful not to press too hard.

“Mmm, and I did too.” Maomao whispers, patting Jinshi’s head. “Although I wished we would have reunited under happier circumstances.” She frowns, upset that he had to come home to such a stressful environment.

“These are happy circumstances, I can take all my pent up anger out of somebody who deserves it.” Maomao chuckles, finding Jinshi’s point of view endearing. “I am so tired though, so let’s wash up together and retire early, how about that?”

“You’re ok right?” Jinshi’s head whips up, as if just now remembering the fact that she had almost died.

Maomao smiles. “Yes I am alright Jinshi. Let’s go to sleep.” Her voice is quiet, the day having drained her already limited energy like a parasite.

And so the two of them cleaned up and changed;  crawling into the bed like two lovesick fools, giggling as they snuggled up against each other. 

Chapter Text

                                 Maomao 

Investigations over the next few weeks revealed Kenji’s motives as long lasting jealousy. She had gathered a group of court ladies to overthrow the “fake” Imperial Princess. 

Maomao had actually found it quite amusing, the fact that people thought Jinshi had taken pity on her by “offering” her his love, when in reality he was the one who had been chasing her for years.

Jinshi, on the other hand, was pissed beyond reason. “Should I order her to be exacuted?” His grip tightened on the paperwork in front of him, the two of them sitting in his at-home office. The grit in his voice was unmistakable.

“I think it’s unnecessary, but if that’s what you wish for.” Maomao shrugs, currently reading a book on western herbs she had bought at a market recently. I heard there’s a flower far off in the west that can be turned into a calming anti-inflammatory tea.

Maomao was deep in thought about her book when Jinshi yanks it out of her hands, a scowl plastered on his face. “Aren’t you the least bit upset apothecary?” Jinshi and Maomao had a bad habit of calling each other by their official titles at work, and even though Maomao is now a palace physician, he still calls her apothecary. “She did try to kill you after all.” 

“Well lots of people have tried to kill me as well as you,” Maomao grabs her book from his grip, still avoiding his piercing gaze. “It’s not like she’s anything special.”

I should push his buttons a bit. Maomao’s been waiting for a moment to really piss Jinshi off, her perfect revenge for his abandonment . “You know what dear? You should just release her, I hold no grudge.” Here it comes, any second now…

Jinshi slams the table, seething so much Maomao can practically see the steam pouring out of his ears. “Let her go?! She tried to kill you!” Jinshi proceeds to go on a ten-minute long rant about how her life is valuable, how she’s irreplaceable, blah blah blah. For Maomao everything he said sometimes went in one ear and out the other.

“Me and the baby can’t handle your ramblings, we’re moving rooms.” Maomao speaks with a slight smile, turning her head so Jinshi wouldn’t see. 

“Hey!” Jinshi whips his head to face Maomao’s stomach. He’s staring through it as if he could see his child already. “You love me right? Right baby?” Jinshi begins to snuggle against Maomao’s stomach, earning him a hard smack that doesn’t stop him at all. “Mommy’s lying to me, you love it when I talk.” 

Maomao pretends to gag, gently pushing his hands off of her stomach. “I’m tired honey, can you help me bathe?” It’s been difficult to get in the bath by herself since her baby bump increased in size a few months ago— in fact, her baby bump was larger than average, leading Louman to pronounce her likely to be pregnant with twins.

The birth would be more difficult but Maomao wasn’t concerned. This was, after all, her father they were talking about. 

Jinshi walks Maomao to the bathroom, slowly guiding her into the bath Suiren had drawn a few minutes ago. “Careful, I don’t want you to slip.” The warmth of the water spreads over Maomao, relieving her muscles of the weight of the day. Jinshi unties his robe and gets in behind her, careful not to bump her stomach.

“Lady Gyokuyou and the Emperor are excited, Louman says that the twins should come any day now.” Jinshi speaks softly as he scrubs her back, trailing the soapy cloth over her skin. 

“Yes they should, in fact, arrive within the next month.” Maomao frowns. “The term ‘any day now’ is a slight inaccuracy as I don’t expect them to come that soon.” Unless… Maomao takes a minute to think, her mind combing over the possibilities of why her dad would say that. Unless, he believes I will have an early birth. 

“That’s a relief, I don’t think I’m quite ready yet to witness you in such pain.” Jinshi lets out a breath, gently pouring a bucket of warm water over Maomao’s hair.

Maomao plays with the section of her hair that Jinshi isn’t washing. “And you think you’ll be ready when they do come?” 

Jinshi smiles, massaging soap into her hair. “I don’t think I’ll ever be ready, but then again I can’t be complaining.” He washes out the bubbles again. “It’s not like I’m the one suffering the most.” Jinshi sets the basin of water down on the floor. 

Maomao pouts, kind of upset that she is incapable of bathing herself these days, the fact bugging her for the remainder of the bath. 

                 · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

3:00am : July 3rd (three weeks prior to the predicted birth)

                                   Jinshi

The moon was a full circle tonight, illuminating the sky outside of their window. Jinshi stares at whose Maomao was fast asleep, snoring on her side with her back facing away from him

She was the most amazing, most brilliant woman he’s ever met in his life. And she was carrying his baby. Jinshi would never be able to get over the fact that she loves him back, sometimes forgetting that they’re even married. It all just feels so unreal to him, so when Maomao jolts awake and groans in pain, he flinches back into reality. 

“Maomao— what’s going on-” Jinshi holds her up as Maomao clenches her hands, her eyebrows pushed together in pain. 

“I’m about to go-” Maomao grits her teeth, looking as if she were fighting the current of a river. “Into labor- I’m getting contractions.” Jinshi bolts to the door, shouting for Suiren- Gaoshun— anybody to go call for Louman and the physicians. 

This is it, this is really happening! Jinshi’s heart is racing as he directs Suiren and the other housemaids to go grab warm water and towels. Thoughts race through his head, fighting for space. Would she be ok? Will the twins complicate the birth? 

But the thought in the forefront of his mind is that he’ll soon be a father.

              · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

                              Maomao

Maomao lays on her bed. Louman stands in front of her in a surgical outfit standing before her. The whole getup was just in case a procedure needed to be performed as well as to prevent infection but it seemed to be stressing Jinshi out to no end. 

Maomao mumbles through the pain, trying to hide her odd enjoyment of it. “My contractions are fifteen minutes apart, so not that bad yet.” Louman chuckles, just handing Maomao a cup of water which she accepts.

Over the next few hours, Maomao changes positions, takes walks, and reads through medicinal books. Her initial discomfort with the pain worsening, the contractions getting more and more painful. Empress Gyokuyou even comes to sit with her for a while, holding her hand throughout the whole ordeal.

Jinshi, through it all, seemed more in pain than Maomao. “Are you sure you’re fine?” Jinshi pouts as he’s pushed out of the room by Yao, En’en staring daggers at him from behind her mistress. 

Maomao just giggles with a smile on her face. “It’s a pain unlike any I’ve experienced! Ten out of ten!” Everybody in the room shots her a look of exasperation. 

“She’s in good hands! Now get out, you’re not supposed to be in here!” Yao grunts as she shoves Jinshi, who’s just standing there not budging an inch. 

Gaoshun sighs, dragging Jinshi out of the room like a ragdoll. “Come, young master, the Emperor shall wait with you outside.” Jinshi scowls as Gyokuyou coyly waves him goodbye, silently mocking his misery. 

Exhaustion has slowly taken Maomao, her breaths getting more and more strained by the minute. Gyokuyou takes her hand, muttering quiet encouragement as Loumen takes her pulse. “I can’t do this.” Maomao huffs, squeezing the Empress’s hand.

“You’ve watched me do this twice now, what makes you think you can’t?” Gyokuyou chuckles, calling Chue over to wipe some sweat from Maomao’s forehead. She then sets her sights on Tianyu, who was slacking off in the corner as usual. He was there as Loumen’s assistance and because he was worried about Maomao.  He’d never admit that though.

Lady Gyokuyou stares the poor man down, backing him into a corner. “If you’re not going to be of use, get out. You aren’t clean.” Tianyu looks as if he wants to deny that fact but decides it’s better not to get on the Empress’s bad side. He instead chooses to clean some towels.

Yao and En’en are standing by her side, wiping down her body. “Maomao I can’t wait to see your baby!” Yao squeals, her excitement contagious. “I bet it’s gonna be the cutest baby ever!”

En’en smiles, seemingly in agreement. “I’m sure they will be, although not as cute as you, mistress,” En’en pinches Yao’s cheeks, marveling at the young woman as she always does.

Maomao groans loudly all of a sudden, her dad immediately hobbling to her side. She could feel the baby’s head pushing through. Her cervix stretched to the max already. “Keep pushing, you're almost there Maomao.” Her dad’s voice is like the calm amongst the storm, guiding her through the process.

I’m never doing this shit again! Maomao’s thoughts crash together as she gives one final push— A cry immediately pierces the air, allowing the room itself to let out the breath it was holding. She did it.

               · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

                                 Jinshi

Jinshi jumps out of his chair the second he hears the cry of a newborn babe. In seconds, he’s bursting through the doors, almost running into Chue in the process.

“Maomao—” Jinshi’s voice catches in his throat when his eyes land on Maomao. She’s holding a little bundle of fabric, barely the size of his forearm.

Jinshi drops to Maomao’s bedside, his hand finding hers. And just like that, Jinshi’s heart was played bare on the floor. How would his heart ever recover from the burst of love that has just swollen it? 

Just as he’s about to take a peek at the child in her arms, Loumen hands him another bundle of fabric. Jinshi fumbles a bit with the handover, his hands sweating with anxiety. “Are you sure I’m qualified to hold him?”

Maomao sighs. “Yes, and how did you know that’s the boy?” Jinshi shakes his head with a smile, gently stroking his son’s tiny strand of hair. 

“Just a guess,” Jinshi sits down next to Maomao, angling their son to her so she can see his face. “Why are you so focused on our children anyways?” Jinshi teased her lightheartedly, recalling the months she spent talking about how excited she was for her placenta. “Your placenta is over there Maomao.” Jinshi motions to a blob of pink flesh that’s been set in a jar that everybody in the room strays away from.

Jinshi carefully observes the look in his wife’s eyes. “All of a sudden it’s as if my sight has changed, I only see them now.” Maomao murmurs, stroking her daughter’s hair. “Yueying…” Maomao hugs her daughter a little closer. “Yes, we shall name this one after the moon.” 

Jinshi chuckles, peering over at his daughter while holding his son carefully. “Yueying, I like that name.” He motions for the imperial scribe who had just arrived a while ago. “I shall have to match your grandiose naming talent, our son shall be called Xingchen.” 

Fitting names for the imperial family who named their children after the celestial bodies. Stardust and moon flower, their children.

“Xiao Yue, Xiao Xing, women feichang feichang ai ni.” (Little moon, little star, we love you very very much) Maomao speaks in a soft voice. Her hands brushing both her children’s faces.

Jinshi sits a little closer to Maomao on the bed, daring to lean onto her small frame just a little bit. “Maomao?”

“Yes?”

“This is the best day of my life.”

“I know.”

“You know I love you right?”

“I love you too.”

Chapter Text

                                    Jinshi 

The sun washes over Jinshi’s skin, warming it. The light tugs at his mind, attempting to pull him out of the dregs of sleep. Yet it eventually pries his weary eyes open nevertheless. The scene in front of him was serene— near perfection. Maomao is sleeping next to him on her side, hand extending past the mattress to grasp the edge of the cradle containing their children. 

Ever the diligent doctor, Maomao had refused Jinshi’s request to sleep with the twins. Claiming it as “unsafe with a side of crushed children.” As a compromise Jinshi had pushed the cradle to the side of the bed, making sure Maomao was able to reach the children at a moment's notice.

His wife had seemingly shifted during the night to brace the bassinet, holding onto the edge with a tight grip. Jinshi slowly brushes away Maomao’s hair, drawing her out of her dreams. “Maomao,” Jinshi whispers, desperate not to wake their children up and incur Maomao’s wrath. “Sweetheart, it's time to get up.” Jinshi frowns, Maomao still unmoving from her position.

“Maomao—” Jinshi is pitifully interrupted when an annoyed Maomao swats his hand away, yawning as she stretches her arm just enough to hit him in the face. 

“I’m awake you big dummy, be quiet.” Maomao shushes, peeking into the crib to see Yueying and Xingchen. She gently twists a finger around her daughter's hand, brushing the soft skin of her face. “They look so peaceful…” Maomao muses, motioning for Jinshi to come look.

And she was right, for they looked just like two angels sent straight from the heavens. The moment Jinshi begins to praise himself for bearing the world’s calmest children, Xingchen begins to whimper, clearly about to wake up.

Jinshi picks him up at once, comforting him in his arms. The issue is that Xing Xing’s crying seems to have woken his sister, Yue yue now beginning to wail as well.. Somehow, Yueying has even stronger vocal cords than Xingchen, leaving Maomao to groan in exasperation.

“Shhh shhh Xiao Yue, daddy’s right here.” Jinshi tries to mimic Maomao’s technique, failing miserably. Maomao chuckles, walking over to her flustered husband. “Here, you’re holding him all wrong.” Maomao adjusts Xingchen in his arms, melting Jinshi’s heart as he watches her. And just like that, his son’s cries die down into small whimpers.

“Wow…” Jinshi shakes his head, amazed at how easy it comes to Maomao. “Guess there’s still a lot I have to learn huh.” It’s then that Suiren and Maimei knock at the door, bringing with them some blankets to wrap the babies in.

Maomao thanks the two women as they gently take the children from their parent’s arms. “Please make sure they are well cared for.” Maomao looks tentative to hand Xingchen and Yueying over, but reluctantly does so anyway.

All of a sudden, a wisp of brown hair bounces into Jinshi’s vision “Chue is here to help Lady Maomao get dressed!” She chirps, her energy seemingly an endless well.

“Yes, perhaps you should leave me to it, Jinshi.” Maomao smiles and waves a disappointed Jinshi off, leaving him without his children or wife. 

Perhaps he should get dressed as well.

Time to go sulk on the balcony I guess. 

                                     Maomao

“Chue?” Maomao taps the other woman’s arm, halting her focused brushing. “How did you feel after you gave birth to your first child?” Maomao was aware that this was a rather personal question but Chue usually didn’t mind these types of things.

“Mmmm,” Chue stands and thinks for a while, drawing out her silence on purpose. “Well, it was difficult but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. I just learnt that children want to spend every second of every day with you, and you have to learn how to say no!” Maomao gives her an exasperated look.

Shaking her head, Maomao watches as Chue finishes her hair. “How does one say no to a newborn who can’t even speak?” This is insane.

Chue sighs, motioning for Maomao to stand so she can dress her. “What I mean is that you can’t latch onto them, eventually you’ll have to let go, it’s better to learn how to earlier on.” The sparrow-like girl heaves Maomao with that as a final thought, finishing up her work and taking her leave shortly after stealing some snacks.

Before Chue had dressed her, Maomao had taken a quick bath and checked her stomach. Her skinny figure had been able to bounce back rather quickly after birth, stretch marks barely visible. She had hoped to keep some of the weight she put on during pregnancy but that was already looking like it wouldn’t happen.

The teal of her hanfu is draped around her like mist, the perfect color to wear during the summer. It has nearly been a year since her initial pregnancy scare, marking a full circle in her journey of healing. “It was all worth it in the end though.” Maomao pats her now flat belly with love.

“What was all worth it?” Jinshi steps into the room, his mere presence filling the silence that previously held the room’s space. His smile is infectious, pulling one from Maomao’s face as well. 

She puts away some of her jewelry, shutting the drawers gently. “Nothing.  Did the Emperor and Empress request us to join them for breakfast?” Maomao inquires. “Best not to keep them waiting, yes?”

Jinshi pouts, disappointment washing over his face. “Yeah yeah, let’s go.”

August 3rd, exactly a month after Maomao gave birth

                                      Jinshi

“I feel as if I am truly aging.” The Emperor chuckles, watching as Maomao fusses over her children. Empress Gyokuyou was across the room with Jinshi’s wife, watching Princess Lingli play with the newborns. 

He’s not old just because his younger brother had a child. Jinshi sighs. The young man wishes the Emperor would just let it go and allow him to forget his true place. “Not at all your Majesty.” Jinshi sets down his tea. The four adults had all finished eating a while ago, choosing to chat for a while before dispersing.

The Emperor strokes his beard. “Which reminds me, I have a gift for you.” Jinshi raises an eyebrow. A gift? For what? “It’s a reward for all you did to aid the Empire on your last trip to the Western Capital.” Jinshi fights the urge to frown. His trip to the Western Capital, the same trip that tore him apart from his pregnant wife.

“Ah, that’s so considerate of you.” Jinshi dips his head, his teeth sliding together at an angle. “I appreciate the thought, your Majesty but no gift is required.” Jinshi smiles with a hint of sarcasm. “I just did what I thought best for Li.”

Now it’s the Emperor’s turn to sigh. “I suppose Lady Maomao will not want the additional greenhouses that come with the property I’ve gifted you?” He teases, looking quite smug when the word ‘greenhouses’ catches Jinshi’s attention.

Jinshi clears his throat, realizing he can’t and won’t deny his wife anything she may want. “On second thought, yes, we shall accept the gift graciously.” The Emperor grins, satisfied with Jinshi’s answer. 

“Very well then, I must head off to a council meeting, it was nice speaking to you Zuigetsu.” The Emperor leaves with Gyokuyou and Lingli, the three of them seeming like a normal family for a moment, the serene image freezing itself into Jinshi’s mind.

              · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · 

Jinshi leaves his spot on the couch to check on Maomao. “Love, how do you feel?” Jinshi wraps his arms around Maomao, who leans back onto his chest slightly, her shoulders un-tensing.

“I feel fine.” Maomao turns her head so he can just barely see her face. “I’m thinking of going back to the medical office soon, as well as checking up on Chou-u and Kokuyou back at the pleasure district.” She pats her stomach. “I’ve recovered quite nicely for my first pregnancy.”

Jinshi blushes slightly at the implication. “Well,” he clears his throat. “You can do whatever you want of course, just please make sure you don’t exhaust yourself.” 

Maomao’s lips quick up in a slight smirk. “I don’t exhaust me, you exhaust me.” She twirls his hair, pressing her body a little closer to his. Maomao’s been like this ever since she recovered from birth and since the twins didn’t need constant supervision anymore. It seems her hormones have finally hit her at full force, Jinshi sometimes catching her licking her lips at him from across the dinner table sometimes.

It’s not that he doesn’t want to have sex with her either, it’s just that Jinshi still has that hole of fear in his heart that tells him he might hurt her. Thus, every advance that Maomao’s made in the past two weeks has been gently pushed off by a sex-deprived Jinshi.

But this is it. Jinshi can’t hold on any longer, his mind is clouded with thoughts of her on top or beneath him, he doesn’t even care at this point. He just needs her in whatever way she’ll have him. “You’re going to find out soon just how much I can exhaust you Maomao.” Jinshi rasps, grabbing her over sensitive waist gently. 

Picking her up, Jinshi locks the door to the living room. Taking her with him as he retreats even further into the mansion, ending up in the bedroom. “Are you sure I won’t hurt you?” Jinshi whispers softly against Maomao’s ear. She nods firmly, small whimpers escaping her mouth as she clutches the sheets in anticipation. 

Jinshi slowly winds the layers of cloth that cover Maomao off of her, revealing the smooth expanse of tan skin underneath. This was going to be fun.

                    Jinshi and Maomao dual POV

“Shit—” Maomao hisses as Jinshi licks a trail down her torso, the saliva mixing with the slight chill of the early August air to stun her nerves.

“Jinshi,” Maomao’s voice is breathless, the air stolen from her lungs by the man in front of her. Jinshi’s mouth trails lower and lower, until he reaches her core, tongue lapping at the bundle of nerves nestled within. 

It’s rare that they get a moment alone nowadays. The twins, who usually take up every moment of their time, are with Suiren in a completely different part of the pavilion. 

Jinshi gently flips Maomao over, hands grasping her soft hips firmly. She feels like putty under his fingertips, ready and willing to be shaped.

Maomao squirms and tries to wiggle out of Jinshi’s grasp when he slides his tongue into her. The sensation immediately spreads to every corner of her body, igniting her nerves like fire. “S-slow down-” Her words trip over her breaths, the noises tangling together. 

Jinshi, who was previously handling her so gently, grabs her chin forcefully. Pulling her head back he meets her face halfway, crashing their lips together. “You said you wanted me to exhaust you right?” Jinshi nips at her lips a little harder. “Well I can’t exhaust you while being gentle, now can I?” 

Maomao groans, trying to ease her tense body into Jinshi’s motions. Her hands are gripping the sheets so hard that they’re on the verge of tearing beneath them.  

“Well, shit—” Maomao seethes as Jinshi slowly pushes into her, bottoming out after a few moments of adjustment.

Jinshi’s mouth quirks up, breaths shallowing as Maomao’s walls close in around him. “Hey,” Jinshi presses the palm of his hand down onto the bulge of her stomach. He smiles, a triumphant look on his face. “Look, it’s almost like another baby.”

Maomao scowls, face ridden with sweat. “At this rate—” her voice strains, “at this rate you will put another baby in me!” Jinshi begins to move after hearing this, face contorting with pleasure. Slowly pulling out of Maomao until only his tip was left in, then slamming back into her with full force.

Maomao struggles against Jinshi’s firm hold on her hips, wanting the overstimulation to cease but at the same time reaching for more. The release that Maomao’s searching so hard for is just within her reach. 

Jinshi delights in dragging it on, slowing his pace every time Maomao gets even the tiniest bit close to a climax. “Mmm? How are you feeling love?” Jinshi pulls her head back even more, arching her back so she looks like a cat. 

Maomao gurgles, mouth filled with saliva that’s begging to be licked up by him. Jinshi curses, head feeling like it’ll explode from the emotions that fill it. His rhythm grows sloppy, moving in and out of Maomao at an animalistic speed. Amidst the chaos, his lips find hers, wrapping them in a sloppy embrace. 

“Jinshi—” Maomao’s keening now, small spasms taking her body in waves. Jinshi’s member is sliding into her with ease now, hitting spots so deep in her she’s sure it’ll bruise the top of her stomach blue. Her orgasm hits her like a wave, rolling over every inch of her body, claiming every single nerve.

Jinshi keeps on erratically pushing into her, sweat beading on his face. “Maomao, shit— I’m so close—” warm sticky liquid fills Maomao’s womb, Jinshi finally letting go of his pent up frustration. He holds her there, both of them riding out their highs while struggling to catch their breaths on the bed.

Jinshi gently kisses her mouth, using his fingers to paint her lips with their mixed releases. “Almost three fourths of a year without you,” Jinshi smirks, “seems you’ve grown tight in that time~” Maomao groans and rolls over, too tired to even fight back.

“Whatever—” Maomao cuts herself off with a yawn. She stretches her arms out over her head, bumping into Jinshi's face in the process. This earns her a grunt and a smile.

“I give you the best sex of your life and you repay me by ignoring me and abusing my beautiful head?”

“No, I let you have the best sex of your life, and you will repay me by cleaning us both up then cuddling with me till I fall asleep.”

“Why do I even try to get gratitude anymore?”

“Well you answered that question yourself when you married me.”

“Goodnight.” Jinshi pouts. “I love youuuuuu”

“Yeah yeah, I love you too.”

Chapter Text

I’m discontinuing the fic until I get further motivation to continue or accept the fact that the new members of ao3 just have shit fandom etiquette. I don’t wanna post on an unsupportive platform where I might get grilled in my comments for not writing something correctly or realistically. You my readers have been so supportive and kind, I just don’t feel comfortable posting right now. I hope I can continue this fic over the summer. I will although, always love you guys and be proud of the work I’ve done here. 

With love and appreciation

—Stxxrdust 

expected return date - (July 3, 2026)