The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 8

The former emperor had passed away when Jinshi was thirteen, and Jinshi had become crown prince. That same year, he challenged the Emperor to a game of Go, and when he won, he earned the right to enter the rear palace as the “eunuch,” Jinshi. All so that he could abandon his position as crown prince.

“Ever since then, I’ve held that a man shouldn’t bet on a game of Go,” the Emperor said.

“I’m afraid you can’t take it back now.”

“I told you, if you wish to be Emperor, I’ll happily give you the title when the time comes.”

It was right about the time the evening bell was ringing. First I saw the sky light up, then I heard the bell, and it wasn’t a moment later that the thunder came.

I heard that tremendous noise almost as soon as I saw the flash of light

the sky lit up just as the bell was sounding, and then there came that terrible crash

Jinshi had started by thinking about Maomao’s books, but soon he found himself thinking about Maomao—specifically, how he might talk her into accepting his proposal. He would have to prepare, set everything up so that she had no comeback and no reason to refuse

“My wife will have to be a woman I can trust implicitly.”

Maomao immediately clapped her hands onto the sides of Jinshi’s face, but he smiled: “That was a joke.”

Thinking naturally caused a craving for sweets

inshi had started by thinking about Maomao’s books, but soon he found himself thinking about Maomao—specifically, how he might talk her into accepting his proposal. He would have to prepare, set everything up so that she had no comeback and no reason to refuse. He wanted to be a man who did what he said he would.

“Why do you draw freckles on your face, anyway?” They lived in the dorm together; Yao had long ago realized that Maomao’s freckles were fake.

“Oh, you know,” Maomao said. She’d resolved to stop once, but Jinshi had ordered her to keep doing it. Having to explain why, though, was tricky. It was risky to bring Jinshi into it. Finally she said, “Religious reasons.” It seemed like the best way to not have to go into details.