Volume 1, Chapter 16: Secret Manoeuvres (1/2)

It was the Palace Official Chief’s room that Jinshi led her to. The middle-aged court lady withdrew from the room at Jinshi’s directions.

Let’s say it honestly. It was completely impossible for her to be alone in the same room as this living being.

Even Maomao didn’t hate pretty things. It’s just that she couldn’t forgive that he is excessively pretty, she felt that tiny flaw was like a sin. It was just like a polished gem with its value halved due to a hairline fracture.

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

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

This was the lower middle-class citizen Maomao’s real intention.

She was relieved when Gaoshun came in to replace the palace lady. Recently, the stoic attendant was in the process of becoming the healing type.

“How many colours are there for these?” Jinshi asked.

She lined up the powders she had taken from the medical office. “There’s red, yellow, blue, purple, and green. If you make a fine distinction, there are more. I don’t know the specific number.”

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

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

“If it’s salt, you can just add salt water. I think this too can be done the same way.” She put away the white powder. “The other ones look like they can be removed with something other than water. This too, is outside my expertise, so I don’t know.”

“It’s good enough.” The youth crossed in arms, deep in thought.

Just this would paint a picture.

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

(A cipher…I wonder?)

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

The pheasant would not be shot but for its cries.

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

“Wait,” Jinshi said.

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

“I like ;dobin mushi(土瓶蒸し, food steam-boiled in an earthenware teapot, commonly made with ;matsutakemushroom…).”

There was no need to say, “of what?”

(I just knew I’ve been caught.)

Dropping her shoulders, “I’ll go look for some tomorrow as well.” she told him.

○●○

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

“By your will.”