Volume 2, Chapter 5: Disguise (1/2)

You know a lot about make up?

(Just what is this about? )

Maomao tilted her head. Jinshi had said that. He was back in his private room, his official duties over. Suiren was helping him into his change of clothes. Certainly, she learnt how to use make-up, reluctant or not, having been brought up in the prostitution quarter. Besides drugs, she also made cosmetics before. It can be said she knew much about it.

Is it a gift for someone?

Not quite. Its for me.

.

Maomao looked at him like she was peering into the bottomless abyss. It certainly was hollow. Seeing that expression,

What are you imagining?

Jinshi said. Even though he said it, she could only imagine it as he said it.

(He doesnt need it.)

Maomao imagined Jinshi with make-up. His current appearance was already beautiful like a heavenly person. He only had to draw a scarlet line on the corner of his eyes, put on rouge and paste a huadian[note], A coloured mark, usually red, that is pasted on the middle on the forehead. Common designs are flowers. Popular during the Tang Dynasty. [/note] on his forehead; just that much would be enough to topple the country. There were a lot of absurd wars in history; several of them were instigated by country toppling beauties.

you want to go as far as to ruin the country?

How did it come to that!

Jinshi, after putting his arms through his outer garment, sat down on his chair. Maomao poured some porridge from the pot. An abalone porridge seasoned with a savoury flavour, it was overwhelmingly delicious though she only helped herself to one bite for food tasting. Since Suiren will split the rest with Maomao after Jinshi was done with eating, she wanted him to pick up the pace and finish eating before the pot got cold.

The thing you have. How did you make that face powder?

Jinshi said, gesturing at the area around her nose.

(Is it about that huh.)

Maomao got the picture. His beauty was superfluous even at the best of times; he probably had no need to get anymore sparkly than this.

This is dried clay powder that is mixed in oil. I blend in charcoal and rouge when I want to make the colour extremely dark.

Hoh. Can you make some immediately?

For the time being, Maomao took out a clam vessel from her bosom. It contained thoroughly kneaded clay.

I only have this much on me right now, but if you allow me one evening I can quickly make some more.

Jinshi picked up the clam. He scooped out the contents with a finger and smeared it on the back of his hand. Maomao felt that the colour she compounded for herself was slightly too dark on the white porcelain skin that was unthinkable for a man.

Will it be Jinshi-sama who is using it?

Jinshi smiled tenderly at Maomaos words. Though he neither denied nor affirmed it, but it wouldnt be wrong for her to take it as an affirmative.

It would be convenient if there is medicine that can change ones face though.

At the Jinshi who said that jokingly,

Its not that it doesnt exist, but youll be left with that face for the rest of your life.

Even just applying lacquer on your face will be sufficient, Maomao said.

True that.

Jinshi said with a bitter smile.  As one would expect, this was troubling, and if Maomao did such things, she would be surely be torn apart by everyone around her and turned into animal feed.

Its not that there isnt such a technique though.

In that case, Ill leave it to you.

Jinshi smiled as if he was anticipating it. and ate his porridge. The chicken that was grilled to perfection looked delicious, but there surely wouldnt be any leftovers for her. He passed the plate to Suiren with the last bite left on it.

Turn me into a completely different person.

(I wonder what he is planning.)

Maomao wasnt reckless to ask that much. Even if she knew, it wasnt something that would be beneficial to her.  She only have to prepare it obediently as she was told. Maomao told him, I understand. She looked at Jinshi who continued his dinner, wanting him to quickly finish eating. The abalone porridge looked truly delicious.

The next day, Maomao prepared a face powder that darker than what she usually made, and stuffed several other things she might need into the cloth bag. She had turned up earlier than usual, but the lights in Jinshis private room were already lit. The owner of the room was sitting on the couch in his room, having done with his bath, and Suiren was drying his hair.  A luxury only a nobleman can have. Although the clothes he wore were simpler and more modest than usual, that conduct was a noblemans.

Good morning.

Maomao said to Jinshi with her eyes half-closed.

Ah. Whats wrong? You got up on the wrong side of the bed huh.

No, I thought that Jinshi-sama is as beautiful as ever.

Newcomer sarcasm?

It was just truth that sounded like sarcasm to an extent.  She thought that his unravelled hair was glossy, and if she spun his hair right now into fabric, it would surely be first-class silk.

Did you not want to do this from the start?

Its nothing like that. Does Jinshi-sama really want to turn into a different person?

I already told you last night.