Book/Media RP The Tyrant’s Poisonous Flower (Solaris)

[FaeWhisperer]

(This thread is loosely inspired by the new kdrama Bon Appetite Your Majesty and is also inspired by the Apothecary Diaries, so a twist on both)

Zixin, the Fourth Emperor of the current Tang Dynasty was known across the land as a powerful and feared man. He had spared no one in his conquest to avenge his late disposed mother, the previous Empress. He was also known to have a very short temper, and anyone who crossed him would be met with his blade.

Of course, he had his loyal subjects, and those who would die for him. They knew the his royal majesty hadn’t always been like this- but after losing his mother, he had slowly begun to fall into madness for his revenge. He swore that one day he would discover who had given the order to kill her, and he would stop at nothing to figure out the truth.

The Emperor’s younger brother, Zhan (湛 meaning genuine and innocent) - had always seen his older brother unfit to rule, saying that his temper and outbursts wasn’t one who should be on the throne, and was secretly planning to overthrow him. But how to do it, he wasn’t yet sure. He was in contact with one of his brother’s only concubine so far, Yue, who secretly wished for the throne herself but realized it would be better to be Zhan’s Empress Consort, as it seemed those who were not loyal to Zixin, favored the younger brother the most. They too, were tired of Zixin and his ‘improper’ fit to reign.

It was then that Zixin decided that upon the unrest of the palace, a new poison taster would be employed, because he feared in his conquest of truth, he would be silenced as well before he could bring judgement upon those responsible.

Yet he couldn’t just choose anyone. He would have to choose one that he knew well. He then thought about one that he had known in the past, one who had been his father’s confidant and personal taster. But if he remembered correctly, the man was nearing his 40s, and would likely have been retired.

That’s when he decided to bring in the man’s daughter, who Zixin had known when he was much younger and as a teenager. It had been at least two years since he had saw her, and she was currently summoned to the palace by royal decree. A lot had happened in the two years since he had been made the Emperor, and the Dragon Emperor had to keep his own personal feelings put aside for now, although him requesting her had been for much more selfish reasons. He wanted an excuse to see her again, but wasn’t sure if things would be the same again, especially when the last time he had saw her he was still the Crowned Prince.

There he patiently waited for her arrival, sitting relaxed on his adorned throne, his current servants fanning him. It was a hot autumn afternoon, and he had dressed in light robes, although his color palette consisted of dark and moody shades, which wouldn’t help him staying cool in the sun. But thankfully his attendants had always carried an gai (umbrella) over him whenever he walked across the palace grounds.
-

Name: Li Zixin
Age: 20 years
Height: 5’7
Appearance:
Background: (detailed above)
Status: alive
Likes/Dislikes: is it said that the Emperor prefers hot over cold dishes, and cold days over warm days.
Current relationships: One concubine, his favorite - Zhao (a very common, prestigious surname) Yue (悦 ; symbolizing femininity and joy), who has reputation on being a villainous woman and has been mean towards court ladies. Zixin is unaware of this jealousy.
Family; Previous Emperor (deceased), Grandmother (alive, empress dowager, paternal grandmother to the current Emperor) - brother Zhan (the Beloved Prince), 2 years younger. Mother (deceased, most likely disposed for being a foreigner)

(@Solaris- hello! Just an fyi idk if you knew, but you can resize images, just click/tap on the image and hit the + looking symbol and I usually do 250 x auto and it helps resizing my images so much!)

I also left the rp open ended so that you can have your character and her background and when she’s currently walking into the emperor’s palace to meet him for the first time in two years. We can always explore their history later :3

 

[Solaris-]

The Sun family were well known in the village that bordered the royal palace. They were a long line of apothecaries that had originally moved there from another country that had faced its own fair share of war and strife among other challenges. They'd brought with them a wealth of knowledge, and thus they'd been allowed to remain there- gaining the people's admiration as a family of hardworking people worthy of respect despite them having no noble lineage to speak of.

Yanwen and her father were no different. She was the apple of her father's eye, and the spitting image of him in his youth. His only child as her mother had been unable to bear him anymore children after the birth of their daughter. That hadn't mattered to them, however, as they loved their child. She was bright, intelligent- though some might say she was too smart for her own good at times, and free spirited. Where most girls and women focused solely on their beauty and manners to attract a husband, Yanwen had never cared too much for those things. She'd been far more interested in learning her family's craft and honing her skills.

As an adolescent, she'd grown a bad habit of using her own body to test her own concoctions. Her arms were scarred and burned along their entire length, but she kept them hidden from view so as to not frighten anyone or have them worry that she was being abused. It was her own doing, and she'd rather not attract their ire nor their concern. She developed an affinity for poisoncraft and had built up a resistance to most commonly used toxins like hemlock and nightshade. It would take a far larger dose of those to put her in any serious danger than the common man.

The day had started like many others. Her father had helped her wrap her arms in fresh bandages before their first client would arrive for the day. "Xiao Yan, I heard you scared away another young man from the village." Though his words carried an incredulous tone, he couldn't fight back the smile that played at the corners of his lips. He knew all too well what kind of woman his daughter was and that she hated when the village men would pine after her endlessly.

"It was his own fault. He kept asking pointless questions and quizzing me about my work. He kept asking me why 'a woman as beautiful as you needs a profession so dangerous'." She rolled her eyes and flexed her wrist with the bandages. They were tight, but she still had full range of motion and circulation. Yanwen rolled down her sleeves of her dress and set to work on the old woman's remedy before she would arrive. "It isn't that I don't wish for a husband one day; I simply wish for one that isn't horrible to me and wants me for who I am rather than how beautiful he thinks I am." She'd worked too hard, learned too much, to simply be happy being a trophy wife to a village man who wanted many babies to further his bloodline. She knew her worth was far more than that.

There was a knock at the door of their shop, and Yanwen was quicker than her father to open it- fully expecting the older woman on the other end. She was met with the face of men dressed in royal colors. Guardsmen of the palace there in their village brought many questions to her mind, but she stepped aside and allowed them entry to the shop. A scroll with a royal insignia was handed to her father, and the man closest to him spoke loudly. "By order of the Emperor, we seek the assistance of the Sun family. We request your presence as the Palace's official poison taster."

Her father had served in that position before, but now he was an older man- retired and walking with a pronounced limp. "My father is in no state to be dragged about the palace." Her words left her lips before she could stop them, and though she didn't regret them, the silence that followed made her flush with guilt immediately.

"Xiao Yan," Her father broke the silence quietly. "The emperor has requested you by name."

--

Sitting in the carriage with the men that had brought the request to their residence had made everything feel far more surreal for the woman. Before they'd left, she had bathed herself and made herself look presentable to appear before the royal court. Brunette hair done up loosely with braids to keep it from sticking to her neck in the warm autumn heat. Her heart raced; it'd been a few years since she'd seen anyone of the royal family. The princeling she'd known before had become the emperor. Surely he had changed in that time. He feared for his safety enough to request her presence, and she could only imagine the politics running amok in the palace for him to feel the way he did. Leaving her father behind had not been an easy choice for her to make, but she dare not disobey a direct order that had been handed down.

The thoughts were swallowed down as they'd stopped. Her confidence wavered, but she remained steadfast and did her best to hold her head high as she was helped down from the carriage. Yanwen followed behind the men quietly- gaze taking in the sights and finery of those around her. To the rest of them, her own appearance was quite plain. A small, brunette girl in unassuming garb. To them, she was nothing but a commoner and now a servant to the emperor.

They'd led her to the door where her once friend sat on his throne surrounded by other servants. As she entered, Yanwen kneeled respectfully and deeply in reverance as one was expected to do. Her gaze only dared to drift up through thick lashes to take a brief glance at the young man that had been her friend once. "Your Highness," she greeted him gently and calmly. "I am Sun Yanwen, daughter of Sun KaiHong. I am here to humbly accept your royal summons and provide you with my knowledge."

--

Name- Sun YanWen 孙妍雯 (yan meaning beautiful; wen meaning cloud patterns. Sun is a classic surname)
Age- 21
Likes- bitter foods, tea with no additions, peach blossoms, calligraphy, seafood
Dislikes- overly sweet foods, red meats, societal expectations
Favored gifts- old books, calligraphy brushes, sour or bitter candies
Family- Mother and Father both are alive and retired professionally, but still working due to demand for what they do.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

(Thanks for reminding me how names work lol I forget the surname comes before their first name, but for continuity purposes I’m going to either address him as Zixin or just the Emperor, I’ve also edited names above)

Li (李; a common royal surname, the Li family founded the Tang Dynasty) Zixin (籽欣 ; commonly meaning self-confidence or joyful child) watched as Sun YanWen approached the Bright Hall (mingtang 明堂 - central hall of the ancient royal and imperial palace, where important ceremonies like audiences, offerings, celebrations where held) and knelt down to show her respects to him. When she greeted him, his face did not show any sign of waver in emotion, but he knew his heart was stirring simply in her presence.

“Apothecary,” he addressed her as such, looking amongst the crowd that had gathered and then back to her, his eyes were filled with something no one could really decipher. “I have declared by my royal decree that you, from this day forward shall be my personal poison taster,” he slowly got up from his throne and walked down the steps towards her. “I expect everyone here to give her respect and honor, anyone who does not agree with my decision will certainly meet an untimely death” he commanded, he knew he had to put on a much more fierce act amongst everyone, but Yanwen would know how he used to be, he was always soft spoken, gentle and kind. The crowd rang out with their heads bowed “Yes your Majesty!” They knew that whenever the Emperor had someone new that he cared for, crossing that line or hurting the Emperor’s property was certainly punishable by imprisonment, banishment or worse; death.

“I have created a special place for you to reside in this palace. The court ladies will see to it that you are taken care for, as well as one of the royal eunuchs will accompany you at all times whenever you need to go somewhere outside of the palace.” It was indeed an odd thing to hire an apothecary to be a poison taster, but she was well known among the imperial palace, as their family had been well respected, even with the previous Emperor. So it wasn’t too much of a shock when Zixin had requested her.

He motioned for the one of his the court ladies to come forth, and to take Sun YanWen away from the Bright Hall. When Yanwen was standing, Zixin turned to go back up to his throne. “You will accompany the rest of my court, especially when it comes to my meals that I receive in my chambers.” He explained further and looked to her when he turned to sit back on the throne. “My next meal will be in shichen (時辰) (two hours). Make sure you are presentable and settled in by then,” he lastly said and dismissed the onlookers as well as Sun YanWen.

When she left the Bright Hall, she would be shown an area of the palace that had fittings an apothecary would love. Multiple plants that bloomed in the area, mostly for medicinal purposes. She would also find that he had curated a workstation for her, probably remnants of what her father used to use all those years ago. There was also an elaborate canopy bed there for her comfort. He certainly did not spare any expense when it came down to giving her what she needed and more.

She would also notice a set of hand picked clothing, probably mostly from the Emperor himself. He had carefully picked garments that would be fitting of an apothecary, but the colors and style of the clothing fit the current dynasty, and of course, her personal tastes. To remember such a fact…Sunwen would be able to remember that in this dynasty, women were allowed to be bolder in how they dressed, and the colors and styles of the fabric reflected that. Certainly, the Emperor made sure to choose colors not reflecting of royalty but one of high status. Her shoes that she was provided were also cotton and linen, flat shoes with beautiful embroidery and colors to match the clothing she was provided.

The Emperor’s own clothing, the colors he chose to wear was not certainly common, but his clothing was made in the finest silks and adorned with golden yellow aspects, especially with a dragon embroidered on the sleeves. The golden yellow color was specifically meant for the imperial family only.

 

[Solaris-]

His threat of death if she was mistreated had surprised Yanwen. She'd never known him to be hardened to the world before- at least not in her presence. Even in the village, she'd heard rumors of him being far less kind than she'd known him to be. Perhaps the power truly had gone to his head in the end, but she would reserve her judgement for now.

She was helped to her feet by an attractive woman. Yanwen's gaze moved up momentarily to meet the one of Zixin. Her heart ached for her friend, and she wished they could speak more openly as they had once done in not too distant past. For now, she bit her tongue as she was sure she would have ample opportunity to do so later. "As you wish it, Your Highness." Even though she wasn't presented with choice in the matter, she was happy to put her skills to use.

Both she and the court maiden were dismissed. The girl stared over at Yanwen with bright eyes full of a curiosity and intrigue she hadn't expected. "Well, let it out. What is it?" The girl seemed to flinch under the direct words, and she offered a reassuring smile. It had been a long time since she'd spoken to anyone her own age much less another woman that wasn't from her village. Perhaps she shouldn't have been so direct. This whole ordeal would take some getting used to, she supposed, but it would be nice to at least make friends with those that would be following her around.

"The way he looked at you was so intense, JieJie (older sister; a term of respect among women to defer to other girls who are older)." She hid her mouth behind her sleeve as she spoke excitedly. It seemed that Yanwen wasn't the only one that had noticed the emperor's stare even if it had only been for a brief moment. "My name is MeiHua by the way." Now that the tension had broken between them, it seemed that this girl was all too happy to talk the brunette's ear off.

The space that had been designated to her was larger than their tiny shop back in the village. The bed was a luxury as she was used to sleeping on a mat on the floor. He hadn't needed to do all of this for her just to ensure her comfort, and yet he had done so. Fingers trailed idly along the beautiful plants as she listened to her companion speaking- nodding along with her stories as though she were truly listening. A wave of tiredness ran through her entire body and she seated herself down on the bed.

"JieJie, are you okay?"

"I'm alright, XiaoMei. I just need a moment, please. I'm not used to being around so many people, and this is all so very new to me." Clients that came by the shop were one thing, but people of the court who were like coiled vipers in the grass with ill intentions were a whole other story. The girl seemed to take the answer in stride, however and left her alone for a moment while she busied herself with pulling things out of a nearby wardrobe.

A fine, but plain dress was pulled out washed in the emperor's colors and was presented to her. Far more elegant than the one she was wearing, but not something that would overtake the beauty of the robes of the man's consort. It would at least help her to be a bit less inconspicuous to wear this than what she'd arrived in.

--

Two hours had passed with the two having chatted idly while MeiHua brushed her hair and pulled it into a half up design. She'd slipped a small hairpin through the back- a peach blossom that Yanwen rather liked on herself. She was not vain by any means, but even she could see in the small mirror that she looked much more like a lady of the court than before. The women walked in comfortable silence toward where she would provide her first tasting for the emperor. Yanwen could admit that she was fairly nervous. A wrong call could cost the man his life and she would be to blame for it. The smell of freshly prepared foods made her stomach turn, but she bit the feeling back and shoved it away. She couldn't afford to fuck this up and she knew it.

When the door was opened, she offered a polite bow of her head this time in respect- though she did look at him this time. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. Please show me where I should sit."​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin had retired to his chambers for the time being, he was sitting in the adorned day bed and idly lounging about. He had also changed clothes, to a much more simple form than before. He seemed much more relaxed, especially out of the public eye.

When Yanwen entered, he was surprised that she had chosen the outfit she did, given the fact of all the options he had given to her. This particular dynasty was able to let women have shorter sleeves and more exposed cleavage- an especially favored style of his current consort, but he figured Yanwen had chosen this as to not draw too much attention to herself, which was smart in his mind. He also made sure that the colors he had chosen did not reflect any golden colors as that would be improper and a general faux-pas.

He motioned for her to sit on the cushion next to where the food was being plated for him on the nearby tables. He had the rest of his ensemble in the room as they witnessed Yanwen settle in next to the Emperor. He looked to her next, his expression difficult and hard to read. “Tonight we will test your skills for the first time. Anything you deem as poison will be investigated immediately by our head of royal meals.” He clarified, but he also knew she rather enjoyed how the poison felt on her tongue and in her body. He remembered as such and silently sighed, really hoping his food was not poisoned.

Once his food was served, he patiently waited for her to start tasting the food. The course covered six individual meals, all ranging from a particular chosen food, tied to the Emperor’s specific tastes. He had usually been a picky eater, but he knew he had to be, as he really couldn’t trust those around him, and had constant worries of the royal kitchen having a traitor in their midsts.

“If you fail to identify any poison, your own life will be judged in accordance, especially if there is any harm to befall myself.” He reminded her, silently hating that he had to put the pressure on her. But this is what he requested her for…mostly. He would carefully watch her taste each individual dish, his eyes lingering a little too long on her lips as she ate.

Before he had received his first concubine, Zixin had admittedly had found himself longing after the Apothecary. But one of his status should not have done so, given that her and her family had no nobility background, and that was something that was a bit taboo in the rear palace at the time. But now that he was Emperor, and had his first concubine, any woman he took next would be considered another one of his concubines. And which meant he could set the rules for doing so, it could be of any woman he fancied, regardless of background. But that did not mean anyone would not talk of the situation.

 

[Solaris-]

The heat of the day even as it cooled and the stares upon her as she entered the room made her skin itch and crawl. Though she resisted the urge to scratch, it was clear that she was not only out of place but also uncomfortable having so many eyes upon her. They all belonged to those closest to Zixin and she knew she must make a good first impression of herself. Yanwen seated herself on the nearby cushion- taking a closer look at the served food that had been prepared for him. At a glance, everything seemed to appear normal. Surely, with her presence there, no one was likely to commit to doing him harm- at least is what she was want to believe. Or perhaps they would want to test her merits and see if she was what she claimed to be.

"I understand," She offered him reassurance in her simple words that she fully knew the consequences of her own failure would it come down to it. "Silver dishware may help relieve some of your worries in the future, Highness. It tarnishes easily, and is difficult to maintain for everyday usage however." The porcelain and enameled wood that the food laid on was surely beautiful and well crafted, but it offered her no safety nor peace of mind presented this way. He was less likely to be poisoned in a setting such as this one. She imagined an assassin would prefer to make a spectacle out of it; to poison him when there was a larger crowd in hopes that they too could watch the downfall of someone they disliked without suspicion falling onto them.

Yanwen poured the offered wine into the small cup for herself. Alcohol was a luxury she didn't indulge in often, and she had a low tolerance for it, but one or two sips wouldn't cause her to act a fool. Bringing it to her lips, she could smell the bitterness of the wine. It had no overly fragrant notes to speak of save for the fruit it was made of and the smell of alcohol tickled her nostrils before the cup reached her lips. It was the most likely thing that anyone would reach for before picking up their chopsticks to indulge themselves in the meal, and it was why she had started with this.

Her gaze had wandered upon the first sip. Bitter which could have easily hidden nightshade if she had been wholly unfamiliar with the taste of the sour plant. It was a taste that she had grown an affinity for, but why it was not flavored to the man's liking, she had to wonder. The woman dressed in fine robes seemed to glare daggers at the brunette woman. Her hateful look was nearly as bitter and jealous as the wine which made a thoughtful smile pull at the corners of her lips behind the cup. She'd been there barely a few hours and it seemed as though there were already those that wished her gone. It was easy to see why Zixin favored the beautiful woman. Her low cleavage and pretty painted features would have easily attracted the wrong kind of attention from the village boys. Yanwen's gaze didn't flinch under that stare; she'd rather not insert herself into palace politics- nor did she have any stake or claim to the emperor for the woman to feel the way she did toward her. Lowering the now empty cup back to the table in front of her to clear her thoughts. "Rest assured, your drink is safe."

With utensils in hand, she opted for the smallest piece of each of the dish laid before her. Everything was far more delicious than the last, and she feared eating like this everyday would cause her to gain weight even if she was only sampling. The food was well prepared and seasoned with the emperor's preferences in mind. Perhaps a bit too salty for her own tastes, but she made no note of it at the moment.

The last piece was chewed carefully. Nothing conspicuous. "This food is safe. The palace chefs have been trained well. The only thing I can make note of, Highness, is that if you eat this daily or things of this nature, your salt intake is too high and you should be careful. It may not be a poison nor a toxin, but too much of a good thing is still bad for your health." He wouldn't live long if he ate like this everyday, and would likely suffer health problems later in life if he did. Her words came from a place of concern, and she made no attempt to sugar coat her speech or make her words flowery with flattery. Just respectful with a tone that was worthy of respect itself. It was likely the first time in some time that anyone had spoken so frankly in his presence, but it was just who she was as a person.

She had looked at him from the corner of her eye. She'd noted the concern in his hard to read expression- wondering why he would feel so toward her.

Yanwen knew when they were younger, she had craved his friendship and gravitated towards him easily. It was easy to find a friend in someone her age when she had visited with her father. Someone to commiserate with though she knew little of palace life even back then. No man or boy had engaged her in civilized conversation that hadn't pertained to the dangers of her profession and treated her with respect, but he had not only done that but been interested in what she'd told him. The thoughts of that had tinted her face a warm shade of pink as she looked over at him. A boy no longer, though, it seemed. Any feelings she might have once felt were bit back in favor of professionalism. She shouldn't entertain any lingering emotions her younger self might have felt if she wanted to remain in this position.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin had been satisfied with Yanwen’s observations and his face clearly showed that he was pleased. He nodded to her when she mentioned about the over saltiness of the food, showing he understood, and especially thought back to what she suggested on the dining plates and utensils. He only looked over to Yue— who had been present as well to somehow ‘see’ what this Apothecary could and was able to do — when she gave a click of her tongue as Yanwen mentioned about how the food should be. “How dare she suggest his Majesty adjust how he likes his food..!” Her voice was…delicate, yet demanding at the same time.

Zixin looked over to Yue and raised his hand in a motion to stop what she was saying. “Lady Zhao,” he said in a stern, firm tone while his eyes showed sharp daggers pointing her way. “The Apothecary is doing her job, as asked. She is here to better my health, is she not?” And with that, Yue did not know what to say. She went to retort but refrained, knowing full well the history that Yanwen and the Emperor had- which is something she lacked with him, and of course she was jealous over it. But Zixin did not find her jealousy something to be worried about as he did not see it plainly, for he only saw her concern for him.

He looked back at Yanwen before he dismissed those in his room. “Everyone but the Apothecary, leave us,” he ordered, and he saw his ensemble bow and leave the room as ordered. Yue made a shocked expression that he would want such a thing, to be alone with that damned wench. But she listened to his Majesty, knowing she’d better play along for now, even though she hated it. Her and her own court ladies left and she went to her own chambers. She had been very fortunate that the Emperor had yet to procure more concubines for his harem, and she was happy she was favored. But if she truly wished to dethrone the Emperor, perhaps she shouldn’t be as jealous as she was.

Once alone, Zixin seemed to relax further, and dropped formalities with Yanwen altogether. “Yanwen,” he turned his face towards her as she managed to keep avoiding his gaze for now. “Do not mind Zhao, she may be the Noble Consort (貴妃; guìfēi ; ranked higher amongst other concubines) but she has no power over me. I will not allow her to address what is mine so rudely.” When he meant ‘what is his’, he meant in a way that an Emperor would. Now that Yanwen worked for the Emperor, technically she would be considered the Emperor’s property.

He then reached for his drink first, tasting the alcohol and making a small disappointed face at the taste. He had told the kitchen staff time and time again that he had preferred sweet wine over sour, but it was something he figured he could let slip for now. It was when he went to the main dish did he note what Yanwen had pointed out earlier. “Mm, I see what you mean about the saltiness..” Zixin figured he had never really noticed too much, but now that it had been pointed out, that’s all he could taste. He put down his bowl and looked back over at Yanwen. “How has your father been?” He asked as he relaxed more in his seat, his eyes focusing in on her face and he hoped she would look at him directly to speak, especially since they were alone.

 

[Solaris-]

She should have likely anticipated that her words would draw the ire of his consort. This woman seemed to hate Yanwen on principle of her just being seated there close to the man. Jealousy was not a good look on her, but on this matter, the girl kept the thought to herself. She'd thought to open her mouth to defend her own words of concern- to say that she only wanted Zixin to live a longer life than what was expected of most nobles, but before she could do so, the man himself shut her down. Yanwen was grateful that she at the very least stopped her incessant squawking. He had commanded the situation with far more ease than she might have approached it.

Having expected to be dismissed after her work here was finished, she was surprised that everyone else around them was ordered to leave. Her heart thrummed in her ears and she was suddenly nervous. Had she done something to displease him? Perhaps she shouldn't have spoken to him with such familiarity. It would be difficult to curb her known pattern of behavior, but if it drew the attention away from her she would do her best to speak in the confusing riddle like speak those in the court often spoke with.

Yanwen still eyed him from the corner of her eye- watching his mannerisms seem to dissipate the moment people were gone. Now it felt like they were returned to their previous meeting all those years ago. "I take no offense to her words. Were I in her shoes, then I too may raise an eyebrow to a strange woman telling her husband how to eat his dinner as though he were a petulant child and not the emperor." A quiet laugh left her through her nose and for the first time since her being there, she dared to look over at him fully. "She can feel cold towards me if she wishes, Zixin. I assure you I won't retaliate. I've no desire to embroil myself in palace politics or involve myself where I shouldn't. I'm here simply to work and provide my services to the best of my abilities." For her to feel threatened by Yanwen who wanted desperately to stay away from what didn't concern her, she had to wonder just how insecure the woman truly was.

The woman turned slightly- still seated on the cushion at a respectable distance from her companion. Though, now she could see him properly and not just in her peripheral vision. He had been handsome before, sure, but the two years between them had made her forget just how much she had admired him. Attractive features. Sharp eyes that were hard to read. Pretty was a word that came to mind though he might not have liked that she thought him so.

"My father is well. He recovered since we last left the palace. Though, he is a stubborn old man and refuses to retire entirely. He's older now and walks with a cane, but we do well for ourselves." She chided the old man daily about not overexerting himself milling about the shop, but he never listened to her words of warning. "He badgers me daily about wanting to see me married before he gets too old, but I think I'm just as stubborn as he is in that my family is more important than any of the men who have tried." The words had fallen from her lips without much thought and she wasn't quite sure why she'd bothered telling him this information he likely didn't care about. "I apologize. You needn't worry about such pointless things."

Her curiosity had piqued about his own life. He was showing her a side of himself he hadn't portrayed the rest of the night in the company of others. "What of you, Zixin? It looks like you've done well for yourself. Though, you look at me as though the weight of the world is carried on your shoulders alone."​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin listened to what Yanwen had to say about Yue and he couldn’t help but give off a small laugh from her words. His laugh was still ‘prince like’, very carefree and held a joyfulness to it, very unbefitting of the Dragon Emperor. “Zhao is not my official wife yet, but I do think she hopes to be,” which meant she was not the Empress Consort, but still a high ranking consort. And if she did bear him a son in the future, that did not guarantee her promotion either. He also paid attention to how she addressed herself and he couldn’t help but frown ever so slightly at that fact, knowing that unfortunately that’s how it would have to remain.

As Yanwen began to talk, it was then there where he fixated on her words, listening as he had done so many times in the past. He was not interjecting himself at any point of her story on how her father was faring, giving her time to speak. He only smiled towards the end, a kind a caring smile like so many other times before. When she mentioned that these were matters he shouldn’t concern himself with, he came back with this comment, “Nonsense. I think of your father as a part of my family,” he waved his hand and shook his head, his usually cold and reserved gaze fell warmly upon her face. “I truly wished to hear what you had to say,” he reminded her, like he had done in the past before when she tried to have formalities between them.

When she asked him about his own personal life, it seemed like a dark shadow hung over the Emperor’s face and he leaned back in his seat, folding his hands underneath his robes for the moment. “I’m sure you remember my late disposed mother-“ it was actually when he had been very young when this happened. The empress had been dragged out of the palace, pleading to see the emperor, Zixin’s father. “Ever since I’ve been put on this throne, I have searched for answers to my mother’s unfair dethronement and unfair execution.” It had been a public execution, some of the nation had wished for it, others had not.

“The palace is in disarray over this, and I know some fear of me finding out about the truth in bringing her justice.” He then leaned forward slightly, his eyes falling on Yanwen once more. “That’s why I had to hire someone I knew and trusted for this position you’re in, with myself so close to being near the truth, I am certain others will try and silence me for their own personal gain.” Zixin explained further.

“That’s also another reason for me to station a guard with you besides just the royal eunuch whenever you leave the palace for any supplies needed. I will have a pass made for you to carry at all times whenever you do need to leave.” That also meant she would be able to visit her father whenever she could. Although it may be inappropriate for her to leave often, as certainly word would get around on how careless the Emperor was on letting his pets go and leave whenever they’d like.

“I am very happy to see you again, Yanwen. I just wished it could have been under different circumstances,” he tells her honestly. His gaze had softened yet again, and he truly did not want to dismiss her but had no other choice. “Going forward, you will attend all of my upcoming meals, and I will mention that those who were in attendance today usually do not frequent my chambers as such,” he pointed out, normally it was just the palace maids, those who attended and helped in the kitchen along with some general guards.

“Go and get some rest, you’ll have some time to work in the rear palace with our doctors there-whenever I’m not needing a taster—“ the palace doctors usually was a male position, but Zixin had made an exception for Yanwen. He knew she would love to work on different herbal remedies and especially different types of poisons with some other miscellaneous experiments no doubt. Zixin again, did not wish to dismiss her, but figured it would be all for the best.

 

[Solaris-]

Her head tilted slightly lost in her own thoughts. It seemed as though he were still the man she remembered in her personal company. The one he wore previous must have been an act- a mask he wore to disguise his true feelings. Not that she could blame him when everyone around him seemed two-faced as well. How people of nobility dealt with this on the daily, she would never know. It was truthfully exhausting for someone who preferred to speak her mind and be direct with her thoughts and actions.

"We have both missed you, Zixin." She spoke for herself and her father, of course. The man knew that Zixin had been friend to Yanwen and had cared for her when so many others thought her to be a strange girl with weird hobbies and interests. "I was surprised when you asked for me instead of my father as he's far more experienced than me. I am still learning every day, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous hearing these things from you." They didn't want him finding out the truth as whatever secrets laid hidden in his mother's death must have been something that someone wanted to keep buried. He was still young and impressionable even as emperor, and they likely wanted him there so they could sway his power one way or another.

For the moment being, Yanwen was just happy to know that her friend was still there, buried beneath this veneer of a tyrant as he was, seeing his smile and hearing his laugh had been worth it.

She stood to excuse herself from the interaction- offering a polite bow of her head in respect toward him. "Before I retire to my room, may I please request that seventy-five percent of my monthly stipend be sent to my family? I don't need much as what you've provided me here in my quarters is more than enough to sustain my needs for some time." Even clothing and food was being provided to her for very little work. She was grateful for this immensely. With that simple request, the woman bade him a good night and stepped out of his quarters.

She could once more feel her heart in her chest- though it beat for another reason than nervousness this time. She would tuck this meeting and the words said close to her chest, but was wary to get too involved. Friend or no, she knew her place well.

When Yanwen returned to her quarters, she found Mei asleep in her bed. The poor thing was likely exhausted from too much excitement. She shook her head with a quiet laugh and laid down there against the plush mattress. It was certainly uncomfortable- at least to her. Neither sleep nor rest would come easy this night.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin, after dismissing Yanwen would retire to his own bed, climbing up on the extravagant plush bedding. He had moved underneath the soft blankets that were made for his comfort and he currently stared up at the ceiling. But the bed was all too uncomfortable that particular night, and he couldn’t exactly place why.

Perhaps it was because seeing Yanwen again stirred something within his heart once more, and he had closed his eyes, remembering their days out in the rear palace- especially when they were much younger. So carefree, and nothing weighing on their much too young shoulders. Sure, he could remember faintly that there had been some rumors that the young prince had taken a likening to Sun KaiHong’s daughter, but these rumors held no malice. It was simple palace talk for if he might take her for one of his concubines in the future when he was crowned Emperor.

But now, palace talk was certainly different. Full of secrecy- other talks had arose about Zixin’s mother and how he was currently handling it. What he had shown to Yanwen was a side he reserved only for her — and of course, a side that his mother had known. But the current political climate needed a strong and fierce ruler on the throne. And the Emperor certainly would get what he wanted and would find out the truth, regardless if others would try and silence him.

As he continued to try and fall asleep, his thoughts began to take form of what Yanwen had asked of him earlier that evening, about most of her pay being sent to her family. She always was a selfless woman, and he found her filial piety towards her family remarkable and honorable. That was much more said than the rest of the women he had known. Most noble women he had known like Yue, were constantly in his opinion— spoiled and self righteous, not one humble aspect to them at all. Which, of course did not mean he could not have liked both types of women, and unfortunately that information was not readily accessible to public knowledge about the Emperor.

As he tried, Zixin could not find sleep. He found himself sitting up soon and soon after heading out of his bed, towards the window. He opened the window and then looked towards where the rear palace was located. He continued to recall days he had spent there with his mother as the crowned prince, and felt a sense of longing he normally had whenever he could not find rest. But this longing however, was different by some reason. Perhaps it was because the direction he looked, Yanwen was currently residing in the space he had specifically made for her. That in itself would eventually raise questions on why the Emperor had personally made a space in the palace for an apothecary, or this so called ‘taste tester’. Normally they wouldn’t receive such treatment. But because of her being a woman, that was one possibility and he already knew that rumors would start because of that. He would shut them down for her sake, and try to keep her as safe as possible, for he knew she’d rather just mind her own business and try not to get involved in anything. So he’d respect her wishes and try to do just that.

But, unbeknownst to him, he wouldn’t be able to uphold that promise for much longer, despite his best efforts and wishes for doing so.

 

[Solaris-]

Yanwen eventually managed to fall asleep, but it was short lived. Grey hues opened to look up toward the ceiling that was slightly obscured by the canopy. She turned her head to find the space that had previously been occupied by the other woman to be empty, and wondered when she’d snuck out. With a soft sigh, she pushed herself up from the bed as she knew she wouldn’t be falling asleep again any time soon.

She had seen aloe plants growing in the back of the small abode where she resided, and though it made her nervous to step outside in a strange place, she knew the palace was fairly well guarded. They would make a good addition the the ointment she often used on her arms that were definitely due for a change of bandage. The last thing that she needed was to catch an infection or bleed through lest someone think she was any danger to herself. Kneeling down in the grass, she plucked a few of the leaves from the plant- reminding herself to dig one up later so that she could replant it in her new home.

The sound of feet caught her attention, and she was grateful for the dark clothing she wore and being obscured by the building as to not attract attention to herself. She squinted to make out the form of a small woman- unmistakable in her appearance even though it seemed she’d tried to hide herself behind a cloak. What on earth was the emperor’s consort doing running about out here? Yanwen shook her head- dismissing the thought as she’d rather not know. It would be difficult for her to stay out of palace business when she was to work alongside the man who ran it for long, and she knew that. It would only be a matter of time before she too was drug into things she’d rather not be involved in. But she had no desire of bringing up his consort’s midnight escapades with no evidence no matter how likely he was to believe her.

Taking a seat at the table in the main sitting area of her room, Yanwen lit a small lamp with a match and placed the ingredients she would need in the bowl of the mortar and pestle. Small fingers unwound the tight bandages from her arms and she made note of the healing of her scars. Though they appeared red and angry, they were not fresh wounds, and hopefully this new addition that had been inaccessible to her before would help them along. Her thoughts drifted easily back to Zixin as she worked the ingredients into a thick paste. She wondered why someone might silence him for trying to find out who’d orchestrated the empress’ death. Despite her being a foreigner, the current regime had had no problems accepting others as long as they pledged loyalty to the emperor. Yanwen had been young the last time she’d seen the woman- far too young to know any better- but she’d always been the picture of a happy, dutiful wife who had done her best to raise her son to lead their people one day. Despite her previous stance on staying out of matters, she couldn’t help but to want to help him in some way. She’d never been fond of letting her friends or family suffer alone or in silence, and she would do what she could without inserting herself too far into his life to be there for him when he needed her.

With the morning drawing near, Yanwen bathed herself and applied the ointment to her arms. Mei entered the room as she was wrapping the bandages around them, and her face paled a little when she saw them. It’d been a long time since someone other than her father had seen the self-inflicted injuries, and she only smiled at the girl reassuringly. “No one did this to me if that’s why you wear such an expression.” She let out a quiet laugh and rolled down the sleeves to her dress.

“The emperor’s first meal is in thirty minutes.” Mei had stammered out. The brunette offered a nod of her head to let her know that she understood. “After that, the palace doctor needs some help, so you should head there after.”

The two conversed for a few moments as she once again let Mei fix her hair to her liking. Yanwen had never been good at doing anything with it despite its length. As the two stepped outside to make their way towards the emperor’s quarters as they’d done the night before, there was a flurry of loud whispers around them.

“…Heard that she’s being abused at home.”
“That sort of thing always happens in small villages right?”
“…Not married yet at her age? I can see why. She’s not very pretty.”

When stormy colored hues snapped to look over at the gossipers they pretended they hadn’t said a word about her. Her face was flushed with anger, but she didn’t react beyond giving them a glare. No, that’s what they wanted. Any reaction she might have had would have only solidified whatever rumors they’d heard in their minds. She swallowed down her anger with a quiet sigh before announcing herself on the other side of the door. A soft knock against the wooden frame followed by her voice that wavered only slightly. “Highness, it’s Sun Yanwen. May I be allowed to enter?”​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

The next morning, Yue was nowhere to be found in the Emperor’s quarters for his morning meal, but Zixin really did not care if she was or not. Lately she had been getting on his nerves, even without the influence of Yanwen being there now. Yue had known the history between the two, and had picked up easily on his Majesty’s affection for the woman. She just hoped that her position wouldn’t be threatened. She would need to remain in his good graces for the time being, to keep her plan in motion.

For now, Zixin had been just waking up the moment Yanwen had knocked on his door frame. He rubbed his tired eyes and finally sat up from his bed. “You’re early..” he commented back to Yanwen, who had asked to enter. Normally she would wait to enter after the royal meal was prepared, announced and then given permission to enter his quarters. “But you may enter,” he said next, and when she would go into his room, she would see that he was partially dressed already, pulling on the robes that had been laid out for him to wear. As he dressed, his bare chest would be able to be seen, and more scars than Yanwen probably had expected were practically littered across his skin. His perfect, unblemished face proved a feat within itself— but underneath all of his robes and regal, what one could call beautiful appearance, was definitely a man. His chest and abdomen was perfectly outlined in a nice, muscled physique, showcasing how strong he really was. There was only some left to imagination for what lay beneath everything else he wore.

Zixin finally finished pulling the robes over his body, adjusting them to his liking. That moment in itself, watching him dress probably felt like hours to Yanwen. She would then see how long his hair actually had become, and he moved over to a dresser to grab a plain, unadorned wooden comb to use on his very long, raven colored hair. That wooden comb would hold significance to them both, as it was a gift she had given to him before she had left the rear palace with her father two years ago. The fact that he kept it all this time… and the comb definitely looked like he had used it and just hadn’t discarded it the moment she had left. She would also be surprised that he was the one that normally did his own hair, putting it up in a simple, yet regal style, his hair half up and half down. A royal hair pin was keeping his half up style secured against his head.

“Experimenting on yourself again?” He calmly asked, his head turned to face her, that rumor she had heard earlier probably would fall onto his ears eventually. He moved forward to her and grabbed her arm, pushing her sleeve back and looking at the bandage. “I figured that was why you chose the longer sleeves to wear, considering short sleeves are in style with the women nowadays..” his touch on her arm wasn’t tight, it felt…almost caring, in a way. Or maybe she was dreaming that fact. He slowly pulled his hand back from her and let her readjust her sleeve.

Zixin turned and went towards the day bed again, sitting there on the cushion and lounging on it, getting ready for his meal to arrive. “If I wasn’t who I was, I’d let you experiment on me instead of yourself…” he wondered what she would think of that. He truly wished no harm would come to her, but he couldn’t stop her from being a danger to herself.

 

[Solaris-]

If he had not permitted her entry this early, she wouldn't have taken offense, but it was better to be early when she had nothing better to do than stare down those that milled about spreading gossip like wildfire. What she hadn't expected upon her entry was his half-dressed state. Her face filled with a dark red hue nearly immediately and this felt wholly inappropriate. Sure, she had seen a man's body before, but always in an impartial nature when she was treating them or helping them with ailments and never something in such a personal aspect. Zixin also was objectively the most handsome man she'd seen in such a state. Without meaning to, she had ogled him as he'd turned away from her, and she had to pry her eyes away respectfully. "My apologies, Highness. I'm quite used to being awake early in the morning, and I'm not used to being on someone else's schedule." She would do better to not be as early as she was the next time- or at the very least keep herself occupied until he had need of her.

She'd remained there by the door- though her eyes had moved back over to him now that he was properly dressed. Slightly envious that he was able to pull his hair back so efficiently which she, herself, was normally unable to do beyond what was necessary. "You still use that? I'd have figured it would have broken by now." Or that he would use other means to untangle his dark tresses. Perhaps she would get him another that was more dignified than the one he was using.

His hand on her arm startled her and she pulled back from his grip to no avail. A reflex she'd become all too used to as she detested being touched, grabbed, or groped by others. Yanwen calmed her nerves; he had known of her experiments as she'd never been shy about it in years past. "Not in recent times. I've been giving them time to heal though the process has been slow. Despite the heat, I would rather wear long sleeves than attract concerned stares." She wished for cooler temperatures soon so that her attire wouldn't be so outlandish to wear everyday.

"I'm not surprised that you've heard what people have said. They said the same back then too." Always eyeing her father who was the kindest man she'd ever known with suspicion that he neglected and abused his daughter. "I built up my tolerance for many things over the years at the expense of my own body. I do not regret my decisions, though I understand how it may look to outsiders. I just wish they would not say my father is an abuser of women when he's never laid a hand on me in anger or malice before." She let out a sigh and pulled the sleeve of her dress back down over the bandages. He knew her father was not that kind of man, and she supposed that's what mattered to her.

"Respectfully, Zixin, even if you were a mere village man, I would not subject you to this." It went against her personal morals to harm anyone else. "In my younger years, I was often ill from ingesting poisons in small doses or applying toxic compounds onto my skin. Building up a resistance to these things did not happen overnight, and the aftermath was never a pretty sight." Many a night, she'd laid in bed with a fever, throwing up her dinner, or shivering with a cold that never seemed to fade. She'd never wish this upon another person no matter how willing they would have been to undergo it. "I am still susceptible to the same toxins that could kill others, mind. What would kill you will only make me ill unless there's a large quantity of it." She wanted him to understand that she wasn't immune to this either despite her willingness to put her life in danger for him.

"While I appreciate our talks and your immense kindness toward me, the people will talk about it. And I don't want you to get dragged through the rumor mill by associating yourself with me. I don't want to make your life more difficult than it already is." He had an image to maintain and she wasn't going to destroy that no matter her current feelings that had seemed to reignite themselves over the course of the last two days. Yanwen feared her words and her expression may betray her which is why she had averted her gaze from his handsome features.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin hadn’t taken note of the way she had her eyes practically glued to his body while he had finished getting dressed. The moment he had put down the comb, he heard her remake and gave a soft smile in return. “Of course I still use it,” he had said to her, “It holds a lot of meaning for myself,” Zixin had explained further. He had told her of this earlier before he had went to sit down and lounge about.

When she had recoiled from his touch, Zixin had been given a brutal awakening in the remembrance that Yanwen distinctly hated direct contact from others. From that alone, he had reminded himself that things were not like they had been two years ago between one another, and that had been another reason why he had let go of her arm when he did. When she had spoke of the rumors and that he had heard them, he looked a bit confused, for he had not heard anything just yet, but had just guessed on her experimentation based on how she had dressed.

In truth, Zixin had wanted to tell her that he would silence these rumors and stop them before they even started, but to be completely honest, acting out like that immediately without prior cause or reason why would raise suspicions on if Yanwen held the Emperor’s favor. And hearing her say that is what she wanted to avoid…made him consider not silencing the rumors on the reason he might just create more problems than needed.

But when did he ever care of what others thought of him? He was the Emperor, and he would choose who he showed favor towards. His hands that were resting on his lap slowly balled into fists and gripped the fabric of his robes as he thought about the very fact. But he internally gave up, figuring he would honor her wishes, regardless of what he wanted. And Yanwen would be the one and only person he would do that for, for Zixin always got what he had desired. She would just have to be the beautiful poisonous flower that he could admire, just not touch.

It was then that his morning meal arrived, and it was announced that it was ready for him, and then Zixin gave them the command that allowed them to enter. The crowd from last night was much more smaller, as was the dish. The dish would be a lighter breakfast than the previous evening meal. The kitchen already was reflecting what Yanwen had critiqued the night prior, and everything would be according to the Emperor’s tastes. Yanwen would see the Emperor’s demeanor stiffen up upon the audience now bestowed upon him, and he seemed more sharp, cold and calculating than before. The very fact that he could switch with such little effort would be an impressive act no doubt.

 

[Solaris-]

In truth, her reaction to his touch had not been malicious. It was a reflex that she'd learned over the years when men from her village took her being a woman as an invitation to grab her and touch her. Had he asked to see her bandages rather than just grabbing, she may have reluctantly shown him as he was likely the only one not to be repulsed by her sometimes overzealous excitement in her craft. Zixin had seen her arms without their protective coverings before and knew the extent of how far she'd gone in the name of science and discovery of new information. Her only saving grace was that she'd not slapped his hand away, but she was still apologetic in her mannerisms and bowed her head quietly. She didn't want to push him away, and yet her actions had done just that. Always, Yanwen had ran away from problems like these when they arose, and it was only now that she was able to ruminate on that fact.

The rumors about herself, while hurtful, she could live with. But the moment they involved Zixin or her father, she bristled at the thought of them. Thankfully, she would have no more time to dwell on the subject as servants arrived with the meal. She quietly took her designated spot and kept her gaze on what was served. A far smaller portion than the night before. Perhaps Zixin simply wasn't one for a large breakfast. The utensils this time and the tray and bowl it was served in were a polished silver.

Yanwen took note of the color and did not note any tarnish where the food touched the dish. It was a good sign. Like the night previous, she started with the drink- pouring a small portion into the cup. The water was clear with no distinct particulates and it made her wonder if the palace servants boiled their well water or if it was simply that clear to begin with. Likewise, there was no odor from the water and she raised it to her lips. It was unremarkable in that it was just water, but as she felt warm from embarrassment, she was grateful for the refreshment.

Next, she dipped the silver spoon into the congee rice. It had a nice consistency and it smelled even better than what had been served the night previous- though that might have been because her appetite had been returned to her than anything else. Being careful not to break the egg on top, she opted for a small spoonful of the porridge. Yanwen placed the bowl back down onto the serving tray. "This meal is safe and your water is clean. As I said last night, silver tarnishes easily if exposed to certain things, and you'd be wise to be wary of any discolorations. But as there are none, and this meal would be difficult to poison without a strong toxin that even his highness would be able to detect without a taster, you're more than safe to eat it." It was less salty than the night before as well which was pleasant.

Tentatively, she gazed over at the man who wore that same, stern and stoic expression she'd seen on him before. Even in the company of such a small audience he wore a brave mask. Her hands had rested on her knees, and she fidgeted with a crease in her dress.​