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

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin had not slept all that well, considering his sleep was plagued with the haunting memory of his mother's execution. It felt like the memory had been on repeat and the scene had played over and over and over again. He also had darker dreams of his own execution, and often he would wake in a cold sweat. This time was no different. He had gasped awake, his breathing ragged as he started to look around his room, wondering exactly what time it was now. He had tried to sleep off his headache, but the medicine that the apothecary had given to him seemed to work only just a little bit. Groaning softly, he decided to get up finally and dress himself in lighter clothes for going out. It seemed that today was another hot, autumn afternoon, and his own entourage was at the ready for him. His personal guard had walked up to him. "Your majesty... I know we had plans to train later today but are you sure you're up to the task? You seem as if the sleep you just woke from did not rest you well." Qiang worried over Zixin often, and seeing him as if he was his younger brother often made him do so.

Zixin nodded to Qiang. "I will be alright, I think if I just clear what's in my head and focus on something else..." Speaking of something else, word eventually got to Zixin about the rumors spreading about the apothecary, as Qiang had filled him in on what was circulating around. Zixin merely just shook his head, sighing internally. If the people believed that a woman would get pregnant and start experiencing symptoms immediately after one night with a man... He feared for this generation and the lack of knowledge. He at least had a decent education when he had been growing up in the palace. Especially anatomy. Zixin eventually had told Qiang that he must find out who were starting these rumors, and if he knew anything he should tell him immediately. Qiang agreed, but without even investigating would know who exactly the rumors had started from.

--

When Yanwen had gone to the market, the pass that the Emperor had given her to do so was tucked away neatly in one of her pockets. The guard instructed to follow Yanwen wondered what materials she was picking up, and what use she would have for them later, as most of the materials he watched her buy was uncommon to him. He also noticed that the apothecary had taken note of the younger prince's entourage and the foreign envoy that was currently speaking with one another. It looked like Zahn had invested himself with whatever the princesses had to say, and seemed to practically jump at consorts for himself, where his older brother did not want. Zhan had found it quite entertaining, that his older, half brother had had a fit before this envoy and everyone else in the room. It would be further ammunition to use in pinning the 'unfit to rule' card on Zixin.

As Zhan continued to linger, he felt eyes on him, and he had glanced over towards where Yanwen was. He remembered distinctly that Zixin had barred him from ever touching a hair on the apothecary, and laying his hands on her would be cause for his immediate exile. Yanwen was just another woman though, to be used to bring about children to further the population for the empire. Why his brother had held such a thing up on a pedestal was beyond the young prince. He knew once he had dethroned Zixin, Yanwen, and practically any other woman in his kingdom would be easy to acquire. For Zhan would do anything and everything to secure his bloodline and put another heir on the throne. As the envoy and his entourage moved on, Zhan decided to follow, but he knew he would keep a close eye on Yanwen from now on, considering that she may be the final piece in Zixin's downfall, whether she wanted to or not - it would not be her choice to make.

--

Later on in the afternoon, both Qiang and another Guard were sparring in the training grounds, located right after the doctor's clinic. When the apothecary approached with her younger assistant Mei, Qiang looked over as the one Guard got Yanwen's attention. Hearing what he said, Qiang chided the young man and said, "I appreciate your concern for the young Emperor, but I'm sure if he wanted the apothecary's help, he would have sent for her." he then looked over at Yanwen. "My apologies, apothecary." He bowed slightly to her.

It was then that Zixin had come back around the stables, walking towards where Qiang and the other guard was located at. He squinted in the sun, for his light colored eyes did not fare well in bright sunlight, and made it harder to see. He wondered who they were talking to, and upon coming closer, he noticed it was Yanwen and her assistant he had assigned to her. He took note of the way Yanwen avoided his gaze, but he knew it was for the best. He had thought about earlier where she had withdrawn from his touch, and then had apologized later on the subject. He knew she hadn't directly told him that he could not touch her, just that she was uncomfortable on him doing so without asking. But, as men always misread the situation, he in fact took it upon himself to think that meant he shouldn't ever touch her again. Yet, something within him knew he would break that promise he made, one way or another. He just figured it would be better this way for now, just in case that they didn't overstep and cross some lines that weren't meant to be crossed.

But, being the emperor, if he wanted a woman to be his consort, he could and would do so. He did not need permission on who had to be his consort. Yet it was more in the norm to have women of nobility join the rear palace as his consorts, just like Yue had been. But... he knew that Yanwen would definitely not want to be in that position, so of course he wouldn't put her in such a predicament. So it was better in the end for his promise to remain, although he hated such a fact.

When he approached Yanwen, Mei and his guards, he looked to the younger man who had asked about his wellbeing, and he tilted his head slightly, "Qiang is right, if I truly needed the apothecary, I would have requested her. But perhaps you didn't realize I have been going easy on you," He said with a slight smile. He knew he hadn't, as his thoughts had been drifting to that of his mother, so him being easily distracted was what got him to be so 'beaten' beforehand. He glanced to Yanwen briefly, but his gaze would be harder to read than before. He watched momentarily when she and the younger woman dismissed themselves, and he turned back to Qiang and the other guard. "Now.. where were we?" He asked as he raised a training sword, but it was different than a wooden one. It was a blade that could not cut a human, as the blade had been reversed from a normal sword.

--

It was later in the evening, after his meal that Zixin had found himself wandering again. This time, he did not have any prior alcohol and was accompanied by Qiang. He walked around the palace like normal, soon finding himself nearing Yue's quarters. And he wasn't sure on why. He had overheard that she was talking about him and perhaps some curiosity had piqued his interest. Qiang had advised that it was probably best to avoid her, considering how Yue had reacted to his orders on why the apothecary was there, and wanted to avoid any further conflict, if needed. Zixin knew Qiang to be right, and so for now, he took a detour and ended up near where Yanwen resided. But, as Zixin had dismissed Qiang, saying that he would return to his own quarters soon, Qiang reluctantly left the emperor to his own devices for now.

Zixin had decided from later in the day that perhaps he would ask her further on why she had drew away from his touch, as when it was two years ago, things had been quite different for them both. Perhaps elaborating on it further would make more sense to him -- he hadn't known her to be like that before, so getting some answers would quell some of his worries. He knocked on the door and announced his presence. Thankfully that woman Mei was nowhere to be found, and under the guise of a new moon, his dark robes that he wore -- he would not have been easily spotted. Zixin had been tormented earlier at the training grounds, especially when he had had her there in his quarters to taste his food. They basically had been like strangers once more, and he could not go any further like this. He wanted to be open and honest with how he treated Yanwen, he wanted those around him to notice that once she had the emperor's favor, anything harming her in any way would be cause of punishment. But he feared that she would push him away further. If she did so, then there was nothing he could do about it. "Apothecary..." he started, but paused, not directly looking at her just yet. "Yanwen.. I- wanted to discuss on what happened a few nights ago," she might figure that he meant when he had pulled her close to him in his bed, but that was not the case. "When you drew away from my touch... I hope you know that I did not mean anything malicious by it... it was just.. I remember in the past that it had been alright to, be so open and comfortable around you -- but I guess since things have changed and it's been some time since I've seen you --" he shook his head. The way he spoke, it was as if he actually did not remember his drunken promise to her, which for Yanwen's sake would be a great relief, and save her some further embarrassment. As he had faced towards the ground, his long, dark hair fell forwards. He had it down completely this time, and the robes he had chosen to wear were a bit looser on his frame than earlier. The collarbone on his shoulder had been easily spotted, and the image of him being half shirtless would come to mind, whether she would want it to or not.

 

[Solaris-]

The apothecary knew she was on thin ice. Rumors blazed like wildfire here, and no amount of mean glares in their direction would keep them down for long. Familiar habits returned, and she found herself speaking little to anyone unless they spoke to her first. Even Mei had felt the cold distance from someone she called older sister. Being here where everyone seemed to hate her presence, and seemed to lapse into uncomfortable silence when around her made her even more homesick. She longed to hear her parents' voices and know about the daily needs of the villagers. At least there, it was simple.

Yanwen had changed into her own night clothes some time ago and sat at the counter of her shop experimenting with charcoal on paper. There were smudges of it on her arms, bandages, and even some on her face from when she'd itched her nose. It was a messy art, but one she was determined to master. Thus far, all her practice hadn't yielded many results to which she could commit to a canvas, but she at least had learned a few techniques which could be applied later when she finally was ready for more than just paper sketches.

A knock at the door startled her as she'd not expected anyone that night, and it was already far too late in the night for anyone to come searching for her. Mei had retired to her own quarters rather than spend the night here as she normally did. For that she was grateful when Zixin announced himself quietly through the door. The last thing she wanted right now was for her to tease her about men visiting her late at night. Yanwen was quick to hide away her practice attempts as though she were doing something wrong. In truth, she just didn't want Zixin to see what she was working on as she wanted to surprise him with it.

Silent footsteps made their way over to the door, and she had half a mind to tell him to leave, but she shook her head at her own thoughts. Pushing him away was what had gotten them in this mess to begin with, and it would be better to stop running from this problem despite her hesitance on direct confrontation as a whole. She allowed him entry to the shop and drew the curtains across the windows. If he was caught here, the rumors of her supposed impropriety towards the emperor may crop up again in full. Yanwen struck a match and lit the lantern on the table which showed her messy workstation and allowed her to see more of him than she had when he'd entered.

The thought that he looked particularly handsome with his hair down had crossed her thoughts. It was longer than it'd been when they were younger, and she envied its shine and length. Her normally cold gaze had moved upward to look at his face. He seemed tormented by his thoughts and his words reflected this. She'd nearly burst into a fit of laughter at his state as it was wholly unfamiliar to her for him to be so unsure of himself. He was always so confident, so untouchable, and yet now, the two of them were on equal playing fields in terms of their feelings.

It would have been clear to anyone who witnessed the two of them their true feelings for one another if they simply looked close enough. Yanwen listened carefully, not interrupting his speech until she found a lull in it where she could speak her own mind. "Zixin," A soft sigh left the shorter woman and she shook her head. "I know you did not mean anything malicious by your actions. Likewise, neither did I. When you grabbed me by my arm, truth be told, I wanted to slap your hand away on instinct, and I'm glad I didn't." The sleeves of her night clothes were shorter than that of what she normally wore and she unwound the bandages from both arms to show him the scars that littered their entire length. "It isn't that I didn't want you to touch me, but that being grabbed so suddenly reminded me of the men that have grabbed me with bad intentions back in the village." Being a woman in the world where men felt brave enough to try to grab her when she least expected it made it hard to stay safe, but as she was a well respected member of her community, they knew better than to actually harm her.

"When we were children and teens, we could be more carefree in our actions. I know I felt something more than adoration towards the future emperor then- ignoring completely that you were well and truly leagues above me. You treated me as a peer, as a friend, and it felt nice to be treated that way despite your status." It was she who reached out to touch him. Gentle fingers moving up to stroke his cheek and then resting on his chin to tilt his gaze upwards once more to look at her. Him looking down like this made her uncomfortable when he was normally more self confident than this. It wasn't dignified for him to appear so. "But Zixin, you must understand. You have the world at your fingertips; you could have everything you wanted with just a single word, have any woman to join you at your side. You deserve more than anything I could give to you, and you should not settle for less than what you deserve." Yanwen had no money, no prestige, no royal lineage to offer him. She had only herself to offer and any talents she had and she knew that for him that was not nearly enough.

"I did not mean to interrupt the flow of things upon my arrival. I'm doing best to make up for it now. With what people think of me, though, it's not worked in my favor." Her fingers fell away from his face though she wanted to continue touching him. Her hands rested on her arms.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

While Zixin listened to Yanwen, his heart began to ache, more than he realized. Then anger started to replace his sadness, slowly, bit by bit, even if that wasn't his original intent. To think that she may have been put through something so horrendous, and he had not been able to prevent it caused the young emperor into wishing to castrate those very men who had attacked her. But the fire quieted down in his chest the moment she reached out to him. Her gentle fingers caressed his face and pulled his gaze back up towards her. His icy colored gaze seemed to soften the moment they rested on Yanwen's grey, stormy visage. He refrained from reaching out and touching her hand for the moment, figuring he'd first listen to what she had to say. To hear that she thought so little of herself made him wish to retort, but he couldn't find the words to come.

It was then when she pulled away from his touch did she seem him falter in his gaze with her own, but only for a brief moment -- it was as if he was trying not to cry from her words alone. Her words brought him great sadness, but he understood them perfectly. Yet, what stirred in the young emperor's heart was something more, and he couldn't outrightly ignore it anymore. She had only been back within his life for just a few mere days, how he had wished to keep her by his side constantly, and his heart ached that he was not able to do so, despite his status. The only thing keeping him from doing so was Yanwen herself, and she was putting a further distance in between them, more than she would realize.

"Yanwen..." He started, stepping closer to her, but he made no further move. "I understand your worries and fears, but you said it yourself-- that I could have any woman by my side. Why would you think that I would not choose you... ?" But he already knew the answer, yet he still had to ask. He shook his head, glancing towards her arms. "If you're worried about Lady Zhao, I can attest that recently, what I thought she was to me is not who she is anymore," he paused and clarified, once he saw the initial look of confusion cross Yanwen's face. "In truth, I think in the very beginning of her and my relationship, I was looking for something to fill this emptiness that you left behind once you and your father left the palace." He licked his very apparent dry lips, but continued to speak. "You weren't even there for my coronation..." but he didn't hold anything against her, even though he had sent for them both, hoping to at least see them in the crowd, even if he wouldn't be able to get a word in with them.

"I won't force you to be by my side - but the choice is there. I am more than willing to have you as my full companion, tradition can go to hell for all I care." By full companion...surely he did not mean.... as his empress?! But this was a decision he had obviously thought of for a very long time, and his yearning and desire burning within his chest for her he simply could not ignore. These last few days had been pure torture, and to think to go through the next seasons like this...he surely would fall ill from lovesickness.

He turned away from Yanwen now, preparing to leave her room. "I apologize for coming here so late... Qiang knows of my whereabouts and I've asked him to refrain from having others here at this time. So I assure you nothing will spread due to me being here," He tried to reassure her, but he didn't think it would work. He did wish for her to reach back out to him once more, but he doubted that she would do so.

​

 

[Solaris-]

The thought that Zixin would choose her over a beautiful noble-woman was laughable. Preposterous, even. Even if he fancied her and she him, his court would never let him live it down that he preferred the company of a commoner than that of someone who knew their way around the politics of the court. His words gave her a moment of pause- unsure of how to respond. If he desired her this greatly, then perhaps pushing him away so strongly had been a mistake. It could have been avoided had they had spoken to each other that day rather than she run from the problem. For this, she felt guilty that she had caused him this amount of grief.

Her eyes filled with concern and some confusion when he mentioned Yue. It was not her business who he kept at his side, and yet he mentioned her regardless. "I do not resent her nor feel any malice towards her if she knows of our friendship in the past. As I said before, if a strange woman entered my home and suddenly gained my partner's favor, then I too may not be too kind to her. Though, I will admit that I do not trust her with conversation past the necessary formalities." It was not because of petty jealousy, and Zixin would know that she was not the type to feel that way. Rather than speak ill of the consort in his presence, she opted to not say why she felt the way she did. The woman was more poisonous than any toxin she'd ever tasted or felt and her actions and words toward Yanwen only deepened that thought in the brunette woman's mind. "I wanted to be there for your coronation. We could not leave my mother to suffer her illness at that time alone, and traveling by myself would not have been feasible. I did reply back to your letter, but perhaps you didn't receive it." He was busy, and likely his mail was looked over by others before it reached him. Maybe they hadn't deemed it important enough to reach the young emperor's eyes.

Whatever the case may have been, he was speaking madness now. Her be empress consort? He had the most to lose in this, and yet he was willing to throw it away for her?

He'd already turned to leave, but she didn't want him to. He was here so briefly to tell her all of this and then just disappear? Yanwen was not known to cry in front of others save for when she felt such emotions very strongly, but she reached out again for him. "Zixin, wait." Slender arms wrapped around his middle and she buried her face in the back of his shoulder there. Her voice had cracked for just a moment in the soft demand that she knew she had no right to make of him. "Please, don't leave me yet. Will you hold me as you did last night?" He'd promised not to touch her in his drunken stupor, and he'd kept his word, but surely if she asked him to do what they both wanted, then he would do it. She steadied herself and exhaled a soft breath against his back.

"If what you want is me by your side, and what I want is the same, then I've no reason or desire to refuse you. But please, do not make this decision lightly. There will be consequence to this choice, and you will bear the brunt of your decision either way." Having released him, Yanwen turned him back to face her once more. "No matter how cold or professional I tried to make myself toward you, it seems my heart had other plans and I am sorry for putting you in this position now." It was too late for her now to not involve herself in the politics of their situation. The moment the rumors had started, she knew that she was already involved in them whether she wanted to be or not.

Once more her arms found their way around him- only this time her head rested against his shoulder.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin had put her words close to his heart, knowing that she had responded back to him had quelled his previous feelings of sadness to rest. Knowing that it had been something out of his control offered comfort, in its own odd way. Nevertheless, he had been preparing to leave her room regardless, knowing that he probably already over stayed his welcome. But just as he was about to leave, he heard the soft demand from Yanwen, and then a feeling of the gentle wrap of slender arms made their way around his midsection, holding him close. He could feel Yanwen’s much smaller frame press against his, and he briefly had closed his eyes. But they snapped back open the moment she had requested him to hold her in the same way he did the night before.

“…What?” He asked softly, wanting to ask her why, but he didn’t refuse her, he just wanted to know why. Then upon hearing how he would be reaping what he basically had sowed, he couldn’t help but feel the pounding of his heart against his chest. He feared it would beat too rapidly and practically leap out of his chest from how he felt with her in such close proximity. He took a few soft breaths, trying to calm himself down, but it was the very fact that Yanwen had said she had no reason nor desire to refuse him— and her words practically fanned the flames he had felt deep within his heart, making the roar of the fire grow louder.

Zixin tried to calm his rapidly beating heart as she turned him back around, and Yanwen would be able to notice the faintest of red on his cheeks, which spread all the way across to his ears. The minute she had spoken her feelings for him, and placed another close embrace with him once more— Zixin could not help himself any longer. His arms wrapped around Yanwen’s delicate frame, holding her close to him with trembling hands as he buried his face into the crook of her neck once again. He was leaning over to do so, but he obviously didn’t mind.

Zixin finally let out the breath he had been holding, murmuring out to her. “If that is what you desire— Then I will do no more than what you have requested, unless you truly want something beyond this. All you need to do is ask for me to do it— for I have no reason, nor desire to deny you either…” basically, he had practically asked her to tell him what he could do and not do. This was his own way of asking for permission on things, even if he didn’t outrightly say so.

“Do not apologize to me for anything that is out of your control,” he murmured out next, pulling his head back and gazing down at her. His eyes held a deep affection for the woman in front of him, and although his heart had calmed, the desire growing for Yanwen had definitely not quieted down. But he was still reserved, especially since he did not want to cross any lines she was not comfortable in doing so. “I have not just made this decision on a whim, I want you to understand that.” His eyes seemed as if he was searching for something within her own. “For these past two years, although I’ve been engrossed in my duties- there were nights I could not sleep, days I could not eat— all because I hadn’t been able to see you. You do realize the impact you had left behind, don’t you? How I’ve yearned to hold you— to just simply gaze upon your beautiful face once more. How it pained me to know you were so close to the palace, so close to me..yet so far away, out of my reach” He reached up and finally touched her on cheek with his hand, his smooth skin to which had never seen much combat- hands of a pampered life— were gently caressing her face. “You pushed away my attempts at affections before, when we were younger. And after you left— I figured I wouldn’t ever see you again,” he paused, “But, when the need for a royal taster and an apothecary arose I found a way to bring you back.”

He simply shook his head lightly, soon glancing to the bed. “Before I lose myself in my ramblings…” he began to move them both there, his hand guiding her there. It was a gentle yet firm motion he gave as they both settled down with one another. Although— the way he held her this time was way more intimate than the night prior. His hands had gently caressed around her abdomen, delicately holding her close to him. He had closed his eyes briefly, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair as they remained close. “I’ll stay for as long as you want me to,” he whispered, his warm breath would tickle gentle on the nape of her neck. In truth he didn’t wish to leave her for the night, but he figured he would have to eventually. Thankfully though, Qiang had expected the Emperor to take his time in the apothecary’s quarters- so he would make sure come first morning light, he would assign Yanwen’s court lady to another duty for the time being, as to give both Zixin and Yanwen some further time together, if Zixin would spend the night.

(I’m assuming they won’t do anything risky risky lol, but if she insinuates that she wants it, for the sake of post length and time in between posts, I’m not going to go into ten paragraphs long for intimate scenes lol, most likely shorter (no one liners obviously) but just an fyi as I think they possibly could do something, if you’re up for it. But I think the thing between the emperor and Yue will happen soon tbh especially if she catches wind on where Zixin was the night prior hehe >:3 )​

 

[Solaris-]

Neither of them, it seemed, was all to adept at making their feelings known. Both of them well versed in hiding it deep down behind a cold, dutiful stoicism as they played their role in society. It was all so new to Yanwen and part of her had to wonder if she was just dreaming all of this. His touch felt real; she desperately hoped that it was real and that the warmth from his body that she felt as she held onto him wasn't just a figment of her lovesick imagination and she would not wake from this dream to find out nothing was real.

Her thumbs had stroked across his warm cheeks as he looked down at her. The intensity in his gaze frightened her a little in their honestly. And seeing him this way, so vulnerable and uncertain of himself made him feel more human rather than an untouchable man she could have never hoped to obtain affection from. She'd no reason to doubt from his words and actions how strong his feelings were towards her. Likely, he had wanted this for some time, and she had thwarted his wishes by pushing him away again and again as she felt he truly deserved better than her. If it was selfish of her to want to hold onto this love she received from him, then she would allow herself to be so just this once.

"I think I was too blinded by the fact that you even wanted to be my friend to consider your feelings were more than that. But my father could see what I couldn't. He meant well, so please do not think ill of him as he did not want to see me hurting. But I quickly tempered my feelings for you in those two years we were apart. As much as I wanted to be here with you, at your side, I realized quickly how selfish it was to think that I was special." She had leaned up on her toes for just a moment to press her lips against his own. It was a chaste kiss- a curious one- and something she had desired to do for quite some time. "I was scared returning that you might not be the same man you were, and in some ways you aren't, but the way you look at me and speak to me is the same, and I suppose that was all that was needed to rekindle what I'd felt for you." What she still felt for him.

Yanwen allowed him to pull them over to her bed and she settled herself there against his warm body. Content to feel his arms around her- holding her close to him. Her fingers closed around his own that had rested against her stomach and she threaded their fingers. "Let us not dwell on the past, Zixin. We could spend our whole lives wondering what could have been. I would prefer now to look to whatever future awaits us. I will be by your side for as long as you will have me here." She had turned somewhat to lay on her back so that she could see his face. The hand that was not holding his moved upwards to once again touch his face gently and she pulled him down to kiss her once more. The brunette woman was happy to allow his touch and if he desired to kiss her, she would reciprocate them as she had initiated both already. "You are welcome to stay the night if you wish it."​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Once again, Zixin had taken every word that Yanwen had spoke and kept it close to his heart. He had understood that she was not the same either, but he also knew that she was right in not to dwell on the past. To go forward with the future and see what it would hold for the both of them, he knew nothing else would matter if Yanwen was not there by his side. Zixin intertwined his fingers with her own while she had reached up and brought him down for another kiss. The first one had caught him off guard, while the second one, he was more prepared for it. He kissed her tenderly, moving closer to her as she closed that distance between them. Kissing her felt so surreal, almost like he was in a dream, and he hoped it wasn’t, for he would never wish to wake from this dream.

It was when she had pulled away once more that he heard her say that he could spend the night, if he so wished it. He then smiled softly and teased her gently, “Who are you to tell an emperor what he can, and cannot do?” He reached out with his free hand and brushed a few strands of her hair out of her face, his touch was light and gentle as he did so. “I look forward to my future with you. Whatever may come, I feel better in facing it knowing that you are there beside me” he told her honestly. He wouldn’t have to feel so alone anymore. Zixin took comfort in that fact, glad that Yanwen had decided to stand by him. But Zixin knew it would not be an easy journey ahead. Especially if Yanwen would eventually agree to becoming the empress consort…he knew there would be those who would look down on his decision, but there would always be those who looked down on pretty much all of his decisions, no matter what he did.

His eyes slowly trailed towards her lips again, and he honestly was not too surprised that she had initiated the kiss first. Although she had beat him to it, he did not mind. He actually quite liked it when Yanwen would take initiative as such, and just thinking of what else she could take initiative of made the young emperor blush ever so faintly. But he did not dwell on that thought for long, especially when he was idly playing with the fingers on the hand that had laced hers with his, his gaze focusing on something she wouldn’t be able to see.

Zixin then brought himself back to the current moment and Yanwen would see a question form in his eyes. He figured that he would have to ask eventually, so he decided to ask now. “Are you…on any form of medicine that prevents pregnancy?” But she could tell from his relaxed body language that he would not go forward with something like that— at least, not in the current moment. It was only natural that someone like him in his position would ask a question such as that, especially in producing an heir. “I’m only asking because…” he trailed off, she would most likely understand where he was going with the question.

“If you are, I’m not going to make you get off it any time soon,” he would give her that option, he would want her to be ready for children first. Even though he had asked her to be his empress consort, it would be surprising for one of his status to allow her to be on such a medicine. He then looked at her with such a fond expression, his eyes clearly showing what his mouth did not yet tell her. But his mouth soon revealed what he truly held in his heart. “But…I do wish to be honest with you and, I’d love to have a family with you in the future,” he didn’t even express that he would want a son over a daughter. He was just happy to even be with Yanwen, he wouldn’t require her to bear him any sons — he’d hate to put that pressure on her, but knew it would eventually come down to that, whether they both wanted it or not.​

 

[Solaris-]

"Even the emperor needs guidance sometimes." Yanwen replied with an equally as playful lilt in her tone. She leaned into the soft touch against her face and allowed her eyes to close for just a moment. There was some trepidation she felt in her mind about how people would react when they found out about the two of them, but she trusted that Zixin could handle it. They knew him to be a tyrant- someone who did what he pleased- so who were they to question his choices in who he took on as a consort or any other member of his court for that matter. "My decision to be with you will not change no matter your answer, but do you prefer to keep this a secret for now or should we be open about this? This is new to both of us, and people are bound to be unhappy, so I can understand any reservations you may have, but if you wish for it to be known, then do not keep it hidden for my sake." Even if it would displease Yue most of all, Yanwen only wished for his happiness in the end.

She looked up at him, and her normally cold gaze was filled with nothing but admiration for him now. His question seemed awkward as he was uncomfortable asking it. A soft smile pulled at the corners of her lips. "I have never been intimate with any man, but yes, I do take them regularly. In the village, there have been numerous accounts of young women being accosted, and my parents instilled in me at a young age that if such a thing were to happen to me, then I should be prepared. Thankfully, there was never such an incident." For that, she was grateful both for her parents' concern and that the men of her village seemed to be afraid of her to not do such a thing. Yanwen was also well versed in the knowledge of how to make medicines to induce abortions, but she had not mentioned that fact aloud.

The thought of the two of them raising a family had made her heart race. Never had she imagined that a man would want her in this aspect that valued and treasured her past the desire to further his bloodline. Her fingers brushed his hair from his face as she spoke. "I would like that as well. I've always thought I might grow old without experiencing that, but I'm happy that I can do so with you." No one else had quite lived up to her standards- had never truly given her the time of day, and she hoped whatever family they raised would grow up to be happy and well taken cared for by the both of them.

"You're likely to be more experienced with intimacy than I am, but I'd be a liar if I said I haven't thought of it as of late." Especially when he was without half his clothes regularly when they saw one another. How could she not imagine such things. She wasn't afraid to give Zixin her body if that was where the night went, but she hoped he would be as gentle with her as he'd been since he'd entered her shop. His words and actions hadn't conveyed that he had desired that- or perhaps he was waiting for her to be ready for him. Though she hadn't told him as much, she had been for quite some time. Her fingers had moved from his face to trail along his jaw and then down to his exposed collarbone. He was kind to respect her boundaries, but she didn't want him to feel as though she were restricting him from doing as lovers would. "I want to be with you in every way."​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin had thought about what he would tell her, when she asked if he wished for their relationship to be known. He carefully crafted his answer before telling her what he had thought about. “I do believe some may have already caught on about how I feel towards you..” he trailed off briefly before he further explained. “My showing of indifference towards you today may have confused them, but after tonight, when I leave here, I know it will spark many rumors.” He searched her face while he had spoke of this, looking for any signs of self doubt. “And with those rumors I will handle them personally. For I shall make it known that you are to be my woman—” He then had a coy smile on his lips at an idea. “You know, we could…keep others guessing at first. Make them believe you’re thawing out the tyrant’s cold heart more and more..” he presented the idea. But he knew as time went on he would become more open with his affection towards her, especially in public.

Zixin had saw the way her gaze looked up at him, and he couldn’t help but give a shy glance in return, as he hadn’t been used to seeing such a gaze from her. But he did welcome it, and one of his hands reached out to touch on her own, especially as she spoke about the birth control drug she was currently on, and the reason for her doing so. He had subconsciously squeezed her hand tighter because of that reason, knowing any man who would dare do so to her would definitely be tortured and afterwards executed. But that small burst of anger within him subsided as she told him she’d be happy to have a family with him and he became incredibly overjoyed from that very fact, although he kept his excitement toned down for the sake of the scene. Yet Yanwen would be able to see the happiness behind his gaze now. Zixin knew he would have to eventually break this news of Yanwen joining his side as one of his consorts to Yue, as he had briefly remembered their own previous attempts at an heir had proved unsuccessful. Now with another woman in the picture..especially one he favored more than his ‘favorite consort’ as the public had deemed her— certainly would stir up more trouble than needed. But if he would be able to get in a private word with her…

Those thoughts soon would go as quickly as they went, especially when Yanwen mentioned the intimacy they would share eventually between one another, and the feeling of her fingertips gently tracing over his collarbone… he would be lying if he said he didn’t want to do anything right then and there. But he simply grabbed her hand gently, and brought it up, kissing the back of her hand ever so softly and tenderly, before he looked up to her. “Soon my love, soon..” he promised, before he brought her close into another embrace, holding her in his arms as he kissed her properly once more, this time a deep and more sensual connection than before. “As I want to be with you in every way too…” he murmured out softly against her lips while he pulled back briefly. “For now though, let us rest. We will have many seasons and moons ahead of us that we will experience, and for that, many days and nights to look forward to with one another.” He paused and looked at her with now a desire further than just pure love in his gaze. “It will be your choice though, as to when. All you have to do is show me in your actions,” he ran his thumb over the back of her hand gently.

And with that he pulled her down and settled in with her beside him now. His arms were holding her once more while she would be able to lay her head on his chest. The soft glow of the lantern illuminated his face just barely, outlining his handsome features while he tried to rest. His grip on Yanwen was firm like the night prior, but light enough to where she would be able to pull away from him for any reason if she so chose to do so. If she looked further, she would see how soft his lips appeared and how smooth his skin actually was up close. He may not have insinuated anything prior, but having him here this close to her would nearly be impossible to not have done anything. Either way, he was content to just share this moment of uninterrupted peace with one another.​

 

[Solaris-]

She offered a gentle squeeze of his hand in return in reassurance. Yanwen appreciated his anger, but he had nothing to fear. Likely the men who had such intentions feared harming her due to knowing of her family's connections to the royal family. She'd said these things not to stir the worry in his heart, but make it plain on why she'd rather be safer than sorry in the unkind world they lived in. "I have been witness to a few of the rumors already. After what happened last night, it seems they think so little of me to think of me as a jealous, pregnant mistress. As much as I would enjoy playing with their minds to make them rethink these bitter thoughts, I wonder if it would be safer just to tell the truth." Her indifference towards those that were not in her constant presence, and even the sudden chill she'd shown towards those that were in the last day would have only fueled such words, she was certain. The only uncertainty that the woman felt now was her own behavior going forward as she was not simply there to do a job any longer. She would have to appear as lady of the court and act accordingly.

Her thoughts were interrupted as he pressed a kiss to her hand. He seemed all too eager to shower her in affections, and in that, they were the same. Yanwen had never told him that she greatly enjoyed these things- when he kissed her, held her, and pet her as though she were truly special to him, but he did them nonetheless. One day, she would figure out how to return these gentle affections in full, but for now she was happy to enjoy them as he gave them to her. She returned the kiss and found herself once more wrapped around him- settling her head against his chest. The gentle thrum of his heartbeat was calming to an otherwise chaotic day.

"I will be glad to be with you through it all." They would weather through this together as they'd done before. Her voice was quiet and she felt the tiredness she had been putting off before his arrival. Now that her thoughts were quieted for the moment, she would allow herself to rest nestled and wrapped around him comfortably.

--

The following morning, she woke to find Zixin gone from her bed. That was probably for the best- though she wished that she could wake up to him still holding her so tenderly. There was no evidence of his being there save for the memories that drifted through her mind. By the time Mei was returned to her from her own tasks, Yanwen had already bathed and clothed herself. The younger woman stared at her open-mouthed as she'd never known Yanwen to dress herself this way before. The dress still bore darker shades of blue and white, but was less plain. With shorter, semi-translucent sleeves and a gentle amount of cleavage that did not reveal too much to the eye. While she was fine with making a statement by changing her way of dress, she didn't want to attract the wrong kind of attention. "This seems to be the fashion of all the court ladies. I felt I should adapt accordingly." She justified herself as now that she had agreed to stay by Zixin's side, adapting to those around her would be in their best interest.

A quiet knock on the door didn't all the two of them to dwell on it much longer. "The emperor requests your presence," he relayed to them as she had opened the door.

It seemed the streets were abuzz with talk, and as Yanwen passed them on her way to his chambers, she could feel eyes on her. Her face reddened in slight embarrassement- knowing that for once they could what she'd hidden away from their gaze. Whatever talk filtered through her ears barely phased her this day, and she continued along until she reached her destination. Excited and nervous both to see him again, she announced her presence as she always had- a habit she supposed. "Your Highness, I am here at your request. May I be allowed to enter?"​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

When the morning came, Zixin had quietly moved from Yanwen’s side, gently prying himself from her body. He had not wished to leave her, but he knew he would have to make some arrangements and finalizations now that she had agreed to be his consort. Including different living quarters and her own ladies in waiting. He would hand pick each one, knowing them to be trustworthy individuals. The palace however was all abuzz with the rumor that the emperor was actually going to receive a new consort, especially with the way he had been making orders and overseeing one of pavilions being cleaned. He had chosen the pavilion closest to where he resided and had chosen to name it one of Yanwen’s favorite poisonous flower. But only he and her would truly know what it meant.

At first, the rumors which had started made those in the palace believe he had actually accepted the envoy from before, but those rumors had quickly been confirmed to be false, considering that his brother had already agreed to take both on as his own consorts. Zixin felt amused as he received stares, especially since the tyrant they had come to know had suddenly started dressing and acting different than before. His hair was done up more properly, with his golden hair ornaments and hair pin keeping most of it in place. The other half fell down below his shoulders and over the finest silk fabric he had ever worn. He still had opted to wear his darker colors, but now on his robes were golden dragons on his sleeves and on the front of his chest. The embroidery was finely detailed, showcasing the very fact that yes, he indeed was still the emperor.

Once finished at the pavilion, he made sure to get an updated pass for Yanwen to take with her whenever she left the palace, making sure it was known on the wooden block that she was his consort. He had made it himself, using thick but delicate brush strokes in several characters as he wrote. He then donned the small block with a beautiful charm, one that the color matched Yanwen’s eyes. He would give it to her later, but for now he would need to discuss things with Yue, so she wouldn’t be surprised at this news.

Once Yue had entered his chambers, he had noticed that she seemed…a bit distant than usual. But he figured that was because of the rumors she had begun to hear around the palace. Unknowing of the woman’s own jealousy towards Yanwen, he was going to say what he needed to. But Yue stopped him before he even had the chance to explain. “I understand, Zixin,” she said a bit tersely, looking at him with an unreadable expression. “You already have made it perfectly clear to me that you’re able to choose whoever you’d want. I am not to be against your wishes.” He was surprised that she would say such a thing, but he did not know what truly laid in Yue’s heart, and how jealous of a woman she had become due to falling out of the emperor’s favor. The jealousy towards Yanwen was greater than she had ever experienced. But she had figured it wouldn’t have mattered much anyway, considering her current plans were still in motion.

—
Later on when Zixin and those of his court and council had gathered in the bright hall, he began to hear the murmur of uncertainty. He had announced that he would be bringing in a new consort, and that those who were opposed to his decision would face consequences. For the word of the emperor was law, and what he wanted could not be denied. Only an act of the heavens would be able to stop him in what he wanted to achieve. And it was true, if the emperor wanted someone’s daughter— they could not outrightly deny him, especially in fear of what he might do if they had refused. Some began to wonder whose daughter he’d exactly had ‘taken’ to be his woman. But then again, they also knew having favor with the emperor, the woman would be very lucky. Because if the woman was favored, even as a commoner, her life would become so much easier— and she wouldn’t ever have to worry about a meal ever again. Not to mention the riches she’d receive just because of his favor. But that favor was limited, especially if the emperor had many consorts— no matter who he had decided to love more; there could only be one empress consort— a most coveted position amongst consorts, especially when heirs were involved. Winning the favor of the emperor was definitely key. But, if the woman was unlucky and lost the emperor’s favor, she’d be ostracized and publicly humiliated in front of the entire nation. Losing favor with the emperor was something you never, ever wanted to happen.

Since Yanwen would become his new consort, Zixin also knew he would have to hire a different royal taster, to which was no issue, as he already had someone in his mind. Someone else he could trust as well. But he put those thoughts aside as he waited for Yanwen to come. He could feel the palms of his hands sweating slightly. He didn’t know why he was so nervous, for him being emperor…it would only be common place for him to take on a new consort. Yet…so suddenly and without notifying his counsel of it possibly caused a bit more unrest that he had expected. Briefly glancing over to Yue, he saw her bowing her head and her gaze turned downward. He figured he would deal with her later, for right now he scanned the crowd and saw a few unhappy faces— but much to Yanwen’s own relief, she would be happy to know that most would not disapprove of the emperor’s choice. Even if the new consort was a commoner, it was not totally unheard of an emperor choosing one to be his consort.

Before he could think further on the matter, he then heard Yanwen’s voice, asking for permission to enter. “You may come in,” he allowed her entry, his voice loud enough for her to hear past those doors. When she would walk through those doors that were opened for her, Qiang walked her down the long aisle up to the throne where Zixin sat. Certainly news of a new consort had been sudden, and unprepared by those who were familiar with how the emperor thought, and acted. At first they didn’t recognize who she was, whispering to themselves of where she came from, and why was her arrival kept a secret..

It was only when Zixin announced who it was, did some voices begin to raise in question. Especially with their worries of why he had chosen her in the first place. An emperor choosing a commoner for a consort hadn’t been done in a long time but still wasn’t too out of place. Zixin quickly shut their questions down for the time being. “Did you not hear me on what I had said earlier? Who I choose to be my consort is my decision alone.”

“But your highness, what of her status?” Of course there had to be a traditionalist out there. Zixin also did not know that those who were involved with Yue and his younger brother were the only ones questioning his actions. But at the question, Zixin had gave an internal sigh. “She is the daughter of the well respected apothecary that had served my father before. Those who have seen me grow up here in the palace will be wise to remember her and all that she and her family has done for the royal family.” He glanced to Yanwen as she stood there with her head bowed as well, his eyes visibly softened towards her. “I respect Lady Yanwen, and all here should treat her with the same respect. For those who disagree, you are free to leave from here and never return.” He said, but no one moved, for fear that if they did leave he would be angrier and strike them down somehow.

Yanwen would then hear Zixin, “Please, raise your head and gaze unto me..for I want to introduce you to your new court ladies.” He said and then motioned for each one to come forward. The outfits that they wore were of similar colors to what Yanwen chose to wear. And they all were quite young, so thankfully, their minds had not been corrupted by palace rumor. One of them just so happened to be Mei, which would be a pleasant surprise.

—

When he dismissed the gathering, Yanwen would see Zixin step down from his throne and towards her. He smiled gently and placed his arms within his sleeves for the time being as he began to speak. “Come with me, I will show you to your new living quarters.” He and their entourage followed them to the newly named pavilion. It would be filled with things that she would find useful. All of her medicines, clothes and other things she would need to make anything she so wished would be available to her. Alongside brushes, parchments made of the finest quality, and a handful of old books that he knew would interest her. “I’ve had the servants gather what I’ve been able to, but you are free to go back and forth however you wish to retrieve anything I may have left behind,” he says to her now. “And also this,” he pulled the pass from his robe’s sleeve. He gently handed it to her. “Use this whenever you wish to leave the palace. I will have guards assigned to you whenever you choose to go beyond these walls.” Which meant she was able to pretty much walk freely and go freely whenever she pleased. He knew this would mean a lot to her, considering if she wanted to visit her family. “I will also have your monthly salary increase, as a gift now. I will also give your family whatever they might need, so please do not hesitate to request anything.” He wanted her to know that he would take care of both her and her family from now on.​

 

[Solaris-]

Yanwen had gazed about the room through her lashes to see some disapproving stares. She'd expected this, and likewise had Zixin. Once she stopped by the man that escorted her towards the man she adored, she had bowed her head in respect. Despite their closeness the night before, she knew her manners in public. She'd had half a mind to remind the man that her family had been loyal subjects to the empire for many generations and that she was no different in that. Be it taste tester for the emperor or his bride, she would be happy to do both or either now with no complaints. He had spoken up on her behalf and did what she had hoped to do for herself, however, and for that she was grateful that he was well versed in quelling the naysayers who doubted his choice. Still, she wouldn't fault them for seeing her as a charity case that likely had some affections for their young lord.

For a brief moment, she had taken a glance over at Yue who sat with her head down as though had been scolded. There was an empathetic part of Yanwen that felt for the woman. Having to share the emperor now with a woman she likely despised was not an easy pill to swallow. Much less a commoner woman who was lesser than her in every way. She'd no intention of coming between Zixin and Yue, just that she had wanted him to give her part of his heart as well, and for her that would have been enough. Though it seemed he was certainly willing to give her more. One day, perhaps, she and Yue could reach an accord. Even if the thought of them being on friendly terms was unreachable, she would at least like if they could get along while they filled the same role.

Her gaze lifted once requested to look upwards to Zixin. Stormy hues filled with warmth that was a rare sight to see. She wore a gentle smile upon her painted lips and that too was uncommon. She admired his strength as it was most becoming on him. It suited him far better than a lovesick fool that he'd been the night before. Though she'd admired him then too in other ways. "I am honored, Highness, by the graciousness you've given to me and your words both." Yanwen hoped that her words came across genuine as she had meant them, but she was not used to sugar-coating her speech in such flowery ways.

The ladies appointed to her appeared younger than she, and she was glad to see Mei among them. The girl all but bounced on her toes- seemingly exploding with a giddy energy she would likely hear from later when they were no longer in the eyes of onlookers. She was just glad she'd seemingly been forgiven for her rudeness to the girl the past few nights. For once, she wouldn't mind listening to the girls talk her ear off and ask her question after question.

--

The pavillion was far larger than the shop he had given her. Well decorated and furnished with everything she could have ever needed. The name on the plaque read 颠茄 (dian'qie; Belladonna) and it was not lost on her. A beautiful flower, both delicate and deadly to the touch, and a rather delicious bitter tea. It was clear he had been busy that morning organizing all of this for her comfort. "You've done more than enough for me as it is; I would feel guilt in asking for anything more." Even an increase to her salary which she already hadn't needed the majority of just working as his poison tester. "Most of my salary can again go to my family. I live comfortably here without hoarding wealth, and I would rather my parents be able to properly retire before they work themselves to death." Surely, they had found a suitable replacement for her in her absence that could take on the bulk of the work as she had done so before. Still, at their age, she wanted them to be comfortable.

She accepted the pass from him- admiring the dilligence of the ink strokes on its surface. Yanwen knew he had given her the ability to leave as she desired it, and her homesickness had returned in full swing looking down at it now. "Perhaps it isn't a bad idea to pay them a visit. Even if just for a day, it would be nice to see them again." She'd sent a letter, but written word was no substitute for being able to hear her voice so that they would know that she was well. "If it isn't too much to ask, Zixin, would you permit me to leave for a day or two to visit within the next week? I can leave you prepared with countertoxins in the event that there is something that feels off about your meals so you've no need to worry about my absence." It would make her feel much better as well knowing that he would have those medicines to take in case someone did try something while she was away.

"As for my original position, I can still do that for you if you wish. I know it may be unorthodox to ask your consort to do something so dangerous, but I am happy to do so." She trusted herself to be careful- knew that she would be fine in most instances of things of that nature. It was what she had trained her body for all these years. Someone else might be more expendable than she, but they also might not have had the experience to build up a repetoire as she had. It was clear that Yanwen was not the type to be happy to be idle as a consort and wait about for her turn. She would be more useful to him if she'd be allowed to keep busy with other things.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin once again admired Yanwen's pilial fidelity, and although she may not have been from royal or noble background, she certainly exuded those qualities of an up-and-coming humble empress. She had not requested anything more, which Zixin had expected her to do so. Either way on her decision he gave a knowing look and nodded to her. "But of course, I will happily continue our previous arrangement we agreed upon," he said, knowing full well that he would try to send a bit extra here and there whenever he could. In his own way, he saw Yanwen's parents as if they had been his own, and he wanted to make things more comfortable for them in however he was able to. He hated that for the past two years he hadn't been able to do so, but now with Yanwen by his side he could happily take care of her and her family.

Seeing as she appreciated and admired the wooden pass, it made his heart swell with happiness, considering he had took his time in making it for her. And he could tell even without verbal confirmation that she was already homesick. So when the question arose from her lips he wasn't surprised. "My love, you do not need to ask me permission to leave. But, if it makes you feel better, then you are permitted to do so---whenever you wish. All I ask for in return is for you to notify me when you do plan on leaving," he spoke. Usually, in a typical setting she would have needed Zixin's permission to leave the palace. But the wooden pass she was given was basically confirmation on his words; that she was free to come and go as much as she wished. Although he wished to go with her, he knew by being the emperor he needed to stay and remain in the palace. But it didn't mean he wouldn't have a 'going out' disguise prepared for this very thing. He knew in the past when he had went to the market with Yanwen, he had one then. But that was when he was a prince, not the emperor. Either way, he most likely would sneak out every now and then to journey with her, if she permitted him to do so.

When she had mentioned the counter toxins, he looked a bit curious. "I think that would be best, to be honest. Considering everything that has happened recently I will not blindly trust that my food or drink has not been tampered with.." He knew his decisions as emperor has probably caused some unrest, but he was willing to go forward with it no matter what. He knew to be on his guard, and he especially would make sure nothing would happen to Yanwen. "When you leave, I will assign guards to accompany you. They will be those who I trust and they will make sure that you remain safe while outside of the protection of the palace."

At her request of remaining in her original position, despite being a consort now, he was not surprised by her asking to do so. He knew she was not one to idly sit by and so he said in return, "If that is what you want to do still, I will not stop you...although to be completely honest you being in that position was...worrisome, for myself. But I knew you wouldn't have come to the palace if I had not requested that of you," he admitted, a soft embarrassed blush on his cheeks could be seen, ever so slightly. "You are also permitted to do whatever else you wish, I will not stop you in regards to being at the clinic helping either," he knew that if a consort started helping the sick, it may make Yanwen seem more humble than most, for noble women would never dirty their hands with a man's job. Some may disagree though, but that was inevitable in it's own right.​

 

[Solaris-]

While she did not plan on leaving the palace frequently or often as she knew it was likely to look badly on him if he allowed her too many freedoms despite the pass she now possessed, she would at least like to inform her parents of what had happened so that they did not have to hear it through word of mouth. They would worry for her, she was sure of it, but trusted Yanwen to know herself and to make her own choices. This time, things were too busy here for him to take the time to accompany her even if she wished for that, but perhaps at some point in the near future the two could make up an excuse to visit them together. “Thank you. I will take the next two days to settle in here and prepare the medicines for you and then the following two days after, I would like to have those to return home.” She would return on the day after, but that didn’t need to be said. Yanwen had come a long way in just the last week from feeling trapped here within these walls and not wanting to leave for fear that she might decide to not return here. And now, she wanted to stay there by his side even if it meant less frequent trips past the palace walls.

It was wise that he was on edge. That meant he was more likely to be aware. Her peace of mind that they had not yet poisoned his meals or drink only went so far. It was mostly why she was so intent in doing this job herself. At least then he would be safe from any harm from tampered food. “I wish to continue doing that for you at least until you can find someone equal to my repertoire or greater to replace me, then I will remain.” Her hand reached up slowly and rested her warm palm against his face. She offered him a gentle smile. “You’ve every right to be worried, and I’ll not take that from you, but I know you trust that I know what I’m doing. I mentioned it to you before, but if there was anything in any of your meals, if I consume it, unless I eat every bite, I’m not likely to die from it. I would rather not risk the life of someone less experienced than myself even if their lives are more expendable than mine own.” Sure, there may be side effects to the poisons, but she was well prepared for such things, and knew the proper courses of actions to take in case such an event occurred. “Until our plans for children become a more serious conversation at least. After that, I would not risk the child’s health and would ask then that you replace me in that position.”

Yanwen let out a quiet laugh. “That crabby doctor hates my presence. I believe I’ll spare him from seeing me for a few days before I return to work there. He has his hands full with his apprentices as it is.” Secretly, she also wanted to continue working on her gift for Zixin as she was confident now that she could finish it while she was visiting her family or even a little before that even. The thought that she could finally do something nice for him filled her with a giddy excitement. Her hand had fallen from his face to rest against his shoulder and her other arm did likewise to pull him into a gentle, but warm embrace.

It felt nice to display even these gentle displays of affection toward him. Doing such things when no one else was around had been one thing, but now they could openly embrace even if people were looking. “I know you’re likely to be busy, so I won’t keep you for long if you’re needed elsewhere, but if you’ve any free time, please do come back here.” Yanwen knew that he would have other things to attend to that day, and likewise, she needed to organize her new living space to her liking, but she didn’t want him to become a stranger- especially not after everything.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin would lean into her gentle touch as her hand caressed his face, and he listened to her words of confirmation that she knew what she was doing. He knew that, but it did not mean he wouldn't ever worry about her. He was glad that she would take the necessary precautions while doing her job, but he had already knew that she had been. It was that she mentioned about children, especially in the presence of their entourage was he surprised she said such a thing. But the very mention still filled his heart with joy in knowing that eventually there would be talk about them in the future more, especially since he had been wanting a family with Yanwen for quite some time now. But he would take her words in and silently agree that he would choose someone else to be in Yanwen's position when she became pregnant, for an heir meant everything to an emperor, and harming that heir in any way -- the person who did so would face punishment, the typical one being death.

Once she brought him into a warm embrace, he happily reciprocated, enjoying that he could be more open with his affections towards her now. He knew their entourage had adverted their eyes out of respect, and he found that fact amusing as it was. He had placed and arm around the small of her back gently, keeping her close to him for the time being, but leaving a little slack just in case she would want to move from him for any reason. He still wanted to give her that freedom of choosing when and where to show affection, for he did not want her to feel like she was trapped at all.

When she had mentioned about his schedule, he couldn't help but give a soft smile towards her. "Of course, I could never be too busy to not come and visit you.." he leaned in and kissed the top of her head, inhaling her sweet scent ever so gently, while closing his eyes. "For who am I to not visit one of the most beautiful flowers in my garden?" He murmured out softly, pretty much for Yanwen to only hear. It was clear of who he favored more now between consorts, but Zixin knew he would have to keep visiting Yue, even if it meant just as friends from now on. Although it wasn't common practice for an emperor to remain monogamous -- Zixin certainly had always tried to be that way, for he didn't want to share his heart with another, for he knew it had always belonged to Yanwen. He had only done with what he did with Yue because he had tried to fill the emptiness Yanwen had left behind, and Yanwen was aware of this fact. It had also been speculated for some time even after the year he had spent with Yue, that this would be the first time an emperor would only have one consort...which meant no competition for the crown --- yet now Yanwen was in the picture, there were now talks about rivalry for the emperor's affection.​

 

[Solaris-]

As he held her there loosely against him, she was reminded of many a time he had done so when they were younger. She hated that it had taken her this long to notice that he had seen her properly this whole time. For someone who prided herself on her own intelligence, even she had to admit that she was an idiot in this regard. Still, she enjoyed the closeness she’d longed to share with him now- not trying to break free from his arms as she wished for him to remain there even if the two had other things that needed attended to.

“Please don’t be too harsh on Xiao Yue when you do see her,” Even despite the other woman’s venomous stares and words toward Yanwen, she was willing to be the bigger person and not let them get to her. The girl was acting out in ways that she could understand even if the brunette, herself, would never act as such. She had been the only consort for quite some time, and then finally when he did choose another, it happened to be someone with a shared past with the man she’d likely thought was her own. “It may be asking a bit much, but I would prefer to not have petty squabbles.” Yanwen would not monopolize his attentions no matter how much she desired to, and as long as he gave her some of his time, she would be more than content as she had many other things to keep herself busy with.

Leaning up on her toes, she kissed him gently. “I should get to work. I have many things to do before I leave. But you’re always welcome here.” Once more, she kissed him and allowed herself to pull away from his arms before she changed her mind.

The inside of the pavilion was quite large- far larger than any place she had ever lived. Filled with plush furniture and luxuries that she felt as though she neither needed nor deserved. Yanwen had claimed a table as her workstation and set to work preparing the counter-toxins that would be needed in her absence. She hoped that he would not need them, but it was better to be safer than sorry. Along with it, she drafted a note which she color coded along with the vials of tablets so he would know which ones to take and their symptoms as well as what to look out for when he inspected his own food and drink. It was hard and exact work, but she was diligent and meticulous to the letter outlined in her father’s old journals. If Zixin were to die while she was away, she would be devastated.

—

By the second day, Yanwen could feel a tiredness filling her as well as a nervousness. She would have to tell her parents about many things that had happened within the last week, and while she was sure they would support her as they loved Zixin, they would worry without a doubt. Early that afternoon, she had finished the surprise she’d planned much earlier than expected. Quite happy with the piece as she had not known herself to be artistic. It was charcoal, ink, and paint on a delicate canvas with her name signed in small brush strokes at the very bottom. In the early morning, she took the canvas which she hid from view though there was no one else around, and set to cleaning up a small section of the storage shed that she’d been in not even a few days prior. It saddened her that this place had fallen into such disrepair, but for now, this was all she could do. In front of the art piece, she placed a small makeshift altar and her own incense burner. Initially, she’d wanted him to wander out here on his own to see this, but she had changed her mind, and would rather show it to him instead when the two of them had a free moment to spare.

With her plans now completed for her trip, Yanwen allowed herself to enjoy a hot bath and a nap on one of the many lounges of her new home.

She woke to the careful prodding of the court ladies assigned to her. “Yan JieJie, it’s almost dinner time.” The quiet voice of Mei called out to her and pulled her gently from the wonderful dream she’d fallen into. Yanwen carefully sat herself him and allowed herself to stretch her tired limbs over her head. She set to work in placing the medicines she’d made for Zixin into a basket along with the note that accompanied it and Mei slipped a hairpin into the woman’s dark hair. A replica flower made of clay and paint of a Belladonna that was certainly beautiful if not a little unorthodox for what types of flowers normally sat on the ends of ornate hair ornaments. It pulled a quiet laugh from her lips, and with that, the lot of them made the short walk to the palace.

“Good evening, Highness. May I be allowed to enter?” Although she knew she likely could just walk in as she pleased now, she would prefer not to catch him unawares of her presence, and would rather let him know that she was there to see him.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin again, was surprised from the kiss that Yanwen had so clearly made it known on her affections towards him. It made him happy in a way, knowing that he had always wanted to be very open with his affections towards her, but it had been harder, considering it seemed in the past that she had averted such things from him. He figured it may have been of his status and her status, but he didn’t care about things as such. He wanted to love whoever he was able to love, without barriers and social stigmas such as ‘status’. He knew his ideals had been foolish as a prince, but now as emperor clearly he was able to change the rules however he liked.

Zixin had reciprocated the kiss well, kissing Yanwen in turn as she had placed her lips on his. But they were kept brief, even though Zixin had wished for them to continue, he figured it may have been best to do so, considering that they were in public still. Either way, he was happy regardless because she chose to show him affection. And of course he was happy to receive such things from her. But upon hearing how she talked of his other consort, he gave an internal sigh, yet knew she only had good intentions from her words. “I promise I won’t,” he swore to Yanwen. He didn’t though tell Yanwen quite yet that he planned to let Yue know about his choice about just remaining friends with her, for he had fell out of ‘love’ with the consort quite some time ago, having Yanwen here only solidified that fact and Zixin felt it was only fair to her, if he told Yue about his current decision to remain just friends. He just hoped that she would take it well.

—

Zixin, upon entering the room of Yue, saw that the woman had been quietly sitting there, reading a book that he had gotten her quite some time ago. He looked to it and then up to her face, which was a bit unreadable. He couldn’t exactly tell what she was feeling, but he felt as if he needed to come to her to explain his current feelings and thoughts. “Yue-“ he dropped formalities with the woman, which he hadn’t done much before. “Earlier you didn’t let me get a word in, but I wanted to explain myself.” He didn’t think that an emperor had to explain his actions to his consorts, but he knew Yanwen wanted him to go easy on Yue, and that was what he was trying to achieve.

Yue’s eyes had raised from the manuscript and fell on Zixin’s face. Deep down she felt a new wave of hatred for the man in front of her. Clearly, she hadn’t counted the fact that her own position was threatened now—by some mere commoner — so she would have to go through with her other plan first, before going through with the secondary backup one if the first one failed. The first was to secure her position by producing the current emperor an heir, and the backup was… going through with his younger brother’s plans of dethroning Zixin. Either way, she would make herself empress consort, and she didn’t care how she had to do so. She had worked too long to get herself here, and she wasn’t going to back down now.

But she had put on a fake, empty smile towards Zixin, “what did you come to say, Zixin?” She awaited his stupid answer, and her thoughts confirmed what he was going to say. Basically, he knew that public eyes were on them both, and he explained how his heart had always belonged to Yanwen. That he apologized and felt terrible for leading Yue into the position she was in, and that he hadn’t been honest with himself. That he cared for her much more like a friend than an actual lover now, and as he bowed down to show his apologies, Yue had to stifle back laughter. “So,” she began, hiding her laughter behind her sleeve as she brought her arm to cover her mouth. “You’re telling me the entire year that we’ve spent together was for nothing?” She asked, clearly, some part of her hurt, but that was just because she wanted to always be empress consort, not because she had actually cared about Zixin, just the status of crown so to speak.

Zixin was apologetic, he did not want to lead any woman on, especially a woman such as Yue, who had left her home to become his consort. “I again apologize, I just cannot continue to lead you down a false path. I would however please ask that any anger you feel, direct it towards me, and not to Lady Sun. She has no idea that I’m even here asking this of you..” and with that, Yue was speechless. She wanted to lash out, yell, scream. But she knew that officially, her position as his most favored consort was now over. She felt humiliated in some way, considering how expendable she was to Zixin, but she also reminded herself why she was here in the first place. Zixin had then asked that if they could remain friends, so that way she wouldn’t face public humiliation for falling out of his favor, but she didn’t know what to say to him. She gave it a brief thought before saying, “If that is what you wish, then…who am I to question you, your highness…”

After a brief pause of silence, Yue spoke up once more. “If you have nothing else to say, then I ask you to leave me be, for I wish you to give me some time to think about these things at least,” she requested of Zixin now, and Zixin did just that, bowing again to Yue out of respect and apologies, but left her quarters and felt an unease cloud over him. He hadn’t seen that Zhan was close by, overhearing the exact conversation between Yue and his older brother. After Zixin left, he was seen entering Yue’s quarters to discuss their next course of actions.

—

Yanwen would hear Zixin permit her to enter, and there he was, reclined on one of the daybeds. He had been idly sitting there ever since his conversation with Yue, and he seemed a bit spaced out when Yanwen entered. But his attention drew to the hairpin that Yanwen now donned and he felt a little bit curious on who would have given one to her. He did have plans on making a few for her, but for now his current intent was to get a solid jade ring made for just her, yet he wasn’t so sure on how to present it just yet. Either way, he gave her a warm inviting smile. He saw what she carried and looked over across its contents. “I’m assuming those are what you spoke of earlier?” He asked, seeing some familiar tonics, and ones he hadn’t been accustomed to. He had spent a few summers with Yanwen and her father in the apothecary shop when he was younger, so he had a bit of knowledge but it had been quite some time ago now. So he probably would have to have his memory refreshed by her.​

 

[Solaris-]

As she entered, though he smiled warmly at her, she could tell he felt uneasy about something that weighed on him. She set the basket down on the table in front of her and pulled out the note that explained each- nodding her head to his question. She remembered that her father had shown him how such things were made before when she was just his apprentice. Where Yanwen had been scribbling notes of interest down in her journals at that young age, she'd wondered why Zixin had shown such an interest in their profession at that time. Now she realized it must have been both in an attempt to learn more about the medicines prepared and an attempt to be closer to her in some way even if it meant sitting through a boring lesson. "Yes, I've prepared this guide for you and one for the physician as well. He may know many things about medicine, but some cases are rare enough to not be able to diagnose without seeing it first hand. I hope that you don't need these though I've made them for you for this purpose." It set both their minds at ease this way, and she would feel better about leaving him alone for a couple of days while she returned to her village. "Some symptoms may overlap each other as many of them interact with the body in much the same way, but if you pay attention to the tastes and feelings of each one, you can tell easily what has been used. Unless they decide to opt for a tasteless option which is harder to come by."

She seated herself next to him and looked over at him- offering him a soft smile. "You take your meals alone more often than not, so I will warn you now that these pills induce vomiting. That will make it far less likely that toxins can enter your blood or build up in your system." It wasn't foolproof, and he would likely still fall ill for a while if that were to come to be. "I made it so that you can still enjoy the privacy of your meal without needing to be watched by others."

Her smile had faded somewhat as she sat there, and she was starting to have second thoughts about her leaving. Situations had gotten a little tense since her arrival the previous week- so much so that even she had taken note of them. Likely, it had been this way for some time now, and now that tension was overflowing due to the circumstance. It was truly no wonder that many nobles and royals did not live to see an old age when there was this amount of unease brewing at a constant level. "Zixin, should I postpone my trip? Truthfully, I don't wish to do so, but if you would prefer I stay, then I will if it will set your mind at ease." She was dreadfully homesick, but he had already granted her the ability to leave as she pleased and the permission to take such a trip this week. Perhaps it had been a bit too early to ask to leave though. She rested her head there against his shoulder- torn between decisions that were difficult.

"After dinner will you take a walk with me? I think the fresh air will do us both some good." She wouldn't tell him where she intended for them to walk just yet though nor that she intended to show him anything.The two had barely spent any time in the last two days though, so it was as good of an excuse as any. The fingers of her hand had wrapped gently around his palm- offering it a reassuring squeeze. She'd not pried on his sour mood- thinking it for the best for now as their time was better well spent. If he wanted to tell her about his conversations he would do so on his own time, and she would spare him her curiosity.

Yanwen straightened herself as the meal was brought into them. She'd eaten a great many things that had been delicious at the palace, but this one interested her more so than the others thus far. "Seafood dumplings and squid ink noodles? I didn't know you enjoyed things like this." Certainly the ingredients to make this were expensive, and she was only rarely allowed to eat such things at home- mostly reserved for special occasions or birthdays. "If you keep feeding me things like this, I'm going to gain weight." She teased him gently. Where Yue was full figured in her beauty, Yanwen was much more petite. She supposed a small amount of weight gained on her small frame wouldn't hurt as long as she didn't allow herself to grow too complacent. Along with the meal, there was a sweet plum wine which she poured first. It was fragrant and she could smell both sweet and tart undertones both just from the bottle. Too sweet for her liking, but she enjoyed the sour taste that lingered after the first sip. As with any other dish, she was careful and took her time, though this time it was a bit of an excuse to enjoy these things as well. "It's safe to eat."​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin listened to Yanwen as she explain how she had made a guide for him on each and every counter toxin she had made. To see her be so careful and meticulous on her work- it made his heart fill with pride to see what a wonderful apothecary she had become, far from the one he had known to be just starting when she had left the palace two years ago. He knew it’d to be a little unorthodox for a woman to become an apothecary, but he also thought Yanwen definitely was thriving in that position. Even more so than she would in being his consort. But, he knew that as his consort she would have to keep some type of image to her— although Zixin had made it clear that he would let her do whatever she pleased still, and would not keep her from her hobbies. He loved her too much to do so.

Yet the further she explained what each and one did, he could tell that she was becoming suspicious of his earlier mood, and truthfully he didn’t know how to fully explain himself to her. He wanted to tell her that he had visited Yue, that he had told Yue he just wanted to remain friends, but he didn’t want to trouble Yanwen with his new worries, especially on how Yue had reacted. He hadn’t been expecting her to do so, he honestly had expected her to be more upset, as was to her previous character that he knew of. Again, not that he wanted her to be upset, he had just expected her to be so. Perhaps she had been anticipating this from him all along, considering how open he had been with showing favor to Yanwen in the short time she had been here. He then worried that Yue would do something rash, but thankfully Yanwen would be gone for a few days so it would definitely make it easier for Zixin to rest easy and figure that Yue wouldn’t attempt anything.

At Yanwen’s words, he was brought back to the current present, and he looked a bit confused at what she was asking. “You… want to stay?” He frowned ever so slightly. “No,” he said a bit firmly, “I know how much you already miss your parents…and I want for you to have however much time you want in visiting them. Things will be fine here, for I have my guards, remember?” He wanted to assure her but also had wanted her to go and do as she pleased. Although truthfully some part of him did not want her to leave, he did understand the relationship between her and her parents. He could not keep that from her, and he knew that this time when she left the palace, she would return to him.

When she asked for them to take a stroll together later that evening, his interest piqued. “Sure, I do not see why we couldn’t,” he offered a gentle smile towards her now, squeezing her hand in return after she spoke. But before he could get in another word in, the food arrived. Even he was surprised on the meal received, and he looked to her as she questioned him liking it. He gave a small smirk in response, “What, surprised it is not the same food I used to enjoy when you first knew me?” he teased her gently, but was still was surprised the kitchen would serve him this. Perhaps they had caught onto his earlier sour mood somehow and wanted to lift his spirits.

Watching her eat, he gave a gentle laugh at her comment on gaining weight, “If you eat it in large portions you may,” he replied, but looked at her after she drank the wine and said it was safe to eat. “I wouldn’t be opposed if you did gain weight, I’d love you all the same that is,” he mentioned to her now, picking up one bowl and began to eat it with his chopsticks, tasting the delicacy of the dumplings and noodles, enjoying them immensely. With Yanwen being here and with the good food, his spirits were now lifted and his sour mood from earlier was nowhere to be found.

—

Later that evening they were taking the stroll through the palace courtyard— soon coming across the same place they had a few nights before, and Zixin was acutely aware of how he had acted towards Yanwen here, and how close they had been when hiding from the palace guards. He looked to Yanwen with curiosity, “I feel like you’re leading me here,” he said, but wasn’t upset about it. He had been walking with her by his side and taking his arm with hers.
​

 

[Solaris-]

She hadn't meant to upset him further with her questions about whether she should keep to her plans. He seemed adamant that he would be fine, and Yanwen agreed with a nod of her head. She would stick to her original plan of taking the two days with her family before returning back without complaints. Her family deserved to know of her decisions and her intentions to stay in the palace from her rather than hear about this news as it filtered about the kingdom. No doubt they would question her, but ultimately, they knew Yanwen was not the type to make rash decisions and that she had not done this on impulse. "Then, I will leave in the morning and return in the afternoon of the third day as we agreed upon. I do miss them, but I also know that I am needed here." Yanwen was not a girl anymore, and she could not cling to her parents as she once had- knowing that she would have to grow up eventually. She would trust that everything here would remain as it was, and when she returned, nothing would be changed. Her duties and tasks would continue, and she would help Zixin where she could do so.

"I know you to be a choosy eater, and as these are recipes from neighboring countries, I'd not have thought you to be so adventurous." Perhaps he had such a person in his employ as it was not unfeasible of a thought. Her own ancestors had moved here to the mainland many generations ago to escape their country's misfortunes, so it was not unlikely that people could do the same now. Fresh seafood was hard to come by in villages that did not live by the coastline, and squid ink was even more a rare sight to see.

With the mood lightened by the food and their playful conversation, Yanwen allowed herself to push her remaining thoughts to the side for now. It wasn't worth souring the atmosphere again when she'd rather see him smile at her. Even though she enjoyed the meal, she was a bit sad that it was gone all too soon.

--

The brunette had wrapped her arm around his as they strolled through the courtyard- her hand holding his firmly, and she admittedly did lead them down a familiar path. Though she'd attempted to do so inconspicuously, he had seemed to catch onto her ploy. Always too smart for his own good. Yanwen gave him a sheepish smile. "This place is special to us, why would I not want to come here?" Even if it wasn't as it was when they were children with the field still slightly overgrown and the house there in slight disrepair, it wasn't like it had fallen to complete ruin. "It contains many good memories for us both. Back when we could be less rigid in upholding a mask to keep an image." Even memories of a few nights prior weren't unpleasant for her. Yanwen had been uncomfortable then- not because he had held her so closely, but because they'd nearly been caught alone at night by someone that'd come looking for him no doubt. But now, their being alone on this walk would not be seen as an impropriety, and she was far more comfortable with this than she'd been that night. "That night when you held me tightly, and made that silly promise, I wanted you to continue to do so, but I was afraid to ask as I didn't know how to do so." Now, all she had to do was ask him to hold her and he would, but she didn't want to make him feel as though he always had to ask to do as he wished.

"I want to show you something." She opened the door slightly. "Close your eyes and don't peek." She made sure that both his eyes were truly closed before she unwound her arm from him and took both of his hands in hers- walking backward into the house so that she could guide him toward what she wanted to show him. Yanwen stopped him gently with a hand on his shoulder and once more returned to his side. Bringing a matchbook from her dress pockets, she lit the incense and put out the match. "Open your eyes now."

A momentary wave of embarrassment washed over her. Nerves that had been steeled a moment ago grew frayed with a nervousness she'd not felt when she had made this present for him. She hoped he would appreciate it, but the fear was there that he would be angry with her for some reason or another for doing this or that she would only deepen his sadness. "I know how much you miss her, and while I am no one who can raise the deceased, I can at least offer you this solace. The palace barely has any reminders of her presence there in portraits, so I thought it would be nice for you to have this. After all you have done for me and given me this past week, I wanted to show my appreciation, but if this isn't to your liking I will remove it. I'm no artist, but I did my best to do it justice." Despite all the work put into it, and the near sleepless night it'd taken to complete, she didn't want to upset him.

Looking up between the portrait and Zixin now, she admired that he had inherited many of his mother's strong features. The two looked quite a lot alike. His expressions were always difficult for her to read these days unless he outwardly displayed strong emotion, and this felt no different. Yanwen opted not to say anything further though she'd thought of hundreds of different things to say just in that moment. None of them seemed fitting.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin looked to Yanwen as she sheepishly told him her reasoning of coming down this path, and he couldn't help but give another warm smile to her in return. "Of course it holds a special place in our hearts for both of us," He began and looked towards the little house that had been there. "You probably don't remember, but I did confess once to you," He said a bit shyly now, shaking his head. "Although I wasn't...clear on my confession," he did admit, but those thoughts didn't remain in his mind once Yanwen mentioned a few nights before, to where he had held her close and said that promise he obviously had not been able to keep. His cheeks felt a bit warmer now, and he looked down at the ground in another shy glance when she explained that she had wanted him to continue but did not know how to ask him.

But it made him curious when she told him she had a surprise for him, and so he did as asked, closing his eyes and making sure he would not peek out for anything. When she took his hands and guided him inside of the house, it was when he was told to open his eyes did he gaze upon the portrait of his mother. Yanwen would notice his face turned to that of sadness at first, and his hand reached out and gently touched the colors on the portrait. Hearing her explain her reasonings behind it, she would see tears fall from his wavering gaze. But a smile was on his face as he looked to her, "Thank you..." he began, moving to bow his head before Yanwen in thankfulness and respect, "I haven't seen her in so long, and..I..began to forget what she looked like," He gave a small sniffle as the tears continued to cloud his vision. But he wiped them with his sleeve and stood up straight, towering over her once more. "You didn't have to do this for me...for your presence here was more than enough for me to ever want," He looked upon the portrait of his mother again, and Yanwen would see him put his hands together and bow his head, praying over the altar now.

When he was finished, he turned to Yanwen again. "I always knew you used to draw certain plants in your journal, but I didn't know you could produce art such as this, your craftsmanship is truly amazing to witness.." to her, even though he had initially cried upon receiving the gift, she would be able to tell he was most pleased by this. No one had ever done such a thing for the young emperor, and it made it all the better that she had did it for him. "I shall treasure this gift forever, thank you again," unknowingly, Yanwen had soothed a part of his soul that had not been able to cope properly ever since his mother's death. Even though some part of him still wanted to bring judgement to those who wrongly sent his mother to her death, this portrait also eased him to the point of he wouldn't really care to know the truth anymore. For now he had Yanwen, so his attentions were put elsewhere, focusing on their relationship would be more of a priority-- building up what he hadn't been able to do so before. After a few more moments of silence, he asked a simple question, "What would you like to do now?" he wondered if she would retire to her chambers for the rest of the night, and he would likely do the same. Although, part of him wished he could hold her once more in his arms as he fell asleep again.
​

 

[Solaris-]

Her head tilted slightly in an unasked question- though she'd not had time to dwell much on trying to remember if he'd truly confessed to her once or not. It was entirely possible that he had and she had been so wrapped up in whatever occupied her attention at the time to simply think he was messing with her or joking and ignored it or brushed it off. It did make her wonder though just what he'd said to her that night if he hadn't been overt with his intentions.

Seeing him like this though, sad but happy at the same time set her heart at ease. At least he didn't hate it, and for that she was grateful. "I had trouble finding portraits for reference as my memory of her face is pretty hazy at best." There were a few small ones that were kept close to Zixin's chambers of them all when they were much younger, and she had committed it to memory in an effort to do this painting some justice. Still, she could see where she likely could have done better, but that was just her mind telling her that it wasn't good enough rather than anything else. "I did not have to do this, but I wanted to. You have done nothing but spoil me from the moment I arrived and I too wanted to give you something in return." Even if he'd not meant to do so, she still wanted to show him that she appreciated him as well.

Yanwen offered her own silent prayers as he did before looking back up at him. "I am no artist," She reiterated again. "Plants and anatomy sketches are one thing, but something like this is not something I can produce on a whim." It was exact work and keeping it so neat and tidy had been a challenge with the mediums she'd chosen to work with. But in the end, it was something that she could be happy in knowing that it was well received. "But I am glad you like it. I wanted to give you a space where if you ever needed to be alone, you could come here to collect your thoughts." Her hand moved upwards to offer a reassuring stroke of his cheek with gentle fingers. Her lips had pulled into a soft smile. Though she wasn't well adept at outwardly showing too much emotion, she was happy.

His question gave her a small amount of pause as she'd not thought on what to do after she showed him this. It was getting later in the night, and they should likely return before someone assumed the worst. "We can return to the pavilion for now. If you wish to spend the night again, I would have no complaints." The girls in her employ would likely disperse themselves if they saw him, but at least she knew they wouldn't be nosy.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

With Yanwen's reassuring touch, he felt as if she would be able to quell any doubts he would have. He had leaned into it ever so slightly, grateful that she was here now, with him. He was also glad that she had thought of him in such a way, and had appreciated all that he had done for her. He knew she had been appreciative, but to show it in this way had truly captivated his aching heart. When she had mentioned she was no artist, he had playfully suggested that he could always hire tutors for her so she could learn what other consorts had learned, if she had so wished, that is.

When Yanwen told him she wouldn't mind it if she spent the night again, he gazed upon her and his eyes seemed to soften even more. "I would love to spend the night again," he spoke gently. The night air chilled him slightly, and so before he offered his arm once more for her to take, he took off his outer robe and placed it over Yanwen's shoulders. He fixed it to hang there over her, offering her more warmth then himself. He did not mind though, for he wished for her wellbeing more than his own. Then he extended his arm for her again for her to take. As they walked towards the pavillion, Zixin began to think of what he would do when Yanwen would be out. He supposed he could go through all of the paperwork he had been neglecting ever since her arrival, and figured if he busied himself, he would not have to end up pining after Yanwen once more.

--

After they had reached her room once more, Zixin moved and gently pulled his outer robe off of her and neatly folded it across one of the many lavish chairs. He had seen her employ notice his arrival, and although they had been up late for their lady's return, once they saw that Yanwen was in the care of the emperor, they clearly made it known to dismiss themselves. Zixin had found it amusing. To everyone else, he had been the tyrant that Yanwen had suddenly thawed his icy cold heart, and in just a mere matter of days too. Talk about being impressive, not even Yue had managed to do such a thing.

He reclined himself on the edge of her bed, feeling the extra plush bed he had issued for her. "I know the bed may not be something you're used to, but I do hope that it can offer comfort after a long day's work." He knew that even though she was his consort now, given by her current workstation, she would continue to do the same work she had previously done. Of course he knew about this as he had given her special permission to do so. Zixin gazed upon her once more with such love and affection it would make any person not in a relationship sick of how outwardly affectionate and loving he was to Yanwen.​

 

[Solaris-]

The night had not been this chilly when they'd walked into it before. It was much too warm for any sort of cloak or layer to protect her from the wind during the day, but she was grateful that Zixin had placed the outer most layer of his own robes over the top of her when they'd exited the house. It was warm from him and kept her from shivering now in the cold night air, but she wondered if he too didn't feel similarly by the slowly changing weather. Thankfully, their walk was short lived enough where she didn't have to worry too much about him, and she stayed close to him throughout. Inside, the girls had kept it warm, and she had wished them a good night before they'd made to keep themselves busy or go to bed themselves.

She had released his arms to stretch tired limbs over her head before stepping behind a partition to change from her dress into her night clothes. "Admittedly, I've found it difficult to sleep on the bed. Not that it isn't comfortable, but because I've grown accustomed to sleeping on the floor with my family next to me." Yanwen sat down next to him- now dressed for bed. "Since my being here, if I've not fallen asleep at my desk first, the only times I've slept in the bed are when Mei has fallen asleep first or when you have visited me." Sharing the space even if it was not with Zixin had been more comfortable to her than being alone.

Yanwen had noted his affectionate expression towards her, and while she certainly appreciated just how much he enjoyed her presence, it did make her a little embarrassed. No man had ever looked at her so longingly before, and usually there was greed and lust behind a man's gaze. She was just a commoner woman who had not thought that her appearance was that of anything special, and yet she had drawn the emperor's interest away from his own noble ladies that were far more fashionable and womanly than she could have hoped to be. Admittedly, her own gaze for him was much the same. Warm looks wrapped in adoration for his strength and also his gentle demeanor towards herself. It was hard not to soften her cold gaze towards the only man other than her father that treated her with an earned respect.

She seated herself on the bed next to him- wrapping arms around him tightly. Yanwen found tiredness to be the furthest thing from her mind- though she likely should have been since she was leaving in the early morning hours. "These past few nights with you have been more than I could have ever hoped for. Seeing you smile and be truly happy leaves less room in my heart for worry to see you like this." She hoped that they could remain as happy as they were now in the future that laid before them. They had made many plans, but none were set wholly in stone quite yet.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

When she had moved behind the partition, Zixin adverted his eyes even then -- wanting to still give her privacy. He respected her that much, knowing that if and when she wanted to show him anything, it would be on her terms. It was only when she came out in her night robes did he look back towards her direction. He had dressed down to the last layer of his own robes, looking very relaxed on the said bed. As she mentioned how it had been harder for her to fall asleep, he leaned forward with a concerned look on his face. "Would you prefer I have one of the palace maids bring in a floor mat for you?" he asked, knowing he wanted her to feel comfortable, even if that meant sleeping on the floor. A bit unconventional for one of his consorts to be sleeping on the floor, but again Zixin prioritized Yanwen's comfort over mere rumor that might spread if one caught on that she slept on the floor usually.

Despite what Yanwen saw herself as, Zixin would wholeheartedly disagree on how she saw herself. For her appearance was not the first thing that made him fall in love with her. Yanwen was not only kind, but valued her family above all else-- which was a value that was highly respected in the current culture of the dynasty. She clearly showed that she respected and admired her parents for her entire life thus far. Zixin knew that amongst other women who did it just for show, Yanwen was true in her feelings for her family. She also was gentle with children, dedicated in her work and she was both strong spirited and carried herself well, also showcasing she did not mind if she got herself 'dirty' by touching and caring for other people. Simply put, everything that was about Yanwen Zixin admired and cared for. Her beauty was a bonus in his opinion, to him ever since he was a teenager he had seen her as beautiful. And the few times that he had seen her with a painted face, he knew hers was the only woman's face he had eyes for. Although her frame was petite and did not show that she was even capable of bearing children, he did not mind. For he had never desired such women and would never desire such women. He only desired Yanwen, and his gaze would give that away eventually, but Yanwen would probably have to look closer to realize such a thing.

When she seated herself beside him and wrapped her arms tightly around him— he couldn’t help but place his own hands on hers for the time being. He too found that he should be more tired than he actually was, and he was not able to fall asleep just yet. At her words he smiled fondly, “and I have you to thank for the happiness.” He admitted, knowing that his mood had significantly improved ever since Yanwen came back into his life, to which there were no complaints from him. Zixin then took note of what time it was, and he glanced to the bed. “I know early morning comes quickly, so let us try and rest. I don’t want you to be overly tired when the time does come,” he mentioned, moving to settle down with her next. He hoped she would be able to find some sleep tonight, even if it were for a brief few hours.​

 

[Solaris-]

Yanwen shook her head at his question. "No, I would rather adapt myself to this. I think there may be a few reasons for why I have a hard time with this, and one is that I'm not used to sleeping alone." It was far easier to curl herself next to Mei if she was already asleep there or even against Zixin now that he was keeping her company in her bed than it was to fall asleep on her own. The gentle white noise of someone else breathing next to her was more often than not relaxing than not. "And the other is my own problem to bear, but I don't feel as though I have earned these luxuries just by proxy of being here." Her own mental fought against her to tell her that she needed to earn what she was given and not just blindly accept such gifts, but that was not a problem he needed to worry himself with as she was already doing her best to tell herself that she should just accept it without complaint. "It may take some time, but eventually, I will stop sleeping at my desk." She let out a quiet laugh at the thought. For now, she knew it would be in her best interest to not let the intrusive thoughts win and just acclimate to this as well. It may take longer than a couple of weeks, but she didn't want to make it seem as though she were complaining.

"You deserve happiness too, My Love." The world had not been kind to him- had taken things from him before they were ready to be taken, and not allowed him to grieve their loss. He'd filled shoes too large for him just as another painful reminder at how unjust the world was. For this, she'd certainly never envied his position, and she knew that she would likely have fared much the same if it had happened to her. She couldn't fault him for hardening his heart to those around him for these things or for how he had changed in her absence. Yanwen did not expect him to change the way he acted or return to his normal demeanor from before, but he showed her that the person she'd yearned for was still there even in pieces. She didn't want others to take advantage of his kindness, and so it was why she did not push him to show this to others.

As he moved further onto the bed, she followed suit- pressing her lips into a gentle kiss against his forehead before laying down beside him on her side so that she could still enjoy the warmth and closeness of their two bodies. Though it seemed neither of them were quite ready to fall asleep, she would at least allow herself to relax for the time being. "If I must be honest, I woke up not shortly before dinner as I'd stayed up most of the previous night working on your gift and the medicine for you both." Her sleep cycle had been rather irregular, and she found herself taking short naps at her desk or even on the lounges when not occupied with other tasks.

Eventually, sleep did come, however. Even if it was short lived. The morning came far too quickly for her liking, The tired woman untangled her limbs from Zixin's own and dressed herself- this time in a much more plain outfit than what she had worn the past few days. It didn't feel appropriate to wear such finery out where it could get damaged or dirtied by traveling. "I will return in a few days. Please take care of yourself." Her words were soft as she leaned down to give the man a gentle kiss.

--

The trip to the village was blessedly just as short as it had been the previous week. There was some anticipation and nervousness both that had built up within Yanwen as she waited for the doors of the carriage to allow her the freedom to walk on her own once more. Once she stepped out, familiar faces gawked at her and her entourage as they'd not expected their arrival. Though, she paid them no mind.

Her mother was outside the shop tending to her garden when she heard the quiet footsteps of her daughter approaching. She swore it was the fastest she'd ever seen the older woman move to wrap her arms around her tightly. "Xiao Yan, we have missed you. Let's go find your father." Before they did so, she turned to the guards that had accompanied her thus far and let them know that she would be fine without their presence. This was her home, after all, or at least it had been before she and Zixin had finally talked their feelings out. Not much had changed around here, and she was grateful for that. The fast pace of the palace compared to the slow monotony of village life seemed lightyears apart now.

The two women entered the shop where her father sat at his work station. He moved to stand, but Yanwen was faster and quickly embraced him just the same as her mother had done not moments ago. "I have missed you both immensely." It was nice to see that they were still well and still keeping busy. She looked about the shop and noted that many ingredients were kept stocked for the first time in quite a while. At least they were making use of the stipend that was being sent their way.

"Xiao Yan, you must've come home to tell us something important." The three of them sat at the work station that now doubled as a small table for them to eat a light lunch. This was the first meal she hadn't had to inspect nearly every inch of before she placed it into her mouth. She just hoped that what she was about to tell them wouldn't upset them.

"Rest assured, I am well. Many things have happened in the last week that I've been gone. But chief among them..." She trailed off- looking down to the piece of yam that was glazed in honey at the end of her chopsticks. It was one of her favorite dishes, and even as excited as she was for it, she could still feel her stomach in knots. There was no sense in delaying the inevitable she supposed. "Is that Zixin asked that I be among his consorts." She could see the hint of smile behind the glass her father held mixed with worry. They had every right to fear for her safety in that position, but she would not take back her decision now.

The cup was sat down- empty now. "And did you accept? I did know he had such intentions for you when we were at the palace last, but you seemed disinterested in his affections towards you." Her father had likely known that Zixin had desired her. He was a man after all, and could see what she had not.

Sheepishly, Yanwen nodded her head to the question. "I did accept. I wanted to tell you before rumors floated about here. Being back in the palace and close to him once again made me realize that we both have likely had these feelings for a long time and I was just too dense to realize." Where she had expected more words of worry from her parents, they offered none. Only that of congratulations and hopes that she would be happy in her new life.

Their small meal was finished quickly and she opted to wash their plates. It was the first chore she'd really done on her own since leaving, but she didn't mind it. "Speaking of rumors, Xiao Yan, there was a young man who visited us a few days ago. Quite the embarrassing situation he told us. He asked for several vials of something to cure his impotence. He wore plain clothes, but we could tell he was at least noble born from from how he carried himself. You haven't heard of any strange goings on about the palace have you?" The question surprised her greatly, but she hadn't heard of anything like this. Many men suffered from such a condition, but for him to request several vials of any potent compound did raise her suspicions higher.​

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Zixin had noticed the way Yanwen had spoken about the things he had given her as of late, and he thought briefly that perhaps it was better to…slow down on what he had been giving her, for he knew she was most likely overwhelmed with everything and of course he wanted to prevent that, if possible. He knew he wanted her to live comfortably, and he wanted to provide for her with only the finest of items. To be honest, he knew this may have been a little much for her, but Yanwen would have to understand his position. Zixin also knew what Yanwen preferred, at least he thought he knew. This had come to mind when he made He had made sure her work station was large enough, and she would have an endless supply of ink and paper for notes, journals to write in and observe…and of course, some books to keep her busy if hours dragged on.

As they laid there, he once again kept Yanwen close to his body, and he had appreciated the affection she had shown by giving him a gentle kiss on his forehead. He was thrilled in every which way, although he did contain his excitement for fear of embarrassing himself in front of her. Although he could not deny the blush on his cheeks that stained his expression while she talked about staying up all night to finish his gift. He gave a gentle laugh and gently took her hand with his, squeezing it gently as he spoke. His voice was soft but firm as his gaze fell on the hand he held. “Now…I know how you love staying up burning the midnight oil, but it makes me worry, what if you were to catch a cold or some other illness from staying up so late? Your emperor is going to request that you start on going to bed at reasonable hours now…” he paused, and then had lifted her hand up to kiss the back of it gently. “Or if you find that you cannot fall asleep, remember that I’m only a short walk away from you,” and she would know he had meant what he said.

Even as they had settled down and eventually found sleep— the morning came all too quickly, and Zixin had wished for the early morning sun to go back down below the horizon. He slowly sat up as Yanwen untangled herself from him, rubbing his eyes. He took note of the plain clothes, and the so called butterflies in his stomach grew tenfold as he gazed at her plain appearance, yet found her breathtakingly beautiful. His heart raced the moment she had wished him goodbye, the kiss left a lingering desire. But Yanwen wouldn’t have known that the Emperor had felt so strongly right then and there— because seeing her like she was now he had remembered how she had dressed back then when she frequented the palace more with her father. That it was herself as she was before she had become his consort that he had fallen in love with. And of course, he loved Yanwen now, but by adorning herself with such luxurious clothing and painting her face had just showcased even further on how beautiful she was. Zixin desired no one else and would never need no one else. He desired both her mind, heart, body and soul. Every part of her he wanted to cherish, love and care for. He figured that’s probably why he had given her so many gifts as of late, especially when it came to being his consort. He certainly wasn’t hiding his affections in the slightest towards the apothecary. And knowing that her affection wouldn’t be outrightly bought - even though his love language was big on gift giving, he would begin to pay attention more to what she actually would want— especially if they took a trip to the market together. One gift per say he had given her was the wooden pass, and the freedom to leave the palace whenever she wished. One would think that since he had been pining and missing Yanwen for all these years that once he had her in the palace he wouldn’t let her go for quite some time. And although that was partially what he would want— he knew giving her freedom to see her parents whenever she wanted would be better than anything he would ever buy for her.

And so, he wished her well, and returned the kiss ever so sleepily. He promptly laid back down after she had left and went back to sleep for a couple more hours. The servants in the palace were not surprised to find their Emperor leaving Yanwen’s pavilion, and he had made it to his own room to change and get ready for the long day ahead of him.

—
In the afternoon he decided to visit his grandmother, the grand empress dowager. Her name was Xiaoming (孝明皇后, "the filial and understanding empress"). She was his father’s mother, and still held a significant influence in her grandson’s court. He often visited her at times to discuss political matters and what he should do as emperor. It helped him especially when he had just been crowned, and had no further guidance from any other family member, since both of his parents were dead. To him, his grandmother had loved his late mother and had called her own son a fool for disposing her.

He announced his presence and she had welcomed him into her pavilion— or most commonly known as the Palace of Eternal Spring. She had resided here when she was younger before becoming the empress consort, and had returned now in her much older years (age 50). When Zixin approached and bowed out of respect, she gave a knowing smile as he lifted his head to look upon her. She was adorned elegantly, wearing golden and red colors. Each hair ornament was carefully chosen, and her painted face— although aged, was still beautiful. Xiaoming’s hair had long since grayed, yet it retained its lustrous shine. Her figure was slim, as she chose not to eat much after her daughter in law had passed, but had kept a brave face for her grandson. When she looked at him she asked a single question - the same question she asked every time he paid her a visit. "So, are there any great grandchildren I have yet to know about?"

And, like always, Zixin gave a pained expression, as the topic was sensitive for him. An emperor who was not able to produce an heir-- was not good, especially within the last two years of being said emperor...

"Grandmother, you know that Lady Zhao and I have been trying, but I fear that my connection with her is not strong enough to want me to continue trying." He said plainly and it did not come as a surprise to the grand empress dowager. Xiaoming looked to her grandson and with a hard to read expression, but Zixin knew what she might say next. "Is it because of that apothecary?" She asked next and Zixin, although he had figured what she would ask, was not so sure if he was ready to answer. But the words came naturally on his lips as he explained himself. "I love her, grandmother. I cannot change how I feel. And-- I've... never felt like this with Lady Zhao, so I do not want to continue--" he was cut off with a signal of a hand from Xiaoming. She shook her head, but her next words was not something Zixin would expect. "I'm not surprised, but I do have to issue a heed of warning, Zixin. Lady Zhao will probably not go quietly, especially after being your so called favorite consort for a year.." Zixin would be then seen bowing his head. "I understand, grandmother..I assure you though, all is well between her and I," at least, that is what he hoped.

--

Upon retiring to his bedchambers for the rest of the night, Zixin laid lazily across one of the daybeds. He heard that Yue had planned to visit him for whatever reason, and he wasn't going to say no to her company, especially if he had resolved for them to remain friends. He patiently waited for her to come, and he wondered what she would say while she was there with him.​

 

[Solaris-]

As the day wore on, Yanwen's thoughts drifted back to her parents' words. A young man dressed in plain clothes but had hints of nobility from his mannerisms coming here to buy something to cure his embarrassing ailment. It wasn't an illogical idea, she supposed, to come to a small village known for containing a family run apothecary shop within it- especially if he didn't want other nobles to use the knowledge of what he purchased against him. She scribbled her thoughts down on the page. There was still something to this that she felt as though there were pieces missing, and she was ever curious. Something didn't feel quite right with the story, but she had no reason to doubt it either, and she had to wonder if her nerves from being here and leaving Zixin had anything to do with what swayed her emotions now when she was not known to give into these types of moods.

Before night had fallen, she had wandered about the village asking other elders and those that worked in the stalls if they had seen anything of interest as of late. They gave her many different answers, but by now, she could fit certain pieces together to form a rough sketch of the person they'd said had been there. Yanwen didn't recognize him from this alone, and likely wouldn't if she were to see him in the flesh, but for now, she was content with the work she'd done in attempting to solve whatever this was. She'd inspected the ingredients her father had used to make the cure. Potent things that would affect the body like an aphrodisiac that would surely allow him to perform. But dangerous if used in high quantity, and he'd paid for more than one vial. Worrisome indeed.

Zixin had chided her about burning the midnight oil, but by the time she had stopped her scribbling, it was far later into the night than she'd realized. When she returned to the palace, she would have to remind herself to ask Zixin about this unknown person as he was more likely to recognize him than she. She was thoroughly tired from travel and investigation both, and allowed herself a moment's rest there on the floor next to her parents who had been fast asleep for some time now. Perhaps with the stipend provided to them monthly, she could convince them to invest in a more comfortable bed so they could rest there as it suddenly made her feel guilty that she'd been sleeping on fine linens and silks for the past week in comparison.
--

By the time Yanwen pulled herself up from the mat on the floor and blinked the sleep from her eyes, her parents were both awake and milling about. It was already mid morning, and it made her feel lazy. Her mother handed her a cup filled with water and her first instinct was to decline as it was served not out of polished silver but of enameled wood instead. This was not the palace, and she doubted heavily her parents had ill intent for her when they loved her so dearly. She took the glass without complaint and thanked her before drinking it down.

"When am I to expect grandchildren, Xiao Yan," Her mother's playful voice made her choke on the water- inhaling far too deeply than she'd intended to do so.

"Mother!" The brunette let out between coughs until she felt as though she could breathe air again.

"What? You've pined after the prince for ages, and now you share his bed. You're both adults now, and I'm not getting any younger!" The pitch to her voice still indicated that she was being playful, but it just made Yanwen's face red. Sure, she had shared a bed with Zixin, had kissed him many times by now, but they'd not been more intimate than tangling limbs while they slept. There was still some part of her that felt nervous about it even though she certainly desired Zixin. Having drawn him in his half naked state before she was anything to him but an apothecary, she knew her mind had drifted elsewhere than the professional.

"We are both adults," She agreed with her mother. "But we aren't rushing things. If and when there are grandchildren, you both will be the second in line to know." Beyond her and Zixin, of course, she would let her parents know if and when that came to be, but there was still much she felt she had to do before she fully committed herself to her role, and she'd been given the grace to do just that.

--

The day passed by far too quickly for her liking, and fell away into the early morning hours. Yanwen hugged her parents tightly and her father handed her a letter to give to Zixin on his behalf. Out of respect, she left it sealed and unopened for him to read when she returned as whatever her father had to say to him was likely that of congratulations and hopes that he would come visit them one day when he was not preoccupied. Perhaps when their lives were not in flux and Zixin didn't worry for his life, the two could make the trip. She was hopeful that they could make that happen. Her parents both adored him greatly despite what they'd heard in recent years about how he'd changed.

With the carriage packed away, she gave one last goodbye to her family before she too seated herself inside of it. Back to the palace now after a brief respite. Yanwen hoped that nothing had changed too much in her absence, and that he had not gone stir crazy without her.​