The Golden Lotus will bloom (Apothecary Diaries)

Chapter 14

Later that day after I had been dried from my little test in the moat, Jinshi reported to us that I was right for where the maid was from. She was working properly yesterday, and the guards believe she climbed the wall last night and threw herself in.

"Suicide..." Maomao mumbled and she looked at me.

"What do you think?" Jinshi hummed.

"I can't tell if she committed suicide, but I think it was impossible for her to do it alone," Maomao explained. "There were no ladders on the wall and no other climbing tools. The rear palace walls are at least four times my height."

"She's tall, there's a way up," I explained. "Fuyo used it."

"Well done, Lili...you don't need to be here," Maomao informed me.

"...I wouldn't put myself in an uncomfortable spot." I retorted since I would be more scared not knowing what was happening since this had to do with a precious person to me, Ah-Duo.

"Then I will carry on, there are protrusions in the walls that I believe the craftsmen used," Maomao stated. "That said, it would be difficult for most regular women. Especially those with bound feet like that servant."

"Foot binding is a custom where small feet are considered beautiful. It's not done on all women, but I do occasionally see the distinct walking style in the rear palace." Maomao explained.

"If it's not suicide, are you saying it's murder?" Jinshi asked.

"I don't know that, but I think it's fairly certain that she was alive when she fell in the moat," Maomao answered.

"Even if she was willing the agony of the coldness that water brings you will make anyone try to claw their way out," I added. "I understood that today."

Maomao grabbed my nose making me whine a little, but the other two wanted to do the same since they found it stupid of me.

"I would never think to take my own life." Maomao sighed. "I'd hate if someone killed me, too. If I died, I wouldn't be able to test any more drugs or poisons...but if I were to die...can it be poison?"

Jinshi was mad at her for even saying that, but death is an everyday occurrence.

"Sure, a superweak one," I answered and she grinned at me. "You dare do anything that leads to your death in any way will upset me. Even if it's by accident, I will be mad."

"She won't," Gaoshun reassured me.

"Death is quick," I mumbled as I rubbed at my neck. "Flowers can just die even if you nurture them with everything they need."

I sighed as I got a beautiful golden flower out of my pocket that only reminded me of my radiant Mother.

"Master Jinshi, if you were ever tasked with executing me. Can you make sure it's poison? So Liena doesn't have to." Maomao asked.

"Where did that come from?!" He yelled.

"If I made a mistake, you would probably be the one to give the order." She answered.

"...Enough." I sighed while turning away since my eyes were starting to sting. "If anything happens like that my authority will be used to trap you here, that's final."

Maomao bowed her head to me. "...Now, I want a nap," I mumbled.

"Sorry, I spoke too much about this." Maomao came over to me and I allowed her to pick me up.

"Even if you are a commoner, your life is precious to me so you are precious now," I stated.

Maomao didn't argue even though she wanted to since in the end it isn't my decision and there can be situations where death is the only path left for her. She wanted me to be happy and have faith in her to always be here.