𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑

MAOMAO GLANCED AROUND, taking note of who was present in the room with her. Now that she was in a higher position than she used to be, it was normal for Lady Gyokuyou and the other ladies-in-waiting to be with her.

What she couldn't understand was why another consort was in the room with her. Let alone the purple haired eunuch himself.

Though MaoMao couldn't see the consort's face, as it was covered by the red veil, she had deduced that it was the woman known as the Graceful Consort. Something about her irked MaoMao.

She just couldn't figure out why that was.

She shrugged the thought away and proceeded to stare at the food before her.

"Tasting for poison," Jinshi stated, "That's your job, apothecary."

Poison! Tasting for poison?!

The apothecary girl stared excitedly at the food before her, knowing very well she would be able to test poisons on herself while eating a very delicious meal all at the same time.

The expression on her face was almost blinding by how obvious she was smiling. It lasted a few seconds, long enough for Jinshi and the woman beside him to notice.

"Food cooked for the concubine changes hands a few times before being brought here," Jinshi explained, "It's possible for it to be poisoned during that process."

Suyin shifted in her spot, her posture unchanging as she watched the ordeal.

"In fact, when Concubine Gyokuyou became pregnant, her food was poisoned at least twice," the eunuch continued, "The taster back then received nerve damage and still can't move her hands or feet."

The figures standing in the room seemed to shift uncomfortably as the topic was mentioned. It was the dark truth of living in the harem, death lingered at every corner.

Hongniang brought the first dish to the table and placed it gently before her. MaoMao then proceeded to sniff the food and put a piece into her mouth.

No poison.

The next dish was brought out, and the green-haired girl took another bite. This time, she began to hum some noises to herself.

Suyin brought her hand up to her lips to stifle the sound that threatened to leave her lips. It was clear after observing the flower girl that she was overly happy to be doing her new job.

It was like watching a cat finding a new toy to play with.

"She's laughing.." Jinshi muttered, a drop of sweat falling down his temple.

Soon after the exciting course of events, it was time for the audience to leave. Suyin decided to stay back to have a chat with her longtime friend, the Precious Consort, Gyokuyou.

"Consort Suyin," the red-haired woman smiled, rocking the baby in her lap as she used her other hand to wave.

"Consort Gyokuyou," Suyin smiled back, sitting beside her, "What's the little princess's name?"