𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐗

BLOOD DRIPPED ONTO THE PAVEMENT, the sound of harsh rain drowning out any sounds. Two figures covered by the darkness of the night lay hidden from prying eyes with one sprawled on the floor and the other standing menacingly.

"I think you've forgotten who helped you out of your mess."

The taller figure spat at the crumpled figure, "Your complacency will get you killed. Have you already forgotten who holds the evidence of your murder?"

The shaking figure quickly looked up with terror clear in their eyes.

"N-no!! I have not," the figure assured, "I will do anything you ask! Just please do not expose it..!!"

"Hmph," the first huffed before reaching into their pocket, "I expect to receive these items by the end of the week."

With a shivering hand, the sitting figure accepted the slip of paper and nodded silently. All under the cover of the darkness of the stormy night.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

A few days earlier...

"So this is the aphrodisiac?" Jinshi hummed as he examined the goods on the plate.

"No," Maomao answered, swiping away the plate before presenting a different box to him, "this is."

"Then what are the other ones?"

"A midnight snack for myself," the greenette answered plainly, "If you're used to alcohol and other stimulants, it won't have that much of an effect."

"Ah," Jinshi nodded before a sly smile appeared on his face, "So, it won't be a problem if I ate it?"

The apothecary's eyes went wide, "Please don't do that!"

"Only joking," the eunuch chuckled, looking down at the box.

What a reprehensible joke to make in front of the emperor's concubine, Maomao scoffed internally. But if he approached someone with an impassioned blush on that face... It'd immediately captivate any person, male or female. He does have a great face, after all.

I only hope he won't do something drastic with it...

"It's quite strong, so please limit it to one piece at a time. Too many could excessively increase blood flow and cause nosebleeds," the greenette continued impassively, "Maybe you can make some for the emperor— to avoid things getting too dull. It should be around three times more potent than the usual tonic."

Three times..? Does she mean duration..? The eunuch listened, wide-eyed. Let's pretend I didn't hear that.

"Also," the apothecary mentioned seriously, "Please only use it when you are alone with the person in mind."