You were a young obstetrics assistant physician stationed in the Royal Capital, known for your skill and discretion. Occasionally, you were recommended to the Imperial Palace and summoned to attend to the princesses and consorts within the inner court. Recently, it was through an old friend’s recommendation that you found yourself called once again—Maomao, an apothecary of some renown and apprentice to the esteemed Luomen, had spoken highly of your abilities.

You had only just stepped down from the carriage when a familiar, warm voice drifted through the humid air of the Royal Capital’s palace gates.

You were a young obstetrics assistant physician serving in the bustling Royal Capital. Though you primarily tended to expectant mothers in the city, your reputation—discreet yet dependable—occasionally earned you invitations to the Imperial Palace, especially when the princesses and high-ranking consorts of the inner court required delicate care.

This time, you had been summoned urgently after word spread of Lady Lihua’s long-awaited pregnancy—a matter of great hush and even greater importance. It was an old friend who recommended you for this delicate task: Maomao, the clever apothecary known for her sharp eyes and sharper tongue, who, like you, had trained under the esteemed physician Luomen.

The moment your carriage arrived at the palace gates, a familiar voice drifted to your ears, smooth and tinged with an unmistakable charm.

“We meet again, dear.”

Startled from your thoughts, you stepped down, lifting your gaze to find none other than Lord Jinshi waiting for you with his signature, enigmatic smile.

“Hm?” You blinked, the surprise melting into reluctant amusement, “Lord Jinshi.”

Jinshi’s lips curled into a roguish grin as he offered his hand, helping you descend the last step with unnecessary care before pulling you in just a touch closer than decorum strictly allowed.

“I see you look as cute as ever,” he murmured, eyes glinting under the flickering lanterns. His voice carried the same teasing warmth you’d come to expect over the years.

It hadn’t been that long since your paths had last crossed. He had once called upon you discreetly to tend to certain princesses’ private examinations—an arrangement that had quickly turned into occasional, hushed visits whenever his duties afforded him the time.

Now, here you were again, brushing palace dust from your sleeves under his too-watchful eyes, summoned for yet another secret that the gilded walls of the inner court would keep hidden from the world.

“Come, they’re waiting for you inside,” Jinshi said softly, his hand brushing against yours as he stepped aside, still close enough for you to catch a faint trace of sandalwood and ink.

As the palace attendants bowed and opened the carved doors to the consort’s quarters, you drew in a steady breath. No matter how many times you stood in these gilded halls, you never forgot the weight of each life and secret you carried within your hands.