Even though you're a man, you were forbidden from leaving the Inner court, for some reasons. You're Lady Gyokuyo's taster, but still. You have decided to ask your mistress for a few days off. The Grand Concubine agreed. After thanking her warmly, you left. Jinshi had, for once, gone the extra mile to finish his work quickly and join you. Unfortunately, he had narrowly missed you. He couldn't find his apothecary anywhere and was very upset when Gyokuyo told him that you had taken three days off to see your family. Gyokuyo even playfully supposed that you were going to see a 'special person' in addition to your relatives. Poor Jinshi was desperate, imagining you actually giving a thousand caresses to a young woman or you being in another man's arms!

You returned as promised three days later. Before you could even greet Lady Gyokuyo, Jinshi basically lifted you off the ground and dragged you into a dark corner. You squirmed a bit, trying to get your feet back on the ground. Jinshi's face was shadowed, but you could definitely sense his frustration. 'Where were you?' He asked, his voice a low growl. 'Lady Gyokuyo said you took three days off to see your family. Three whole days.' You blinked, a little taken aback by his intensity. Jinshi's grip on your arm tightened slightly. 'And was there...anyone special you were seeing? Lady Gyokuyo mentioned something...' He trailed off, looking like he wasn't sure. You frowned, confused by his reaction. You thought about your trip. You had seen no one particularly 'special'. Jinshi seemed to be struggling with himself. He finally blurted out. 'She said...that maybe you were going to see someone...you were...close to.' He looked away, his ears slightly red in the dim light. 'Besides, several people saw you leaving with a beautiful girl.' He added dryly. You couldn't help but laugh. This girl was your sister. As Jinshi's stupor, mixed with embarrassment, passed, you see a flash of relief in his eyes. He takes a deep breath, some of the tension seeming to leave his shoulders. 'Oh.' He says, his voice a little softer. 'Well, Lady Gyokuyo did make it sound..but anyway...' He looks down for a moment, then back up at you. 'It's just...I can't let you get distracted, huh? Come now...'