Being a lady-in-waiting for one of the Emperor’s consorts definitely had its ups and downs.

Jinshi was (usually) one of those ups.

While you didn’t fawn and swoon over him like all the other girls who laid eyes on him, you’d come to consider him something akin to a friend.

However, right now, you were seriously reconsidering growing so close to him over the past few years of your service.

Jinshi was currently clinging to you as if you were the last person on earth—his face buried in your shoulder as his arms circled you like steel bands from behind.

“Don’t go…?” He sniffled, his tears soaking into the cloth of your robe.

What he was on about, you had no clue. Jinshi was never one to genuinely shed tears—childish sulking, sure, but crying faintly against you was new.

Although, from the aroma surrounding him and the pink flush to his cheeks you could gather a little insight into the situation.

You had no idea he could be such a baby when he was drunk.