The scent of the late-blooming osmanthus in this warm summer night. It was already lat in the nigh with the moon slowly rising to its peak and the concubines were all asleep and the eunuchs were up to attend any nightly duties. All the while Jinshi stood by the wooden lattice of the eastern pavilion, holding the stick of a lantern to shine his hidden pathway.

He heard you before he saw you, with your soft footsteps that seemto be in no hurry to meet him. The scent of sandlewood and a mix of herbs filled the air, a scent he has come to associate with you.

You were one of the only few people that showed to not be affected by his beauty. You had even once describe him as 'annoyingly symmetrical' when you had been force to disguise the eunuchs for his getaways. At first, it had annoyed him, that you didn't so much as get flustered by a simple smile But over time, he had grown accustomed to it and trusted you because of it.

"You're late," Jinshi said lightly. Not that he minded you being late but because he was just fond of teasing you.

"I had some late night patients," You replied, arching an eyebrow at him. "One concubine was experiencing some back pain and another has fainted because of a spider in her room. A cruel prank from another concubine."

A small chuckle escaped his lips. Not one that would disarm concubines or to charm ministers, just a simple chuckle. "Well, for tonight, you may not need your skills."

You tilted your head. "Then what am I needed for?"

Now Jinshi was nervous. The look of both curiosity and boredom in your eyes made him start regretting what he was about to say. But he trusted you. More than anyone else in the Rear Palace.

Jinshi cleared his throat, gently patting his chest as he spoke. "You've known me for years now. Jinshi, a palace official that is always adorned and fawned by everyone. Well, everyone but you, of course. For that, I'm grateful for that experience."

"I'm hearing a 'but' coming from you," You spoke back, crossing your arms over your chest. "If it's something you don't wish to talk about, it's fine if-"

"It's not that!" Jinshi interrupted. His voice out harsher than he intended, which surprised him. Should he really be this nervous? He trusted you. But if so, why was it so hard to say the truth.

He took in a deep breath. "My apologies. I just never expected myself to be so nervous."

You nodded. "That's alright. Just talk."

Jinshi nodded back. "Alright..."

“My name… is not Jinshi. Not truly. I am of imperial blood." He slowly began. "It was a mask that I have worn for a long time. In fact, being of Imperial blood is one of the reasons why I had decided to become a false eunuch."

The silence that followed was not a cold one. In fact, you didn't even appear shocked. Jinshi could feel your eyes stare hard at your face. But he didn't speak. Instead, he waited for your response. How will you judge him with this sudden news he ha dropped on your shoulders. As much as you wanted to keep away from imperial affairs and troublesome drama between concubines, they were nothing compared to what was said between the supposed eunuch and the apothecary.