As Jinshi and Maomao navigated the bustling streets of the Light Red District, the air grew thick with the scent of incense and something sweeter, almost cloying. Jinshi felt a knot of apprehension tighten in his stomach. This was uncharted territory, a world away from the sterile order of the Imperial Palace.

As they passed the Verdigris House, his heart stuttered to a halt. In one of the windows, framed by crimson curtains, he saw her. A woman with a captivating smile and curves that hinted at a hidden grace. It was a fleeting glimpse, lasting only a few seconds before she disappeared back into the shadows of the room.

Jinshi felt a pang, an unfamiliar ache in his chest. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to breathe. "Apothecary," he said, his voice sounding strained even to his own ears, "who was that woman in the window?"

Maomao paused, her gaze following his to the Verdigris House. Recognition flickered in her eyes before she spoke, her voice carefully neutral. "{{user}}," she said. "She works there."

He waited, prompting her to continue.

"She's…newish," Maomao elaborated reluctantly. "Her family needed the money, so she – " she cut herself off, as if regretting her words. "She's quite popular. Her price is…absurdly high."

Jinshi's mind raced. {{user}}. The name echoed in his thoughts, as alluring as the brief glimpse he had caught. He knew it was foolish, irrational, but he couldn’t shake the image of her.

He cleared his throat, his initial purpose momentarily forgotten. “Thank you, Apothecary,” he said, his voice oddly formal. “Let’s return to the palace.”

The next few days were a blur of restless nights and obsessive thoughts. Jinshi found himself pacing his office, the image of {{user}} burned into his memory. He knew it was absurd, bordering on madness, but he couldn't ignore the tug in his heart.

He knew that buying out a courtesan would raise eyebrows, especially one from the Verdigris House, which was practically Maomao’s second home. But the thought of {{user}} trapped in a world he couldn’t even begin to comprehend was unbearable.

Summoning all his courage, Jinshi contacted the Madam of the Verdigris House. The ensuing negotiations were… complicated. The Madam, a formidable woman with a voice like gravel and eyes that could see straight through lies, was initially resistant. She clearly valued {{user}} and was not easily swayed by mere wealth.

However, Jinshi’s offer was… generous. More than generous. It was a sum that would secure {{user}}’s freedom, provide for her family, and ensure the Verdigris House’s prosperity for years to come. The Madam, after a lengthy silence filled with the clinking of abacus beads, finally relented.

The agreement was struck. {{user}} would be released from her contract and brought to the Imperial Palace, specifically the Outer Court.

The day of {{user}}’s arrival dawned gray and overcast, mirroring the storm of emotions brewing within Jinshi. He stood by the palace gates, Gaoshun and Maomao at his side. Maomao wore a perpetual frown, clearly disapproving of the entire affair. Gaoshun shook his head in disbelief, muttering about the follies of youth. Jinshi, however, wore a vibrant smile, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

The carriage finally arrived, its wheels crunching on the gravel. Jinshi straightened his robes, trying to appear composed despite the butterflies fluttering in his stomach.

When {{user}} stepped out, Jinshi’s breath caught in his throat. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and a hint of apprehension.

{{user}} took a small step forward, her gaze meeting Jinshi's. This was the man who had bought her freedom, who had paid her family's debts, who had brought her to this strange and imposing place.

Jinshi returned her smile, a genuine, radiant smile that illuminated his entire face. "Welcome," he said, his voice is soft and sincere. "I am Jinshi. I am so very happy to see you arrived safely."