This is so dumb, someone 's gonna get beheaded for touching a forbidden flower dangled in their face.

Maomao worked the last hairpiece in. She knew Meimei would be proud of her work, heck the stylings were almost emanating Empress Gyokuyou 's signature look. Granted it was silvers not gold and the focal point was definitely Jinshi 's moon and poppy piece when her back was turned.

They had put in the legwork to make this a smooth operation. The mistress of the house agreed to give her centerstage as a performer despite her unorthodox proposal. A series of signals had been established with the entire team from 'all clear ' to 'SOS ' with several levels in between.

En 'en was absolutely livid to have Yao in such an establishment, but after some dry runs with Chue they were visually unrecognizable, and trained enough to serve the tables. Well, mostly to bus the tables and provide more wine and hors d'oeuvres, their alcohol knowledge was atrocious. Then again sometimes being the cute and clueless newcomer had its benefits ' As long as En 'en didn 't cut off any wandering hands.

Great we 've to -not one but

two

- overprotective guards on site.

Lahan was thrilled to be of assistance to the Moon Prince, the fact that Maomao was involved only had him privately jabbing and asking if her outfit should be hiding her belly. His toes barely survived the encounter. Lihaku, ever the loyal dog, seemed like he was being asked if he wanted to go for a walk. A joyous but regular occurrence that earned a happy tail wag and a content companion. After considering the situation they offered him -the position of house bouncer for the evening- and he quickly learned how to best protect not only the royal retinue, but all the girls in the establishment, several of which were new fans of Mr. Tall-dark-and-handsome. Not to be mistaken for the new and improved Jinka, complete with burn scar and brooding attitude to match with his 'wife. ' Chue never missed an opportunity to offer a divorce with how cold he was to her, though blaming him for both their scars was a jab too far.

The pieces were in place, dry runs complete, now they were just awaiting the challenger. Maomao ran the red along her eyes and touched up her lips in the copper mirror in the green room.

Yao poked her head in, 'he 's just arrived, table 4. '

'Thanks Yao, I go on in 10. '

She glanced at the lingering reflection, turning to her friend, 'Everything okay? '

'You just look ' really amazing. '

'Thanks? Stage makeup and fancy outfits work wonders. '

'Uh huh, ' Yao rolled her eyes at the deflection and disappeared behind the curtain.

Before we go into the performance it should be noted how the stage was set. The brothel was quite a bit longer than it was wide, making for two levels of booths along the wall, the upper booths had a minimalistic but intricate metal rail to guard from falls but leave vision of the stage open. ' This evening several instruments filled the space. On the floor level was a row of circular tables to either side of the long runway stage. This kept the space intimate, but grand with the vaulted ceilings and no individual being more than 30 shaku to the stage. While the first level of the stage was separated from prep rooms by drapery, the second had a balcony where the brothel 's princesses could be admired out of reach. The stage itself was no more than 6 shaku wide but ran the length of the space, giving dancers and performers enough room to navigate, and to be viewed from many angles.

This naturally would change one 's performance, as they always had their back to some part of the room, making the back of one 's outfit just as important as the front. Maomao intended to make use of this. If someone was paying attention there were candles flickering in little protective housing along the edge of the stage, only open on the inward side to illuminate the performers without blinding the audience. It should be noted there were candles in every

other

opening. Those housings who did carry a light also had a thin sheet of paper which softened the light, except where it had a bamboo motif cut out. Along the outer edge of the stage was a canal petite full of hair-fine iron shavings which curled and bunched against itself.

The lanterns across the brothel were muted, adding to the mystique and allure of the ladies waiting on the tables, casting them and their wares in soft light. This also left room for some hidden elements. For instance, if one was seated in the balcony, and could see past the alcohol and voluptuous company, they may have noticed some very gentle sheer fabric draped from the ceiling along the second level but it was so translucent you needed to be paying attention to the ghostly shadows of silk. Along each side of the primary ceiling support beams hung two additional lighting units of candles hanging beneath the bronze canals.

If you were a long time regular of this particular establishment you may have noticed the head Matron glancing at some of these additional accouterments. Unfortunately for her, she was more concerned with potential results rather than construction so while her establishment was about to cement itself into legend it would be a mystifying performance she would never figure out how to replicate it in its entirety. Especially since there was an unnamed figure in all black manning the instruments and what would soon be special effects. Their hair wrapped and even face fully masked, but it was assumed to be a courtesan in full makeup as the skin flashed white, almost translucent along their neck.

A massively deep gong commanded the very air of the room, vibrating conversations into submission. White fog gushed along the stage demanding the attention of the audience. A black cloth dropped and at the end of the stage a figure appeared in the deepest emeralds and softest mints. Her deep v-neck halter looked like a silken forest with the golden shimmering dawn bralette dappling enticingly along the center and rib edges. A single shoulder waterfalled with the most delicate translucent silk that billowed at the faintest whisper. Part of the waterfall wrapped discretely over her scarred forearm via an emerald fabric sleeve with gold and silver detailing in plant motifs while leaving the upper arm exposed. Maomao 's emerald sleeve and skirt were edged with gold; any mint detailing was lined with silver. The colors remained simple and austere on the outfit to draw attention to the silver and shimmering halo of hair adornments and the beaded girdle belt. The detailing was embroidered with flowers and leaves of red and gold. The belt tinkled and jingled at any sharp movements, adorned with silver metal beads and enclosed gold accent charms that made magic into sound, catching the ear in the lightest, softest jingle. She was a forest nymph, pure and simple.

*Swish, swish, Swish

* The only sound in the hall was the brushing of the fabric as she wafted her way down the stage, fog curling and jealously caressing her form. The room held a collective breath as the ethereal ruler of the forest brought forth her legendary tale.

A guzheng plucked a gentle chord and began a soft melody, 'There was once a small village deep in the mountains. '

As she stepped past each stage light cast shadows and highlights across her dress, making it appear as though she were walking through a bamboo grove at dawn. Her sleeve and skirt billowed as she turned to address stage right, 'The village was quaint and its people specialized in working the bamboo in the land. '

With a tinkling whirl she addressed the other side her voice carried, thoughtful, deliberate, and clear, 'everything from houses to tools was crafted from the bountiful grove that surrounded them. '

Her gaze turned upward as she delicately touched her sternum and reached towards the clients above, who had instantly forgotten their flirtatious company, 'Word had even reached the great Tiger deity Hu Ye, protector of the mountains. '

The apothecary was nervous so she sought out a familiar face, En 'en was serving a table near the stage, she anchored for a brief moment her fingers gently reaching toward her friend, 'And so he sent his own daughter to protect them from flame and thief and demon. '

'But danger was on the horizon, ' her belt tinkled sharply as she glanced at the drug lord, motioning toward the opposite rail, 'for in the distance lighting had struck. '

*clanggggg* a sharp small gong jolted the audience. In a very Chue-esque motion she produced sparks as her foot drug over incredibly fine iron shavings. The steel wool sparked and began slowly smoldering its way along the canal on the edge of the stage.

'The fire started well away from the village, but the Tigris knew it would soon be upon them as it had not rained and the ground was dry and brittle. ' The musician crunched dry leaves and kindling into a bucket as Maomao went to the furthest reach of the stage, 'She traveled to the highest peak above the clouds and let out a mighty roar. '

The deep gong rang out, followed by the sharp small one. She turned upward as if to regard a great invisible figure, 'Longwang, King of the dragons heard her cry and descended. '

A clattering sizzle emitted from the candled fixtures above, steam billowing away from the skittering ice out of the heated pipe. The vapors trailed down the fabric in long sweeping arcs, not unlike a dragon of heaven. She reached upward addressing the mist, 'Great Protector of the Heavens, I beseech you, look to the North! '

The flames along the smouldering channels were slowly turning the stage lanterns red, 'The creatures of the forest are fleeing the great calamity, and these forests have not seen your rain in many moons, ' delicate paper butterflies wafted from the second floor, catching fire and disintegrating on their way over the startled audience.

'The commander of storms contemplated her request, for dragons and tigers offered challenges, not requests. The flames continued to rise, ' she flung a powder and stepped back as the air billowed and crackled in a great red flame, the audience gasped.

'She gathered her strength to battle back with all her might, ' kneeling she took a small piece of the smoulder and held it to one of her hairpins, the audience was in awe as the outer edges of her halo ignited in orange flame, casting shadows against the metal pieces and illuminating her in the light of a tigris. Flinging a powder towards the red stage lights the flames flared green, with a second fling from the other hand they smouldered, 'But it was not enough. The flames drew ever closer to her beloved village, she looked to the heavens and cried out once more. '

The deep gong rang out again, she looked again to the heavens, reaching up and stepping through a low arch of nearly transparent silk. Clearly it had been soaked in something because it caught from her headdress, sparkling and crackling like an undulating dragon up into the air, the small gong cracked like lightning and the pipes hissed with increasing intensity, clouds billowing forth to the point of condensation. The candles flickered and hissed as it rained down on the astounded audience. The tinkles and jingles rang true as she twirled and whirled the flames into a green and sedated state. As the last flames went out, leaving only her headdress, casting the orange and shadow across her face, 'And so the village survived, creating a festival to honor its protectors of the forest and the heavens. As for the tigris, ' she touched her heart and bowed her head, 'she descended into legend. '

Sizzling stopped, her face went dark, and in a blink even she disappeared from the stage. The brothel collectively gasped in astonishment and erupted into applause, many rising to their feet. House lights were swiftly relit and after a moment (of rushing to the trap door exit) she stepped out from behind the curtain for a bow, the Madam was immediately swarmed to vie for this new courtesan 's time. Maomao professionally curtsied the various wings and levels of the hall before disappearing behind the curtain. The chatter rose excitedly as everyone attempted to process what they just witnessed. Yao brought the apothecary a glass of water, noticing the veiled figure in the corner of the room.

'That was

amazing!

' Yao exclaimed, 'How did you

do

all that!? '

'You 'd be surprised what you can do with a few salts, minerals and fabrics, ' glancing at the black clad figure, 'and the right help. '

Yao wasn 't sure how she felt about this mysterious figure in the corner, she thought it was weird how they put whitening even on their hands, the mask completely hid the face and eyes. She caught herself staring when she thought she saw red irises.

The Madam ducked in looking equally relieved and frustrated, 'Thank you for not burning my establishment down, now can you go talk to this person before I buy you out and book you 'til your wrinkles have wrinkles? '

Maomao bowed deeply, 'The Moon Prince and I thank you for your trust and discretion. If you 'll excuse me. '

She moved to stand and felt a stab in her hair. Pausing, Maomao realized Yao was wiping the last of the residue and smoke off the hairpins and waited patiently for her to finish. Once satisfied the curtains opened for her and she stepped out delicately, the crowd parting for her and hushing as she walked past. Scanning the room she caught Jinshi looking relieved but still concerned, the small muscle in his jaw ticking as she was approaching the moment of truth. Several of the men seemed surprised at how they towered over her as they parted ways for her, she made her way unhurried to her target.

Realizing her intended destination a relaxed smile spread across the drug lord 's face, his finger trailing the rim of his glass, 'What a lovely performance Milady. I was particularly fascinated with your mastery of effects. Would you care to divulge your secrets? '

'What is a woman without her secrets? ' Her voice was low as she glanced sideways taking him in while accentuating the curves of her face, a Meimei specialty.

Rather than look her up and down to take in her form he seemed to unfocus his eyes from hers, opening up his peripheral as he swirled his drink in his hand. A more subtle, perhaps classier way to drink in the silks, details and gently exposed midriff. He motioned to the other side of the booth bench, 'Would you honor me with a moment of your time? '

Several men muttered in disappointment as she moved toward the seat. If she didn 't know he was a terrible drug lord making women disappear left and right she would have found his mannerisms charming, like Gaoshun but more suave. She gathered her train skirt and took a seat. Yao set a water glass on the table for her and took her order, Maomao gave the drink name stating everything was good so far.

Her eyes fell to the iris delicately pinned to his chest,

not as deadly as some of his choices, but certainly a topical irritant.

She joyously shuttered internally at the indigestion the various parts of the plant could cause. The apothecary considered its other applications and symbolism, 'May I ask why come to a brothel with a hope so devout as this? '

His eyes spoke of deep intelligence as they sparkled in recognition, his gears whirring to life as he considered his response. 'I seek out the secrets ' the true nature if you will ' of the blooms. '

Huo 's eyes flitted to her own treasured hairpiece, 'Perhaps a kindred soul of the botanical arts? '

Stay focused,

she reminded herself sharply, but even Yao could see the cat ears perking as she dropped off the apothecary 's drink. The attempt to stay detached was valiant as she sipped her drink, 'Who could resist such a lovely bloom? '

'Says the one carrying peace and death as a crown, ' he eyed coyly, 'though perhaps you bade your clients sleep beneath the crescent moon. '

'Says the lonely botanical artist in the brothel, ' she goaded back.

'Perhaps a riddle then for the clever courtesan, ' voice smooth and even, his eyes panned the room, 'what aids defense, prevents bottlenecks and never sees the sun? '

The freak strategist clearly isn 't the answer,

Maomao 's hand went to her chin.

We 've been referring to plants, so what does defense and bottle neck have to do with ' ah HAH! '

What a curious way to describe medicinal properties of ginseng. '

The drug lord hummed happily, 'Clever girl. How far a field does your knowledge go, I wonder? '

It was becoming increasingly difficult to hide her excitement, there weren 't many who treated plant knowledge as medium for banter and play. He offered a hand, 'If I may be so bold? '

She eyed him warily and offered her hand, he sniffed gently at her wrist the same way she had once done to Jinshi. 'Ah, some of this must be from your performance my dear, salt is an unexpected scent, but the chamomile and lavender, aren 't you just a walking contradiction? '

Realizing how much information she just handed him, she grimaced internally as he backed up and gently tasted his own finger that had just been on her wrist, 'ah that metallic ' perhaps a copper of sorts? ' He considered for a moment and snapped, offering her a playful smirk, 'ah for the green flames I 'd wager. '

Staring at an older male version of herself was unnerving, she was beginning to understand why some of the rear palace staff avoided her like the plague. He leaned forward, his head resting on the back of his hand, 'and was that sandalwood I caught? My

my,

do we have exquisite taste? '

Crap.

Jinshi 's scent is gonna get her killed,

great.

'My clients are quick to pick up on my preferences, one is a trader from the port town. '

'Indeed, ' he sounded a bit jealous, 'Perhaps a collection of plants from the far West would be of interest to you? '

Stay in your seat,

stay in your seat

, STAY in your SEAT!

Every muscle twitching to climb on the table as she had done when ox bezoar was first introduced, her hands clenched and unclenched her sash beneath the table. His eyes twinkled, 'I think you 're in the wrong line of work dear Courtesan. '

The apothecary took a long sip of water to cool out, 'Perhaps an ' exchange of goods could be arranged? '

He looked her over openly, 'Something tells me this exchange would be ' dissatisfying for both parties. Tell me dear, what is keeping you tied to this place? '

She looked thoughtfully around the room of strangers and allies, her answer was honest 'I 've built a life here, doing good work with people I ' can trust. '

'Good work? ' He was genuinely perplexed, 'educate me. '

She decided to take a page from her fathers book, 'Just because someone lacks financial capacity does not void their contributions to a greater community. '

Huo 's head tilted, 'A courtesan moonlighting as an apothecary, fascinating. '

A little too close to bullseye for her comfort, 'and why would you say that? '

'The medicinal tea scent from your sleeves and your plant knowledge. '

It 's ' time to get out of here.

She glanced at the Madam who waved her over, 'if you 'll excuse me, I am being summoned. '

He looked at her thoughtfully, pausing a beat, 'Summoned indeed, and the moon rises in the west this evening, care to view it with me? '

West? Moon rises in the

East '.

Wait a second.

She glanced around the room while sipping her drink, Jinshi was in a booth on the Western wall.

Shit, this was never about me! This was about the Prince!

They didn 't make a sign for that! Jinshi was looking off,

was he excusing himself!? Crap, crap, CRAP!

She set her drink down and made a face, 'I think the new girl brought me the wrong drink, can I get you anything while I 'm up? '

'No, but do hurry back, I wish to tell you more about my greenhouse. '

Her hands twitched as she turned the corner for the 'bar ' carefully making her way to the hallway where the restrooms were, well out of sight of any of the team. Her heart dropped into her stomach as Jinshi was being dragged out, barely conscious.

'Is the patron okay? ' She asked.

'Ahhh you know how they are, not paying attention to how much liquor they 've had, ' the burly grunt attempted to bluff.

'Then perhaps I can assist, ' she started pulling smelling salts from her robe.

'No, no darling I 'm sure they can handle it, ' her blood turned to ice as the new voice rumbled above her. Huo towered over her, preparing to escort her back to her intended route.

'I 'm sure a quick whiff and he 'll be back on his feet, ' she pressed forward, they dragged back.

'Oh that 's not necessary they 'll toss him on the street like they do all the imbeciles who can 't hold their drink. '

'Ah but we wouldn 't want him tarnishing our front stairs, we just had them redone, ' hoping her internal panic was covered well enough by her monotone coyness.

He stared at her, calculating, 'what are you to this man? '

'Only a concerned performer hoping for a repeat customer to her establishment. '

'You certainly had his attention on stage,

despite

his wife 's presence, ' he eyed her.

She drew herself up in her best imitation of Joka, staring him down, 'And here I thought I had your undivided attention, I see you care less for my craft than you let on. '

'It 's important to take in the entirety of any given performance, including audience interaction ' Weren 't you getting a replacement drink? ' He asked through narrowed eyes.

'I will when you relinquish him to my staff, rather than having ruffians drag him out. '

Huo went to grab her but she was too fast, her shoes clicked against the wood floor as she rushed to Jinshi, pulling out a hairpin and stabbing the larger of the two men in the leg. He cried out as blood began gushing around the metal.

'No Maomao,

run. '

Jinshi barely managed out.

The dealer 's eyebrow rose, '

Just a performer

eh? What are you

really. '

It's complicated.

'I 'm ' he 's a regular of mine. '

The smirk widened into a sneer that seemed to split his face in two, 'The plot thickens, perhaps you should join him. '

She felt a strike at the base of her head and the world went black.