"Dad?" Maomao's voice echoed as she pushed the door to the apothecary open. Her father, engrossed in grinding herbs on a stone wheel, looked up, concern etched on his face at her unexpected arrival.

"Maomao?" His tone was filled with a mix of surprise and worry. He set aside his work, focusing his attention on his daughter. Her bright smile eased his concern a bit. "What brings you here? Is everything all right?" He couldn't help but inquire, his fatherly instincts kicking in.

"I'm perfectly fine, Dad," Maomao assured him, slipping off her shoes and stepping inside. "I just wanted to have a chat with you."

He was about to voice his curiosity about the lack of a prior notification when Jinshi followed Maomao in, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of the apothecary. It was his first visit to this place. The air carried the scent of herbs mingled with earthiness, creating a cozy atmosphere. Maomao's father caught sight of Jinshi and paused, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected company.

"Hello," Jinshi greeted warmly, a smile gracing his lips as he acknowledged Maomao's father.

"Hello?" Her father responded tentatively, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty in his tone.

"Dad, this is Jinshi," Maomao introduced, gesturing towards the tall man with purple hair. Her father nodded, his expression shifting from surprise to suspicion. "He's from the inner court," Maomao explained further. "I sort of work for him." She grimaced slightly, grappling with how to articulate their relationship.

"I'm aware," her father replied simply.

"I came to ask," Jinshi interjected, removing his shoes before joining Maomao inside. "If I have your blessing to marry your daughter." His request was direct, spoken with a blend of sincerity and respect.

"What?" Her father's voice betrayed his surprise.

"Smooth move," Maomao remarked, her hand covering her face in slight embarrassment.

"I thought it was better not to beat around the bush. Wasn't directness the way to go?" Jinshi questioned, perplexed by the unexpected reaction he received.

"Marry my Maomao?" Her father repeated, his thoughts whirling. This proposition had caught him entirely off guard. But then again, Maomao did have a knack for surprising him with the most unexpected of things.

Jinshi persisted, "Yes, I've fallen in love with your daughter, and I'm here to respectfully ask for her hand. If finances are a concern, I'd be willing to offer a dowry."

"I'm not an item for sale," Maomao snapped at him. Jinshi, in response to her comment, adopted his trademark puppy-dog eyes, his ears drooping.

"I thought offering money was a gesture appreciated by some women. It's to ensure your family's well-being in your absence," he reasoned. Maomao sighed in exasperation, shaking her head at his attempt to justify it.

"I suppose if this is what Maomao desires," her father said, turning to gauge his daughter's expression for any signs of discomfort.

"Yeah," Maomao replied, averting her gaze. "I brought him here because I intended to accept, but he insisted on speaking with you," she admitted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Her father observed this with amusement, noting her slight embarrassment.

"In that case, I approve," he stated, closing his eyes briefly. Maomao was taken aback by her father's swift acceptance. She had anticipated more probing questions, but he seemed entirely unfazed by the situation.

"That's it?" Maomao couldn't help but ask, her fingers fidgeting as she extended her hand towards her father.

"Thank you, sir! You'll receive the invitation as soon as we finalize the date!" Jinshi chirped enthusiastically. Her father nodded in acknowledgment, leaving Maomao standing there, utterly surprised. While the two men conversed happily, she found herself shivering in the cold, feeling oddly left out despite being the focal point of their discussion.

In truth, Jinshi found meeting Maomao's father to be surprisingly pleasant. The warm welcome he received was reassuring. Jinshi noticed striking similarities between Maomao and her father, leaving him feeling a sense of '

Want.

Want for his own family.

Back at home, the experience left Jinshi with a wonderful feeling. Despite being occupied with guests waiting for invitations, Jinshi dedicated himself to organizing the wedding. Although this kept him busy, Maomao would intermittently check in on him, their shared moments providing reassurance.

His goal was to ensure everything was flawless for their special day.

"Maomao!" Xiaolan called out, waving energetically to catch her friend's attention. The green-haired girl paused, turning toward her peppy friend. "Did you hear!?" Xiaolan's excitement bubbled around her.

"Hear what?" Maomao asked, curious. Her friend stopped in front of her, beaming.

"The second prince is getting married!" Xiaolan chirped happily. Maomao hesitated briefly before scratching her cheek in embarrassment. "I can't wait. I bet you'll have an amazing view! '

"Yeah, the best," Maomao mumbled, averting her gaze. How could she break the news to Xiaolan that she was the prince's bride?

Should she tell her friend now? Maybe keeping it a secret until the wedding day would be better. Then again, hiding such a significant thing might result in an earful later. But the priceless look on Xiaolan's face would make it worth the secrecy.

"I can ask Lady Gyokuyou if you can sit with us. She might allow it since you're a close friend of mine," Maomao suggested, feeling content with her response.

"Front row seats to the second prince's wedding!?" Xiaolan exclaimed ecstatically. Her hands flew to her cheeks, her feet spinning her in pure joy as happiness radiated around her like a dazzling light.

"Consider it done," Maomao smiled, glad to see her friend excited about the upcoming event.

"What's going on here?" Jinshi inquired, appearing not far from the two. He had been searching for Maomao, several wedding-related questions pressing on his mind. Luckily, the outter court women had directed him in the right direction.

"Oh, Lord Jinshi," Maomao greeted politely, bowing to her now very puzzled lover. His head tilted, eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at her.

Observing Maomao's actions, Xiaolan also bowed to him, realizing he must hold a position of importance.

"Forgive me, I was just discussing the second prince's wedding with Xiaolan," Maomao explained, lifting her head and placing a finger to her lips. It was then that Jinshi caught on, a bright smile spreading across his face.

"Xiaolan, was it?" he asked, offering the girl a gentle smile.

"Yes, my Lord," she answered, her cheeks tinged with pink. "I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier." She straightened up, nibbling her bottom lip in worry.

"It's a pleasure to meet one of Maomao's close friends. I hope to see you at the wedding," Jinshi chirped. She nodded happily, a radiant smile on her face.

"Likewise!" she chimed. Maomao couldn't help but observe the similarity in their personalities, pondering whether this was something she was naturally drawn to.

"Now, please excuse me and Maomao. She's needed for something important," Jinshi fibbed smoothly. Xiaolan nodded, pushing Maomao toward him.

"Work calls! See you later!" she called out, running off. Maomao stood there for a moment, letting out a sigh.

"I couldn't bring myself to tell her... I just want to see her face when she finds out it's me," she confessed. Jinshi couldn't help but laugh, walking with his bride-to-be back to the inner court.

"Anyways, what's so important that you tracked me down?" Maomao pondered, curious about Jinshi's intent. Jinshi paused, recalling the questions he had in mind.

"When can you go in for your dress fitting?" he inquired.

"Any time between meals," she replied.

"Is there any other friend or family member outside the palace you'd like to invite other than your dad, the three Princesses, and your grandmother?" he pressed on.

"Nope, that's all," she answered simply.

"And your father...?" Jinshi hesitantly brought up. This caused Maomao to pause, but only briefly.

"You may send an invitation to him, but I highly doubt he'll come," she responded, signaling the end of discussion about her birth father.

"What kind of cake would you like to have?" Jinshi asked, hoping to lighten the mood. After all, Maomao was particularly food motivated. She paused for a bit, considering the various flavors that tantalized her taste buds.

"Anything you would consider tasty," she replied. "Even if it's different kinds," she added with a nod. Jinshi chuckled but nodded, not surprised by her response.

The conversation continued between them, with Jinshi asking questions and Maomao providing answers. Once he finished, he dropped her off at Lady Gyokuyou's court before heading back to his office to attend to his work.

As the days passed smoothly, everything swiftly fell into place. By the month mark, Maomao was finally fitted for her wedding dress 'a simple, yet elegant traditional gown complemented by an array of extravagant headdresses and pins that adorned her hair. Staring into the mirror, she felt like a true princess.

"How do you like it?" Lady Gyokuyou asked, placing her hands gently on Maomao's shoulders. The green-haired girl met her gaze through the mirror, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

"I think it's nice, too nice for a commoner like me," Maomao admitted. As the day drew nearer, she began to feel a sense of not belonging. Everything seemed so expensive, every detail meticulously perfect, including her gown and headdress.

"You deserve all this," Gyokuyou affirmed, planting a kiss on her head. "Jinshi loves you, and you love him. Just allow him to spoil you this once."

"I suppose," Maomao sighed, glancing back at her Lady. "It's been pretty nice being pampered for once," she smiled. Her Lady chuckled, pleased that Maomao still retained her sense of humor.

"I hope you two will be happy," Gyokuyou said, planting a kiss on Maomao's cheek before stepping back, beaming as she turned to the seamstress. "It needs to be tightened around her waist," she instructed. The seamstress nodded and hurried over to Maomao with a tape measure in hand.

With a sigh, Maomao allowed her to do her job, doing her best to remain still as the adjustments were made.

"I'm back," Maomao called out to her soon-to-be husband. Entering his office, she paused at the sight before her 'Jinshi was standing in front of a mirror, Gaoshun slightly hunched to let him write on his back while his head maid fitted him for his wedding attire.

Maomao felt a wave of fatigue wash over her, having spent the day not only being fitted for her wedding gown but also selecting gowns for occasions outside Jinshi's court. She hadn't considered her post-wedding wardrobe until now. The realization that a whole new wardrobe was on its way hit her.

"Looks like we're both getting ready," Maomao remarked, walking over to Jinshi and observing the meticulous fitting process.

"You only get married once," Jinshi chimed, smiling warmly at Maomao. However, the green-haired girl wore a doubtful expression.

"Unless you divorce," she teased, smirking mischievously. Jinshi turned fully to face her, his head maid rushing to keep him still while scolding him.

"My lord, stop that! Remain still!" she hissed. Jinshi obediently bowed his head, resembling a whimpering puppy, while Maomao tried to hide her smirk behind her sleeve. "And my lady, please stop instigating him!"

Even Maomao wasn't spared from the maid's scolding, acknowledging she deserved it. "I'm sorry," Maomao apologized, bowing to the maid. "Forgive me for being so rude."

"You know better than to not bow to me! Do you want a sandal to the head!?" the maid snapped, glaring at the soon-to-be princess.

"Forgive me. It will take a while for me to get used to this new role," Maomao smirked, glancing away. However, what she didn't expect was a shoe flying across the room, striking her in the head.

"You get off on being hit, don't you?" Jinshi asked as he was stripped, returning to his usual attire.

"I don't know. You're the one who should know," Maomao deadpanned. Gaoshun choked on air, hastily trying to regain his composure.

"Honestly, you two," Gaoshun sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Have you no shame?" he questioned.

"No," they both replied simply. Gaoshun hung his head, while the maid grabbed her other sandal, smacking her palm in a gesture of intimidation.

"Right, well, excuse us," they both said, hastily leaving the room. As soon as the door shut behind them, they dissolved into soft laughter, walking back to Jinshi's room in a much lighter atmosphere.

"Maomao," Jinshi called out, stopping her near the garden. She turned to him, curious as to what he might say.

"Will you marry me?" he asked, dropping to one knee. Maomao paused, wide-eyed and surprised despite this not being an entirely unexpected question. It was just the first time he'd formally asked.

"We're... already getting married," she stammered, turning away from him, trying to conceal her burning face.

"But," Jinshi began, holding up a small wooden box. Opening it, he revealed a silver ring adorned with an amethyst in the center. "I have a ring for you. Look, it 's even in the silver so it won 't get caught on anything!"

"Well..." Maomao peeked at the ring, pondering its worth. "I guess I'll accept." She extended her hand, more than content with him placing the ring on her finger. With a radiant smile, he did so, kissing her hand before rising and enveloping her in a loving hug.

"I only want Maomao," he whispered against her head. The small girl closed her eyes, cherishing his embrace.

"So, how much did this cost?" Maomao questioned, stealing a glance at the ring as Jinshi nuzzled her. His affection paused abruptly, his expression turning serious in response to her inquiry.

"I'm not telling you," he stated firmly, stepping back and crossing his arms. "You'll pawn it off!"

"I'm your bride! What sense would that make!?" Maomao protested. "You're already getting me a lavish dress, so many clothes because I'm going to be some big shot. The wedding involves everyone here, plus people from outside. A ring has nothing on the things I'll own."

Jinshi contemplated for a moment, rubbing his chin. He could reveal the price, but the sight of Maomao fidgeting, eager to know, was worth making her wait.

"I'll tell you later," he deflected, heading for his room. Maomao's mouth fell open in disbelief before she hurried after him.

"Tell me!" she pleaded. "Or I will pawn it off!" she hissed in jest.

"You wouldn't dare," Jinshi challenged playfully.

"Big words, you think I won't?" Maomao asked, her expression turning serious. Jinshi held a prolonged gaze at her before sighing, ultimately giving in under her determined stare. He held up four fingers.

"Four hundred?" she guessed. He shook his head, her face darkening. "Four thousand?" she winced. He paused and then displayed three fingers on his other hand. "Four thousand three hundred?" she squeaked. Once more, he shook his head, her expression falling as she looked at him. "Never mind, I don't want to know," she said, turning and walking into his room.

Jinshi couldn't help but smirk to himself, the actual price forever hidden from his bride. He had anticipated that Maomao might reconsider if he hinted at a high enough price. With her now no longer pestering him about the cost, he could rest assured that she wasn't going to pawn it off.