The days flew by swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, Maomao found herself back at home, spending her final night before her wedding with her father. It was customary for the bride to return home, only to be fetched by her husband-to-be the next morning.

"You seem restless," murmured her father, already half-dozing. Maomao shifted, contemplating her words.

"Dad?" Her voice held a hint of uncertainty. "Can I... sleep with you tonight?"

"Tomorrow, you'll be someone's wife," her father replied softly. "But to me, you'll always be my daughter." He lifted the blanket, inviting her into his embrace, just like when she was a child. It was a gesture that once made her feel utterly safe. This time, perhaps the last, she cherished the fleeting comfort.

Soon, sleep enveloped her, her body finding solace beside her father. Time passed, the stars gracefully traversed the sky, and hues shifted with the approaching dawn. Oblivious to the world, she rested undisturbed. The soft glow of morning light seeped through the window, stirring her awake.

Yawning, Maomao rose with a weary sigh, scanning her surroundings. Her father sat nearby, engrossed in his medicinal work. "You overslept," he remarked.

"Guess I've turned lazy," she replied, stretching and rubbing her eyes. Peering out the window, she watched lazy clouds drift through the blue sky.

"You're soon to be the second Prince's wife. You're entitled to a bit of leisure," he stated matter-of-factly.

"I suppose," she murmured, rising slowly and stretching her limbs, emitting a satisfied sigh as she cracked her joints. "I should head for a bath before Jinshi arrives," she added, turning to her father, who paused his work.

"Come back home after," he simply replied. A smile danced on her lips as she departed, feeling a sense of contentment.

With a confident stride, she made her way to the Verdigris house, looking forward to using their bathing facilities. However, upon stepping inside, she was unexpectedly hoisted up like a sack of potatoes. "Maomao!" exclaimed Pairin, carrying her with enthusiasm. "We've been waiting for you!"

"Why?" Maomao inquired, baffled by the sudden ambush.

"Because it's your wedding day!" Meimei chimed in, following the trio. "I'm going to do your makeup."

"I'll help with your hair," Pairin added cheerfully.

"And I'll assist with dressing you for the journey home," Joka interjected, joining the others. Maomao felt her expression flatten, her mind reeling. Nervousness started to creep in, a queasy sensation rising in her chest.

Maomao luxuriated in the hot bath, engulfed by fragrant oils that teased her senses. Skilled hands tended to her, meticulously scrubbing her hair and body. Stray hairs were plucked from her legs and eyebrows.

"Shall we do your '" Meimei began, interrupted abruptly by Maomao's sharp hiss.

"Not a chance! I manage that myself!" she retorted, cutting off any further attempts. The other girls exchanged knowing glances. "You've done plenty," Maomao muttered as her hair was meticulously dried with a cloth.

Her nails were filed, painted meticulously, and even her toes received attention. Her hair was elegantly arranged, adorned with an assortment of hairpins. It was when they reached for the final pin that Maomao stopped them, presenting a silver hairpin 'the same one Jinshi had gifted her at the garden party.

"This seems special," observed Pairin, inspecting it closely. "Is this real silver?"

"Yes, Jinshi gave it to me," Maomao confirmed. The three princesses stared at her in disbelief. "What?" Maomao questioned, bewildered by their sudden reactions.

"Maomao! Don't you realize what this is!?" Meimei asked, her fists clenched as she bounced in agitation.

"How can you be so oblivious?" Joka sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Did you... get this before he proposed?" Pairin inquired, pursing her lips.

"Yes, he gave it to me at the Garden Party, about a year or so ago?" Maomao attempted to recall. The memory felt slightly hazy now, but she could recall the taste of the food, the tingling sensation of the poison on her tongue.

"Maomao..." Pairin sighed, her hand covering her face in exasperation.

"Always so oblivious," Joka murmured, concern etched on her face for their younger sister.

"I... I didn't realize at first," Maomao stammered, blushing and turning away. "I was told I could exchange them for a favor..." She trailed off, attempting to hide her flushed face.

"Oh, Maomao..." Meimei whispered, her worry evident.

"It's fine," Maomao asserted, trying to quell the heat in her cheeks as she looked up at her older sisters. "Just carry on!"

The Verdigris House was closed for the day, dedicated entirely to preparing the bride-to-be. Jinshi had graciously covered the costs for the closure, ensuring Maomao's adoptive sisters could not only assist her in getting ready but also attend the wedding and subsequent festivities. With radiant smiles, they meticulously adjusted her attire, pleased with the result of their efforts.

As the sun reached its zenith, Maomao returned home, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her prince. The three princesses engaged in lively chatter while her father conversed with the old woman from the brothel. Maomao, consumed by nerves, barely spoke, stealing glances out the window, worrying whether Jinshi had changed his mind.

The sudden commotion outside prompted her to rise swiftly, throwing open the Apothecary door. There sat Jinshi on a sleek black Ferghana horse, exuding a dazzling smile, attired in robes that befitted his royal status. In that moment, Maomao found herself falling for him all over again. Stepping into the sunlight, she watched as he approached, halting a few feet away before dismounting and striding toward her.

"Maomao," he whispered, taking her hand and placing a kiss upon its back. A wave of sickness washed over her, her stomach coiling. Was she truly this anxious about the wedding? She'd never felt so queasy before 'well, except when dealing with poison. She reminded herself not to indulge until after the wedding.

"Master Jinshi," Maomao responded, maintaining a composed expression. The prince brushed a strand of hair away from her face, smiling as he admired his beloved's visage.

"Makeup doesn't suit you," he chuckled. Maomao rolled her eyes, turning away.

"Then I should wash it off," she retorted.

"No!" Jinshi protested, gripping her hand firmly. "I enjoy seeing you all dressed up!" Maomao felt a smile tugging at her lips as she looked up at her betrothed.

"Of course you do," she quipped, teasingly examining his own attire. "I could say the same, Prince." Jinshi's face flushed crimson, his cheeks ablaze from her compliment.

"Shall we?" Jinshi asked, clearing his throat. Maomao nodded, and he escorted her to his horse. Helping her up onto it, he settled in behind her. "Is it uncomfortable?" he inquired, concerned about her seating.

"I've never ridden a horse like this before... I'm more accustomed to your style," she pointed out. "But it's not exactly ladylike, so I'll accept any way, as long as I'm not forced to walk in these heavy robes." Maomao nodded, satisfied with her response.

"Thank you for understanding," Jinshi murmured, kissing her head before steering his horse. The three princesses boarded the carriage, followed by her father and the older woman. Once they were settled and the door closed, Jinshi gently urged his horse forward, with the horse-drawn carriage following closely behind.

As they entered the outer court, the three princesses admired the grand structures. "Oh, how I long to be a consort," Meimei sighed, peering out of the carriage window.

"Me too," added Pairin, nudging her sister aside for a better view of the gardens.

Their admiration swiftly transformed into playful bickering and light shoves. Joka intervened, positioning herself between them to halt their squabbling. Meanwhile, Maomao basked in the warmth of the sun, encircled by Jinshi's arms.

"They're staring," Maomao observed, noticing the women in the outer court gazing up at them with both admiration and envy.

"You're not what they expected," Jinshi remarked, turning his gaze down to his beloved. "They anticipated a woman with... curves," he quipped.

"It always circles back to big chests and plump rumps with you. But are you content with someone as petite as me?" Maomao teased, though underneath lay uncertainty. She wasn't certain why Jinshi had chosen her as his wife. Maomao felt inadequate 'unladylike, lacking curves, insufficient.

"Because I love you for you," Jinshi replied earnestly. Maomao turned to look at him, cheeks tinged with a faint pink as he gazed at her lovingly. "I'm not concerned about your chest size or having a larger rear. I love you, simply for being you."

"Cheesy," Maomao muttered, nuzzling her face against his chest. He chuckled lightly as they finally entered the inner court, a line of workers observing as they paraded toward the shrine. Everything had been meticulously arranged in advance 'the chairs were arranged, fabrics hung, resembling a scene from a storybook wedding.

Pausing at the steps, Jinshi dismounted first before assisting Maomao down. Once she was on steady ground, attendants whisked her away to a room to adorn her in her wedding gown. Her hair was fashioned more elegantly, adorned with expensive headpieces and pins. Thankfully, she managed to retain the silver pin in her hair, although it didn't quite match the rest.

After the preparations, she was escorted back, flanked by attendants as she ascended the steps. Standing just outside the shrine doors, she admired the delicate woodwork. Soft murmurs emanated from the other side, but she took a moment to compose herself. Taking a few deep breaths, the attendants awaited her signal. With a nod, the doors swung open, revealing the bride-to-be.

Jinshi was left speechless, his mouth agape and his breath stolen as he gazed at his bride. Maomao proceeded down the aisle gracefully, surrounded by smiling friends and family, even the other Consorts wore expressions of joy.

However, Maomao's eyes searched the hall for Xiaolan. Indeed, the young girl stood where her seat would have been had she not been the bride, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. Gyokuyou stood behind her, steadying her to prevent her from collapsing. A smirk formed on Maomao's lips as she turned back to her husband, content with the outcome of the wedding.

The ceremony passed swiftly, the couple receiving blessings from the emperor. Everyone showered the newlyweds with well wishes, imparting words of wisdom and offering small gifts. Once they exited the shrine, Maomao was whisked away from Jinshi to be dressed in yet another set of robes. Upon being released, she reunited with her husband, the two strolling together to the after-party.

"So, how loud did you gasp when you realized it was me?" Maomao teased her friend, poking her forehead. Xiaolan let out a short whine, covering her forehead and pouting.

"You could have warned me!" she scolded Maomao. "I almost fainted. Lady Gyokuyou had to keep me from collapsing!"

"Oh, how I love to tease you," Maomao chimed, a satisfied grin on her face. "But I do have an important request for you."

"What?" Xiaolan asked, tilting her head.

"I'd like to ask you to be my head woman-in-waiting. I trust you, and I need to appoint one, so I want it to be you," Maomao explained. Xiaolan's eyes sparkled with happiness as she took her friend's hand, bouncing with excitement.

"I'd love to!" she chirped happily. Maomao patted her head, pleased for her friend.

"Maomao?" Pairin called out, catching their attention. "Would it be alright if I joined the two of you?"

"What? But what about the brothel?" Maomao inquired. "I thought you weren't planning to retire yet?"

"Well, I hadn't planned on it. But I'm reaching a marriageable age, and you just happen to be near a dear... friend of mine," Pairin chirped, her gaze turning toward Lihaku.

"You do realize I can't have a married woman as my lady-in-waiting?" Maomao pointed out. Pairin nodded understandingly.

"Yes, I understand. I won't be here for long," she began. "But I'd like to be closer while he courts me." Maomao chuckled and nodded her approval.

"Very well, you may join me until you marry," Maomao agreed. Pairin beamed happily and moved away from her new boss, to be with the man she had fallen for. Maomao observed them, noticing Pairin's cheeks turning pink. It was heartwarming to see her older sister so elated.

"Who was that?" Xiaolan inquired, tilting her head.

"That was Pairin. She was my wet nurse as a child, but I see her more as a sister," Maomao explained. "In fact, I see all of them as my sisters." With a smile, she held Xiaolan's hand. "Just like I see you, Xiaolan." Her words brought tears to the girl's eyes, and she hugged Maomao tightly, receiving comforting pats on her head.

As the moon ascended, the party gradually wound down. Guests were escorted to their rooms, while others departed for their respective courts. Maomao stumbled alongside Jinshi, giggling happily from the alcohol she had downed. "You shouldn't have drunk so much," Jinshi chuckled, guiding his bride.

"It's okay," Maomao sang, attempting to pull him down to her level and planting a kiss on his cheek. "We're married now. You can see me drunk." Her ensuing giggle made Jinshi's heart flutter. Oh, how he adored this woman, whether sober or not.

Upon finally reaching Jinshi's room, he settled Maomao on his bed, gently sitting her down before turning to close the door behind them.

However, when he turned to continue to help his bride she had already stripped herself.

There she sat, on his bed, butt naked, face flushed and legs spread. To say the least, Jinshi was in front of her in seconds. 'Kneel. ' She commanded. As instructed he did so, his member growing hard in his pants as he stared up to her naked glory. 'Kiss them. ' She instructed, pointing to her thighs.

Jinshi once again did as told. Putting her legs over his shoulders he gently placed kisses on her thighs, loving how she moaned. She pressed both to his head, his kisses turning into love bites, leaving bruises on her perfect skin. When she was content with the marks he had left she moved onto her next set of instructions.

'Get up here and lay down. ' As he did before he listened, quickly getting up and tossing some of his robes from him, laying on the bed for her. Maomao crawled over him, running her hands on his chest, feeling every muscle.

'Lady Maomao? ' Jinshi questioned, watching her admire his body.

'I 'm going to give you a treat, so take it well~ ' She moved up more, her lower body coming closer to his face. At that moment he knew what was about to happen and he was living for it. She hovered over his face, her wet pussy needy.

'I 'm delighted for the treat~ ' She lowered down sitting on his face, trying not to put too much pressure. He went to work, sliding his tongue into her, fucking her with it as his nose brushed against her clit. She held onto his head, moans escaping her as he licked and fucked her with his tongue. His hands grabbed her ass, squeezing it happily as he ate her out.

Her knees began to tremble, her back arching from the pleasure. Leaving out a tiny cry she pulled his hair, cumming hard on his mouth. Like a good boy he licked up his treat, enjoying the sweet taste of her cum. She rode his face a little longer before slowly picking herself up.

'Please do that more~ ' Jinshi requested, brain foggy from the lack of air. Maomao blushed before sitting back and spreading her legs wide. Moving a hand down she spread herself for him, a pleading look on her face.

'Please Master Jinshi~ ' She begged. Jinshi, who was still gathering his thoughts, sat up, watching as she spread herself over and over again. She was needy and he was willing to give it. Kicking off his pants he crawled over to her, taking her hands and pinning her to his bed. She blushed under him, her eyes filled with love and lust.

'I love you. ' Jinshi whispered as he lined himself up.

'I love you too~ ' Maomao hummed, only for it to turn into a moan as he pushed himself in. Her walls were slick, so perfect. She was ready for him, ready to feel his cock once again. He began to thrust, keeping her hands pinned by her head as he rammed in again and again.

She moaned loudly, not caring about anyone nearby. Her voice echoed, her thoughts blank as he bucked into her. He moved down, kissing her lips happily, deepening the kiss as her legs wrapped around his waist. She was already nearing her end, pushed closer to the edge as he rammed in again and again.

'I love you. I love you. ' Jinshi whispered as he fucked her. Her walls tightened, her mouth allowing an erotic moan to escape as she came around him. Unable to hold back he rammed in as deep as he could, spilling his seed into her. The two of them locked in a moment of bliss.

'I love you too. ' He let her hands go, his eyes growing wide. 'Stupid. ' Cupping his face she pulled him down into another sweet kiss. Melting against her he pulled her closer to his body, deepening the kiss.

Finally, he had Maomao.

Maomao fell ill just a few weeks later, her face buried in a bucket, experiencing more discomfort than when she tested her poisons. Jinshi sat by her side, soothingly rubbing her back while holding her hair. "Should I fetch the doctor?" he asked, concern etched on his face for his wife's well-being.

Taking a deep breath, Maomao attempted to fight off the overwhelming fatigue. She leaned back, resting against her husband, and closed her eyes. "I don't need that quack," she firmly stated. "I'm a much better doctor than him."

"Alright, Doctor Maomao, what's your diagnosis?" Jinshi quizzed, raising an eyebrow at her. Once more, she paused, her hand wiping away some sweat from her forehead. The hot weather was making her illness even more challenging.

"Fatigue, nausea '" Maomao began, holding up two fingers. "And I should mention my delayed menstrual bleeding." She raised a third finger, meeting her husband's gaze.

Jinshi waited for her to continue, but she didn't. He was puzzled as to why she had stopped; her symptoms wouldn't help him find a cure for her illness. Her eyes narrowed, her hand gripping his thigh, nails digging into his pants and flesh.

"Well?" she prompted. The young man took a moment, surprised she had asked him to solve her ailment. Taking a breath, he gazed at the ceiling, contemplating.

"Fatigue, nausea, delayed bleeding..." Jinshi noted her restlessness, her sudden cravings for things she previously had no interest in. "You're with child!" he exclaimed, seizing her shoulders and shaking her gently. "But how? You took the herbs!"

"They don't always work. Now please stop shaking me," Maomao replied, her lips pressing tightly together. Her face turned a shade of green, and as soon as he released her, she leaned over the bucket, expelling the contents of her stomach.

As Jinshi rubbed her back, he recollected the night of their wedding and how they had forgotten the herbs the next day. However, to spare himself from potential discomfort, he kept that little detail to himself. Had she remembered such an event, she might have castrated him herself.

But as she said, the herbs before could have failed, maybe it wasn't his fault.

At least, fully.