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By the time Maomao was twenty-seven, she had been married to Jinshi for about two years and was heavily pregnant with their first (and probably only) child. She was a proper physician and was soon to be the head doctor of the Rear Palace once her Pops retired.
The Crowned Prince and the Crystal Prince were both healthy young boys and the Emperor had seven other sons; two were from Empress Gyokuyou, one was from Lady Lihua, and the other four were from other consorts. The Emperor also had five daughters including Princess Lingli. There was also at least one consort who was currently pregnant.
So the issue of succession no longer something that concerned Jinshi.
Her life was good and calm after years of twists and turns. So many tales she could share but those would have to wait for another time.
For now, it's time to hear about a disruption in the calmness of Maomao's life.
It's best to set the scene; a banquet by someone for some political reason… Jinshi had explained the purpose to her once or twice. Maomao loved him but old habits die hard. If it didn’t interest her or was needed to know, she didn’t care. Besides, Jinshi himself didn’t seem all that interested, only going because it was still his duty to attend the occasional event.
Which meant dragging Maomao with him. Unfortunately as his wife, she had duties she couldn't get out of.
So next to Jinshi she sat, with her food taster Tamamo sat. Technically, Maomao didn’t need one but she agreed to one as a formality while she was pregnant. Besides, she could easily treat Tamamo if she did consume poison.
Though someone would have to be a moron to try to poison Maomao, her near immunity to poisons was common knowledge.
It was boring but at least soon they'll be eating. She couldn't wait until they could leave.
She ignored the urge to turn and look at Tamamo. Maomao being pregnant did mean it was more likely some idiot would try to poison her. Even if she wasn’t scared of poison for herself, she didn't want any harm done to Tamamo.
The tasting went by without incident. No poison.
Maomao looked at the food with a smile. It was a stew made with bear and vegetables. It smelled delicious; she was quick to take a few bites. She probably wasn't eating like the proper wife of a prince but she was pregnant and the baby said dig in.
The stew was delicious, it was savory and there was a nutty taste to it. She'd have to ask someone to get the cook to lend the recipe to Dongmei, the cook who took over after Suiren finally retired. Getting good servants who wouldn't try to sleep or harass Jinshi was hard. The few attendants were either close friends like Xiaolan, Tamamo, and Miss Chue or women who preferred the company of other women like Dongmei and an older pair of women named Weiwei and Jia.
En'en might also like this recipe. Maomao wondered who she would have to talk-
Maomao dropped her spoon. Her throat was tightening and her eyes were starting to water.
She reached for Jinshi. “Buckwheat…” she managed to wheeze out. She knew this reaction.
Buckwheat was the one thing she worried about being in her food. It must not have been a lot if Tamamo and her weren’t able to pick up on the taste.
If it was just her being poisoned, it wouldn't be such a worry but…
Her baby.
She didn't know what this could do to her baby.
Please, no…
Maomao couldn't really focus as things turned to chaos. She was quick to make herself throw up, not caring that it was right on the floor in front of their host.
Maomao could hear Jinshi and Tamamo shouting. She could feel someone, probably Tamamo, leading her away.
She just kept thinking about her breathing and medicine she could take.
And her baby.
Eventually she was laying in her and Jinshi's bed. Her dad, Guen, En'en, Yao, and Suirei had come from the Rear Palace to crowd her room; each of them insisted on checking her over and making sure she and the baby were fine.
Her throat was sore so she knew she wouldn't be able to speak well. “Jin.. shi..?” She croaked out.
“The Moon Prince is being calmed down,” Loumen said. “Just lay down and rest, Maomao.” He said as he felt her stomach. A small flutter came.
“Ah, they're kicking. That's good.” Loumen spoke softly.
Thank goodness. Maomao felt like she could breathe just a little better.
It was strange, having the best doctors and the Quack taking care of her like she was someone of greater importance.
She supposed she was but Maomao would never really see herself as such.
She was given medicine and treated with acupuncture by Loumen. Maomao had once tried acupuncture on herself and had gotten in trouble. It was an interesting procedure that had various possible side effects. None of which she was concerned about since it was her dad performing it.
Maomao never before complained about being a patient but she wanted this over.
She wanted Jinshi.
She wanted him here to cuddle her and to hold her tightly.
Pregnancy definitely made her feel more clingy.
After what felt like forever, the others left and Jinshi ran into their room, looking like a mess. There was even some blood on his robes; how improper for someone of his rank. “Maomao!” He immediately came to their bed.
“Jinshi.” Maomao smiled softly at him. “I hate that I can't eat buckwheat. I'd rather have been given actual poison."
Jinshi laughed and laid his head on her chest. Luckily for him, Maomao was no longer as flat as a board. She wasn't anywhere near blessed as her sisters but there was something there.
“You're awful.” Jinshi said, smiling at her like an idiot.
“Has the culprit been found?” Maomao asked.
“The servant who put in the buckwheat was but there is more to be investigated. Both the freak strategist and Lahan are looking into it.” Jinshi said.
“The blood?” She asked.
“...the servant's.” Jinshi said. “I may have lost my temper.” How childish. Losing his temper at someone that was likely a pawn. Though she imagined she wouldn't be calm even if people have already tried killing Jinshi in front of her.
Not to mention it wasn't just her that had been in danger.
“Is Tamamo going to be punished?” Maomao asked. It wasn't her fault she didn't notice the buckwheat but she was just a lady in waiting.
“She will have to be or else it might cause others to raise questions. However, as your lady in waiting, her punishment will be left up to you.” Jinshi said.
Maomao nodded. She could handle that later then. It did bring her some comfort that Tamamo would be left to her. The life of a servant was one that could be discarded so easily. Maomao knew that all too well. Even if Jinshi wasn't the crown prince, he was still the Imperial Brother so Maomao and her child were members of the Imperial family; them being put in danger could result in the death of anyone involved or even just around.
“I'll figure something out later. It's not her fault so it'll only be a formality.” Maomao said.
“Of course.” Jinshi nodded. “How are you? How's the kitten?”
“Stop calling them the kitten.” Maomao huffed. “...shaken up some but fine. The little one even kicked some.”
Jinshi placed his hand on her bump. “I'm happy you're both okay. I was so worried..”
“Well, I'm fine now.” Maomao said as she ran a hand through his hair. They were fine. They would be fine.