by Natsu Hyuuga
This is the light novel version of the popular series. Maomao is the adoptive daughter of an apothecary who ends up being kidnapped and sold to the royal palace as a servant. She starts off in a lowly position, and soon gains rank when they discover she's educated. Maomao absolutely loves consuming poison and testing on herself. So, she becomes the taster of the Emperor's consort. This story follows the politics inside the palace, the betrayal and the mysteries within. And Maomao is all for trying to solve it all. The thing is... she catches the eye of a certain someone who becomes quite possessive of her, and she couldn't care less. And... it turns out Maomao isn't of lowly birth at all?