I love how even before maomao knew jinshi was a prince, back when she was even convincing herself that he was a eunuch, there would still be moments where she showed her worry for him. Like *spoilers for night novels* we know how later on as jinshi takes on his moon prince responsibilities there are many moments where he overworks himself and maomao shows her care by trying to get him to rest. I think it's cute that even back when she didnt know his identity there would be moments where he would come with a seemingly impossible task (the blue rose & entertaining the envoys) she would internally think to herself how troubled and tired he was.
It shows her care but it also shows how maomao is actually paying attention to jinshi and is conscious of him. Like that time she noticed he has a nervous tick of taping his fingers or shoes. It's cute how we have these moments that subtlety point to her growing affections for jinshi and how close they're getting.
Even though she would never admit it, at least at this point, maomao is a character where you have to not take what she says at face value but at her actions as well. You must weigh both what she says and what she actually ends up doing
