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Unraveling the Secrets of The Apothecary Diaries: What You Missed in Season 1!

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Ever since The Apothecary Diaries (or Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) made its debut in October 2023, it has taken the world by storm, capitalizing on the popularity of its light novel origins. In February 2024, I found myself gracing the cover of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare’s monthly magazine, a first for any fictional character. As the year progressed, major U.S.-based entertainment platforms such as Polygon, IGN, and Vulture recognized it as one of the top anime series of the year. Now, I am excited to announce that the first season of The Apothecary Diaries is accessible on Netflix in the U.S., marking a new phase in its global conquest.

In a fictional land reminiscent of ancient China, we meet Maomao, who was brought up as the daughter of an apothecary, learning the craft of healing from him. She employs her expanding knowledge to care for the women working in the district known for its red-light activities, where she herself grew up. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when bandits seize her and force her into servitude as an indentured worker at the Imperial Palace nearby.

In my perspective as a movie critic, I found myself captivated by the intriguing tale unfolding in “Maomao’s Rear Palace Adventure.” Initially, Maomao, our protagonist, assumes the humble role of a laundry maid within the palace where the Emperor’s harem resides. However, her keen intellect and intuition lead her to uncover the secret ailments afflicting the children of the Rear Palace.

This discovery piques the interest of Jinshi, an enigmatic eunuch who governs the palace operations, and Maomao is swiftly elevated to the prestigious positions of lady-in-waiting and taste tester for one of the Emperor’s favored concubines. The narrative then unfolds over the course of the first season, as Maomao skillfully navigates a series of medical enigmas that prove to be pieces in a larger, sinister puzzle hidden within the palace’s walls.

This captivating drama masterfully blends elements of mystery, intrigue, and court politics, creating an immersive experience for viewers that leaves them eagerly anticipating the next season.

Back in October 2023 through March 2024, I was hooked on “The Apothecary Diaries” as it aired on Crunchyroll. But now, with its Netflix debut across the U.S., Canada, and more regions, this anime has found its way into the hearts of countless other viewers like me. For those who are just diving in, let’s unravel the intricate ending and solve the season-one mysteries together.

Who wants to kill Jinshi?

The climax of many enigmas in “The Apothecary Diaries” unfolds in Episode 19 titled “Chance or Something More.” Here, Maomao unearths and thwarts an assassination plot against Jinshi, a character who has been keeping significant secrets about his real identity. The plot was initiated by the court lady Suirei, whom Maomao has encountered several times within the palace. Similar to Maomao, Suirei possesses a passion for herbal medicine and cultivates plants for various recipes in the palace kitchens. However, unlike Maomao, Suirei has been employing this medical knowledge not for healing but rather to eliminate a string of officials and workers connected with the Board of Rites.

The Board of Rites is responsible for ensuring that the rituals performed by imperial nobles run smoothly, and several of its members have mysteriously passed away throughout the storyline. Master Kounen’s death from salt poisoning (a murder that Maomao uncovers in Episode 9 titled “Suicide or Murder?”) and the food poisoning of his successor raise suspicions, but it is when military official Lihaku informs Maomao about the recent theft of some ceremonial items that Maomao’s detective abilities kick into high gear. The stolen items were taken during the warehouse fire depicted in Episode 14, “The New, Pure Consort.

In Episode 16, titled “Lead,” character Maomao unravels a peculiar case concerning a court metalworker’s will. This artisan had bequeathed a perplexing series of inheritances to his three sons through a trilogy of mysterious documents. Notably, this deceased craftsman excelled in the manipulation of a lead alloy that softens close to an open flame.

Fast forward to Episode 19, Maomao consults an archivist who had faced demotion following his warnings about the safety of a massive pillar in the Altar of the Sapphire Sky – a significant building for ceremonial purposes. Maomao proposes that the missing ceremonial tool, one of the stolen artifacts, might have been substituted with an item made from the same lead alloy used by the metalworker.

As the next ceremony approaches in Episode 19, Maomao connects the dots and makes her revelation.

How Maomao rescues Jinshi

Though Maomao remains unaware of the grand scheme, she swiftly dashes through the palace towards the Altar of the Sapphire Sky, determined to thwart it. Her actions face obstacles; a guard nearly floors her with a brutal blow to the head. Bruised and dazed, Maomao persists, and with Lakan’s assistance, she overcomes the hurdles. As the target comes into sight, just as an enormous pillar above the altar collapses, Maomao’s leg is gravely injured in the commotion. On the brink of fainting due to heavy blood loss, she manages a fleeting moment of clarity – it’s Jinshi she’d saved. “Why is Master Jinshi here? His eyes hold such sorrow,” she ponders before succumbing to unconsciousness. With tender care, Jinshi carries the injured Maomao from the Altar of the Sapphire Sky to medical attention.

It seems doubtful that court attendant Suirei was working solo, as she’s the only one with a clear connection to the plot. Initially, Maomao suspects Suirei when Lihaku informs her that the warehouse fire originated from an ivory pipe given to a guard by a tall woman who had a medicinal odor. Before Suirei could be apprehended, she was discovered dead. However, when Suirei’s corpse disappears, Maomao suspects that Suirei may have used a “resurrection drug” to simulate her own demise. Desperate to locate Suirei, Maomao wants to question her further about the thornapple poison.

Jinshi’s true identity in the Imperial family

In Season 1, Jinshi emerges as a significant character, transcending his role as just a high-ranking official involved in palace politics. By the end of the season, it is revealed that Jinshi isn’t truly a eunuch, but has been using a medication causing impotence while serving in the Rear Palace. Men who haven’t undergone castration are forbidden from entering the Rear Palace, except those belonging to the Imperial family.

In Season 1, it’s suggested that Jinshi conceals his true self, with the reason behind this remaining undisclosed. Earlier in the series, there are hints that Jinshi shares a family tie with Ah-Duo, a retired concubine residing in the Rear Palace. During Episode 11, titled “Reducing Two to One,” Ah-Duo’s departure from the palace affects Jinshi deeply. Prior to her leaving, Maomao observes a striking resemblance between Ah-Duo and Jinshi. Additionally, it’s hinted that Jinshi is the son of the previous Emperor and Empress Anshi, making him the current Emperor’s younger brother. The secret about Jinshi’s Imperial lineage emerges as one of the most intriguing enigmas as we approach Season 2.

How Maomao’s mother and father are reunited

Maomao’s origins are somewhat obscure at the start of the story. It’s known that she was brought up by Luomen, and has ties to the Verdigris House, an exclusive brothel in the red-light district. However, her real parents remain a mystery. By the end of the season, it’s revealed that she is actually the daughter of Fengxian, a courtesan, and Lakan, a skilled court tactician. Their love story blossomed over a Go board.

As a movie critic, I found myself utterly captivated by the intricate narrative unfolding in this cinematic masterpiece. In the heart of the story, we follow Fengxian, a resilient protagonist, as she navigates the complex web of her life. Desperate to break free from her contractual obligations, Fengxian sets her sights on Lakan, a man who, unfortunately, lacks the financial means to fulfill her desire for freedom.

In an attempt to manipulate the circumstances in her favor, Fengxian makes a choice that alters their lives forever. She enters into an intimate relationship with Lakan, leading to the birth of their child, Maomao. However, fate deals Lakan a cruel hand as he is abruptly exiled by his family before he can purchase Fengxian’s contract or even learn about their newborn son.

In Lakan’s absence, Fengxian’s situation worsens dramatically. Forced to resort to dangerous and precarious sex work, she contracts a terrible illness – syphilis. As the years pass by, three long years, Lakan returns only to find that he has been misled about Fengxian’s fate. The Madam at the Verdigris House, along with other women in the brothel, have secretly taken care of a gravely ill Fengxian and her child, Maomao.

This heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and resilience leaves us questioning the lengths people will go to for freedom and the consequences that come with their choices. The story serves as an unforgettable reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In my upbringing, I was nurtured by the women at Verdigris House initially, followed by Luomen later. Although I was aware of my father’s identity, his abandonment of my ailing mother filled me with disdain. Wealthy and generous, Lakan eventually amassed enough funds to purchase the freedom of even the most costly courtesans from Verdigris House. In a surprising turn of events, I won a game of Go against Lakan, and in fulfilling my winnings, I asked him to rescue a courtesan, Fengxian, who was held captive at the brothel. Upon his arrival at the brothel, he was granted the privilege of hearing Fengxian’s lullaby from her confined quarters. Our reunion was emotional, and Lakan lavished money to free Fengxian from the brothel. We subsequently married, and in a heartwarming moment, I danced for my mother on the palace walls.

How The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 end?

In the climactic scene of “The Apothecary Diaries” Season 1, I find myself gazing upon Maomao as she dances. However, the leg wound she sustained during the Altar of the Sapphire Sky incident reopens, prompting me to take action. The following day, I fulfill my promise to her by presenting her with an ox bezoar. Her joy is palpable, and I share with her a new mission—an adventure that promises to unfold in Season 2.

Does Maomao like Jinshi?

In the story of the Apothecary Diaries, Jinshi starts to have romantic feelings for Maomao quite early on. However, it remains unclear if Maomao reciprocates these feelings. As a character, Maomao is known for her wit and emotional reserve. Although she seldom shows affection towards those she cares about, Maomao’s deep emotions often become evident through her actions. Their romance will continue to unfold along with further palace intrigue in subsequent parts of the series.

How old are The Apothecary Diaries characters?

In the show, Maomao starts out at seventeen years old and turns eighteen by the finale of Season 1. On the other hand, Jinshi is eighteen when the series debuts and turns nineteen by the end of Season 1. Interestingly, much like other aspects of his persona, Jinshi tends to conceal his actual age, feigning maturity beyond his years.

Where can I watch Season 2?

Right now, The Apothecary Diaries is simultaneously streaming on Crunchyroll. The second season starts with Episode 25 titled “Maomao and Maomao.” At the moment, the streamer is preparing for the remaining part of Season 2, referred to as a “cour” in anime terms, which signifies episode runs lasting approximately three months or a quarter of a year. This usually consists of 12-13 episodes.

Currently, fresh installments of “The Apothecary Diaries” are being made available each Friday around 12:15 PM Eastern Standard Time on Crunchyroll. The second season is scheduled to run until the conclusion of the spring anime season, which is expected to be at the end of June.

Is The Apothecary Diaries based on a manga?

In actuality, “The Apothecary Diaries” is currently being adapted into not one but two separate manga series. However, it’s essential to note that both the manga and the potential anime are based on the “Apothecary Diaries” light novel series authored by Natsu Hyuuga. The initial season of “The Apothecary Diaries” covers the content from the first two volumes of the light novels.

Initially, the story of Hyuuga was written as a web novel and first published on the self-publishing platform Syosetu back in 2011. This web novel essentially served as a precursor for the light novel, which started being released in 2012. Light novels are typically geared towards younger readers and feature numerous illustrations throughout.

Where can I read the Apothecary Diaries?

13 initial volumes of the “Apothecary Diaries” light novel series are already available in English, either as ebooks or physical books. However, the 14th volume won’t be released in English until May 30, 2025. Unfortunately, the web novel isn’t straightforward to access for English readers, since it’s published on a Japanese self-publishing platform called Syosetu.

Will there be a Season 3?

Although no formal declaration has been made about a third season of The Apothecary Diaries, given its widespread acclaim worldwide, a third season looks highly probable. The upcoming second season is predicted to cover Volumes 3 and 4 of the original light novel series. If the show maintains its current speed, it has plenty more source material to draw from for potential future seasons.

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2025-04-03 00:07

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