You Won’t Believe What Happens When Maomao Wears Jinshi’s Hairpin in Apothecary Diaries!

by

In the second season of “The Apothecary Diaries,” when not centering on Jinshi’s secret or his romantic entanglement with Maomao, the narrative primarily explores the friendships that Maomao has cultivated in the rear palace since her service began. Over the course of its 39 episodes, a strong bond between Maomao and Xiaolan has developed, and when Shisui joined the group early in Season 2, their friendship deepened even more.

The Apothecary Diaries chronicles the tale of Maomao, delving into the enigmas she unravels, her profession and expertise as an apothecary, the individuals who surround her, and undeniably, her connection with Jinshi. While some viewers are excited for the series to escalate further, all aspects of the narrative play a crucial role in shaping Maomao’s character growth. With only nine episodes remaining in Season 2, the anime is steadily approaching another thrilling climax, weaving each new installment into the intricate fabric of Maomao’s story.

Maomao Uses Her Skills to Save Xiaolan’s Hide

But Not Without Enduring Jinshi’s Teasing

In the concluding moments of Episode 38 of “The Apothecary Diaries,” titled “The Dancing Ghost,” I found myself and fellow viewers left hanging with a touch of suspense. Xiaolan, in her characteristic gentleness, accidentally collided with a eunuch pushing an ice cart, causing the icy cargo to spill onto one of the high consorts. The ensuing chaos saw the eunuch becoming visibly upset, and by the end of the episode, our beloved Xiaolan was shedding tears. As the rear palace spectators looked on, it was easy to empathize with Xiaolan’s embarrassment. Not only did she seem lost in her thoughts, but the harsh words from the eunuch were undeniably humiliating.

In Episode 39 titled “Ice,” Maomao perceives that Xiaolan seemed distracted because she had received a gift from one of the consorts she massaged. She was lost in admiration for the exquisite hairpin, contemplating if the consort might consider her capable enough to secure future employment when her contract expired. With all eyes fixed on her, Maomao steps in with a creative solution to prevent the impending crisis, even though it deviated from the original plan. This quick-thinking move is just one of many we’ve come to anticipate from her. Guiding Xiaolan away by the hand, she leads her to the quack doctor’s clinic after assuring the eunuch that she would create something superior to ice.

As Xiaolan weeps over the damaged ice, Maomao contemplates ways to restore it. She decides to create an ice dessert, but needs ingredients and a kitchen for this task. Trying to think of a way to procure these items, a solution unexpectedly presents itself: Gaoshun and another person appear outside the clinic.

Jinshi Comes To The Rescue, But At What Cost?

Maomao Needs A Kitchen, And The Only Person Who Can Help Is Jinshi

Jinshi is beaming broadly upon seeing Maomao outside, inquiring whether he could help her locate a workspace for cooking. He finds it puzzling that she’s trying to handle an issue unrelated to her. Deep down, she acknowledges his point – the problem isn’t hers – but as thoughts of her relationship with Xiaolan cross her mind, she feels compelled to act. If she doesn’t intervene, she fears she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself. When she mentions this worry to him, he responds with a chuckle.

Observing closely, I see him inquire about what she might offer him in return. Perplexed, she responds that she has nothing to give. Yet, he subtly hints at a solution, proposing she listen attentively to those speaking with her, an idea she finds unattainable. Growing agitated, he reveals the truth. In this court, High Consort Gyokuyou cannot assist her for the benefit of another consort. As she shakes her head, her hair ribbon slips free, nearly falling. Quick as a flash, Jinshi grabs it to prevent its loss.

After returning the item to her, he queries why she doesn’t wear a hairpin. He scolds her and mentions that the women from the Jade Pavilion are more fashion-forward and mindful of their appearance. Maomao clarifies that she doesn’t have fancy accessories, but he reminds her of the hairpin he once gave her, questioning why she hasn’t used it. A hint of humor emerges as he becomes upset and inquires if she sold it. In response to what she is asking from him, he proposes wearing the hairpin as a condition. Then he tells her that the day she wears the hairpin will be…

Maomao seems clueless about the matter, yet for Jinshi, wearing Maomao’s hairpin symbolizes that he can now reveal his true identity to her. As he departs, assuring her of a kitchen at her disposal, Maomao is left bewildered. She might feign ignorance, but it’s clear she understands. To avoid confronting the truth, Jinshi has steered clear of situations that could force her to hear his revelation. However, placing the pin in her hair will signal to him that she’s prepared to listen to whatever he has to share.

Someone Make Me A Spinoff Anime With Maomao, Xiaolan, and Shisui, Please!

As an onlooker in the kitchen, I observe Maomao putting her culinary skills to the test as she attempts to create something extraordinary – ice cream. She calls for essential ingredients such as salt, milk, sugar, and fruit, inviting Xiaolan to lend a hand by blending the milk and sugar together while Maomao readies the icy saltwater bath. Maomao continues to stir the cream and sugar mixture, all the while Xiaolan prepares the freshly cut fruit. The final product is so exquisite it leaves even the High Consort Loulan’s eunuch speechless upon delivery.

In a swift exit, Maomao and Xioalan head indoors to savor the remaining food, but Shisui shows up, playfully taunting Xiaolan after taking a taste. Amused, Maomao decides to prepare more as the two girls dash about, engaging in mock combat over the ice cream. I couldn’t help but yearn for an adorable, everyday-life anime spinoff featuring these three running wild throughout the palace courtyard.

Maomao Discovers Something Alarming About Lady Gyokuyou’s Pregnancy

An Old Familiar Face Returns From Exile

Later on, while Maomao is at the Jade Pavilion enjoying herself with Princess Lingli and a kitten, Lady Gyokuyou observes the baby’s movements and summons the princess to touch her belly. She remarks that this baby seems to kick in a different direction than how Princess Lingli did, causing Maomao to worry and ask if she can feel it too. Intrigued by the differences in their deliveries, Maomao inquires about Gyokuyou’s birth with the princess. Hongniang shares that she delivered the baby herself since the midwife they had called became suddenly unwell. Upon asking whether they would bring someone else for future deliveries, both Hongniang and Gyokuyou pick up on Maomao’s concern and ask what was troubling her.

Due to the way the baby is positioned, Maomao is concerned that it may be a breech birth, which can pose risks for both the baby and the mother, especially if an operation is necessary on Gyokuyou’s abdomen. After conducting a thorough examination, Maomao believes the baby will indeed be breech, although there are steps Gyokuyou could take to encourage the baby to change positions before delivery. However, these measures come with risks. Performing surgery on her abdomen is a risky procedure, and not many are skilled enough to do it effectively. But, there’s one person Maomao trusts with this task: her adoptive father, Luomen.

The issue with Luomen is that, due to unclear circumstances Maomao hasn’t yet discovered fully, her father was dismissed from court and labeled a criminal under the previous emperor’s rule. Hongiang isn’t keen on allowing a convicted individual to attend the delivery, but Lady Gyokuyou is willing to listen to Maomao’s argument. In the end, they both concur with her that despite Luomen’s past offenses that led to his disgrace, he is the most suitable choice to ensure a safe childbirth for her. Consequently, Luomen is summoned, and upon his return to the palace, he expresses surprise at being allowed inside its walls once more.

As he encounters Lady Gyokuyou and her residence, everyone is captivated by his tranquil and silent demeanor. He stands out as a distinguished individual with a keen intellect, and upon departing for repose, the other court ladies are taken aback, expressing their astonishment that this composed figure is Maomao’s father. They find him surprisingly ordinary. At first, Maomao doesn’t understand the jest, but when Lady Gyokuyou starts to chuckle, she begins to grasp that she has been out of the loop.

Intriguingly, Luomen’s reappearance at the royal palace means that both figures who might be considered as Maomao’s “fathers” are now involved. Last week, Jinshi was expressing concern over how they would handle Lakan, yet viewers are aware that in Lakan’s past, Luomen held significant sway. It’s plausible that Luomen could serve as the key to controlling Lakan, especially when Maomao steps up as their strongest ally against those aiming to eliminate the Emperor’s line for good.

The Apothecary Diaries” Season 2, Episode 15

In this episode, we found a delightful blend of the intense and humorous, leaving viewers with much to ponder as we approach the end of the season. With nine episodes left, it seems there’s ample time to delve into the ongoing plotlines. However, given the numerous threads, it’s quite probable that we’ll be left with several questions unanswered at the conclusion of this season’s second part.

On the other hand, nine episodes offer more than enough room for resolving some of the mysteries that have kept us hooked, as we navigate through what promises to be another exceptional season of 2025’s finest anime, potentially even surpassing all others in its category.

Read More

2025-04-18 23:07