Narrow Escape! A Daring Rescue in "The Apothecary Diaries": Maomao Protects Prince Jinshi with All Her Might

Maomao (voiced by Aoi Yūki), endowed with sharp insight, once deduced a conclusion from multiple incidents, preventing an assassination in time. In episode 19 of the anime "The Apothecary Diaries," the scene where Maomao saves Jinshi (voiced by Takeo Ōtsuka) after a "barrage of foreshadowing revelations" is shockingly memorable no matter how often you watch it.

"The Apothecary Diaries" is an anime adaptation based on the light novel of the same name by Natsu Hyūga. It has also been serialized in two monthly magazines as a manga adaptation, with the series surpassing a cumulative total of 40 million copies in circulation. The TV anime began its two consecutive cours of broadcasting in October 2023. The detective tales featuring Maomao, who works as a "poison tester" in the imperial harem, along with her humorous interactions with the handsome eunuch Jinshi, have captivated audiences and sparked significant buzz. The second season has been airing since January 2025.

Jinshi is a eunuch wielding considerable power over the imperial harem, though this is merely a façade; in truth, he is the younger brother of the current emperor. His noble status has led to several attempts on his life, and on March 21st, in episode 35, he is suddenly attacked by an unknown assailant. Jinshi was also nearly assassinated once in episode 19.

Maomao discovered that ritual implements had been stolen amidst a past commotion over a minor fire. Furthermore, she linked the strange occurrences, such as the death of the ritual implements' custodian, an official poisoned by seaweed, and interactions with an artisan who crafted a metal that melts at low temperatures, leading her to perceive a dubious connection between them. Eventually, Maomao realized the possibility that the life of a noble participating in the rituals was in danger.

Discovering that the rituals would be conducted that very day, Maomao rushed to the venue. She was stopped by a military officer at the entrance, taunted the officer despite her low status, and got punched for it; undeterred, she somehow managed to dash into the building, ultimately risking her life to save the noble in the nick of time from a falling pillar. The noble conducting the ritual turned out to be Jinshi.

With a swollen face from being struck and a leg injury from falling debris, Maomao fainted on the spot in front of a flustered Jinshi. Despite her injured state, Jinshi picked up the battered Maomao and carried her out of the venue.