The Painful Histories of Suirei and Lady Loulan Revealed! Episode 44 of the Anime “The Apothecary Diaries”—How Different Mothers Led to Vastly Different Fates for These Tragic Sisters

In Episode 44 of the anime “The Apothecary Diaries,” which began airing on May 30, it is revealed that Shisui (voiced by Asami Seto) is, in fact, Lady Loulan. The harsh upbringing of Suirei (voiced by Kaori Nazuka), who shares the same father but a different mother from Shisui, is brought to light, sparking widespread reactions such as, “Such a stark contrast in how they're treated...”

In Episode 44, “Fortress,” Maomao (voiced by Aoi Yūki) recognizes Lady Loulan’s voice as that of Shisui, one of the Four Consorts. When Maomao asks Suirei, “Are you and Shisui half-sisters?” Suirei responds, “She’s the only one who treats me as a sister,” and begins to recount her past.

Suirei’s father is Shishou (voiced by Chō), who is also Lady Loulan’s father and a high-ranking minister. Shishou was betrothed to Lady Loulan’s mother, Shenmei (voiced by Rica Fukami), but while Shenmei was summoned to the inner palace, Shishou had Suirei with another woman. When Shenmei returned after some time, she drove Suirei and her mother out of the mansion, making them serve as menial servants.

The revelations about Suirei’s upbringing shocked audiences online, with reactions such as “So tangled,” “Such a stark contrast in treatment...,” “Her background is extremely harsh,” and “Such cruel treatment...”