Summary
Thisanime, set in ancient China, has become a fan favorite, with every episode leaving fans wondering what plot twist it’s going to be.Apothecary Diariesis a mix of various genres, mystery being the chief, with a sprinkle of comedy and a slice of life with a hint of possible romance.
This masterpiece is genius on its own, but it also comes with its fair share of geniuses, each with their peculiarities. From a medical genius who can diagnose with a glance to political players who manipulate the court like chess pieces, various characters inApothecary Diariesare capable of turning every situation into a battle of wits.
1The Madam Of Verdigris
The Mastermind Of The Famous Pleasure House
Although her screen time is less than many others, the Madam of Verdigris is hardly your average brothel owner. She is shrewd, resourceful, and knows the ropes of both pleasure and politics. She was also a celebrated courtesan in her prime, having trained several high-value courtesans like Fengxian.
Although she is full of years, her mind is as sharp as ever, as she still manages to run the day-to-day activities of the popular Verdigris House. When powerful diplomats came searching for her in the past, by being an elusive “Moon Fairy,” she skillfully set the stage. Her shrewd mind for business and utilizing resources impresses even Maomao.
2Fengxian
A Sharp Tongue With A Sharper Mind
Fengxian was a high-ranking courtesanwidely known for her beauty and intellect. Skilled at strategic board games like her lover, Lakan, her potential was often overshadowed by her beauty. She was considered haughty by patrons as she didn’t care to be a sexual amusement. However, she prided herself on always looking her best.
She remains the only person to have successfully bested Lakan in the game of Shogi. Every alliance she formed and every move she made led her closer to her planned goals.
3Anshi
The Woman Who Reshaped The Palace
The Empress Dowager is a woman of many scars, both physical and emotional. She was used as a pawn by her family, knowing the emperor preferred the sexual company of younger girls. She used her power to seek revenge, but beyond this, she also sought to advance herself. Anshi evolved from vengeful feelings to become a powerful supporter of women living within the palace.
Throughout her reign, she demonstrated her ability to govern the palace and intelligently handle delicate situations. Anshi establishes her exceptional brilliance through her skillful patience as she methodically plans each action to build her power. By observing the thoughts and feelings of people around her, she gains the capability to outwit proficient individuals. Time and time again, she proves her intelligence in the control of the palace without having to lift a finger.
4Luomen
The Quiet Genius Behind Maomao’s Skills
Luomen is Maomao’s adoptive father and the man who taught her everything she knows about medicine while under his care. Despite his calm demeanor, he’s very conversant withextensive knowledge of medicinefrom his time as a well-known court physician in the Imperial Palace. After he was sent away from the Rear Palace under controversial conditions, he chose a quiet life in the red-light district.
Through his unique teaching and mentoring methods, Maomao gained vast knowledge of poisons and medicine, using that knowledge to survive and face both threats and opportunities in a world filled with secrets and danger. Luomen’s intelligence influences the story even though he mostly remains out of public view. Maomao is one genius character, but everything she’s capable of is all thanks to Luomen.
5Suirei
The Silent Strategist Who Outsmarted The Apothecary
Suirei is a character known to have a calm demeanor within the court, but she was also one of the few who accomplished the rare feat ofbesting Maomao while escaping death. Said to be the stepsister to Luolan, an Imperial concubine, Suirei’s deep skill in handling rare substances, combined with her flawless way of executing plans, reveals her sharp and disciplined mind.
Though always bearing a usual calmness, it was during dangerous ploys that she revealed her unrivaled cold-blooded precision, just like her plans to kill the Imperial younger brother. Suirei stands as an equal to the apothecary’s brilliance in a world where few competitors can match her.
6Jinshi
More Than Just A Pretty Face
Beyond Jinshi’s elegant robes, he proves to be an expert strategist, navigating the dangerous workings within the inner court of the Imperial Palace. Beneath his playful nature lies a sharp mind that grasps court politics and human behaviors, together with the strategic value of maintaining secrets. Hisbalance in maintaining his hidden identitywhile manipulating people’s perception of him helps in keeping control of his power in the palace.
Jinshi strategically plays a fool in certain situations, which allows him to quietly pull strings while others underestimate what he is capable of. The relationship between Jinshi and Maomao continues to expand as he acknowledges her genius and assigns sensitive issues to her that no one else would risk sharing. The beauty of Jinshi’s intelligence lies in his subtle execution of power within a court that could punish even minor mistakes with death.
7Lakan
The Eccentric Shogi Master
From right when Lakan was introduced, he was immediately termed a genius and also a master of Shogi, a Japaneseboard game similar to chess. Lakan is a respected and revered military tactician, considered by those around him to be cunning and eccentric, an unreadable individual, and very hard to predict.
Plagued with prosopagnosia, he is unable to recognize faces. This in no way limits his abilities, as he reads people the same as Shogi pieces, quietly outmaneuvering them before they even realize they are in a game. Being highly skilled in military strategies and recognizing patterns also helps him in solving mysteries at a glance. Although he has appeared in several episodes of the anime, the genius of Lakan is ever-present as he always remains three steps ahead.
8Maomao
The Sherlock Genius With A Heart Of Chaos
Despite debuting as a seventeen-year-old, the poison-loving female lead, Maomao, has shown great intelligence despite her age. Brought up in the red-light district by Luomen and raised in Verdigris House with courtesans, she’s no stranger to survival, which has helped her in the Imperial Palace. She has a stoic personality and is not keen on romance, as sheconstantly fends off attention from Jinshi.
Maomao is extremely perceptive and uses that to solve mysteries or navigate politics within the palace, even though her methods could be quite unconventional. Regardless, it’s precisely what makes her one of the most intelligent figures in the court.
