1 00:00:13,304 --> 00:00:19,269 The Apothecary Diaries 2 00:01:31,216 --> 00:01:34,219 This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. 3 00:01:36,930 --> 00:01:40,975 Perhaps things like mythology and fables are similar. 4 00:01:40,975 --> 00:01:44,979 EpisodeMoon Fairy 5 00:01:45,939 --> 00:01:46,981 Good luck. 6 00:01:47,982 --> 00:01:50,944 The ruined peach orchard on the north side of the rear palace... 7 00:01:50,985 --> 00:01:53,988 An old shrine-like building nearby... 8 00:01:54,030 --> 00:01:55,949 And the pond. 9 00:01:56,950 --> 00:02:00,954 A long time ago, this place was home to a different ethnicity of people. 10 00:02:00,954 --> 00:02:03,957 They say we are still using the buildings, walls, 11 00:02:03,957 --> 00:02:06,918 and underground waterway that they left behind. 12 00:02:08,920 --> 00:02:09,963 Guess who? 13 00:02:10,922 --> 00:02:11,923 Shisui. 14 00:02:12,006 --> 00:02:14,968 Correct! Did my voice give it away? 15 00:02:15,009 --> 00:02:19,931 She's so friendly, it's no wonder she's chatty buddies with Xiaolan. 16 00:02:20,932 --> 00:02:22,016 Maomao, what are you doing? 17 00:02:22,016 --> 00:02:24,978 I'd ask the same of you. What are you doing all the way out here? 18 00:02:24,978 --> 00:02:27,981 Me? Oh, I just had some business to tend to. 19 00:02:29,983 --> 00:02:30,984 Stealing food? 20 00:02:30,984 --> 00:02:31,985 No, actually. 21 00:02:32,902 --> 00:02:33,945 It's this! 22 00:02:38,992 --> 00:02:40,952 Cute, right?! 23 00:02:40,952 --> 00:02:45,915 This would typically be considered harassment, so don't do it to others. 24 00:02:45,915 --> 00:02:49,002 What? Why? It's so cute! 25 00:02:50,962 --> 00:02:52,964 This place is really great! 26 00:02:52,964 --> 00:02:55,925 There's so many insects here I've only ever seen in books! 27 00:02:55,925 --> 00:02:57,969 The first time I saw these guys was here, too! 28 00:02:58,928 --> 00:02:59,971 I see. 29 00:03:00,930 --> 00:03:02,974 This area has been a trading hub for ages. 30 00:03:02,974 --> 00:03:06,978 I guess some insects came in along with trade goods and found a home. 31 00:03:07,937 --> 00:03:08,980 Do these become butterflies? 32 00:03:08,980 --> 00:03:10,940 No, they're moths! 33 00:03:10,940 --> 00:03:14,944 They're nocturnal, so you won't see any flying now, but they're really pretty! 34 00:03:16,988 --> 00:03:19,949 I wonder if they were around when the old lady danced. 35 00:03:20,992 --> 00:03:23,912 You should come see them at night, Maomao! 36 00:03:23,912 --> 00:03:25,955 They flit around and sparkle in the moonlight... 37 00:03:25,955 --> 00:03:28,958 It makes you feel like you've wandered into paradise! 38 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:31,002 That sounds exaggerated... 39 00:03:32,921 --> 00:03:34,964 Sparkle in the moonlight...? 40 00:03:35,006 --> 00:03:38,009 Do these moths mate right after they emerge? 41 00:03:38,009 --> 00:03:44,015 I guess? I heard they die right after maturing because they can't eat. 42 00:03:44,015 --> 00:03:47,936 Hey, can you see which of these moths are male and female? 43 00:03:47,936 --> 00:03:49,938 Mostly, I guess... 44 00:03:49,979 --> 00:03:50,939 Shisui! 45 00:03:50,980 --> 00:03:52,982 There's something I need your help with. 46 00:03:55,985 --> 00:03:58,947 This... This might actually work! 47 00:03:59,948 --> 00:04:00,990 Is it something bad...? 48 00:04:34,983 --> 00:04:38,987 A few days later, a banquet was held for the envoys. 49 00:04:39,946 --> 00:04:43,992 It took place in the northern garden, where the "Moon Fairy" appeared 50 years ago. 50 00:04:45,910 --> 00:04:47,954 The rear palace is usually off limits to men, 51 00:04:47,954 --> 00:04:50,999 but a special exception was made to allow male officials to join. 52 00:04:50,999 --> 00:04:53,960 The high-ranking concubines also joined. 53 00:04:54,961 --> 00:04:57,964 The guests enjoyed the shows from within their carriages. 54 00:05:00,925 --> 00:05:04,929 Blue eyes, golden hair... they really are pretty. 55 00:05:04,929 --> 00:05:06,931 I knew it. A normal performer would make no impression. 56 00:05:07,932 --> 00:05:11,936 Also, they have their blinds raised all the way up, showing their faces to the emperor. 57 00:05:11,978 --> 00:05:13,980 They must really be confident. 58 00:05:14,981 --> 00:05:18,026 The lady further away seems to be a quiet type, 59 00:05:18,026 --> 00:05:20,945 but the lady closer to me seems full of confidence 60 00:05:20,945 --> 00:05:22,989 that she's the most beautiful woman in the world. 61 00:05:23,948 --> 00:05:25,992 For sure, these two special envoys are on par 62 00:05:25,992 --> 00:05:29,954 with the high-ranked concubines in terms of beauty. 63 00:05:39,922 --> 00:05:42,967 The music and performances are flashier than usual. 64 00:05:42,967 --> 00:05:44,969 I guess it's to match the envoys. 65 00:05:45,011 --> 00:05:48,931 But... They seem bored. 66 00:05:48,931 --> 00:05:50,975 I guess it's not good enough for them. 67 00:05:51,934 --> 00:05:53,936 They really do look alike, though. 68 00:05:54,896 --> 00:05:57,982 I heard they're cousins with a shared grandfather, but they appear like twins. 69 00:05:58,941 --> 00:06:02,987 These two would be able to pull off the mirror trick from Master Gaoshun's story. 70 00:06:03,946 --> 00:06:04,947 Hmm? 71 00:06:16,751 --> 00:06:19,754 I would like to be closer to speak to you. 72 00:06:20,755 --> 00:06:23,800 I hear your brother is not attending today. 73 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:26,761 I would have loved to meet him. 74 00:06:28,805 --> 00:06:31,808 Yikes, that's scary. Super scary. 75 00:06:32,433 --> 00:06:37,397 A political machination involving marriage. 76 00:06:37,438 --> 00:06:39,440 If it would please you— 77 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:40,400 Ayla. 78 00:06:41,442 --> 00:06:47,407 That's enough. They put on a great show for us. We must enjoy it properly. 79 00:06:49,450 --> 00:06:51,411 My apologies. 80 00:06:59,377 --> 00:07:00,378 Hongniang. 81 00:07:00,420 --> 00:07:03,381 Crisis averted. That was too scary. 82 00:07:04,424 --> 00:07:10,388 Maybe those two have no interest in the legendary beauty their grandfather saw. 83 00:07:11,389 --> 00:07:15,435 "There is no one more beautiful than us." That's what they truly believe. 84 00:07:16,436 --> 00:07:22,400 Maybe the mirrors they sent to the four concubines were actually a provocation. 85 00:07:23,359 --> 00:07:27,447 No matter. My job is to show them the "moon fairy." 86 00:07:32,452 --> 00:07:35,455 The banquet's almost over. How's everything going? 87 00:07:36,414 --> 00:07:40,376 I did the best I could. 88 00:07:42,378 --> 00:07:45,381 Yeah, that's the natural reaction, I guess. 89 00:07:47,425 --> 00:07:49,385 Alright, let's go. 90 00:07:56,434 --> 00:08:00,438 They seem to have made the music more colorful to match us, 91 00:08:00,438 --> 00:08:04,358 but the dancing seemed just average, Aylin. 92 00:08:05,359 --> 00:08:08,404 The famous four concubines are hidden behind their blinds. 93 00:08:08,404 --> 00:08:11,449 The moon fairy that our grandfather saw probably wasn't that impressive, either. 94 00:08:11,449 --> 00:08:15,369 Ayla, that's not something we should be discussing now. 95 00:08:15,453 --> 00:08:17,413 Let's talk about it when we get back to our room. 96 00:08:20,416 --> 00:08:24,378 What if the emperor wanted us right away? 97 00:08:41,395 --> 00:08:42,438 This guy... 98 00:09:02,708 --> 00:09:03,709 Fifty years ago... 99 00:09:04,669 --> 00:09:09,632 I'm guessing that this is what the envoys' grandfather saw. 100 00:09:26,691 --> 00:09:27,650 What's going on?! 101 00:09:27,650 --> 00:09:28,651 Where did she go?! 102 00:09:28,651 --> 00:09:29,694 In fact, who was that?! 103 00:09:32,655 --> 00:09:33,698 Diana. 104 00:09:37,618 --> 00:09:40,705 I wasn't sure I got the pronunciation right, but I guess they got it. 105 00:09:44,667 --> 00:09:48,629 The name of a moon goddess in a western legend. 106 00:09:50,673 --> 00:09:51,674 It appears to have worked out. 107 00:09:51,674 --> 00:09:55,636 Yes, I think we were able to pull off what we intended. 108 00:09:55,678 --> 00:09:57,680 Pulling off a dark cloth in the dark 109 00:09:58,639 --> 00:10:00,683 will make it seem like the person suddenly appeared. 110 00:10:00,683 --> 00:10:03,686 These moths, though, are the finishing touch. 111 00:10:04,145 --> 00:10:08,149 There were idiots who tampered with my costume that night. 112 00:10:08,149 --> 00:10:11,110 They rubbed insect carcasses on it. 113 00:10:12,111 --> 00:10:16,115 Some insects emit scents to attract the opposite s**. 114 00:10:16,198 --> 00:10:20,161 Male moths were attracted to the old lady by the smell. 115 00:10:20,578 --> 00:10:24,582 It took a lot of work to make sure only the envoys saw this. 116 00:10:25,583 --> 00:10:29,545 We had to make sure the carriage driver didn't look this way. 117 00:10:29,545 --> 00:10:31,589 Master Gaoshun and a few others were close by, 118 00:10:31,589 --> 00:10:34,508 so they could step in if something happened. 119 00:10:35,551 --> 00:10:38,512 That wasn't a sight anyone else should see. 120 00:10:38,596 --> 00:10:43,559 That was truly a powerful presentation, enough to topple nations. 121 00:10:44,518 --> 00:10:45,519 Hey! 122 00:10:45,603 --> 00:10:48,522 After I do what you tell me, you just ignore me? 123 00:10:49,523 --> 00:10:52,526 Thank you very much, Master Jinshi, 124 00:10:52,526 --> 00:10:55,571 for swimming all the way to the opposite shore in your heavy outfit. 125 00:10:56,530 --> 00:10:58,532 Did it work? 126 00:10:58,532 --> 00:11:03,579 Yes, I think we responded perfectly to the wishes of the envoys. 127 00:11:04,538 --> 00:11:07,500 I see. Well, it's out of my hands now. 128 00:11:07,500 --> 00:11:08,584 My hair is still wet! 129 00:11:21,972 --> 00:11:24,016 Fine, then. 130 00:11:33,943 --> 00:11:34,985 Oh, Maomao! 131 00:11:35,945 --> 00:11:37,988 I'm about to go off to school! 132 00:11:37,988 --> 00:11:41,951 Oh, they ended up actually following through. 133 00:11:41,992 --> 00:11:44,954 I'm proud to be the first generation! 134 00:11:44,954 --> 00:11:46,914 Okay, I'm off! 135 00:11:46,997 --> 00:11:47,998 Good luck. 136 00:11:59,009 --> 00:12:00,928 I'm bored. 137 00:12:01,929 --> 00:12:04,974 There's not much work to do back at the Jade Pavilion. 138 00:12:05,933 --> 00:12:10,938 The quack doctor seems to be busy with the scented oils issue. This way! No, that way! 139 00:12:11,939 --> 00:12:15,943 That problem hasn't been completely solved yet. 140 00:12:16,902 --> 00:12:20,948 Individually, they're small, but when combined, they could be poisonous. 141 00:12:20,990 --> 00:12:24,994 Who conspired to get those brought in here? 142 00:12:25,995 --> 00:12:27,913 I'm looking into it, 143 00:12:27,913 --> 00:12:30,958 but the oils were purchased in large quantities by members of all pavilions. 144 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:33,919 Including the women in the Jade Pavilion. 145 00:12:33,919 --> 00:12:35,963 I had them get rid of any that could become poisonous, but... 146 00:12:36,922 --> 00:12:40,926 Is it possible the special envoys did this? 147 00:12:40,926 --> 00:12:41,969 I'm not sure. 148 00:12:41,969 --> 00:12:47,933 I'm sure "landing a spot as a concubine" was on their list of goals, but... 149 00:12:47,933 --> 00:12:51,937 with their pride destroyed, they have much more to worry about. 150 00:12:58,903 --> 00:13:00,988 There are four high-ranking concubines in the rear palace. 151 00:13:01,947 --> 00:13:03,908 Given the influence her father exerts, 152 00:13:03,991 --> 00:13:06,952 Concubine Loulan should be the most important. 153 00:13:07,953 --> 00:13:10,956 Her father, Shishou, is a favorite retainer who's held that spot 154 00:13:10,956 --> 00:13:13,000 since the previous emperor's reign. 155 00:13:13,000 --> 00:13:15,961 The emperor does visit her often, 156 00:13:16,921 --> 00:13:18,964 but he doesn't seem too passionate about it. 157 00:13:19,965 --> 00:13:22,968 Concubine Lihua ranks second in terms of family power, 158 00:13:22,968 --> 00:13:25,971 but theirs comes from being maternally related to the emperor. 159 00:13:25,971 --> 00:13:28,015 That makes her not as hungry for power. 160 00:13:28,933 --> 00:13:31,936 She fell ill after losing her prince, 161 00:13:31,936 --> 00:13:34,939 but after recovering, she receives the love of the emperor. 162 00:13:35,981 --> 00:13:40,903 Concubine Lishu's family, on the contrary, rose up in power in recent generations. 163 00:13:40,903 --> 00:13:43,989 They're quite ambitious, even sending their young daughter to the previous emperor. 164 00:13:44,949 --> 00:13:48,953 But, unfortunately for them, the emperor likes voluptuous women. 165 00:13:48,994 --> 00:13:52,957 I hear that even after Concubine Ah-Duo left, he hasn't laid a hand on her. 166 00:13:53,958 --> 00:13:57,962 On the other hand, Concubine Gyokuyou receives the most love from the emperor. 167 00:13:58,003 --> 00:14:02,925 In addition to Princess Lingli, she's pregnant with another child from the emperor. 168 00:14:03,008 --> 00:14:08,013 The western nation from which she hails appears to be booming from trade, 169 00:14:08,013 --> 00:14:11,976 but in reality, they say they're not that rich, since the land there is infertile. 170 00:14:12,977 --> 00:14:16,981 Concubine Gyokuyou has had two attempts made on her life through poisoning. 171 00:14:17,982 --> 00:14:20,985 The culprit of the garden party incident last year 172 00:14:20,985 --> 00:14:22,987 was Concubine Ah-Duo's head lady-in-waiting, 173 00:14:22,987 --> 00:14:25,990 plotted and executed by her alone against Concubine Lishu. 174 00:14:26,991 --> 00:14:32,913 It wasn't done for power, but for a more human, personal reason. 175 00:14:33,914 --> 00:14:37,001 But who was behind the previous poisoning attempt on Concubine Gyokuyou, 176 00:14:37,001 --> 00:14:39,962 while she was pregnant with Princess Lingli? 177 00:14:40,963 --> 00:14:44,967 If Lady Hongniang's read is correct, it was the medium-ranking concubine 178 00:14:44,967 --> 00:14:47,928 that died in the mushroom incident from the other day. 179 00:14:47,970 --> 00:14:52,975 But where did that concubine learn about poisons? 180 00:14:53,976 --> 00:14:54,935 Suirei... 181 00:14:55,978 --> 00:14:58,939 They haven't found out what happened to her. 182 00:14:59,940 --> 00:15:01,984 Why? For what cause? 183 00:15:01,984 --> 00:15:04,987 Why did she go after Master Jinshi? 184 00:15:06,947 --> 00:15:10,951 I'm just a taster. There's no need for me to worry about this. 185 00:15:10,993 --> 00:15:12,995 Maybe I'll go for a walk. 186 00:15:17,958 --> 00:15:20,002 Cherry season is almost over. 187 00:15:20,961 --> 00:15:24,006 Hmm? Those are the ladies-in-waiting from the Crystal Pavilion. 188 00:15:28,969 --> 00:15:31,972 What an overreaction. All I did was push them around a little. 189 00:15:34,934 --> 00:15:38,979 That's the only woman who wasn't wearing scented oils at the Crystal Pavilion. 190 00:15:43,943 --> 00:15:45,945 I thought it was peculiar, seeing how the entire 191 00:15:45,945 --> 00:15:47,905 Crystal Pavilion seems to pick up on trends, 192 00:15:47,947 --> 00:15:49,949 but I guess every group has one of those. 193 00:15:56,914 --> 00:15:58,958 I feel a bit sick. 194 00:15:58,958 --> 00:16:00,960 A cold? Come on. 195 00:16:00,960 --> 00:16:03,963 We don't want Lady Gyokuyou or the princess to get it. 196 00:16:03,963 --> 00:16:05,965 I was trying to be careful, but... 197 00:16:08,008 --> 00:16:12,012 You have a slight fever. Should I make some medicine for you? 198 00:16:12,930 --> 00:16:15,015 In that case, after you make the medicine, 199 00:16:15,015 --> 00:16:17,935 can you take her to the clinic? 200 00:16:18,018 --> 00:16:19,979 The clinic? 201 00:16:20,938 --> 00:16:22,940 Not the medical office. 202 00:16:22,940 --> 00:16:26,944 Ailan knows where to go, just take her with you. 203 00:16:26,944 --> 00:16:27,987 Understood. 204 00:16:32,908 --> 00:16:35,953 I didn't know such a place existed on the north side of the rear palace. 205 00:16:36,954 --> 00:16:38,956 It's close to the washhouse. 206 00:16:38,956 --> 00:16:41,959 That's efficient, since you can wash clothes and rugs often. 207 00:16:42,001 --> 00:16:44,962 I'm sorry. I seem to have caught a cold. 208 00:16:45,963 --> 00:16:48,007 A middle-aged court lady? That's rare. 209 00:16:49,967 --> 00:16:52,928 A slight fever. Show me your tongue. 210 00:16:53,012 --> 00:16:56,974 Hmm. It doesn't seem too bad. 211 00:16:57,933 --> 00:17:00,978 You should be fine if you don't push yourself too hard over the next couple of days, 212 00:17:00,978 --> 00:17:01,979 but what do you want to do? 213 00:17:01,979 --> 00:17:04,982 I don't want the concubines to catch it. 214 00:17:04,982 --> 00:17:07,943 Could I stay overnight, just to be safe? 215 00:17:08,944 --> 00:17:09,987 Follow me. 216 00:17:09,987 --> 00:17:14,992 She seems much more professional than the quack doctor, and her diagnosis is sound. 217 00:17:18,912 --> 00:17:20,956 I hate this smell. 218 00:17:20,956 --> 00:17:24,960 It's alcohol. It means this place is kept clean. 219 00:17:25,961 --> 00:17:28,922 There's lots of windows, meaning it has good ventilation. 220 00:17:28,964 --> 00:17:31,967 The place is kept simple, making it easier to clean thoroughly. 221 00:17:31,967 --> 00:17:33,969 Seems like the perfect place to recover from an illness. 222 00:17:35,971 --> 00:17:37,931 Use this room. 223 00:17:37,931 --> 00:17:39,933 Thank you. 224 00:17:39,933 --> 00:17:42,936 Maomao, tell the others I'll be back tomorrow. 225 00:17:42,936 --> 00:17:43,937 Understood. 226 00:17:48,942 --> 00:17:52,946 So, this is how they quarantine the ladies-in-waiting who aren't feeling well. 227 00:17:53,947 --> 00:17:55,949 You, get back to work. 228 00:17:55,991 --> 00:17:59,912 Don't think assisting a sick person gets you out of work. 229 00:17:59,912 --> 00:18:03,999 Or do you want to fold up all of this laundry? 230 00:18:05,918 --> 00:18:07,002 Excuse me! 231 00:18:08,962 --> 00:18:11,965 I really can't stand up to older women. 232 00:18:11,965 --> 00:18:13,967 But anyway... 233 00:18:13,967 --> 00:18:16,929 There seem to be a lot of older court ladies here. 234 00:18:16,970 --> 00:18:18,931 In the rear palace, once a woman reaches 235 00:18:18,931 --> 00:18:21,892 a certain age, she's more or less forced out and replaced. 236 00:18:21,892 --> 00:18:24,937 I guess they need clinic workers to have experience and knowledge, 237 00:18:24,937 --> 00:18:26,021 so they get to stay longer... 238 00:18:28,941 --> 00:18:32,945 Don't walk around while talking to yourself. You'll trip. 239 00:18:32,945 --> 00:18:34,947 Was I saying anything? 240 00:18:36,907 --> 00:18:38,951 Can I help you? 241 00:18:39,910 --> 00:18:41,954 Well, no, I don't have any business. 242 00:18:41,995 --> 00:18:44,957 What's wrong with talking to you if I happen to walk by? 243 00:18:48,919 --> 00:18:49,962 Where were you just now? 244 00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:53,924 The clinic. I didn't know that place existed. 245 00:18:53,924 --> 00:18:58,011 You should have received a guide to all of the places here when you first came. 246 00:18:58,011 --> 00:18:59,012 Did they forget to show you? 247 00:18:59,930 --> 00:19:02,933 I may not have been paying attention, what with being discontent 248 00:19:02,933 --> 00:19:04,935 from being sold off suddenly. 249 00:19:06,937 --> 00:19:10,983 This happened before too, but he seems saddened when he hears this story. 250 00:19:12,025 --> 00:19:15,988 It was more well-established than I expected, so I was surprised. 251 00:19:15,988 --> 00:19:18,991 Maybe that should be the official medical office, too. 252 00:19:19,950 --> 00:19:21,994 If only it were that easy. 253 00:19:21,994 --> 00:19:23,996 What do you mean? 254 00:19:23,996 --> 00:19:26,957 Only men can be doctors. 255 00:19:26,999 --> 00:19:29,918 Treating a few scratches won't be a problem, 256 00:19:29,918 --> 00:19:32,921 but only a doctor is allowed to treat major injuries. 257 00:19:32,963 --> 00:19:36,925 Also, only doctors are allowed to make medicine. 258 00:19:36,967 --> 00:19:40,971 So, that's why I didn't smell any medicine at the clinic. 259 00:19:41,972 --> 00:19:43,974 What about me? 260 00:19:44,975 --> 00:19:47,019 We're looking the other way for you. 261 00:19:47,978 --> 00:19:51,940 Seems like there's a convoluted backstory here. 262 00:19:51,982 --> 00:19:56,987 For the future, we need to be able to come up with a new way to get doctors, 263 00:19:57,988 --> 00:20:00,908 so that non-eunuchs can perform medicine... 264 00:20:01,950 --> 00:20:03,911 Eunuchs, huh? 265 00:20:04,912 --> 00:20:09,917 When the current emperor came into power, he banned the surgery that makes eunuchs. 266 00:20:09,917 --> 00:20:10,918 In other words, 267 00:20:10,959 --> 00:20:13,962 it's only a matter of time before we become seriously understaffed. 268 00:20:14,129 --> 00:20:18,133 How unfortunate. If only he had waited just a few more years... 269 00:20:19,092 --> 00:20:20,135 What's that, now? 270 00:20:20,177 --> 00:20:22,137 Oops. Did I say that out loud? 271 00:20:24,139 --> 00:20:26,183 Master Jinshi, there is much work to be done. 272 00:20:27,142 --> 00:20:28,101 Got it. 273 00:20:30,187 --> 00:20:31,188 Oh, apothecary. 274 00:20:33,106 --> 00:20:36,193 Make sure nobody finds out that you make medicines. 275 00:20:37,152 --> 00:20:38,153 Understood. 276 00:20:43,158 --> 00:20:46,161 If I made a drug that makes them grow back, would I be rich? 277 00:20:51,124 --> 00:20:53,126 That's medicine, isn't it? 278 00:20:54,127 --> 00:20:57,130 I smelled medicine on that servant girl back there. 279 00:20:58,173 --> 00:21:03,136 That girl... She secretly makes medicines, doesn't she?