1 00:00:13,346 --> 00:00:19,310 The Apothecary Diaries 2 00:01:25,585 --> 00:01:28,588 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 00:01:32,634 --> 00:01:36,638 EpisodeThe Crystal Pavilion, for the Third Time Someone wants to see me? A court lady from the clinic? 4 00:01:37,597 --> 00:01:39,682 Yes, she wants to meet you, Maomao. 5 00:01:40,642 --> 00:01:45,647 I'm sorry. I should have taken the medicine you made for me while I was here, 6 00:01:46,648 --> 00:01:49,609 but she saw me take it last night. 7 00:01:50,610 --> 00:01:55,573 This could be trouble. Only doctors are allowed to make medicine. 8 00:01:55,573 --> 00:01:56,616 My apologies. 9 00:01:56,699 --> 00:01:58,660 Will there be repercussions? 10 00:01:58,660 --> 00:02:00,662 Well, no, that's... 11 00:02:00,662 --> 00:02:01,621 It's just... 12 00:02:04,624 --> 00:02:05,667 Just tell me. 13 00:02:06,626 --> 00:02:07,585 Yes... 14 00:02:08,628 --> 00:02:12,632 She wants to borrow Maomao for a while. 15 00:02:12,632 --> 00:02:13,675 Maomao? 16 00:02:17,679 --> 00:02:20,640 Ailan, please bring Yinghua here. 17 00:02:20,640 --> 00:02:22,684 Huh? Y-Yes. 18 00:02:29,607 --> 00:02:32,610 I've been summoned. 19 00:02:35,655 --> 00:02:37,615 Let's hurry. 20 00:02:38,574 --> 00:02:40,660 With a chaperone, too. 21 00:02:43,663 --> 00:02:45,665 My name is Shenlü. 22 00:02:46,666 --> 00:02:48,668 Green-tinted eyes... 23 00:02:48,668 --> 00:02:51,671 Is she from the western region, like Lady Gyokuyou? 24 00:02:52,588 --> 00:02:54,674 She seemed like a "tough mother hen" type yesterday, 25 00:02:54,674 --> 00:02:58,594 but in a calm setting, she gives a wise, reserved impression. 26 00:02:58,594 --> 00:03:01,681 At any rate, this is intimidating, with the nice tea and everything. 27 00:03:01,681 --> 00:03:04,642 Please excuse me for my attitude yesterday. 28 00:03:04,684 --> 00:03:07,645 I had no idea you worked for the Precious Consort. 29 00:03:07,645 --> 00:03:08,604 It's fine. 30 00:03:08,646 --> 00:03:11,649 "Precious Consort" is the rank name for Lady Gyokuyou. 31 00:03:11,649 --> 00:03:15,611 Court ladies from outside the pavilion often use these titles. 32 00:03:16,612 --> 00:03:19,699 I asked you to visit me to ask for your help. 33 00:03:20,700 --> 00:03:21,659 Please. 34 00:03:22,618 --> 00:03:26,622 There is a servant working for the Wise Consort, Lady Lihua, at the Crystal Pavilion. 35 00:03:26,622 --> 00:03:28,624 I'd like for you to make some medicine for her. 36 00:03:30,626 --> 00:03:33,588 Do you understand what you're saying?! 37 00:03:33,588 --> 00:03:36,632 If people find out that someone who's not a doctor is making medicines...! 38 00:03:37,592 --> 00:03:39,594 I'm quite aware. 39 00:03:39,677 --> 00:03:41,596 I'm sure you have your reasons. 40 00:03:41,596 --> 00:03:42,638 Maomao?! 41 00:03:42,638 --> 00:03:44,640 Please, continue. 42 00:03:45,641 --> 00:03:47,602 Are you sure? 43 00:03:51,647 --> 00:03:53,691 Can you explain the circumstances? 44 00:03:54,650 --> 00:03:56,611 Thank you. 45 00:03:57,612 --> 00:04:01,657 She's a servant girl who frequented this laundry area who I became familiar with. 46 00:04:02,617 --> 00:04:06,662 Around the time the caravan came, she seemed to be fatigued and had a fever. 47 00:04:07,622 --> 00:04:10,625 She also had this strange cough. 48 00:04:12,627 --> 00:04:16,589 I told her to get some serious rest, 49 00:04:16,631 --> 00:04:19,634 but after that, she suddenly went missing. 50 00:04:19,675 --> 00:04:21,636 Did she start using a different laundry area, 51 00:04:21,636 --> 00:04:23,596 or was tasked with something else, perhaps? 52 00:04:23,679 --> 00:04:27,683 Even so, that cough needs to be properly looked at. 53 00:04:27,683 --> 00:04:30,645 So she hasn't even visited the clinic? 54 00:04:30,645 --> 00:04:34,649 Correct. Perhaps her higher-ups didn't allow it. 55 00:04:34,690 --> 00:04:37,610 That's the bad part of the Crystal Pavilion. 56 00:04:37,693 --> 00:04:39,695 If a servant girl had to ask for permission, 57 00:04:39,695 --> 00:04:42,615 she'd have to go to the head lady-in-waiting, not Lady Lihua. 58 00:04:42,615 --> 00:04:45,618 It's quite likely that she asked but was ignored. 59 00:04:45,701 --> 00:04:49,664 It's already been half a month since I last saw her. 60 00:04:50,623 --> 00:04:51,666 Half a month?! 61 00:04:55,628 --> 00:04:57,672 This is getting troublesome. 62 00:04:58,589 --> 00:05:01,634 Does this servant girl really even exist? 63 00:05:01,634 --> 00:05:03,636 I think it does warrant investigation. 64 00:05:04,637 --> 00:05:05,680 A weird cough... 65 00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:08,641 If it's contagious, we have to do something, fast. 66 00:05:08,641 --> 00:05:11,602 It's not a problem that limits itself to the Crystal Pavilion. 67 00:05:12,603 --> 00:05:15,648 I know these types of things catch your eye, 68 00:05:16,607 --> 00:05:18,651 but make sure you get the right permissions first. 69 00:05:18,651 --> 00:05:21,612 You have a bad habit of diving into things head-first. 70 00:05:21,696 --> 00:05:22,655 Yes. 71 00:05:23,614 --> 00:05:24,657 I have to be patient. 72 00:05:24,657 --> 00:05:29,620 I'll first ask Master Jinshi to make the introduction, but for now, what I can do is... 73 00:05:32,581 --> 00:05:34,625 What?! M-Maomao?! 74 00:05:35,668 --> 00:05:37,670 Come on, what did I just say?! 75 00:05:38,629 --> 00:05:41,674 Sorry. I found something I was looking for, and couldn't control myself. 76 00:05:42,591 --> 00:05:44,593 What were you looking for? 77 00:05:45,636 --> 00:05:48,639 Unfortunately, the main body got away. 78 00:05:49,682 --> 00:05:52,685 I'm making a drug to make it grow back. To do that... 79 00:05:52,685 --> 00:05:56,605 I want to study how a tail that fell off can grow back... 80 00:05:56,647 --> 00:05:59,608 Huh? Lady Yinghua? 81 00:06:20,629 --> 00:06:21,630 Where are you going? 82 00:06:22,631 --> 00:06:23,632 Lady Shin... 83 00:06:24,633 --> 00:06:26,677 You're supposed to clean the main building. 84 00:06:26,677 --> 00:06:28,679 Are you trying to go to that place again? 85 00:06:29,638 --> 00:06:31,599 I, um... 86 00:06:31,599 --> 00:06:34,602 I told you many times, mind your own business. 87 00:06:35,603 --> 00:06:39,648 I-I'm sorry! I'm truly, truly... 88 00:06:40,608 --> 00:06:44,612 Lady Shin! The doctor from the medical office is here... 89 00:06:44,612 --> 00:06:45,654 The doctor? 90 00:06:47,615 --> 00:06:48,657 What does he want now? 91 00:06:48,657 --> 00:06:51,619 He couldn't save the prince. 92 00:06:54,663 --> 00:06:56,665 How may I help you? 93 00:06:56,665 --> 00:06:59,668 Um... I'd like to meet with the Wise Consort. 94 00:07:01,629 --> 00:07:07,635 I'm sorry. I don't think Lady Lihua wants to see you at all. 95 00:07:07,676 --> 00:07:09,678 B-But... 96 00:07:12,640 --> 00:07:15,643 What a tall... Have I ever seen this court lady before? 97 00:07:20,606 --> 00:07:22,691 I do have a document for the request. 98 00:07:22,691 --> 00:07:24,693 Jinshi 99 00:07:26,612 --> 00:07:28,656 I understand. Please, this way. 100 00:07:29,657 --> 00:07:32,660 Not to overstep, but Lady Lihua is quite well. 101 00:07:33,577 --> 00:07:35,663 Well, um, that's good to hear. 102 00:07:35,663 --> 00:07:39,625 I'm sure her great helpers support her well. 103 00:07:39,625 --> 00:07:40,668 That goes without saying. 104 00:07:40,668 --> 00:07:44,588 All who work at the Crystal Pavilion were born and raised in noble families. 105 00:07:44,588 --> 00:07:47,633 They truly deserve their spot in the emperor's service. 106 00:07:47,633 --> 00:07:51,595 Lady Lihua is a noble from the imperial lineage, as well. 107 00:07:51,679 --> 00:07:54,598 Which also applies to me, and yet... 108 00:07:55,641 --> 00:08:00,646 For our family, it is important for you to earn the love of the emperor. 109 00:08:00,646 --> 00:08:03,607 Do you understand, Lihua, Shin? 110 00:08:03,649 --> 00:08:04,692 Yes. 111 00:08:05,651 --> 00:08:07,653 Yet, why... 112 00:08:11,907 --> 00:08:12,950 Is something wrong? 113 00:08:14,952 --> 00:08:18,914 No, um... I was just wondering what that shed was. 114 00:08:20,958 --> 00:08:23,961 It's just for storage. 115 00:08:25,963 --> 00:08:28,924 Did you do any gardening in the area recently? 116 00:08:29,967 --> 00:08:31,969 No, not in particular. 117 00:08:32,970 --> 00:08:35,931 Was that garden bush always there? 118 00:08:36,974 --> 00:08:39,893 You're wearing perfume today. 119 00:08:40,936 --> 00:08:41,979 Lady Shin. 120 00:08:43,939 --> 00:08:48,944 Pardon me for staying out of touch, and for what happened the other day. 121 00:08:51,905 --> 00:08:53,907 You're from back then...! 122 00:08:55,951 --> 00:08:56,952 Wait! 123 00:08:58,912 --> 00:08:59,913 What are you... 124 00:09:05,878 --> 00:09:06,879 Little lady! 125 00:09:18,891 --> 00:09:21,894 I need hot water! Please go boil some hot water! 126 00:09:21,935 --> 00:09:23,896 G-Got it! 127 00:09:31,904 --> 00:09:32,946 Drink this, slowly. 128 00:09:40,954 --> 00:09:42,915 Why is she being treated like this? 129 00:09:42,915 --> 00:09:47,795 Isn't it common sense to quarantine a sick person to make sure the illness doesn't spread? 130 00:09:47,878 --> 00:09:51,882 True, this is a contagious disease, though it's weak. 131 00:09:52,841 --> 00:09:56,845 But if you keep treating her like this, she will die. 132 00:09:57,846 --> 00:10:02,851 Not that the death of a single servant girl would be much trouble for you. 133 00:10:05,854 --> 00:10:08,816 Coming back here reminded me of what happened before, 134 00:10:08,857 --> 00:10:11,860 when Lady Lihua was sick and bedridden. 135 00:10:11,902 --> 00:10:16,782 You were burning incense, as if to hide the smell of the sick. 136 00:10:17,825 --> 00:10:18,867 What's your point? 137 00:10:19,827 --> 00:10:22,830 I felt the exact opposite this time. 138 00:10:22,830 --> 00:10:26,875 You've placed a sick person here to hide the scent of the incense. 139 00:10:32,714 --> 00:10:36,760 The ladies at the Crystal Pavilion have too many secrets. 140 00:10:37,719 --> 00:10:41,723 Look, so many trade goods from the caravan that were banned the other day. 141 00:10:42,683 --> 00:10:46,687 Another poor eunuch is going to get a whipping. 142 00:10:46,687 --> 00:10:47,688 Don't let her shake me. 143 00:10:52,693 --> 00:10:54,736 Even though each single item is too weak as a poison, 144 00:10:54,736 --> 00:10:57,656 what would happen if they mixed together? 145 00:10:57,698 --> 00:11:01,743 There's no way this girl can figure out my true goals...! 146 00:11:01,743 --> 00:11:03,662 Lady Shin. 147 00:11:04,705 --> 00:11:08,750 Why are you trying to make an abortion drug? 148 00:11:21,680 --> 00:11:24,766 If I knew I was going to find it on the first visit, I didn't need the disguise. 149 00:11:25,726 --> 00:11:29,688 Since they knew my face, I was afraid this could take a long time. 150 00:11:32,733 --> 00:11:37,696 Thank you for waiting, and for the clothes to change into. 151 00:11:38,655 --> 00:11:43,744 It's fine. We can't have you wearing clothes you wore to treat the sick. 152 00:11:44,661 --> 00:11:47,664 Now, let's go. Everyone is waiting. 153 00:11:50,208 --> 00:11:53,170 What is the meaning of this, Lady Shin? 154 00:11:53,253 --> 00:11:58,216 Some items from the caravan were to be confiscated, as they could make poisons. 155 00:11:58,258 --> 00:12:00,260 That was the clear directive. 156 00:12:03,180 --> 00:12:05,182 Silence, huh? 157 00:12:05,182 --> 00:12:08,185 I'm surprised she can maintain that attitude even towards Master Jinshi. 158 00:12:08,226 --> 00:12:14,149 Lady Shin. Head lady-in-waiting at the Crystal Pavilion, and Lady Lihua's cousin. 159 00:12:14,566 --> 00:12:15,650 Let's change the question. 160 00:12:16,610 --> 00:12:19,571 What were you trying to do with these banned goods? 161 00:12:20,572 --> 00:12:22,574 I don't know what you're talking about. 162 00:12:22,574 --> 00:12:26,620 It's true, I ordered the sick servant to sleep inside the separate shed. 163 00:12:27,579 --> 00:12:29,664 But that was to prevent the spread of the disease. 164 00:12:30,624 --> 00:12:33,627 I had no idea what was in there. 165 00:12:34,586 --> 00:12:36,546 How is that a crime? 166 00:12:38,548 --> 00:12:41,635 Quarantining the servant girl in the shed was not a crime. 167 00:12:42,594 --> 00:12:45,597 It's unavoidable. That's just how low the value of the life of a servant is. 168 00:12:45,597 --> 00:12:46,598 On the other hand, 169 00:12:47,557 --> 00:12:51,603 for them to suddenly barge in here demanding to see Lady Lihua, 170 00:12:51,603 --> 00:12:54,606 only to then start ransacking our shed, is somehow not a problem? 171 00:12:55,565 --> 00:13:00,612 In fact, the only reason anyone went to that place was to feed the sick. 172 00:13:01,571 --> 00:13:04,574 Conversely, anyone could be there at any time. 173 00:13:04,574 --> 00:13:07,577 How can you prove that these items belonged to me? 174 00:13:07,577 --> 00:13:10,580 We can ask the servant who was there. 175 00:13:11,581 --> 00:13:17,629 The testimony of a barely conscious, feverish servant? Is that trustworthy? 176 00:13:18,588 --> 00:13:21,216 So you were aware that she's feverish. 177 00:13:22,634 --> 00:13:28,598 How kind of you to check in on the health of a lowly servant. 178 00:13:29,558 --> 00:13:33,645 Then, it's no surprise that you have the smell of incense on you. 179 00:13:34,604 --> 00:13:38,608 Even though you had no such scent before. 180 00:13:39,651 --> 00:13:42,571 I can't overstep any more. 181 00:13:43,572 --> 00:13:45,323 I know that, but... 182 00:13:45,866 --> 00:13:47,909 Sometimes, I can get angry, too. 183 00:13:48,869 --> 00:13:52,914 Lady Shin, you have the same smell as this oil today. 184 00:13:54,875 --> 00:13:57,919 This bottle was placed inside a suitcase. 185 00:13:57,919 --> 00:14:00,922 Is the smell strong enough to emanate outside of a closed box? 186 00:14:01,923 --> 00:14:05,886 May I check, just to be sure? 187 00:14:09,931 --> 00:14:12,851 D-Don't touch me! 188 00:14:12,893 --> 00:14:13,852 Apothecary! 189 00:14:15,937 --> 00:14:17,898 It's no big deal. 190 00:14:18,857 --> 00:14:22,944 You're right. I had no right to lay my hands upon you. 191 00:14:23,945 --> 00:14:26,865 Let's have someone else investigate. 192 00:14:29,910 --> 00:14:32,913 Perhaps I could take over from here? 193 00:14:34,748 --> 00:14:36,791 What would her punishment be? 194 00:14:36,833 --> 00:14:39,794 If she were truly trying to make an abortion drug, 195 00:14:39,794 --> 00:14:41,838 it would be the same as murdering the emperor's child. 196 00:14:41,838 --> 00:14:45,759 And that would be the same, regardless of which concubine's child it was? 197 00:14:49,804 --> 00:14:53,767 Even if Shin's target was me? 198 00:14:54,809 --> 00:14:56,686 Concubine Lihua! That's... 199 00:14:57,312 --> 00:15:00,315 No wonder the ladies-in-waiting here are no good. 200 00:15:00,315 --> 00:15:02,317 It's not Lady Lihua's fault. 201 00:15:02,317 --> 00:15:06,279 These types of women were gathered here intentionally... 202 00:15:08,531 --> 00:15:09,616 I'm not worthy of becoming an empress dowager. 203 00:15:09,616 --> 00:15:11,618 That's what you thought, right? 204 00:15:12,577 --> 00:15:16,581 We didn't know until the last moment which one of us, you or I, 205 00:15:17,582 --> 00:15:20,543 would become the concubine. 206 00:15:23,546 --> 00:15:26,591 What, now you're talking down to me? 207 00:15:28,593 --> 00:15:31,554 That's what I've always hated about you! 208 00:15:32,555 --> 00:15:34,599 I was always better at my studies and manners than you! 209 00:15:35,558 --> 00:15:39,521 And I excel in so many more things than you! 210 00:15:39,604 --> 00:15:42,607 And yet, why does everyone...! 211 00:15:43,024 --> 00:15:48,113 Still, there are fools who let their emotions control them, to the point of grave mistakes. 212 00:15:49,030 --> 00:15:52,117 I guess Lady Shin is just one of those people. 213 00:15:52,117 --> 00:15:55,036 Because you're the daughter of the head of the family? 214 00:15:55,036 --> 00:15:58,081 Is that why you're better than me?! It can't be! 215 00:15:58,081 --> 00:16:02,043 I've been raised to become the empress from the day I was born! 216 00:16:03,044 --> 00:16:05,088 May I consider that a confession? 217 00:16:07,799 --> 00:16:11,845 May you rot childlessly in this garden, Lihua! 218 00:16:14,973 --> 00:16:20,979 Don't touch me! Unhand me, you filthy eunuch! Let go! 219 00:16:21,938 --> 00:16:25,984 Lady Shin, you must love the emperor very much. 220 00:16:26,901 --> 00:16:29,904 Of course I do! What are you saying?! 221 00:16:29,904 --> 00:16:32,907 No, I just thought... 222 00:16:33,950 --> 00:16:37,954 you seemed to love the status of empress more, 223 00:16:38,913 --> 00:16:40,915 unlike Lady Lihua. 224 00:16:42,917 --> 00:16:43,668 What... 225 00:16:58,224 --> 00:17:03,229 Sir Jinshi, this head lady-in-waiting has verbally abused her mistress. 226 00:17:03,313 --> 00:17:06,232 Enough to make me raise my hand against her. 227 00:17:06,274 --> 00:17:09,235 As such, I will fire her from my service. 228 00:17:09,235 --> 00:17:10,320 Concubine Lihua? That's... 229 00:17:10,320 --> 00:17:13,198 Oh, is the slap not enough? 230 00:17:13,198 --> 00:17:14,949 In that case, how about this... 231 00:17:15,450 --> 00:17:18,453 Well played. She's no longer how she was in the past. 232 00:17:20,079 --> 00:17:21,956 A lenient and generous punishment, 233 00:17:21,956 --> 00:17:24,959 but probably enough of a humiliation for this woman. 234 00:17:24,959 --> 00:17:27,921 Even if she feels resentment, she won't be able to do anything, 235 00:17:27,921 --> 00:17:30,882 after being chased out of the rear palace due to a scandal. 236 00:17:31,883 --> 00:17:34,969 These two will never stand next to each other again. 237 00:17:38,932 --> 00:17:39,891 Use this. 238 00:17:41,976 --> 00:17:43,937 You're bleeding. 239 00:17:43,937 --> 00:17:45,939 I'm fine. It's just some small cuts. 240 00:17:46,898 --> 00:17:47,982 That's not the issue! 241 00:17:50,902 --> 00:17:53,947 I don't want to get blood on such fine silk... 242 00:17:54,906 --> 00:17:57,909 How did you figure out that the sick servant was in the shed? 243 00:17:57,951 --> 00:18:02,872 Given how you went in with a disguise, you didn't know at first, did you? 244 00:18:02,956 --> 00:18:05,959 I had some idea beforehand. 245 00:18:06,876 --> 00:18:07,877 Since she was sick, 246 00:18:07,877 --> 00:18:10,922 she'd be somewhere out of sight, away from the others' bedrooms. 247 00:18:11,881 --> 00:18:13,967 I would never have thought it would be a storage shed, though. 248 00:18:14,884 --> 00:18:17,887 Also, there was a clue. 249 00:18:18,888 --> 00:18:19,931 That garden bush? 250 00:18:19,972 --> 00:18:23,935 Yes. That flower is usually mostly red. 251 00:18:23,935 --> 00:18:26,896 But it's only white right now. 252 00:18:26,896 --> 00:18:28,940 Someone must have picked it out and planted it there. 253 00:18:29,857 --> 00:18:33,903 In feng shui, they say green and white is a combination that brings good health. 254 00:18:33,903 --> 00:18:34,946 I see. 255 00:18:35,863 --> 00:18:39,951 That said, it's quite ironic that they chose the white blossom. 256 00:18:39,951 --> 00:18:41,869 White blossom? 257 00:18:41,911 --> 00:18:45,957 The white powder packed in the seeds can be used to induce an abortion. 258 00:18:47,875 --> 00:18:48,918 They're all over the place! 259 00:18:48,960 --> 00:18:52,922 They're harmless, unless you know precisely how to make the medicine. 260 00:18:52,922 --> 00:18:54,882 Just like the scented oils from today. 261 00:18:57,885 --> 00:19:01,931 How did Lady Shin know that the scented oils could be used as an abortion drug? 262 00:19:02,890 --> 00:19:05,893 A trade good brought in by the caravan, no less. 263 00:19:06,936 --> 00:19:10,898 I doubt she'd confess even if questioned, but... 264 00:19:10,940 --> 00:19:13,943 Apothecary, can I ask you one thing? 265 00:19:14,944 --> 00:19:16,946 Are you saying that someone in this rear palace 266 00:19:16,946 --> 00:19:20,867 is spreading the word that these oils can be used for abortions? 267 00:19:21,951 --> 00:19:22,910 I don't know. 268 00:19:26,456 --> 00:19:28,416 U-Um... 269 00:19:31,419 --> 00:19:33,379 White blossom... 270 00:19:33,421 --> 00:19:36,382 What happened to the girl in the shed? 271 00:19:36,382 --> 00:19:39,427 She's leaving the rear palace to get proper treatment. 272 00:19:40,678 --> 00:19:42,638 I see. 273 00:19:54,609 --> 00:19:56,527 It seems like that apothecary was here again. 274 00:19:56,652 --> 00:19:58,654 She has done nothing but save me. 275 00:21:30,287 --> 00:21:44,343 Next Time Next time: "The Shrine of Choosing." EpisodeThe Shrine of Choosing