Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries continues to weave its intricate web of mystery and intrigue with Episode 43, “Festival.” Maomao finds herself in a secluded village, enmeshed in local customs and unsettling secrets. Let’s delve into the key events, character dynamics, and underlying conspiracies that unfolded in this captivating episode.
The Fox Festival: A Masked Affair
Maomao, still held in the custody of Suirei, attends the village’s annual festival alongside Shisui. The festival revolves around the worship of a fox deity, with participants donning fox masks that they decorate themselves. Maomao observes that many of the men, including Shisui, use green paint on their masks instead of the traditional red. This seemingly minor detail holds significant weight, as Shisui explains that a large portion of the villagers have red-green colorblindness. This is a crucial clue, suggesting a close genetic link to the imperial family line of the Mother Royal.
The festival rituals involve writing wishes on the inside of the masks and then burning them on a bonfire set upon a raft in the middle of a body of water. The belief is that if the mask burns away completely before falling into the water, the wish will reach the heavens. Masks that fall into the water, and therefore do not burn, are believed to nourish future blessings. This cultural practice provides a rich backdrop to the episode, hinting at deeper connections between the villagers, their history, and the imperial court.
A Web of Royal Intrigue
The red-green colorblindness observed among the villagers is a key piece of the puzzle. It suggests that these villagers are descendants of the Wangmoo bloodline and are part of a faction seeking to “restore the royal bloodline.” This faction believes that the current Emperor and his brother do not belong on the throne because they do not share this colorblind lineage.
It’s theorized that Suirei may be the daughter of a former Emperor and is working with this faction to undermine the current imperial family, possibly with the intention of assassinating the imperial brother, Jinshi. The episode masterfully presents these clues, inviting viewers to piece together the complex relationships and motivations at play.
The “Resurrection Medicine” and Hidden Agendas
Following the festival, Maomao joins Suirei and Shisui. There’s a fascinating exchange between Maomao and Suirei regarding the “resurrection medicine.” Maomao is intrigued and eager to learn more, even expressing a desire to be a test subject despite the potential dangers. This scene highlights Maomao’s insatiable curiosity and her willingness to take risks in the pursuit of knowledge.
While Suirei and Shisui are out, Maomao’s curiosity leads her to investigate a suspicious shed, accompanied by Kyou-u. There, she discovers Suirei’s hidden laboratory, where medicines are tested on rats. But the shed holds an even darker secret: behind a curtain, Maomao and Kyou-u find a workshop for building guns (Feifa). This revelation confirms that something sinister is afoot and connects the village to the attempted assassination of Ka Zuigetsu.
Characters and Relationships
- Maomao: Remains as sharp and observant as ever, her insatiable curiosity driving the plot forward. Even though a hostage, she remains unafraid of those around her, even when faced with grim situations such as the gun-making operation. She is also beginning to earn the respect of Shisui and Suirei due to her intelligence and curiosity.
- Shisui: Her motivations and true allegiances remain shrouded in mystery. She demonstrates an undeniable affection for Maomao, her actions and expressions hinting at a deeper connection. The placement of her hairpin near Jinshi, is also a subtle clue about her loyalty.
- Suirei: Appears ruthless, driven by her goals, whatever they may be.
- Jinshi: Absent in this episode, but his presence is felt through the underlying plot and the threat against his life. His inevitable reaction to Maomao’s kidnapping and the conspiracy surrounding him looms large.
- Kyou-u: While a minor character, Kyou-u’s presence is important, as he assists Maomao in her investigation of the suspicious shed.
Foreshadowing and Theories
Several key details in Episode 43 hint at future developments:
- The Lantern Plant Berry: Shisui consumes a lantern plant berry, which Maomao knows can be used to induce abortions. This raises questions about Shisui’s health and possible pregnancy, adding another layer of complexity to her character.
- Shenmei’s Arrival: The episode concludes with the appearance of Shenmei, a ruthless and cold-hearted woman. It is hinted that Shenmei may be abusive towards Shisui.
- The Gun Workshop: The discovery of the gun workshop confirms the village’s involvement in dangerous activities and suggests a connection to external forces seeking to destabilize the empire.
- Jinshi’s Wrath: With Maomao in danger, it’s likely that Jinshi and Maomao’s father will arrive to get her back, and bring their own brand of justice.
Themes and Analysis
Episode 43 continues to explore themes of:
- Hidden Identities and Deception: Characters are not always who they seem to be, and hidden agendas drive much of the plot.
- The Pursuit of Knowledge: Maomao’s relentless curiosity and desire for knowledge remain central to the story, even when faced with danger.
- Royal Conspiracy and Power Struggles: The episode delves deeper into the complex web of political intrigue surrounding the imperial court and the factions vying for power.
- Cultural Rituals and Symbolism: The fox festival and its associated rituals provide a rich cultural context and hint at deeper meanings related to the story’s central mysteries.
A Cliffhanger Ending
Episode 43 concludes on a cliffhanger, with Maomao’s investigation leading her into a dangerous situation. The episode leaves viewers eager to uncover the truth behind the village’s secrets and the forces at play. The stage is set for a thrilling continuation of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, with Maomao’s intelligence and resourcefulness sure to be tested as she navigates this treacherous landscape.
