Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries continues to weave its intricate web of mysteries within the imperial court. Episode 40, titled “Malice Within the Court,” delves deeper into the conspiracies surrounding the imperial family, Maomao’s past, and the unsettling events brewing in the inner palace. With tensions rising due to Empress Gyokuyou’s pregnancy and the arrival of new figures, Maomao finds herself embroiled in a complex investigation that unearths long-hidden secrets and puts her in imminent danger.
Luomen’s Return and a Sense of Déjà Vu
To provide support for Consort Gyokuyou, who may face complications from a breech birth, Luomen, Maomao’s foster father and mentor in medicine, arrives at the inner palace’s medical office. His arrival brings a sense of reassurance, but also triggers unsettling questions about the past. Luomen quickly assesses the current issues within the palace and creates a sample document for the court ladies attending the learning hall, intended for both reference and practice.
However, when Maomao delivers the document, an elderly eunuch reveals that Luomen had done something similar before being expelled from the inner palace, sparking a subtle discomfort in Maomao. This revelation ignites her curiosity and compels her to investigate the root of this unease. The incident hints at a hidden history and suggests that Luomen’s past may be more intertwined with the inner palace’s intrigues than previously known.
Unraveling the “Malice Within the Court”
Maomao’s investigation leads her down a path of uncovering long-hidden secrets and potential threats. The episode highlights several key elements:
- Luomen’s List: Luomen, ever the meticulous apothecary, compiles a detailed list of potential dangers within the inner palace. This list encompasses various items and practices, including specific face powders, perfumes, and restrictions on handling flowers without permission. These seemingly innocuous details have previously been connected to incidents threatening the health and well-being of the imperial children. Maomao recognizes the significance of this list, realizing that someone is deliberately manipulating these elements to nefarious ends.
- The Clinic Women: Maomao’s pursuit of answers leads her to a clinic where she encounters Shenmlu, an individual who has been within the rear palace for a significant period. Here, she discovers that the women in the clinic are connected to the children of the previous emperor. This clinic seems to have some connection with the past, and these women seem to be banding together, possibly fueled by anger and resentment towards the late emperor’s actions.
- Suirei’s Return: The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation as Maomao’s rival, Suirei, emerges from the shadows. Disguised as a eunuch, Suirei reveals herself and takes Shisui hostage, forcing Maomao to comply with her demands. This unexpected turn of events suggests a deeper conspiracy at play, with Suirei acting as a key player.
Parallels and Connections
Episode 40 masterfully connects seemingly disparate plot threads, revealing a complex web of relationships and hidden motives:
- The Late Emperor’s Legacy: The episode strongly suggests that the Late Emperor’s actions and the resulting resentment are at the heart of the current conspiracies. The abused children from the past are now older, possibly seeking retribution for the injustices they suffered.
- Shisui’s Role: Shisui’s presence and her connection to Suirei raise suspicions about her true allegiances. Maomao questions the coincidence of Shisui’s literacy and her possible involvement in the unfolding events.
- Lakan’s Involvement: Lakan’s demonstration of Shishou’s color-blindness, a trait linked to the imperial bloodline, further intertwines the characters and suggests a larger scheme involving the imperial succession.
- The Western Bloodline: Connections are drawn between Suirei, Shisui, and potentially a discarded daughter from the late prince, linking them to a “western bloodline” and Queen Wangmu. This hints at foreign influences and power struggles within the imperial court.
Maomao’s Kidnapping and the Stakes Ahead
The episode concludes with Maomao being kidnapped by Suirei, leaving her fate uncertain. However, subtle details offer a glimmer of hope. Maomao possesses Jinshi’s hairpin, which may serve as a protective charm or a means of signaling for help. Furthermore, Luomen’s presence in the rear palace ensures that Consorts Lihua and Gyokuyou, along with their unborn children, will receive the best possible medical care amidst the escalating chaos.
Seeds of Doubt
Maomao’s kidnapping by Suirei serves as a harsh lesson, exposing a blind spot in her understanding of the court’s intricate dynamics. This event, coupled with the revelations about Luomen’s past and the machinations of various factions, throws Maomao into a world of uncertainty and danger.
Final Thoughts
“Malice Within the Court” is a pivotal episode that deepens the overarching mysteries of The Apothecary Diaries. It masterfully connects past events with present conspiracies, raising the stakes for Maomao and the imperial court. The episode’s cliffhanger ending leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment, desperate to know Maomao’s fate and the resolution of the unfolding power struggles.
