The Apothecary Diaries continues its enthralling second season with Episode 27, titled “Ophiocordyceps sinensis”, which aired on January 24, 2025. This episode plunges Maomao deeper into the treacherous world of the Imperial Palace, revealing a complex web of intrigue, murder, and hidden agendas. As Maomao investigates a seemingly simple task involving poisonous mushrooms, she uncovers a far more sinister plot involving missing persons and a mysterious death.
A Deadly Discovery in the Palace Garden
The episode begins with Jinshi tasking Maomao with investigating some toxic mushrooms growing in the northern part of the rear palace. This area, once described as a “garden of women,” has been neglected and allowed to go to seed. Maomao, ever the curious apothecary, is intrigued by this assignment, though she notes Jinshi’s cryptic remarks with a hint of suspicion. Her fascination with poisonous substances and unusual plants is immediately evident, drawing viewers back to her enthusiastic nature that was seen earlier in the series.
Maomao’s investigation leads her to discover some unusual, finger-shaped mushrooms. While she is excited by the discovery, she is also cautious, handling them with an uncharacteristic level of care. This careful approach highlights Maomao’s expertise and also hints at the potential danger that these fungi pose. The significance of these mushrooms becomes even more apparent as the episode progresses.
Missing Maids and a Mysterious Death
As Maomao begins her investigation into the mushrooms, she is also drawn into a mystery surrounding the disappearance of a palace maid who was about to complete her term of service and get married. This event, coupled with the recent death of a mid-ranking concubine named Jin, adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
Concubine Jin’s death is particularly suspicious, as her symptoms don’t align with the reported food poisoning. Maomao notices that the corpse displays a blotchy rash and is missing hanks of hair, symptoms not typically associated with food poisoning. These details indicate that the death is not what it seems, prompting Maomao to look beyond the surface.
Maomao’s observations reveal that the symptoms of Concubine Jin, and her lady-in-waiting, bear similarities with the effects of touching certain poisonous substances, including some varieties of mushrooms. However, these symptoms do not explain why the poisoning would have taken place two years before the death.
Unraveling the Truth
As Maomao investigates, she discovers that the missing palace maid, and the deceased concubine are connected. Maomao begins to suspect that foul play is involved in both cases. She is drawn deeper into the politics and rivalries of the inner palace, and how that can have deadly results. Her suspicion is that both the missing maid and the deceased concubine may have been victims of the petty nature of the women in the rear palace.
Maomao’s keen observation skills are also demonstrated when she notices the laundry maids practicing their writing. It is a small scene, but highlights the efforts being made to improve the lives of women in the palace. This small detail is a welcome respite from the murder mystery Maomao is investigating.
Through her investigations, Maomao suspects that the real concubine was murdered and a replacement was used to keep up appearances, until one of the court officials inadvertently threatened to expose the deception by gifting the replacement a hair pin.
A Web of Deceit and Danger
The episode leaves some questions unanswered, most notably the reasons and method of contact with the poisonous mushrooms that caused the inflammation and hair loss. However, by the end of the episode, Maomao manages to figure out what happened to both Concubine Jin and the recently missing lower concubine Tao.
The mysteries in the episode have implications for the political landscape of the palace. The arrival of Consort Rouran, and the attempt on Jinshi’s life, as well as the disappearance of Sui Reiyuu, all point towards a larger conspiracy that threatens the stability of the nation. The investigation into the seemingly simple mushroom problem is now connected to much larger issues that Maomao must navigate.
The Bigger Picture
“The Apothecary Diaries” Season 2 continues to weave a compelling narrative, blending elements of mystery, medical drama, and political intrigue. Episode 27 is no exception, offering a gripping glimpse into the cutthroat world of the Imperial Palace. The episode also highlights Jinshi’s knowledge of Maomao, and his trust in her abilities. He understands that the best way to get her to investigate is to present her with a complex situation she will be eager to solve.
The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to present complex plots and characters, allowing viewers to piece together the clues along with Maomao. The attention to detail, from the historical setting to the medical nuances, makes “The Apothecary Diaries” a standout anime.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect more intricate mysteries, deeper character development, and the continued exploration of the complex relationships that define the world of the Imperial Court. The subtle hints of romance between Maomao and Jinshi will continue to entice viewers as they navigate the treacherous world of the Imperial Palace.
The season has been confirmed to have 24 episodes, and this episode is the third to be aired. It also marks the beginning of the adaptation of the “Ko Clan Arc” from the manga and light novel series. The “Ko Clan Arc” promises to delve deeper into the complex political landscape of the palace and Maomao’s role within it.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Friday.
