The Apothecary DiariesSeason 12023 · 60 episodesEpisodes1MaomaoAfter being kidnapped and forced to work as a servant in the rear palace, former apothecary Maomao inadvertently draws the attention of the higher ranks when she investigates what's causing the emperor's infant heirs to fall mysteriously ill.2Chilly ApothecaryMaomao tries to settle into her promotion to lady-in-waiting and food taster, but struggles to fend off both boredom and the overly-familiar Jinshi. That is, until she gets an assignment of her dreams: to concoct an aphrodisiac.3The Unsettling Matter of the SpiritTasked with investigating a ghostly woman dancing nightly on the palace walls, Maomao finds a sleepwalking Concubine Fuyou. But with no medicinal cure for sleepwalking, she's forced to dig deeper to find the real reason behind Fuyou's affliction.4The ThreatUnder direct orders from the emperor himself, Maomao tries to care for an ailing Concubine Lihua, but finds her work impeded by Lihua's own ladies-in-waiting.5Covert OperationsA eunuch stricken by a curse comes begging for aid. Meanwhile, the rear palace buzzes with excitement as everyone prepares for the upcoming garden party, and Gyokuyou's ladies-in-waiting aren't about to let Maomao get away without dressing her up.6The Garden PartyMaomao does her best to navigate the complex social situations at the garden party, including meeting the other Upper First rank concubines. But once she settles down to do her work as a food-taster, she discovers a surprise in a bowl of soup.7HomecomingGaoshun goes to Maomao to get her help in resolving the events of the garden party. Later, Xiaolan explains the purpose of the hairpins Maomao was gifted, and Maomao makes a deal with Lihaku in order to finally visit home.8Wheat StalksMaomao's peaceful morning at home is interrupted when she's called in to investigate an apparent double suicide at one of the local brothels.9Suicide or Murder?An older acquaintance of Jinshi's dies while drinking at a party. A servant's body turns up in a moat. Both deaths are written off as self-inflicted, but Maomao's keen observations tell her that there's more to both stories.10HoneyA tea party hosted by Lady Gyokuyou puts the politics of the rear palace at the forefront, and Maomao learns something new about Lady Lishu. His true intentions unclear, Jinshi sends Maomao to work for Lady Ah-Duo.11Reducing Two to OneMaomao confronts Fengming about the dark secret she's been hiding from her noble Lady Ah-Duo.12The Eunuch and the CourtesanDiscovering that Maomao's kidnappers were connected to Fengming's family, Jinshi is faced with a choice between keeping Maomao in the rear palace where he can be near her or releasing her from her service.13Serving in the Outer CourtTo Maomao's surprise, Jinshi brings her directly to his house instead of taking her back to the rear palace, and tells her she's to work in the outer court. Not only is there much to learn, it seems there's many eyes on her as the new hire.14The New Pure ConsortAh-Duo's replacement has arrived in the rear palace, and Maomao is assigned to give a certain lecture to all four high concubines. Later, Maomao helps Lihaku investigate a warehouse explosion.15Raw FishGaoshun requests Maomao's help in solving an apparent poisoning case. Meanwhile, Jinshi deals with an unwelcome visitor who's taken to lingering in his office.16LeadA shack, a chest of drawers, and a fishbowl are all that a talented metalworker leaves to his three sons upon his death. Maomao is assigned to investigate how these strange inheritances all fit together.17A Jaunt Around TownCovering up Jinshi's otherworldly beauty is no easy task, but after Maomao takes the challenge head-on, she's surprised when she's also asked to don the disguise of a noblewoman and escort "Jinka" outside the palace.18LakanBack at home, Maomao visits an annex building at the Verdigris House that hides one of the brothel's secrets. Lakan continues to antagonize Jinshi as his connection to Maomao becomes clear.19Chance or Something MoreA discussion with Lihaku about recent events leads Maomao to realize that the mysteries she's helped to solve are connected. As the final piece of the puzzle falls into place, she rushes to stop impending disaster.20ThornappleMaomao was able to stop the assassination attempt, but was heavily injured in the process. However, the injuries aren't enough to stop her curiosity, driving her to confront the culprit behind the incident.21How to Buy Out a ContractBack to work at the rear palace, Maomao listens to Guen talk about his family's business. Meanwhile, Lihaku hears a rumor that whips him into action.22Blue RosesLakan challenges Jinshi to produce blue roses to present at the upcoming garden party, forcing Jinshi to turn once again to Maomao for her help.23Balsam and WoodsorrelNo longer willing to keep running away from Lakan, Maomao decides to face off against him. She challenges him on his own turf, in a chess match.24Jinshi and MaomaoLakan must now choose a courtesan to buy out. As a high-ranking military official, he can afford to freely choose, even from one of the Three Princesses. Who will he choose? Who does Maomao really want him to choose?25Maomao and MaomaoThe spring garden party concludes without incident. Maomao returns to her regular life as Concubine Gyokuyou’s taster. Meanwhile, novels become popular in the rear palace. Maomao wonders how this came to be, as novels were typically considered low-class. But behind the scenes lies Jinshi and his goals as manager of the rear palace.26CaravanThe caravan stirs up excitement in the inner palace. The merchants bring all kinds of goods. However, something gives Maomao a bad feeling.27Corpse FungusA concubine passes away, and a woman goes missing. Jinshi sends Maomao to investigate - not these incidents, but mushrooms growing in the rear palace.28MirrorThe special envoy from a foreign land gifts mirrors - a rarity in this country - to the high concubines. However, they bring mysteries as well.29The Moon FairyIn order to realize the seemingly impossible request from the foreign envoy, Maomao speaks to the “Moon Fairy” herself.30The Crystal Pavilion, for the Third TimeThe woman from the clinic finds out that Maomao knows a thing or two about medicine, and asks for her help.31The Shrine of ChoosingMaomao directs her curiosity towards an old, oddly-shaped building.32The Empress DowagerMaomao's reputation for resolving conflicts reaches the empress dowager, who will ask for her help to unravel a mystery that won't leave her mind.33The Late EmperorMaomao's investigation of the "curse" reveals more about the late emperor than anticipated.34A Ghost StoryMaomao joins some women exchanging scary stories on a hot summer night to provide chills.35The HuntJinshi goes on a hunting trip, and brings Maomao along. He seems ready to share his secret with her.36Ka ZuigetsuMaomao discovers Jinshi's secret. She wants nothing to do with whatever the politics behind it is.37The BathsXiaolan's term of service is almost up, so she must find a new job. Maomao and Shisui decide to help.38The Dancing GhostConcubine Lishu reports sightings of a ghost in the baths in her pavilion. Maomao goes to investigate.39IceXiaolan accidentally ruins an expensive block of ice. Maomao comes up with a delicious backup plan.40Festering ResentmentLuomen returns to the rear palace. His observations trigger Maomao's curiosity.41The Fox VillageSuirei smuggles Maomao and Shisui out of the rear palace. Jinshi begins to search for Maomao.42Lantern PlantMaomao has been missing for ten days now. Jinshi's investigations lead him to a forgotten graveyard.43FestivalThe village holds a festival. Maomao attends, and Shisui introduces some of the village's history to her.44The StrongholdMaomao is taken to a mountain stronghold, where many of the secrets of the Shi clan are revealed to her.45TaibonMaomao is accused of attempting to escape, and is tossed into an ancient method of torture and execution.46Royal GuardThe royal guard, led by Jinshi, arrives, sealing the Shi clan's fate. Maomao wants to save her friend, Shisui.47The Shi ClanJinshi and his forces infiltrate the stronghold, cornering the remaining Shi clan members.48The BeginningAfter the war, Jinshi's work piles up and Maomao returns to the pleasure district.49Episode 4950Episode 5051Episode 5152Episode 5253Episode 5354Episode 5455Episode 5556Episode 5657Episode 5758Episode 5859Episode 5960Episode 60