Images: Toho Animation
Maomao is not the only one who shone in this week's episode.
We’re back at Lihua’s residence in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 30: The Crystal Pavilion for the Third Time. For some reason, there’s always someone problematic hiding among Lihua’s ladies-in-waiting. Maomao once again steps in and solves the mystery for everyone. While she was instrumental in the events which unfolded in this episode, Lihua takes the spotlight as well. With an exciting and engaging episode packed into 30 minutes, let’s break down the details.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Knowledge is a dangerous thing
Most of us would have thought Maomao would be in trouble after that grumpy lady from the clinic caught Ailan (one of Gyokuyou’s ladies-in-waiting) drinking medicine that Maomao prepared for her cold. Apparently, though, it was to ask for help.
The way Gyokuyou and the other ladies-in-waiting tiptoed around it was suspicious—Gyokuyou had Yinghua accompany Maomao to the clinic instead of letting her go alone. Ailan apologised for not being more discreet about drinking medicine prepared by Maomao. Yinghua also stepped in and objected when the lady from the clinic requested Maomao to make medicine.
Let’s not forget last week’s episode. Jinshi warned Maomao not to expose her knowledge as an apothecary to others. It was established that only men were allowed to make medicine back then, so does that mean everything Maomao is doing in the rear palace is technically illegal? If that’s the case, why do the people in power—Jinshi, Gyokuyou, and even the emperor—tolerate her? Her being an apothecary is still kept under wraps, but how, and why?
The life of a servant is disposable
I know this is an anime set in historical China, but for some reason, I'm still perturbed by how these servants were being treated. The life of a servant is disposable, as Maomao often points out throughout the series, but seeing how the head lady-in-waiting, Lady Shin, treated one of Lihua’s ladies-in-waiting was so infuriating.
It didn’t matter if the girl was getting ill and left untreated—she was hidden away for a sinister purpose. The reality is that while some consorts are more benevolent, it’s far more likely that a servant could become collateral damage in someone’s sinister plans, especially those orchestrated by the higher-ups. Again, this reminds us of the precarious situation all servants are in, including Maomao—unless they are under the direct protection of someone. And even then, things can still fall through the cracks, meaning that Maomao must always be on her toes.
Lady Lihua vs Lady Shin
My favourite part of the episode, though, was seeing a strong, confident, and self-determined Consort Lihua. We already knew she was feisty before she and her son fell ill (to the point where her son tragically died), when Lihua vehemently rejected Gyokuyou after the latter tried to warn her. After her son's death, she withered like a flower, unwilling to live her life anymore. However, after recovery, she seemed like a background character, surrounded by a flock of ladies-in-waiting, all too concerned with the pettiest things.
Thus, it was incredibly satisfying to see her handle matters at the Crystal Pavilion with such grace and intelligence—first, by hearing out what everyone had to say and allowing her cousin to ramble. If I were in Lihua’s shoes, I would have lost my composure way earlier. She carried herself with cold, calculated authority, delivering the most satisfying, resounding slap after enduring words of abuse from her cousin.
That said, it takes more than beauty and knowledge to be a consort. Even though Shin and Lihua are cousins, the difference in their bust size, attitude, mentality, and intelligence is striking. Lihua taking responsibility for her sick servant while effectively punishing (and simultaneously giving grace to) Lady Shin shows how mature she is in handling such matters. It further proves that she truly deserves her status as one of the emperor’s highest-ranking consorts.
And most importantly, a consort must know how to manage matters with dignity. More than just being the “mother of the nation,” they were ideally expected to be devoted to the emperor above all.
Why is the emperor asking about Maomao?
The episode ends with the emperor spending time with Lihua at the Crystal Pavilion. As Lihua pours him a glass of wine, the emperor suddenly asks about Maomao’s visit. He doesn’t explain why he’s interested in her, but a mysterious building is briefly shown before the episode ends.
What was that about, one may wonder? Well, one thing’s for sure—everybody following the series has something to look forward to in the coming episodes!
If you want to revisit insights and theories from previous episodes, here's a compilation of every review so far for The Apothecary Diaries Season 2.