It’s time for the final episode of The Apothecary Diaries. Before I jump into my usual episode review format, I wanted to share a bit of information that’s relevant to this episode. Maomao’s mother cut off the tip of her pinky finger when she was a baby. Yet, in the present day, Maomao has all her fingers – just a slightly crooked pinky on one side. It’s like her fingertip grew back. Is that possible in reality?

Surprisingly, the answer is yes. I had no idea this was a thing until I googled it, but there are many documented cases where infants with amputated fingers regrow the finger. This only happens when 1) the individual is still an infant, and 2) the fingertip is cut above the joint. In other words, only the nail portion of the finger can regrow, and only in some babies.

I didn’t research enough to be able to explain the cause or mechanism of this phenomenon, but I still thought it was worth sharing. It really can happen. Biology is that awesome. Anyway, let’s review the last episode of The Apothecary Diaries (season one).

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Episode 24: Jinshi and Maomao

The first section of the episode showed the conclusion of the story of Lakan and Fengxian. By sending Lakan the withered but in-tact rose, Maomao was trying to communicate the fact that Fengxian was still alive. Lakan didn’t quite understand. When it was time for him to choose a courtesan, he approached Meimei as expected. But before agreeing to go with him, the courageous courtesan opened the door leading toward the sick quarters so Lakan could go look for his lost love.

Lakan intuitively understood he needed to run through the door and straight to whatever was waiting for him. The old Madam chased him, yelling angrily, but he didn’t stop. When Lakan found Fengxian, tears came to his eyes. To him, she was as beautiful as ever. He pressed a Go stone into her hands and whispered shakily, “Let’s play Go.” As Meimei broke down in tears of relief, the old Madam stopped trying to prevent the inevitable. She would allow Lakan to buy out Fengxian.

Rumors were already circulating about how a military strategist was buying out a courtesan. Since the Verdigris House couldn’t let the public know about Fengxian, the old Madam sent Meimei with Lakan as well. She would be the one everyone assumed Lakan was buying. Meimei finally retired as a courtesan. It’s customary for the other courtesans to perform a dance when one of their dear sisters is bought out. This leads into the most beautifully animated scene so far, at least in my opinion.

Maomao wanted to “send off” Meimei, but couldn’t be there in person. So, she dressed in her best courtesan clothes and climbed to the top of the wall – the same place where Fuyou danced in an early episode. There, Maomao performed a stunning dance, beautifully and gracefully moving around the wall-top. It was mesmerizing to watch this amazing scene. I also loved the emotional insert song that played while Maomao danced.

Just as Maomao completed her performance, Jinishi appeared. The apothecary was so startled she almost fell off the wall, but Jinshi caught her. He then asked angrily what she was doing. Maomao explained, but was soon interrupted by the sensation of blood on her leg. Her wound had reopened during the dance. Intending to stitch it up herself right then and there, Maomao kneeled down and bared her leg.

Jinshi was furious at her carelessness. He grabbed her and hurried down the wall, carrying her like a princess to where she could receive proper treatment. Though Maomao objected at first to being held, she soon stopped caring. The scene started to seem quite romantic. Things got even more romantic when Maomao quietly told Jinshi that she had something very important to say to him. She leaned in close to his face, her eyes twinkling pleadingly in the starry night. Surely, she was about to confess her love.

Just kidding. All Maomao did was ask for the ox bezoar that Jinishi previously promised her. Jinshi, who had been entranced by Maomao and hopeful for something romantic, was again infuriated. He head-butted Maomao fiercely, making her reel back in pain. As Jinishi grumpily continued to carry her to safety, Maomao smiled to herself. It was easy to get along with Jinshi when he acted immature, she thought. I believe the apothecary is finally starting to warm up to the presence of Jinshi.

The next day, life for Maomao and Jinshi continues unchanged. Jinshi calls Maomao in to see him to ask her to investigate a certain mysterious happening. As the narrator said, this is just the start of the story of Maomao the apothecary. I can’t wait to see more of her tale in the future. A second season has already been announced, set to be released some time in 2025. With that, I’ve concluded my episode reviews for The Apothecary Diaries.

~Thank you for reading~

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PATREON