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What’s Been Going On So Far?
If you’ve been following The Apothecary Diaries, you already know things have been slowly simmering under the surface. We’ve gone from quirky palace poison cases to something way more personal.
Maomao, the sharp-tongued apothecary we all love, has caught the attention of some very powerful people—especially Lakan, a cold but brilliant tactician who (let’s be honest) is clearly her biological father. On top of that, we’ve been getting subtle hints about her past in the Verdigris House, a high-end brothel where she grew up.
And now, just like that, Maomao’s vanished from the palace. Cue the drama.
Ten Days Without Maomao… and Jinshi Is Spiraling
Episode 18 opens with Maomao still missing, and let’s just say… the palace feels it. But no one’s more shaken than Jinshi. Usually cool and composed, he’s now quietly unraveling. He can’t stop thinking about her—and when he picks up the scent of alcohol near a graveyard (Maomao’s signature), it’s clear she’s on his mind 24/7.
This isn’t just about curiosity anymore. Jinshi’s worry runs deeper. He’s starting to realize just how much Maomao’s presence has meant to him.
Maomao’s Not Missing, She’s Facing Her Past
While Jinshi’s busy following clues, Maomao is exactly where she needs to be—back at the Verdigris House. But she’s not there for nostalgia. She’s taking care of a courtesan suffering from syphilis, and the whole scene feels… heavy. The courtesan? Almost certainly Maomao’s mother.
The way Maomao handles the moment—so calm, so emotionally distant—hurts more than any dramatic outburst could. There’s no tearful reunion. Just quiet acceptance and the weight of things left unsaid.
And honestly? That hits harder than anything else in the episode.
Enter Lakan, Watching From the Sidelines (As Always)
As if things weren’t emotionally loaded enough, Lakan pops back into the frame. At this point, it’s no mystery—he’s Maomao’s father. The way he hovers over her life, pulling strings without ever showing his cards, is maddening and fascinating all at once.
Then there’s his run-in with Jinshi. It’s brief, but oof, the tension. Jinshi clearly suspects there’s more going on with Maomao’s past—and Lakan knows everything. You can feel it: the emotional threads between these three are tightening. And fast.
Meanwhile, the Empress Is in Labor (Because Why Not?)
While all this quiet chaos is unfolding, Empress Gyokuyou decides it’s the perfect time to go into labor. With Maomao nowhere to be found, her adoptive father Luomen steps in.
It’s a sweet little moment in the middle of all the emotional wreckage—like a reminder that life keeps moving forward, even while the past is catching up to everyone else.
Final Thoughts: Heavy Episode, Quiet Impact
“Lantern Plant” isn’t flashy. There’s no shocking twist or big reveal. But it lingers. It aches. It connects Maomao’s past to her present and sets the stage for some seriously emotional fallout.
If you’re here for palace drama and poison theories, this episode slows things down. But if you’ve been waiting to peel back the layers of Maomao’s story? This one delivers—softly, deeply, and beautifully.
Rating: 4.5/5
Favorite Moment: Jinshi picking up on her scent. Subtle, intimate, unforgettable.
Best Line: “It smelled like her.” — Jinshi
Next Episode Hopes: Maomao back at the palace—and maybe some truths finally spoken out loud?
New to The Apothecary Diaries? Here’s What You Should Know
If you’re just discovering The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese title: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), you’re in for something special. This isn’t your typical fantasy anime—it’s a slow-burn mystery set in a beautifully crafted imperial palace, where a sharp-witted herbalist named Maomao solves medical and political puzzles behind the scenes.
What sets this anime apart is its blend of court intrigue, light humor, subtle romance, and surprisingly emotional twists. Maomao isn’t a sword-wielding hero—she’s a brainy, slightly eccentric apothecary who uses logic, herbs, and a bit of sass to survive in a world filled with secrets.
Why You Should Watch:
- If you love mystery, historical settings, and character-driven drama, this is your show.
- There’s no filler—every episode builds the story.
- The art style is elegant, and the storytelling is quiet but cutting.
Where to Watch:
- Amazon Prime Video (Japan)
- Crunchyroll (Simulcast available)
- Netflix (in select regions)
New to anime altogether? Check out our 10 Must-Watch Anime Dramas for Beginners to find more emotional stories that hit just like The Apothecary Diaries.
