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Apothecary Diaries 1 x 23 (Patreon)

Published:
2025-10-28 20:15:32
Edited:
2026-04-20 06:25:57
Imported:
2026-09
Tags:

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Just a reminder to let my theories be wrong if they are wrong 💕 If anything needs to be clarified or I'm unsure on something I will create a thread where we can discuss but let the show have a chance to correct me.

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Comments

Yoann Bigor

h it's hard to not correct uour theories lol. Nice reaction. I want he next already !!

Aki Himura

About the syphilis, you're missing the possibility that Maomao was already borned and healthy by the time her mother contracted it, which is why she was safe from it! It's unlikely she took customers while pregnant, and I think by the we see her mom holding the knife over her she was already 1-ish years old.

Mina E.D

The way stuff unfolds in the show is amazing. It does require a patient person with good attention to detail though. There were several things I didn't pick up on or understand that I now get through these reactions 💕

Kaylee Hubbard

I love hearing your theories! Whether right or wrong, it’s so fun hearing your thought process 🩷 your thoughts and reviews for series are by far my favorite to listen to! I’ve seen a lot of reaction channels but you are by far the best there is :)

KatoBen

I'm so glad you figured out Leoman is Maomao's great uncle. So many reactors missed that, too many, in fact. This explains a lot, especially considering that Lakan has never forced Maomao to come live with him, since (we assume) he knows she's living with Leoman. The author is a genius. She set up this villain for all of us to hate, and yet he wasn't evil at all, just misunderstood. Brilliant writing. People have clarified according to ancient Chinese customs that since Maomao is illegitimate, she is not a noble. Edit: I cannot wait until Saturday to watch your reaction to episode 24. Why must I wait??? Edit 2: BTW, Lakan is pronounced like (L-ah-con,) like a con-artist. Edit 3: I know you've mentioned in passing that people have said you might like Ascendance of a Bookworm. Season 4 of that series returns in Springe next year, so it might not be a bad hold over for Apothecary Diaries season 3. The only issue with the anime is that the localization team did the localization dirty. Mistranslations, incorrect spellings, and completely ignoring a list of names and words approved by the Japanese author.

Tobe

Ooh do you have a source for the bit about illegitimacy? I'm always trying to read up on information that helps understand the worldbuilding

Icy

The chariot piece is the most powerful piece on the chess board. He made his uncle the most powerful. Remember what Lakan said on the first episode we met him. I knew a courtesan that I could beat at chess but never at go. Well when she makes the beat “if you win I’ll give you anything you want, if I win I’ll take what I want.” She gives him a choice of go or chess. Lose to her or beat her. He has a terrible thought about choosing chess (to beat her) but he chooses go (letting her win). It’s only when he chooses to let her win that she sends Mei Mei away. Remember when we were at Fengmian’s episode and I said in the comments that in the future I’d yap about the the butterfly effect. Well let’s see the prince and ah duo’s baby are born at the same time, there’s birth complications and a baby potentially was switched then a baby dies because of eating honey because of Fengmian. Now either Luoman was let go because of the switch or because of the baby dying. Meaning because of events surrounding the birth of the babies Luoman lost his job. Lakan was sent “aboard” (he was sent to a military campaign). He didn’t get the letter’s from Fengxian thus never learning she was pregnant. Meaning Mao Mao grew up without her birth parents because of the events surrounding the princes birth. Also on the table with the letters the one with the blood is opened already. This is just a theory but potentially Luoman got back before Lakan saw the letter with the blood and went to the brothel to retrieve Mao Mao. Also she did harm Mao Mao (I don’t mean to correct you I don’t like doing that) Fengxian did sever the tip of Mao Mao’s pinky to send to Lakan along with her own.

KatoBen

It was discussed on the Apothecary Diaries Reddit some time ago, so I don't have the historical source. I also don't want to discuss it too much here so as to avoid accidental spoiler, or rather accidental insinuation of spoilers. What is important to remember, even though she's not a born noble, she is still the daughter of a noble. I would love to discuss my thoughts further, but I fear I might accidentally spoil stuff.

Kita

I hope you get a chance to read the light novels - the anime is very close to the light novels, but the novels do expand on a few things, so I think you will really enjoy them! I want to say more but I will just reserve myself to enjoy your reactions. I have read till LN 15, so that’s 7.5 seasons worth, so I have a hard time commenting on things without spoiling things 🫣

Ryuuji Gremory

Might not be Syphilis, that said we never got a specific point in time when Fengxian supposedly contracted it, Lakan was gone for 3 years, about 2 1/2 years of taking on customers after Maomao was born in which she could have contracted it.

DrSophieDarlingReacts

It was unclear in relation to whether the finger was actually severed or it was symbolic as Lakan believed it to be dried mud or a branch. He didn't immediately see a decaying body piece. We also never see that injury on Maomao with a severed pinky (from what I can remember - it may have been subtly shown in earlier episodes because she does look at her pinky a lot in hindsight) because the piece sent to Lakan is larger than the tip of a pinky. It would be akin to an entire finger. The show wasn't entirely clear. I know it mentions fingers as curses but there are also plants known as witches fingers etc. I'll defer to your understanding but I'd say the show is very subtle in explaining things and leaves a lot open to interpretation 🙈

DrSophieDarlingReacts

She looked younger than 1 in that scene. I would have placed her at around 3 to 6 months old. Also she was removed from her mother and was breastfeeding indicating she was a lot younger when her mother began to decline. Which wouldn't be enough time for the symptoms to have spread that severely as to be full rashes and mental decline if she hadn't contracted it prior to giving birth. It also wasn't uncommon for women to sell themselves whilst pregnant. She had to earn a living. But even still the length of time that has surpassed since contracting syphallis the likelihood of her still being alive even with medical treatment would be slim in this time era considering how far the symptoms had spread. Maomao's dad even said it was too late to treat her and this was years ago at this stage. Regardless of how I look at it - it just doesn't seem plausible. Maybe I need to suspend reality but considering how much attention this show gives to things like this - I'd be surprised if this wasn't a red herring. Syphallis is not an immediate death sentence but the length of time and the state of decline makes it all the more difficult to suspend belief that she would still be alive. Again - could be syphilis. I never denied that but it's just a theory I have 😊 but the timelines are wonky and unclear so we are left to piece it together ourselves. You could be right and I could be wrong. We shall have to see ❤️

DrSophieDarlingReacts

Which is true but the length of time and environment she's in makes it hard to believe that she'd still be alive considering treatment would be ineffective as by the time Lakan's uncle saw her she was too far gone for treatment. Again, could be syphilis but could also be something else.

Mei

I'm so glad you figured out that Lakan's uncle is Luomen even with that younger voice! Gotta say I kinda pitied Lakan when you thought some episode ago that Maomao might be avoiding him because he has some sexual interest in her. XD Though it's still understandable you thought that as one of the possibilities. So excited for your react to the season finale!!

DrSophieDarlingReacts

I didn't think he had a sexual interest in her? I said Maomao may have thought that might be the case and why she was avoiding him because at that point we didn't know she already knew he was her father. I said she probably thought he was some creep from the brothel that wanted to be with her, not that I thought that was his intention as I already presumed he was her father 😅

Mei

Ohhh I misremembered how you phrased it akshsksks sorry! I didn't go back to check which ep it was and just relied on faulty memory 🤧

Mickael Landry

It's pretty rare to find in a brothel a customer who genuinely appreciates your intellect over beauty, so it's no wonder Fengxian would be drawn to Lakan. The fact that she was the only one he could truly see - not just in a metaphorical sense but in a real way - highlights how special they were to each other, making the outcome even more heartbreaking. Lakan and Fengxian's story is a tragic and emotional tale of love, sacrifice, and circumstance. Their relationship is filled with misunderstandings and societal barriers, which increase the feeling of lost chances and heartbreak. Fengxian hopes for a better life for herself and her child, and she wishes for Lakan to rescue her from the brothel, showing her desire for love and stability, even in tough times. Lakan's sacrifices, like his attempts to improve his status and his care for her, highlight his true concern, despite the challenges they encounter. Their story shows how outside factors (poverty, social stigma, political turmoil) can create huge barriers to personal love. The tragic moment when Fengxian cuts her finger and her baby's could represent her hurt pride and the lasting damage from their unfulfilled dreams. It's a powerful reminder of how uncontrollable circumstances can lead to painful outcomes, making their love story both sad and captivating. It sounds like Lakan's actions are driven by deep respect and love for his uncle, and his desire to protect and care for Maomao in his own way. His efforts to buy her out through the brothel and Jinshi reflect his longing to have her live with him and to fulfill the role of a father figure, even if his methods are unconventional. His actions reveal a complex mix of loyalty, sacrifice, and genuine affection, all rooted in his admiration for his uncle who is none other than...the adoptive father of Maomao as you brilliantly guessed Sophie. 👏

Mickael Landry

I really enjoy those anime stories where we discover the backstory of a character we initially hate or fear, only to realize they were the true tragic victim all along. For example, like many viewers, I found Zeke in AoT repulsive at first, but after learning about his circumstances, I ended up feeling some compassion for him. 🧐🫶 The backstory in this episode completely changes the way we view everything Lakan has ever done. Initially, people tended to label him a creep (I plead guilty here 😅) and claimed he 'forced himself' on Fengxian. But, the only person who used those exact words was Lakan himself. He perceives himself as a villain and portrays himself that way as a form of penance for his past actions. Understanding that he hates himself more than anyone else makes him a much more tragic character. 🙍 Additionally, individuals like him often struggle to fit in, and it's unfortunately common for them to be labeled as 'weird' or 'untrustworthy' due to their social awkwardness. This show has done a fantastic job of illustrating that reality. It serves as a painful reflection for viewers who have been judgmental and negative towards Lakan simply because he appeared 'different' mainly due to a medical condition. 🗣️🫵 It prompts you to reflect on all the people you've encountered in life whom you quickly labeled as villains and weirdos, yet in reality, we are all quite similar, and you can never truly know the pain and suffering others have faced that shapes their behavior. 📖💯 In this regard, I would strongly recommend reading the book 'What Happened to You' by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey.

Mickael Landry

What I appreciate about this episode is that it clarifies why the couple in episode 3 impacted Maomao so deeply. They resembled her parents, a loving couple who desired to be together but had to navigate a perilous situation to achieve that. But, Laken was not aware of the scheme, which ultimately led to their downfall. The real antagonist in both cases is the system that prevents people in love from simply being together.

Ethan Tarr

Fengxian is voiced by Houko Kuwashima, who is an absolute legend.

Mickael Landry

From the very start of the tale, whenever Maomao feels anxious or under pressure, she instinctively often gazes at her pinkie finger, which might symbolize the trauma and complexity she experiences regarding her crooked, mended finger. This simple act provides a glimpse into her personality, showcasing her vulnerability and the lasting effects of her experiences that lie beneath her calm facade. I remembered particularly the ending of episode 3 (one of my favourite episode). That was subtle, but it makes a lot of sense now, haha. 🤙🏻

Lysandia

I do sort of wonder why its so rigidly set for you that she cant have caught syphilis after giving birth. dont think it ever said anywhere that she has to have caught it before or while Maomao was still in her, could very well just have happened immediately or even some time after

DrSophieDarlingReacts

Because I'm allowed my theories and that's part of the fun of watching the show? Especially as such a show is full of red herrings 😊 It's also odd for her to not have been working whilst pregnant as many women weren't afforded such a luxury especially in her position.

WondrousMay

I was so excited to see your reaction/discussion for this episode because I knew you would get emotional over it! I loved how Lakan and Maomao’s meeting has been building up ever since Lakan’s introduction and the aftermath of their meeting led into Lakan and Fengxian’s story. It’s such an impactful way to end the season!

Aldryx_Thetahart

Lakan is probably the ONLY character I’ve ever seen who has the rare trait of lifelong facial blindness. It feels really nice to see someone else who has my condition! (I am on the Austism spectrum, facial blindness affects nearly half of us.)