The Apothecary Diaries Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries! Season 1 E1 - Maomao Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:37] Luomen     Maomao. [01:39] Maomao     Hmm? [01:41] Luomen     Could you deliver some medicine     to the Verdigris House? [01:44] Maomao     Yeah, got it, Dad. [01:48] Luomen     Be careful out there.     Kidnappings are on the rise. [01:52] Maomao     I'll be fine. I'll stop by      the herb plot on my way back. [01:56] Luomen     Yes, please do. [01:58] Maomao     I'm off! SIGN    Verdigris House [02:22] Old Lady     Huh, is this all you've got? [02:25] Customer     It's my life savings! I beg you! [02:31] Old Lady     This is a non-starter. [02:34] Customer     That must be Pairin, one of the famous     Three Princesses of the Verdigris House! [02:38] Old Lady     If you want to gawk, pay up! [02:49] Maomao     Hmm, it's taking too long to heal. [02:51] Maomao     I'll tweak the recipe some. [02:52] Pairin     Oh, Maomao! [02:55] Maomao     Hey, Pairin. [02:56] Pairin     Hey, you have more wounds again! [03:00] Maomao     It's just my usual drug experiments. [03:03] Pairin     Are you eating well? [03:05] Maomao     You seem to be very well nourished, as always. [03:08] Old Lady     Maomao! [03:09] Old Lady     You'd better not be setting off explosions     again for your so-called experiments! [03:16] Old Lady     Or, would you like to start      a career as a courtesan? [03:19] Maomao     Yikes! [03:20] Maomao     Granny, I left your meds here! [03:22] Old Lady     Say hi to your old man for me. Sheesh. [03:25] Joka     Did I just hear Maomao's voice? [03:27] Meimei     Hey, where's Maomao? [03:29] Pairin     She took off. [03:31] Maomao     That shrewd old bag, always trying     to make me a courtesan... [03:50] Maomao     Could it be? Kidnappers?! [03:58] Maomao     Dad's gonna be really worried... [04:18] Guen     The prince is born! [04:20] Guen     Congratulations, Lady Lihua! [04:30] Hongniang     The prince was born safely. [04:33] Gyokuyou     I see. Wonderful. SIGN    Three months later SIGN    Episode 1: Maomao [04:48] Maomao     I want meat skewers from a stall... [04:52] Maomao     I wonder if Dad's eating properly. [04:57] Maomao     I'm not sure if I was sold off or ransomed,     but annoyingly, it's already been three months. [05:04] Maomao     The palace and the brothels are really similar. [05:07] Maomao     If I had a choice, I'd have nothing to do     with the rear palace, ever. But... [05:12] Maomao     Well, what can I do, now that I'm here? [05:15] Maomao     I was living a pretty good life     as an apothecary, and now... [05:21] Maomao     The rear palace is a garden of women     who are to give birth to the emperor's children. [05:25] Maomao     No men are allowed to enter. [05:28] Maomao     The only people allowed in here     are the emperor, his kin, [05:33] Maomao     and eunuchs, "formerly male" individuals     who lost an important part of their body. [05:39] Maomao     It's a huge collective of two thousand     concubines and servants, [05:42] Maomao     and one thousand eunuchs. [05:45] Maomao     Unlike the high, mid,     and low-ranking concubines, [05:49] Maomao     we serving girls are expendable     and can lose our lives at any moment. [05:56] Maomao     Next in line are the shut-in,     low-ranking concubines. [05:58] Maomao     I guess, at the very least, I get paid. [06:02] Xiaolan     Hey, Maomao... [06:04] Xiaolan     Do you know which room this plate is for? [06:07] Maomao     Oh. This one is Wisteria-9, so over there. [06:11] Xiaolan     Thank you! [06:14] Maomao     Many of the servants are illiterate. [06:17] Maomao     In order to work in the rear palace, [06:19] Maomao     they're taught the bare minimum     essentials of etiquette. [06:22] Maomao     But reading and writing     is a whole different story. [06:25] Maomao     The raise I would get for being literate     would just get swiped by my kidnappers. [06:32] Maomao     That said, even servants like us     could become low-ranking concubines. [06:36] Maomao     What's key is... [06:39] Maomao     Looks. [06:41] Maomao     Freckles. [06:42] Maomao     Flat. [06:44] Maomao     Given my skin-and-bones look,     that's not applicable to me. [06:53] Maomao     If I stood out, my life would be     at risk. I'm better off just laying low. [06:59] Maomao     All I have to do is work hard.     I'll be out in two years. [07:04] Maomao     I need a drink. [07:09] Xiaolan     Hey, did you hear? [07:10] Maomao     Huh? [07:11] Xiaolan     I heard there's a super beautiful     eunuch in the central area. [07:15] Xiaolan     Everyone's been talking about him! [07:18] Maomao     I see. [07:19] Xiaolan     I'd like to get a glimpse of him,     if he's so handsome! [07:23] Xiaolan     Am I right? [07:25] Maomao     A eunuch, huh? [07:55] Gaoshun     She has lost much weight. [07:57] Jinshi     Yes. [08:04] Gyokuyou     Xiaoling... [08:06] Jinshi     I'm sorry, the physician is busy     attending to the prince. [08:13] Gyokuyou     I see... [08:17] Servant A     They're only three months and six months old, right? [08:19] Servant B     Yeah, both the prince and Princess Lingli... [08:24] Xiaolan     Is it really a curse?! [08:27] Maomao     What are you talking about? [08:28] Xiaolan     You didn't hear, Maomao? [08:30] Xialoan     The entire rear palace     is buzzing about this rumor. [08:34] Xiaolan     The deaths of all the heirs     born in the rear palace! [08:38] Xiaolan     All three of the emperor's children     born so far grew weak and passed away! [08:43] Xiaolan     Doesn't that seem weird?! [08:45] Maomao     All three? [08:46] Xiaolan     And it looks like the same     thing's happening now. [08:49] Maomao     You mean they're unwell? [08:50] Xiaolan     Yes! And this time, the doctor went to visit     both Lady Gyokuyou and Lady Lihua! [08:58] Maomao     Huh... [08:59] Xiaolan     The emperor doesn't have an empress     consort, so that makes Lady Lihua, [09:02] Xiaolan     who gave birth to the prince,     the empress consort, right?! [09:05] Maomao     Naturally, I guess. [09:07] Maomao     Since there is no empress consort, [09:10] Maomao     Concubine Lihua gave birth to the prince, [09:11] Maomao     so she should be considered     the top of the rear palace. [09:14] Xiaolan     But then, rumor says the emperor     favors Lady Gyokuyou. [09:19] Xiaolan     They say that could be     related to the curse, too. [09:23] Maomao     A power struggle... [09:26] Xiaolan     Lady Lihua might be worse off,     since the doctor is always with her. [09:32] Maomao     Lady Lihua herself is sick, too? [09:34] Xiaolan     Yeah, mother and child both.     Head and stomach aches. [09:37] Xiaolan     Nausea too, I think. [09:41] Maomao     Headache, stomachache, nausea... [09:45] Xiaolan     It has to be a curse! [09:49] Maomao     Curses are stupid. [09:52] Xiaolan     Huh? [09:58] Maomao     Headache, stomachache, nausea... [10:01] Maomao     Poison is a possibility. [10:03] Maomao     No, if it's over the position of imperial heir, [10:05] Maomao     it doesn't make sense to go after the princess. [10:07] Maomao     Deliberate poisoning is low on the list of possibilities. [10:10] Maomao     Could an illness be more likely? [10:14] Maomao     Perhaps something hereditary? [10:18] Maomao     Why am I taking a rumor so seriously? [10:22] Maomao     It's all just conjecture. [10:26] Maomao     But still... [10:29] Maomao     I guess I can take a quick peek. [10:36] Maomao     Given this is where all the high-ranked     concubines' pavilions are, [10:39] Maomao     every building is exquisite,     right down to the individual pillars. [10:47] Lihua     It's your fault! [10:48] Yinghua     Lady Gyokuyou! [10:50] Lihua     You're trying to curse my son,     because your child is a daughter! [10:54] Gyokuyou     You know that's absurd! [10:58] Gyokuyou     My Xiaoling is sick, too! [11:01] Eunuch A     Lady Lihua is furious. [11:04] Eunuch B     I feel sorry for Lady Gyokuyou. [11:06] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi... [11:10] Gyokuyou     That's why I'd like you to examine     my daughter's state, as well. [11:14] Guen     Yes... Well... Um... [11:16] Maomao     Is that flustered eunuch     in the middle the physician? [11:20] Maomao     What a stupid quack. [11:22] Maomao     He seriously still hasn't noticed? After     spending all that time near the concubines? [11:27] Maomao     Or rather... [11:28] Maomao     Maybe he really doesn't know? [11:31] Maomao     Death of the infants.     Headache, stomachache, nausea. [11:35] Maomao     And most of all, how     Lady Lihua seems so worn out. [11:39] Maomao     As I thought, this is no curse. [11:43] Maomao     The only issue is, how do I tell them? [11:46] Maomao     If only I could find something to write with... [12:31] Maomao     Barely a month passed before word got around [12:34] Maomao     that the prince had passed away. [12:41] Gyokuyou     It seems like you have a question for me. [12:45] Jinshi     Is that... [12:47] Gyokuyou     The day I visited the Crystal Pavilion     to ask to have my daughter examined, [12:52] Gyokuyou     I found this on the windowsill,     tied to this branch. [12:58] Jinshi     A rhododendron. [13:00] Gyokuyou     "The white face powder is poison.     Don't let the baby touch it." [13:05] Gyokuyou     It truly is a sin to be ignorant. [13:08] Jinshi     The palace physician would not take     such a roundabout approach. [13:12] Gyokuyou     Agreed. He never could seem     to figure out how to treat the prince. [13:17] Jinshi     Who could have sent this message? [13:20] Gyokuyou     I'd like you to find out. [13:27] Jinshi     Coming to think of it, back then... [13:30] (Flashback) Maomao     If only I could find something to write with... [13:37] Jinshi     Understood. [13:39] Jinshi     May I keep this for the time being? [13:48] Xiaolan     I heard the emperor is visiting     Lady Gyokuyou a lot, [13:51] Xiaolan     to show his love for     the surviving princess. [13:54] Maomao     What about Lady Lihua? [13:56] Xiaolan     Haven't heard anything about her. [13:59] Maomao     How convenient. [14:01] Eunuch C     Oh, there you are. [14:04] Eunuch C     You are to report to the Matron     of the Serving Women immediately. [14:08] Xiaolan     You're being summoned? [14:10] Maomao     For what, I wonder? [14:12] Eunuch C     All right, all of you who've     gathered here, head inside. [14:17] Maomao     Serving girls getting summoned by     the high officials can't be good news... [14:23] Maomao     Or do they just want more workers? [14:36] Jinshi     Thank you all for coming. [14:43] Maomao     Who is this arrogant-looking woman? [14:49] Jinshi     I am Jinshi, manager of the rear palace. [14:57] Maomao     That's a man? [14:58] Maomao     Ah, that must be the good-looking     eunuch that Xiaolan was talking about. [15:04] Maomao     That's a waste. He's so handsome,     but he can't have children. SIGN    You with the freckles, stay here [15:12] Maomao     Huh? Freckles? Stay...? [15:16] Maomao     Oh, no! [15:20] Jinshi     We're done here. You may      all return to your rooms. [15:23] Servant 1     Huh? [15:24] Servant 2     What was that about? [15:26] Maomao     Did I do something to get attention?! [15:29] Maomao     Wait, did the message from the other day... [15:32] Maomao     Ah! [15:33] Maomao     I'm the only servant here who can read! [15:36] Maomao     He wrote that just now to single me out! [15:39] Maomao     Oh no, I have to get out! [15:41] Jinshi     Come now, I just told you to stay. [15:46] Jinshi     Just keep quiet and follow me. [15:54] Maomao     It was a trap... [15:56] Jinshi     This is odd. I looked you up.     It said you couldn't read. [16:02] Maomao     I am of lowly birth. It must be a mistake. [16:08] Maomao     I'll never admit it. Pretending to be ignorant     makes everything easier in this world. [16:13] Maomao     Besides, how did this man     find out about the messages? [16:17] Maomao     I made absolutely sure nobody was around... [16:24] Maomao     He's so mistrustful! [16:27] Maomao     Rather, he must have nothing better to do! [16:30] Hongniang     Please. [16:31] Jinshi     Excuse me. [16:33] Maomao     What will I be punished for? [16:35] Maomao     I hope I make it out of this alive. [16:42] Jinshi     I brought her. [16:44] Gyokuyou     Come in. [16:51] Gyokuyou     Thank you for your trouble. [16:57] Maomao     I'm so glad. [17:00] Gyokuyou     So, it was you. [17:02] Gyokuyou     Thank you for saving Lingli's life. [17:06] Maomao     P-Please, I'm not worthy of such kindness! [17:11] Gyokuyou     No, I can't ever thank you enough. [17:15] Gyokuyou     You are my baby's savior. [17:17] Maomao     Perhaps you have the wrong person? [17:20] Maomao     There must be a misunderstanding. [17:23] Maomao     I don't want to get beheaded for lying, [17:25] Maomao     but I don't want to get involved, either! [17:31] Jinshi     Concubine Gyokuyou showed me something. SIGN    The white face powder is poison. Don't let the baby touch it. [17:37] Jinshi     Did you know this fabric is used     in the clothing for the serving girls? [17:42] Maomao     It does look similar, I suppose... [17:45] Jinshi     Yes, for those who work on clothing, I hear. [17:48] Jinshi     Like a laundry worker, such as yourself. [17:53] Jinshi     Did you rip apart a skirt, perhaps? [17:59] Maomao     So, he figured out that much already... [18:02] Jinshi     Now, you will explain why you put     that flower on the windowsill. [18:18] Maomao     Because I figured out what was wrong that day. [18:21] Maomao     That the cause was the makeup powder. [18:24] Maomao     There were many courtesans [18:26] Maomao     who used high-end powder     in the brothels that I grew up in. [18:30] Maomao     Most of them were poisoned     by it and lost their lives. [18:39] Maomao     They tried to trade life     for beauty and lost both. [18:53] Maomao     I used to be an apothecary,     so I know a few things about poisons. [19:07] Jinshi     That face powder... [19:09] Gyokuyou     It was used by the baby's nurse. [19:12] Gyokuyou     She said it has a better whitening effect     compared to other powders. [19:17] Gyokuyou     She seemed to have gotten ill too, so I gave     her a break. I paid her properly, too. [19:23] Jinshi     I see. [19:25] Gyokuyou     It truly is a sin to be ignorant. [19:27] Gyokuyou     I should have paid more attention to      the things that go into my baby's mouth. [19:32] Jinshi     I am guilty, as well. [19:34] Jinshi     Had I noticed sooner, I might      have been able to save more lives. [19:39] Jinshi     The Prince, too... [19:42] Gyokuyou     When I saw the message, I told     Concubine Lihua about it, as well. [19:51] Gyokuyou     But it seemed like everything     I said only made her believe me less. [19:56] Maomao     So... [19:59] Maomao     What can I do for you? [20:09] Gyokuyou     Well, starting today, you'll     be my lady-in-waiting! [20:14] Maomao     Huh? [20:16] Narrator     There are some things Maomao cannot hold back. [20:19] Narrator     Curiosity, a thirst for knowledge... [20:22] Narrator     And just a smidgen of a sense of justice. [20:30] Mao     No, no, no, no... [20:34] Maomao     No, if I keep a low profile,     it shouldn't matter where I— [20:34] Xiaolan     Hey, Maomao! [20:36] Xiaolan     Welcome back, Maomao! How was it? [20:39] Narrator     And thus, Maomao became a     lady-in-waiting of Concubine Gyokuyou, [20:44] Narrator     recipient of the emperor's love. [20:46] Narrator     Put simply, it was a big promotion. [20:57] Soldier A     Hey! [21:01] Soldier A     It's poison! SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Chilly Apothecary." SIGN    Episode 2: Chilly Apothecary E2 - Chilly Apothecary Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. SIGN    Episode 2: Chilly Apothecary [01:41] Soldier A     Hey! [01:44] Soldier A     It's poison! [01:47] Soldier B     Damn you! Who's behind this?! [01:51] Officer     Wait. [01:53] Officer     Tend to the soldiers first. [02:04] Jinshi     Poison? [02:05] Gaoshun     The food was cooked by the villagers. [02:08] Gaoshun     The village leader has been put into     custody for aiding the barbarians. [02:12] Gaoshun     Please advise. [02:14] Jinshi     Understood. Give me a moment. [02:17] Gaoshun     As you wish. [02:19] Gaoshun     By the way... [02:20] Gaoshun     I heard you hired a new lady-in-waiting     to serve Concubine Gyokuyou. [02:25] Jinshi     Yes. Concubine Gyokuyou     has only four women serving her. [02:29] Jinshi     It's too few compared to Concubine Lihua, [02:31] Jinshi     who also high-ranking and has over ten. [02:35] Jinshi     It hurts her dignity as      a high-ranking concubine. [02:38] Gaoshun     Yes. However, Concubine Gyokuyou      is not just bright and gentle, [02:43] Gaoshun     but also wise and cautious. [02:46] Jinshi     She would never hire     someone of unknown origin. [02:50] Jinshi     Being constantly wary of     everyone around them [02:55] Jinshi     is the only way an emperor's     concubine can survive. [02:57] Gaoshun     And who is this new lady-in-waiting? [03:01] Jinshi     Gaoshun, I found just the right pawn. [03:05] Jinshi     It's that freckled servant girl. [03:10] Jinshi     Her knowledge of medicine     is too valuable to pass up. [03:13] Gaoshun     I see. But if she were to abuse     that knowledge... [03:18] Jinshi     I'll make sure she can't do that. [03:21] Jinshi     It should be easy. [03:23] Jinshi     I suppose I should seduce     her a little, just in case. [03:29] Xiaolan     It's so cool that you get to serve     a high-ranking concubine. [03:32] Maomao     Ugh, I really didn't want to. [03:40] Jinshi     Apothecary. Are you ready to move? [03:43] Maomao     Yes, I'm on my way to the Jade Pavilion soon. [03:46] Maomao     Did you need something? [03:48] Jinshi     No, nothing. [03:50] Maomao     Huh? [03:52] Maomao     Why's he here, then? Nothing better to do? [03:58] Jinshi     Be sure to serve Concubine Gyokuyou well. [04:06] Maomao     Excuse me. [04:09] Xiaolan     Good luck, Maomao! [04:14] Maomao     Ew, gross... [04:20] Hongniang     Are you Maomao? [04:22] Maomao     Oh, yes. [04:24] Hongniang     I am Hongniang,     head lady-in-waiting for Lady Gyokuyou. [04:28] Hongniang     For starters, I'll show you around     the Jade Pavilion. Follow me. [04:32] Maomao     Yes. [04:37] Gyokuyou     Welcome to the Jade Pavilion.     I've been waiting for you, Maomao. [04:44] Gyokuyou     Looks like Xiaoling is happy to see you, too. [04:47] Gyokuyou     We're glad to have you around. [04:52] Maomao     Thank you. [04:55] Hongniang     This is the parlor, where we bring guests. [04:59] Maomao     So big... [05:00] Hongniang     This is the kitchen. You should be able     to do some simple cooking here. [05:04] Maomao     Wow. [05:06] Hongniang     This is the living room. [05:07] Hongniang     Here are the other ladies-in-waiting.     Let me introduce them to you. [05:11] Hongniang     Everyone, gather up. [05:12] Ladies-in-waiting     Yes! [05:14] Yinghua     Nice to meet you, I'm Yinghua. Ask me anything! [05:19] Guiyuan     I am Guiyuan. Nice to meet you. [05:22] Ailan     I am Ailan. Very pleased to meet you. [05:27] Maomao     I'm Maomao. Looking forward     to working with you. [05:31] Hongniang     At the Jade Pavilion,     we don't hire any serving girls. [05:35] Hongniang     So, we do all the work around here. [05:38] Yinghua     It's the least we can do to make sure     Lady Gyokuyou lives comfortably. [05:43] Maomao     Then I'll also— [05:44] Yinghua     You go ahead and rest in your room. [05:46] Maomao     Huh? [05:47] Guiyuan     Take it easy. [05:49] Ailan     You have a special task coming up. [05:52] Maomao     Special task? [05:54] Hongniang     Maomao, I'll show you to your room. [05:57] Maomao     Um, sure. [06:01] Yinghua     Did you see her left arm? [06:04] Yinghua     She's hiding it with those bandages,     but there are scars under them, right? [06:08] Guiyuan     She must have been abused     by her parents back home, [06:10] Guiyuan     and sold off to the rear palace... [06:13] Ailan     On top of that, there's that terrible job... [06:17] Three Ladies-in-waiting     That poor, unfortunate girl! [06:23] Hongniang     Wait here until you're summoned, all right? [06:25] Maomao     Hey, um... [06:32] Maomao     I've gotten quite the promotion. [06:37] Maomao     The Jade Pavilion's always     been run by a select elite. [06:40] Maomao     So of course a newcomer     wouldn't be totally welcome. [06:44] Maomao     But they all looked so... [06:48] Maomao     Sympathetic? Why? [06:53] Jinshi     Tasting for poison. [06:55] Jinshi     That's your job, apothecary. [06:59] Maomao     Poison! Tasting for poison! [07:04] Maomao     Oops. [07:06] Jinshi     Food cooked for the concubine changes hands     a few times before being brought here. [07:15] Jinshi     It's possible for it to be     poisoned during that process. [07:20] Jinshi     In fact, when Concubine Gyokuyou     became pregnant, [07:23] Jinshi     her food was poisoned at least twice. [07:26] Jinshi     The taster back then received nerve damage     and still can't move her hands or feet. [07:33] Maomao     I see. That's why the others     were sympathetic to me. [07:38] Hongniang     So... Here you go. [07:42] Maomao     These bowls... [07:45] Maomao     No suspicious colors. Or scents. [07:52] Maomao     No numbness. [07:56] Maomao     I can't detect any poison here. [08:00] Maomao     Back when I lived by the brothels,     I ran a lot of experiments on my arm. [08:07] (Flashback) Luomen     Mad scientist. [08:10] Maomao     I've gradually trained my body against poisons,     so many of them have no effect on me. [08:15] Maomao     To be honest, detecting     poison isn't suited for me. [08:19] Maomao     But in a way, I'm lucky to get this job. [08:25] Jinshi     She's laughing... [08:27] Maomao     I think you should switch to silver plates.     Those react to poisons. [08:33] Hongniang     It's like Master Jinshi said. We used      ceramics on purpose to test you. [08:41] Maomao     That was his idea! [08:45] Hongniang     Your knowledge applies to both      poisons and medicines, then. [08:48] Maomao     I used to work as an apothecary. [08:51] Hongniang     If you'd mentioned that you're literate,     you would have gotten paid more. [08:56] Maomao     I was kidnapped and brought here, [08:58] Maomao     and I'm incensed that part of my pay     gets sent to the kidnappers. [09:05] Hongniang     So, you'd rather take less pay than give     your kidnappers drinking money, hmm? [09:20] Hongniang     Goodness, this was quite expensive. [09:24] Hongniang     You couldn't afford it with     your lady-in-waiting salary. [09:27] Hongniang     How will you send money to your family? [09:30] Hongniang     In fact, we might need to charge them. [09:34] Maomao     Ah, I'm so sorry. [09:38] Maomao     Please take it out of the money to my family. [09:40] Maomao     If that's not enough,      from my savings, too. [09:43] Hongniang     Yes, I'll arrange the paperwork. [09:46] Hongniang     By the way, here's hazard pay     for your food tasting services. [09:52] Maomao     Almost equal to my regular salary... [09:55] Maomao     Since the kidnappers don't get     a cut of this, it all goes to me. [10:00] Maomao     Thank you. [10:03] Maomao     She knows how to motivate her workers. [10:17] Yinghua     Don't worry about it! [10:19] Guiyuan     Rest for now. [10:20] Ailan     We've always been fully staffed. [10:22] Maomao     I'm bored! [10:25] Maomao     I only get called on as taster for     two meals and the mid-day tea time. [10:30] Maomao     Now that I have my own room, [10:33] Maomao     if there was a venomous snake or     something, I could experiment... [10:36] Hongniang     Maomao. [10:39] Maomao     Did you need me, Lady Gyokuyou? [10:41] Gyokuyou     He does, actually. [10:45] Maomao     Ugh. [10:47] Jinshi     Why won't this work on her? [10:54] Maomao     How may I serve you today? [10:56] Jinshi     I received these from a certain     military officer. Can you taste them? [11:01] Maomao     Baozi buns... [11:07] Maomao     It has an aphrodisiac in it. [11:10] Jinshi     You can tell without eating it? [11:11] Maomao     It's not harmful. Please     feel free to enjoy them. [11:15] Jinshi     Given who I received      these from, I can't do that. [11:19] Maomao     Perhaps that person     might visit you tonight. [11:24] Jinshi     Hmm. So you can tell by the smell alone? [11:27] Maomao     Did this guy try to make me eat one     knowing they have an aphrodisiac in them?! [11:38] Jinshi     I had one more question for you. [11:42] Maomao     Yes, what is it? [11:44] Jinshi     A squad of soldiers on a mission to attack     some barbarians was poisoned the other day. [11:49] Maomao     Poisoned? [11:50] Jinshi     Yes. Several fell ill after a meal. [11:53] Jinshi     They reported nausea, difficulty      breathing, and other ailments. [11:57] Maomao     Nausea and difficulty breathing... [12:01] Jinshi     The meal was prepared in a nearby village. [12:04] Jinshi     They arrested the village leader     for assisting the barbarians, [12:07] Jinshi     but an officer diffused the situation, [12:09] Jinshi     and has put the decision on hold. [12:12] Maomao     It would be natural to assume     the villagers poisoned the soldiers, but... [12:20] Maomao     Master Jinshi, where were they eating? [12:23] Jinshi     They were at camp, so     they likely ate outside. [12:25] Maomao     Did the villagers provide     the plates and chopsticks? [12:28] Jinshi     No, the soldiers should     have provided their own. [12:33] Jinshi     Did you notice something? [12:36] Maomao     This is just my opinion.     Let me share something. [12:40] Maomao     This flower is a rhododendron. [12:44] Gyokuyou     Does it taste good? [12:45] Maomao     No, eating it causes nausea     and difficulty breathing. [12:49] Jinshi     Hey! [12:51] Maomao     As you see, even the rear palace     has plants with poison in them. [12:55] Maomao     This one has poison in the leaves, but some     have poison in the branches or roots. [12:59] Maomao     Some wood can even emit poison when burned. [13:04] Gyokuyou     When burned...? [13:09] Jinshi     I see. [13:11] Maomao     It's fortunate the bright      officer was there. [13:14] Maomao     We could have lost a whole village. [13:17] Jinshi     Yes. [13:19] Maomao     If that's all, I'll take my leave. [13:21] Jinshi     No, wait. [13:23] Maomao     Is there more? [13:27] Jinshi     Can you make an aphrodisiac? [13:31] Maomao     Make? You mean... [13:34] Maomao     Making drugs?! [13:42] Maomao     Given time, the proper ingredients,     and the right tools, [13:45] Maomao     I could make something like that. [13:49] Mid-Rank Concubine     Master Jinshi, where are you headed? [13:54] Jinshi     I'm returning to my office. May I help you? [13:58] Mid-Rank Concubine     I was wondering if you'd have      tea with me in my room... [14:01] Jinshi     Unfortunately, I have much work     to attend to. Please excuse me. [14:10] Gaoshun     The servants must not be aware [14:13] Gaoshun     that Master Jinshi serves as a test     of their loyalty to the emperor. [14:18] Jinshi     Just because the emperor does not visit her, [14:20] Jinshi     she shouldn't try and lure     other men to her room. [14:22] Jinshi     What an indiscretion. [14:24] Gaoshun     Indeed. [14:25] Jinshi     A concubine cannot simply be     beautiful or well-educated. [14:30] Jinshi     They must be loyal to      the emperor, and be chaste. [14:34] Gaoshun     But to place you in the rear palace     and use your beauty as a test... [14:41] Gaoshun     Our emperor can be quite severe at times. [14:43] Jinshi     We all use whatever is available to us. But... [14:46] Jinshi     Not only does she feel no lust      for me, but that look... [14:50] Maomao     Glare... [14:53] Jinshi     I've never been so harshly     looked down on in my life. [14:57] Gaoshun     Well then, I will take my leave. [15:05] (Flashback) Maomao     Perhaps that person     might visit you tonight. [15:07] Maomao     Tonight... Tonight... [15:13] Maomao     I'm leaving now. [15:15] Hongniang     Good luck. [15:17] Maomao     Yes! [15:24] Maomao     Pardon me. [15:26] Maomao     The quack doctor, and... [15:29] Gaoshun     Miss Maomao. Let me reintroduce myself. [15:32] Gaoshun     I am Gaoshun. [15:34] Gaoshun     I'm Master Jinshi's assistant. [15:37] Gaoshun     Pleased to make your acquaintance. [15:39] Maomao     Hello. [15:41] Maomao     It can't be easy assisting that guy. [15:44] Guen     What is this servant girl     doing in my territory? [15:50] Gaoshun     This way, please. [15:54] Gaoshun     I have been told you may use     anything in this room. [16:09] Jinshi     Is that some sort of cursed dance? [16:15] Maomao     What a luxury, being able     to use paper so freely. [16:19] Maomao     And also, I need... [16:22] Gaoshun     Over there? [16:25] Maomao     He's really quick to notice things.     Compared to his master... [16:30] Maomao     If you're not going to do     anything, just go away. [16:33] Gaoshun     Here you are. [16:35] Maomao     Thank you. [16:38] Maomao     That's not enough... [16:41] Jinshi     What is this? [16:42] Maomao     It's cacao. [16:43] Jinshi     If you need more, we'll simply find more. [16:46] Maomao     But it's from the West,     and the far southern region, too. [16:50] Jinshi     I'm sure there's more in      the trading goods storage. [17:01] Maomao     Milk, butter, sugar, honey,     and powdered cacao. [17:07] Maomao     That should be enough. [17:09] Yinghua     All expensive ingredients. [17:11] Ailan     I wonder what she's making? [17:13] Guiyuan     A snack, maybe? [17:15] Hongniang     What are you all doing? [17:17] Hongniang     Get back to work! [17:19] Three Ladies-in-waiting     We're sorry! [17:22] Hongniang     Goodness. [17:24] Maomao     Now to actually make the aphrodisiac! [17:31] Maomao     I had a taste of cacao just once in the past. [17:33] (Flashback) Meimei     This is called "chocolate." Say "ah," Maomao. [17:39] (Flashback) Meimei     Maomao?! [17:43] Maomao     Perhaps a malicious customer wanted to get     a popular courtesan's attention. [17:47] Maomao     Unfortunately for him, he got     banned by the shrewd old lady. [17:52] Maomao     Looks good. [17:53] Maomao     There. [17:57] Maomao     Now I just cool it and wait for it to harden. [18:00] Maomao     I have a bit left over. Oh, I know. [18:05] Maomao     This probably doesn't need to be cooled. [18:10] Maomao     I guess I should clean up now. [18:17] Maomao     Wait, medicinal herbs?! [18:19] Maomao     There too?! And over there! [18:24] Maomao     Oops, I got a little carried away. [18:27] Maomao     Sorry for the delay! [18:41] Jinshi     At least we know it works. [18:44] Hongniang     So, what's going on?! [18:46] Maomao     Well, it is what it is... [18:49] Maomao     It's fine, they didn't go all the way—Ow! [18:54] Gyokuyou     So, this is the aphrodisiac? [18:56] Maomao     No, this is. [19:00] Jinshi     Then what are the other ones? [19:02] Maomao     A midnight snack for myself. [19:05] Maomao     If you're used to alcohol     and other stimulants, [19:07] Maomao     it won't have that much of an effect. [19:10] Jinshi     Oh, so it won't be a problem if I ate it? [19:14] Gaoshun & Hongniang     Please don't do that! [19:17] Jinshi     Haha, just joking. [19:19] Maomao     What a reprehensible joke to make     in front of the emperor's concubine. [19:23] Maomao     But if he approached someone with     an impassioned blush on that face... [19:30] Maomao     It'd immediately captivate     any person, male or female. [19:33] Maomao     He does have a great face, after all. [19:36] Maomao     It's quite strong, so please      limit it to one piece at a time. [19:40] Maomao     Too many could excessively increase     blood flow and cause nosebleeds. [19:44] Gyokuyou     Maybe you can make some for the emperor,     to avoid things getting too dull. [19:48] Maomao     It should be around three times     more potent than the usual tonic. [19:53] Gyokuyou     Three times? Does she mean duration...? [19:56] Maomao     Let's pretend I didn't hear that. [19:59] Maomao     Also, please only use it when you are     alone with the person in mind. [19:59] Gyokuyou     Three times... Three times... [20:04] Jinshi     I see. [20:06] Gyokuyou     Well, I'll take my leave now. [20:12] Hongniang     So she can make drugs? [20:16] Gyokuyou     How reliable. [20:22] Maomao     It's finally over. [20:29] Jinshi     Good work. [20:39] Jinshi     Thank you. [20:46] Maomao     I see. [20:48] Maomao     I hope there aren't any victims. SIGN    Next Time [22:45] Narrator     Next time: "The Unsettling     Matter of the Spirit." SIGN    Episode 3: The Unsettling Matter of the Spirit E3 - The Unsettling Matter of the Spirit Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:33] Lady-in-Waiting A     That can't be! SIGN    Episode 3: The Unsettling Matter of the Spirit [01:35] Lady-in-Waiting A     A reward?! [01:41] Fuyou     I understand. [01:45] Lady-in-Waiting B     Lady Fuyou! [01:46] Lady-in-Waiting A     Please, wait! [02:24] Yinghua     Wow, that's cold! [02:25] Guiyuan     We've been at the capital for a while now, [02:27] Guiyuan     but the morning cold     is still hard to get used to. [02:30] Yinghua     I miss the sand and sunlight back home. [02:33] Ailan     The mornings and nights     were cold back west as well, though. [02:36] Guiyuan     Ah, the Western Capital... [02:38] Guiyuan     It feels like a long time ago. [02:40] Guiyuan     And yet, Lady Gyokuyou's     palace entry feels like yesterday. [02:44] Ailan     By the way, my father gave me some good news. [02:48] Ailan     Apparently, trade between the western      and central capitals is on the rise. [02:52] Guiyuan     The emperor really does love Lady Gyokuyou. [02:55] Yinghua     It's the family home of     the emperor's favorite concubine. [02:58] Yinghua     Surely the central officers      can't ignore that. [03:01] Ailan     Cleaning the kitchen? We'll help. [03:05] Yinghua     No, we have to split up or     we'll never finish the work. [03:08] Yinghua     It's not like we can rely     on other servants. [03:10] Ailan     Yes, I remember how bad it was     back when she was pregnant, [03:13] Ailan     like that time there was     a poison needle in her dress. [03:16] Yinghua     Part of it is likely because she's     the princess of a foreign land. [03:20] Guiyuan     It's fine. We have one extra      lady-in-waiting now, right? [03:26] Yinghua     Maomao, what are you making? [03:29] Maomao     It's a cold remedy. [03:30] Yinghua     Wow, you can make those too? [03:33] Yinghua     The new lady-in-waiting is so talented. [03:40] Yinghua     Hey, are you sure you don't need anything? [03:43] Yinghua     Are you eating well? [03:44] Maomao     Thanks to you, yes... [03:46] Yinghua     Please don't keep your troubles to yourself! [03:48] Maomao     Sure... [03:51] Yinghua     By the way, did you hear the new     rumor everyone's talking about? [03:56] Maomao     No. [03:58] Yinghua     They say there's a spirit     haunting the rear palace. [04:01] Maomao     A spirit? [04:02] Xialoan     I heard that one! The ghostly lady     in white, right? [04:06] Maomao     So, it's famous? [04:07] Xialoan     All of the servants, eunuchs,     and concubines are talking about it! [04:12] Xiaolan     I think it started a few weeks ago. [04:14] Xiaolan     They say a ghostly lady in white     dances in the air under the moonlight! [04:20] Xiaolan     And she appears every night     at the eastern castle walls! [04:26] Maomao     Huh... [04:28] Maomao     The castle walls completely     surround the rear palace. [04:32] Maomao     The only way to enter is through the four     gates on the north, south, east and west. [04:39] Maomao     The gates are always guarded,     and the walls are surrounded by a moat. [04:44] Maomao     Sneaking in or out would be impossible. [04:47] Maomao     They say that sunken in the moats are... [04:55] Maomao     The corpses of concubines     who tried to escape. [04:59] Maomao     In other words, just your typical ghost story. [05:03] Xiaolan     What should I do if I see the spirit for real? [05:05] Maomao     It's just a rumor. [05:11] Maomao     Excuse me. Could you     take a look at this medicine? [05:14] Guen     Hey, little lady. One moment. [05:18] Maomao     To think that he was so wary     of me just a short while ago. [05:22] Maomao     When he found out I can make medicine,     he started allowing me to do it here. [05:28] Maomao     He also gives me the ingredients I need. [05:31] Maomao     He even makes me tea. [05:33] Maomao     Should he really be so laid back? [05:37] Guen     Sorry to make you wait. [05:41] Maomao     Wow... [05:42] Guen     You like salty better than sweet, right? [05:45] Jinshi     May I have some as well? [05:48] Guen     Right away! [05:53] Jinshi     Good work. [05:55] Maomao     It's the least I could do. [05:58] Maomao     Does this guy have nothing better to do? [06:01] Maomao     Shouldn't he be at the Domestic     Service Department as a eunuch? [06:03] Maomao     Instead, he wanders around the entire     rear palace like he's on surveillance duty... [06:09] Maomao     In that case, he must outrank     the Matron of the Serving Women. [06:14] Maomao     He could be the emperor's guardian,     but he's too young for that. [06:20] Maomao     Ah. He must be the emperor's     "personal favorite." [06:26] Jinshi     Are you thinking something      inappropriate right now? [06:29] Maomao     Huh? You're imagining things. [06:32] Jinshi     Doctor, could you fetch me this? [06:41] Maomao     So, what do you really want? [06:45] Jinshi     Have you heard about the spirit haunting? [06:48] Maomao     A few rumors, yes. [06:49] Jinshi     How about sleepwalking? [06:54] Maomao     Sleepwalking... [06:56] Jinshi     Seems like I got your attention. [07:02] Jinshi     How can it be cured? [07:04] Maomao     I don't know. There's no medicine     that cures somnambulism. [07:08] Jinshi     Is there a cure other than medicine? [07:11] Maomao     My specialty is medicine. [07:15] Jinshi     That's too bad. [07:20] Jinshi     That's truly, truly too bad. [07:23] Maomao     Yuck! He's so persistent! [07:30] Maomao     I'll do my best. [07:44] Maomao     This guy doesn't come off like a eunuch. [07:49] Gaoshun     Lady Maomao. [07:51] Maomao     Please don't call me "Lady."     You outrank me by quite a bit. [07:56] Gaoshun     In that case, how's Xiaomao? [07:59] Maomao     A "Xiao" nickname? That was a sharp turn. [08:02] Gaoshun     Could you stop glaring down at     Master Jinshi like he's an insect? [08:08] Maomao     Yikes, he knows. [08:10] Gaoshun     When he returned earlier, [08:12] Gaoshun     he told me, ecstatically, how you stared     at him like he was a venomous caterpillar. [08:19] Maomao     I'll be more careful. [08:24] Gaoshun     If someone unprepared saw him     like that, they might pass out. [08:30] Maomao     To each their own, I guess... [08:40] Gaoshun     Over there. [08:51] Maomao     A moonlit cotton rose... [08:53] Gaoshun     That's a good guess. [08:57] Gaoshun     That is Concubine Fuyou. [09:00] Gaoshun     She's a mid-ranking concubine, [09:02] Gaoshun     scheduled to be bestowed     to a military officer as a reward. [09:14] Guen     It's been two years, I think. [09:16] Guen     She's a timid princess. [09:19] Guen     She's supposed to be a skilled dancer,     but stumbled at her first showing. [09:23] Guen     The emperor hasn't laid a finger on her,     and she shut herself in ever since. [09:30] Guen     I guess some things can't be avoided, but... [09:34] Ladies-in-Waiting     Lady Fuyou! [09:34] Guen     A bestowal? I feel sorry for her. [09:38] Maomao     She started sleepwalking over the shock     of being treated as a reward? [09:41] Maomao     They do say illness is a result     of an unbalanced mind... [09:46] Maomao     No, I need more information. [09:49] Maomao     Maybe I'll take another look at her. [09:52] Maomao     Where is Concubine Fuyou's room? [09:55] Guen     Her building is on the north side. [09:57] Maomao     Thank you. And thank you for the snacks. [10:01] Guen     Leaving already? [10:05] Guen     I hope she feels better. [10:08] Guen     I heard she's a princess     from a small vassal state. [10:10] Guen     I'm sure she doesn't want to go back. [10:14] Maomao     Go back? [10:15] Guen     Oh, yes. She's... [10:18] Lady-in-Waiting     I feel sorry for Concubine Fuyou. [10:21] Low-rank Concubine     Yes, being given away to a military officer? [10:24] Low-rank Concubine     I shudder at the mere thought. [10:36] Maomao     She seems very different from how     she looked dancing on that wall. [10:41] Gaoshun     Yes. I was surprised too,     the first time I saw her. [10:45] Gaoshun     She's very unassuming most of the time. [10:49] Maomao     She really is like a cotton rose. [10:52] Gaoshun     A cotton rose? [10:54] Maomao     Yes. [10:55] Maomao     The fuyou flower,     also known as the cotton rose, [10:58] Maomao     blooms as a large white flower in the morning. [11:00] Maomao     However, by evening, it turns a deep pink. [11:06] Gaoshun     So, the flower changes its appearance     over the course of a single day? [11:11] Maomao     Yes. [11:18] Xiaolan     The spirit story? [11:20] Maomao     Yeah, I wanted to hear more about it.     Do you know anything else? [11:26] Xiaolan     Well, I heard she first     appeared on the north side. [11:31] Maomao     Huh? The north side? [11:33] Serving girl     Xiaolan! Laundry! [11:35] Maomao     She moved from the north to the east? [11:36] Xiaolan     Coming! [11:37] Xiaolan     Gotta go. [11:37] Maomao     Also... [11:39] (Flashback) Guen     Oh, yes. She's... [11:42] Maomao     I knew it. Concubine Fuyou is... [11:50] Maomao     My dad would tell me not to speak up     based on just speculation, but... [11:57] Maomao     Not much is known about     somnambulance, or sleepwalking. [12:01] Maomao     It is said that it's caused by stress. [12:03] Maomao     The patient moves about     in their sleep, as if they're awake. [12:08] Maomao     A while ago, at the brothels,     I saw a courtesan with the same illness. [12:15] Maomao     She was a cheerful person,     skilled at poetry. [12:18] Maomao     She even received a purchase offer. [12:22] Maomao     However, that offer fell through. [12:25] Maomao     She started roaming the brothel at night,     as if possessed by a demonic spirit. [12:39] (Flashback) Courtesan A     Why hello. What's wrong, everyone? [12:43] Maomao     She had no recollection of the night before. [12:47] Jinshi     And then what happened? [12:49] Maomao     Nothing. When the purchase offer was      rescinded, the sleepwalking stopped. [12:55] Gyokuyou     So... That courtesan     didn't want to get sold off? [13:01] Maomao     It's possible. [13:03] Maomao     The offer was made by a wealthy merchant, [13:06] Maomao     but not only did he have a wife and     children, he had grandchildren as well. [13:10] Maomao     Also, she only had one year left on her term. [13:18] Gyokuyou     Perhaps Concubine Fuyou was the same. [13:21] Jinshi     Hmm. Is that really it? [13:29] Maomao     That's it. [13:31] Jinshi     Really? [13:35] Gaoshun     Please, stay calm. [13:37] Maomao     I'll get back to work. [13:47] Maomao     From that day on, Concubine Fuyou     was forbidden from leaving her room. [13:52] Maomao     Until the day of her bestowal,     eunuchs were placed to watch her. [14:00] Maomao     I hope it works out. [14:07] Gyokuyou     Isn't Maomao behaving strangely lately? [14:12] Hongniang     Is she? [14:21] Gyokuyou     I can tell. [14:23] Gyokuyou     There must be something. [14:32] Gyokuyou     Concubine Fuyou is leaving today, right? [14:37] Maomao     That is what I've heard. [14:56] Gyokuyou     Hey. [14:57] Gyokuyou     You can tell me the truth, you know. [15:04] Gyokuyou     I won't get upset, since I'm the one who asked. [15:11] Maomao     This is all just speculation,     so could you keep this between us? [15:16] Gyokuyou     My lips are sealed. [15:21] Maomao     Do you remember the story of     the courtesan I told you before? [15:25] Gyokuyou     The sleepwalker? [15:27] Maomao     Yes. [15:28] Maomao     There was actually another courtesan [15:31] Maomao     whose purchase offer was     called off for the same reason. [15:34] Maomao     She later received another purchase offer, [15:39] Maomao     but since she was ill,     the price was cut in half. [15:46] Maomao     However, it was all fraud. [15:49] Gyokuyou     Fraud? [15:51] Maomao     The two men who made     the purchase offers knew each other. [15:56] Maomao     The woman pretended to be sick      to call off the first offer. [16:01] Maomao     Then, the real purchaser     made a bid at half the first price. [16:07] Maomao     If they wanted to be together,      the man lacked the silver, [16:11] Maomao     and the woman still had time left on her term. [16:15] Gyokuyou     So, you're saying Concubine Fuyou     is the same as that courtesan? [16:19] Maomao     Concubine Fuyou and the military officer [16:22] Maomao     are childhood friends     who grew up in the same homeland. [16:25] Gyokuyou     Huh? [16:26] Maomao     I heard the man showed his valor in     a battle against barbarians the other day. [17:03] Maomao     When asked what he wished as a reward, [17:05] Maomao     he strongly insisted on      receiving Concubine Fuyou. [17:12] Maomao     He must have fantasized about it     even before he left home. [17:17] Maomao     As a military officer, he could never     propose marriage to a princess. [17:22] Gyokuyou     But then, she was pulled      into the rear palace... [17:27] Maomao     And the princess also had feelings     for her childhood friend. [17:31] Maomao     So, that could be why she failed at her dance, [17:34] Maomao     to avoid attracting     the attention of the emperor. [17:38] Maomao     And as intended, the emperor never     touched her. Her body is still pure. [17:46] Maomao     That said, it's entirely possible [17:48] Maomao     that the emperor would show     interest in Concubine Fuyou, [17:50] Maomao     now that she's scheduled to be given away. [17:53] Gyokuyou     And so, she feigned somnambulism... [17:57] Gyokuyou     I can't say anything about     the emperor. It's entirely possible. [18:02] Maomao     The barbarian battle took      place in the eastern region. [18:05] Maomao     And Concubine Fuyou's     nightly dance took place on... [18:09] Gyokuyou     The eastern gate? [18:12] Maomao     She was probably wishing for his safe return. [18:15] Maomao     Again, all speculation. [18:50] Gyokuyou     Hey, Maomao. [18:52] Maomao     Yes? [18:54] Gyokuyou     Would it make me a terrible woman     if I said I envy Concubine Fuyou? [19:08] Maomao     That night, Concubine Fuyou was beautiful. [19:16] Maomao     She didn't seem at all like the nondescript     princess I saw during the day. [19:26] Maomao     No, I wouldn't say that. [19:55] Gyokuyou     Let's go. [19:57] Maomao     Yes. [20:19] Maomao     If love makes a woman beautiful, [20:25] Maomao     what kind of medicine would it make? [20:55] Emperor     I have a request for the rumored apothecary. SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "The Threat." SIGN    Episode 4: The Threat E4 - The Threat Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries [01:30] Lady-in-Waiting 1     How dare you try to feed     Lady Lihua such lowly food! SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:34] Lady-in-Waiting 2     Only the most luxurious foods     suit our Lady Lihua. [01:39] Lady-in-Waiting 2     I'd hesitate to even show this to her! SIGN    Episode 4: The Threat [01:42] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Who would ever think Lady Lihua     would enjoy something like this? [01:45] Maomao     Yikes. What a pain. [01:45] Lady-in-Waiting 2     We know best what Lady Lihua likes to eat. [01:49] Maomao     I'd never have come to the Crystal     Pavilion if I'd had a choice, but... [01:50] Lady-in-Waiting 2     How dare you try to sneak this      past us, servant. Shame on you. [01:55] Narrator     The night the emperor     visited the Jade Pavilion... [02:23] Maomao     There is no poison. [02:26] Maomao     Excuse me. [02:31] Emperor     Wait. [02:33] Maomao     Uh-oh, the emperor directly addressed me     for the first time. [02:36] Emperor     I have a request for the famous apothecary. [02:40] Maomao     Famous? I have a bad feeling about this. [02:43] Maomao     Yes. [02:44] Emperor     Concubine Lihua is not well.     Could you look after her? [02:49] Maomao     By "look after her," he means "cure her." [02:54] Maomao     The word of the emperor     is the word of the heavens. [02:57] Maomao     If I declined, that would be     grounds for my beheading. [03:00] Maomao     Yes, Your Majesty. [03:03] Maomao     Why would he say that in     front of another concubine? [03:08] Maomao     His Majesty really is "an emperor" by nature. [03:13] Maomao     That said, it's pretty incredible that they     treat me like this. I'm here by imperial order. [03:18] Maomao     Since they serve Lady Lihua, I suppose     they hate me as a servant of Lady Gyokuyou. [03:24] Maomao     Hmm? [03:25] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Get out if you're done cleaning! [03:28] Maomao     Boing boing. [03:31] Maomao     Oh, well. Guess I have to cook it again. [03:36] Xiaolan     Maomao, are you at the Crystal Pavilion now? [03:39] Maomao     Yeah, I'm looking after Lady Lihua. [03:41] Xiaolan     I see. Lady Lihua hasn't recovered yet... [03:46] Maomao     The whitening powder's poison     must still be in her system. [03:49] Xiaolan     The poisonous powder, huh?     I heard it was banned. [03:54] Xiaolan     I heard the eunuchs took away all     the remaining powder in the rear palace. [03:59] Maomao     I see. Good. [04:02] Xiaolan     But a request from the emperor?     You're awesome, Maomao. I was surprised! [04:09] Maomao     He must really not trust the doctor     to rely on a girl like me. [04:15] Xiaolan     Maomao, you're going     to the kitchen later, right? [04:17] Maomao     Yeah. [04:18] Xiaolan     Good luck with the cooking! [04:20] Maomao     Thanks. [04:26] Maomao     Right! [04:28] Maomao     In looking after Lady Lihua, the first thing     I set out to do was to improve her diet. [04:30] Maomao     Um, excuse me. [04:32] Cook     Yes? [04:32] Maomao     First I needed to expel     the poison still in her body. [04:36] Maomao     To do this, a porridge with lots of fiber, [04:39] Maomao     plus a diuretic tea sounds good. [04:41] Maomao     Not this. Not this either. This one... [04:45] Maomao     And this one, too. But not this one... [04:51] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Enough is enough! [04:53] Lady-in-Waiting 1     This is no place for lowly girls like you. [04:57] Maomao     Boing boing. [04:59] Maomao     This is going to take a while. [05:02] Maomao     In that case, let's try... [05:04] Maomao     This one, that one, the other one, and this. [05:11] Lady-in-Waiting 3     How many times do I have to tell you?! [05:12] Maomao     Well, first, she needs to eat      something easy to digest— [05:15] Lady-in-Waiting 1     No way! Sick people need nutritious food,     not cheap stuff like that. Obviously. [05:22] Maomao     So that's her usual meal. [05:24] Maomao     Sure, it's nutritious, [05:27] Maomao     but it's too heavy for a sick     person's weakened stomach. [05:30] Maomao     That's not hard to understand. [05:33] Maomao     Why won't anyone stop them? [05:36] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Lady Lihua, your meal is ready. [05:40] Lady-in-Waiting 1     We brought you all the things     you like. Please try to eat. [05:50] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Lady Lihua?! [05:51] Lady-in-Waiting 2     Oh no, what do we do?! [05:52] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Quick, bring water! [05:54] Lady-in-Waiting 3     Are you all right, Lady Lihua?! [05:55] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Lady Lihua, please have some water. [06:02] Lady-in-Waiting 4     This is your fault, lowly servant! [06:04] Lady-in-Waiting 5     Your presence ruins the atmosphere! [06:06] Lady-in-Waiting 6     Get out! Now! [06:09] Maomao     Boing boing. [06:12] Maomao     I won't even be able     to get near her at this rate. [06:16] Maomao     Now, what shall I do... [06:24] Maomao     If I could at least do an examination... [06:26] Lady-in-Waiting 1     No need. What if you make things worse?! [06:32] Maomao     At that rate, she's bound to wither and die. [06:36] Maomao     People die unless they eat. [06:40] Maomao     She probably lost the will to live     after losing her child. [06:50] Maomao     How many days do I have left, [06:52] Maomao     before my head bids farewell to my body     for defying the emperor's order? [06:57] Jinshi     It seems like you're in a bit of a bind. [07:01] Maomao     Does it appear that way to you? [07:03] Jinshi     It does appear that way to me. [07:06] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Master Jinshi?! [07:09] Lady-in-Waiting 4     What's with that girl? [07:11] Lady-in-Waiting 5     Why is she with Master Jinshi...? [07:12] Maomao     An annoying misunderstanding... [07:18] Jinshi     Let's go inside, for now. [07:22] Lady-in-Waiting 2     Oh... [07:22] Lady-in-Waiting 1     M-Master Jinshi?! [07:23] Lady-in-Waiting 4 & 5     Eek! [07:24] Jinshi     It's not befitting of beautiful     and talented ladies like you [07:27] Jinshi     to ignore the emperor's arrangements. [07:32] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Oh! Oh no, we aren't ignoring... [07:33] Lady-in-Waiting 4     Whoa! Eek! [07:34] Lady-in-Waiting 2     Right. We were just, um... [07:35] Lady-in-Waiting 5     H-Hey! [07:38] Maomao     It's scary how women can change so quickly. [07:48] Jinshi     There. Now go. [08:20] Maomao     She does have the will to eat. [08:23] Maomao     But she's weaker than I thought. [08:26] Maomao     Maybe she can handle rice water instead. [08:32] Maomao     Excuse me. [08:35] Maomao     The same shade as before... [08:57] Maomao     Are you the one in charge of     the concubine's makeup? [09:00] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Indeed I am. [09:02] Lady-in-Waiting 1     We want Lady Lihua to always be beautiful. [09:05] Lady-in-Waiting 1     That is our duty as ladies-in-waiting. [09:08] Lady-in-Waiting 2     It's all for Lady Lihua. Obviously. [09:11] Maomao     I see. [09:14] Lady-in-Waiting 1     What's wrong with you?! [09:16] Maomao     Huh? Just punishing an idiot, obviously. [09:19] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Ouch! You're hurting me! Stop! It hurts! [09:31] Maomao     The poison will infect your     whole body after a while. [09:34] Maomao     You should be glad. You'll be pretty too, [09:38] Maomao     just like your beloved Lady Lihua. [09:41] Maomao     Pale, bloodless skin, sunken eye sockets,     a body unable to even eat... [09:48] Maomao     Don't you understand why this stuff was banned?! [10:01] Lady-in-Waiting 1     I j-just thought it would     make Lady Lihua happy— [10:06] Maomao     I told you, it's poison. [10:08] Maomao     There are no thoughts in your head.     You just think you know everything. [10:14] Maomao     Who would be happy poisoned with      the same thing that killed their son?! [10:29] Maomao     Go rinse your mouth and wash your face. [10:33] Maomao     Hey! This is bad for the patient. [10:37] Maomao     Clean this floor up immediately! [10:39] Ladies-in-Waiting     Y-Yes! [10:44] Jinshi     It truly is scary, how women     can change so quickly. [10:49] Maomao     Oh... [10:52] Maomao     I've really done it now... [10:55] Lady-in-Waiting 2     Let's go. [10:59] Maomao     Lady Lihua's health was worse than I thought. [11:03] Maomao     I started by changing from     porridge to rice water. [11:06] Maomao     I forced the food into her mouth and     had her swallow slowly, repeatedly. [11:12] Maomao     No sense in worrying about     manners at a time like this. [11:17] Maomao     I did some ventilation, which thinned out     the incense, revealing the smell of the sick. [11:22] Maomao     Those incompetent fools can't even     wipe down their mistress properly? [11:25] Maomao     How do they even call     themselves ladies-in-waiting? [11:28] Maomao     There's so much they could have been     doing before worrying about incense. [11:34] Maomao     Hey. Hot water and cloth, now. [11:37] Ladies-in-Waiting 2 & 3     Y-Yes. [11:41] Maomao     You all, get to work. [11:42] Ladies-in-Waiting 4; 5; 6     Y-Yes! [11:50] Maomao     I had her drink tea every chance I could find. [11:52] Maomao     Frequent urination helps flush     the poison out of her body. [11:56] Lady-in-Waiting 2     Um, are you sure Lady Lihua isn't in pain...? [12:00] Maomao     It doesn't matter, she must drink. [12:03] Maomao     She began to eat more, so I increased     the amount of rice grains in the water. [12:08] Maomao     When she began to be able to swallow     them, I added soup and ground fruit. [12:14] Maomao     I heard the lady-in-waiting     was put in confinement. [12:19] Maomao     Apparently, she'd hid     the powder for Lady Lihua. [12:25] Maomao     The eunuch who was supposed to recover     the powder was punished by flagellation. [12:46] Jinshi     You seem tired. [12:49] Maomao     Yes. Unlike a certain someone, I'm quite busy. [12:53] Gaoshun     We brought gifts. [12:57] Maomao     Thank you! [13:00] Maomao     Wow! [13:02] Maomao     He really knows what I want! [13:04] Maomao     It's considerate people like him     who become good husbands. [13:08] Maomao     He is a eunuch, though. [13:11] Maomao     Compared to him... [13:17] Jinshi     Do you need help with anything? [13:20] Maomao     Well... [13:23] Jinshi     What is it? Tell me anything. [13:27] Jinshi     Over there, they need help. Someone please. [13:31] Jinshi     Everyone, please hurry. [13:33] Eunuchs     Yes! [13:35] Gaoshun     A steam bath? [13:37] Jinshi     Apparently, sweating is good for her. [13:40] Gaoshun     Is it useful? [13:42] Jinshi     I suppose it is. [13:44] Maomao     We have to use whatever we have. [13:56] Lihua     You... Why... [14:01] Maomao     Yes, what is it? [14:04] Lihua     Why wouldn't you... [14:09] Lihua     let me just die? [14:14] Maomao     You could stop eating, then. [14:19] Maomao     But you eat the porridge     because you want to live. [14:42] Lihua     I see. [14:58] Lihua     You're right. [15:48] Maomao     You. [15:50] Lady-in-Waiting 1     I was released from confinement and am     permitted to serve Lady Lihua once again. [15:57] Lady-in-Waiting 1     I will never make that mistake again. Ever. [16:02] Lady-in-Waiting 1     I will take your place now. Please rest. [16:07] Maomao     All right. [16:16] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Lady Lihua. [16:21] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Lady Lihua. [16:27] Lihua     Ah... [16:33] Lihua     Can you get me some water, if you could? [16:41] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Yes. [16:46] Lady-in-Waiting 1     Yes! [16:53] Maomao     After about two months, Lady Lihua     recovered enough to be able to walk by herself. [17:02] Maomao     She has self-respect, but isn't arrogant. [17:06] Maomao     After that matter with the prince,     I imagined her as a selfish princess, [17:11] Maomao     but as it turns out, she has     a personality befitting a concubine. [17:50] Maomao     I will take my leave tomorrow morning. [17:54] Lihua     I see. [17:56] Maomao     I've already spoken to your     ladies-in-waiting about your food [17:59] Maomao     and other things to be careful of. [18:03] Lihua     Hey. Am I incapable of birthing another child? [18:10] Maomao     I don't know. Perhaps you should try. [18:14] Lihua     But His Majesty's love for me is gone. [18:18] Maomao     I was sent here by a direct      order from the emperor. [18:22] Maomao     Once I return to the Jade Pavilion,     perhaps the emperor will visit you. [18:29] Lihua     I ignored those words of     advice and let my child die. [18:34] Lihua     Will I be able to win     against Concubine Gyokuyou? [18:37] Maomao     It's not a matter of winning and losing. [18:42] Maomao     There are hundreds,     thousands of flowers in the world, [18:45] Maomao     but who can decide whether a peony     or a bellflower is more beautiful? [18:52] Lihua     I have neither her jade eyes     nor her bright hair. [19:00] Maomao     You have other... assets. [19:04] Maomao     Not just the sheer size, but the shape     and tension are truly magnificent. [19:09] Lihua     Huh? [19:11] Maomao     Could you lend me your ear? [19:14] Lihua     Y-Yes. [19:30] Maomao     Excuse me. [19:37] Maomao     The knowledge I left with Lady Lihua     was a secret technique taught to me [19:37] Lady-in-Waiting     Lady Lihua, what's wrong? [19:41] Ladies-in-Waiting     Lady Lihua?! [19:42] Maomao     by my big sisters at the brothel. [19:44] (Flashback) Pairin     You should learn this, just in case! [19:47] (Flashback) Young Maomao     Huh? [19:49] Maomao     Unfortunately, I don't have the sizable     fruits to employ the technique. [19:54] Maomao     It's perfect for Lady Lihua, though. [19:59] Maomao     I hope it turns out to be useful. [20:07] Maomao     I'm back. [20:10] Gyokuyou     Welcome back. [20:12] Yinghua     Maomao, are you all right?! [20:14] Guiyuan     You've gotten so thin. [20:16] Ailan     It must have been very hard. [20:18] Jinshi     She completed the emperor's     mission all by herself. Impressive. [20:26] Narration     There was a period after that where     the emperor's visits to the Jade Pavilion [20:29] Narration     decreased in frequency quite significantly. [20:34] Gyokuyou     Finally, released from sleep deprivation. [20:39] Narration     Maomao couldn't keep a straight face,     but that's another story. [21:00] Eunuch     It's a curse... SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narration     Next time: "Covert Operations." SIGN    Episode 5: Covert Operations E5 - Covert Operations Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. SIGN    Episode 5: Covert Operations [02:18] Basen     I yield. [02:23] Jinshi     You've improved, Basen. [02:25] Basen     No... [02:27] Basen     My brute force is still no match     for your techniques, Master Jinshi. [02:32] Jinshi     But that force of yours is quite astounding.     You truly carry the Ma clan's blood. [02:40] Jinshi     How's the apothecary doing, Gaoshun? [02:44] Gaoshun     What specifically do you mean? [02:46] Jinshi     Has she gained weight? [02:48] Gaoshun     I believe she has regained some, yes. [02:51] Jinshi     I see. Well... [02:54] (Flashback) Maomao     Don't you understand why this stuff was banned?! [02:57] (Flashback) Maomao     I told you, it's poison. [02:59] Jinshi     It was unexpected, seeing that side of her. [03:03] Gaoshun     Are you all right, sir? [03:04] Jinshi     Hmm? What? [03:06] Gaoshun     You seem very concerned. [03:13] Gaoshun     No, it's nothing. [03:25] Maomao     I knew I'd find it! [03:28] Maomao     Yes! [03:31] Maomao     Oh! Over here, too! [03:33] Maomao     And here, too! [03:36] Maomao     Where should I eat it? The kitchen? [03:39] Maomao     But I don't want people     asking where I found it... [03:42] Maomao     Oh, but before that... [03:45] Xiaolan     Wow, looks so good! [03:47] Xiaolan     Thanks as always, Maomao! [03:50] Xiaolan     It's so kind of your higher-ups to share snacks     with you every time there's a tea party. [03:57] (Flashback) Yinghua     You need to eat more! [03:58] (Flashback) Guiyuan     Gain more weight! [04:00] (Flashback) Ailan     Don't be shy! [04:04] Xiaolan     Oh, did you hear? [04:06] Maomao     Hmm? [04:07] Xiaolan     I heard a palace servant [04:09] Xiaolan     was able to seduce a military officer     who was famous for hating women. [04:13] Maomao     Huh... [04:14] Xiaolan     Guess how she did it. [04:16] Maomao     Who knows? [04:18] Xiaolan     They say she used an aphrodisiac! [04:20] Maomao     Aphro...disiac? [04:27] Maomao     That one. [04:28] Xiaolan     What's wrong, Maomao? [04:29] Maomao     N-Nothing. It's not related. Probably. [04:36] Maomao     Good morning. [04:38] Guen     Oh, hey little lady! What's going on today? [04:42] Maomao     There's a secret I'd like to discuss with you. [04:44] Guen     What is it? [04:46] Maomao     This. [04:49] Guen     Wow! Those are fresh matsutake mushrooms! [04:51] Maomao     I'm glad to see you seem to like it. [04:53] Guen     We'll need charcoal!     And some soy paste and salt! [04:58] Maomao     Somehow, I've ended up being     buddy-buddy with the quack doctor. [05:07] Guen     Oh, how irresistible! [05:09] Maomao     I think it's ready. [05:11] Maomao     Pour on some soy paste, add some salt... [05:16] Maomao     Here. [05:21] Guen     Delicious! [05:22] Maomao     Now he's an accomplice. [05:25] Maomao & Guen     Delicious! [05:28] Eunuch A     D-Doctor! [05:31] Eunuch A     A c-curse... [05:33] Eunuch A     Can you make a medicine that cures curses? [05:36] Maomao     A curse? [05:38] Guen     What do you mean? [05:39] Eunuch A     It's this. [05:43] Maomao     That's quite a bad rash.     Maybe an ointment, for starters? [05:48] Guen     Could you make some? [05:50] Maomao     Understood. [05:52] Guen     So, what's this curse you mentioned? [05:55] Eunuch A     It was two nights ago. [05:59] Eunuch A     Trash that comes out of the rear palace [06:01] Eunuch A     is burned in the pit on the west side. [06:04] Eunuch A     I was doing work as usual that day, when... [06:09] (Flashback) Eunuch A     What's that? [06:13] (Flashback) Eunuch A     A woman's dress? The bottoms of the     sleeves are burnt. [06:17] (Flashback) Eunuch A     And wood writing tablets...? [06:19] Eunuch A     I was a little curious, but I just     threw it in the fire anyway. Then... [06:39] Eunuch A     It's a curse! That must be     what got to my hands! [06:44] Maomao     Was the fire this color? [06:51] Maomao     Or perhaps this color? [06:55] Maomao     This would do the same thing. [06:58] Guen     Little lady, what is that? [07:01] Maomao     It's similar to how fireworks work. [07:03] Maomao     Some things change the color     of a flame when burned. [07:07] Eunuch A     Then, what about my hands? [07:09] Maomao     There was probably something     on the wood tablets. [07:13] Maomao     I think it caused the rashes     when you touched them. [07:16] Maomao     Try this medicine, and let us know how it goes. [07:19] Eunuch A     Oh, thank you. [07:21] Guen     The little lady's medicines     work like a charm! [07:24] Guen     You'll be better in no time! [07:27] Jinshi     Well done as always, apothecary. [07:30] Guen     Master Jinshi! [07:33] Guen     I'll make you some tea. [07:37] Maomao     Greetings, Master Jinshi.     What business do you have with me today? [07:41] Jinshi     Do you mean I shouldn't talk     to you unless I have business? [07:45] Maomao     Of course not. [07:49] Jinshi     Follow me for a moment. [07:52] Guen     Thank you for waiting, Master Jinshi— [07:55] Guen     Oh. [08:01] Jinshi     How many colors are there? [08:03] Maomao     I can't say specifically. [08:05] Jinshi     Then, how does one apply these colors? [08:09] Maomao     With salts, you can dissolve them in water. [08:12] Maomao     Some will dissolve in     other things, like oil. [08:17] Maomao     But this is outside my area of expertise. [08:20] Jinshi     I see. [08:22] Maomao     If that's all, please excuse me. [08:25] Jinshi     Wait. [08:27] Maomao     What is it? [08:29] Jinshi     I like them teapot-steamed. [08:34] Jinshi     I'm counting on you, apothecary. [08:36] Maomao     So, he knew... [08:39] Maomao     I'll see if I can find more tomorrow. [08:50] Jinshi     Find everyone who's suffered burns     on their arms recently. [08:54] Gaoshun     Understood. [08:56] Maomao     The colored wood tablets are     probably some kind of code. [09:00] Maomao     People would only use something like     that for... something secret? [09:05] Maomao     What would that be? [09:09] Maomao     None of my business. Nothing a food     taster should be concerned about. [09:17] Hongniang     Thank you. Oh, please take that over there. [09:22] Maomao     I'm back. [09:24] Hongniang     Welcome back. [09:26] Yinghua     Maomao! Nice timing. [09:27] Hongniang     Over there, please. [09:29] Yinghua     Try this on, would you? [09:31] Maomao     Huh? I have a bad feeling about this... [09:37] Maomao     What is this? [09:39] Yinghua     Isn't it obvious? It's your dress     for the garden party. [09:42] Maomao     Garden party? [09:44] Yinghua     Twice a year, the emperor and his     high officials gather in the courtyard [09:48] Yinghua     to enjoy food and entertainment. [09:51] Hongniang     The emperor isn't married yet,     so he has no empress consort, right? [09:56] Hongniang     In that case, it's customary to bring      the upper first-rank concubines. [10:01] Maomao     Upper first-rank concubines... SIGN    Current Emperor SIGN    (Contender for Empress Consort) SIGN    Upper First-Rank Concubine [10:03] Hongniang     The four high-ranking concubines who are     the best contenders for the empress consort. [10:12] Hongniang     Concubine Gyokuyou, Precious Consort. [10:14] Hongniang     Concubine Lihua, Wise Consort. [10:17] Hongniang     Concubine Lishu, Virtuous Consort. [10:19] Hongniang     Concubine Ah-Duo, Pure Consort. [10:22] Hongniang     Last time, Lady Gyokuyou     Lady Lihua couldn't attend, [10:24] Hongniang     because they had just given birth. [10:26] Hongniang     So this time, they decided     to invite all four concubines. [10:29] Maomao     And what do we do there? [10:32] Hongniang     Well, nothing, actually. [10:38] Gyokuyou     We're invited as guests.     We just have to follow the emperor. [10:43] Hongniang     Some officials come by     to pay their respects. [10:46] Hongniang     So, don't forget to smile. [10:48] Maomao     Huh... [10:51] Maomao     Is everyone required to attend? [10:53] Yinghua     Of course! [10:56] Yinghua     This is Princess Lingli's     first public appearance, [10:58] Yinghua     and a rare event with all four     high-ranking concubines! [11:01] Yinghua     This is a war! We have to brace ourselves! [11:05] Yinghua     Let's do this! [11:08] Maomao     Lady Gyokuyou has so few     ladies-in-waiting to start with. [11:11] Maomao     The newbie can't sit this out. [11:14] Maomao     Besides, if there's a meal,     the taster is indispensable. [11:18] Yinghua     I guess you do need to     stuff the chest area a little. [11:22] Yinghua     I want to bulk up your waist, too. Is that okay? [11:25] Maomao     I'm in your hands. [11:28] Yinghua     We'll be doing some nice makeup, too! [11:31] Yinghua     You should hide your freckles occasionally. [11:36] Maomao     Staying outside in the strong winds, [11:39] Maomao     watching the entertainment, eating the food, [11:41] Maomao     smiling at the officials who come by... [11:45] Maomao     I'll definitely need an iron      bladder for this one. [11:50] Maomao     In that case... [12:01] Maomao     Good. [12:03] Hongniang     That smells nice. [12:06] Hongniang     What are you making? [12:08] Maomao     It's candy made of ginger and oranges. [12:10] Hongniang     Candy? [12:11] Maomao     Orange peels improve blood flow,     and ginger warms the body. [12:17] Hongniang     Wait, is it for the garden party?! [12:20] Maomao     Yes. I also made this, just in case. [12:24] Maomao     I sewed pockets into my underrobe. [12:27] Maomao     By putting pocket warmers in there,     it should help me withstand the cold. [12:30] Hongniang     Maomao! [12:32] Maomao     Huh? [12:32] Hongniang     Please, make enough for everyone! [12:36] Maomao     S-Sure... [12:42] Maomao     I guess getting too used to custom     can stifle the simplest ideas. [12:48] Maomao     A little work can make things better. [12:53] Maomao     Come in. [12:54] Jinshi     I'd like to ask for one, myself. [12:56] Gaoshun     Me too, please... [12:58] Maomao     Okay. [13:00] Seamstress     Please teach me how to make that. [13:02] Cook     Please. [13:04] Maomao     The emperor's own seamstress and cook, too? [13:36] Yinghua     So cold! [13:53] Maomao     Finally finished. [13:56] Maomao     So, it's tomorrow. [14:01] Maomao     Let's make some of those too, just in case. [14:06] Gaoshun     Regarding the search for those     with burns on their arms... [14:09] Jinshi     No luck yet? [14:13] Gaoshun     I'm sorry. [14:15] Jinshi     I hope the garden party goes smoothly... [14:39] Ladies-in-Waiting Trio     Wow... [14:42] Yinghua     You're beautiful, Lady Gyokuyou! [14:44] Guiyuan     Crimson looks so good on you! [14:46] Ailan     Such wonderful beauty... [14:49] Maomao     No wonder they say crimson suits her     better than anyone in all the land. [14:52] Hongniang     Yes, you outshine all others. [14:56] Gyokuyou     Thank you. And for you all... [15:01] Gyokuyou     Here. I have to mark you, to make      sure you don't attract any bad bugs. [15:07] Gyokuyou     Maomao. [15:10] Gyokuyou     Remember, Maomao. You are my lady-in-waiting. [15:17] Maomao     Uhm, thank you. [15:21] Yinghua     Got her! [15:24] Maomao     Um, wait. [15:25] Guiyuan; Ailan     Makeup time! [15:28] Gyokuyou     Time to become as cute as you can be! [15:30] Yinghua     We'll wipe off your face     and apply some scents. [15:32] Yinghua     Then we'll deal with your freckles... [15:34] Guiyuan     There. [15:38] Ailan     Huh? [15:39] Guiyuan     Maomao? [15:40] Yinghua     No... [15:41] Hongniang     Why? [15:43] Gyokuyou     Maomao, you're... [15:46] Maomao     Ah... [15:47] Maomao     They caught me. [15:50] Gyokuyou     All right, let's go. [16:12] Jinshi     Concubine Lishu, I look forward to     seeing you later in the garden party. [16:16] Lishu     Yes, Master Jinshi. [16:26] Jinshi     Last is the Precious Consort, Lady Gyokuyou. [16:32] Gaoshun     He seems to favor Concubine Gyokuyou. [16:35] Gaoshun     Could it be because of his favorite toy? [16:39] Gaoshun     He can be so troublesome. [16:45] Gyokuyou     Maomao, you've helped out quite a bit. [16:48] Maomao     Glad to be of service. [16:50] Jinshi     Greetings, Concubine Gyokuyou. [16:52] Gyokuyou     Oh, greetings. [16:54] Jinshi     My lady, you certainly     look wonderful in crimson. [16:58] Jinshi     Your gorgeous, yet somewhat mysterious     style must stem from your jade eyes. [17:06] Gyokuyou     Thank you. [17:12] Jinshi     Now, to check in on the princess... [17:24] Maomao     Greetings, Master Jinshi. [17:30] Jinshi     Oh, it's you, apothecary. [17:32] Jinshi     Are you wearing makeup? [17:34] Maomao     No, I'm not. [17:36] Jinshi     Your freckles are gone. [17:38] Maomao     Yes, I removed them. [17:40] Jinshi     You covered them with makeup, you mean? [17:41] Maomao     I removed my makeup. That's why they're gone. [17:46] Jinshi     That doesn't make any sense.     You're contradicting yourself. [17:50] Maomao     Ugh, what a bother.     I should have just nodded along. [17:55] Maomao     Every day, I put dried clay     on my face to add freckles. [18:00] Maomao     I already had makeup on every      time you saw me before this. [18:04] Maomao     Cosmetics aren't just for making     a face more beautiful. [18:08] Jinshi     Why would you do such a thing? [18:12] Maomao     You really want to know? [18:15] Maomao     It's to prevent being     dragged into a back alley. [18:20] Maomao     I lived near the brothels, but not     every man left sexually satisfied. [18:24] Maomao     Some had empty wallets, violent     tendencies, and venereal diseases. [18:28] Maomao     A short, skinny, ugly girl      rarely becomes a target. [18:34] Jinshi     Were you ever dragged away? [18:35] Maomao     Attempts were made. Instead, I got kidnapped. [18:43] Maomao     My makeup was faded. They seemed     to think I was borderline marketable. [18:49] Jinshi     I see. [18:51] Jinshi     I'm sorry we couldn't police them. [18:55] Maomao     I don't particularly care. [18:57] Maomao     A buyer can't tell if you were kidnapped, or just sold off     legally so there'd be one less mouth to feed. [19:05] Jinshi     Doesn't that make you angry? [19:07] Maomao     Obviously, it does. But it's not your fault. [19:16] Jinshi     I'm sorry. [19:20] Maomao     He's being straightforward for once. [19:30] Maomao     That hurts. [19:32] Jinshi     Sorry. It's yours. [19:37] Jinshi     See you at the party. [19:50] Maomao     A man's hairpin? Why? [19:54] Yinghua     Wow! So nice! [19:57] Guiyuan     I'm jealous! [19:58] Ailan     I want one, too! [20:00] Maomao     I could give it away,     but how would I split this? [20:03] Gyokuyou     Oh, you broke our promise already. [20:10] Gyokuyou     You're no longer mine alone. [20:16] Maomao     Um, what does that mean— [20:21] Gyokuyou     It's starting. [20:49] Maomao     The garden party begins. SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "The Garden Party." SIGN    Episode 6: The Garden Party E6 - The Garden Party Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:34] Lady-in-Waiting 1     There's just no sense of decency. [01:37] Lady-in-Waiting 2     So picky with her food. [01:41] Kanan     It's not like it's going to     kill her or anything. SIGN    Episode 6: The Garden Party [01:48] Yinghua     So cold! [01:48] Ailan     The pocket warmers certainly help, but... [01:51] Maomao     Not having anything to do     in this cold is quite an ordeal. [01:56] Guiyuan     The wind is so cold! [02:00] Maomao     Couldn't we get a tent or something? [02:42] Maomao     This arrangement seems made to instill      rivalry between the four concubines. [02:51] Guiyuan     Look, that's the Empress Dowager. [02:54] Maomao     She seems very youthful. [02:57] Guiyuan     She is young. She gave birth     to the emperor when she was... [03:03] Maomao     Wow, she must have worked     really hard to give birth... [03:05] Guiyuan     The Empress Dowager has two children,     the emperor and his younger brother. [03:12] Guiyuan     The rumor is that the brother is     too sick to leave his house. [03:18] Guiyuan     I think he was here until     a few moments ago, though... [03:21] Maomao     I see. [03:22] Yinghua     Huh?! [03:24] Yinghua     Who are you calling basic?! [03:25] Yinghua     We ladies-in-waiting serve our mistresses! [03:28] Yinghua     What's the point in dressing up?! [03:30] Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 2     Pfft. Did you hear that? [03:33] Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 3     Having ugly servants hurts     the mistress, obviously. [03:38] Yinghua     Grr! [03:41] Maomao     Those are Lady Lihua's ladies-in-waiting. [03:44] Guiyuan     Oh, Yinghua. And so, the proxy war begins. [03:49] Guiyuan     Let's go. [03:51] Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 2     I guess you can't help it, seeing     how you hired that ugly girl. [03:55] Maomao     "Ugly girl?" Does she mean me? [03:58] Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 3     Having someone like that     around is truly a shame. [04:01] Yinghua     What did you say?! [04:04] Ailan     Yinghua! [04:05] Guiyuan     Calm down! [04:07] Maomao     They haven't noticed? And after all the fun     we shared at the Crystal Pavilion, too... [04:13] (Flashback) Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 3     If you keep acting up,     I'll tell my father about you! [04:21] (Flashback) Maomao     I'll have to do things to your body that      you'd never tell your father about, then. [04:26] (Flashback) Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 3     N-No! [04:31] Maomao     It was just a bit of courtesan-style humor. [04:37] Yinghua     Apologize to Maomao! [04:46] Maomao     Heh. [04:50] Yinghua     Wh-What, nothing to say all of a sudden? [04:52] Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 3     W-Well, I guess that's enough for now! [04:57] Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 3     You should thank me! [05:00] Yinghua     What's her problem? [05:02] Yinghua     Hey Maomao, are you all right? [05:05] Yinghua     Your real face is so pretty,     but those bullies... [05:08] Maomao     It doesn't bother me. That aside, isn't it     time to change your pocket warmers? [05:14] Ailan     Not only did she grow up in poverty, [05:16] Ailan     her distrust of men is strong enough     to make her ruin her own face... [05:20] Guiyuan     She endured two months of awful     bullying at the Crystal Pavilion... [05:25] Yinghua     Yet she won't complain at all,     and instead looks after us... [05:30] Ailan; Yinghua; Guiyuan     It's only natural that the benevolent     Master Jinshi looks after her! [05:36] Maomao     They're being delusional again. [05:43] Ah-Duo's Lady-in-Waiting 1     Have you no decency? A crimson dress? [05:47] Maomao     Another proxy war. [05:50] Yinghua     Ah, the Virtuous and      Pure Consorts' servants. [05:52] Yinghua     They don't get along, either. [05:55] Yinghua     The Virtuous Consort is      fourteen and arrived later, [05:58] Yinghua     the Pure Consort is thirty-five     and has been here the longest. [06:01] Yinghua     No wonder they don't get along. [06:03] Guiyuan     Besides, they used to be     daughter- and mother-in-law. [06:06] Maomao     Daughter- and mother-in-law? [06:08] Guiyuan     Um... It's a bit complicated. SIGN    Ah-Duo     Pure Consort SIGN    Previous     Emperor SIGN    Empress Dowager SIGN    Current Emperor SIGN    Lishu     Virtuous Consort [06:11] Guiyuan     Before, one was the previous     emperor's concubine, [06:14] Guiyuan     and the other was our      current emperor's concubine. [06:18] Guiyuan     But the previous emperor passed away, right? [06:21] Yinghua     The previous emperor's concubine     left the palace once, [06:24] Yinghua     but returned as the current     emperor's concubine. [06:28] Maomao     The previous emperor     passed away five years ago. [06:30] Maomao     Back then, Concubine Ah-Duo     was thirty years old, SIGN    30 years old [06:34] Maomao     and Concubine Lishu was nine. SIGN    9 years old [06:38] Maomao     I guess it's all politics, but becoming     a concubine at nine? Wow. [06:41] Yinghua     Unbelievable, right? Being     a mother-in-law at nine years old. [06:45] Maomao     Nine... Mother... [06:49] Maomao     M-Mother?! SIGN    Ah-Duo     Pure Consort SIGN    Lishu     Virtuous Consort SIGN    Empress Dowager SIGN    Current Emperor SIGN    Previous     Emperor SIGN    Ah-Duo     Pure Consort SIGN    Lishu     Virtuous Consort [06:54] Maomao     The one who was the previous emperor's     concubine was Lady Lishu?! [07:16] Maomao     So that's the young mother-in-law? [07:19] Hongniang     As you probably saw,     Lady Lishu is still very young. [07:25] Maomao     Yes, I see that. [07:27] Maomao     Normally, a white dress would     suit the Virtuous Consort, [07:30] Maomao     but that dark pink color... [07:32] Maomao     It obviously clashes with     Lady Gyokuyou, the Precious Consort. [07:36] Maomao     Maybe she can't read the room? [07:42] Hongniang     Thank you for the pocket warmers.     We'll certainly need them again. [07:45] Maomao     Yes. [07:49] Lihua's Ladies-in-Waiting     It's freezing... [07:56] Maomao     Hold these if you're cold. [08:03] Maomao     Here. [08:05] Maomao     Here! [08:14] Yinghua     You're too kind. [08:16] Yinghua     Suggesting sharing the warmers with      the Crystal Pavilion ladies-in-waiting... [08:20] Ailan     And getting Lady Gyokuyou's permission, too. [08:23] Maomao     Well... [08:27] Maomao     A hairpin? [08:29] Yinghua     It's how they try to recruit talented     workers hidden in this flower garden. [08:34] Maomao     Huh. [08:35] Yinghua     It has another hidden meaning, though. [08:38] Maomao     I see. [08:40] Yinghua     I said, there's a hidden meaning! [08:44] Maomao     Meaning, huh? [08:53] Lihaku     Please have this, young lady. [09:00] Maomao     I guess he's handing them out to everyone     to make sure no servant feels ashamed. [09:08] Maomao     Thank you. [09:09] Lihaku     I'm Lihaku! Good to meet you! [09:15] Maomao     Like a big dog... [09:16] Lihaku     Woof! Woof! [09:18] Yinghua     Did he give you that? Let me see! [09:20] Maomao     Just a participation award. [09:23] Lihua     I believe you should have more. [09:30] Lihua     It's been some time. [09:31] Maomao     Yes, my lady, it has been a long time. [09:40] Lihua     That's all for today. [09:42] Lihua's Lady-in-Waiting 2     Lady Lihua...?! [09:44] Lihua     We'll take our leave. Have a pleasant day. [09:51] Guiyuan     Lady Gyokuyou won't like this. [09:54] Yinghua     What an understatement. [09:57] Ailan     What will you do with all these hairpins? [10:11] Maomao     Oh. [10:15] Maomao     He looks pretty good there. [10:19] Maomao     I guess he's higher up than I thought. [10:21] Maomao     He doesn't seem out of place     among the military officers. [10:26] Maomao     Oh look, that officer from earlier. [10:29] Maomao     He's at the very edge, but given     his age, I guess that's still impressive? [10:34] Maomao     Our glittering eunuch     isn't there, but who cares? [10:44] Maomao     More importantly, food tasting. [10:50] Maomao     No clouding on the contact point. [10:55] Maomao     No strange smells. [10:58] Maomao     But swallowing is part of the job as taster... [11:05] Maomao     Now to rinse out the mouth with water... Hmm? [11:20] Maomao     The life of the food taster is expendable. [11:24] Maomao     I guess I'm the only one     that enjoys eating poison. [11:28] Maomao     You know what would be good? Puffer fish. [11:30] Maomao     Sneak in some innards in the soup... [11:34] Maomao     That stinging sensation     on the tongue is so wonderful. [11:43] Maomao     Oops. Must concentrate. [11:44] Maomao     This vinegar fish-and-vegetable dish     is the emperor's favorite. [11:48] Maomao     I saw it a few times at the rear palace. [11:50] Maomao     Usually it includes blueback,     but it's jellyfish today. [11:56] Maomao     The cook responsible for the emperor's food [11:58] Maomao     would never mistake     the emperor's favorite ingredient. [12:01] Maomao     Lady Gyokuyou has no prominent     likes or dislikes, either. [12:05] Maomao     Seems like the server messed up. [12:24] Maomao     I guess she doesn't like fish. [12:27] Maomao     She can't refuse to eat it.     Not in front of the emperor. [12:38] Maomao     I wish I hadn't seen that. [12:42] Military Official 1     Did you see that, Lihaku? [12:44] Military Official 1     One of the food tasters      is really excitable. [12:47] Lihaku     Where's the fun in watching     someone eat while terrified? [12:52] Military Official 1     Come on, just look. [12:55] Lihaku     Huh? That taster... it's that girl from earlier. [13:23] Lihaku     J-Just how delicious is that? [13:35] Maomao     This is poison. [13:43] Crowd     The Precious Consort's soup was poisoned?! [13:45] Minister     Poison?! Are you sure? [13:45] Crowd     Concubine Gyokuyou?! [13:47] Minister     The taster swallowed it! [13:49] Crowd     Minister! [13:50] Crowd     What are you doing?! [13:52] Jinshi     Formal attire is too tight. [13:56] Lihaku     Hey! The minister drank      the soup and collapsed! [14:03] Jinshi     The apothecary... [14:08] Maomao     Phew. [14:10] Jinshi     Apothecary! [14:12] Maomao     Good day, Master Jinshi. [14:15] Jinshi     Your day seems better than mine. [14:18] Maomao     Oh no, I got too excited about     the poison. It's like I smiled at him. [14:25] Maomao     What are you doing? [14:27] Jinshi     Taking you to the infirmary! [14:29] Maomao     I coughed up the poison. I feel quite well. [14:34] Maomao     I would have loved to swallow it, though. [14:37] Maomao     If I did, the poison would have coursed     through my body by now, and... [14:42] Maomao     Master Jinshi, uh... [14:45] Jinshi     What is it? [14:46] Maomao     Give me the rest of the soup. [14:50] Jinshi     You're an idiot. [14:52] Maomao     I'm just eager to improve. [14:56] Jinshi     After you left, someone tried the soup to see     if it was really poisoned, and collapsed. [15:01] Maomao     Who was that stupid? [15:04] Jinshi     A minister. Now it's become a huge incident. [15:09] Maomao     Use this, then. [15:12] Maomao     It's an emetic agent. [15:13] Maomao     I made it strong enough to      turn your stomach inside out. [15:17] Jinshi     Isn't that also a poison, then? [15:27] Maomao     A new hairpin? [15:29] Maomao     So the eunuchs gets hairpins, too? [15:32] Maomao     His collar is a little disheveled, too.     Plus his normal glitter is gone. [15:39] Maomao     Is that why he wasn't at the party? [15:44] Maomao     But right now, he's acting     his age more than usual... [15:48] Maomao     Or rather, he looks quite a bit younger. [15:54] Maomao     I prefer him like this, somewhat. [16:03] Maomao     Really does the trick! [16:04] Maomao     The palace infirmary has some good drugs! [16:08] Jinshi     Are you all right? [16:12] Maomao     Yes, I'm all empty. [16:17] Jinshi     Well, let's talk about who     poisoned Concubine Gyokuyou. [16:23] Maomao     I'd like for you to bring     someone to talk about that. [16:27] Jinshi     Who? [16:28] Maomao     Lady Lishu, the Virtuous Consort. [16:34] Lishu     Master Jinshi, how may I be of service? [16:37] Jinshi     I'm sorry to bring you to this inelegant place. [16:40] Jinshi     This lady-in-waiting wanted to speak with you. [16:45] Lishu     Huh?! [16:47] Lishu     Hmph. A lady-in-waiting? [16:53] Maomao     Excuse me. [16:58] Maomao     I knew it. [17:01] Maomao     Is it fish that you can't eat? [17:06] Jinshi     What is this? [17:08] Maomao     Some people have things they cannot eat. [17:11] Maomao     In my case, I can't have buckwheat. [17:15] Jinshi     Yet you eat poison? [17:17] Maomao     Leave me alone. I tried to build a tolerance. [17:22] Maomao     However, it made my throat swell     and it was hard for me to breathe. [17:27] Maomao     Even a little bit caused rashes,     so it was hard to adjust the amounts, [17:32] Maomao     and I took a long time to heal. [17:34] Maomao     That's what I mean by "cannot eat." [17:37] Maomao     Lady Lishu, how is your stomach? [17:41] Maomao     I can get you a laxative if you.... [17:47] Lishu     How did you know? [17:49] Maomao     It was clear that the rear palace     prepared the food for the garden party. [17:54] Maomao     However, the vinegar dish used     a different ingredient from the usual one. [17:58] Maomao     It seems like Lady Lishu's dish got swapped     with Lady Gyokuyou's dish by mistake. [18:04] Lishu     I see. [18:05] Maomao     Is it mackerel that you can't eat? [18:10] Lishu     Yeah... [18:15] Maomao     This isn't about just liking      or disliking certain foods. [18:18] Maomao     It was just hives this time, but sometimes,     it can cause difficulty in breathing. [18:25] Maomao     Feeding her this knowingly... [18:28] Maomao     would be the same as poisoning her. [18:39] Maomao     You're her food taster, correct? [18:42] Kanan     Y-Yes! [18:45] Maomao     I've taken note of what to be     careful of in an emergency. [18:51] Maomao     Of course, avoiding these      foods entirely is best. [18:57] Maomao     Please take a look. [19:02] Maomao     It's not difficult. [19:04] Maomao     However, if something goes wrong,     not even the palace doctor could fix it. [19:11] Maomao     It could become deadly. [19:15] Maomao     Please keep that in mind. [19:22] Maomao     That should have scared her enough. [19:33] Jinshi     What was that about? [19:36] Maomao     I am of lowly birth. Please don't touch me. [19:41] Jinshi     You're the only one that says that to me. [19:43] Maomao     Well, everyone's just being kind to you. [19:48] Maomao     Anyway, I must report to Lady Gyokuyou. So... [19:53] Jinshi     Wait. Why did you call the food taster in, too? [19:59] Maomao     What do you mean? [20:00] Jinshi     Don't play dumb. You asked me to bring her. [20:03] Maomao     To tell her what to be careful of. [20:06] Jinshi     So, you're saying the servers made the error? [20:11] Maomao     I don't know. I'm a mere lady-in-waiting. [20:17] Jinshi     At least answer me this. [20:21] Jinshi     The target was the Virtuous     Consort, Lady Lishu, right? [20:26] Maomao     Assuming none of the other      dishes were poisoned. [20:29] Jinshi     I see. [20:48] Maomao     What a day. [20:50] Gaoshun     Is this related to the matter of     the wooden tablets from the other day? [20:55] Gaoshun     The lady-in-waiting who came earlier     had no burns on her. [21:01] Jinshi     Who could it be...? [21:06] ---     Not just some superficial sweetness [21:12] ---     I want more warmth than I can even use, oh [21:18] ---     Having these selfish idealistic thoughts [21:23] ---     I swallowed them again today     before putting them into words [21:28] ---     Still in my memories,     the scent of fragrant olive [21:33] ---     The color of twilight in the city [21:36] ---     We were laughing... [21:41] ---     Filled with sadness,     the tears welled up in my eyes [21:53] ---     I found a glow during those days [22:01] ---     I guess I took everything for granted [22:06] ---     The wind was so loud I covered my ears [22:18] ---     I gotta stop being like that [22:26] ---     Even if I stumble over the words of love SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Homecoming." SIGN    Episode 7: Homecoming E7 - Homecoming Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:35] (Flashback) Maomao     Dad! [01:40] (Flashback) Maomao     Dad! SIGN    Episode 7: Homecoming [01:53] Maomao     I wonder if Dad's doing okay. [01:59] Maomao     Right. Yesterday, after the garden party... [02:02] (Flashback) Yinghua     What are you talking about?! [02:04] (Flashback) Ailan     The minister who ate the poison     is in terrible condition! [02:07] (Flashback) Guiyuan     You're sick. Get lots of sleep! [02:10] Maomao     Thanks to them, I got a good deal of sleep. [02:13] Maomao     But sleeping until noon is too much. [02:21] Maomao     I can't go without makeup now. [02:28] Gyokuyou     Oh. [02:29] Gyokuyou     You could have taken a day off. [02:32] Maomao     I can't allow myself to do that.     Please put me to work. [02:36] Gyokuyou     Oh? Your freckles. [02:38] Maomao     I'm uncomfortable without them.     Can I keep them on? [02:42] Gyokuyou     I understand. [02:44] Gyokuyou     Everyone kept demanding to know     who that lady-in-waiting was. [02:49] Maomao     My apologies. [02:51] Gyokuyou     It's fine. [02:52] Gyokuyou     Anyway, Gaoshun came by this morning     and hasn't left. What do you want to do? [02:56] Gyokuyou     He seemed bored, so I asked him     to pull up some weeds. [03:01] Maomao     Weeds... [03:02] Maomao     Back at the garden party, he was     in a pretty high-ranking seat. [03:06] Maomao     I guess he really is caring. [03:09] Maomao     He must win the hearts of     the ladies-in-waiting in his own way. [03:15] Maomao     May I use the parlor? [03:19] Gyokuyou     Sure. Hongniang. [03:22] Hongniang     Yes. [03:22] Maomao     Is it just me, or is Hongniang     being sparkly-eyed, too? [03:27] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi wanted me to bring you this. [03:31] Maomao     This is the soup that Lady Gyokuyou     was supposed to drink, right? [03:35] Gaoshun     Yes. [03:36] Maomao     How kind of him. [03:39] Gaoshun     Please don't eat it. [03:40] Maomao     I won't. [03:42] Maomao     Silver corrodes quickly.     This is oxidized and no longer tasty. [03:48] Gaoshun     Tasty... [03:50] Maomao     Did you pick this up with your hands? [03:52] Gaoshun     No, I didn't touch the bowl. [03:55] Gaoshun     I only picked up the contents     in a spoon to see if it was poison. [03:58] Gaoshun     Shoop shoop shoop. [03:58] Gaoshun     After that, I immediately     wrapped it in cloth. [04:02] Maomao     One moment, please. [04:04] Maomao     Clip clip clip. [04:06] Maomao     Clunk clunk clunk. [04:08] Gaoshun     Cotton, powder, and a brush. [04:10] Maomao     Yes. [04:11] Gaoshun     What will you do with these? [04:13] Maomao     In the apothecary I used to work at, [04:15] Maomao     we used to put dyes on containers     that weren't supposed to be touched. [04:20] Maomao     This is a similar technique. [04:22] Maomao     It's simple. I put some powder     on this cotton ball. [04:27] Maomao     I dust the bowl with it... [04:29] Maomao     Finally, I brush off the excess. [04:36] Maomao     And there. [04:36] Gaoshun     There's some white marks. [04:39] Maomao     That's where a human hand made contact. [04:42] Maomao     When you touch this with     your fingers, it leaves a mark. [04:46] Maomao     It's especially visible on silver,     which is easily corroded. [04:50] Maomao     That's why you thoroughly     wipe silver items before use. [04:54] Gaoshun     In other words, the finger      marks remaining here [04:57] Gaoshun     were from people who touched     the bowl after it was wiped clean? [05:01] Maomao     Indeed. [05:03] Maomao     The size and placement of the finger marks     allows us to guess how they held it. [05:09] Maomao     The bowl was held... [05:12] Gaoshun     What is it? [05:17] Maomao     Nothing. [05:19] Maomao     The bowl was held by four people, I think. [05:23] Gaoshun     Four people. [05:25] Maomao     First, three people who touched     the side of the bowl. [05:28] Maomao     The one who poured the soup, [05:31] Maomao     the one who carried it, [05:33] Maomao     and Lady Lishu's taster. [05:36] Maomao     But there was one more. [05:38] Maomao     An "outsider" that touched     the rim of the bowl. [05:41] Maomao     I believe this unknown     person poisoned the food. [05:47] Gaoshun     If that's true, why is the taster's finger     mark on the high-rank concubine's bowl? [05:53] Maomao     That's simple. Lady Lishu's taster swapped it     on purpose as a form of harassment, [06:00] Maomao     not knowing it was poisoned. [06:01] Gaoshun     Swapped it? [06:04] Maomao     It's bullying. [06:05] Gaoshun     A lady-in-waiting is bullying     a high-ranking concubine? [06:08] Maomao     Sounds like you can't believe it. [06:10] Gaoshun     Can you explain? [06:13] Maomao     Let me first say that this is all     just conjecture on my part. [06:18] Gaoshun     That's fine. [06:19] Maomao     Do you remember Lady Lishu's     dress during the garden party? [06:23] Gaoshun     Yes. I believe it was a flashy pink color. [06:27] Maomao     Normally, you'd think that if a concubine [06:29] Maomao     picked a color that would clash     with Lady Gyokuyou's dress, [06:32] Maomao     her ladies-in-waiting would     recommend another one. [06:35] Maomao     Or, at least, they'd wear something      that matches it themselves. [06:40] Maomao     However, all of her servants     were wearing white. [06:46] Maomao     That makes Lady Lishu appear like     a buffoon who can't read the room. [06:52] Maomao     Ladies-in-waiting should      allow their mistress to shine. [06:55] Maomao     Come to think of it, that day... [06:57] (Flashback) Ah-Duo's Lady-in-Waiting 1     Have you no decency? A crimson dress? [07:04] Maomao     Lady Ah-Duo's ladies-in-waiting [07:07] Maomao     were scolding Lady Lishu's     servants for not doing their jobs. [07:10] Maomao     The rear palace is full of enemies, [07:12] Maomao     so the only people a concubine can     truly trust are her ladies-in-waiting. [07:17] Maomao     I suspect the ladies-in-waiting recommended      that dress to their young Lady Lishu, [07:23] Maomao     and she wore it without realizing     they'd done it to humiliate her. [07:26] Maomao     She didn't suspect a thing. [07:28] Gaoshun     Not only that, but she also tried to swap     the food to further harass Concubine Lishu? [07:35] Maomao     Yes, though she was unaware it was poisoned. [07:38] Maomao     It ended up saving her. [07:42] Maomao     But it's still quite distasteful. [07:46] Gaoshun     Why would they do such a thing? [07:48] Maomao     Lady Lishu became the previous     emperor's concubine at a very young age. [07:52] Maomao     Then she left the rear palace     soon after. Her situation is unique. [07:55] Maomao     A wife must sacrifice everything     to devote to her husband. [07:58] Maomao     We are all taught this from a very young age. [08:01] Maomao     I guess, from that perspective,     to wed her deceased husband's son [08:05] Maomao     is an indecency beyond words. [08:09] Maomao     I think the mark near the bowl's edge [08:12] Maomao     was left by the person who added the poison. [08:15] Maomao     They must have held the edge     while stirring in the poison. [08:18] Gaoshun     I see. [08:20] Maomao     Your fingers must not touch the area     that noble lips are supposed to go. [08:25] Maomao     That is the teaching of Hongniang. [08:27] Maomao     That's all I came up with. [08:31] Gaoshun     May I ask one more thing? [08:34] Maomao     What is it? [08:37] Gaoshun     Why did you try to protect that     taster yesterday? [08:43] Gaoshun     I'm just curious. This isn't     an investigation or anything. [08:50] Maomao     The life of a serving girl is worthless     compared to that of a concubine. [08:58] Maomao     Especially if that life     belongs to a food taster... [09:08] Gaoshun     I'll try to explain this to Master Jinshi. [09:11] Maomao     Thank you. [09:16] Maomao     Well, I should be thankful, since she     did go out of her way to make the swap. [09:23] Maomao     I was able to taste that poison thanks to her. [09:26] Maomao     I really should have swallowed that soup. [09:35] Gaoshun     That is all. [09:36] Jinshi     I see. You always impress me     with how you word things. [09:41] Gaoshun     Is that so? [09:43] Jinshi     This is clearly an inside job, right? [09:46] Gaoshun     The situation indicates as much, yes. [09:50] Jinshi     You make it sound so simple. [09:53] Jinshi     I haven't had time to sleep     at all because of this. [09:55] Jinshi     I haven't even been able to change clothes. [09:57] Jinshi     I want to stop thinking. [09:59] Gaoshun     Your natural self is showing. [10:01] Jinshi     Who cares? There's nobody here. [10:04] Gaoshun     I am here. [10:05] Jinshi     Can you cut me some slack? [10:07] Gaoshun     No. [10:09] Jinshi     Nothing I say will move you, huh? [10:11] Gaoshun     We've had a long relationship. [10:13] Jinshi     It's not easy having someone     look after you since you were born. [10:18] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi, you forgot     to remove your hairpin. [10:21] Jinshi     Oh, oops. Totally forgot. [10:24] Gaoshun     It was hidden in your hair. [10:26] Gaoshun     I don't think anyone noticed your true status. [10:29] Jinshi     Take care of it for me. [10:32] Gaoshun     You're treating it roughly again. [10:36] Gaoshun     It's something only special individuals     can wear, so please take care of it. [10:41] Jinshi     I know. [10:43] Gaoshun     You don't. [10:46] Gaoshun     Excuse me. [10:53] Jinshi     Let's do this... [10:58] Xiaolan     Oh right, did you get any hairpins? [11:01] Maomao     A few. [11:04] Xiaolan     I see! [11:06] Xiaolan     So, now... [11:08] Xiaolan     You can get out of the rear palace! [11:12] Maomao     Huh? What did you say? [11:14] Xiaolan     You can get out of the rear palace? [11:17] Maomao     More details please! [11:20] Xiaolan     Yes... [11:24] Xiaolan     You can't meet men from the outside     while at the rear palace, [11:27] Xiaolan     but if you get special permission,     a man can escort a female worker outside. [11:32] Maomao     I see, so that's what the hairpins     they hand out at the garden party means. [11:36] Xiaolan     Exactly! You can also use the hairpin to ask     someone to take you out of the rear palace. [11:43] Maomao     I see. Thanks, Xiaolan. I'll give it a try. [11:49] Xiaolan     No problem. [11:51] Xiaolan     Maomao, thanks for the hawthorn! [11:54] Xiaolan     It was yummy! [12:00] Maomao     I received a total of four hairpins. [12:03] Maomao     Two are from men. [12:06] Maomao     Or rather, since one of the two      lost his important parts, [12:08] Maomao     maybe I shouldn't call him a "man"? [12:11] Jinshi     Apothecary! [12:14] Maomao     Right! [12:20] Eunuch 1     Master Lihaku, a lady from     the rear palace sent you this. [12:23] Lihaku     Oh, understood. [12:26] Lihaku     Yikes, did she take that     consolation hairpin seriously? [12:31] Lihaku     But if it's a pretty lady,     it would be a waste... SIGN    Jade Pavilion      Maomao [12:36] Lihaku     I only gave out one hairpin     at the Jade Pavilion... [12:39] Lihaku     Which means... [12:43] Lihaku     That one? [12:45] Lihaku     Wonder how I should turn her down... [12:51] Maomao     Excuse me. [12:55] Maomao     Thank you for waiting. [12:57] Lihaku     Huh? Who are you? [12:59] Maomao     I get that a lot. [13:01] Lihaku     Do people ever tell you that     makeup changes you drastically? [13:04] Maomao     I get that a lot, too. [13:08] Lihaku     But anyway, you called me up... [13:11] Maomao     I'd like to go back to my family. [13:14] Lihaku     Your family? [13:15] Lihaku     Do you know what this means? [13:18] Maomao     I was told that I could go home temporarily,     as long as you can vouch for me. [13:23] Lihaku     You're quite bold. [13:25] Lihaku     You, a mere lady-in-waiting, are demanding     that I, a military officer, vouch for you? [13:29] Maomao     Yes. [13:32] Lihaku     And you summoned me just for that? [13:36] Maomao     Yes. [13:37] Lihaku     I don't know if you're dauntless or clueless. [13:42] Lihaku     So, little girl, you're trying to     exploit me for your homecoming? [13:48] Maomao     No, I believe I can offer you     something valuable in exchange. [13:53] Lihaku     Huh? SIGN    Verdigris House - Introduction Letter - Pairin Verdigris House - Introduction Letter - Joka Verdigris House - Introduction Letter - Meimei [13:57] Maomao     Could I interest you in a flower-viewing     session at the Verdigris House? [14:02] Lihaku     Th-The Verdigris House?!     You've gotta be kidding! [14:05] Lihaku     A night at that super high-class brothel     could cost a year of my salary! [14:08] Maomao     If you're worried, you can show them     one of these introduction letters. [14:12] Maomao     Pairin. Joka. Meimei. [14:17] Lihaku     Th-That's even less believable! [14:19] Lihaku     Those are the Three Princesses that not even     the highest-rank officials can afford! [14:22] Maomao     If you can't believe it, that's just too bad. [14:25] Lihaku     Huh?! [14:26] Maomao     My deepest apologies for      having wasted your time. [14:29] Lihaku     W-Wait... [14:30] Maomao     It's very unfortunate, but I'll just      have to ask someone else. [14:33] Maomao     Please forget I mentioned this. [14:37] Lihaku     She has other contacts?! [14:40] Lihaku     Hairpins with rose quartz and silver?! [14:43] Lihaku     They're obviously from     people who far outrank me. [14:46] Lihaku     Just who is this girl?! [14:48] Lihaku     In that case, what she said might be... [14:50] Lihaku     No, it's too suspicious! [14:53] Lihaku     But if it is true, I'll never get another     chance to meet the Three Princesses again... [14:59] Lihaku     What should I do?! [15:03] Maomao     So, what will it be? [15:13] Lihaku     I lose. [15:15] Yinghua     Congratulations, Maomao! [15:17] Yinghua     Who would have thought     you'd go before any of us... [15:20] Ailan     I'm so glad! [15:22] Guiyuan     You must've met someone nice! [15:24] Maomao     Uh, thank you? [15:26] Yinghua     Why are you so casual about this?! [15:28] Maomao     Don't worry, I'll bring back souvenirs. [15:31] Yinghua     How'd you meet this guy? [15:33] Maomao     Um, coincidence? [15:35] Hongniang     I'm pretty sure she has no idea     what the hairpin means. [15:39] Gyokuyou     Yes, I'm sure of it. I feel so     sorry for a certain someone. [15:46] Gyokuyou     This is so amusing. [15:50] Gyokuyou     I wonder what kind of face he'll make... [15:52] Hongniang     I suspect some turmoil in the future... [15:56] Narrator     Jinshi was finally able to finish up     his work and find time to visit [16:01] Narrator     the day after Maomao had already left. [16:04] Gyokuyou     Maomao took off with someone. [16:15] Gyokuyou     On a three-day homecoming. [16:18] Maomao     The pleasure district where     I grew up isn't far away. [16:23] Maomao     It's walking distance from the rear palace,     just beyond the walls and moats. [16:30] Maomao     A carriage? How extravagant. [16:32] Maomao     Well, the Three Princesses     of the Verdigris House are [16:35] Maomao     idolized by the population. Worshiped, even. [16:40] Maomao     Just being able to meet     them would be an honor. [16:43] Lihaku     Oh, there it is... [16:47] Lihaku     The pleasure district! [16:51] Maomao     There are girls who enter the brothels,     wanting to become like them. [16:56] Maomao     But it's not easy. [16:59] Maomao     Even if they become a serving girl,     a courtesan-in-training, [17:01] Maomao     there's no guarantee that they'll make it. [17:06] Lihaku     So, this is the Verdigris House... [17:08] Maomao     Yes. SIGN    Verdigris House [17:09] Lihaku     It's very dignified. [17:12] Maomao     It's a long-standing, reputable brothel, [17:14] Maomao     providing everything from middle-     to super-high-rank courtesans. [17:19] Maomao     Hey, long time no see, Grams. [17:22] Maomao     How has everyone— [17:28] Old Lady     What do you mean,     "long time no see?!" Stupid girl. [17:31] Lihaku     Are you okay?! What's with this old woman?! [17:35] Maomao     This is the old madam,     proprietor of the Verdigris House. [17:39] Maomao     I remember this used to help me     spit out all the poison I tried. [17:43] Old Lady     So, is this the good customer? [17:46] Old Lady     He's got a handsome face and a good build. [17:50] Old Lady     I heard you're a rising star, too. [17:52] Maomao     Hey, why say that out loud to his face? [17:56] Old Lady     Hey, get Pairin. [17:59] Old Lady     She should be making tea today. [18:00] Serving Girl     Yes, ma'am! [18:01] Lihaku     Pairin... [18:02] Maomao     Master Lihaku, how strong are your arm muscles? [18:06] Lihaku     I do train pretty regularly. [18:09] Maomao     This could be... [18:11] Serving Girl     This way, please. [18:14] Lihaku     I'm getting nervous... [18:16] Maomao     Make a good impression, okay? [18:18] Lihaku     Yeah. [18:21] Old Lady     So, why'd you vanish for ten     whole months without a word? [18:27] Maomao     I had no say in the matter.     Didn't you read the letter I sent? [18:31] Old Lady     Of course I read it! That's why     I'm taking care of that guy for you, [18:33] Old Lady     even though we're introduction only! [18:35] Maomao     I know, I know. I got half of my pay at     the rear palace early, as a special deal. [18:43] Old Lady     This isn't enough for Pairin. [18:47] Maomao     Can we say it's enough for just some tea? [18:49] Old Lady     Idiot! Pairin won't leave      those muscles alone. [18:54] Maomao     I knew it. But that's not     something I can control... [18:57] Old Lady     That won't fly! I'll add it to the tab. [19:00] Maomao     I could never afford that... [19:02] Old Lady     In that case, bring more good customers. [19:05] Old Lady     Similar to that guy. Young, so that we can     drain him over a long period of time. [19:09] Maomao     Would a eunuch be an acceptable customer? [19:12] Maomao     No way. The courtesans     would pull out all the stops [19:15] Maomao     and put the brothel out of business. [19:17] Maomao     But I'd feel bad for Gaoshun     or the quack doctor... [19:22] Old Lady     Maomao, your old man should be     at home. Go visit him already. [19:30] Maomao     Cross just one street, and the face of     the town changes dramatically. [19:35] Maomao     Rough shacks, beggars,     and syphilitic streetwalkers. [19:41] Maomao     Things haven't changed. [19:57] Maomao     I'm home, Dad. [19:59] Luomen     Welcome home. You were out for a while. [20:05] Maomao     I'm finally home. [20:08] Maomao     Yeah, on that day, I was out     getting dyes for my freckles, when... [20:25] Maomao     I still have time left on my term, so I'll     go back to the rear palace in two days. [20:29] Luomen     I see. [20:30] Maomao     I'm sleepy, but I also want a bath. [20:33] Luomen     You should borrow a bath at     the Verdigris House tomorrow. [20:38] Maomao     Yeah, I'll do that. [20:58] Luomen     The rear palace? What a twist of fate. [21:06] ED Lyrics     Not just some superficial sweetness [21:12] ED Lyrics     I want more warmth than I can even use, oh [21:18] ED Lyrics     Having these selfish idealistic thoughts [21:23] ED Lyrics     I swallowed them again today     before putting them into words [21:28] ED Lyrics     Still in my memories,     the scent of fragrant olive [21:33] ED Lyrics     The color of twilight in the city [21:36] ED Lyrics     We were laughing... [21:41] ED Lyrics     Filled with sadness,     the tears welled up in my eyes [21:53] ED Lyrics     I found a glow during those days [22:01] ED Lyrics     I guess I took everything for granted [22:06] ED Lyrics     The wind was so loud I covered my ears [22:18] ED Lyrics     I gotta stop being like that [22:26] ED Lyrics     Even if I stumble over the words of love SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Wheat Stalks." SIGN    Episode 8: Wheat Stalks E8 - Wheat Stalks Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. SIGN    Episode 8: Wheat Stalks [01:48] Maomao     Oh, right, I'm home. [01:56] Maomao     So sticky... [01:58] Maomao     Dad... [02:01] Maomao     Must be out in the field. [02:09] Maomao     I wish he'd stop working the field at his age, [02:15] Maomao     but he just really enjoys making     medicine out of the herbs he grows. [02:25] Maomao     Don't break it. [02:28] Maomao     I don't know you. Are you     a servant at a different brothel? [02:32] Maomao     My dad's— [02:32] Servant A     Come with me! [02:33] Maomao     Hey! [02:41] Servant A     Big Sis! I brought the apothecary! [02:44] Mob Courtesan     Hurry! [02:45] Maomao     This smell... [02:51] Courtesan B     Apothecary! I made them     throw up already, but... [02:57] Maomao     Right! [03:00] Maomao     The man isn't breathing! [03:02] Maomao     The woman's breathing is too weak. [03:04] Maomao     We'll check if there's any      vomit left in their throats. [03:07] Maomao     You check her. [03:07] Courtesan B     Y-Yes! [03:10] Maomao     No pulse. Nothing clogging the throat. [03:20] Maomao     Just saliva. [03:34] Courtesan B     Bring water! [03:35] Maomao     No water! Bring charcoal. Charcoal! [03:38] Servant A     Y-Yes! [03:49] Maomao     Great way to start the morning. [03:53] Maomao     Wow, I need a bath... [03:55] Courtesan B     Thank you, apothecary. They're both stable now. [03:59] Maomao     Wait, leave that alone. [04:01] Courtesan C     Even what they threw up on? [04:03] Maomao     There could still be poison in it. [04:05] Courtesan C     Poison... [04:08] Courtesan B     I'll go make some tea. [04:16] Maomao     The two who collapsed here were     a courtesan and her customer. [04:20] Maomao     The room was filled with     the scent of alcohol and tobacco. [04:25] Maomao     Two bottles. [04:27] Maomao     Broken glass cups. [04:30] Maomao     This is... a wheat stalk? [04:34] Maomao     A pipe and some tobacco leaves. [04:37] Maomao     They really went out of      their way to cause trouble. [04:40] Servant A     I've got the charcoal... [04:42] Maomao     Good. Also, get me a text plate     and something to write with. [04:45] Servant A     Huh? [04:48] Maomao     My dad should be out in the fields,     near the southern wall. [04:52] Maomao     Bring him over here later. [04:54] Servant A     Got it. [05:06] Maomao     You're late, Dad. [05:08] Luomen     This girl was worried about my leg. [05:12] Maomao     I crushed the charcoal. [05:14] Luomen     Yes, let's mix it with the herbs     and give it to them immediately. [05:18] Courtesan B     Can you drink this? [05:22] Courtesan A     What about him...? [05:23] Courtesan B     He's safe. He had the medicine, too. [05:27] Luomen     Your treatment's not bad. [05:29] Maomao     "Not bad," huh? [05:33] Maomao     Dad's able to deduce two or three things     from a single piece of information. [05:40] Luomen     What kind of poison do you think this was? [05:42] Maomao     Here goes! [05:50] Maomao     Dad sometimes tries to     make me learn stuff this way. [05:55] Maomao     Tobacco leaves are deadly poisons. [05:57] Maomao     That would be what they'd use     in a double suicide. [06:00] Luomen     You didn't have them drink water, right? [06:03] Maomao     Water would make things worse, right? [06:05] Luomen     Correct. Gastric juices can prevent      the intake of poison in some cases, [06:09] Luomen     so diluting it might make things worse. [06:12] Luomen     However, what if this poison     was already soaked in water? [06:18] Maomao     There are no leaves in the vomit. [06:20] Maomao     I missed that. Maybe I'm still half asleep. [06:24] Maomao     If the poison was soaked in water,     sometimes diluting it with more water is good. [06:28] Maomao     Got it. Lesson learned. [06:32] Generous Old Lady     Sorry for the trouble. [06:34] Maomao     Serving us snacks reserved for customers?     That's quite generous of her. [06:41] Maomao     I see, it prevents lipstick     from getting on the cup. [06:48] Generous Old Lady     You really saved us. This is just      a small token of our gratitude. [06:53] Luomen     Oh no, that's too much— [06:54] Maomao     Dad, can you afford rent this month? [06:57] Luomen     Ah, in that case... [06:58] Maomao     Jeez, you old man... [07:05] Maomao     Must have been a double suicide.     Not exactly rare in the pleasure district. [07:09] Maomao     A man who can't afford to buy out a courtesan, [07:11] Maomao     and a courtesan with time left on her term. [07:13] Maomao     People like that often reach     this same conclusion. [07:16] Maomao     Still, that man was very well-dressed. [07:20] Maomao     He had a handsome face, too. [07:22] Maomao     Didn't seem like someone who'd be     short on money or women. [07:25] Maomao     Dad wouldn't approve of me     judging through stereotypes, but... [07:30] Maomao     He didn't seem like someone [07:32] Maomao     who'd drink poison with a courtesan     out of despair for their future. [07:39] Maomao     I'm going to go check on them. [07:42] Maomao     The man seemed to be in worse condition... [07:52] Maomao     What are you doing?! [07:58] Servant A     Don't stop me! This guy deserves to die! [08:19] Courtesan B     Wh-What are you doing?! [08:25] Courtesan B     Apothecary, may I speak with you? [08:34] Courtesan B     That man was always a problem customer. [08:38] Courtesan B     He'd sweet-talk a courtesan and     insinuate that he would buy her out. [08:41] Courtesan B     When he got tired of her, he'd just dump her. [08:44] Courtesan B     He was widely hated. Some woman     tried to stab him, even. [08:49] Courtesan B     He'd been poisoned in the past, too. [08:51] Courtesan B     But his rich merchant father pampers him. [08:55] Courtesan B     He settles everything with money. [08:59] Courtesan B     Recently, he asked his father to hire     guards for him to travel to the brothels with. [09:04] Courtesan B     This girl's older sister got dumped by him, too. [09:08] Courtesan B     She was so happy she could live with him, [09:12] Courtesan B     but on the day of the buy-out,     he suddenly canceled on her. [09:19] Courtesan B     That's why, I think, she couldn't forgive him. [09:22] Courtesan B     The courtesan who drank the poison     today was close to her, as well. [09:26] Maomao     So, you want me to pretend     I didn't see anything? [09:28] Maomao     If he's such a problem, why not just ban him? [09:31] Courtesan B     It's the courtesan who fell for him. [09:35] Maomao     In that case, I suppose     word of a double suicide [09:37] Maomao     would make matters worse for the brothel. [09:41] Maomao     So, they served us the good snacks [09:42] Maomao     because we prevented a rich merchant's     son from dying on the premises. [09:47] Maomao     And... [09:50] Maomao     That must have felt unfair to her. [09:57] Maomao     I understand. [10:01] Maomao     I just happened to be home today, [10:04] Maomao     but if the girl shops with us often, perhaps     she knew when my dad is usually away. [10:11] Maomao     Normally you'd call for     a doctor at a time like that, [10:14] Maomao     but she went out of her way     to find a missing apothecary. [10:18] Maomao     That servant girl is scarier than she looks. [10:24] Luomen     It's too bad your homecoming     turned out this way. [10:28] Maomao     Dad, show me that money from earlier. [10:30] Luomen     Hmm? [10:31] Maomao     Yep, all there. [10:33] Maomao     As expected, including hush money. [10:36] Maomao     Something bothers me, though. [10:39] Maomao     Judging from the stories,     the man is pretty clever. [10:43] Maomao     Would someone like him join     a double suicide over romance? [10:48] Maomao     Was it a forced suicide? No, a man who'd      been poisoned before wouldn't easily— [10:55] Luomen     Maomao, you shouldn't     speak based on conjecture. [11:00] Maomao     Dad, you already figured out     what really happened, right? [11:07] Maomao     Let's try to recall what was at     the scene and what I might have missed. [11:13] Maomao     Tobacco leaves are deadly poisons. [11:14] Maomao     This would be what they would     use in a double suicide. [11:16] Luomen     However, what if this poison     was already mixed in water? [11:20] Courtesan B     It's the courtesan who fell for him. [11:22] Servant A     This guy deserves to die! [11:25] Courtesan B     The courtesan who drank the poison     today was close to her as well. [11:28] Maomao     I see, it prevents the lipstick     from getting on the cup. [11:38] Maomao     This wasn't a double suicide. [11:41] Maomao     It was murder. [11:49] Maomao     Poisoned water, wheat stalks,     two separate drinks with different colors... [11:59] Luomen     It's already over. [12:03] Maomao     I know. [12:08] Maomao     Murder, not a double suicide. [12:10] Maomao     And it's the courtesan     who tried to kill the man, [12:14] Maomao     using drinks laced with tobacco poison. [12:18] Maomao     But the man was cautious enough     to have guards around. [12:22] Maomao     How did she get him to drink the poison? [12:26] Maomao     Simple. She took a sip as well. [12:29] Maomao     If the courtesan was safe,     the man would drink, too. [12:33] Maomao     But if she drank the poison,     she'd be in danger herself. [12:38] Maomao     That's why she used a trick. [12:40] Maomao     Two drinks, one cup. [12:44] Maomao     Different drinks have varying     thicknesses and weights. [12:49] Maomao     By pouring a lighter drink     slowly over a heavy drink, [12:53] Maomao     you can create a pretty-looking, layered drink. [12:55] Maomao     She used that as a small parlor     trick to impress her guest. [12:59] Maomao     Then, she used the wheat stalk to drink just     the lower layer, without raising suspicion. [13:19] Maomao     Afterwards, she drank from     the upper layer as well. [13:22] Maomao     Just a little bit, so it wouldn't kill her. [13:25] Maomao     She didn't want to end up dead herself. [13:32] Maomao     She did the act in the morning to     increase the odds that he would die, [13:37] Maomao     and she would survive. [13:39] Maomao     And conveniently, someone came to witness it. [13:44] Maomao     She appeared fragile,     but she's actually quite clever. [14:14] Servant A     What are you doing, Big Sis?!     You should stay in bed! [14:18] Maomao     The servant girl did     behave a bit strangely. [14:21] Maomao     In order to make sure the man didn't survive, [14:23] Maomao     she went to an apothecary, not a doctor. [14:26] Maomao     She even took her time     bringing my dad over. [14:29] Maomao     Wasn't she worried that     her "Big Sis" would die? [14:33] Maomao     Wasn't she worried that someone close     to her would die again, like her real sister? [14:39] Maomao     It's almost as if she knew     the courtesan would survive. [14:43] Maomao     Or am I over-thinking this? [14:46] Maomao     In addition, the other courtesan     was sympathetic to the servant girl. [14:50] Maomao     Plus, the very generous madam... [14:52] Maomao     Once I start doubting, there's no stopping. [14:57] Maomao     Could they all have been... [15:03] Maomao     I shouldn't speak based on conjecture. [15:08] Maomao     I really missed this pleasure district, [15:11] Maomao     but in essence, it's no different     from the rear palace. [15:14] Maomao     It's both a garden and a cage. [15:18] Maomao     The stale, trapped air poisons everyone. [15:22] Maomao     The courtesans also eat the poison around them [15:26] Maomao     to become a sweet poison themselves. [15:32] Maomao     I don't know what'll happen to that courtesan. [15:35] Maomao     Maybe the annoying customer     will assert that she tried to poison him. [15:40] Maomao     Maybe the brothel will accuse him     of ruining their merchandise instead. [15:47] Maomao     Well, whatever. [15:48] Maomao     You can't live life in this neighborhood     worrying about every little thing. [15:54] Meimei     Maomao. [15:57] Maomao     Meimei. [16:01] Meimei     You're going back to the rear palace already? [16:03] Maomao     I have a year left on my term. [16:06] Maomao     I also have work to do     that I can't force on others. [16:09] Meimei     That's too bad. You just got back. [16:13] Meimei     Everyone was worried     when you suddenly went missing. [16:17] Meimei     Pairin, Joka, and even the old lady. [16:19] Meimei     Really? She never said... [16:23] Meimei     She acted like usual, right?     It's because you came back. [16:27] Maomao     I see. [16:31] Meimei     Oh no, did I make you     all sentimental? There, there! [16:35] Maomao     Come on, Meimei! [16:41] Meimei     Maomao, did you visit the annex? [16:46] Maomao     I'll go later. [16:59] Luomen     Take care of yourself. [17:01] Maomao     You, too. [17:02] Maomao     I'm off. [17:05] Maomao     My three-day homecoming     was over before I knew it. [17:13] Pairin     I'm so sad to see you go so soon! [17:16] Pairin     Right, Master Lihaku? [17:18] Lihaku     Yes! I'm so sad, too! [17:21] Maomao     Looks like he had a good dream. [17:23] Maomao     Once you have a taste of the heavenly dews,     there's no turning back to reality. [17:28] Maomao     I'm sure they'll squeeze him dry,     gently but thoroughly. [17:32] Maomao     That said, I'm the one that has to cover     for the amount that I couldn't pay up front. [17:37] Old Lady     Let me know when you're coming home next. [17:41] Maomao     And thus, my next buyer has been determined. [17:50] Maomao     What's with the intense stare? [17:53] Maomao     I'd better make my escape. [17:55] Maomao     I'll go get changed. [17:57] Yinghua     Tell us... [17:58] Ailan     Everything... [17:59] Guiyuan     Later! [18:04] Jinshi     I'll be waiting for you in the parlor. [18:20] Maomao     Excuse me. [18:25] Maomao     For some reason, he seems really upset. [18:29] Maomao     Am I over-thinking it? [18:32] Maomao     I hope I'm over-thinking it. [18:33] Maomao     Let's go with that. [18:36] Maomao     Why are we alone, anyway? [18:39] Jinshi     So, you went home, huh? [18:42] Maomao     Yes. [18:43] Jinshi     How was it? [18:45] Maomao     Everyone's doing well,     so I was glad for that. [18:49] Jinshi     I see. [18:50] Maomao     Yes. [18:52] Jinshi     What is this Lihaku fellow like? [18:56] Maomao     He was my guarantor. [18:59] Maomao     How does he know that name? [19:03] Jinshi     Do you even know what that means? [19:07] Maomao     Yes. Only a higher-ranking official with     a good record can serve as a guarantor. [19:17] Jinshi     Did he give you a hairpin? [19:19] Maomao     He was passing out several,     so I took one as a consolation prize. [19:23] Jinshi     So, I lost to a consolation prize, huh? [19:29] Jinshi     I thought I gave you one too,     but I never heard from you. [19:34] Maomao     Huh? [19:36] Maomao     In other words, he's just unhappy     because I didn't rely on him instead? [19:42] Maomao     Weird. It's obviously way better     to not get involved in any trouble. [19:48] Maomao     Is he so bored that he wants attention,     even if it'll cause problems? [19:53] Maomao     I'm sorry. I couldn't think of     a repayment that you'd enjoy. [20:02] Jinshi     What repayment? [20:04] Jinshi     Did you give something to this Lihaku guy? [20:07] Maomao     Yes, I granted him a night      of blissful dreams. [20:13] Jinshi     A night... [20:15] Maomao     He seemed very happy. [20:17] Maomao     I worked hard, so I'm pleased with myself. [20:24] Maomao     What are you doing? [20:26] Maomao     Let's wipe you off before it stains. [20:28] Maomao     Excuse me. [20:30] Maomao     You should get this washed right away. [20:36] Maomao     I'll clean up the cup right      away, too. Don't touch it. [20:43] Maomao     Excuse me. [20:44] Maomao     Whoosh. [20:52] Maomao     Ow! [21:06] ED Lyrics     Not just some superficial sweetness [21:12] ED Lyrics     I want more warmth than I can even use, oh [21:18] ED Lyrics     Having these selfish idealistic thoughts [21:23] ED Lyrics     I swallowed them again today     before putting them into words [21:28] ED Lyrics     Still in my memories,     the scent of fragrant olive [21:33] ED Lyrics     The color of twilight in the city [21:36] ED Lyrics     We were laughing... [21:41] ED Lyrics     Filled with sadness,     the tears welled up in my eyes [21:53] ED Lyrics     I found a glow during those days [22:01] ED Lyrics     I guess I took everything for granted [22:05] ED Lyrics     The wind was so loud I covered my ears [22:18] ED Lyrics     I gotta stop being like that [22:25] ED Lyrics     Even if I stumble over the words of love SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Suicide or Murder?" SIGN    Episode 9: Suicide or Murder? E9 - Suicide or Murder? Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:38] Bureaucrats     That man can't be trusted! SIGN    Episode 9: Suicide or Murder? [01:40] Bureaucrats     That'd create other issues. [01:49] Kounen     Drinks! Bring more booze... [01:52] Bureaucrat A     Wow, he's changed a lot. [01:55] Bureaucrat A     Seeing his face makes the drinks taste bad. [01:59] Bureaucrat B     On that, I can agree. [02:07] Kounen     Hey... Thanks. [02:19] Gaoshun     How much longer are you going to sulk? [02:22] Jinshi     I'm not sulking. [02:24] Gaoshun     Please don't forget that     you're still on the job. [02:27] Jinshi     I understand. [02:29] Gaoshun     He doesn't understand. [02:32] Gaoshun     The one known as Jinshi does not     respond in such a childish way. [02:37] Gaoshun     The one known as Jinshi does not     attach himself so strongly to a toy. [02:42] Gaoshun     Here is some more work. [02:48] Gaoshun     It took considerable effort to get [02:50] Gaoshun     Concubine Gyokuyou to stop laughing     uncontrollably and explain. [02:55] (Flashback) Jinshi     Misunderstanding...? [02:58] Gaoshun     The payment she gave in return     for acting as her guarantor [03:01] Gaoshun     was a meeting with a star courtesan. [03:02] Gaoshun     Who knew that girl had such connections? [03:05] Gaoshun     Who knows what image     the master had in his mind? [03:10] Gaoshun     Youth is a scary thing. [03:13] Gaoshun     That said, to put so much effort     into finishing work quickly... [03:18] Gaoshun     And going out to meet her... [03:21] Gaoshun     Only to find out she had left     for home with another man... [03:24] Gaoshun     That must have been quite a shock, for sure. [03:34] Gaoshun     They should put more thought into these... [03:38] Gaoshun     Many bureaucrats try to pass bills     that benefit them personally. [03:43] Gaoshun     I feel sorry for my master, who has to do     extra work for those useless bills. [03:55] Subordinate     Master Jinshi! [03:56] Gaoshun     It's already after hours. Can this wait? [03:59] Subordinate     It's not about work... Well... [04:08] Jinshi     Sir Kounen?! [04:09] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi. [04:11] Jinshi     Let's go! [04:15] Gyokuyou     That's terrible news... [04:18] Maomao     Someone high up bit the dust. [04:21] Maomao     Maybe this is callous, but I can't     sympathize with someone [04:25] Maomao     who I've never met or heard of. [04:27] Maomao     A man past the age of fifty,     who died from drinking too much. [04:32] Maomao     Clearly self-inflicted. [04:36] Maomao     Since he went out of the way to make     the head lady-in-waiting leave... [04:42] Jinshi     Apothecary, do you think     the alcohol was really what killed him? [04:46] Maomao     I knew he'd ask. [04:49] Maomao     Anyone who likes alcohol should know that     overindulgence in drink is poison in essence. [04:54] Maomao     Drinking constantly can sicken the organs. [04:58] Maomao     Drinking too much in one      sitting can lead to death. [05:02] Jinshi     It was a party for a group of co-workers,     and I heard he had a lot to drink. [05:05] Maomao     That could kill him. [05:08] Jinshi     But Sir Kounen could     really handle his drink. [05:10] Jinshi     I don't think overindulgence would kill him. [05:16] Maomao     The man who died was named Kounen. [05:18] Maomao     He was a dynamic warrior     who drank entire jars of alcohol, [05:21] Maomao     and had a well-liked personality, to boot. [05:23] Jinshi     Gaoshun. [05:25] Gaoshun     Yes. [05:26] Jinshi     This is the drink from that party. [05:31] Maomao     Ooh, booze! [05:33] Jinshi     The specific jar that Sir Kounen drank from [05:35] Jinshi     got dropped on the floor     and the contents were lost. [05:39] Maomao     So, if that jar had poison in it,     we'd have no way of knowing. [05:44] Jinshi     Indeed... [05:46] Maomao     How modest. He realizes     he's asking for the impossible. [05:51] Maomao     He should just be excessively     shiny like his usual self. [05:54] Maomao     For a while now, Master Jinshi has seemed     much more childish than before. [06:04] Maomao     It's both sweet and salty. [06:07] Maomao     Like someone took a sweet     drink and added salt to it... [06:12] Jinshi     What's wrong? [06:13] Maomao     It's a distinct taste. [06:15] Jinshi     Yes. Sweet, isn't it?     That's how Master Kounen liked it. [06:19] Jinshi     He had a serious sweet tooth. [06:21] Jinshi     He'd never lay a finger on even     the finest smoked meats and rock salts. [06:26] Maomao     Huh... [06:27] Jinshi     I heard he used to love spicy foods, but     suddenly developed a sweet tooth one day. [06:32] Jinshi     Even his meals became all sweets. [06:35] Maomao     That'll cause diabetes. [06:37] Jinshi     Stop spoiling my nostalgia with reality. [06:40] Jinshi     You're having more? [06:42] Maomao     From spicy to sweet, huh? [06:46] Maomao     Were there salts available at the party? [06:48] Jinshi     Yes. Rock salts, moon cakes, and dried meat. [06:54] Jinshi     Do you want those, too? [06:56] Maomao     No, I'll be done with the drink by then. [06:59] Jinshi     That's not what I meant... [07:01] Maomao     Can you get the jar that     Master Kounen was drinking from? [07:04] Jinshi     It's broken and in pieces. [07:07] Maomao     That's fine. [07:14] Maomao     Also, there's one thing     I want you to look into. [07:24] Maomao     Excuse me. [07:29] Gaoshun     Here is the report. [07:31] Maomao     Thank you. [07:37] Maomao     I knew it. [07:40] Jinshi     Here's the bottle. [07:49] Jinshi     Is it safe to lick that? [07:51] Maomao     There's no poison here. [07:59] Jinshi     Salt? [08:00] Maomao     Yes. Master Jinshi, you mentioned how Master     Kounen suddenly developed a sweet tooth, right? [08:08] Maomao     And that he only ate sweet foods after that? [08:10] Jinshi     Yes. [08:11] Maomao     Yet this jar contained so much salt     that it left crystals behind when it dried. [08:19] Maomao     Salt is essential to the human body,     but too much salt can also be poisonous. [08:24] Jinshi     So, the cause of his death is... [08:26] Maomao     Given the amount he drank,     and the salt included, [08:30] Maomao     it's easy to conclude this was the cause. [08:33] Jinshi     Yes, but you should be able to tell     if something tasted this salty— [08:38] Maomao     But he didn't. Please take a look at this. [08:42] Maomao     It's a report on Master Kounen's lifestyle. [08:47] Maomao     Judging from what's written here, [08:49] Maomao     it seems like Master Kounen     lost his ability to taste salt. [08:53] Jinshi     Oh, no... [08:55] Maomao     Kounen seemed like a serious     and skilled bureaucrat, [08:59] Maomao     with a stoic personality. [09:05] Maomao     Many years ago, he lost his wife     and child to an epidemic. [09:11] Maomao     From that day on, he was all work, all day. [09:14] Maomao     His only forms of entertainment     were drinking and sweets. [09:19] Maomao     There is an illness that     eliminates the sense of taste. [09:22] Maomao     It can be caused by     an unbalanced diet or stress. [09:25] Maomao     Serious people will sometimes     repress their feelings, [09:27] Maomao     and that stress could lead to illness. [09:30] Jinshi     So, who put the salt in the bottle? [09:35] Maomao     That's not for me to determine. [09:39] Maomao     However, there was also salt     in the drink I had yesterday. [09:44] Maomao     It could have been put there     by someone at the party [09:47] Maomao     who didn't like sweet drinks. [09:50] Maomao     Alternatively, there are many who     resent overly serious coworkers. [09:55] Maomao     Maybe they put some salt in the drink [09:58] Maomao     because they didn't like him and     wanted to pull a little prank. [10:03] Maomao     But because he kept drinking     seemingly without issue, [10:07] Maomao     perhaps they kept adding more,     hoping he would notice. [10:12] Jinshi     Gaoshun. [10:13] Gaoshun     Yes. [10:15] Gaoshun     Understood. [10:18] Maomao     I'm a coward. [10:20] Maomao     I've practically named the culprit at this     point, given the amount of hints I dropped. [10:26] Maomao     But I don't want to be directly     responsible for someone getting punished. [10:31] Jinshi     Sorry for your trouble. Thank you. [10:34] Maomao     It's fine. [10:36] Maomao     An obsidian tassel... [10:38] Maomao     He's in mourning. [10:41] Maomao     Was he such a person of high esteem? [10:44] Jinshi     Yes. He helped me a lot when I was younger. [10:52] Maomao     He seems like a normal young man. [10:55] Maomao     I guess he is human, after all. [11:00] Jinshi     Oh, right. [11:02] Maomao     Huh? [11:05] Jinshi     Here's your reward. [11:06] Maomao     A bottle? [11:07] Jinshi     Yes. It's not the same     as the one from yesterday. [11:11] Maomao     Booze! [11:12] Jinshi     Don't drink it out in the open. [11:14] Maomao     Yes! Thank you! [11:23] Jinshi     You don't seem all that grateful. [11:25] Maomao     Is that so? Perhaps you      should return to your work. [11:31] Maomao     That reaction... I bet he's slacking off. [11:33] Maomao     Perhaps you should finish it     before it starts piling up. [11:36] Jinshi     I am working seriously... [11:38] Maomao     What kind of work? [11:39] Jinshi     For example, there's a certain bill. [11:43] Jinshi     The idea is to set an age limit     for alcohol consumption, [11:46] Jinshi     to prevent young ones from      losing themselves in drink. [11:49] Maomao     Huh? [11:50] Jinshi     The bill proposes a ban on drinking     alcohol until the age of twenty. [11:59] Maomao     Master Jinshi... [12:01] Maomao     Please, please don't pass that bill! [12:08] Jinshi     Hmm. Well, it's not something     I can decide on my own. [12:11] Maomao     M-Master Jinshi! [12:45] Eunuch A     Doctor! [12:49] Eunuch A     This way! [12:55] Guen     There it is! [13:02] Maomao     We're lucky it's winter now. [13:04] Maomao     She's still in good shape,     despite being a drowned corpse. [13:07] Guen     How can you look directly at her? [13:09] Maomao     Where was she found? [13:11] Eunuch 1     She was floating in the outside moat. [13:13] Eunuch 1     From her dress, we assumed     she was a servant at the rear palace. [13:16] Maomao     I see. That's why they called our doc. [13:19] Maomao     But a doctor in charge of     autopsies acting like this... [13:22] Maomao     He truly is a quack. [13:23] Guen     Little lady, can I leave this to you? [13:26] Maomao     Nope. [13:27] Guen     Huh? [13:27] Maomao     I've been ordered to not touch corpses. [13:30] Jinshi     That's unexpected. [13:32] Guen     Master Jinshi! [13:34] Maomao     Greetings, Master Jinshi. [13:37] Jinshi     You don't seem to be     uncomfortable around corpses. [13:39] Maomao     I've gotten used to them. [13:41] Maomao     The pleasure district is just      one street away from lawless chaos. [13:44] Jinshi     Why can't you touch corpses? [13:47] Maomao     My teacher told me not to. [13:49] Jinshi     Is it an aversion to death? [13:51] Maomao     No... [13:53] Maomao     It's because humans can become     medicinal ingredients, too. [13:57] (Flashback) Lakan     Given your curiosity, once you give that a try, [13:59] (Flashback) Lakan     it wouldn't be long before     you start digging up graves. [14:02] (Flashback) Lakan     Do not cross that line, ever. [14:05] (Flashback) Maomao     Y-Yes. [14:07] Jinshi     I see. [14:09] Maomao     What a rude response. [14:11] Jinshi     Doctor, could you please     do a proper autopsy? [14:14] Guen     Understood... [14:18] Guen     Eek! [14:19] Maomao     "Eek," indeed... [14:23] Maomao     She's tall. Hard wooden shoes...     Bandages on one foot... [14:29] Maomao     Fingers are all red. [14:33] Maomao     It must have been cold in that water. [14:42] Jinshi     The girl was a servant and was      working normally yesterday. [14:47] Jinshi     The guard believes she climbed the wall     last night and threw herself in. [14:52] Jinshi     A suicide. [14:54] Maomao     Suicide... [14:57] Jinshi     What do you think? [14:58] Maomao     I can't tell if she committed suicide, [15:00] Maomao     but I think it was impossible     for her to do it alone. [15:03] Jinshi     What do you mean? [15:05] Maomao     There were no ladders on the wall,     and no other climbing tools. [15:10] Maomao     The rear palace walls are at least     four times my height. [15:14] Jinshi     So, you mean she couldn't      have climbed it without tools. [15:17] Maomao     In most cases. [15:19] Maomao     Strictly speaking, scaling the wall     without tools is possible. [15:24] Maomao     Do you remember the ghost issue     from a while ago? [15:28] Maomao     Concubine Fuyou? [15:29] Maomao     Yes. [15:30] Maomao     I was wondering how she climbed the wall, [15:34] Maomao     so I did a thorough investigation of it. [15:38] Maomao     That's where I found the protrusions     that I believe the craftsmen used. [15:44] Maomao     That said, it would be difficult     for most regular women, [15:47] Maomao     especially those with     bound feet, like that servant. [15:52] Maomao     Foot binding is a custom where     small feet are considered beautiful. [15:57] Maomao     It's not done on all women, [16:00] Maomao     but I do occasionally see the distinct     walking style in the rear palace, too. [16:04] Jinshi     If it's not suicide, [16:07] Jinshi     are you saying it's murder? [16:08] Maomao     I don't know that. [16:11] Maomao     But I think it's fairly certain that     she was alive when she fell in the moat. [16:16] Maomao     She must have clawed at     the walls to try to climb out. [16:19] Maomao     Her fingers were bloodied and red. [16:25] Jinshi     Yes... [16:27] Maomao     Suicide, or murder... [16:38] Maomao     I would never think to take my own life. [16:43] Maomao     I'd hate if someone killed me, too. [16:47] Maomao     If I died, I wouldn't be able     to test any more drugs or poisons. [16:53] Maomao     But if I were to die... [16:58] Jinshi     What are you thinking about? [17:00] Maomao     About what kind of poison I would use to die. [17:03] Jinshi     Are you trying to die?! [17:05] Maomao     Not at all. But nobody knows when they'll die. [17:11] Maomao     Even if it's not something they     wished for, a malicious third party [17:15] Maomao     can cause an undesired death. [17:18] Maomao     Like with Master Kounen. [17:22] Maomao     Nobody knows when it could happen. [17:26] Maomao     There is no way to resist fate... [18:42] Maomao     Master Jinshi. [18:44] Jinshi     What is it? [18:48] Maomao     If you're ever tasked with executing me,     can you make sure it's with poison? [18:53] Jinshi     Where'd that come from?! [18:54] Maomao     If I made a mistake, you would     probably be the one to give the order. [19:10] Maomao     Did I step in it just now? [19:13] Maomao     I'm sorry, it's not my place to say. [19:16] Maomao     I won't complain if it's     a hanging or a beheading. [19:19] Jinshi     No, really, why are you saying all this?! [19:23] Maomao     Because I'm a commoner. [19:25] Maomao     My life is easily taken away     over the slightest mistake. [19:28] Jinshi     I would never do such a thing. [19:30] Maomao     It's not a "would-or-would-not"     type of issue. It's "can-or-cannot." [19:36] Maomao     Looks like I struck a nerve there. [19:40] Maomao     If there's no further     business, I'll excuse myself. [20:00] Maomao     Later, I heard through rumors [20:04] Maomao     that the dead servant was at the garden     party where the poisoning took place. [20:09] Maomao     They found a will with     some relevant content in it, [20:12] Maomao     so the case was closed as a suicide. [20:22] Gaoshun     The report from the other day is finally ready. [20:25] Jinshi     It's been two months since I asked for     you to find someone with burns on their arms. [20:30] Jinshi     You took too long. [20:31] Gaoshun     I'm very sorry. [20:33] Jinshi     So, who is it? [20:36] Gaoshun     Yes. It's actually higher up than I thought. [20:40] Gaoshun     Fengming, from the Garnet Pavilion. [20:47] Gaoshun     Head lady-in-waiting under Concubine Ah-Duo. [20:53] Jinshi     I see. [20:55] Jinshi     You're excused. [21:02] Jinshi     Concubine Ah-Duo... [21:06] ED Lyrics     Not just some superficial sweetness [21:12] ED Lyrics     I want more warmth than I can even use, oh [21:18] ED Lyrics     Having these selfish idealistic thoughts [21:23] ED Lyrics     I swallowed them again today     before putting them into words [21:28] ED Lyrics     Still in my memories,     the scent of fragrant olive [21:33] ED Lyrics     The color of twilight in the city [21:36] ED Lyrics     We were laughing... [21:41] ED Lyrics     Filled with sadness,     the tears welled up in my eyes [21:53] ED Lyrics     I found a glow during those days [22:01] ED Lyrics     I guess I took everything for granted [22:06] ED Lyrics     The wind was so loud I covered my ears [22:18] ED Lyrics     I gotta stop being like that [22:26] ED Lyrics     Even if I stumble over the words of love SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Honey." SIGN    Episode 10: Honey E10 - Honey Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. SIGN    Episode 10: Honey [01:52] Xiaolan     I heard about the servant     who drowned. It was a suicide! [01:56] Xiaolan     She was a servant at the Garnet Pavilion. [01:59] Xiaolan     I heard she was the one who poisoned     Lady Lishu's food at the garden party... [02:03] Xiaolan     I wonder if she did it because      she served Concubine Ah-Duo? [02:07] Maomao     You mean, Pure Consort Ah-Duo? [02:09] Xiaolan     Yeah. She's going to lose her title     as one of the four consorts [02:12] Xiaolan     to be replaced by a new,     younger concubine, I hear. [02:16] Maomao     Concubine Ah-Duo is one year older     than the emperor, at 35 years old. [02:22] Maomao     She had a male baby with the emperor once,     back when he was still a prince, but lost him. [02:27] Maomao     It's too bad, but the whole rear palace     system is built for creating many babies. [02:33] Maomao     Mother of a dead male baby. [02:37] Maomao     Will the same thing happen to Lady Lihua,     if she can't have another baby? [02:42] Maomao     There's no guarantee that Lady Gyokuyou     will continue to have the emperor's love. [02:48] Maomao     Even the most beautiful     flowers wilt over time. [02:51] Maomao     The flowers of the rear palace are     meaningless unless they bear fruit. [02:55] Xiaolan     I gotta go now. [02:57] Maomao     Oh. Take this, too. [02:59] Maomao     They're leftovers from yesterday's tea party. [03:01] Xiaolan     Thanks! [03:02] Xiaolan     Enough snacks to have leftovers?     Tea parties are awesome. [03:08] Maomao     I'm not so sure. [03:10] Maomao     A tea party is definitely a form     of work for a concubine. [03:14] Yinghua     Maomao, help us set up! [03:16] Maomao     Another one? [03:18] Maomao     You're working quite hard for this one. [03:21] Yinghua     Obviously. This time,     it's a high-ranked concubine, [03:23] Yinghua     the Virtuous Consort, Lady Lishu! [03:26] Maomao     The politics of the rear palace     is well-represented here. [03:30] Gyokuyou     Welcome, Concubine Lishu. [03:34] Lishu     Thank you. [03:36] Maomao     Non-stop probing of each other's thoughts. [03:40] Maomao     Is it part of the nature of being a woman     to be cautious of the same sex? [03:45] Maomao     To be honest, they seem more wary     than when the emperor is here. [03:50] Maomao     The way Lady Gyokuyou gleans     information through polite conversation [03:54] Maomao     shows how skilled of a concubine she is. [03:57] Maomao     I heard she sends the information     she gathers to her family back home. [04:00] Maomao     Being a trade hub, it must be     important to understand the times. [04:14] Maomao     The taster at the garden party. [04:16] Maomao     I'm glad to see she hasn't been     too harshly punished. [04:20] Maomao     I'm not going to bite her head off or anything. [04:24] Maomao     The other servants aren't paying     attention to their mistress at all. [04:28] Maomao     That said, it doesn't seem like they're     actively harassing her, either. [04:32] Maomao     If my report to Master Gaoshun     was mistaken, that's fortunate. [04:37] Gyokuyou     Do you have any issues with sweets? [04:40] Lishu     I love sweets. [04:42] Gyokuyou     Great. [04:45] Gyokuyou     It's cold out, so I was     wondering if you'd like this. [04:49] Gyokuyou     It's orange peels boiled     in honey. It'll warm you up. [04:56] Gyokuyou     I hope you like it. [05:03] Maomao     Hmm? She can't handle honey, either? [05:06] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 1     Is she being a picky eater again? [05:08] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 2     She won't even eat something served to her? [05:10] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 3     I know, right? [05:22] Maomao     Lady Gyokuyou. [05:25] Gyokuyou     Oh, my. Ailan, I'm sorry. [05:28] Gyokuyou     I think this one needs to      be boiled a bit longer. [05:31] Gyokuyou     Let me get you something else. [05:33] Gyokuyou     How about hot ginger water? [05:36] Lishu     Yes, that's fine. [05:40] Maomao     Unfortunately, it seems like     I wasn't wrong about the bullying. [05:48] Yinghua     We'll clean up here. [05:50] Ailan     Maomao, you can rest. [05:53] Maomao     I can clean too, you know... [05:56] Jinshi     How was the tea party for     Concubines Gyokuyou and Lishu? [06:00] Maomao     I thought it was odd how that     tea party happened so suddenly. [06:06] Maomao     So, it was this guy's idea, after all. [06:09] Maomao     They had a enjoyable time. [06:12] Jinshi     I'm not done with you. [06:15] Maomao     Could you please let go? [06:19] Jinshi     Did you hear that      the garden party poisoning [06:21] Jinshi     was done by the Garnet Pavilion     servant who committed suicide? [06:26] Maomao     I heard the rumors. [06:29] Jinshi     Do you think she really committed suicide? [06:33] Maomao     That's not for me to determine. [06:37] Jinshi     Why would a common servant     poison Concubine Lishu? [06:43] Maomao     I don't know. [06:51] Jinshi     Well then, can you go help out at     the Garnet Pavilion, starting tomorrow? [06:56] Maomao     "Can" I? It's not like I have a choice. [07:03] Maomao     Understood. [07:06] Maomao     Mansions are painted in their     masters' colors, figuratively speaking. [07:10] Maomao     Concubine Gyokuyou's     Jade Pavilion feels homey, [07:13] Maomao     while Concubine Lihua's     Crystal Pavilion felt refined and noble. [07:17] Maomao     The Garnet Pavilion, home to Concubine Ah-Duo, [07:20] Maomao     was practical and simple,     yet polished and classy. [07:24] Fengming     My apologies for summoning you so suddenly. [07:26] Fengming     I'm looking forward to working     with you over the next three days. [07:30] Maomao     Master Jinshi didn't tell me     to do anything specific. [07:33] Maomao     I guess I should just work. [07:35] Ah-Duo     These are new faces. [07:37] Ah-Duo     Fengming, who are they? [07:39] Fengming     Temporary help for our big cleaning day. [07:43] Ah-Duo     I see. Thanks for the help. [07:46] Maomao     Ah-Duo, the Pure Consort. [07:49] Maomao     She's neither showy nor voluptuous, [07:51] Maomao     but she has an androgynous,     almost gallant kind of beauty. [07:54] Maomao     She's really thirty-five? [07:57] Maomao     If she dressed differently,     she'd pass as a young civil servant. [08:01] Maomao     She'd probably look better in a riding suit,     instead of her skirt and dress. [08:15] Maomao     Whoa, those longing stares. [08:25] Maomao     Does she remind me of someone? [08:32] Maomao     Lady Fengming, the head lady-in-waiting. [08:35] Maomao     I expected the Pure Consort's     head lady-in-waiting [08:37] Maomao     to be from an important family, [08:39] Maomao     but she's surprisingly approachable. [08:42] Fengming     Can you air the books out? [08:48] Fengming     You can ask the eunuchs     to handle the heavy items. [08:54] Maomao     She really is the oldest     high-ranking concubine. [08:57] Maomao     Despite the efficient look,     the mansion has a whole lot of stuff. [09:04] Maomao     Similar to the Jade Pavilion, the servants     at the Garnet Pavilion are hard workers. [09:08] Maomao     Certain fools who are all talk     could learn a thing or two. [09:23] Maomao     Phew. [09:27] Maomao     I guess that's it. [09:29] Fengming     Incredible. You did this much already? [09:31] Fengming     And so thorough, too. Can you      help with the parlor, as well? [09:37] Maomao     Yes. [09:38] Maomao     She's friendly, observant,     and praises others well. [09:42] Maomao     Seems like she's skilled at handling     others as head lady-in-waiting. [09:53] Maomao     I haven't done so much     physical labor in a while. [09:59] Fengming     Good work. Thank you for your help today. [10:02] Maomao     You're welcome. [10:03] Fengming     Oh, I know. You'll be     staying here tonight, correct? [10:06] Fengming     Follow me, please. [10:16] Maomao     A sweet smell? [10:18] Fengming     Please use this. It'll get cold tonight. [10:22] Maomao     Thank you. [10:24] Fengming     Rest well. [10:36] Maomao     Master Jinshi didn't tell me     to do anything specific. [10:40] Maomao     But... [11:01] Maomao     Is the mastermind behind     the poisoning really here? [11:05] Maomao     They really are all hard workers. [11:08] Maomao     Not just the ladies-in-waiting, but... [11:10] Garnet Pavilion Lady-in-Waiting 1     Lady Fengming! We can take care of that! [11:14] Fengming     Don't worry about it.     It's just something I noticed. [11:18] Maomao     Lady Fengming is the leading example. [11:20] Maomao     She's well past her prime,     but would have made a great wife. [11:25] Maomao     I wonder if she never     considered getting married. [11:28] Maomao     Did she choose to serve     Concubine Ah-Duo for life? [11:33] Maomao     Strong loyalty is a possible     motive for the poisoning. [11:38] Maomao     Now that a new concubine is about to enter, [11:41] Maomao     the high-ranking concubine at     the most risk is Concubine Ah-Duo. [11:46] Maomao     But what if a vacancy     opened up elsewhere first? [11:49] Maomao     The emperor is only interested     in ripened fruit. [11:52] Maomao     He doesn't visit Lady Lishu. [11:55] Maomao     That's fine, given her age of fourteen, [11:58] Maomao     but one could also claim she's not     serving her role as concubine. [12:02] Maomao     If someone were to poison     someone for Concubine Ah-Duo, [12:05] Maomao     it wouldn't be out of the question     to target Lady Lishu. [12:09] Garnet Pavilion Lady-in-Waiting 2     Can someone help me out here? [12:13] Maomao     Honey? [12:14] Garnet Pavilion Lady-in-Waiting 2     Lady Fengming's family runs an apiary. [12:18] Maomao     No wonder there's so much honey here,     despite it being so expensive. [12:23] Maomao     That must have been     the sweet smell from last night. [12:32] Maomao     Lady Lishu? [12:33] Maomao     Accompanied by just the one taster? [12:36] Maomao     Why is she at the Garnet Pavilion? [12:38] Maomao     Coming to think of it, at the tea party... [12:48] Maomao     That's what happened at the Garnet Pavilion. [12:52] Jinshi     I see. [12:54] Jinshi     And? [12:56] Maomao     That's it. No "and" or "but." [12:59] Maomao     I don't know what he wants.     I'm just an apothecary. [13:04] Maomao     If he wants a spy,     he's asking the wrong girl. [13:07] Maomao     What's with his casual     attitude recently, anyway? [13:15] Jinshi     Let's change the question, then. [13:17] Jinshi     If one of them could contact the outside     using some special method, [13:21] Jinshi     who would that be, you think? [13:23] Maomao     What a roundabout way of asking. [13:26] Maomao     I suppose the only possibility would be     Lady Fengming, the head lady-in-waiting. [13:31] Jinshi     Based on what? [13:33] Maomao     She had bandages around her left wrist. [13:36] Maomao     Those colored text plates were wrapped in     a woman's dress with burns on the sleeves. [13:43] Maomao     Why would anyone make multi-colored fires? [13:45] Maomao     One possibility is that it was a code. [13:49] Maomao     Honestly, that gentle head lady-in-waiting [13:52] Maomao     didn't seem like she was     part of a conspiracy. [13:56] Maomao     But that's just my opinion. [14:01] Jinshi     I suppose that's acceptable. [14:04] Maomao     I'm sure he knew this already,     eating honey so ostentatiously. [14:11] Jinshi     A good child needs to be rewarded. [14:15] Maomao     I r-respectfully decline. [14:17] Jinshi     No need to be modest. [14:22] Maomao     No, thank you! Please offer it to someone else! [14:25] Maomao     This guy thinks he can get away with     anything because he has a pretty face! [14:29] Maomao     Oh, right, that's the kind of     pervert he's always been! [14:34] Maomao     Master Gaoshun! [14:37] Maomao     He's getting laxatives in his food later! [14:39] Jinshi     Do you not like sweets? [14:40] Maomao     I like spicy foods. [14:42] Jinshi     But you can eat this, right? [14:44] Maomao     Damn it, he won't listen... [14:47] Maomao     If he weren't so high up,     I'd kick him in the groin... [14:49] Maomao     Wait, there's nothing to kick there. [14:52] Maomao     Should I just accept this as an order?     Or escape to maintain my dignity? [15:01] Maomao     If this was aconite syrup,     I'd have just accepted it. [15:08] Gyokuyou     Do you have any issues with sweets? [15:10] Gyokuyou     I hope you like it. [15:32] Maomao     Honey? [15:33] (Flashback) Garnet Pavilion Lady-in-Waiting 2     Lady Fengming's family runs an apiary. [15:37] Maomao     Lady Lishu? [15:39] Maomao     Syrup... [15:44] Maomao     Honey. [15:47] Jinshi     Apothecary? [15:49] Gyokuyou     What are you doing to my lady-in-waiting? [15:55] Jinshi     Concubine Gyokuyou! I was just— [15:57] Gyokuyou     On whose authority are you doing this? [16:04] Gaoshun     Xiaomao, this was just a prank gone too far. [16:08] Gaoshun     Could you forgive Master Jinshi? [16:11] Maomao     In that case, next time you can do      the licking for me, Master Gaoshun. [16:15] Gaoshun     L-Licking? That's a bit... [16:21] Maomao     Fine, you get the point. [16:23] Maomao     Also, there are a few things     I want to check on. [16:31] Maomao     Excuse me. [16:32] Lishu     Welcome, I—Oh? [16:35] Lishu     Master Jinshi's not with you? [16:37] Maomao     I'm afraid not. Apologies      for the sudden intrusion. [16:41] Lishu     So, what do you want,     Jade Pavilion lady-in-waiting? [16:45] Maomao     I have a question for you. [16:53] Lishu     I remember you from the garden party. [16:57] Lishu     What is it? [16:59] Maomao     Do you dislike honey? [17:02] Lishu     How did you know?! [17:04] Maomao     I saw it on your face. [17:08] Maomao     Did honey upset your stomach in the past? [17:11] Maomao     It's common for someone to get food poisoning     and have trouble with honey after that. [17:16] Lishu     That's not it. I don't remember. [17:19] Lishu     It was when I was a baby. [17:21] Lishu     I heard it was life-threatening. SIGN    Banned [17:25] Lishu     Since then, my nurses told me to not eat it. [17:28] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 1     Where are your manners?     Probing Lady Lishu like that. [17:35] Maomao     Says the lady-in-waiting who didn't even     try to protect her at the tea party. [17:38] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 1     What's with that look? [17:39] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 1     There's no need to listen to her. [17:42] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 2     That's right, she's being rude to     the Virtuous Consort. We should expel her! [17:47] Maomao     So this is how they paint outsiders as the     villain to pretend they are the only allies. [17:53] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 2     We're always looking out for Lady Lishu. [17:54] Maomao     It would be easy to trick a naive girl. [17:56] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 1     Who does she think she is? [17:59] Maomao     The isolated concubine has nobody     to rely on but her ladies-in-waiting. [18:03] Maomao     Not knowing she's being harassed... [18:07] Maomao     It's a vicious cycle. [18:10] Maomao     I am here on orders. [18:13] Maomao     If you have objections, please take      them up with Master Jinshi. [18:17] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 1     To Master J-Jinshi?! [18:19] Lishu's Lady-in-Waiting 2     Directly?! [18:21] Maomao     He owes me this much, at the very least. [18:24] Maomao     Let's see what reasons they come up with     to approach the pervert eunuch. [18:29] Maomao     And one more thing. [18:33] Maomao     Are you familiar with Lady Fengming, [18:36] Maomao     head lady-in-waiting at the Garnet Pavilion? [18:54] Gaoshun     Xiaomao? [18:55] Maomao     Master Gaoshun, is there     any way I can learn about [18:58] Maomao     past events that happened     in the rear palace? [19:04] Maomao     I can search the court library. [19:08] Maomao     Thank you. [19:15] Gaoshun     What did she figure out this time? [19:18] Gaoshun     She's a smart girl, especially     given that she's only seventeen. [19:22] Gaoshun     Her knowledge and calm composure... [19:24] Gaoshun     Her ability to logically think through     and deal with various issues... [19:29] Gaoshun     She does have some peculiarities,     but it's still impressive. [19:36] Maomao     Seventeen years ago, when     the current emperor was still a prince... [19:41] Maomao     He had a son with Concubine Ah-Duo. [19:45] Maomao     The baby's already gone, but... [19:48] Maomao     He was born around the same time [19:49] Maomao     as the prior emperor     and empress dowager's son, [19:51] Maomao     In other words, the current      emperor's little brother. [19:55] Maomao     That was the only child     the emperor had as a prince, [19:58] Maomao     and Lady Ah-Duo was his only concubine. [20:01] Maomao     It says the current emperor and     Concubine Ah-Duo are foster siblings, [20:04] Maomao     so that explains his attachment to her... [20:08] Maomao     But it's surprising to learn a man that     lustful only had one concubine back then. [20:13] Maomao     Sixteen years ago, the baby died.     The baby was delivered by... SIGN    Doctor Luomen [20:23] Maomao     I did have that hunch. [20:27] Maomao     Several of the herbs growing in the rear     palace were the same ones I used growing up. [20:34] Maomao     Someone must have transplanted them. [20:38] Maomao     A man who drags his feet like an old woman. [20:43] Maomao     A doctor overqualified for the position     of a pleasure district apothecary. [20:49] Maomao     A former eunuch with a bone     removed from one knee. SIGN    ...Luomen, expelled... [20:55] Maomao     What were you doing, [20:58] Maomao     Dad? [21:06] ED Lyrics     Not just some superficial sweetness [21:12] ED Lyrics     I want more warmth than I can even use, oh [21:18] ED Lyrics     Having these selfish idealistic thoughts [21:23] ED Lyrics     I swallowed them again today     before putting them into words [21:28] ED Lyrics     Still in my memories,     the scent of fragrant olive [21:33] ED Lyrics     The color of twilight in the city [21:36] ED Lyrics     We were laughing... [21:41] ED Lyrics     Filled with sadness,     the tears welled up in my eyes [21:53] ED Lyrics     I found a glow during those days [22:01] ED Lyrics     I guess I took everything for granted [22:06] ED Lyrics     The wind was so loud I covered my ears [22:18] ED Lyrics     I gotta stop being like that [22:25] ED Lyrics     Even if I stumble over the words of love SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Reducing Two to One." SIGN    Episode 11: Reducing Two to One E11 - Reducing Two to One Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. SIGN    Episode 11: Reducing Two to One [01:44] Fengming     A letter from Concubine Gyokuyou? [01:46] Maomao     Yes. I was ordered to deliver it directly. [01:49] Fengming     Lady Ah-Duo is away on a tea party. [01:56] Maomao     There's something I would like to     discuss with you, Lady Fengming. [02:00] Fengming     I understand. [02:11] Maomao     The luggage is all packed up.     That must mean, as I thought... [02:15] Fengming     Please. [02:22] Fengming     So, what did you need today? [02:25] Fengming     We've finished cleaning this place. [02:28] Maomao     When are you moving out? [02:32] Fengming     You're a smart one. [02:35] Maomao     The big clean-up was an excuse. [02:38] Maomao     In order to welcome a new high-ranked     concubine during the new year's celebration, [02:42] Maomao     Concubine Ah-Duo must leave this palace. [02:47] Maomao     Concubine Ah-Duo can't have      children anymore, can she? [02:53] Maomao     What happened when she gave birth? [02:55] Fengming     I fail to see how that's any of your business. [02:59] Maomao     It is my business. [03:04] Maomao     The doctor who attended     that birth was my father. [03:10] Maomao     My guess is the misfortune was     that Concubine Ah-Duo, [03:12] Maomao     the prince's concubine at the time, [03:14] Maomao     gave birth at the same time     as the empress dowager. [03:27] (Flashback) Fengming     When is the doctor coming back?! [03:29] (Flashback) Lady-in-Waiting     He's still at the empress dowager's. [03:31] (Flashback) Fengming     Lady Ah-Duo! [03:31] (Flashback) Fengming     Lady Ah-Duo, it's all right!     Fengming is by your side! [03:35] Maomao     The empress dowager was given higher priority, [03:38] Maomao     and Concubine Ah-Duo's childbirth had to wait. [03:47] (Flashback) Fengming     Lady Ah-Duo. [03:49] Maomao     That must have been when     Concubine Ah-Duo lost her uterus. [03:54] Maomao     The child that was born to Concubine     Ah-Duo then passed away soon after. [04:01] Maomao     Lady Fengming, are you     blaming yourself for that? [04:05] Maomao     You must have been the one taking care of     the baby instead of Concubine Ah-Duo. [04:15] Fengming     You've figured it all out, [04:17] Fengming     despite being the daughter of the quack     who couldn't help Lady Ah-Duo. [04:23] Maomao     You're right. SIGN    ...Luomen, expelled... [04:28] Maomao     It's thought that the cause     of the baby's death was [04:30] Maomao     the same toxic make-up      from the other incidents, [04:34] Maomao     but that's not the case, is it? [04:38] Maomao     That doctor you call a quack     must have banned that powder. [04:43] Maomao     You're a wise person. You wouldn't      have let the baby die from that. [04:47] Maomao     The real cause of death was this. [04:52] Maomao     Many flowers have poison in them, [04:56] Maomao     like aconite or azalea. [04:58] Maomao     Their nectar can be poisonous, too. [05:02] Fengming     I am aware. [05:03] Maomao     But back then... [05:06] Maomao     you weren't. [05:07] Maomao     You didn't realize regular     honey with no poison, [05:10] Maomao     the medicine you thought was good for health, [05:14] Maomao     can be harmful to a newborn baby. [05:21] (Flashback) Ah-Duo     Thank you for your help as always, Fengming. [05:23] (Flashback) Fengming     It's no trouble at all, Lady Ah-Duo. [05:26] (Flashback) Fengming     Please rest and recover soon. [05:33] Maomao     And thus, Concubine Ah-Duo's child passed away. [05:38] Maomao     The cause was treated as a mystery. [05:40] Maomao     My father Luomen, the attending     doctor at the time, [05:43] Maomao     was blamed for the repeated mistakes,     including the one at childbirth. [05:47] Maomao     He was expelled from the rear palace. [05:50] Maomao     But later on, you accidentally learned     the true cause of the baby's death. [05:57] Maomao     Someone taught you that honey can be     poisonous to infants, didn't they? [06:04] Maomao     You had to make sure     Concubine Ah-Duo didn't find out. [06:07] Maomao     She couldn't know you were     the one who killed her only child. [06:11] Maomao     So, you tried to eliminate them. [06:15] Maomao     That person is... [06:18] Maomao     Concubine Lishu. [06:22] Maomao     During the previous emperor's reign, [06:23] Maomao     Concubine Lishu was close to     Concubine Ah-Duo, who was her elder. [06:28] Maomao     Concubine Ah-Duo was also     fond of Concubine Lishu. [06:31] Maomao     A young girl, taken from her parents, [06:34] Maomao     and a woman who could no longer give birth. [06:38] Maomao     There may have been a type of     codependency developing. [06:42] Maomao     During that time, you learned      from Concubine Lishu [06:44] Maomao     that she almost died eating honey as a baby. [06:49] Maomao     To make sure Concubine Ah-Duo     never heard that story, [06:52] Maomao     you started to chase Concubine Lishu     away from the Garnet Pavilion. [06:56] Maomao     Later, the previous emperor passed away, [06:59] Maomao     and Concubine Lishu was forced to leave the      rear palace, unaware of why she was chased out. [07:06] Maomao     You must have felt quite relieved. [07:09] Maomao     But Concubine Lishu, who you     thought you'd never see again, [07:13] Maomao     returned to the rear palace. [07:16] Maomao     As another high-ranking concubine. [07:18] Maomao     As a threat to Concubine Ah-Duo's status. [07:22] Maomao     That insolent child tried to visit     Concubine Ah-Duo many times, [07:26] Maomao     as if trying to be with her mother. [07:29] Maomao     To protect Concubine Ah-Duo,     who is incapable of childbirth, [07:32] Maomao     and to hide the issue with the honey... [07:36] Maomao     You poisoned Concubine Lishu's soup. [07:43] Fengming     What do you want? [07:46] Maomao     There's nothing. [07:50] Fengming     Anything. Just ask. [07:59] Maomao     You must know that's meaningless. [08:21] Fengming     Hey. Do you know what's most precious     to the person most precious to you? [08:31] Fengming     The moment I met Lady Ah-Duo, [08:34] Fengming     I knew I would never serve anyone else again. [08:38] Fengming     Despite being a woman, [08:39] Fengming     she had a strong will, and the ability     to speak on even grounds with the prince. [08:44] Fengming     I had nothing but the deepest     respect for Lady Ah-Duo. [08:47] Fengming     Compared to me, who just followed my     parents' orders to become a lady-in-waiting, [08:52] Fengming     she was such an astonishing person. [08:56] Fengming     Despite that, I... [08:58] Fengming     I took what was most precious     to her with my own hands... [09:03] Fengming     I took him away! [09:05] Fengming     The baby that Lady Ah-Duo loved so dearly! [09:10] Fengming     With these hands! [09:12] Fengming     Back then... [09:14] Fengming     Lady Ah-Duo told us this. [09:17] (Flashback) Ah-Duo     Do not blame yourselves for this. [09:19] (Flashback) Ah-Duo     Babies can die for any      reason until they're seven. [09:23] (Flashback) Ah-Duo     Even the slightest illness     can easily kill them. [09:26] (Flashback) Ah-Duo     My baby simply followed     the will of the heavens. [09:36] Fengming     And yet, I knew she cried     herself to sleep every night! [09:50] Maomao     What was her mental state like, as she served     Lady Ah-Duo for the past sixteen years? [09:55] Maomao     Without having her own partner,     sacrificing everything for Concubine Ah-Duo... [10:01] Maomao     I can't relate. [10:03] Maomao     I don't have it in my heart     to keep someone so close. [10:09] Maomao     If he hears my story, Master Jinshi     will surely apprehend Fengming. [10:14] Maomao     There's no way she'd     escape capital punishment. [10:18] Maomao     She's a smart woman. She knows all of that. [10:24] Maomao     I have a suggestion. [10:30] Maomao     The only thing I can do is to take     your two motives and make it one. [10:35] Maomao     It won't change the results. [10:37] Maomao     But if that's still preferable     to you, please hear me out. [10:53] Maomao     So tired... [10:55] Maomao     A bath... No, it's too late for that. [10:58] Maomao     Guess I can at least get changed. [11:02] Maomao     I wore layers of stiffened     oil paper, just in case. [11:06] Maomao     Glad I didn't need it. [11:08] Maomao     Getting slashed would hurt. [11:13] Jinshi     And so, Fengming turned herself in. [11:17] Jinshi     Do you know anything about it? [11:19] Maomao     What do you mean? [11:20] Jinshi     I heard you had Gaoshun     collect some information. [11:24] Maomao     Yes. I'd hoped to figure something     out, but it was all for naught. [11:30] Jinshi     Fengming's motive, as you said,     was to try to make sure [11:34] Jinshi     Concubine Ah-Duo could stay in the     position of one of the four concubines. [11:38] Maomao     I see. [11:39] Jinshi     But Concubine Ah-Duo has already been     determined to leave the rear palace. [11:44] Jinshi     She'll live in the detached     palace to the south. [11:48] Maomao     Does this incident have     anything to do with that? [11:51] Jinshi     No, the decision was made a while ago. [11:54] Jinshi     It was the emperor's call. [11:56] Maomao     I see. [11:59] Maomao     This flower. [12:01] Jinshi     Hongniang came by earlier to put it on display. [12:05] Maomao     Yes, it's out of season. [12:17] Jinshi     It's sweet. [12:18] Maomao     Poisonous, though. [12:21] Maomao     It's not lethal. Don't worry. [12:26] Maomao     My suggestion to Fengming, back then... [12:31] Maomao     The poisoning of Concubine Lishu.     The cause of death for the baby. [12:34] Maomao     If these two motives become one, [12:37] Maomao     she could hide the cause of the baby's     death from Concubine Ah-Duo. [12:42] Maomao     Even if her own death is inevitable... [12:45] Maomao     That was the best I could do,     as a girl with no power. [13:04] Maomao     I can't sleep. [13:07] Maomao     Maybe I'll take a walk. [13:30] Maomao     Fengming was executed. [13:33] Maomao     Concubine Ah-Duo is set to leave     the rear palace tomorrow. [13:37] Ah-Duo     Oh, someone beat me here? [13:42] Ah-Duo     You're that girl who came     to help clean the other day. [13:46] Maomao     I'll leave right away. [13:48] Ah-Duo     No. [13:49] Ah-Duo     Care to join me for a drink? [13:52] Maomao     Whoa! Booze! [13:55] Maomao     Thank you very much. [14:06] Ah-Duo     Pretty masculine, aren't I? [14:08] Maomao     I feel like you're giving      that impression on purpose. [14:13] Ah-Duo     You're an honest one. [14:16] Ah-Duo     After my son left me, I became     the emperor's friend, not his concubine. [14:24] Ah-Duo     Or rather, I returned to being his friend. [14:29] Ah-Duo     I never thought I'd become a concubine. [14:34] Ah-Duo     I was a concubine in name only,     given the role out of pity. [14:38] Ah-Duo     I wanted to hand it off to someone     else as soon as possible. [14:42] Ah-Duo     Why cling to it for so long...? [14:45] Maomao     She probably would have said the same     things to whoever she'd met up here. [14:56] Ah-Duo     It must have been cold in that water. [15:00] Ah-Duo     It must have been painful. [15:07] Maomao     You're probably right. [15:09] Ah-Duo     Stupid, don't you think? [15:13] Maomao     Perhaps she was. [15:16] Ah-Duo     We're all stupid. [15:25] Maomao     Perhaps we are. [15:36] Maomao     I think I get it now. [15:40] Maomao     That servant was indeed a suicide. [15:44] Maomao     Concubine Ah-Duo noticed that. [15:47] Maomao     Maybe Fengming helped set it up. [15:51] Maomao     To take suspicion away from Concubine Ah-Duo, [15:54] Maomao     the servant chose to sink down     into the cold water. [15:57] Maomao     To keep her secret hidden, [15:59] Maomao     Fengming chose to step up to the gallows. [16:04] Maomao     Regardless of Concubine     Ah-Duo's own wishes, [16:06] Maomao     there are those who     sacrifice their lives for her. [16:11] Maomao     I should go now, too. [16:17] Jinshi     What are you doing? [16:23] Maomao     Ow... Who's that? You startled me. [16:25] Jinshi     My bad. [16:28] Maomao     Master Jinshi? Why are you here? [16:31] Jinshi     I should ask the same of you. [16:33] Maomao     I'm sorry. I'll get up now— [16:37] Maomao     Could you let go? [16:40] Maomao     Let go, please. [16:43] Jinshi     Don't wanna. It's too cold. [16:45] Maomao     You'll catch a cold without a coat.     Please go back to your room. [16:50] Maomao     Are you drunk? [16:52] Jinshi     I had to. I was sharing a drink with someone. [16:54] Maomao     Sharing, huh? [16:57] Jinshi     The host invited me to drink, [16:59] Jinshi     loaded me up full of booze, [17:01] Jinshi     then just took off. [17:04] Jinshi     When she finally came back, [17:06] Jinshi     she told me she was satisfied      now, and threw me out. [17:10] Maomao     I didn't know anyone in this rear     palace could treat this guy like that. [17:15] Maomao     But that's not related to this right now. [17:19] Maomao     I don't want to put up with a clingy drunk. [17:22] Maomao     Wait... Come to think of it,     he did catch me as I fell. [17:28] Maomao     Maybe it's rude to just make him let go     of me without even thanking him. [17:33] Maomao     Master Jinshi— [17:45] Jinshi     Just a little longer. [17:47] Jinshi     Keep me warm, just a little longer. [18:07] Maomao     Neither of them seem hungover. [18:11] Maomao     Concubine Ah-Duo, in order     to leave the rear palace, [18:13] Maomao     returns the crown signifying     her as Pure Concubine. [18:16] Maomao     That crown will be bestowed on another girl     who will join the rear palace later. [18:28] Maomao     Ah, I see. [18:30] Maomao     I knew she resembled someone. [18:33] Maomao     It's Master Jinshi. [18:36] Maomao     Those two might as well swap outfits... [18:41] Maomao     Swap... [18:43] (Flashback) Ah-Duo     After my son left me... [18:46] Maomao     "Left me," she said. Not "died"? [18:51] Maomao     I can almost interpret that     to mean he's still alive. [18:54] Maomao     Concubine Ah-Duo's child and     the then-empress dowager's child... [18:59] Maomao     What if the two babies were swapped? [19:03] Maomao     It must have been clear to Concubine Ah-Duo,     through her experience in childbirth. [19:07] (Flashback) Luomen     What are you doing?! I must     tend to Concubine Ah-Duo... [19:10] (Flashback) Eunuch     The empress dowager takes priority! [19:11] (Flashback) Fengming     N-No! [19:13] Maomao     After all, she was just a nurse's daughter,     a childhood friend of the prince. [19:18] Maomao     Her son would live a better life     as the empress dowager's son. [19:24] Maomao     Maybe she wasn't in a state     to decide what was right or wrong. [19:29] Maomao     But if the decision resulted     in her son surviving... [19:33] Maomao     That would have been all that     Concubine Ah-Duo could have wished for. [19:37] Maomao     What if people found out     the babies were swapped later? [19:41] Maomao     If that was after the one baby had died, [19:44] Maomao     that would explain why my dad would be     physically punished for not noticing. [19:51] Maomao     And if that were the case, [19:53] Maomao     it would explain why the emperor's younger     brother is in a delicate position, [19:57] Maomao     and why Concubine Ah-Duo,     who's supposed to be a realist, [20:00] Maomao     stayed in the rear palace for so long... [20:06] Maomao     Complete nonsense.     An idiotic delusion of a story. [20:09] Lishu     Please, wait! [20:10] Kanan     Lady Lishu! [20:15] Maomao     As always. [20:18] Maomao     As a lonely concubine, to have     a lady-in-waiting she can trust... [20:24] Maomao     How reassuring that must be. [20:29] Kanan     Lady Lishu! [20:38] Maomao     At that moment, her masculine, noble face     suddenly took on the expression of a mother. [20:52] Gaoshun     Here is the list of Fengming's family     and those connected to them. [20:57] Jinshi     I heard she was kidnapped and sold off, but... SIGN    Jade Pavilion     Maomao [21:06] ED Lyrics     Not just some superficial sweetness [21:12] ED Lyrics     I want more warmth than I can even use, oh [21:18] ED Lyrics     Having these selfish idealistic thoughts [21:23] ED Lyrics     I swallowed them again today     before putting them into words [21:28] ED Lyrics     Still in my memories,     the scent of fragrant olive [21:33] ED Lyrics     The color of twilight in the city [21:36] ED Lyrics     We were laughing... [21:41] ED Lyrics     Filled with sadness,     the tears welled up in my eyes [21:53] ED Lyrics     I found a glow during those days [22:01] ED Lyrics     I guess I took everything for granted [22:06] ED Lyrics     The wind was so loud I covered my ears [22:18] ED Lyrics     I gotta stop being like that [22:26] ED Lyrics     Even if I stumble over the words of love SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "The Eunuch     and the Courtesan." SIGN    Episode 12: The Eunuch and the Courtesan E12 - The Eunuch and the Courtesan Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    Jade Pavilion     Maomao [01:33] Jinshi     What should I do... [01:35] Gaoshun     What should we do? SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:39] Jinshi     After Fengming's execution, [01:41] Jinshi     her family's assets were confiscated, [01:44] Jinshi     and all underwent varying degrees     of corporal punishment. [01:49] Jinshi     Fengming was determined to     be the sole perpetrator, [01:52] Jinshi     so fortunately, her mistress     Concubine Ah-Duo was not blamed. [01:58] Jinshi     And now, here is the list of Fengming's family     members and those connected to them. [02:04] Gaoshun     The list includes those     who did business with them. [02:08] Gaoshun     They had many businesses     in addition to apiculture. [02:11] Gaoshun     There are about eighty children of those     families here in the rear palace. [02:15] Jinshi     Eighty out of two thousand, huh? [02:18] Jinshi     That's quite a hit ratio. SIGN    Jade Pavilion     Maomao [02:24] Jinshi     The family that the apothecary was kidnapped     and sold off to was one such family. [02:30] Gaoshun     If you wish, we could conceal this. [02:32] Jinshi     If "I" wish... [02:35] Jinshi     Indeed. [02:37] Jinshi     It doesn't matter if it's right or wrong. [02:40] Jinshi     If I say so, it will be done. [02:43] Jinshi     Given how she likes to separate     the commoners from the nobles, [02:46] Jinshi     she'd obey any order, no matter     how much she disagrees. [02:54] Jinshi     It would be simple to give the order. [02:56] Jinshi     I should just simply give the order. [02:59] Jinshi     Conceal the facts, and keep     her at the rear palace. [03:03] Jinshi     But if that goes against her will... [03:08] Jinshi     How would she feel, if she learned she'd been     forced to stay in a place she disliked so? [03:18] Jinshi     I'm so afraid of the rift between     the two of us widening any further. [03:24] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi. [03:27] Gaoshun     I thought she was just a convenient pawn. [03:34] Maomao     Mass layoffs? [03:35] Xiaolan     Yep. SIGN    Episode 12: The Eunuch and the Courtesan [03:37] Xiaolan     The daughters of anyone who did business      with that family are being let go. [03:42] Xiaolan     And it seems like there's quite a few of them. [03:45] Maomao     Huh... [03:47] Xiaolan     There are girls around who have to quit     all of a sudden and are in a real bind. [03:51] Xiaolan     I guess that family really     did a lot of business. [03:55] Maomao     I have a bad feeling about this. [03:58] Maomao     Getting fired now would be bad. [04:01] Maomao     It's just bad timing. [04:02] Maomao     After Lihaku, I haven't been able to send     any more paying customers to the old lady. [04:07] Maomao     If I go back now... [04:09] Maomao     I'm home. [04:11] Maomao     You have a customer! [04:14] Maomao     She'll sell me off for sure! [04:17] Xiaolan     Maomao?! [04:25] Maomao     Last I checked, the family on my     paperwork were merchants. [04:40] Maomao     If Fengming's family ran an apiary, [04:43] Maomao     there might be some sort of connection... [05:30] Maomao     Master Jinshi! [05:42] Jinshi     That's rare. You're out of breath. [05:46] Maomao     Uh... [05:46] Jinshi     Calm down. You're red all over. [05:49] Maomao     I would like to talk to you! [05:52] Jinshi     Sure. Let's speak inside. [05:57] Jinshi     This is about the mass layoffs, I take it? [05:59] Maomao     Yes. What's going to happen to me? [06:03] Jinshi     Here's the list. SIGN    Jade     Pavilion     Maomao [06:08] Maomao     So, I'm being let go. [06:12] Jinshi     What do you want to do? [06:18] (Flashback) Gaoshun     I thought she was just a convenient pawn. [06:26] Maomao     As Lady Gyokuyou's lady-in-waiting, [06:28] Maomao     I can test for poisons and     hang out in the medical office. [06:31] Maomao     I have to admit I'm enjoying my current life. [06:35] Maomao     But I'm just a servant, after all. [06:38] Maomao     I'm in no position to request to stay. [06:43] Maomao     I have to make sure     I don't appear like I'm begging. [06:47] Maomao     I am a mere servant. [06:49] Maomao     I'll do as you order, whether it be     manual labor, cooking, or tasting. [06:57] Jinshi     As I order... [06:59] Maomao     Yes. I'll do my best, if ordered to do so. [07:03] Maomao     If I take a pay cut, so be it. [07:06] Maomao     As long as I can buy time before getting     sold off, I'll figure something out. [07:12] Maomao     So please, don't fire me! [07:18] Jinshi     Understood. [07:19] Maomao     Do you mean... [07:21] Jinshi     I'll make sure you're compensated. [07:25] Maomao     Huh? [07:26] Narrator     Negotiation failed. Maomao is let go. [07:32] Maomao     There we go. [07:42] Gaoshun     How long are you going to stay like that? [07:46] Gaoshun     Perhaps you should have      ordered her to stay. [07:49] Jinshi     Not another word. [07:53] Gaoshun     A week after being fired, [07:55] Gaoshun     Xiaomao went home to the pleasure district. [07:59] Gaoshun     I heard she politely went around [08:01] Gaoshun     saying her farewells to every single     place she had business with. [08:06] (Flashback) Gyokuyou     You're going to regret this. [08:09] Gaoshun     Finding a new toy to replace his favorite     one has always been a challenge. [08:15] (Flashback) Young Jinshi     No! I want that one! [08:19] Gaoshun     Or perhaps... [08:21] Gaoshun     That girl should not be treated     as the same as a toy. [08:25] Gaoshun     He only let her go because     he didn't want to treat her as a tool. [08:30] Gaoshun     What a troublesome master he is. [08:34] Gaoshun     If finding a replacement won't do... [08:36] Gaoshun     Perhaps I can speak to that military officer. [08:40] Jinshi     Wah, wah, boo-hoo, sob, sob... [08:50] Meimei     You do look much better without your freckles. [08:53] Pairin     You can use my lipstick. [08:56] Joka     I never thought I'd be going     to a party with Maomao. [09:00] Maomao     My workplace tonight is a noble's     party outside the brothel. [09:05] Maomao     Calling a courtesan to one's     own mansion costs quite a sum. [09:08] Maomao     In addition... [09:10] Maomao     A night of drinks with one of     the Verdigris House's Princesses [09:12] Maomao     costs what most make in a year. [09:14] Maomao     So to call on all three at once... [09:18] Maomao     I guess there's no limit to     how rich a rich person can be. [09:21] Maomao     I'm going with you, but just     so you look better by comparison. [09:26] Meimei     Here you go, Maomao. [09:28] Maomao     Because I was paid more than     expected when leaving the rear palace, [09:32] Maomao     I was able to avoid getting     sold off immediately. [09:36] Joka     That's an important job, too. [09:39] Meimei     Looking forward to it, Maomao. [09:41] Pairin     Oh! So cute. [09:43] Old Lady     It's time! Hurry up! Hmm? [09:49] Old Lady     Well, well, that's not bad at all. [09:52] Old Lady     You could take on customers      of your own too, you know. [09:57] Maomao     The old lady really wants me     to become a courtesan. [10:03] Old Lady     Go make a fortune! [10:05] Maomao     I can't recite poetry or play the erhu. [10:08] Maomao     Dancing is out of the question. [10:10] Maomao     I'm just an apothecary's daughter,     with no interest outside of medicine. [10:14] Maomao     So why is she so insistent,     especially these past few years? [10:38] Maomao     This person sure is loaded. [10:42] Maomao     Every piece of furniture is     unimaginably expensive. [10:45] Maomao     I'm sure they wouldn't notice     one thing taken as a souvenir... [10:48] Maomao     No! Knock it off. [10:50] Guide     This room, please. [11:01] Maomao     I heard Master Lihaku introduced us     to these high-ranking palace officials. [11:05] Maomao     They're younger than I expected. [11:07] Pairin     Yum. [11:09] Meimei     Come, let's go. [11:14] Maomao     If he knows so many rich people, he should     have introduced them to me sooner. [11:19] Maomao     With his connections, I could     have lessened my loan amount. [11:24] Maomao     Anyway, off to work. [12:25] Maomao     Work is work, but staying     all smiles is quite an ordeal. [12:29] Maomao     Hmm? Is he bored? [12:33] Maomao     Excuse me. [12:34] Jinshi     Leave me alone. [12:37] Jinshi     I want to be alone. [12:39] Maomao     Huh? Where have I heard this voice before? [12:49] Maomao     Master Jinshi? [12:53] Jinshi     Why avoid me? [12:54] Maomao     Please don't touch the courtesans. [12:56] Jinshi     Do people tell you that makeup      changes you considerably? [13:00] Maomao     I do get that a lot. [13:02] Jinshi     Besides, why are you dressed like that? [13:04] Maomao     I'm working part-time. [13:06] Jinshi     As a courtesan? [13:08] Maomao     Yes. [13:09] Jinshi     Does that mean you're... [13:11] Maomao     This guy is really prone to     casting doubt on my chastity. [13:15] Maomao     I don't take personal customers. [13:19] Maomao     Yet. [13:20] Jinshi     "Yet..." [13:22] Jinshi     So, what if I bought you out? [13:25] Maomao     Huh? What kind of joke is— [13:29] Maomao     That might be a good idea. [13:32] Maomao     Working in the rear palace again     wouldn't be too bad. [13:38] Jinshi     I thought you quit     because you hated it there. [13:40] Maomao     Huh? When did I ever say that? [13:44] Maomao     I tried convincing you to let me stay,     but you fired me anyway. [13:48] Maomao     True, there was a lot of trouble. [13:51] Maomao     But where else would I be able     to perform as a taster? [13:55] Maomao     The only thing I missed     were my poison experiments. [14:02] Jinshi     You should really stop     experimenting with poison. [14:05] Maomao     He's even more childish today than before. [14:09] Jinshi     That's right. That's the kind     of person you are. [14:12] Maomao     What does that mean? [14:13] Jinshi     Do people ever say that you      don't express yourself clearly? [14:16] Maomao     I do get that a lot. [14:21] Jinshi     So why flinch? [14:23] Maomao     Rules are rules. [14:24] Jinshi     Can't you bend them a bit? [14:26] Maomao     No. [14:26] Jinshi     It's not the end of the world. [14:28] Maomao     It's ending my spirit. [14:29] Jinshi     Just one hand. Just the tip of my fingers. [14:32] Maomao     That's right, this guy     can be really persistent. [14:37] Maomao     Fine, just the fingers. [14:52] Maomao     This guy! [14:54] Maomao     The color sticks! [14:57] Meimei     Goodness, what's this? [14:59] Pairin     Oh, Maomao. [15:00] Joka     I can't watch. [15:01] Maomao     Come on, big sisters! [15:03] Maomao     Master Gaoshun?! What? Huh?! [15:07] Maomao     I couldn't make sense of any of it. [15:09] Maomao     I don't remember much of     what happened after that. [15:12] Joka     So, who was that? [15:13] Meimei     How do you know him? [15:15] Pairin     Not bad, you! [15:16] Maomao     I do remember that it was really hard     answering all my big sisters' questions. SIGN    Verdigris House [15:27] Maomao     And... [15:28] Maomao     I should make some, just in case. [15:30] Maomao     Wandering around without     my freckles leads to no good. [15:34] Maomao     That was winter last year... [15:40] Maomao     Getting kidnapped was enough of a surprise, [15:42] Maomao     but to be sold off     to the rear palace, of all places... [15:47] Maomao     Then to get promoted to a lady-in-waiting. [15:54] Maomao     I wanted to lay low until     my term was over, but... [15:58] Old Lady     Maomao. Is it ready? [16:01] Maomao     Yeah, here. [16:04] Old Lady     I need you to take a look at      someone. Can you come with me? [16:07] Maomao     Got it. [16:22] Maomao     The rear palace, huh? [16:24] Maomao     I really wanted to avoid     that place at all costs. [16:32] Maomao     I wonder if everyone's okay. [16:39] Maomao     Oh, I'll get out. [16:41] Old Lady     Take your time. You don't get to     come here all the time. [16:45] Maomao     Yeah. [16:51] Old Lady     What are you going to do from now on? [16:54] Maomao     I'll pay back my loans, I promise. [16:55] Old Lady     That's a given! [16:59] Old Lady     Are you going back to the rear palace? [17:03] Maomao     I don't know. [17:06] Maomao     But... the rear palace and     the brothels are pretty similar. [17:11] Old Lady     Hmm. [17:25] Luomen     Having trouble sleeping? [17:28] Maomao     I'm going to go get some air. [17:30] Luomen     Take care. [17:32] Maomao     I will. [18:04] Maomao     The rear palace and     the brothels are no different. [18:08] Maomao     A garden, and a cage. [20:16] Maomao     What's going to happen from now on? [20:26] Maomao     It's freezing. SIGN    Verdigris House [20:32] Narrator     A few days later, a beautiful noble     comes to the pleasure district. [20:41] Narrator     With him, he brings enough cash     to make the old lady's eyes glisten, [20:44] Narrator     and for some reason... [20:49] Narrator     A strange herb growing from an insect... [20:57] Narrator     And in exchange, he asks for a certain girl. SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Serving in     the Outer Court." SIGN    Episode 13: Serving in the Outer Court E13 - Serving in the Outer Court Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) [00:15] Jinshi     Are you serious? [00:18] Emperor     So, what would you do? [00:20] Emperor     After all, you're the gardener     maintaining my flower garden. [00:28] Jinshi     He truly is cunning. [00:35] Jinshi     How ironic. [00:38] Jinshi     No matter how hard I try,     both in intellect and martial arts, [00:41] Jinshi     I can only slightly     outperform a regular person. [00:44] Jinshi     Instead, I am granted an appearance     more beautiful than anyone. [00:51] Jinshi     The things I truly want     are so far out of reach. [00:59] Jinshi     I was dissatisfied at first,     but I've gotten over it. [01:03] Jinshi     My sweet gaze, my sweet voice... [01:07] Jinshi     I'll use my superior tools to my advantage. [01:13] Jinshi     I'm aware that ultimately, I'm just a child     floundering on the emperor's palm. [01:20] Jinshi     As you wish. [01:22] Jinshi     I'll manage his rear palace,     or whatever else he wants. [01:27] Jinshi     That's the only way I can choose my own path. SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    Verdigris House SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [03:06] Maomao     I don't need this much, Big Sis. [03:08] Meimei     Sure, sure. Take this, this... Oh! And this, too. SIGN    Episode 13: Serving in the Outer Court [03:13] Maomao     I'm not going to be using lipstick. [03:15] Meimei     What do you mean? Can't you put in     the least bit of effort to look proper? [03:19] Maomao     Only courtesans have to get      prettied up to go to work. [03:25] Maomao     I want to work with herbs... [03:27] Maomao     Ow! [03:28] Meimei     You've landed such a nice job at the palace! [03:33] Meimei     And you're telling me you can't dress up     appropriately for the position? [03:37] Meimei     You have to be thankful     for that every day. [03:39] Meimei     Otherwise, you'll lose your great customers. [03:42] Maomao     Meimei is really convincing. [03:46] Maomao     She's old enough to start considering     retirement as a courtesan, [03:49] Maomao     but her popularity hasn't waned at all, [03:52] Maomao     because she has the intellect [03:54] Maomao     to entertain her customers     through song, chess, and go. [03:57] Joka     Maomao. [03:59] Pairin     Wow, what a huge package. [04:00] Maomao     Pairin, Joka. [04:09] Joka     I'm glad you found a good     workplace. Go make a fortune. [04:15] Maomao     Got it. [04:17] Meimei     If you could bring back some paying     customers, that would be great too! [04:20] Joka     Find some good, rich guys. [04:23] Pairin     Someone with vigor, pretty please! [04:26] Maomao     Uh, yeah... SIGN    Verdigris House SIGN    Verdigris House [04:32] Maomao     My new workplace... Or should I say,     the workplace I'm returning to, [04:36] Maomao     is the area in the palace     called the rear palace. [04:40] Maomao     It's a garden of women who are there     to have children for the emperor. [04:43] Maomao     I was supposed to work here     as a lowly servant girl, but... SIGN    You with the freckles, stay here [04:46] Maomao     I solved the mystery of the dying     infant heirs, which drew attention. [04:50] Maomao     I was promoted to lady-in-waiting     for Lady Gyokuyou, [04:52] Maomao     then got sucked into various     troubles as a food taster. [04:57] Maomao     After that, a bunch of stuff happened,     leading to me getting fired. [05:00] Maomao     Who would've thought I'd be back again? [05:06] Maomao     I succumbed to the allure     of the caterpillar fungus, [05:09] Maomao     but looking back, that might     have been careless of me. [05:12] Maomao     Of course, seen from the outside,     it's a huge lucky break. [05:16] Maomao     I do have some reservations about leaving     my dad behind to go live elsewhere for work, [05:20] Maomao     but the rules are a lot less strict this time, [05:23] Maomao     and I'm not treated as missing anymore. [05:26] Maomao     Dad also said I should do as I like, but... [05:34] Maomao     What did he mean by that, I wonder? [05:38] Maomao     I'm home. [05:44] Luomen     They loaded you up, didn't they? [05:46] Maomao     What should I do? I definitely need     my mortar and pestle, and my notebook. [05:52] Maomao     I can't bring less underwear— [05:55] Luomen     Maomao, you probably can't take those with you. [05:59] Maomao     Huh? [06:00] Luomen     You're not a doctor. [06:01] Luomen     Having such things would make you appear     like you're plotting a poisoning. [06:09] Luomen     Come now, don't make that face.     It was your decision to go. [06:13] Luomen     You can't back out now. [06:16] Maomao     Really? [06:17] Luomen     You should be able to gradually get     permission to bring more things in. [06:21] Luomen     Get ready and go to sleep.     Tomorrow is your first day. [06:26] Maomao     Fine... [06:40] Luomen     Well, you haven't done this in a while. [06:44] Luomen     I thought you weren't a baby anymore. [06:47] Maomao     Well, it's cold. [06:51] Luomen     We'll be lonely again. [06:53] Maomao     Not really. This time,     I can come back any time I want. [07:01] Luomen     You're right. You can come     home any time you want. [07:07] Maomao     I have no mother. [07:09] Maomao     But I have a caring dad, a nosy old granny, [07:13] Maomao     and a lively group of big sisters     to keep me company. [07:18] Maomao     I can come home any time. [07:27] Maomao     Thank you for waiting, Master Jinshi. [07:40] Meimei     Please take care of our little girl. [07:43] Pairin     We got her all dolled up for you. [07:46] Old Lady     Don't you forget, Maomao. [07:49] Maomao     I know. Good customers, right? [07:52] Old Lady     Good. Now go on. [07:54] Maomao     What a way to start the morning. [07:58] Maomao     Let's go. [08:01] Jinshi     Uh, yeah. [08:02] Joka     Take care. [08:05] Maomao     I'm off. [08:07] Onlooker A     She's pretty. [08:08] Onlooker B     Have you ever seen her at      the Verdigris House before? [08:15] Maomao     This is your fault, Master Jinshi. [08:17] Jinshi     Hmm? [08:18] Maomao     I got a lot of unwanted attention. [08:20] Jinshi     That's because you're... [08:28] Maomao     What is it? [08:29] Jinshi     Nothing. [08:49] Jinshi     Good work. May we proceed? [08:51] Guard A     Yes! [08:55] Jinshi     Apothecary. While you're here,     go back to your usual freckled face. [08:59] Maomao     Huh? [09:01] Maomao     Understood. [09:13] Coworker A     Hey, I heard the manager of the rear palace [09:16] Coworker A     bought out a courtesan     from the Verdigris House. [09:18] Coworker B     The Verdigris House? Is that where     the famous Three Princesses are? [09:22] Lakan     The Verdigris House? [09:29] Maomao     What is this guy doing? [09:34] Maomao     And this is? [09:36] Jinshi     My house. [09:38] Maomao     Huh?! Why?! [09:40] Jinshi     This is your new workplace. [09:44] Maomao     Master Gaoshun, I was under the impression     we were returning to the rear palace... [09:49] Gaoshun     We fired you once already, so we can't     just put you back in the same position. [09:53] Gaoshun     You will be working in the outer court now. [09:56] Maomao     The outer court... [09:58] Gaoshun     Yes. The rear palace is     considered the inner court. [10:01] Gaoshun     The outer court lies outside of that. [10:04] Gaoshun     There are many public offices there.     I'll show you around later. [10:09] Suiren     Welcome home. It must have been cold. [10:19] Suiren     I am Suiren, his attendant.     You must be Xiaomao. [10:24] Maomao     Y-Yes. [10:27] Maomao     Xiaomao? [10:33] Suiren     There are two separate buildings, [10:35] Suiren     one with the office and one     with the personal residence. [10:38] Suiren     The area ahead is the young      master's room, but... [10:42] Maomao     "Young master?" [10:44] Suiren     You should be all right. [10:48] Maomao     This room's about the same size as     the one I used at the Jade Pavilion. [10:51] Maomao     If this place had a stove and a nearby well... [10:55] Maomao     Still, this place seems too well-built     for a servant girl's quarters. [10:59] Suiren     Xiaomao? [11:01] Maomao     Yes. [11:02] Jinshi     I don't intend to make you do servant labor. [11:06] Maomao     Huh? [11:07] Jinshi     I told you, you're going to     work in the outer court. [11:18] Jinshi     You're going to take the court lady exam. [11:21] Maomao     C-Court lady exam?! [11:38] Maomao     A cotton garment? That's generous. [11:53] Maomao     Good morning, Lady Suiren. [11:55] Suiren     Oh, good morning, Xiaomao.     It's good that you wake up early. [12:00] Maomao     I'll help. [12:01] Suiren     It's fine, I'm almost done. [12:04] Suiren     Can you just help serve? [12:06] Maomao     Yes. Um, where are the other attendants? [12:10] Suiren     There are none. [12:12] Suiren     The office side is fine, but I couldn't let     anyone handle the personal side. [12:17] Suiren     The young master's food is      especially out of the question. [12:21] Maomao     So, you do all of this work by yourself? [12:24] Suiren     We had some new girls a few times, [12:27] Suiren     but well, things happen, and they don't last. [12:31] Maomao     Did they lace his food with aphrodisiacs? [12:33] Maomao     Or try to steal things? [12:35] Suiren     I mean, who likes finding     unfamiliar underwear in their closet? [12:40] Maomao     Huh? [12:42] Suiren     On top of that, it was made of hair. [12:46] Maomao     That sounds like a lot. [12:48] Suiren     Yes, it certainly was. [12:51] Suiren     Come, young master, please wake up. [12:53] Suiren     It's time for breakfast. [13:03] Maomao     So much wasted sex appeal... [13:06] Maomao     I can see why only Master Gaoshun     and Lady Suiren enter this room. [13:11] Maomao     A woman who saw this would lose herself easily. [13:14] Maomao     A man would pounce on him right away. [13:17] Maomao     He truly has a sin-inducing air about him. [13:21] Maomao     Sort of like an insect in mating season. [13:24] Maomao     I wonder if I could collect this eunuch's     scent and sell it as an aphrodisiac? [13:30] Jinshi     If you want, I can get you a new room. [13:34] Maomao     What brings this about? [13:36] Maomao     I don't get it, but is this my chance     to get a stove and well?! [13:43] Maomao     He needs to tell me clearly     if he wants me to understand. [13:46] Maomao     I can manage the stove somehow,     so for starters... [13:52] Maomao     In that case, how about      a stable with a well nearby? [13:57] Jinshi     A stable. [13:59] Maomao     Yes, a stable. [14:03] Jinshi     No stables. [14:10] Gaoshun     So, shall we? [14:12] Maomao     Yes, please. [14:15] Maomao     Master Jinshi got left behind. [14:19] Maomao     I assumed he had nothing to do, since     he was always loitering in the rear palace, [14:22] Maomao     but he's actually pretty busy. [14:25] Gaoshun     There are many military officers     on the east side of this area, [14:30] Gaoshun     so please stay away if possible. [14:33] Maomao     Understood. [14:35] Maomao     The palace he showed me around was huge. [14:37] Maomao     I needed more than all my fingers and toes [14:39] Maomao     to count all the named buildings     and departments. [14:42] Maomao     Can I learn them all? [14:45] Maomao     My ability to learn about things     I'm not interested in is below average. [14:53] Gaoshun     This is the Director of Waters. [14:55] Gaoshun     It's the department in charge of rivers,     dams, and water utilization projects. [14:59] Maomao     I see. [15:02] Maomao     The rear palace had more medicinal ingredients. [15:07] Maomao     My dad must have planted them     while he worked there. [15:11] Gaoshun     Xiaomao, when you become a court lady,     the outer court will be your workplace. [15:15] Maomao     Yes. [15:17] Maomao     Court lady, huh? [15:28] Suiren     Oh, good timing, Xiaomao. [15:30] Suiren     Can you take this charcoal to the office? [15:33] Maomao     Yes. [15:38] Maomao     Excuse me. [15:46] Maomao     So, this is Master Jinshi's office. [15:50] Maomao     It's not extravagant,     but everything here is top class. [15:53] Maomao     How high up is our young master? [16:02] Maomao     Sizing up the new girl? Not a good atmosphere. [16:09] Maomao     The court ladies of the outer court     are like secretaries. [16:13] Maomao     They have the right qualifications,     background, and education. [16:17] Maomao     They're nothing like the hodgepodge     of female officials at the rear palace. [16:20] Maomao     Which explains their high self-esteem... [16:25] Maomao     Hmm? [16:28] Maomao     And therefore, they won't go out of their     way to clean, since that's not their job. [16:35] Court Lady A     Just who do you think you are? [16:39] Maomao     I guess they grow well when they're fed well. [16:43] Court Lady A     Are you listening?! [16:44] Court Lady A     Why is someone like you assigned     directly to Master Jinshi?! [16:50] Maomao     I guess staying quiet would irritate them more. [16:55] Maomao     In other words, you're all jealous of me? [17:01] Court Lady A     Watch your mouth! [17:03] Maomao     Wrong choice of words. [17:06] Maomao     Fine, then. [17:08] Maomao     Are you implying I'm getting      special treatment? [17:12] Maomao     There's no way that could be right. [17:15] Maomao     Why would he, a heavenly maiden     of a person, fall for an ugly girl like me? [17:22] Maomao     Does the noble figure in your     mind have such bad taste? [17:27] Maomao     Would he go out of his way     to eat meatless chicken bones, [17:30] Maomao     when there are heaps of delicious abalones     and boar meat in front of him? [17:34] Maomao     If that's the case, well, he must     have some interesting proclivities. [17:39] Maomao     I don't really get it myself,     but does he truly have "special tastes"? [17:44] Maomao     I see, so it's a "special taste"— [17:45] Court Lady A     T-That's impossible! [17:47] Court Lady B     R-Right! [17:48] Suirei     Why did he hire you, then? [17:56] Maomao     This is the reason. [18:04] Maomao     I just tried out some burn     medicine the other day, [18:07] Maomao     so it's really messed up right now. [18:09] Maomao     Stings! [18:11] Maomao     That heavenly maiden     has a heavenly heart, too. [18:16] Maomao     He gives a person like me     a way to make a living. [18:22] Court Lady A     Let's go. [18:32] Maomao     Done and done. [18:34] Jinshi     "Interesting proclivities..." [18:37] Jinshi     Do you get harassed like that a lot? [18:41] Jinshi     Besides, why are you raising your left arm— [18:44] Maomao     I'm off to my next cleaning duty. [18:47] Jinshi     Are you studying? [18:49] Maomao     Sneak, sneak. [18:51] Jinshi     Hey! [18:52] Maomao     Sneak, sneak! [19:13] Suiren     Xiaomao. [19:16] Suiren     Please be quiet. [19:25] Narrator     And thus, the day of the exams came. [19:31] Jinshi     Why did you fail? [19:34] Maomao     Why did you think I'd pass? [19:37] Narrator     Maomao became Jinshi's personal servant. [19:42] Gaoshun     What should we do? [19:44] Suiren     What should we do, indeed? [20:17] Maomao     Ow! [20:20] Suirei     There shouldn't be any reason     for you to go beyond this point. [20:24] Maomao     Could you say that before you hit me? [20:28] Maomao     The scent of sandalwood, mixed     with another, distinctly bitter smell. [20:44] Maomao     The military, huh? SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "The New     Pure Consort." SIGN    Episode 14: The New Pure Consort SIGN     E14 - The New Pure Consort Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. SIGN    Episode 14: The New Pure Consort [03:07] Hongniang     Are you serious? [03:09] Gyokuyou     Of course. [03:10] Gyokuyou     Maomao's back. I have to make     the best of that situation. [03:18] Maomao     That should do for now. [03:20] Maomao     Unlike the rear palace, there are barely     any herbs growing in the outer court. [03:25] Maomao     I need to work on fixing that. [03:27] Suiren     Xiaomao. [03:28] Suiren     I thought I asked you to clean the office. [03:32] Maomao     Right away! [03:35] Suiren     Don't spend too much time on gardening. [03:39] Maomao     She's tough. [03:41] Jinshi     What's going on? [03:42] Gaoshun     I have no idea. SIGN    Crystal Pavilion      Wise Consort      Lihua SIGN    Jade Pavilion      Precious Consort      Gyokuyou [03:44] Jinshi     Hmm. [03:47] Maomao     Excuse me. [03:50] Maomao     Hmm? [03:56] Jinshi     Do you know about the new Pure Consort     who just entered the Garnet Pavilion? [04:00] Maomao     Yes. [04:01] Maomao     The replacement for     Concubine Ah-Duo, who left. [04:07] Jinshi     Well, the rear palace wants      to educate the concubine. [04:12] Jinshi     And for some reason, they want      you to be the teacher. SIGN    Teacher     Maomao [04:17] Maomao     Hah, that's a funny joke. [04:19] Jinshi     Nobody's joking. Look who recommended you. [04:24] Maomao     Recommended? SIGN    Precious Consort     Gyokuyou [04:27] Jinshi     And here's another. SIGN    Wise Consort     Lihua [04:32] Maomao     Lady Lihua, too? [04:34] Maomao     Oh... [04:38] Maomao     It was that, huh? [04:39] Jinshi     I'm counting on you. [04:47] Maomao     I can't ignore a request from two concubines. [04:52] Maomao     They were nice enough to clearly     write the payment amount. [04:56] Maomao     Our old lady is surely     hiking up that price, though. [05:05] Maomao     Now's my chance... [05:08] Jinshi     This is all teaching     material for your class? [05:11] Maomao     Yes. And here's the invoice. [05:15] Jinshi     This seems about right. [05:18] Suiren     I wonder why the ink is      a different color here. [05:21] Maomao     Yikes! [05:23] Maomao     She really is tough. [05:24] Maomao     I guess I can't prey on our young master     while this old maid is around. [05:28] Jinshi     What's inside? [05:31] Maomao     I can't let him see my     precious teaching material. [05:35] Jinshi     F-Fine, I won't look. [05:38] Gaoshun     Do you need help carrying it? [05:41] Maomao     I'm fine. [05:42] Maomao     If I have to do it, I'm going all the way. [05:48] Maomao     It's been a while. [05:51] Maomao     It's relaxing, this weird girly atmosphere. [05:53] Mid-Level Concubine 1     It's Master Jinshi! [05:54] Mid-Level Concubine 2     He's so beautiful as always. [06:01] Maomao     This is quite a crowd. [06:03] Jinshi     They must have heard     the rumors about the lesson. [06:09] Jinshi     Just so you're all aware, only the high-ranking     concubines will be attending today. [06:13] Jinshi     If you have no other business, you may leave. [06:20] Maomao     Is this eunuch some     sort of mythical monster? [06:36] Maomao     No! [06:38] Jinshi     Why? [06:39] Maomao     Only the high-ranking concubines will     attend the lesson. You said so yourself. [06:44] Maomao     Dammit, he's built tougher than he looks. [06:47] Maomao     What we'll discuss is a secret     technique for women only! [06:59] Maomao     Lady Gyokuyou. [07:01] Maomao     Beautiful, as always. [07:02] Maomao     Seems like Lady Hongniang     hasn't changed, either. [07:06] Maomao     Lady Lishu seems very nervous. [07:08] Maomao     I guess it's natural, seeing how there are     three other high-ranking concubines here. [07:13] Maomao     As long as that taster is with her,     she should be better off than before. [07:17] Maomao     Lady Lihua seems to have recovered     fully to her healthy, voluptuous form. [07:23] Maomao     Hmm? Is that the lady-in-waiting     from the face powder incident...? [07:27] Maomao     She doesn't have to be so wary of me. [07:30] Maomao     And Concubine Ah-Duo's replacement, [07:33] Maomao     the new Pure Consort, Concubine Loulan. [07:36] Maomao     Is that flashy southern     outfit her usual style? [07:39] Maomao     Her face seems northern, but I can't tell     what she really looks like under all that. [07:47] Maomao     Given her age, the emperor     will most likely spend time with her. [07:51] Maomao     It seems the power balance at the rear     palace shouldn't be negatively affected. [07:56] Maomao     Eh. Who cares. [08:00] Maomao     My name is Maomao. I will be      serving as your instructor today. [08:06] Maomao     What I will be teaching you today [08:09] Maomao     is a secret technique     shared only amongst women. [08:12] Maomao     Please do not share it with others. [08:16] Maomao     Now, here are the learning materials. [08:31] Gyokuyou     Wow! [08:42] Lishu     Oh... Oh... [09:09] Gaoshun     What's going on in there? [09:12] Jinshi     I can't tell. [09:14] Maomao     Phew. Hmm? [09:18] Jinshi     Good work. That took a while. [09:20] Maomao     This guy was eavesdropping for sure. [09:24] Maomao     What's wrong? [09:27] Jinshi     What's going on here? [09:30] Gyokuyou     Goodbye, tired routines! [09:32] Lihua     Do this, then this... [09:34] Lishu     No way. No way, ever... [09:37] Kanan     Lady Lishu! [09:42] Maomao     I just taught them, as ordered. [09:46] Maomao     At least I made the two who     recommended me happy. [09:57] Maomao     I couldn't tell what she was thinking at all. [10:07] Maomao     Use the knowledge as you see fit. [10:09] Jinshi     Hey, what kind of lecture did you give? [10:11] Maomao     You can ask the emperor later     if he liked it or not. [10:15] Jinshi     Hey. [10:32] Maomao     I'm spent. [10:37] Maomao     Looking forward to that bonus reward! [10:49] Soldier     This way! [11:00] Maomao     I'll stay out of it. [11:01] Maomao     So cold... [11:09] Rikuson     Master Lakan! Master Lakan! [11:21] Rikuson     Master Lakan, there you are. [11:25] Lakan     Hmm. [11:27] Rikuson     Something of interest? [11:29] Lakan     No, nothing at all. [11:42] Maomao     I wonder what that sound was last night. [11:47] Maomao     Even though he's a eunuch, he has work     outside of the rear palace as well? [11:53] Maomao     It's not like he can just ignore silly bills. [12:01] Maomao     It's good paper. I could sell these     for a pretty good amount. [12:04] Maomao     What a waste, burning it all. [12:07] Maomao     The trash burning place is over     by the military offices... [12:11] Gaoshun     Xiaomao. [12:14] Gaoshun     It's cold outside. [12:18] Maomao     Thank you. [12:20] Maomao     He's so thoughtful. Shame he's a eunuch. [12:28] Gaoshun     This is from Master Jinshi!     I merely delivered it! [12:35] Maomao     I see. [12:36] Maomao     He needs permission just to give warm     clothes to a servant? What a bother. [12:41] Maomao     Thank you, Master Jinshi. [12:45] Jinshi     Don't worry about it. [12:53] Maomao     The outer court is several times     larger than the rear palace, [12:57] Maomao     yet I see hardly any medicinal herbs growing. [13:00] Maomao     I guess the only notable ones     are dandelions and mugworts, [13:03] Maomao     which are abundant anywhere. [13:07] Maomao     It's winter, so they're hard to spot, too. [13:09] Maomao     Maybe I'll plant some seeds     around here as well. [13:14] Maomao     Ooh, red spider lily! [13:15] Maomao     Here too! And there, too! [13:17] Maomao     They're so tasty when     the bulb root is put in water. [13:21] Maomao     If I fail to remove the poison, it causes     horrible stomachaches, though. [13:26] Maomao     Hmm? [13:27] Maomao     It's Master Lihaku. [13:28] Maomao     His belt's a different color. [13:31] Maomao     Did he get a promotion? [13:33] Lihaku     Hmm? Oh hey, little lady. [13:37] Maomao     Master Lihaku. [13:38] Lihaku     Accompanying a concubine or something? [13:41] Lihaku     Rare to see you outside the rear palace. [13:44] Maomao     He doesn't know I got fired. [13:48] Maomao     Master Lihaku. He fell in love     with Big Sister Pairin, [13:51] Maomao     one of the Three Princesses     of the Verdigris House. [13:53] Maomao     He's working hard to get a promotion     for his love. How adorable. [13:58] Lihaku     Hmm? [14:00] Maomao     The cost of a night with Pairin is equal to     half the annual salary of a commoner. [14:06] Maomao     Since that's too expensive,     I hear he often visits the Verdigris House [14:11] Maomao     to have tea with the servant girls. [14:14] Maomao     I never ran into him there. [14:16] Maomao     I guess once a man has a taste     of the heavenly nectar, [14:20] Maomao     he can't help but try to get at least a glimpse. [14:23] Maomao     He's really working hard. [14:24] Lihaku     Hmm? What is it? [14:26] Maomao     Nothing. I've been transferred     from the rear palace [14:29] Maomao     to the personal quarters of a certain official. [14:32] Maomao     Personal quarters?     Who's crazy enough to do that? [14:36] Maomao     Yeah, I wonder the same. [14:39] Maomao     By the way, were you busy with something? [14:41] Lihaku     A little. [14:43] Lihaku     Just a small fire, not rare     at this time of the year. [14:46] Lihaku     I've been brought out to investigate     since they can't determine the cause. [14:49] Maomao     Unknown cause? So that must be     what the noise from last night was. [14:54] Maomao     Was anyone injured? [14:56] Lihaku     Just the warehouseman.     He's not critically injured, but— [14:59] Lihaku     Hey, don't get too close. [15:02] Maomao     Understood. [15:04] Maomao     Why wouldn't you expect me     to get curious after hearing that? [15:10] Maomao     Soot reaching the adjacent building. [15:14] Maomao     Shrapnel all over the building. [15:17] Maomao     This is more like an explosion than a fire. [15:21] Maomao     I see. [15:24] Maomao     They suspect arson. [15:27] Maomao     That's why Master Lihaku is here,     not a lower-ranking official. [15:33] Maomao     This isn't just some random warehouse. [15:35] Maomao     It's the palace, where the emperor is. [15:39] Maomao     Our empire is overall pretty peaceful,     but there's always someone with issues. [15:47] Maomao     There's the occasional barbarian attack, [15:50] Maomao     and a famine or drought here and there. [15:54] Maomao     Who knows how long peace with     the neighboring nations will last? [15:58] Maomao     I'm sure some people in some foreign     countries have some complaints. [16:04] Maomao     Charcoal? No, it's a burnt potato. [16:07] Maomao     What a waste. [16:10] Maomao     So this was food storage. [16:24] Maomao     Ivory? Looks like a smoking pipe. [16:28] Lihaku     Quit snooping around by yourself! [16:30] Maomao     A pipe... [16:33] Maomao     An explosion. Food storage. A pipe. [16:40] Lihaku     Hey! [16:53] Lihaku     Can you hear me?! [16:55] Maomao     I can hear you. [16:57] Maomao     I'm just not listening to you. [16:59] Maomao     Does this warehouse store the same kind     of stuff as the burnt one? [17:04] Lihaku     Yeah. The oldest things go in the back. [17:08] Maomao     Can I have this? [17:11] Lihaku     I suppose so. [17:13] Maomao     And this, too? [17:14] Maomao     I also need a hammer, a saw, and some nails. [17:18] Lihaku     What are you trying to do? [17:21] Maomao     Just a quick experiment. [17:28] Maomao     This will do. [17:29] Lihaku     You're strangely good at this. [17:31] Maomao     I grew up poor. I'm good     at making things I don't have. [17:40] Lihaku     That's flour, right? [17:42] Maomao     Yes. It was in the warehouse. [17:49] Subordinate     Is this what you needed? [17:50] Maomao     Yes. And the flame source I asked for? [17:54] Subordinate     Right here. [17:56] Maomao     Thank you, sir. [18:02] Lihaku     I don't get it. [18:03] Maomao     It's ready. Please stand back. It's dangerous. [18:07] Subordinate     Y-Yes... [18:12] Maomao     Master Lihaku, it's dangerous. [18:15] Lihaku     What danger could there be? [18:16] Lihaku     Whatever you do, I'm a military     officer. How can I be at risk? [18:20] Maomao     Understood. But it really is dangerous,     so please do be very careful. [18:25] Maomao     You have to run right away. [18:28] Lihaku     Huh? Run from what— [18:35] Lihaku     Put it out! [18:40] Maomao     See? I told you so. [18:46] Lihaku     So, what caused the explosion? [18:50] Maomao     It was this. [18:52] Lihaku     Flour? [18:53] Maomao     Yes. Fine powder, like wheat     or buckwheat flour, burns easily. [18:57] Maomao     The particles can catch fire when airborne. [19:02] Maomao     This was likely what sparked it. [19:04] Lihaku     A pipe...? [19:07] Maomao     If someone snuck inside to take     a quick smoke in private, [19:12] Maomao     the outside wind could flow in,     blowing the powder into the air. [19:15] Maomao     If the pipe was lit at that time... [19:20] Maomao     The flour filling the air would     catch fire, and cause an explosion. [19:27] Maomao     Please let the warehousemen know     not to smoke in the warehouses. [19:32] Lihaku     How do you know these things? [19:35] Maomao     Once, at the Verdigris House,     I blew up a room I borrowed. [19:40] Lihaku     You... [19:42] (Flashback) Old Lady     You stupid girl! [19:45] Maomao     The old lady was real scary back then. [19:48] Lihaku     But powders exploding? How strange. [19:53] Maomao     Almost nothing in the world is truly strange. [19:56] Maomao     Anything that feels strange     is just not yet known. [20:00] Lihaku     Achoo! [20:01] Maomao     Please take care to not catch a cold. [20:04] Maomao     If you do, find Luomen in the pleasure     district. His medicines work well. [20:08] Lihaku     Right. [20:09] Maomao     Dad's so bad at marketing.     I should help him out a little. [20:15] Maomao     Hopefully, he'd pay a visit     while he's out there for Pairin. [20:20] Maomao     Well, I'm heading back to work now. [20:22] Lihaku     Sure. [20:26] Maomao     Oh, I accidentally brought this with me. [20:30] Maomao     If I clean this up and put a new mouthpiece     on it, would it be good again? [20:34] Maomao     It might sell for a pretty good price. [20:37] Maomao     That said, it seems too impressive     for a warehouseman to own. [20:41] Maomao     Might be something precious. [20:45] Maomao     Maybe I'll clean it up and give it back. [20:54] Official's Younger Brother     Dammit! [20:57] Official's Younger Brother     I'm worthy, too... Dammit! SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Voice     Next time: "Raw Fish." SIGN    Episode 15: Raw Fish E15 - Raw Fish Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:31] Military Officer 1     Hey, did you hear about the fire the other day? [01:33] Military Officer 2     Lihaku did a really good job with it. [01:36] Military Officer 3     I never expected he'd be able to solve it. [01:39] Military Officer 1     Actually, I heard a rumor that     a servant girl helped solve it. [01:44] Military Officer 3     A servant girl? [01:46] Military Officer 2     They say she's a personal     attendant of Master Jinshi. [01:48] Military Officer 1     Wow, really? [01:50] Military Officer 1     Didn't Master Jinshi buy out [01:52] Military Officer 1     a courtesan from the Verdigris      House the other day? [01:55] Military Officer 1     I hear she's a beautiful     intellectual with cold eyes. [01:59] Military Officer 2     Yeah, the guys who saw her     wouldn't shut up about her. [02:03] Military Officer 1     Master Lakan?! [02:07] Lakan     Mind telling me more about that? SIGN    Episode 15: Raw Fish [02:21] Gaoshun     Xiaomao, could you spare a moment? [02:23] Maomao     Master Gaoshun. What is it? [02:27] Gaoshun     There's something     I'd like you to take a look at. [02:31] Maomao     Records of an old incident. [02:34] Maomao     Ten years ago, at a merchant's home, [02:36] Maomao     there was a food poisoning incident     involving a raw pufferfish dish. [02:40] Maomao     Pufferfish poison... [02:42] Maomao     I love how it tingles and stings. [02:44] Maomao     Oh, I really want some now! [02:47] Gaoshun     I can take you to a place     that serves it sometime soon. [02:53] Maomao     So, what about this? [02:55] Gaoshun     A while ago, I was officially      involved with this case. [03:02] Gaoshun     A colleague asked me for advice, because      a similar incident occurred recently. [03:09] Maomao     A similar incident? [03:10] Gaoshun     A bureaucrat ate pufferfish, raw and seasoned     with vinegar, and fell into a coma. [03:16] Maomao     A coma? [03:19] Maomao     Master Gaoshun, my apologies. [03:22] Maomao     Is it appropriate for me to learn about this? [03:25] Gaoshun     That won't be an issue.     You are someone who knows her place. [03:31] Maomao     In other words, stay silent about this. [03:33] Gaoshun     Besides, this story involves poison.     Are you sure you want me to stop here? [03:40] Maomao     Please, do continue. SIGN    Pufferfish [03:48] Gaoshun     In this instance, they served     parboiled pufferfish skin and meat. [03:53] Gaoshun     He ate this and fell into a coma. [03:57] Maomao     The meat? Most of the poison is in the gut. [04:02] Gaoshun     Yes, the skin and the meat. [04:05] Maomao     The meat isn't supposed     to have much poison in it... [04:08] Maomao     Maybe it depends on the type of     pufferfish or the environment it's from. [04:15] Maomao     Nothing seems out of place, then? [04:17] Gaoshun     The thing is, in both cases,     this time and in the past, [04:21] Gaoshun     the cook claims they hadn't     used pufferfish in the dish. [04:26] Maomao     That sounds interesting. [04:29] Gaoshun     That's not the only thing in common. [04:31] Gaoshun     The two who fell ill... [04:33] Gaoshun     The bureaucrat from this case     and the merchant from the past one [04:36] Gaoshun     were both gourmets who loved eating rare foods. [04:40] Gaoshun     They both often ate raw fish and      pufferfish was one of their favorites. [04:47] Gaoshun     After the incident, all of the organs     and skin were discovered in the trash, [04:53] Gaoshun     so it was determined that     the guts were never consumed. [04:57] Gaoshun     In both cases, the cooks claimed innocence, said      the pufferfish was served the night before, [05:03] Gaoshun     and that on the day of the incident,      they'd used a different fish. [05:08] Gaoshun     However, there were     no witnesses to provide proof. [05:12] Gaoshun     The bureaucrat ate all the food served, [05:15] Gaoshun     then became intoxicated     and collapsed half an hour later. [05:18] Gaoshun     He was discovered convulsing. [05:22] Maomao     He did a more thorough     investigation than I'd expect. [05:25] Maomao     Plenty of other bureaucrats would put     in zero effort and just make up a suspect. [05:31] Gaoshun     What do you think? [05:32] Maomao     The symptoms do sound     like pufferfish poison, [05:35] Maomao     but I can't say for certain      without more details. [05:39] Maomao     Master Gaoshun, can you try     to find more information? [05:44] Gaoshun     Understood. I will look into it. [05:52] Maomao     At this time of year, it's not rare to     have food trash sit out for a few days. [05:58] Maomao     The testimony of using different fish     matches the evidence of the leftovers... [06:04] Jinshi     What were you talking about? [06:07] Jinshi     That look would wound anyone, even me. [06:13] Jinshi     You seemed to be listening     very eagerly to Gaoshun's story. [06:17] Maomao     People naturally pay attention to      stories that are actually interesting. [06:21] Jinshi     Wait, hold on. You often      cut me off mid-speech— [06:24] Maomao     Oh dear, it's getting late.     With that, I'll take my leave. [06:28] Jinshi     Hey, I'm not done talking— [06:30] Suiren     Oh no, don't move. [06:33] Suiren     Come on, stay still. [06:42] Gaoshun     Xiaomao, about the discussion     we had yesterday... [06:46] Gaoshun     These are the cook's notes. [06:49] Gaoshun     According to the servant, it describes     everything served to their master. [06:54] Maomao     Thank you. [07:00] Maomao     "Parboil the fish. Add cut vegetables.     Season with vinegar." [07:04] Maomao     The recipe looks normal. [07:08] Gaoshun     There are several types of     vinegar mixtures outlined, [07:11] Gaoshun     but the list of ingredients lack detail. [07:14] Maomao     That must be because the types of fish     and vegetables available differ by season. [07:20] Maomao     This won't help us understand the key facts     around what was actually used to cook the dish. [07:25] Jinshi     You can't understand? [07:28] Maomao     He wants to join in. [07:32] Jinshi     So, what can't you understand? [07:37] Suiren     It will be mealtime soon. [07:39] Jinshi     I know. [07:41] Maomao     That's quite childish. [07:44] Maomao     When did the incident occur? [07:46] Gaoshun     About a week ago. [07:49] Gaoshun     Meaning winter vegetables,     so probably radishes and carrots? [07:55] Gaoshun     Actually, I hear they used seaweed. [07:59] Maomao     Seaweed? [08:01] Gaoshun     Seaweed. [08:03] Maomao     If he likes rare foods, I guess     he could have tried strange seaweeds. [08:09] Maomao     If possible, could I take a look      at the kitchen involved? [08:29] Maomao     I'm here under Master Gaoshun's orders. [08:32] Basen     I'm Basen. I've heard about you. [08:36] Maomao     I am Maomao. [08:37] Basen     We're heading to the mansion now,     but remember, you're my follower. [08:41] Basen     Don't do anything without my permission. [08:44] Maomao     Understood. [08:50] Basen     Once we arrive, the servant there     will show us to the kitchen. [08:54] Maomao     Understood. [08:55] Maomao     Master Gaoshun sure does work fast. [08:59] Maomao     That aside... [09:01] Maomao     I've never seen this officer before. [09:03] Maomao     He looks familiar, though. [09:07] Maomao     He doesn't seem to have     a good impression of me. [09:09] Maomao     Oh, well. [09:16] Servant     This is the kitchen. [09:22] Servant     It hasn't been used since the poison incident. [09:29] Basen     Hmm? Hey! [09:34] Official's Younger Brother     Who let you in here?! Get out! [09:35] Official's Younger Brother     What are you doing?!     Did you bring these people here?! [09:40] Basen     I've gotten permission from the mistress,     and this is official business. [09:45] Official's Younger Brother     Is that true? [09:47] Basen     May we continue? Or would that     inconvenience you in some way? [09:52] Official's Younger Brother     Whatever. [09:56] Maomao     Who is that? [09:57] Servant     That is the master's younger brother. [10:00] Servant     After the master fell into the coma,     and the mistress took ill from fatigue, [10:05] Servant     the younger brother manages the mansion. [10:09] Maomao     I see. [10:12] Maomao     Master Basen. [10:13] Basen     Yeah. [10:16] Maomao     The cook washed all the cooking utensils. [10:21] Maomao     Other than that... [10:34] Maomao     What is this? [10:35] Servant     Ah, the master loved that. [10:38] Servant     It's his favorite. He ate it often. [10:40] Servant     I don't think it's poisonous... [10:44] Maomao     He doesn't seem to be lying. [10:46] Official's Younger Brother     So that's that. [10:48] Official's Younger Brother     If you're done here, please leave. [10:51] Maomao     Indeed. [10:56] Maomao     Sorry to bother you. [11:02] Basen     Why did you back down so easily? [11:04] Maomao     I don't consider that backing down. [11:10] Basen     You brought it with you? [11:12] Maomao     This is strange. [11:14] Maomao     This seaweed isn't in season quite yet. [11:18] Maomao     But even if salted and preserved from      last year, it wouldn't last this long. [11:24] Basen     I see. [11:26] Maomao     I don't think it was gathered in our region. [11:30] Maomao     Perhaps it was imported from the south. [11:35] Maomao     It would be good if we could     find out where it came from. [11:42] Maomao     I think he gets what I mean. [11:44] Maomao     In that case, I'll do what I have to do. [11:56] Jinshi     What's this? [11:58] Maomao     The seaweed I got from the mansion. [12:01] Maomao     I've split it into two     and put it in some water. [12:05] Maomao     Why is Master Jinshi here? [12:08] Basen     The seaweed was indeed     imported from the south. [12:13] Basen     According to the servant, the master     never ate that seaweed in the winter. [12:20] Gaoshun     The cook also said this is the same     as the seaweed they normally use, [12:24] Gaoshun     and can't be poisonous. [12:26] Maomao     You can't assume it's not poisonous      just because it's the same seaweed. [12:31] Maomao     Maybe this seaweed     isn't eaten often in the south. [12:37] Maomao     Perhaps a merchant learned that     it's a favorite of this bureaucrat, [12:41] Maomao     and, looking to profit from that, [12:43] Maomao     went out of his way to get some locals     to make a salted version of it? [12:48] Jinshi     Why is that a problem? [12:51] Maomao     Sometimes, poisons can become not poisonous. [12:56] Maomao     For example, eels are originally poisonous, [13:00] Maomao     but by bleeding them out or cooking     them, they become edible. [13:04] Maomao     In the case of this seaweed, I think     it had to be soaked in limewater first. [13:09] Maomao     What I have here is one batch soaked in     limewater, and one batch without that. [13:18] Jinshi     What are you doing?! [13:19] Maomao     It's fine. [13:20] Maomao     Probably. [13:21] Jinshi     What do you mean, "probably"?! [13:23] Maomao     Don't worry. I have     an emetic agent right here— [13:27] Jinshi     Don't say that so proudly! [13:29] Jinshi     Gaoshun! [13:30] Gaoshun     Yes. [13:31] Maomao     Hey— [13:32] Jinshi     Vomit, now! [13:38] Maomao     I wanted to test if the detoxification     could be done overnight... [13:43] Maomao     Um, back on topic. [13:46] Maomao     So, the issue is: who suggested that      the trader bring the salted seaweed? [13:54] Maomao     If the one who ate it imported it himself, [13:57] Maomao     it'd be his own fault, in a sense. [14:00] Maomao     But, if he didn't... [14:04] Maomao     Bringing it in from a region      that doesn't eat it [14:07] Maomao     is obviously taking a pretty big risk. [14:11] Gaoshun     I understand. [14:13] Maomao     The people here are smart.     I don't have to elaborate further. [14:19] Maomao     I guess that settles it for now. [14:26] Jinshi     Hey! [14:30] Gaoshun     The culprit was the official's younger brother. [14:34] Gaoshun     When we found where he bought the seaweed, [14:36] Gaoshun     he confessed to being      the one who'd purchased it. [14:41] Gaoshun     His motive was that, being     the younger son, he wasn't treated well. [14:45] Gaoshun     He wanted to remove his older     brother from the picture. [14:48] Gaoshun     A commonplace story. [14:49] Maomao     But how could a person who'd plot to murder     someone for such a thoughtless reason [14:55] Maomao     have learned about the seaweed poison? [14:59] Gaoshun     He happened to hear about it from a person     sitting next to him at a tavern, apparently. [15:04] Maomao     "Happened to," huh? Sure... [15:11] Maomao     In the end, I didn't get to try     the poisonous seaweed... [15:16] Maomao     By the way, what should I use it for? [15:19] Maomao     That mushroom the color of dry leaves     growing from the dead insect! [15:23] Maomao     Should I make medicinal booze?! A pill?! [15:31] Maomao     Welcome home! [15:33] Maomao     Welcome home! [15:45] Gaoshun     What's going on?! [15:47] Maomao     It's not my fault. [15:53] Suiren     You seem tired. [15:55] Jinshi     I have so much work piled up, [15:57] Jinshi     but there's someone     I just don't get along with. [16:00] Jinshi     We just can't see eye-to-eye. [16:02] Maomao     I never would have thought you'd      ever have trouble with people. [16:07] Jinshi     This man's a razor-sharp     high official in the military. [16:11] Jinshi     He comes from a good family, but even     though he's past forty, he hasn't married. [16:15] Jinshi     He adopted his nephew as his son     and has him handle his household. [16:19] Jinshi     A famous weirdo. [16:21] Maomao     A forty-plus, high-ranking     military officer... and weirdo? [16:26] Jinshi     His only interests are go, shogi, and rumors. [16:32] Jinshi     He files complaints, barges in, [16:35] Jinshi     and keeps extending deadlines     on decisions that need to be made. [16:39] Jinshi     I think he has it out for me for some reason. [16:42] Jinshi     He's been camping in my office     for several days in a row. [16:47] Maomao     Okay, let's forget about this! [16:49] Maomao     No good can come from dwelling on this. [16:55] Maomao     However, no matter how hard I try to forget, [16:58] Maomao     as usual, my bad hunches are correct. [17:01] Jinshi     This matter was settled already. [17:04] Lakan     Flower viewing in the winter is difficult. [17:06] Lakan     I thought this would be better instead. [17:10] Jinshi     This man is Lakan. He is a strategist. [17:14] Jinshi     It seems like the reason     he's confronting me [17:17] Jinshi     is because I made Maomao, who is connected     to the Verdigris House, my servant. [17:22] Lakan     Come to think of it, I have an old     acquaintance in the Verdigris House. [17:27] Jinshi     That's unexpected. I thought     he had no interest in romance. [17:33] Jinshi     What kind of courtesan is she? [17:37] Jinshi     Shoot, I asked without thinking. [17:39] Lakan     She was a good courtesan. [17:41] Lakan     She was very good at go and shogi.     I could beat her in shogi, but never in go. [17:48] Lakan     Defeating our master strategist?     She must have been good. [17:52] Lakan     I considered buying her out, [17:55] Lakan     since I felt I would never meet     another woman as interesting as her. [18:00] Lakan     But sometimes, things just don't work out. [18:04] Lakan     Two rich men with curious tastes     endlessly tried to outbid each other. [18:10] Jinshi     Is that so? [18:12] Jinshi     It's said, at times,     buying out a courtesan [18:14] Jinshi     could cost about as much as a small palace. [18:17] Lakan     She was a strange courtesan. [18:20] Jinshi     Where is he trying to go with this story? [18:24] Lakan     She would sell her skills, but never herself. [18:27] Lakan     In fact, she didn't treat     guests as customers at all. [18:31] Lakan     Even when pouring tea,     she had an arrogant look, [18:36] Lakan     like she was being charitable     to a lowly peasant. [18:39] Lakan     But there were many with curious tastes     who were head over heels for her. [18:44] Lakan     Myself among them, naturally. [18:47] Lakan     That chill down my spine     was truly irresistible. [18:55] Lakan     Oh, how I wanted to try     to force myself on her one day. [19:03] Lakan     In the end, I couldn't give up on her, [19:06] Lakan     so I had no choice but      to use a bit of a dirty trick. [19:10] Jinshi     Meaning? [19:11] Lakan     If something's too expensive,      you simply lower its value. [19:16] Lakan     I made her less exquisite. [19:21] Lakan     Do you know how I did that? [19:25] Jinshi     Why play hard-to-get all of a sudden? [19:33] Lakan     Well, before I get into that,     I have a favor to ask. [19:38] Jinshi     What is it? [19:40] Lakan     I heard that the servant girl you hired      recently is quite intriguing. [19:46] Lakan     They say she has a strange     knack for solving puzzles. [19:52] Lakan     I was acquainted with a metalworker     who was the palace purveyor. [19:58] Lakan     He suddenly passed away a few days ago, [20:01] Lakan     and failed to name a proper successor. [20:04] Lakan     He had three children who     were also his apprentices. [20:08] Lakan     Unfortunately, he died before passing on     his secret techniques to his children. [20:14] Lakan     He left a puzzling will, which might be a hint. [20:19] Lakan     That's been bothering me for a while. [20:23] Jinshi     Where are you going with this? [20:25] Lakan     Nowhere special, really. [20:29] Lakan     I just wonder if there's some way      to learn that secret technique. [20:35] Lakan     Perhaps, for example, [20:37] Lakan     by having your clever servant girl take a look. [20:47] Jinshi     Well... I suppose I could hear the whole story. [20:59] Maomao     That's a lot of rain. SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Lead." SIGN    Episode 16: Lead E16 - Lead Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:31] Jinshi     This is a bit troublesome... [01:34] Maomao     Huh? [01:34] Maomao     He usually doesn't hesitate     to bring trouble my way. [01:39] Maomao     How out-of-character for him. [01:43] Maomao     What is it? [01:44] Jinshi     Well... [01:46] Jinshi     It's something related to     an acquaintance of an acquaintance. [01:51] Jinshi     A metalworker who was     the palace purveyor passed away [01:54] Jinshi     without passing on his techniques to     his sons, who were also his apprentices. [02:00] Jinshi     They say some of those techniques     were completely secret and unknown. [02:06] Maomao     So, you want to figure out     the metalworker's secret technique. [02:11] Jinshi     You make it sound so simple. [02:14] Jinshi     Besides, why are you so      enthusiastic this time around? [02:19] Maomao     Does it seem that way? [02:23] Jinshi     The metalworker's three sons     were all his apprentices. [02:28] Jinshi     As the father died, it's said that one of     the sons will take his place as the purveyor. [02:33] Jinshi     There were distribution instructions     for the father's mementos in his will. [02:38] Jinshi     The workshop shack for the eldest son. [02:41] Jinshi     Furniture with excellent workmanship     for the second son. [02:45] Jinshi     A fishbowl for the youngest son. [02:47] Jinshi     And one final note: "You all should have     a tea party together, like old times." [02:54] Maomao     A tea party? What a mysterious will. [02:59] Maomao     Did he mean a literal tea party?     Or does that have another meaning? [03:05] Jinshi     The sons have no idea after      hearing the will, either. [03:08] Maomao     The mementos seem very unbalanced, too. [03:13] Maomao     A shack, furniture, and a fishbowl? [03:16] Maomao     The younger the son,     the lower the value, it seems. [03:21] Maomao     What were those items like? [03:23] Maomao     I haven't heard the details. But... [03:28] (Flashback) Lakan     If that piques your interest,     here is the address. [03:33] Jinshi     He said, if it piques your interest,     you should go take a look. [03:40] Maomao     How well-prepared. [03:42] Maomao     It's like he expected this     to happen. Interesting. [03:47] Maomao     If I can have time tomorrow... [03:52] Jinshi     Yeah... [03:53] Maomao     I'll probably get more work     on my plate when I get back. SIGN    Episode 16: Lead [04:02] Maomao     Oh, that's... [04:05] Maomao     Basen, was it? [04:07] Basen     Like the last time, you're my follower. [04:11] Basen     Don't do anything unless I allow it. [04:13] Maomao     Understood. [04:16] Maomao     Like last time, he only     says the bare minimum. [04:20] Maomao     I don't think he likes me much. [04:23] Maomao     If he's harmless, I don't mind. [04:30] Youngest Son     Coming. [04:34] Youngest Son     Master Basen. We've been     notified of your visit. [04:39] Maomao     Hmm? [04:45] Youngest Son     Ah, yes, that belonged to my father. [04:48] Youngest Son     He had a strange hobby,     collecting weird things. [04:51] Maomao     Huh... [04:53] Basen     Is that the workshop shack? [04:56] Youngest Son     Yes. That said, we do our work     in the main house now. [05:00] Youngest Son     The shack is used as a tea house     for the craftsmen. [05:06] Youngest Son     Come in. [05:07] Youngest Son     Hey, I brought the guests. [05:10] Eldest Son     Yeah. [05:11] Second Son     Thank you for coming out. [05:13] Maomao     These must be the elder brothers, and     the first man must have been the youngest. [05:18] Basen     The furniture is placed strangely. [05:21] Basen     Hey. [05:22] Maomao     Indeed... [05:23] Maomao     Having things in the center     like this would get in the way. [05:26] Maomao     The room still looks kind of nice though, [05:29] Maomao     probably because of how the table     weirdly brings the room together, [05:32] Maomao     and how classy this chest of drawers looks. [05:38] Maomao     There's metalwork on the corners. [05:42] Maomao     The top row has three drawers. A keyhole     in the center drawer in the second row. [05:46] Maomao     A different metal is used as an accent here... [05:51] Maomao     Hmm? [05:52] Maomao     Is this bolted in place? [05:55] Second Son     Hey, that's mine. [05:57] Second Son     You're free to look, but don't touch. [06:01] Maomao     Right, the second son was given     furniture as his memento. [06:05] Second Son     Hmph! [06:06] Maomao     If this chest is the     aforementioned furniture, [06:09] Maomao     then this man must be the second son. [06:12] Maomao     Which must mean that the     tall man is the eldest son. [06:20] Maomao     The window placement is strange, too. [06:22] Maomao     It's western-style, and strangely tall. [06:25] Maomao     Despite the ample sunlight     that could have come in, [06:28] Maomao     the huge chestnut tree outside ruins it. [06:32] Maomao     The sunlight that gets in is     filtered through the branches. [06:35] Maomao     And this is the only spot     that gets that light. [06:39] Maomao     Hmm? [06:40] Maomao     This mark. Was something     placed here for a long time? [06:44] Eldest Son     Can you really figure out     what our father left behind? [06:49] Basen     That's... [06:56] Basen     You'd have to elaborate on     your end for us to know more. [07:02] Eldest Son     It's exactly as you heard. [07:04] Eldest Son     Our father kicked the bucket without     giving us the secret technique. [07:08] Eldest Son     And the only thing he left me is this shack. [07:11] Second Son     And for me, this chest of drawers. [07:15] Youngest Son     F-For me, this. [07:17] Maomao     Made of glass, so it's expensive. [07:20] Maomao     I assumed the fishbowl would     be wooden, or ceramic at best. [07:24] Maomao     In that case, I guess all     the mementos have some value. [07:30] Second Son     What was he thinking? [07:34] Second Son     Thanks for this gift, but it only has     one key, which doesn't fit the keyhole. [07:39] Basen     Doesn't fit the keyhole? [07:41] Second Son     This is probably the key for the center     row, but it won't fit the keyhole. [07:47] Second Son     The three drawers on top are     supposed to open with the same key, [07:51] Second Son     but the actual key is nowhere to be found. [07:54] Second Son     What's the point of inheriting it? [07:57] Eldest Son     I'm in the same boat. What's the point of getting      this shack if I can't move the chest out? [08:03] Eldest Son     What a bother. [08:05] Youngest Son     Dad was... [08:07] Youngest Son     D-Dad was probably thinking... [08:10] Eldest Son     I envy you. You got something     you could easily sell. [08:15] Second Son     Yeah. It's not much, but it'd still be     worth enough to live off of for a while. [08:21] Eldest Son     I don't get Dad at all. [08:23] Second Son     What possible benefit could there     be to having tea party now? [08:29] Maomao     Hmm, now what should we do? [08:31] Maomao     The two elder brothers don't     seem too fond of the youngest. [08:37] Mother     All of you, stop this! [08:39] Mother     That's no way to behave in front of guests. [08:42] Mother     I'm so sorry. I don't know when      they started acting this way. [08:46] Mother     The two older boys have become so cynical. [08:50] Mother     And the youngest can't     even express his opinions. [08:53] Mother     My husband was worried about     them until the moment he died. [08:59] Maomao     I guess being worried about your kids, [09:01] Maomao     no matter how old they get,     is part of being a parent. [09:07] Mother     Please enjoy the tea. Excuse me. [09:16] Maomao     They all moved. I guess     they each have a set position. [09:22] Maomao     I suppose it must be just habit,     in order to not block the window. [09:26] Maomao     This time of day, the sunlight     comes through the window. [09:30] Maomao     If the sunlight reached a little     further, it might hit the chest... [09:34] Maomao     But there's no sign of sun     damage on the chest. [09:37] Maomao     Sun damage...? [09:40] Basen     Hey. [09:45] Maomao     The sunlight doesn't come in     for too long of a time. [10:01] Maomao     Is something stuck inside? [10:03] Basen     Did you figure something out? [10:05] Maomao     Ah! I was thinking he looked familiar. [10:09] Maomao     He looks like Gaoshun! [10:15] Basen     So? [10:17] Maomao     The center drawer     with the lock won't open, right? [10:21] Maomao     It used to open, but apparently     it got stuck after Dad worked on it. [10:27] Maomao     And there's only one key? [10:29] Second Son     Just this one. [10:31] Second Son     Dad said if we broke the lock,     it would break whatever's inside. [10:36] Second Son     So we can't force it open, either. [10:41] Maomao     The mementos given to each son. [10:44] Maomao     A shack, a chest of drawers, and a fishbowl. [10:48] Maomao     The chest is bolted down in the shack. [10:51] Maomao     The chest has drawers that can't be unlocked. [10:53] Maomao     And... [10:55] (Flashback) Jinshi     "You all should have a tea party     together, like old times." [11:02] Maomao     Could it be...? [11:11] Maomao     Excuse me. Was the fishbowl     originally placed there, on that shelf? [11:17] Youngest Son     Huh? Um, yes. [11:19] Youngest Son     We used to have a goldfish      in it, and put it here. [11:24] Youngest Son     If it got too cold, the goldfish would die, [11:26] Youngest Son     so in the winter, we'd only put it here during     tea parties, when the sunlight kept it warm. [11:30] Youngest Son     Around this time of day, actually. [11:32] Youngest Son     We haven't had any goldfish     for the past few years, though. [11:37] Maomao     Hmm. [11:41] Basen     Hey, you! [11:42] Maomao     I'm going to go ask for some water. [11:45] Basen     Darting off without my permission again! [11:53] Maomao     You filled it with water, like this? [11:56] Youngest Son     Yes. This pattern should face this way. [12:04] Maomao     I knew it. [12:05] Second Son     H-Hey! What is this?! [12:10] Maomao     Don't touch that! [12:12] Maomao     I'm sorry. It could blind you     if it shined into your eyes. [12:16] Maomao     Also, please step back, as you're blocking it. [12:18] Maomao     You won't be able to unlock it. [12:33] Maomao     It seems like the chestnut tree     is casting a shadow now. [12:39] Maomao     It's hot. Also, there's a strange smell. [12:42] Second Son     Hey, what's the meaning of all this?! [12:44] Maomao     Now, please unlock this drawer with that key. [12:48] Second Son     I told you, it doesn't fit. [12:51] Maomao     Please. [12:52] Second Son     Hmph. [12:58] Second Son     W-What's going on?! [13:01] Maomao     Did your father happen to suffer from      persistent anemia and stomachaches? [13:06] Youngest Child     Yes, that's correct. [13:08] Maomao     Nausea and depression, as well? [13:11] Youngest Child     Those, too. [13:13] Maomao     I don't know much about metalwork, [13:17] Maomao     but do you use solder in this workshop? [13:20] Youngest Child     Yes, we do. [13:22] Basen     What does that mean? [13:23] Maomao     I just followed the instruction from the will,     to have a tea party like you used to. [13:33] Maomao     A mold for a key.     May I remove it from the mold? [13:37] Second Son     S-Sure. [13:39] Maomao     It's still warm, and soft. [13:43] Maomao     The metal stuck in the keyhole     must have melted from the heat, [13:47] Maomao     and flowed into the mold     below it before hardening. [13:58] Second Son     It's open! [13:59] Eldest Son     What's inside? [14:02] Second Son     What is this?! [14:04] Maomao     This bluish crystal seems to be the same     kind as the one near the entrance. [14:11] Second Son     Dammit! What does he mean, get along? [14:14] Second Son     We all just got played by his final prank! [14:18] Eldest Son     What a bother! [14:20] Youngest Son     Lead and tin...? [14:23] Maomao     I knew a grumpy craftsman of a customer who said     techniques should be seen and stolen. [14:29] Maomao     I took that seriously and tried to make     my own medicine based on what I saw my dad do. [14:34] Maomao     I ended up poisoning myself, and... [14:36] (Flashback) Luomen     You should ask first. [14:38] Maomao     That was the lesson he taught me. [14:41] Maomao     It seems like the youngest son was the only     one who understood his dead father's intent. [14:46] Maomao     I've heard that, by mixing several     different types of metals together, [14:50] Maomao     solder melts at a temperature lower than     that of the individual metals originally. [14:55] Maomao     Of the three chunks, two were lead and tin. [14:58] Maomao     Those and whatever this third thing is     might mix to create a new metal. [15:05] Maomao     Also, the light was     concentrated by the fishbowl, [15:09] Maomao     but it wasn't heated for very long. [15:12] Maomao     The melting point must be very low. [15:16] Maomao     The differently-sized     drawers might represent [15:18] Maomao     the ratio at which     the metals should be mixed, [15:22] Maomao     but I don't need to comment on that. [15:25] Eldest Son     What kind of will is this? Let's go. [15:28] Second Son     What a waste of time. [15:31] Youngest Son     Wait, guys! [15:34] Youngest Son     It's not a prank. [15:36] Eldest Son     What is it, then?! [15:38] Youngest Son     Dad really did leave a will to make     the three of us get along again! [15:46] Youngest Son     So I want the three of us     to continue working together! [15:58] Eldest Son     Together? The three of us? [16:01] Eldest Son     What a joke. You're different from us. [16:05] Second Son     You have talent. Dad actually     cared about you, and only you. [16:11] Youngest Son     T-That's not true! [16:14] Youngest Son     Dad always trusted you two! [16:18] Youngest Son     He always told me... [16:21] Youngest Son     Chang, you're always so calm     and accurate with any work you do. [16:26] Youngest Son     Dad said he could rely on you for anything,      because you don't make mistakes! [16:29] Youngest Son     Tzu, you're good at getting to know people. [16:33] Youngest Son     He said you should be proud of your gift,     the ability to be friendly with anyone! [16:40] Youngest Son     Dad viewed the three of us equally. [16:52] Youngest Son     At least, that's what I think. [16:58] Basen     Excuse us. [16:59] Youngest Son     Oh, um, sorry. [17:02] Maomao     Father... Well, it's got nothing to do with me. [17:08] Youngest Son     Thank you. [17:11] Maomao     But I should tell him just this one thing. [17:14] Basen     Hey. [17:17] Maomao     There's an apothecary named      Luomen at a brothel called [17:20] Maomao     the Verdigris House      in the pleasure district. [17:22] Maomao     He's also a skilled physician. [17:24] Maomao     If you start to feel unwell,     please pay him a visit. [17:28] Youngest Son     Y-Yes. [17:44] Lakan     Thank you for the other day. [17:46] Lakan     It turned out quite interestingly. [17:50] Lakan     The youngest son truly was      the most skilled, after all. [17:57] Jinshi     This strategist must have known all along. [18:00] Lakan     He suddenly started to     show that skill of his. [18:05] Lakan     They say he'll take his father's place and     begin selling his metalworks to the palace. [18:11] Lakan     The older two sons are no longer     going to work as craftsmen. [18:17] Jinshi     Is that... [18:18] Lakan     It can't be all that bad. [18:21] Lakan     They took the hint from     their dead father, perhaps. [18:27] Lakan     The eldest will take care of bookkeeping. [18:29] Lakan     The second son will find new clients. [18:32] Lakan     They're both going to help     the family from different angles. [18:38] Lakan     In other words, they all found their place. [18:45] Jinshi     I don't know what happened at the mansion. [18:48] Jinshi     The apothecary girl must     know and is keeping silent. [18:52] Lakan     The late metalworker's works     were truly wonderful. [18:57] Lakan     It was a simple metal part, but if used on     a ritual utensil, it would look fabulous. [19:06] Jinshi     Indeed. [19:08] Jinshi     What an annoying person. [19:10] Jinshi     He must know, given my position,     ritual utensils don't mean anything to me. [19:15] Jinshi     I wonder why, master strategist,     you brought up— [19:17] Lakan     Come now, I just didn't want     to keep good talent buried. [19:23] Lakan     Elder or younger brother shouldn't matter. [19:26] Lakan     Those with talent should receive attention. [19:32] Jinshi     He has a point. Lakan may be a shady man, [19:35] Jinshi     but he definitely can     discern talent in people. [19:38] Jinshi     It can be argued that he used that     ability to climb to his current rank. [19:44] Jinshi     By the way... [19:46] Jinshi     May I hear the rest of that story from earlier? [19:49] Lakan     Which story? [19:53] Jinshi     The one about the courtesan. [19:56] Lakan     Ah, yes! The way to decrease     the value of a courtesan. [20:03] Lakan     You should direct that inquiry     to someone who knows that world. [20:10] Lakan     Oh goodness, the time! [20:12] Lakan     My subordinates would scold me     if I stayed any longer. [20:20] Lakan     Please give this to your serving maids. [20:25] Lakan     It's a good drink, not too sweet. [20:28] Lakan     See you tomorrow. [20:37] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi. [20:39] Jinshi     Hmm? [20:41] Gaoshun     I'm sorry to bother you     when you're so tired, but... [20:48] Maomao     Did you need me? [20:50] Jinshi     Do you know much about makeup? [20:53] Maomao     Well, yes, the basics. [20:56] Jinshi     In that case, [20:58] Jinshi     can you do my makeup for me? [21:03] Maomao     Huh? SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "A Jaunt Around Town." SIGN    Episode 17: A Jaunt Around Town E17 - A Jaunt Around Town Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:32] Jinshi     In that case, [01:34] Jinshi     can you put makeup on me? [01:37] Maomao     Huh? [01:44] Maomao     He definitely doesn't need it. [01:48] Maomao     There are many silly wars in history, [01:52] Maomao     but several of them were     caused by beautiful women. [01:57] Maomao     If this man, in all his heavenly     beauty, were to put on makeup... [02:02] Maomao     Are you trying to topple a nation, or what? [02:04] Jinshi     Where'd that come from?! [02:05] Jinshi     Why does your imagination do that? [02:09] Jinshi     How do you make your freckles? [02:13] Maomao     Ah, he wants to be less beautiful, not more. [02:17] Maomao     I make some powder out of dried clay, [02:20] Maomao     then mix that into oil. [02:23] Jinshi     Can you do that quickly? [02:25] Maomao     Yes, preparing it takes just one night. [02:28] Maomao     It's a bit too dark for you. [02:31] Jinshi     If only there was a drug that can change faces. [02:35] Maomao     Applying lacquer to your face would do it. [02:38] Maomao     But that would be permanent. [02:41] Jinshi     Sounds about right. [02:42] Maomao     If you want to pretend to be a commoner, [02:46] Maomao     that can be managed. [02:48] Jinshi     Do that for me, then. [02:50] Jinshi     I want to look like a completely     different person. [02:56] Maomao     I wonder what he's up to. [03:01] Maomao     That said... [03:04] Maomao     If I'm doing it, I'm going all the way! SIGN    Episode 17: A Jaunt Around Town [03:09] Maomao     Ugh, so cold. [03:13] Maomao     Good morni— [03:21] Jinshi     Why the bad mood     first thing in the morning? [03:24] Maomao     Nothing. I'm sure you're     going to be beautiful all day. [03:28] Jinshi     Is that a new form of sarcasm? [03:30] Maomao     Master Jinshi, do you really want to     become a different person? [03:35] Jinshi     That's what I said last night. [03:38] Maomao     In that case, excuse me. [03:47] Suiren     Oh dear! [03:49] Jinshi     W-What are you doing, all of a sudden? [03:51] Maomao     No commoner burns such expensive incense. [03:55] Maomao     Your current outfit is, at best,     that of a lower-ranking official. [04:00] Maomao     The most exquisite incense from overseas     should not be within your reach. [04:05] Jinshi     How do you know this? [04:07] Maomao     I've trained my sense of smell to separate     medicinal and poisonous herbs. [04:12] Maomao     Do you know how a brothel     identifies good customers? [04:14] Jinshi     No. Is it body build, clothing,      and things like that? [04:17] Maomao     Those too, but one important thing is smell. [04:21] Maomao     Those with multiple showy scents tend to     be rich but have venereal diseases. [04:28] Maomao     Those who smell like livestock     don't bathe and are unclean. [04:32] Maomao     Most new visitors to the Verdigris     House are shooed away. [04:37] Jinshi     Ah. [04:38] (Flashback) Lakan     You should direct that inquiry     to someone who knows that world. [04:45] Maomao     Master Gaoshun, can you find     a new set of clothes? [04:49] Maomao     If possible, some that haven't been     washed yet and still smell. [04:53] Suiren     Oh dear. [04:55] Gaoshun     Understood. [04:56] Jinshi     Hey. [04:57] Maomao     While he finds that... [05:03] Suiren     What is that? [05:04] Maomao     Oil and salt. [05:06] Maomao     It dulls the sheen of his hair     and roughens the texture. [05:12] Maomao     Excuse me. [05:26] Maomao     That should do. [05:29] Suiren     Goodness, must you use     a fabric scrap to tie it up? [05:33] Maomao     Commoners use whatever is     available, as long as it works. [05:37] Gaoshun     Are you sure this is acceptable? [05:42] Maomao     Sniff. Sniff sniff sniff. [05:44] Maomao     It could be smellier, but this will do. [05:48] Maomao     Master Jinshi, please take your clothes off. [05:51] Jinshi     S-Sure. [05:56] Maomao     Even though he's like a heavenly maiden,     he has a well-balanced, muscular physique. [06:04] Maomao     May I use those towels? [06:06] Suiren     Of course, but for what? [06:09] Maomao     I'm going to alter his build. [06:12] Maomao     Would you both mind helping me a bit? [06:17] Maomao     Master Gaoshun, over there, please. [06:19] Gaoshun     Yes. [06:20] Maomao     Lady Suiren, please take this side. [06:22] Suiren     Understood. [06:23] Maomao     Now, with clothes on top of that... [06:27] Suiren     My goodness. [06:28] Jinshi     Wow. [06:30] Maomao     Having Master Jinshi's face on that     awkward body is quite strange. [06:36] Maomao     Next is the face. [06:37] Jinshi     Huh? [06:39] Maomao     I mixed several dark-colored shades. [06:42] Maomao     I'll use them to make a suntanned     complexion, like a commoner. [06:47] Maomao     Close your eyes, please. [06:48] Jinshi     Yeah. [06:53] Maomao     So needlessly beautiful, even to the touch. [06:56] Maomao     Not a trace of facial hair,     nor any pores for that matter. [06:59] Maomao     If I applied feminine makeup     on him, I wonder... [07:07] Maomao     Here it is, the one that Meimei forced on me. [07:11] Jinshi     Hey, will this take much longer? [07:13] Maomao     Please close your lips,     but don't purse too hard. [07:16] Jinshi     Huh? Right... [07:27] Jinshi     What's wrong? [07:29] Maomao     I'm glad we were alone here. [07:31] Maomao     If anyone else were here,     it would have been a disaster. [07:35] Jinshi     Hey, is something the matter? [07:38] Maomao     No, there's nothing. [07:40] Jinshi     That hurt! What happened? [07:42] Maomao     Nothing happened. [07:43] Gaoshun     Nothing at all. [07:44] Suiren     Right, nothing happened. [07:47] Maomao     Back on track. [07:49] Maomao     Use makeup to paint blotches on the face. [07:52] Maomao     Add circles under the eyes with dark colors. [07:55] Maomao     Add some moles, and draw over     the eyebrows to change their shape. [08:02] Maomao     The remaining makeup can be applied to     other body parts to make the skin blotchy. [08:07] Maomao     Push some under the fingernails     to make the hands look unclean. [08:10] Maomao     Solid, manly hands. [08:12] Maomao     I guess he can't have beautiful lady hands... [08:15] Maomao     Hmm? He has calluses. [08:18] Maomao     What does he use other than     brushes and chopsticks? [08:21] Maomao     Does he train in sword or polearm fighting? [08:25] Maomao     Not something a eunuch     usually needs to do, but... [08:28] Maomao     Well, there's no need to ask     such a silly question. [08:33] Jinshi     Wow, that looks dirty. [08:36] Maomao     Please. [08:38] Jinshi     A drink? [08:43] Jinshi     Whoa! What is this? [08:45] Maomao     Please drink it slowly, licking it     like you're wetting your lips. [08:49] Maomao     It will make your lips and throat     swell, to change your voice. [08:52] Suiren     What is it made of? [08:53] Maomao     Several different irritants. [08:56] Maomao     It's very spicy, but don't worry,     it's not poison. [09:05] Maomao     Drink all of it. [09:11] Maomao     The final touch. [09:14] Maomao     Cotton. [09:15] Maomao     Please fill your cheeks with it     to change your face shape. [09:22] Maomao     It's finished. [09:29] Suiren     Wow, young master, is that really you? [09:31] Jinshi     Please don't call me that. [09:35] Maomao     And yet he's still pretty handsome. [09:38] Maomao     Must be hard to have such natural beauty. [09:40] Maomao     Anyway, I did the best that I could. [09:46] Maomao     Now, time to head home! It's been too long. [09:50] Gaoshun     Xiaomao, you said you'll      be returning home today, yes? [09:53] Maomao     Yes, I've been granted leave until tomorrow— [09:57] Maomao     I haven't seen him make that face before. [10:02] Gaoshun     In that case, Master Jinshi's     destination is on your way. [10:07] Maomao     Yikes! [10:08] Gaoshun     Even with his disguise, it would be     suspicious if he had his usual companions. [10:14] Suiren     Oh, that's true. [10:17] Gaoshun     Don't you agree, Master Jinshi? [10:20] Jinshi     You're right. [10:23] Jinshi     It would be great if you could come along. [10:25] Maomao     No! Master Jinshi likes the idea, too! [10:27] Maomao     Unfortunately, I don't think it would     improve matters much if I w-were there... [10:33] Maomao     Perhaps having a bland attendant accompany     a bland master would look natural, [10:38] Maomao     but I am also known to be      your personal servant... [10:42] Gaoshun     I think it would be fine. [10:44] Suiren     In that case, why don't you also     wear a disguise, Xiaomao? [10:47] Maomao     Huh? [10:48] Gaoshun     That's a fine idea! [10:50] Suiren     I have all the tools for putting on makeup. [10:55] Maomao     But... [10:56] Suiren     You just have to look completely different     from your usual appearance, right? [11:00] Maomao     Ugh... [11:00] Suiren     Right? [11:02] Maomao     Y-Yes... [11:05] Maomao     I have such a bad feeling about this... [11:14] Maomao     Master Jinshi, your posture is too graceful. [11:18] Jinshi     You stop addressing me so formally, too. [11:20] Jinshi     Also, don't say my name.     That would ruin everything. [11:23] Maomao     Then what should I call you? [11:26] Jinshi     Let's see... [11:28] Jinshi     You can call me Jinka, my lady. [11:33] Maomao     Huh? [11:35] Jinshi     I believe that would be appropriate,     given our appearances. [11:39] Maomao     True, this outfit belongs     to Lady Suiren's daughter. [11:44] Maomao     Both the fabric and design are nice.     Doesn't look outdated or anything. [11:47] Maomao     I suppose I could come off as     a young lady from a good family. [11:55] Maomao     Why is he enjoying this so much? [12:01] Gaoshun     Here is the map. For Xiaomao... [12:05] Jinshi     I will take care of the young lady. [12:09] Gaoshun     Please. [12:15] Maomao     Well, Master Jinka... [12:18] Maomao     Hmm? [12:21] Maomao     Jinka. [12:23] Jinka     Yes, my lady! [12:26] Maomao     Your posture is too straight. [12:34] Maomao     "Jinka," huh? Not the strangest of pseudonyms. [12:38] Maomao     But to use the character "ka,"     for flower, in the name? [12:42] Maomao     I guess "Jinshi" isn't a very manly     name to begin with, but still. [12:47] Maomao     Maybe I should have made him     dress up as a woman, after all. [12:52] Maomao     No, I can't do that, if I want to     maintain peace in our realm. [12:57] Maomao     Where are we headed? [13:00] Jinshi     A restaurant just outside      the pleasure district. [13:02] Jinshi     I'm meeting an acquaintance there. [13:10] Basen     Why do I have to be the bodyguard? [13:14] Basen     And while hidden? Why would— [13:27] Maomao     The attendant walking in front of     the mistress? He has a lot to learn. [13:31] Maomao     Jinka. [13:33] Jinshi     Apologies, my lady. [13:36] Maomao     Good. [13:41] Maomao     Not many leafy vegetables yet,     given the season. [13:44] Maomao     Hmm? [13:47] Maomao     Now that I have my allowance, [13:49] Maomao     perhaps I'll get a chicken too,     and boil them together. [13:52] Jinshi     Grocery shopping? [13:54] Jinshi     In that outfit? [14:04] Maomao     I wanted to feed my dad. [14:07] Maomao     He is an impressive doctor     and apothecary, second to none. [14:14] Maomao     But for some reason, he has absolutely     no sense of profit or loss. [14:18] Maomao     That's why he lives in that miserable shack,     despite having what should be [14:22] Maomao     a lucrative profession. [14:26] Maomao     If he were on the verge of starvation, [14:28] Maomao     the old lady would probably     force-feed him something, but... [14:42] Maomao     What is it? [14:43] Jinshi     Why are you so silent? [14:45] Maomao     Because there's nothing to discuss? [14:51] Maomao     Was that the wrong answer? [14:56] Maomao     Hmm? This smell! [14:57] Maomao     Chicken skewers! [14:59] Maomao     Wait here a moment! [15:02] Maomao     Mister, two skewers please! [15:04] Street Merchant     Gotcha! [15:07] Maomao     Here. Eat it before it gets cold. [15:14] Jinshi     Sure. [15:20] Maomao     The savory skin, the tasty fat... [15:23] Maomao     You can't get this in the palace. [15:26] Maomao     Aren't you going to eat it? [15:28] Maomao     As you can see, no poison. [15:31] Jinshi     No, I... [15:32] Maomao     Ah. [15:34] Maomao     Here. [15:45] Maomao     How is it? [15:46] Jinshi     Yeah, it's better than I remember      at camp. The salt is good. [15:51] Maomao     Camp? I thought that type of thing     was for soldiers, not eunuchs. [15:58] Maomao     He really does seem to be enjoying it. [16:04] Suiren     Oh, welcome back, Gaoshun. [16:07] Suiren     Please don't touch the suitcase.     I just applied persimmon tannin to it. [16:13] Suiren     The young master's toys are     full of memories, aren't they? [16:17] Gaoshun     Yes. [16:18] Suiren     So, how was he? [16:21] Gaoshun     He was extremely pleased. [16:25] Suiren     It was a surprisingly good suggestion, for you. [16:30] Suiren     Once the young master found     a favorite toy, he would never let it go. [16:37] Suiren     If I hid it, he would cry like     the world was ending. [16:41] Suiren     You worked so hard to find him a new toy     to get him to settle down somehow. [16:50] Gaoshun     Fixating on one thing... [16:53] Gaoshun     That is not a luxury that Master     Jinshi is allowed to have. [16:58] Jinshi     Do we have to rush so much? [17:01] Maomao     I thought you're meeting someone. [17:03] Maomao     Isn't it best to arrive early? [17:07] Jinshi     You sound like you want to split     from me as soon as possible. [17:11] Maomao     Do I? [17:12] Maomao     True, I do want to split from him and go     back to buy some radishes and chicken. [17:18] Jinshi     Is... [17:21] Jinshi     Is life at the palace so bad? [17:26] Jinshi     I'd think it's better than life     out in the pleasure district. [17:30] Maomao     It's certainly not bad. [17:34] Maomao     I left for work of my own free will, [17:36] Maomao     and the room I've been given is quite pretty. [17:39] Maomao     However, I worry about my adoptive     father, who I left all alone. [17:46] Maomao     What's wrong? [17:48] Jinshi     I just didn't expect you to care about     anything other than medicine or poison. [17:54] Maomao     He's also my teacher in the art of medicine. [17:56] Maomao     I need him to stay alive for much longer. [17:59] Jinshi     He must be quite the skilled apothecary. [18:03] Maomao     He knows not just Eastern medicine,     but has studied Western medicine, as well. [18:07] Maomao     I heard he studied abroad,     in the west, when he was young. [18:11] Jinshi     That must mean he was extremely talented. [18:15] Jinshi     Only those chosen by the empire     are allowed to study abroad. [18:19] Maomao     Yes, he's extremely talented. [18:21] Maomao     They say heaven only grants     a person one talent, [18:23] Maomao     but there are some who receive more than one. [18:26] Jinshi     That's quite impressive. [18:29] Jinshi     Why is someone so remarkable working     as a pleasure district's apothecary? [18:33] Maomao     It must be because he's short      on luck, of all things. [18:36] Maomao     He was given two talents, but lost his manhood. [18:42] Jinshi     Are you saying your adoptive     father is a eunuch? [18:46] Maomao     Yes. [18:51] Maomao     I guess the brothel-style joke didn't land. [18:55] Maomao     Apparently, because of his study abroad, [18:58] Maomao     he was made a eunuch by the previous empress     dowager, the former emperor's mother. [19:04] Jinshi     Eunuch, apothecary, doctor... [19:08] Maomao     Did I fail to mention that? [19:11] Maomao     Oh, is that it? [19:13] Maomao     An inn upstairs from a restaurant. [19:16] Middle-Aged Woman     Come, stop in! [19:18] Middle-aged Man     Hey, hey, hey. [19:20] Maomao     I see. Now I get why he had to     disguise himself and everything. [19:26] Maomao     In that case, you could have just     come to the pleasure district. [19:29] Jinshi     Huh? What do you mean? [19:31] Maomao     Nothing. [19:34] Jinshi     Apothecary, do you know the regulars     at the Verdigris House? [19:39] Maomao     Well, the customers that stand out, yes. [19:43] Jinshi     Who are they? [19:44] Maomao     I can't say. I have a duty of confidentiality. [19:49] Jinshi     Then... [19:52] Jinshi     How does one decrease     the value of a courtesan? [19:57] Maomao     That's an unpleasant question. [20:04] Maomao     There are many different ways,     especially with high-class courtesans. [20:09] Maomao     At the Verdigris House, [20:10] Maomao     girls take most of the important     lessons while working as servants. [20:13] Maomao     At that time, [20:14] Maomao     they are separated into those with     beautiful appearances and those without. [20:18] Maomao     The latter, after debuting, immediately     take on customers to sell their bodies. [20:23] Maomao     Those with talent, however, [20:24] Maomao     are taught tea ceremony and given a higher      education with which to entertain patrons. [20:29] Maomao     Their prices go up and up. [20:31] Maomao     Once high enough, they start     to appear only very rarely. [20:33] Maomao     At that point, you get     a top-ranking courtesan, [20:36] Maomao     who costs a year's salary just to have tea with. [20:39] Maomao     Some retain their chastity     until the day they're bought out. [20:44] Maomao     Their value comes from their purity. [20:47] Maomao     Losing that purity would      easily halve their value. [20:51] Maomao     In addition... [20:54] Maomao     A pregnancy would reduce it to nearly nothing. SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Lakan." SIGN    Episode 18: Lakan E18 - Lakan Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:33] Jinshi     How does one decrease     the value of a courtesan? [01:36] Maomao     A pregnancy would reduce it to nearly nothing. [01:49] Maomao     Is that the place you're looking for? [01:56] Maomao     Now, if you'll excuse me. [02:06] Jinshi     You're leaving now? [02:08] Maomao     Me going in there would ruin all     the work we put into your disguise. [02:12] Jinshi     Right... [02:14] Maomao     Goodbye. [02:23] Maomao     It's fine. I pulled it off     with no apparent emotion. [02:36] Maomao     Enjoy yourself tonight, good sir. [03:03] Maomao     A dream of the past... [03:05] Maomao     Or rather, from when I was a baby. SIGN    Episode 18: Lakan [03:12] Maomao     I bet it's because I talked about it. [03:15] Luomen     Good morning. [03:18] Maomao     Morning, Dad. [03:22] Luomen     What are your plans for today? [03:24] Maomao     Nothing. [03:26] Luomen     If you're not busy, can you     pay a visit to the Verdigris House? [03:32] Maomao     Sure. [03:38] Ukyou     Hmm? Hey, Maomao. Are you off work? [03:43] Maomao     I got a vacation. [03:47] Ukyou     You're at the apothecary even on your off day? [03:51] Maomao     Just passing by. It's not     the main reason why I'm here. [03:54] Old Lady     Hold it, Pairin! [03:56] Pairin     Haven't we discussed this enough by now? [03:58] Pairin     Oh? Maomao! [04:06] Pairin     Good to see you back! [04:08] Maomao     You're suffocating me, Pairin. [04:10] Pairin     I'm the one suffocating from our     old granny nagging me all the time. [04:13] Old Lady     I'm not done with you!     You have to choose one or the other! [04:17] Pairin     Really? [04:18] Maomao     I don't know what this is about, but it     looks like Pairin has a lot on her plate, too. [04:18] Pairin     Granny, you're so persistent. [04:20] Old Lady     It's your fault for not making      up your mind. Now decide! [04:23] Old Lady     Besides, you're the one that's making me     bring these offers to you by hanging around! [04:27] Pairin     I didn't ask! You're always so pushy! [04:29] Maomao     Sneak, sneak, sneak. [04:30] Old Lady     What do you mean, pushy?! [04:33] Old Lady     Hmm? Was Maomao here? [04:36] Ukyou     She's been here for a little while. [04:38] Pairin     Is she going to the annex? [04:56] Maomao     Good morning. [05:00] Maomao     She used to hatefully chase me out, [05:04] Maomao     but I guess she doesn't     have the energy anymore. [05:07] Maomao     Or perhaps she's forgotten     how to talk entirely. [05:11] Maomao     With her illness worsening,     her memories are in shreds. [05:22] Maomao     Dad's medicine works well, but at this point,     it won't even provide temporary relief. [05:28] Maomao     Still, giving her the medicine is     the only treatment we can think of. [05:36] Ukyou     That customer is back again. [05:41] Old Lady     He's got a good nose on him. [05:44] Old Lady     Get Meimei in here. [05:48] Maomao     The Verdigris House is now     a reputable establishment, [05:52] Maomao     but a decade or so ago,     it used to operate in shame. [05:56] Maomao     This courtesan served     customers during that era, [06:00] Maomao     and was unlucky enough     to catch syphilis as a result. [06:06] Maomao     By the time Dad came to the Verdigris     House, the illness was in incubation. [06:13] Maomao     If he'd known about the illness,     he might have been able to treat her, [06:16] Maomao     but nobody trusted a eunuch     who suddenly appeared out of nowhere. [06:26] Maomao     She had to serve customers.     There was no other way to live. [06:28] Maomao     That was the law of the courtesan. [06:31] Maomao     A few years later, when     the rashes started to reappear, [06:35] Maomao     the sores spread almost instantly. [06:41] Maomao     Since then, this woman has     been locked up in this annex, [06:45] Maomao     out of sight of the customers. [06:48] Maomao     It's quite generous. Courtesans who can't work     are usually just thrown out into a ditch. [06:57] Maomao     This room's pretty stuffy.     Maybe I'll burn some incense, too. [07:20] Maomao     What is it? [07:21] Servant Girl     Big Sis told me the weirdo     with the monocle is here, [07:26] Servant Girl     so you shouldn't go out there for now. [07:29] Maomao     Right, got it. [07:42] Maomao     As long as I stay put, that man     won't come out here. [07:46] Maomao     A long-time customer of the     Verdigris House, an old acquaintance... [08:09] Maomao     Stupid woman. [08:23] Meimei     Thanks for being so patient.      That guy's gone now. [08:26] Maomao     Meimei, did you spend time with him? [08:29] Meimei     Who else can? [08:31] Meimei     Oh, I'm glad Big Sis seems     to be doing well today. [08:36] Meimei     Maomao, you're getting that offer again. [08:42] Maomao     I don't see how you put up with him, Sis. [08:44] Meimei     It's not so bad. The old lady     doesn't care as long as he pays up. [08:49] Maomao     That's probably why she keeps     wanting to make me a courtesan. [08:53] Maomao     If I didn't have my job,     I might have been sold off by now. [08:58] Meimei     It's a really good deal, from where I'm standing. [09:01] Meimei     Do you know how rare it is for     a courtesan to get everything they want? [09:06] Maomao     Since our old lady would easily     let the weight of silver overrule that. [09:11] Meimei     Who can blame her? She's saving up     for her boat fare to heaven. [09:18] Meimei     I'm getting older now.     I should start taking this seriously. [09:22] Maomao     She's not even thirty yet, but as a courtesan,     that's retirement age already. [09:28] Maomao     Why not strike out on your own? [09:32] Meimei     Just a while longer. [09:40] Meimei     I'll keep working here for just a while longer. [09:45] Maomao     I don't know what's going     through Meimei's mind. [09:50] Maomao     It's not a rabbit hole I want to delve into. [09:52] Maomao     If it's what everyone knows as love, [10:05] Maomao     that's an emotion I'm sure I left behind,     in the womb of the woman who birthed me. [10:14] Meimei     Let me scrub your back.     Haven't done that in ages. [10:16] Maomao     Huh? No thanks. [10:18] Meimei     Come on, come on. [10:22] Pairin     Yeah, it's been a while! [10:24] Joka     Let her do it. [10:26] Joka     You're going to be gone again     for a while, right? [10:29] Maomao     Huh? [10:31] Meimei     I'm doing this as a freebie, so you have     to help me find good customers, okay? [10:51] Jinshi     I didn't expect the meeting place to     offer services like in the pleasure district. [10:56] Jinshi     That wasn't what I was there for. [11:13] Jinshi     Apothecary, do you have a moment? [11:16] Maomao     Yes. [11:17] Jinshi     Share this with Suiren.     It's a souvenir from a weirdo. [11:23] Maomao     From a weirdo? Thank you. [11:27] Jinshi     Yeah. [11:28] Maomao     Well then, I'm getting back to work. [11:39] Suiren     Oh, dear. [11:44] Suiren     We're having a vegetarian dinner today, [11:46] Suiren     so Xiaomao, don't eat     any meat or fish, all right? [11:52] Suiren     You're taking a break, but don't     completely lose consciousness. [11:57] Maomao     Right, vegetarian! [11:59] Maomao     Dammit, I thought working     would get my mind off of it. [12:07] Suiren     Also. [12:10] Suiren     No more hiding weird plants in the warehouse. [12:14] Maomao     Yikes. She's sharp. [12:16] Suiren     If you can't find anywhere to put it, [12:18] Suiren     why don't you ask Master Jinshi to     let you use one of the vacant rooms? [12:23] Maomao     No, I can't use a noble person's     home as a medicine cabinet. [12:27] Suiren     Xiaomao, you appear apathetic, [12:30] Suiren     but you're actually very keen when it     comes to knowing where you stand. [12:33] Maomao     I am of lowly birth. It's a small     miracle that I'm even here. [12:40] Suiren     Perhaps. [12:42] Suiren     But remember, just because     a person is of noble birth [12:45] Suiren     doesn't make them inherently     different from the start. [12:49] Suiren     Nobody knows how a person's     life can twist and turn. [12:54] Suiren     Separating everything based only on     status can lead to missed opportunities. [12:59] Maomao     Really? [13:00] Suiren     Yes, really. [13:02] Suiren     Now, back to work.     Can you run an errand for me? [13:07] Maomao     Excuse me! [13:09] Maomao     I've come to pick up some medicine! [13:11] Doctor     Yes, wait just a moment. [13:20] Maomao     This is nothing like the rear palace pharmacy     that the quack doctor was running! [13:24] Maomao     This place is close to the military,     so they must get a lot of injuries. [13:29] Maomao     Ah, this smell that leaves     a bitter taste in my mouth... [13:34] Maomao     I wonder what they have     in the medicine cabinets? [13:37] Maomao     I'd love to rummage through this whole place... [13:41] Maomao     No. I must control myself! [13:44] Suirei     What are you doing? [13:49] Maomao     She's that... [13:52] Maomao     Just waiting for some medicine. [13:56] Doctor     Suirei! [13:59] Suirei     You're here. [14:01] Suirei     I'm here to resupply     the medicines at the guardhouse. [14:03] Doctor     Right. [14:09] Maomao     The guardhouse? [14:11] Doctor     How are you? I'm fine. [14:11] Maomao     Come to think of it, the last time     I saw her was near the military wing. [14:16] Maomao     She must smell like herbs     because she works there. [14:24] Maomao     I wonder why she seems to dislike me. [14:27] Doctor     Is there anything else you need? [14:29] Suirei     No, nothing else. [14:33] Doctor     A court lady shouldn't be doing this... [14:37] Doctor     F-Forget I said anything!     You need medicine, right?! [14:47] Maomao     I wonder what kind of medicine this is. [14:53] Maomao     Lick! [14:55] Maomao     Potato flour? [14:57] Maomao     This is for Master Jinshi, right? [15:00] Maomao     Thinking about it, Master Jinshi     is pretty mysterious. [15:04] Maomao     Not just the work he gets     assigned every few weeks, [15:09] Maomao     but taking long baths the day before, [15:12] Maomao     and burning incense before leaving... [15:15] Maomao     The vegetarian food, too. [15:17] Maomao     It's like a purification ceremony. [15:19] Maomao     Are eunuchs allowed to     perform ceremonial rites? [15:22] Maomao     It's not out of place for a noble to do that, [15:25] Maomao     but if he's of such high rank,     why is he a eunuch? [15:29] Maomao     Was he also made a eunuch by the unilateral     decision of the previous empress dowager? [15:36] Maomao     Like my dad? [15:39] Jinshi     The girl's adopted father     is a eunuch and former doctor. [15:43] Gaoshun     If she studied under a former doctor,     it explains why she's so knowledgeable, but... [15:49] Gaoshun     A eunuch? [15:50] Jinshi     Yes. [15:52] Gaoshun     Did we ever have such a skilled     doctor among the eunuchs? [16:02] Lakan     Pardon me. [16:07] Lakan     Shall we pick up the discussion     from the other day? [16:18] Jinshi     It seems you played quite a few dirty tricks. [16:22] Lakan     How rude! I don't want to     hear that from a thief. [16:27] Lakan     I spent a decade convincing that old madam, [16:32] Lakan     and you stole her out from under my nose. [16:36] Jinshi     So you want your prize returned? [16:39] Lakan     No, I'll pay whatever you ask. [16:42] Lakan     I'm not keen on repeating my past mistakes. [16:46] Jinshi     And if I refuse? [16:48] Lakan     Then there's nothing I can do, is there? [16:52] Lakan     You can count on one hand the number of     people who can defy someone as high up as you. [16:59] Jinshi     As I thought, he does know who I really am. [17:02] Lakan     I'm just concerned about what     my daughter would think, is all. [17:09] Jinshi     Ugh. So that's really what it is. [17:16] Jinshi     I don't want to admit it, [17:18] Jinshi     but Lakan is Maomao's father by blood. [17:30] Lakan     Could you just let her know     I'll be visiting her sometime? [17:36] Lakan     Bye, now. [17:46] Jinshi     Apothecary. [17:48] Maomao     Yes. [17:50] Jinshi     There's an official who wants     to meet you sometime soon. [17:53] Maomao     Who is he? [17:55] Jinshi     It's the weirdo I've been telling     you about. His name is Lakan— [18:06] Jinshi     I'll turn him down somehow. [18:09] Maomao     Thank you. I'll get back to work now. [18:17] Jinshi     I've never seen her make a face like that. [18:21] Jinshi     And I never want to see it again. [18:26] Maomao     So, he found out. [18:45] Maomao     This smell... [18:46] Maomao     It's an herb garden! [18:48] Maomao     Here! And there! And there, too! [18:53] Suirei     You again? [19:00] Maomao     Oh, no. This is way too suspicious. [19:03] Maomao     Don't worry. I haven't taken anything yet. [19:06] Suirei     Is it safe to assume     from the dirt on your hands [19:10] Suirei     that you were just about to? [19:16] Suirei     I'm not trying to punish you. [19:19] Suirei     This is an unofficial garden, anyway. [19:21] Suirei     But the doctors know about this place too, [19:24] Suirei     so I'd advise against frequent visits. [19:27] Maomao     Are you in charge of this place? [19:30] Suirei     Who knows? I'm just allowed     to plant what I want here. [19:35] Maomao     She's pulling up the weeds. [19:39] Maomao     Suirei, I think her name was? [19:42] Maomao     Not that I'm one to talk,     but she doesn't seem very excitable. [19:49] Maomao     What are you planting? [19:56] Suirei     A medicine to resurrect someone. [19:59] Maomao     Is that...?! [20:01] Maomao     A medicine that can bring     the dead back to life... [20:04] Maomao     If such a thing exists,     I want it more than anything! [20:10] Suirei     Just kidding. [20:12] Maomao     A joke... [20:13] Suirei     I heard you're an apothecary.     Just how good are you? [20:20] Maomao     I don't know. [20:27] Suirei     A little while from now, I'll be     planting some morning glories here. [20:42] Suirei     Goodbye. SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Chance or     Something More." SIGN    Episode 19: Chance or Something More E19 - Chance or Something More Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries [01:31] Gaoshun     Also, regarding today's schedule, SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:34] Gaoshun     there will be a medium     ceremony in the afternoon. [01:37] Jinshi     Yeah... [01:45] Gaoshun     I think I know what's on your mind. [01:49] Gaoshun     But please, don't forget about work. [01:52] Jinshi     I know. SIGN    Episode 19: Chance or Something More [02:00] Maomao     Master Lihaku, what's wrong? [02:03] Lihaku     We have a problem. [02:05] Maomao     Trouble, is it? [02:07] Lihaku     Remember that fire at the warehouse? [02:10] Maomao     Ah. [02:11] Lihaku     Apparently, a thief broke in to a different     warehouse on the same day. [02:16] Lihaku     I'm sure they were taking advantage      of all the chaos at the time. [02:20] Maomao     A looting. What got stolen? [02:27] Maomao     Not something to discuss openly, it seems. [02:29] Maomao     Sneak. [02:35] Lihaku     Ceremonial tools. And not just one. [02:39] Maomao     Were they being managed that haphazardly? [02:42] Lihaku     Well, I don't really know. [02:45] Lihaku     There's no knowledgeable      managers right now. [02:48] Lihaku     The last one passed away last year. [02:50] Maomao     What about the current manager?     He must know the basics, right? [02:54] Lihaku     Well, he got food poisoning awhile back. [02:59] Maomao     Food poisoning? [03:01] Lihaku     His favorite seaweed made him      sick and he hasn't woken up. [03:05] Lihaku     He can't come back to work. Trouble, right? [03:09] Maomao     Where have I heard that before? [03:12] Maomao     Was it that official who likes rare foods? [03:16] Lihaku     How did you know? [03:18] Maomao     A lot happened. [03:20] Maomao     Theft at the time of a fire. [03:23] Maomao     The warehouse manager is missing     due to food poisoning. [03:28] Maomao     It's a bit too suspicious to be a coincidence. [03:31] Maomao     Who was the manager who passed away last year? [03:35] Lihaku     Hmm. I remember that he was     famous for being really by-the-book. [03:40] Lihaku     I forgot his name. I remember he had     a sweet tooth and things like that, but... [03:45] Maomao     Was it Master Kounen, by chance? [03:49] Lihaku     Oh, that's it! Hey, how'd you know? [03:54] Maomao     A lot happened. [03:56] Maomao     Master Jinshi told me about the     tough official with a sweet tooth. [04:01] Maomao     The man who died of salt overdose. [04:04] Maomao     These are all coincidental? [04:07] Maomao     Each incident looks like an accident, [04:10] Maomao     but if they were all done     in pursuit of some goal... [04:15] Maomao     So, what can I do for you? [04:18] Lihaku     Right! The main point. [04:20] Lihaku     Remember this? You gave it to me back then. [04:23] Maomao     Ah, from the fire. [04:25] Lihaku     I tried to give it back,     but the owner declined. [04:29] Lihaku     He doesn't want it anymore. [04:31] Maomao     It seems very expensive.     I assumed it was important. [04:35] Lihaku     Apparently, he got it from some court lady. [04:39] Maomao     From a court lady? [04:40] Lihaku     Sounds weird, right? [04:42] Lihaku     Why give this to a random warehouse guard? [04:48] Lihaku     Apparently, the guard escorted     the court lady outside the castle, [04:52] Lihaku     because she was walking alone in the dark. [04:56] Lihaku     She gave him this pipe as a token of gratitude. [04:59] Maomao     Receiving such an expensive item might     compel him to use it right away. [05:06] Maomao     Start a fire to divert the guards' attention, [05:09] Maomao     and break into another warehouse. [05:11] Maomao     If the court lady gave the guard     the pipe for that purpose... [05:17] Maomao     Master Lihaku, about that court lady... [05:19] Lihaku     Yeah, I tried to get the details about her. [05:22] Lihaku     But she was wearing a scarf     that hid her face, apparently. [05:26] Maomao     Maybe she was hiding her face intentionally. [05:30] Lihaku     Yeah. [05:31] Lihaku     But she was "quite tall for a woman,      and smelled like medicine." [05:38] Lihaku     I know it's not you, given the height. [05:42] Lihaku     Can you think of anyone else? [05:45] Maomao     A tall court lady smelling of medicine... [05:50] (Flashback) Luomen     Don't speak based purely on conjecture. [05:54] Maomao     Were there any more strange incidents     other than the events we mentioned? [06:00] Lihaku     Hmm. I can't say... [06:03] Lihaku     Do you think there's something to find out here? [06:06] Maomao     There could be. [06:09] Maomao     Or there might not. [06:11] Lihaku     Which is it? [06:15] Maomao     Two coincidences can often      occur simultaneously. [06:19] Maomao     Three at once isn't that rare, either. [06:23] Maomao     But when several of them pile up [06:26] Maomao     and become clearly intentional... [06:29] Maomao     What if a person who fits the description     of a tall court lady appeared here? [06:36] Maomao     This way, even if Suirei's name     comes up, it has nothing to do with me. [06:43] Lihaku     Wow, you're a lot smarter than you look! [06:48] Maomao     Conversely, Master Lihaku, you're as big      a brute as you look, so please go easy on me. [06:56] Jinshi     Looks like fun. [06:59] Jinshi     Looks like fun. [07:02] Maomao     There's nothing fun here. [07:05] Lihaku     I'll take my leave! [07:11] Jinshi     You seem very close to that officer. [07:14] Maomao     Do I? [07:16] Maomao     He just came to talk to me     about some concerns he had. [07:22] Maomao     I can't say for certain that this has     nothing to do with Master Jinshi. [07:29] Maomao     May I explain the details to you? [07:34] Jinshi     What a strange way they connect. [07:37] Maomao     Yes. [07:38] Jinshi     So, what do you think is behind them? [07:41] Maomao     I don't know. [07:42] Maomao     None of those incidents are certainties. [07:45] Maomao     It's more like setting several traps in     the hopes that some of them work out. [07:50] Jinshi     In that case, do you think     there are other traps? [07:54] Maomao     I can't say for certain. [07:57] Maomao     It's hard to determine which are     accidents and which were plotted. [08:01] Maomao     It's still possible that these     are all just coincidences. [08:09] Jinshi     You're not excited? [08:11] Maomao     Excited? [08:15] Maomao     I'm just a servant. I only do what I am told. [08:20] Jinshi     Hmm. [08:23] Jinshi     In that case, how about this? [08:26] Jinshi     The other day, I visited the trader. [08:30] Jinshi     He told me there's     an interesting item in stock. SIGN    Ox bezoar [08:35] Jinshi     This is what it was called. [08:38] Maomao     Ox bezoar, a medicinal gallstone from a cow! [08:41] Maomao     The most exquisite medicine     only found in one in a thousand cows! [08:45] Maomao     Are you going to give me that?! SIGN    Ox Bezoar [08:48] Maomao     Really?! SIGN    Ox Bezoar [08:49] Maomao     You'd better not be lying! [08:53] Jinshi     Do you want it? [08:54] Maomao     I do! [08:55] Gaoshun     Xiaomao. [09:03] Maomao     Excuse me. [09:06] Jinshi     Looks like you're excited now. [09:08] Maomao     Will you really give me this? SIGN    Ox bezoar [09:10] Jinshi     Depends on how well you work.     I'll keep you updated. [09:14] Maomao     Understood. [09:16] Maomao     As you wish, Master Jinshi! [09:18] Jinshi     And so, Gaoshun, take care of it! [09:26] Maomao     This is the incident from the other day. [09:29] Maomao     The officer who got food poisoning     was from the Board of Rites. [09:33] Maomao     Which one was the Board of Rites, again?     The education and foreign affairs one...? [09:40] Maomao     If only I'd studied for     the court lady exams properly... [09:44] Officer     I'll leave these here. [09:47] Maomao     Thank you. [09:49] Officer     No problem. Feel free to ask me     if you have any questions. [09:53] Maomao     Um, what does this division do? [09:56] Officer     Hmm? [09:58] Officer     They deal with ceremonies. [10:01] Maomao     Ceremonies? [10:06] Maomao     Do you have anything to write with? [10:08] Officer     Huh? Y-Yeah. [10:10] Maomao     Ceremonies, ceremonies... [10:13] Maomao     The food-poisoned official and Master Kounen     were both were related to ceremonies. [10:18] Maomao     If the incident with the pipe was     a way to help steal ceremonial tools... [10:24] Maomao     These events, disguised     as coincidences, must line up [10:27] Maomao     to form an intentional incident, somewhere. [10:30] Maomao     If someone went through so much     trouble to steal ceremonial tools, [10:34] Maomao     it has to be a ceremony of some importance. [10:38] Maomao     Medium or higher, most likely. [10:40] Maomao     I should find out when all     of these ceremonies take place. [10:44] Maomao     Come to think of it, Master Jinshi     did purify himself often. [10:48] Officer     If you're interested in ceremonies,     here's something good. [10:56] Maomao     Is this a picture of a ceremonial building? [10:59] Officer     Yes. It's at the west end of the outer     court, and called the Altar of the Sapphire Sky. [11:04] Officer     Quite an interesting design, don't you think? [11:07] Officer     There's a large pillar     hanging from the ceiling. [11:12] Officer     There are these banners     hanging above the central altar. [11:16] Officer     They lower the pillar to     add festive texts every time. [11:20] Maomao     You're very knowledgeable. [11:22] Officer     Yeah. I'm ashamed to admit it, but     before I got assigned to the archives, [11:26] Officer     I was doing more important     work at the Board of Rites. [11:29] Officer     I talked back to my superiors once,     and got demoted to this role. [11:35] Officer     I used to be worried about the build     strength, but I'm glad to know it's fine. [11:40] Maomao     What are you talking about? [11:42] Officer     You see how the pillar is hanging     from the ceiling like this, right? [11:46] Officer     It's big, so I was worried     about it falling down. [11:51] Officer     When I voiced my concerns      about the parts' strength, [11:53] Officer     it got me sent to this place. [11:57] Maomao     That is indeed scary. [12:00] Maomao     If the metal parts fixing the pillar in     place broke, and the pillar fell... [12:07] Maomao     The person directly underneath performing     the ceremony would be at the highest risk. [12:11] Maomao     Someone of truly noble birth could be lost. [12:16] Maomao     Strength issue... Strength... [12:19] Maomao     What was the stolen ceremonial tool, anyway? [12:23] Maomao     If something so important went missing,     surely they'd make a new one. [12:28] Maomao     Make a new one... [12:32] Maomao     Excuse me! [12:33] Maomao     When is the next ceremony     taking place at this venue?! [12:36] Officer     When? Well... [12:39] Officer     Oh, today, actually. [12:49] Maomao     If my predictions are correct, this is a plan     that was concocted over a long period of time. [12:56] Maomao     Not every piece is likely to work. [12:58] Maomao     But by placing numerous traps everywhere,     some are bound to work and overlap. [13:02] Maomao     And finally, it connected to this. [13:09] Maomao     It's just conjecture on my part. [13:12] Maomao     But if I happen to be correct... [13:19] Maomao     There! [13:28] Military Officer 1     Hey! [13:30] Military Officer 1     What are you doing?! [13:33] Maomao     I need to get inside! [13:34] Military Officer 1     No. [13:35] Maomao     This is an emergency! [13:37] Military Officer 1     What right does a servant like you     have to interject in this ceremony? [13:42] Maomao     He's absolutely right. I'm just     a servant with no authority at all. [13:47] Maomao     But if something happens, it'll be too late. [13:51] Maomao     That's always the case with     things that can't be undone. [13:55] Maomao     There are lives at risk.     Please stop the ceremony. [13:59] Military Officer 1     That's not a decision for you to make. [14:01] Military Officer 1     If you have something to say,     put it in the suggestion box. [14:06] Maomao     That will take too long! [14:08] Military Officer 1     No! [14:09] Maomao     A fatal defect was discovered in the altar! [14:13] Maomao     There is reason to suspect     that someone tampered with it! [14:16] Maomao     If you don't let me in now, you'll regret it! [14:20] Maomao     If, after listening to my     warnings, you still reject... [14:25] Maomao     Oh, I get it, so that's what it is! [14:29] Maomao     I see. You're obstructing me and      waiting for the incident to happen! [14:36] Maomao     In other words, you're in league     with the ones who tampered with the— [14:58] Maomao     I'm about to lose consciousness. [15:01] Maomao     It's only natural for him to get upset,     hearing a girl talk to him like that. [15:06] Maomao     That was intentional, so it's fine. [15:11] Maomao     It's no use. This isn't a big enough of     a commotion to stop the ceremony. [15:17] Maomao     I'm fine. I can't lose consciousness now. [15:25] Maomao     Do you feel better now? [15:30] Maomao     Please let me through. [15:34] Maomao     There is a person of the most     noble birth inside, isn't there? [15:39] Maomao     If something happens, you all will     be the ones to lose your heads. [15:44] Maomao     I won't ask you to cancel the ceremony. [15:47] Maomao     Please just let me through. [15:51] Maomao     Just say a rat got in accidentally. [15:55] Maomao     In that case, the only person     getting beheaded will be me! [15:59] Military Officer 1     Why should I trust the words     of a girl like you?! [16:02] Lakan     What about my words, then? [16:13] Military Officer 1     S-Sir, you're... [16:19] Lakan     Now, why would you strike     a young girl like that? [16:26] Lakan     She's hurt. [16:31] Lakan     At any rate, why don't you just     go ahead and do as the girl says? [16:36] Lakan     I'll take responsibility. [16:39] Maomao     I don't even want to see who's behind me. [16:42] Maomao     It's perfect timing, as if     everything was planned... [16:45] Maomao     No, I can't concern myself with that right now. [16:48] Maomao     It doesn't matter who this voice belongs to. [16:58] Maomao     I must look terrible. [17:00] Maomao     I'll ask Master Gaoshun after all this is done, [17:03] Maomao     and take a nice, long bath. [17:06] Maomao     But first, [17:09] Maomao     I have to avoid getting beheaded. [17:56] Maomao     I made it... [18:05] Maomao     Gotta stitch that... [18:08] Jinshi     Hey. [18:14] Jinshi     What's going on here? [18:18] Maomao     Master Jinshi... [18:22] Maomao     Can I have the ox bezoar now? [18:26] Jinshi     This isn't the time for that. [18:30] Jinshi     What's happened with your face? [18:36] Maomao     Why is Master Jinshi here...? [18:42] Maomao     What's that look on his face? [18:50] Maomao     Sorry, I need to stitch up my leg first— [18:55] Jinshi     H-Hey! [18:58] Jinshi     Hey, wake up! [19:01] Jinshi     Wake up! Hey! [19:04] Jinshi     Hey! Stay with me. [19:06] Jinshi     Hey! SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Thornapple." SIGN    Episode 20: Thornapple E20 - Thornapple Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:37] Maomao     Sandalwood incense... [01:40] Maomao     Master Jinshi's bedroom... [01:43] Maomao     How did I end up here...? [01:53] Suiren     Oh, you're awake. [01:57] Suiren     Don't push yourself. [01:59] Suiren     You had fifteen stitches. [02:01] Suiren     Master Jinshi brought you here,     since it's better here than at the infirmary. [02:07] Suiren     Here you go. [02:09] Maomao     Thank you. [02:15] Suiren     I'm sorry to bother you after you just     woke up, but can you get dressed? [02:19] Suiren     I want to bring everyone in. [02:22] Maomao     Understood. [02:24] Basen     What in the world is going on?! [02:27] Gaoshun     Basen! SIGN    Episode 20: Thornapple [02:29] Maomao     I mean, his master's life was at risk. [02:33] Maomao     That said, I don't deserve to be yelled at. [02:39] Maomao     I apologize for my lack of manners. [02:42] Jinshi     Don't worry about it. [02:43] Jinshi     So, how did you end up there, [02:47] Jinshi     and how did you know     the pillar was about to fall? [02:50] Jinshi     Do explain. [02:54] Maomao     Understood. [02:56] Maomao     That was an accident caused by     multiple coincidences converging. [03:00] Maomao     But it's as if the coincidences     were drawn together intentionally. [03:04] Maomao     In that sense, it's a conspiracy,     not an accident. [03:09] Maomao     The first coincidence is     the death of Master Kounen, [03:11] Maomao     a high-ranking official     at the Board of Rites, last year. [03:18] Maomao     Next, the fire at a warehouse, [03:21] Maomao     and the theft of some ceremonial tools     at a different warehouse. [03:27] Maomao     And the third is the manager     of ceremonial tools [03:30] Maomao     falling ill due to food poisoning     at around the same time. [03:37] Jinshi     Those were all caused      intentionally by someone? [03:41] Maomao     Probably. [03:43] Maomao     There's also probably     one more important factor. [03:46] Jinshi     What is it? [03:48] Maomao     The stolen ceremonial tools. [03:50] Maomao     During the ceremony, the pillar above     the altar was pulled up by metal wires, [03:54] Maomao     and fixed on to the floor with metal parts. [03:58] Maomao     If the goal was to make this     appear as an accident, [04:00] Maomao     aiming for those metal parts would be effective. [04:04] Basen     If someone stole those,     they'd just make replacements! [04:07] Maomao     Of course they did. [04:11] Maomao     Since they're used in ceremonies,     I'm sure the design was elaborate. [04:15] Maomao     I can think of one artisan     who might have been tasked with it. [04:19] Jinshi     The metalworker who passed away? [04:21] Maomao     Yes. The stolen ceremonial pieces     were rebuilt by the metalworker. [04:28] Maomao     So, what if those metal parts were     designed to break when heated? [04:36] Basen     Idiot! What kind of metal would... [04:44] Maomao     Using the late metalworker's secret technique, [04:48] Maomao     the metal could be made to melt     just by being near an open fire. [04:53] Jinshi     Are you saying the metalworker     was part of this conspiracy? [04:57] Maomao     No, I think he didn't know anything, [05:00] Maomao     and just built the metal parts as ordered. [05:04] Maomao     Perhaps he was asked, "Please build one     of these, but using that special metal." [05:10] Maomao     But if an accident occurs at a ceremony,     of course the metalworker would have doubts. [05:15] Maomao     If the artisan is eliminated      before the incident, [05:17] Maomao     both the identity of his commissioner [05:19] Maomao     and the secret of the easily-melting      metal vanish with him. [05:22] Maomao     That would have been ideal for the mastermind. [05:25] Jinshi     Was he killed? [05:27] Maomao     That I can't tell. [05:30] Maomao     It could be a crime made     to look like an accident. [05:35] Maomao     The customer who had     the metalworker remake the parts [05:39] Maomao     knew the technique that     made that metal possible. [05:43] Maomao     That's all I can say. [05:46] Jinshi     Understood. [05:48] Maomao     Anyway, who would have thought Master     Jinshi would be at that ceremony? [05:53] Maomao     If that ceremony continued... [05:58] Maomao     Who is this guy? [06:00] Maomao     If he's someone worth trying to kill     with such a complicated scheme... [06:08] Maomao     Knowing the truth would     just get me in more trouble. [06:17] Maomao     It has nothing to do with me anymore. [06:29] Suiren     Xiaomao. [06:31] Maomao     Yes. [06:33] Suiren     You have a guest. [06:37] Lihaku     About that incident. A court lady named     Suirei had something to do with it... [06:42] Maomao     Suirei. I knew it. [06:44] Lihaku     They found her corpse. [06:47] Maomao     Huh? [06:51] Lihaku     When an officer of justice entered her room, [06:53] Lihaku     she'd already drunk poison     and was collapsed on the floor. [06:56] Lihaku     The doctors have already finished     examining her, and she's confirmed dead. [07:01] Maomao     What next? [07:03] Lihaku     I think they're going to cremate     her corpse tomorrow, coffin and all. [07:07] Maomao     Any other co-conspirators? [07:09] Lihaku     Nobody. Just Suirei. [07:13] Maomao     She did all of those     complicated things by herself? [07:17] Lihaku     Anyway, it's solved. See ya. [07:24] Maomao     She poisoned herself and died? [07:27] Maomao     That's really it? [07:29] Maomao     No, more importantly, [07:32] Maomao     was Suirei the type of person     to commit suicide? [07:36] Maomao     Was she behaving apathetic and unemotional     because she knew she had no future? [07:43] Maomao     But the way she spoke, as if testing me... [07:47] (Flashback) Suirei     I'll be planting some morning glories here. [07:55] Maomao     Resurrection medicine... [08:02] Maomao     I can't leave it as conjecture.     I have to know for certain! [08:06] Maomao     Master Jinshi! [08:08] Maomao     I have a request for you! [08:10] Jinshi     W-What is it? [08:15] Maomao     I'd like to speak to the doctor     who examined the corpse. [08:20] Maomao     At the morgue. [08:21] Jinshi     Why are you smiling...? [08:24] Maomao     Curiosity got the best of me. [08:33] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi, you don't have     to go in there with her... [08:36] Jinshi     If the apothecary is going, I'm going too. [08:40] Gaohsun     Understood. [08:49] Gaoshun     Xiaomao, here. [08:52] Maomao     Thank you. [08:54] Doctor     My apologies for the long wait. [08:57] Maomao     I knew it. This doctor did the examination. [09:00] Maomao     A court lady he seemed close to is dead, [09:04] Maomao     and she's accused of crimes on top of that. [09:06] Maomao     No surprise he seems worn out. [09:08] Maomao     But is that really all? [09:11] Maomao     I'll be blunt. [09:13] Maomao     Did the poison ingested by      the court lady include thornapple? [09:18] Doctor     That's... [09:20] Maomao     The small hill near the stable. [09:23] Maomao     Did she not plant thornapple there? [09:27] Maomao     It has a strong poison, but in right     amounts, it can work as an anesthetic. [09:32] Maomao     I'm sure the pharmacy stocks plenty. [09:36] Maomao     Thornapple looks like a white morning glory. [09:41] Doctor     I can't say for certain. [09:43] Doctor     It's quite likely, given the symptoms,     but I can't say for certain. [09:48] Maomao     Let's confirm with our own eyes, then. [10:03] Doctor     W-What are you doing?! [10:06] Maomao     Just shut up and watch! [10:08] Doctor     S-Stop! [10:12] Maomao     It's open. [10:18] Doctor     That's... not Suirei?! [10:22] Doctor     It can't be... [10:25] Doctor     It was... It really was Suirei... [10:29] Maomao     Are you certain it was Suirei? [10:32] Doctor     There's no way I'd mistake her. [10:37] Doctor     She had no pulse. Her heart wasn't moving. [10:41] Doctor     She was so clean. [10:43] Maomao     In other words, you've been exploited. [10:47] Maomao     You didn't think to cut open her corpse     to find out what poison she used. [10:53] Maomao     That's what Suirei expected. [10:55] Doctor     You! [10:57] Maomao     It wasn't just thornapple that Suirei took. [11:01] Maomao     If we investigated     the drug stocks at the pharmacy, [11:04] Maomao     we should be able to tell what she used. [11:07] Maomao     I guess the only thing     we can fault this doctor for [11:09] Maomao     is not keeping track of the drugs properly. [11:13] Jinshi     What do you mean? [11:15] Jinshi     That the corpse is wrong. [11:17] Maomao     Even if the coffin was supposed to be burned, [11:19] Maomao     it would be too suspicious if it was empty. [11:22] Maomao     She must have placed a different corpse     in a new coffin to replace her. [11:28] Jinshi     Then what about Suirei's corpse? [11:30] Jinshi     Carrying it out would have caused a scene. [11:32] Maomao     There's no need to carry it out. [11:35] Jinshi     What do you mean? [11:44] Maomao     She walked out by herself. [11:47] Jinshi     But wasn't she dead?! [11:50] Maomao     There is a certain drug that can     make a person appear dead. [11:53] Maomao     Are you aware of it? [11:54] Doctor     I've heard about it, but that's just fantasy. [11:58] Jinshi     What is it like? [12:00] Maomao     That drug, which is said     to exist in a faraway land, [12:03] Maoamo     is able to kill a person,     then resurrect them later. [12:08] Maomao     I don't know the details, [12:10] Maomao     but I've heard thornapple and     pufferfish are used as ingredients. [12:18] Gaoshun     Xiaomao? [12:19] Maomao     Master Gaoshun, could you     investigate the empty coffins? [12:23] Gaoshun     Yes. [12:32] Gaoshun     Fingernail marks. [12:34] Maomao     That must have been the one     with the dead Suirei in it. [12:38] Maomao     By the time her rescuer arrived to open it, [12:43] Maomao     she came back to life. [12:45] Maomao     They set up a different coffin     with another corpse to replace it, [12:48] Maomao     then disguised her as a vendor to walk out. [12:54] Jinshi     They employed such a risky method? [12:58] Maomao     If she got caught, she'd get executed anyway. [13:01] Maomao     I'd take that bet any day. [13:03] Jinshi     I think with you, it would be different... [13:06] Maomao     Since there's no corpse here,     Suirei must have won her bet. [13:11] Maomao     If the replacement corpse got burned,     it would have been a complete victory, but... [13:17] Maomao     Not on my watch. [13:21] Maomao     If she's still alive, I'd like to meet her. [13:24] Maomao     Not to arrest her. [13:26] Maomao     The intellect that allowed her to make     so many crimes look like accidents. [13:29] Maomao     The courage she had to pull it all off. [13:32] Maomao     Most of all, the nerves of steel it took     to bet her own life to trick us all! [13:40] Maomao     A person like that dying so     soon would be such a loss! [13:47] Maomao     Medicine to bring people back to life!     She will teach me how to make it! [13:58] Maomao     Pardon me. [13:59] Jinshi     W-What is it?! [14:02] Maomao     Can we get my leg stitched up again? [14:04] Maomao     I think the wound reopened. [14:06] Jinshi     Say that sooner! [14:15] Lady-in-Waiting     Lady Loulan. [14:32] Jinshi     We ended up taking care of     the Suirei incident in secret. [14:37] Jinshi     Many things remain unclear     about the court lady Suirei. [14:42] Jinshi     According to the doctor,     she was backed by his teacher. [14:47] Jinshi     He took note of her talents a few years ago     and brought her in as an adopted daughter. [14:52] Jinshi     Not much is known about her past before then. [14:56] Jinshi     This is going to take a long time. [15:01] Gaoshun     I helped Xiaomao get home. [15:04] Jinshi     Sorry to trouble you, as always. [15:06] Gaoshun     We can't let her open up her wound again. [15:10] Jinshi     Yes. [15:11] Jinshi     But it's not just her wound that worries me. [15:15] Jinshi     There's also the matter with Lakan, the weirdo. [15:20] Jinshi     It's clear that he's her father, [15:23] Jinshi     but given the apothecary's attitude,     there must be some issues there. [15:30] Jinshi     To the rear palace tomorrow, right? [15:32] Gaoshun     Yes. [15:36] Gaoshun     There seems to be no problem.     It's the same as always. [15:40] Jinshi     Meaning it tastes bad. [15:46] Gaoshun     You don't have to drink it     if you don't like it. [15:49] Jinshi     It's a responsibility of mine, as a eunuch. [15:52] Gaoshun     You shouldn't hold your nose     like that in public. [15:56] Gaoshun     It makes you look very young. [15:58] Jinshi     I know. [16:00] Jinshi     Refined mannerisms, heavenly     smiles, and a voice like honey. [16:06] Jinshi     The "twenty-four-year-old" man who became     a eunuch when the rear palace [16:10] Jinshi     became the current emperor's, five years ago. [16:12] Jinshi     That's "Jinshi." [16:15] Jinshi     From the day I decided to wear this mask, [16:18] Jinshi     I've been drinking this medicine     to suppress my manhood every day. [16:22] Gaoshun     It will make you actually impotent one day. [16:28] Jinshi     Hey, same with you! [16:30] Gaoshun     My children are adults now.     I even have another grandchild. [16:36] Jinshi     A grandchild? From your older son? [16:39] Gaoshun     Yes. My youngest son is ready      to get married too, but... [16:44] Jinshi     By youngest, you mean Basen? He's only nineteen. [16:48] Gaoshun     Yes, nineteen, just like you. [16:53] Jinshi     "Jinshi the eunuch" is twenty-four. [16:58] Jinshi     Your look is telling me to     find a wife and end this work. [17:04] Gaoshun     I'd like to have time to      spend with my grandchild. [17:07] Jinshi     I'll do my best. [17:22] Loulan     Greetings, Master Jinshi. [17:25] Jinshi     Another wonderful outfit, I see. [17:28] Loulan     Thank you. [17:31] Loulan     Master Jinshi... [17:32] Jinshi     The emperor does visit     Concubine Loulan often, [17:34] Jinshi     but apparently, he doesn't     find her very appealing. [17:37] Jinshi     Concubine Loulan is very fashionable,     changing her hairstyle and makeup often. [17:42] Jinshi     Apparently, he can't tell who she is     every time he visits her, and gets confused. [17:48] Jinshi     Still, he visits her once every ten days. [17:52] Jinshi     Concubine Loulan's father is     an important high-ranking official [17:55] Jinshi     who was the previous     empress dowager's favorite. [17:57] Jinshi     He needs to be careful around her. [18:02] Jinshi     In terms of lacking appeal,     Concubine Lishu is similar. [18:05] Jinshi     The current emperor despises his     predecessor's taste for younger girls. [18:10] Jinshi     He doesn't intend to lay a finger     on Concubine Lishu. [18:13] Jinshi     The empress dowager, who gave birth [18:14] Jinshi     to the current emperor     when she was just a girl, [18:16] Jinshi     also gave birth to another child,     some ten-odd years later. [18:21] Jinshi     At that time, the doctor spent all his time     tending to the empress dowager, [18:25] Jinshi     so the birth took place without an issue. [18:29] Jinshi     However, Concubine Ah-Duo,     who gave birth at around the same time, [18:35] Jinshi     received no attention,     resulting in the loss of her uterus. [18:39] Jinshi     The current emperor's firstborn     child was lost soon after. [18:44] Jinshi     If that child had survived... [18:49] Jinshi     No, it's just a silly delusion. [18:55] Jinshi     He just needs to make himself a new prince. [19:00] Gyokuyou     Oh, you're here. [19:03] Jinshi     You seem exhausted. [19:05] Hongniang     All right, back to work with you all. [19:08] Yinghua; Guiyuan; Ailan     Y-Yes. [19:11] Gyokuyou     To be honest... [19:17] Maomao     The rear palace? [19:18] Jinshi     Yes. Concubine Gyokuyou's     lunar cycle has stopped. [19:23] Maomao     Lunar cycle. In other words,     she might be pregnant. [19:28] Maomao     Starting when? [19:30] Jinshi     Can you start today? [19:32] Maomao     Yes. [19:33] Jinshi     I'm counting on you. [19:36] Maomao     This is a good opportunity for me. [19:38] Maomao     Men aren't allowed in the rear palace. [19:41] Maomao     There's no chance I'd run into that man     whose name I can't even stand to hear. [19:46] Maomao     Does this mean Master Jinshi     is looking out for me? [19:49] Maomao     At any rate, more tasting for poisons! [19:53] Suiren     Oh, you're in a good mood. [19:55] Maomao     Huh? No, not at all! [19:58] Suiren     It's unfortunate. I thought I'd finally found     someone worth cracking the whip on. [20:03] Suiren     Right? [20:08] Maomao     Life at the rear palace     is similar to the last time, [20:12] Maomao     tasting for poisons every day. [20:15] Maomao     This is safe. [20:17] Maomao     Besides the pause in her menstrual     cycle, there's no definite evidence. [20:25] Maomao     I'd had this thought during     the events with Concubine Ah-Duo, [20:27] Maomao     but perhaps he's more than just     a lewd middle-aged guy. [20:34] Maomao     With Concubine Ah-Duo gone     as a trusted adviser, [20:39] Maomao     and replaced by a quirky girl who     could cause political issues, as well... [20:45] Maomao     Someone he can't just ignore, yet would     cause trouble if she birthed a child... [20:50] Maomao     It all sounds like a headache. SIGN    Verdigris House [20:54] Servant Girl B     Hey, did you hear? SIGN    Verdigris House [20:56] Servant Girl A     What? One of the Three Princesses? [20:58] Servant Girl B     Yes! She's getting bought out! [21:01] Lihaku     Bought... out? SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "How to Buy     Out a Contract." SIGN    Episode 21: How to Buy Out a Contract E21 - How to Buy Out a Contract Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:35] Military Officer A     Come on, Lihaku. Focus! [01:38] Lihaku     Oh, yeah. Sorry. SIGN    Episode 21: How to Buy Out a Contract [01:42] Guen     Cleaning?! [01:44] Guen     You don't have to do that,     you can ask someone else to— [01:48] Maomao     If we asked someone else to do it, and they     swapped out the medicine, what would we do? [01:54] Maomao     There was a doctor at the court pharmacy [01:58] Maomao     that got a pay cut as punishment     for not managing the drugs properly. [02:05] Maomao     We have to clean this up. It'll be     too late once the humidity goes up. [02:10] Guen     Yes... [02:21] Guen     Finally, a good time for a break. [02:23] Guen     Sweets are always great when you're tired! [02:26] Maomao     This guy must be from a rich family. [02:30] Maomao     Sweet potatoes aren't in season, [02:34] Maomao     and he uses paper like a plate,     like that's completely normal... [02:36] Maomao     Hmm? [02:38] Maomao     That's some good paper. [02:40] Guen     Oh, can you tell? [02:42] Guen     My family back home     leads our village in making it. [02:46] Guen     We're the palace purveyor. [02:49] Guen     Impressive, huh? [02:50] Maomao     It is indeed impressive. [02:52] Maomao     I wonder if I can get     an acquaintance discount. [02:56] Guen     We used to make limitless profits     as we produced more. [03:03] Guen     We exported it to other countries, too. [03:05] Guen     My family bought me     any snacks I wanted as a child. [03:11] Guen     But when the previous emperor's     mother banned the cutting of trees, [03:16] Guen     things started to go downhill for us. [03:18] Guen     We started using alternate     materials, which ruined trade. [03:23] Guen     Our family took the blame for that. [03:26] Guen     Since we had no money left,     my older sister went to the rear palace. [03:30] Guen     When my younger sister said she'd go too,     I volunteered to come instead. [03:36] Guen     Becoming a eunuch was less popular     and was worth more money. [03:40] Guen     I never got to see my older sister, though. [03:44] Maomao     Hmm. He's been through more than I imagined. [03:58] Maomao     Excuse me. I'm here to continue cleaning. [04:01] Guen     Oh, hey, little lady. [04:06] Guen     My little sister sent me a letter. [04:07] Guen     Our family might not be     the palace purveyor anymore. [04:11] Maomao     True, this isn't palace quality. [04:16] Maomao     Losing purveyor status would be     a big deal in terms of sales. [04:21] Guen     I wonder why? [04:23] Guen     They just told me they came up     with a way to produce more paper. [04:27] Maomao     Produce more? Did they cut some corners? [04:32] Guen     Of course not! They started     using oxen for hard labor. [04:38] Guen     They didn't change      the ingredients nor the process... [04:42] Maomao     Not the time for cleaning, I guess. [04:45] Maomao     Compared to the shoddy     stuff sold everywhere, [04:48] Maomao     this has no impurities, the fibers are evenly     crushed, and it's got consistent thickness. [04:54] Maomao     The only issues are scuffing     on the surface, and... [04:59] Maomao     Its strength! [05:01] Maomao     What exactly is this unchanged process? [05:03] Guen     It's the same as normal papermaking. [05:06] Guen     However, our family has a special way of     crushing the ingredients and creating glue... [05:11] Guen     Oh, but that's a secret. [05:13] Maomao     So, he doesn't blab about that. [05:17] Maomao     Is there special attention paid to the water? [05:19] Guen     Yes. We use stored spring water     to make the glue harden properly. [05:25] Guen     It's for managing the humidity, but... [05:28] Guen     The rest is a secret. [05:30] Maomao     Oxen, stored spring water... [05:40] Maomao     Do you use boiled rice water for glue? [05:44] Guen     No, it's wheat flour,     the way it's supposed to be. [05:47] Guen     Otherwise, the hardening is... Oh! [05:51] Guen     Hey little lady, forget I said that, okay?! [05:54] Maomao     Yes. [05:56] Maomao     So, where do you keep the oxen? [05:59] Guen     I don't know about that. [06:02] Maomao     I see. [06:06] Maomao     Here you go. [06:07] Guen     Arrowroot gruel? [06:12] Guen     Little lady, you got the ratio wrong. [06:15] Guen     It's stuck on the cup and hard to drink. [06:18] Maomao     Oh, sorry. I'll teach you how to     make it easier to drink. [06:23] Maomao     Can you repeat after me? [06:29] Maomao     Like this, you lick the spoon and mix. [06:32] Guen     That seems like poor manners. [06:41] Guen     Oh, it's no longer sticky. [06:45] Maomao     Right? [06:46] Maomao     Isn't arrowroot gruel kind of like glue? [06:50] Guen     Hmm, I suppose so. [06:53] Guen     Maybe mixing saliva into glue     would make it less sticky as well. [06:58] Maomao     Exactly. [07:01] Guen     Exactly what? [07:03] Maomao     This quack really can't take a hint. [07:05] Maomao     Oxen have lots of saliva in their mouths. [07:11] Maomao     Perhaps you should check where     those oxen are getting their water. [07:18] Guen     I must send a letter to my sister! [07:22] Maomao     I'll take my leave for today. [07:29] Maomao     I'm back. [07:31] Hongniang     Oh, Maomao. [07:33] Hongniang     Someone sent a message      that you're needed urgently. [07:37] Maomao     Where should I go? [07:40] Lihaku     How much would it cost     to buy out a courtesan? [07:45] Maomao     And here I thought it was about Suirei... [07:48] Maomao     What a dumb dog. [07:50] Lihaku     Hear me out, missy! [07:52] Lihaku     At the Verdigris House the other day, [07:53] Lihaku     I heard rumors that one of the Three     Princesses is getting bought out! [07:57] Maomao     And so he got worried about Pairin. [08:01] Maomao     The cost really depends. [08:03] Lihaku     Give me the max. [08:04] Maomao     Understood. Please understand that     market prices fluctuate a lot, [08:09] Maomao     so this is just a rough estimate. [08:10] Lihaku     Give it to me straight. [08:13] Lihaku     How much? [08:15] Maomao     This is a tough one. [08:17] Maomao     The cost of buying out a courtesan is based     on how much she could make at the brothel, [08:24] Maomao     plus a little extra, then doubled. So... [08:30] Lihaku     Little missy... [08:34] Maomao     If someone were to buy out Pairin, there are     two candidates who are long-time favorites. [08:41] Lihaku     T-Two... [08:43] Maomao     One is a wealthy merchant, [08:46] Maomao     a pleasant older man who continued to visit     the Verdigris House while it was in trouble. [08:51] Maomao     The other is a high-ranking official,     still young, in his thirties. [08:56] Maomao     She said he's a good partner     for bedtime activities, [09:01] Maomao     but it is a little concerning how     exhausted he seems the next day. [09:05] Maomao     Thinking about life after being     bought out, neither are... Hmm. [09:10] Lihaku     Exhausted? What do you mean? [09:13] Maomao     Pairin is not only a great dancer, [09:16] Maomao     but is also famous as     an invincible warlord in bed. [09:19] Maomao     When her "hunger" grows,     she'll pounce on anyone... [09:23] Maomao     In other words, she's extremely lustful. [09:25] Pairin     No! [09:27] Maomao     But... [09:30] Lihaku     But? [09:32] Maomao     Until my dad took me in, the ones who     took care of me at the Verdigris House were [09:37] Maomao     the old lady and the Three Princesses. [09:41] Maomao     Pairin, who was able to lactate     despite never having given birth, [09:48] Maomao     is almost like a mother to me. [09:52] Maomao     I don't know what her thoughts     on the matter are, but... [09:55] Maomao     Thinking back on those days,     I do think it's a bit of a waste. [10:00] Maomao     She's definitely lustful,     but she's at least equally maternal. [10:07] Lihaku     But, what? [10:13] Maomao     Master Lihaku understands what Pairin     does for work, and is still in love with her. [10:18] Maomao     He can be a dumb dog, but seems     like an honest, hard worker. [10:21] Maomao     Trying to get a promotion     for his girl is adorable, if stupid. [10:26] Maomao     Most of all, he has astonishing stamina. [10:30] Maomao     Hmm. [10:33] Maomao     He wouldn't be a bad choice, all considered. [10:37] Maomao     Master Lihaku, may I ask     how much you're paid? [10:41] Lihaku     What's with that question all of a sudden? [10:43] Maomao     Perhaps 800 silver a year? [10:45] Lihaku     Come on, now. [10:47] Maomao     More like 1,200 then? [10:49] Maomao     So, roughly 1,000 silver or so a year. [10:52] Lihaku     Is that not enough? [10:53] Maomao     Afraid not. [10:54] Maomao     They'd ask at least 10,000 in cash. [10:58] Lihaku     T-Ten thousand?! [11:00] Maomao     A cheap courtesan would cost around 400. [11:02] Maomao     One of the Three Princesses of the Verdigris     House? 10,000 silver, at the very least. [11:09] Lihaku     Ten thousand... [11:12] Lihaku     Hey, so... let's say I find that much somewhere. [11:15] Lihaku     You think I'll be able     to buy her out with that? [11:18] Maomao     How likely do I think it is that she'd     dramatically turn you down, you mean? [11:26] Maomao     Fine, fine. [11:29] Maomao     Master Lihaku, could you     take off your clothes? [11:34] Lihaku     If I do, am I less likely to get dumped? [11:36] Maomao     One thing I know for sure is     the body type she likes. [11:42] Lihaku     I'll strip! [11:47] Maomao     Your pants too, please. [11:49] Lihaku     Pants, too? [11:50] Maomao     Yes. [11:52] Maomao     Then, can you raise your arms up to your     shoulders and flex your muscles? [11:59] Lihaku     Like this? [12:00] Maomao     Pairin's not a picky eater,     but she does have preferences. [12:06] Maomao     Hmm, not bad... [12:09] Maomao     Next, lower your arms, then flex again. [12:13] Lihaku     Like this? [12:16] Maomao     As a good military man, he trains often. [12:20] Maomao     Good musculature. [12:23] Maomao     He might stand a chance. [12:25] Maomao     Now... [12:27] Maomao     Now, please remove your final garment! [12:30] Lihaku     Got it! [12:34] Jinshi     What in the world are you two doing? [12:38] Maomao     Greetings, Master Jinshi. [12:45] Jinshi     Now, what exactly were you up to? [12:48] Maomao     Pretty people are so scary     when they're angry. [12:52] Maomao     What, you ask? [12:55] Maomao     Well, I was summoned to give      my opinion about a matter. [12:58] Jinshi     Why was that man undressed like that? [13:01] Maomao     Nothing improper was going on. [13:03] Maomao     I was just taking a good look. [13:07] Jinshi     A good look? You? [13:10] Maomao     Yes, just looking. [13:13] Jinshi     What for? [13:14] Maomao     What for, you ask? [13:16] Maomao     To see if his body is good enough. [13:18] Maomao     What better way to know     than to inspect him myself? [13:21] Jinshi     If his body is "good enough," you said?! [13:23] Maomao     Yes. Appearances are only a part     of what defines a person, [13:28] Maomao     but being suited to one's      taste is always a plus. [13:30] Maomao     I wanted to get a final look     at his important parts [13:34] Maomao     to determine how to appeal to Pairin, but... [13:41] Jinshi     So, what did you think about     that man's appearance? [13:46] Maomao     It was a very well-balanced body. [13:49] Maomao     He seems like a hard worker     who trains diligently. [13:54] Maomao     I'd guess he's quite a skilled fighter,     even compared to other military men. [13:58] Jinshi     You can read a person's personality     just by their build? [14:03] Maomao     A person's appearance reflects     their daily routines quite accurately. [14:07] Maomao     As an apothecary, it's not rare to get     customers who won't tell us about themselves. [14:12] Maomao     So you learn this naturally on the job. [14:15] Jinshi     Can you tell from looking at my body, too? [14:18] Maomao     Huh? [14:19] Maomao     Wait, is he jealous of Master Lihaku? [14:23] Maomao     Oh, wow. I can't believe this guy. [14:26] Maomao     He just wants to brag that he's prettier! [14:30] Maomao     I do know he has a beautiful body. [14:33] Maomao     I was quite surprised     by how well-toned it was. [14:36] Maomao     But... [14:38] Maomao     There'd be no point in     learning about your body. [14:43] Maomao     I don't think you would     get along with my sister. [14:49] Jinshi     Huh?! [14:53] Lihaku     As I waste time like this,     Pairin could get bought out. [14:58] Lihaku     But I'm not yet capable of     doing anything about it... [15:06] Lihaku     Pairin... [15:10] Lihaku     Hmm? [15:14] Lihaku     What in the world is going on? [15:16] Lihaku     Jinshi, I think his name was? [15:19] Lihaku     He's rumored to be the emperor's favorite... [15:23] Jinshi     Thank you for your hospitality     with my attendant the other day. [15:26] Lihaku     Oh, you're quite welcome... [15:29] Jinshi     I hear you're romantically     pursuing someone. [15:34] Lihaku     Did that girl talk? [15:38] Lihaku     Is that why he's smiling so much? [15:42] Lihaku     At his young age, high status, and being called     the most beautiful person in the nation, [15:49] Lihaku     the matter of buying out a courtesan     must be a joke to him. [15:53] Lihaku     I don't mind being made fun of. [15:55] Lihaku     But if he insults Pairin,     that's a different story. [16:00] Lihaku     If he insults her... [16:02] Jinshi     20,000. [16:04] Jinshi     What would you say if I offered you     the money to buy out your girl? [16:12] Lihaku     What do you mean? [16:14] Jinshi     Precisely what I said. [16:22] Lihaku     I appreciate your generosity, [16:24] Lihaku     but is it alright for you to suddenly     offer that to an officer you barely know? [16:29] Jinshi     My cat can be quite cautious. [16:33] Jinshi     And yet, she's willing to give you advice, [16:36] Jinshi     and consider you as a candidate     for her sister's life partner. [16:42] Lihaku     In other words, if your cautious cat lets     her guard down around me, I'm trustworthy. [16:52] Lihaku     Did I say something bad? [16:55] Jinshi     I've heard some stories about you. [17:00] Jinshi     You do come from a good family, [17:02] Jinshi     but it still must have been hard for you to     become a military officer here at the capital. [17:06] Jinshi     I hear you were discovered by our sharp-eyed     strategist and assigned to lead a squad. [17:13] Lihaku     Yes. [17:14] Lihaku     The official story was that     the prior squad leader retired [17:17] Lihaku     and I was simply pushed up, but... [17:20] Jinshi     Wouldn't anybody want to have a good     relationship with a promising officer? [17:25] Lihaku     Still, 20,000 silver is way too much. [17:29] Lihaku     I only really need half as much...     no, even just a quarter would do it. [17:40] Lihaku     I'm very glad to hear     that you think so highly of me. [17:44] Lihaku     I also find your offer quite hard to resist. [17:48] Lihaku     But I can't accept that silver here. [17:53] Lihaku     For you, she might just be a local courtesan, [17:56] Lihaku     but for me, she's the only woman in my world. [18:00] Lihaku     To welcome a wife with     someone else's money... [18:07] Lihaku     What kind of man would that make me? [18:14] Jinshi     I see. Pardon me. [18:17] Lihaku     Huh? [18:18] Jinshi     I may need to speak with you soon. [18:22] Jinshi     Is that alright with you? [18:25] Lihaku     Yes, sir. [18:32] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi. [18:33] Jinshi     Yes. [18:35] Jinshi     There was nothing to be     worried about, yes. [18:40] Lihaku     What was that all about?! [18:42] Lihaku     Now, what to do? [18:46] Lihaku     I guess I should show off     at the next training... [18:52] Lihaku     Or perhaps I should ask for more work... [18:57] Lihaku     Or... Right. [19:05] Lihaku     I'll write to her, even if I don't     know when I can see next. [19:14] Lihaku     I can't force my will on her.     I should hear what she thinks. [19:29] Lihaku     I don't care if her response     is purely diplomatic. [19:31] Lihaku     Believing in her words will     help me get through my days. [20:00] Lihaku     I just have to pursue her in a way I believe in. [20:07] Pairin     "Despite what the old lady thinks,     I'm still in the game. [20:12] Pairin     Besides, I'm still waiting     for my prince to come for me." [20:18] Maomao     Yeah, that's what I thought. [20:20] Maomao     If Pairin likes him,     he won't need 10,000 silver. [20:26] Maomao     Beyond that, it's just luck. [20:30] Pairin     "When a certain someone came and     talked about buying people out, [20:33] Pairin     I think one of the servant girls     got the wrong idea." [20:44] Maomao     That man. [20:48] Rikuson     Master Lakan. [20:50] Rikuson     I finally found you. [20:52] Rikuson     Master Lakan, the meeting is starting. [20:56] Lakan     Blue roses. [20:59] Rikuson     What did you say? SIGN    Next Time SIGN    Episode 22: Blue Roses [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Blue Roses." E22 - Blue Roses Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:33] Maomao     By the time we started     to smell spring in the air, [01:36] Maomao     it became certain that     Lady Gyokuyou was indeed pregnant. [01:46] Maomao     That's curious. Can she tell     there's a baby inside? [01:54] Yinghua; Guiyuan; Ailan     So cute! [01:56] Hongniang     Maybe I also should start to... [02:03] Maomao     Even if she did get a proposal, [02:05] Maomao     they'd probably never let her leave. [02:08] Maomao     Being too good at one's job     can be a curse at times. [02:16] Maomao     Time flies when every day is so fulfilling. [02:21] Maomao     In comparison, the two months spent at     Master Jinshi's offices felt like forever. [02:30] Maomao     Would you like to draw pictures again? [02:32] Lingli     Yes! [02:38] Maomao     This is the woolly milkcap,     a poisonous mushroom— [02:41] Maomao     Ow! [02:43] Hongniang     Draw normal flowers, please. [02:45] Maomao     Normal flowers, huh? [02:50] Jinshi     A blue rose? SIGN    Episode 22: Blue Roses [02:52] Lakan     Yes. Perhaps you've never seen one before? [02:56] Lakan     The striking blue petals are so beautiful. [03:01] Lakan     I used to see them in the palace often. [03:05] Jinshi     Perhaps you were dreaming? [03:07] Jinshi     Blue roses do not exist. [03:11] Lakan     But in fact, they do. [03:15] Lakan     Oh, how I'd love to appreciate them     with everyone again. [03:19] Lakan     What do you think? Could it be done? [03:23] Lakan     With your power, there must be     nothing outside your reach. [03:27] Jinshi     Understood. If such a rose does     indeed exist, I'd like to see it as well. [03:33] Lakan     Then it's settled. [03:35] Lakan     Goodness, I can't wait! [03:39] Lakan     Excuse me. [03:44] Lakan     I hope to see it at next month's garden party. [03:49] Gaoshun     You're already so busy.     You didn't have to take on more work. [03:54] Jinshi     Don't rub it in. Please just go ask     every florist in the nation about this. [04:04] Gaoshun     The florists say that roses are not in season. [04:12] Jinshi     Sorry to call you up so suddenly. [04:16] Jinshi     We were talking about getting      together to admire blue roses. [04:21] Maomao     Blue roses...? [04:23] Maomao     I'm just an apothecary, you know. [04:25] Jinshi     Yes, I'm aware... [04:28] Maomao     I wonder what prompted this?     He seems awfully tired. [04:33] Maomao     Roses, huh? I do know     a thing or two about them. [04:38] Maomao     I've sold them before to make some     quick cash with the courtesans. But... [04:44] Maomao     They really said they saw a blue rose? [04:47] Jinshi     Yes. [04:49] Maomao     Is there some new popular hallucinogen, or...? [04:52] Jinshi     That'd ruin our whole nation! [04:54] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi. [04:59] Jinshi     Is it impossible? [05:04] Maomao     What exactly is it that you desire? [05:07] Jinshi     Can you find some by next month's garden party? [05:10] Maomao     Next month? Roses bloom     two months later at the earliest. [05:15] Jinshi     I know... [05:18] Jinshi     I'll find a way to turn him down. [05:22] Maomao     Master Jinshi's reaction, and this style of     forcing people to attempt the impossible... [05:28] Maomao     Was this brought up by a certain strategist? [05:35] Jinshi     Yes. [05:37] Maomao     Understood. I will take this on. [05:40] Jinshi     Are you sure? [05:41] Maomao     I don't know if I can pull it off,     but I'll try my best. [05:45] Maomao     I don't want to just run from him. [05:51] Maomao     I might as well take a swing at     smashing his creepy monocle. [05:56] Maomao     Master Jinshi, may I make a few requests? [06:01] Maomao     Thank you for allowing me     to use it, Lady Lihua. [06:06] Lihua     I don't mind. You were the one that     had it constructed in the first place. [06:12] Maomao     It's been a while. [06:14] Maomao     I remember back then, I got them to     make a steam room for Lady Lihua, [06:18] Maomao     who was suffering from poison back then. [06:20] Maomao     I'm borrowing it now,     but I feel bad using it for free. [06:26] Maomao     This is the emperor's favorite book. [06:29] Lihua     I appreciate this. [06:32] Maomao     I'm glad I got it through the brothel. [06:40] Jinshi     Take that side. [06:42] Eunuchs     Yes, sir! [06:43] Maomao     Master Jinshi. [06:44] Jinshi     Ah, you're here. [06:46] Jinshi     I had them build this as you asked, but... [06:48] Jinshi     What is this for? [06:50] Maomao     We're going to make the roses go mad. [06:52] Jinshi     Make the roses go mad? [06:54] Jinshi     What does that mean, apothecary? [07:03] Maomao     We're going to let the sunlight in,     and blow steam inside through there. [07:09] Maomao     The roses will grow in this warmed room. [07:12] Maomao     This way, the flowers might     mistake it as the time to bloom. [07:17] Jinshi     I see, so they'll "go mad." [07:20] Maomao     I can't guarantee it, though. [07:30] Maomao     Oh. [07:33] Xiaolan     Maomao! [07:36] Maomao     Xiaolan? [07:37] Xiaolan     I'll help, too! [07:39] Xiaolan     Is your leg okay? [07:43] Maomao     Did he summon her to chaperone me? [07:48] Maomao     They did repeatedly tell me     not to push myself too hard. [07:53] Maomao     I'm fine. Sorry to make you help. [07:55] Xiaolan     It's okay. It's been a while since     we've worked together, huh? [07:59] Maomao     Yeah, it has. [08:05] Maomao     We brought in over one hundred roses. [08:11] Maomao     This is the last one. [08:14] Xiaolan     Wow, this is a lot! [08:17] Maomao     We diversified the species, selecting     early-blooming ones where possible. [08:21] Xiaolan     Will they all bloom? [08:23] Maomao     I hope so. [08:37] Maomao     Temperature control requires utmost care. [08:41] Maomao     I got them to send some help, but this is     a tough task to delegate to others. [08:48] Maomao     If we make a mistake and kill them all,     that would be the end of it. [08:56] Maomao     On sunny days, we bring them     outside to expose them to sunlight. [09:02] Xiaolan     That must feel good! [09:05] Maomao     Yeah. [09:06] Gaoshun     How are you doing? [09:09] Gaoshun     Here, a gift. [09:14] Maomao     Thank you very much. [09:17] Xiaolan     I get to skip work and     eat snacks? This is great! [09:22] Maomao     This is work too, though. [09:27] Xiaolan     What's with them? [09:29] Maomao     I don't know. Maybe they're just curious. [09:32] Maomao     Or they want to be scared. [09:37] Xiaolan     What should I do next? [09:40] Maomao     If a seedling has a lot of sprouts     on it, can you pick a few? [09:44] Maomao     It concentrates the nutrients into the     remaining sprouts and helps prevent sickness. [09:49] Eunuchs     Ah. [09:51] Eunuchs     Whoa! [09:55] Xiaolan     It's fine. [10:01] Eunuchs     Thank you. [10:02] Xiaolan     Don't mention it! [10:06] Maomao     Hurry! [10:16] Xiaolan     It's taking them a long time to bloom. [10:24] Maomao     On days where it gets cold, [10:31] Maomao     I stay up all night to maintain the heat. [10:41] Maomao     Weather can't be controlled. [10:55] Xiaolan     Did you pull another all-nighter? [10:58] Maomao     I did sleep, around dawn. [11:00] Xiaolan     Dawn was just moments ago! [11:02] Xiaolan     I'll do what I can,     so why don't you get some sleep? [11:06] Maomao     I can't leave this alone. [11:10] Xiaolan     They're looking at us again. [11:13] Maomao     Every single day. Don't they get tired of this? [11:16] Maomao     It's irritating. [11:19] Maomao     I wonder if I can divert their attention... [11:26] Xiaolan     Wow! So this is what a manicure is like! [11:31] Maomao     Everyone does it in the pleasure district. [11:34] Xiaolan     It sure is pretty! [11:47] Guiyuan     Oh, you did it too, Maomao? [11:49] Guiyuan     So cute! [11:51] Ailan     It's been popular recently. [11:54] Maomao     Indeed. [11:57] Maomao     The high-ranking concubines are always     at the cutting edge of fashion. [12:08] Hongniang     Seems like a waste of time. [12:12] Maomao     Lady Hongniang prefers work over fashion. [12:16] Maomao     I've finished tasting for poison,     so I'll go back to the Crystal Pavilion now. [12:20] Gyokuyou     Already? [12:21] Maomao     The garden party is coming up soon. [12:24] Gyokuyou     I see... [12:26] Hongniang     Oh, by the way, Lady Gyokuyou     won't be attending this time around. [12:31] Hongniang     We're letting the focus of this event      be Lady Loulan's introduction. [12:35] Maomao     To hide the pregnancy, right. [12:38] Maomao     Understood. Excuse me. [12:41] Yinghua     Hey, is everything alright     at the Crystal Pavilion? [12:44] Guiyuan     You look worse for wear every day. [12:46] Ailan     Don't push yourself too hard, okay? [12:48] Maomao     Thank you. [13:01] Xiaolan     Maomao! [13:04] Xiaolan     Maomao, hurry! [13:11] Maomao     A bud... [13:12] Xiaolan     I found it just now. [13:14] Xiaolan     Our first one, finally! [13:18] Maomao     At this rate... We might just make it in time. [13:23] Xiaolan     Maomao? Maomao! [13:26] Xiaolan     Maomao! [13:36] Jinshi     Has the apothecary sent any word? [13:38] Gaoshun     No, nothing. [13:40] Gaoshun     I haven't been able to visit her     for the past few days. [13:43] Jinshi     We were both busy preparing     for the garden party. [13:50] Maomao     Master Jinshi. [14:21] Military Officer 1     So, that's Concubine Loulan,     daughter of Master Shishou. [14:29] Bureaucrat 1     How splendid. [14:44] Shishou     Regarding Concubine Loulan, [14:49] Shishou     is there anything that needs improvement? [14:53] Shishou     Please, hold nothing back. [14:59] Loulan     Please. [15:01] Empress Dowager     Oh. [15:14] High Official 1     Blue roses?! [15:15] High Official 2     It can't be... [15:22] Jinshi     It may be entertaining [15:25] Jinshi     to enjoy the beauty of these buds while     imagining how they look at full bloom. [15:30] Emperor     Yes. They're beautiful. [15:34] High Official 1     Hmph. [15:34] Jinshi     The attention that "Jinshi" gets. [15:39] Jinshi     Unlike some of the worthless officials, [15:42] Jinshi     many don't appreciate a young eunuch     hoarding attention, no matter how beautiful. [15:50] Jinshi     Lust is fine. It's easy to exploit that. [15:57] Jinshi     Envy is fine, too. It's manageable. [15:59] Jinshi     What's really troubling is... [16:02] Jinshi     When I can't tell what they're thinking. [16:05] Jinshi     Shishou. Concubine Loulan's father, the man     favored by the mother of the former emperor... [16:11] Jinshi     Even now, the emperor     can't look him in the eye. [16:14] Jinshi     That's why I also can't let     my smile fade, either. [16:18] Jinshi     And besides, the one who's more     worrying than Shishou right now is... [16:22] Jinshi     That man, Lakan. [16:35] Lakan     How annoying. [16:44] Yinghua     Are you awake? [16:45] Maomao     Yinghua. [16:47] Yinghua     Don't go to the Crystal Pavilion anymore. [16:49] Yinghua     You always come back looking so exhausted. [16:54] Maomao     I'm sorry. [16:56] Jinshi     You're up. [17:01] Yinghua     Excuse me. [17:05] Jinshi     You can stay seated. [17:09] Maomao     It was hard. I couldn't get them     to fully bloom. [17:14] Jinshi     You're not apologizing to me, are you? [17:19] Jinshi     Never mind. You did well. [17:23] Jinshi     How did you do it, though? [17:26] Maomao     I just dyed them. [17:28] Jinshi     Dyed? But there's nothing on them. [17:31] Maomao     Not on the outside. We dyed them from the inside. [17:39] Maomao     All of these roses were originally white. [17:44] Maomao     We mixed water with several colors     and had the white buds suck them up. [17:49] Jinshi     So that's why there were     many colors, not just blue. [17:53] Maomao     Yes. The leaves ended up coming out     black, so we plucked them all. [17:59] Maomao     Then all we had to do was to fix cotton     soaked in the dyed water to the stems, [18:03] Maomao     so they wouldn't lose their      vibrancy during the garden party. [18:07] Maomao     It really was quite simple. [18:09] Maomao     What was actually difficult was     getting the roses to bloom at all. [18:14] Jinshi     Simple, indeed. [18:17] Maomao     Also, because some officials might      have picked a quarrel about this, [18:22] Maomao     I went ahead and revealed     the trick to the emperor. [18:26] Maomao     He seemed to enjoy the fact that     he got to know the secret first, [18:29] Maomao     and had a good time listening to me explain. [18:32] Jinshi     So, about the story of the blue roses     being seen in the palace... [18:36] Maomao     There must have been someone with a lot of     free time feeding blue water to the roses. [18:44] Jinshi     Who would do something like that? [18:47] Maomao     Who knows? Maybe they wanted     a gimmick with which to woo women. [18:52] Jinshi     That's unexpected. Are you painting your nails? [18:55] Maomao     It doesn't suit me, though. [18:58] Maomao     If I had some balsam and woodsorrel,     I could have made them look prettier. [19:03] Maomao     Balsam is often used to dye fingernails,     and woodsorrel is nicknamed cat's foot. [19:08] Maomao     Mixing them together and applying them     on the fingernails creates a vivid red. [19:12] Maomao     But then, even if I made them prettier... [19:15] Maomao     This is better than it was before. [19:19] Maomao     Master Gaoshun, what about     the item I requested? [19:22] Gaoshun     Yes, as you wished. [19:25] Maomao     Thank you. [19:28] Maomao     Now the stage is set. [19:30] Maomao     All I have to do now is catch     that nasty creep off guard. [19:39] Lakan     I didn't expect my provocation to fail. [19:51] Lakan     Most humans only look like go stones to me. [19:55] Lakan     Men are black stones, women are white stones. SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn [19:59] Lakan     Even my subordinates in the military     only appear as chess pieces, at best. [20:04] Lakan     Most are soldiers, pawns. [20:07] Lakan     As they gain ranks,     they become cavalry and cannons. SIGN    River [20:11] Lakan     Working in the military is easy. [20:14] Lakan     I just need to know where to place the pieces. [20:18] Lakan     The right pieces in the right places.     Most wars can be won by that alone. [20:22] Lakan     It's quite easy. Even if I were     completely useless, [20:27] Lakan     as long as I placed others in the right places,     the work would get done on its own. [20:32] Lakan     My eyes hurt more than usual today. [20:35] Lakan     A red color keeps flickering into my view. [20:40] Lakan     Manicures... [20:42] Lakan     The manicures in my memories     aren't this overly flamboyant crimson. [20:48] Lakan     They're the soft color of balsam. SIGN    Advisor SIGN    Bishop SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time:     "Balsam and Woodsorrel." SIGN    Episode 23: Balsam and Woodsorrel E23 - Balsam and Woodsorrel Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:37] Fengxian     Sleep, my baby, sleep. [01:45] Fengxian     Where is she? She cries. SIGN    Advisor SIGN    Bishop SIGN    Episode 23: Balsam and Woodsorrel [02:06] Maomao     Would you join me for a few games? [02:10] Lakan     How could I possibly decline     a request from my lovely daughter? [02:17] Maomao     A best-of-five match, no special rules. [02:20] Maomao     In other words, the first to win     three rounds is the victor. [02:24] Lakan     How about handicaps?     Which pieces should I drop? [02:28] Maomao     There's no need for that. [02:30] Jinshi     She could've just accepted. [02:32] Maomao     More importantly, let's place a bet. A reward. [02:36] Lakan     Great, right down to business! [02:38] Lakan     If I win, will you come live with me? [02:45] Gaoshun     You promised not to interfere. [02:47] Jinshi     But— [02:51] Maomao     I don't mind. [02:52] Maomao     However, I'm under hire right now. [02:55] Maomao     You'll have to wait until my contract expires. [02:57] Lakan     Hired? You're actually employed right now? [03:01] Maomao     Yes. [03:02] Lakan     Huh... [03:06] Maomao     In exchange, if I win, [03:09] Maomao     could you buy out a courtesan     at the Verdigris House? [03:15] Lakan     Of all the things you could ask... [03:17] Maomao     I won't say who, but the old lady     wants to get rid of an aging courtesan. [03:23] Lakan     So that's your first move. [03:26] Lakan     If that's what it takes, I suppose I must accept. [03:31] Lakan     Is that all, then? [03:33] Maomao     I'd like to add two more rules. [03:42] Jinshi     From the smell of it,     that's a distilled hard liquor? [03:51] Jinshi     I have such a bad feeling about this. [03:53] Lakan     What is that? [03:55] Maomao     A medicine, in small amounts. [03:57] Maomao     Three sips turn it into      a deadly poison, though. [04:01] Maomao     I'll pour it into three of these cups, [04:05] Maomao     then make it so that     we can't tell which is which. [04:09] Maomao     After every match, the winner picks one cup,     and the loser drinks from it in one breath. [04:15] Maomao     That's the first rule. [04:17] Jinshi     What a brutal rule... [04:20] Maomao     The second rule is that no matter the reason, [04:24] Maomao     if a player abandons a match, they lose. [04:29] Maomao     Do you accept? [04:35] Lakan     That's fine. [04:37] Jinshi     Is she trying to shake him? [04:39] Jinshi     I guess a regular person     would be scared by that. [04:42] Jinshi     But... [04:44] Jinshi     This is the famous weirdo strategist     we're talking about. [04:47] Jinshi     I doubt he'd lose his composure     from being pressured this way. [04:53] Jinshi     What is she thinking? [05:42] Jinshi     She lost again! [05:44] Jinshi     That's two games in a row. [05:46] Jinshi     Since she chose to challenge     the invincible chess master in chess, [05:50] Jinshi     I thought she had some skill in the game. [05:53] Jinshi     It seems like she just knows the rules     and has never played a real game before. [05:58] Jinshi     Two cups... [06:00] Jinshi     She drinks it so eagerly,     I can't tell if it's poisoned or not. [06:05] Maomao     May I play first in the third game as well? [06:08] Lakan     Sure, fine by me. [06:12] Jinshi     What in the world is she thinking? [06:14] Jinshi     She's not going to win the     third match, either. [06:17] Jinshi     If the two cups she already had were poisoned, [06:21] Jinshi     drinking a third would be too risky. [06:24] Jinshi     Did Lakan predict this situation already? [06:31] Maomao     That's checkmate. [06:34] Lakan     I yield. [06:36] Maomao     A win is a win, even if     you let me win, correct? [06:39] Lakan     Yes. I can't risk feeding my daughter poison. [06:46] Lakan     Can you choose a cup? [06:48] Maomao     Please take whichever one you like. [06:50] Lakan     Does this medicine have a special taste? [06:54] Maomao     One sip and you'd notice that it tastes bad. [06:58] Jinshi     Lakan can lose up to twice. [07:01] Jinshi     If even one of those cups     has a different taste, [07:03] Jinshi     he'd know that his daughter     can avoid the poison. [07:07] Jinshi     He really does know what he's doing,     losing on purpose to do that. [07:12] Lakan     This one, then. [07:29] Lakan     What an awful taste. [07:32] Jinshi     It's poisoned! Now there's no risk of     the apothecary drinking the third poison. [07:38] Jinshi     That means Lakan no longer     needs to lose on purpose. [07:44] Jinshi     The apothecary has no chance of winning now. [07:47] (Flashback) Lakan     If I win, will you come live with me? [07:51] Lakan     Also, it's quite warm out. [08:09] Jinshi     What's going on? [08:11] Jinshi     I thought one cup of it was safe! [08:13] Jinshi     Did you actually poison him?!     Do you really hate him that much— [08:16] Maomao     It is medicine. Alcohol is the king     of all medicines, isn't it? [08:21] Jinshi     Alcohol? What do you mean? [08:23] Gaoshun     Master Jinshi, it seems like he's just drunk. [08:28] Jinshi     Huh? [08:34] Maomao     He completely abstains from alcohol. [08:38] Jinshi     Come to think of it... [08:40] Jinshi     He always just drinks fruit juice,     I've never seen him drink alcohol. [08:45] Jinshi     So, what was that liquid earlier? [08:47] Maomao     Spirits. [08:49] Maomao     Anyway... [08:52] Maomao     Let's drag this guy out of here and     have him pick a flower from the brothel. [09:04] Lakan     From the day I was born, I couldn't     differentiate between humans. [09:09] Lakan     Not only did I mistake     my nanny for my mother, [09:12] Lakan     I couldn't even tell men and women apart. [09:15] Lakan     My father believed me to be useless,     and ran off to his mistress in disgust. [09:23] Lakan     My mother was desperate to get him back. [09:28] Lakan     Because of that, despite being     the eldest son of an important family, [09:31] Lakan     I was able to live freely,     devoting myself to go and chess, [09:35] Lakan     which I learned in my spare time. [09:38] (Flashback) Luomen     Differentiate people based on their voices,     behavior, and build, instead of their faces. [09:45] (Flashback) Luomen     In your case, you can use chess pieces. SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn [09:48] Lakan     My uncle was the only one who understood me. [09:52] Lakan     Thanks to my uncle, who     is clumsy but very intelligent, [09:56] Lakan     I gradually learned to see     people's faces as chess pieces. SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Pawn SIGN    Chariot [10:02] Lakan     When I started to see     my uncle as a Chariot piece, [10:04] Lakan     I reaffirmed that he is indeed a great man. [10:09] Lakan     After I grew up, thanks to my family name, [10:13] Lakan     I was suddenly assigned to lead a squadron,     despite having no talent in combat. [10:17] Lakan     Even if I was weak, [10:18] Lakan     I could more than make up for it     by using the men under me effectively. [10:23] Lakan     Most of all, playing chess with human pieces     was the most fun game I had ever played. SIGN    Verdigris House [10:29] Lakan     As I continued my lossless     streak in both work and games, [10:33] Lakan     I followed my colleagues to a brothel     to take on a famous courtesan. [10:39] Lakan     In a world full of black and white,     that was the only bright color I saw. [10:46] Lakan     Her name was Fengxian. [10:49] Lakan     The undefeated courtesan of the brothel, [10:52] Lakan     versus me, undefeated in the military. [10:54] Lakan     The audience would have had     a good time no matter who lost. [10:58] Lakan     She's strong, but she only fights     in her own small world... [11:06] Lakan     I lost. [11:08] Lakan     I was absolutely thrashed. [11:10] Lakan     When was the last time I lost so badly? [11:22] Lakan     Ah, so that's what a human face looks like. [11:30] Lakan     Her defiant eyes, like a balsam flower     that would burst if touched... [11:46] Lakan     Next time, I won't lose. [11:49] Lakan     For several years after that,     we continued to meet to play go and chess. [12:01] Lakan     Fengxian, who was born at the brothel, [12:03] Lakan     had a personality that was     almost purely made of pride. [12:07] (Flashback) Fengxian     I have no mother. A woman did give birth to me, [12:12] (Flashback) Fengxian     but in the pleasure district,     a courtesan can never become a mother. [12:18] Lakan     Once a talented courtesan gains popularity,     the brothel becomes reluctant to sell them. [12:25] Lakan     Fengxian fit that profile exactly. [12:29] Lakan     Her harsh attitude wasn't for everyone, [12:33] Lakan     but she became the favorite     of several dilettantes. [12:37] Lakan     Her prices gradually rose, [12:40] Lakan     and I could only afford to see her     once every three months. [12:50] (Flashback) Lakan     Balsam flower, and... What's that? [12:54] (Flashback) Fengxian     Woodsorrel, also known as cat's foot. [12:58] (Flashback) Fengxian     I hear it's a medicine that helps     treat poisons and insect bites. [13:03] (Flashback) Fengxian     Like the balsam, touching a ripe fruit     causes the seeds to burst. [13:10] (Flashback) Lakan     Interesting. [13:13] (Flashback) Fengxian     When can you come next? [13:20] (Flashback) Lakan     Three months from now, as always. [13:23] (Flashback) Fengxian     Understood. [13:27] Lakan     That was when I heard about     Fengxian being bought out. [13:32] Lakan     Fengxian's price was being hiked up by     the dilettantes competing against each other. [13:38] Lakan     I was on a good career     path as a military officer, [13:41] Lakan     but since I'd lost the title     of heir to my half-brothers, [13:45] Lakan     her price was well outside my reach. [13:50] (Flashback) Fengxian     Would you like to place a bet, for a change? [13:53] (Flashback) Fengxian     If you win, I will give you anything you want. [13:57] (Flashback) Fengxian     If I win, I will take anything that I want. [14:02] (Flashback) Fengxian     Please choose a board. [14:06] Lakan     A terrible thought crossed my mind. [14:11] (Flashback) Fengxian     Go, is it? [14:13] (Flashback) Lakan     Yes. [14:15] (Flashback) Fengxian     Meimei, I want to concentrate on this game. [14:19] (Flashback) Meimei     Yes. [14:58] Lakan     Before I knew it, our hands touched. [15:03] Lakan     There were no sweet words from Fengxian. [15:08] Lakan     I wasn't the type to offer any, either. [15:10] Lakan     In that way, we were quite similar. [15:15] (Flashback) Fengxian     I want to play go. [15:17] Lakan     I'd been thinking about how     I wanted to play chess, myself. [15:22] (Flashback) Fengxian     Sleep, my baby, sleep. [15:30] (Flashback) Fengxian     Where is she? She cries. [15:38] (Flashback) Fengxian     Little birds are so innocent. [15:45] (Flashback) Fengxian     Off they fly to somewhere far. [15:54] Lakan     Three months later, my supposedly intelligent     uncle was ousted from his position. [15:59] (Flashback) Father     First you became a doctor in the     rear palace, and now you're exiled?! [16:02] (Flashback) Father     You bring shame to our family! [16:05] Lakan     For all his intelligence, he really is clumsy. [16:09] (Flashback) Father     You used to be close to him. [16:12] (Flashback) Father     Leave the house for a while, go study abroad! [16:15] (Flashback) Lakan     Study abroad...? [16:16] (Flashback) Father     Just in case. [16:18] (Flashback) Lakan     But... [16:19] (Flashback) Father     What? [16:21] (Flashback) Lakan     No, it's nothing. [16:24] Lakan     There was no way I could speak up     against my father, who was also my boss. [16:30] Lakan     Around the same time, [16:32] Lakan     Fengxian wrote to me that     her buyout agreement fell through. [16:36] Lakan     I assumed I would be back     in six months or so. [16:43] Lakan     But, back then... [16:50] Lakan     I had no idea it would take     three whole years for me to return. [16:59] (Flashback) Lakan     So many letters from Fengxian... [17:16] (Flashback) Lakan     Mud? No, a branch? [17:20] (Flashback) Lakan     And there's two of them? [17:25] (Flashback) Lakan     No, this is... [17:30] Lakan     Finger severing... [17:31] Lakan     I knew that was a popular     way to curse someone. [17:35] Lakan     The reason why her deal fell through... [17:38] Lakan     The other small finger in the bag... [17:42] Lakan     Why didn't I notice?! [17:45] Lakan     All I had in my head was go and chess. [17:49] Lakan     I couldn't even reach that simple conclusion! [17:57] (Flashback) Lakan     Where's Fengxian?! [17:59] (Flashback) Old Lady     You! [18:00] (Flashback) Old Lady     Fengxian is gone now! [18:02] (Flashback) Old Lady     Where have you been all this time?! [18:04] (Flashback) Old Lady     You left her for three whole years! [18:06] (Flashback) Old Lady     You don't care one bit what happens     to a worthless courtesan, do you?! [18:13] Lakan     If only I'd put even a little thought into it! [18:16] Lakan     The reason why she wouldn't get bought out... [18:20] Lakan     The reason was in her belly... [18:23] Lakan     By soiling the name of her brothel,     her trust and reputation fell to nothing! [18:30] Lakan     All she could do was to take     customers like a streetwalker, [18:34] Lakan     and... [18:44] Lakan     No matter how much I lamented,     there was no way to turn back time. [18:49] Lakan     It was all my fault,     for being so short-sighted. [19:06] Lakan     This is... The Verdigris House? [19:12] Meimei     Are you awake? [19:16] Lakan     Meimei. [19:18] Meimei     Some noble's servant brought you here. [19:22] Meimei     Your face looks terrible. I don't      know if it's more red or blue. [19:27] Lakan     I didn't think I'd end up like this, either. [19:30] Lakan     I wasn't expecting it to     be such a strong liquor. [19:35] Lakan     Meimei used to be Fengxian's servant girl. [19:41] Lakan     I used to play with her a lot. [19:44] Lakan     When I complemented her talents,     she seemed abashed. [19:48] Lakan     Come to think of it... [19:50] Meimei     What is it? [19:53] Lakan     No, nothing. [19:58] Meimei     Here you are. [19:59] Lakan     Yes. [20:04] Lakan     So bitter! [20:05] Lakan     What is this?! [20:07] Meimei     Something Maomao made. [20:10] Maomao     Mix mix, mix mix, mix mix. [20:11] Lakan     I see, it was Maomao... [20:15] Maomao     Also, Maomao left this box for you. [20:28] Lakan     A withered rose? [20:30] Meimei     Even when withered, it can retain its shape. [20:41] Servant Girl     Big Sis Meimei. [20:43] Meimei     Excuse me. SIGN    Next Time [22:46] Narrator     Next time: "Jinshi and Maomao." SIGN    Episode 24: Jinshi and Maomao E24 - Jinshi and Maomao Source: Crunchyroll Translator: Editor: Timer: QC: (Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.) SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries [01:31] Lakan     Fengxian... [01:33] Lakan     I wanted to be with the daughter she left behind. SIGN    This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on      are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. [01:36] Lakan     That was my only wish. [01:41] Lakan     It's only natural for her to hate me. [01:44] Lakan     But I still wanted her near me. [01:52] Lakan     At any rate, a bet is a bet.     I'll have to try again another time. [01:57] Lakan     But that man... SIGN    Advisor [02:00] Lakan     I'll never forgive him. [02:01] Lakan     He put his hand on my daughter's shoulder     three times during that match. SIGN    Advisor SIGN    Advisor [02:05] Lakan     Now, I wonder how to take my revenge... [02:09] Lakan     Hmm? [02:09] Old Lady     Finally awake? [02:11] Old Lady     I hear you're trying to buy out one of our courtesans. [02:14] Old Lady     You realize it'll cost you more than     a few thousand silver, right? [02:19] Lakan     I know. If ten thousand isn't enough,     then twenty, thirty, whatever. [02:24] Lakan     A hundred thousand, though,     might be a bit much. [02:27] Old Lady     Is that so? Then come this way. [02:30] Old Lady     I'll let you have your pick. [02:34] Lakan     Sheesh. [02:59] Lakan     Are you sure you want to include     one of the Three Princesses? [03:02] Old Lady     I told you, you can have your pick. [03:05] Old Lady     Of course, you'd have to pay accordingly. [03:08] Lakan     This is troublesome. [03:11] Lakan     No matter how beautifully they dress,     they all look like go stones to me. [03:16] Lakan     In that case, I guess I can request Meimei,     since she's been so good to me. [03:30] Meimei     Master Lakan. [03:34] Meimei     I do hold pride in my work as a courtesan. [03:38] Meimei     If it is me that you desire,     I will accept without hesitation. [03:46] Meimei     But... [03:51] Meimei     If you're going to choose, please choose well. [04:00] Fengxian     Sleep, my baby, sleep. [04:07] Fengxian     Little cuckoo sings as the sun goes down. [04:09] Old Lady     Meimei! I didn't allow you to open that! [04:13] Old Lady     What are you doing?! [04:16] Old Lady     W-Wait! [04:23] Lakan     A flower that retains its beauty     even when withered! [04:28] Lakan     If that was supposed to be a message... [04:32] Lakan     Could it be?! [04:34] Fengxian     Sleep, my baby, sleep. [04:38] Fengxian     Where is she? She cries. [04:46] Fengxian     Little birds are so innocent. [04:54] Fengxian     Off they fly to somewhere far. [05:03] Fengxian     Sleep, my baby, sleep. [05:10] Fengxian     Sleep now, and I'll see you tomorrow. [05:20] Old Lady     What are you doing?!     This place is for the sick! [05:23] Old Lady     Get out of here, now! [05:24] Old Lady     Hurry up and pick a courtesan from out there! [05:28] Lakan     Yes. I have to choose, don't I? [05:32] Old Lady     Are you listening to me?! [05:43] Lakan     I want this woman. [05:46] Old Lady     Stop this nonsense! [05:48] Lakan     You're the one who said     I can pick anyone I want. [05:51] Lakan     I'll pay whatever you ask. A hundred thousand,     two hundred thousand, whatever. [05:57] Old Lady     What are you talking about— [06:32] Lakan     Let's play go. [06:48] Lakan     Oh, so that's your move? [06:51] Lakan     Your moves are always so sudden and unexpected. [06:54] Lakan     Maomao must have gotten that from you. [07:03] Meimei     Big Sister, you should have been     honest from the start. [07:10] Meimei     Why so late... [07:17] Lakan     I will buy out this courtesan. [07:23] Lakan     This woman, beautiful as a balsam flower. SIGN    Episode 24: Jinshi and Maomao [07:39] Maomao     Basen was the one that accompanied me to the Verdigris House to drop off that man. [07:46] Maomao     I'm tired. [07:49] Maomao     Hmm? [07:50] Basen     Dammit, the wicked father-daughter duo. [07:55] Maomao     That's Concubine Loulan. [07:58] Maomao     I guess they stayed out here     after the garden party. [08:01] Maomao     So that must be her father, [08:03] Maomao     the one that pushed hard to get     his daughter in the rear palace. [08:08] Maomao     At any rate... [08:10] Maomao     I really wish this guy would quit bad-mouthing     high-ranked officials in public. [08:15] Maomao     If someone overheard, I might get     mistaken for saying it right along with him. [08:20] Maomao     I guess he's still young. [08:22] Basen     Hey. [08:24] Basen     Master Jinshi wants to see you. [08:30] Jinshi     You must be tired. [08:32] Maomao     No, not really. [08:34] Suiren     Oh! [08:36] Suiren     Oh my, you've lost so much weight! [08:39] Maomao     I'm fine. [08:42] Suiren     Here you are, Xiaomao. Eat up. [08:46] Suiren     There's plenty more where that came from. [08:52] Jinshi     I thought you hated our master strategist. [08:57] Maomao     Master Jinshi. [09:00] Maomao     It's not that I hate him. [09:02] Maomao     After all, I'm here because     he was able to land that shot. [09:07] Jinshi     Was there really no other way to phrase that? [09:09] Maomao     It's just facts. I'm not sure     how you imagined it, [09:13] Maomao     but she wouldn't have gotten     pregnant if she didn't want to. [09:18] Maomao     There's drugs to prevent     or abort pregnancies. [09:20] Maomao     Ending it would have been easy, early on. [09:23] Maomao     She must have given birth     because she wanted to. [09:27] Maomao     Rather, perhaps he was the one who was tricked. [09:31] Jinshi     The strategist? [09:33] Maomao     Women are clever. [09:35] Maomao     It's not hard to make a good estimate of     when one is most likely to become pregnant [09:39] Maomao     by tracking blood flow cycles. [09:41] Maomao     As a courtesan, she was able to control     the date of his visits by sending him letters. [09:47] Maomao     That must have been why she lost her     mind when things didn't work out. [09:53] Maomao     So much so, that she was     willing to hurt herself. [09:58] Maomao     Not only that, but she sent     the baby's little finger as well. [10:05] Maomao     Master Jinshi, that man never talks to you     outside your office, does he? [10:12] Jinshi     Now that you mention it... [10:13] Maomao     That man isn't able to recognize human faces. [10:16] Jinshi     Unable to recognize faces? What do you mean? [10:19] Maomao     He can tell the shapes of eyes and mouths, [10:22] Maomao     but he's unable to view     the parts together as a whole. [10:24] Maomao     I hear that everyone's faces     look the same to him. [10:27] Jinshi     That's unfortunate. [10:30] Maomao     Yes, that's what my adopted father     told me too, when he explained it to me. [10:35] (Flashback) Luomen     He's an unfortunate fellow.     It has troubled him all throughout his life. [10:40] (Flashback) Maomao     Huh... [10:43] Maomao     But, for some reason, [10:45] Maomao     he's able to discern my face,     and my adopted father's. [10:49] Maomao     That's why he has that      strange attachment to me. [10:54] Maomao     Master Jinshi, [10:55] Maomao     if that monocled face came at you and told you,      "Call me Papa!", how would you react? [11:02] Jinshi     I'd be tempted to shatter that monocle. [11:04] Maomao     Right? [11:07] Maomao     He keeps stressing that he's my father,     but he's a stud-horse, at best. [11:15] Maomao     I wonder if he understood the message     behind the withered rose? [11:20] Maomao     Well, it's fine if he didn't. [11:25] Maomao     I do dislike him, but I don't hate him. [11:28] Maomao     I'm grateful that I was able     to become Luomen's daughter. [11:32] Jinshi     You seemed pretty disgusted when you saw him. [11:36] Maomao     Master Jinshi, you still have a lot to learn. [11:40] Maomao     When I tried to stop     that ceremony, he helped me. [11:45] Maomao     I think he had the feeling     something was going to happen. [11:49] Jinshi     The strategist? I didn't think he knew     anything about it at that point. [11:53] Maomao     He doesn't collect evidence     to make predictions like I do. [11:57] Maomao     He goes off gut feelings to sense when     something's not right, and he's rarely wrong. [12:05] Maomao     The annoying part is that he's too lazy     to actually do anything himself. [12:11] Maomao     If that guy actually took action, [12:15] Maomao     I might have had the resurrection     drug in my hands right now! [12:23] Maomao     I know this is just jealousy. [12:26] Maomao     He's so talented that my dad would     praise him with no caveats. [12:29] Maomao     He doesn't realize how blessed he is. [12:34] Maomao     Hmph! [12:36] Maomao     He will never become your ally, but you     shouldn't make him your enemy, if possible. [12:41] Jinshi     Understood. [12:44] Maomao     What's wrong? [12:46] Gaoshun     Nothing, just... [12:49] Gaoshun     Please remember that     no father wants to be disliked. [13:00] Maomao     A few days after returning to the rear palace, [13:02] Maomao     Meimei sent me a package. [13:06] Maomao     Inside was a letter     describing who bought out who, [13:10] Maomao     and a beautiful shawl. [13:13] Meimei     Listen, Maomao. [13:15] Meimei     When I get bought out,     you have to dance for me. [13:27] Maomao     To be honest, I wanted to send off Meimei. [13:33] Maomao     That courtesan, kinder than anyone else... [15:51] Maomao     I'm surprised I still remember all of that. [15:56] Jinshi     Hey. [15:58] Jinshi     Wha— [16:08] Jinshi     What are you doing?! [16:09] Maomao     Master Jinshi? Why are you here? [16:13] Jinshi     I got a report that another weird     woman was climbing the outer wall. [16:17] Jinshi     I had no choice but to respond. [16:19] Maomao     I thought I was being sneaky, but... [16:21] Maomao     Of course I'd get caught. [16:24] Jinshi     Stop causing trouble. [16:26] Maomao     Why'd you have to be the one to investigate?     They could have just sent someone else. [16:32] Jinshi     A kind guard recognized your face     and came directly to me. [16:38] Jinshi     You might think you're keeping a low profile,     but not everyone agrees. Remember that. [16:42] Maomao     Understood. [16:44] Jinshi     Now, your turn. What were you doing? [16:50] Maomao     In the pleasure district, when sending off     a courtesan who's been bought out, [16:54] Maomao     it's customary for the other     courtesans to dance. [16:58] Maomao     What is it? [16:59] Jinshi     Well, I'm surprised you know how to dance. [17:05] Maomao     I was taught dancing as part of     the bare minimum of education. [17:09] Jinshi     There were rumors on the outside     that the weirdo was buying out a courtesan. [17:15] Maomao     I'm sure there were. [17:16] Jinshi     He also sent a notice of leave. [17:19] Jinshi     He's going to take a vacation     for at least ten days. [17:22] Maomao     What a troublesome man. [17:24] Maomao     My elder sister told me that     they're hosting a banquet [17:26] Maomao     not just for three days and three nights, [17:28] Maomao     but a whole seven days and seven nights. [17:32] Maomao     There's no way to know how much     he spent on the courtesan, [17:35] Maomao     but just from the number     of lamps being put out, [17:37] Maomao     it's only natural to assume     it's no normal courtesan. [17:41] Maomao     But the actual courtesan being     bought out is never seen in public. [17:48] Maomao     Rumors of the Verdigris House continue to grow. [17:52] Maomao     Just how old Grams planned it. [17:55] Jinshi     By the way, who did     the strategist buy out, anyway? [17:59] Maomao     Who knows? [18:02] Jinshi     You do. [18:04] Maomao     No matter how beautiful,     she will be no match for you. [18:07] Jinshi     That doesn't answer my question. [18:10] Maomao     But you still don't deny it. [18:12] Maomao     The woman who the man     bought out won't last long. [18:18] Maomao     Nobody told me about the woman who     birthed me during my days at the brothel. [18:24] Maomao     The old lady probably kept everyone silent. [18:28] Maomao     But those types of things tend to leak out     from seemingly small cracks. [18:33] Maomao     That I was the reason the Verdigris House     almost went out of business, once. [18:38] Maomao     My relationship with the woman who always     chased me off, ashamed for losing her pride. [18:45] Maomao     That nightmare was a thing     that really happened in the past. [18:52] Maomao     That woman has no memories of being a mother. [18:55] Maomao     All she has now is a crooked little finger. [19:01] Maomao     None of that matters to me anymore. [19:04] Maomao     I'm happy to be Luomen's daughter. [19:09] Maomao     Master Jinshi. [19:10] Jinshi     What is it? [19:13] Maomao     You can cut off the tip of a finger     and it grows back. [19:18] Jinshi     Is now the time for that? [19:21] Maomao     Whoa! [19:23] Jinshi     W-What happened?! [19:25] Maomao     Looks like my wound opened up. [19:27] Jinshi     Sure looks that way to me, too! [19:29] Maomao     I guess the dancing got my body warmed up. [19:33] Maomao     I have a high pain tolerance,     perhaps due to my drug experiments. [19:38] Maomao     It's fine, I'll stitch it right back up. [19:43] Maomao     Master Jinshi, I can't work like this. [19:46] Jinshi     Don't do that here! [19:56] Maomao     Um, Master Jinshi—Whoa! [20:01] Maomao     Please let me down. [20:03] Jinshi     You'll open up your wound further. [20:05] Maomao     What if someone sees us? [20:09] Jinshi     It's too dark to see, anyway. [20:12] Jinshi     Besides, this is the second time     I'm carrying you like this. [20:15] Maomao     The other time must have been when     I was knocked out from that injury. [20:20] Maomao     Master Jinshi. [20:22] Maomao     This may not be the best time, [20:24] Maomao     but there's something I've meant     to say for a long time. [20:27] Jinshi     What's this, all of a sudden? [20:30] Maomao     It's a very important thing I have to say. [20:42] Jinshi     Out with it, already. [20:46] Maomao     Master Jinshi... [20:55] Maomao     I'd like that ox bezoar, please. [20:59] Maomao     Ow! [21:03] Maomao     Wait, you don't have it?! [21:06] Jinshi     Don't be absurd! [21:08] Jinshi     I don't even... [21:10] Maomao     How immature, headbutting me out of nowhere. [21:15] Maomao     But I guess he's easiest to talk to     when he's being immature. [21:41] Yinghua     Maomao! [21:43] Yinghua     Master Jinshi's here to see you! [21:46] Maomao     Coming. [21:50] Maomao     Excuse me. [21:55] Jinshi     Are you feeling better now? [21:58] Maomao     Yes. Everyone's very nice to me     at the Jade Pavilion. [22:06] Maomao     So, how may I be of service? [22:10] Jinshi     Well, something interesting came up. [22:17] Jinshi     I'd like to ask something of you. [22:20] Maomao     Oh, this again. [22:26] Maomao     So, what is it that you     would like for me to do? [22:36] Narrator     Maomao's story has just begun. [22:41] Narrator     What kind of incident     will she get mixed up in next? SIGN    The Apothecary Diaries SIGN    shad0.7\bord0.8}The Apothecary Diaries*     Season 2 Production Confirmed