Palace Mysteries Unfold
The latest episode of The Apothecary Diaries, Season 2 Episode 3, also known as episode 27 overall, titled “Corpse Fungus,” dives headfirst into a complex web of palace intrigue, skillfully blending mystery with character development. This installment, which premiered on January 24th, continues to build upon the narrative threads established in the previous episodes, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as Maomao, the sharp-witted apothecary, unravels a series of disturbing events.
Missing Maid and a Mysterious Death
The episode opens with the unsettling news of a palace maid’s disappearance. This is no ordinary vanishing; the maid was on the verge of completing her service and preparing for marriage. This unusual occurrence immediately triggers Maomao’s awareness of the intricate and often dangerous dynamics within the women’s quarters of the Imperial Court. This event serves as a stark reminder of the hidden currents flowing beneath the opulent surface of the palace.
Simultaneously, Jinshi, the enigmatic and powerful eunuch, assigns Maomao to investigate toxic mushrooms growing within the palace grounds. While this task initially excites Maomao, who has a known fascination with poisons and medicines, she also notices Jinshi’s cryptic remarks, adding a layer of suspicion to the situation. This juxtaposition of excitement and suspicion highlights Maomao’s acute observation skills and her ability to see beyond the surface of events. However, the investigation takes a darker turn when Maomao returns to the Jade Pavilion after her first day, discovering the sudden death of a mid-ranking consort, Concubine Jin.
Unraveling the Poison
The death of Concubine Jin is the catalyst for the main mystery in this episode. It doesn’t take long for Maomao to recognize that the circumstances surrounding Jin’s death don’t align with the initial report of food poisoning. The corpse exhibits a blotchy rash and hair loss, symptoms that do not typically correspond with food-related illnesses. This astute observation highlights Maomao’s expertise in toxicology and her ability to discern the truth. The episode masterfully presents these clues, drawing viewers into the investigative process alongside Maomao.
Maomao’s investigation leads her to the discovery of finger-shaped mushrooms that are known to cause skin irritation and hair loss, potentially explaining the symptoms observed on Concubine Jin’s body. She also notes that the symptoms could come from touching a poisonous substance and not necessarily from ingesting it. It also becomes apparent that Jin had fallen ill around the same time as an attempt on Empress Gyokuyou’s pregnancy, raising suspicions of a more sinister motive behind her death. This connection adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting that Concubine Jin might have been involved in a plot against the Empress or even intentionally poisoned herself to manipulate the situation. This twist introduces the possibility of a calculated and intricate scheme.
A Garden of Secrets
The episode also directs attention to the northern quarter of the rear palace, a location that was once described as a “garden of women” but has now fallen into neglect. Shisui, a character who has been seen hunting bugs in that area, had previously mentioned the state of the garden. This detail adds a layer of mystery, prompting the question of why the area has been abandoned and whether it might hold more secrets. The presence of corpse-loving mushrooms further raises the possibility that there may be more than one body in the area, potentially explaining the proliferation of the mushrooms and insects. Jinshi plans to build a school for illiterate maids in one of the abandoned buildings there, which could expose more secrets in that area.
Jinshi’s Manipulation and Maomao’s Intellect
This episode further illustrates the dynamic between Jinshi and Maomao. Jinshi, who has a good understanding of Maomao’s character, orchestrates events to draw her into the investigation. He knows that presenting her with the challenge of identifying potentially poisonous plants will pique her curiosity, which is a testament to his cleverness. His manipulation is not malicious but rather a way to harness Maomao’s unique skills to uncover the truth. Maomao, on the other hand, quickly sees through Jinshi’s plan and understands his motives, further displaying her intelligence and keen observation skills. She is not outraged at this manipulation; rather, she understands and accepts it, highlighting the unusual partnership they have formed.
Jinshi’s privileged upbringing is also contrasted with Maomao’s practical knowledge and understanding of the lower-class ladies’ challenges. This is evident in Jinshi’s plans to create a literacy school for the maids. While he has good intentions, Maomao points out the issues with implementing the program, further underscoring the difference in their perspectives and experiences. This dynamic adds depth to their relationship and highlights the social disparities within the palace.
Social Commentary and Deadly Consequences
Episode 27 also delves into the petty nature of some of the women in the rear palace. The story of Concubine Jin reveals the lengths some are willing to go to for power and status within the palace. This includes the possibility that she poisoned herself in order to gain favor with another consort. This exploration of the women’s interactions and the deadly consequences of their actions adds a layer of social commentary to the series. It also shows how the class differences within the palace can lead to fatal events. It is also noted that the distribution of novels among the palace’s maids was done with the express purpose of them being passed down, improving their chances of having a good life after service. This also highlights Jinshi and the Emperor’s attempts to improve the women’s lives within the palace.
A Larger Mystery
The episode successfully sets the stage for a larger mystery, leaving several questions unanswered. While Maomao identifies the cause of the symptoms displayed by Concubine Jin and the missing maid Tao, the origin and purpose of the toxic mushrooms and the reasons behind the abandonment of the northern quarter remain shrouded in mystery. The missing maid Tao is paired with the murder of Jin, and Maomao suspects that there is a link between the two events. The episode ends with the audience wondering how and why the women came into contact with these dangerous substances and why they were in the old garden. This cliffhanger ending leaves the audience eager for the next installment and the promise of more revelations to come.
Conclusion
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, Episode 3, delivers a compelling narrative, weaving together intricate mysteries, character development, and social commentary. The episode’s focus on Maomao’s sharp intellect and her interactions with Jinshi continues to be the highlight of the series. As Maomao navigates the treacherous landscape of the imperial palace, the viewers are drawn deeper into the complex web of intrigue, eagerly awaiting the next piece of the puzzle. The English dub of the season premiered on January 24th, the same day as the original release of this episode, allowing more viewers to follow the unfolding mysteries. This episode masterfully balances suspense with the charm of its characters, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.
