The popular anime series, The Apothecary Diaries, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, palace intrigue, and the unique perspective of its protagonist, Maomao. Episode 27, titled “Ophiocordyceps sinensis” or “Corpse Fungus,” delves deeper into the shadowy corners of the imperial court, presenting a complex case that tests Maomaoās observational skills and her knowledge of poisons. The episode premiered on January 24th, 2025, and is available on various streaming platforms.
A Missing Maid and a Mysterious Death
The episode opens with the unsettling news of a palace maid, preparing for marriage after completing her service, who has suddenly disappeared. This disappearance is not an isolated event; it serves as a grim reminder of the complex dynamics and hidden dangers within the women’s quarters of the Imperial Court. Maomao, ever observant, is immediately struck by the underlying unease this incident creates.
Jinshi’s Cryptic Assignment
Amidst the tension of the missing maid, Jinshi tasks Maomao with investigating the growth of toxic mushrooms within the palace grounds. While Jinshi’s motives remain somewhat unclear, his assignment piques Maomao’s interest. Her fascination with poisons and unusual substances makes her eager to tackle this peculiar case, despite the lingering suspicion she harbors toward Jinshiās cryptic nature.
The Corpse of a Concubine
Maomao’s investigation into the toxic mushrooms takes a turn when she learns of the sudden death of a mid-ranking consort. This death adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding events, suggesting a deeper, more sinister plot is at play. The episode masterfully intertwines the investigation of the mushrooms with the unfolding mystery surrounding the dead concubine.
The Peculiar Symptoms
Maomao, with her keen eye for detail, quickly notices that the concubine’s death does not align with typical food poisoning symptoms, despite initial reports suggesting that was the cause. The corpse exhibits unusual signs such as a blotchy rash and hair loss, symptoms that deviate from common poisoning. These observations lead Maomao to suspect that something more unusual, potentially related to the mushrooms, is at the heart of the incident. The lady-in-waiting who was with the deceased concubine also displays similar symptoms, further confirming that something unusual is going on.
Unraveling the Mysteries
The “Garden of Women”
Maomao’s investigations lead her to the northern part of the rear palace, described as a “garden of women,” which has been allowed to fall into disrepair. The discovery of finger-shaped mushrooms in this area provides a potential link to the symptoms observed on both the dead concubine and her lady-in-waiting. It seems that contact with these particular mushrooms could potentially explain the rash and hair loss.
A Body Swap
As Maomao continues her inquiries, she uncovers a disturbing truth regarding the missing maid, Tao, and the deceased concubine, Jin. It’s revealed that Jin was jealous of Tao as Tao was getting attention from a civil servant and was unkind to her because of it. Jin later died due to unknown reasons, possibly murder or an accident. Afterwards, Tao took Jin’s place. The people in the palace were aware of this swap and had been covering for Tao when she needed to pretend to be Jin. This body swap revelation further complicates the case and raises questions about how many people may be involved in the conspiracies within the palace.
Lingering Questions
Although Maomao manages to piece together some of the events, the question of how and why the women came into contact with the mushrooms remains largely unanswered by the end of the episode. This sets the stage for a larger mystery that will likely unfold in future episodes of the season. The episode ends on an ominous note as the mushrooms collected by Maomao are confiscated, leaving viewers to wonder what might happen to the women in the palace.
Season 2: Escalating Tensions and Intrigues
Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries has been marked by escalating tensions and new layers of complexity within the imperial palace. The announcement of Empress Gyokuyou’s pregnancy, the arrival of Consort Rouran, and an unresolved attempt on Jinshi’s life are among the many elements that have contributed to the intricate web of intrigue that is engulfing the court. Foreign delegations and special envoys further complicate matters, creating a sense of impending crisis that threatens the entire nation.
Maomao’s Role
The season has seen Maomao navigating the political landscapes and hidden secrets in the outer court, putting her unique skills and knowledge to the test. She continues to be an invaluable asset for those seeking to uncover the truth, despite her attempts to remain as anonymous as possible. As the plot thickens, she becomes more deeply involved in the complex events unfolding in the palace.
Where to Watch
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, including episode 27, is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Prime Video. The series has garnered a large international following, and the dubbed versions are also released weekly, catering to a diverse audience.
Dub Release Schedule
The English dub for season 2 premiered on January 24th, 2025. New dubbed episodes are released each Friday. Episode 3, titled āCorpse Fungus,ā is expected to be released on February 7th, 2025.
A Must-Watch for Anime Fans
The Apothecary Diaries continues to be a must-watch anime, offering a unique blend of historical setting, engaging mysteries, and complex characters. The meticulous details in the animation, the smart character interactions and the unfolding plot keep viewers hooked. Episode 27, “Corpse Fungus,” is another example of the show’s ability to deliver a captivating narrative, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next episode in this intriguing series. The combination of a missing maid, a dead concubine, toxic mushrooms and an ongoing plot with palace conspiracies makes this episode one of the more intricate ones this season, and sets the stage for a larger mystery to be unveiled as the season progresses.
