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Jan 17, 6:58 AM
#1

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Dec 2021
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Ah, like grandma to grandmas granddaughter, both little sly foxes that'll do ANYTHING to scam their way into paying less, or making others pay more lmaooo. Once again though, Maomao shows everyone why, well, everyone needs her and trusts her. And hey, it’s kinda cool she found someone who’s into the same stuff as her, that's really one of the last people we needed to finish this little group of people off.

But just like that, things took on hell of a dark turn, with the whole, well to put it simply, poison thing happening and such. Even Maomao’s feeling the strain of being so sharp in a place full of conspiracies. It’s gotta be tough figuring out what’s a real threat and what’s just random stuff, especially when lives are on the line. I bet whoever’s behind all this might try to mess with her later, like baiting her into something fake if they figure out how important she is in the harem .

Though, at least we ended off with a somewhat funny mood, with Maomao finding yet another way to remind Jinshi he ain’t got no family jewels xD


Jan 17, 6:58 AM
#2

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May 2020
11679
I remember the stuff with Lihua, but I don’t think it starts this early. Though hey, they are setting things up. Btw, as we know there’s never a dull moment in the inner palace, and I mean with Maomao around, there’s no chance in hell there would lol. I do like how this series tries to stay true to the history, or more like showing things which really were genuine back then. Caravan being an attention centre for ladies is actually legit. Though not like Maomao would go there to buy some fancy stuff and all, but yeah, at least she got a friend in Shisui there…

… who would be a central character going forward. There’s some time for that, though yeah anyway, seeing Maomao acting like the way she did is what makes this series what it is lol.. which is NOT sniffing around the clothes of other ladies in the inner palace, but something like leading to a mystery which would unfold layer by layer going forward. The use of Rose oil may be pretty harmless in name, but yeah it can cause miscarriage. Really glad how Maomao noticed the same and warned the people around her, just from a sniff xD Good set-up episode for the stuff which is about to come.
Jan 17, 7:04 AM
#3

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Mar 2021
361
oh maomao such a clever fox nice shes got an eye for detail thats gonna be crucial since this place is filled with shady business
its gotta be rough checking whos a friend and whos a schemer especially when theres a possible poison threat lurking around
shes got a new buddy though so theres a silver lining for her
still laughin at how she keeps reminding that poor guy about his lack of uh assets lol looks like were in for a bumpy ride with all these plots n schemes cant wait to see how maomao unravels this mess with that brilliant mind of hers
Jan 17, 7:27 AM
#4

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Biggest problem with this anime is that it feels like the episodes are over way to fast, i am always surprised that it's already over.
Seems like there is a lot going on and Moamoa has a big task ahead of her.
Now it's new poison entering the court.
Jan 17, 7:46 AM
#5

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Mar 2021
2023
Maomao just doesn't miss a thing she always notices the smallest details. Poor Jinshi just can't catch a break from constantly being reminded by Maomao that his family jewels are gone.
Jan 17, 7:55 AM
#6
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Sep 2015
6900
The first case of the new season is sticking to the anime's strong point, poisonous substances found in common products.

It's hard to pinpoint if the goal is to cause the abortion to Lady Lihua or to cause the infertility to Jinshi, assuming he's really someone super important and also assuming someone knows that.
Jan 17, 8:37 AM
#7

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May 2020
66
I'm just here to gush--this episode's thick atmosphere and slick characterization carry so hard. I'm enjoying it so much that it's somehow made my critical ass more able to enjoy other shows this season. Cannot wait for next week.
Jan 17, 9:00 AM
#8

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Feb 2019
9774
Maomao such a great big sis taking her “little sister” Xiaolan to the caravan lol. It’s dope seeing Silk Road merchants in an anime as well! History nerd in me gets so excited with stuff like this, but that many people coming into the palace also creates a security risk which unfortunately seems to have been realised. There’s an assassin of sorts on the loose trying to cause miscarriages and destabilise the palace, but why?

And whoever’s doing it seems to know about pregnancies that are supposedly secret as well as how important Jinshi is.. I’m really curious now. The mystery is so thick.

Maomao sniffing the clothes from the crystal pavilion to get info was hilarious. “I’ll get permission for sniffing anyone again” 😭 God I love her. Also really neat learning about the various herbs and their dangers to pregnant women. Eastern herbal medicine was so advanced for its time.

That ending, was that not Shin or am I tripping??
Marinate1016Jan 17, 10:11 AM
Jan 17, 9:13 AM
#9

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Aug 2022
352
The safety of the ladies especially those who are pregnant, is currently under threat.

Actually, I am also a bit worried about newcomers from outside the palace coming with their belongings, which we do not know are safe or not. Fortunately, now Maomao has realized that and immediately made the right move, and now both Maomao and Jinshi are working to resolve this case. Sooner or later, this will definitely become tense.

RafaBryanJan 17, 9:17 AM
Jan 17, 9:33 AM
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Feb 2024
166
And here we go with the caravan (*^ω^*)
I love that she got to go shopping with Xiaolan, it’s so cute how she acts like an older sister to her. It’s so cute the way she takes after the Madam of the Verdigris House, I’ll never get tired of hearing Maomao’s evil cackle.
I love that Maomao made a new friend too (*≧∀≦*) the way they fangirled together over bugs and plants was adorable.
Definitely never a dull moment in the inner palace, I’m so glad Maomao is quick as ever to catch on. Maomao the serial sniffer 🤣. In all seriousness, they’re majorly lucky to have her though.
I love how she teased Jinshi there at the end. These episodes are always over so fast!
Man, am I grateful this is going to be 24 episodes!!!
crazyanderewitchJan 17, 9:37 AM
Jan 17, 9:43 AM

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Feb 2021
6869
So this episode continues from where the last one left of in the light novel, with the caravan arriving and a variety of rare products from the west being brought to the rear palace, Maomao suspects someone is trying to deliberately poison consort Gyokuyou who is pregnant via the oil scents and perfumes.
Jan 17, 9:53 AM

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Jul 2024
574
Maomao needs an imouto; she was the imouto so everyone at the brothel for some years.

Love the color palette.
LordCrueltyVJan 17, 5:21 PM
Lord Cruelty V
"But my Dreams they're not as empty, as my conscience seems to be"
Jan 17, 10:01 AM

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Jul 2021
1826
The season's going very strong in Episode 2.

Characters: I don't know if Maomao's always been this close with Xiaolan, but it's good that Maomao has a little sister now. Shisui is also a great addition; Maomao has a friend now who's also into STEM, and athletic to boot.

Clever writing: a medical mystery (sniff sniff), some palace politics (caravan and hiring more servants), Maomao shrewdly navigating it (advising Gyokuyou to buy more normal clothes), Maomao's eunuch jokes.

Intrigue: something fishy's going on, with the smell in the north side, some girl coughing (and dying?), and the (mysterious?) head lady-in-waiting in blue, Shin.
Jan 17, 10:10 AM

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Jul 2016
2636
As hilarious as Maomao pulling up to the Crystal Pavillon to sniff everyone up was, I'm surprised all she got for it was effectively a slap on the wrist.
Jan 17, 10:15 AM
🥊 CHAMPION 🥊

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Apr 2016
24390
Coincidence? Casualties? I think not!!!
kekeke
Jan 17, 10:18 AM

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Oct 2017
27661
It's just one thing after another in the rear palace and Lihua can't catch a break, she already went through a lot last time too and just bounced back recently.
Jan 17, 10:21 AM

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Jun 2015
199
the girls bonding over, CUTE. my heart is healed

maomao the sniffer

the mystery plot is moving and things are getting exciting now!
Jan 17, 10:21 AM

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Dec 2020
1024
That was funny where MaoMao was smelling on all the clothes, Jinshi is getting mad by her jokes xD.
P O S I T I V E V I B E Sシ


Jan 17, 10:34 AM

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Feb 2022
413
Xiaolan continues to be the most adorable lil bean, a ray of sunshine.

More and more plots and schemes get laid before us.

Lihua, blessed with a second pregnancy, as long as the threat is stopped.



***i am up to date with the manga
Jan 17, 10:43 AM

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Apr 2013
7954
Oh I wasn't remembering that the 3 sisters were coming in the story so early. I have only vague memory about those early volumes TBH, so maybe they're just announced now but will arrive quite a bit later, we'll see.
So many things announced or introduced in this episode. Love how sinister the music suddenly becomes while Maomao explains what she realised about the Caravan's products and that to connect the dots. Very fitting. Shin is back on screen, huh. I think that's the first time since the first season's episode 6.

ZefyrisJan 18, 4:13 AM
Jan 17, 10:52 AM
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May 2021
2485
Maomao appreciation always! Yh the last scene of this ep 👀 am intrigued.
Jan 17, 11:16 AM

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Jul 2022
952
I love seeing Maomao and Xiolan together. Xiolan is so adorable, and Maomao totally gives off that big sister vibe when they interact.

Ugh, not again, another attempt on the lives of the concubines' babies. Poor Lihua; I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I'm getting bad vibes from Shin, her lady-in-waiting. Thankfully, Maomao noticed that something wasn't right. Even if it's just a theory, it's better to be safe than sorry.

As for Gyokuyou's dresses, I didn't quite get it. Was Maomao implying that there are people who might already know about Gyokuyou's pregnancy?
Jan 17, 11:23 AM

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Jan 17, 11:48 AM

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Aug 2020
4043
great ep

MAomao, no way ,she really joked about that...
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Jan 17, 12:01 PM
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Oct 2022
792
Maomao is on fire again! No one can say otherwise to her, she is just too god at solving mysterious cases from Crystal Pavilion.
Jan 17, 12:06 PM
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May 2022
349
In this show, there’s no such thing as coincidence.
Jan 17, 12:19 PM

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Jul 2017
6808
Good episode, visually had a bit too many stills in the first half but it looked better towards the end, and the plot is back in Apothecary Diaries-style fashion. Maomao causing some chaos as usual but with 'good intentions', putting together some hidden issues that are exposed as a result of the caravan sales of these rare products, especially with the knowledge of Gyokuyou being pregnant and knowing what happened with similar cases referred to like the toxic powder, which again, not deceiving in small doses but can be a big issue if used too much for too long (especially with the amount of people that seem to be interested in these scents and oils).
Jan 17, 12:29 PM

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May 2021
712
for some reason I thought Lihua couldn’t get pregnant anymore but I was wrong apparently

and did Jinshi down the jasmine tea after maomao said it could cause infertility?

Im loving the second season already and I just saw it’ll be 24 eps again which is super exciting!
Jan 17, 12:46 PM
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Oct 2016
2581
Another incident of so many coincidences happening where we have to question if it's accident or poison. Maomao has another subterfuge mystery on her hands! This caravan arriving has brought some headaches with it, along with the nice clothes and nice smelling scents. It seems like someone among the merchants knew that lady Gyoukyou is pregnant. Selling those dresses with the belts above the waist is very suspect. Maomao did buy some delicious jasmine tea from the caravan, she's smart to wait till the last day so all the bargain deals are out. Making a new friend in the girl Shisui, the same one who caught the cat Maomao in the previous episode. She also seems very knowledgeable about plants and insects. I think it would be fun seeing her and Maomao going ingredient hunting on the north side of the palace. There's definitely something fishy going on and it's up to Maomao per usual to figure out what!
Jan 17, 1:17 PM

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Sep 2009
3034
Reply to Mari_Marx
@Mari_Marx
Nachtwandler_21Jan 18, 5:38 PM
Jan 17, 1:19 PM

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Sep 2009
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Reply to Zefyris
Oh I wasn't remembering that the 3 sisters were coming in the story so early. I have only vague memory about those early volumes TBH, so maybe they're just announced now but will arrive quite a bit later, we'll see.
So many things announced or introduced in this episode. Love how sinister the music suddenly becomes while Maomao explains what she realised about the Caravan's products and that to connect the dots. Very fitting. Shin is back on screen, huh. I think that's the first time since the first season's episode 6.

@Zefyris if I am not mistaken, both sisters arrival and stuff with Shin is teased early here but my memory about these minor details from early LN volumes is also vague.
Jan 17, 1:36 PM

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Aug 2016
147
I swear to god i love the anime, but i'm all for the Maomao & Jinshi scenes. Loved the end-scene, when Jinshin pouted & left cuz Maomao hurt him. So cute. Also loved the cliffhanger at the end, which is exactly what Maomao was talking about. Excited to see what's up in the next episode!
Jan 17, 1:54 PM

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Jul 2024
432
Great episode. LMAO a couple times, plus Maomao gets to display her encyclopedic knowledge of poisons. Just doesn't get better than this.
Jan 17, 2:53 PM
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Oct 2020
3709
The way simple things that normally could be ignored as coincidences but could actually be all part of some plan to big for anyone to normally grasp or notice in this show is insane. Really love all the mystery aspects of this show. MaoMao really needs a promotion. The rear palace would be cooked without her. I also feel bad for Lihua I really really hope she doesn't lose another child. It also makes me think of how did all the previous of the Emperor's children died and were just passed off as oh you know kids die that young all the time at that era.

MaoMao also got another friend a girl that really really like Insects. She's kinda sus though ngl. Especially with the timing of her arrival.

Saw someone think Hongniang might betray Gyokuyou but I feel that scene at the end instead of implying a betrayal from Hongniang but trying to make both Hongniang & Gyokuyou appear ominous like you know it would be advantageous to them if Lihua's baby dies again somehow. If there were to be traitor I'd expect it to be from a new Lady in waiting instead. Idk though I haven't read the LNs. I really do hope there's no betryal though and Lihua doesn't have to suffer the loss of another child. That lady has been through enough. Though I think she needs to pick better ladies in waiting. Gyokuyou is the only one so far I feel with great ladies in waiting helping her. She might not have quantity but she definitely has quality.
RexnihiloJan 17, 3:22 PM
Jan 17, 3:28 PM
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Mar 2024
45
does anyone know when the dub episodes come out?
x2
Jan 17, 4:01 PM

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Jan 2008
1742
We see some more world-building with the caravan of merchants coming from the west, likely traveling mainly along the Silk Road trade route. It's interesting how the spread of goods and ideas can travel so far and evolve over time, from merchants to scholars, and diplomats...Although I guess something like waterworks would have been absolutely necessary given the sheer size of the massive city-scale palace grounds. The empress Maomao is referring to likely built upon and expanded existing waterworks in the palace from the dynasties prior, like the moat. Come to think of it, I wonder which foreign nation Maomao's foster father Luomen studied medicine abroad in, or if he went to multiple countries.

It's fascinating how what one purchase can tell about a person. Maomao noticed the underlying probing intentions from the clothes that were more suitable for maternity. This sort of thing is still being done to this very day, where companies can track what items you search/browse for, coming to a conclusion like "someone in this house is likely pregnant" and end up sending specific product coupons in the mail and targeted ads online, getting to the point where they can sometimes predict if a person is pregnant before even the woman herself finds out.

The friendship between Maomao and Xiaolan is so adorable. It should absolutely be protected at all costs. And very shrewd of Maomao to aim for discounts on the last day. Maomao advising to buy regular clothes to obfuscate any potential spies was a good idea, as danger arises if too many people know early on about Gyokuyou's second pregnancy, as they would give more would-be assassins time to scheme.

Very poignant of Maomao to point out to Jinshi that the main difference between medicines and poisons is the dosage, a major theme in this series.

Another conspiracy is afoot, this time somebody is deliberately trying to increase the odds of a miscarriage happening, basically an assassination attempt on a royal family member. And now one of the middle-rack concubines was poisoned to death it seems. As the saying goes; twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.

Going by next episode's title, looks like they're gonna find some shrooms growing on a buried corpse, probably murdered. The most sus is Lihua's head maid.
Estoy_GordoJan 17, 4:13 PM
Jan 17, 5:10 PM

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Dec 2007
263
another 5minute episode 😭
Jan 17, 5:26 PM
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Jul 2021
127
Dayan said:
another 5minute episode 😭

Exactly what I was just thinking!!!

Fantastic 👍❤️👏
Jan 17, 5:44 PM
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Jul 2024
1650
First time I've seen one of Maomao's taunt's REALLY land. All because our guy really isn't a eunuch. LOL
Jan 17, 6:05 PM

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May 2015
2526
Reply to symbolsanime
does anyone know when the dub episodes come out?
@symbolsanime why on earth would you watch a dub instead of Aoi Yuuki? Philistine
Jan 17, 7:17 PM
puer aeternus

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Sep 2021
1542
Reply to JessicaKari
for some reason I thought Lihua couldn’t get pregnant anymore but I was wrong apparently

and did Jinshi down the jasmine tea after maomao said it could cause infertility?

Im loving the second season already and I just saw it’ll be 24 eps again which is super exciting!
JessicaKari said:
and did Jinshi down the jasmine tea after maomao said it could cause infertility?
Gotta blame the horrible Netflix sub again, it's actually the opposite of it. Jasmine tea is considered as an aphrodisiac and a fertility booster.
Jan 17, 7:27 PM
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Dec 2023
383
I said last episode that nothing much happened, but I trust that they'll pick things up soon enough. And guess what! That happened this episode. New mysteries waiting to be solved. Can't wait.
Jan 17, 8:22 PM

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May 2023
292
hongniang!? or is this just a misdirection?
Jan 17, 8:39 PM
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Oct 2020
11
Any idea with this rather cryptic scene? around the 14.00 mins mark
Jan 17, 8:53 PM
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Dec 2016
481
Reply to Mari_Marx
@Mari_Marx she’s actually not new. I thought she seemed familiar so I just went back to check and she’s the one who threw away Maomao’s warning about the face powder
Jan 17, 10:01 PM

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Mar 2020
1474
Who knew that sniffing could end up turning into an entire conspiracy...

I find it quite interesting how something as comedic as Maomao sniffing the clothes of the ladies in waiting can transition into yet another medical conspiracy surrounding the new fad, scented oils. It really shows off the versatility of the anime's writing. This whole mystery behind the scented oils will be interesting, because it can really shake up the rear palace, especially if someone gets into serious trouble due to the scents. However, there's also a non-zero chance that this whole situation was a coincidence, and that it wasn't a conspiracy after all. That's what Maomao will have to decipher going forward.
Jan 17, 10:35 PM

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Jul 2008
11153
Here we go, right back into the grand conspiracy.
Jan 17, 11:30 PM

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Nov 2023
2026
Another crazy episode!

That Caravan sure brings new problems.

Maomao sniffing others? I bet Jinshi is not happy about it lol.

Looks like next episode is gonna be a thriller!
I need somebody who can love me at my worst
No, I'm not perfect, but I hope you see my worth
'Cause it's only you, nobody new, I put you first
And for you, girl, I swear I'll do the worst

If you stay forever, let me hold your hand
I can fill those places in your heart no else can
Let me show you love, oh, I don't pretend, yeah
I'll be right here, baby, you know I'll sink or swim
Jan 18, 12:00 AM
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Sep 2016
642
Must... at all cost... protecc... Xiaolan!!!!!

Here comes everyone's favorite: Shisui!!!!

So... much... foreshadowing... in an... EP.... Must... not... spoil!!!

And they're adapting almost EVERYTHING!!! Kinda surprises me... I rly thought they'd skip some of the materials, but no it seems...
Well, this is Kusuriya no Hitorigoto after all, some small details in a random scene somewhere turned to be a major plot ploint some other times in a distant future arcs is not rly that uncommon here.... So I guess they'd kinda forced to adapt EVERYTHING....
Python is the best programming language ever. FIGHT ME!
Jan 18, 3:23 AM
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Apr 2018
1
Nice and calm episode.
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