Anshi
Important woman who is the biological mother of the current emperor and later became the Empress Dowager
Consort of the late emperor and biological mother of the current emperor, later becoming an important woman as the Empress Dowager. She rose to the rank of Empress Dowager in the inner palace and wields great influence over internal politics. A figure with a complex background, having known the late emperor's sexual preferences since childhood, yet currying favor with him and giving birth to a prince.
Trivia
- Anshi has a highly unique background, becoming a consort despite knowing the late emperor's pedophilic fetish.
- Underwent cesarean section during the birth of the current emperor, with a postoperative scar as a setting.
- A woman who holds an important political position within the inner palace in the work.
- Voiced by Mamiko Noto, embodying mature motherhood and calmness through her composed performance.
Alternate names
Profile
- Species
- Human
- Gender
- Female
Appearance
- Overall appearance
- Entered the inner palace at a young age, possessing a quiet yet elegant bearing, but her appearance is youthful and childlike relative to her age. Natural black hair and unassuming features. She exudes a strong will and dignity concealed within.
- Eye color
- Brown
- Hair color
- Black
- Distinguishing features
-
- Cesarean section scar from childbirth
- Youthful appearance too young to look like a mother
- Rose in rank from mid-level consort to Empress Dowager
Personality and abilities
- Core personality
- Calm
- Detailed personality
- Harbors grudges yet navigates power shrewdly with calculations. Said to have influenced the current emperor's humane policies, she keeps her painful past experiences close to her heart while maintaining a composed demeanor outwardly. Holds feelings of resentment and curses toward the late emperor.
- Keywords
-
- Calculating
- Deeply scheming and far-sighted
- Patient
- Dignity
- Maternal love
- Talents
-
- High political insight
- Maneuvering within the inner palace
- Mental strength to suppress emotions
- Skills
-
- Knowledge and etiquette of the inner palace
- Subtle suggestions and manipulations
- Situational judgment ability
- Motivation
- To support the stable reign of her son, the current emperor, and stabilize politics within the inner palace and royal palace. To overcome her painful past and resentment toward the late emperor.
History
- Backstory
- Consort of the late emperor who entered the inner palace young. Understanding his pedophilic tendencies, she offered herself, became pregnant, and rose to consort. Underwent cesarean section during the birth of the current emperor, resulting in a scar. Endured the late emperor's tyranny while gaining influence as the current emperor's mother, eventually rising to Empress Dowager. Harbors past hardships and complex relationships while being deeply involved in the current emperor's humane policies.
- Work title
- The Apothecary Diaries
- Media type
- Novel
Entry into the Inner Palace and Promotion to Consort
- Significant event
- Entry into the Inner Palace and Promotion to Consort
- Description
- Originally entered the inner palace as the lady-in-waiting to the late emperor's older sister and was promoted to mid-level consort
Birth of the Current Emperor
- Significant event
- Birth of the Current Emperor
- Description
- Cesarean section due to young age during childbirth, leaving a scar afterward
Ascension to Empress Dowager
- Significant event
- Ascension to Empress Dowager
- Description
- Gained great power in the inner palace as the mother of the current emperor and became the Empress Dowager
Influence on the Current Emperor's Humane Policies
- Significant event
- Influence on the Current Emperor's Humane Policies
- Description
- Suggested to have greatly influenced the current emperor's policies from behind the scenes
Relationships
Current Emperor
Mother
Biological mother and possesses a deep bond as the political backing for the current emperor
Late Emperor
Spouse
Her husband, but suffered knowing his pedophilic fetish
Current Emperor
Best friend
Recognized as an important figure who influenced his policies
Inner Palace
Inner Palace: leader
Media appearances
The Apothecary Diaries
Novel / Supporting
Serialization began in September 2012
The Apothecary Diaries
Manga / Supporting
Serialization began in June 2017
The Apothecary Diaries
Anime / Supporting
Season 1 aired from October 2023 to March 2024, Season 2 scheduled from January to July 2025
Voice cast and creators
Mamiko Noto
- Voice actor
- Mamiko Noto
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- TV Anime version
Natsu Hyūga
- Creator name
- Natsu Hyūga
- Role
- Original author
Tōko Shino
- Creator name
- Tōko Shino
- Role
- Character Designer