Gyokuyou

Trivia

Gyokuyou's biological mother was a low-status dancer from the West, resulting in a strained relationship with her siblings.
Selecting Maomao as her lady-in-waiting became a major turning point in the story.
Gyokuyou maintains looser hierarchical relationships compared to other consorts and is close to her ladies-in-waiting.
She later ascends to the Empress position and becomes known as 'Gyokuyou Empress'.

Alternate names

Yuye Queen 玉葉贵妃

Profile

Species: Human
Gender: Female

Appearance

Overall appearance: A foreign princess with red hair and jade eyes, exuding a homely atmosphere. Her appearance is beautiful and captivating.
Eye color: Green
Hair color: Red
Distinguishing features: Red hair

Jade eyes

Personality and abilities

Core personality: Thoughtful
Detailed personality: While possessing a calm and bright personality, she is cautious and thoughtful. She exercises prudence by entrusting her ladies-in-waiting only to those she can truly trust, and has a humble demeanor, treating those who have done her favors with courtesy regardless of their status. Additionally, she is highly curious and finds amusement in many things.
Keywords: Homely

Cautious

Cheerful

Humble

Thoughtful

Curious
Talents: Political judgment

Mastery of human relations

Mediation skills
Skills: Rear palace leadership

Etiquette as a high-ranking consort
Motivation: Stabilizing the rear palace and maintaining influence over the Emperor
Favorite places: Jade Palace
Favorite colors: Green, Red

History

Backstory: Gyokuyou is a high-ranking consort in the rear palace, favored by the Emperor, and resides in the Jade Palace. She is the youngest of 13 siblings; her biological mother was a low-status dancer from the West, leading to a strained relationship with her biological brother but relatively good relations with her sisters. She appointed Maomao as her personal lady-in-waiting and highly values her abilities. She bore a daughter, Lingli, with the Emperor and devotes effort to her upbringing. Later, she ascends to the Empress position and becomes known as Gyokuyou Empress.
Debut date: September 26, 2012
Work title: The Apothecary Diaries
Media type: Novel

Selecting Maomao as lady-in-waiting

Significant event: Selecting Maomao as lady-in-waiting
Description: Recognized Maomao's abilities as an apothecary and appointed her as a lady-in-waiting. Entrusts her with tasks in the Jade Palace and places great trust in her.

Birth of the Crown Prince

Significant event: Birth of the Crown Prince
Description: Gave birth to a son who later becomes the Crown Prince and ascends to the Empress position.

Crown Prince's growth and rear palace stability

Significant event: Crown Prince's growth and rear palace stability
Description: Contributes to the stability of the rear palace and becomes one of the politically influential high-ranking consorts.

Relationships

The Emperor

The Emperor's favorite consort, holding a special position within the court.

Lingli

Child

Daughter born with the Emperor, whom she is raising dearly in the rear palace.

Maomao

Teammate

Selected her as her personal lady-in-waiting and highly evaluates her abilities and judgment.

Rear Palace High-Ranking Consorts

Rear Palace High-Ranking Consorts: leader

Media appearances

The Apothecary Diaries

Novel / Supporting

First edition released on September 26, 2012

The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Rear Palace Mystery Notebook

Manga / Supporting

Serializing in Monthly Big Gangan since the June 2017 issue

The Apothecary Diaries (Anime)

Anime / Supporting

Aired October 2023 - March 2024, Season 2: January 2025 - July

Voice cast and creators

Yoko Hikasa

Voice actor: Yoko Hikasa
Language: Japanese
Version or series: TV Anime

Atsumi Tanezaki

Voice actor: Atsumi Tanezaki
Language: Japanese
Version or series: TV Anime Season 2

Natsu Hinata

Creator name: Natsu Hinata
Role: Original author

Touko Shino

Creator name: Touko Shino
Role: Character designer