The Apothecary Diaries

Maomao

A young apprentice apothecary sold as a servant to the palace who solves mysteries using her pharmaceutical expertise.

Jinshi

A beautiful eunuch managing the harem who takes interest in Maomao's abilities and plays a key role in solving palace mysteries.

Kaizui

The emperor's younger brother who conceals his true identity and operates secretly, revealed to be the true identity of Jinshi.

Goushun

A martial officer from the Ma family and loyal guardian serving Jinshi.

Taomei

Goushun's wife, former nursemaid of Jinshi who also serves as his attendant.

Bashan

Jinshi's foster brother and martial officer in the palace, devoted childhood friend.

Baliang

Goushun's son and a gifted civil officer assisting Jinshi.

Mamei

Older sister of Baliang and Bashan, gifted in administrative skills and wife of a martial officer.

Maque

Baliang's wife, an intelligence operative from the Si family and attendant to Jinshi.

Ramen

Maomao's foster father and apothecary, former eunuch medical officer in the palace.

Han Lakhan

A brilliant but eccentric military strategist from the Luo family.

Han Lahan

Rakan's nephew and adopted son, a civil officer responsible for finances and Maomao's cousin.

Roman Ani

Han Lahan's elder brother, an agriculture expert who helped reduce locust damage.

Meimei

One of the top courtesans at the Ryokushokan brothel and Maomao's old acquaintance, somewhat short-tempered.

Hailing

The eldest of the three top courtesans in Ryokushokan, a kind-hearted advocate of free love.

Joka

The youngest of the trio of top courtesans, intelligent and disdainful of men.

Fengxian

Maomao's mother, former courtesan and master of Go and chess, later taken as concubine by Rakan.

Yuye Queen

The emperor's favored consort residing in the Jadeite Palace who appointed Maomao as her maid.

Lifa Queen

One of the emperor's consorts, a dignified and wise queen who bears illness but holds gratitude toward Maomao.

Lishu Queen

A young virtuous queen who joined the harem early and suffers much persecution, diagnosed with a special condition by Maomao.

Aduo Queen

A consort raised as the emperor's foster sister under the previous emperor, living in a separate palace and having lost her son.

Loulan Queen

A consort known for her varied makeup and disguises, who abducted Maomao from the harem.

Xiao Lan

A friendly palace maid close to Maomao who secured a job at a consort's family after completing her term.

Li Bai

A young and strong martial officer, friend of Maomao, aspiring to get promoted.

Lucsun

Former civil officer and deputy to Rakan, from a merchant family, cousin to Yuye's half-siblings.

Shu Zhang

Patriarch of the Zi family and father of Loulan Queen, an influential prime minister.

Shen Mei

Wife of Shu Zhang and mother of Loulan Queen, a former consort of the previous emperor harboring resentment toward the court.

Cuiling

Real name of Sisui, an undercover agent for the main family secretly active in the palace.

Yuanyuan

A medical assistant working alongside Maomao, she displays a strong dislike of men but is loyal.

Yao

Daughter of a formerly wealthy family, working as a medical assistant and second only to Maomao.

Liu

Senior imperial medical officer and benefactor of Luo Men, a leader in medical guidance.

An Shi

Consort of the former emperor and biological mother of the current emperor, later becoming empress dowager.

Emperor / Gyouyou

The current emperor of Li, older brother of Jinshi, age 34.

Sisui (servant to Loulan Queen)

Disguise of the Loulan Queen herself, an insect enthusiast and inquisitor.