Maomao and Jinshi might be the main leads and the highlight of The Apothecary Diaries for many fans. The strength of the series, however, is how fleshed out their side characters are, no matter how little their screen time is. They all play a role in the plot and have nuanced personalities.
The current Emperor of Li is one of the most influential secondary characters in The Apothecary Diaries. Being the ruler of the land, he has the most power and governance. The stoic and calm personality he shows to the public hides a much more interesting person underneath it all.
So knowing this, it’s incredibly sad and considered a waste of potential that he’s just a side character and not given enough screen time. Within the few interactions we’ve seen, the Emperor also has a benevolent side to him, defying the typical ruler trope. While The Apothecary Diaries does a great job portraying this side of him, something is missing.
The Apothecary Diaries needs to explore the Emperor’s character more
If you’ve watched the series closely, you’ll notice the Emperor doesn’t have a lot of expression. He has this practiced neutrality around him that exudes power and influence. However, this isn’t the only side we see of him. Beyond being a ruler, he’s also a father and a doting one at that.
Anime characters in positions of power aren’t often portrayed as loving fathers. In most cases, they are quite the opposite in the worst way. The Emperor, on the other hand, dotes on Lingli. He also treats Lishu, who is his consort by title only and nothing more, as his daughter.
It shows incredible depth that he takes an active role in their life. Moreover, when with people he trusts, he’s often more laid back and playful. He even teased Jinshi by suggesting he take Maomao as his consort. It’s obvious he’s noticed their affection for each other, even Reddit fans relate to him.
Me and the Emp are on the same wavelength
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Still, the stoic side of him isn’t a facade. He knows his role as the ruler of Li and considering how disgusting his father, the previous Emperor, was, he strives to be nothing like him. He maintains the peace but not without instilling power and he knows how to show it.
The Emperor has to clean up the messes of the past
If not the Emperor’s personality, one of the main reasons why The Apothecary Diaries has to give him more screen time is to gain his perspective too. With Maomao as the unreliable narrator, we don’t get enough. We know the Emperor carries a heavy burden but wish the series would dive deeper.
The several mysteries and crimes going around the palace, particularly when they threaten the lives of his consorts and Jinshi, are nothing new to him. It still takes a toll on him. With the help of Maomao’s deductions and Jinshi’s passion, he does get the assistance he needs.
Despite the limited time we get, the Emperor does drive the story. He maintains order and without him, the palace would be in disarray, even with others’ help. That is why he deserves a more integral role in The Apothecary Diaries and to also learn more about the politics and history of it.
The Apothecary Diaries is available on Crunchyroll.
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