As a romance series, The Apothecary Diaries is excelling at teasing its fans with Maomao and Jinshi’s dynamic. The “will they, won’t they” of it all gets us all excited and loving every moment between them. However, at the end of the day, it isn’t just a romance. It’s a realistic drama set in Ancient China.
Knowing this, fans shouldn’t be surprised when the characters follow the patriarchal order set by Confucian principles. They forget Maomao isn’t allowed to be an official medical officer, and it seems so has Jinshi. Despite warning her to be careful, he calls an Apothecary very openly.
In the latest episode, Maomao’s medicinal skills have once again drawn negative attention. Shenlu catches this, but instead of being reprimanded, she asks her to make some medicine for a maid at the Crystal Pavillion. Maomao, still unnerved, does what she asks.
So, it’s abundantly clear that Maomao is aware of how her having these skills is frowned upon, and yet Jinshi doesn’t hide it. More curiously, others in the Inner Palace ask for her assistance. It doesn’t make sense in the world of The Apothecary Diaries. How does she get away with it?
Jinshi is simply respecting her profession before Maomao came to the palace
In The Apothecary Diaries, there is a distinct gap between the occupations women are allowed to have versus men. Women aren’t given enough education and resort to being concubines. Men, on the other hand, without prior knowledge, are allowed to be doctors, military leaders, and so on.
This is highlighted by how Guen, who doesn’t know anything about medicine, is allowed to be the official physician of the Inner Palace. On the other hand, Maomao, who is a trained Apothecary by Luomen, is only eligible to be a servant because of her gender.
Jinshi, however, turns a blind eye to this law as the overseer of the Inner Palace. He encourages her and trusts her with all matters related to medicine. He knows how important women are to society, still protecting her identity to ensure she doesn’t get thrown out.
However, fans are confused as to why Jinshi openly calls Maomao an “Apothecary” if she isn’t allowed to be one officially. He even instructs her to hide it. So why doesn’t he follow it himself? This Redditor explains it.
Comment
byu/Vivokas from discussion
inKusuriyaNoHitorigoto
While Confucianism did support a patriarchal system, The Apothecary Diaries mostly applied them to the palace. Outside of it, nobody cared about the gender of the medical official treating them. Even Maomao having medical knowledge isn’t a crime. She just isn’t allowed to create more serious drugs.
So when Jinshi calls her “Apothecary,” it’s likely everyone is already aware of her job outside of the palace. Her treating minor ailments isn’t a big deal either.
Will Maomao be caught and punished at some point by the Emperor?
In The Crystal Pavilion, for the Third Time, Lady Lihua sings her praises of Maomao to the Emperor after she saves her for the second time. This made the man hesitate for unknown reasons.
The Apothecary Diaries, so far, hasn’t shown terrible consequences for Maomao’s involvement in all the mysteries, including her giving medicinal packets to other maids. However, the ending of Season 2, Episode 6 might prove this was all a red herring for something worse that is yet to come.
The Emperor was deep in thought after Lihua spoke about Maomao’s involvement. He’s noticing a pattern and it’s hard to tell if he’s grateful or knows more than he’s letting on.
In a patriarchal society like theirs, it won’t be a surprise if he punishes her for dabbling in it more than she is allowed to. Perhaps Jinshi will protect her and change his mind about Maomao.
The Apothecary Diaries is available on Crunchyroll.
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