With the recent release of episode 9 of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, many discussions are coming to life regarding the controversial yet profound elements we got to see. Finally, the past of the previous emperor and the current empress dowager was explored, and their secrets were revealed.
The heinous acts that the emperor did were absolutely unacceptable, even though he might have been a victim himself. However, what was more unseemly was the fact that Jinshi was likened to him.
A physical resemblance to a blood relative does not mean they are the same. Jinshi is absolutely the opposite of the previous emperor, and I can not accept that we have to witness such a comparison.
Physical similarity does not mean two people are the same
Jinshi and the previous emperor definitely share physical traits, and I can see why one might think they look alike. They both have an androgynous face and delicate features, along with a similar hairstyle. In his younger days, the emperor was deemed handsome, just like Jinshi as well.
However, the emperor was famed for being a weak-willed man who had no qualities to become a king. Not only that, he was so afraid of women that he sought out kids to not just interact with but also form relations with. Plus, he impregnated a young Lady Anshi, and abandoned her after she grew up into a woman.
I FEEL SO SICK, GET BEHIND ME JINSHI, YOU DON’T DESERVE THIS COMPARISON 😭 pic.twitter.com/EgrH3CSKvL
— tamina 🦋 (@keiuzuki) March 7, 2025
Jinshi is nowhere near as incorrigible as his supposed father. Not only does Jinshi respect women, but also does everything in his power to help them out. Yes, there are physical similarities between them, but they are not at all the same emotionally or mentally.
Additionally, the previous emperor was incompetent as a ruler. Even though Jinshi has not become a king, the way he controls the situations within the rear palace showcases his ability as a ruler. If he ever rises to the position of leading the country or army, I can guarantee he will do a better job than the previous king, who was only a puppet.
The reality of their relationship in The Apothecary Diaries changes everything
From what I have felt after reading the manga and watching the anime, Jinshi could be the grandson of the previous emperor and the son of the current emperor. When I consider that aspect, it feels all the more outrageous to compare the two.
Again, they will look similar because they are grandson and grandfather, but at least it distances Jinshi further from the worst person in the series. On top of that, Jinshi looks way more similar to Ah-Duo, with his heavenly beauty, rather than the previous king.
But I can understand or empathize with why Lady Anshi saw the king in Jinshi. Perhaps she was remembering the man she once mistakenly loved and wanted to let him go by recalling him through Jinshi, whom she adores. This way, she can get past the bitter memories he left for her.
And I do not think even Lady Anshi will compare the two based on their actions. She hated the emperor after what he did to her and even made sure to keep Jinshi away from him. Jinshi is definitely his own person, and honestly, he does not deserve this insult.
Watch The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll.
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