You may wonder why The Apothecary Diaries is hyped up, and yet it serves as iconic in every single way. The colors, character designs, setting, everything is what a historical drama should be. It is, however, anything but a stereotypical portrayal of consort culture, and the latest episode proved why.
In particular, it showcased Lihua in her most unapologetic element and for the right reasons. Some shocking revelations had most fans on the edge of their seats. This is precisely why the anime needs to unfurl the hidden mysteries and unsolved questions embedded within the Crystal Pavillion.
Lady Lihua: The Queen, The Legend, The Moment
We were first introduced to Lihua in Season One, where she slapped Gyokuyou and blamed her for her son’s death. Both are esteemed consorts in their respective pavilion and are subject to dangers. In this case, it had to do with their babies being poisoned, and it didn’t end well for one of them.
Lihua, in particular, lost her son, which was one of the most gut-wrenching moments. She is introduced as an arrogant, proud, and insecure consort however, she isn’t one to be pained in black and white. Her character is all about depth and layers as we witness her progression.
If not for Maomao, Lihua would’ve succumbed to the assassination attempts. Her wit, deduction, and resolve played a huge role in uncovering the perpetrators and their moves. The face powder scene was satisfactory for our fans as we witnessed the apothecary slapping sense into the maids.
Yes, violence is wrong, and in no way was this the glorification of it whatsoever. But this was a turning point for Lihua and changed her for the better. Maomao’s care and efforts encouraged her to stand up for herself, and this episode brought out the magnificence of her character with a single slap.
Needless to say, Redditors on r/KusuriyaNoHitorigoto were rather pleased with that, and why should they not be?
The Apothecary Diaries S2 Episode 6
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To witness your kid perish in front of your own eyes was a hefty ordeal for Lihua. But what the series did best was celebrate the intricacies of her character and her well-written development. From an arrogant consort to a compassionate woman, she has come far.
And it only makes sense why the series should delve deeper into the makings of the Crystal Pavillion. So far, we have seen Gyokuyou and her interactions with her maids and close aides, but we have yet to witness Lihua’s dynamics with other characters within her chambers.
Mysteries of the Crystal Pavillion in The Apothecary Diaries
Like every other pavilion in The Apothecary Diaries, The Crystal Pavillion is laden with mysteries, unsolved questions as well as powerplay. From assassination to abortion, consorts aren’t isolated from schemes and manipulation.
Indeed, the powerplay seeps within the folds of concubines and consorts. In the middle of all this, women struggle to maintain healthy relationships, and this is where Maomao steps in. She isn’t a mere Apothecary but a pivotal figure bridging the gap between consorts.
To top it off, her relationship with Lihua is truly endearing in most ways. From her slapping the maid and nursing the consort to helping her in matters of intimacy, it is transactional. Lihua, in turn, shows her affection by watching over her as she sleeps and letting her use the space for cultivating roses.
In a way, it is similar to an unspoken bond between a mother and daughter, which is non-biological yet wholesome in many aspects. Truly what makes The Apothecary Diaries a compelling and gripping saga of friendships, love, and camaraderie.
The Apothecary Diaries is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
