Caravan
Episode 2 of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 begins with Gaoshun visiting Jinshi in the latter’s office. Gaoshun gives Jinshi a scroll, informing him that a party for foreign envoys will happen soon. Gaoshun tells Jinshi that senior officials will handle the party.
Meanwhile, Hongniang tells Maomao and Gyokuyou’s ladies-in-waiting that she wants to organize her wardrobe. While the girls organize the clothes, a lady-in-waiting tells Maomao that a new attendant will arrive soon.
The ladies in waiting tell Maomao why Gyokuyou needs more attendants. Meanwhile, Lihua gives a scroll to a woman named Shin. Shin learns it’s for caravan shopping. She gives the scroll to a maid and asks them to complete Lihua’s task. Shin departs and a woman hands Shin a message from the clinic.
Concurrently, Maomao and Xiaolan observe a festival from afar. Maomao reflects on the Imperial Palace’s hygiene management system. Later, Maomao visits Gyokuyou and the others. Gyokuyou thinks she spent a lot of money at the festival.
Maomao reflects on each consort’s spending habits and examines Gyokuyou’s outfits. Sensing something is amiss, Maomao tells Gyokuyou to ask the outfits’ designers for new outfits. Maomao argues the current outfits could reveal Gyokuyou’s pregnancy.
Gyokuyou understands and tells Hongniang to notify the merchants. Maomao and Xiaolan visit the festival during the event’s final day. She purchases a hair tie for Xiaolan and the two visit more shops.
Maomao and Xiaolan arrive at a shop and meet the girl who saved the kitten from episode one. Xiaolan calls the girl Shishui and the two catch up for a while. Maomao purchases goods and she, Xiaolan, and Shisui visit Guen and the kitten (Rat Exterminator).
Then, they eat. Shishui informs Maomao about her tasks in the north. Shishui discusses her love of drawing and her experiences with insects. Maomao’s intrigued and Shisui entices Maomao to head to the northern ruins with her.
Some time passes. A woman drops a pile of clothes on Maomao. Maomao sniffs the clothes and senses something is amiss. She travels to the Crystal Pavilion and sniffs others’ clothes, including Shin’s. Jinshi confronts Gyokuyou, Maomao, and the others.
He tells them Shin gave him a protest letter regarding Maomao’s activities. Maomao apologizes and hands Jinshi a note. Jinshi reads the note containing the names of perfumes and oils. Maomao argues these fragrances will harm pregnant women.
Jinshi says he’ll investigate. Maomao puts the product on a table. She says it resembles the poison face powder that harmed Lingli and killed Lihua’s child. Jinshi argues someone brought poison into the Imperial Palace.
Maomao argues some items could be poisonous, but alone, they’re not. She suggests they remain cautious with the other consorts. As Gaoshun and others investigate, Maomao wonders how this incident connects with previous mysteries.
Jinshi visits Gaoshun at night. Gaoshun tells Jinshi he got the message out. Gaoshun tells Jinshi that a woman named Lady Jin passed away from poison. The episode ends with Hongniang pouring Gyokuyou a drink.
The Episode Review
Mysteries abound in this week’s chapter of The Apothecary Diaries season 2. It appears someone is plotting against the Imperial Palace’s consorts. The author does a swell job of building tension around the mystery. Also, many fans will find Maomao’s strange investigative habits entertaining.
Maomao’s decision to sniff Lihua’s workers’ clothing is a great example. It’s a bizarre choice, but it suits Maomao’s character. Additionally, the episode provides information on Shisui regarding her work life and hobbies.
Considering the attention Shishui received, fans can infer she will play a huge role in season 2’s plot. Hopefully, it’s significant. Concurrently, the episode’s historical details will appease world history fanatics.
From the caravan chatter to the Imperial Palace’s hygiene management system, many will appreciate the author’s attention to detail. I’m excited to see what unfolds next week.
Previous Episode |
Next Episode |
Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes! |
-
Episode Rating -