1 00:00:04,254 --> 00:00:15,265 The Apothecary Diaries 2 00:01:31,257 --> 00:01:34,260 This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. 3 00:01:53,321 --> 00:01:57,283 EpisodeCovert Operations 4 00:02:18,221 --> 00:02:19,305 I yield. 5 00:02:23,268 --> 00:02:25,270 You've improved, Basen. 6 00:02:25,311 --> 00:02:26,271 No... 7 00:02:27,230 --> 00:02:32,235 My brute force is still no match for your techniques, Master Jinshi. 8 00:02:32,235 --> 00:02:36,322 But that force of yours is quite astounding. You truly carry the Ma clan's blood. 9 00:02:40,285 --> 00:02:43,288 How's the apothecary doing, Gaoshun? 10 00:02:44,247 --> 00:02:46,249 What specifically do you mean? 11 00:02:46,291 --> 00:02:48,293 Has she gained weight? 12 00:02:48,293 --> 00:02:50,295 I believe she has regained some, yes. 13 00:02:51,296 --> 00:02:54,257 I see. Well... 14 00:02:54,299 --> 00:02:57,302 Don't you understand why this stuff was banned?! 15 00:02:57,302 --> 00:02:59,262 I told you, it's poison. 16 00:02:59,304 --> 00:03:02,265 It was unexpected, seeing that side of her. 17 00:03:03,266 --> 00:03:04,309 Are you all right, sir? 18 00:03:04,309 --> 00:03:06,269 Hmm? What? 19 00:03:06,311 --> 00:03:09,063 You seem very concerned. 20 00:03:09,063 --> 00:03:11,107 No, it's nothing. 21 00:03:21,034 --> 00:03:22,076 I knew I'd find it! 22 00:03:24,078 --> 00:03:26,080 Yes! 23 00:03:27,081 --> 00:03:29,083 Oh! Over here, too! 24 00:03:29,083 --> 00:03:31,044 And here, too! 25 00:03:32,045 --> 00:03:35,048 Where should I eat it? The kitchen? 26 00:03:35,048 --> 00:03:38,009 But I don't want people asking where I found it... 27 00:03:38,009 --> 00:03:40,011 Oh, but before that... 28 00:03:41,012 --> 00:03:43,056 Wow, looks so good! 29 00:03:43,056 --> 00:03:46,017 Thanks as always, Maomao! 30 00:03:46,017 --> 00:03:52,065 It's so kind of your higher-ups to share snacks with you every time there's a tea party. 31 00:03:53,024 --> 00:03:54,067 You need to eat more! 32 00:03:54,067 --> 00:03:56,069 Gain more weight! 33 00:03:56,069 --> 00:03:58,029 Don't be shy! 34 00:04:00,073 --> 00:04:02,075 Oh, did you hear? 35 00:04:02,075 --> 00:04:03,993 Hmm? 36 00:04:03,993 --> 00:04:05,036 I heard a palace servant 37 00:04:05,036 --> 00:04:09,040 was able to seduce a military officer who was famous for hating women. 38 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:10,083 Huh... 39 00:04:10,083 --> 00:04:12,085 Guess how she did it. 40 00:04:12,085 --> 00:04:13,086 Who knows? 41 00:04:14,003 --> 00:04:16,005 They say she used an aphrodisiac! 42 00:04:16,089 --> 00:04:18,007 Aphro...disiac? 43 00:04:20,802 --> 00:04:21,803 That one. 44 00:04:21,803 --> 00:04:22,887 What's wrong, Maomao? 45 00:04:22,887 --> 00:04:26,849 N-Nothing. It's not related. Probably. 46 00:04:29,852 --> 00:04:31,813 Good morning. 47 00:04:31,854 --> 00:04:35,775 Oh, hey little lady! What's going on today? 48 00:04:35,775 --> 00:04:37,902 There's a secret I'd like to discuss with you. 49 00:04:37,902 --> 00:04:38,861 What is it? 50 00:04:39,862 --> 00:04:40,863 This. 51 00:04:42,782 --> 00:04:44,826 Wow! Those are fresh matsutake mushrooms! 52 00:04:44,867 --> 00:04:46,869 I'm glad to see you seem to like it. 53 00:04:46,869 --> 00:04:51,791 We'll need charcoal! And some soy paste and salt! 54 00:04:51,791 --> 00:04:56,879 Somehow, I've ended up being buddy-buddy with the quack doctor. 55 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:02,885 Oh, how irresistible! 56 00:05:02,885 --> 00:05:04,846 I think it's ready. 57 00:05:04,846 --> 00:05:07,849 Pour on some soy paste, add some salt... 58 00:05:09,809 --> 00:05:10,810 Here. 59 00:05:14,814 --> 00:05:15,857 Delicious! 60 00:05:15,857 --> 00:05:17,817 Now he's an accomplice. 61 00:05:18,860 --> 00:05:21,821 Delicious! 62 00:05:21,863 --> 00:05:23,823 D-Doctor! 63 00:05:24,824 --> 00:05:26,826 A c-curse... 64 00:05:26,868 --> 00:05:29,829 Can you make a medicine that cures curses? 65 00:05:29,829 --> 00:05:30,830 A curse? 66 00:05:31,831 --> 00:05:32,874 What do you mean? 67 00:05:32,874 --> 00:05:33,833 It's this. 68 00:05:36,878 --> 00:05:41,799 That's quite a bad rash. Maybe an ointment, for starters? 69 00:05:41,799 --> 00:05:43,801 Could you make some? 70 00:05:43,801 --> 00:05:44,844 Understood. 71 00:05:45,845 --> 00:05:47,889 So, what's this curse you mentioned? 72 00:05:48,848 --> 00:05:52,810 It was two nights ago. 73 00:05:52,852 --> 00:05:54,854 Trash that comes out of the rear palace 74 00:05:54,854 --> 00:05:56,898 is burned in the pit on the west side. 75 00:05:57,815 --> 00:06:00,818 I was doing work as usual that day, when... 76 00:06:02,820 --> 00:06:03,821 What's that? 77 00:06:06,824 --> 00:06:09,869 A woman's dress? The bottoms of the sleeves are burnt. 78 00:06:10,828 --> 00:06:12,789 And wood writing tablets...? 79 00:06:12,872 --> 00:06:18,795 I was a little curious, but I just threw it in the fire anyway. Then... 80 00:06:32,850 --> 00:06:35,853 It's a curse! That must be what got to my hands! 81 00:06:37,855 --> 00:06:41,818 Was the fire this color? 82 00:06:44,821 --> 00:06:46,823 Or perhaps this color? 83 00:06:48,825 --> 00:06:50,827 This would do the same thing. 84 00:06:51,869 --> 00:06:54,831 Little lady, what is that? 85 00:06:54,831 --> 00:06:56,874 It's similar to how fireworks work. 86 00:06:56,874 --> 00:06:59,877 Some things change the color of a flame when burned. 87 00:07:00,795 --> 00:07:02,797 Then, what about my hands? 88 00:07:02,839 --> 00:07:05,883 There was probably something on the wood tablets. 89 00:07:06,884 --> 00:07:09,846 I think it caused the rashes when you touched them. 90 00:07:09,887 --> 00:07:12,849 Try this medicine, and let us know how it goes. 91 00:07:12,849 --> 00:07:14,851 Oh, thank you. 92 00:07:14,851 --> 00:07:17,812 The little lady's medicines work like a charm! 93 00:07:17,812 --> 00:07:18,855 You'll be better in no time! 94 00:07:20,815 --> 00:07:22,900 Well done as always, apothecary. 95 00:07:23,818 --> 00:07:24,902 Master Jinshi! 96 00:07:26,821 --> 00:07:28,865 I'll make you some tea. 97 00:07:30,867 --> 00:07:34,829 Greetings, Master Jinshi. What business do you have with me today? 98 00:07:34,871 --> 00:07:38,833 Do you mean I shouldn't talk to you unless I have business? 99 00:07:38,833 --> 00:07:40,877 Of course not. 100 00:07:42,879 --> 00:07:44,797 Follow me for a moment. 101 00:07:45,840 --> 00:07:47,842 Thank you for waiting, Master Jinshi— 102 00:07:48,843 --> 00:07:49,886 Oh. 103 00:07:54,807 --> 00:07:55,892 How many colors are there? 104 00:07:56,809 --> 00:07:58,895 I can't say specifically. 105 00:07:58,895 --> 00:08:02,857 Then, how does one apply these colors? 106 00:08:02,857 --> 00:08:05,860 With salts, you can dissolve them in water. 107 00:08:05,860 --> 00:08:10,823 Some will dissolve in other things, like oil. 108 00:08:10,823 --> 00:08:12,825 But this is outside my area of expertise. 109 00:08:13,826 --> 00:08:14,827 I see. 110 00:08:15,786 --> 00:08:17,872 If that's all, please excuse me. 111 00:08:18,789 --> 00:08:18,873 Wait. 112 00:08:20,875 --> 00:08:22,793 What is it? 113 00:08:22,877 --> 00:08:23,878 I like them teapot-steamed. 114 00:08:27,798 --> 00:08:29,842 I'm counting on you, apothecary. 115 00:08:29,884 --> 00:08:31,844 So, he knew... 116 00:08:32,803 --> 00:08:35,890 I'll see if I can find more tomorrow. 117 00:08:43,356 --> 00:08:47,318 The colored wood tablets are probably some kind of code. 118 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:52,365 People would only use something like that for... something secret? 119 00:08:52,365 --> 00:08:54,325 What would that be? 120 00:08:56,369 --> 00:09:01,290 None of my business. Nothing a food taster should be concerned about. 121 00:09:04,335 --> 00:09:08,339 Thank you. Oh, please take that over there. 122 00:09:09,298 --> 00:09:10,383 I'm back. 123 00:09:11,300 --> 00:09:12,343 Welcome back. 124 00:09:13,302 --> 00:09:18,307 Maomao! Nice timing. Over there, please. Try this on, would you? 125 00:09:18,307 --> 00:09:20,309 Huh? I have a bad feeling about this... 126 00:09:24,313 --> 00:09:25,356 What is this? 127 00:09:26,315 --> 00:09:29,360 Isn't it obvious? It's your dress for the garden party. 128 00:09:29,360 --> 00:09:31,279 Garden party? 129 00:09:31,279 --> 00:09:35,366 Twice a year, the emperor and his high officials gather in the courtyard 130 00:09:35,366 --> 00:09:37,368 to enjoy food and entertainment. 131 00:09:38,327 --> 00:09:42,373 The emperor isn't married yet, so he has no empress consort, right? 132 00:09:43,374 --> 00:09:48,337 In that case, it's customary to bring the upper first-rank concubines. 133 00:09:48,337 --> 00:09:56,846 Upper first-rank concubines... Current Emperor The four high-ranking concubines who are the best contenders for the empress consort. 134 00:09:57,597 --> 00:09:59,640 Last time, Lady Gyokuyou Lady Lihua couldn't attend, 135 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:01,684 because they had just given birth. 136 00:10:01,684 --> 00:10:04,687 So this time, they decided to invite all four concubines. 137 00:10:04,687 --> 00:10:07,607 And what do we do there? 138 00:10:07,607 --> 00:10:10,610 Well, nothing, actually. 139 00:10:13,613 --> 00:10:18,659 We're invited as guests. We just have to follow the emperor. 140 00:10:18,701 --> 00:10:21,621 Some officials come by to pay their respects. 141 00:10:21,621 --> 00:10:23,664 So, don't forget to smile. 142 00:10:23,664 --> 00:10:24,665 Huh... 143 00:10:26,667 --> 00:10:28,711 Is everyone required to attend? 144 00:10:28,711 --> 00:10:30,713 Of course! 145 00:10:31,631 --> 00:10:33,674 This is Princess Lingli's first public appearance, 146 00:10:33,674 --> 00:10:36,636 and a rare event with all four high-ranking concubines! 147 00:10:36,636 --> 00:10:39,680 This is a war! We have to brace ourselves! 148 00:10:40,598 --> 00:10:42,683 Let's do this! 149 00:10:43,684 --> 00:10:46,687 Lady Gyokuyou has so few ladies-in-waiting to start with. 150 00:10:46,687 --> 00:10:49,690 The newbie can't sit this out. 151 00:10:49,690 --> 00:10:54,612 Besides, if there's a meal, the taster is indispensable. 152 00:10:54,612 --> 00:10:57,657 I guess you do need to stuff the chest area a little. 153 00:10:57,657 --> 00:11:00,660 I want to bulk up your waist, too. Is that okay? 154 00:11:00,660 --> 00:11:01,702 I'm in your hands. 155 00:11:03,663 --> 00:11:05,665 We'll be doing some nice makeup, too! 156 00:11:06,707 --> 00:11:09,669 You should hide your freckles occasionally. 157 00:11:11,712 --> 00:11:14,590 Staying outside in the strong winds, 158 00:11:14,590 --> 00:11:16,717 watching the entertainment, eating the food, 159 00:11:16,717 --> 00:11:20,638 smiling at the officials who come by... 160 00:11:20,721 --> 00:11:24,684 I'll definitely need an iron bladder for this one. 161 00:11:25,601 --> 00:11:26,644 In that case... 162 00:11:36,696 --> 00:11:38,698 Good. 163 00:11:38,698 --> 00:11:40,658 That smells nice. 164 00:11:41,617 --> 00:11:43,619 What are you making? 165 00:11:43,619 --> 00:11:45,621 It's candy made of ginger and oranges. 166 00:11:45,621 --> 00:11:46,622 Candy? 167 00:11:46,664 --> 00:11:52,670 Orange peels improve blood flow, and ginger warms the body. 168 00:11:52,712 --> 00:11:55,631 Wait, is it for the garden party?! 169 00:11:55,631 --> 00:11:59,635 Yes. I also made this, just in case. 170 00:11:59,677 --> 00:12:02,638 I sewed pockets into my underrobe. 171 00:12:02,638 --> 00:12:05,683 By putting pocket warmers in there, it should help me withstand the cold. 172 00:12:05,683 --> 00:12:07,601 Maomao! 173 00:12:07,601 --> 00:12:07,685 Huh? 174 00:12:07,685 --> 00:12:11,605 Please, make enough for everyone! 175 00:12:11,689 --> 00:12:13,649 S-Sure... 176 00:12:17,653 --> 00:12:22,658 I guess getting too used to custom can stifle the simplest ideas. 177 00:12:23,659 --> 00:12:27,663 A little work can make things better. 178 00:12:28,622 --> 00:12:29,623 Come in. 179 00:12:29,665 --> 00:12:31,709 I'd like to ask for one, myself. 180 00:12:31,709 --> 00:12:33,669 Me too, please... 181 00:12:33,669 --> 00:12:34,670 Okay. 182 00:12:35,629 --> 00:12:37,673 Please teach me how to make that. 183 00:12:37,673 --> 00:12:39,633 Please. 184 00:12:39,633 --> 00:12:42,678 The emperor's own seamstress and cook, too? 185 00:13:09,705 --> 00:13:10,748 So cold! 186 00:13:25,721 --> 00:13:27,681 Finally finished. 187 00:13:28,766 --> 00:13:30,768 So, it's tomorrow. 188 00:13:33,729 --> 00:13:37,691 Let's make some of those too, just in case. 189 00:13:38,692 --> 00:13:41,695 Regarding the search for those with burns on their arms... 190 00:13:41,779 --> 00:13:43,781 No luck yet? 191 00:13:45,783 --> 00:13:47,701 I'm sorry. 192 00:13:47,743 --> 00:13:52,748 I hope the garden party goes smoothly... 193 00:14:11,767 --> 00:14:14,728 Wow... 194 00:14:14,728 --> 00:14:16,689 You're beautiful, Lady Gyokuyou! 195 00:14:16,689 --> 00:14:18,774 Crimson looks so good on you! 196 00:14:18,774 --> 00:14:20,776 Such wonderful beauty... 197 00:14:21,694 --> 00:14:24,780 No wonder they say crimson suits her better than anyone in all the land. 198 00:14:24,780 --> 00:14:27,783 Yes, you outshine all others. 199 00:14:29,702 --> 00:14:32,746 Thank you. And for you all... 200 00:14:33,747 --> 00:14:37,793 Here. I have to mark you, to make sure you don't attract any bad bugs. 201 00:14:39,795 --> 00:14:41,714 Maomao. 202 00:14:42,715 --> 00:14:46,760 Remember, Maomao. You are my lady-in-waiting. 203 00:14:49,763 --> 00:14:52,725 Uhm, thank you. 204 00:14:53,726 --> 00:14:54,727 Got her! 205 00:14:56,687 --> 00:14:57,730 Um, wait. 206 00:14:57,730 --> 00:14:59,732 Makeup time! 207 00:15:00,691 --> 00:15:02,735 Time to become as cute as you can be! 208 00:15:02,735 --> 00:15:04,737 We'll wipe off your face and apply some scents. 209 00:15:04,737 --> 00:15:06,697 Then we'll deal with your freckles... 210 00:15:06,739 --> 00:15:07,740 There. 211 00:15:10,743 --> 00:15:11,744 Huh? 212 00:15:11,744 --> 00:15:12,786 Maomao? 213 00:15:12,786 --> 00:15:13,787 No... 214 00:15:13,787 --> 00:15:15,706 Why? 215 00:15:15,706 --> 00:15:16,790 Maomao, you're... 216 00:15:18,709 --> 00:15:19,752 Ah... 217 00:15:19,752 --> 00:15:21,712 They caught me. 218 00:15:22,755 --> 00:15:24,757 All right, let's go. 219 00:15:44,735 --> 00:15:47,780 Concubine Lishu, I look forward to seeing you later in the garden party. 220 00:15:48,697 --> 00:15:51,784 Yes, Master Jinshi. 221 00:15:58,707 --> 00:16:01,752 Last is the Precious Consort, Lady Gyokuyou. 222 00:16:04,713 --> 00:16:07,716 He seems to favor Concubine Gyokuyou. 223 00:16:07,716 --> 00:16:10,719 Could it be because of his favorite toy? 224 00:16:11,720 --> 00:16:13,722 He can be so troublesome. 225 00:16:17,768 --> 00:16:20,729 Maomao, you've helped out quite a bit. 226 00:16:20,729 --> 00:16:22,773 Glad to be of service. 227 00:16:22,773 --> 00:16:24,775 Greetings, Concubine Gyokuyou. 228 00:16:24,775 --> 00:16:26,735 Oh, greetings. 229 00:16:26,777 --> 00:16:29,780 My lady, you certainly look wonderful in crimson. 230 00:16:30,739 --> 00:16:37,705 Your gorgeous, yet somewhat mysterious style must stem from your jade eyes. 231 00:16:38,747 --> 00:16:39,748 Thank you. 232 00:16:44,753 --> 00:16:46,797 Now, to check in on the princess... 233 00:16:56,724 --> 00:16:58,726 Greetings, Master Jinshi. 234 00:17:02,730 --> 00:17:04,732 Oh, it's you, apothecary. 235 00:17:04,773 --> 00:17:06,734 Are you wearing makeup? 236 00:17:06,734 --> 00:17:08,694 No, I'm not. 237 00:17:08,736 --> 00:17:10,696 Your freckles are gone. 238 00:17:10,738 --> 00:17:12,698 Yes, I removed them. 239 00:17:12,740 --> 00:17:13,782 You covered them with makeup, you mean? 240 00:17:13,782 --> 00:17:16,744 I removed my makeup. That's why they're gone. 241 00:17:18,746 --> 00:17:22,750 That doesn't make any sense. You're contradicting yourself. 242 00:17:22,750 --> 00:17:27,713 Ugh, what a bother. I should have just nodded along. 243 00:17:27,755 --> 00:17:32,718 Every day, I put dried clay on my face to add freckles. 244 00:17:32,718 --> 00:17:36,722 I already had makeup on every time you saw me before this. 245 00:17:36,764 --> 00:17:40,726 Cosmetics aren't just for making a face more beautiful. 246 00:17:40,768 --> 00:17:42,770 Why would you do such a thing? 247 00:17:44,730 --> 00:17:45,773 You really want to know? 248 00:17:47,733 --> 00:17:50,736 It's to prevent being dragged into a back alley. 249 00:17:52,696 --> 00:17:56,700 I lived near the brothels, but not every man left s**ually satisfied. 250 00:17:56,700 --> 00:17:59,745 Some had empty wallets, violent tendencies, and venereal diseases. 251 00:18:00,746 --> 00:18:05,709 A short, skinny, ugly girl rarely becomes a target. 252 00:18:06,710 --> 00:18:07,753 Were you ever dragged away? 253 00:18:07,753 --> 00:18:11,799 Attempts were made. Instead, I got kidnapped. 254 00:18:15,719 --> 00:18:21,725 My makeup was faded. They seemed to think I was borderline marketable. 255 00:18:21,725 --> 00:18:23,685 I see. 256 00:18:23,769 --> 00:18:27,731 I'm sorry we couldn't police them. 257 00:18:27,731 --> 00:18:29,775 I don't particularly care. 258 00:18:29,775 --> 00:18:36,698 A buyer can't tell if you were kidnapped, or just sold off legally so there'd be one less mouth to feed. 259 00:18:37,741 --> 00:18:39,701 Doesn't that make you angry? 260 00:18:39,743 --> 00:18:45,707 Obviously, it does. But it's not your fault. 261 00:18:48,752 --> 00:18:50,712 I'm sorry. 262 00:18:52,714 --> 00:18:54,716 He's being straightforward for once. 263 00:18:55,676 --> 00:18:56,677 That hurts. 264 00:18:57,678 --> 00:18:59,555 Sorry. It's yours. 265 00:18:59,721 --> 00:19:01,765 See you at the party. 266 00:19:12,818 --> 00:19:16,780 A man's hairpin? Why? 267 00:19:16,822 --> 00:19:19,741 Wow! So nice! 268 00:19:19,741 --> 00:19:20,784 I'm jealous! 269 00:19:20,784 --> 00:19:22,786 I want one, too! 270 00:19:22,786 --> 00:19:25,747 I could give it away, but how would I split this? 271 00:19:25,747 --> 00:19:28,792 Oh, you broke our promise already. 272 00:19:32,754 --> 00:19:35,757 You're no longer mine alone. 273 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:41,722 Um, what does that mean— 274 00:19:43,724 --> 00:19:44,766 It's starting. 275 00:19:59,281 --> 00:20:02,242 The garden party begins.