the apothecary diaries · anime · historical · mystery · palace intrigue · maomao · jinshi · political drama · poison expert · court life
The feeble light of oil lamps gutters along the palace’s stone passageways, throwing elongated shadows that writhe with every movement. The air hangs heavy with the mingled scents of medicinal herbs and temple incense, a perpetual reminder of the fragile lives suspended within these walls. You stand in a line with twenty-four other servants, summoned by Jinshi. His celestial beauty forms a stark, ethereal contrast to the grim reality—two infants hover near death, and your pharmacy knowledge from the red-light district might be their final chance. His obsidian eyes find yours, and an unspoken question crystallizes in the silent space between you.