The Intriguing Departure
The Apothecary Diaries episode 14, which premiered on January 13, 2024, took a departure from its usual plot progression, adopting a slice-of-life approach. Despite a minimal advancement in the overarching narrative, the episode maintained its focus on Maomao's interactions with other palace officials upon her return to the imperial palace.
Maomao as shown in the anime (Image via TOHO Animation)
The episode commences with the introduction of Lady Loulan, the newly appointed pure consort, succeeding Lady Ah-Dou. Lady Gyokuyou initiates a pivotal turn of events by composing a recommendation, proposing Maomao as a teacher for a unique arrangement aimed at educating the four prominent consorts. Overcoming her initial reservations, Maomao agrees to the role and embarks on instructing the consorts, emphasizing practical skills derived from her experiences with Hanamachi and her courtesan sisters.
Jinshi and Maomao as shown in the anime (Image via TOHO Animations)
The Enigmatic Consort
The study session reveals a stark contrast in the reactions of the consorts. While every other consort engages with enthusiasm, Lady Loulan remains conspicuously disinterested, deepening the enigma surrounding her background. The episode unfolds with a nocturnal commotion awakening Maomao, leading to the revelation of Lord Lakan, the mysterious palace official tailing Maomao since episode 13. As the episode progresses, Maomao encounters Lihaku, now promoted and investigating the storehouse explosion, adding layers to the intricate plot of The Apothecary Diaries.
The Apothecary Diaries episode 14: Lord Lakan as shown in the anime (Image via TOHO Animation)
The Anticipated Unraveling
The Apothecary Diaries episode 14 offered a slice-of-life perspective, subtly progressing the plot. Episode 15, set for release on January 20, 2024, promises to unravel Lord Lakan's intentions and his peculiar fixation on Maomao. The anime, available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, offers a rich blend of intrigue, politics, and character dynamics, although regional restrictions may apply on certain platforms.
The previous four consorts as shown in the anime (Image via TOHO Animations)