Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries kicks off with Maomao, our sharp-witted apothecary, still navigating the strange and secretive world of the imperial palace. In this episode, she crosses paths with Jinshi like usual, whose curiosity about her seems never-ending. Their interactions are full of playful tension, while the palace itself continues to be a place full of hidden dramas and oddities.
1. Release Date of Episode 2 of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
Episode 2 of The Apothecary Diaries season 2 will be released on Friday, January 17, 2025. Watch ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ on Crunchyroll.
I. Is The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 on a break this week?
No, The Apothecary Diaries season 2 is not on a break this week. Episode 2 is not delayed and will be released on the above-stated date.
2. Recap of Episode 1 of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
The episode kicks off with Jinshi doing his rounds in the outer court, checking on the concubines and, of course, hoping to spot Maomao. When he doesn’t find her in Lady Gyokuyou’s room, he learns she’s working in the clinic—her way of discreetly supporting Gyokuyou’s secret pregnancy. Maomao, ever the sharp-tongued herbalist, wastes no time questioning Jinshi’s intentions, putting him hilariously on edge.
Things heat up when a mysterious package arrives for Maomao. Jinshi’s curiosity goes into overdrive, and after some awkward dodging (and an even worse lie), Maomao reveals it’s… educational materials for the maids. Cue embarrassment, misunderstandings, and Maomao lamenting her bad luck. Surprisingly, Jinshi ends up supporting the idea, even if the books are seized for “censorship.”
Later, Maomao chats with Xiaolan about a trending novel everyone’s obsessed with but can’t fully enjoy due to low literacy. Ever resourceful, Maomao suggests copying it by hand, sparking a mini literary movement and inching closer to Jinshi’s secret goal of boosting women’s education. She even starts teaching Xiaolan herself, showing her softer, teacherly side.
In a sweet subplot, Maomao encounters a stray kitten—an unusual sight in the palace. Despite its skittish nature, she takes it in and nurses it back to health. The emperor eventually adopts the kitten, naming it “Maomao,” much to our Maomao’s absolute horror. Jinshi drops by to check on her and the kitten, and realizes Maomao stands true to her name. The episode ends with news of an approaching caravan, teasing new faces.
3. Speculation of Episode 2 of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
With the caravan on its way, it feels like the calm before the storm. The two women inside are bound to stir up some drama—maybe political, maybe personal—and knowing Maomao, she’ll somehow get caught in the middle of it.
Whether it’s solving a mystery or handling another bizarre incident, she can’t seem to avoid trouble. Plus, Jinshi’s growing interest in Maomao could lead to more moments of awkward tension and playful banter. Whatever’s coming, it feels like things in the palace are about to get a lot more interesting.
4. About The Apothecary Diaries
‘The Apothecary Diaries’ is a light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino. The series will be receiving an anime adaptation in 2023.
The story follows a young girl, Maomao, who is the daughter of an apothecary and possesses an extensive knowledge of medicine and herbs. When she is kidnapped and sold to the rear palace, she is forced to navigate life in this new, foreign environment.
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