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翡翠牌の持ち主である皇族の末裔を追う中で、
猫猫たちは禁書でありながら優れた医学書でもある
『華佗の書』を手に入れた。
傷んだその書が復元されるのを待つうち、
医官たちは抜き打ち試験を受けさせられる。
猫猫は試験に合格して養父である羅門の下で投薬実験を行うことになり、
羅門から医術について学べることを喜ぶが、その実験は大掛かりであり、
市井の病人たちを使うというものだった。
薬が効かぬ者は、場所を移されて外科手術が行われるという。
医官たちを集めて大掛かりな投薬実験が繰り返されるが、
一体何のために？ そして誰のために？
猫猫の疑問は、口に出すことは許されない。
他の医官たちも実験の目的に薄々気づきつつも、
誰も答えをはっきり言おうとしない。
やんごとなき身分のかたが病に臥されたと気づいても、
それを公にすることは国を揺るがすことになると、皆が皆わかっている？
そして、猫猫は復元された『華佗の書』を壬氏に見せてもらうことになるが、
そこには、決して忘れられぬ名前が書かれてあるのだった。
『曼陀羅華』。
朝顔に似たその植物は、とある秘薬の材料だったのである。
猫猫たちは禁書でありながら優れた医学書でもある
『華佗の書』を手に入れた。
傷んだその書が復元されるのを待つうち、
医官たちは抜き打ち試験を受けさせられる。
猫猫は試験に合格して養父である羅門の下で投薬実験を行うことになり、
羅門から医術について学べることを喜ぶが、その実験は大掛かりであり、
市井の病人たちを使うというものだった。
薬が効かぬ者は、場所を移されて外科手術が行われるという。
医官たちを集めて大掛かりな投薬実験が繰り返されるが、
一体何のために？ そして誰のために？
猫猫の疑問は、口に出すことは許されない。
他の医官たちも実験の目的に薄々気づきつつも、
誰も答えをはっきり言おうとしない。
やんごとなき身分のかたが病に臥されたと気づいても、
それを公にすることは国を揺るがすことになると、皆が皆わかっている？
そして、猫猫は復元された『華佗の書』を壬氏に見せてもらうことになるが、
そこには、決して忘れられぬ名前が書かれてあるのだった。
『曼陀羅華』。
朝顔に似たその植物は、とある秘薬の材料だったのである。
280 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2024
268 people are currently reading
1750 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 31, 2024
And what am I supposed to do now? I got really caught up and now I have to wait until the next book :(
September 14, 2025
OMGGGGG!!!! THESE LIGHT NOVELS KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER!!!!! 😩
September 15, 2025
Sick to my stomach to be really done with these for now. Like. Maybe I learn Japanese?? Maybe?? So I can read the next book. I’m far too into this series. I’ve joined the subreddit and the discord channel for The Apothecary Diaries. So I’m clearly in too deep.
I just kept waiting on the big thing to come out. But it never did. And I wonder if the person it pertains to will be upset to be the last to know. Unless they already know. And it likely doesn’t matter. But still.
Over Tianyu, he can choke. Big Jinmao pilled. Mmm delicious. Off to find a new personality now.
I just kept waiting on the big thing to come out. But it never did. And I wonder if the person it pertains to will be upset to be the last to know. Unless they already know. And it likely doesn’t matter. But still.
Over Tianyu, he can choke. Big Jinmao pilled. Mmm delicious. Off to find a new personality now.
September 28, 2025
Each volume feels like going back home. Ah-Duo, the woman you are🙏
August 9, 2025
this one had me stressed!!!! but i loved it. i really love the depth and complexity of ah-duo’s character and circumstances
September 17, 2025
maomao’s beef with tianyu is so funny. if social media existed back then in ancient china bet she would have posted the “that one coworker thats just gotta go. god please just take him” meme
September 24, 2025
4.5✨
The plot was very interesting in this one. I loved Jinshi and Maomao crumbs. My favorite chapter definitely was the chamber conversation. Iykyk👀 I was soo stressed.
“Most of all, I’m not clever enough to balance several women at the same time. One is enough for me,” Jinshi said.
Maomao’s mind all but went blank.”
AHHHH
I want to mention so many other things in this review but I fear it will all give away major plot points😭
Counting the days for the next volume release!
The plot was very interesting in this one. I loved Jinshi and Maomao crumbs. My favorite chapter definitely was the chamber conversation. Iykyk👀 I was soo stressed.
“Most of all, I’m not clever enough to balance several women at the same time. One is enough for me,” Jinshi said.
Maomao’s mind all but went blank.”
AHHHH
I want to mention so many other things in this review but I fear it will all give away major plot points😭
Counting the days for the next volume release!
November 23, 2024
Not as good as volume 14, but could not put it down.
September 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Jinshi's long period of absence and brash declaration of not wanting to become the next on the throne seemed to have opened up old wounds in the Emperor—to the point where the only solution was a surgical operation that could put every involved doctor's life at risk. Fortunately, Kada's book was gradually being reconstructed, so perhaps there was a chance of succeeding after all...
What I liked:
🩸 This was less about detective work and more like Maomao in the theater of the operation room. I loved seeing her growth as a medical assistant, putting her expertise to work, and her determination to improve even more.
🩸 “Miss Maomao!” “Miss Chue!” Need I say more?
🩸 Suirei back in action—if only in the shadows.
🩸 That very tense pre-surgery banquet with the Emperor, Ah-Duo, Maomao, and Jinshi in the private chamber. It was interesting to see the dynamics between parents and child from the perspective of an outsider.
🩸 Ah-Duo's inner monologue about what it meant to be human and to be divine.
🩸 Just...the subtle commentary about gender and freedom back in the day via Ah-Duo's dream of becoming a merchant and how it was cut short. To the Emperor, he did it out of love. To Ah-Duo, that love was a life-sentence.
🩸 Maomao feeling a sense of kinship toward Dr. Wang Wang, on account of how both their names are a repetition of the same first syllable.
🩸 The epilogue. 1) What was unsaid out of all things said: Maomao begged Jinshi not to become the next Emperor. The superficial reason? He'd die of stress. The actual reason? Maomao did not want him to let her free. 2) Much of the food was left untouched even though they were both worked to the bone and starving, but being in each other's presence gave them sufficient nourishment to their souls.
What I didn't like:
🩸 The volume started out a little slow for me, but really, this isn't a real complaint: It sure did pick up soon enough and never stopped gaining momentum.
Jinshi's long period of absence and brash declaration of not wanting to become the next on the throne seemed to have opened up old wounds in the Emperor—to the point where the only solution was a surgical operation that could put every involved doctor's life at risk. Fortunately, Kada's book was gradually being reconstructed, so perhaps there was a chance of succeeding after all...
What I liked:
🩸 This was less about detective work and more like Maomao in the theater of the operation room. I loved seeing her growth as a medical assistant, putting her expertise to work, and her determination to improve even more.
🩸 “Miss Maomao!” “Miss Chue!” Need I say more?
🩸 Suirei back in action—if only in the shadows.
🩸 That very tense pre-surgery banquet with the Emperor, Ah-Duo, Maomao, and Jinshi in the private chamber. It was interesting to see the dynamics between parents and child from the perspective of an outsider.
🩸 Ah-Duo's inner monologue about what it meant to be human and to be divine.
🩸 Just...the subtle commentary about gender and freedom back in the day via Ah-Duo's dream of becoming a merchant and how it was cut short. To the Emperor, he did it out of love. To Ah-Duo, that love was a life-sentence.
🩸 Maomao feeling a sense of kinship toward Dr. Wang Wang, on account of how both their names are a repetition of the same first syllable.
🩸 The epilogue. 1) What was unsaid out of all things said: Maomao begged Jinshi not to become the next Emperor. The superficial reason? He'd die of stress. The actual reason? Maomao did not want him to let her free. 2) Much of the food was left untouched even though they were both worked to the bone and starving, but being in each other's presence gave them sufficient nourishment to their souls.
What I didn't like:
🩸 The volume started out a little slow for me, but really, this isn't a real complaint: It sure did pick up soon enough and never stopped gaining momentum.
November 7, 2025
Another great entry in the series. Loved the medical focus of this one, it's nice to see Maomao's medical expertise get to shine not as an incidental skill that helps from time to time or gets noticed by only a few people but as a centerpiece of the narrative that gets acknowledged by others in high position and in her field. I'm finally caught up, and I'll be waiting anxiously for the next volume.
October 8, 2025
This was definitely not one of my favorite volumes, to the point that I think it could pretty easily be skipped entirely, and the next book would still make perfect sense since the contents of this one could be summarized in less than a small paragraph. I did still enjoy seeing how the characters interact with one another, but there just wasn't much actual content in this book. The read was really fast for me because it isn't nearly as long as most of the other books in the series, but the first translation I got my hands on was horrible, so I had to wait a bit for a better one to come out, hence the long read time.
September 21, 2025
It was fascinating to see a completely different side of the emperor's life and to see how far the training of doctors and assistants had come. The otherwise so noble and proud emperor was shown here from an unexpectedly vulnerable side. I'm very curious to see how this story continues and eagerly await the 16th installment.
December 7, 2025
Although the emperor has largely been painted in a fair-to-neutral light in the series, this volume's scene between him and Ah-Duo is enlightening. It's no wonder Jinshi wants nothing to do with that kind of power; it does very few people any good...
December 21, 2025
3.5 stars. Consider this my review of volumes 5 to 15, as they are continuous and similar in quality.
I had the urge to read the light novels after the manga went on hiatus recently. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the manga I had been following for over three years had only covered four volumes of its source material.
These were so much fun. It's always satisfying to see an author develop and fulfill an interesting concept to the greatest extent possible. I especially liked its portrayal of women from varied socioeconomic backgrounds exerting agency and doing good even within the confines of their patriarchal society.
However much I enjoyed the plot and characters, I can't say I'm a fan of the writing style or light novel format. It lies somewhere between novels and manga/comics, but lacks the charm of either, in my opinion.
Now I have to wait for more volumes of the light novels, in addition to waiting for the manga to catch up :(
I had the urge to read the light novels after the manga went on hiatus recently. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the manga I had been following for over three years had only covered four volumes of its source material.
These were so much fun. It's always satisfying to see an author develop and fulfill an interesting concept to the greatest extent possible. I especially liked its portrayal of women from varied socioeconomic backgrounds exerting agency and doing good even within the confines of their patriarchal society.
However much I enjoyed the plot and characters, I can't say I'm a fan of the writing style or light novel format. It lies somewhere between novels and manga/comics, but lacks the charm of either, in my opinion.
Now I have to wait for more volumes of the light novels, in addition to waiting for the manga to catch up :(
November 3, 2025
I want more!!! And more Jinshi. Oh you poor soul. I’m happy the emperor is well now.
November 13, 2025
When I think about how we are 15 books in and somehow it feels like we aren’t that close to the end of this story, it feels crazy. I do think this volume had more relationship moments that pulled me back in. I can’t just be going from one sub plot to the next all the time. Sometimes, it feels like we lost the magic of what made the story interesting.
My fav part was the private conversation with ah duo and the emperor. Really felt satisfying for ah duo as a reader at least. The honest conversation about how the emperor choice held restricted her future and ability to make her own choice. Her request of him. And jinshi, sometimes the romance feels like it just will never be possible. That what he wants is not allowed with the politics of the country.
My fav part was the private conversation with ah duo and the emperor. Really felt satisfying for ah duo as a reader at least. The honest conversation about how the emperor choice held restricted her future and ability to make her own choice. Her request of him. And jinshi, sometimes the romance feels like it just will never be possible. That what he wants is not allowed with the politics of the country.
September 16, 2025
Does jinshi know?? I wonder
September 6, 2025
So far the one of the best books in the novel for me, the doctors and how they work in these case and Kada's book keep me hooked. Ah-Duo and his morality that wines previously present to us to make her sure that Yue is not selfish as his father was and his request to The Emperor... I love Jinshi more after all he says about Maomao's freedom in frontera of The Emperor. 10/10 this book
July 8, 2024
6/10. A little slow/boring compared to the other things that have gone on, but I guess it was important to lay out these plans for the future (although it could have been done in much less words). I’m sad I’m caught up now… the waiting game begins.
February 13, 2025
Another peak book all we can do now is just uh.... wait. A gruelling wait
February 18, 2025
meh.
Nothing really happens; filler book.
It feels like the author is stretching the story for the money.
It only took me an hour to read the book since THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS BOOK.
Nothing really happens; filler book.
It feels like the author is stretching the story for the money.
It only took me an hour to read the book since THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS BOOK.
December 7, 2025
Wait, wait. Whoa. What the hell? Did that actually just happen? I am so, so happy. This volume was huge for my(and many others’) beloved characters. Most importantly, Jinshi and Maomaooo. I have been waiting for far too long.
Things are starting to move, cogs are working. I hope this doesn’t spell the end. There is so much content left to be had. The ending should be further into the future.
Jinshi has never been kinder nor sweeter to Maomao.
He finally pulled himself together.
I have been wanted the Emperor’s point of view for a while. Finally.
I cannot stop thinking about this and am rereading different parts to let things settle in.
So, Jinshi said in solidity to the Emperor that he wishes to have Maomao or no one. The Emperor doesn’t give a fuck. He just needs Zui to be a placeholder until the foreign Crowned Prince reaches an age where he can’t be too much manipulated and could “take the throne.”
Ah-Duo—Yue’s biological mother—made a deal with Yoh, the Emperor, that she would not leave him in exchange for Jinshi/Yue/Zui’s freedom. Ah-Duo wants Yue to be free and “do as he wishes.” Yoh agreed with her. I know he’s way too desperate to live a life without her. He made that extremely clear to her. He’s so whiny and emotional, like another specific character.
But when the hell will he tell Zui about him not having to take the throne? Even if he doesn’t want to, too bad. How long is he going to let Zui suffer into thinking he’s about to live a short-lived, doomed life alone? How long will it take Ah-Duo to double check that he did?
It seems, finally, that the Emperor understands what Zui sees in Maomao. That is somewhat reassuring. But, damn, he heard her true side during the surgery and that was entertaining but also concerning because Maomao was…herself. The Emperor knows and accepts(?) that—whatever that means. Maybe she’s just “Lakan’s daughter,” like he addressed her as. And maybe he wanted to speak with the woman that Zui loves, finally having a conversation after dealing with… all of that. Or both.
The end was soft and as normal as it could be. Sharing a meal together, giving the readers a peek into their future married life. It was sweet and endearing.
There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that they’ll end up together.
Seeing a first ever picture with them 2 together at the end was a big deal. It makes me so excited.
This was a full-circle volume.
Happily-ever-after is the theme for the more important/lovable characters in this series. It makes me feel that I don’t have to be anxious about anything. It’ll all work out. If it doesn’t, prepare to feel the wrath of the fans. I don’t believe that’s something we’ll ever feel.
Things are starting to move, cogs are working. I hope this doesn’t spell the end. There is so much content left to be had. The ending should be further into the future.
Jinshi has never been kinder nor sweeter to Maomao.
He finally pulled himself together.
I have been wanted the Emperor’s point of view for a while. Finally.
I cannot stop thinking about this and am rereading different parts to let things settle in.
So, Jinshi said in solidity to the Emperor that he wishes to have Maomao or no one. The Emperor doesn’t give a fuck. He just needs Zui to be a placeholder until the foreign Crowned Prince reaches an age where he can’t be too much manipulated and could “take the throne.”
Ah-Duo—Yue’s biological mother—made a deal with Yoh, the Emperor, that she would not leave him in exchange for Jinshi/Yue/Zui’s freedom. Ah-Duo wants Yue to be free and “do as he wishes.” Yoh agreed with her. I know he’s way too desperate to live a life without her. He made that extremely clear to her. He’s so whiny and emotional, like another specific character.
But when the hell will he tell Zui about him not having to take the throne? Even if he doesn’t want to, too bad. How long is he going to let Zui suffer into thinking he’s about to live a short-lived, doomed life alone? How long will it take Ah-Duo to double check that he did?
It seems, finally, that the Emperor understands what Zui sees in Maomao. That is somewhat reassuring. But, damn, he heard her true side during the surgery and that was entertaining but also concerning because Maomao was…herself. The Emperor knows and accepts(?) that—whatever that means. Maybe she’s just “Lakan’s daughter,” like he addressed her as. And maybe he wanted to speak with the woman that Zui loves, finally having a conversation after dealing with… all of that. Or both.
The end was soft and as normal as it could be. Sharing a meal together, giving the readers a peek into their future married life. It was sweet and endearing.
There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that they’ll end up together.
Seeing a first ever picture with them 2 together at the end was a big deal. It makes me so excited.
This was a full-circle volume.
Happily-ever-after is the theme for the more important/lovable characters in this series. It makes me feel that I don’t have to be anxious about anything. It’ll all work out. If it doesn’t, prepare to feel the wrath of the fans. I don’t believe that’s something we’ll ever feel.
September 13, 2025
It’s fine. Just fine. I won’t be going out of my way to read this one again. I usually visualize the story as I read it and I definitely found myself not doing that for 95% of the book. And I get that the romance is a slow burn and is secondary to the plot, but jeez it’s been like 5 years between these characters & they’ve barely have held hands since leaving the western province. Is holding hands still too much for these adults? 😂
December 6, 2025
This review is more for the series as a whole so far (as I anxiously await for the next novel) instead of just the 15th book, which wasn't one of my favourites but still filled my days with curiosity and joy. To be honest, I wouldn't be able to point towards my favourite book, as I binged them all in the last months—and there were so many highlights.
It is hard not to enjoy a detective novel, and in that way Maomao feels a bit like Sherlock Holmes, always seeing what others fail to perceive. But it's not just a detective novel. It is also a love story, albeit the slowest burn I've ever read. Yet that's not what makes it five stars for me. What's really standout is how easily and elegantly, but deeply, the book explores medicine (who knew pinkies can regrow), neurodiversity (we can all agree there is more than one neurodivergent character), and desire (not just sexual, but also).
Sure, sometimes I get frustrated with the plot that seems to meander into topics such as plagues, clinical trials, and sweet potatoes. However, at some point the author will heighten the stakes in a way that makes you realise you were never in a tangent. She is master of keeping the fire alive, sometimes in embers, sometimes at full flame in scenes that leave you shocked (I think we can all remember that scene in the garden) or giddy with anticipation. And then back to embers. I trust she knows how to keep the intrigue up and deliver, and I'm here for the next dose of it.
Lastly, I know this is a translation (and I have to admire how it manages to transmit a lot of the language complexity into English, even if I'm sure it's not perfect), but it's incredible the lexical complexity it shows. For a novel considered "light", the vocabulary, medical content, political branching, and cultural dynamics really enriches the reader (while flowing fast).
So, here I wait for the next novel, half waiting for the slowburn to flame faster, half never wanting it to end because it gives me so much joy.
It is hard not to enjoy a detective novel, and in that way Maomao feels a bit like Sherlock Holmes, always seeing what others fail to perceive. But it's not just a detective novel. It is also a love story, albeit the slowest burn I've ever read. Yet that's not what makes it five stars for me. What's really standout is how easily and elegantly, but deeply, the book explores medicine (who knew pinkies can regrow), neurodiversity (we can all agree there is more than one neurodivergent character), and desire (not just sexual, but also).
Sure, sometimes I get frustrated with the plot that seems to meander into topics such as plagues, clinical trials, and sweet potatoes. However, at some point the author will heighten the stakes in a way that makes you realise you were never in a tangent. She is master of keeping the fire alive, sometimes in embers, sometimes at full flame in scenes that leave you shocked (I think we can all remember that scene in the garden) or giddy with anticipation. And then back to embers. I trust she knows how to keep the intrigue up and deliver, and I'm here for the next dose of it.
Lastly, I know this is a translation (and I have to admire how it manages to transmit a lot of the language complexity into English, even if I'm sure it's not perfect), but it's incredible the lexical complexity it shows. For a novel considered "light", the vocabulary, medical content, political branching, and cultural dynamics really enriches the reader (while flowing fast).
So, here I wait for the next novel, half waiting for the slowburn to flame faster, half never wanting it to end because it gives me so much joy.
December 17, 2025
bawling my eyes out . i thought i had one more. i thought 16 was translated .
November 28, 2025
On the one hand I liked getting one long arc. On the other hand I feel like this one didn’t have something the other novels did that I loved. But damn I loved getting to see some of these long running characters in my informal moments!
Lahan’s Brother Older brother of Lakan’s adopted son Lahan. He doesn’t appear in this volume. [They're teasing us by bringing him up but denying us more Lahan's Brother!]
Chue took her firmly by the hand. “Dignity, Miss Maomao, dignity,” she advised. “I know how you feel, I really do, but we must comport ourselves properly.” Chue was very strong; even with one hand she could keep Maomao firmly in place. “Just an arm. Just one arm,” Maomao begged. If she could just break one of his limbs... “That’s not dignified,” Chue repeated. “Let’s at least wait for a moonless night.”
Maomao looked at Jinshi. He looked back with unusual seriousness. “Before we go any further, there’s something I want to say to you, Maomao.” “What is it, sir?” “First, calm down.” “I am calm, sir.” “Don’t fuss.” “I’m not fussing, sir.” “Steady yourself.” “I’m steady, sir.” “You’re ready now?” “Yes, sir.”
Tianyu was poring over the illustration, making sounds of amazement. Maomao, too, stared fixedly at it. She didn’t say anything. He didn’t say anything. Chue didn’t say anything. “Somebody say something!” Jinshi demanded, looking straight at Maomao.
“Also—and I don’t know how you’ll feel to hear this, Xiaomao...” “Yes, sir?” “The one who was always at His Majesty’s side at that time was Sir Lakan.” Maomao’s mouth hung open. “Not good news!” “Your true feelings are showing,” Jinshi remarked before he could stop himself.
“Why has the condition relapsed? What could cause—” Maomao began, but then she happened to look at Jinshi. Specifically, his flank. It’s this son of a—! Jinshi bit his lip and pressed a hand to his side.
However, from Jinshi’s perspective, the Emperor was his older brother, not his father. He still didn’t know the secret of his own parentage, she was pretty sure. That misapprehension was a big part of what had allowed him to do something as rash as burning a brand into himself.
“At this time there is only one person with the right to use that name,” Gaoshun continued. “His Majesty himself. I don’t think you know your place. I might even say you’ve arrogated to yourself what belongs to heaven—a serious crime.” Gaoshun was a particularly mellow man even among the members of the Ma clan. To see him moved to do what he was doing spoke to just how far Hao had overstepped. To speak Zuigetsu’s name aloud was as good as to assert that he held a position equal to the Emperor’s.
“You look like a woman who doesn’t know why she was on that list,” said Dr. Liu. “Yes, sir,” Maomao replied. “It’s simple. You’re Luomen’s blood relative. If they’re going to wipe out whole families, then better to bring you into the fold than someone else who otherwise wouldn’t be involved. Fewer victims that way.”
The girl had not been consulted about whether she wanted this. It would be impossible to conduct politics if they had to worry about how she felt—but at the same time, Jinshi was aware that they were doing something terribly cruel. At times it tormented him, the thought of how awful a person he could be.
The Emperor, Ah-Duo, and Jinshi—just the three of them, parents and child, even if that fact had never been officially acknowledged. And even if Jinshi himself didn’t know it. Yep. I’ve got a very bad feeling about this.
“Yoh, please. Don’t exercise Yue so.” It was Ah-Duo who called the Emperor “Yoh.” Granted, it was just the four of them there, but still—Yoh? Was that something to call the sovereign of the entire nation? Maomao felt goosebumps rise on her skin. If there had been anybody else listening, the name would certainly have been interpreted as a mark of profound disrespect. Even “Yue” alone should have been a source of hesitation.
His Majesty continued, “Zui, why do you refuse the Imperial title? You could stand at the apex of our very nation!” This time he sounded cajoling. Jinshi didn’t quite seem to know where to look. “Is the apex of the nation such a fine place?” he asked. “It is all that I know.” That much was true, Maomao thought.
“What will you do, then? With this one woman of yours?” “A fair question. I’m sure I could never make her my consort.” He looked slowly at Maomao. “Her form is unique, and I would be putting her in a place where she would be pounded from every side. It might change her shape.” “It might not,” the Emperor rejoined. “She might make me think it had not. I don’t think I could do it.” Jinshi smiled. It was a hollow look, but his fists were clenched in resolution. “If I must cage this unique thing, then much better to let it be free.” He was clenching his fists so hard Maomao could see blue veins popping up.
“I see you’re quite a romantic. Isn’t that so, Ah-Duo?” The Emperor looked at Ah-Duo, who had stayed silent just as she had been bidden. Now she sat with her mouth hanging open, looking stunned. A single tear rolled down her cheek. “Ah-Duo?” “Er—mm. Yes. Yes, you’re right.” She shook her head as if to fling away the tear. “Ah-Duo?” The Emperor looked outright perplexed.
Finally Ah-Duo said, “Can you live with yourself if you don’t tell Yue that you’re his father?” “Can’t I write it down?” “No. I’m not suited to be the mother of the nation, right?” Ah-Duo replied with self-deprecation. “You know, I really thought you were going to tell him—tell him about the mistake I made.” “You thought I was going to do that, and yet you’re the one who deliberately brought in an outsider. That girl has less and less hope of ever running free again.” “I don’t think it would be a problem to tell her. Maomao is clever.” “She ought to be; she’s Lakan’s daughter. If she ran off, I’m not sure we could catch her.” “If she ever tries, I’ll be sure to help her.” “Whose side are you on?” She saw now why Yoh gazed continually at the ceiling all throughout their conversation. He was trying not to let the tears spill out of his eyes. All this blustering talk was probably just an act so that he looked strong.
“Was that it? Is that what tipped you off that the babies had been switched?” Ah-Duo found she couldn’t resist a smile. She’d always wondered how Yoh had found out, when she was certain that her conspirators Anshi and Suiren would never have betrayed her. “I must admit, you do know how I think.” “Yes.”
“I told you, stop assuming I’m going to die,” Yoh said, but he got out a writing set. “I see your handwriting is still awful.” “Pipe down.” So Ah-Duo and Yoh began writing his will, bantering like children of ten. Yoh was Heaven, and Ah-Duo was human. Yet they could, at least, act as if they were friends.
“There are no flowers in here,” came a voice from behind the curtain of the bed as Maomao cleaned. It belonged to none other than the Emperor himself. “Oh, heavens, how can you say that? You know, in my time, people compared me to the lotus, just like my name. Whose fault is it that I’m a white-haired old lady now?” Suiren shot back, even as she hummed. There was an audible silence from the doorway, where a guard was glaring at her. He appeared to be contemplating what to do with an old woman who took such a flippant tone with the Emperor.
“Did Ah-Duo face the same thing?” the Emperor asked. “Yes! You didn’t know?” “I didn’t. She never said a word.” “Goodness gracious me...” Suiren sounded quite at ease, but Maomao thought she detected a hint of resentment in her voice as well. “I guess she really should have fled this court once she had a bit of money saved up.” “She was thinking of doing that?” the Emperor said, sounding as if it were news to him. I can sure sympathize with the desire to get away! “Well, that girl never did like women’s clothing, did she? She was such a tomboy! You would never have taken her for someone who could be a palace lady even if she’d stayed, would you? She was actually talking about taking the money she’d made and becoming a merchant.” “Until I interfered with her plans, as I gather.” “I knew you were quick on the uptake.”
Their conversation, along with their meal, wound on slowly. Maomao should have been starving, but she found herself strangely sated, and her chopsticks moved at a glacial pace. Jinshi, likewise, started tearing little bits off the bean bun. The feast gradually went cold, yet somehow they still enjoyed eating it. It was, Maomao thought, an unusually serene moment.
Lahan’s Brother Older brother of Lakan’s adopted son Lahan. He doesn’t appear in this volume. [They're teasing us by bringing him up but denying us more Lahan's Brother!]
Chue took her firmly by the hand. “Dignity, Miss Maomao, dignity,” she advised. “I know how you feel, I really do, but we must comport ourselves properly.” Chue was very strong; even with one hand she could keep Maomao firmly in place. “Just an arm. Just one arm,” Maomao begged. If she could just break one of his limbs... “That’s not dignified,” Chue repeated. “Let’s at least wait for a moonless night.”
Maomao looked at Jinshi. He looked back with unusual seriousness. “Before we go any further, there’s something I want to say to you, Maomao.” “What is it, sir?” “First, calm down.” “I am calm, sir.” “Don’t fuss.” “I’m not fussing, sir.” “Steady yourself.” “I’m steady, sir.” “You’re ready now?” “Yes, sir.”
Tianyu was poring over the illustration, making sounds of amazement. Maomao, too, stared fixedly at it. She didn’t say anything. He didn’t say anything. Chue didn’t say anything. “Somebody say something!” Jinshi demanded, looking straight at Maomao.
“Also—and I don’t know how you’ll feel to hear this, Xiaomao...” “Yes, sir?” “The one who was always at His Majesty’s side at that time was Sir Lakan.” Maomao’s mouth hung open. “Not good news!” “Your true feelings are showing,” Jinshi remarked before he could stop himself.
“Why has the condition relapsed? What could cause—” Maomao began, but then she happened to look at Jinshi. Specifically, his flank. It’s this son of a—! Jinshi bit his lip and pressed a hand to his side.
However, from Jinshi’s perspective, the Emperor was his older brother, not his father. He still didn’t know the secret of his own parentage, she was pretty sure. That misapprehension was a big part of what had allowed him to do something as rash as burning a brand into himself.
“At this time there is only one person with the right to use that name,” Gaoshun continued. “His Majesty himself. I don’t think you know your place. I might even say you’ve arrogated to yourself what belongs to heaven—a serious crime.” Gaoshun was a particularly mellow man even among the members of the Ma clan. To see him moved to do what he was doing spoke to just how far Hao had overstepped. To speak Zuigetsu’s name aloud was as good as to assert that he held a position equal to the Emperor’s.
“You look like a woman who doesn’t know why she was on that list,” said Dr. Liu. “Yes, sir,” Maomao replied. “It’s simple. You’re Luomen’s blood relative. If they’re going to wipe out whole families, then better to bring you into the fold than someone else who otherwise wouldn’t be involved. Fewer victims that way.”
The girl had not been consulted about whether she wanted this. It would be impossible to conduct politics if they had to worry about how she felt—but at the same time, Jinshi was aware that they were doing something terribly cruel. At times it tormented him, the thought of how awful a person he could be.
The Emperor, Ah-Duo, and Jinshi—just the three of them, parents and child, even if that fact had never been officially acknowledged. And even if Jinshi himself didn’t know it. Yep. I’ve got a very bad feeling about this.
“Yoh, please. Don’t exercise Yue so.” It was Ah-Duo who called the Emperor “Yoh.” Granted, it was just the four of them there, but still—Yoh? Was that something to call the sovereign of the entire nation? Maomao felt goosebumps rise on her skin. If there had been anybody else listening, the name would certainly have been interpreted as a mark of profound disrespect. Even “Yue” alone should have been a source of hesitation.
His Majesty continued, “Zui, why do you refuse the Imperial title? You could stand at the apex of our very nation!” This time he sounded cajoling. Jinshi didn’t quite seem to know where to look. “Is the apex of the nation such a fine place?” he asked. “It is all that I know.” That much was true, Maomao thought.
“What will you do, then? With this one woman of yours?” “A fair question. I’m sure I could never make her my consort.” He looked slowly at Maomao. “Her form is unique, and I would be putting her in a place where she would be pounded from every side. It might change her shape.” “It might not,” the Emperor rejoined. “She might make me think it had not. I don’t think I could do it.” Jinshi smiled. It was a hollow look, but his fists were clenched in resolution. “If I must cage this unique thing, then much better to let it be free.” He was clenching his fists so hard Maomao could see blue veins popping up.
“I see you’re quite a romantic. Isn’t that so, Ah-Duo?” The Emperor looked at Ah-Duo, who had stayed silent just as she had been bidden. Now she sat with her mouth hanging open, looking stunned. A single tear rolled down her cheek. “Ah-Duo?” “Er—mm. Yes. Yes, you’re right.” She shook her head as if to fling away the tear. “Ah-Duo?” The Emperor looked outright perplexed.
Finally Ah-Duo said, “Can you live with yourself if you don’t tell Yue that you’re his father?” “Can’t I write it down?” “No. I’m not suited to be the mother of the nation, right?” Ah-Duo replied with self-deprecation. “You know, I really thought you were going to tell him—tell him about the mistake I made.” “You thought I was going to do that, and yet you’re the one who deliberately brought in an outsider. That girl has less and less hope of ever running free again.” “I don’t think it would be a problem to tell her. Maomao is clever.” “She ought to be; she’s Lakan’s daughter. If she ran off, I’m not sure we could catch her.” “If she ever tries, I’ll be sure to help her.” “Whose side are you on?” She saw now why Yoh gazed continually at the ceiling all throughout their conversation. He was trying not to let the tears spill out of his eyes. All this blustering talk was probably just an act so that he looked strong.
“Was that it? Is that what tipped you off that the babies had been switched?” Ah-Duo found she couldn’t resist a smile. She’d always wondered how Yoh had found out, when she was certain that her conspirators Anshi and Suiren would never have betrayed her. “I must admit, you do know how I think.” “Yes.”
“I told you, stop assuming I’m going to die,” Yoh said, but he got out a writing set. “I see your handwriting is still awful.” “Pipe down.” So Ah-Duo and Yoh began writing his will, bantering like children of ten. Yoh was Heaven, and Ah-Duo was human. Yet they could, at least, act as if they were friends.
“There are no flowers in here,” came a voice from behind the curtain of the bed as Maomao cleaned. It belonged to none other than the Emperor himself. “Oh, heavens, how can you say that? You know, in my time, people compared me to the lotus, just like my name. Whose fault is it that I’m a white-haired old lady now?” Suiren shot back, even as she hummed. There was an audible silence from the doorway, where a guard was glaring at her. He appeared to be contemplating what to do with an old woman who took such a flippant tone with the Emperor.
“Did Ah-Duo face the same thing?” the Emperor asked. “Yes! You didn’t know?” “I didn’t. She never said a word.” “Goodness gracious me...” Suiren sounded quite at ease, but Maomao thought she detected a hint of resentment in her voice as well. “I guess she really should have fled this court once she had a bit of money saved up.” “She was thinking of doing that?” the Emperor said, sounding as if it were news to him. I can sure sympathize with the desire to get away! “Well, that girl never did like women’s clothing, did she? She was such a tomboy! You would never have taken her for someone who could be a palace lady even if she’d stayed, would you? She was actually talking about taking the money she’d made and becoming a merchant.” “Until I interfered with her plans, as I gather.” “I knew you were quick on the uptake.”
Their conversation, along with their meal, wound on slowly. Maomao should have been starving, but she found herself strangely sated, and her chopsticks moved at a glacial pace. Jinshi, likewise, started tearing little bits off the bean bun. The feast gradually went cold, yet somehow they still enjoyed eating it. It was, Maomao thought, an unusually serene moment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
I loved this one, I think it’s the best volume so far.
The character development of Maomao is much more pronounced here. We really see how she has changed emotionally. She gets more involved with Jinshi, and I think the Emperor has truly accepted their relationship.
Speaking of the Emperor, we finally get to know him in this book. His relationships with Ah-Duo and Suiren are much clearer now. For the first time since the beginning, I saw him as a human being, and I could finally feel empathy for him.
Why do I think this book is the best in the saga so far? Because so much happens. The character development, the interactions ( I loved every single conversation in this volume, even the more academic ones ), and of course Maomao and Jinshi ( my favourite duo ) who, even if they’re not vocal about it, are getting closer and closer.
Many people only watch the anime, but from my experience, the books are far better. They’re more detailed and offer a deeper understanding of the characters and their actions.
The character development of Maomao is much more pronounced here. We really see how she has changed emotionally. She gets more involved with Jinshi, and I think the Emperor has truly accepted their relationship.
Speaking of the Emperor, we finally get to know him in this book. His relationships with Ah-Duo and Suiren are much clearer now. For the first time since the beginning, I saw him as a human being, and I could finally feel empathy for him.
Why do I think this book is the best in the saga so far? Because so much happens. The character development, the interactions ( I loved every single conversation in this volume, even the more academic ones ), and of course Maomao and Jinshi ( my favourite duo ) who, even if they’re not vocal about it, are getting closer and closer.
Many people only watch the anime, but from my experience, the books are far better. They’re more detailed and offer a deeper understanding of the characters and their actions.
September 27, 2025
"The Emperor gets sick" made for a delightfully medical focused book, something I've missed for a while with this series. Maomao makes some serious career progress. It's been a pleasure to read her journey as a med student. On the downside, there's very little interaction with her and any of the regular cast and Maomao doesn't learn any of the doctors names until the very end. It feels a little isolated for our dear protagonist.
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May 8, 2025May 8, 2025: No dates on the j-novel calendar yet for starting the translation of this volume, what if I cry
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