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薬屋のひとりごと [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto] #6
The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 6
CAN MAOMAO DULL THE CHARMS OF A HEAVENLY MAIDEN?!
When the ever luminous Jinshi asks for her help in disguising himself to see to a matter beyond the palace walls, Maomao must dig deep to mar her employer's divine allure! And to make the ploy believable, Maomao herself is roped into a spot of theater right alongside her master.
But the "business" at hand takes the pair right to the gates of the Pleasure District, leaving Maomao to wonder if all her hard work has been for a mere assignation or if there's yet another mystery afoot...
When the ever luminous Jinshi asks for her help in disguising himself to see to a matter beyond the palace walls, Maomao must dig deep to mar her employer's divine allure! And to make the ploy believable, Maomao herself is roped into a spot of theater right alongside her master.
But the "business" at hand takes the pair right to the gates of the Pleasure District, leaving Maomao to wonder if all her hard work has been for a mere assignation or if there's yet another mystery afoot...
178 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 686 reviews
September 3, 2025
Unbelievable!
Ugh, I know that this man set this all up, but I'm not sure I completely understand why. I'm excited and ready to pick up the next volume. Maomao's back story is heart wrenching, but intriguing.
Ugh, I know that this man set this all up, but I'm not sure I completely understand why. I'm excited and ready to pick up the next volume. Maomao's back story is heart wrenching, but intriguing.
Read
January 12, 2024all the seemingly unrelated events tying together, the political intrigue, maomao’s mysterious past slowly unraveling, the cliffhanger
oh i am going insane
oh i am going insane
July 29, 2024
4.25/5
They are so perfect that I just want to-
They are so perfect that I just want to-
November 11, 2021
Quel tome ! On avance vraiment dans l’intrigue et ces petits prémices de romance me donnent beaucoup trop envie de découvrir la suite.
J’ai été surprise comme jamais par des plots twist incroyables que j’ai pas du tout vu venir.
Seul bémol : j’ai oublié trop de trucs des tomes précédents et c’est chiant.
Sinon cette fin… j’ai vraiment besoin de lire la suite !
J’ai été surprise comme jamais par des plots twist incroyables que j’ai pas du tout vu venir.
Seul bémol : j’ai oublié trop de trucs des tomes précédents et c’est chiant.
Sinon cette fin… j’ai vraiment besoin de lire la suite !
September 20, 2022
Disguise the limit as Maomao is pressed into service helping Jinshi alter his look to journey into town. However, when the tables are turned, things may just glow up in her face. Then the connections between events are revealed and there’ll be some falling, but maybe not the way we’re expecting.
The first half of this story is pretty cute. It’s good, if unexceptional, work for the series as we get Maomao goofing around with makeup and Jinshi primping her into looking like a lady of high standing in return.
It’s the long tail of the budding romance, which doesn’t actually exist anywhere, except maybe in Jinshi’s mind. His servants are clearly on board for the ride as well, but Maomao has other interests at heart. The pairing of these two is fine, but I would be lying if I said it was the primary draw of the story.
Maomao is so perfectly dedicated to what she loves that her incredible density to this point is actually believable since she has all the clues right there but never puts them together because it isn’t anything to do with chemistry. The one hint we get that we might see that change is a slightest whiff of jealousy that’s as brief as can be.
Besides a couple of revelations, one I did not expect and one I’ve been calling since the first volume, this section involves a lot of goofing around and radishes and reaction after reaction. It’s fun, with the art making up for where the writing is just okay.
The second half pushes Maomao back into her comfort zone, unravelling a mystery that in this case is made up of previous mysteries that all turn out to have a possible connection. Not necessarily of interest to Maomao normally, but a little gall goes a long way.
This section is a corker as it plays to Maomao’s strengths (and weaknesses) as a character. Her involvement is totally mercenary, but she won’t back down from doing what’s right and that forces her to go beyond her limits here. And the reward has something to do with it, of course.
Her treatment and how she reacts to it are phenomenal and the way she comes to try and save the day are real hero moments. And if a picture is worth a thousand words, well, one of those panels where somebody comments on her condition says so, so much with so little.
Basically, I am here for everything this book has to offer. It’s clearer (I mean, it had hints) that this has been kind of a romance all along, but directed towards a character who loves poisoning herself more than anything else. It explains why it has been so staid, mostly because it reflects the attitude of the character who is our point of view. That’s a nice touch.
As long as we have Maomao being her normal crazy self and the occasional mystery shows up that her clever nature can solve, I don’t care where the romance part goes. She and Jinshi already have a great chemistry together (there’s that word again!) so it’s not the worst thing if they grow closer.
4.5 stars - 4 star first half, 5 star second half, but that second half is so brilliant that it’s an easy tilt. This is one of the gems of my reading list and I adore it every time a new volume comes out.
The first half of this story is pretty cute. It’s good, if unexceptional, work for the series as we get Maomao goofing around with makeup and Jinshi primping her into looking like a lady of high standing in return.
It’s the long tail of the budding romance, which doesn’t actually exist anywhere, except maybe in Jinshi’s mind. His servants are clearly on board for the ride as well, but Maomao has other interests at heart. The pairing of these two is fine, but I would be lying if I said it was the primary draw of the story.
Maomao is so perfectly dedicated to what she loves that her incredible density to this point is actually believable since she has all the clues right there but never puts them together because it isn’t anything to do with chemistry. The one hint we get that we might see that change is a slightest whiff of jealousy that’s as brief as can be.
Besides a couple of revelations, one I did not expect and one I’ve been calling since the first volume, this section involves a lot of goofing around and radishes and reaction after reaction. It’s fun, with the art making up for where the writing is just okay.
The second half pushes Maomao back into her comfort zone, unravelling a mystery that in this case is made up of previous mysteries that all turn out to have a possible connection. Not necessarily of interest to Maomao normally, but a little gall goes a long way.
This section is a corker as it plays to Maomao’s strengths (and weaknesses) as a character. Her involvement is totally mercenary, but she won’t back down from doing what’s right and that forces her to go beyond her limits here. And the reward has something to do with it, of course.
Her treatment and how she reacts to it are phenomenal and the way she comes to try and save the day are real hero moments. And if a picture is worth a thousand words, well, one of those panels where somebody comments on her condition says so, so much with so little.
Basically, I am here for everything this book has to offer. It’s clearer (I mean, it had hints) that this has been kind of a romance all along, but directed towards a character who loves poisoning herself more than anything else. It explains why it has been so staid, mostly because it reflects the attitude of the character who is our point of view. That’s a nice touch.
As long as we have Maomao being her normal crazy self and the occasional mystery shows up that her clever nature can solve, I don’t care where the romance part goes. She and Jinshi already have a great chemistry together (there’s that word again!) so it’s not the worst thing if they grow closer.
4.5 stars - 4 star first half, 5 star second half, but that second half is so brilliant that it’s an easy tilt. This is one of the gems of my reading list and I adore it every time a new volume comes out.
July 7, 2025
Ch23-26
5*🌟
Resurrection potion and escalation of palace intrigue. Fmc is becoming a girl Sherlock boss.
5*🌟
Resurrection potion and escalation of palace intrigue. Fmc is becoming a girl Sherlock boss.
May 11, 2023
Ta seria to złoto ♡
December 23, 2025
turn transgender 2026
October 31, 2023
I'm beat. Such revelations this volume offered. A lot of things came into fruition and appeared in front of the naked eye. I've too much theory I haven't crosses off my list (remember to never speculate aloud, lol. If there's one thing I've learned here.) THIS IS FRUSTRATING AND FUN AT THE SAME TIME. I CLOSED THE VOLUME WITH A HEAVY HEART THOUGH. I STILL NEED ANSWERS. BADLY.
October 25, 2022
While I don't like Lakan as a character, he is undeniably the chaotic force Jinshi needs to force him to move forward. The implications of what he's done are horrific.
November 2, 2025
Delicioso volumen como siempre; inteligencia, humor, belleza y trama. Avanzamos más en el descubrimiento de los secretos y misterios que envuelven la vida de los protagonistas; es decir, la historia se va centrando más en Jingshi y Maomao que en los casos que a esta se le plantean. Podemos echarlos de menos - aunque no a su curiosidad innata-; sin embargo el tomo sí acaba con la resolución de un interesante y muy a propósito misterio concatenado que puede dar luz sobre, al menos, quién es Jingshi en realidad... Tremendo el ¿introito? con la cortesana afectada de sífilis. El ambiguo malvado Lakan es un personaje cada vez más interesante. Muy impaciente por leer el tomo 7.
Excelente guión, composición y dibujo.
Excelente guión, composición y dibujo.
February 7, 2026
Finally, finally! We've come full circle now. I'm especially curious about Lakan's real role in all of this because his actions are obviously deliberate, subtly maneuvering events in the background. Can't wait to know more about him, Maomao, and the courtesan at the back of Verdigris.
On the other side, as always, Jinshi and Maomao remain incredibly amusing together. But that last chapter honestly broke my heart. Even after being beaten black and blue, Maomao's only concern was finally getting the bezoar Jinshi promised her as a reward for a job well done. It's such a small, almost absurd thought, yet it says so much about her.
On the other side, as always, Jinshi and Maomao remain incredibly amusing together. But that last chapter honestly broke my heart. Even after being beaten black and blue, Maomao's only concern was finally getting the bezoar Jinshi promised her as a reward for a job well done. It's such a small, almost absurd thought, yet it says so much about her.
January 14, 2023
As with all of these volumes I just keep loving Maomao more and more. This one seemed slow to start, but about through the halfway point it picked up precipitously. I can't wait for big reveals to finally happen, but at the same time I am just enjoying the mysteries and subplots of each new chapter.
April 13, 2025
not maomao and jinshi having a girly spa day!!!
August 23, 2026
Už určitě víte, že Deníky apatykářky jsou moje srdcovka, kterou mám ráda v anime i manga podání. Občas si říkám, že bych si zkusila přečíst i novelu v anglickém překladu, ale pak se podívám na ty hromady nepřečtených knih a řeknu si, že mi zatím postačí ta manga. Alespoň do doby, než vydají třetí řadu anime a film.
Tentokrát mi všech šest epizod skvěle káplo do noty a bavilo mě je číst. Kresba je stále nádherná, navíc v tomto volume je ještě víc zdůrazněno, že je Džinši fakt pohledný „eunuch“ a že se tedy není čemu divit, že po něm vzdychají téměř všechny ženy v paláci. Ani když se ho Maomao pokusí udělat méně přitažlivým, zase tak moc to nefunguje.
Zároveň se dozvídáme i něco temnějšího z minulosti Maomao a jejího příchodu na svět. Více se odkrývá i tajemství skrývající temné spiknutí, které má za cíl zbavit se někoho vysoce postaveného. A je tak jen na Maomao, aby tomu všemu přišla na kloub a zakročila dřív, než se něco stane.
Příběhy mi utekly jako voda a já doufám, že se dalšího volume v překladu dočkáme brzy. V zahraničí letos vyšlo 17 volume a novela má dokonce 16 dílů.
--------------Reakce po dočtení knihy------------
Ti dva mě vážně moc baví. Už aby tu byla nová série anime.
Tentokrát mi všech šest epizod skvěle káplo do noty a bavilo mě je číst. Kresba je stále nádherná, navíc v tomto volume je ještě víc zdůrazněno, že je Džinši fakt pohledný „eunuch“ a že se tedy není čemu divit, že po něm vzdychají téměř všechny ženy v paláci. Ani když se ho Maomao pokusí udělat méně přitažlivým, zase tak moc to nefunguje.
Zároveň se dozvídáme i něco temnějšího z minulosti Maomao a jejího příchodu na svět. Více se odkrývá i tajemství skrývající temné spiknutí, které má za cíl zbavit se někoho vysoce postaveného. A je tak jen na Maomao, aby tomu všemu přišla na kloub a zakročila dřív, než se něco stane.
Příběhy mi utekly jako voda a já doufám, že se dalšího volume v překladu dočkáme brzy. V zahraničí letos vyšlo 17 volume a novela má dokonce 16 dílů.
--------------Reakce po dočtení knihy------------
Ti dva mě vážně moc baví. Už aby tu byla nová série anime.
December 21, 2023
Boże kocham te mangi.
Nie wiem jak wytrzymam bez następnego tomu. 😭
Nie wiem jak wytrzymam bez następnego tomu. 😭
May 1, 2026
OMG so much happened in this volume!!! I am officially and 100% hooked!! 😍😍😍
February 29, 2024
Stanno succedendo grandi cose!!!
Si arriva ad un punto importante
Si arriva ad un punto importante
September 30, 2025
The fact that a volume can have moments of great humor mixed in with some daaaark shit is incredible work. That ending!!
March 8, 2023
Once more, the mystery element of this volume's main course is resolved by our smart girl Maomao. 😎
I'm actually gasping because of what Maomao accomplished to save that important person! I did not expect that! 😳
Go Maomao! 🙌
I'm actually gasping because of what Maomao accomplished to save that important person! I did not expect that! 😳
Go Maomao! 🙌
December 13, 2022
Oh my God!! The cliffhanger no! I have to wait for Christmas to get the book now and I cannot wait that long if it leaves me with that ending! The reveals in this book and the storyline was amazing! I am seriously freaking out about the ending and I need the next book so badly!
August 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Once again reminding everyone of how much I love this series
September 13, 2025
Jak na razie najlepszy tom ze wszystkich ❤️
April 28, 2026
She’s what??!!!! Things are really picking up.
March 12, 2025
Enfin on en apprend plus sur nos protagonistes. Et le mystère s'épaissit
January 27, 2023
Potrzebny 7 tom na wczoraj! 😭
Ja nie wysiedzę do premiery 🙈
Ja nie wysiedzę do premiery 🙈
June 1, 2024
Again, why is this series in the YA section of my library? This volume discusses a sex worker that contracted and is dying from syphilis. It also talks about women being valueless when they’re pregnant. It’s pretty mature for teenagers.
Anyway, this is probably the most eventful volume. We learn a lot more about Maomao’s childhood, her parentage, and it ends on a dramatic scene.
To be honest, the reveal was not surprising because Maomao speculated about it the last volume, so it wasn’t quite a shock. Especially considering this series consists of her constantly speaking about Jinshi as if he doesn’t behave the way other eunuchs do.
Still, this was enjoyable!
Anyway, this is probably the most eventful volume. We learn a lot more about Maomao’s childhood, her parentage, and it ends on a dramatic scene.
To be honest, the reveal was not surprising because Maomao speculated about it the last volume, so it wasn’t quite a shock. Especially considering this series consists of her constantly speaking about Jinshi as if he doesn’t behave the way other eunuchs do.
Still, this was enjoyable!
December 3, 2024
Delightful, cute and so much fun!
I love following Maomao around, and I love to immerse myself in this world.
And I know, I know. You get it. But I am obsessed. I just wanted to try out the first volume and see how things went but... I can't put it down!
And yes, this wasn't the manga I planned on reading this month, I wanted to go back to my dear Black Butler, but I simply cannot stop reading.
I love all the characters, they all have such distinct personalities, and they all are fun and cute (okay, most of them). But I love that this has such a low level of drama! It is so relaxing!
I love following Maomao around, and I love to immerse myself in this world.
And I know, I know. You get it. But I am obsessed. I just wanted to try out the first volume and see how things went but... I can't put it down!
And yes, this wasn't the manga I planned on reading this month, I wanted to go back to my dear Black Butler, but I simply cannot stop reading.
I love all the characters, they all have such distinct personalities, and they all are fun and cute (okay, most of them). But I love that this has such a low level of drama! It is so relaxing!
July 5, 2026
Pour le moment c'est mon tome préféré (je n'ai pas encore pris la suite). On a beaucoup de révélations et beaucoup de choses prennent sens avec les tomes précédents. J'étais vraiment accro. J'apprécie aussi le format "enquête" et les raisonnements de Mao Mao. Je sens aussi que la relation entre Jinshi et Mao Mao va prendre un autre tournant. Et j'ai hâte de voir ça.
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