The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 16 Review: Maomao Gets Kidnapped

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 16 Review | Leisurebyte

Director: Tsuyoshi Nakano

Date Created: 2025-04-25 22:45

Editor's Rating:
4.5

The 16th episode of The Apothecary Diaries Season was the best episode of this season. Let us see how this episode turned out.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 15 Recap

This episode kicked off with a tense moment as Xiaolan accidentally threw all the ice that a eunuch was transporting. Given how rare and valuable ice was during that era, this mistake could result in harsh punishment for both of them, especially since the ice was meant for Consort Luolan. Just when things seem bleak, Maomao steps in and offers to find a solution.

Jinshi happens to be nearby, and Maomao quickly approaches him to request access to the kitchen. Seizing the opportunity, Jinshi teases her by asking what he’ll receive in return for his help. When Maomao admits she has nothing to offer, he simply asks her to wear the hairpin he previously gave her. He hints that if she does, he’ll reveal an important secret, that he’s of royal blood.

Later, using her resourcefulness, Maomao combines the remaining ice with fruit to make a makeshift ice cream. She sends the frozen treat to Consort Luolan, effectively averting disaster and protecting Xiaolan from punishment.

However, the episode takes a serious turn when Maomao realises something troubling. Lady Gyokuyou may face life-threatening complications during childbirth, as the baby appears to be in a breech position. And only one person in the entire kingdom is skilled enough to handle such a delivery, who is Maomao’s adoptive father.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 16 Review

This episode deals with a lot of mystery as Luomen is finally here to assist with the birth of the king’s children. He swiftly instructs Maomao to post some warnings all over the palace, which are simple things to follow, but are actually very important. Later, Maomao understands that he has done something similar even in the past, and she gets curious as to why he is issuing the same warnings 20 years later.

Needless to say, Maomao feels something is definitely off about the whole scenario, and thus, she tries to solve the mystery herself. This is where things get interesting in this episode, and Maomao lands herself in one of the biggest problems she has ever had. She finally catches Shenlu as the mastermind who helped to make the abortion medicine for Lady Lihua. Not only that, but we also understand the reason behind it.

Shenlu came to the inner palace when she was only 10 years old. Like others, after she was used by the emperor for his pleasure, she and other girls were never allowed to go out of the palace. Nobody took them in, thus, they harbour a deep-seated hatred towards the emperor and his descendants.

This episode truly changed the course of this entire season, as now Maomao has gotten herself kidnapped. How she will manage to free herself from her enemies is something that we will have to find out. One thing is for sure: there are way more secrets within the palace than we previously thought.

Verdict

I absolutely loved this episode and think it is high time that we get some seriousness in the series. Now, I hope Jinshi or Lakan, Maomao’s father, will discover the disappearance of Maomao and come to rescue her as soon as possible.

Must Read: Read all our The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 reviews here.