The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Jinshi’s True Identity

The 7th episode of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 or The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 had a lot to do with Jinshi and his connection to the king. Let us see how this episode turned out.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 6 Recap

Since only designated medical officers are permitted to prepare remedies, Maomao’s actions are deemed illegal, carrying potentially severe consequences. However, when Maomao crosses paths with a certain palace woman, the request she receives pulls her into an entirely new intrigue.

A maid from Lady Lihua’s palace has been missing for days after falling ill with a cold. This poses a serious risk as not only could she infect her mistress, but her disappearance suggests she may have been abandoned due to her condition. Concerned about the situation, Maomao is asked to investigate and ensure the maid receives the help she needs.

However, the real issue lies in the fact that Lady Lihua’s palace is not truly under her control but rather ruled by her powerful headmaid, Shin. As Lady Lihua’s cousin and a noble of high standing, Shin answers to no one beneath her. Nothing happens within the palace without her approval. We later find her conspiring against Lady Lihua.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 7 Review

This episode started with showcasing some interesting bits about Jinshi’s life that can help us learn more about him. Here, we see a young Jinshi playing and getting interrupted by an old man. However, his mother quickly comes in between them and covers Jinshi from the mysterious person. Later, an even older woman comes and takes the old man away.  That day, Jinshi noticed a very strange expression on his mother’s face and later got to know that the old man was his father and the older woman was his grandmother.

However, this episode does not dwell on that and moves on to a separate situation altogether. Here, we witness the highlight being the Palace of Choosing, a mysterious palace that supposedly has the power to pick the rightful heir to the throne. It also has a legend attached to it, according to which the first Empress came from a foreign land and established her rule. After that, she ordered that only those who could pass the test of the Palace of Choosing could become the king, even amongst her own sons.

This used to be a practice, but now it has stopped. The current king has ascended the throne normally and is planning to solve the mystery of the Palace of Choosing. When he first tries the puzzle, he fails and later takes along Maomao and Jinshi so that they can realize the real truth behind this secret.

Today’s episode was definitely very interesting and engaging as we got to know more about the country this anime is based on. The lore has scientific sense behind it, and the answer hidden within this riddle will shock and impress you. However, one thing is certain. Jinshi is a lot closer to revealing his true origin as a Prince to Maomao than ever before.

Verdict

I loved today’s episode as it touched upon Jinshi and his past, something that we do not explore that often. It is also clear that the royal family holds Maomao in high esteem, as reflected in the way they treat her. Though Jinshi’s history was not properly investigated in this episode, hopefully, it will get more attention in the next episode.

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