Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
The Apothecary Diaries, 薬屋のひとりごと, สืบคดีปริศนา หมอยาตำรับโคมแดง
In the East lies a land ruled by an emperor with his consorts and serving women residing in a grand complex known as the hougong. Maomao, a girl from a modest town raised by her apothecary father, never imagined she'd be part of this palace life until she was kidnapped and sold into service there. Despite appearing ordinary, Maomao possesses a sharp mind, quick wit, and extensive knowledge of medicine. Her secret is revealed when the head eunuch, Jinshi, recognizes her abilities and makes her a lady-in-waiting to the emperor's favorite consort, tasked with tasting the lady's food for poison. As she learns more about palace life, Maomao discovers not all is as it seems. Will she be able to lead a peaceful existence or will her powers of deduction and insatiable curiosity bring her further adventures and dangers?
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto has been published digitally in English as The Apothecary Diaries by J-Novel Club since February 14, 2021.
Maomao
ProtagonistA seventeen-year-old girl who was kidnapped and sold into servitude as a maidservant to the emperors harem. despite having lived with her father as a pharmacist in the red light district, she lacks in...
Jinshi
ProtagonistA beautiful eunuch who works in the palace. With a celestial-like face, not only are women fascinated by him, but men are as well....
Rouran
Lady Loulan, Pure Consort of the Garnet Palace and the Emperors consort. She holds some influence over the inner court....
Ouka
In Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, Ouka serves as a maid at the Jade Palace. Her primary responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness and preparing meals for Lady Gyoku....
Fuyou
Lady Fuyou is a minor character in Kusuriya no Hitorigoto. Being the princess of a distant land, she became the Emperors middle consort by force. Now, shes desperately trying to find a way back the he...
Ah Duo
The Pure Consort of the Garnet Palace, Lady Ah Duo, is an important figure in Kusuriya no Hitorigoto. She was close to the Emperor as his childhood friend and had significant power within the court du...
Shaolan
Shaolan is a minor character of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto. A court lady that serves as a low class servant to the harem....
Riishu
Lady Lishu, Virtuous Consort of the Diamond Palace is the Emperors least favor consort. She holds very little influence over the inner court....
Rifa
Lady Lihua, Able Consort of the Crystal Palace is the Emperors High Consort. She hold great charisma and influence over the inner court....
Honnyan
Honnyan, Chief of Servant of the Jade Palace is Lady Gyokuyous servant. She is in charge of managing cleaning and cooking in the palace....
Gyokuyou
Lady Gyokuyou, Noble Consort of the Jade Palace is the Emperors favor Consort. She holds great charisma and influence over the inner court....
Guen
The character named Quack Doctor serves as the physician to the consorts living within the palace's innermost walls. He is responsible for ensuring their well-being....
Gaoshun
Gaoshun is Jinshis assistant. He is in charge of various tasks in the inner and outer palace to lessen the workload of his master....
Emperor
He is the Emperor and the head of the Imperial Family of Li....
Suirei
Suirei is a Court Lady in the Outer Court, who planted an unofficial herb garden near the military offices....
Han Ruomen
Ruomen is a physician in the red-light district and Maomaos adoptive father....
Rihaku
Rihaku is a rising official in the Outer Court and an acquaintance of Maomao....
Pairin
Pairin is the eldest of the Three Princesses of Rokushoukan and one of Maomaos adopted sisters....