“The Apothecary Diaries” continues its captivating second season with episode 33, titled “The Late Emperor,” delving deeper into the mysteries of the imperial court. As Maomao investigates a supposed curse, secrets surrounding the former emperor and his relationship with Empress Dowager An are brought to light. This episode, which aired on March 7, 2025, promises to reveal unsettling truths and challenge the perceptions of key characters within the series.
Maomao’s Investigation into the Imperial “Curse”
Empress Dowager An tasks Maomao with investigating a “curse” placed upon the late emperor. Maomao begins her investigation, leading her to stay at Jinshi’s residence for the first time in a while. During her stay, while listening to Suiren recount stories of Jinshi’s childhood, Maomao discovers a peculiar, colored stone among Jinshi’s old toys.
The Mysterious Pebble: A Clue to the Past
This oddly colored pebble becomes a vital clue in unraveling the mystery. It is said to be connected to the “curse” inflicted by the Empress Dowager on the former emperor, which is believed to be the reason his body remains unchanged even after death. This discovery prompts Maomao, accompanied by the Empress Dowager and Jinshi, to visit the former emperor’s chamber, seeking to uncover the truth behind his secret and the nature of the “curse”.
Unveiling the Truth Behind the “Curse”
Maomao’s investigation uncovers that the late emperor’s unchanging state is due to a combination of factors including orpiment, an arsenic sulfide compound, and the infamous arsenical wallpaper. The episode reveals the former emperor was sexually abusing young girls, and that Empress Dowager An bore his child, the current emperor, following a forced c-section. She wished that the former Emperor would “go away for a long time,” and one year after his death, Anshi and the current emperor examined his body to discover that it was not decaying.
Key Plot Developments and Character Insights
Episode 33 provides insights into the history of the late emperor and Anshi, revealing a dark and uncomfortable story. The episode suggests the former emperor was neurodivergent and suffered abuse from his mother, leading to an aversion to adult women. The revelation of these traumatic experiences sheds light on his character, even as it acknowledges the gravity of his actions.
Anshi’s Complex Motivations
The episode further explores Anshi’s character, portraying her as a complex figure driven by both jealousy and a desire to protect young girls from the emperor. Anshi herself was in a relationship with the emperor with full knowledge of his inclinations, and may have been subconsciously trying to prevent innocent children from entering into similar relationships without understanding the full implications.
Jinshi’s Growing Character Development
“The Apothecary Diaries” has been gradually revealing more about Jinshi. Episode 33 gives Maomao some insight into his personality, which has her looking at him in a different light.
Gaining Insight from Lady Suiren
While waiting for permission to enter the Late Emperor’s room to inspect it for clues, Maomao spends the night at Lady Suiren’s room, Jinshi’s Lady-In-Waiting. This interaction provides Maomao with unexpected insight into Jinshi’s past, revealing more about his true identity.
Release Details and Streaming Platforms
“The Apothecary Diaries” Season 2 premiered on January 10, 2025, and is expected to consist of 24 episodes. New episodes are released every Friday. Episode 33, “The Late Emperor,” premiered on March 7, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. PST / 12:15 p.m. EST.
Where to Watch
The series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with new episodes premiering shortly after their airing in Japan. The first season is also available on Crunchyroll and can be purchased on Apple’s store. As of April 1, 2025, Season 1 will also be available on Netflix in the U.S.
Reception and Popularity
“The Apothecary Diaries” has garnered significant acclaim for its engaging story, complex characters, and unique blend of historical drama, mystery, and romance. The series has consistently ranked high on streaming platforms and has been praised for its feminist sensibility and exploration of challenging themes. The second season has been highly anticipated, with fans eager to unravel the mysteries of the imperial court and witness the evolving relationships between Maomao and Jinshi.
