From my understanding, Lakan didn't plan all of this but rather found out that this was going on and pieced everything together so that he could gain the favor of Maomao by helping her here, but I don't think he expected her to go so far as to agitate the guard or Jinshi to carry her over. Still, amazing how he could foresee that all of this was going to happen just by feeding these tasks to Jinshi and knowing Maomao would get involved in it
Your right Lakan didn't create the situation he was just like Maomao and figured it out, he was probably shocked becuase of how close a call it was, he didn't realize that a single second of delay would have meant her death and that a single second faster would have saved her from her leg injury. It exposed to him that even as smart as he is he just barely made it. Additionally this is purely speculation but I belive that Lakan didn't go there to help Maomao but that he figured it out and intended to save Jinshi to gain his favor, it was just coincidence that Maomao had also figured it out and thus he changed his goal from getting Jinshi to owe him to getting Maomao to owe him. Also that would make another reason for his shock because his confident and slow resolution of the issue would have been too late if Maomao wasn't there at all meaning he would have "lost" by solving the mystery too late.
@@TheDustyPeaches While I don't disagree with your opinion on Lakan scheming all this to get either Jinshi and Maomao's favor but not realising how close to a life threating situation it was, my interpretation after seeing his reaction was more like "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?!" This was even before I got spoilers. Enuff said, I better not say more. Anyway, good opinion on it as well.
Remember that "Jinshi the eunuch" being of noble birth isn't a publicly known fact. None is allowed to directly look at royalty in this circumstance, so the fact everyone must avert their eyes and hide their face is likely that they are following protocol. You'd think the urgency would change that a bit, but when you are so far beneath the person, you probably don't unlearn that reverence amidst the panik.
Natsu Hyuuga responded to a fan on X (twitter) in an old tweet from 2021 that Lakan punished the guard who hit Maomo but it was not mentioned in the novel
I love the way the entire plot is told, where all the previous "side missions" are connected to the main plot, making the viewer reach a conclusion together with the protagonists
Yeah, looks like all the side missions even from EPISODE 1, is connected. I don't read the manga and I'm actively avoiding spoilers, but by speculation, SOMEONE has been scheming since Episode 1 to do SOMETHING. Even all the way to the poison powder...... oh God, this is getting good, WHENIS SEASON 2 COMING OUT!??!?!
@@panstsubaxxx859 Yeah I heard a lot of good things about Frieren. Problem is I'm a reader of Lord of the Rings so I really don't like how in anime they are generally depicted sex objects. And though Frieren definitely isn't a sex symbol, it does look sort of like a D&D setting which I'm not a fan either. Nevertheless, will give it a god before the year is up. I heard the voice actor for Frieren is Concubine Gyokuyou as well as that adorable Anya from Spy X Family. I dont think should compare Apothecary with Frieren though. Apothecary is a fictional historical drama with detective elements which is why we all love it. Frieren, well, ask me again after I watch it but definitely different genre.
Ok, watched it. Nice reaction. One thing at the end with your speculation, though: it's not just for showing "we can touch him", it's more of the internal politics of the court. Remember: in a previous episode, we've seen that Jinshi got swapped with the (now dead) kid of the Mother Dowager. So that would make him officially the Emperor's brother (as, indeed, he's known). In reality, he's the SON of the current emperor, however. But only a handful will know that. In Imperial China, it's the first born male that gets to be the heir, normally. So, as a brother, he can't inherit the throne, but as a son he could. But officially, he can't inherit the throne as a brother, unless no male offspring from the concubines comes forth. However, the real danger here - well, I'm assuming, since the series isn't finished here - is what if a concubine DOES have a boy. Then normally, that boy would inherit the throne. BUT... Jinshi is the actual first son, even if almost no-one knows this. Meaning, he will ALWAYS be a lingering threat to inheriting the throne (for the offspring) of every concubine (and their family vying for the throne), EVEN if they manage to get a boy. The only way to make sure he doesn't become a threat later on, is to get rid of him. That's how I interpreted the dynamics at the court and the reason for the assassination attempt. Otherwise, there would be no use in targeting Jinshi. My feeling is, that the new concubine and/or her father has something to do with it, though we'll have to wait until season 2 to know more.
Only royalties perform ceremonies. Lakan knew Jinshi is of a high status but he did not know Jinshi is a royalty. He was shocked that it was Jinshi that walked out of the ceremony meaning Jinshi is a royalty.
The way Lakan was mad at the guard when her daughter aka MaoMao was hurt, i think he was shocked because maybe he was like: "Is MaoMao ok? why is she unconcious, did she..??", this type of face that he lost MaoMao type of face he had. This is my theory, later episodes might explain his reaction.
@@Entropi_92 yeah we dont know if Lakan was bad or good, but atleast at this point he was pissed when MaoMao was hurt, so i made it as spoiler free as possible and still i think the way i said it is barely spoiling anything, but if you saw other comments mine is still a subtle comment and i also said its my theory hence its not 100%. Thanks for telling me though appreciated.
I remember being so hyped up in this chapter on the manga, got to the guard beating maomao panel and forgetting for a split second that the genre is shoujo 😭
Why do most people misunderstand Maomao's words about Lakan? Which doesn't make sense, if Lakan had really planned to kill Jinshi either to take Maomao or for whatever reason, he wouldn't have taken responsibility for the guard letting Maomao pass and preventing Jinshi from dying. If Lakan had just watched and not interfered, Jinshi would have been dead.
With the information available at ep 19, Jinshi is likely the successor to the throne in the event the Emperor dies, whether he is the son or the brother of the Emperor. His death would throw the entire Imperial Court into a free-for-all regarding securing the successor. A powerful concubine could take advantage of that chaos. But this is obviously a long running scheme, and while Maomao managed to foil the assassination plot, I doubt whoevers behind this is done trying.
This echoes my comment that a made a minute before yours. Yes, that's my interpretation as well. Though, I think the real problem starts if a concubine would get a male offspring. Normally, the first boy would inherit the throne - and officially Jinshi is the brother, not the son of the emperor, even though in reality he is the first born male (but only a handful will know that). So... for any concubine (and her family) that would give birth to a son, Jinshi is a lingering threat. Officially, he's the brother and can't inherit the throne if one of the current concubines got a son of the emperor, but Jinshi could still proclaim dibs on it, as he's the first son and if he reveals the truth about it. This would, indeed, amount to chaos regarding the successor. Even if no male offspring that survived would be birthed, getting rid of Jinshi would create a pathway for claiming the throne after the current emperor dies, to the high-up aristocracy that now has no chance. It's definitely got to do something with that, not just "showing we can touch him".
Daddy and dad are mad mad rip to that guard and everyone involved, maomao once again showed us why she's Best girl I had tears in my eyes when I saw her like that
Fans of the light novel and manga were writing that the author confirmed Lakan tormented the guard for hitting Maomao, but eventually rewarded him for dilligently performing his guard duties.
Little fact that the anime doesn't reveal (they cleverly censor it with her hair over her face) but MaoMao's mother's nose is eroded and gone (open sores on the face can distroy the surrounding skin tissue). It's a revolting sight and further elaborates just how awful her fate is. Also syphilis causes dementia and other mental problems so sad to say MaoMao's mother doesn't remember much except certain things like the lullaby she was humming and "Go" the game she would always play as a courtesan. So it's not that she's "traumatized" it's that she doesn't remember anything other than how happy she was playing Go
@@angel_hope10taiba79 yeah was late on the last episode so I didn't know if they'd see it. Also I added to the comment they made regarding her being traumatized when she's actually just mentally disabled.
Why would they want to kill the emperor's brother? Because he's currently in line for the job. Even more so, if they know that the babies might have been switched.
Great reaction guys, this show is still tied for first place as best anime in a very long time, along with Friren, for me. Remember what Maomoa's father said to her, don't jump to conclusions without evidence.
So why is nobody rushing to help her? Well i think it is obvious that Jinshi must be some kind of high nobility holding a ceremony that only nobles would do. In previous episodes it is implied that he might be the current emperors son/brother. So all these people around know that. And as he is a noble they are not allowed to speak with him or even look him into his eyes. That's why they all are bowing to him with their heads down when he is carrying Maomao. Then again him carrying Maomao himself and not some servants is a scandal in itself. He a noble carrying a mere servant .... unheard of .... it shows how much she means to him.
@@meghanav3450 don't forget the hairpin he was wearing at the garden party, which was a blue faïence bead with a golden Qilin (Kirin) on it... that's not something ordinary people can wear.
If the emperor die, who is the next in line? His younger brother/secret son? If this one is deal with? Another emperor son from one of his courtisan? So could it be that the younger brother/secret son could be an obstacle to a futur heir to a courtisan family trying to get their blood on the throne? If that person were to die in a "totaly random" freak accident before any succession dispute arise, how conveniant would that be?...
Sorry I'm jumping comments up and down your list, but yeah this episode was brutal to me when Maomao got hurt. And up to this point, I was assuming the worst about Lakan being a creepy schemer although I didn't think he was the real bad guy of these series. But he definitely had a connection with Maomao, and up to the last point where we saw his reaction, I hated Lakan as a schemer who got off of scheming. But in this case, it look like his scheming finally came back to bite him in the butt. So ironicaly at that point, I don't think he is such a bad guy after all. I think he was egging Maomao to discover all the clues to this ongoing mystery which we now seem to come back to an assassination attempt on Jinshi, but to see Maomao REALLY HURT and bleeding even more than the concussion from the guard's club, I think that finally broke down the wall of his scheming. Just my opinion, but even knowing what I know now after finishing the anime season, I still think his reaction is "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?!?!" No spoilers please
I hope you read the manga as well. You'll know for sure. ANYWAY, I'm so happy you are reacting to apothecary diaries hihi 💗 also.. I like the scene where her father is to the rescue!! He knows. Lol
I know the scene looks powerful but I wish Jinshi would walk a little faster (if running isn't possible) so that Maomao could get treatment a little quicker, especially with her blood kept dripping like that.
Hehe, yeah, that was my thought also. It's very emotional, but at the end I was thinking: she's bleeding... Jinshi, my man, can't you hurry up a wee bit?! But maybe he knew it wasn't life-threatening, and maybe some etiquette of the Chinese court is at play here as well. Also, maybe if he would be running off with her, it would make it too clear she's his weak spot because he's loosing all his demeanor when it comes to her. From a meta-viewpoint, I think the author just wanted to make it especially personal and dramatic, though. If she hadn't been bleeding, I would have had less of a problem with his slow pace. ;-) I know it was a superficial wound, and she's not bleeding to death, but still..
Jinshi can't do that, it would be unseemly of him as the Emperor's son. Running or panicking would also call his 'tastes' into question, and rumours would spread about his relationship with that servant girl. That would lower people's opinions of him, especially amongst the officials. That's also why no one is helping him, because they are not allowed to look at him or get too close. His power is so great that he could have any of them beheaded for simply looking at him.
@@DireConsenquences Let's not exaggerate. Plenty of women and men have looked at him by now. Also: he's not seen as the son of the emperor, but as the brother of the emperor. But it is true losing his demeanor over a "servant girl" would probably not go well for his reputation.
@@AniMageNeBy I'm sorry but in the novels it is confirmed that he is his son, and Maomao already talked about the baby exchange, the information will take some time to reach the manga.
This is one instance where I kind of wish they would translate more for nuance than literal meaning. Ceremonial "tools' is misleading. A better English translation would be ceremonial "equipment". A lot of folks get hung up on the word tools because it doesn't really make sense in this context.
From my understanding, Lakan didn't plan all of this but rather found out that this was going on and pieced everything together so that he could gain the favor of Maomao by helping her here, but I don't think he expected her to go so far as to agitate the guard or Jinshi to carry her over. Still, amazing how he could foresee that all of this was going to happen just by feeding these tasks to Jinshi and knowing Maomao would get involved in it
Your right Lakan didn't create the situation he was just like Maomao and figured it out, he was probably shocked becuase of how close a call it was, he didn't realize that a single second of delay would have meant her death and that a single second faster would have saved her from her leg injury. It exposed to him that even as smart as he is he just barely made it. Additionally this is purely speculation but I belive that Lakan didn't go there to help Maomao but that he figured it out and intended to save Jinshi to gain his favor, it was just coincidence that Maomao had also figured it out and thus he changed his goal from getting Jinshi to owe him to getting Maomao to owe him. Also that would make another reason for his shock because his confident and slow resolution of the issue would have been too late if Maomao wasn't there at all meaning he would have "lost" by solving the mystery too late.
@@TheDustyPeaches While I don't disagree with your opinion on Lakan scheming all this to get either Jinshi and Maomao's favor but not realising how close to a life threating situation it was, my interpretation after seeing his reaction was more like "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?!" This was even before I got spoilers. Enuff said, I better not say more. Anyway, good opinion on it as well.
Remember that "Jinshi the eunuch" being of noble birth isn't a publicly known fact. None is allowed to directly look at royalty in this circumstance, so the fact everyone must avert their eyes and hide their face is likely that they are following protocol. You'd think the urgency would change that a bit, but when you are so far beneath the person, you probably don't unlearn that reverence amidst the panik.
Natsu Hyuuga responded to a fan on X (twitter) in an old tweet from 2021 that Lakan punished the guard who hit Maomo but it was not mentioned in the novel
I love the way the entire plot is told, where all the previous "side missions" are connected to the main plot, making the viewer reach a conclusion together with the protagonists
Yeah, looks like all the side missions even from EPISODE 1, is connected. I don't read the manga and I'm actively avoiding spoilers, but by speculation, SOMEONE has been scheming since Episode 1 to do SOMETHING. Even all the way to the poison powder...... oh God, this is getting good, WHENIS SEASON 2 COMING OUT!??!?!
@@JediLordWong S2 is scheduled for 2025, but still no date confirmation
@@panstsubaxxx859thanks. Sigh, still long way. May as well try Frieren in meantime despite my disdain for Japanese depiction of elves.
@@JediLordWong Frieren is so great , I love both shows so much but I think frieren is just a little bit better than the apothecary
@@panstsubaxxx859 Yeah I heard a lot of good things about Frieren. Problem is I'm a reader of Lord of the Rings so I really don't like how in anime they are generally depicted sex objects. And though Frieren definitely isn't a sex symbol, it does look sort of like a D&D setting which I'm not a fan either.
Nevertheless, will give it a god before the year is up. I heard the voice actor for Frieren is Concubine Gyokuyou as well as that adorable Anya from Spy X Family.
I dont think should compare Apothecary with Frieren though. Apothecary is a fictional historical drama with detective elements which is why we all love it. Frieren, well, ask me again after I watch it but definitely different genre.
Ok, watched it. Nice reaction. One thing at the end with your speculation, though: it's not just for showing "we can touch him", it's more of the internal politics of the court. Remember: in a previous episode, we've seen that Jinshi got swapped with the (now dead) kid of the Mother Dowager. So that would make him officially the Emperor's brother (as, indeed, he's known). In reality, he's the SON of the current emperor, however. But only a handful will know that. In Imperial China, it's the first born male that gets to be the heir, normally. So, as a brother, he can't inherit the throne, but as a son he could. But officially, he can't inherit the throne as a brother, unless no male offspring from the concubines comes forth.
However, the real danger here - well, I'm assuming, since the series isn't finished here - is what if a concubine DOES have a boy. Then normally, that boy would inherit the throne. BUT... Jinshi is the actual first son, even if almost no-one knows this. Meaning, he will ALWAYS be a lingering threat to inheriting the throne (for the offspring) of every concubine (and their family vying for the throne), EVEN if they manage to get a boy. The only way to make sure he doesn't become a threat later on, is to get rid of him.
That's how I interpreted the dynamics at the court and the reason for the assassination attempt. Otherwise, there would be no use in targeting Jinshi. My feeling is, that the new concubine and/or her father has something to do with it, though we'll have to wait until season 2 to know more.
*Lakan lets Maomao save Jinshi*
"Is Lakan trying to kill Jinshi?!?" bruh
Thats what i thought 😂
Only royalties perform ceremonies. Lakan knew Jinshi is of a high status but he did not know Jinshi is a royalty. He was shocked that it was Jinshi that walked out of the ceremony meaning Jinshi is a royalty.
The way Lakan was mad at the guard when her daughter aka MaoMao was hurt, i think he was shocked because maybe he was like: "Is MaoMao ok? why is she unconcious, did she..??", this type of face that he lost MaoMao type of face he had. This is my theory, later episodes might explain his reaction.
This can be stated as spoiler, since at this point' we don't know if Lakan good or evil.
@@Entropi_92 yeah we dont know if Lakan was bad or good, but atleast at this point he was pissed when MaoMao was hurt, so i made it as spoiler free as possible and still i think the way i said it is barely spoiling anything, but if you saw other comments mine is still a subtle comment and i also said its my theory hence its not 100%.
Thanks for telling me though appreciated.
Remember that knowledge of what's going on does not = being behind the cause of it.
THE ENDING FOR THIS EPISODE WAS SO GOOD JUST LETTING THEN MUSIC PLAY AND ONLY SHOWING WHAT'S HAPPENING GOD THIS ANIME IS AMAZING
I remember being so hyped up in this chapter on the manga, got to the guard beating maomao panel and forgetting for a split second that the genre is shoujo 😭
Why do most people misunderstand Maomao's words about Lakan?
Which doesn't make sense, if Lakan had really planned to kill Jinshi either to take Maomao or for whatever reason, he wouldn't have taken responsibility for the guard letting Maomao pass and preventing Jinshi from dying. If Lakan had just watched and not interfered, Jinshi would have been dead.
With the information available at ep 19, Jinshi is likely the successor to the throne in the event the Emperor dies, whether he is the son or the brother of the Emperor. His death would throw the entire Imperial Court into a free-for-all regarding securing the successor. A powerful concubine could take advantage of that chaos.
But this is obviously a long running scheme, and while Maomao managed to foil the assassination plot, I doubt whoevers behind this is done trying.
This echoes my comment that a made a minute before yours. Yes, that's my interpretation as well. Though, I think the real problem starts if a concubine would get a male offspring. Normally, the first boy would inherit the throne - and officially Jinshi is the brother, not the son of the emperor, even though in reality he is the first born male (but only a handful will know that). So... for any concubine (and her family) that would give birth to a son, Jinshi is a lingering threat. Officially, he's the brother and can't inherit the throne if one of the current concubines got a son of the emperor, but Jinshi could still proclaim dibs on it, as he's the first son and if he reveals the truth about it. This would, indeed, amount to chaos regarding the successor.
Even if no male offspring that survived would be birthed, getting rid of Jinshi would create a pathway for claiming the throne after the current emperor dies, to the high-up aristocracy that now has no chance.
It's definitely got to do something with that, not just "showing we can touch him".
And you know that somewhere during that walk off he gave some thoughts toward who he was going to have to kill..
Daddy and dad are mad mad rip to that guard and everyone involved, maomao once again showed us why she's Best girl I had tears in my eyes when I saw her like that
Fans of the light novel and manga were writing that the author confirmed Lakan tormented the guard for hitting Maomao, but eventually rewarded him for dilligently performing his guard duties.
Little fact that the anime doesn't reveal (they cleverly censor it with her hair over her face) but MaoMao's mother's nose is eroded and gone (open sores on the face can distroy the surrounding skin tissue).
It's a revolting sight and further elaborates just how awful her fate is.
Also syphilis causes dementia and other mental problems so sad to say MaoMao's mother doesn't remember much except certain things like the lullaby she was humming and "Go" the game she would always play as a courtesan.
So it's not that she's "traumatized" it's that she doesn't remember anything other than how happy she was playing Go
Yd u put it again lol
Noice peice of info tho 👍
@@angel_hope10taiba79 yeah was late on the last episode so I didn't know if they'd see it. Also I added to the comment they made regarding her being traumatized when she's actually just mentally disabled.
Why would they want to kill the emperor's brother? Because he's currently in line for the job. Even more so, if they know that the babies might have been switched.
Great reaction guys, this show is still tied for first place as best anime in a very long time, along with Friren, for me. Remember what Maomoa's father said to her, don't jump to conclusions without evidence.
So why is nobody rushing to help her? Well i think it is obvious that Jinshi must be some kind of high nobility holding a ceremony that only nobles would do. In previous episodes it is implied that he might be the current emperors son/brother. So all these people around know that. And as he is a noble they are not allowed to speak with him or even look him into his eyes. That's why they all are bowing to him with their heads down when he is carrying Maomao. Then again him carrying Maomao himself and not some servants is a scandal in itself. He a noble carrying a mere servant .... unheard of .... it shows how much she means to him.
Little bit tidbits, Jinshi wear robe with golden dragon in it. Anyone who watch Chinese or Korean drama will know who have right to wear such thing.
Right? They told ppl very early on. The dragon accessories were a dead giveaway for me. Especially the 5 claws for the emperor and 4 for the princes.
@@meghanav3450 haha 😀
@@meghanav3450 don't forget the hairpin he was wearing at the garden party, which was a blue faïence bead with a golden Qilin (Kirin) on it...
that's not something ordinary people can wear.
@@Nichols_Santa that's exactly what I was talking about. This show never dumps too much info at once. It's good.
If the emperor die, who is the next in line? His younger brother/secret son? If this one is deal with? Another emperor son from one of his courtisan?
So could it be that the younger brother/secret son could be an obstacle to a futur heir to a courtisan family trying to get their blood on the throne?
If that person were to die in a "totaly random" freak accident before any succession dispute arise, how conveniant would that be?...
Woohoo! Looking forward to THIS one! :-)
First. Love your reaction videos ❤
Sorry I'm jumping comments up and down your list, but yeah this episode was brutal to me when Maomao got hurt. And up to this point, I was assuming the worst about Lakan being a creepy schemer although I didn't think he was the real bad guy of these series. But he definitely had a connection with Maomao, and up to the last point where we saw his reaction, I hated Lakan as a schemer who got off of scheming.
But in this case, it look like his scheming finally came back to bite him in the butt. So ironicaly at that point, I don't think he is such a bad guy after all. I think he was egging Maomao to discover all the clues to this ongoing mystery which we now seem to come back to an assassination attempt on Jinshi, but to see Maomao REALLY HURT and bleeding even more than the concussion from the guard's club, I think that finally broke down the wall of his scheming.
Just my opinion, but even knowing what I know now after finishing the anime season, I still think his reaction is "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?!?!"
No spoilers please
I hope you read the manga as well. You'll know for sure. ANYWAY, I'm so happy you are reacting to apothecary diaries hihi 💗 also.. I like the scene where her father is to the rescue!! He knows. Lol
I know the scene looks powerful but I wish Jinshi would walk a little faster (if running isn't possible) so that Maomao could get treatment a little quicker, especially with her blood kept dripping like that.
He almost did it in the manga, but due to his position as a noble it may seem like bad manners.
Hehe, yeah, that was my thought also. It's very emotional, but at the end I was thinking: she's bleeding... Jinshi, my man, can't you hurry up a wee bit?! But maybe he knew it wasn't life-threatening, and maybe some etiquette of the Chinese court is at play here as well. Also, maybe if he would be running off with her, it would make it too clear she's his weak spot because he's loosing all his demeanor when it comes to her.
From a meta-viewpoint, I think the author just wanted to make it especially personal and dramatic, though. If she hadn't been bleeding, I would have had less of a problem with his slow pace. ;-) I know it was a superficial wound, and she's not bleeding to death, but still..
Jinshi can't do that, it would be unseemly of him as the Emperor's son. Running or panicking would also call his 'tastes' into question, and rumours would spread about his relationship with that servant girl. That would lower people's opinions of him, especially amongst the officials.
That's also why no one is helping him, because they are not allowed to look at him or get too close. His power is so great that he could have any of them beheaded for simply looking at him.
@@DireConsenquences Let's not exaggerate. Plenty of women and men have looked at him by now.
Also: he's not seen as the son of the emperor, but as the brother of the emperor.
But it is true losing his demeanor over a "servant girl" would probably not go well for his reputation.
@@AniMageNeBy I'm sorry but in the novels it is confirmed that he is his son, and Maomao already talked about the baby exchange, the information will take some time to reach the manga.
This is one instance where I kind of wish they would translate more for nuance than literal meaning. Ceremonial "tools' is misleading. A better English translation would be ceremonial "equipment". A lot of folks get hung up on the word tools because it doesn't really make sense in this context.
you says it was the best? wait till you get to the last episode! 🙂