A Beginner’s Guide to The Apothecary Diaries Light Novels

---

 

 

Introduction

It's been a few weeks since The Apothecary Diaries anime concluded, leaving many hungry for more of Maomao's adventures. While there are two manga adaptations available—the Big Gangan version by Nekokurage and the Sunday GX version by Minoji Kurata—they cover only up to Volume 4 of the light novels. With fifteen volumes of light novel content currently available, there's plenty of material yet to be explored. Given the pace of adaptation, it could be years before the anime and manga catch up to the latest developments in the light novels.

If you're eagerly anticipating more from the series, this guide is perfect for you!

You can also check out our previous posts related to The Apothecary Diaries for more information if you're new to the series or if you agree that Maomao is indeed "best girl" material.

 

Web Novel vs. Light Novel: What is the difference? 

Which should you read first: the web novel or the light novel? Well, that's up to you, but let's delve into the distinctions between the two.

A web novel is just as it sounds—a novel published on the internet. Think of Archive of Our Own (AO3), but for original stories rather than fanfiction. The Apothecary Diaries began as a web novel on the Shousetsuka ni Narou site, something that author Natsu Hyuga initially wrote as a warm-up exercise before embarking on her major novel work. Unexpectedly, The Apothecary Diaries grew larger than anticipated and became her primary focus.

The Apothecary Diaries is initially released as a web novel before undergoing editing and publication as a light novel. Simply put, the web novel serves as a draft for the light novel, with the latter being the final product; adaptations are based on the light novel. Since the web novel is a draft, some scenes are excluded from the light novel, while many scenes in the light novel are not present in the web version. Notably, numerous Jinshi x Maomao moments in the light novels do not appear in the web novel, and the light novel scenes are more fully developed than those in the web version.

So, what's the recommendation? Start with the light novel. You'll encounter a more refined storyline, complete with illustrations throughout each volume for a richer reading experience! However, if you've already consumed all available light novel content and can't wait for more, you can delve into the web novel, as the major plot points remain consistent.

 

 

Light Novel Summaries

The light novels are the source material for the series and the adaptations haven’t even covered half of the published existing content. If you are interested in reading the light novels and you don’t mind getting spoiled, this is the perfect guide for you!

Maomao as a Food Taster at the Inner Court (Volume 1)

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Episodes 1 - 12)
Big Gangan Manga (Chapters 1 - 20)
Sunday GX Manga (Chapters 1 - 13)

Maomao, an apothecary from the red-light district, is sold to the Inner Palace and becomes a servant. Despite her intentions to keep a low profile, Maomao's curiosity and expertise in medicine and poison lead her to uncover a long-standing curse hurting the Emperor's children. This attracts the notice of Jinshi, an enigmatic eunuch in charge of palace affairs, who advances her to the position of food taster for  Consort Gyokuyou, the emperor's favored consort. Under Jinshi's supervision, Maomao investigates numerous intrigues in the Inner Court, utilizing her deductive abilities to solve mysteries such as ghostly disturbances and attempted poisonings, all while Jinshi's interest in Maomao grows.

 

Maomao as Jinshi’s Attendant at the Outer Court; The Truth Behind Maomao’s Parentage (Volume 2)

 

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Episodes 13 - 24)
Big Gangan Manga (Chapters 21 - 40)
Sunday GX Manga (Chapters 14 - 30)

After being removed from the Inner Court, Maomao returns to the Outer Court to be Jinshi's personal attendant. She confronts a series of seemingly unrelated incidents—a strange warehouse fire, a serious case of food poisoning involving a high-ranking figure, and a mysterious last will of a deceased craftsman—only to discover how they are all connected. Adding to the mystery is a strange military guy who pays frequent visits to Jinshi, whose odd conduct and great interest in Maomao create doubts about his motivations and connection to her.

 

Volume 3 - Back to the Inner Court

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Possibly in Season 2)
Big Gangan Manga (Chapters 41 - 64)
Sunday GX Manga (Chapters 31 - 53)

Amidst the secretive and perilous environment of the rear palace, Maomao takes on the crucial task of safeguarding Consort Gyokuyou during her pregnancy. As tensions rise and threats loom, Maomao faces challenges beyond palace politics, including the discovery of suspicious activities involving a caravan preparing for a neighboring country's envoy and alarming signs of potential abortion practices. Meanwhile, Jinshi deals with some amusingly bizarre requests from visiting ambassadors, including a tough obstacle posed by a set of stunning twins. During a hunting trip, Maomao survives an assassination attempt on Jinshi's life, only to stumble upon a shocking revelation—that Jinshi isn’t actually a eunuch!

The Abduction of Maomao and Shi Clan Rebellion (Volume 4)

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Possibly in Season 2)
Big Gangan Manga (Chapters 65 to present)
Sunday GX Manga (Chapters 54 to present)

Maomao juggles her primary responsibility of caring for Consort Gyokuyou in the rear palace while assisting friends like Xiaolan, who faces unemployment after her term of service, and Consort Lishu, who believes she's encountered a ghost. However, when issues occur during Consort Gyokuyou's pregnancy, Maomao recognizes her limitations and seeks assistance from someone who has been barred from the rear palace for years. Meanwhile, Maomao begins to connect seemingly unrelated episodes, which leads to her being kidnapped by a seemingly alive Suirei and her friend Shisui—her fellow servant whose true identity remains unknown. Jinshi, meantime, reveals his true identity to save Maomao from the Shi Clan's grasp.

A Trip to the Eastern Capital  (Volumes 5 and 6)

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

 

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

The court's political landscape changes radically with Empress Gyokuyou's ascension with the birth of her son, while Jinshi's disguise as a eunuch in the rear palace ends as he takes on his official role as the Imperial Younger Brother—the Moon Prince. Maomao returns to work as an apothecary in the red light district, but she becomes involved with the enigmatic "White Lady". 

Despite the apparent calm after the Shi clan's downfall, new threats emerge, including a looming insect plague that entangles Maomao once more. When Jinshi organizes an expedition to Empress Gyokuyou's homeland, Maomao accompanies him, only to uncover mysterious shadows in the glittering city. Meanwhile, following their departure from the Western Capital, a devastating scandal engulfs Consort Lishu.

 

 

Maomao Becomes a Medical Officer at the Outer Court (Volumes 7 to 9)

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

 

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

 

 

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

Maomao secures a position as an assistant in a medical office after passing the court service exam, but her troubles are far from over. A new consort’s arrival in the rear palace brings perplexing challenges, including the strange interest of a former emissary and the mysterious shrine maiden from Shaoh. Meanwhile, the capital buzzes with excitement over Lakan’s Go book and the upcoming tournament where he where he pledges to grant any wish to those who can defeat him. Jinshi, seizing an opportunity, enters the competition, but significant problems develop when rumors of locusts destroying a village's crops surface. 

Driven by his unwavering resolve to marry Maomao, Jinshi takes drastic measures, appointing her as his personal physician following his bold efforts to overcome obstacles in their relationship. To better assist Jinshi, Maomao dedicates herself to advancing her medical skills and mastering surgical techniques in preparation to become a proficient doctor.

 

 

Return to the Eastern Capital (Volumes 10 to 12)

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

Available at:
ZenPlus
J-Novel Club (digital)

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

Available at:
ZenPlus

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

 

Maomao finds herself back in the western capital, attempting to focus on her duties despite being paired with both the quack doctor and the sharp-tongued young physician Tianyu. On the other hand, Jinshi, despite his status as the Imperial younger brother, faces intricate power dynamics within the capital. He and the court visitors must navigate these intricate power dynamics cautiously to avoid unknown adversaries. Amidst this, the looming threat of the insect plague appears insurmountable until a man claims to possess a solution tied to ancient secrets of the region. 

Meanwhile, in I-sei Province, Jinshi strives to aid the locals affected by the plague, yet questions the extent of his influence in this unfamiliar territory, especially when Gyoku-ou, Empress Gyokuyou’s half older brother, seemingly gains credit for all his efforts. As they grapple with local politics, Maomao tackles personal challenges, from aiding a sick child to uncovering mysteries tied to the strategist's favorite shogi player, each revelation leading to deeper questions. However, despite all the problems connected with the locust devastation, famine, and political intrigue involving Empress Gyokuyou's family, Jinshi and Maomao’s relationship becomes deeper and more intimate. Is Maomao now ready to accept Jinshi’s feelings?

 

 

Life at the Imperial Palace; Maomao finally accepts Jinshi’s feelings (Volumes 13 to 14)

Available at:
ZenPlus

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

 

Available at:
ZenPlus

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

After bidding farewell to those remaining in the Western Capital, Maomao and her companions return to the Imperial Palace after a year, hoping for peace after the turmoil of the west. However, tranquility proves elusive as they face new challenges: Lahan grapples with concerns for his friends, Tianyu navigates leadership issues, a tradeswoman considers retirement amid difficult clients, Maamei manages her brother's love life, and En'en frets over a young lady's well-being. 

Amidst this, a factional conflict brews between the Empress Dowager's lineage-preserving faction and the Empress's reform-seeking faction, despite Anshi and Gyokuyou's efforts for peace. Maomao, representing the La Clan, attends a significant clan meeting where the emperor assigns names to clans, signaling shifts in power. She encounters the Shin Clan, once linked to the declining U clan, searching for a lost heirloom, while intrigues unfold in the Red Light District involving a jade tile from the Verdigris House. Meanwhile, her relationship with Jinshi takes a serious turn as she finally accepts his feelings and prepares for intimacy with him, yet Jinshi's concerns about pregnancy prompt him to restrain himself, avoiding physical contact that he had once been comfortable with, intensifying his determination to depart from the Imperial Family for a trouble-free marriage with Maomao.

 

 

The Book of Kada and the Emperor’s Sickness (Volume 15)

Available at:
ZenPlus

Adaptation:
Anime (Not yet adapted)
Big Gangan Manga (Not yet adapted)
Sunday GX Manga (Not yet adapted)

In their search of the imperial family descendant who possesses the jade tile, Maomao and her colleagues obtain the banned "Book of Kada," which they must restore while facing unexpected medical exams. Maomao passes and is assigned to conduct medicinal experiments under her adoptive father, Luomen, excited to learn from him despite the large-scale experiments involving sick city residents. Those unaffected by the medicine are transferred for surgery elsewhere, leaving Maomao with unspoken questions about the experiments' purpose. As Maomao's suspicions grow, she seeks answers from Jinshi, only to discover a name in the restored book that shakes her to the core: "Thornapple," a key ingredient in a secret medicine.

Amidst rumors of the Emperor's suspected appendicitis, knowledge of his illness remains confined to the medical team and a few imperial family members, shrouding the court in uncertainty as surgery looms. Jinshi, who is secretly the Emperor's rightful firstborn and sole adult heir in line for succession, grapples with the uncertain implications as the fate of the surgery hangs in the balance.

 

 

The Apothecary Diaries: Definitely A Worthwhile Read!

As you can see from the summaries, there's still plenty more of Maomao's adventures in the Imperial Palace to enjoy in both the manga and anime. It might take years for the series to be fully adapted, if it even happens at all, so experiencing The Apothecary Diaries in its original format is the way to go! 

If you’re having trouble because only Volumes 1 to 11 are translated and you want to read the rest of the volumes, you can check out Natsu Hyuga-sensei’s Syosetsu site, or you can check out the fan translations and summaries in related Discord and Facebook groups, Twitter and Tumblr as well as the subreddit for the light novel readers. You can also patiently wait for J-Novel Club to catch up to the latest volumes, and at their current pace, it looks like they’re going to do it very quickly!

Next time, we'll dig deeper into Maomao and Jinshi's relationship, especially after those intriguing spoilers. Stay tuned for more!

 

TVアニメ『薬屋のひとりごと』ティザーPV／10.21 25:05日本テレビ初回3話一挙放送！

 

TVアニメ『薬屋のひとりごと』本PV｜10.21 25:05日本テレビ初回3話一挙放送！

 

TVアニメ『薬屋のひとりごと』第2クールPV【毎週土曜24：55～ 日本テレビ系にて全国放送中！】

 

 

What do you think?

What do you think led to Maomao’s decision to accept Jinshi’s feelings?

Why did all the credit for the plague in the Western Capital went to Gyoku-ou and not to Jinshi, the one who actually did all the work?

Will Jinshi successfully be able to leave the Imperial Family?

Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!

ZenPlus is your one-stop shop for all things Japanese. Check out our marketplace for manga volumes, cosplay, figures, and other merch from The Apothecary Diaries franchise!

You can watch The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll, Netflix and Prime Video.

 

 

About The Writer

Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.