The Apothecary Diaries

Maomao relies on her sharp mind and deep knowledge of medicine-and poisons-to untangle the mysteries and schemes surrounding the imperial court. After coming to terms with her parents’ hidden past, she resumes her usual duties serving the emperor’s most prominent consorts. Alongside the eunuch Jinshi, she helps the ladies-in-waiting, even teaching some to read. But when a merchant caravan arrives, it brings fresh trouble. The visitors and their goods seem tied to odd, unsettling coincidences, pushing Maomao to dig deeper into the convoy’s secrets. With threats looming from inside and outside the palace, she must once again use her cleverness and medical skills to protect the imperial concubines from danger.