Kusuriya no Hitorigoto [Season 2 Episode 14]

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 14: A Ghostly Mystery and Courtly Drama

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (or The Apothecary Diaries) has always been a masterclass in blending mystery, humor, and court intrigue, and Episode 14 of Season 2 is no exception. This time, the spotlight shifts to Lishu, the young concubine whose life is anything but easy, and Maomao, our sharp-witted apothecary-turned-detective, who once again finds herself unraveling a bizarre “ghost” sighting.

The Ghost That Wasn’t

The episode kicks off with Lishu claiming to have seen the ghost of her deceased mother in a mirror—an eerie premise that quickly spirals into a full-blown investigation. Fans were quick to point out how the “ghost” angle was played more for laughs than horror, with Maomao effortlessly debunking the supernatural claims. As one Reddit user put it, “Maomao put her brains to use again. Good for her, she still hasn’t lost her touch in the second half of this season.”

The real tragedy, though, lies in Lishu’s circumstances. Surrounded by cruel ladies-in-waiting who belittle her at every turn, her grief over her mother’s memory is exploited for petty drama. The emotional weight of her breakdown hit hard, with many fans expressing their frustration. “Poor Lishu, she doesn’t deserve any of this,” one MyAnimeList user lamented. “She’s a sweet girl who deserves kindness and compassion.”

Jinshi Steps Up

Enter Jinshi, the enigmatic eunuch (or so we’re led to believe), who finally takes a stand against Lishu’s tormentors. His quiet but terrifying authority in putting the arrogant maids in their place was a highlight for many. “Jinshi had the balls (get it?) to finally ask Gyokuyou for ‘Maomao’ to be returned,” joked one fan, referencing his growing boldness in pursuing Maomao.

Speaking of which, the JinMao shippers were feasting this episode. From Jinshi casually dropping Maomao’s name (a big deal, considering he usually refers to her formally) to that lingering tension between them, the chemistry was undeniable. “Maomao still thinking about Jinshi’s ‘somewhat sizable frog’ is killing me,” one fan cackled. “You’re not fooling anyone, girl—we know you’re falling for him!”

The Cliffhanger: Trouble for Xiaolan

Just when things seemed to settle, the episode dropped a brutal cliffhanger: Xiaolan, Maomao’s friend, appears to be in grave danger. Fans were not ready for this twist. “Xiaolan NOOOO. She better not be in any trouble, she doesn’t deserve it,” one viewer panicked. The preview for the next episode has everyone on edge, especially since Xiaolan is a fan favorite.

Final Thoughts

Episode 14 delivered a mix of emotional punches, clever sleuthing, and satisfying comeuppance for the villains. While some fans felt the “ghost” mystery was a bit too convenient (“Too many coincidences lined up way too perfectly,” one critic noted), the character moments more than made up for it.

As always, The Apothecary Diaries excels in balancing its darker themes with humor and heart. Whether it’s Maomao’s brilliance, Jinshi’s growing boldness, or the plight of characters like Lishu and Xiaolan, this show knows how to keep its audience hooked.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A solid episode with great character moments, though the mystery itself could’ve been tighter. Next week can’t come soon enough!

What did you think of Episode 14? Let’s discuss in the comments!