The Apothecary Diaries [Season 2 Episode 9]

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 9: Unraveling the Late Emperor’s Curse

The Apothecary Diaries has always been a show that blends mystery, historical intrigue, and a dash of dry humor, and Season 2 Episode 9, titled “The Late Emperor,” is no exception. Directed by Norihiro Naganuma and produced by TOHO Animation and OLM, this episode dives deeper into the shadowy corners of the imperial court, with our sharp-witted protagonist, Maomao, at the center of it all.

A Mystery Wrapped in a Curse

The episode kicks off with Maomao investigating the so-called “curse” placed on the late emperor by the empress dowager, Anshi. Fans of the series know that curses in The Apothecary Diaries are rarely supernatural—they’re usually just cleverly disguised crimes or medical anomalies. True to form, Maomao’s curiosity leads her to uncover something far more unsettling than a mere superstition: the late emperor’s body didn’t decay for an entire year after his death.

This revelation has sparked heated discussions among fans. One Reddit user pointed out, “The show’s strength lies in how it turns historical medical ignorance into gripping mysteries. This episode feels like a return to form after some slower arcs.” Another fan on MyAnimeList joked, “Maomao’s reaction to a non-decaying corpse? Probably just another Tuesday for her.”

Maomao’s Brilliance (and Blind Spots)

What makes Maomao such a compelling character is her razor-sharp intellect paired with her complete obliviousness to courtly politics—and, let’s be honest, Jinshi’s obvious affection for her. Fans have been divided on this dynamic. Some argue that her ignorance about Jinshi’s feelings is frustrating (“Girl, how are you this smart yet this dense?”), while others defend it as a survival tactic (“She’s playing 4D chess—pretending not to notice keeps her alive.”).

This episode also highlights Maomao’s growth. She’s no longer just a lowly maid; she’s become a trusted figure in the court, even if she’d rather be mixing potions in a dusty apothecary. One fan noted, “It’s satisfying to see her confidence grow, even if she still acts like she’d rather be anywhere else.”

The Court’s Dark Underbelly

The imperial court is a viper’s nest of secrets, and this episode peels back another layer. The late emperor’s unnatural preservation hints at foul play, and Anshi’s involvement adds a personal twist. Was the “curse” just a cover for poisoning? Or is there something even more sinister at play?

Fans have been speculating wildly. One theory floating around is that the emperor’s condition was caused by a rare toxin—something Maomao might have encountered in her studies. Others think it’s a red herring, and the real mystery lies in the court’s power struggles. As one CBR commenter put it, “This show excels at making you question everything. Even the ‘obvious’ answers might be wrong.”

Visuals and Atmosphere

The animation continues to impress, with the eerie stillness of the late emperor’s chamber contrasting sharply with the vibrant, bustling court life. The use of muted colors in flashbacks adds a haunting quality, making the past feel like a ghost lingering in the present.

Some fans have criticized the season’s opening and ending themes (“Not as catchy as Season 1’s, sadly”), but the storytelling more than makes up for it. The pacing in Episode 9 is tight, balancing exposition with suspense—a hallmark of the series.

Final Thoughts

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 9 is a return to the show’s roots: a clever mystery, a touch of dark humor, and Maomao being her wonderfully weird self. While some fans miss the lighter, cat-filled moments of earlier episodes (“Bring back the kitten subplot!”), this darker turn has reignited interest in the overarching plot.

As one fan perfectly summarized, “This show is like a historical House M.D.—except instead of lupus, it’s always poison.” And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A must-watch for mystery lovers, though Jinshi stans might need to wait a little longer for their ship to sail.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your theories in the comments!