Apothecary Diaries is a fantasticanimethat follows Maomao, a young apothecary that makes a name for herself in the inner palace due to her obsession with poison and her ability to solve mysteries that are circulating within the palace. She’s called upon often to solve crimes, figure out secrets and unearth conspiracies.
What many viewers don’t realize is that much of the show is actually historically accurate and based on Chinese history. The writer highlights a lot both medicinally and royally that you can trace back. Keep reading to discover some of the most historically accurate aspects of this epic show.
Spoiler Alert - Basic spoilers ahead for Apothecary Diaries seasons one and two.
8The Concubine System
Lihua & Gyokuyou
The concubines, also coined as the Imperial Harem, are shown a lot throughout the show. The emperor has multiple women that he keeps with him and one can become the empress if she gives him an heir, though it has to be a boy. This is actually one of the main catalysts for the show, because two of the concubines are pregnant and being poisoned.
This hierarchy was the same in ancient China. The emperor took on multiple concubines, and they were unable to sleep with or see anyone outside of him. They could become imperial consorts or even the empress, but nothing was guaranteed. While concubines historically have a negative connotation, in China they were given a sense of higher status.
7Red-Light District
The Pleasure District
The Red-Light District is introduced early on in the show because it’s the place where Maomao grew up. This district is full of brothels, and the main one highlighted in the show is the Verdigris House. A lot of crime and extortion takes place here, but it gives us a glimpse as to who Maomao is and how she grew up.
There was a similar place in Ancient China called Blue Mansions, which was common during the Imperial Era. The most comparable would be women called Geji. These women were multi-talented and mastered art, instruments, dance, and the occasional sexual favor.
6Women’s Education
In The Palace
For a long time in Ancient China, women were barred from many activities, including social life, business, and even reading. We see that when we look at the women working in the Imperial Palace, who don’t know how to read or write, other than Maomao. There’s a very specific moment where Jinshi writes something down and shows it to many young servant girls, and only Maomao understands it, which shows how rare that skill is.
This is combated slightly later in the series when the women start taking classes in history and learning to read and write, but it was mostly due to books that were picked by those higher up in the Imperial Palace. However, thisalso matches Ancient China,because if women did gain literacy, it was through their work.
5Food Taster
Poison
In Apothecary Diaries, it’s discovered that Maomao,our adored protagonist,loves poison and has built up a tolerance over the years by ingesting and using poisonous materials on her arms. She gets promoted to poison taster, a job she adores because she gets to eat some of her favorite toxic foods.
This was very common for anyone of royalty in the past. Usually, a servant would be given the task since they were considered replaceable compared to royalty. There were also moments in the anime of using silver to detect poison, which was used in Ancient China as well. They even used silver chopsticks so that the poison would stand out if it was somehow missed by the taster.
4Social Hierarchy
Emperor, Concubine, Servant
There is a clear social hierarchy within the Apothecary Diaries. The first son becomes the emperor, while the second becomes the crown prince. There are multiple concubines, and each has the chance to become an empress. Beneath that there are ladies in waiting, servants and maids.
This is a perfect representation of the hierarchy in place in Ancient China. The Emperor and those that surround him, such as his family and concubines, are at the center of everything, and underneath are government officials and nobility, followed by farmers and merchants and finally servants.
3Human Trafficking
Servants
In the first season of Apothecary Diaries, we learn a lot about Maomao’s experience with human trafficking. She was kidnapped and forced into servitude at the Imperial Palace. Her kidnappers were given part of her wages, which is why she advocates for making less money even when she’s promoted.
Unfortunately, this was also very common in Imperial China. Human trafficking and forced servitude helped the economy, and there were even zones to avoid because the likelihood of kidnapping was so high.
2Eunuchs
Jinshi
There are several Eunuchs working within the Inner Palace. Eunuchs are people who have been castrated either by punishment or for their careers to work alongside the Emperor. This includes doctors, mentors, and assistants, and most are considered to bevery hardworking people.
Eunuchs played a significant role in Ancient China as guards, doctors, and even palace servants. Many guarded the emperor or his concubines and were able to rise in power due to their Eunuch status.
1Architecture
Stunning Buildings
The architecture is absolutely beautiful. There are gorgeous palaces with stunning roofs, beautiful brass doors, and intricate designs and colors. Much of this is similar to the architecture in the Ming Dynasty. The palace itself is particularly detailed and incredibly large, which is what the Ming Dynasty is known for.
There’s also a complex group of buildings that make up the Imperial Palace, which is exactly how the Ming Dynasty created their palaces. There are multiple creations from this time period that are still around today and are renowned for their beauty.
