The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 15 by Minoji Kurata
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It took awhile to find the rest of this volume to read, but it's good to finally fill in those missing pieces. This takes us through when Maomao disappears from the inner court and an old friend from the court returns to help take the crown prince's place in court while he and the tactician work on figuring out what is going on, not that they are on the same side but rather both racing against time from different points of view and priorities. It makes it even clearer just how close the similarities are between these two that she is able to stand in for the prince even for a short time. Maomao is putting together a lot of pieces to the many disturbances that have taken place around the palace, but she's still missing a few pieces. With her usual thirst for knowledge, concern for the few who get closer to her, and addiction to learning about poisons/medicines, it's no small wonder that even Maomao would have a weakness that could be used to bend her to someone else's whim.
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Showing posts with label author: natsu hyuuga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author: natsu hyuuga. Show all posts
December 25, 2025
July 10, 2025
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 19
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 19 by Minoji Kurata
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Finally reunited, even if only temporarily. Maomao can't hide from the truth anymore, not that they get much time to discuss anything. Loulan has a lot of insight about events leading up to their current positions though. This volume matches up just shy of where the second season of the anime ends, though the other manga series is further behind and the light novels are probably much further ahead in the story line. The difference in the names is still strange and have to remind myself who is who when I read this version, but otherwise still enjoyable.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Finally reunited, even if only temporarily. Maomao can't hide from the truth anymore, not that they get much time to discuss anything. Loulan has a lot of insight about events leading up to their current positions though. This volume matches up just shy of where the second season of the anime ends, though the other manga series is further behind and the light novels are probably much further ahead in the story line. The difference in the names is still strange and have to remind myself who is who when I read this version, but otherwise still enjoyable.
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April 19, 2025
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 18
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 18 by Minoji Kurata
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maomao could be in trouble here, but it seems like help may be on the way soon. It will be interesting to see how much Maomao really learns with both Renshi and her real father running things. She's been pretty content not being part of the inner workings of the court as much as possible even as more and more individuals tend to rely on her, though that may or may not last for much longer, especially with more people learning who Renshi really is, though a few still seem a bit slow putting it all together. At least it seems Maomao does still have some friends in this new place, though it's dangerous enough even they may not be able to help her much if at all.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maomao could be in trouble here, but it seems like help may be on the way soon. It will be interesting to see how much Maomao really learns with both Renshi and her real father running things. She's been pretty content not being part of the inner workings of the court as much as possible even as more and more individuals tend to rely on her, though that may or may not last for much longer, especially with more people learning who Renshi really is, though a few still seem a bit slow putting it all together. At least it seems Maomao does still have some friends in this new place, though it's dangerous enough even they may not be able to help her much if at all.
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March 28, 2025
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 17
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 17 by Minoji Kurata
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'm missing a few chapters, so the story is a little harder to follow with the jump, but the art and characters are as engaging as ever. It seems Maomao has landed herself in yet more trouble, but not the type that either Renshi or her fathers are willing to leave her in. Maomao keeps toying with getting close to realizing what Renshi has tried to tell her a few times now as well, but somehow manages to keep convincing herself to stop thinking about it or that she doesn't need to know so she drops it before admitting anything to herself. We finally get some background on the aloof newest concubine to the Inner Palace as well, which was not expected at all. Hopefully the proverbial rescue team makes it before things go too far south, especially as they're reason can't solely be rescue, though it's clear that's a driving force for those in command regardless.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'm missing a few chapters, so the story is a little harder to follow with the jump, but the art and characters are as engaging as ever. It seems Maomao has landed herself in yet more trouble, but not the type that either Renshi or her fathers are willing to leave her in. Maomao keeps toying with getting close to realizing what Renshi has tried to tell her a few times now as well, but somehow manages to keep convincing herself to stop thinking about it or that she doesn't need to know so she drops it before admitting anything to herself. We finally get some background on the aloof newest concubine to the Inner Palace as well, which was not expected at all. Hopefully the proverbial rescue team makes it before things go too far south, especially as they're reason can't solely be rescue, though it's clear that's a driving force for those in command regardless.
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January 27, 2025
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 14
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 14 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maomao may be hoping to avoid Renshi after everything that happened during their travels, but that won't last for long, especially given her involvement in all these unusual incidents. As if to add to the questions as well, we get new eunuchs at the palace, though there have also been frequent references to no new eunuchs being made, so they must come from other places. Renshi doesn't seem too happy that Maomao hasn't let him finish sharing his secrets yet, but that irritation appears to fade as they settle back into their routine. It's a strange routine perhaps, but it oddly works for them.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maomao may be hoping to avoid Renshi after everything that happened during their travels, but that won't last for long, especially given her involvement in all these unusual incidents. As if to add to the questions as well, we get new eunuchs at the palace, though there have also been frequent references to no new eunuchs being made, so they must come from other places. Renshi doesn't seem too happy that Maomao hasn't let him finish sharing his secrets yet, but that irritation appears to fade as they settle back into their routine. It's a strange routine perhaps, but it oddly works for them.
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January 20, 2025
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 13
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 13 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maomao's mix of knowledge and naivete remains a source of entertainment. In this volume, we see Renshi acting not as his usual self but as his other persona, which we previously only briefly glimpsed during the incident with the falling beams and leading the religious rites. It seems Renshi wants Maomao to know the truth at this point, but she remains convinced this isn't something she should know, so she'll continue to act oblivious and has no idea how far his real identity goes. Between her misaligned assumptions and the stern insistence and muttering about frogs, there are more than a few moments to chuckle about mixed in with some high tension when the assassins first make their presence known.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maomao's mix of knowledge and naivete remains a source of entertainment. In this volume, we see Renshi acting not as his usual self but as his other persona, which we previously only briefly glimpsed during the incident with the falling beams and leading the religious rites. It seems Renshi wants Maomao to know the truth at this point, but she remains convinced this isn't something she should know, so she'll continue to act oblivious and has no idea how far his real identity goes. Between her misaligned assumptions and the stern insistence and muttering about frogs, there are more than a few moments to chuckle about mixed in with some high tension when the assassins first make their presence known.
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December 31, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 12
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 12 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It's rather hilarious when Renshi requests Maomao be "returned" to him for awhile but the palace returns with the clarification that he is requesting to "borrow" her from them. Of course, so far Maomao has solved all of the main mysteries that have crossed her path, though there are still some background thoughts that remain unsolved, like the palace maid who runs the ghost stories meeting. It seems there may be some things with this hunt and especially about Renshi that she hasn't truly given much though to yet. We're catching up to where the other version of the manga also is at this point, too, so not a lot as far as new perspectives or material, though you never know what may pop out between re-reading and the slight differences in the storytelling.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It's rather hilarious when Renshi requests Maomao be "returned" to him for awhile but the palace returns with the clarification that he is requesting to "borrow" her from them. Of course, so far Maomao has solved all of the main mysteries that have crossed her path, though there are still some background thoughts that remain unsolved, like the palace maid who runs the ghost stories meeting. It seems there may be some things with this hunt and especially about Renshi that she hasn't truly given much though to yet. We're catching up to where the other version of the manga also is at this point, too, so not a lot as far as new perspectives or material, though you never know what may pop out between re-reading and the slight differences in the storytelling.
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December 30, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 11
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 11 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It's much slower reading these as translations are available during production, but the story is still enjoyable and easy to fall back into. In this installment, we see the queen's pavilion and solve the riddle behind the queen's eyesight and the tests previously used to determine the next emperor. It's a bit disturbing how quickly the emperor jumps on the idea of making Maomao a concubine, though he backs down rather quickly and is very pointed with his later rejection. Of course Renshi was also very displeased, though all of the men seemed equally impressed that Maomao solved the puzzle. Now we even have the dowager empress's attention. Truthfully, Maomao learns several secrets in her odd work with Renshi and the palace. It's lucky for everyone that she has no ambition really outside of her medicine and learning, so gaining wealth or playing political games are the last things she has any interest in. If anything, it's a tad confusing trying to keep track of where Maomao is supposed to be and with whom as she keeps bouncing around constantly, even if she's supposed to be in one place, as she keeps getting pulled into all of these unusual situations.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It's much slower reading these as translations are available during production, but the story is still enjoyable and easy to fall back into. In this installment, we see the queen's pavilion and solve the riddle behind the queen's eyesight and the tests previously used to determine the next emperor. It's a bit disturbing how quickly the emperor jumps on the idea of making Maomao a concubine, though he backs down rather quickly and is very pointed with his later rejection. Of course Renshi was also very displeased, though all of the men seemed equally impressed that Maomao solved the puzzle. Now we even have the dowager empress's attention. Truthfully, Maomao learns several secrets in her odd work with Renshi and the palace. It's lucky for everyone that she has no ambition really outside of her medicine and learning, so gaining wealth or playing political games are the last things she has any interest in. If anything, it's a tad confusing trying to keep track of where Maomao is supposed to be and with whom as she keeps bouncing around constantly, even if she's supposed to be in one place, as she keeps getting pulled into all of these unusual situations.
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December 6, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 10
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 10 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This volume picks up during the moon spirit arc and ends with the unveiling of some family drama in the crystal palace. While things may not go exactly as expected, it is probably the best outcome all around for everyone. It is rather surprising though how lenient the crystal palace consort chooses to be in this case, and her bewilderment asking if the slap was not enough in this rendition is all the more hilarious for how the situation plays out in this art style. It seems like there could be a lot of trouble if anyone realized just how much medicine Maomao knows and technically is allowed to practice in the inner palace, especially given she is both a woman and not a doctor. Fortunately, it seems she has a lot more support than she knows, of course not excluding Renshi who seems to be one of the top authorities in the inner palace aside from the emperor himself given he sees to all of the consorts and the running of the place.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This volume picks up during the moon spirit arc and ends with the unveiling of some family drama in the crystal palace. While things may not go exactly as expected, it is probably the best outcome all around for everyone. It is rather surprising though how lenient the crystal palace consort chooses to be in this case, and her bewilderment asking if the slap was not enough in this rendition is all the more hilarious for how the situation plays out in this art style. It seems like there could be a lot of trouble if anyone realized just how much medicine Maomao knows and technically is allowed to practice in the inner palace, especially given she is both a woman and not a doctor. Fortunately, it seems she has a lot more support than she knows, of course not excluding Renshi who seems to be one of the top authorities in the inner palace aside from the emperor himself given he sees to all of the consorts and the running of the place.
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September 21, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 9
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 9 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There are a few side stories with more detail here, but overall the story continues to follow the same arc as the rest of the available publications so far. After uncovering yet another deception in the inner palace and the source of another type of poison basically, Maomao continues to hear odd things, though most of the time she seems to be able to put them out of mind until someone asks her to look into it or for her take on the story. Perhaps one of the most challenging currently is finding a way to create this mythical dancer for the foreign dignitaries without giving anything away. As usual, Maomao thinks outside of the box of the other nobles, in large part thanks to her education and the experiences she's lived on the outskirts of the pleasure district while basically being raised by their "princesses".
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There are a few side stories with more detail here, but overall the story continues to follow the same arc as the rest of the available publications so far. After uncovering yet another deception in the inner palace and the source of another type of poison basically, Maomao continues to hear odd things, though most of the time she seems to be able to put them out of mind until someone asks her to look into it or for her take on the story. Perhaps one of the most challenging currently is finding a way to create this mythical dancer for the foreign dignitaries without giving anything away. As usual, Maomao thinks outside of the box of the other nobles, in large part thanks to her education and the experiences she's lived on the outskirts of the pleasure district while basically being raised by their "princesses".
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August 16, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries 13
The Apothecary Diaries 13 by Nekokurage
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well, the ghost stories group doesn't seem to be a puzzle to solve just yet, but we do have a new ghost mystery that comes up and is solved with the crystal palace. Maomao steps in to save one of her friends in court and whips up some ice cream, earning some new orders to follow from Jinshi in exchange for some last minute aid and access to his kitchen. It'll be interesting to see if she can actually follow through and not tune out the things she thinks she doesn't want to hear.... and just what that means she'll learn given all of this talk about how she might be involved in things and what Jinshi wants her to know. Too bad she probably still only has the faintest idea regarding the tip of that iceberg.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well, the ghost stories group doesn't seem to be a puzzle to solve just yet, but we do have a new ghost mystery that comes up and is solved with the crystal palace. Maomao steps in to save one of her friends in court and whips up some ice cream, earning some new orders to follow from Jinshi in exchange for some last minute aid and access to his kitchen. It'll be interesting to see if she can actually follow through and not tune out the things she thinks she doesn't want to hear.... and just what that means she'll learn given all of this talk about how she might be involved in things and what Jinshi wants her to know. Too bad she probably still only has the faintest idea regarding the tip of that iceberg.
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August 15, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries 12
The Apothecary Diaries 12 by Nekokurage
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Oh, goodness, just what has Maomao gotten involved in now. The ghost stories are an interesting start, but it seems Maomao is needed back at Jinshi's side. Jinshi apparently is finally wanting to reveal a few truths, but Maomao has it in her head being in the dark is the safest place to be. That doesn't seem to be sitting well with her employer, especially after the frog comparison. At least it seems like they have a few allies in this hunt adventure. Hopefully they can survive without any more assassination attempts.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Oh, goodness, just what has Maomao gotten involved in now. The ghost stories are an interesting start, but it seems Maomao is needed back at Jinshi's side. Jinshi apparently is finally wanting to reveal a few truths, but Maomao has it in her head being in the dark is the safest place to be. That doesn't seem to be sitting well with her employer, especially after the frog comparison. At least it seems like they have a few allies in this hunt adventure. Hopefully they can survive without any more assassination attempts.
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July 28, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 8
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 8 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The cat story seems a lot cuter in this version for some reason. Of course there are still plenty of curious things going around, and Maomao continues to wonder about everything crossing her path. A few more hints about Renshi early on, but then he's fairly scarce as the focus seems to be on the ladies and what is happening in the inner court more than Maomao being sent to solve problems again.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The cat story seems a lot cuter in this version for some reason. Of course there are still plenty of curious things going around, and Maomao continues to wonder about everything crossing her path. A few more hints about Renshi early on, but then he's fairly scarce as the focus seems to be on the ladies and what is happening in the inner court more than Maomao being sent to solve problems again.
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June 13, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 7
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 7 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a shorter volume, but still enjoyable. A lot of it focuses on the strategist that we do get confirmation is her father, not that she truly sees him in that light. It seems that even the father she does recognize is from the same family however, though unclear if she realizes that connection at this pint in time. Her gambit pays off, though where it seems perhaps Meimei was the expected choice, finding the courtesan who originally played go and chess with him and brought Maomao into the world is the only real choice there is once he realizes she's alive. Unclear as well if she also recognizes him and how much she understands of what is going on around her at this stage in her illness. Perhaps by some stroke of luck they will be happy at least for a time, and that time might be peaceful for Maomao as, if anything, she seems tired of him chasing after her.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a shorter volume, but still enjoyable. A lot of it focuses on the strategist that we do get confirmation is her father, not that she truly sees him in that light. It seems that even the father she does recognize is from the same family however, though unclear if she realizes that connection at this pint in time. Her gambit pays off, though where it seems perhaps Meimei was the expected choice, finding the courtesan who originally played go and chess with him and brought Maomao into the world is the only real choice there is once he realizes she's alive. Unclear as well if she also recognizes him and how much she understands of what is going on around her at this stage in her illness. Perhaps by some stroke of luck they will be happy at least for a time, and that time might be peaceful for Maomao as, if anything, she seems tired of him chasing after her.
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May 19, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 6
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 6 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Though of course Maomao doesn't know until after the incident, she manages to put the pieces together in time to save Renshi's life. Once they identify the culprit that seems to be behind these strange schemes, it seems a bit of a break is in order as Maomao uses her leverage back in the inner palace to clean out the medicine office, managing to help the doctor's family business in the process. Meanwhile we have a very jealous Renshi once again and a clueless Maomao when she is asked for her expertise in potentially buying out one of the three princesses - whoops?
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Though of course Maomao doesn't know until after the incident, she manages to put the pieces together in time to save Renshi's life. Once they identify the culprit that seems to be behind these strange schemes, it seems a bit of a break is in order as Maomao uses her leverage back in the inner palace to clean out the medicine office, managing to help the doctor's family business in the process. Meanwhile we have a very jealous Renshi once again and a clueless Maomao when she is asked for her expertise in potentially buying out one of the three princesses - whoops?
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April 20, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 5
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 5 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This seems to be when we really start putting together the pieces of Maomao's own family history while at the same time, she's seeing the pieces of the mysteries around the palace coming together. There's only a hint of when she dolls up Renshi this time around, and seems to be a bit more over exaggerated on the looking tired and not perfect with the makeup this time around where in the other version there was a bit of something still cute in the final appearances. In some ways Maomao almost seems more involved in this version as she's asking questions and not as aloof as she comes across in the anime for example. Still good lead up into the next piece of the story.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This seems to be when we really start putting together the pieces of Maomao's own family history while at the same time, she's seeing the pieces of the mysteries around the palace coming together. There's only a hint of when she dolls up Renshi this time around, and seems to be a bit more over exaggerated on the looking tired and not perfect with the makeup this time around where in the other version there was a bit of something still cute in the final appearances. In some ways Maomao almost seems more involved in this version as she's asking questions and not as aloof as she comes across in the anime for example. Still good lead up into the next piece of the story.
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April 5, 2024
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 4
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 4 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maomao has made it back to the palace, though this time working directly under Renshi rather than in the Inner Palace for the consorts. That doesn't necessarily keep her out of the Inner Palace though, especially between the consorts requesting her services and Renshi still pulling her into random investigations - though they may not be as random as they seem at first given the way they all link together. So far this series seems to be about one book ahead where the events in this volume 4 more closely align with volume 5 in the other version of this series. It's a bit strange knowing what is coming, but getting slightly different context and of course the different artwork reading through this version.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Maomao has made it back to the palace, though this time working directly under Renshi rather than in the Inner Palace for the consorts. That doesn't necessarily keep her out of the Inner Palace though, especially between the consorts requesting her services and Renshi still pulling her into random investigations - though they may not be as random as they seem at first given the way they all link together. So far this series seems to be about one book ahead where the events in this volume 4 more closely align with volume 5 in the other version of this series. It's a bit strange knowing what is coming, but getting slightly different context and of course the different artwork reading through this version.
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The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 3
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 3 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This seems like a very short addition to the series, though truthfully it's about the same number of chapters as the previous volumes, just no side story at the end. This time we get more of the backstory behind Ah-Duo and Lishu (not to be confused with Lihua, though their names are very similar). We don't really see as much of Lishu and Ah-Duo's mother/daughter relationship as we do in the other versions, however, in some ways, Maomao's observations regarding Ah-Duo and her story are even clearer here, especially the correlation between Ah-Duo's looks and Renshi's. Perhaps the only version so far that has been clearer is the anime when you can also clearly see their resemblance in color and not just in black and white as with these manga panels. While Maomao's hunches are not entirely confirmed still, it would be interesting if we ever did get some of those answers.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This seems like a very short addition to the series, though truthfully it's about the same number of chapters as the previous volumes, just no side story at the end. This time we get more of the backstory behind Ah-Duo and Lishu (not to be confused with Lihua, though their names are very similar). We don't really see as much of Lishu and Ah-Duo's mother/daughter relationship as we do in the other versions, however, in some ways, Maomao's observations regarding Ah-Duo and her story are even clearer here, especially the correlation between Ah-Duo's looks and Renshi's. Perhaps the only version so far that has been clearer is the anime when you can also clearly see their resemblance in color and not just in black and white as with these manga panels. While Maomao's hunches are not entirely confirmed still, it would be interesting if we ever did get some of those answers.
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The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 2
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 2 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This seems to move a slightly faster pace than the Nekokurage version of this series given we have already seen the garden party and Maomao's naivety with the hairpins before this volume closes out. As with both the other version of the manga and the anime, she remains somewhat outside of events and naive about many of the underlaying meanings or what others are thinking (especially Renshi) while she just wants to go about her business while finishing her contract and ideally be allowed to dabble in her medicines as much as possible without arising suspicion or making some misstep that loses her head. Her nonchalance with poison especially is still startling and alarming to those around her as she continues to take things in stride and occasionally even savors them, as with the poisoned soup.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This seems to move a slightly faster pace than the Nekokurage version of this series given we have already seen the garden party and Maomao's naivety with the hairpins before this volume closes out. As with both the other version of the manga and the anime, she remains somewhat outside of events and naive about many of the underlaying meanings or what others are thinking (especially Renshi) while she just wants to go about her business while finishing her contract and ideally be allowed to dabble in her medicines as much as possible without arising suspicion or making some misstep that loses her head. Her nonchalance with poison especially is still startling and alarming to those around her as she continues to take things in stride and occasionally even savors them, as with the poisoned soup.
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The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 1
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace 1 by Natsu Hyuuga
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the Kurata Minoji form of the The Apothecary Diaries, not to be confused with the Nekokurage version that can currently be found in America. This version can only be read in Japanese or if you can find translations online currently and more closely follows the version found in the light novels. While I do prefer the art style in the Nekokurage version and the anime, this is still interesting to read as there are small nuances and details that are different between the versions. It can be a tad confusing however, as they do use different names for some of the characters depending on the version you are reading (for example, Jinshi and Renshi are the same character, as are Gyokuyou and YuYe). Aside from needing to keep the characters straight as there aren't any new introductions (at least not yet), it's still entertaining. If you love the series, it's worth trying to check it out for those details.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the Kurata Minoji form of the The Apothecary Diaries, not to be confused with the Nekokurage version that can currently be found in America. This version can only be read in Japanese or if you can find translations online currently and more closely follows the version found in the light novels. While I do prefer the art style in the Nekokurage version and the anime, this is still interesting to read as there are small nuances and details that are different between the versions. It can be a tad confusing however, as they do use different names for some of the characters depending on the version you are reading (for example, Jinshi and Renshi are the same character, as are Gyokuyou and YuYe). Aside from needing to keep the characters straight as there aren't any new introductions (at least not yet), it's still entertaining. If you love the series, it's worth trying to check it out for those details.
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