Maomao Wears (?) Makeup | The Apothecary Diaries

[@crunchyroll]

Watch The Apothecary Diaries here! got.cr/cc-tad

[@uberdueler2990]

In case it wasn't clear, him giving her his hairpin is code for "She is under my protection now".

[@booklover7889]

Ah, thank you, I thought he gave it to her as a weapon to use. 😅

[@DragonSword35d]

@@booklover7889in a way, it is. A political weapon, at least.

[@Gypsyqueen246]

Yes and she has a weapon now too.

[@arjara85]

It's true, because men have more respect for other man's property than for a women own value. That's why one of the best defenses a girl has is saying "I have a boyfriend".

[@owomushi_vr]

In ancient china being given a hair pin means at 15 years old . its given to show symbolism of coming to age of womanhood. Probably more so he sees her as a woman and probably going to elevate her status.

[@detroyes2]

Jinshi realizing that there was a sound, logical, and quite unsettling reason for why Maomao would want to look ugly is a great character moment. It made him realize just where she's come from, and that her life has mostly been like far from the sequestered privileged life he's had.

[@quinnguyen4620]

I keep thinking about how this relates to how Jinshi behaves towards Maomao, and how Maomao receives it. Thinking about how maybe the reason why Maomao instinctively flicks away Jinshi's shoulder touches is because it is a protective reflex from the men who have tried to drag her away in the night. Thinking about how her distaste for his flirtation is an extension of a distrust in men, while Jinshi has the privilege to see as nothing more than good fun and courtship.

[@godspeedgideon9178]

It was the moment for me realizing she went from a Great Character to an S-Tier character. It gives so much depth to her character and the reaction and sound of Jinshi's voice is exactly what I pictured and imagined when realizing a crucial part of your love one's upbringing and past, and just how clever and practical she is, and how cruel her environment and past experiences must have been.

[@sidt1572]

He also realized that she is indeed angry at him. She just doesn't know that he is the one running the place.

[@Wolfeson28]

It's funny, almost no one would have noticed this beforehand (I certainly didn't), but this reveal is foreshadowed by the fact that Maomao's freckles are actually slightly different in almost every different scene.

[@Bladewarriorcat]

Time to rewatch!

[@prestow]

I actually noted but thought it was from light or animation. You know when you see something for a second and it isn't important and you let it go.

[@Tonyten39]

@@prestow yup, that’s what I thought too 😅

[@lovelee__]

​@@Tonyten39When she was in the red light district she put on fake freckles to avoid "Grape". Thats why she when she was kidnapped they sold her as maid, instead of selling her to a brothel or as a concubine because they thought she was ugly. I hope that helped.

[@bophi_true]

@@Bladewarriorcat The anime is not even finished and we are ready for a re-watch!

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

The freckles were false, but her commentary wasn't. That sent our Jinshi right back to reality.

[@darkscoutergamer6168]

Haha true that💙I do like her having the freckles but regardless she’s awesome fr🔥

[@MrDibara]

Life in court may seem all dangerous and "challeging", with all them plotting and schemes... *until you see how bad things are down in the boonies.* Appreciate your nobility lives, ladies and gentlemen. Just don't let them blind you from reality.

[@lavenderscent2334]

Does that mean her makeup is suppose to be part of her actual face?

[@lovelee__]

​@@MrDibaraWhen she was in the red light district she put on fake freckles to avoid "Grape". Thats why she when she was kidnapped they sold her as maid, instead of selling her to a brothel or as a concubine because they thought she was ugly. I hope that helped.

[@darkscoutergamer6168]

@@lavenderscent2334 not really I think(if you are talking about the makeup of this episode ofc)💙 although check one the recent comments as someone pointed out why she had them

[@Did_No_Wrong]

Oof that explanation for the freckles really hit me hard with reality. That is a very realistic reason and very probable situation even now. Props to the writers for making such a layered scene.

[@GoodwillWright]

Good thing she lived in Ancient China where they had stricter beauty standards. Anywhere else, freckles probably wouldn't have been a deterrent sadly.

[@LittleHobbit13]

It's basically their version of the "but what was she wearing?" argument. Maomao went out of her way to make herself "ugly", and admits it still didn't perfectly protect her.

[@YoungChimmy]

Same here, it also made me think of the reality we live in too. I won't lie when I say I prefer to wear the most unflattering clothing just to avoid unwanted attention. Maomao's reasoning really shook me to the core but I love how I could relate to her in a way through that. She is so calm because of the reality she lives in, even though it is unfair and unjust.

[@CeruleanRogue]

You can see the exact moment when Jinshi realized MaoMao wasn't a toy for his amusement, but a sentient person with thoughts and feelings. A sentient person the palace has failed and who has struggled in ways he never could. It's humbling for him because now he really, truly, sees her or at least is beginning to do so. A high powered man in the position of a eunuch, made to realize there's more to the world than life in the palace. I'm very much looking forward to seeing him catch even more feelings.

[@shijo427]

spoiler... Jinshi is pretending to be an eunuch. His real identity is the emperor's younger brother, but he pretends to be an eunuch to keep away from power struggles by policing his older brother's harem, as he is young enough to make a bid for the throne himself. So this scene hits him even harder.

[@skylargray455]

​@@shijo427spoiler He's actually the emperor's first born biological son in fact his biological mother did make an appearance in Ep5

[@mxg4633]

​@@skylargray455And who would his mother be?

[@NaBa.O3O]

@@mxg4633 spoiler She's one of the 4 main concubines, and the one in dark purple clothes. She's the oldest of those 4.

[@mxg4633]

@@NaBa.O3O Okk thanks

[@christopherchoi4285]

2:19 I love how every time Gyokuyou stare at those two its like her watching her favorite soap opera lol

[@DarkMirria1]

They’re the best entertainment she’s gonna get tbh.

[@brigittegill808]

One of the things I love about Maomao is she's a perfect representation of a person who grew up around trauma in such a way that it was normalized to her and is now around people where it isnt. Some people, like Maomao, who grew up with this kind of stuff can talk so casually about trauma because to them its just life and it can shock people like Jinshi, who dont see it as 'just life'. Its not that Maomao isnt angry or is emotionless, she just doesnt see it as a traumatic experience/living situation anymore because it was all she knew.

[@AmishCatfish]

Can we also appreciate the symbolism of the flower being stepped on when Maomao explains being dragged into a back alley being a representation of deflowering

[@TheWolf-ie6nq]

man i wish i hadmt missed that

[@chromegaman]

They cut it before a very impactful line: "Oh Maomao, you've already broken your promise to me. You are no longer mine alone."

[@kotaro1483]

There's something really satisfying and cathartic after watching 99% anime fetishize and make jokes about assault to have characters openly talk about these topics upfrontly, realistically, and respectfully

[@LittleHobbit13]

Part of what I like about this series is they speak very directly and not always flatteringly about a LOT of their topics. Assault: even being "ugly" can't always protect you. Food allergies: potentially deadly. Toxic beauty regimens: LITERALLY toxic. Trauma: can cause depression and can impact your will to live. Child brides: a cute character design does not erase that a child was brought into the harem by not one but two emperors. Privilege: blinds people, even good people, to the experiences of others. Hell, they even kind of acknowledge the realism of personal agency. Maomao acknowledges upfront that she's angry about how the world works and how she was victimized by it, but also that it doesn't grant her any additional agency to change her circumstances or right any wrongs done to her.

[@Giruga905]

Agreed i love how the topics are actually seriously adressed here and without it feeling preachy Would love to see more anime and media in general going into this direction in the future

[@Ikajo]

Yeah... there is like 10 years between the emperor and the Empress dowager...

[@SleightCreative]

@@officiallytrustissues5411 Spoiler conituation I find it pretty based he took her as a courtesan anyways because sending her back would have been an objectively bad move for her

[@ephemispriest8069]

The sad, somber tones that play only to be replaced by earnest and bold sounding tones afterword are nice.

[@devc.4322]

For those who are wondering: the giving of a hairpin in Ancient China is a promise of love and can also mean the man wishes to get married in the future!

[@HaroldWong]

Or just favor. Jinshi is a eunuch after all.

[@mray4784]

@@HaroldWong Well...

[@benthecrusherofbooty676]

​@@mray4784hehehehe...HAHAHAHAHAAA

[@bloodingmark]

Thanks I was just about to Google that and you saved me some time

[@hajkie]

@@HaroldWong Indeed, since men wasnt the only one giving hairpins to women. :P

[@akawater]

I love how strong she is. And sad that she has had to be. Anime rarely showcases slavery negatively. Best you get is disinterest or that one individual the protagonist saves. I like her down to earth personality. She’s a rare one, in anime (and in that palace).

[@samalaimukhametova7290]

Редко не показывают, скорее чаще не показывают негативным. P.s.В жизни итак хватает негатива, поэтому меня лично устраивает,что в аниме не так часто негатива,разве что есть в определенных жанрах

[@oa-san53]

You haven't watched Vinland Saga ?

[@lookatthepicture4107]

​​@@oa-san53 They didn't say it doesn't happens at all, they said "rarely"

[@mpo48]

get out tourists. anime has been shoving slavery in a negative light for years its just that you haven't watched enough and you probably never will since your not an actual anime fan.

[@LittleHobbit13]

I'm not sure I'd agree with "rarely", but I agree it's always nice to see it not turned into a comedy beat. Shield Hero is another that comes to mind, where Naofumi has no choice but to rely on a slavery system he detests, and where Rannalia drags the other heroes on how they claim to be against slavery but also have used exactly ZERO of their extensive resources and influence to address the problem.

[@onesmileybaldy8303]

I like that they hid how she looked and revealed to us with Jinshi,so that our reaction to her beauty would match his.

[@wef0006]

only if you don't count anime openings spoiling everything

[@yhwach1]

@@wef0006always skip them

[@SylDragonia]

No hesitation was about to break that hairpin to share it to others. Bless her heart lol.

[@LeonValCh]

A bit dense on her part, though XD

[@justanoman6497]

A bit context on freckles in general that western audience might not realize. Freckles are very rare in Asians and thus an anomaly. And typically speaking, anomaly are signs of disorders or illness. So freckles isn't just a matter of beauty or personal preference within Asian communities, but something potentially worse. As a result, many Asians, especially those who are not exposed to western media, find it to be a serious flaw and significant turn off. That is the reason why her disguise work as well as it did. By contrast, it is a lot more common in western people(I think especially of Scottish origin? not entirely sure), which makes it a norm and a matter of personal preference. In fact, there are many who find freckle to be cute. In turn, such a disguise might not work in an equivalent western setting. P.S. here "Asian" means Han Chinese, Japanese, Korean etc and not wider Asian at large, as that's what's contextually relevant. I don't know how prevalent freckles are in the other populations.

[@DarkMirria1]

Thank you for providing very important information and context.🙏🏻

[@knowledgeseeker4614]

I have to say. The freckles story is interesting, sad, and kinda scary.

[@darkaquatus]

And total nonsense. It's usually not the most attractive girl that gets attacked. Predators look for easy preys that are introverted, silent, insecure and lacking a close relation with a father or older brother to protect and guide them. So this episode was a bit frustrating to me, because it perpetuates the same old lies that could actually harm women. I understand it's just an anime for kids, but you get my point.

[@qouta1456]

​@darkaquatus She mentioned that there were attempts. Having freckles and slim figure hindered her chances of getting attacked. If the man couldn't relieve himself at the brothel filled with attractive women than he is less likely to fulfill his satisfaction with maomao.

[@Latency345]

​@@darkaquatusshe said that it reduces her chances not remove them. Someone did try that with her and failed.

[@Hikari12217]

​@@darkaquatusIt's not an Anime for kids and I don't get your point because what you wrote makes no sense, she mentioned that there were attempts, but it's obvious that the worst you look, the less the probability of you getting assaulted are, especially considering how in their society, having freckles and a slim/flat body, was considered way less attractive than our modern standards, where most of the people wouldn't most likely care about it.

[@bluerabbitgin1954]

​@@darkaquatusyes but no, mao mao is beautiful, above the average, from hers mom genes, thats the reason for the freckles in her in this case, and still were attempts

[@Ryuseishun]

This series is so indescribably stunning in both animation, characters, concepts, and story ❤ More people should seriously give this a try!!

[@RGC_animation]

"I'm not wearing makeup." Her lipstick and highlight near her eyes:

[@CosmicAnime]

I love how calm and soft this scene is, the feeling from it is both tranquil and sad.

[@jonlava173]

Mao Mao has my nomination for Best Girl this Season. Too early to tell if she’s Best Waifu, but I really like Mao Mao’s character. She is clever, strong, honest, kind, humble, witty, pretty and awkwardly, adorably cute.

[@arjara85]

MaoMao and Frieren have my vote.

[@owczyniartemidy2754]

She's a Waifu. Trust me ;)

[@wilburyuen]

Adorkable

[@mata_abuelas_300]

What I like most is that although she seems like a typical girl without feelings,they animate her like a cat and makes you remember that she also has feelings

[@kuroinova2056]

​@@mata_abuelas_300well her name is Mao Mao which is basically 'cat'

[@tatianaloginova3258]

When I was 23, my collegue tried to kiss me at the corporate event. I was against it, but he was stronger than me and left bruises on my neck, because i was fighting back. Days after i confronted him asking why he would do this to me. His response was "you're pretty, so i couldn't resist". This scene in anime hits me right in the core.

[@CopingDoom]

Im sorry you had to go through that ma'am I know some men especially oldheads are not so self aware/self conscious about these things so they act like savages.

[@KaikipBT7]

2:04 Is really great story telling. I'll stay as spoiler free as possible: Jinshi has just apologized over Mao Mao's kidnapping but also really for the harsh circumstances of her life. Other comments have already mentioned how this moment critically changed his perception of Mao Mao; not a toy but her own person. Stunningly beautiful in her own way, a way that differs from the established sense of beauty there amongst the other courtesans and servants. And she is *strong* . Able to face the harshness of her reality with her head held high. He apologizes because he knows she deserves better. An apology though, is in itself an admission of guilt and Mao Mao states: this isn't something he should feel responsible for. 2:04 He's stunned, slack jawed. He takes a moment to collect himself, as if biting back words he wants to say... and instead, he apologizes again. Again, staying spoiler free as possible: even with Mao Mao saying he shouldn't feel guilty, he does. Because he is deeply aware that he's actually part of the problem. In more ways than one. It's a systemic problem rooted deep down, top to bottom in their world, but still... it doesn't change that he feels he's part of that problem in their society. And he's sorry. This aspect of his character will follow him throughout the entire story of the Apothecary Diaries. Watch it with that context in mind, it adds another layer of complexity to his mystery as the story goes on. Because he really wants things to change. Edit: typos

[@EndLooker-el8jn]

I have just read all the spoilers and applaud you for hinting but not revealing, yet also expand on the fascinating mysteries and complexities of this scene! You did surprising well and it speaks to how much you probably worked on this comment!

[@dearmalaysia]

This is so beautifully written, thank you. I appreciate his character so much more

[@cavaebi7890]

The freckles and the hairpin were so unexpected.

[@chrono_s9699]

This is the only anime I'm following weekly this season. Every episode is so good and Aoi Yuuki's performance as Maomao is fantastic. Can't help but to look forward to the next episode.

[@mito-pb8qg]

0:17 ...oh, don't we all know that feeling, guys. Complete flatline in your head. While somehow at the same time imagining your complete future with her. Strange how they can just flip our switch like that. One look. That's all it takes.

[@MarianaCarvalho-gu8zx]

I wish I knew how that feels in real life.

[@otakuanimeworld8228]

The way she says "Jinshi-sama" when she says it's not his fault, it's so cute

[@gamingmaniactv5050]

This scene is the definition of cuteness vs beauty. She's the cutest with the freckles, but she's gorgeous without them.

[@SakuraGurl808]

I just noticed this now. I wondered why Hongniang came over and silently told Maomao “no” after she received the hairpin from Jinshi. It was because Maomao was trying to snap the hairpin in half (lol). I heard the a straining sound and then I looked at her hands, and she was trying to bend the hairpin, probably to share with the girls 😅 but Hongniang stopped her before she could really try.

[@jackjones2162]

The hairpin may have more uses this arc, being made of silver she could use it to identify poison ^^

[@rheagalsim7497]

Stunning visuals, a heroine who is confident and humble and great plot lines each episode. Such a great anime 😊

[@takdirkaur4752]

The way Jinshi blushed-

[@RainAngel111]

You can just tell that despite the fairly brutal daily realities of the rear palace, and Jinshi's difficult upbringing, he's lived a sheltered life. He can't imagine why in the world anyone would want to be plain or ugly.

[@goldenhourss]

I love mao mao's character. she's very direct, intelligent and very charming. heck I'd fall for her too

[@Wyxh3194.Hanime]

Hairpins were also a common gift for a man to give his girlfriend in ancient times. An old tradition in China was that women would cut a small lock of hair to give to their beloved at their engagement, so hair decorations symbolize a promise of love.

[@QrincessQri]

Back in this era a lot of Asian countries viewed freckles as hideous for some reason. 😭 I think freckles are really cute and make a person even more charming imo.

[@kawansiesquad6659]

They viewed it as hideous because it’s associated with “being poor”. Only poor people had to work outside in the sun, while those with money and status could stay pale and white in doors. Freckles in Asia usually developed from exposure to the sun. “Sun spots”. Having freckles means being in the sun which means being poor. Which was not a desirable trait. The beauty standard of being pale and untanned in Asia is still upheld in modern society because of this old belief. It’s ironic that it’s the opposite in the west. In Asia where ppl tan easily most want to be white, but in the west where white ppl struggle to tan they want to be dark

[@sapphyrus]

@@kawansiesquad6659 Tanning is a modern concept though, historically it also meant being a poor farmer in this same era in Europe. People were using arsenic as soon as in 19th century to get whiter skin which is also explored in this anime.

[@hammeredo]

Wait until MaoMao will find out about Jinshi's Frog

[@Zeon081]

It's decent in size, but not remarkable 😂

[@dmitriyk.2890]

@@Zeon081as he said himself "I'm pretty average".

[@raec5426]

​@Zeon081 He maybe more of a grower than a shower. lol

[@DarkMirria1]

@@Zeon081 Ah, but she later admits to herself that he has a splendid frog. 🐸

[@nanugantz]

Maomao demostrando su verdadera belleza

[@TheWaifuConnoisseur]

The rizzler has been rizzed

[@GameBreaker1055]

That no one ever noticed her freckles moving around is kinda funny

[@ANGELILYworks]

Maomao looks so pretty!!

[@Tonyten39]

I agree 😊

[@fernandoancco2765]

The Apothecary Diaries is one of the best-selling light novels in the history of Japan, I am glad that many people are watching this anime.

[@ToukoWhite]

I absolutely love freckles tbh

[@ShaneTheCrazyArtist]

God I love the music that plays after he reaches to take out his hair pin

[@chercher304]

It was such a dead giveaway jinshi is royalty!! He is literally wearing the pheonix which only ruling class can wear!! Jinshi and the empress dowager have the same eyes. He then had the new hairpin with a royal symbol on it. Then he left the banquet before anyone from the harem arrived.

[@MarianaCarvalho-gu8zx]

The way he dresses is a giveaway. I haven't watched this yet, but did watch Chinese dramas and Korean dramas from their respective dynasties/eras of imperial/royal rule to know. Especially the colours, symbols, design pattern, too give it away easily....

[@EliSkylander]

I don't think it's such a bad thing for a man to realize the dangers that a beautiful woman faces (or anything beautiful, like art or nature) and have that change his heart and move him to actions.

[@ArchonKujo]

I might actually give this show a watch.

[@fancycat1284]

I’ve only seen episode 5 - this episode - fully since it’s hard to find the other episodes, but clips from previous episodes are abundant and amazing. The animation style is something reminiscent out of a movie, and the moments are all so good! Definitely give it a watch when you’ve got time to!

[@luizhenriquemurbackwiedmer7669]

You should give it a watch, it's my favourite this season (I'm also watching Frieren, Jujutsu and already watched Pluto)

[@HallidayASR]

​​@@fancycat1284Hard to find? They are all on Crunchyroll

[@prestow]

For me its the best show of the season, or at least ties with the other top ones at the moment

[@PintoConrad]

@@fancycat1284 Its hard to find other episodes since is is still airing. Only 5 are released yet. :D

[@DanA-zf8bt]

2:10 This scene murders me. Could anyone tell me the name of the music here? It adds even more beauty to this scene

[@LISA.WANG.]

IDK BUT I’M TRYING TO FIND IT TOO, Shazam doesn’t work, the ost probably isn’t published anywhere yet, and it kills me that I heard it the next episode at the well 😭

[@anniee6616]

probs its own OST

[@glimmerstitch6741]

From when MaoMao starts talking about being dragged away until the end of the clip it’s that track ‘Violet’ on the OST when she first turns around and he sees her without freckles it’s the track ‘Cold Marble’

[@DanA-zf8bt]

@@glimmerstitch6741 Thank you! What about the music that starts when he says “I’m sorry” and puts his hairpin on her head?

[@popo74aa]

As someone who doesn't pick up on social cues very well... I feel her.

[@kilari9]

The more I watch this anime, the more I respect Maomao. It's not a bad thing to be emotional while telling about their sad past like most of anime girls do, having a trembling voice, being in the verge of tears or having fear in their eyes etc. But Maomao with her calm and rational attitude in this type of scene has surprised me once again

[@MCArt25]

or maybe take some time and reflect why you think showing no overt emotions is the equivalent of being "rational"

[@AbeeraShafqat-ag-]

"How could I split this" Oh Maomao 😂

[@Kraken_mind]

The thing about Maomao is that she is strongly aware about the brutal truths of her reality. Like how little control she has in what is done to her. If she were dragged into an ally there would be no consequences for the man /men who did it. She sees many harsh truths that most people don’t want to think about. Also those wounds on her arm that so many people flinch at are so she can tests out new medicines. Really how else is she supposed to do it, test it on other people? She suffers so that others can gain from her knowledge. There really is no type of strength then that of a driven woman. And Jinshi-sama has only just gotten a small peek of that strength.

[@AnnePackrat]

Can’t wait for the “frog” to make an appearance. But that will probably be next season.

[@dmitriyk.2890]

This season is 24 eps. They will reach that piint in the second half.

[@ten_ni_orareru_kami]

😂😂😂

[@lilfroggy90]

Yessss the 'frog'

[@samuelesanfilippo222]

Wait who was the frog

[@dmitriyk.2890]

@@samuelesanfilippo222 not who but what )

[@rebekadoczi2136]

He said he'll check on the princess, but he didn't even look at her. 😂 I bet he forgot about her seeing Mao Mao.

[@zettarin]

I was so surprised that her freckles were fake

[@NothingToSeeHere-po5ci]

He got one hell of a wake up call.

[@joshuamillins5389]

Its a pity they won't show what Gyokuyou's Chief-Lady-in-waiting Hongniang did. She "punished" Maomao for damaging(Hongniage broke) an exceptionally expensive carafe worth far more than her stipend covers. This cost gets deducted and incurs a fine the "family" who sold her, they must pay. While Maomao is also paid separately for being a poison tester that pays greater than as a staffer of the rear palace. This pay is given/held separately for Maomao because she is undertaking an exceptional risk of being a poison tester.

[@carlosgarza400]

That was basically a marriage proposal

[@bombintheseeinq]

i wondered why she didn’t have freckles in the op..

[@magicfibre]

"I'm not wearing any makeup" she says with a ton of eyeshadow

[@konradgasiorowski]

Maomao is so cute. かわいい

[@charlescarnegie9380]

i like the fact that she almost breaks it after getting it lol

[@Ayame55555]

I adored this scene! I can't wait for season 2! 🥰

[@Dorian_Scott]

It's a shame that nobody's giving this anime a chance. The story, art style, characters and even the animation are fantastic.

[@anniee6616]

it's actually doing well

[@noatiendoboludos]

Its the 2nd highest rated show currently airing.

[@Modie]

First time, Shinji takes off his mask. After Maomao does.

[@Rea_no_Kuni]

That hairpin is soon going to be part of a drama~ 🤣

[@LintaLintaLintaLinta]

This couldnt be more wrong~

[@Rea_no_Kuni]

@@LintaLintaLintaLinta Well, he gives it to her thinking she will "use" it soon, only to discover she used (the hairpin of) someone else, don't knowing the true meaning behind the gift, no? 😆

[@LintaLintaLintaLinta]

@@Rea_no_Kuni Oh. I thought it was referring to HUGE drama, not Jinshi being upset lol

[@Theblossomgirl25]

Does someone know which OST is played while Jinshi is putting the hairpin on mao mao ? Cuz I can’t seem to find it on the original soundtrack .

[@glimmerstitch6741]

I’m pretty sure it’s part of the track ‘Violet’ it starts when she talks about being dragged away

[@cooper6192]

Maomao made him be like WAO WAO.

[@nick18886]

I'm just glad she doesnt just trauma dump every single time she can

[@ShaneTheCrazyArtist]

Not me grinning like a fool at how whipped he is for her

[@pancakemuffinberry21]

This is my favorite show this season!

[@anniee6616]

yep agreed

[@Annie1962]

and ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment where Jinshi gives himself away . He is besotted with her . The facts she tells him about her life before really saddens him and he gives her the pin in a way to say 'I am protecting you now' A number of pins can be a ticket for an outside visit. Hope this will be in the anime

[@Tawarabrch]

The hairpin scene 😭

[@nathanwalker3534]

This show is goated and needs more

[@ithamarlowe6158]

He fell way too hard for her 😂😂 real quick 😂

[@AndreaDoesYoga]

👏 Loved watching Maomao's makeup journey! 💄

[@zyanidwarfare5634]

Honestly she looks adorable as heck with the freckles…

[@r_thekingslayerx4352]

Maomao is the best girl and this show is my favourite this season.

[@ocie1]

The piano BGM is pretty

[@Roboglenn387]

The reveal was one thing. Hearing the grim logic behind it is a whole other thing entirely. Maomao being the brilliant yet quirky character that she is solving some medical mysteries is good bait to get one initially interested in this series. But the hook it's attached to with all the palace intrigue plus things like this that really flesh out the reality these characters live in ends up really latching onto you.

[@MomoHibiki]

Maomao broke her promise

[@Tonyten39]

How so? I don’t remember what the promise was… 😅

[@gregsimoes8645]

@@Tonyten39 she "promised" the concubine that she wouldn't let anyone else take her. She gave Maomao a necklace to show her loyalties/where she belongs. Jinshi "took" her with the hairpin.

[@kyleslater5245]

@@gregsimoes8645thanks that was confusing me.

[@Tonyten39]

@@gregsimoes8645 ah, ok. Thank you very much for the clarification 🙏

[@KusuriyaV]

To be fair, Maomao had no clue about the meaning of the hairpins to begin with. Its clearly only a Palace-life tradition rather than universally done.

[@gunjirox7485]

She is so CUTE!

[@LBVidiot]

Maomao: “I put freckles on to make myself less attractive.” Me: 🤔???????

[@LittleHobbit13]

That first look was 100% "oh no, she's hot", lol.

[@condutoyd1215]

who knew, an anime that focuses on Chinese culture

[@MrDibara]

We sure as hell can't rely on the CCP to do that for us, so alternatives need to be sought.

[@Cjorss]

Last year we had "Raven of the Inner Palace" which has a similar concept and setting albeit with some supernatural twists, it's also worth a watch.

[@Stoshnut]

Kings avatar is a Chinese animated and voice acted show about a professional MMORPG player, more modern China I guess. There's some out there if you look.

[@DarkMirria1]

@@Stoshnut OP appeared to be referring to Japan making a story about China. As Anime is short for the Japanese word for animation, so Anime properly refers to Japanese works. The Chinese word for animation is not even close to Anime in spelling, it starts with D for starters, so calling a Chinese work (or any non-Japanese work) Anime would be completely incorrect.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love this series 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@AldrianCG]

This one has been a really nice surprise to me. Lovely!!! 😊

[@jameswho3309]

I think its funny that he said "I'm sorry we couldn't police them"...like does he not realize they bought her from them?

[@dmitriyk.2890]

It was not he personally, but some of the lower ranked palace officials. Even if they can get the kidnappers, the deal itself was made legal, so it is just her word against theirs.

[@hiddendrifts]

1:19 wait she was serious? the freckles were fake?

[@alsinakiria]

Yup. She even tried to tattoo them on at one point but those are for criminals so her father got super upset with her over that.

[@hiddendrifts]

@@alsinakiria >those are for criminals< he wouldn't even let her get a freckle tattoo bc he thought only criminals get tattoos? dam

[@alsinakiria]

@@hiddendrifts in their society they literally are for criminals. No easy long distance communication so you tattoo criminals so if they run away people know they're bad news wherever they go.

[@parkermaisterra8532]

Aw and here I liked her Freckles. They were super cute

[@64gbdata11]

True beauty is when the make-up is remove. (Anime only)

[@frankwu4747]

That music! It’s divine!

[@Kazuma1478]

This man without a doubt would make the world his enemy if is to protect maomao

[@callmeandoru2627]

On a side note, this anime should've gotten the best comedy of the season. I found the jokes and gags are actually funny, light-hearted, and wholesome, and not being over-the-top or the typical, overused jokes

[@PantsuTaigas]

What award specifically are you citing? No one is giving awards out this early in a season

[@adlindorsal9877]

Maybe for drama as well. I would say the romance feels weak for this since it's one-sided but hopefully it gets better. It's definitely a top contender for sure.

[@et1033]

SHE IMMEDIATELY TRIED BENDING IT I CAN'T-

[@nonetheless-r3s]

So just to be sure what it means to give a hairpin at those times exactly?

[@glenndacara215]

Somehow, 2:14 felt something out of a kdrama.

[@Kentrell_sofunny]

Moamoa looks kinda cuter with makeup to me.

[@tylergoodman3560]

Makeup works in mysterious ways. 🎉