Lihua is a recurring character in The Apothecary Diaries and serves as one of the Emperor’s favored high consorts. She was given the title of Wise Consort, also sometimes translated as Worthy Consort, and resides in the Crystal Pavilion within the rear palace. She is the mother of the Second Prince. Her family background connects her to the Emperor as a distant relative, and her position helps solidify an alliance with the western regions.

In terms of personality, Lihua carries herself with the poise and grace expected of a high consort. She is refined, generous, broad‑minded, and emotionally resilient. Early appearances may lead others to perceive her as aloof or snobbish, but her true nature becomes clear during times of crisis. She is deeply kind‑hearted and forgiving, as seen when she does not hold a grudge against the ladies‑in‑waiting whose negligence contributed to the death of her newborn son. She also shows genuine care for those around her, including the apothecary Maomao, whom she tends to when the young woman is exhausted from nursing her. Beneath her composed exterior, Lihua possesses a deeply emotional side and can be timid and insecure in private moments, but she rarely lets that show in the court.

Lihua’s core motivations are rooted in duty, compassion, and a desire to maintain harmony. She values the lives of her family and those who serve her, and she is willing to take decisive action to protect them without causing wider destruction. Her role in the story is that of a high‑ranking consort whose personal tragedies and political maneuvers drive several plot arcs. After the loss of her son due to poisoning, she becomes a patient of Maomao, which leads to a warm and trusting bond between them. Later, when she becomes pregnant again, her own cousin Shin, who serves as her head lady‑in‑waiting, attempts to kill both Lihua and her unborn child out of jealousy. Instead of allowing the full force of imperial punishment to fall on Shin and her family, Lihua takes matters into her own hands by slapping Shin twice and banishing her from the rear palace. This act not only saves Shin’s life but also preserves the relationship between the imperial family and her powerful paternal clan, preventing a potential political upheaval.

Lihua’s key relationships include her connection to the Emperor, which is formal and based on duty rather than deep affection, though he regards her as one of his favored consorts. She shares a respectful and cordial rapport with Jinshi, recognizing his authority and treating him with deference. Her bond with Maomao is particularly significant: Maomao helps her recover from illness and later uncovers the plot against her, and Lihua in turn shows gratitude and genuine fondness for the apothecary. Her relationship with her cousin Shin is complex, mixing familial loyalty with the pain of betrayal, and her handling of that situation demonstrates her growth.

Over the course of the story, Lihua undergoes notable development. Initially seen as a distant, high‑born consort, she is gradually revealed to be a compassionate and politically shrewd individual. Her experience of losing a child and nearly dying herself tempers her with both sorrow and strength. By the time of her second pregnancy, she has learned to trust Maomao’s medical knowledge and to take a more active role in protecting herself and her unborn child. Her decision to personally punish Shin rather than rely on the court’s harsh legal system shows a maturity that balances mercy with strategic thinking.

Lihua’s notable abilities are not martial or scholarly in the conventional sense but rather lie in her charisma, her influence over the inner court, and her political acumen. She understands the delicate balance of power within the palace and knows when to act firmly and when to show restraint. Her capacity for forgiveness and her willingness to take responsibility for the consequences of her actions make her a stabilizing force in the imperial household.