Image: 日向夏・イマジカインフォス／「薬屋のひとりごと」製作委員会
Mb | Jul 26, 2025 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Maomao discovers Jinshi with a poorly stitched facial injury and treats it anew. She admonishes him not to unnecessarily put himself in danger, as his well-being burdens others. Their conversation turns to Shisui (Loulan) – both admit they never fully understood her before everything ended.
Suddenly, one of the children believed to be dead shows signs of life. Maomao realizes that Shisui's experimental "resuscitation medicine" is working. She and Jinshi promptly organize help (hot water, blankets, medical assistance from Suirei). All five children awaken but suffer from side effects: Kyou-u, for instance, has memory loss and a slight paralysis.
The first four children are adopted by the former concubine Ah-Duo. Suirei, whose imperial lineage is now known, also comes under Ah-Duo's care – she is monitored but not executed. The more severely affected Kyou-u (renamed Chou-u) is taken to the pleasure district, where he is deemed safest. Meanwhile, the Shi Clan is dissolved: members executed, lands seized by the state.
Maomao now works permanently as an apothecary in the Verdigris House of the pleasure district, as her place in the Rear Palace is no longer available. Her adoptive father Luomen remains as a physician in the palace. A visit from Seki-u brings news: Xiaolan has left the Rear Palace and sends Maomao a heartfelt letter, expressing longing for her friends. Shisui's corpse remains missing in the snow despite searches – Maomao hopes it stays unfound.
An exhausted Jinshi seeks out Maomao at the Verdigris House. The promised conversation about his identity does not happen; he says she already knows the truth. He reminds her of his promise for ice, but Maomao confesses she gave the hairpin meant for it to Shisui. Jinshi's attempt to continue the romantic tension from the outpost is interrupted by Chou-u. Completely drained, Jinshi falls asleep.
In a final scene, a mysterious woman named Tamamo trades that very hairpin with a merchant for a jade cicada. She expresses curiosity about the "other side of the sea" and disappears.
Suddenly, one of the children believed to be dead shows signs of life. Maomao realizes that Shisui's experimental "resuscitation medicine" is working. She and Jinshi promptly organize help (hot water, blankets, medical assistance from Suirei). All five children awaken but suffer from side effects: Kyou-u, for instance, has memory loss and a slight paralysis.
The first four children are adopted by the former concubine Ah-Duo. Suirei, whose imperial lineage is now known, also comes under Ah-Duo's care – she is monitored but not executed. The more severely affected Kyou-u (renamed Chou-u) is taken to the pleasure district, where he is deemed safest. Meanwhile, the Shi Clan is dissolved: members executed, lands seized by the state.
Maomao now works permanently as an apothecary in the Verdigris House of the pleasure district, as her place in the Rear Palace is no longer available. Her adoptive father Luomen remains as a physician in the palace. A visit from Seki-u brings news: Xiaolan has left the Rear Palace and sends Maomao a heartfelt letter, expressing longing for her friends. Shisui's corpse remains missing in the snow despite searches – Maomao hopes it stays unfound.
An exhausted Jinshi seeks out Maomao at the Verdigris House. The promised conversation about his identity does not happen; he says she already knows the truth. He reminds her of his promise for ice, but Maomao confesses she gave the hairpin meant for it to Shisui. Jinshi's attempt to continue the romantic tension from the outpost is interrupted by Chou-u. Completely drained, Jinshi falls asleep.
In a final scene, a mysterious woman named Tamamo trades that very hairpin with a merchant for a jade cicada. She expresses curiosity about the "other side of the sea" and disappears.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
Comment(s)