10 Times Maomao Saved Lives in The Apothecary Diaries Thanks to Her Curiosity

In The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao isn't a sword-fighting heroine with magical powers. Her true weapon is her curiosity, a mind as sharp as a scalpel, and a deep knowledge of medicine and poisons. Often, that curiosity, which seems to stick its nose where it's not wanted, ends up being the difference between life and death. Here are 10 times her instinct and desire to learn more prevented disasters. WARNING! This article will contain spoilers for the book.

1. Maomao and the Deadly Painting Incident

When Maomao discovers that the paint used to decorate rooms could be releasing toxic gases, she doesn't hesitate to investigate beyond the pale. Thanks to this, she manages to save several people in the palace who were unknowingly being slowly poisoned.

2. A hidden threat that preserved a lifeless emperor

Empress Dowager Anshi suspects something strange surrounds the former emperor's death. The body, surprisingly well preserved after a year, sets off alarm bells in Maomao's court. Her careful analysis reveals an unusual preservation method and a possible hidden crime. Without her intervention, this truth would never have come to light.

3. Maomao saves Xiaolan from disaster

When the young maid Xiaolan shows alarming symptoms, Maomao doesn't settle for the easy explanation. After analyzing her environment and habits, she discovers the real cause and prevents Xiaolan 's health from deteriorating further. Yet another case where her instinct and knowledge make the difference.

4. In search of the killers in the Northern Hunt

During a royal hunt, Jinshi falls ill after a feast. What seemed like common food poisoning was actually an attempted murder. Amidst traces of food, symptoms, and awkward silences, Maomao pieces together the puzzle and prevents a greater tragedy.

5. Saving Jinshi during the purification ceremony

During a ceremonial moment fraught with formalities, Maomao detects an irregularity in the products used during the ritual. Thanks to her prompt intervention, Jinshi is saved from poisoning that could have been fatal.

6. Caravan perfumes and risks during pregnancy

Some perfumes used in trade caravans arouse Maomao's suspicions. Although they appear harmless, she identifies dangerous compounds, especially for pregnant women. Her warning comes just in time and prevents irreparable damage.

7. The Mystery of the Locked Shed

A servant girl is found drowned, and rumors of poisoning soon spread. But Maomao, rather than being fooled by appearances, investigates further and uncovers not only the truth behind the death, but also instances of abuse and harassment hidden beneath layers of silence in the palace.

8. The poison in Gyokuyou soup

When Consort Gyokuyou falls ill after a meal, Maomao doesn't just follow orders. She tastes, smells, and analyzes the ingredients and manages to identify a hidden poison in the soup. A small action that averted a tragedy and reinforced her role as the silent protector of the court.

9. Lady Lihua's life saved with steam baths and herbal remedies

After losing her son, Lady Lihua falls into a deep illness. Many give her up for lost, but Maomao refuses to give up. With unconventional treatments and tireless dedication, she manages to stabilize her and restore some of her health and dignity.

10. Gyokuyou's daughter survives thanks to Maomao's quick thinking

When Consort Gyokuyou 's daughter suffers a medical emergency, Maomao acts without hesitation. Her knowledge and ability to handle pressure prove key to saving the baby in one of the series' most tense moments. Maomao may not have a noble rank or a large entourage, but what she does have is a keen mind, an insatiable curiosity, and a heart that can't bear to see others suffer. Maomao isn't the type to seek recognition, but her ability to see what others overlook means that every time she sticks her neck out, someone ends up saved. Although she lives in a world where women are easily silenced and secrets can be lethal, she never stops asking questions, observing, and learning. And thanks to that, she saves lives. In a palace filled with invisible poisons, whether in food, perfumes, or lies, Maomao is that spark of truth that, through science, intuition, and courage, manages to change destinies. Because in The Apothecary Diaries, the heroine doesn't fight with swords: she fights with knowledge, and that, too, is a form of resistance.