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薬屋のひとりごと [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto] #11
The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 11
After breaking a “curse” on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!
Having figured out the trick to navigating the corridors of the ancient mausoleum found within the Inner Court, Maomao does an admirable job solving the current mystery in front of the emperor and Jinshi. And then the Empress Dowager comes to Maomao, asking her to investigate the late Emperor’s curse. Jinshi’s past and parentage are revealed!
Having figured out the trick to navigating the corridors of the ancient mausoleum found within the Inner Court, Maomao does an admirable job solving the current mystery in front of the emperor and Jinshi. And then the Empress Dowager comes to Maomao, asking her to investigate the late Emperor’s curse. Jinshi’s past and parentage are revealed!
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2023
207 people are currently reading
1917 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
July 30, 2024
4/5
Finally more secrets were revealed!! FINALLY!!
Finally more secrets were revealed!! FINALLY!!
May 7, 2023
De toutes façons, plus on parle de Jinshi plus je suis contente. IL EST PARFAIT
May 15, 2025
the empress being SUCH a mom and asking jinshi about his love life
March 11, 2023
Finally caught up to the manga!!!
I am so excited for the anime adaptation esp since it'll be animated by StudioTOHO and OLM which also animated Spy X Family, Boku no Hero and Dr. Stone as well as Komi San - we know we won't be disappointed.
I cannot wait for the next chapters😭 And I get the feeling, the serious plot will finally be explained *cough* Jinshi's background. And I hope we can finally get some romance *manifesting!!!*
I am so excited for the anime adaptation esp since it'll be animated by StudioTOHO and OLM which also animated Spy X Family, Boku no Hero and Dr. Stone as well as Komi San - we know we won't be disappointed.
I cannot wait for the next chapters😭 And I get the feeling, the serious plot will finally be explained *cough* Jinshi's background. And I hope we can finally get some romance *manifesting!!!*
May 4, 2023
Toujours aussi top, j’ai parfois peur que l’histoire tourne un peu trop en rond mais j’aime beaucoup les personnages et les petites enquêtes sont intéressantes !
Ce tome était un peu dur car il parle du précédant empereur qui était très attiré par les petites filles donc bon avertissement de contenu pour pedophilie/très jeunes filles enceintes etc:(
Ce tome était un peu dur car il parle du précédant empereur qui était très attiré par les petites filles donc bon avertissement de contenu pour pedophilie/très jeunes filles enceintes etc:(
April 10, 2024
It’s time for a little colour theory, as Maomao tries her hand at a very specific puzzle, learns a lot more about art appreciation, and also steadfastly ignores the truth of Jinshi that all signs are pointing to.
Yes, there is finally a 4-star review for this series. It took me a long time to suss out why, but another review clued me in to what was feeling off for me - this volume is incredibly sedate, even by its own standards.
We get all the things I love, no worries there, but they’re in service to things that are not exactly barn burners in terms of plot. Also, I know it’s her nature, but Maomao’s continued ignorance regarding Jinshi’s actual position now feels it’s being stretched for narrative purposes rather than character reasons.
And these things are fine, but after all that abortion drama and visiting dignitaries from the last couple volumes and acknowledging that the poisoner might still even be on the loose just makes this stuff feel a little less special.
The big reveal with the doors carrying over from last volume is pretty good, but it doesn’t feel like it matches up with the reality of the series (I’m probably way off since this feels well researched, so it’s entirely down to my feelings). Also, these protracted explanations work best when in service to something truly exciting.
We are learning a lot of things that we already knew - Jinshi isn’t just a eunuch!? What!? - and that also kind of lowers the excitement. The story does its absolute best and I give it all the applause for what it does, but it still isn’t quite where I want these to be.
The backstory of the former emperor with the predilection for young girls is paramount to the second half of this and it does a lot right. We get introduced to the Empress Dowager, who is a really great addition to the cast just because she finally puts the screws to Jinshi about his intentions with Maomao. That’s been a long time coming too.
This whole revelation with the paintings and the truth behind the emperor’s curse is pretty good, although it feels like many a mystery story with its reveals and it just didn’t set the pages on fire.
The personalities and characters here are absolutely amazing and I have let five star reviews go through with much more glaring issues, but partly it’s down to the fact that this series is so good that when I don’t feel it operating at full strength it’s really apparent.
Although, it’s also true that Maomao isn’t as focused on medicine this time around and that might be part of it. I don’t know, it just feels okay, but not great.
Most times, a five star character will get me to overlook the flaws. And make no mistake, Maomao is probably my favourite creation I’ve seen since I got back into manga. She’s amazing and unique. This just doesn’t give her the material she needs to excel, sadly.
4 stars - as I say, possibly the weakest volume to date and it’s still great. Reviewed amongst other manga, probably a five still, but held to the standard I expect from the series? Not quite there.
Yes, there is finally a 4-star review for this series. It took me a long time to suss out why, but another review clued me in to what was feeling off for me - this volume is incredibly sedate, even by its own standards.
We get all the things I love, no worries there, but they’re in service to things that are not exactly barn burners in terms of plot. Also, I know it’s her nature, but Maomao’s continued ignorance regarding Jinshi’s actual position now feels it’s being stretched for narrative purposes rather than character reasons.
And these things are fine, but after all that abortion drama and visiting dignitaries from the last couple volumes and acknowledging that the poisoner might still even be on the loose just makes this stuff feel a little less special.
The big reveal with the doors carrying over from last volume is pretty good, but it doesn’t feel like it matches up with the reality of the series (I’m probably way off since this feels well researched, so it’s entirely down to my feelings). Also, these protracted explanations work best when in service to something truly exciting.
We are learning a lot of things that we already knew - Jinshi isn’t just a eunuch!? What!? - and that also kind of lowers the excitement. The story does its absolute best and I give it all the applause for what it does, but it still isn’t quite where I want these to be.
The backstory of the former emperor with the predilection for young girls is paramount to the second half of this and it does a lot right. We get introduced to the Empress Dowager, who is a really great addition to the cast just because she finally puts the screws to Jinshi about his intentions with Maomao. That’s been a long time coming too.
This whole revelation with the paintings and the truth behind the emperor’s curse is pretty good, although it feels like many a mystery story with its reveals and it just didn’t set the pages on fire.
The personalities and characters here are absolutely amazing and I have let five star reviews go through with much more glaring issues, but partly it’s down to the fact that this series is so good that when I don’t feel it operating at full strength it’s really apparent.
Although, it’s also true that Maomao isn’t as focused on medicine this time around and that might be part of it. I don’t know, it just feels okay, but not great.
Most times, a five star character will get me to overlook the flaws. And make no mistake, Maomao is probably my favourite creation I’ve seen since I got back into manga. She’s amazing and unique. This just doesn’t give her the material she needs to excel, sadly.
4 stars - as I say, possibly the weakest volume to date and it’s still great. Reviewed amongst other manga, probably a five still, but held to the standard I expect from the series? Not quite there.
November 8, 2024
Se sabía que Jinshi era demasiado hermoso como para no ser de la realeza 😋
Y wey jajaja me da risa como todos, ABSOLUTAMENTE TODOS se dan cuenta que Jinshi está enculadisímo con Maomao excepto ELLA e incluso él mismo
Y wey jajaja me da risa como todos, ABSOLUTAMENTE TODOS se dan cuenta que Jinshi está enculadisímo con Maomao excepto ELLA e incluso él mismo
Read
March 7, 2024Once again, Maomao showed prowess in solving mysteries, but I am not comfortable with the highlights of the story. 🤷♀️
December 2, 2024
I love this volume. I loved the complex characters and the emotions. I can’t wait for the next volume! Good thing I already have it but god it’s my last one I got.
November 10, 2024
przeczytana na raz i nie mogę się doczekać co dalej
July 10, 2025
Chapters 42-45
May 15, 2025
I knew it ! And yellow, I love yellow 💛
Btw, Mother knows best, Mother sees everything 👀
Btw, Mother knows best, Mother sees everything 👀
October 23, 2023
4.25⭐️
L’ancien empereur me dégoûte à un point 🤢🤢🤢
J’ai bcp aimé l’intrigue de ce tome et certaines « révélations » se confirment
L’ancien empereur me dégoûte à un point 🤢🤢🤢
J’ai bcp aimé l’intrigue de ce tome et certaines « révélations » se confirment
August 10, 2024
Maomao I missed you!
May 22, 2024
HEY
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN
detracting a star because this was real dark and i'm so confused -sob-
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN
detracting a star because this was real dark and i'm so confused -sob-
August 30, 2024
possibly the best volume thus far??
July 19, 2025
Non ho trovato in alcun modo adeguato cercare di far empatizzare il lettore con un ped0fil0. Chissene frega se gli piaceva disegnare? L'unico dettaglio utile sarebbe stato sapere se è morto male come meritava. Sono una persona aperta su tutti gli argomenti, ma non su questo. Non esiste comprensione.
December 19, 2023
Je crois que c’est mon tome préféré depuis le début !
J’ai adoré les enquêtes, les révélations, les histoires et les dessins comme toujours.
Spoil : Jinshi est en fait le fils de l’empereur ?? Ça me plaît 😇
J’ai adoré les enquêtes, les révélations, les histoires et les dessins comme toujours.
Spoil : Jinshi est en fait le fils de l’empereur ?? Ça me plaît 😇
December 14, 2024
There are some great moments in this volume, like Maomao tackling a puzzle tied to color theory, the introduction of the Empress Dowager (who finally presses Jinshi about Maomao), and the backstory of the former emperor (I'm not surprised by his actions, but.. respectfully, go eff yourself you pig) and his curse adds intrigue.
On one hand, I get why Maomao would continuing to overlook the truth about Jinshi, but I would like this to be out in the open between two of them. You can clearly see how frustrated Jinshi is about his secret and he wants her to understand the implications and so one. She does, but she's still playing oblivious card.. But, the dynamics is there, as well as humor and some macabre moments.
Inner cover
genes don't lie
On one hand, I get why Maomao would continuing to overlook the truth about Jinshi, but I would like this to be out in the open between two of them. You can clearly see how frustrated Jinshi is about his secret and he wants her to understand the implications and so one. She does, but she's still playing oblivious card.. But, the dynamics is there, as well as humor and some macabre moments.
Inner cover
genes don't lie
Read
May 2, 2023OH MY GODDDD
October 3, 2023
4,5/5
Trop contente d’en savoir plus sur Jinshi que j’aime trop 🥹 en revanche mon dieu TW pedophilie faut quand même le rappeler la
Trop contente d’en savoir plus sur Jinshi que j’aime trop 🥹 en revanche mon dieu TW pedophilie faut quand même le rappeler la
March 15, 2024
Ooh, I loved the solution to the puzzle!! So clever!
5/5 stars
5/5 stars
September 4, 2024
This volume was a bit struggle bus, but I think the last two volumes have suffered for me bc I lost the plot in between readings. Still, each volume carefully walks the line between cozy and humorous vs. macabre. The mysteries and character histories always have interesting medical elements.
Anyway, I'm SUPER EXCITED for the next one bc it involves ghost stories and a camping trip outside of the court.
Anyway, I'm SUPER EXCITED for the next one bc it involves ghost stories and a camping trip outside of the court.
March 18, 2024
Les révélations sur Jinshi dans ce tome !! On se doutait de quelque chose, mais j'avoue que c'est encore plus complexe que prévu. J'ai beaucoup aimé l'ambiance de celui-ci, l'intrigue et le développement de tous les personnages, c'est vraiment une saga fantastique. Bientôt la fin des tomes parus, je pense que ça va être difficile d'attendre patiemment la suite !
August 1, 2024
Bardzo dobra część! Strasznie podobały mi się zagadki i ich rozwiązania w tym tomie. Wciągające i sensownie wytłumaczone. Oczywiście od dawna podejrzewałam kim jest pan Jinshi, ale super, że w końcu pojawiają się jakieś konkrety. Już się nie mogę doczekać 12 tomu!
July 17, 2024
PURÉE JINSHI ❤️❤️
July 31, 2024
Wow oh wow what a fantastic volume this was !!!!!
July 12, 2025
Il precedente imperatore tutto ok con la pedofilia? 🤯
Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews