The events marking the beginning of cour 2 may seem to be quite slow, but there's always a pay-off to look forward to down the line.
It’s another change of pace for Season 2 of the anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries, as it enters the second cour of the season. Episode 37, named The Baths, returns to a more light-hearted tone as it focuses mostly on Maomao and her friends, Xiaolan and Shisui. While this episode strictly follows the events in the manga and the light novel, the shift in tone may seem somewhat abrupt—especially given how intense the events of the last two episodes have been.
However, long-time fans know that these quieter, slice-of-life episodes often pay off in the long run, as Maomao continues to tread dangerous ground and uncover more secrets within the palace.
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
The episode opens on a more ominous note, beginning with what appears to be a recruitment scene within the palace. But when a recruit with an injured leg steps forward, the side profile of someone who looks too much like Suire is revealed—and from the looks of it, she is disguising herself as a man.
Much of the episode unfolds over several visits to the bathhouse, frequented by servant girls and mid-ranking concubines. Maomao joins Shisui and Xiaolan on these outings, which serve as well-earned breaks from their daily duties. But as Shisui cleverly points out, they’re also given a chance to mingle, pick up useful gossip, and form connections that may prove beneficial down the line.
Eventually, a few mid-ranking consorts visit the bathhouse. While receiving massages from the girls, they begin to chat, inadvertently letting slip several secrets and rumours. This is precisely why Lady Gyokuyou allowed (and practically ordered) Maomao to continue with this part-time job—eventually bringing in the youngest of the three sisters, Sekiu, who joined Gyokuyou’s ladies-in-waiting.
Secrets do indeed spill out as the consorts relax under the skilful hands of the attendants. Among the rumours overheard by Maomao and the girls is speculation that Gyokuyou, Lihua, and even Loulan might be pregnant.
Later, they spot Lady Lishu in the bathhouse and provide her with hair removal and massage services. Lishu invites them for some cold juice, and during their conversation, she reveals that the Diamond Pavilion’s private bath is apparently haunted by yet another ghost.
Throughout the entire episode, the artwork was marvellously done. Each character positively glows, especially Shisui, whose figure is emphasised to have more curves compared to Maomao and Xiaolan. Lishu, too, behaves more maturely than before, as by this point, a year has already passed, and she has now turned 15. Notably, however, what stands out in this episode is the consistent quality. Even minor characters like Sekiu are rendered beautifully in every frame. On top of that, the use of colour, light, and shadow in each scene is handled with tasteful and artistic precision.
The voice acting was also particularly well-executed in this episode, especially from Miku Itou (Quintessential Quintuplets), who plays Sekiu. She captured both Sekiu’s bashfulness and innocence in a way that is genuinely memorable.
Perhaps, though, the lack of a break between cours (even just a week or two) made the start of the second cour feel like an abrupt slowdown in pacing. The writers might have benefitted from exercising some creative freedom here, perhaps by placing more of Maomao’s reflections from the recent events during her trip in this episode, rather than cramming them into the last one. Still, it’s a reassuring sign that the anime intends to remain as faithful to the source material as possible.
Xiaolan and Shisui
One highlight of the episode is the charming friendship between Maomao, Xiaolan, and Shisui. Xiaolan has been a constant companion of Maomao’s since the first season, and often serves as her source of gossip and updates on palace life. Maomao’s care for Xiaolan in this episode is particularly sweet—especially when she compares her to a puppy during bath time, as Xiaolan’s golden retriever energy is undeniable.
Then there’s Shisui, who—despite her energetic, curious nature and peculiar fascination with insects—Maomao notes as someone who is surprisingly street-smart and perceptive. There is clearly more to Shisui than meets the eye, and these small observations are likely building up to a significant reveal later in the series.
The dynamic among these three very different girls evokes the kind of deep friendships that last a lifetime, and watching it develop on screen brings a sense of warm nostalgia. The mention of Jinshi’s name by Xiaolan, and Maomao’s visibly rattled reaction, also serves as a quick and effective callback to the previous awkward episode. Shisui, ever the observant one, even notes how often Maomao is seen with Jinshi—only to be cut off by Maomao, who insists (perhaps to Shisui, perhaps to herself) that she only sees him to run errands for the consorts.
A new beautiful eunuch
Xiaolan then brings up rumours of a beautiful new eunuch joining the palace. She points towards a group of men who look remarkably similar to those seen at the beginning of the episode. Surei, with her tall stature, shiny wavy hair, and striking side profile could be the “beautiful eunuch" Xiaolan was referring to, since she's the only one who stood out from that scene at the beginning of Episode 37. Could Suirei be returning to the palace once again in disguise? If so, what might her mission be—and what does she hope to achieve?
The pressures of being a “spotless” woman
In this episode, Maomao removes the body hair of some mid-ranking consorts, and later Lady Lishu, using a threading technique—an ancient hair removal method still used today. It’s oddly amusing to realise that even in ancient China, the ideal of female ‘spotlessness’ was revered, to the point where natural hair was something to be eliminated. Women in the inner court went to great lengths to ensure they remained desirable—not just in appearance, but also in behaviour.
Lady Lishu likely felt every eye on her as she entered the communal bathhouse. Though she holds the status of a high-ranking consort, it is no secret that the emperor does not visit her, and the women of the inner court no doubt have much to say about that. On top of this, Maomao remarks on how unhelpful Lishu’s own ladies-in-waiting are—and based on their treatment of her back in Season 1, it’s clear that Lishu endures silent bullying.
Much like today, the issue remains. Society still places immense pressure on how women should look and behave. While there has been significant progress towards encouraging women to love and care for themselves without conforming to arbitrary standards, negativity persists. And just like in the rear palace, it is often women who end up criticising each other the most.
Another ghost?
It’s only been a few weeks since Maomao and the others encountered a ghost, and yet again, another spirit appears to be haunting the Diamond Pavilion’s bathhouse. In past episodes, most ghost sightings came with logical explanations (except perhaps for the most recent vengeful spirit). Is the new ghost real? If not, who or what is behind it? Why are they targeting Lishu?
With another potential mystery looming, someone is bound to show up soon: Jinshi! If he appears in next week’s episode, it would mark his first interaction with Maomao since the string of chaotic and surprising events surrounding the hunt.
If they do meet, what will their conversation be like? Will we learn more about Jinshi’s past, or perhaps get a few more JinMao moments? Either way, the episode ends on a suspenseful note, leaving enough intrigue to make the wait for the next instalment worth it.
If you want to revisit insights and theories from previous episodes, here's a compilation of every review so far for The Apothecary Diaries Season 2.
