The Apothecary Diaries Episode 3: The Unsettling Matter of the Spirit
Manga volume 4-4
Canon/MED
OSHIMETER
9.7
25 Fans
5
4
3
2
1
PacingVisualWritingEmo ImpactSoundtrack
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 3: The Unsettling Matter of the Spirit
Manga volume 4-4
Canon/MED
OSHIMETER
9.7
25 Fans
5
4
3
2
1
PacingVisualWritingEmo ImpactSoundtrack
QUICK TAKES
shaelby
VerifiedNot the best episode, but still good nonetheless. I was kinda hooked with the rumored ghost story at the beginning, but as time goes by they didn’t really lean into the horror aspect but the medicinal aspect, which is fine since that’s what the show is all about, but I’d much prefer horror. I was happy to know by the end that the princess actually got the good happy ending.
8/19
8/19
lakshyasharma78388
VerifiedThis episode feels more interesting 😊 the mystery is better and Maomao shines again Her thinking is fun to watch It is still slow but never boring and keeps you curious hahaha
stellanuit_temi
VerifiedRumors of a dancing pale ghost enters the Rear Palace causing unrest in people’s life. Yet somehow, Maomao is brought right at the middle of the issue when Jinshi once again calls for her assistance. What can an apothecary do to a supposed ghost? Or is there more to this rumor?
helmyherlambang
VerifiedWhoaaa, I didn’t expect this kind of story would turn into something beautiful like that after the ending from the previous episode. I love it! 🫶🏻
jimgal04
VerifiedEpisode 3 is about a rumor of a ghost white lady seen dancing on the castle walls. Maomao joins Jinshi and his assistant to further investigate. Instead of being scared, she looks carefully at the details and thinks logically. She provides speculations based on her experiences.
saradflorianwrk
VerifiedThis episode tells a really beautiful love story, while also showing the harsh reality faced by beautiful women outside the palace. Fouyu’s plan warmed my heart, especially when the protagonists discovered it. Maomao and Jinshi’s partnership just keeps getting more fun to watch.
verakristinalou
VerifiedAn amazing, emotional, must watch episode for shoujo genre lovers. I love the smooth pacing and delivery of necessary details to uncover the truth about Fuyou. The animation and music was beautiful and well delivered for maximum immersion and vibe setting.
chachi06
VerifiedThis one feels a bit slower, but in a good way though. You get to understand the environment more, and Maomao’s careful personality really shows up. Jinshi’s presence keeps it from feeling too serious, which balances things nicely.
haleyjschwartz
VerifiedWhat a sweet episode! It starts out pretty creepy and spooky, but it morphs into something else entirely as it progresses. Maomao is so smart and I love watching her solve problems and mysteries around the palace, and also hearing her introspection because it helps develop her.
miki_2322
VerifiedI liked this episode because of how skilled the female lead is at putting together the events and coming up with a conclusion to the mystery happening in the palace. It makes the show even more engaging to watch, not just as a romcom, but also because of the mystery woven into it
southeaststillness
VerifiedThis episode leans more into the mystery aspect, and it’s done so smoothly. I love how it doesn’t over-explain anything, it just lets you piece things together alongside Maomao. Watching her connect the dots feels so rewarding, like you’re part of the process. There’s also something really satisfying about how calm she stays no matter the situation. It makes everything feel more grounded and believable. Honestly, this is the kind of storytelling that makes you want to pay attention to every little detail.
amonkeydluffy
VerifiedThis episode don't have much science in action more on hypothesis and explanations only. But, I like the scene where Lady Fuyuo was dancing she looks so pretty and angelic. We can give her an award for her wits and acting. Her plans were fulfilled.
clouise
VerifiedGhost stories creep me out! Maomao is different though and sees the situation critically. It's heartbreakingly sad but satisfying seeing Lady Fuyou free to be with her childhood love, especially seeing hundreds of women stuck in the imperial palace.
goyaljonesh06
VerifiedMaomao just wants to sleep but the sleepwalking mystery is too juicy. Seeing her dismantle a "ghost" story with actual science and a bit of flower powder is such a flex. Jinshi is honestly just a beautiful distraction at this point.
peanuts
VerifiedGhost story was really sad once we got to know the truth. And at last she reunited 🥺. Her moonlight dance was soo astonishing to see. I love how she still isn't intimidated by Jinshi at all—the way she looks at him like he’s a piece of garbage makes me laugh every time🤭. Got the happy ending!
kuringkuring
Verifiedghost on the palace walls and Maomao is already five steps ahead ngl. Lady Fuyou's mini arc is kinda sweet and the resolution hits different when you understand what she actually wanted. looove that Maomao is using brothel knowledge to solve palace mysteries hahahaha
anandaladya530
The sweetest, smartest love story in the series. It's clever on how Lady Fuyou uses social perception to save her virginity for the man she truly loves, and how the man also does everything in his power to be worthy of the love of his life. They deserve each other!
seanjeanracosas
This episode blends the supernatural happenings and clashing it with Maomao realistic deductions. The way the concubine had plan her illness just to be with her true love is very clever. The image of her dancing at the top of the gate is really beautiful, bittersweet ending.
naty_is_cool
I love seeing maomao she’s so cute and funny!
maoriiin
The story opens with a call back to the post-credit scene of Episode 2. We get to see how Maomao comes to a conclusion. Characters are given deeper depth, and the animation quality is high, with care put into details of even simple scenes.
EPISODE CONTEXT
Coming off Episode 2's establishment of Maomao's medicinal reputation within the rear palace, Episode 3 expands her role from pharmacist to investigator, proving her value extends well beyond mixing compounds. This is an early-season worldbuilding episode that deepens the audience's understanding of court pressures and palace politics, positioning Maomao as someone increasingly entangled in affairs far above her station. It lays essential groundwork for the escalating intrigues and character relationships that will define the middle stretch of this 24-episode run.
QUICK TAKES
shaelby
VerifiedNot the best episode, but still good nonetheless. I was kinda hooked with the rumored ghost story at the beginning, but as time goes by they didn’t really lean into the horror aspect but the medicinal aspect, which is fine since that’s what the show is all about, but I’d much prefer horror. I was happy to know by the end that the princess actually got the good happy ending.
8/19
8/19
lakshyasharma78388
VerifiedThis episode feels more interesting 😊 the mystery is better and Maomao shines again Her thinking is fun to watch It is still slow but never boring and keeps you curious hahaha
stellanuit_temi
VerifiedRumors of a dancing pale ghost enters the Rear Palace causing unrest in people’s life. Yet somehow, Maomao is brought right at the middle of the issue when Jinshi once again calls for her assistance. What can an apothecary do to a supposed ghost? Or is there more to this rumor?
helmyherlambang
VerifiedWhoaaa, I didn’t expect this kind of story would turn into something beautiful like that after the ending from the previous episode. I love it! 🫶🏻
jimgal04
VerifiedEpisode 3 is about a rumor of a ghost white lady seen dancing on the castle walls. Maomao joins Jinshi and his assistant to further investigate. Instead of being scared, she looks carefully at the details and thinks logically. She provides speculations based on her experiences.
saradflorianwrk
VerifiedThis episode tells a really beautiful love story, while also showing the harsh reality faced by beautiful women outside the palace. Fouyu’s plan warmed my heart, especially when the protagonists discovered it. Maomao and Jinshi’s partnership just keeps getting more fun to watch.
verakristinalou
VerifiedAn amazing, emotional, must watch episode for shoujo genre lovers. I love the smooth pacing and delivery of necessary details to uncover the truth about Fuyou. The animation and music was beautiful and well delivered for maximum immersion and vibe setting.
chachi06
VerifiedThis one feels a bit slower, but in a good way though. You get to understand the environment more, and Maomao’s careful personality really shows up. Jinshi’s presence keeps it from feeling too serious, which balances things nicely.
haleyjschwartz
VerifiedWhat a sweet episode! It starts out pretty creepy and spooky, but it morphs into something else entirely as it progresses. Maomao is so smart and I love watching her solve problems and mysteries around the palace, and also hearing her introspection because it helps develop her.
miki_2322
VerifiedI liked this episode because of how skilled the female lead is at putting together the events and coming up with a conclusion to the mystery happening in the palace. It makes the show even more engaging to watch, not just as a romcom, but also because of the mystery woven into it
southeaststillness
VerifiedThis episode leans more into the mystery aspect, and it’s done so smoothly. I love how it doesn’t over-explain anything, it just lets you piece things together alongside Maomao. Watching her connect the dots feels so rewarding, like you’re part of the process. There’s also something really satisfying about how calm she stays no matter the situation. It makes everything feel more grounded and believable. Honestly, this is the kind of storytelling that makes you want to pay attention to every little detail.
amonkeydluffy
VerifiedThis episode don't have much science in action more on hypothesis and explanations only. But, I like the scene where Lady Fuyuo was dancing she looks so pretty and angelic. We can give her an award for her wits and acting. Her plans were fulfilled.
clouise
VerifiedGhost stories creep me out! Maomao is different though and sees the situation critically. It's heartbreakingly sad but satisfying seeing Lady Fuyou free to be with her childhood love, especially seeing hundreds of women stuck in the imperial palace.
goyaljonesh06
VerifiedMaomao just wants to sleep but the sleepwalking mystery is too juicy. Seeing her dismantle a "ghost" story with actual science and a bit of flower powder is such a flex. Jinshi is honestly just a beautiful distraction at this point.
peanuts
VerifiedGhost story was really sad once we got to know the truth. And at last she reunited 🥺. Her moonlight dance was soo astonishing to see. I love how she still isn't intimidated by Jinshi at all—the way she looks at him like he’s a piece of garbage makes me laugh every time🤭. Got the happy ending!
kuringkuring
Verifiedghost on the palace walls and Maomao is already five steps ahead ngl. Lady Fuyou's mini arc is kinda sweet and the resolution hits different when you understand what she actually wanted. looove that Maomao is using brothel knowledge to solve palace mysteries hahahaha
anandaladya530
The sweetest, smartest love story in the series. It's clever on how Lady Fuyou uses social perception to save her virginity for the man she truly loves, and how the man also does everything in his power to be worthy of the love of his life. They deserve each other!
seanjeanracosas
This episode blends the supernatural happenings and clashing it with Maomao realistic deductions. The way the concubine had plan her illness just to be with her true love is very clever. The image of her dancing at the top of the gate is really beautiful, bittersweet ending.
naty_is_cool
I love seeing maomao she’s so cute and funny!
maoriiin
The story opens with a call back to the post-credit scene of Episode 2. We get to see how Maomao comes to a conclusion. Characters are given deeper depth, and the animation quality is high, with care put into details of even simple scenes.
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