After the previous episode mostly focused on Maomao helping Lihaku buy out her big sister, Pairin, the upcoming episode will see the poison maiden return to her usual palace duties. However, her next move is far from ordinary. The preview for The Apothecary Diaries Episode 22, titled Blue Roses, shows Maomao challenging Lakan after learning that her next task is set up by her own father, whom she has a strong distaste for.
You can see the preview below:
The teaser for The Apothecary Diaries Episode 22 may be short, but it features the intense turn of events in the palace. It starts with Maomao entertaining Lingli, Empress Gyokuyou’s daughter, with her drawing that brings a big smile to the child’s face. The next scene shows Jinshi seemingly reprimanding Maomao, while she stands in front of him, followed by a sequence of Lakan fixing his eyeglass and a hand picking a green leaf that makes the latter surprised.
Maomao is then seen working hard, while Xiolan looks beaming as she waves at someone while walking. The mad scientist then checks her plants, followed by Loulan walking with her courtesans. As the preview ends, Lakan once again appears, while Maomao has a serious look in her eyes.
Alternatively, the stills for The Apothecary Diaries Episode 22 start with Maomao working with Loulan in the garden. By the looks of it, the two are watering the plants. It’s followed by a glimpse of Jinshi and Gaoshun, who are surprised by Maomao as she carries a plant. Lakan is then seen seemingly watching someone. Loulan appears with a military officer while Gyokuyou lovingly holds her daughter while she gives her a hug. For the last still, Maomao talks to Lady Lihua, who looks delighted to see her.
You can see the preview stills below:
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
Credit:
Natsu Hyuga / Imagika Foss / “A Pharmacist’s Monologue” Production Committee
The Apothecary Diaries Releases New Character Trailers for Maomao, Jinshi and Gaoshun
Meanwhile, as The Apothecary Diaries nears its finale, the anime has released new character trailers for its three main characters, Maomao, Jinshi, and Gaoshun. Aside from giving a glimpse of the series’ gripping story, they also show their journey as they fulfill their roles in the palace.
The first character trailer focuses on Maomao. Released on February 15 to celebrate Cat Day, it details her work as an apothecary, from working at a drugstore for a living to being a poison maiden in the palace. However, aside from being a drug master, Maomao has successfully shown her wit and critical thinking skills as she solves the mysterious events happening in the realm.
Elsewhere, Jinshi’s character trailer, released on February 29, shows his dedication to his work while making every woman fall in love with his smile. However, though a lot of ladies are dying to be with him, Maomao is different. Nothing really works for her, no matter what he does-even if he tries to impress her. The trailer also shows how he cares for Maomao, especially when Lakan shows up.
Lastly, the character trailer for Gaoshun, posted on March 8, shows his loyalty to his troublesome master, Jinshi. It features the incredible bond between the two and how he helps Maomao as she works in the palace. The preview also reveals how caring he is to Jinshi and everyone who cares for his master.
What to Expect from The Apothecary Diaries Episode 22
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 22 will see Jinshi telling Maomao that he needs a hard-to-find blue rose for the next garden party. But when Maomao realizes that Lakan is behind this impossible task, she’s quickly up for the challenge and tries her best to make a blue rose bloom despite being out of season to defeat her father. However, Maomao fails to make her plants bloom as the event nears.
You can read the synopsis below:
Princess Gyokuyo's pregnancy is confirmed, and Maomao spends peaceful days at the Jade Palace. One day, Maomao is told by Jinshi that he needs a blue rose for the next garden party, and Maomao realizes that Rakan has orchestrated this difficult task, so she tries to make a blue rose bloom, thinking that she will lose. Maomako struggles as the garden party approaches, but since it's out of season, the roses won't even bud.
The anime is based on the light novel of the same title written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino. It has been serialized online since 2011 before it was acquired by Shufunotomo and published as a novel with a single volume in 2012 and as a light novel in 2014. It was then adapted into two manga with illustrations by Nekokurage in 2017, published by Square Enix and Shogakukan. J-Novel Club has licensed its digital release in English, while Square Enix has licensed its print and manga publication in North America. Toho Animation Studio and OLM produce its anime adaptation, premiering in October 2023 and releasing 21 episodes so far.
What are the release date and times of The Apothecary Diaries Episode 22?
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 22 is scheduled for release on Saturday, March 9, and premiere on Sunday, March 10, on Nippon TV in Japan. It will also be available to stream on Crunchyroll in North America and Netflix in select regions. For the release times based on your region, you can check the list below:
10:45 AM Pacific Time
12:45 PM Central Time
1:45 PM Eastern Time
6:45 PM Greenwich Mean Time
7:45 PM Central European Time
12:15 AM Indian Standard Time (March 10)
2:45 AM Philippine Standard Time (March 10)
5:45 AM Australia Standard Time (March 10)
With only three episodes left, all eyes are now on The Apothecary Diaries. The anime has yet to reveal the mystery surrounding Lakan and Maomao’s relationship, so the remaining episodes are expected to finally tell their backstory.
