The Apothecary Diaries is a mystery historical series about a young apothecary girl named Maomao. Set in an intricately detailed imperial court, the story weaves intrigue with the knowledge of herbs and social dynamics in a time when women were often faced with strict limitations. Wrapped up in the center of it all is this weird, wavy relationship between Maomao and Jinshi, a high-ranking official whose interest in Maomao goes far beyond curiosity. Framing the scenes in which their interactions take place is littered with palace politics, secrets, and the search for knowledge-what makes their bond so compelling and complex at once.