The Apothecary Diaries season 2 episode 3 release date

The Apothecary Diaries season 2 episode 3 unfolds against the backdrop of new arrivals at the rear palace, bringing an air of tension beneath the excitement of their stay.

While preparations for a grand banquet are underway, troubling signs hint at a hidden scheme that could threaten the concubines’ safety.

The best anime openings of all time featuring Code Geass, One Piece, Naruto, and Pokemon ONE Esports — Credit: Sunrise, The Pokemon Company, Studio Pierrot, Toei Animation, ONE Esports

The 17 best anime openings of all time

Whispers of danger ripple through the palace, raising questions about who might be behind such a plot and what their motives could be.

As the stakes grow higher, the delicate balance of power teeters on the edge, leaving the truth uncertain.

The Apothecary Diaries season 2 episode 2 recap

Apothecary Diaries main character Maomao seen sniffing the new dresses in season 2 episode 2 — Credit: OLM, TOHO animation Studio, Dentsu, Square Enix, Netflix, Crunchyroll

The episode opened with Gaoshun informing Jinshi that a special envoy from a foreign nation would be arriving at the rear palace and the guests would stay longer than expected.

A high-ranking officer was preparing a banquet, and Jinshi explained that the guests were important diplomatic partners. Meanwhile, at the Jade Pavilion, Maomao and the other ladies-in-waiting were assigned to work on new outfits.

Kyojuro Rengoku from Demon Slayer, Spirited Away, and Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana from Your Name in ONE Esports featured image for article "The top 10 highest-grossing anime movies of all time" — Credit: ONE Esports

The top 10 highest-grossing anime movies of all time

With the arrival of the foreign guests, Jinshi wanted all the Pavilions to make a strong impression by ensuring everything appeared lively and vibrant. As part of this preparation, wardrobe changes were arranged for all the Pavilions.

Maomao became concerned that Lady Gyokuyou’s new dress might not suit her situation. Since Lady Gyokuyou’s pregnancy had not yet been announced, Maomao worried the dress could draw unwanted attention later.

Anime like Delicious in Dungeon Laios, Marcille, Chilchuck and Senshi eating together

5 anime like Delicious in Dungeon that tests your stomach

While visiting merchants with Xiaolan, Maomao encountered Shisui, a court lady who had previously helped her catch a kitten. Maomao deduced that it was Shisui’s first experience with a caravan, indicating she was new to the rear palace and had likely arrived around the same time as Concubine Loulan.

After the caravan merchants departed, Maomao observed that many of the ladies used strong scents, with a prevalent rose fragrance that could pose risks to a healthy pregnancy.

Concerned, Maomao inspected the scents used in other Pavilions, which led to her being reported for her actions.

Top 15 smartest anime characters of all time Homura Akemi from Madoka Magica crafting weapon ammo ONE Esports

Top 15 smartest anime characters of all time who will outwit your every move

Jinshi confronted Maomao about her behavior. She explained that the scents and items sold by the merchants could be part of something dangerous. While no single item sold was inherently harmful, certain combinations could cause severe harm, especially to the concubines.

Maomao referenced a previous situation where a similar combination of substances had caused Princess Lingli to fall ill and had led to the death of Concubine Lihua’s child.

The episode concluded with Gaoshun informing Jinshi that Concubine Jin had passed away due to poisoning.