The Apothecary Diaries season 2 episode 5 brings new challenges for Master Jinshi as unanswered questions cast a shadow over the rear palace.

At the same time, the arrival of two influential special envoys raises the stakes, their presence carrying weight in critical diplomatic matters.

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The special envoys hold significant influence, making them highly sought after by those in the palace. However, their true intentions remain unclear.

As secrets surrounding them surface, the palace edges closer to revelations that could shift the balance of power.

Apothecary Diaries season 2 episode 4 recap

The Apothecary Diaries mystery characters as special envoys seen in season 2 episode 4
Credit: Toho Animation, OLM, Natsu Hyuga, Touko Shino

The episode opened in the Jade Pavilion, where Lady Gyokuyo displayed a glass mirror to her ladies-in-waiting. She explained that it was a gift from a foreign envoy. Maomao noted that a high-quality mirror was an expensive and rare item because of its craftsmanship and materials.

Shortly after, Gaoshun arrived at the Jade Pavilion to request Maomao’s assistance with a problem. He did not disclose who needed help but described the situation. A family had two daughters and an overprotective father who confined them to their residence’s guest house. A lady-in-waiting had once helped the daughters leave the house, but when their father found out, he hired guards to prevent them from leaving again.

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Several days later, the eldest daughter informed their father that her younger sister was pregnant. Gaoshun then asked Maomao how such a situation could have occurred under the strict confinement.

Maomao explained that because the guards could only observe the daughters from two specific windows at a distance, the sisters could have used a mirror to create the illusion that both were inside the guest house. By positioning the mirror strategically, they could have made it appear both were present, even if one had left.

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Meanwhile, Jinshi visited the Jade Pavilion to ask Maomao about a “moon fairy” a special envoy had inquired about. Maomao explained that the moon fairy was a renowned beauty fifty years ago, and it was likely the Madam from the brothel where Maomao had previously worked.

The Madam was summoned to the rear palace, where she recounted her story to Maomao. Fifty years earlier, she had been the centerpiece of an important performance for a special envoy.

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Unlike the other women before her, she stood out because of her tall stature and figure. Despite attempts by jealous rivals to sabotage her, she successfully delivered a captivating dance that impressed the envoy.

The special envoy had even commissioned a high-quality painting of her, which she brought to show Maomao. The episode concludes with Maomao telling Jinshi and Gaoshun that she knows of a tall beauty who might be interested in the new special envoys.

The Apothecary Diaries season 2 episode 5 release date

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The Apothecary Diaries episode 28 airs on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 6 a.m. PT (Pacific Time).

The release times and schedule for international viewers vary based on their time zone.

THE APOTHECARY DIARIES SEASON 2 EPISODE 5 RELEASE DATE TIME ZONESFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025/TIME
GMT+810:00 p.m.
JST (Japanese Standard Time)11:00 p.m.
CT (Central Time)8:00 a.m.
ET (Eastern Time)9:00 a.m.
GMT (Western European Time)2:00 p.m.
CET (Central European Time)3:00 p.m.
IST (Indian Standard Time)7:30 p.m.

Where to watch The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries is available on the following platforms:

THE APOTHECARY DIARIES STREAMING PLATFORMS:
Crunchyroll
Netflix

Availability may differ depending on your region.

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