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A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself in the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery! Maomao tries to focus on her work after returning to the western capital, but she has to deal with both the quack doctor and the smart-mouthed young physician Tianyu. Meanwhile, Jinshi's status as an imperial heir doesn't hold the same weight within the western capital's hierarchies. All the visitors from court must tread through these halls of power with utmost care, lest they make new enemies. The threat of the insect plague also looms. Can one man use secrets from the region's past to counter this colossal menace?ngerous journey yet...

After breaking a 'curse' on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster... and right into the thick of palace intrigue!

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself in the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery! How did Maomao become Jinshi's personal physician when she's just a simple apothecary? To give him proper medical treatment, she'll need more than her meager surgical skills. Luomen, her father, would be the perfect teacher, but he will only lend his expertise if she can pass his test. Succeeding at his task, however, might make her privy to the truth behind the practice of surgery at court. Only after Maomao acquires the necessary knowledge will the apothecary be able to accompany Jinshi on what could be his most dangerous journey yet...

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself in the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!Dismissed from the rear palace, Maomao returns to service in the outer court—as the personal serving woman to none other than Jinshi! That doesn’t necessarily make her popular with the other ladies, but a bit of jealousy might be the least of her problems. A mysterious warehouse fire, an official with a very bad case of food poisoning, and the mysterious last will and testament of a deceased craftsman all demand her attention—but are these cases really separate, or do they share a troubling connection? Then there’s the mysterious military man who continually visits Jinshi. He’s strange, maybe even a little twisted...and he seems very interested in Maomao.

After breaking a “curse” on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Maomao is missing! But she’s not the only one, as it turns out. While her fate plays upon his mind, Jinshi searches for the handsome new eunuch, who is also nowhere to be found. When a lead about the vanished man unearths a connection with someone at the Inner Court, Jinshi stumbles upon yet another disappearance—this time, that of a principal consort! As the threads begin to intertwine, Jinshi may at last be on Maomao’s trail... Meanwhile, as an unwilling guest at the hidden village Shisui calls home, Maomao herself indulges her insatiable curiosity, only for her zeal to lead her into trouble again! Entangled in treacherous schemes, the quirky apothecary starts to grasp that the events transpiring at the hidden village are tied to the recent happenings at the Inner Court. To get to the bottom of the conspiracy, Maomao must keep her wits about her if she wants to return to the Inner Court to tell the tale!

NOW IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME: Discover the popular Japanese light novel that inspired the fan-favorite Apothecary Diaries manga and anime!A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself at the heart of imperial intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery.Maomao leads an unassuming life with her apothecary father, but kidnappers whisk her away to a world of consorts and serving women in the empire’s rear palace. Sold into imperial servitude, the girl keeps her quick wit, sharp mind, and medical knowledge a secret. But the head eunuch, Jinshi, shatters Maomao’s low profile when she catches his eye. He perceives her true skills and makes her a lady-in-waiting to the rear palace’s top consort. Can Maomao quietly pass her term as her lady’s food tester, or will observational prowess and curiosity push her into danger as she uncovers turmoil at court?This first installment in an ongoing light novel series starring an unforgettable female apothecary blends historical mystery and palace intrigue with a dash of romance—inspiring the popular The Apothecary Diaries manga anime adaptations!

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated period mystery series!Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn't long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a "curse" afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and...solving mysteries?!

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself in the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!Maomao must help keep Consort Gyokuyou safe during her pregnancy. An imperial consort being with child is supposed to be a matter of the utmost secrecy, but this is the rear palace, where maneuvering and backstabbing are as commonplace as banter and tea parties. Threats seem to lurk around every corner—but it’s not just the rear palace keeping busy. Jinshi finds himself struggling to entertain a most unusual request from a pair of visiting ambassadors. Later, he’s invited to an important gathering in a faraway place—but who knows what dangers might be waiting for him?

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself at the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!The capital goes wild for the board game go when Lakan publishes a book about his games. To spread the appreciation for go even further, Lakan decides to hold a tournament open to all. Jinshi eyes an opportunity when the strategist offers to grant a single request to any gifted player who can defeat the military man himself. Contrasting the diversion of games, reports arrive of crops devastated by a plague of locusts in a remote village. Jinshi's efforts to mitigate the insects’ impact will be put to the test, and the results will mean survival or starvation for the country of Li.

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Forced to the leave the Inner Palace, Maomao finds herself in the employ of none other than Jinshi, the seemingly ever-present thorn in her side! Immune to his charms, Maomao sets about learning the ways of life in the Outer Palace, where government officials and military officers go about the daily business of running the country. Far from being fearful of her new surroundings, however, Maomao has her insatiable curiosity piqued by the soldier-occupied eastern wing, where she's been forbidden to go but where it seems further mysteries await...

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!When two beautiful foreign envoys with designs on the Emperor come calling with a tale of old about a spellbinding courtesan who captured the imagination of their family patriarch, it’s up to Maomao to concoct a theatrical scheme to give the ladies a whopper of a story to take home! Later, Maomao goes back to sniffing around the Inner Court to find out the truth about the troubling prevalence of those foreign perfume oils that could spell disaster for the throne's future heirs...

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!The truth of Maomao’s birth is revealed?!Sly tactician Lakan’s attempts at provocation lead to his own downfall when Maomao challenges him to elephant chess, only to outplay him in a game of wits!In a stupor from drinking “poison” as punishment for his loss, Lakan dreams of a long-lost past, his affair with a beautiful courtesan, and meeting her daughter for the very first time.Upon waking, he finds himself at Verdigris, where he is pressed to buy the freedom of a girl of his choosing and take her home as his wife! But will any of the flowers there catch his eye when his heart is in love with a memory?

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Maomao has proven her worth to the denizens of the palace time and time again, but she's got her work cut out for her on this occasion! When the ever luminous Jinshi asks for Maomao's help in disguising himself to take care of business outside the palace walls, Maomao must dig deep to mar her employer's heavenly charms! And to make the ploy believable, Maomao herself is roped in to a spot of theater as Jinshi's companion. But Jinshi's "business" takes him right to the gates of the pleasure district! Has all Maomao's hard work been for a mere assignation, or is there another mystery afoot?

After breaking a “curse” on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Summoned to attend the Emperor on an evening jaunt to an ancient shrine that functions as a rite of passage for the rulers of the land, Maomao makes quick work of the puzzle inside, acquitting herself with aplomb. Having learned more about the Imperial bloodline than a commoner has any right to know, Maomao returns to her post at the Jade Palace. But her aim to stay out of the business of her betters is foiled once again when the Empress Dowager comes calling! The mother of His Imperial Majesty seeks Maomao's aid in investigating yet another curse, one she fears she herself may have cast upon the infamous late Emperor...

After breaking a “curse” on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Strong-armed into getting out more, Maomao attends a spooky soiree where court ladies share spine-tingling tales of terror as a diversion from their daily toil. While there are plenty of chills to go around, the thrills are perhaps few for the skeptical Maomao...until the evening takes an eerie turn! And still more thrills await when Jinshi requests Maomao’s presence on a hunting trip. All is not as it seems when court intrigue and subterfuge are in play however, and master and servant find themselves in a very tight spot and uncomfortably close quarters when a break from a banquet on the hunt goes awry...

After breaking a 'curse' on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster... and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series! Maomao accompanies Jinshi on a hunting trip in which Jinshi is keeping his true identity a secret. But when they are suddenly shot at by unknown assailants and escape into a cave, Maomao learns one of the many secrets that Jinshi has been keeping. Now she has to work with Lihaku to identify their would-be assassins. Although she's able to work out their motive, could it be that there's much more to this incident than she realizes?

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Though Maomao has left the palace behind and returned to her home in the pleasure district, it seems the Inner Court can't do without her! Jinshi comes to the erstwhile food taster with a request involving the attempted poisoning of the Virtuous Consort during the garden banquet and the identity of the mastermind behind it!

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself in the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!Outside of her official duties, Maomao helps friends and acquaintances in the rear palace. Xiaolan needs a new job after her term of service ends, and Consort Lishu is convinced she’s seen a ghost! Then, when complications arise with Gyokuyou’s pregnancy, Maomao realizes her skills are inadequate to handle the life-threatening situation. Although Maomao knows someone who can help, they haven’t been welcome in the rear palace for a very long time… Maomao also begins to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated incidents in the rear palace. Will knowing too much put her life in danger?

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Maomao succeeds in saving Jinshi from a horrific fate, proving herself indispensable to the palace once more! But while she is given the chance to explain herself, Maomao has yet to learn that the treachery of the plot she has uncovered is woven deep into the fabric of the very palace in which she serves! To truly unpick the mystery, Maomao will need her patience and her copious wits about her... She'll also need to watch her back, as she comes face-to-face with the sinister La Kan...

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself in the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!The birth of Gyokuyou’s son earns her the title of empress and rewrites court politics. Jinshi can also no longer continue his pretense as a eunuch at the rear palace. Although the Shi clan's demise restores peace, threats still loom—including an impending plague of insects. Maomao, as ever, finds herself caught up in new dangers. When Jinshi orders an expedition to Gyokuyou’s homeland, Maomao heads west. But something is lurking in the shadows of the glittering city, and the apothecary must uncover it or face certain peril...

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself in the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!Maomao's latest attempt at the court service exam earns her the role of an assistant at a medical office. Changes keep rolling in after a new consort enters the rear palace, bringing her own enigmas. And what does a former emissary to the court want with three young medical assistants? Is there a connection to a mysterious shrine maiden from Shaoh? Meanwhile, a certain monocled man remains a thorn in Maomao's side!

After putting on a successful and sensual(?) show of food tasting at the garden banquet, Maomao is the talk of the palace! But she soon discovers that notoriety isn’t the only thing the party has granted her! Her collection of hairpins from the event brings the young herbalist a brief window of freedom beyond the palace walls, as she returns to the pleasure district for the first time in ten months! But while reunions with her father and her friends await, so too does another mystery…After explaining to Jinshi the circumstances behind the poisoned cup at the garden party, Maomao returns home to the pleasure district for the first time in ten months, thanks to the ornate hairpin she received at the party. But there, she gets swept up in yet another mystery?!

Just when she thought she’d managed to complete the survival exercise without incident, Nagi is hit with midterms! But when Nagi begs high achiever Touta for help, he senses a malicious aura emanating from the Takeru doll she is holding rips its head off! To Nagi’s astonishment, the doll attacks?!

After breaking a 'curse' on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster... and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series! After tangling with a ghost at the Diamond Palace and temporarily trading in her poisons for sweet treats, Maomao returns to the Jade Palace only to find a grave problem staring her in the face! Mere weeks before the heavily pregnant Consort Gyokuyo is due to bear her child, Maomao deduces that all is not well with the coming birth of the new Imperial addition. But even with her skills, Maomao knows she isn't up to the momentous task of seeing her lady through this trial. Who to turn to, then? The quack, sweet though he may be, is out of the question. That only leaves... Maomao's Pa! But while his plucky daughter would gladly vouch for Luomen, will the Inner Court really be willing to put the future of the empire into the hands of a criminal once more?

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself at the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!The events in the western capital send tremors through the political order, as well as Maomao’s relationships. Despite the feelings Jinshi expresses for her, Maomao still knows her place. She departs Gyokuyou's hometown with uncertainty for the future, but a detour during the return to the capital gives her unexpected insight into her own family. Meanwhile, an ugly scandal ensnares Consort Lishu. Could revealing the truth also unravel the mysteries of recent affairs?

Nagi’s a regular girl in a regular world—where some people happen to have superpowers and can apply for a license to become a “god”! And now this seemingly normal girl has found herself at a school for training would-be gods! Freshmen have to team up for an outdoors survival camp where supernatural abilities are flying left and right. Nagi, whose abilities are still unknown, shows her appreciation for her team the best way an outdoorsy small-town girl can—foraging for food! But that brings her face to face with a soaked Tsukiyomi, mid-divine purification ritual… And there’s more trials to come, like finding the truth behind her teammate Touta’s stubborn refusal to display his powers…

After breaking a “curse” on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Caught poking around in the Fox Village chief’s derelict storehouse, Maomao is bundled off to a cliffside fortress and put to work crafting elixirs and tending to the injured. With the endgame of her captors’ treasonous plot now clear, Maomao begins to dread what it will mean for Kyou-u and his friends. As the kidnapped apothecary’s allies back at the palace consider marching on the insurgents and the winds of war begin to howl, will fate spare Maomao and the other innocents in the conflict that lies ahead?

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself at the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!The fallout from an insect plague weighs heavily on I-sei Province. Although Jinshi wants to aid the distressed land, he knows his power doesn't stretch as far in the western capital. What if his efforts only serve to feed the prestige of Gyoku-ou? Ruling on behalf of his absent father, Gyoku-ou keeps his motives to himelf. Though nobles vying for prominence are none of Maomao's concern, trouble always finds her; an ill child and a mystery surrounding Lakan's favorite shogi opponent occupy her time. But unraveling each riddle only creates a new one...