Touko Shino – illustratör

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...

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!

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.

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.

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?

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!

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?

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...