Double the Mystery in Apothecary Diaries S2E4: Maomao Solves Non-Lethal Puzzles

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Summary

  • Episode 4 of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 introduces two intriguing non-lethal mysteries.
  • Maomao gains respect and recognition in the Inner Court for her talent and deductive skills.
  • The plot thickens in episode 4, setting the stage for a grand and magical dance performance.

In the second series of “The Apothecary Diaries“, things might get off to a gradual start, but don’t worry, the narrative momentum doesn’t take long to build up. By episode 2, various plotlines were introduced, and then in episode 3, we encountered a captivating mystery surrounding a death at the palace. So, indeed, the tale is now unfolding at a brisk pace.

Instead of starting with lighter scenes as in earlier episodes, episode 4 dives right into the heart of the plot. This episode presents two intriguing mysteries, each captivating on its own merit. Moreover, it sheds some light on Maomao and her significance within the royal court, making it a fascinating watch indeed.

Two Mysteries in One Episode

Previously noted, episode 4 introduces two enigmas for our consideration. One mystery arrives with Gaoshun, while the second, more significant and prominent one arises from the arrival of two foreign ambassadors.

The Twin Girls Conundrum and the Legendary Dancer

The initial scenario revolves around a wealthy businessman’s twin girls. To ensure their safety, he confined them to a secluded two-story structure at the rear of their residence. Furthermore, he employed two guards who monitored the girls from a distance, preventing any unauthorized entry or escapes without permission. However, even with these stringent measures in place, one of the daughters admitted that she was carrying a child.

In the second scenario, some distinguished visitors from abroad have presented an intriguing demand. They wish to witness a dance performance reminiscent of one their grandfather witnessed many years ago at the Imperial Palace. This dance was described as an ethereal beauty who wept pearls, so the challenge falls upon Jinshi to locate the dancer fitting this description and arrange the enchanting performance. As you can imagine, he seeks Maomao’s assistance in solving this puzzling predicament.

A Different Kind of Mysteries

In the realm of mystery and detection, it’s often the thrill of unraveling a murder case that immediately captures our imagination, as it represents the highest level of intrigue for detective narratives. However, there is an undeniable allure in tackling perplexing cases that don’t involve death or ominous conspiracies.

In this episode, we’ve got two captivating and perplexing situations that aren’t life-threatening, but still keep us guessing. After delving into a baffling palace death last time, it’s nice to switch gears and explore mysteries of a different nature, such as these two intriguing cases.

The Role of Maomao in the Inner Court

Respect and Recognition

In many cases, individuals holding power seldom take into account the views of their younger or less-experienced colleagues. This is particularly prevalent in ancient China where one’s social status and lineage heavily influenced one’s life trajectory. The upper echelons enjoyed superior education and prospects, while those at the lower end of society had limited access to education and opportunities. Consequently, a talented commoner might struggle to demonstrate their abilities, whereas an unskilled noble could secure the top jobs.

In stark contrast to what one might expect in the Imperial Palace’s Inner Court, a lowly maid named Maomao stands out not just for her humble station, but for her remarkable talent. This talent has earned her the admiration and esteem of those in positions of authority. As a result, influential figures like Jinshi and Gaoshun seek out Maomao’s insights on matters that perplex them. They value her thoughts, embrace her audacious ideas, and sometimes, make crucial decisions and implement changes based on her counsel.

“Xiaomao, may I have a moment? There’s something I would like your opinion on.”

—Gaoshun, Episode 4

Indeed, it’s clear that Maomao excels in her role due to her profound medical knowledge and sharp deductive skills. However, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge that she thrives because those above her offer their encouragement and support. It wouldn’t be surprising if Consort Gyokuyou or Jinshi let bias cloud their judgement and suppress Maomao, but they choose otherwise. Instead, they appreciate the unique contributions she makes and effectively consider her as an unofficial advisor to the Inner Court. This demonstrates that even within a deeply traditional setting like the Inner Court, meritocracy continues to flourish.

The Plot Thickens

Each installment since Season 2’s debut has been enjoyable and engaging in their unique ways. Starting from episode 3, the tone shifted towards something more intense, and as we move forward into episode 4, the narrative seems to be growing increasingly complex.

Long-Term Mysteries

In our critique for the last episode, we expressed our hope for intriguing mysteries that unfold over multiple episodes in season 2, similar to extended storylines centered around individual cases. We’re delighted to say that such a mystery has been introduced early on, and the cases presented in episode 4 appear to require at least two more episodes to be fully resolved. The narrative is becoming increasingly complex.

Preparation for Something Grand and Magical

Among the two captivating enigmas presented in this episode, the quest to uncover the truth about the legendary dancer stands out as the most intriguing. With the scant details provided by the previous emissary’s account of his last encounter, we anticipate a breathtaking and mesmerizing dance spectacle. It may be challenging to bring such an event to life with minimal information, but Maomao has proven time and again that they can make the impossible possible. We eagerly await the next episode to unfold this mystery further.

The Apothecary Diaries is available to stream on Netflix.

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2025-02-03 21:34