The Apothecary Diaries: What Happened to Fenxigan?

As a storyteller with a heart full of empathy and a mind that cherishes the beauty of human resilience, I find myself deeply moved by the tale of Fenxigan and Lakan. The narrative unfolds like a delicate tapestry woven with threads of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of its characters.

Fenxigan’s life experience is one that leaves an indelible mark on my soul. Her journey through the trials and tribulations of her past has shaped her into a woman of unyielding strength and grace. The hardships she faced, from being kicked out by her family to losing her reputation in society, only served to fuel her determination to rise above it all.

Her love for Lakan, a man who was taken away from her without explanation, drove her to hold on to hope, even when the world seemed to have forgotten about them. The lengths she went to, sending him messages through their shared passion for games, showcased an unwavering commitment that transcended time and circumstance.

When Lakan finally returned, it was as if the heavens themselves had conspired to bring these two lovers together once more. The reunion between them was a testament to the power of love, proving that even when fate seems cruel, there is always a way for destiny to correct its course.

The story of Fenxigan and Lakan serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds, and that the strength of our emotions can carry us through the darkest times. It’s a tale of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bond between two souls meant to be together.

As for a little humor, one might say that even Syphilis couldn’t keep Fenxigan down for long! After all, she was a woman who refused to let her past define her and found a way to reclaim her happiness in the end. And as the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons (and syphilis), make love!

Warning: This article contains spoilers from the light novel and the manga.

Summary

Fenxigan, a former courtesan, has her life changed by a fateful meeting with strategist Lakan.
Despite a brief reunion with Lakan, Fenxigan falls tragically ill and meets her demise.
The Apothecary Diaries emphasizes the impact of life choices through Fenxigan’s story.

The Apothecary Diaries also teaches valuable lessons, one of which is the significance of life-altering choices, as depicted in Fenxigan’s story. As Maomao’s biological mother, this moving narrative sets the stage for the events that fans are now witnessing. It provides a glimpse into the consequences of a fall from a respected position.

Despite many people not grasping the reasons behind Fenxigan’s downfall, this confusion might stem from a lack of familiarity with the courtesan’s intriguing history. To fully comprehend an ending, it’s essential to be aware of the sequence of occurrences that resulted in such an outcome.

Fenxigan’s Meeting With The Undefeated Strategist

The Visit That Changed Everything

In the past, twenty years prior to the main timeline, Fenxigan held a prestigious position as a courtesan within the Verdigris Estate. Unlike other courtesans, her unique service was not romantic encounters but rather, she excelled at Go and Shogi games, providing entertainment for her customers. One of these patrons was Lakan, the biological father of Maomao, who sought her out after hearing tales of her unbeaten record.

As recounted in the story, Lakan experienced a crushing loss that sparked the strategist’s desire for revenge. Interestingly, Fenxigan was the first individual Lakan had ever encountered who wasn’t wearing a chess lens. Over time, they frequently played against each other until Fenxigan proposed betting on their games.

If you win I shall grant you whatever you desire and If I win you shall grant me whatever I desire

Recognizing that Fenxigan’s cost was escalating daily, Lakan unwillingly consented, leading them to spend a night together. By then, the two were deeply fond of each other, but destiny seemed to have different designs.

The Fall Of The Pure Courtesan

A Pregnancy Of Disaster

Following a private encounter with the Empress, Luomen (Lakan’s uncle) was exiled from the Inner Court due to his inability to please her. This expulsion didn’t tarnish their family reputation but Lakan’s father arranged for him to lead an expedition temporarily, allowing tensions to subside.

Since Lakan held a low rank, he had no choice but to follow orders, longing deeply to meet Fenxigan once more. However, due to the suddenness of the circumstances, Lakan was unable to write an extensive letter explaining his predicament. Instead, the strategist merely told Fenxigan about his upcoming visit after a whole year had passed.

Despite the rumor of Fenxigan and someone else sharing a bed causing her price to drop below what Lakan desired, his abrupt departure prevented him from purchasing Fenxigan’s contract. Unbeknownst to the unfortunate man, though, Fenxigan was already expecting a child at that time…

Throughout Lakan’s travels, discussions about buying the courtesan ended once Fenxigan took over the payment responsibilities for the contract. The courtesan nurtured a hope that she could present the child to Lakan personally, but this encounter didn’t occur until three years had passed…

Following Maomao’s birth, Fenixgan’s reputation crumbled and she lost her esteemed position within the Verdigris household. This unfortunate turn of events led Fenixgan to become a street performer, which ultimately resulted in her contracting syphilis – a fatal illness that robbed the once-admired courtesan of her charm and good looks.

Over time, Fenxigan persistently wrote letters expressing her feelings, hoping for a reply. Desperate, she even mailed a piece of her own finger as a symbol of her devotion. However, these messages were always left unanswered. This silence ultimately drove Fenxigan to the brink of insanity…

The Return Of The One Responsible

Horrors Of An Irredeemable Mistake

Without Lakan’s knowledge, everything around him had undergone a transformation. Scattered throughout his home were numerous letters. As the investigator examined these letters with growing curiosity, he made a shocking discovery: a complete human finger and a child’s pinky tip hidden within the pile.

Overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and dread, Lakan started pondering about potential misfortunes that could have befallen the strategist during his absence. Suddenly understanding the truth, Lakan hastened towards the Verdigris Household, weeping bitterly. However, instead of being welcomed or comforted, he was thrown out with nothing but harsh words and damaging accusations by the owner, who, unbeknownst to him, had no idea about the reason for Lakan’s disappearance for three long years.

Consequently, the strategist was forbidden from interacting with Fenxigan and informed that the courtesan was no longer employed here. Undeterred, Lakan persisted in visiting the residence, yet he always received the identical outcome. Thus, the years drifted by…

The Reunion Of Those Outdone By Fate

A Short-Lived Dream

In chapter 36, Lakan’s daughter proposes a game of elephant chess, which he accepts, being a skilled strategist. However, before they begin, Maomao sets the same rule that Fenxigan had established years ago. The game unfolds as anticipated, but unfortunately for Lakan, it ends in his defeat. Consequently, to fulfill Maomao’s request, he agrees to purchase one of the courtesans’ contracts.

As the strategist nears Verdigris Household, the proprietor presents Lakan to the other courtesans. After pondering for some time, Lakan decides to thank Mei Mei for her kindness by selecting her. Yet, just as he does so, the particular courtesan (having learned under Fenxigan) opens a door and says:

If you are to pick one of us, please choose the woman you truly want

A soothing melody filters in through the door, making Lakan’s eyes widen farther than they’ve ever gone before. Lakan rushes frantically after the fading sound, recognizing the voice from a past memory. As Lakan reaches the source of the sound, everything becomes eerily still, save for Fenxigan, who continues to sing. It appears that the owner had been keeping Fenxigan concealed from Lakan, in an attempt to shield the vulnerable girl from additional pain.

Despite her now weakened form being a stark contrast to the maiden Lakan once adored, it was still the woman he fell in love with that he rushed to, finding himself by Fenxigan’s bedside. Overwhelmed with joy and happiness, the strategist tenderly clasped the fragile woman’s hand, stirring a scene that touched the hearts of onlookers. As life seemed to return to Fenxigan’s once dismal countenance, for the first time in a while, the courtesan beamed with a radiant smile.

In an attempt to control his feelings, Lakan hastily purchases Fenxigan’s marriage contract and unites with the one he adores. The pair spends their days engaged in games of Go and Elephant Chess, cherishing memories from the past. However, the disclosure of the light novel leads to Fenxigan’s demise due to Syphilis, bringing a tragic yet enchanting end to the tale of the courtesan.

2024-12-31 05:36