10 'The Apothecary Diaries' Characters Fans Adore, Ranked from Courtly Schemers to Sweet Hearts

The Apothecary Diaries is a unique title that has won the hearts of viewers with its intricate detective plots and brilliantly written characters.

From poisonous schemers to innocent souls, every inhabitant of the imperial palace's backyard adds a unique note to this complex symphony.

10. Lakan

Lakan is a calculating, insightful, and intelligent person who not only occupied a high position in the palace but also made many officials tremble with fear at the mere mention of his name.

However, if Lakan succeeded in political affairs, he was a complete failure with his family. It took him seventeen years to meet his daughter, and then her mother, his beloved.

An interesting feature of Lakan's is his congenital affliction that prevents him from distinguishing people's faces.

9. Guen

Palace doctor Guen adds comedic relief to the title. Guen is unable to cure anyone and doesn't know the names of the medicinal plants stored in the infirmary.

However, this sweet, good-natured man gets along well with animals and knows how to take care of cats.

He is always happy to see guests at the infirmary and kindly offers them tea. And he doesn't mind that Maomao has taken over his workplace to prepare her medicines and lotions.

8. Madam

We were introduced to many charming heroines, one of whom stood out – Madam. This calculating woman never misses an opportunity to make a profit.

Madam used to work as a courtesan, eclipsing many girls with her beauty. Now, she has become a money-hungry old woman. Madam is easily bribed because her love of wealth knows no bounds.

However, despite her stinginess, she will not tolerate anyone offending the girls who work for her. Madam also raised Maomao and takes care of her in her own way.

7. Shisui

Shisui is active, cheerful, and full of secrets. She quickly became friends with Maomao and Xiaolan, joining them on their noisy and dangerous adventures.

She stands out from the other maids by acting boldly and openly, though she always hides something. She is sincerely happy to be friends with Maomao and Xiaolan, and loves spending time with them, whether they're having conversations, making sweets, walking around the palace, or working.

6. Lihaku

The young official, Lihaku, attracts attention with his energetic and cheerful behavior. He is simple-minded, friendly, and honest, and he will never leave anyone in trouble.

If Maomao reminds everyone of a cat, then Lihaku is like a dog. What's more funny, Jinshi is jealous of Maomao when she is having fun with him.

5. Xiaolan

Xiaolan is a cheerful, sociable, and naive girl who loves sweets and is always ready to help Maomao. Together with her curious friend, she wanders the palace, always finding adventure.

Xiaolan is pure of heart and soul, sincere, and kind. She loves to spend time carefree but is not afraid of work and thinks ahead about her future.

Maomao learns palace rumors, legends, and horror stories from her, which lead them to discover new secrets. Xiaolan's energetic and cheerful nature, coupled with her childish spontaneity and sweet smile, earns her the love of the audience.

4. Gyokuyou

Gyokuyou, the Emperor's favorite concubine, is the epitome of tenderness and kindness. This sweet, sensible woman always radiates warmth and hospitality. Even when she is strict, Gyokuyou is graceful and caring.

She maintains close relationships with her maids, including Maomao. She knows how to rely on others but is always ready to help.

Gyokuyou values Maomao not only as her maid who tastes food for poison, but also as a talented and intelligent person from whom she can seek advice.

3. Hongniang

Hongniang, the main maid of Gyokuyou, lives in the palace and oversees all the servants there. She is good with people and has a talent for management. Despite having few subordinates, she is able to completely organize life in the palace.

Hongniang is usually kind and sweet, but if she becomes angry or worried, everyone present, including Gyokuyou, becomes frightened.

She is very concerned for her mistress and will not allow a speck of dust or an unkind rumor in the palace.

2. Jinshi

Jinshi appears as a charming and charismatic young man who holds the position of chief eunuch. However, Jinshi's origins are shrouded in mystery, and his position as a eunuch is merely a facade.

This reasonable, intelligent, and cunning man is endowed with special beauty and skillfully uses his position and appearance to achieve his goals.

In the palace, everything is clear and boring to him, except for one extraordinary person. Jinshi is in love with Maomao, but she is immune to his charms.

1. Maomao

Maomao is a curious girl who always finds adventures for herself. She is drawn to secrets and mysteries, and her kind heart won't let her leave someone in need unassisted.

She excels in science and medicine and has strong deductive skills. Maomao also has a strong intuition, but she tries not to jump to conclusions or act without evidence.

Maomao loves poisons and rare medicinal ingredients and will do whatever it takes to find them.