The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 22 Review: Jinshi Saves Maomao

The 22nd episode of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 was my absolute favourite. Let us see how this episode turned out.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 Recap

The episode kicks off with Maomao engrossed in the idea of creating a so-called miracle drug, something that could allegedly make someone look ten years younger. Though she knows such a concoction goes against logic and science, her pride and inquisitive nature as a pharmacist compel her to attempt it anyway. Meanwhile, Kyuo-u gets into a tight spot after trying to help Maomao escape, but the situation doesn’t spiral out of control. Still, Shenmei catches wind of it and seizes the opportunity to throw her weight around, threatening everyone involved just to amuse herself.

Tired of Shenmei’s cruelty and high-handedness, Maomao finally loses her temper. Though she knows better, she can’t stop herself from snapping back and ends up calling Shenmei an “old hag.” Predictably, this earns her a beating and lands her in a dark cellar teeming with snakes. However, what Shenmei intended as punishment turned out to be a delight for Maomao. Surrounded by venomous creatures, she’s more fascinated than frightened; this is practically a treasure trove for someone like her.

Wasting no time, Maomao uses her resourcefulness to cook up a feast using the creatures around her. But while she indulges, events elsewhere spiral into chaos as reinforcements from the capital arrive.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 22 Review

This episode begins, and we get a clear look at why Loulan is so against her family. She discloses how her parents only ever used her, and they never even bothered to do their duties. In this interaction between Maomao and Loulan, we get to know that Loulan intends to never return, and the only reason she made Maomao come to her was to guarantee the safeguarding of the children. Even though Maomao usually tries not to meddle with others, she becomes very agitated with Loulan’s decision to sacrifice herself.

Thus, in a last-ditch attempt to hold on to Loulan, Maomao gives her the hairpin that Jinshi gave her. Maomao also tells her that she wants it back, so she must return and give it back to Maomao.

Somewhere else, we see Jinshi in his combat and princely attire, ready to fight. He has finally dropped his persona as a eunuch and embraced the status of the Crown Prince. He and Lakan go through the plan that they will follow to attack the Shi clan headquarters.

On the other hand, we see the point of view of Shishou, because of whom all of this is happening. Apparently, the former emperor asked Shishou to take his illegitimate daughter as his wife and in return, Shishou asked for his previous fiancée to be returned to him. Because of his love for her, Shishou never took responsibility for his actions, and now Shenmei has so much power that she can do anything she wants.

Shishou’s eyes finally open when Loulan comes in and confronts him directly for his inability to control his wife. She also frees her older sister, and Shishou realises how he is also a failure as a father. Somewhere else, Jinshi is absolutely ready to take down the Shi clan. However, when he revealed his true identity to his own army, they were beyond shocked.

Verdict

Needless to say, this episode was absolutely brilliant, and it had everything from action to drama. We get more clarity about the problematic royal family and also see just how much the former emperor is responsible for all the issues of the present. Thankfully, Jinshi is here to save the day, and he will not rest until he rescues Maomao.

Must Read: The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Review