Maomao is the main protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries series. She is a petite young woman with dark green hair, purple eyes, and an unassuming appearance, often concealing injuries from self-experimentation under bandages. Initially a court lady in the Inner Palace of Li, Maomao uses her keen sense of practicality and knowledge of herbs and illnesses to unravel mysteries within the inner court.

Maomao's fascination with poisons and herbs stemmed from her upbringing by a renowned pharmacist. She conducts self-experiments to study their effects and has a distinct reaction—flushed cheeks, bright eyes, and a smile—upon tasting or interacting with rare medicines.

Practical-minded, Maomao seeks to decipher the enigmas at the palace in exchange for rare substances that fuel her passion for poisons. Her approach to life combines her intellect, love for rare remedies, and unconventional methods, making her a compelling character in the series.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Maomao
• Gender: Female
• Age: 17 years old
• Hair Color: Black (novel), Dark green (art)
• Eye Color: Black (novel), Purple (art)
• Height: 153 cm
• Occupation: Apothecary, Courtesan

Jinshi is the captivating deuteragonist of The Apothecary Diaries series. As a beautiful eunuch tasked with overseeing the inner palace, Jinshi frequently solicits Maomao's assistance in solving palace mysteries, offering rare medicines in return.

Initially finding Maomao's indifference refreshing, his affection toward her transforms into a one-sided romantic infatuation. His enchanting appearance, featuring silky hair, slender features, almond eyes, and a captivating celestial maiden-like visage, earns him widespread admiration. He often dons court official robes and exudes an angelic smile in public, but his private demeanor is more childlike.

Despite his feminine appearance, Maomao notes his surprisingly well-built physique and masculine hands. Jinshi's presence is so enthralling that it can make both women and men swoon, a testament to his mesmerizing allure.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Jinshi
• Gender: Male
• Age: 23
• Hair Color: Black (WN), Dark Purple (LN)
• Eye Color: Black (WN), Pink (LN)
• Height: 181 cm
• Occupation: Overseer of the Inner Court, Outer Court Official

Gyokuyou is a prominent character in The Apothecary Diaries series, known for her role as the "Precious Consort" and as the mother of First Princess Lingli. As the Emperor of Li's favored High Consort, Gyokuyou was welcomed as the Empress after giving birth to the First Prince.

Her distinct appearance, featuring jade green eyes and long red hair, reflects her foreign heritage, adding an exotic allure. Gyokuyou's elemental motif is fire, often represented in her attire. She possesses a kind and majestic personality, befitting of her status, and is admired for her wisdom, cautious nature, and political acumen within the rear palace.

Despite her noble qualities, she occasionally reveals a mischievous and dramatic side. Gyokuyou's upbringing in a merchant household has endowed her with vast knowledge in finance and trade, complemented by her significant wealth and influence as the Empress.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Gyokuyou
• Gender: Female
• Age: 19 years old
• Hair Color: Red
• Eye Color: Jade Green
• Occupation: Empress

Lihua is a significant character in The Apothecary Diaries series. As one of the Emperor's favored High Consorts in the Rear Palace of the Royal Palace of the Country of Li, she was granted the title of "Wise Consort" by the Emperor and was given the Crystal Pavilion to reside in.

Lihua is the mother of the Second Prince and possesses ruby red eyes, dark flowing blue hair, and a voluptuous body. Her personality showcases a serious and commanding exterior, while internally she is humble and caring.

Lihua's role as the Emperor's high consort grants her considerable wealth and influence due to her maternal connection to the second prince. Her background includes being sent by her family to become a consort and amassing a large court of ladies-in-waiting owing to her prominent family.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Rifa
• Gender: Female
• Age: 23 years old
• Hair Color: Dark Blue
• Eye Color: Red
• Occupation: High Consort

Lady Ah Duo, also known as Aduo, is the former Pure Consort of the Garnet Palace and a secondary character in Kusuriya no Hitorigoto. As the childhood friend and consort of the Emperor, she held significant influence over the court but was ousted due to her inability to produce an heir.

Currently residing in the Southern Imperial Villa, she protects four of the Shi Clan children. Ah Duo possesses a tomboyish personality and views the Emperor as a friend rather than a lover. She exudes an androgynous beauty, drawing admiration from both men and women.

Her beauty and noble personality bestow her with charisma, capable of captivating the hearts of many, particularly young women. Despite her intelligence, her emotional intelligence is somewhat lacking. Ah Duo's story in Kusuriya no Hitorigoto adds depth and intrigue to the series.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Āduo
• Gender: Female
• Age: 35 years old
• Hair Color: Dark Purple
• Eye Color: Dark Purple
• Occupation: High Consort

Gaoshun, a secondary character in The Apothecary Diaries series, is known for his calm and capable demeanor as Jinshi's assistant and later as the Emperor's assistant. With short black hair and black eyes, his appearance belies the stress he endures daily.

Despite being a high-ranking official, Gaoshun possesses a fear of women due to his demanding wife. He is proficient in politics, adept at dealing with policies to ease his master's workload, and also skilled in combat, serving as both an assistant and a bodyguard to Jinshi.

Having played a significant role in Jinshi's upbringing, Gaoshun's life intertwined with his master's, as he originally served as the Emperor's assistant and later transferred back to the Emperor's side after Jinshi's change in status. Gaoshun's character is imbued with depth, reflecting the complexities of life within the inner and outer palace.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Gaoshun
  
• Gender: Male
  
• Age: 36 years old
  
• Hair Color: Black
  
• Eye Color: Black
  
• Occupation: Inner Court, Outer Court
  

Lihaku, a rising official in the Outer Court and an acquaintance of Maomao, is a compelling character in "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto." With a chiseled physique attained through diligent training, he possesses an appealing, yet formidable presence, especially when displaying a fearsome scowl.

Lihaku is characterized as good-natured, honest, and passionate, often likened to a loyal and affectionate dog. His unwavering determination to redeem Pairin, whom he deeply admires, is evident through his relentless efforts and affectionate nature. Despite Maomao's reserved attitude, Lihaku cherishes their acquaintanceship, owing to his straightforward and pure-hearted disposition.

His encounter with Jinshi sparks initial skepticism, ultimately leading to a perplexing yet meaningful camaraderie. Notably, Lihaku's endearing name pays homage to Li Bai, a renowned poet of the Tang Dynasty, adding depth to his character.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Rihaku
• Gender: Male
• Age: Mid 20's
• Occupation: Outer Court

Xiaolan is a minor character in The Apothecary Diaries series and a friend of Maomao. During her time as a low-class maidservant in the Inner Palace, she displayed remarkable traits. Xiaolan possesses dark black eyes and long black hair, which she braids into buns.

She is well-versed in Inner Court gossip and shares it with excitement and enthusiasm. Despite being sold off by her parents and ending up as a servant in the Inner Court, she maintains a positive attitude and expresses gratitude for having a place to stay and food to eat.

One of her abilities includes eavesdropping and gathering information and rumors unnoticed, which she often shares with Maomao. After her term in the Inner Court ended, she left to find work. Xiaolan's character demonstrates resilience, resourcefulness, and loyalty to her friends.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Shaoran
• Gender: Female
• Age: 14 years old
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Black
• Occupation: Maidservant

Fuyou, a minor character in "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto," is the princess of a distant land who unwillingly becomes the Emperor's middle consort. With silky, wavy hair and captivating beauty, she rivals the high consorts. Despite little known about her personality, she is described as highly intelligent.

Gifted in the art of dance, her skills are compared to the Princess of Verdigris House, allowing her to climb the walls of the Inner Palace. Originally from a vassal country of Li, she was sent to the Inner Palace to please the Emperor.

Fuyou's loyalty to her childhood friend is evident in her actions, such as her moonlight dance, which Maomao suspects was a prayer for her friend's safe return. The name "Fuyou" holds the meaning of "cotton rose" or "lotus flower." Her story unfolds as a poignant portrayal of loyalty and sacrifice.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Fuyou
• Gender: Female
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Purple
• Occupation: Princess

Lishu is a secondary character in Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, serving as the former Virtuous Consort of the Diamond Pavilion. Although the Emperor's youngest and least favored consort, Lishu wields a level of wealth befitting her status, allowing her to acquire what she desires.

Her appearance is characterized by dark purple eyes and long brown hair, often styled in a half-up fashion. Despite others foreseeing her future beauty, Lishu sustained a preadolescent appearance and went unvisited by the Emperor. She holds a very honest and straightforward personality, exhibiting traits of both a spoiled princess and a pure maiden lacking common sense.

Admiring Jinshi for his looks and being in love with Basen, Lishu's naive nature makes her a target for bullying within the inner court. Her name, Lishu, deviates from the typical Chinese naming conventions, making her a unique and notable character in the story.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Rīshu
• Gender: Female
• Age: 14 years old
• Hair Color: Brown
• Eye Color: Purple
• Occupation: High Consort

Anshi is a character from the series Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, currently holding the position of Dowager Empress and mother to the Emperor and his Imperial Brother. Despite her minor role, Anshi's past is significant. She was initially a maid, the illegitimate daughter of a noble, in the Inner Palace.

At a young age, she crossed paths with the Former Emperor and was subsequently assaulted by him, leading to the birth of the current Emperor. Due to her young age at the time, a cesarean section was required, leaving her with noticeable scars.

Anshi's relationship with the Former Emperor is marked by bitterness and hostility, a result of the assault in her past. She shows little concern for her son by him, instead favoring Jinshi. However, her feelings towards her granddaughter Lingli are affectionate. Despite her actions and feelings towards the Former Emperor, Anshi's character is layered, providing an interesting perspective on the series' inner workings.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Anshi
• Gender: Female
• Age: 44
• Hair Color: Dark Purple
• Eye Color: Purple
• Occuptaion: Empress

Lakan is a pivotal character in Kusuriya no Hitorigoto. As a tactician in the Rii military, he leads the La Clan and is Maomao's biological father. Despite his middle-aged appearance and dark hair, Lakan is renowned for his eccentricity and genius as a tactician, specializing in Go and shogi.

His unparalleled perception allows him to identify individuals' talents effortlessly, enabling him to assemble a team of highly qualified subordinates. He possesses exceptional skills in military strategy and board games, particularly Go and Shogi, with very few rivals.

Notably, Lakan experiences prosopagnosia, seeing familiar individuals as shogi or xiangqi pieces and strangers as Go stones. His deep affection for Maomao leads him to vehemently oppose her potential marriage to Jinshi, highlighting his protective and caring nature. Lakan seamlessly combines unique abilities with complex personal dynamics, making him a captivating character in the series.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Rakan
• Gender: Male
• Age: 40 Years Old
• Hair Color: Black
• Occupation: Military Commander / Tactician, Grand Marshal

Lady Loulan, also known as Rouran, is a significant character in the "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto" series. She served as the former Pure Consort of the Garnet Palace, succeeding Ah-Duo, after being compelled into the position by her father, Prime Minister Shishou, in a bid to gain influence over the Inner Court.

Loulan exhibits a multifaceted personality, appearing aloof and uncaring as a consort due to her overbearing mother, yet concealing her true free-willed and devoted nature, particularly in her care for her family and the Shi clan children.

Apart from her political influence, she possesses an in-depth knowledge and love for insects, using this expertise to predict locust swarms. Despite her high-ranking position, she would often retreat from political matters, choosing to embrace her true nature by disguised as a palace maid, Shisui, to indulge in her love for insects and engaging in lighthearted chats with others.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Rouran
• Gender: Female
• Age: 17 years old
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Yellow
• Occupation: High Consort

Luomen, is a multifaceted character in "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto." As a physician of the Inner Court and the red-light district, he exemplifies exceptional skills in both Chinese and western medicine. Despite his noteworthy competence, Luomen is characterized by humble kindness and a passive disposition, often undercharging for his services and avoiding baseless conjectures.

He is highly perceptive, adept at solving mysteries, and has a wealth of experience. Luomen's background is marked by a challenging journey, including studying medicine in the west and facing pressure to become a eunuch. He displayed resilience in the face of adversity, and his dedication is evident in his nurturing role as Maomao's adoptive father. Through his guidance, he equipped Maomao with medical knowledge and writing skills, shaping her future outside of prostitution.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Ruomen
• Gender: Male
• Hair Color: White
• Occupation: Physician

Fengming was the dedicated head maid of Ah-Duo in "The Apothecary Diaries." Described as a plump and attractive woman, she exhibited exceptional loyalty and diligence toward her role as head maid, going above and beyond her duties to care for Ah-Duo.

While profoundly loyal, she held a deep resentment towards Lishu due to her knowledge of poisonous honey's danger to children. Regrettably, Fengming inadvertently caused the death of the Imperial Brother, whom she believed to be Ah-Duo's son, with poisoned honey.

Originating from a prestigious family of beekeepers, she devoted herself to Ah-Duo and tragically perished after accepting responsibility for a poisoning attempt. Fengming's poignant story highlights themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the harrowing consequences of her actions, creating a compelling and complex character in the narrative.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Fonmin
• Gender: Female
• Status: Deceased
• Occupation: Head Lady-in-Waiting

Fengxian, a character in "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto," was a high-ranking courtesan at Verdigris House and Maomao's biological mother. She possessed striking beauty and displayed an arrogant demeanor during her prime.

Skilled at strategy-based board games, she excelled at Go and shogi. Her tragic history involved a relationship with Lakan, which led to her becoming pregnant with Maomao. Following this, her life took a drastic turn, leading to a decline in her mental and physical well-being. Fengxian experienced the devastating effects of syphilis, ultimately leading to her tragic demise.

Despite her hardships, she still managed to find redemption through her marriage to Lakan before succumbing to the disease. This complex character's story is marked by resilience, heartache, and the pursuit of redemption in the face of adversity.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Fonshen
• Gender: Female
• Age: 40's
• Hair Color: Black (WN), Dark green (LN)
• Eye Color: Black (WN), Purple (LN)
• Status: Deceased
• Occupation: Courtesan

Pairin is the eldest of the Three Princesses of Verdigris House and one of Maomao's adopted sisters in the series "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto." As a member of the Three Princesses, she is recognized for being the most sought-after courtesan with a voluptuous figure and enduring beauty despite being in her 30s.

Her persona is depicted as complex, as she engages in her profession not only for financial gain but also for her own pleasure, earning her the reputation of a "succubus-like" figure who is said to absorb the life force of men to maintain her youthful appearance. Pairin also exhibits a motherly nature towards Maomao, leading to speculation about her desire for motherhood.

She possesses remarkable abilities including the production of an ample supply of milk and exceptional night services unparalleled by others. Beyond her professional life, Pairin showcases a romantic inclination alongside a wish to be liberated by a foreign prince. Her distinctive character traits and talents make her an intriguing and multi-layered personality within the series.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Pairin
• Gender: Female
• Age: 30's
• Occupation: Princess, Courtesan

Hongniang, also commonly as Hon'nyan, serves as the head lady-in-waiting at the Jade Palace in "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto." As Lady Gyokuyou's devoted servant, she oversees the management of cleaning and cooking within the palace.

Hongniang impresses with her youthful appearance, brown eyes, and hair tied behind her head. Despite her mature age, she maintains a slim and youthful presence. Her amiable nature allows her to effectively interact with others, though she can be strict with those who neglect their responsibilities.

Notably, she possesses exceptional people skills and is diligent in her duties as she assists Lady Gyokuyou. Hongniang's loyalty has endured since Lady Gyokuyou's entrance into the Inner Palace, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to her duties.

DETAILED INFORMATION:

• Rōmaji: Hon'nyan
• Gender: Female
• Age: 30 years old
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Black
• Occupation: Head Lady-in-Waiting