Jinshi serves as the central male protagonist in The Apothecary Diaries and is widely speculated to harbor romantic feelings for the character Maomao. Renowned for his striking looks, there has been considerable speculation regarding his true status as a eunuch—a claim he has made but which has recently been questioned. The latest season two episode has unveiled details that align with fan theories regarding his identity.
Recent revelations confirm that Jinshi is not genuinely a eunuch; rather, he pretends to be one due to a wager made with the Emperor. In a pivotal moment from the past, the Emperor proposed that Jinshi ascend to the role of Crown Prince. However, Jinshi, embodying his complex personality, declined the offer. As a resolution, the two engaged in a strategic game of Go, which Jinshi triumphed in, thus taking on the role of a eunuch instead of becoming Crown Prince.
Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers from the light novel series.
The Backstory Behind Jinshi’s Eunuch Role in The Apothecary Diaries
In episode 12 of season 2, a particularly intimate scene unfolds where Maomao and Jinshi find themselves trapped together in an underground cave. As Maomao attempts to free herself, she inadvertently touches Jinshi in an unexpected area, provoking a reaction that leads her to investigate further. This moment serves as a catalyst for a shocking revelation—Jinshi’s claim of being a eunuch is called into question.
When Jinshi requests Maomao to withdraw her hand, she is left astonished to discover he is not a eunuch. He admits to having previously kept this truth hidden from her, but before he can explain further, Maomao interrupts, wary of the potential consequences of this secret.
The term “eunuch”dates back to ancient Greek mythology and denotes a male who has been castrated, typically to serve in specific roles within a male-dominated space like the Imperial Palace, which is often populated solely by males alongside beautiful consorts and maids.
Throughout his introduction, Jinshi has been portrayed as a beautiful figure that evokes sympathy due to his supposed status as a eunuch. However, recent plot developments in episode 12 unveil a complex truth about his character.
Jinshi’s Complicated Lineage
What adds an intriguing layer to Jinshi’s story is his intricate lineage tied to the palace. He is revealed to be the biological son of the current Emperor and Ah-Duo, who is the daughter of a key figure in the narrative, Suiren. Due to the Emperor’s brother’s birth, Ah-Duo faced restrictions in caring for Jinshi, leading her to fight for her child’s survival.
In a desperate bid, Ah-Duo swapped Jinshi with the Emperor’s brother, resulting in Jinshi being raised under the guise of being the Emperor’s biological brother, despite their actual kinship. Unfortunately, the brother died due to negligence, positioning Jinshi as the next expected heir when the time for succession arose.
Initially, Jinshi was poised to inherit the throne, but based on his own character’s preferences, he chose to reject this position. Instead, he and the Emperor agreed to settle his fate via a game of Go. If he was to lose, he would assume the title of Crown Prince, but should he win, he would acquire the title of the Palace’s eunuch.
Astonishingly, Jinshi emerged victorious, which has positioned him as the façade of a eunuch within the Imperial Palace—a secret known only to a select few.
- Jinshi’s disguise raises compelling questions about identity and societal roles.
- The character’s history enriches the narrative, depicting the complexities of royal family dynamics.
- Future episodes are anticipated to unravel more secrets about Jinshi and other characters.