The highly anticipated episode 12 of The Apothecary Diaries season 2 premiered on March 28, 2025, diving back into the intriguing storyline between Maomao and Jinshi. The episode opens with Jinshi compelling Maomao to stay close, leading to a series of shocking and awkward moments that unravel their complex relationship.
A Tense Encounter: Jinshi’s Discomfort and Maomao’s Dilemma
This episode, titled Ka Zuigetsu, picks up on a pivotal moment where Maomao finds herself in a tight embrace with Jinshi. In a struggle to free herself, she inadvertently touches an unexpected spot, prompting a flustered response from Jinshi, who asks her to withdraw her hand. However, curiosity gets the better of Maomao as she probes further, creating an even more tense exchange between the two characters.
The complexity of their dynamic is further revealed when it becomes apparent that Jinshi, despite being a eunuch, possesses something that contradicts his status. Embarrassed but determined, he attempts to confide in Maomao about this secret. However, fearing the consequences of this revelation, Maomao dismisses his intent by claiming she mistook her touch for that of a frog.
Forced Confrontation and External Interruption
Feeling slighted, Jinshi presses Maomao for the truth. In a climactic moment, he takes a bold step, attempting to confront her directly to illustrate his point. Just as the tension reaches its peak, a dog belonging to Lihaku unexpectedly interrupts the moment, saving Maomao from further embarrassment. This twist allows Maomao to escape the situation unscathed.
Following this, Lihaku arrives on the scene, where they set a plan in motion to confront the would-be assassin responsible for an attack on Jinshi. Maomao shares vital information leading to the chaotic capture of this threat, showcasing her intelligence and resourcefulness.
The Search for Jinshi: A Race Against Time
The search for Jinshi intensifies as Basen announces his absence to the gathered characters. Amid the commotion, a clue emerges—a bloody cloth, alongside arrows belonging to an uninvited group. This discovery prompts further investigation, unveiling the depth of the plot surrounding Jinshi’s disappearance.
Meanwhile, the actual culprit, in a desperate bid to retrieve his hidden weapon, finds himself caught red-handed by Maomao. Quick-thinking Lihaku intervenes, apprehending the threat before any harm can come to Maomao, thereby restoring a sense of safety.
Resolution and the Unveiling of Secrets
After the danger subsides, the protagonists regroup. As the hunt for Jinshi continues, the episode shifts back to a calmer setting where Jinshi seeks to confront Maomao about their earlier encounter. However, both characters navigate their emotions carefully, with Maomao unable to face Jinshi directly.
In a heartwarming moment, Jinshi presents Maomao with a pouch of Ox Bezoars, a promise he had made in season 1 but was unable to fulfill. Overjoyed, Maomao seeks to change the subject to avoid any awkward discussions of their prior encounter, leaving Jinshi momentarily speechless.
In a blend of lightheartedness and tension, the episode concludes with Maomao closing the door on Jinshi’s attempts to communicate more deeply, leaving viewers anticipating what comes next for this pair.
Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the anime series and reflects the author’s perspective.
For a deeper dive into this chaotic episode and its implications for future storylines, visit the full analysis here.