So about episode 19 of The Apothecary Diaries…
episode 19 has me screaming like a banshee…And that’s because…
Jinshi carrying an unconscious and bleeding Maomao out of the ceremonial building after an assassination attempt on his life, not as Jinshi the eunuch, but Jinshi the prince/the most important person *of noble birth* for everyone to see (including an equally shaken Lakan) is such a pivotal and understated power move. Jinshi gives zero fucks who bears witness that he's carrying his personal servant in his arms (bridal style might I add, when he could've ordered anyone to do it for him) nor does he care about the subsequent gossip that will ensue. It's also the first time that we actually see Jinshi as having a much more significant role than just a palace eunuch, and this is how he enters the scene...breaking societal norms. Good for you, my man.
I know the anime can only cover so much material from the original source, and I have my quips about this, but the reason why this anime is still 100000/10 in my eyes is because this part wasn't included in the manga and only glossed over in the LN. But the anime made a point to include this dramatic and poignant scene…down to the trailing blood as Jinshi calmly makes his exit (straight to his quarters). Though his demeanor is subdued, beneath the surface he is downright pissed.
pages from the manga: ch. 32 ends with Maomao passing out on Jinshi, and starts Ch. 33 with Maomao waking up in Jinshi’s room.
