WEBVTT 00:07.610 --> 00:14.490 The Apothecary Diaries 01:28.270 --> 01:29.980 The Apothecary Diaries 01:32.610 --> 01:33.980 That's unbelievable! 01:34.440 --> 01:37.400 This story is a work of fiction. The names of all of the characters, organizations, and so on are imaginary. It also bears no connection to any specific real-life events. 01:34.450 --> 01:37.700 That you'd take care of a high-ranking concubine that's not Lady Gyokuyou! 01:38.170 --> 01:39.910 You say that, but... 01:40.540 --> 01:41.530 Something's there. 01:41.930 --> 01:45.450 The pavilion's bath has... Um... 01:45.450 --> 01:46.790 A ghost! 01:50.010 --> 01:53.800 Why don't you try and consult Master Jinshi? 01:54.520 --> 01:58.840 Who wouldn't be interested after hearing that? 02:01.090 --> 02:02.190 Maomao. 02:02.730 --> 02:06.310 Here we go, just as I expected. 02:07.150 --> 02:08.480 Did you summon me? 02:07.310 --> 02:11.270 Episode 38: The Dancing Ghost 02:15.900 --> 02:19.950 Yikes. The joy of getting the ox bezoar made me forget, 02:19.950 --> 02:23.410 but I learned a huge secret about him during that hunting trip. 02:23.700 --> 02:27.410 All of the men in the rear palace, except for the emperor, are eunuchs. 02:27.410 --> 02:30.420 But Master Jinshi was not. 02:30.900 --> 02:33.780 He has a somewhat sizable frog. 02:36.790 --> 02:39.220 So, what is your desire today? 02:39.720 --> 02:42.680 I've heard that a ghost appears in a certain concubine's room. 02:43.050 --> 02:46.330 Oh, no. That must be terrifying. 02:48.420 --> 02:52.000 Which concubine is it? I must visit to send my well wishes. 02:52.000 --> 02:56.280 Lady Gyokuyou, you mustn't go outside in that state. 02:56.280 --> 02:58.320 I'll send someone in my stead, then. 02:58.670 --> 03:00.110 Let's see... 03:00.820 --> 03:05.410 Hongniang, why don't you go, and take Maomao with you? 03:05.690 --> 03:09.160 Concubine Gyokuyou, this is a secret affair, 03:09.160 --> 03:11.250 so please allow me to decline your visitation. 03:11.730 --> 03:16.250 Instead, can I have her "returned" to me again? 03:16.900 --> 03:19.760 I can certainly "lend" her to you. 03:23.970 --> 03:25.920 This exchange again... 03:26.650 --> 03:29.350 No, I'd like her "returned"... 03:29.970 --> 03:32.810 This "Maomao." 03:34.370 --> 03:38.780 You won't be able to ask her anything when she gets back. 03:39.330 --> 03:43.640 I'll make sure her lips are sealed. 03:45.880 --> 03:47.920 With that, I'll take my leave. 03:57.960 --> 04:01.320 What happened between you two during the hunting trip? 04:02.550 --> 04:04.640 It's all the frog's fault. 04:05.790 --> 04:06.800 The frog? 04:07.480 --> 04:13.310 Maybe the ox bezoar wasn't worth the secret I have to carry to my grave. 04:14.580 --> 04:16.060 We've been awaiting your arrival. 04:24.780 --> 04:28.350 How much does Master Gaoshun know? 04:28.350 --> 04:32.450 Or, could it be that Master Gaoshun isn't a eunuch, either? 04:33.560 --> 04:36.140 There's no point in thinking about this. 04:40.180 --> 04:42.460 Greetings, Concubine Lishu. 04:43.390 --> 04:44.430 Master Jinshi! 04:44.720 --> 04:49.180 Could you show us to the bath that has the ghost? 04:50.260 --> 04:51.640 Oh... Yes... 04:52.650 --> 04:54.560 Can they be more obvious? 04:54.920 --> 04:58.270 It's concerning that they have that attitude towards a high-ranking concubine... 04:58.740 --> 05:00.110 This way. 05:02.610 --> 05:06.070 The first room is the changing room, and the bath is beyond. 05:07.490 --> 05:13.040 Lady Lishu said she saw a strange human figure from the window of this warehouse. 05:14.250 --> 05:16.120 What kind of human figure did you see? 05:16.530 --> 05:18.210 W-Well... 05:19.230 --> 05:22.130 Are you still going on about that? 05:22.480 --> 05:24.720 You must be mistaken. 05:24.720 --> 05:29.010 Lady Lishu always wants to get everyone's attention in that way. 05:31.710 --> 05:35.860 Making such a big deal out of nothing... 05:35.860 --> 05:41.770 I believe the head lady-in-waiting's job is to keep that kind of behavior in check. 05:42.160 --> 05:46.930 Perhaps you don't know that, since you were merely a taster. 05:46.930 --> 05:48.530 My apologies... 05:48.800 --> 05:50.560 Judging from the way she's talking, 05:50.560 --> 05:53.620 that arrogant-sounding woman must be the former head lady-in-waiting. 05:53.960 --> 05:56.320 I'm sure she's upset her role was taken from her by a taster 05:56.320 --> 05:59.750 and can't stop complaining about it on a daily basis. 06:00.590 --> 06:01.420 Hmm? 06:02.440 --> 06:04.260 That hair stick... 06:05.460 --> 06:07.380 Don't you agree? 06:07.930 --> 06:09.370 Perhaps. 06:10.370 --> 06:14.550 However, it is still my job to listen to the concubines. 06:14.550 --> 06:17.060 Could you let me go about my work? 06:18.230 --> 06:19.480 Y-Yes... 06:21.100 --> 06:24.190 Hmm. My throat's a bit parched... 06:25.400 --> 06:27.070 I'll bring tea, immediately! 06:27.070 --> 06:28.130 I will! 06:28.130 --> 06:29.530 No, I will! 06:31.240 --> 06:35.370 So. Concubine Lishu, can you fill me in on the details? 06:36.070 --> 06:38.510 Y-Yes... 06:39.170 --> 06:43.630 I see. He sent them off to make sure Concubine Lishu could speak freely. 06:44.250 --> 06:48.880 That night, it was after I finished bathing as always. 06:49.580 --> 06:51.940 I prefer lower temperatures, 06:51.940 --> 06:54.890 but the ladies-in-waiting always make my bath very hot. 06:55.510 --> 06:59.270 So, it became a habit of mine to take a bath a little later, after the water cooled down. 07:00.150 --> 07:02.150 I noticed this a little earlier, 07:02.980 --> 07:07.610 but it seems like the ladies-in-waiting don't think very positively about me. 07:08.220 --> 07:12.200 I always take baths alone, starting from back in my days at the nunnery. 07:12.200 --> 07:18.010 Kanan... I mean, my head lady-in-waiting, helps me with my clothes. 07:18.450 --> 07:23.330 While I was wiping myself down, it felt warm, so I opened the drapes. 07:23.330 --> 07:25.070 Then... 07:25.070 --> 07:29.300 Even though all of the windows were closed, the curtains were billowing. 07:30.450 --> 07:34.700 And a white face was dancing and laughing! 07:36.340 --> 07:39.350 Staring at me...! 07:43.500 --> 07:46.820 Is it possible that someone else was there? 07:48.100 --> 07:53.300 Kanan was the only one nearby. She saw the ghost, too! 07:54.750 --> 07:57.660 I approached it, trying to find out what it was, 07:58.260 --> 08:00.150 but it had disappeared, 08:01.020 --> 08:05.460 and the curtain stopped moving, like nothing happened. 08:06.500 --> 08:10.650 All of the windows connected to the outside were closed, 08:10.650 --> 08:12.850 so no wind could have gone through. 08:12.850 --> 08:15.680 But the curtains were moving. 08:17.000 --> 08:20.270 It's not unreasonable to think it was a ghost and get scared. 08:20.810 --> 08:23.220 What a strange layout, though. 08:23.220 --> 08:27.540 At the Crystal Pavilion and the Jade Pavilion, the baths are a separate building, 08:27.540 --> 08:29.780 and come with a space to relax after bathing. 08:30.470 --> 08:34.320 Why would anyone build a warehouse next to the bath? 08:37.400 --> 08:40.490 Was that room always a warehouse? 08:40.490 --> 08:43.320 Oh, no, not always... 08:43.870 --> 08:46.280 Why is it a warehouse now? 08:46.280 --> 08:47.380 Well... 08:51.210 --> 08:54.940 I think it's faster if we just show you. 09:00.190 --> 09:02.270 Ah, I see. 09:02.780 --> 09:05.020 That's a lot of mold. 09:05.480 --> 09:08.970 The Jade Pavilion workers would have figured out the cause 09:08.970 --> 09:11.530 and done something to prevent the mold, but... 09:11.930 --> 09:15.500 I wouldn't expect that from the ladies-in-waiting here. 09:15.500 --> 09:18.570 They just turned it into a warehouse to hide it. 09:24.050 --> 09:27.670 I wonder if the foundation's rotten, too. 09:28.340 --> 09:31.150 Is this building older than the others? 09:31.150 --> 09:33.760 No, it's actually newer. 09:33.760 --> 09:37.010 It was built when Lady Lishu joined the rear palace. 09:37.010 --> 09:38.840 This bad, in just a few years? 09:39.540 --> 09:43.430 Concubine Lishu said this curtain was moving. 09:45.570 --> 09:47.440 Please let me see the bath house. 09:51.310 --> 09:52.110 Found it. 09:52.710 --> 09:57.110 This hole must connect to the waterways of the rear palace. 09:57.710 --> 09:58.730 Lady Lishu. 09:59.440 --> 10:04.540 The day you saw the ghost. Did you unplug the bathtub by mistake? 10:04.810 --> 10:07.250 I did. How did you know? 10:07.580 --> 10:08.750 I knew it. 10:09.340 --> 10:15.630 Closed windows, moving curtains, unplugged bathtub... 10:16.300 --> 10:20.900 If my deduction is correct, the true nature of the dancing ghost is... 10:28.420 --> 10:32.660 Master Gaoshun, can you help me move this cabinet? 10:32.660 --> 10:33.400 Yes. 10:38.360 --> 10:40.020 This is very bad. 10:40.020 --> 10:42.490 Yes, it's quite rotten. 10:44.180 --> 10:46.810 The floor is warped and has gaps. 10:47.520 --> 10:49.080 In that case... 10:49.080 --> 10:52.660 Can you check if the waterways pass under here? 10:52.660 --> 10:55.440 I'll bring the Diamond Pavilion's blueprint immediately. 10:57.810 --> 10:58.850 Here you are. 10:58.850 --> 11:00.340 Thank you. 11:02.940 --> 11:05.850 As I thought, the waterway passes under the floor. 11:06.350 --> 11:11.350 When hot water passes under here, the vapor makes the floor and walls rot easily. 11:11.640 --> 11:17.860 Then, the vapor came up through this gap, causing a wind and moving the curtains. 11:19.130 --> 11:22.740 W-What was that round face I saw, then?! 11:25.420 --> 11:26.280 That must be it. 11:30.280 --> 11:32.140 Um, that's... 11:33.230 --> 11:38.090 That copper mirror is precious to me. Can you be careful with it? 11:38.610 --> 11:41.720 Understood. How long has this been here? 11:42.010 --> 11:44.130 I used to use it often. 11:44.130 --> 11:47.310 But right now, we have that mirror that the special envoy gave us, so... 11:47.870 --> 11:50.100 The special envoys' mirror is made of glass, 11:50.100 --> 11:52.640 making it much clearer than the copper mirror. 11:52.640 --> 11:54.830 Naturally they'd use that one, and tuck this one away. 11:54.830 --> 11:56.550 But still... 11:56.550 --> 11:58.830 You must be cleaning this every day. 11:58.830 --> 12:02.750 Yes, it's an heirloom from my late mother. 12:04.100 --> 12:08.240 It looks like an ordinary copper mirror, but... 12:09.940 --> 12:14.460 Lady Lishu, why don't we put it to use? 12:15.650 --> 12:16.560 Please. 12:19.990 --> 12:22.000 To use? 12:23.090 --> 12:26.800 I think it'd be easier to see under good lighting. 12:32.020 --> 12:35.310 If you point it this way, it might come out better. 12:44.110 --> 12:46.970 I see. This is how it appears. 12:46.970 --> 12:48.580 What's going on?! 12:48.990 --> 12:53.220 It's called a "magic mirror." I've never seen one in person, though. 12:53.220 --> 12:54.290 A magic mirror? 12:54.640 --> 13:01.450 It's a very special mirror that can reflect light and turn it into an image or text. 13:01.800 --> 13:06.910 I hear it's built by applying bumps into the mirror face. 13:07.520 --> 13:11.740 I've heard from my adopted father that it takes quite a bit of skill to create. 13:15.720 --> 13:20.230 The well-polished mirror projects a face under the moonlight. 13:20.950 --> 13:24.660 The hot vapor creates a wind that moves the curtain. 13:26.140 --> 13:31.860 This "ghost" was created from multiple coincidences converging. 13:32.910 --> 13:37.360 This face... It resembles my dead mother, I think. 13:38.650 --> 13:43.840 Did she get angry because I stopped using this mirror? 13:44.300 --> 13:46.260 Did she come out to scold me? 13:47.010 --> 13:49.010 It's just a coincidence. 13:49.510 --> 13:51.980 I heard she loved to dance. 13:51.980 --> 13:54.620 When she gave birth to me, it ruined her health. 13:54.620 --> 13:57.700 She was no longer able to dance, and died soon after. 13:58.200 --> 14:01.110 Maybe that's why she was dancing like this, as a ghost. 14:01.770 --> 14:03.070 Ghosts don't— 14:12.900 --> 14:17.140 At her age, she deserves a more relaxed life. 14:17.140 --> 14:20.050 Perhaps she dealt with the loneliness of being in the rear palace 14:20.050 --> 14:23.190 by taking care of her mother's heirloom every day. 14:24.510 --> 14:27.800 I don't really understand what it feels like to think fondly of a mother. 14:28.430 --> 14:34.060 But for Concubine Lishu, she must have been important enough to warrant sentiment. 14:39.700 --> 14:44.110 Excuse me. We've prepared tea outside. 14:48.280 --> 14:52.690 Goodness, Lady Lishu, why are you crying? 14:52.690 --> 14:55.160 Don't you think that's embarrassing? 14:55.630 --> 14:59.530 At a quick glance, she might sound like a strict but caring lady-in-waiting. 14:59.530 --> 15:02.290 But her true nature is seeping out from time to time. 15:02.290 --> 15:04.210 It's too late to pretend now. 15:04.570 --> 15:09.400 Oh, you still had that mirror? 15:10.680 --> 15:15.810 You already have the mirror from the special envoys, so you don't need this one. 15:16.360 --> 15:19.060 Why don't you gift it to one of your subordinates? 15:17.890 --> 15:18.720 Give it... 15:19.390 --> 15:20.770 What was that? 15:21.330 --> 15:25.100 Give it back! Give it back! 15:27.480 --> 15:28.780 W-What is this?! 15:29.400 --> 15:31.970 You're embarrassing yourself in front of the guests! 15:31.970 --> 15:35.410 That item is precious to Concubine Lishu. 15:35.810 --> 15:39.660 I find it may be improper to take it from her without asking. 15:49.920 --> 15:52.050 Did she gift you this, as well? 15:54.320 --> 15:58.120 Even if it was a gift, for you, a regular lady-in-waiting, 15:58.120 --> 16:01.390 to wear an item engraved with the crest of a high-ranking concubine... 16:03.190 --> 16:05.860 Did it not occur to you how deeply inappropriate that would be? 16:09.220 --> 16:12.770 Master Jinshi must have known that Concubine Lishu's ladies-in-waiting 16:12.770 --> 16:14.740 were mistreating her. 16:15.410 --> 16:17.330 He didn't say as much openly, 16:17.330 --> 16:19.870 since it would reflect poorly on Concubine Lishu as well. 16:20.510 --> 16:24.460 But now that he has physical evidence, he can make his point freely. 16:25.640 --> 16:30.160 I kindly ask that you refrain from behaving in ways that contradict your status. 16:41.860 --> 16:44.100 Yikes. That's scary. 16:48.730 --> 16:50.240 Isn't that him? 16:50.240 --> 16:51.230 So handsome! 16:51.620 --> 16:54.110 Coming to gawk at the new guy again, huh? 16:55.610 --> 16:58.630 Yes, yes, I know, Maomao. 16:56.110 --> 16:59.490 Maomao 17:00.010 --> 17:04.380 Little lady, are you looking for a drug that can be used as an anesthetic again? 17:04.380 --> 17:05.220 Yes. 17:05.220 --> 17:09.170 There's no point anymore, since they're not going to make any more eunuchs. 17:09.640 --> 17:13.630 Coming to think of it, how do eunuchs enter the rear palace? 17:13.630 --> 17:15.650 By receiving surgery, of course. 17:15.650 --> 17:19.800 No, I mean, how do they prove that they're a eunuch? 17:19.800 --> 17:23.720 Ah. Well, there used to be a document that you could show. 17:23.720 --> 17:25.850 But there were a lot of fraudulent ones. 17:26.730 --> 17:28.520 So, now there's a physical exam. 17:29.010 --> 17:29.900 They grab you, then? 17:29.900 --> 17:32.440 Can you be less direct, little lady? 17:33.080 --> 17:34.530 In order to prevent fraud, 17:34.530 --> 17:37.730 they're examined by three officers from different divisions. 17:37.730 --> 17:39.630 If there's nothing there, they're allowed in. 17:39.630 --> 17:41.700 Is that for just the first time only? 17:41.700 --> 17:44.410 It's actually done every time we enter and exit. 17:44.730 --> 17:46.240 Unless they're a eunuch, 17:46.240 --> 17:50.180 the only men who can enter the rear palace are the emperor and his kin. 17:50.180 --> 17:52.270 Which makes Master Jinshi... 17:52.670 --> 17:54.920 Nah, that can't be. 17:55.310 --> 17:59.590 Speaking of eunuchs, have you heard about the newcomers? 18:00.000 --> 18:03.720 Oh yeah, Xiaolan and Shisui were talking about them. 18:04.100 --> 18:07.770 I've heard the rumors, like that there's about thirty of them. 18:08.080 --> 18:13.270 Yes! They're all young and good-looking, so everyone's a bit excited! 18:13.700 --> 18:16.190 The other day, they all got swarmed 18:16.190 --> 18:19.740 by the low-ranking concubines when they were preparing the baths. 18:19.740 --> 18:22.240 And you went all the way out there to watch? 18:22.910 --> 18:24.990 When will you tell her? 18:25.370 --> 18:26.960 At the right time. 18:26.960 --> 18:30.710 Your attitude is far too obvious, it seems unnatural. 18:31.180 --> 18:34.840 Xiaomao was looking at you like you were a dead worm. 18:36.030 --> 18:38.220 Shut up. I know. 18:39.010 --> 18:42.800 You need to make up your mind fast, or else there will be trouble. 18:42.800 --> 18:46.160 You want her on our side right away. 18:46.160 --> 18:49.060 Our strategist will interfere, though. 18:49.060 --> 18:51.550 Please fight poison with poison. 18:53.430 --> 18:55.660 Grand Commandant Kan Lakan. 18:55.660 --> 18:58.860 He took over as head of his family through force, 18:58.860 --> 19:00.780 from his father and half-brother. 19:01.340 --> 19:03.640 He is now someone even the emperor himself respects. 19:04.780 --> 19:08.720 Even though he's a grand commandant, he doesn't belong to any specific group, 19:08.720 --> 19:10.480 wandering between people at will. 19:11.250 --> 19:13.810 Many tried to subdue him before he caused trouble, 19:13.810 --> 19:17.770 but they all were beat back, with more than a few light burns to pay for it. 19:19.050 --> 19:23.390 Nobody knows what goes on in his head. 19:23.390 --> 19:28.090 The unspoken rule in the castle is, "Don't interact with him unless necessary." 19:28.660 --> 19:34.060 But in order to bring Maomao into our camp, he needs to be dealt with as well. 19:34.870 --> 19:36.980 I want to tell her the truth. 19:36.980 --> 19:43.050 I want her to know why I'm in my current position and why I'm hiding my true self. 19:43.570 --> 19:47.080 But when she learns the truth, how will she react? 19:50.650 --> 19:53.910 More business for the rear palace. That's a lot. 19:54.420 --> 19:57.360 About half is regarding Concubine Loulan. 19:57.770 --> 20:00.770 She has too many servants, her dress is too flashy 20:00.770 --> 20:04.430 and ruins the atmosphere of the rear palace, and so on. 20:04.720 --> 20:06.340 So, the same as always. 20:06.770 --> 20:09.990 This one is new. 20:12.460 --> 20:16.910 A court lady is trying to flirt with the new eunuchs. 20:16.910 --> 20:18.860 Well, that was to be expected. 20:18.860 --> 20:22.320 Yes. They handle a lot of the physical labor. 20:22.710 --> 20:26.470 We plan to transfer them out to other divisions based on their skills, 20:26.470 --> 20:29.890 but they are all former slaves from a different land. 20:29.890 --> 20:31.830 We need to be very careful. 20:31.830 --> 20:36.730 Yes. I should probably take a look, even if as just a formality. 20:36.730 --> 20:37.590 Yes. 20:38.190 --> 20:39.650 How troublesome. 20:39.650 --> 20:41.460 You don't have a choice. 20:43.390 --> 20:45.680 The ones we're looking for are wearing the white belts. 20:46.380 --> 20:49.060 They're skinny, and seem somewhat afraid. 20:49.880 --> 20:52.750 Former slaves, even after being freed, 20:52.750 --> 20:56.330 have a hard time living life as a normal civilian. 20:56.330 --> 21:00.110 Assigning them to the rear palace is, in a way, a good decision. 21:04.330 --> 21:06.210 And that must be the one from the rumors. 21:06.850 --> 21:08.800 Is something wrong with his left arm? 21:08.800 --> 21:13.820 He was heavily abused, causing the left side of his body to go numb. 21:14.270 --> 21:17.650 He doesn't want to show his skin, since he has scars all over. 21:17.650 --> 21:18.790 I see. 21:20.500 --> 21:22.910 He really is popular, though. 21:22.910 --> 21:25.280 Yes. Apparently, he's very intelligent, 21:25.280 --> 21:27.640 and is quite thoughtful toward the women. 21:29.340 --> 21:30.460 What is it? 21:30.460 --> 21:32.450 Are you really one to talk? 21:41.990 --> 21:43.890 How are the newcomers? 21:43.890 --> 21:45.120 Master Jinshi. 21:49.490 --> 21:51.240 They might need some help still, 21:51.240 --> 21:54.760 but we promise we'll find work more suited to their skills. 21:54.760 --> 21:55.560 Of course. 21:57.860 --> 21:59.470 What are you doing?! 21:59.900 --> 22:03.460 That ice was for a high-ranking concubine! 22:05.210 --> 22:08.550 Damn it... I'm finished! 22:09.850 --> 22:10.550 I— 22:11.750 --> 22:13.290 I'm sorry... 23:44.980 --> 23:59.910 Next Time 23:56.450 --> 23:58.490 Next time: "Ice." 23:56.450 --> 23:59.910 Episode 39: Ice