The Apothecary Dairies: Is Shisui evil or good?

The world of Apothecary Dairies has many secrets; every character in this story has some hidden secrets beneath layers of etiquette, tradition, and imperial politics. Among them, recently, Shisui stood out. Initially introduced as a lively maid who had an odd hobby of collecting insects turns out to be a complex character who was never officially hired to work in the imperial palace.

Her dual identity, strategic maneuvering, and eventual betrayal shock the protagonist, Maomao, and the audience. But is Shisui truly a villain in Apothecary Dairies? The answer to this is no, she is not evil, but more of an antihero stuck in the middle of politics and duty towards her people.

At first, her character has a minor role in the story. She is one of the inner court maids with a quirky obsession. While other maids find her personality a little over the top, Maomao is intrigued, and Shisui’s bubbly demeanor, unfiltered enthusiasm, and unusual knowledge of bugs quickly form the foundation of a budding friendship with Maomao.

Shisui is a bubbly person and has a warm aura around her, which even leads to Maomao not being skeptical about her and becoming friends. Fans of this series were drawn to her peculiarity, and her joyful tone contrasts sharply with the cutthroat environment of the imperial harem.

After Maomao was kidnapped in Apothecary Dairies, we got new information that Shisui was not her true name. It was her alias to roam around the palace. Her true identity is that of Loulan, the Pure Consort of the Emperor and daughter of Prime Minister Shishou.

Her cheerful personality was a calculated move on her side to move around being undetected. Her feigned status as a mere maid allowed her to build relationships and quietly influence key events.

One of the most intense arcs of the series starts after the kidnapping of Maomao. For Maomao, being kidnapped is not just terrifying, but she maintains a stable mind. She immediately begins analyzing her surroundings and captors. Eventually, Maomao deduces that Shisui is involved.

Maomao pieces everything together by recalling moments when Shisui knew how to read and had access to paper, a costly commodity that was not easily accessible. In a harrowing confrontation, Shisui’s mask comes off, both literally and figuratively.

Yet, even in betrayal, Shisui does not exude malice. Her reasons are complex: she acted to expose a hidden rebellion, to stop the abuse of orphaned children in medical experiments, and to disrupt the corruption festering within the court.

Shisui and Maomao's friendship in Apothecary Dairies

Shisui and Maomao in Apothecary Dairies connect over their shared interest in the natural world. In many ways, she encouraged Maomao with her curiosity without any judgment. Before she was exposed to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping. Shisui spent time with Maomao and often praised her for her unique experiments. For instance, when Maomao made ice cream for Xiaolan in the Apothecary Dairies, she tasted it and complimented her creation.

Also, it shows that she engaged in stimulating conversation and respects Maomao’s intellect. Their scenes together are lighthearted and charming, and for Maomao in Apothecary Dairies, who is usually emotionally guarded, Shisui becomes a rare source of companionship. It is important to note that Shisui’s betrayal was not out of malice, nor does she feel any jealousy. Rather, she sees Maomao as an equal, possibly the only one in all of the Inner Court.

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In conclusion, Shisui from the Apothecary Diaries cannot simply be categorized as good or evil. She is a morally gray character. When she betrayed Maomao, it became a turning point in the story, revealing her true identity as Loulan, the Pure Consort.

Moreover, she must take an extreme stance to expose a child experimentation ring, not for personal gain. Although her methods make her seem like an evil character, she is redeemed because her intentions are noble.

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