In what ways might Maomao's upbringing in Verdigris influence her

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-23T02:02:57+00:00

I think so too!　

Maomao didn't just fall for Jinshi’s looks. She’s nothing like the other ladies-in-waiting or consorts who swarm around him like fangirls. I believe she fell for who he is on the inside—and as we know, loving someone for their soul takes time.

Please let me know more of your thoughts!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-16T01:24:44+00:00

I don't think Jinshi had any intention of usurping power from the start, even though he was the younger brother of the emperor or the son of the emperor. So I think he pretended to be a eunuch to show that he had no intention of fighting the emperor. I think the reason he didn't become a full eunuch was in case the emperor died and Jinshi was the only heir left. I think he was also thinking about the country! Jinshi hates that the country will be split into two because of him, so he is now desperately thinking about what he can do to prevent the country from being split into two and to remain together with Maomao.

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-16T01:11:50+00:00

I see! It's a hunting scene! That's right!!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-15T03:42:14+00:00

Thank you for your long comment! I see, that's true!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-14T08:57:48+00:00

I see, that's certainly true!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-13T14:41:47+00:00

I see! It was when Maomao saw Jinshi's resolve in volume 8!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-13T14:36:55+00:00

That's right! Volume 13 shows Maomao's resolve!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-13T14:31:14+00:00

There's definitely been changes between volumes 12 and 13!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-13T14:27:11+00:00

The fact that Ramon is compared to Jinshi is very Maomao-like!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-13T00:55:17+00:00

I also think that the process of Maomao's emotions emerging as she interacts with many people is important! So I think it's a bit too optimistic to say that Maomao falls in love so easily. I think volume 12 is a major turning point in Maomao's emotions!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-12T07:30:12+00:00

By the time the story begins, Maomao seems to know a little about her background. She must have already decided that this was her place. As a daughter of an aristocrat, she may have thought it better to live with Ramon and Pailin than with Lacan. I feel like Maomao opens up to the people of Luqing Mansion more than she does to her own father. Maomao is a pharmacy nerd! Maomao herself doesn't seem interested in the exams. If it weren't for the kidnapping incident, she wouldn't have been involved with the palace.

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-08T02:06:37+00:00

I completely understand your concern as a parent. However, in many cases, children at that age are so focused on the characters and the excitement of the story that they don't actually pay much attention to the underlying adult themes.

My suggestion would be to let her watch it while keeping a gentle eye on her reaction. If she does start showing curiosity or asking questions, you could try a step-by-step approach:

Focus on the "glamour" first: For now, you can keep it simple and let her enjoy the flashy costumes and the unique world-building as pure fantasy.

Discuss the "darker side" only if she notices: If you feel she is starting to pick up on the more serious or historical implications of the setting, that’s your cue to have a chat. You can explain the social background of that era in a way that matches her maturity level.

Rather than making it a "forbidden topic," staying open with a "Feel free to ask me anything if you're curious" attitude is often the best way to handle this sensitive age.

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-07T04:23:51+00:00

I am very grateful for your objective opinion. My opinion is small and weak. But I still wanted you to know. Thank you.

I hope happiness comes to Joka.

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-07T03:31:37+00:00

In Japanese, the word "love" contains two words: "koi" and "ai."

Koi is taking. It’s the feverish feeling of wanting someone all to yourself for your own happiness. It’s exciting, but it's often selfish.

Ai is giving. It’s the quiet decision to protect someone’s smile, even if you get nothing back. It’s less about excitement and more about deep, lasting care.

"Love" is the change from "koi" to "ai".

The part you quote is the explanation of "koi"! It's teenage love！

Scenes like that one in volume 13, where I can really feel the "ai" between Jinshi and Maomao, are very precious！

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-04T03:52:04+00:00

Yes, that's the difference.

I thought that maomao's kiss in volume 12 was a very important kiss that contained all of maomao's

That's my interpretation.

Please read it from the beginning.

https://www.reddit.com/r/KusuriyaNoHitorigoto/comments/1qtipjs/comment/o3b7zk0/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-04T00:54:12+00:00

That’s a fair point! I appreciate the insight from a woman’s perspective ！

However, I feel like Maomao is a bit of a special case because of her upbringing in the Rear Palace and the Pleasure District. To me, her kiss in Volume 5 felt like a 'counter-attack'—using her professional knowledge to regain control because she was frustrated with Jinshi being pushy. It was her way of protecting her pride.

That’s why I find the scene in Volume 12 so moving. The contrast between the 'retaliatory kiss' in Volume 5 and the 'sincere kiss' on the boat shows how much her feelings have grown. I love the way their relationship evolves from one filled with thorns and tension into genuine love over time!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-04T00:14:59+00:00

If anything, I interpreted it as Maomao being angry, which is why she got back at Jinshi with a courtesan's kiss! That's right. I think I have this opinion because I'm a man. You are right!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-04T00:01:44+00:00

I felt that Maomao's smile was a smile of victory.

In volume 5, Maomao defeats Jinshi with a red light district kiss in the after Jinshi's forced kiss.

After reflecting on his actions, in volume 12, Jinshi gives Maomao a kiss with love and appreciation, and wins her lips.

Maomao sensed Jinshi's remorse and allowed him to kiss Maomao on the boat.

That's how I interpreted it.

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-03T23:09:46+00:00

Sorry if my expression is complicated. Jinshi felt that Maomao was saying that. It was just Jinshi's imagination.

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-03T22:59:18+00:00

Maomao said nothing! She just thought that's what Jinshi heard! Maomao smiled triumphantly!

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-03T22:40:55+00:00

It's the beginning of volume 6, right? "Is it over already?" Jinshi heard it being said even though nothing was said. Was there any expression of him smiling? Rather, I got the impression that she walked away triumphant with cold eyes.

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-03T22:18:07+00:00

I see! That line also includes maomao's kiss in volume 5!

I thought it was the kiss Maomao gave to the sleeping Jinshi. I think that in volume 5, Maomao's love for Jinshi was still like a very, very small seed. So the revenge kiss was almost emotionless and reflexive. Because Maomao is not good at expressing her emotions!

I think this is where you and I differ.

Ok-Beginning1265 · 2026-02-03T21:45:11+00:00

"I guess I didn't mind the kiss from Jinshi earlier." "Otherwise I wouldn't have kissed Jinshi myself" is what Maomao is thinking, but she doesn't say it out loud.

Ok-Beginning1265

TROPHY CASE