In the East, there is a land ruled by an emperor whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in the capital's pleasure district by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there.

Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That's her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao's façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor's favourite consort... so she can taste the lady's food for poison!

Source: J-Novel Club

Note: The first three episodes received an early screening at a special event on October 1, 2023 at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya in Tokyo and three additional TOHO cinemas. The regular TV broadcast started on October 22, 2023.

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Sequel: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (2025)