Diaries of an Apothecary

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1. Awareness of Spatial and Psychological Isolation: Physical imprisonment: Knowing that the Inner Palace is a permanent prison and that external freedom has been completely revoked. Institutional loneliness: Understanding that there are no true friends, only temporary alliances for convenience or survival. The weight of boredom: Understanding that forced idleness drives people crazy and generates destructive intrigues created only to pass the time. 2. Awareness of Manipulation and Secrecy: The walls have ears: Having absolute certainty that every conversation, whisper, or glance is being watched by invisible spies. Falsehood as a shield: Knowing that smiles, kindness, and excessive courtesies are almost always traps to mask murderous intentions. Information is ammunition: Understanding that discovering someone's secret gives you the power to blackmail, but also transforms you into a target for immediate elimination. 3. Awareness of Human Disposability and Replacement: The ephemerality of beauty: Knowing that youth and physical attractiveness are currencies with a very short expiration date. Rapid oblivion: Understanding that whoever falls from grace, gets sick, or dies is immediately replaced and erased from the history of the palace as if they had never existed. The irrelevance of justice: Being aware that the truth doesn't matter; what matters is finding a quick scapegoat to end a scandal. 4. Awareness of Daily Paranoia: The routine of fear: Waking up knowing that the next meal, the next cosmetic, or the next gift may contain a lethal substance. Reading microexpressions: Constantly monitoring the body language of others to anticipate betrayals before they happen.

It all begins when Yuki, kidnapped and sold as a laundress, decides to conceal her skills as an apothecary to live in peace. However, the mysterious death of the royal babies and the illness of Princess Lingli and Prince Ogai force her to act secretly. She leaves an anonymous note warning about the lead-based face powder, saving Consort Gyokuyou's daughter, while Consort Lihua's son unfortunately dies due to the stubbornness of his ladies-in-waiting. Intrigued by the mystery of the note and determined to find the author of that rudimentary handwriting, Jinshi sets a trap with the help of Gaoshun. He writes false messages and distributes them among the illiterate servants, including Yuki, to test their reactions. Yuki tries to feign ignorance, but makes a small slip in her posture that does not escape the eunuch's sharp eyes. Jinshi confronts her directly with the original note and an azalea branch, unmasking her medical knowledge and her handwriting. Fascinated not only by her intelligence, but mainly by the fact that she was the only woman immune to his celestial charm, looking at him as if he were a crawling insect, Jinshi decides to remove her from hard labor and promotes her to personal lady-in-waiting in the Jade Pavilion. There, he subjects her to eccentric tests, providing her with materials to prepare remedies and act as the official poison taster, delighting in Yuki's masochistic reaction of salivating over toxins and despising him. Soon after, the palace is gripped by the serious health crisis of Consort Lihua, who languishes after the loss of her son and continues to be poisoned by her own ladies-in-waiting. Recognizing the apothecary's unique talent in the face of the gravity of the situation, Jinshi sends her to take care of Lihua.

Since Jinshi is secretly a high-ranking member of the imperial family (the younger brother of the Emperor/Crown Prince), messing with Maomao—for whom he develops an obsession and deep feelings—would be crossing an unforgivable red line. Here's how the scenario would unfold: 🥶 The Intervention: The End of the Celestial Smile The moment Jinshi saw the scene, the atmosphere around him would instantly change. The Killer Gaze: He would approach without his floral glow or charming smile. His face would become completely serious, icy, and with a piercing gaze that exudes the pure aura of a royal ruler. The Interruption: He wouldn't play charm games. He would interrupt the bullying with a firm, low, and authoritative voice, causing the aggressors to freeze in instant terror. His mere presence there would be enough to make them fall to their knees begging for mercy. The Absolute Focus: Jinshi would completely ignore the culprits at first and go straight to Yuki. He would demonstrate genuine and almost desperate concern, touching her to see if she was hurt, completely forgetting to maintain appearances in front of others. 📜 The Punishment: Severe Behind-the-Scenes Consequences Jinshi would not let the palace forget the mistake of touching "his" laboratory assistant and poison taster. The Order to Gaoshun: He would look at his loyal right-hand man, Gaoshun, with a wordless look. Gaoshun would understand the message immediately and record the names of all those involved. The Punishment: The aggressors would not only be warned. Depending on the severity, they would be severely demoted, transferred to the heaviest and most unhealthy jobs in the palace (such as laundry or cesspool cleaning), or, if they were ladies-in-waiting to a minor consort, their families could suffer political sanctions in the outer court. Jinshi would silently destroy their reputation and future in the palace.

🔴 Consort Gyokuyou (Jade Pavilion) Gyokuyou would act strategically, shrewdly, and humorously. Immediate action: She would intervene with a calm smile, but an intimidating aura, subtly and sharply reprimanding the aggressors. The reason: Gyokuyou hates gratuitous injustices and prefers to maintain order. Consequence: She would likely notice the apathy or hidden intelligence in Yuki's eyes. Lihua (Crystal Pavilion) Lihua would act imposingly, rigidly, and proudly. Immediate action: She would severely scold the aggressors, demanding proper posture and discipline within the palace. The reason: Lihua highly values ​​rules and etiquette. She does not tolerate servants gossiping or fighting in the corridors, as she believes this tarnishes the dignity of the Inner Court. Consequence: She would immediately disperse the bullying through fear. Her own ladies-in-waiting (who were arrogant at the beginning of the story) would become quiet, but Lihua wouldn't pay special attention to Maomao after that, treating her merely as another servant saved by the palace order. 🟢 Consort Ah-Duo (Garnet Pavilion) Ah-Duo would act in a mature, direct, and detached manner. Immediate action: She would interrupt the scene with her imposing presence and firm voice, without making a big drama. The reason: Being the oldest and free-spirited consort, she has no patience for the pettiness and youthful intrigues of the Inner Court. Consequence: She would make the aggressors leave with just a look. Ah-Duo would offer practical advice or a quick word of encouragement to Maomao, helping him lift his head and move forward, treating the incident with the nonchalance of someone who has seen it all in that palace. 🟡 Consort Lishu (Golden Pavilion) Lishu would be the only one unable to effectively help, as she herself is a constant victim. Immediate action: She would be paralyzed with fear.

The Ritual of Food and the Poison Tasters: Constant Fear: As the harem is a hotbed of political conspiracies, assassination by poisoning is a daily risk for the consorts and their children. Rigorous Tests: No food or drink reaches the table of a high-ranking consort without passing through the poison taster. Servants like Yuki eat a small portion of each dish from silver bowls (which change color with certain toxins) and wait a few minutes to check for any reaction before releasing the meal. The Color System and Ranking of Consorts: The Four Main Consorts: The top of the hierarchy below the Empress Mother is occupied by four women, each associated with a color, a cardinal point, and an element (Jade, Crystal, Garnet, and Amber). Status Change: A consort's worth is measured by the Emperor's favor and her ability to produce a male heir. If she loses the sovereign's attention or if her son dies, her status instantly plummets. The Winter Banquet and Garden Party Festivals: Display of power: Twice a year, the harem holds grand banquets in the royal gardens where the consorts meet with high-ranking officials from the foreign government. War of appearances: At these events, tradition dictates that the consorts wear their finest silks, jewels, and makeup to impress the Emperor. It is also an opportunity to give gifts and mark political territory. The servants use these moments to sabotage rivals, as happened in the case of Lishu's food. The Hairpin as a Symbol of Invitation: The code of the hairpins: During the festivals, the Emperor or high-ranking military officials (such as Jinshi or Lakan) may give decorated hairpins to the women of the palace. The meaning: Receiving a hairpin from a man means that he is interested in her or that he is willing to ensure her safety. If a servant receives a hairpin from an outside official, this serves as traditional permission for her to visit the municipality.

Lishu's Stigma of Marriage to the Previous Emperor: Lishu carries a heavy social stigma that makes her vulnerable to malicious gossip. Stepmother of the Current Emperor: Before the current Emperor ascended the throne, Lishu was briefly married to the previous Emperor (though the marriage was never consummated due to her age). Return and Rejection: When the former Emperor died, she was sent to a monastery, but eventually returned to the Back Palace to serve the new Emperor. This bizarre situation causes the other women to view her with suspicion and derision, treating her as a "used commodity" or an unwelcome presence.

Bullying by Her Own Servants: Most of the cruelty Lishu suffers comes from within her own palace. Her ladies-in-waiting, who should protect her, secretly despise her, considering her childish and cowardly. Psychological Isolation: They exclude her from conversations, mock her fearful reactions, and deliberately keep her uninformed about court affairs. Sabotage of Clothing and Appearance: At formal events, the servants dress her in inappropriate or exaggerated clothing so that she will be embarrassed in front of the other consorts and the Emperor. Cruelty Regarding Fish Allergy: The most dangerous cruelty against Lishu involves her severe allergy to seafood, especially oily fish.

🎭 The Structure of the Rear Palace (The Harem) The imperial harem functions as a highly hierarchical and dangerous micro-society: Gender Isolation: No ordinary man can enter. The only men allowed are the Emperor and the eunuchs (castrated men who manage the place). The Four Consorts: Gyokuyou, Lihua, Lishu, and Ah-Duo represent the four cardinal points and the four elements. Their positions are not only about affection but also about political balance between the most powerful clans of the empire. The Pressure of the Heir: The only real function of the concubines is to give the Emperor a male heir. If the baby dies (as happened with Lihua and Ah-Duo), the consort loses almost all her power and prestige, becoming the target of humiliation. 🧪 Yuki's Science and Knowledge: In an era dominated by superstition, curses, and mysticism, Yuki stands out for using the rational scientific method: Self-Tests: Yuki is obsessed with poisons and has developed immunity to various toxins throughout her life by testing snake bites, centipedes, and poisonous plants on her own body. Practical Medicine: While the official palace doctors use ineffective prayers or remedies, Yuki focuses on basic hygiene, elementary chemistry, botany, and identifying everyday toxins (such as lead in makeup or allergenic pollen). 🤫 Jinshi's Great Secret: Although Jinshi presents himself as an angelic beauty administrator eunuch, this is merely a disguise for his safety. He is, in fact, a high-ranking member of the imperial family (whose direct line of succession to the throne is one of the greatest mysteries and tensions in history). He pretends to be a eunuch to move freely around the Back Palace, investigate conspiracies, and hunt traitors without raising political suspicions from rival clans. 📜 Origin of the Work Light Novel: The story began as a series of books written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Megumi Touko. Two Manga Versions: Interestingly, the story has two different manga adaptations.

Yuki's Relationship with the Verdigris House: The Verdigris House is the most luxurious, famous, and expensive brothel in the entire capital. Yuki has a deep and familial connection to this place. She was raised there, working from a young age as a low-ranking servant, cleaning the rooms and washing the courtesans' clothes. The place was managed with an iron fist by the Old Lady (Madame), a greedy woman who secretly cared for Yuki. The three main and most expensive courtesans of the place—Pairin, Joka, and Meimei—treated Yuki like a younger sister. It was at the Verdigris House that Yuki learned a great deal about human behavior, poisons, aphrodisiacs, and makeup. Although her adoptive father, Luomen, taught her to be a professional apothecary in his small hut in the district, the Verdigris House was her second home and her main source of income. How Yuki Was Kidnapped: Yuki's kidnapping happens purely randomly and by pure bad luck, without any initial political motivation. One day, Yuki goes out to gather medicinal herbs in a forest on the outskirts of the city. As an apothecary, she used to seek out rare plants and mushrooms to prepare her remedies and test them on herself. While distracted and isolated in the forest, she crosses paths with a group of professional bandits (kidnappers of women). These criminals used to roam the outskirts of the capital looking for young, peasant, or vulnerable women who were alone. Upon spotting Yuki, they ambush her, forcibly capture her, and take her away. The kidnappers' objective was purely financial: to sell young women to work as slaves and servants in the Imperial Palace, where the demand for labor was constant. The Sale to the Back Palace: The kidnappers take Yuki to the back of the palace and sell her to the eunuchs responsible for recruiting staff. Because Yuki was dressed in simple peasant clothes and didn't mention her connections to the family...

Upon crossing the main gates guarded by soldiers and eunuchs, one finds a vast complex of courtyards paved with polished, light-colored stones, connecting the pavilions of the four high concubines. Each pavilion possesses a personalized architecture reflecting the status of its inhabitant. The Jade Pavilion, residence of Consort Gyokuyou, exudes freshness and vivacity, with columns of fine wood and balconies adorned with curtains of verdant silk that sway gently in the wind. In contrast, the Crystal Pavilion, home of Consort Lihua, stands out for its aristocratic grandeur, displaying more rigid, symmetrical decorative details and ornaments in blue and gold that denote the high prestige of her lineage. Lishu's Diamond Pavilion displays an almost childlike delicacy, filled with paper canvases painted with floral motifs and pastel tones, while Ah-Duo's Granada Pavilion boasts a sober and melancholic aesthetic, with dark woods and shaded patios. The pathways connecting these residences are filled with meticulously planned gardens. Arched stone bridges cross artificial lakes covered in lotus flowers, where colorful carp swim beneath the crystal-clear water. Weeping willows and cherry blossoms adorn the banks, creating an atmosphere of poetic serenity that masks the harem's political tension. Labyrinths of covered corridors, protected by trellises carved in intricate geometric patterns, ensure that the consorts can move around without being directly exposed to the elements. At night, the palace transforms under the light of countless paper lanterns suspended from the eaves of the curved roofs, casting long shadows and a mysterious golden glow on the scarlet walls. Inside, the royal apartments are the epitome of luxury. The floors are covered with thick, hand-woven carpets, and the air is constantly perfumed by expensive incense burned in bronze pots. Hand-painted silk screens divide the rooms.

⚔️ Gaoshun's Appearance: Unlike Jinshi's angelic and striking beauty, Gaoshun possesses a solid, mature, and imposing appearance. He is a middle-aged man with a tall stature, broad shoulders, and a robust physique, the result of his years of military and combat training. His facial features are sharp and severe, with thick eyebrows and dark eyes that convey unwavering seriousness. He keeps his black hair firmly tied back in a traditional officer's bun, without exaggerated decorations. His attire in the palace reflects his practical function and his desire to avoid drawing attention: he usually wears officer's uniforms or dark, discreet tunics (generally in shades of navy blue, gray, or brown), made of durable fabrics that facilitate movement. He rarely smiles in public, always maintaining a neutral, focused, and vigilant facial expression around Jinshi. 💼 Gaoshun's Personality: Gaoshun's personality is the pillar of stability in Jinshi's chaotic life. He is the perfect example of unwavering loyalty, pragmatism, and efficiency. Highly professional, he manages Jinshi's schedule, security, and secrets with extreme competence, anticipating problems before they even happen. He is a man of few words, preferring to act with discretion and precision. Behind his serious bodyguard facade, Gaoshun possesses a warm, understanding, and deeply paternal personality. As he has known Jinshi since childhood and knows the true burden the young man carries, he often acts as his conscience, giving realistic advice and subtle reprimands when his master acts childishly or spoiled. Gaoshun also silently suffers from Jinshi's eccentricities. He develops a great deal of empathy for Yuki, as he recognizes the young woman's hard work and shares the same mental exhaustion from having to deal with Jinshi's whims and stubbornness. He frequently expresses his weariness at

✨ Jinshi's Appearance: Jinshi's appearance is his most striking trait and, at the same time, his greatest political tool. He possesses a celestial and almost superhuman beauty, constantly described by the women of his harem as an "angel" or a "fairy" who descended to Earth. His eyes are large, expressive, and a light brown or violet hue, capable of melting anyone's heart with a single glance. His hair is long, silky, and dark in color with purplish highlights, usually elegantly styled with ribbons and ornate clips. Jinshi has a tall stature and a slender physique, but is surprisingly strong beneath his robes. He usually wears high-quality silk clothing in shades of lilac, blue, and white, which flow gracefully as he walks. He exudes a soft, mesmerizing perfume and possesses a radiant, rehearsed smile that he uses purposefully to manipulate people and get what he wants. However, this perfect appearance is a "mask" to hide his true royal bloodline identity. 🎭 Jinshi's Personality Jinshi's personality is divided into two facets: the public and the private. In public, as the eunuch administrator, he acts extremely charming, polished, diplomatic, and seductive. He knows exactly the effect his beauty has on others and uses it as a weapon to gather information, calm tensions in the palace, and maintain control over the harem. He is a highly intelligent, calculating, and efficient man in his work. In private, away from the eyes of the court, his true personality emerges. Jinshi is, in fact, a proud young man, a little spoiled and prone to tantrums when things don't go his way. He carries an enormous weight on his shoulders due to the secrets of his birth and imperial politics, which makes him secretly tired and melancholic. His most genuine and fun-loving side appears precisely when he interacts with Yuki. As Yuki...

The High Concubines (The Four Ladies) Gyokuyou: The Precious Consort of the Jade Pavilion, mother of Princess Lingli. Lihua: The Wise Consort of the Crystal Pavilion. Lishu: The Virtuous Consort of the Diamond Pavilion. Ah-Duo: The former Pure Consort of the Garnet Pavilion and childhood friend of the Emperor. Loulan (Shisui): Ah-Duo's replacement, shrouded in political mysteries. 🌸 Servants and Ladies-in-Waiting Hongniang: Gyokuyou's dedicated and strict chief lady-in-waiting. Yinghua: Servant of the Jade Pavilion. Guiyuan: Servant of the Jade Pavilion. Xiaolan: Young palace servant and Yuki's best friend there, loves gossip. Shin: Consort Lihua's principal lady-in-waiting. Kanan: Lady-in-waiting loyal to the young Consort Lishu. Fengming: Former lady-in-waiting and protector of Ah-Duo. Haku-u, Koku-u and Seki-u: The triplet sisters who come to serve the Jade Pavilion. 🏛️ Palace Officials, Guards, and Members The Emperor: Sovereign of the empire and owner of the imperial harem. Gaoshun: The assistant eunuch, bodyguard, and father figure who takes care of Jinshi. Basen: The impetuous young guard, son of Gaoshun. Lihaku: An honest and muscular army officer who falls in love with Pairin. Lakan: The eccentric Military Commander and biological father of Maomao, obsessed with tactics and board games. Luomen: Yuki's adoptive father and biological uncle, as well as a brilliant doctor banished from the palace. Guen (Charlatan Doctor): The kind, fearful, and incompetent official eunuch doctor of the back palace. Suiren: The extremely loyal elderly housekeeper who takes care of Jinshi's private quarters. 🔴 The Red Light District (Verdigris House) The Old Lady (Madame): The greedy but protective owner of the luxury brothel Verdigris. Pairin: One of the Three Princesses (most expensive courtesans) of Verdigris, known for her voluptuous physique. Joka: Another of the Three Princesses, intellectual and cold towards most men. Meimei: The most welcoming and balanced of the Three Princesses, who cares for Maomao like an older sister. Fengxian: A former courtesan who is a genius at gambling.

Gyokuyou's Appearance: Visually, Gyokuyou stands out for her exotic and vibrant beauty, a legacy of her origins in the western lands of the empire. The most striking feature of her appearance is her long, silky, fiery red hair, which she usually wears partially pinned up with dark green jade hairpins and gold ornaments that contrast perfectly with the strands. Her eyes are a penetrating emerald green, bright and full of expressiveness. She has an average height and a graceful silhouette, always moving with extreme elegance and lightness. Her skin is clear and flawless, kept healthy by her refusal to wear the traditional lead-based makeup of the court. True to the name of her pavilion, her attire consists of fine silk dresses in shades of green, jade, and baby pink, adorned with delicate floral embroidery. Her clothes and jewelry, though luxurious and befitting her high position, are never excessively extravagant, reflecting a refined and natural taste. Gyokuyou's Personality Behind her radiant smile, Gyokuyou's personality combines extreme benevolence, joviality, and a brilliant strategic mind. She is a kind, warm, and deeply compassionate woman, treating her trusted servants as if they were her own family, a very rare behavior among the high concubines of the court. She possesses a playful side and an almost childlike curiosity, loving to observe palace gossip and mysteries with quiet amusement. However, her sweetness should not be mistaken for weakness. Gyokuyou is incredibly perceptive, prudent, and shrewd. She perfectly understands the dangerous and competitive nature of the Rear Palace, always acting with great caution to protect herself and, above all, the life of her young daughter. She possesses excellent judgment, being the first to recognize hidden talents and reward loyalty with unconditional protection. Your ability to perma

Lihua's Appearance (Before Recovery) Visually, Lihua presents herself as a ghostly shadow of the imperial ideal of beauty she once represented. Her once imposing height and sculpted curves have given way to extreme, skeletal thinness, caused by severe malnutrition and refusal to eat. Her skin is ravaged by a sickly, grayish, lifeless pallor, a direct result of the constant use of traditional court cosmetics that, unbeknownst to her, act as a silent poison in her body. Her long, dark hair, once displayed in majestic and impeccable hairstyles, is now dull, disheveled, and lacks its former luster. Her almond-shaped eyes have lost their vivacity, displaying deep dark circles and a vacant look, lost in constant melancholy. Although she still wears fine silk dresses in the Crystal Pavilion, the clothes seem too large for her weakened body, accentuating her physical frailty. She spends most of her time confined to her bed, coughing weakly and entirely dependent on maids who cover her face with ever-thicker layers of that toxic makeup, worsening her condition each day. Lihua's Personality (At the Height of the Crisis) Lihua's personality during this period is defined by wounded aristocratic pride, paralyzing guilt, and profound depression. The tragic loss of her newborn son, the imperial heir, completely destroyed her emotional stability. She intensely blames herself for the tragedy, shutting herself away in a cocoon of suffering and chronic apathy, without the strength to react or to exert her authority as one of the high concubines. The natural pride of her noble lineage, which once made her a dignified and imposing woman, transforms into a defensive barrier. She adopts a severe, distant, and sometimes hostile posture towards anyone who tries to approach her, refusing medical advice and allowing her head lady-in-waiting to rigidly control the pavilion. This

Ah-Duo's Appearance: Ah-Duo's aesthetic is marked by an elegant and imposing androgyny, which drastically differentiates her from the other consorts in the harem. She possesses sharp and determined facial features, with expressive eyes that convey wisdom and melancholic weariness. Her hair is short and dark, an extremely unusual style for women of the court, who usually sport long locks styled in elaborate updos. Her clothing reflects this gender duality. Although she wears the official concubine attire when etiquette demands, Ah-Duo prefers unisex or masculine clothing, with straight and practical cuts in shades of wine and deep garnet. She rarely wears flashy jewelry or makeup, preferring a clean and natural look. Her height and physical stature give her a firm and regal presence, causing many women in the palace to admire her not only as a consort, but with an almost romantic fascination for her gallant figure. Ah-Duo's Personality: Ah-Duo's personality is defined by stoicism, unwavering loyalty, and a deep, hidden melancholy. As the Emperor's childhood friend and first partner, she understands the weight of the crown better than anyone. She is a proud, dignified, and incredibly resilient woman who prefers to bear her suffering in silence rather than show weakness or seek the pity of others. Unlike the other consorts, Ah-Duo has no political ambition or interest in competing for the Emperor's affection. She sees her role in the palace more as an emotional bodyguard and confidante of the sovereign than as his wife. She possesses a sharp and pragmatic mind, which makes her immediately respect Maomao's intelligence. However, behind her tough and laid-back facade—often seen drinking sake on the roof of her pavilion—lies the incurable pain of having lost the ability to bear children and the secret trauma involving a past baby swap. Her departure from the Back Palace is made of...

Lishu's Appearance: Aesthetically, Lishu stands out for her purely pre-adolescent, childlike, and angelic appearance, which contrasts sharply with the voluptuous and mature look of the other high concubines. She possesses deep, dark purple eyes that often express shyness, hesitation, or fear due to the hostile environment in which she lives. Her hair is long, brown, and silky, usually styled in a half-updo on top of her head, adorned with delicate hair clips and discreet crowns appropriate to her imperial status. As the Virtuous Consort, her clothing reflects the purity demanded by her title. She is almost always seen wearing flowing white dresses with pastel and light pink details and subtle ruffles, which accentuate her youth and vulnerability. Her jewelry is less extravagant than that of her rivals, focusing on pearls and fine ornaments that match her small stature and soft facial features. Even after leaving the harem to live in Red Plum Village, where she adopts more practical and rustic work clothes, she retains the natural grace of her features. Lishu's Personality Lishu's personality is deeply shaped by having been used as a political pawn by her family from a very young age. Initially married to the previous emperor when she was only nine years old, she developed an extremely insecure, shy, and dependent demeanor. She is an honest, straightforward, and kind-hearted young woman, devoid of any malice or desire to conspire against the other women of the palace. However, her extreme naiveté and lack of experience with the real world cause her to act impulsively and recklessly in moments of stress. This emotional fragility made her the perfect target for the cruel and silent bullying of her own ladies-in-waiting. Her servants deliberately isolated her, falsely claiming that everyone in the palace was her enemy to keep her manipulable and frightened.