❥★Pharmacist's Monologue ★☙

Mao Mao is the main character of the anime and manga series The Pharmacist's Monologue (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto).

Who is she? Mao Mao is a girl sold to the palace as a servant. Thanks to her deep knowledge of pharmaceuticals and poisons, she quickly finds herself at the center of palace intrigue.

Appearance and age At the beginning of the story she is about 17 years old (later becomes 18). Height: about 153 cm. She has freckles and her look is completed by traditional kimono-like outfits. Sometimes she is called Xiao Mao ("little kitten") - a nickname that emphasizes her observation skills and "cat-like" agility. Character Intelligent and observant: easily notices small details that others miss. Pragmatic and cold-blooded: she doesn’t get lost even in dangerous situations and works calmly with poisons. Inquisitive: she is drawn to experiments, which is why those around her sometimes worry about her. He doesn’t like unnecessary pathos: he prefers action to words and doesn’t strive for recognition. Skills and role in the plot He understands medicines and poisons: he can determine the composition, dosage and consequences. Checks food and cosmetics for concubine Gekue - this saves lives and exposes conspiracies. Investigates events in the palace: essentially, she is like a detective who solves mysteries using science. She owes her knowledge to her adoptive father, the experienced pharmacist Luomen Han.

Jinshi (壬氏) is one of the main characters in the anime and manga series The Pharmacist's Monologue (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto).

Who is he? Formally, Renshi is listed as a eunuch and "harem duty officer"—responsible for maintaining order in the Inner Palace and overseeing the maids and concubines. But in reality, his status is much higher: there are strong hints that he is a member of the imperial family (possibly the emperor's son or brother). Because of this, many palace secrets revolve around his identity.

Appearance Height: about 181 cm. Hair: long, dark purple. Eyes: pink-lilac or obsidian (depending on the drawing). Facial features: thin, graceful; because of this, he is often called “incredibly handsome”, almost “feminine”. Image: Expensive, neat outfits that emphasize his high status; overall, he looks as if beauty is also a tool of influence. Character Renshi can appear light and playful, but behind this lies a sharp mind and the ability to calculate intrigues:

Playful and provocative. He loves to tease Maomao and watch her reactions—her composure genuinely amuses him. Insightful. He notices small details, quickly deciphers people's motives, and is well-versed in palace politics. Control and curiosity. He needs to know what's going on in the harem, who's loyal to whom, where the conspiracies are brewing. Vulnerability. Despite his self-confidence, he struggles with the feeling of being underestimated and tries to prove his worth. Maomao jokingly calls him a "peacock" - this well captures the combination of ostentatious beauty and hidden seriousness.

Role in the plot Renshi effectively becomes a "bridge" between Maomao and the palace's most dangerous secrets:

He is the first to notice her unusual knowledge of poisons and medicines and begins to involve her in investigations. Gives her access to resources and information that a regular maid wouldn't have. Gradually, their relationship becomes more than just work-related: he is genuinely interested in her as a person who does not succumb to his charm and status.

Gyokuyo is a character in the anime and manga The Pharmacist's Monologue (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto).

Who is she? Gyokuyo (玉葉) is the "precious consort" (guifei), the emperor's favorite, and later becomes empress. She resides in the Jade Hall. She is one of the key figures in the Inner Palace and an important ally of the protagonist, Maomao.

Appearance Hair: Long, salmon-colored (pink-peach), usually worn in a bun with one thick strand framing the right side of the face. Eyes: jade green. Clothing style: outfits in red, pink, apricot-orange tones, often with a turquoise cape and jewelry - this emphasizes her "elemental element" (fire) and status. Character Gyokuyo combines several facets at once:

Wisdom and pragmatism. She understands palace intrigues perfectly, knows how to navigate the interests of different parties, and protect her position. Kind and caring. She treats her maids warmly and fairly, and they are truly devoted to her. Mischievous and playful. She loves to gossip, play with children, and tease the servants—she has a lively, human side that contrasts with the strict rules of the palace. Political acumen. Gyokuyo grew up in a merchant family and is well-versed in trade and finance: she uses her influence to help her family and gather information about the country's affairs. Role in the plot A significant twist connecting Gyokuyo and Maomao: Gyokuyo nearly lost her daughter to a poisonous powder used in the harem. Maomao secretly warned her of the danger, and thanks to this, the child survived. In gratitude, Gyokuyo took Maomao on as her personal servant—and this gave the protagonist access to the most secret corners of the palace and serious investigations.

Who is Lishu? Lishu, the Emperor's "Virtuous Consort," is the youngest of the concubines. She hails from a noble clan and was brought into the palace as a child, effectively serving as the family's political pawn.

Character and position Naive and a little spoiled, Lishu's youth and isolation make her poorly understood palace intrigues and easily influenced. Vulnerable. Even her own maids bully her, but she doesn't always realize she's being manipulated. Kind and sincere. She's not malicious; she just doesn't know how to defend herself in the harsh environment of the harem. Important details and plot points Bond with Aaduo. The only one who truly protects and supports Lishu is Aaduo: she treats the girl almost like a mother, and Lishu is very attached to her. Allergies. Lishu has a severe allergy to fish (specifically mackerel and abalone)—this fact is even used as evidence of her relationship with her father. Life outside the palace. Later, Lishu leaves the harem and goes to the village of Red Plum. There, she reveals a new side: she learns to raise ducks, engages in simple chores, and feels free for the first time. This storyline shows her maturation and self-reliance. Relationship with Basen. In the village, Lishu becomes Bas's mentor.

Lihua is a character in the anime and manga The Pharmacist's Monologue (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto).

Who is she? Lihua (also known as Rifa) is the emperor's concubine, holding the title of "Wise Consort." She is 23 years old, comes from an influential family, and lives in the Crystal Villa, surrounded by numerous servants.

Character and image On the outside, Lihua appears cold, proud, and arrogant—she's well aware of her status and carries herself with dignity. But deep down, she's kind and caring, especially toward those who serve her.

Important plot points Tragedy with her son. Lihua ignored Mao Mao's warning about poisoned powder—as a result, her firstborn died, and she herself became gravely ill. Recovery. Thanks to Mao Mao's intervention and knowledge, Lihua was saved. Afterward, she began to trust the protagonist much more. Lihua was later able to give birth to a healthy son.

Aaduo ("Pure Friend"). The eldest of the concubines, she stood by the emperor's side for many years, practically acting as a wise advisor. She lost her child in childbirth and remained barren, but retained her influence. She treats Lishu almost like a mother and is protective of her.

Xiaolan. An energetic servant who loves gossip and is constantly sharing court news. She's very emotional, can't read, but is sincere and kind.