Lady Lishu

The Inner Palace was extremely strictly organized: a simple stroll outside its confines or a short visit to family were practically impossible for ordinary maids. No one could go out "for the weekend" or simply to get some fresh air in the city—security and privacy regulations were protected at the state level. However, there were a few rare exceptions when a maid could temporarily leave the palace: 1. Official assignments and purchases: High-ranking maids or confidants of concubines could receive a special temporary pass (token) to go into the city on pavilion business. For example, to purchase rare fabrics, special medicines, or delicacies not available on the domestic market. 2. Escorting the mistress: If a concubine received permission to temporarily leave the palace (for example, to visit a seriously ill high-ranking relative or to go to a country estate), she took an entourage with her. For maids, this was a rare chance to see the world beyond the palace walls. 3. Winter Holidays and Festivals (for the Upper Class)Maidservants of noble birth (daughters of officials, as in the Lishu Pavilion) could receive a short leave of a few days during major national holidays or the New Year to visit their families. However, this required the personal approval of the palace leadership and the execution of strict paperwork. Ordinary servants from poor families (like Xiaolan) were not entitled to such leave. 4. Emergencies (Mourning)If a servant had a close relative (parents) who died, she might, in exceptional cases, be allowed to attend the funeral for a strictly limited time, after which she was obliged to return under threat of severe punishment.

🍂 Shin (Xing) — Head Maid and Traitor. Lihua's only maid whose name is clearly mentioned in the story, and her greatest personal tragedy. Who she is: Lihua's paternal cousin, appointed head of all servants at the Crystal Pavilion. Personality: Envious, cunning, and ambitious. Taking advantage of her high status as a relative, she secretly abused her power to Lihua's detriment. Crime: When Lihua became pregnant again by the Emperor, Shin decided to deprive her of an heir. She smuggled contraband perfume containing abortifacients into the Inner Court to render Lihua sterile. Ending: Shin's plot was uncovered. She was disgracefully stripped of her position and banished from the Inner Court. Lihua, usually gentle with her retinue, was so offended by this betrayal of blood that she considered a simple exile too lenient and personally dealt Shin a severe blow.

The maids of Concubine Lihua (Wise Consort) in the Crystal Pavilion are radically different from those of Lishu. Unlike Lishu's retinue, Lihua's maids are incredibly loyal, faithful, and ready to defend their mistress to the last. Lihua's pavilion staff is large (around 30 people), as she comes from an influential imperial family. However, in the plot, their collective character and fate are divided into two important components: 🎭 General Character and Behavior of the Retinue Overprotectiveness and Loyalty: They sincerely love Lihua and wish her success. However, their devotion was initially blind and foolish. Powder Mistake: It was the maids, without malicious intent, who continued to apply the poisonous lead powder to Lihua's face, which had previously killed her infant prince. They believed that a concubine should look "perfect and pale" in front of the emperor, and this almost drove her to the grave. Conflict with Maomao: When Maomao came to treat the dying Lihua, the maids greeted her with fierce hostility. They forbade Maomao from approaching their mistress, threw out her healthy food, and tried to drive the "impudent servant from the Jade Pavilion." Maomao had to use physical force (and the famous slap) to force them to submit. Redemption: Realizing that Maomao's methods saved Lihua's life, the maids repented, admitted their mistakes, and even gave Maomao an expensive silk dress as a token of gratitude. Lihua forgave them for their foolishness, knowing they acted out of love.

🌸 Kanan — Lishu's Only Faithful Servant Kanan is the former head maid and official food taster for Lishu. She is the only bright spot in the concubine's entourage at the beginning of the story. Appearance: A tall, attractive girl with long, wavy black hair, which she pins up with blue rose-shaped hairpins, and brown eyes. Personality and Role: Loyal, genuinely loving, and caring. She was the only one who didn't participate in bullying, tried to protect little Lishu, and treated her with respect. Tragedy: During an incident at the winter banquet, Kanan faithfully fulfilled her duty as a taster and ate poisoned soup intended for Lishu. She survived, but was severely poisoned and was forced to leave the Inner Palace to recover, leaving Lishu temporarily defenseless against the other maids.

👥 Main Group: The Abusive Maids The names of most of these girls are not detailed in the plot, as they appear as a single hostile group, but their actions and motivations are described very clearly: Who they are: Arrogant daughters of officials who themselves grew up in luxury and never learned to serve. Behavior and bullying: They systematically engaged in psychological abuse and bullying of Lishu. They isolated her from the other concubines, deceived her, made her feel guilty, and secretly mocked her (for example, by putting animal hair in her food, knowing that Lishu was afraid of cats). Poisoning incident: It was their negligence and hostility that almost cost Lishu her life when they forced her to eat fish at a banquet, knowing of her fatal allergy, and ignored the duties of tasters (then Maomao discovered the poison in the food instead of Lishu).

Lishu is one of the four high-ranking imperial concubines in "The Pharmacist's Monologue," holding the title of "Virtuous Consort" and residing in the Diamond Pavilion. She is a delicate, petite, and graceful girl who appears significantly younger than her age. Traits: She has long, chestnut-colored hair, which she often wears in a ponytail with loose curls on the sides, and violet-purple eyes. Style: She dresses in soft pastel outfits (mostly pink and white) and wears delicate floral jewelry, emphasizing her youth and innocence. Personality: Traits: She is incredibly kind, shy, gentle, and trusting. Behavior: Because she was sent to the palace as a child, Lishu is completely inept at plotting or understanding people. She is timid, often cries from fear, and lacks self-confidence. Problem: Due to her naivety and meek nature, Lishu was subjected to long-term covert bullying by her own maids, who manipulated her and isolated her from the other concubines until Maomao intervened. A Harsh Past: Lishu's fate has been harsh since childhood. At the age of nine, her father gave her as a concubine to the previous (now deceased) emperor, known for his morbid predilection for young girls. After his death, she entered a convent. She was later returned to the inner palace to the new, current emperor. This was done solely for her protection: the emperor and his former concubine Ado (who were friends with Lishu's late mother) took the girl in to save her from her father, who was planning to marry her off to another old and cruel official.

🌟 Meimei: The eldest, most experienced, and level-headed of the three. She is closest to Maomao and often acts like her older sister. Appearance: A classic, mature beauty with soft features. She wears elegant, discreet hairstyles and traditional attire that emphasize her status. Personality: Intelligent, calm, insightful, and very loyal. Of the three princesses, she is the best at board games (Go, shogi) and maintains intelligent conversations with high-ranking guests.

🦋 Pairin (Pairin) The most popular, sensual, and passionate courtesan, who is literally obsessed with Maomao and loves her like a daughter (often smothering her in her embrace). Appearance: Possesses a striking, seductive beauty and a luxurious, curvaceous figure. Prefers bold, revealing outfits and bright makeup. Personality: Passionate, emotional, cheerful, and generous. Behind her flirtatious demeanor lies a deep concern for her loved ones. She is also an excellent dancer.

🌸 Joukin (Joushan / Joka) The youngest and proudest of the three princesses, she specializes in literature and poetry. Appearance: She possesses a refined, "cold," and aristocratic beauty. She has delicate features and a stern yet impeccable posture. Personality: Proud, slightly arrogant, and sharp-tongued. She dislikes men (she's a misandrist), but plays her role flawlessly for the sake of business. She is also incredibly talented in calligraphy and poetry.

Madam (Japanese: やり手婆, Yarite Babaa) is the manager of the Green House (courtesan house) in the anime and light novel "The Pharmacist's Monologue" (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), and also the adoptive grandmother of Maomao.Key facts about the characterRole: She manages the work of the courtesans in the Fun District, monitors order and is strict with subordinates, but cares for her girls (including the main beauties of the house - Pairin, Joukin and Meimei).Character: An energetic, pragmatic, businesslike and tenacious woman who is well versed in business and people.Connection with Maomao: She raised Maomao, although Maomao herself often treats her and the other inhabitants of the brothel with coolness, but acknowledges their influence.Origin: In the past, she was a courtesan in the same house.In the house At the Rokushokan (Green House), Madame employs three leading courtesans of the highest rank, known as the "Three Princesses" (Three Graces). Each has a unique appearance and personality.

Appearance: A middle-aged man, wears a monocle. His face is often pale and he has a strange, frightening smile. He exhibits signs of prosopagnosia (he can't distinguish people's faces, seeing them as chess pieces). Personality: Eccentric, a brilliant tactician, obsessed with Maomao. Ruthless to his enemies, but helpless before his daughter. Duties: Supreme military strategist of the empire. Manages the army and state planning.

Appearance: An elderly man with a kind face and deep wrinkles. He limps on one leg due to an old punishment. Personality: Gentle, infinitely wise, and patient. The ideal mentor. Duties: Herbalist in the Red Light District. Formerly a brilliant court physician who trained in the West.

Appearance: A plump, good-natured man in a doctor's uniform, often appears confused. Personality: Gentle, cowardly, kind. Easily panicked, he sincerely respects Maomao for her knowledge. Duties: Official court physician to the harem. In reality, he knows little other than how to brew simple teas.

Appearance: A young, powerfully built, muscular man with the open face of a military man. Personality: Honest, simple-minded, ambitious, but gullible. In love with one of the courtesans. Duties: Guard officer. Responsible for patrolling the territory and investigating incidents outside the harem.

Appearance: A tall, muscular middle-aged man with a thick, well-groomed beard and a commanding gaze. Personality: A strict ruler, but in his personal life, a passionate lover of beautiful women (especially those with curvaceous figures). Values ​​intelligence. Duties: Absolute ruler of the empire. Oversees state affairs, the courts, and the continuation of the family line.

Xiaolan. Appearance: A small, round-faced girl with her hair pulled back into two buns. A typical, plain servant girl. Personality: Naive, hyperactive, and friendly. The main source of rumors and gossip in the palace. Duties: A junior servant of the lowest rank. Performs menial tasks: cleaning, laundry, and carrying things.

Appearance: Constantly changing her look, makeup, and wigs, making her difficult to recognize. She has exotic facial features. Personality: Eccentric, unpredictable, and hides her true motives behind a mask of indifference. Duties: Concubine who took Ado's place. She is a pawn in her powerful father's political games.

Appearance: Tall, fit, prefers masculine clothing, wears short hair. Personality: Straightforward, noble, courageous. Has been friends with the emperor since childhood and is free of feminine envy. Occupation: Former high-ranking concubine ("Pure"). Managed her pavilion until her forced departure from the harem.

Appearance: A luxurious woman with dark hair and a languid gaze. Always dressed in seductive outfits, shrouded in a veil of incense. Personality: Secretive, melancholic, and wise. Seems lazy, but notices the smallest details. Duties: High-ranking concubine ("Garnet"). Responsible for aesthetics, receptions, and cultural evenings in her wing.

Appearance: A tall, stately woman with classic aristocratic beauty, pale skin, and a curvaceous figure. Personality: Proud and strict, yet vulnerable and honest. She grieved the loss of her child but was able to recover. Duties: High-ranking concubine ("Pear"). Responsible for representational functions and the management of her pavilion.

Appearance: She has fiery red hair, green eyes, and a warm, welcoming smile. Foreign origin. Personality: Smart, insightful, and cheerful. She loves to gossip and tease Maomao, but also knows how to be a tough politician. Duties: High-ranking palace concubine ("Jade"). She bore the emperor a daughter and a son and fights for influence.

Renshi (Hua Ruyue) Appearance: An incredibly handsome man with an androgynous, ethereal appearance, long hair, and a charming smile that charms everyone except Maomao. Personality: In public, he's gentle, polite, and flirtatious. Behind the scenes, he's calculating, capricious, and manipulative, but deeply devoted to his work. Duties: Chief Manager of the Inner Palace (harem), maintaining order. In reality, he conceals his status as a prince of the blood.

Appearance: Short, thin, with short dark green hair. She has artificial freckles on her face (as a disguise), and scars from snake bites and burns on her left arm. Personality: Pragmatic, secretive, and at times cynical. She has a fanatical passion for poisons, herbs, and self-experimentation. She is cold to advances. Duties: Officially, she is the servant and personal poison taster of Concubine Gyokuyo. Unofficially, she is a detective and forensic scientist in the palace.

💣Main characters:
Maomao is a young herbalist with a brilliant understanding of poisons.
Renshi (Jinxi) is an influential eunuch manager, real name - Hua Ruyue.
🎎The Emperor's Concubines (Harem):
Gyokuyo - jade concubine, favorite.
Lihua is a pear concubine, a former favorite.
Shuryo is a luxurious concubine.
Ado is a former high-ranking concubine. Loulan is Ado's "pure consort."
🕰Palace servants and officials:
Xiaolan is a cheerful servant friend.
Gaoshun is Renshi's loyal bodyguard.
The Emperor is the ruler and the biological father of Renshi.
Guen is the palace physician.
Rihaku is a young promising officer.
🪭The Lo Clan and the Red Light District (Copper House):
Luomen is Maomao's adoptive father and former chief physician.
Lohan (Lakan) is an eccentric strategist and Maomao's biological father.
Madam is a greedy but caring brothel owner.
Zicui is a mysterious and cheerful courtesan. And a couple more courtesans