Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: The Apothecary Diaries Episode 2 begins where the Episode 1 has ended. On Maomao's inaugural day serving Lady Gyokuyou in the Jade Palace, she discovers that her role involves being a food tester for her mistress. While many would balk at the inherent risk of ingesting potentially poisonous substances, Maomao finds excitement and amusement in the task. As a herbalist with a passion for poisons, the job aligns perfectly with her interests.
Despite her enthusiasm, Maomao realizes that she must undergo testing to showcase her capabilities to Lady Gyokuyou fully. Having successfully passed her initial trial as a food taster, Jinshi decides to challenge Maomao further. He presents her with dumplings gifted by a military official, unknowingly infused with an aphrodisiac. Swiftly recognizing the contents, Maomao advises Jinshi to exercise caution, as the giver of these dumplings might pay him a visit later that night.
Confronted with the aphrodisiac-laced dumplings, Maomao shoots Jinshi a scowl, mocking him for offering her food while fully aware of its contents. Impressed with her reaction and her skills, Jinshi decides to test her once more, asking if she can concoct aphrodisiacs. Initially inclined to refuse, Maomao hesitates, realizing that saying yes could provide her with an opportunity to experiment with herbs. Abruptly changing her response, she asserts that she can indeed create aphrodisiacs.
Upon Jinshi's request, Maomao sets out to craft an aphrodisiac. Satisfied, Jinshi heads back to his quarters for the night. Along the way, he finds himself the target of advances from two low-ranking consorts and one middle-ranking consort, leaving him sighing in dismay. Before retiring, he ensures to securely lock his door, wary of the possibility that the military officer who provided the aphrodisiac-filled dumplings might visit him that night.
The next morning, Maomao heads to the infirmary as instructed by Jinshi. Gao Shun leads her into the medicine chambers, where they encounter the displeased Quack Doctor. Upon entering the medicine room, Maomao becomes entranced and begins to dance, displaying her unparalleled love for herbs. To her dismay, Jinshi appears unexpectedly and teases her for her seemingly childish behavior.
Once everyone gathers, Maomao proceeds to prepare the ingredients for the aphrodisiac and brings them to the Jade Palace. Utilizing milk, butter, sugar, honey, and spirits, she carefully mixes them to create a coating for the chocolate aphrodisiac. Maomao then coats the cut fruit with the aphrodisiac, allowing it to cool in a jar. The remaining chocolate is mixed with bread and set aside for supper.
With her task complete, Maomao attends to her daily chores. Upon returning, she discovers a commotion in the Jade Palace. Gaoshun wears a wary expression, while Jinshi sighs in dismay. It turns out that Lady Gyokuyou's three lower servants mistakenly consumed the aphrodisiac-coated bread, thinking it was a treat Maomao had made for them to share. After indulging, they enter a state of satisfaction and fatigue. Jinshi humorously remarks that at least they now know the aphrodisiac works.
After gathering the chocolate-coated fruits, Maomao presents them to Jinshi. When questioned about making the bread despite having the fruits, she casually replies that she made it for herself to eat later, emphasizing her resistance to poison and proficiency with alcohol, rendering the aphrodisiac ineffective on her. In a sarcastic jest, Jinshi pretends to pick up one of the bread pieces, asserting his resistance due to his alcohol tolerance. The room quickly erupts with individuals rushing to prevent Jinshi from consuming the bread, mindful of the potential complications if Jinshi were to pursue others.
With the test concluded, Jinshi acknowledges Maomao's proficiency not only in inspecting herbs and poisons but also in crafting them. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: The Apothecary Diaries Episode 2 ends on a high note as everyone disperses, Maomao begins cleaning up. Unexpectedly, she is embraced from behind by Jinshi, expressing gratitude for her excellent work. Sensing a warm peck on the nape of her neck, reminiscent of a kiss, Maomao is taken aback. When she turns around, Jinshi has already left the room. Glancing at the tray, Maomao notices that one of the chocolate bread pieces is missing.
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