NOW IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME: Discover the popular Japanese light novel that inspired the fan-favorite Apothecary Diaries manga and anime!

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself at the heart of imperial intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery.

Maomao leads an unassuming life with her apothecary father, but kidnappers whisk her away to a world of consorts and serving women in the empire’s rear palace. Sold into imperial servitude, the girl keeps her quick wit, sharp mind, and medical knowledge a secret. But the head eunuch, Jinshi, shatters Maomao’s low profile when she catches his eye. He perceives her true skills and makes her a lady-in-waiting to the rear palace’s top consort. Can Maomao quietly pass her term as her lady’s food tester, or will observational prowess and curiosity push her into danger as she uncovers turmoil at court?

This first installment in an ongoing light novel series starring an unforgettable female apothecary blends historical mystery and palace intrigue with a dash of romance—inspiring the popular The Apothecary Diaries manga anime adaptations!

Series Overview: As Maomao breaks a “curse” on the imperial heirs, the palace servant with training in herbal medicine gets promoted up the ranks to food taster. How could an apothecary’s daughter become a lady-in-waiting to a palace consort?! Despite humble beginnings, she holds her own amid the political schemes of the rear palace!