Apothecary Diaries kind of gripped my attention with its intrigue, "cases", quirky protagonist, and conspiracies. However, sometimes a little knowledge is a bad thing. i've seen the general direction the series is likely to go through recaps of the light novels - i'm out. As far as i'm concerned, it ends at the end of anime season 2 (Light Novel 4).
Sure, there may be a few interesting episodes - like Maomao debunking every magic trick at a "magic show", but there is not the same narrative pull there was in the first two seasons.
That being said, this is how it ends for me. No use seeing how the author wants to end it. See below...
My Cannon Ending (super mega unrealistically happy):
* The Madam admits to Fengxian's parentage, acknowledges Maomao as her grandchild. In an unprecedented move, she tells Maomao that she loves her, is proud of her, and has always tried to look out for her. Both the Madam and Maomao embrace then cry.
* Jinshi relinquishes any claim to succession (the throne)
* Maomao and Jinshi are married and move to Ah-Dou's place. They are untethered by court politics.
* Ah-Duo becomes the mother figure the Maomao has been missing most of her life
* Lishu moves in and becomes a younger sister to Maomao (until she gets married and moves out)
* Maomao and Jinshi have 3 children - 2 girls and a boy.
- Their first child (a daughter) becomes a consort to Gyokuyou's/Emperor's son
- Their son becomes a military strategist under the tutelage of Lakan. Lakan can see his face.
- Their second daughter decides to become a courtesan - and becomes the Verdigris House's all time
leading earner, she eventually takes over the house.
* Though dedicated to her husband and children, Maomao works part time as an apothecary. When her children age she plies her doctor training.
At least the month is ending. Hello new data cap, less of this type of post.
