What is the Chu-shi Incident in “The Apothecary Diaries”? The Reasons Behind Jinshi Being Targeted and the True Identity of the Culprit

The Nakami Incident is a pivotal event within “The Apothecary Diaries”, marked by the use of clever tricks that put Jinshi in peril. Furthermore, it significantly influences the dynamics between Mao Mao and other characters such as Jinshi and Sui Lin. This section will delve into the nature of the Nakami Incident. What exactly transpired? We’ll explore the reasons behind Jinshi being targeted and unravel the true identity of the culprit.

What is the Nakami Incident in “The Apothecary Diaries”?

Overview of “The Apothecary Diaries”

The Nakami Incident in “The Apothecary Diaries” refers to a crucial festival depicted within the story, during which a significant event occurs. Before delving into the specifics of why Jinshi was targeted and the identity of the culprit behind the Nakami Incident, let’s summarize the overview of “The Apothecary Diaries”. This fantasy mystery story is set in the fictional, Chinese-style country of Li, focusing on the protagonist Mao Mao, who is knowledgeable in pharmacology, as she solves mysterious cases.

“The Apothecary Diaries” is a light novel series by Natsu Hyuuga, which began serialization on the web novel platform “Shousetsuka ni Narou” in October 2011. The series gained popularity among readers and was later published as books under the “Harem Arc” by Shufu to Seikatsusha.

The popular light novel “The Apothecary Diaries” has been adapted into manga by different authors in both Big Gangan and Monthly Sunday Gene-X magazines. Additionally, as of October 22, 2023, an anime adaptation has been broadcasting on the Nippon TV network.

Synopsis of “The Apothecary Diaries”

Introducing the synopsis of “The Apothecary Diaries”. The protagonist of “The Apothecary Diaries”, Mao Mao, lived as an apothecary with her father. However, one day, she was kidnapped and sold to the inner palace. Despite being a skilled practitioner with extensive knowledge of pharmacology, Mao Mao chooses to act inconspicuously and pretend to be incompetent within the palace. Her life takes a turn when she solves the mystery behind a princess’s illness, catching the attention of Jinshi. From that point on, Mao Mao, alongside Jinshi, starts unraveling various mysteries.

Analyzing the Incident during the Chu-shi in “The Apothecary Diaries”

What is Chu-shi?

In “The Apothecary Diaries”, a shocking incident targeting Jinshi is depicted during the Chu-shi. Chu-shi refers to one of three divisions of state-conducted rituals, involving a three-day period of purification before the ceremony. In the depiction of Chu-shi within the series, Jinshi is seen offering prayers under a large hanging pillar.

The Incident at Chu-shi

The incident during Chu-shi in “The Apothecary Diaries” involves an assassination attempt on Jinshi. Officially, Jinshi holds the position of a eunuch; however, he is actually the emperor’s son and the First Prince. Despite his concealed identity, during the Chu-shi while he was praying, someone rigged the overhead pillar to fall in an attempt to kill him. Mao Mao, sensing the danger, managed to save Jinshi, preventing his death.

The incident is suspected to have been orchestrated by someone aware of Jinshi’s true identity as the First Prince. Though he masquerades as a eunuch, Jinshi, being the first in line for the throne, is a significant figure. The perpetrator aimed to kill Jinshi to advance their family’s prosperity.

“The Apothecary Diaries” has depicted various incidents leading up to the Chu-shi event, serving as foreshadowing. In a past warehouse fire incident, amidst the chaos, ritual tools were stolen from another warehouse. Additionally, the warehouse manager died from poisoning or excessive salt intake, indicating that several measures were taken to ensure the success of the Chu-shi incident.

H2: The Reason Jinshi Was Targeted and the True Identity of the Culprit During the Chu-shi in “The Apothecary Diaries”

The Culprit of the Incident at Chu-shi was Suirei

In “The Apothecary Diaries”, the culprit behind the incident during the Chu-shi is revealed to be Suirei. Suirei is a mysterious character who has appeared in various episodes of the series. Indications that a “tall woman” was involved in each incident suggested that Suirei could be the perpetrator. Suirei is known to be as knowledgeable in pharmacology as the protagonist, Mao Mao, if not more so. Additionally, being closely acquainted with the medical officer, Suirei had easy access to the drugs used in the scheme.

During the incident at Chu-shi, the pillar above Jinshi, who was praying, was rigged to fall. The wire holding the pillar aloft was tampered with to ensure that the heated fitting would melt, causing the pillar to drop. Various past incidents are believed to have involved Suirei as the culprit, and Mao Mao, suspecting something would occur at Chu-shi as well, manages to save Jinshi.

Investigations confirmed Suirei as the culprit of the Chu-shi incident, leading to Suirei being cornered. However, by the time the crime was exposed, Suirei had already committed suicide. It seemed the case of the Chu-shi incident was closed with the culprit’s death, but it was later discovered that Suirei had concocted a drug capable of inducing a state of suspended animation, using it to fake her own death. Although Suirei’s attempt at the Chu-shi incident failed, she managed to escape by faking her suicide and later returned to the imperial harem.

The Reason and Motive Behind Jinshi Being Targeted at Chu-shi

「薬屋のひとりごと」１～5巻まで
電子書籍版で一気読みしますた。
架空の中国舞台でしょうか。
薬屋小猫の事件簿って感じで面白かったです。
昔、読んだ後宮小説を思い出したなあ。
続きは今月出るらしいので楽しみですな。 pic.twitter.com/dP9BLLLTo6

— らんぞう🇺🇦 (@Ranzomsg) February 4, 2020

In “The Apothecary Diaries” during the Chu-shi, Jinshi, who was supposed to be living as a eunuch, was targeted for assassination. The culprit was revealed to be the astute pharmacologist Suirei. It was discovered that Suirei committed the act under the direction of the Zi clan, aware that Jinshi was the first prince. The culprit of the Chu-shi incident, Suirei, is the daughter of Zi Chang, making her a half-sister to Luo Lan, a high-ranking concubine, who is Zi Chang and Shen Mei’s daughter.

Suirei was oppressed by Shen Mei and was positioned as a subordinate within the Zi clan. It is believed that Suirei harbored resentment towards the regime and was acting under orders from Shen Mei, who was plotting a coup. The assassination of Jinshi was intended to facilitate the coup, making it easier to overthrow the current government.

Summary of the Chu-shi Incident in “The Apothecary Diaries”

In this section, we have summarized the Chu-shi incident from “The Apothecary Diaries.” Chu-shi refers to one of the actual ceremonies, and during the Chu-shi in “The Apothecary Diaries,” Jinshi’s life was targeted. The protagonist, Maomao, saves Jinshi, but the episode is crucial as Jinshi, who is supposed to be hiding his identity, is targeted. The culprit behind the Chu-shi incident is the mysterious woman Suirei, proficient in pharmacology, who fakes her own death to escape.

The Chu-shi incident suggests that the Zi clan aimed to assassinate Jinshi, the first prince, to facilitate a coup more easily. Be sure to check out “The Apothecary Diaries” and pay attention to the significant turning point of the Chu-shi incident.