The Apothecary Diaries

In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there. Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That's her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao's façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor's favorite consort... so she can taste the lady's food for poison! (Source: J-Novel Club)

The story of “The Apothecary Diaries” from Xiaolan’s perspective. *Source: Manga UP! Global*

The size of a city, a legion of women, reserved solely for the Emperor—this is the Inner Palace. Into it is thrown Maomao, an apothecary who was kidnapped and sold into service. Now, she has to survive working as a maidservant… but all is not well in Paradise. The emperor’s children are dying one after the other under mysterious circumstances. Is it really a curse as the rumours say? A certain apothecary might just have the answer… but will they even take her seriously? *Source: Shogakukan Asia, Vol. 1*