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!
The Apothecary Diaries It is also Known as: 薬屋のひとりごと, The Pharmacist's Monologue
Genres: Drama , Mystery , Historical , China , Romance , Maid , Detective , Seinen , Slice of Life
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Top 5 Light Novel Like The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) [2026 List]
5. Ren Jiang
Ren Jiang are able to extract bones, modify tissue, and remodel the body. They can heal illnesses or create chaos. Cheng Shan has this unique ability and leaves home at the age of 16 to venture into the city.
(Source:MU)
Ren Jiang has finished publishing and it has 24 Chapters. It is also Known as: Ren Jiang
4. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou
In the imperial court, a young woman is put into servitude, Maomao. The tale is just beginning for the woman doctor/pharmacist from the red-light district, as rumors circulate about the emperor's children's lives being short-lived. Her curious nature and thirst for knowledge pushes her to action. To satisfy her curiosity, this young doctor/pharmacist will investigate the origin! What is shifting in the imperial court..!?
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 薬屋のひとりごと 猫猫の後宮謎解き手帳, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou
3. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
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!
The Apothecary Diaries is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 薬屋のひとりごと, The Pharmacist's Monologue
2. Kowloon Generic Romance
Welcome to Kowloon Walled City: a dystopian townscape where the people are brimming with nostalgia, and where the past, present, and future converge. Amid the hidden emotions and extraordinary daily lives of the men and women working in its confines, a tale of romance begins to unfold for real estate agent Reiko Kujirai—one that feels as familiar as Kowloon itself…
Note:
- Nominated for the 14th Manga Taisho Award in 2021.
- Nominated for the 6th Tsugimanga Award in the Print Manga Category in 2020.
Kowloon Generic Romance is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 九龍ジェネリックロマンス, Kyuuryuu Generic Romance, Kūron Generic Romance
1. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
In the imperial court, a young woman is put into servitude, Maomao. The tale is just beginning for the woman doctor/pharmacist from the red-light district, as rumors circulate about the emperor's children's lives being short-lived. Her curious nature and thirst for knowledge pushes her to action. To satisfy her curiosity, this young doctor/pharmacist will investigate the origin! What is shifting in the imperial court..!?
The Apothecary Diaries is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 薬屋のひとりごと, The Pharmacist's Monologue, The Pharmacist's Soliloquies, Drugstore Soliloquy
