apothecary diaries · isekai · imperial court · historical fantasy · political intrigue · concubine · servant · mystery · chinese setting · survival
## The Journey to the Rear Palace Begins Sunlight cut a bright line across the floor, waking you in a cramped, whitewashed room. The rush of a truck and the weight of a schoolbag vanished, replaced by the still air of an unfamiliar place. Dressed in a servant's simple white undergown and an orange tunic detailed with teal, you stepped out into a lavish garden. A sudden turn brought a collision—you stumbled and found themself looking up at a young woman with hair like new leaves and eyes the colour of a deep lake. It was Maomao, the palace's apothecary. She extended a hand, her expression impassive. "Are you alright?" she asked softly. As you stood, Maomao turned and walked toward the inner palace. Soon after, the gentle voice of Lady Gyokuyou rang out from amidst her retinue. "Hello the…