Jinshi
A main character in The Apothecary Diaries, Jinshi initially appears as an influential eunuch overseeing the Imperial rear palace. Renowned for his celestial beauty, he manages harem affairs while relying on Maomao's sharp intellect and medical expertise to resolve various mysteries and incidents within the court.
Overview
A main character in The Apothecary Diaries, Jinshi initially appears as an influential eunuch overseeing the Imperial rear palace. Renowned for his celestial beauty, he manages harem affairs while relying on Maomao's sharp intellect and medical expertise to resolve various mysteries and incidents within the court.
Appearance
Jinshi possesses a celestial appearance with long hair ranging from black to deep purple, typically styled with parted bangs and tied in a covered bun at the back. He has purple eyes and a well-proportioned, muscular build that contrasts with his delicate facial features. He wears traditional Chinese-style robes with long sleeves, and later acquires a noticeable scar along the side of his cheek.
Personality
Behind his flamboyant and seductive public persona, Jinshi's true character is earnest, hardworking, and exceptionally serious. He holds a self-critical view of his own accomplishments in both academics and martial arts, viewing his famed beauty merely as a functional tool. Unaccustomed to being treated without flattery, he grows intensely attached to Maomao, whose total disinterest and harsh looks intrigue him, bringing out a more honest, stubborn, and at times childish side of his personality.
Abilities
Jinshi is highly capable at managing massive amounts of administrative paperwork in the outer court. Despite his delicate appearance, he continuously trains in martial arts and possesses strong physical endurance, once swimming across a pond while fully clothed in heavy, luxurious attire to secretly slip away. He is adept at leveraging his striking features and captivating voice for diplomatic performance, and uses practical or underhanded tactics when necessary to achieve results.
Background
His true identity is Ka Zuigetsu, officially known as the Emperor's younger brother. To root out treasonous factions against the throne and maintain order within the rear palace, he disguised himself as a eunuch named Jinshi using medication to suppress his desires. Concealing his real age and nobility, he operates behind the scenes to avoid imperial succession intrigue, eventually drawing Maomao into the complex political plotlines surrounding the court and his true lineage.
Relationships
He relies heavily on Maomao for her analytical skills, gradually developing a deep romantic devotion toward her. Gaoshun serves as his faithful attendant who manages his daily operations and offers stern guidance, while Suiren acts as a protective nurse figure. He maintains a complex, delicate relationship with the Emperor and Consort Ah-Duo due to hidden family bloodlines, cooperates with Consort Gyokuyou, and faces friction with the high-ranking military official Lakan.
Trivia
His dynamic with Maomao draws inspiration from the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, though inverted in terms of social status with Jinshi holding higher authority. Early narrative concepts contemplated a path where he might have become an actual eunuch depending on the story's reception.
