Lakan

Overview

Lakan is a major supporting character in The Apothecary Diaries. Holding the prestigious military rank of Taii, he serves as the head of the influential Ra family within the Li empire. Possessing brilliant tactical insight and sharp observational skills, he rose to the top of the military hierarchy purely on merit without allying with any political faction. Despite his formidable intellect, his eccentric behavior and unpredictable conduct have earned him the nickname of the eccentric strategist throughout the imperial court. Beneath his cold, calculating exterior lies a deeply devoted man who harbors intense affection for his biological daughter, Maomao, and his late beloved, Fengxian.

Appearance

Lakan is distinguished by his sharp, fox-like eyes and a single monocle worn over one eye. He has short hair colored black or grey, accompanied by a trimmed mustache and light facial hair. His attire consists of traditional dark clothing, notably a long black robe. His overall appearance gives off a mysterious and somewhat untrustworthy aura.

Personality

Lakan is an eccentric and enigmatic individual who often avoids dealing with troubles directly, preferring to shift burdensome tasks onto others without explanation. He can be ruthless and cold toward political rivals or abusive relatives, showing no hesitation in ruining those who oppose him. Conversely, he is intensely loyal and protective toward the women he loves. He harbors an overwhelming, doting affection for his daughter, Maomao, though his clumsy attempts at intimacy only earn her severe disgust. He is also highly suspicious and petty toward any men who attempt to get close to her.

Abilities

Lakan suffers from prosopagnosia, perceiving human faces as inanimate Go stones or game pieces, with the sole exceptions of Fengxian and Maomao. Guided by his uncle Luomen, he learned to identify individuals by analyzing their build, gestures, and vocal tones. This acute observational ability enables him to effortlessly detect lies through subtle physical cues like sweat or shifting eyes. A master of board games, he is virtually undefeated in Shogi and ranks among the top players in Go. He translates these strategic principles directly into military command and talent recruitment.

Background

Born into the scholarly Ra family, Lakan was mistreated by his father due to his inability to recognize faces. In his youth, he met the skilled courtesan Fengxian at Verdigris House, bonding with her over board games. However, after being forced away from the capital for three years due to political turmoil involving his uncle Luomen, he returned to find Fengxian missing and believed to be dead alongside their newborn child. Refusing to lose hope, he persistently searched the pleasure district until he discovered his young daughter, Maomao. To protect Maomao and Luomen from family-wide ruin, he ousted his corrupt father and brother, seizing control of the Ra clan and rising to top military power through sheer talent. Years later, he miraculously reunited with a terminally ill Fengxian, buying her out to spend her final days together.

Relationships

Lakan is hopelessly overprotective of his biological daughter, Maomao, though she holds extreme resentment toward him. His late wife, Fengxian, was his truest love and the first person whose face he could see clearly. He holds deep respect for his uncle, Luomen, who guided him during his youth. Conversely, he harbors a strong antipathy toward Jinshi due to his closeness to Maomao, retaliating by dumping enormous workloads on him. He relies on his adopted son, Lahan, to manage the clan's financial affairs, and keeps Rikuson as a trusted direct subordinate.

Trivia

Lakan is completely unable to handle alcohol and habitually carries sweet fruit juice with him wherever he goes. He has a massive sweet tooth and dislikes spicy food, a weakness once exploited by a rival Go player who served spicy dim sum to disrupt his concentration. Following the death of his wife, Fengxian, Lakan compiled and published a record of all the Go and Shogi matches they played together. Interpreted by the public as an emotional epic of pure love, this publication triggered a massive nationwide craze for board games across the Li empire.