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10 Facts You Need to Know About Your Favorite Poison Princess Maomao

The anime and manga world is full of fascinating characters, but few capture attention quite like Maomao from Apothecary Diaries. Often called the "Poison Princess" by fans, Maomao is a complex figure surrounded by mystery and intrigue. Despite the nickname, she is not actually a princess, but her expertise with poisons and her sharp intellect have earned her this unofficial title. If you’re an anime enthusiast or a fan of the Apothecary Diaries light novel series, here are 10 essential facts about Maomao to deepen your understanding of this captivating character.


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1. Why Maomao Is Obsessed with Poison?


Maomao’s fascination with poisons is not just a quirky trait; it stems from her background and survival instincts. Growing up with a father who was a doctor and an apothecary, she learned early on about herbs, medicines, and toxins. Her obsession is fueled by a desire to understand the delicate balance between healing and harm. Poison represents both danger and control, and Maomao uses this knowledge to navigate the treacherous environment of the imperial court. Her expertise allows her to solve mysteries and protect herself and others from hidden threats.



2. Who Are Maomao's Real Parents?


Maomao's real biological parents are the eccentric military strategist Lakan and the former top courtesan Fengxian. To prevent a buyout, Fengxian intentionally became pregnant with Maomao, which tanked her value as a courtesan. However, a military deployment kept Lakan away for three years, leaving him completely unaware of Maomao's birth. Believing she had been abandoned, Fengxian fell into deep despair, contracted syphilis, and lost her mind. Because of the tragic circumstances surrounding her birth, Maomao was not raised by her parents.



3. Who Raised Maomao?


Maomao was raised by her adoptive father, Luomen, alongside the the Madam and the courtesans of the Verdigris house, a high-class brothel in the red-light district, including the Three Princesses. While her biological parents are the military tactician Lakan and the courtesan Fengxian, they were unable to raise her due to tragic circumstances. Luomen taught her medicine and pharmacology, while Pairin and the other princesses repeatedly tried to teach Maomao dance, makeup, and the art of pleasing men.


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4. What Is Maomao's Relationship with Jinshi?


Jinshi is a key figure in Maomao’s life and the Apothecary Diaries storyline. He is a eunuch in the imperial court who recognizes Maomao’s talents early on. Maomao typically views Jinshi as a troublesome, high-maintenance nuisance who drags her into dangerous political or medical mysteries. Jinshi, meanwhile, is fascinated by Maomao because she treats him with blunt indifference rather than fawning adoration.


Maomao constantly tries to deflect Jinshi's romantic pursuits by citing her low social standing and her preference for poisons and medicine over high-society romance. As the light novels progress (around volumes 12 and 13), Maomao stops running away and comes to terms with her genuine romantic feelings for him, moving past the social barriers between them.


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5. Why Does Maomao Avoid Court Advancement?


Despite her talents, Maomao deliberately avoids climbing the ranks in the imperial court. She understands that higher positions come with increased scrutiny and political danger. Maomao prefers to stay under the radar, using her skills quietly to solve problems without attracting too much attention. This cautious approach helps her maintain independence and avoid becoming a pawn in court intrigues.


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6. Are Maomao’s Freckles Real and Why Does She Have Them?


Maomao’s freckles are not real. They are fake makeup that she intentionally applies every day as a form of self-defense. She creates this faux-blemish effect by mixing oil and clay, meticulously placing the dots across her nose and cheeks using a needle. When she wipes the makeup off, it reveals that she actually has flawless, beautiful skin and inherited the striking genetics of her mother, a high-ranking courtesan.


Maomao uses this makeup because she grew up in the dangerous environment of the Pleasure District (the red-light district). Being highly intelligent, she knew early on that beautiful women were constantly at risk of being targeted, assaulted, or sold off to wealthy men. By making herself look homely, she reduced the risk of attracting unwanted attention from predatory men.


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7. Why Does Maomao Have Bandages Wrapped Around Her Left Arm?


Maomao wears bandages on her left arm to conceal extensive, self-inflicted scars from testing various medicines, herbs, and poisons on herself. Because she lacks other human subjects to test her medical concoctions on, her extreme curiosity and obsession with toxicology drive her to use her own body as a laboratory. Whenever Maomao creates or obtains a rare ingredient, remedy, or poison, she deliberately cuts or exposes her left arm to test the substance's efficacy, side effects, or healing properties.



8. How Old Is Maomao and How Does Her Age Change During the Storyline?


Maomao begins the story at 17 years old. As the narrative progresses through the light novels and seasons, she ages naturally in real-time alongside Jinshi (who is one year older at 18 when the series starts), moving into her early twenties as political and personal plots evolve.


By the second volume of the light novels (covering events like the garden party and trips around town), she turns 18. Maomao reaches 19 years old in volumes 5 to 8 as deeper mysteries outside and inside the capital unfold. She turns 20 by Volume 9 and 21 by Volume 12, with Jinshi remaining a single year ahead at age 21 to 22.


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9. How Does Jinshi Pick Maomao Out from the Other Servants at the Beginning of the Story?


Maomao had secretly written a warning about cosmetics poisoning to Consort Gyokuyou, which caught Jinshi's attention. Jinshi gathers the low-ranking palace maids and servant women to find the author. He writes a note explicitly targeting the "freckled girl" to remain behind, knowing that ordinary palace laundry maids and low-level servants are typically illiterate. Maomao reacts and tries to blend in, but realizes too late that she gave herself away by reading and understanding the command.


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10. What Does Maomao’s Name Mean?


Maomao’s name, written as 猫猫 (Māomāo), literally means "cat cat" in Chinese. This name reflects her curious and agile nature, much like a cat’s. It also hints at her ability to move quietly and observe carefully, traits essential for her survival in the palace. The name adds a layer of personality, suggesting a playful yet cautious character who is always alert to her surroundings. Characters in the story like Gaoshun affectionately call her Xiaomao (小猫), which translates to "little cat" or "kitten".




Maomao’s story in Apothecary Diaries is rich with detail and depth. From her humble beginnings to her complex relationships and unique skills, she stands out as a memorable character in anime and manga. Understanding these 10 facts helps fans appreciate her journey and the subtle nuances that make her the beloved "Poison Princess." Whether you follow the anime, manga, or light novel, Maomao’s blend of intelligence, courage, and mystery keeps audiences hooked and eager for more.


If you haven’t yet explored Apothecary Diaries, now is a great time to dive into Maomao’s world and discover why she captivates so many fans. Her story is a reminder that true strength often comes from knowledge, resilience, and the courage to be different.


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