How old is Jinshi in The Apothecary Diaries? Age explained

Modified Jan 06, 2025 04:30 GMT

How old is Jinshi in The Apothecary Diaries? Age explained (Image via TOHO animation studio and OLM) — Jinshi's age in The Apothecary Diaries explained (Image via TOHO animation studio and OLM)

The Apothecary Diaries season 2 is right around the corner, and Jinshi's age is currently the center of attention. The eunuch is portrayed as a grown-up adult responsible for the decisions of the Inner Court of the Imperial Castle. However, his age might just be a facade to prevent others' attention, and he is younger than the fans might expect.

As of the anime's first season (light novel volume 2), Jinshi is 19 years old. This might surprise some fans, given his appearance (because, as a eunuch, his age is 24 years old). Formerly an official of the Outer Court, Jinshi is currently in charge of the Inner Court and has Maomao as his servant after he bought the female protagonist from her consort house.

The Apothecary Diaries: Discovering the age of Jinshi

Jinshi as seen in the anime (Image via Toho Animation Studio and OLM)

Jinshi (also referred to as the 'Celestial Maiden') is the male protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries. Jinshi made his first appearance in the series premiere episode, where he was portrayed as a beautiful individual who could be mistaken for a maiden. However, as revealed later on, Jinshi was a eunuch (a castrated male hired to work with females).

The male protagonist has his office in the Outer Court of the Imperial Palace, but he works as the overseer of the Inner Court. Jinshi's character is shadowed with mystery in the anime, as only a few things are known about him. However, given his nickname and appearance, his age is expected to be young.

Moreover, given his muscular build, fans expect Jinshi to be a grown-up adult at the very least. However, all of this is a facade because Jinshi just graduated from being a teenager. He is introduced as an 18-year-old teenager in the series' climax.

By the end of the series, Jinshi's birthday passed, and The Apothecary Diaries season 1 ended with the male protagonist being 19 years old (as season 1 adapted the light novel's first two volumes).

However, to keep his disguise, Jinshi's age as a eunuch is 24 years old (introduced as a 23-year-old eunuch). While the reason behind this secrecy is yet to be revealed, it might be related to his unknown origins and why such a prim and proper male is serving as an underling in the Imperial Palace.

Jinshi's role in The Apothecary Dairies

As of his introduction, Jinshi has been portrayed as someone who has a keen interest in Maomao, the female protagonist. Their first encounter was pretty normal as Jinshi was speculating about some lady-in-waiting who was meddling with the Imperial Court's matters. So, he set up a situation and secluded Maomao.

Following this incident, Maomao developed a disgust for Jinshi as she considered his interference with everyday matters unnecessary. However, Jinshi found this disgust entertaining and never left Maomao's side for the same reason. This was because everyone found him to be a gentleman and respected him.

Jinshi and Maomao as seen in the anime (Image via Toho Animation Studio and OLM)

However, Maomao was the opposite, as she considered him annoying, and whenever they crossed paths, she wouldn't miss the chance to show her disgust. This 'disgust' feeling soon led to Jinshi developing feelings for the female protagonist, but he could never profess them. So, ultimately, Maomao left the Imperial Castle after completing her services.

However, after a chance encounter, Jinshi indirectly embraced her lips before everyone. This was followed by the male protagonist buying the female protagonist from her Consort House, and Maomao returned to the Imperial Palace as Jinshi's maid. Other than collecting herbs, she also acted as Jinshi's consultant in solving everyday mysteries in the Imperial Palace.

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Edited by Riya Peter