The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan's story highlights her strengths
A spin-off of "The Apothecary Diaries", showing Xiaolan's origins, rumored skills and practical abilities, Volume 1 has already been released while volume 2 is yet to be determined.
The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan's Story, Volume 1 to follow the next court lady
The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan's Story Volume 1 is now available for pre-order from Square Enix and the spin-off manga retells the main story from the perspective of Xiaolan, a maid who entered the next palace at the same time as Maomao. The series largely coexists with the original story, with one exception - it begins several months in advance of Xiaolans origins; Natsu Hyuuga uses alternate perspectives to show what Xiolan was doing while Maamao handles critical situations.
A servant along the main roads.
The Apothecary Diaries series focuses on Maomao and Jinshi. Many of the important characters around them are also featured, but their views and influences remain often unseen unless they communicate directly to those in charge.
Early life of the later court
The early chapters of the manga explain Xiaolan's background. A contract set up for female workers in the back palace meant that they could receive wages and earned labor which could be sent back to their families. Xiaolan came from a small farming village where older family members might sell girls within the family.
Rumours, Disease and Research
Natsu Hyuuga begins by telling in alternating perspectives the circumstances and events surrounding Maomao's treatment. The first part reveals a mysterious illness that affects the young children of married couple Gyokuyou and Lihua. Xiaolan is also involved in spreading rumors to help find out what caused it, as well as sending notes to warn people.
Later in the novel, it focuses on a showering chapter. Xiaolan and other housemaids notice that the lamp is burning rapidly. She collects smoke and gum, remarks that the wood is green, and figures out a way to draw attention to the problem by making sure the doctor has been used to get her and Maomao's attention.
How her background shaped her skills.
The series also shows how Xiaolan's past affects her current abilities. She is often subconsciously collecting information, as she was a social girl from a village. During this time, she has not had the opportunity to study because of her poor background and tries to help others do so by working in a backyard palace to learn how to read.
Release status and next steps
The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan's Story Volume 1 is now available, and Square Enix has not yet shared a release date for Chapter 2.