The True Age Of Maomao: 5 Shocking Facts About The Apothecary Diaries Protagonist’s Timeline
The question of "How old is Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries?" is one of the most frequently asked by new fans of the anime and manga. As of the latest information available in December 2025, the official answer is straightforward, but her age progression throughout the source material—the light novels—reveals a much deeper, more complex story that spans several years of her life in the Inner Palace and beyond.
The protagonist, the brilliant poison taster and apothecary, is a teenager who possesses knowledge and maturity far beyond her years. While she initially appears to be a young girl, her official starting age is a key piece of information that sets the stage for her interactions with the handsome eunuch Jinshi and the political machinations of the Imperial Court.
Maomao’s Full Biography and Character Profile
Maomao is the central figure of The Apothecary Diaries (also known as Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), a series that blends historical mystery, court intrigue, and medical drama. Her background is crucial to understanding her unique skill set and her seemingly indifferent personality.
- Full Name: Maomao (猫猫)
- Debut Age (Anime/Manga/Light Novel Start): 17 years old
- Current Age (Latest Light Novel Volumes): 21 years old
- Height: 153 cm (Approximately 5’0”)
- Occupation: Apothecary, Former Maid and Poison Taster in the Inner Palace, Attendant to Consort Gyokuyou
- Key Relationships:
- Father (Biological): Lakan, a brilliant but eccentric military official and member of the powerful La clan.
- Mother (Biological): Fengxian, a high-ranking courtesan from the Verdigris House (Rokka).
- Adoptive Father/Mentor: The Apothecary (also known as Rihaku's father in some translations), who raised her in the Red Light District.
- Superior: Jinshi, the handsome eunuch administrator of the Inner Palace.
- Mistress: Consort Gyokuyou, one of the Emperor's four chief consorts.
- Distinguishing Features: A noticeable scar on her face (which she often uses to make herself seem less attractive), a deep passion for poisons and medicine, and a pragmatic, often cynical view of the world.
Maomao's upbringing in the Red Light District is the primary reason for her vast knowledge of medicine, herbs, and, most importantly, toxicology. This unconventional background is what makes her an invaluable asset to the Inner Palace, where she is initially brought as a kidnapped maid before her talents are discovered by Jinshi.
The Shocking Age Progression: Maomao’s Timeline Across the Light Novels
While the anime and manga currently cover the early stages of the story, the original light novel series by Natsu Hyuuga provides a much longer timeline, showing Maomao's growth from a young maid to a seasoned court figure. This progression is a major point of interest for fans, as it directly impacts her evolving relationship with Jinshi and her role in the Imperial Court.
Here is the breakdown of Maomao’s age as the story progresses through the light novel volumes (LN):
- LN Volume 1: Maomao is 17 years old at the start of the series, which covers her time as a maid and poison taster for Consort Gyokuyou.
- LN Volume 2–4: Her age advances to 18 years old. This period sees her take on more complex investigations and her skills becoming widely recognized by figures like Jinshi and the Emperor.
- LN Volume 5–8: Maomao is 19 years old. The narrative delves deeper into her family background, including the tragic history involving her parents, Lakan and Fengxian.
- LN Volume 9–11: She turns 20 years old. At this point, she is no longer just a simple apothecary but an established figure with significant influence and responsibilities within the Imperial structure.
- LN Volume 12 and Beyond: Maomao reaches 21 years old. The series continues to explore her life, allowing for a remarkable four-year time jump from the beginning of the story.
This progression is vital because it shows her journey from a reluctant, enslaved maid to a self-possessed, highly respected individual. The maturity and skill she displays at 17 are impressive, but her continued growth to 21 provides a realistic timeline for the depth of her expertise.
The Age Difference Between Maomao and Jinshi Explained
The dynamic between Maomao and Jinshi is a core element of the series, and the slight age difference between them is often a topic of discussion among fans. Given Maomao's incredible maturity and Jinshi's often playful, yet manipulative, demeanor, their ages can be surprising.
Jinshi’s Official Age: Jinshi is officially 18 years old at the start of the series, making him only one year older than Maomao.
This minimal age gap is significant for a few reasons:
- Perception vs. Reality: Jinshi holds a high-ranking position as the administrator of the Inner Palace, leading many to assume he is significantly older and more experienced. His true age of 18, combined with his striking, almost ethereal beauty, often makes him seem like a young, privileged court official, which is exactly what he is—despite his hidden true lineage.
- Maomao's Maturity: Maomao, at 17, is exceptionally pragmatic, cynical, and highly educated in her field. Her life experiences in the Red Light District have given her a world-weariness that makes her seem older than Jinshi, who is protected by the luxury and political shield of the Imperial Court.
- The Relationship Dynamic: The small age difference allows their relationship to develop on a more equal footing, despite the massive difference in their social status. As the light novels progress and they both age, their dynamic shifts from that of a superior and a servant to something far more complex and personal.
Key Character Ages and Family Entities for Context
To fully grasp Maomao's world, it is helpful to know the ages of the other key entities who influence her life and the politics of the Inner Palace. This contextual information highlights the stark contrast between Maomao's youth and the older, more experienced figures who surround her.
- Jinshi: 18 years old (Start of Series)
- Consort Gyokuyou: One of the Emperor's four chief consorts, whose age is not explicitly stated but is generally considered to be in her early to mid-twenties, making her a young mother and Empress in the making.
- Fengxian: Maomao's biological mother, a former high-ranking courtesan, is noted to be in her mid-40s.
- Chue: The wife of Baryou, a key political figure, is 22 years old.
- The Emperor: The reigning sovereign, who is significantly older than his consorts, likely in his 30s or 40s.
Maomao's youth, especially when compared to her biological mother, Fengxian, and the court officials, underscores her position as a young genius navigating a world of seasoned political players. Her ability to outsmart doctors twice her age before breakfast is a testament to her brilliance.
Addressing Common Fan Questions and LSI Keywords
The core question of Maomao’s age often leads to other related inquiries that help establish the topical authority of the series. These questions touch upon the various versions of the story and key plot points.
Is Maomao 16 or 17 at the Start?
While some early fan discussions and the web novel version of the story suggested Maomao might be 16, the official and most current versions—the Light Novel, Manga, and Anime—all confirm her starting age as 17 years old. This is the canonical age used for all official adaptations.
What is the Significance of Her Height (153 cm)?
Maomao's relatively short height of 153 cm (about 5 feet) contributes to the perception of her being younger than she is. This physical trait, combined with her plain appearance (often by choice, to avoid unwanted attention), helps her blend into the background, allowing her to observe the court's secrets unnoticed—a perfect cover for a brilliant investigator.
Does Maomao Ever Get Married?
As of the latest light novel volumes where she is 21, Maomao remains unmarried. Her focus is overwhelmingly on her work as an apothecary and her scientific curiosity. While her relationship with Jinshi is a central romantic thread, the series prioritizes her personal and professional development over traditional romantic pursuits, which is a major draw for the series' unique appeal.
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