The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes on the Inner Palace (2017)

Nothing improper was going on. I was simply taking a good, hard look.

Everyone returns to dust. That’s true for nobles, farmers. No matter the status one is born into, we are all equals in the end.

Beautiful people are scary when they’re mad.

Maybe it’s love. But if that’s the case, it’s not a rabbit hole I want to delve into. That’s an emotion I’m sure I left behind. Back in the womb of the woman who birthed me.

If you don’t want the mule to bite, then you shouldn’t go dangling the carrot.

I suppose once a man’s had a taste of heavenly nectar, he’ll beggar his soul for even another whiff.

If I’m not interested in a subject, it’s hard for me to retain details.

The more I start questioning the events, the more suspicious they become.

Should you fail even once to remain vigilant, a situation may occur no physician can remedy. The results could prove lethal. So take care and never, ever forget that.

It’s said love has the power to make women more beautiful. I wonder what sort of medicine it would make.

Feigning ignorance keeps things uncomplicated, just the way I like it.

Books are precious. I should read them whenever I can.

Rumors often take on a life of their own. The farther and wider they spread, the more distant they get from the truth. Sometimes, they become something else entirely. A grand story. Similar in nature to mythology and fables.

You can’t get yourself addicted if a gamble pays off every time.

When a young eunuch hoards all the attention, some officials don’t especially appreciate it. No matter how beautiful he is. Lust I don’t mind. It’s easy to exploit that. Envy is fine, too. That’s manageable. But what’s really troubling is when I can’t tell what’s going on behind their eyes.

Ignorance is truly a sin. As a mother, I should have paid more attention to what my child was eating.