In The Apothecary Diaries, Jinshi is introduced as a high-ranking and mysterious eunuch overseeing the Inner Court. With striking beauty, political access, and a natural charm that disarms everyone around him, Jinshi doesn’t quite behave like other palace eunuchs. He’s close to the Emperor, commands his own household, and seems to be playing a larger game behind the scenes.
But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Jinshi isn’t who he claims to be.
Clues That Jinshi Is Not Really a Eunuch
Jinshi’s identity starts to unravel in The Apothecary Diaries Season 1. During a key palace garden party, Maomao notices that the seat for the Emperor’s brother is empty and so is Jinshi’s. When he finally arrives, he’s wearing expensive formal wear and a new hairpin, looking noticeably more youthful than usual. This isn’t the behavior of a typical eunuch, and Maomao starts to take note.
Other small details add to the growing suspicion. Jinshi is physically fit and participates in sword training, very unlike eunuchs, who typically lead less physically active lives. His attendant Gaoshun prepares medicinal concoctions that may be suppressing hormones and altering his voice, hinting that Jinshi is hiding his true biological nature.
And then there’s the access. He speaks directly with the Emperor, spies on concubines under orders, and navigates palace politics with the ease of someone born into power. Slowly, the mystery builds: Jinshi may not be a eunuch at all.
Jinshi’s Secret Role in the Imperial Palace
In The Apothecary Diaries Episode 2, Gaoshun reveals that Jinshi is working as a spy for the Emperor. He’s sent to the Inner Court not just for beauty or charm, but to observe and influence events from within, particularly plots that threaten the royal family.
We also learn that the Emperor once offered him the position of Crown Prince, which Jinshi declined. Instead, he chose to remain undercover, pretending to be a eunuch to deflect suspicion and stay alive. His disguise lets him slip through the cracks of succession drama, operating in a world where most wouldn’t dare question him.
This also explains why he’s so drawn to Maomao, whose intelligence and insight make her a valuable ally in solving palace crimes.
The Truth About Jinshi’s Birth
The real revelation comes during the attempted poisoning of Concubine Lishu in Season 2. Through Maomao’s investigation, we discover a hidden truth from nearly two decades ago.
Concubine Ah-duo and Dowager Empress Anshi gave birth around the same time. Because of rank, Anshi received medical attention while Ah-duo gave birth alone. Though both delivered sons, Ah-duo was left injured, and later, Anshi’s baby died due to medical error.
Out of fear for the child’s safety and status, the two women secretly swapped babies. Ah-duo’s son, Jinshi, was raised as the Emperor’s son by Anshi, while the deceased child’s death remained hidden from the public.
This makes Jinshi the Emperor’s biological son. It’s a heartbreaking decision rooted in survival and love, one that changed Jinshi’s fate forever. The fact that he looks just like Ah-duo and was allowed to lead a royal Purification Ritual (reserved for only the highest-ranking nobles) confirms this truth further.
Is Jinshi Aware of His Royal Lineage?
In one of the most emotionally quiet moments of the anime, Concubine Ah-duo asks to meet with Jinshi before leaving the Inner Court. We don’t hear what she tells him, but afterwards, Maomao finds Jinshi in tears.
Later in Season 2, Episode 7, Jinshi reveals that he grew up believing the Emperor was his father, until he was suddenly told the Emperor was actually his older brother. Whether he now knows the full truth, or only part of it, remains unclear.
There’s a chance Jinshi is still in denial or has chosen not to fully accept what he’s learned. But the signs are there: the people who matter know who he really is, and Jinshi may be slowly coming to terms with it too.
Why Jinshi’s True Identity Matters
Understanding who Jinshi really is adds a whole new dimension to The Apothecary Diaries. He’s not just a flirtatious noble with a sharp mind, he’s a hidden prince, raised under a lie to protect him from the dangers of succession and palace intrigue.
This reveal explains why he has so much power, why he’s so guarded, and why his relationship with Maomao is so charged with tension. She sees through his mask in a way others don’t, which makes her one of the few people he can’t completely control.
As the anime continues, this royal twist sets the stage for deeper conflict, not just political, but personal. How will Jinshi handle the weight of his birthright? Will Maomao ever treat him differently once she knows the full story? And what happens when the truth becomes impossible to hide?
For now, Jinshi remains a mystery in plain sight, but no secret stays buried forever in the Inner Court.
About The Apothecary Diaries
‘The Apothecary Diaries’ is a light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino. The series will be receiving an anime adaptation in 2023.
The story follows a young girl, Maomao, who is the daughter of an apothecary and possesses an extensive knowledge of medicine and herbs. When she is kidnapped and sold to the rear palace, she is forced to navigate life in this new, foreign environment.
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