With its rich historical setting and sharp mystery-solving heroine, The Apothecary Diaries has quickly become one of anime's standout hits. Set in an imperial court inspired by ancient China, the series follows Maomao, a clever young apothecary who uses her medical knowledge and keen perception to solve strange occurrences in the inner palace. Her dry wit, independence, and unshakable logic have earned her a loyal fanbase, and made her one of the more unconventional anime heroines in recent years.

But what many fans might not realize is that Maomao’s character was nearly something else entirely. According to creator Natsu Hyuuga in an interview with NHK's Anime Manga Explosion, Maomao was first imagined as a mother of three, living in a mining town rather than a royal court. That original version of the story, and of Maomao herself, paints a very different picture of what The Apothecary Diaries could have been, one that offers surprising insight into the core of her personality even now.

"In the initial concept, the protagonist was a housewife with three children. Inside Maomao's an old lady."

- Natsu Hyuuga

How Maomao Went From Housewife to Palace Apothecary

How a Mother of Three Became Anime’s Sharpest Sleuth in The Apothecary Diaries

In an interview with NHK’s Anime Manga Explosion, Hyuuga shared that Maomao was initially envisioned as a housewife juggling three children while solving mysteries in a rough mining town. This early version placed her in a much grittier, working-class environment, far from the silk and ceremony of the imperial court. Instead of navigating the palace's delicate politics, this Maomao would have balanced childcare with forensics, tackling crime with a mother’s practicality.

This unused version of Maomao may sound drastically different from the palace apothecary fans know, but it actually sheds light on her current personality. Hyuuga noted that “inside Maomao’s an old lady,” and that sentiment still rings true. Even in the final version, Maomao has a weary pragmatism and maturity that set her apart from typical teenage protagonists. She is uninterested in romance, unimpressed by power, and always guided by common sense, which are qualities that feel in line with a woman who might once have been imagined as a seasoned mother.

Maomao’s Grit Still Shines Through

Why Maomao Still Feels Like an Old Lady in The Apothecary Diaries

While the mining town idea was ultimately scrapped, echoes of that rougher world remain. Maomao’s background as a commoner, her no-nonsense attitude, and her medical training all speak to a character forged by hard experience rather than courtly privilege. The contrast between Maomao and the sheltered nobles like Jinshi that she serves adds texture to the series, and it is easy to imagine how her sensibilities might have been shaped by an earlier, grittier life.

This behind-the-scenes detail also helps explain Maomao’s lasting appeal. She is not a wide-eyed newcomer in The Apothecary Diaries, but someone with depth, habits, and a clear sense of self. Even though she is not a mother, her responsible nature and dry, world-weary humor echo that early concept. In a sea of youthful anime protagonists, Maomao stands out, and possibly that is because she was never meant to fit the mold in the first place.