Another is tied to peace in my external environment; I crave that my surroundings are tranquil, allowing me to recharge in peace from hustle-and-bustle and any other tests of life.
And yet another is tied to appreciation of art, be it music, fictional works or even culinary arts; I appreciate a lot when anything I consume, metaphorically or literally, leaves my senses pleased or unsettled yet never disgraced, only to be digested smoothly and leave me with an impactful impression for ages to come. Just the right dose dividing medicine from poison.
For fictional works, I translate this into their elements being in a sort of “internal harmony” not unlike the first aspect; perfect balance within their own framework. Well then, how is my review related to that? Long story short, this work is a prime example of achieving such harmony.
Note:__ this review is spoiler-free.
~~~ [1. First, on setting…] ~~~
It should be made crystal clear that the setting is not in ancient China by any stretch, unlike what some pages claim. It is set in an Asian fantasy nation, apparently a mishmash influenced by real-life Imperial China during multiple dynasties.
For example, the custom of foot binding is referenced, yet is not as commonplace in Kusuriya no Hitorigoto as it was during certain dynasties in China. Also, certain plants (e.g. cocoa) were not present in China, not at least before the Columbian Exchange took place.
Either way, the primary setting is a huge palace complex, perhaps not unlike the Forbidden City, with a clear difference being the presence of trees. The secondary setting is the world outside the palace, the protagonist’s hometown specifically.
~~~ [2.Okay, but what of harmony?…]~~~
Time to elaborate. But first, I must point out the lynchpins of this manga: mystery and Maomao. Without either, the manga would be half-full. Mystery is its most prominent genre, with multiple layers of both episodic and overlapping mysteries.
The first are the most commonplace, often involving some medicine-related issue, with quite some counterexamples to break the mold and prevent the work from becoming formulaic and stagnant. The second are tied to characters' personal history, politics or even intrigue.
Now on to the next most prominent genre, it is probably drama. Often, it involves gritty realism on hardships people have to endure, especially women, but also court politics. However, primarily thanks to the unique perspective and antics of the eccentric protagonist, much historical slice-of-life and comedy is sprinkled alongside its mature and down-to-earth drama that prevents the work from becoming too sober, yet without degrading it to excessively silly.
Overall, as long as one is interested in the premise and is not alienated by the heroine, they can hardly find anything sticking out like a sore thumb. Mystery, drama, comedy, slice-of-life all meticulously ground in a spice mix pleasing the senses without upsetting the stomach.
Nonetheless, this is only one side of the coin. To conclude my point, it is imperative I elaborate on the protagonist and the rest of the cast.
~~~ [3. Maomao, court and town…] ~~~
It will become readily apparent the story is told by the perspective of its heroine, Maomao, and a lot of internal monologue is included, showcasing her thoughts and opinions. And her internal world is rich to say the least.
Looking like a plain teenage girl, she is actually more like a hyper-perceptive and intelligent… mad scientist, with a nearly obsessive like of anything potentially medical. “What does not kill you makes you stronger” could have easily been her motto. She is also quite complex, even paradoxical. Oddball with little social grace, yet confident and humble at the same time. Apathetic and insensitive, yet also surprisingly compassionate when push comes to shove.
Maomao aside, the male lead, Jinshi, is an equally hyper-perceptive and intelligent so-pretty-it-could-kill head eunuch. He is also quite a gadfly yet also social gracious, cunning and courteous. He is surrounded by mystery, one that is explored within the narrative.
Other denizens of the court include the emperor, his consorts, their ladies-in-waiting and other maids, guards and eunuchs. Outside the palace, the reader also gets to meet Maomao’s family and other familial people, among others. Not all characters are fleshed out, more so since Maomao holds the reins in this manga, but all play their given roles accordingly and glue together drama, comedy and mystery in one grand tapestry.
And that was "short story made long" on why this manga is a prime example of a work achieving internal harmony. I look forward to more chapters being released.
~~~ Hope you enjoyed my review! ~~~
