The Definitive Answer: How Old Is Maomao In The Apothecary Diaries, And Does She Ever Turn 18?

The question of "How old is Maomao?" is one of the most frequently searched topics by fans of The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), especially given the character's petite appearance and her surprisingly vast knowledge. As of the current date, December 11, 2025, the official and definitive answer remains consistent across the anime, manga, and light novel adaptations: Maomao is 17 years old when the main storyline begins.

This teenage protagonist, with her sharp wit and unparalleled expertise in poisons and medicine, often appears younger than her actual age. Her background, which includes her upbringing in the Red Light District and her diminutive stature, contributes to this common misperception, which is a major plot point that drives much of the series' intrigue and her interactions with the handsome eunuch, Jinshi.

Maomao: A Complete Character Profile and Biography

Maomao is the central protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries, a girl whose life is a complex tapestry woven from the highest echelons of imperial court intrigue and the gritty reality of the pleasure district. Her age is a crucial element of her identity, particularly when considering her role as a maid and later as the Emperor's Consort's poison taster.

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• Full Name (Kanji): 猫猫 (Maomao)
• Age at Series Start: 17 years old
• Current Age (Light Novel): Progresses to 18 years old
• Gender: Female
• Height: 153 cm (approximately 5 feet, 0 inches)
• Occupation: Former maid in the Rear Palace, Royal Consort Gyokuyou's poison taster, Apothecary, Attendant to Jinshi.
• Family:
  • Adoptive Father: Luomen (羅門), a former Imperial Physician and skilled apothecary.
  • Biological Father: Rahan (羅漢), a former military strategist and member of the La Clan.
  • Biological Mother: Fengxian (鳳仙), a high-ranking courtesan from the Verdigris House.
• Affiliation: The La Clan, The Rear Palace, The Outer Court.
• Key Characteristics: Intense curiosity for poisons and medicine, stoic demeanor, highly intelligent, and a master of disguise.

The Age Timeline: Does Maomao Turn 18 in the Story?

While Maomao is firmly established as 17 at the beginning of her time in the Rear Palace, the story's timeline is not static. The narrative of The Apothecary Diaries, particularly in the Japanese light novel series which is far ahead of the anime and manga adaptations, covers a significant period of time.

The Crucial Age Progression in the Light Novels

For fans following the original source material, the answer to the question of age progression is a resounding yes: Maomao does turn 18 in the light novel series. This transition is a key milestone for the character, especially in the historical context of the fictional country, which is inspired by Tang Dynasty China.

The story's duration, which involves multiple seasons and major events, allows for the passage of time necessary for her to celebrate a birthday. Although her exact birth date is not explicitly stated in the source material, the narrative confirms that she reaches the age of 18 as the plot continues to unfold.

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This detail is particularly important for readers interested in the developing relationship between Maomao and Jinshi. Reaching 18 years old often signifies a step closer to adulthood and independence, which is a subtle but significant factor in the political and personal intrigue surrounding her.

Why Maomao’s Age is So Often Misunderstood

The most common source of confusion about Maomao's age stems from her physical appearance and her demeanor. There are three primary reasons why many fans assume she is younger than 17:

1. Her Diminutive Stature

Maomao stands at a modest height of 153 cm (5'0"). This relatively small stature, especially when contrasted with the towering height of characters like Jinshi (181 cm or 5'11"), contributes to her looking more like a younger teenager than a 17-year-old. Her slender frame and simple, unadorned clothing further enhance this youthful perception.

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2. Her Red Light District Upbringing

Before being kidnapped and sold into the Rear Palace, Maomao was raised in the Verdigris House, a high-class brothel in the Red Light District, by her adoptive father, Luomen, and the courtesans. Growing up in this environment, she was exposed to the harsh realities of life and developed a stoic, pragmatic, and often detached personality. This lack of typical teenage naivety and her intense focus on her apothecary work can make her seem older mentally, but her deliberate efforts to make herself look less attractive—such as drawing freckles on her face—are also a form of self-preservation that ironically contributes to her looking younger and less mature to outsiders.

3. The Jinshi Age Dynamic

The relationship between Maomao and Jinshi, the handsome high-ranking eunuch, also plays a role in the age confusion. Jinshi, who presents himself to the court as a 24-year-old, is actually only one year older than Maomao, being 18 years old at the start of the story. The significant difference in their social status and perceived maturity—Jinshi's stunning beauty and high office versus Maomao's plain appearance and low rank—makes their one-year age gap surprising to many, reinforcing the idea that Maomao must be much younger.

Maomao’s Age and Her Expertise

The fact that Maomao is only 17 or 18 years old makes her incredible skill as an apothecary even more remarkable. Her proficiency is not just a plot device; it is deeply rooted in her biography:

• Training from Luomen: Her adoptive father, Luomen, was a disgraced but brilliant Imperial Physician. He trained Maomao from a young age in the art of medicine, pharmacology, and the study of poisons, giving her a lifetime of experience before she even entered the palace.
• Practical Experience: Her time in the Red Light District provided a unique, hands-on laboratory. She treated a variety of ailments, from common sicknesses to more complex issues related to the courtesans' health, giving her practical experience far beyond her years.
• Intellectual Curiosity: Maomao’s defining trait is her unwavering, almost obsessive, scientific curiosity. This intellectual drive allows her to process complex medical and chemical problems at a speed that often outmatches palace doctors twice her age.

In conclusion, Maomao's age of 17 (and later 18 in the light novels) is a central, fascinating element of The Apothecary Diaries. It highlights her prodigious talent, underscores the harsh realities of her past, and creates a compelling contrast with her small stature and the sophisticated, high-stakes world of the Rear Palace. Her age is a testament to the fact that in the world of the imperial court, intellect and experience far outweigh years.