The Apothecary Diaries: How Old Is Maomao? Unveiling The Protagonist's True Age And Timeline Progression

The question of "How old is Maomao?" is one of the most frequently asked queries by fans of The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto). As of December 17, 2025, the definitive and official answer is that Maomao begins her journey as the sharp-witted protagonist at the age of 17 years old. This is the age she is when she is abducted and subsequently finds herself serving as a maid in the Imperial Palace's Inner Court, setting the stage for her incredible adventures as a poison tester and herbalist. Her seemingly young age contrasts sharply with her vast medical knowledge and cynical, world-weary perspective, which is a core element of her character's complexity.

The confusion around Maomao's true age stems from her diminutive stature and the significant time jumps that occur throughout the Light Novel (LN) series. While the anime adaptation and the initial manga volumes focus on her at 17, her life continues to progress. For fans looking for the most current information, her age has steadily advanced, providing a clear timeline of her character development and her deepening relationship with the enigmatic eunuch, Jinshi.

Maomao's Complete Biography and Age Progression Timeline

Maomao is the central figure in The Apothecary Diaries, a young woman whose immense knowledge of herbalism, medicine, and poisons makes her an invaluable asset—and a liability—in the treacherous Imperial Palace. Her background is crucial to understanding her maturity and her age.

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Maomao's Profile at Debut

• Full Name: Maomao (猫猫)
• Age (Debut): 17 years old
• Height: 153 cm (5'0")
• Hair Color: Dark Green/Black (Varies slightly between WN/LN/Anime)
• Eye Color: Black
• Status: Poison Tester, Lady-in-Waiting, Herbalist, Former Red Light District worker
• Affiliations: Imperial Palace of Li (Inner Court), Verdigris House (Red Light District), La Clan
• Familial Ties: Luomen (Adoptive Father/Biological Grand-Uncle), Lakan (Biological Father), Fengxian (Biological Mother/Courtesan)

The Definitive Age Progression in the Light Novels

For readers of the original Light Novel series by Hyūganatsu, Maomao’s age is not static. The narrative spans several years, showing her growth not just in wisdom and status, but in actual age. This progression is vital for understanding the timeline of the entire series.

• Series Debut (Anime/Manga Start): 17 years old
• Light Novel Volume 2: 18 years old
• Light Novel Volume 5: 19 years old
• Light Novel Volume 9: 20 years old
• Light Novel Volume 12: 21 years old

This progression shows that Maomao is a young adult who is continually evolving and facing new challenges as she enters her twenties. The events of the series, from solving medical mysteries to navigating the politics of the Inner Court, all occur within this relatively short, yet incredibly dense, period of her life. The fact that she is a legal adult from the start is important context for her interactions and the mature themes of the story.

The Age Gap Mystery: Maomao and Jinshi's True Ages

A major source of curiosity and speculation among fans is the age difference between Maomao and her admirer, the beautiful eunuch Jinshi. Their dynamic is complex, often featuring Jinshi's attempts to woo the perpetually unimpressed Maomao, and their respective ages add an intriguing layer to their relationship.

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Jinshi's Layered Identity and Age

Jinshi's age is far more ambiguous than Maomao's because he operates under a carefully constructed persona. The age he presents to the rest of the Imperial Palace is often cited as 24 years old. This older, more mature facade is part of his role as the high-ranking official who manages the Inner Court.

However, the narrative reveals that his true age is significantly younger, making the age difference between him and Maomao quite small, which is a major reveal in the Light Novels and a point of discussion among fans.

• Jinshi's Public Persona Age: Approximately 24 years old
• Jinshi's Real Age (LN Volume 2): Approximately 19 years old
• Jinshi's Real Age (LN Volume 5): Explicitly revealed as 20 years old

This means that at the start of the series, Jinshi is only about one to two years older than Maomao, which is a crucial detail for understanding the romantic and political subtext of their interactions.

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Why Maomao's Age is a Critical Element of the Story's Topical Authority

Maomao's age of 17 at the series' start is not a random number; it's a deliberate choice by author Natsu Hyūganatsu that grounds the story in its historical and thematic context. The series, set in a fictional Imperial China-inspired world, expertly blends historical drama with mystery and medical intrigue.

Thematic Depth and Maturity

Despite being a teenager, Maomao's life experiences grant her a maturity beyond her years. She was raised in the Red Light District (Verdigris House), a place that exposed her to the harsh realities of life, including themes of sexuality, classist society, and forced servitude. Her adoptive father, Luomen, a former court physician, instilled in her an unparalleled knowledge of medicine and pharmacology.

Her age allows the narrative to explore complex themes like resilience and justice. She is old enough to be considered a capable adult—a fact proven by her ability to identify and solve medical crises that baffle the entire Imperial Palace staff. She is a working woman with a clear profession (apothecary/herbalist) and a unique set of skills, rather than a naive child swept up in events. This makes her role as a poison tester for the Imperial Consorts, particularly Lady Gyokuyou, a believable and high-stakes position.

The La Clan and Her Illegitimate Status

Maomao is the illegitimate daughter of the powerful military official, Lakan, and the high-ranking courtesan, Fengxian. She is a member of the influential La Clan, though she was raised by Luomen. Her background is a constant shadow over her life, and her age places her at a point where she is forced to confront her heritage and the complex web of relationships, including her biological father, Lakan, who plays a major role in later arcs.

Her journey from a simple maid to a trusted attendant and problem-solver is a testament to her character. Her age of 17-21 represents the formative years where she transitions from a cynical, self-preserving individual to a key figure in the Imperial Court, driven by her insatiable curiosity and commitment to the truth.