《The Apothecary Diaries》 Explained: Why Does Maomao Want to Live in the Stables? Plot Details and Status Change Analysis

In the anime "The Apothecary Diaries" (薬屋のひとりごと), a seemingly abrupt plot point has sparked discussion: the protagonist Maomao actually asks Renshi if she can move to live in the stables. This unusual request actually contains Maomao's unique thought process and the complex considerations Renshi faces within the palace. Many viewers might be curious "Why does Maomao want to live in the stables"; this article will delve into the full story behind this event.

The Beginning of the Event: Renshi's Suggestion and Gaoshun's Silent Warning

This topic began with Renshi's concern for Maomao's current living environment. According to the original work, Renshi proactively suggested: "Isn't your current room too small? If you wish, I can prepare a new room for you." This shows Renshi's thoughtfulness in being willing to improve Maomao's living conditions.

However, his aide Gaoshun, who was present, showed a "gloomy expression" at this moment. As Gaoshun had previously thought in the story, he believed that while Maomao was extremely capable, she had certain "quirks" different from ordinary people - namely, an almost obsessive interest in medicines and poisons. Gaoshun's expression was actually a silent warning, hinting that he did not want Maomao to obtain a more free, potentially more convenient base for conducting various (potentially dangerous or rule-breaking) experiments. The subtext was a hope that Maomao would "behave herself in her current room." Unfortunately, Maomao, who is not good at reading people's intentions, completely failed to understand Gaoshun's deep-seated concern.

 

The Three Practical Reasons Maomao Wants to Live in the Stables

Unlike the concerns of Gaoshun and Renshi, Maomao's request to move to the stables was entirely based on extremely practical considerations. Based on the information you've compiled, the following three main reasons can be summarized:

1. Need for Proper Work Facilities: Maomao's core need is for "compounding" medicines, which requires easily accessible "stoves" and a "well." She deduced that there must be a stable water source near the stables (to supply water for the horses), and it would be relatively easy to set up a stove outdoors, meeting her basic needs for processing medicinal ingredients.
2. Natural Barrier to Mask Odors: As supplemented by the Sunday manga version, the strong inherent smell of the stables itself恰好能成为猫猫进行药物调制时产生各种"异味"的绝佳掩护. This way, she wouldn't have to worry about strange odors attracting unnecessary attention or criticism, allowing her to conduct experiments more freely.
3. Ample Space Utilization: For Maomao, who is passionate about collecting various medicinal herbs and needs space to store her compounding tools, space is crucial. The original work mentions that her room often appears messy due to堆放植物, and she was overjoyed when she discovered a usable "storage shed," proving her desire for space. The spacious stables would undoubtedly satisfy her need to大量"堆放各种药草和调制用的器具".

The Reason Renshi Ultimately Vetoed It: Realistic Considerations

Although Maomao's reasons were practical, Renshi ultimately vetoed the request. This was not due to a lack of consideration for Maomao, but based on deeper political and social realities:

• Maintenance of Personal Prestige: In the worldview of "The Apothecary Diaries," even the palace ladies of high-ranking consorts are subject to requirements regarding family background, and the attendants around Renshi are naturally scrutinized by the same standards. Renshi's previous act of赎回了猫猫 from the pleasure quarter "Verdigris House" had already sparked much gossip. Under these circumstances, allowing Maomao to live in the stables, a place generally viewed as lowly, would undoubtedly cause Renshi's prestige to plummet, affecting his image and status within the palace.
• Setback in the Plan to Elevate Maomao's Status: Renshi had always intended to raise Maomao's status so she could more justifiably stay by his side; arranging for her to take the "Palace Lady Exam" was part of this plan. However, "plans cannot keep up with changes," and Maomao ultimately "did not pass." This unexpected result of failing the exam made the option of letting Maomao live in the stables even more inappropriate, completely contradicting his original intention of elevating her status.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question "Why does Maomao want to live in the stables" is not that she truly desires to live next to horses, but stems from her practical needs as an apothecary - needing suitable facilities, an environment that can mask odors, and sufficient storage space. However, this seemingly simple request, within the complex interpersonal relationships and social norms of the palace, touched upon the prestige Renshi must maintain and his plans for Maomao's future. This episode not only showcases Maomao's pragmatic, almost socially unaware personality, but also highlights the numerous burdens Renshi must bear while looking after Maomao.

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