《The Apothecary Diaries》 In-Depth Analysis: Ren Shi and Aduo Fei, A Mother-Child Tragedy Torn Apart by Court Intrigue

In the intricate web of palace relationships in "The Apothecary Diaries," the connection between Ren Shi and the former high-ranking consort Ado is undoubtedly the most profound and sorrowful stroke. On the surface, they appear to be the unrelated imperial younger brother and a former consort, but as the plot unfolds layer by layer, a shocking secret emerges: they are not only related by blood, but are actually a biological mother and son separated by palace conspiracies. This relationship not only reveals the core mystery of Ren Shi's origins, but also deeply portrays the helplessness and resilience of Consort Ado as a woman in the rear palace.

Childhood Friend and Brief Consort: Consort Ado's Path in the Rear Palace

Consort Ado, whose real name is unknown, is the current emperor's wet nurse's daughter and childhood friend. She is intelligent, decisive, and has a masculine spirit, having formed a deep bond with the emperor since childhood. As the emperor's first and, at the time, only consort, she accompanied the ruler for over ten years. The bond between them transcended that of ruler and subject or husband and wife, resembling more that of lifelong confidants. Many believe that if Consort Ado had been born male, she would have become the emperor's most capable aide.

However, fate played a cruel joke on her. She gave birth to a male child for the emperor, who should have been the future crown prince, but because her delivery coincided with that of the empress (the current Empress Dowager An), medical officials were understaffed. This accident not only caused her to lose her fertility, but her son was also officially declared dead. According to palace rules, an infertile consort should be sent away, but the emperor, out of deep affection for her, kept her in the palace and retained her status as Consort Shu.

Shocking Secret: The Prince Swap and Ren Shi's True Identity

The story's biggest turning point is that Consort Ado's son did not actually die in infancy. This infant is the current Ren Shi (real name Hua Ruiyue), who exists as the "imperial younger brother." Back then, Consort Ado feared her child might come to harm due to insufficient medical officials, so with the tacit consent of Empress Dowager An and the then-crown prince (the current emperor), she swapped her own son with the real imperial younger brother born to An.

The consequences of this exchange were tragic. The real imperial younger brother, who was swapped to Consort Ado's side, died after being fed honey harmful to infants by the maid Fengming, who lacked common sense. This incident also became one of the mysteries Maomao solved when she first entered the rear palace. Therefore, Ren Shi is actually the biological son of the emperor and Consort Ado, making him the nominal eldest prince. This secret is known only to a very few, including the emperor, Consort Ado, and Empress Dowager An. Ren Shi himself was kept in the dark for a long time, always believing he was the emperor's younger brother.

Many details hint at this relationship, such as Ren Shi and Consort Ado's similar appearances, and the indescribable, complex mix of maternal love and guilt in Consort Ado's gaze when she looks at Ren Shi.

A Mother's Strength: Sacrifice and Protection

After learning the truth, looking back at Consort Ado's various actions, one can understand a mother's profound intentions and immense sacrifice. Although she deeply loved her child, she could only watch him grow up in the position of the "imperial younger brother," unable to give him the maternal love he deserved. She transformed this affection into silent protection.

The Decision to Leave the Rear Palace

As the emperor's other consorts successively gave birth to princes, Consort Ado's existence became increasingly awkward. To avoid further troubling the emperor and to completely sever potential palace conflicts, she chose to voluntarily leave the rear palace. The emperor, being sentimental and righteous, did not send her to the cold palace, but arranged for her to live in a detached palace and granted her a special advisory role, allowing her to continue offering counsel from outside the palace. On the night she left the rear palace, she coincidentally met Maomao on the city wall and, after drinking, revealed her long-suppressed sorrow and helplessness.

Expectations for Maomao

Consort Ado also noticed Ren Shi's special feelings for Maomao. She once told Maomao that she worried if Maomao were to be with Ren Shi, she might be forced to give up her own talents and dreams, and hoped she could grow freely. These words were not only concern for Maomao, but also a mother's deep hope that her son's marriage would not become another tragedy.

In summary, the relationship between Ren Shi and Consort Ado is one of the most tragic foreshadowings in "The Apothecary Diaries." It is not only the key to unraveling the mystery of Ren Shi's origins, but also showcases a great maternal love that was twisted, sacrificed, yet never faded under the cold struggles of the palace. The character Consort Ado, with her wisdom, strength, and sacrifice, becomes an admirable and heartbreaking presence in the story.

Browse now The Apothecary Diaries merchandise