Lishu is one of the emperor's four consorts despite her young age. She is the youngest and most oblivious consort, making her an ideal target for bullying and manipulation. But why is Lishu a concubine in The Apothecary Diaries in the first place?
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for The Apothecary Diaries, so proceed with caution.
RELATED: Discover the Best Historical Anime Like The Apothecary Diaries
Who Is Lishu in The Apothecary Diaries?
Lishu, also known as the Virtuous Consort, was the former Emperor's concubine when she was nine years old. She is also called the "lovely princess," even though she has yet to embrace her femininity.
When the emperor died, Lishu fled the palace for a period of grief before briefly becoming a nun. With this, Lishu was thought to have never served the previous emperor to marry the late ruler's son.
Unlike other consorts, Lishu lacks power and presence despite her elevated status. She is also insensitive to the moods around her, making her an easy target for those who dislike her.
In fact, Lishu's ladies-in-waiting are pulling a simple con: they treat visitors like villains while pretending to defend her, leading her to believe she has many adversaries.
Worse, her attendants told her that they were her only allies, further isolating her and forcing her to rely on them.
Meanwhile, the current Emperor does not intend to pursue Lishu at all. He just visits Lishu to have a conversation, and he regards her as his daughter.
Why Is Lishu a Concubine in The Apothecary Diaries? Her Backstory Explained
Uryuu is Lishu's father, and he raised her but never loved her. Despite her tender age, she was sent to the royal palace as a political pawn in the hopes of improving their family circumstances.
The former Emperor favored the young back then, so it was only natural that Lishu's family would send her to the palace.
Fortunately, Lady Ah-Duo and the crown prince were able to use various forms of intervention to ensure that nothing happened between the former emperor and the little girl.
Because Lishu is a child who was separated from her parents, she grew up so sheltered and blind to the world around her. She may have high status, but in reality, she doesn’t hold any power in the palace.
What do you think about Lishu's story? Share your thoughts with fellow fans in the comments.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!