The preview of The Apothecary Diaries episode 23 foreshadows the introduction of Fengxian, meaning anime fans will likely discover the backstory to Maomao's courtesan mother.
Here's everything you need to know about Fengxian and her relationship with Lakan.
Warning: This article discusses spoilers about both Maomao's parents so proceed with caution.
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Meet Fengxian, Maomao's Mother
Maomao's closeness with her elder "sisters" in Rokushukan foreshadows the identity of her mother, Fengxian.
Maomao's mother used to be a high-ranking courtesan in the Rokushukan house, though she sold her mind, rather than her body.
Lakan, Maomao's father, would often meet with her to play strategy board games. Eventually, he fell in love with her but her price had soared far beyond his means.
Fengxian decided to sleep with him at a time when pregnancy was highly likely, as this would drop her price enough for Lakan to pay off her indenture.
However, Lakan left for a military campaign before becoming aware of her plan. As a result, Fengxian's rank plummeted and she had to become a streetwalker.
Lakan only found out what had happened three years later, when he returned.
Fengxian grew to resent Lakan and even her own daughter, whom she blamed for her downfall.
Is Maomao's Mother Dead? What Happened to Her?
Fenxgian's fate is different in The Apothecary Diaries light novel, web novel, and anime.
In the original web novel, she is already dead at the start of the story, having succumbed to disease during Lakan's three-year absence.
Subsequent adaptations keep her alive for longer, but she's in ill health and barely clinging to life by the time we meet her.
The light novel allows her to reunite with Lakan and marry him. Their story still ends tragically, as she's sick with syphilis from her time as a sex worker and she dies shortly after.
Episode 18 of the anime adaptation features Fengxian receiving treatment in Rokushoukan as she is ill, presumably with syphilis.
Given that the anime has kept her alive so far, it will likely follow the light novel and allow Fengxian to reunite with Lakan, even if she dies afterwards.
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