#knh thoughts

[h0estar]

If anything, Maomao truly is her father's daughter 😭

[myapothecarydiary]

I’ve been having thoughts lately so I feel like there may be some Apothecary deep dives in my near future…

[h0estar]

jinshi becoming the emperor is a popular ending that some fans want. however, while i do see the appeal, i'm still actively against it, and the reasons most fans give for why he shouldn't become emperor feel a bit lacking.

it's always:

he's insecure

he's horrible at delegating tasks

he's too kind, and the emperor's role would force him to act against his morals, and the weight of it all would eventually kill him emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically.

BUT i have yet to see anyone else bring up jinshi's line in LN 13, where he explicitly states that the reason he is not interested in the throne is because he does not want to be in a position where NO ONE CAN STAND BESIDE HIM—not even the empress.

while most of the listed reasons are correct, i feel this one holds the most importance. not just because it came directly from jinshi himself, but because it speaks to who he is as a character and person. it's not solely because he dislikes the heavy responsibility that comes with ruling a nation, or he feels like he's lacking in many areas, but because he has a bleeding heart that longs for nothing more than a real, genuine connection with people all his life.

i once read in a reddit thread where someone made a distinction between the current emperor and jinshi. they said, ‘one is the son of heaven and the other is just a man.’ that sentence has stuck with me ever since.

jinshi is someone who has longed to be seen all his life. not as a celestial nymph or a heavenly being, but just a man—a human being who can be scarred, wounded, bruised, brought low, and show weakness. an emperor's position does not—cannot—allow any of that.

he works well when he's actively involved with the people he wants to help; he thrives when he sees his beloved apothecary getting to do what she loves, and he has no issues getting mocked and insulted if it means helping people in any way he can.

i just feel like jinshi has so much love to give. let him walk with the people he cares for deeply! let him be imperfect like everyone else! don't place him somewhere so high up, not even the love of his life can reach him.

i hope the author knows how to conclude his character, given how deliberately she's been writing him. jinshi is undoubtedly a great leader, but i don't think he will ever become a great emperor.

[h0estar]

friendly reminder that gaoshun was laughing off screen when this exchange was happening.

luomen was so funny though. look at at the little "sob" sfx beside fox lakan 😭

[h0estar]

it's the little touches and subtle movements that always scream the loudest. it's not much, but it says enough <3

[h0estar]

maomao being her bf's dad's porn supplier is really something huh

[h0estar]

maomao yelling at jinshi to use his words while being the most avoidant character to exist is so funny to me

[h0estar]

huge fan of how the jinmao scenes in the final episode appeared more silly and fun rather than being solely dominated with heavy, unresolved sexual tension (though ofc we still got some of that, which is a win. yay!!)

idk i just love jinshi and maomao's banter so much. it makes so much sense for their characters! and seeing it animated and voiced really puts everything into place. makes them appear more wholesome and cute. like yeah they might have feelings for each other at this point, but setting that aside, these two are really good friends. so it's nice to see them act like it from time to time.

i can't wait to see what this "anime sequel" will be. i really really hope it's a season 3.