Apothecary Diaries Meme Reveals Wildly Different Taste of Three Generations of Emperors

In the hit series "The Apothecary Diaries" (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), protagonist Maomao uses her medical expertise to solve palace mysteries. Fans have pointed out a hilarious dynamic involving the imperial lineage: three generations of rulers hold wildly different tastes in women.

The previous emperor favored younger-looking partners, while the current emperor leans toward mature women. Meanwhile, Jinshi—the high-ranking official close to Maomao—is falling for Maomao herself, who is famously blunt, eccentric, and entirely on her own wavelength. 

Originally highlighted by fans online, this simple comparison has quickly become a viral meme. It perfectly encapsulates the contrasting vibes and romance arcs of the characters in just one glance. This distinct character writing and humor is exactly what makes the series stand out to its audience.