Warning: This article contains spoilers from both the light novel and the manga.
Overview of Fenxigan’s Tragic Narrative
- Fenxigan, once a revered courtesan, experiences a life-altering encounter with the brilliant strategist, Lakan.
- After a fleeting reunion with Lakan, Fenxigan suffers a devastating illness that leads to her untimely death.
- The Apothecary Diaries poignantly explores the consequences of choices through Fenxigan’s heart-wrenching story.
Table of Contents
- The Encounter with the Undefeated Strategist
- The Downgrade of the Esteemed Courtesan
- The Return of the Estranged
- The Fated Reunion
Through Fenxigan’s story, The Apothecary Diaries underscores the significance of pivotal decisions in shaping lives. As Maomao’s biological mother, Fenxigan’s tale serves as a foundation for contemporary events and illustrates the fall from grace that often accompanies such drastic changes in fortune.
Despite the emotional depth of Fenxigan’s story, many fans struggle to grasp the nuances of her tragic ending. A hidden understanding of the courtesan’s lore is crucial to fully appreciate the events that led to her fate.
The Encounter with the Undefeated Strategist
The Transformative Visit
Two decades prior to the main timeline, Fenxigan held a prestigious position as a highly regarded courtesan in the Verdigris Household. Distinct from her counterparts, she offered her patrons skilled play in Go and Shogi rather than physical encounters. Among her admirers was Lakan, the biological father of Maomao, who sought Fenxigan’s unparalleled gaming prowess.
The narrative reveals that a humiliating defeat ignited Lakan’s desire for a rematch. Intrigued, he pursued further games with Fenxigan, who ultimately proposed a compelling wager:
“If you win, I shall grant you whatever you desire, but if I win, you must grant me my desire.”
Recognizing Fenxigan’s rising fame, Lakan reluctantly accepted her terms and shared an intimate night with her, during which feelings for each other blossomed. Yet, fate had a different trajectory planned.
The Downgrade of the Esteemed Courtesan
A Disastrous Pregnancy
After Lakan and Fenxigan’s intimate encounter, Lakan’s Uncle Luomen faced expulsion from the Inner Court due to failing to meet the Empress’s expectations. Consequently, Lakan was assigned to an expedition to allow tensions to settle.
Though he longed to be reunited with Fenxigan, Lakan could only manage a brief note to convey his circumstances after months of separation. By then, the conversation around acquiring Fenxigan’s services had shifted, as she now found herself financially supporting the family.
Three years passed before Lakan could return. By this time, Fenxigan had given birth to Maomao but faced disgrace and demotion from her once-coveted status, ultimately descending to the life of a streetwalker where she contracted syphilis, a disease that ravaged her beauty.
Through it all, Fenxigan’s hope clung to her letters to Lakan, which met only silence—an emotional void that drove her towards madness, even going so far as to send a finger as a symbol of her love.
The Return of the Estranged
The Tragedy of a Fateful Error
Torn by guilt and suspicion, Lakan returned only to be met by the scorn of the Verdigris Household. Banished from access to Fenxigan, he found himself at a loss, grieving for the lost time and moments.
Despite his persistent efforts to reconnect, Lakan continuously faced rejection, and the years drifted by in despair for both lovers.
The Fated Reunion
A Reunion Filled with Sorrow
In the present timeline, Lakan participates in a game of elephant chess with his daughter, Maomao, which mirrors a technique Fenxigan had developed. Once again, fate intertwines as, upon visiting the Verdigris Household to fulfill Maomao’s wishes to buy a courtesan’s contract, Lakan is led to a fateful revelation.
Upon entering, he encounters another courtesan, Mei Mei, who implores him to choose “the one he truly wants.” Suddenly, the echoes of a lullaby stir forgotten emotions within him. Lakan races toward the source, finding Fenxigan—a shadow of her former self, kept hidden to shield her from further despair.
The reunion unveils both joy and sorrow as Lakan cradles Fenxigan’s frail hand, witnessing a fleeting spark of life in her eyes. Overcome with emotion, he purchases her contract, rekindling their shared moments over games of Go and Elephant Chess.
Tragically, fate is relentless; Fenxigan succumbs to syphilis, etching a bittersweet conclusion to her life and the poignant lesson of love, loss, and the weight of one’s choices. Through this narrative, The Apothecary Diaries captures the essence of resilience amidst despair.
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