Fans of The Apothecary Diaries manga (kusuriya no hitorigoto manga) have a lot to talk about. From palace intrigue to Maomao’s quick wit and medical expertise, the story has kept us all hooked. But one question that constantly pops up in fan discussions is the relationship between Maomao and Jinshi, particularly their age difference. Since their chemistry is undeniable, readers can’t help but wonder: what is the actual age gap between Maomao and Jinshi? Let’s dig into what the manga reveals and why this detail fascinates the fandom.
Let’s start with Maomao, the quirky apothecary who’s become the heart of the story. In the manga, Maomao is introduced as a young woman who grew up in the pleasure district, raised with practical knowledge of medicine and poisons from her adoptive father. She is written to be 17 years old when she enters the palace.
This makes her relatively young compared to many of the high-ranking officials and nobles around her. Despite her age, her intelligence, observational skills, and sharp tongue make her stand out in the Imperial Court. Readers are often impressed by how mature she seems for her age, but it’s important to remember she is still a teenager.
Now, onto Jinshi the mysterious and elegant figure whose presence lights up every panel he’s in. At first, Jinshi is presented as a high-ranking eunuch, although readers later learn that his background is far more complex. While his exact age is not directly spelled out early in the manga, most sources and fan discussions agree that Jinshi is around 21 to 23 years old during the events of the series.
Jinshi’s youthful appearance often makes people mistake him for being younger, but in truth, he is an adult with heavy responsibilities, including political ties and secrets about his identity. His charisma and the way he balances his role in the palace reflect someone who has lived a little longer than Maomao and gained more worldly experience.
Putting these numbers together, it’s safe to say the age gap between Maomao and Jinshi is about 4 to 6 years. This gap isn’t particularly large in the context of the story, especially given that both characters live in a historical-inspired setting where social expectations of relationships are quite different from modern norms.
For readers, this gap seems reasonable because Maomao and Jinshi meet as individuals with very different life experiences, rather than simply as “teenager and adult.” Their dynamic feels balanced because Jinshi doesn’t treat Maomao as a child—he respects her intellect, even when she drives him crazy with her bluntness.
So why is the question of age such a big deal in fan communities? There are a few reasons:
Romantic implications: Many readers ship Maomao and Jinshi, so knowing their ages helps fans decide whether the pairing feels appropriate or not.
Character growth: Age difference affects how we see their development. Jinshi may appear polished and mature, while Maomao is still figuring herself out, making their interactions more dynamic.
Cultural context: Since the story is set in an imperial court inspired by historical China, readers often compare it to real-life norms of arranged marriages and court politics, where age gaps were common.
What makes the age gap less controversial is how the manga itself handles their relationship. The focus isn’t on rushing them into romance, but rather on slow character development. Maomao often tries to keep her distance, while Jinshi becomes increasingly fascinated by her. Their bond grows out of mutual respect and curiosity, not just attraction.
Instead of treating the age difference as a central issue, the manga uses it as background detail. The emphasis remains on palace mysteries, Maomao’s clever deductions, and Jinshi’s hidden identity. Romance simmers under the surface, but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the narrative.
It’s interesting to compare this to other manga or light novel romances where age gaps are far larger. In some series, readers feel uncomfortable when the characters are at very different life stages. But with Maomao and Jinshi, the gap feels more natural, especially since both of them are portrayed as mentally sharp and emotionally layered.
A gap of 4 to 6 years is common in historical romances, and in this story it doesn’t overshadow the core themes. Instead, it adds a touch of realism reminding us that palace life brings together people of different backgrounds and ages.
The big question, of course, is whether Maomao and Jinshi’s age gap will ever matter in the story. For now, the manga doesn’t frame it as a problem. If anything, it adds to their charm: Jinshi admires Maomao’s independence, while Maomao is cautious of Jinshi’s status and influence.
As the series progresses, fans expect their bond to deepen, and if romance does bloom, the age difference will likely feel like a minor detail rather than a major obstacle. Readers are far more invested in whether Maomao will accept Jinshi’s true identity and how their personalities will continue to clash and complement each other.
For those who want to keep up with the latest discussions, theories, and chapter updates, the best place to dive deeper is the dedicated Apothecary Diaries manga site. You’ll find community insights, breakdowns of each chapter, and plenty of fan chatter about Maomao and Jinshi’s evolving story.
So, what’s the age gap between Maomao and Jinshi? The answer is around 4 to 6 years, with Maomao at 17 and Jinshi in his early twenties. While some fans initially raise an eyebrow at the difference, the manga portrays their relationship with nuance, patience, and respect. Rather than making age the focus, the story highlights their personalities, secrets, and the fascinating world of the Imperial Court.
At the end of the day, that’s what makes The Apothecary Diaries manga so compelling it’s not just about romance, but about how two very different characters navigate a world full of intrigue, danger, and hidden truths.