Jinshi (The Apothecary Diaries)

Jinshi (Japanese: 壬氏) is the male protagonist of Hyūganatsu's light novel series The Apothecary Diaries. Jinshi is a eunuch from the Imperial Palace filled with laundry women, serving the Emperor's concubines, eunuchs, and respective staff in the Rear Palace. He finds the protagonist, Maomao, a young apothecary and introduces Maomao to Gyokuyou due to her notable skills. As the plot progresses, Jinshi's true identity is revealed as he is connected with other characters working in the Imperial Palace but becomes attracted to Maomao, wanting her to remain by his side. He is also often surrounded by Gaoshun who has taken care of him since his childhood.

In the making of the light novels, Jinshi was mostly a narrative accent but his popularity within the readers led to the author make him an active character with his own personality and relationship with Maomao. His relationship with Gaoshun was meant to be darker resulting in an attempted assassin arc and Jinshi being a more vulnerable individual. In the animated adaptations of the series multiple voice actors provided their talents for Jinshi. Critical response to the character has been generally positive for his mysterious identity and dynamic with the protagonist Maomao. However, some critics were against his love for Maomao.