A New Friend?

Guen, the eunuch court physician in The Apothecary Diaries, is a kind, good‐natured, and hospitable man whose personality stands in contrast to his official role. Despite being the only physician in the Inner Court, he is often described as meek, insecure, and guileless, carrying out his duties without the medical expertise one might expect. He treats everyone, from high‐ranking consorts to low‐status characters like Maomao, with warmth and respect. Prefers comfort and routine over professional pride or responsibility, often avoiding difficult decisions. His lack of ambition and tendency to avoid trouble make him likable, even to sharp‐tongued or dangerous characters like Lahan. He often misses political schemes and is prone to spilling information without thinking. Takes pleasure in small comforts, such as caring for Maomao and sharing snacks or tea with her and Jinshi. Speaks in a somewhat effeminate tone due to his castration, which he doesn’t mind. Replaces his lost libido with a love of eating, enjoying treats and snacks. Becomes more relaxed and cooperative when Maomao’s presence improves his work outcomes. Guen is a gentle, low‐stakes character whose kindness and lack of pretense make him a memorable and endearing figure in the series, even as his incompetence becomes a running gag. In practice, Guen’s role is more ceremonial than clinical. He is often derided as a “quack doctor” due to his lack of medical expertise, and few people actually rely on him for serious medical matters. Instead, he is known for being hospitable, friendly, and even forming a lighthearted partnership with Maomao, offering her tea and snacks while she helps him with his duties. His workplace is the Inner Palace, specifically the women’s quarters of the imperial harem, where he is responsible for the health of high-ranking consorts favored by the Emperor, as well as mid-ranking consorts and their staff. Because he is a eunuch, he is allowed inside the Inner Court, and his position makes him the sole medical officer for the harem.

Guen, also known as 虞淵 and nicknamed the “Quack Doctor” by Maomao, is depicted as a chubby, middle‐aged man. He has black hair and small black eyes. Guen has a small mustache that Maomao noted made him look like a catfish. Due to his castration, he has minimal body hair. He is slightly plump in build. His voice is described as effeminate, likened to that of a well‐to‐do merchant’s mistress. His appearance is part of his role as a eunuch court physician in the Inner Court of Li.