Wow, I think we found another gem that is none of your conventional storyline with the same damn stereotypical lead characters. If I could compare this series to another, it would be Akatsuki No Yona off the bat. Although this is a seinen, I felt that it can also play off as shoujo genre as well because of its art style, and the vibe that I got from the first few chapters. I've always enjoyed historical setting in my manga so when I discovered upon this series, oh boy I was so excited.

The protagonist is not just sassy, but also has a very likeable personality that would make the readers fall for her charms. She's a little crazy- which the author has done very well in drawing her wicked expressions during those situations. Whenever I see those, I just go "Oh shit.." and would be very taken aback. HOWEVER, she's also very smart and is very good with her words. She's sharp and can read the situation very well, which is something that I find quite refreshing.

The plot of this manga is very interesting. I don't think I've come across similar storyline and I think it has a lot of opportunities to develop. It is not your typical girl-in-palace-falls-in-love-with-a-high-ranking-official cliche and has her doctor/pharmacist background as a "side dish" to go with the story. Although I would say that I would love to see more of Maomao in her vast world of medicine and poison. If any of you have seen the K-drama "Dae Jang Geum/Jewel In The Palace", that's how I kind of want the direction of this manga to follow. Well, not exactly as the latter, but I expect for there to be more instances and situation where her skills as a doctor/pharmacist and knowledge of medicine are tested and thus, growth as a character and social status. Seeing how this is a seinen manga, I hope that the author would go in-depth as it is such a waste to just focus the story on the romance and shallow introduction of her medicine knowledge.

With that being said, if you're here because you seen this manga popping up in your recommendations or anywhere, go ahead and give it a shot! You won't regret it and in fact you'll probably thank me. I hope reading this review has encouraged you to give the manga a chance. You'll love it, so enjoy and have a nice day! ;-)