While Maomao remained the protagonist of during its recently concluded second season, the season wasn't truly about her at all. Rather, it told the story of an energetic, bug-loving girl named Shisui whom fans quickly grew to love. As the truths about the mysteries surrounding her were revealed one by one, it seemed that a tragic death was the only possible fate in store for her.

Shisui has become one of the most beloved characters in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, and its finale brought her story to a shocking end. Had the season ended just one episode prior, fans would have been left to mourn her in tears, following her murder at the hands of the Emperor's soldiers. But The Apothecary Diaries had a few final tricks up its sleeve and, with them, Shisui is given a much more satisfying exit.

Shisui made a strong first impression at the start of Season 2, when she helped to catch Maomao the cat. Energetic, quirky, and donning the biggest of smiles, Shisui initially appeared to be nothing more than an unusual maidservant in the Rear Palace, and a new friend for Maomao and Xiaolan. Even from this early stage, hints are dropped regarding the later twist that she's actually been present in The Apothecary Diaries since Season 1, as her "real" self, Concubine Loulan.