Gekkakoku Kiiden
The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom

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This manga really resonates with me as a huge science nerd. For context, the mangaka behind this story is actually a former registered nurse, and she brings expert real life experience to her story about medical care. While the story exhibits some fantastical elements, you'd be interested to know that especially the knowledge of internal medicine isn't quite as fantastical as it seems. In fact, we've had knowledge of things like appendicitis since ancient egypt, surgical procedures like craniotomies have existed since the middle ages, and vaccines were also invented in ancient china. So while some of the conditions and their origins discussed aren't all ... going to have been known about in the seeming time period, a lot of them actually would have been known about to some extent, although maybe not on a 1:1 basis (as the author's modern medical training does peek through with some of the treatments and care regimens explained). This manga does a really good job of walking the line between edutainment and story quite frankly (how many people can say they've learned about Pellagra or the real-life invention of the hypodermic needle in a manga lol).

I think for the educational value alone it's worth reading, however it offers so much more than that. The art is really well done and conveys the story and setting well. The main character also learns valuable lessons relevant to real-life medical care especially surrounding patient perspective and bedside manner. The romance has been slowly simmering in the background, but the lack of progression is understandable as Koyou still has some growing to do regarding her EQ (emotional version of IQ ;) and the political turmoil and patients' conditions that build in the story. The political turmoil is your run of the mill imperial court turmoil, but it's competently executed and engaging. The story is worth checking out for fans of The Apothecary Diaries, with this story being more bent towards the educational aspect (given the author's background) and Koyou being a slightly more dense and and less emotionally intelligent character at the start (however that is part of her growth throughout the story, so not to worry). Also, having close friends who have trained in surgery, Koyou is actually somewhat accurate in her devotion to and obsession with surgery and medicine ironically.

It's a very fun and interesting manga that has plenty of potential. Everyone is comparing this to The Apothecary Diaries, but the female leads are so different that it would be dishonest to say if you like one to read the other. The reason for this is both manga are carried by their female lead so: If you like the typical shoujo lead who is confident, positive thinking, and hyperactive you will love this manga. If you find these types of leads annoying or unlikeable please don't waste your time thinking you are going to get Maomao. The thing I love about this manga is ... honestly the pure almost innocent love Koyou (the main character) has for medical practices such as stitching it is truly adorable to me.

Hey you! Yes you! you came here from The Apothecary Diaries didn't you? if that is the case then let me confirm to you after you read the synopsis that yes, it is basically a diet version of it. Emphasis on diet. Well at least as far as I am on it. It obviously has some difference, it's more of a generic Chinese period drama for one what with the competent and ambitious crown prince with a heart of gold but judged by the evil high-ranking concubine for his low birth, said high-ranking concubine of course wants for her son to be the future emperor ... and will stop at nothing, the crown prince of course has his loyal aid a military officially who gets tragically injured protecting him and his desperate search for a doctor leads him to our heroine a woman of medicine science and logic a contrast to the usual superstition and religion of her field. She even has a quirk; not an obsession with poisons, but muscles; they can't just outright copy Mao Mao.

In the 10 chapters I've read so far this manga while enjoyable is a net downgrade compared to Kusuriya no Hitorigoto. Now you may think that it's unfair to compare it to Apothecary bu as I've very subtly hinted at the whole appeal of this manga is predicated on your appreciation of a story like Apothecary. The majority of its audience will very likely come expecting something like Kusuriya no Hitorigoto. And well, in the same amount of time allocated to both good old Apothecary presented me with much better political plots and characters as a well as a more cohesive universe; especially regarding the skills and knowledge of our "doctor". She has basically modern age levels of medical knowledge and the tools to go with that with no explanation whatsoever outside of "well her dad has knowledge from overseas and that's why she's so good also she has photographic memory because why not". She also very obviously has some form of sociopathy, as she clearly lacks empathy and doesn't know how to understand human emotions, leading her to act inconsiderately, rudely or be downright cold and uncaring. Yeah, I picked up on that story, those hints weren't subtle.

Okay I'm not trying to say that it's bad, it is predictable and a bit generic but it sets up what it does well enough. It's not gonna blow you mind but it won't bore you to death either. So basically, what I'm trying to say is manage your expectations and it will scratch that Apothecary diaries itch well enough until the new chapter drops.