The Shocking Truth About Jinshi's Age: Why The Apothecary Diaries Character Isn't 24
The question of "how old is Jinshi in The Apothecary Diaries" is one of the most compelling mysteries in the entire series, and the answer is far more complicated than a simple number. As of the current date in late 2025, the anime and light novel communities are still buzzing about the massive discrepancy between the age Jinshi presents to the Imperial Court and his actual, deeply guarded age, a secret intrinsically linked to his royal bloodline and position in the Inner Court.
Jinshi, the stunningly beautiful and charismatic overseer of the Inner Court, is initially introduced as a 24-year-old eunuch, a persona he meticulously maintains to navigate the treacherous political waters of the palace. However, the truth—revealed in later volumes of the light novel and hinted at in the anime—is that this age is a carefully constructed facade, making his real age one of the most significant plot points in the story. This article will break down the three different ages associated with the 'Moon Prince' and explain the explosive reason behind his deception.
Jinshi's Complete Profile and Biography
Jinshi is the male protagonist of Hyūganatsu’s popular light novel series, The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto). His existence is a web of political intrigue and royal secrets, forcing him to adopt a false identity to protect himself and the Imperial Family's stability.
- Designated Title/Persona: Jinshi (壬氏)
- Role in the Inner Court: The beautiful and high-ranking eunuch who oversees the Imperial Harem.
- Perceived Age (The Lie): 24 years old (at the start of the series).
- Real Age (The Truth): 19 years old (at the start of the series/Anime Season 1). This age advances to 20 in later light novel volumes (Volume 5).
- True Identity: A close, high-ranking relative of the Emperor, often referred to as the "Moon Prince" (月君, Gekkun).
- Real Name: Ka Zuigetsu (華瑞月). The name 'Zuigetsu' translates to 'Moon' or 'Moonlight,' hence his nickname.
- Height: 181 cm (approx. 5'11").
- Relationship with Maomao: He is approximately one year older than Maomao, whose age is 17 at the start of the series.
- Key Attendants: Gaoshun (his trusted aide) and Basen.
- Family Connection: The truth about his lineage is a major spoiler, involving the current Emperor and the Empress Dowager.
His dazzling, almost ethereal beauty is a constant source of trouble, drawing the attention of nearly every woman in the palace, including the Imperial Consorts and the palace staff. This beauty is a central element of his character, often contrasting with his sharp intellect and cunning political maneuvering.
The Three Ages of Jinshi: Unmasking the Deception
To fully understand Jinshi’s character, one must differentiate between the three ages he is associated with. The disparity between these numbers is a crucial element of the political drama in The Apothecary Diaries.
1. The Persona: The 24-Year-Old Eunuch
Jinshi’s public, official age is 24. This age serves a specific and vital purpose: to establish him as a mature, experienced, and high-ranking official within the Inner Court. By presenting himself as older, he commands respect and authority, necessary for overseeing the Emperor’s concubines and managing the delicate balance of the Imperial Harem. The assumption that he is a eunuch also helps to deflect romantic interest, though his overwhelming beauty often makes this difficult, leading to many comedic and tense situations with Maomao. This age is a political shield.
2. The Reality: The 19-Year-Old Imperial Relative
The shocking truth is that when he first meets Maomao, Jinshi is only 19 years old, making him barely an adult and just a year or two older than Maomao herself. This revelation completely changes the dynamic of his interactions, especially his relentless pursuit of Maomao. It explains his sometimes immature behavior, his persistent pouting, and his almost childlike fascination with Maomao's lack of interest in his looks. The fact that he is so young, yet holds such a high-ranking position, underscores the immense pressure and the serious nature of his secret identity.
3. The Progression: The 20-Year-Old (Later Volumes)
As the story progresses through the light novels, particularly around Volume 5, Jinshi celebrates his birthday and turns 20. This progression is important as it marks the passage of time and the deepening of his relationship with Maomao. His age is a direct contrast to the 24-year-old facade, highlighting the emotional toll his secret life takes on him. The closer his true age is to Maomao’s, the more intense his feelings become, and the more desperate he is to shed his official "eunuch" title, which he only uses as a cover.
The Significance of Jinshi's Age and Identity Reveal
The reveal of Jinshi’s true age is not just a fun fact; it is a critical plot point that unlocks the series' deepest political mystery. His real age is a direct consequence of his true, royal identity, which is one of the most guarded secrets in the entire Imperial Palace.
The Real Identity: Ka Zuigetsu, The Moon Prince
Jinshi's true name is Ka Zuigetsu. The use of the name 'Jinshi' (壬氏) is an honorary title given to a close Imperial relative, which he uses to maintain his cover. He is not a eunuch, but a member of the Imperial Family who has chosen this role to conceal his true lineage. The reason for this concealment is deeply rooted in the history of the Emperor's family, involving a political scheme that required him to be removed from the direct line of succession and hidden in plain sight.
The true identity reveal is a massive spoiler and is only fully confirmed in the later light novels, but the groundwork is laid early on. His perfect, almost divine appearance is a hint: he possesses the striking beauty that runs in the Emperor's bloodline, making it impossible for him to truly hide. By taking on the role of a eunuch, he can oversee the Inner Court and protect the Imperial Consorts without being seen as a direct threat to the current Emperor's power, a role that is necessary due to his close relationship to the throne.
The Maomao Connection
The age difference between Jinshi and Maomao is crucial to their relationship. At the start, Maomao is around 17 years old. The fact that Jinshi is only one year older (18/19) rather than seven years older (24) makes his romantic pursuit of her more acceptable to a modern audience and, critically, makes their emotional connection feel more balanced. Maomao’s initial disdain for him is partly due to his 'eunuch' status and his seemingly frivolous nature, but his true age hints at his vulnerability and the weight of responsibility he carries, which slowly begins to earn Maomao's respect and curiosity.
In summary, the age of Jinshi is a masterpiece of narrative misdirection. The number 24 is the political barrier he uses to survive the palace intrigue. The number 19 (or 20) is the vulnerable, real man, Ka Zuigetsu, who is desperately trying to live a normal life and win the heart of the only woman who doesn't fawn over his looks: the apothecary, Maomao.
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