Lady Lihua

Lady Lihua (also known as the Wise Consort or Able Consort) is one of the Emperor's high-ranking consorts in the anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries. She resides in the Crystal Pavilion and holds significant favor and influence in the inner palace.

In the anime, she's portrayed as a dignified, mature, and beautiful woman with long flowing dark-blue hair and striking dark magenta eyes. She has a voluptuous figure, which aligns with the Emperor's preferences in terms of physical type among his consorts. Her attire often features elegant, extravagant blue and purple tones, reflecting her water elemental motif.

Personality-wise, Lihua is intelligent, politically savvy, kind-hearted, and caring—especially toward those loyal to her—but she can also show emotional vulnerability and insecurity, particularly tied to personal tragedies like the illness affecting her young son. Initially, she appears stern or even harsh in moments of distress, but she reveals a thoughtful, forgiving, and gracious side as her story unfolds, earning her the "wise" title through her composure and empathy in difficult situations.

She's voiced by Yui Ishikawa in the Japanese version, adding to her poised and regal presence. Overall, she's a compelling figure who contrasts with other consorts like the more playful Gyokuyou while sharing some similarities in capability and benevolence.