Lishu

Lishu (also known as Lady Lishu or the Virtuous Consort) is one of the four high-ranking consorts in the emperor's inner palace in the anime The Apothecary Diaries. She's the youngest among them, appearing as a delicate, youthful girl with long brown hair (often styled half-up) and dark purple eyes in the anime adaptation. She resides in the Diamond Pavilion.

In the anime, Lishu comes across as shy, gentle, timid, and easily frightened, often likened to a small, fragile animal. She's honest and straightforward but lacks experience and worldly sense due to her young age and sheltered (yet politically manipulated) upbringing, which makes her seem a bit naive or childish at times. She has very little favor or influence with the current emperor and faces subtle bullying and disdain from some of her ladies-in-waiting, partly because of her background and perceived "pickiness" with food (stemming from actual allergies that Maomao helps address in one arc).

Her situation is portrayed as quite tragic and pitiable—she's been used as a political pawn from a very young age, including her prior role connected to the former emperor, which adds layers of awkwardness and sympathy to her character in the story. Overall, she's a kind-hearted but vulnerable figure who highlights the harsh realities of palace politics and hierarchy.