When watching Apothecary Diaries, I focused on how much I loved Maomao. I loved her uniqueness as a character and shared the sentiment that we needed more female protagonists like her.

As the third season approaches, I find myself thinking of S2 “The Dancing Ghost”, where Jinshi finally calls her by name. Up until then, he had only called her “apothecary” or spoken to her directly. Upon a little teasing from Lady Gyokuyou the first time Jinshi asked to “borrow” her, the second time he asked for her by name.

Jinshi’s change of heart wasn’t sudden; it was a gradual progression of his appreciation and respect for her. The parties around were all shocked to hear Jinshi finally say “Maomao”. It had been some time since she had been in the Inner Palace, and he had never once spoken her name.

The sudden declaration of her name by him shocked Gaoshun and Lady Gyokuyou, and, yes, made me giddy in the moment. But upon a deeper reflection, it reminded me of how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained how and why he would name things he loved.

The items the Prophet names were objects, of course, Maomao isn’t an object or “owned” by Jinshi; the love and respect are still doing a lot of heavy lifting. It is known as a common practice of Arabian cultures at the time that they would name things.

The idea of naming an item (tool, gift, animal) reflects the value and place it holds in their life. The Prophet, peace be upon him, taught us to have gratitude and humility before Allah for every blessing. So much so, even if we receive new clothes, there is a prayer for it.

The Prophet appreciated his possessions so much that he gave them names. His cloak, Al-Fath. His sword, Dhul-Faqar. He named his favorite clothing and animals as well. If we know anything of Jinshi from Gaoshun, Madam Suiren, and his mother, he would get his favorite things and become attached to them. Despite everyone seeing his attachment to Maomao, he tries to hide it for his rank, but it quickly becomes unavoidable and apparent.

His first request for Maomao resulted in teasing and embarrassment for him not speaking her name. The second time, he said it with such confidence and his usual flair (and slight annoyance to Maomao). Their relationship dynamic on the surface level didn’t change drastically, but it changed as you get to the end of the second season.

I’m excited for the new season adn movie we are getting for Apothecary Diaries, and I am due for a rewatch! Be sure to keep up on Crunchyroll.