The Apothecary Diaries manga volume 9 features story by Natsu Hyuuga and art by Nekokurage.

A festive mood comes to the Inner Court with the arrival of a long-awaited merchant caravan, but does ill intent aimed at a pregnant consort lurk behind its perfumed wares?!

As Maomao and Xiaolan delight in browsing the caravan's offerings, they once again cross paths with the maid who caught the kitten. As it turns out, she and Maomao are two eccentric peas in a pod…much to the chagrin of those around them! And the latest request from Jinshi seems to be connected to another incident, which unearths yet more mysteries to be solved!