Riishu

Lishu is the Virtuous Consort in The Apothecary Diaries and the youngest of the Emperor's four highest-ranking wives. She lives in the Diamond Pavilion of the rear palace. Her powerful family placed her in the palace while she was still a small child, first as a consort of the former Emperor. After his death she spent a short time in a nunnery, but her family later brought her back to take up a high consort's rank once again.

Because she is so young, Lishu has very little power at court. The current Emperor shows no romantic interest in her, and many people do not take her seriously. She is gentle, timid, and innocent, and she is often picked on in quiet, sneaky ways, even by the maids who are supposed to serve her.

Lishu also has serious food allergies, which others often mistake for picky eating. This puts her in real danger, and it is one of the problems Maomao helps bring to light. Over time, older women in the palace, especially the Pure Consort Ah-Duo, treat her with warmth and try to protect her. Lishu's story shows how lonely and risky palace life can be for a child caught up in adult politics.