Yarite Baba

The Madam is the owner of the Verdigris House, the famous brothel where Maomao grew up in The Apothecary Diaries. Years ago, she was a leading courtesan there herself, and now she manages the business with a sharp eye for money.

She is shrewd and business-minded, always looking for a way to turn a profit. Yet under that hard shell, she cares about the people living under her roof, and she treats the house's courtesans a lot like family. She gave Maomao a place to work and treats her almost like a granddaughter.

Her relationship with Maomao is also practical. The Madam would happily turn the girl into a courtesan, but the two have a deal instead. Maomao sends wealthy customers from the palace to the Verdigris House, and in return, the Madam does not push her into that line of work. Their prickly, bargaining back-and-forth adds humor to Maomao's visits home.