In an interview, The Apothecary Diaries author Natsu Hyuuga shared an interesting behind-the-scenes detail that sheds new light on the series’ development. While the story fans know today centers on palace intrigue, poisons, and the keen observations of Maomao, an earlier draft explored a far darker twist with a plan to assassinate Jinshi. Hyuuga revealed that, in the early concept stages, Jinshi’s position in the imperial court was tenuous at best, and Gaoshun, his loyal attendant, was originally meant to play a very different role.

The scrapped storyline involved Gaoshun being ordered to kill Jinshi, suggesting a version of the plot where Jinshi was much less influential and possibly a political liability, according to @keiuzuki on X. Though ultimately abandoned, this idea offers a glimpse into how precarious Jinshi’s status was meant to be. The story fans see now portrays him as an elegant and seemingly untouchable figure, but Hyuuga’s early concept envisioned a more vulnerable version of the character and one whose life hung in the balance under the watch of those closest to him.

"Jinshi didn't have much standing, and Gaushun was there to watch him. I thought of a plot where Gaoshun receives orders to kill Jinshi."

- Natsu Hyuuga

Gaoshun Nearly Went from Caretaker to Assassin

The Darker Path for Jinshi’s Closest Ally in The Apothecary Diaries

Gaoshun’s role in the current story is defined by loyalty and unwavering service to Jinshi, often acting as both confidant and fixer. But Hyuuga's revelation suggests that Gaoshun’s original function was more ambiguous. If the story had gone in this earlier direction, Gaoshun might have been torn between duty and morality, offering a more psychologically complex portrayal of a man caught between serving his superiors and protecting the person he has come to respect and even care for.

This alternate path could have added layers of tension to the early chapters, establishing Gaoshun as a wild card rather than a dependable aide. Such a plot would have dramatically shifted the tone of the story, bringing darker elements of betrayal and internal palace politics to the forefront. It also would have underscored Jinshi’s fragility in a cutthroat environment, making Maomao’s eventual trust in him more hard-won and impactful.

Rethinking Jinshi’s Standing in the Court

The Assassination That Never Was Tells Fans a Lot About The Apothecary Diaries' Jinshi

Hyuuga noted that Jinshi “didn’t have much standing” in the initial concept, hinting that his polished and privileged persona was a later addition. Originally, he might have been more of a pawn than a power player and someone whose birth or presence posed a threat rather than a promise. That kind of background would have made him a perfect target for elimination, particularly in an imperial setting where even minor players can become dangerous liabilities.

By removing this assassination arc, the story took a more nuanced path, building Jinshi into a mysterious and high-ranking figure whose power is obscured but clearly influential. This decision helped The Apothecary Diaries maintain its balance of charm, mystery, and slow-burning character development. Still, it is interesting to imagine a version of the story where one of its most beloved characters narrowly escaped death, not from outside enemies, but from his own trusted circle.