The Apothecary Diaries novel volume 4 was written by Natsu Hyuuga with illustrations by Touko Shino.

Outside of her official duties, Maomao helps friends and acquaintances in the rear palace. Xiaolan needs a new job after her term of service ends, and Consort Lishu is convinced she's seen a ghost! Then, when complications arise with Gyokuyou's pregnancy, Maomao realizes her skills are inadequate to handle the life-threatening situation. Although Maomao knows someone who can help, they haven't been welcome in the rear palace for a very long time… Maomao also begins to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated incidents in the rear palace. Will knowing too much put her life in danger?

The Apothecary Diaries novel volume 5 was written by Natsu Hyuuga with illustrations by Touko Shino.

The birth of Gyokuyou's son earns her the title of empress and rewrites court politics. Jinshi can also no longer continue his pretense as a eunuch at the rear palace. Although the Shi clan's demise restores peace, threats still loom—including an impending plague of insects. Maomao, as ever, finds herself caught up in new dangers. When Jinshi orders an expedition to Gyokuyou's homeland, Maomao heads west. But something is lurking in the shadows of the glittering city, and the apothecary must uncover it or face certain peril…