I don't get why the soldiers killed Shishou on the spot, when he already disarmed himself. Same for Loulan when she was no threat at the time. Did they get orders beforehand that there is no need to leave anyone alive?
Very careless they did not check for a dead body too in the latter case.
What was Jinshi going to do if Maomao didn't wake up in time?!
I don't think it's that strange. Both Shisou and Loulan are among the main traitors to the empire that planned to overthrow it and attempted to kill royals. In an ancient empire, they weren't going to be let alive. The royal guard likely intended to kill in the entire clan, which was also why Loulan poisoned the children to let them die a "peaceful" death (though, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the resurrection potion).
though, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the resurrection potion
Loulan's words to Jinshi about people who have "already died once" being let off the hook feel like they almost guarantee it, but I guess we'll find out for sure next episode.
I feel like that big long exposition meeting was probably a narrative device that worked better in the original text than in animation. I found myself a little bored at times with this episode.
Apothecary Diaries is a masterclass of storytelling. I love how it all came together. Next is the last episode, which I assume is using the resurrection potion to save the children.