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Gaoshun

Gaoshun (高順, Gaoshun) is a recurring character in *The Apothecary Diaries*. He originally served as the personal attendant to the Emperor of Li but was temporarily assigned to assist Jinshi. Known for his professionalism and loyalty, Gaoshun plays a key role in maintaining order and ensuring Jinshi’s affairs run smoothly within the palace.

Appearance

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Gaoshun has short black hair and dark eyes. Despite his youthful appearance, the faint wrinkles between his brows and on his forehead reveal the constant stress he faces from both his demanding masters and his family. His composed demeanor often hides the exhaustion of managing the daily chaos surrounding the palace and those he serves.

Although he appears young at first glance, the faint wrinkles between his brows and across his forehead reveal the toll of constant responsibility. These subtle lines serve as a testament to the stress he endures daily while managing the affairs of his masters, especially Jinshi. His posture is straight and formal, and his movements deliberate, reflecting his disciplined nature and the strict etiquette of the imperial court. Despite the burdens he carries, Gaoshun’s composed appearance conveys reliability and quiet strength.

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Personality

On the outside, Gaoshun presents himself as calm, composed, and highly capable, embodying the image of a loyal and efficient attendant. He carries out his duties with precision and rarely lets emotions interfere with his professionalism. However, when those under his care, particularly his young master or his own sons, fail to meet expectations, his strict and temperamental side emerges. In such moments, his stern tone and piercing gaze make it clear that he demands discipline and responsibility from those around him.

Beneath this composed exterior, however, lies a man with a surprising vulnerability. Gaoshun harbors a deep-seated fear of women, stemming from years of dealing with his assertive and domineering wife and daughter. Their commanding presence has instilled in him an instinctive tendency to yield to women’s authority, even when his own rank would allow him otherwise. Despite being a respected official within the court, he does not hesitate to humble himself and perform menial tasks if a woman requests it, showing both his humility and the lasting influence of his family life.

Background

When Gaoshun was sixteen, he married his childhood sweetheart, Taomei, who was a few years older than him. Their marriage was a humble but loving one, rooted in years of familiarity and affection. Around the same time as Jinshi’s birth, Taomei gave birth to their second son, Basen. Because of this, she became Jinshi’s wet nurse, creating a close connection between the two families. Through this bond, Gaoshun naturally became a paternal figure to Jinshi, guiding him with care and discipline. His dedication to Jinshi’s upbringing shaped much of his life, as he assumed the role of a surrogate father, balancing strictness and compassion while serving loyally by his side.

Professionally, Gaoshun began his career as an attendant to the Emperor, where his reliability and composed demeanor earned him respect within the imperial court. However, his path changed when Jinshi decided to disguise himself as a eunuch. To support Jinshi’s decision, Gaoshun was instructed to become his personal attendant and to relinquish his Ma Clan name to maintain the secrecy of Jinshi’s identity. This decision reflected Gaoshun’s deep sense of loyalty and duty, as he willingly set aside his own status to ensure Jinshi’s safety and success. Later, when Jinshi assumed the role of the Imperial Brother, Gaoshun was reassigned to serve the Emperor once more, continuing his service to the royal family with steadfast devotion.

Ability

  • Diligence:Gaoshun is in charge of various tasks in theinnerandouter courtsto lessen the workload of his masters.

  • Intelligence:Gaoshun is quick on the uptake at his job of civil official.

  • Combat:Gaoshun is very skilled in combat, serving both as attendant and a bodyguard to his masters.

Trivia

    • Gaoshun is likely named after the Late Han/Three Kingdoms period military commanderGao Shun.
    • Gaoshun is seen as a BishopShogipiece byLakanin theanime, and as a promoted silver piece in thelight novel. Both pieces are of high importance in Shogi.
    • Gaoshun is referred to by many as a “hen pecked” husband, meaning that he is easily bossed around by his “scary” wife.
    • He is very fond of cats. So much so that his typical stoic character will break and he will become uncharacteristically excited and giddy around them.

Legacy

Gaoshun’s legacy lies in his unwavering loyalty, humility, and quiet strength that supported both the Emperor and Jinshi throughout their reigns. Though often overlooked compared to the nobles he served, his steadfast devotion and calm leadership made him an indispensable figure in the imperial court. As both an attendant and a surrogate father to Jinshi, Gaoshun shaped the young noble’s character through his discipline, wisdom, and patience. His legacy endures not through grand titles or achievements, but through the respect he earned from those around him and the lasting influence he left on Jinshi’s life and the Ma Clan’s history.