The La Clan (羅の一族, Ra no Ichizoku?) is a clan in Li known for the eccentricity and talent of its members, with each member being extremely skilled in a single area. Many members serve in the Outer Court as aides to the government, though they are unique for standing aloof in politics, favoring no one as allies but being formidable enough to discourage others from becoming their enemies. With Maomao being a biological member of its main branch, the clan is highly relevant to the plot of The Apothecary Diaries.
History
The La clan is a family of long-standing renown.[1]
At some point, Luomen studied medicine in the west, when the Empress Regnant sought to improve Li's medical knowledge.[2] On returning, he soon became a court physician in the rear palace.
When Lakan was discovered unable to recognize faces, his father had another son with a concubine. Lakan later joined the military, and began meeting Fengxian at the Verdigris House for Go and Shogi games. As Fengxian's price went up, Lakan could only meet her every few months, but this stopped when he was disinherited as the clan's successor in favor of his half-brother. On his next meeting, he slept with Fengxian.[3]
Following the death of the then-crown prince's son, Luomen was banished from the rear palace and his family. At the same time, Lakan was also sent to the Western Capital for three years, during which the Yi clan was overthrown. Luomen then moved to the red light district to care for his grand-niece Maomao on finding a letter sent to Lakan from Fengxian. Upon Lakan's return to the Verdigris House, he found both Luomen and Maomao, but no trace of Fengxian.[3]
Determined to stay close to Maomao, Lakan seized the clan headship from his father by blackmailing him with evidence of fraud found by Lahan, his nephew.[4] Lakan then adopted Lahan as his son and heir, and the rest of his family moved to a large farming estate upriver from the Royal Capital. Sometime later, he became the Grand Commandant.
Members
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| Luomen's brother | Luomen | Lakan | Maomao |
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| Lakou | Lahan's Older Brother | Lahan |
Specialties
The La Clan's members each have specialties that they are extremely knowledgeable about:
- Luomen: Medicine, apothecary, surgeon
- Lakan: Tactician, Go and Shogi (Xiangqi instead of Shogi in some sources), Talent hunter
- Lakou: Agriculture (especially potatoes)
- Lahan's Older Brother: Agriculture
- Lahan: Finances
- Maomao: Medicine, apothecary (especially poisons)
- Lakan and Lakou's father: Military (Expert swordsman)
- Ancestor of unknown name: Architecture
Family Tree
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| Luomen's Brother |
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| Lahan's mom |
| Lakou |
| Lakan |
| Fengxian |
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| Lahan's Brother |
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| Maomao |
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References
- ↑ The Apothecary Diaries light novel: Volume 4, Chapter 9
- ↑ The Apothecary Diaries light novel: Volume 9, Chapter 7
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Apothecary Diaries light novel: Volume 2, Chapter 20
- ↑ The Apothecary Diaries light novel: Volume 6, Chapter 6