Premieres January 10th. This continues their series of monthly visuals. For more information, check out the Crunchyroll article. Synopsis of the source light novels from AniList:
In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there.
Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison!
No date yet on Frieren Season 2. Given the production staff involved, I wouldn’t hold my breath, it could take a while since they are busy doing other stuff.
Oh, I could’ve sworn that Frieren was airing next season, but yeah, no date set. Don’t know where I got that from then.
I get it. You were just trying to manifest your dreams into reality. Alas, another season of Apothecary and Frieren releasing at the same time is too good for the universe to allow to happen again.