The spring garden party concludes without incident. Maomao returns to her regular life as Concubine Gyokuyou's taster. Meanwhile, novels become popular in the rear palace. Maomao wonders how this came to be, as novels were typically considered low-class. But behind the scenes lies Jinshi and his goals as manager of the rear palace.
The caravan stirs up excitement in the inner palace. The merchants bring all kinds of goods. However, something gives Maomao a bad feeling.
A concubine passes away, and a woman goes missing. Jinshi sends Maomao to investigate - not these incidents, but mushrooms growing in the rear palace.
The special envoy from a foreign land gifts mirrors - a rarity in this country - to the high concubines. However, they bring mysteries as well.
In order to realize the seemingly impossible request from the foreign envoy, Maomao speaks to the "Moon Fairy" herself.
The woman from the clinic finds out that Maomao knows a thing or two about medicine, and asks for her help.
Maomao directs her curiosity towards an old, oddly-shaped building.
Maomao's reputation for resolving conflicts reaches the empress dowager, who will ask for her help to unravel a mystery that won't leave her mind.
Maomao's investigation of the "curse" reveals more about the late emperor than anticipated.
Maomao joins some women exchanging scary stories on a hot summer night to provide chills.
Jinshi goes on a hunting trip, and brings Maomao along. He seems ready to share his secret with her.
Maomao discovers Jinshi's secret. She wants nothing to do with whatever the politics behind it is.
Xiaolan's term of service is almost up, so she must find a new job. Maomao and Shisui decide to help.
Concubine Lishu reports sightings of a ghost in the baths in her pavilion. Maomao goes to investigate.
Xiaolan accidentally ruins an expensive block of ice. Maomao comes up with a delicious backup plan.
Luomen returns to the rear palace. His observations trigger Maomao's curiosity.
Suirei smuggles Maomao and Shisui out of the rear palace. Jinshi begins to search for Maomao.
Maomao has been missing for ten days now. Jinshi's investigations lead him to a forgetten graveyard.
The village holds a festival. Maomao attends, and Shisui introduces some of the village's history to her.
Maomao is taken to a mountain stronghold, where many of the secrets of the Shi clan are revealed to her.
Maomao is accused of attempting to escape, and is tossed into an ancient method of torture and execution.
The royal guard, led by Jinshi, arrives, sealing the Shi clan's fate. Maomao wants to save her friend, Shisui.
Jinshi and his forces infiltrate the stronghold, cornering the remaining Shi clan members.
After the war, Jinshi's work piles up and Maomao returns to the pleasure district.
