Gaojun uncharacteristically appears lonely. Though Shouxue is concerned, she is unable to ask why. Several days later, Gaojun visits Ye Ming Palace to show her a haunted mask. The ghost haunting the mask apparently responds to a type of foreign lute. The problem is solved when Gaojun is able to provide such a lute. Gaojun tries to leave, but he is stopped by Shouxue.

Xue Yuyong warns Shouxue against getting too close to Gaojun, and Shouxue sends Wen Ying to Quechao Palace to investigate the Magpie Consort.