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.