Maomao is brought to Jinshi's house and assigned to work in the outer court, to her surprise. As the new hire, she has much to learn and many eyes upon her.
Ah-Duo's replacement has arrived in the rear palace, and Maomao is assigned to give a certain lecture to all four high concubines. Later, Maomao helps Lihaku investigate a warehouse explosion.
When a poisoning occurs in the palace, Gaoshun seeks help from Maomao to get to the truth. Simultaneously, Jinshi faces an unwelcome guest looming in his quarters.
Upon a metalworker's death, he leaves his three sons only a shack, chest of drawers, and fishbowl. Maomao investigates how these odd inheritances connect.
Covering up Jinshi's otherworldly beauty is no easy task, but after Maomao takes the challenge head-on, she's surprised when she's also asked to don the disguise of a noblewoman and escort "Jinka" outside the palace.
Back at home, Maomao visits an annex building at the Verdigris House that hides one of the brothel's secrets. Lakan continues to antagonize Jinshi as his connection to Maomao becomes clear.
A discussion with Lihaku about recent events leads Maomao to realize that the mysteries she's helped to solve are connected. As the final piece of the puzzle falls into place, she rushes to stop impending disaster.
Maomao was able to stop the assassination attempt, but was heavily injured in the process. However, the injuries aren't enough to stop her curiosity, driving her to confront the culprit behind the incident.
Back to work at the rear palace, Maomao listens to Guen talk about his family's business. Meanwhile, Lihaku hears a rumor that that whips him into action.
Maomao confronts her biological father and challenges him with a game of Xiangqi with one condition - if she wins, he will accept a courtesan from the Verdigris House as his bride in order to redeem her.
Defeated, Lakan chooses a courtesan at the Verdigris House but abruptly leaves upon hearing a familiar voice. At Jinshi's house, Maomao discusses her complex feelings toward her father. A few night later, she dances on the castle wall.
