Episode Summaries

Maomao arrived at the Garnet Pavilion to deliver an item to Lady Ah-Duo. There, she encountered Fengming and stated she wished to speak with her. While examining the room, Maomao noted Fengming's packed belongings and inquired when she intended to depart. Maomao revealed her awareness that Ah-Duo was being compelled to vacate the pavilion for a new high-ranking concubine.

Maomao further disclosed her knowledge of Ah-Duo's infertility and pressed for details regarding the day Ah-Duo had attempted to give birth. She argued the matter concerned her directly, as her father, Luomen, had attended the birth and been responsible for its management. After mentioning the early demise of Ah-Duo's child, Maomao asked Fengming if she felt guilt for failing to care for the infant while Ah-Duo was incapacitated.

Maomao then questioned the reported cause of the child's death, disputing that face powder was responsible. She presented Fengming with a box containing a flower and syrup, explaining that certain flowers and syrups hold substances harmful to children. Consequently, due to multiple errors in the child's treatment during birth, Maomao's father Luomen had been banished from the rear palace.

Maomao asserted that Fengming had learned early of this poisonous flower, but concealed it to prevent Ah-Duo from discovering Fengming's responsibility for the child's death. The person who had provided this information regarding the toxic honey was Lady Lishu. Maomao highlighted the strong bond between Lishu and Ah-Duo, noting that when Lishu shared her childhood experience with the honey, Fengming had forcibly expelled her from the pavilion.

Upon learning of Lishu's new status as a concubine and fearing exposure, Fengming poisoned Lishu's soup during the garden party. After listening to Maomao's account, Fengming confessed her profound admiration for Ah-Duo and her deep shame for having taken her child. Following the presentation of an ultimatum for these crimes, Maomao returned to her quarters.

The next day, Maomao visited Jinshi to discuss the outcomes for Ah-Duo and Fengming. That night, Maomao sat atop the Inner Court wall. Ah-Duo approached and joined her in quiet reflection before both departed. As Maomao left, she tripped but was caught by Jinshi. The two shared a moment of intimacy.

In the morning, Maomao attended Ah-Duo's departure ceremony. She observed Ah-Duo hand her concubine crown to Jinshi and noted a strong resemblance between them, leading her to question if Jinshi had been involved in the infant's incident. She dismissed the thought as everyone witnessed Lishu running toward Ah-Duo.

The scene shifted to Gaoshun and Jinshi in Jinshi's quarters, where Gaoshun presented documents concerning Fengming's family and connections. The episode concluded with Jinshi gazing at a note bearing Maomao's name.