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Season 1Episode 12
The Eunuch and the Courtesan
details the fate of Fengming's relatives following her execution. They were subjected to corporal punishment and stripped of their wealth. He now possesses the names of all her family members and their associates, noting that the individuals who kidnapped are linked to this family. Jinshi deliberates on whether to suppress this information.
Concealing it would likely prevent Maomao from leaving the Inner Court, yet he remains conflicted, uncertain of her own wishes. The scene shifts to Maomao and discussing a recent mass dismissal of personnel connected to Fengming's family. Disturbed by this, Maomao seeks out Jinshi to confront him about the incident.
She questions what will become of her. In response, Jinshi presents her with a document from . Maomao asks if her own ties to the Fengming family will cause her dismissal. Jinshi offers no definitive answer, instead inquiring what she desires. Maomao is reluctant to forfeit her comfortable life at the Jade Pavilion, nor does she wish to appear as if she is begging. She ultimately tells Jinshi she will comply with his decisions and pleads not to be dismissed.
Despite this, Maomao is removed from her position and returns to the Pleasure District. Gaoshun observes Jinshi's distress, understanding he refrained from compelling Maomao to stay because he wished not to exploit her. Meanwhile, Maomao is being attended to by one of the Three Princesses of the Verdigris House. She prepares to accompany them to a banquet for the nobility. Maomao notes that the substantial sum she received upon her departure from the Inner Court prevented her from being sold.
At the banquet, the Three Princesses perform for the assembled nobles while Maomao assists in attending to their needs. She notices a despondent man and approaches him. It is Jinshi, who demands to know why she left the palace and is dressed as a courtesan. Maomao explains she is there to earn money and does not accept private clients.
Jinshi asks if he can purchase her contract. Maomao considers that returning to work for him would be advantageous, reminding him that he was the one who dismissed her. She states the only drawback of her current position is the inability to experiment with poisons, a desire Jinshi finds absurd. Their conversation grows moderately intimate, attracting the notice of others.
After being questioned by the Three Princesses about Jinshi, Maomao is later seen working for at the Verdigris House. Grams requests she examine a patient. Following this, Maomao bathes and reflects on her time in the Inner Court. Grams joins her, and they discuss Maomao's debts and a potential return to palace service.
That night, Maomao steps outside to contemplate her experiences before questioning what the future holds and retiring inside. The next day, Jinshi and Gaoshun visit Grams' establishment. Jinshi presents Grams with a case of money and gives Maomao a peculiar plant. The episode concludes with Maomao assuming his intent is to buy her.