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Season 1Episode 3
The Unsettling Matter of the Spirit
Yinghua, Guiyuan, and Ailan clean while reflecting on their time spent there. One of them checks on and mentions a rumor about a mysterious spirit haunting the Inner Court. Maomao meets with to discuss this rumor further, contemplating whether it is a hoax or an actual spirit. She deduces it is merely a ghost story and assures Xiaolan they have nothing to fear.
Maomao visits the Inner Court's doctor. He treats her with care, despite their prior tension. interrupts Maomao's meal, and she wonders why he continues to bother her. She suspects he holds a higher position than he reveals, as he is often seen roaming without apparent duty. Jinshi asks Maomao if there is a cure for sleepwalking other than medicine. Maomao promises to investigate the spirit issue.
escorts Maomao and asks her to cease looking down upon Jinshi. He introduces her to Concubine Fuyou, who is soon to be bestowed upon a military officer as a reward. The doctor informs Maomao that Fuyou, a skilled dancer, stumbled during her first performance and subsequently lost the 's favor. He explains this shock led to her sleepwalking. Maomao and Gaoshun leave and observe Fuyou.
Maomao compares her to a cotton rose for its ability to change. She asks Xiaolan to explain the spirit story in more detail. Xiaolan mentions Fuyou appearing from the north side, leading Maomao to formulate a theory. Maomao meets with to discuss sleepwalking, relating Fuyou's situation to a case from her past involving a woman at a brothel. Maomao concludes that Fuyou requires help canceling the exchange to resolve her sleepwalking.
Maomao states that Fuyou was ordered never to leave her room, with eunuchs assigned to watch her. Several days later, Gyokuyou notices something is troubling Maomao. As Maomao watches Fuyou leave the Inner Court, Gyokuyou confronts her about her concerns. Maomao worries over Fuyou's fate between the emperor and the military officer. Maomao and Gyokuyou watch as Fuyou reunites with the officer and departs.
Maomao considers what type of medicine she would wish to make. A man then confronts Gyokuyou in her quarters, stating he has a request for Maomao.