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 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.
Curious about the death of Lady Ah Duo's son and its connection to her adoptive father Luomen, Maomao approaches Lady Ah Duo's maid-in-waiting, Fengming, to uncover the truth about the incident.
Maomao is appointed by the Emperor himself as a special attendant to the High Consort Lihua with the sole purpose of finding the disturbing truth behind Lihua's illness.
The grand and glamorous Garden Party begins. Maomao, the poison tester, becomes suspicious of High Consort Lishu's reaction to the dishes she has just tested.
During her visit home, Maomao is asked to investigate a case of a poisoned courtesan and her customer at the brothel she grew up in, this time with her father's help.
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.
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.