Maomao returns to her duties as a personal attendant to the emperor's consorts, utilizing her knowledge of medicine and poisons to help them navigate various challenges. She continues to work closely with Jinshi, the eunuch, to improve the living conditions and education of the ladies-in-waiting. Maomao's attention is drawn to the arrival of a merchant caravan, which sets off a series of suspicious coincidences and events. As she investigates the strange occurrences, Maomao must also contend with internal threats to the harmony of the imperial concubines.