—Episode 7, “Homecoming,” highlighted Li Bai, who first appeared in Episode 6. He made quite an impact!

Li Bai’s presence really allowed us to deepen the characters of both Maomao and Jinshi. I see Li Bai as fundamentally different from the other characters we’ve introduced so far. He is very straightforward in his intentions and desires, facing Maomao head-on and speaking openly. Because of that, Maomao can engage with him in a direct, straightforward way, which brings out a part of her that reflects her original self from her days in the pleasure district. When she gives Li Bai the letter of introduction for the Three Beauties at Rokushoukan, we see a side of Maomao that’s closer to her true self. In the inner palace, she’s learned to live as quietly and unobtrusively as possible. Li Bai’s openness with his feelings for Bai Ling also serves as a contrast to how Jinshi interacts with Maomao, which will be explored further.

—Jinshi being teased by Consort Gyokuyou was adorable as well!

When it comes to Maomao, Jinshi is a bit of a mess, isn’t he? (laughs)

The Connection Between Subtle Impressions and Future Revelations

—Episode 8, “Straw,” where Maomao, now back in the pleasure district, encounters a tragic double-suicide incident, had a very different tone. What were some of your focal points for this episode?

This episode’s theme is “layers.” Although it begins as a tale of double suicide in the pleasure district, the story unfolds with hidden motives from multiple characters, leaving the truth obscured. It’s primarily a mystery, but we leaned into occult elements to give it an eerie atmosphere. The color of the courtesan’s attire, the shadows cast, and the scenes where the courtesan tries to kill the man are staged to feel like events happening “outside of conscious awareness.” If viewed through this lens, one might see the courtesan’s or young maid’s revenge and resentment as their own, but also sense something darker at work.

—That really is chilling. And Maomao’s eyes in the final scene were haunting.

Maomao’s conversation with Meimei in the bath is a warm, heartfelt moment in stark contrast to the themes of deception that characterize both the pleasure district and the inner palace. It’s a rare, genuine connection. The shift to the scene of Maomao caring for someone brings us back to the darker tone and leads directly into the second cour. Episode 8 as a whole is packed with hints for future developments.

—There are threads linking the first cour to the second cour that go all the way back to Episode 1.

Yes, there are scenes that those familiar with the story will recognize, though others may be picking up on a sense of unease without knowing exactly why. Later, when these moments connect, I hope viewers will rewatch and notice how drastically certain expressions and lines change in meaning. Episode 9, in particular, emphasizes “unease” and connection.

—What theme did you focus on in Episode 9, “Suicide or Murder?”

In this series, we consciously match colors and settings to the emotions and events at play, and Episode 9’s theme is “red.” Through this color, we represent overarching themes like “life and death” and “views on mortality and social status.” In the final scene, where a sunset glows through the window, red is used to imply a sense of danger, signaling “going any further is risky.” This links back to the end of Episode 6. After the incident with the hairpin at the garden party, Jinshi and Maomao seemed to grow closer, but after Maomao reprimands Consort Riji’s maid, Henan, she withdraws from Jinshi, placing an emotional barrier between them. This stems from their differing attitudes toward life and death. Having lived in the pleasure district and later in the inner palace as a food taster, Maomao has learned that her life is disposable, while Jinshi has not recognized the weight of this disparity. Because of this, we’ll see some tension in their relationship in upcoming episodes, which is a key point as the story progresses.

How Perspective Shapes Emotional Impact

—Episode 10, “Honey,” stirred a lot of excitement with Jinshi’s smile.

Because he felt a distance forming with Maomao in Episode 9, Jinshi tries too hard to win her attention, and Consort Gyokuyou scolds him for going too far. (laughs) And honey…well, let’s just say even good looks have their limits. (laughs)

—Author Natsu Hyuuga commented on social media that this “honey” moment is part of Jinshi’s “inescapable past.” And Episodes 10 and 11 also introduce Fengming, who left a powerful impression on viewers. Were there any specific points you paid close attention to when depicting her?

I wanted Fengming to be nuanced, not a straightforward villain, so we took a delicate approach. That’s why we cast Noriko Hidaka, whose gentle voice doesn’t sound villainous. Fengming isn’t innately malicious—she caused harm out of ignorance, with her actions gradually spiraling into deception. She might have been an exemplary head maid with nothing to hide if circumstances had been different.

—Then we come to Episode 11, “Two Become One,” where the verbal exchanges between Fengming and Maomao had viewers on the edge of their seats.

The dialogue is the focus in that scene, so I kept the animation minimal to allow viewers to fully concentrate on the conversation. Instead, we emphasized subtle expressions through shading and sound, balancing the impact of the words with visual and audio cues.

—The conversation between Consort Ata and Maomao on the palace wall was also beautifully dramatic.

Consort Ata is a dignified figure. The maid sacrificed herself, and Fengming faced execution to protect Ata’s secrets. If Ata’s reflection on their fates felt beautiful and evocative, I’m very pleased. Although I won’t go into detail, if we consider that Ata might have known about the child switch, it could shift how we interpret her actions. It invites viewers to think about how much was calculated versus emotional.

—That perspective adds a new layer to the final scene with Consort Riji as well. Episode 12, “Eunuchs and Courtesans,” marked the end of the first cour. What were some of the main points you wanted to highlight in this episode?

The camera work is split between Jinshi’s perspective in the first half and Maomao’s in the second, with a focus on their relationship. This episode is the culmination of their dynamic so far, setting the stage for Episode 13 and beyond. While Maomao had previously shown no reaction to Jinshi’s advances, this time she responded. Jinshi, too, acted genuinely rather than with mischief, leading Maomao to naturally react to him. It’s a moment that would not have happened earlier in the story. Although Episode 1 served to introduce the world, Episodes 1–12 also lay the foundation for the story to come. I hope viewers will revisit the first cour before the second cour starts, as it’s filled with hints of what’s to come.

—What should we look forward to in Season 1’s second cour?

Look out for Rakkan! Though he may appear as a tricky character with his fox-like eyes, there’s a solid backstory to him that will gradually unfold, transforming how he is perceived by the end. We’ve woven in many elements to keep everyone entertained until the last episode, so I hope you’ll continue watching!