Episode List Season 1 EP1~EP12

Episode1　Maomao
Maomao, an herbalist in the pleasure quarters, is kidnapped and sold to the inner palace, where she begins work as a maid. One day, she hears rumors of a “curse” responsible for the consecutive deaths of the emperor’s children. Driven by her boundless curiosity and passion for “medicine” and “poisons,” Maomao sets out to investigate. When she arrives at the palace quarters where the consorts reside, she overhears two senior consorts embroiled in a heated argument. Eager to unravel the mystery, Maomao springs into action.

Episode2　The Grim-Faced Apothecary
After uncovering the truth behind the so-called “curse,” Maomao’s skills catch the attention of the beautiful eunuch Jinshi. Recognizing her talent as an herbalist, Jinshi assigns her as a maid and poison tester for Consort Gyokuyou. Although her salary improves, she finds herself idle and pitied by colleagues as the “poor poison tester.” Just as boredom sets in, Jinshi makes a shocking request: he wants her to concoct a rather unusual medicine.

Episode3　Ghostly Encounters
Rumors circulate through the inner palace of a female ghost seen dancing atop the palace walls. Maomao initially brushes it off as another ghost story, until Jinshi asks her about sleepwalking, sparking her curiosity. Accompanied by Gaojun, one of Jinshi’s subordinates, she heads to the palace wall at night, where they encounter the silhouette of a beautiful woman in motion. Investigating the woman’s circumstances, Maomao soon discovers a surprising reason behind the “haunting.”

Episode4　Intimidation
Although Maomao solved the mystery of the emperor’s children’s deaths, Consort Rifa’s health continues to deteriorate. One day, Maomao receives an imperial order to treat her. When she tries to serve a carefully prepared meal to the consort, the palace maids obstruct her, causing the consort’s condition to worsen. With Jinshi’s help, Maomao finally gains access to Consort Rifa—only to find that the prohibited use of white face powder appears to be continuing for reasons unknown.

Episode5　Intrigue
With Consort Rifa recovered, Maomao has resumed her usual duties in Consort Gyokuyou’s palace. One day, a terrified eunuch arrives at the medical bureau, begging for a cure to lift a “curse.” Maomao quickly identifies the true nature of the curse and prescribes an ointment. However, her actions soon draw Jinshi’s attention. When Maomao returns to the Jade Palace, she finds her fellow servants busily preparing for an upcoming garden party.

Episode6　The Garden Party
The grand “Garden Party” event finally begins, drawing together the emperor, the four senior consorts, and high-ranking officials. While the attendees enjoy the colorful entertainment, tensions also rise between the maids of different consorts. As the food is served, Maomao, the poison tester, begins sampling each dish. She soon notices that Consort Riju, seated before one of the dishes Maomao has cleared, looks oddly distressed, sparking her suspicion.

Episode7　Returning Home
The day after the garden party, Maomao is asked by Gaojun to investigate a suspicious bowl thought to contain poison. During her inspection, she realizes that Consort Riju is being bullied by the other maids. Xiaolan then tells her that a hairpin from the party might allow her to venture outside the inner palace, sparking Maomao’s plan to return home for a visit. Jinshi, preoccupied with a series of troubling incidents, remains unaware of her intentions to leave.

Episode8　The Barley Straw
The day after staying at her family home, Maomao is taken to a nearby brothel by a young servant in a panic, where a courtesan and a man lie unconscious from poisoning. Maomao quickly administers treatment with the help of Rakan, reviving the pair. However, something about the courtesan’s account and the poisoning method strikes her as strange, leading her to delve into the truth behind the incident.

Episode9　Suicide or Murder?
Jinshi, overwhelmed with work, receives news of an officer’s death, reportedly due to excessive drinking at a gathering with comrades. Yet, Jinshi, well-acquainted with the officer, suspects foul play and consults Maomao. As Maomao learns more about the officer’s habits, she examines the wine bottle and deduces the real cause of death. Reflecting on mortality, she tells Jinshi, “I’d rather be poisoned than anything else.” But what is her true intent behind this statement?

Episode10　The Honey
Rumors spread within the palace that the maid responsible for poisoning Consort Riju at the garden party drowned herself in the outer court. However, Jinshi, doubting the motive of a mere maid to target Consort Riju, instructs Maomao to investigate the deceased maid’s palace, the Pomegranate Palace. Guided by Head Maid Fengming, Maomao assists with a thorough cleaning. During the investigation, Maomao notices Consort Riju watching the Pomegranate Palace, leading her closer to uncovering a major secret.

Episode11　Unifying the Two
Through palace records, Maomao learns of an old incident involving her adoptive father, Rakan, as well as Consort Ata and her son. Seeking answers about the prince’s death, she questions Fengming, the head maid devoted to serving Ata. However, Fengming, who has dedicated her life to Consort Ata, carries a deep secret. Understanding her situation, Maomao devises a clever plan.

Episode11　The Eunuch and the Courtesan
Fengming’s punishment for her actions extends not only to her family but also to those connected to her. Among them is the merchant family responsible for Maomao’s abduction into servitude. Although Maomao wishes to remain in the palace, she is dismissed due to her association with Fengming. Returning to her old residence, the Ryokushoukan, she resumes work, only to encounter a familiar face while escorting the three princesses, Shirin, Nyoka, and Meimei, to a client’s estate one evening.