Maomao does her best to navigate the complex social situations at the garden party, including meeting the other Upper First rank concubines. But once she settles down to do her work as a food-taster, she discovers a surprise in a bowl of soup.

Jinshi and his forces infiltrate the stronghold, cornering the remaining Shi clan members.

After the war, Jinshi's work piles up and Maomao returns to the pleasure district.