In this episode, the Inner Palace is abuzz with the arrival of the new Pure Consort, Loulan. She appears discreetly on a snowy night, accompanied by her entourage. Loulan's demeanor carries a certain aloofness, as she casually removes a jeweled hair ornament upon entering her salon.

Meanwhile, the high-ranking concubines Gyokuyou and Lihua propose that all four principal consorts receive special lessons in the ways of the concubine. They suggest that Maomao, known for her knowledge, should lead these lessons. Maomao agrees, enticed by the promise of additional compensation.

The exact content of Maomao's lessons is not revealed, but it is hinted that they include knowledge she gained through her experiences at the Verdegris House. This knowledge, which she had previously shared with Lihua, had proven useful. Loulan, however, appears indifferent or unimpressed by these lessons, showing signs of disinterest.

Despite the varying reactions of the concubines, Maomao remains focused on her task, motivated by her payment. That same night, an explosion is heard in the distance, but Maomao decides not to investigate further to avoid conflict with Suiren.

The plot thickens the next day when Maomao, while gathering herbs near a damaged warehouse, encounters Lihaku. Lihaku initially mentions a minor fire, but Maomao quickly concludes it was an explosion. Inside the warehouse, she finds a dusty environment and a burnt, refined smoking pipe that seems out of place in such a setting.

To test her theory about the cause of the explosion, Maomao conducts an experiment in the courtyard using flour, wood, nails, flint, and a rope trigger. The experiment confirms her suspicion that the explosion was caused by ignited flour dust in the air, possibly triggered by a warehouse worker lighting his pipe. However, the pipe's peculiar design raises the question of whether this was a mere accident, an experiment, or something far more sinister.