Maomao is introduced to the new sisters Haku-u, Koku-u, and Seki-u at the Jade Pavilion, who wear colored hair ribbons to distinguish themselves due to their resemblance. As she adjusts to the new faces, Yinghua drags her to a nighttime ghost-story gathering in the northern part of the rear palace. There, twelve court ladies share eerie tales, including one about a "forbidden forest" with deadly mushrooms and a dark story about a couple attempting to sacrifice a monk.

During the event, Maomao notices the stifling air in the room is caused by poisoned smoke and evacuates the group. Later, she explains that the "ghosts" in the forest story were likely poisoned mushrooms consumed by starving people. The final tale, told by an elderly court lady, indirectly reveals the fate of young girls during the late emperor's reign, who were trapped in the palace.

In the end, it turns out that the organizer of the gathering had already passed away the previous year—her story reflecting her own tragic past. The episode concludes with Yinghua spending the night at Maomao's out of fear and a hint about the upcoming hunting event.