Maomao disappears without a trace from the rear palace after preparing Gyokuyou’s moxibustion at the Mugwort clinic. Jinshi initiates a search and discovers clues: a drugged cat (from silver vine berries) and a message written in alcohol, pointing to an abandoned shrine building and the name "Sui." Luomen deciphers the message and identifies "Sui" as Shisui, a seemingly harmless maid.

Meanwhile, Maomao is abducted by Suirei (the presumed-dead assassin) and Shisui – who turn out to be sisters – and taken to a remote hot spring village. The village is preparing for a festival, during which the mysterious special envoy also appears. Shisui’s true identity as an educated accomplice is revealed, while Suirei forces Maomao to cooperate in order to obtain the "revival medicine."

In parallel, Jinshi uncovers that Shisui is not registered in the servant records and finds a secret water passage marking Maomao’s escape route. The episode ends with the realization that Maomao’s abduction is part of a larger plan, while Gyokuyou goes into labor.