In Episode 4, Gyokuyou and her court ladies present a foreign mirror, which was also given to other consorts. Shortly afterward, Gaoshun reports in a private conversation with Maomao and Hongniang about two overprotected sisters—claiming that the younger one is actually pregnant, although Maomao initially dismisses this as an optical illusion caused by the mirror. To reconstruct the sisters' possible escape route, Gaoshun presents a detailed floor plan, though Maomao suspects he is withholding crucial details. As an apology for a past oversight, Gaoshun gives her a gift from Jinshi—bear gall instead of the promised ox bezoar—prompting Maomao to gather additional evidence and argue that the mirror might have created an illusion explaining both the pregnancy and the embroidered work of several girls.

The plot takes a new turn when Jinshi reports that high-ranking officials demand the presence of a woman known for crying pearls. A western envoy, who oversees trade stations in the west and north, also shows interest in the so-called "Pearl Woman," though an arranged banquet failed to ease her dissatisfaction. Later, Madam recalls an envoy visit fifty years prior, describing the challenges of that time, and hands Maomao a commissioned self-portrait. Maomao brings the portrait to Jinshi and Gaoshun, suggesting they choose a tall woman for Madam's depiction—a proposal deemed difficult. Finally, Gaoshun announces that two envoys wish to see the "Pearl Woman," while Maomao already has a candidate in mind; the episode ends with Xiaolan diligently fulfilling her duties in the forest.