Maomao is approached by Shenlu, a palace attendant, for help with a sick maid of Consort Lihua who is suffering from a mysterious cough. During her investigation in the Crystal Pavilion, Maomao disguises herself and, with Guen's assistance, discovers the ailing maid hidden in a storage room. Shin, Lihua's noble attendant, admits to having isolated the maid to prevent the disease from spreading. However, Maomao finds perfume oils in the room identical to a recently banned trade item and confronts Shin with suspicions of producing abortifacients.

In a subsequent confrontation between Shin, Lihua, Jinshi, and Maomao, Shin reveals her envy of Lihua's status and attempts to attack her with the perfume oil but is stopped by Gaoshun. Lihua banishes Shin from the palace. Meanwhile, Maomao explains to Jinshi the connections between the illness, the perfume oils, and possible information leaks. The episode concludes with the removal of the sick maid for treatment and a conversation between Lihua and the Emperor, while Jinshi subtly acknowledges Maomao's loyalty.