Chapter Text
Chapter 1 — The Princess Requests Freedom
Time
Opening of the story; before Maomao enters the Rear Palace.
Main plot
Lady Kan struggles against the expectations of her family and asks to temporarily escape her life before an arranged marriage or further political obligations can trap her.
Maomao: view of herself
She views Lady Kan as a necessary role rather than a free identity. She is useful to her family but does not feel fully in control of her own future.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She has not yet met him or only knows public rumours about the beautiful manager of the Rear Palace.
Jinshi: view of himself
He remains fully embedded in his Rear Palace role and believes his public mask is effective.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
None yet.
Relationship development
No direct relationship; their parallel lives and hidden identities are established.
Theme
Freedom versus duty.
Major setup
- Maomao’s double identity.
- Family expectations.
- Her use as a political resource.
- Her desire for temporary anonymity.
Chapter 2 — The Final Banquet and Departure
Time
Several days after Chapter 1.
Main plot
Maomao prepares to enter the Rear Palace, attends a final banquet, and begins constructing the servant identity she will use there.
Maomao: view of herself
She sees Maomao as a temporary disguise that will allow Lady Kan to disappear.
Maomao: view of her family
She understands that even her escape has been negotiated and controlled by them.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
None yet.
Relationship development
The story prepares their meeting by showing how deliberately Maomao hides herself.
Theme
Performance and disguise.
Major setup
- Her hair, freckles, servant clothing and blue ribbon.
- Her ability to move between social roles.
- The difference between the princess and the maid.
Chapter 3 — The Laundry Maid
Time
Beginning of Rear Palace employment.
Main plot
Maomao and Xiaolan enter the Rear Palace, are assigned to laundry duties, and begin learning its routines, gossip networks, plants, servants and internal politics.
Maomao: view of herself
She takes pride in successfully disappearing. She believes anonymity will allow her freedom and access to information.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
Initially only a rumoured beautiful eunuch who attracts attention from the other maids.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
Likely does not consciously know her yet.
Relationship development
They may pass one another without recognising the importance of the moment.
Theme
Anonymity and observation.
Important character development
Maomao begins enjoying Xiaolan’s companionship rather than treating her only as an information source.
Foreshadowing
Maomao’s inability to ignore medical mysteries will destroy her anonymity.
Chapter 4 — The Poisoned Children
Time
Three months after entering the Rear Palace, followed by approximately one month of illness and investigation.
Main plot
Maomao learns that Gyokuyou’s daughter and Lihua’s son are ill, identifies the white face powder as the likely cause, delivers anonymous warnings, and is later exposed by Jinshi after Lingli survives and the prince dies.
Maomao: view of herself
She wants to remain hidden but cannot ignore preventable suffering. Maomao’s medical conscience conflicts with Lady Kan’s strategic caution.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
Beautiful, arrogant, observant and dangerous. She recognises that he is performing charm and dislikes that he catches her.
Jinshi: view of himself
He is confident in his ability to manipulate servants and uncover the person behind the warning.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
She changes from an insignificant maid into a highly intelligent mystery. Her literacy, poison knowledge and composure fascinate him.
Relationship development
First true confrontation. Jinshi sees through one of her lies; Maomao realises he cannot be dismissed as merely ornamental.
Theme
Curiosity has consequences.
Key development
Maomao becomes Gyokuyou’s lady in waiting, placing her directly within Jinshi’s sphere.
Chapter 5 — Life at the Jade Pavilion
Time
Several days to several weeks after Chapter 4.
Main plot
Jinshi requests that Maomao make him an aphrodisiac, which causes Maomao to reminisce over a moment from her childhood.
Maomao: view of herself
She reluctantly accepts that she has become visible. She begins taking satisfaction in being valued for her mind.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
He is still manipulative and annoying, but increasingly useful and entertaining.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
He considers her a valuable resource and begins creating reasons to visit or involve her in his work.
Relationship development
Their repeated contact builds familiarity. Their dynamic becomes teasing rather than purely interrogative.
Theme
Usefulness and visibility.
Important scenes
- Maomao settling into Jade Pavilion routines.
- Gyokuyou enjoying the dynamic between Maomao and Jinshi.
- Jinshi testing Maomao’s reactions.
- Maomao observing cracks in his public persona.
Chapter 6 — The Crystal Pavilion
Time
Several weeks after Maomao joins Gyokuyou.
Main plot
The emperor commands Maomao to treat Lihua. Maomao forces her way into the Crystal Pavilion, discovers that the banned face powder is still being used, punishes the responsible attendant, and restores order.
Maomao: view of herself
Lady Kan emerges when authority and intimidation are needed. Maomao enjoys taking command more than she wishes to admit.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She assumes he expects her to need his help and takes satisfaction in proving otherwise.
Jinshi: view of himself
He expects to become Maomao’s rescuer and use the debt to grow closer to her.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
His assumptions are overturned. She is far more commanding, physically forceful and socially capable than her background suggests.
Relationship development
Jinshi begins suspecting that Maomao is not exactly who she claims to be.
Theme
Hidden authority.
Key emotional point
Jinshi’s fascination expands beyond her medical ability to the contradictions in her identity.
Chapter 7 — Recovery and Growing Familiarity
Time
Several weeks after Lady Lihua's recovery.
Main plot
Maomao investigates the mysterious coloured text plates, recreates the coloured flames for Jinshi, prepares for the upcoming Garden Party, accidentally reveals her true appearance after her fake freckles are removed, and receives Jinshi's hairpin.
Maomao: view of herself
She continues separating Lady Kan from Maomao but begins recognising that she enjoys the ordinary life she has built. Her friendship with Xiaolan and excitement over her hobbies make her question whether she is becoming more than the role she created.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She still finds him dramatic and irritating, but she notices genuine concern beneath his usual charm. His reaction to her fabricated past surprises her.
Jinshi: view of himself
He finds himself increasingly unable to treat Maomao as just another capable servant. He wants to comfort her but struggles to express it.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
He believes he finally understands why she is so guarded and independent. His curiosity begins giving way to genuine protectiveness.
Relationship development
- Jinshi sees Maomao's true face for the first time.
- They share their most personal conversation so far.
- Jinshi shows genuine vulnerability.
- He gives Maomao his hairpin without expecting anything in return.
Theme
Identity, vulnerability and misunderstanding.
The Future
This chapter deepens Jinshi's emotional attachment while reinforcing the divide between Maomao's true identity and the life she presents to him, setting up the Garden Party and the growing tension surrounding her disguise.
Chapter 8 — The Garden Party
Time
Several weeks after Lihua’s recovery.
Main plot
At the garden party, Maomao causes minor trouble among officials, encounters Lahan and Lihaku, receives hairpins, observes a suspicious woman, identifies poison in Gyokuyou’s soup, and uncovers the switched dishes involving Lishu.
Maomao: view of herself
She enjoys being outside the Rear Palace and briefly indulges Lady Kan’s love of manipulation. She believes her poison tolerance makes her expendable but useful.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She notices his absence, appearance, hairpin and importance. She accepts his help after being poisoned but still withholds part of what she knows.
Jinshi: view of himself
He is increasingly torn between his public responsibilities and personal concern for Maomao.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
She is brilliant but terrifyingly careless with herself. He no longer views her merely as a tool and begins believing he must protect her from her own impulses.
Relationship development
A major trust milestone. She gives him medicine for the poisoned minister and cooperates with him while physically vulnerable.
Theme
Protection and self-worth.
Foreshadowing
- Jinshi’s hidden identity.
- The Garnet Pavilion conspiracy.
- Maomao’s family connection.
- Hairpins as pathways out of the Rear Palace.
Chapter 9 — The Hairpin and Departure
Time
The days following the garden party.
Main plot
Maomao processes the poisoning, arranges leave through Lihaku’s hairpin, investigates the suspicious figure, and prepares to leave the Rear Palace temporarily.
Maomao: view of herself
She believes she can manage the danger alone and treats leave as an opportunity to reconnect with her other life.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
His hairpin and concern carry more meaning than she wants to acknowledge.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
He is uneasy about her leaving but cannot openly prevent her.
Relationship development
Temporary separation begins revealing how much attention they pay to one another.
Theme
Distance and attachment.
Chapter 10 — The Kidnapping
Time
During Maomao’s leave; approximately one to two days.
Main plot
Maomao is kidnapped by estranged members of the La family who want the clan heirloom. She wakes in confinement, questions Lahan’s brother, and attempts to manipulate him into helping her escape.
Maomao: view of herself
Lady Kan takes control. She views vulnerability as unacceptable and immediately turns to threats, bargaining and strategy.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
Even while trapped, she wonders what he will think of her disappearance, revealing that his reaction matters to her.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
Mostly absent, but her disappearance would likely cause concern and confusion.
Relationship development
Maomao’s thoughts return to Jinshi even when family survival should dominate her attention.
Theme
Control under captivity.
Character development
Her fear of helplessness and darkness connects to her childhood trauma.
Chapter 11 — Blood, Rescue and Loyalty
Time
The evening after the kidnapping.
Main plot
Maomao confronts her grandfather and relatives as Lady Kan, violently defends Fengxian’s honour, is rescued by Rikuson and Lihaku, and then faces Lakan in a long strategic argument and loyalty test.
Maomao: view of herself
She becomes fully Lady Kan, using status, violence and intimidation without hesitation.
Maomao: view of her family
Her family is both her protection and her cage. Her loyalty remains absolute despite the emotional cost.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
Her position near him has become valuable enough that she argues fiercely to return, even while framing it as intelligence gathering.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
Mostly off-page; likely unaware of the full extent of danger she faced.
Relationship development
Maomao consciously prioritises family over Jinshi, establishing the central future betrayal risk.
Theme
Loyalty and ownership.
Key development
Lakan allows her to remain but increases surveillance and demands full reporting.
Chapter 12 — Deaths and the Garnet Pavilion
Time
Approximately one to two weeks later.
Main plot
Maomao investigates Kounen’s salt-related death, identifies the drowned woman from the garden party, infiltrates the Garnet Pavilion, discovers Fengming’s burns and honey connection, and uncovers the plot involving Lishu and Ah-Duo.
Maomao: view of herself
She thrives in investigation and shifts easily between servant, apothecary and Lady Kan’s political knowledge.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She recognises genuine grief beneath his mask and provides answers partly because Kounen mattered to them both.
Jinshi: view of himself
He feels the weight of failure and personal loss. Maomao becomes someone he can rely upon when his judgement is emotionally compromised.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
Her knowledge continues to exceed her supposed background. He trusts her analytical conclusions and rewards her interests.
Relationship development
Their investigative partnership becomes emotionally grounded rather than purely practical.
Theme
Grief, guilt and hidden motives.
Key development
Maomao confronts Fengming and chooses a resolution that protects Ah-Duo from the cruelest truth.
Chapter 13 — Dismissal and Return to the La Clan
Time
Immediately after the Fengming case.
Main plot
Maomao says goodbye to Xiaolan, is dismissed from the Rear Palace, returns to the La estate, negotiates with Fengxian, and attends the banquet introducing Loulan.
Maomao: view of herself
She feels the loss of Maomao’s palace life but attempts to re-enter Lady Kan’s role without acknowledging grief.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She expects him to visit the Verdigris House and is more affected by their separation than she admits.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
Her absence begins creating an emotional void, although his POV is not yet shown directly.
Relationship development
Physical separation reveals dependence.
Theme
The cost of returning home.
Key development
Lady Kan is forced back into public life just as Maomao’s life has become meaningful.
Chapter 14 — The Party and Go Wager
Time
Two days after dismissal.
Main plot
Maomao appears at a private party as part of the Verdigris House entertainment where she reunites with Jinshi. Her exhaustion and emotions cause her to suggest a wager.
Maomao: view of herself
She performs multiple identities in rapid succession and becomes increasingly aware of the strain.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She feels hurt that he appears unaffected by her dismissal and tests how he treats Lady Kan without knowing she is Maomao.
Jinshi: view of Lady Kan
She is intelligent, politically dangerous and vaguely familiar.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
Her absence makes social events feel empty. When he encounters her as a courtesan, attraction, jealousy and concern collide.
Relationship development
The dual-identity tension becomes central. They interact as strangers while already emotionally attached.
Theme
Recognition without recognition.
Chapter 15 — The Buyout
Time
The following day.
Main plot
After losing to Jinshi she is to be bought out by him. Her family debates whether to allow her to work for him and she arrives at the outer court.
Maomao: view of herself
She believes she lost the bet because of her lack of skill, she tries hard to convince her parents to allow her to work for him, yet she tells them that it is to get information.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She believes he is oblivious after spending a small fortune on her.
Jinshi: view of himself
He accepts that he wants Maomao near him and uses the wager as a legitimate way to make that happen.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
He is openly attracted to her but also values her intellect and individuality.
Relationship development
Their relationship moves from palace assignment to personal choice. Jinshi chooses to employ Maomao when no political structure requires it.
Theme
Choice disguised as a wager.
Key development
Maomao joins Jinshi’s household and outer-court work.
Chapter 16 — A New Life in the Outer Court
Time
Beginning the next day and extending over several days.
Main plot
Maomao settles into Jinshi’s residence, secretly fills her room with medicinal supplies, begins investigating outer-court affairs, blackmails a servant involved with a married minister, and reconnects with military spaces and family contacts.
Maomao: view of herself
She enjoys the lower stakes of servant life but still uses Lady Kan’s skills whenever necessary.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
He becomes part of her routine. She expects his cases, his interruptions and his interest.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
He is attentive to her comfort, studies and living arrangements, attempting to make his household a place she can remain.
Relationship development
Domestic proximity begins. Their connection is built through repeated ordinary contact rather than only crises.
Theme
Building a life inside a disguise.
Key development
Maomao’s room and work establish a tangible identity separate from Lady Kan.
Chapter 17 — Court, Barracks and Investigation
Time
Several days or weeks into her outer-court employment.
Main plot
Maomao delivers documents, visits the barracks and accompanies Rikuson to investigate a suspicious household and possible poisoning.
Maomao: view of herself
She demonstrates that medical, political and military knowledge all belong to the same person, even if she still divides that person into identities.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She misses his investigations when separated from him and wonders when he will give her another case.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
Likely sees her as increasingly indispensable, though much of this chapter appears Maomao-focused.
Relationship development
Even when working with Rikuson or Lihaku, Maomao’s thoughts return to Jinshi and the life she has built in his residence.
Theme
Competence across worlds.
Key development
Maomao’s court-life investigation contributes to the Minister Jian rumour.
Chapter 18 — Lady Kan and Minister Jian
Time
Several days after Chapter 17.
Main plot
Jinshi visits Lady Kan to investigate rumours surrounding Minister Jian. Lady Kan reveals that Jian once proposed marriage and then an illicit relationship, giving Jinshi evidence of his pattern of behaviour.
Maomao: view of herself
She strategically performs vulnerability but reveals a secret she has never shared. Rikuson’s earlier question intensifies her identity conflict.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She is quietly bitter that he chose Lady Kan rather than Maomao, revealing that she wants to be trusted and selected in her own right.
Jinshi: view of Lady Kan
He respects her political intelligence and feels genuine sorrow at what she endured.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
He considers Maomao intelligent but mistakenly believes she lacks noble-court expertise.
Relationship development
An enormous hidden trust milestone: Maomao tells Jinshi the truth while he believes he is speaking to someone else.
Theme
Trust through the wrong identity.
Key development
Minister Jian is positioned for removal, and Lady Kan becomes involved in Jinshi’s political investigations.
Chapter 19 — How They See One Another
Time
Same evening and night as Chapter 18/A few days later.
Main plot
A dual-POV chapter reflects on Maomao and Jinshi’s growing trust. Maomao makes Jinshi medicine, while later Jinshi serves her tea and invites her to speak about her interests.
Maomao: view of herself
She sees herself as divided between Maomao and Lady Kan and believes her family loyalty will eventually force her to betray Jinshi.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She recognises that he trusts her more, reveals his imperfect private self, and treats Maomao as a person rather than an object.
Maomao: key development
She begins believing that Jinshi might not destroy her if he discovered the truth.
Jinshi: view of himself
He sees his life before Maomao as duty, performance and unwanted attention. Around her, he feels more human.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
She is honest in her annoyance, brilliant, vulnerable beneath her stoicism, and someone whose health matters personally to him.
Jinshi: key development
He admits to himself that he deeply cares for her and wants ordinary closeness, not merely flirtation.
Relationship development
- Maomao prepares medicine for him unprompted.
- He drinks it without suspicion.
- He serves her tea.
- She allows gentle touch.
- He says her importance is not lesser than his.
- She talks freely about her hobbies.
- They end the evening together without wanting it to end.
Theme
Trust and quiet intimacy.
Chapter 20 — A Lighter Morning
Time
The morning after Chapter 19.
Main plot
Maomao wakes genuinely rested after her evening with Jinshi, accompanies him back to the Rear Palace, reunites with Gyokuyou and the Jade Pavilion, continues investigating Jinshi's connection to Lady Kan, while Gyokuyou privately confronts Jinshi about his feelings for Maomao. Their peaceful visit is interrupted when a concubine collapses, launching into the next arc.
Maomao: view of herself
She chooses to remain Maomao for the day and acknowledges that becoming Lady Kan contributes to her exhaustion. She begins appreciating the quiet life she has built around Jinshi without constantly analysing it.
Maomao: view of Jinshi
She notices his gaze is neither hungry nor objectifying; he looks at her as a person. She enjoys teasing him, worries when he appears tired, and becomes increasingly curious about what he truly knows regarding Lady Kan.
Maomao: key development
She experiences what it feels like to simply exist rather than perform either identity. Even while investigating Jinshi herself, caring for him begins to come naturally.
Jinshi: view of himself
He finds himself forced to acknowledge his feelings for Maomao after Gyokuyou refuses to let him hide behind professionalism. He realises he sees Maomao as a person first and a capable apothecary second.
Jinshi: view of Maomao
He notices immediately that she looks healthier, enjoys their easy companionship, and begins consciously rejecting the habit of thinking of her merely as someone useful. He wants to protect her without restricting her freedom.
Relationship development
Breakfast together becomes a comfortable routine.
They joke and tease one another naturally.
Jinshi openly discusses Lady Kan with Maomao without realising who she truly is.
Gyokuyou forces Jinshi to confront his feelings.
Jinshi realises he wants Maomao's happiness, even if it means letting her leave.
They immediately fall back into working as partners when the poisoning case begins.
Theme
Comfort, honesty and choosing to see another person.
The Future
This chapter establishes their healthiest emotional dynamic so far before introducing the next central mystery. Jinshi consciously accepts his feelings for Maomao, while the poisoned concubine case reconnects the story to the political intrigue of the Rear Palace while also leading into the next big arc.