Episode Title:
Ice
Episode Description:
While admiring a hairpin a concubine gave her, Xiaolan accidentally bumps into an eunuch, causing him to drop and break a block of ice meant for a high-ranking concubine, Loulan. Ice being rare, the situation is serious. Maomao intervenes, promising to repurpose the ice. She spots Jinshi watching and uses the opportunity to ask him for access to a kitchen and ingredients. Jinshi agrees—on the condition that Maomao wears the hairpin he gave her; if she does, he'll share the secret with her. With help from the eunuch and Xiaolan, Maomao prepares a treat for Loulan. The eunuch is convinced after tasting it, and Maomao is confident of her work, thanks to Jinshi sharing Loulan's tastes to her. Shisui, popping out suddenly, later joins in to share the treat.
Later, Gyokuyou notices abnormal fetal movement in her belly. Maomao suspects a breech birth and confirms it through an examination. The safest option would be a risky caesarean, and Maomao suggests her exiled, "criminal" adopted father—Luomen, from whom she learned her apothecary skills—as the best person for the job. Despite hesitation from Hongniang, and being familiar with the past political history of the rear palace, Gyokuyou agrees. Through Jinshi, Luomen arrives two days later to help, temporarily taking office at the doctor's clinic.
