(W) Natsu Hyuuga (A) Touko Shino Dismissed from the rear palace, Maomao returns to service in the outer court-as the personal serving woman to none other than Jinshi! That doesn't necessarily make her popular with the other ladies, but a bit of jealousy might be the least of her problems. A mysterious warehouse fire, an official with a very bad case of food poisoning, and the mysterious last will and testament of a deceased craftsman all demand her attention-but are these cases really separate, or do they share a troubling connection? Then there's the mysterious military man who continually visits Jinshi. He's strange, maybe even a little twisted... and he seems very interested in Maomao.

(W) Natsu Hyuuga (A) Touko Shino Maomao must help keep Consort Gyokuyou safe during her pregnancy. An imperial consort being with child is supposed to be a matter of the utmost secrecy, but this is the rear palace, where maneuvering and backstabbing are as commonplace as banter and tea parties. Threats seem to lurk around every corner-but it's not just the rear palace keeping busy. Jinshi finds himself struggling to entertain a most unusual request from a pair of visiting ambassadors. Later, he's invited to an important gathering in a faraway place-but who knows what dangers might be waiting for him?

(W) Natsu Hyuuga (A) Touko Shino The birth of Gyokuyou's son earns her the title of empress and rewrites court politics. Jinshi can also no longer continue his pretense as a eunuch at the rear palace. Although the Shi clan's demise restores peace, threats still loom-including an impending plague of insects. Maomao, as ever, finds herself caught up in new dangers. When Jinshi orders an expedition to Gyokuyou's homeland, Maomao heads west. But something is lurking in the shadows of the glittering city, and the apothecary must uncover it or face certain peril...

(W) Natsu Hyuuga (A) Touko Shino The events in the western capital send tremors through the political order, as well as Maomao's relationships. Despite the feelings Jinshi expresses for her, Maomao still knows her place. She departs Gyokuyou's hometown with uncertainty for the future, but a detour during the return to the capital gives her unexpected insight into her own family. Meanwhile, an ugly scandal ensnares Consort Lishu. Could revealing the truth also unravel the mysteries of recent affairs?