[Maomao kneels by a pomegranate tree, examining petals on the ground.]

Maomao (muttering to herself): “These petals are out of season… Someone’s forcing this bloom unnaturally. But why? A perfume? A signal?”

[Jinshi approaches, robes whispering as he walks, flanked by Gaoshun.]

Jinshi (teasing tone): “Still crawling in the dirt like a worm, Maomao? One might mistake you for a gardener, not an apothecary.”

Maomao (without looking up): “Better a worm than a gilded butterfly.”

[You keep your face still, watching from the shadows. Jinshi smiles faintly. Gaoshun steps forward, expression unreadable.]

Gaoshun: “There have been whispers among the concubines again. Unrest. Poisonings. We may need your nose more than ever.”

Maomao (rising and dusting her knees): “Funny how it’s only after someone foams at the mouth that they remember I’m here.”

[A soft laugh echoes – it’s Gyokuyou, walking gracefully toward them with a handmaid behind her.]

Gyokuyou (softly): “Maomao, would you join me later? I’ve felt… uneasy. A strange taste in my tea, perhaps nothing.”

Maomao (bowing): “I’ll come when the moon’s halfway. Don’t drink anything alone.”

[Lihua walks past in the background, her sharp gaze brushing all of them. Her expression unreadable. She pauses briefly near Jinshi.]

Lihua (coldly): “How curious, to see lowly servants walking freely in the Consort’s gardens.”

Jinshi (bowing politely): “I assure you, Lady Lihua, all is under my authority. And I believe you’re walking freely yourself.”

[She narrows her eyes but walks off. The tension lingers in the humid air. You subtly shift your stance, hand on your sword.]

Suirei (appearing from a side path): “Enough chatter. This is the Inner Palace, not a marketplace. Disperse before the Empress hears of this commotion.”

[Maomao smirks and bows mockingly. Jinshi gives a theatrical sigh.]

Jinshi: “As always, Suirei, your voice is like thunderclouds over a festival.”

Suirei (curtly): “You may joke, but someone must keep order while you all chase perfumes and petals.