When a princess dies in a mysterious fire, officer Li Peiyi and astronomer Xiao Huaijin trace a trail of illusions to a city ward outside the palace.

In Yanshou Ward, Peiyi and Huaijin's investigation uncovers a new murder, revealing a possible connection to the princess's death.

Peiyi identifies a prime suspect in Princess Wanshun's murder - but later, a hunch steers her investigation in a completely different direction.

Months after the princess's case closes, a corpse adorned with flowers is found at the palace. Peiyi and Huaijin reunite to investigate.

The murder of a loan shark linked to Hanxiao leads Peiyi and Huaijin to the Xiuhong House, where other missing palace maids are being held captive.

After their initial attempt fails, Peiyi and Huaijin go undercover to infiltrate Xiuhong House and find a captive palace maid.

Disguised as a dancer, Peiyi exposes the exploitation of palace maids at Xiuhong House and discovers a high-ranking official among its clients.

After a rescue mission ends in tragedy, Peiyi uncovers irrefutable evidence, finally identifying the true killer.

Peiyi suffers extreme consequences for pursuing Lu Zhenglian. But months later, a new poisoning of nobles revives the dangerous conspiracy she uncovered.

Peiyi discovers the true identity of the dancers and their ties to Xiuhong House. Later, eerie crying in Hanliang Hall signals a new, haunting mystery.

An alleged haunting at Hanliang Hall draws the investigators into another case, where they learn more about the life of one of the murdered dancers.

Peiyi and Huaijin trace the poison used on Yushu and the dancers to the Ghost Market, where their search uncovers a hidden link to Cheng'en Palace.

A misunderstanding puts Peiyi and Huaijin at odds. Later, Peiyi learns about a potential suspect in Yushu's murder and goes to confront him.

Peiyi reveals the mastermind behind Yushu's murder, but closing the case proves difficult. Later, the pair of investigators reconcile their differences.

A death by poisoning leads Peiyi to the Imperial Medical Office, where she meets a medical worker who issues a grave warning about a seasonal illness.

As an epidemic grips the imperial palace, Peiyi risks her life to help a discredited healer find a cure — but not everyone wants her to succeed.

When Peiyi investigates the prime suspect in Huang Futong's murder, she uncovers a mysterious secret about Pei Yu's childhood and true identity.

The investigators make a breakthrough while looking into Xia Shisan's death. On the way to the capital, Peiyi takes a detour to visit her uncle.

When Peiyi investigates a family member's death, she grows suspicious of the victim's mentor, and sneaks into his estate to attend a mysterious ceremony.

The widow of Peiyi's murdered relative comes forward to expose Xu Daoyin's scheme. Later, Peiyi apprehends a suspect in her family's home.

Xiao reveals his reasons for going to Xu Daoyin's mountain estate. Later, Peiyi puts herself in harm's way when she asks Mrs. Wu about her past.

Peiyi witnesses a tragic event that forces her to confront her family's traumatic past — and her partner Huaijin's possible link to it.

When a father dies suspiciously after admitting to his controversial spiritual beliefs, Peiyi follows a lead to the palace.

When another palace official dies with a talisman in his mouth, Peiyi traces the case to a noblewoman whose servant gives a suspicious testimony.

A ruse exposes Fuqu's vengeful hatred for Wang Anping. Meanwhile, Huaijin surprises Peiyi with a confession on the night of her birthday.

With the help of Medical Officer Zhao Yudi, Peiyi devises a cunning plan to draw out a prime murder suspect by using an antidote as bait to lure him in.

Lv Chongshan flees when Peiyi disputes his story about her father — forcing her to seek answers from the palace.

As Peiyi digs for the truth, the Right Chancellor tries to stop her. Huaijin takes measures to protect his partner and the investigation.

In an effort to expose the Right Chancellor, Peiyi hosts the ministers alone. But when Huaijin intervenes, it could spell the end of their partnership.

Still in turmoil, Huaijin assists with the year-end grand ceremony. Amid a rash of suspicious accidents, Peiyi resolves to support Consort Shu.

Ominous signs plague the palace as someone digs up an unlucky stone statue, falsifies an Astronomical Bureau report and wipes out an entire household.

Peiyi struggles with divided loyalties after interrogating Chen Lou. Later, a bizarre occurrence interrupts the dragon-dance rehearsal.

Chen Luo convinces Peiyi to assist him in a risky plan: setting an elaborate trap at the palace to ensnare the Right Chancellor.

The truth comes out about Peiyi and Huaijin's plan. At the Lantern Festival, Peiyi takes her revenge on the Right Chancellor.