This has Maomao reflecting on the fragility of the fruits in the Inner Palace.
Ah-Duo had borne the emperor a son, but the babe died.
The primary purpose of concubines is to provide heirs.
Finally, she sees that Lishus ladies-in-waiting continue to look down on their lady.
And whether shes being intentionally obtuse or not, Ah-Duos resemblance to the androgynous Jinshi is clear to see.
While shes from a powerful house that runs a large apiary (i.e.
honey), Maomao finds her down-to-earth, kind, and easy to converse with.
Maomao only has two questions for Lishu.
The first is about whether honey disagrees with her.
Lishus ladies express their displeasure with Maomaos direct questioning of Lishu, which sounds rich coming from them.
Maomao realizes that theyre intentionally isolating Lishu by making her think theyre her only friends.
Her dad was then expelled from the palace.
