A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself at the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery! How did Maomao become Jinshi's personal physician when she's just a simple apothecary? To give him proper medical treatment, she'll need more than her meager surgical skills. Luomen, her father, would be the perfect teacher, but he will only lend his expertise if she can pass his test. Succeeding at his task, however, might make her privy to the truth behind the practice of surgery at court. Only after Maomao acquires the necessary knowledge will the apothecary be able to accompany Jinshi on what could be his most dangerous journey yet...