Jinshi offers Rouen a choice: execution for attempted poisoning, or banishment from the palace and a lifetime of service in the outer medical clinics under supervision—where his knowledge of aconite can be used properly, under the watch of licensed physicians. Rouen chooses the latter, weeping.
Maomao’s eyes narrow. She whispers to herself: “They’re not targeting a consort. They’re targeting the apothecary stores themselves. Someone is learning my trade.” The final panel shows a shadowy figure in the distance, watching the medical storage shed. Transition to Chapter 76.1 – The Poison Peddler’s Game Immediate Continuation: Chapter 76.1 picks up mere hours later. The morning sun is high. Maomao has not slept. She confronts Jinshi directly in his office, ignoring Gaoshun’s warning cough. She demands access to the palace’s incoming medicinal goods ledger. Jinshi, intrigued, agrees but warns: “Tread carefully. The one who controls medicine controls life here.” Jinshi offers Rouen a choice: execution for attempted
The door slides open. Jinshi stands there, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Behind him, Gaoshun holds a rope and a ledger of his own. Jinshi speaks softly, but each word is a blade: “You used palace property, endangered palace staff, and operated outside the law. But…” He glances at Maomao. “You did it for a reason I cannot entirely dismiss.” She whispers to herself: “They’re not targeting a