A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself at the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!
The fallout from an insect plague weighs heavily on I-sei Province. Although Jinshi wants to aid the distressed land, he knows his power doesn´t stretch as far in the western capital. What if his efforts only serve to feed the prestige of Gyoku-ou? Ruling on behalf of his absent father, Gyoku-ou keeps his motives to himelf. Though nobles vying for prominence are none of Maomao´s concern, trouble always finds her; an ill child and a mystery surrounding Lakan´s favorite shogi opponent occupy her time. But unraveling each riddle only creates a new one...