At Gaojun's request, Shouxue investigates the ghost possessing the jade earring. The owner of the earring was Ban Yingnü. Ten years ago, she was suspected of poisoning the Third Consort and hanged herself. In order to discover the truth about her death, Shouxue heads to the wash house with her lady-in-waiting Jiu-Jiu where Ban Yingnü's personal attendant Su Hongqiao resides. However, Su Hongqiao is unable to speak to them as her tongue has been cut out.

Shouxue must solve the mystery of the ghost that appears beneath the willow tree, and the two ghosts that appear in the emperor's chambers.

After confronting the Magpie Consort, Shouxue and Gaojun discover the shocking reason behind the mysterious events. Shouxue then learns of her relationship to the Owl through Niao Lian.