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.

Huaniang, the high-ranking inner palace consort who lives at Yuanqian Palace, comes to Ye Ming Palace. She wants to know why her flower whistle will not blow. Flower whistles are hung from the eaves of buildings at the end of winter to mourn those who passed away the previous year. Allegedly the dead return on winds announcing the coming of spring to blow the whistles. Huaniang is concerned that her whistle has not blown since she lost her lover Ou Xuanyou. Shouxue complies with her request and attempts to summon the soul of Ou Xuanyou so she can speak to him.

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.

Xue Yuyong warns Shouxue against getting too close to Gaojun, and Shouxue sends Wen Ying to Quechao Palace to investigate the Magpie Consort.