After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with
training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food
taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly
illustrated historical mystery series!
The truth of Maomao's birth is revealed?!
Sly tactician Lakan's attempts at provocation lead to his own downfall
when Maomao challenges him to elephant chess, only to outplay him in a
game of wits!
In a stupor from drinking "poison" as punishment for his loss, Lakan
dreams of a long-lost past, his affair with a beautiful courtesan, and
meeting her daughter for the very first time.
Upon waking, he finds himself at Verdigris, where he is pressed to buy
the freedom of a girl of his choosing and take her home as his wife! But
will any of the flowers there catch his eye when his heart is in love
with a memory?