Episode Summary
Su Muyang solidifies his power by eliminating the Chancellor and the Ji family, culminating in the Chancellor's suicide. He then confronts Li Shuang, revealing his ruthless nature and his intention to make her his Empress. Meanwhile, Jin An's memories as the King of Annan return, but a misunderstanding leads him to believe Li Wei killed his brother. He plots revenge against Li Wei, all while pretending to plan his escape with Li Shuang. The episode ends with the Empress Dowager informing Su Muyang of Jin An's true identity.
Spoiler Alert
Su Muyang's Power Play
The Chancellor's Downfall
The new emperor is cleaning house. His first target is the Chancellor. Su Muyang accuses him in open court of murdering the late emperor. He claims the Chancellor swapped the emperor's golden elixir. It's a bold move. The Chancellor tries to negotiate, hoping to save his family. Su Muyang isn't having it. He orders the entire Ji family to be executed. The Chancellor is thrown into a prison cell.
A Final Visit to Ji Tianjiao
Su Muyang then pays a visit to his wife, Ji Tianjiao, in her own cell. It's a cold and brutal conversation. He tells her she only ever cared about being the Empress, not about him. He offers her a choice. She can use poison or a dagger. She's completely heartbroken. She asks if he ever once thought of her as his wife. He just shoves the dagger into her hand. He tells her she can still be named Empress after she's dead.
Later, Su Muyang confronts the Chancellor in his cell. He throws Ji Tianjiao's chain on the floor. He calls the Chancellor's death his first major political victory. The Chancellor finally gets it. He was just a pawn in Su Muyang's game. In a fit of rage, the Chancellor runs headfirst into a wall and kills himself. Su Muyang, ever the showman, orders his head to be hung on the city gate for three days.
A Misunderstanding Turns Deadly
Jin An's Twisted Memories
Li Wei knows he's next on Su Muyang's list. He gives Jin An his personal sword. He tells him to take Li Shuang and run. He explains that if she stays, Su Muyang will use her as a hostage against him. But then, things go wrong. Jin An spots an old military banner belonging to the King of Annan. Li Wei tries to explain a past battle involving the king, Duan Aodeng. Jin An misinterprets everything. He now believes Li Wei killed his brother, Duan Aoze. He storms off, leaving the sword behind.
Jin An's memories are coming back. He remembers his brother and his life as the King of Annan.He's tracked down by two of his old followers and recognizes them. His memory of that day in the dark room is still gone, though. He is now completely convinced that Li Wei is his brother's killer. He wants revenge, but he insists Li Shuang has nothing to do with it.
The Trap is Set
When Jin An gets back to the mansion, Li Shuang is just happy to see him. She's busy dreaming about their new life away from the capital. Jin An plays along. He suggests they should stay for her father's birthday, which is the next day. He says they can leave right after the celebration. Li Shuang agrees, not knowing he's planning to kill her father.
To make things even worse, the Empress Dowager knows Jin An is back. She wants him dead. She sends a letter to Su Muyang, revealing Jin An's true identity as the King of Annan. She's sure Su Muyang will take care of the problem for her.
The Final Confrontation
Su Muyang Drops the Mask
Just as Li Wei is trying to get Li Shuang and Jin An to leave, Su Muyang shows up. He's holding a hairpin and says he wants to put it in Li Shuang's hair himself. He wants her to be his new Empress. Li Shuang is disgusted. She points out that the Ji family was just killed, and he's already planning his next coronation.
She's done with the games. She accuses him of everything. She knows he poisoned Jin An's drink, which led to his capture. She also knows he was the one who killed Su Muli. Su Muyang doesn't even bother to deny it. He admits to all of it. He says the winner gets to write history. He claims his feelings for her are the only real thing in his life. He tells her that whether she likes it or not, he will keep her by his side forever.
