Episode Summary
In this episode, Yan Sui reveals a long-held secret: he witnessed the Emperor murder his mother, Consort Jin. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince is assassinated by Prince Cheng, who is then framed for the murder by the Emperor. The Emperor tasks Yan Chi and Qin Wan with a sham investigation to "clear" the Crown Prince's name, solidifying his own power by eliminating both of his sons from the line of succession.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with an imperial decree ordering Qin Zhaoyu to recuperate quietly at the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence. The Emperor claims this is a private matter, given that Qin Zhaoyu and Qin Wan are from the same clan. This act only deepens Qin Wan's suspicion. She finds the Emperor's cold indifference towards the Crown Prince—his only legitimate son—unsettling. While distant with his own flesh and blood, the Emperor acts like a doting father towards Yan Li. Yan Chi points out that the Emperor was once just as affectionate with Yan Sui, but that all changed after the death of Consort Jin, which also marked the beginning of his growing distrust of Prince Rui.
Meanwhile, the Dowager Empress, during a consultation with Qin Wan, advises her to stay out of public affairs and focus on her life with Yan Chi. At the Marquis's residence, the decision to bring Qin Zhaoyu home is met with tears from Mrs. Feng. The Marquis interprets the Emperor's order as a clear warning to stay out of the unfolding political turmoil. However, his son, Qin Yan, sees it as an opportunity to support the Crown Prince in a rebellion, a risky idea the Marquis immediately shuts down, prioritizing the lives of his household over any title.
The episode's most shocking revelation comes from Yan Sui. After dismissing the servants, he confesses to Qin Wan that he has been feigning his inability to speak and write for years. He reveals the horrifying truth: he secretly witnessed the Emperor murder his mother, Consort Jin. It wasn't Prince Jin, but the Emperor himself. Yan Sui recounts hiding in his mother's room and hearing a fierce argument between his parents. Terrified by the Emperor's rage, he covered his ears, but not before seeing the Emperor kill Consort Jin and then frame Prince Jin, who arrived shortly after. Ever since, the fear in the Emperor's eyes has kept Yan Sui silent, terrified he would be next.
Qin Wan immediately shares this explosive secret with Yan Chi. Their investigation leads them to discover a significant difference between the Emperor's current and past handwriting, leading them to suspect the Empress is aware of the truth and may have a secret pact with him.
The plot thickens as the Crown Prince, while attempting to escape, is ambushed and killed by Prince Cheng. His death is officially ruled a suicide committed during a treasonous escape. The news devastates the Dowager Empress and the Empress, while the Emperor puts on a convincing performance of a grieving father. In private, however, he tasks Yan Chi and Qin Wan with investigating the "suicide," claiming he wants to clear his son's name.
Prince Cheng, now the only adult son of the Emperor, grows arrogant. Believing he is destined for the throne, he slaps his wife, Feng Chenbi, during a dispute with Qin Xiang, and declares his intention to divorce her, as his pursuit of power is all that matters.
The autopsy conducted by Qin Wan and Yan Chi confirms their suspicions: the Crown Prince was murdered. Yan Chi decides to play along with the Emperor's game. In court, just as Li Muyun requests a formal investigation, Yan Chi presents evidence pointing directly at Prince Cheng as the killer. The Emperor seizes the opportunity, having Prince Cheng arrested. Only when facing his doom does Prince Cheng realize he was nothing more than a pawn in his father's elaborate scheme.
As the political storm rages, Yan Li expresses his desire to leave the capital, but decides to stay to support Yan Chi. The episode concludes on a tense cliffhanger: as the Emperor's personal eunuch forces a noose around Prince Cheng's neck, Yan Chi arrives, declaring he has something to say to the condemned prince.
