Wary of a power struggle, the Tiansheng emperor decides to send away Ning Yi, who spends his days weaving silk and rueing a traumatic event in his past.
Feng Zhiwei intervenes when Madam Yuhua bullies courtesan Zhu Yin. An assassination stirs the court. The other princes see Ning Yi as a growing threat.
Ning Yi keeps up his disguise when Zhiwei arrives at the Prince of Chu's residence. Zhiwei is forced by her mother to swear she'll never marry Ning Yi.
Following Ning Chuan's campaign against the Bloody Pagoda, the suspicious emperor appoints Ning Yi to investigate -- but Chief Gu's cooperation is key.
Ning Yi confronts Ning Yan about his role in Ning Qiao's downfall. Ning Sheng suspects Ning Yi is involved in the scandal surrounding the wooden figure.
Ning Chuan plans a staged Bloody Pagoda assassination, but a counterscheme is in motion. Zhiwei appears at the imperial ceremony to select top scholars.
Ning Yi warns Zhiwei about the Chang clan and confronts the emperor over his mother's death. Duke Chang and Ning Sheng try to conspire with Ning Chuan.
Zhiwei objects when Lord of Minhai asks the emperor for permission to train Ning Sheng. Headmaster Xin aims to put distance between Ning Yi and Zhiwei.
Ning Yi brings up Lin Renqi's case when the emperor mentions Lord of Minhai's return to his dominion. Shao Ning suspects Ning Yi caused the blood marks.
Ning Yi visits Ya Le's old home, Yilan Palace, and encounters a former servant. Noble Consort Chang arrives soon after -- and thinks she's seen a ghost.
Helian Zheng confronts Helian Lie with an edict to dispute the succession, but Liu Mudan intervenes. Ning Yi investigates the Liu and Si families' past.
Ning Yi finds a way out of Zongzheng Temple and takes Lingying with him. To ferret out the real Zhiwei, Jin Siyu makes a deal with Zhiwei and Hua Qiong.
Zhiwei asks Zhang Sunhong to let go of the past. Headmaster Xin mentions Ning Qi's imminent revolt to Ning Ji, who doesn't intend to pursue the throne.
Flanked by courtiers, Ning Qi rounds up troops outside the emperor's room, but Ning Yi and Zhao Yuan walk through the gate with a shocking announcement.