Liu Che is determined to find the real culprit behind Ruiji’s death and Zifu’s framing, only to be thwarted by Princess Guantao. Eventually only Fan Niang takes the blame. Liu Che’s mother Empress Wang advises him not neglect Chen Jiao, and so he reluctantly pays her a visit. Later, Chen Jiao stabs herself with a hairpin. Liu Che seeks comfort from Zifu, but she persuades him to return to Chen Jiao. Liu Che leaves in anger. Yet, Zifu still lights bamboo lanterns to bless the emperor. Duan Hong, moved by Zifu’s virtue, hints of a way she might meet Liu Che before he leaves the palace. News of natural disasters causing civil chaos reaches Liu Che’s ears. He leaves the palace immediately before they could say their goodbyes. (Source: Viu)