Synopsis

The Emperor persists in rationalizing his deeds, yet neither Sui Ge nor Yi Xiao find his justifications acceptable, Sui Ge steadfastly refusing the mantle of his heir. Murong Yao locates his father, only to find the man burdened by profound disappointment in his son's transformation. Prime Minister Zhuang presses forward with his designs for retribution, drawing his nephew, Zhuang Ming, into the scheme. Elsewhere, Xi Yang grows increasingly bitter, her marriage to Jing Shi a hollow affair devoid