Minister Xu disclosed Mei Changsu's identity to Prince Yu, initiating a swift competition to secure the young man's allegiance.

Mei Changsu’s arrival at Ning Manor coincides with the burgeoning competition among the princes, marking the commencement of Nihuang’s elaborate courtship.

Mei assists Prince Jing in rescuing a young man, while at a banquet, Nihuang finds herself increasingly wary of the Prince's true nature.

Mei orchestrated Baili Qi's downfall by employing children to her advantage. Meanwhile, Prince Jing forged an alliance with Mei, a calculated move to secure his claim to the throne.

Mei's foresight averted the poison intended for Nihuang, and as a consequence, Noble Consort Yue suffered a demotion for her treacherous plot.

Prince Yu claimed the rescue of Nihuang as his own doing; meanwhile, Mei established terms for Jing's proposed alliance.

Xia Dong faced Xie Yu directly; meanwhile, Mei discovered bodies, deepening the complexities of the Duke of Qing's affair.

Mei deflected the assault, a swift movement against the onslaught. Meanwhile, Prince Xian rushed forward, striving to free a minister bound to the fallen bodies.

Mei counselled Prince Yu to offer his support to Jing. Meanwhile, the Emperor appointed a Minister of Revenue known for impartiality.

Mei sets her sights on a key figure within Prince Yu's circle. Meanwhile, Jing's assessment of Duke Qing is eclipsed by the attention drawn to Yu's bestowal of recognition.

Mei thwarted Xian's scheme to restore Consort Yue, and thus entered the fray for the throne alongside Jing.

Nihuang discovers that Mei is Lin Shu; meanwhile, Jing uncovers a conspiracy by Xian involving the smuggling of gunpowder.

Mei thwarted Marquise Yan's scheme to assassinate the Emperor, while Prince Yu ensured the safety of a minister's son.

Mei guarded Yan's confidence, while Xie Yu's scheme to undermine Meng Zhi's standing with the Emperor commenced.

A shadow of doubt falls upon Jingrui as he considers Qingyao. Meanwhile, at a celebratory gathering, Mei deftly thwarts Xie Yu's attempt to murder Shen Zhui.

Mei shielded Shen Zhui, while Jingrui's company stirred unease among the assembled martial artists.

Prince Yu's actions resulted in the deaths of innocent people, while Mei strategically enhanced Jing's reputation in an attempt to influence the Emperor's favor.

Qin Banruo discovered Mei's hidden chamber. Meanwhile, Jing proposed a candidate for the position of justice minister.

Meng Zhi lends his support to Jing's claim to the throne, while Nihuang is dispatched to the border as news of Southern Chu's arrival spreads.

At Jingrui's gathering, Xie Yu's transgressions came to light, revealing his connections to the Southern Chu.

Prince Yu's forces rescued the guests from Xie Yu's ambush, while Liyang ensured the safety of the Zhuo family.

Liyang faced Xie Yu, a tense encounter unfolding between them. Meanwhile, Xia Jiang harbored a suspicion – that something more than mere misfortune had brought about Xie's ruin.

Mei discovers Xia Jiang's involvement in the Chiyan affair, prompting Jing to advocate for a renewed investigation.

The death of the Grand Empress Dowager casts a shadow of grief over Mei, while Xie Yu's banishment ignites a fervent call for justice in Liyang.

With increasing influence, Jing consolidates his authority. Meanwhile, Mei systematically dismantles Banruo's network of informants, a move prompted by Prince Yu's growing unease at Jing's ascent.

With a final farewell, Jingrui departed for Southern Chu. Meanwhile, Banruo began to weave a subtle scheme: to ensnare Tong Lu, hoping to draw out the secrets Mei guarded so closely.

The Emperor observed Xian's transgression of the mourning protocols. Meanwhile, Mei cautioned Meng Zhi to guard against raising unwanted suspicion.

Yu felt a sharp resentment at Jing's advancement, while Mei harbored a disquieting suspicion that the Consort was aware of his true origins.

Mei leverages a controversy surrounding a gift to elevate Jing's standing, while Yu and Xia Jiang plot to reopen the investigation into the Chiyan case.

Mei seeks out Marquise Yan's aid for Jing, while Xia Jiang and Yu conspire to destabilize the prince's position.

Prince Yu maneuvered to isolate Consort Jing, while Wei Zheng's apprehension presented a significant disruption to Mei's carefully laid designs.

The Emperor granted Consort Jing her release. Meanwhile, Xia Jiang orchestrated a scheme, employing Wei Zheng to ensnare Prince Jing.

A shadow of doubt fell upon Jing's regard for Mei, cast by Wei Zheng's actions. Meanwhile, Mei was devising a perilous plan for rescue, confiding in Xia Dong.

With Jing's advancement, a plan took shape: Mei and Yan orchestrated a deception that persuaded Xia Jiang to release Wei Zheng from his confinement.

Yan diverted Xia Jiang's attention, while Jing's supporters came to Wei Zheng's aid as Consort Jing faced increasing scrutiny.

Xia Jiang's scheme unravels, and Jing finds himself implicated in Wei's rescue, further inflaming the already strained relationship between the emperor and his court.

Consort Jing's hidden connection to the Emperor comes to light, and Xia Jiang sets his sights on Mei, intending to bring her in for questioning.

Xia Jiang administered poison to Mei; it was Xia Dong's confession that revealed the Xuan Jing Bureau's scheme.

The Emperor ordered Xia Jiang's arrest. Meanwhile, as Jing's allies exposed Yu's corruption, Mei managed to slip away.

News of Mei's innocence reaches Jing. In a desperate act to secure her freedom, Xia Dong reveals the truth about the Wujin poison.

Xia Jiang's admission absolves Mei, while Jing strategically cultivates impartial alliances as Yu faces demotion.

Prince Yu learns of his mother's fate, while Jing discovers the truth about the Chiyan from Wei Zheng.

Consort Jing discovers Mei's affliction, while Prince Yu secretly schemes a rebellion to take control of the capital.

Mei and Jing successfully suppressed Yu's uprising. Meanwhile, Nihuang's arrival with reinforcements secured the imperial fortress.

Jing ensnares Yu, while Mei's condition deteriorates further as Nie Feng succumbs to the same affliction.

Xia Jiang fled. Meanwhile, Jing suspected Mei's true identity, a suspicion fueled by the Emperor's contemplation of a new heir.

Mei intends to reopen the Chiyan case. Meanwhile, Lin Chen has captured Banruo, hoping to locate Xia Jiang.

Xia Dong discovers that Mei is Lin Shu. Consort Yue's scheme ultimately reveals Mei's true identity to the Emperor.

Xia Jiang accused Mei of being Lin Shu, a claim that brought her dangerously close to the Emperor's displeasure. Fortunately, Jing intervened, saving her from his wrath.

Gao Zhan vindicates Mei. Meanwhile, Jing and Consort Jing systematically dismantle Xia Jiang's network of spies.

Jingrui intervened to protect Liyang from Xia Jiang's disciple. Meanwhile, Mei's allies dedicated themselves to finding a remedy for his affliction.

Liyang relays Xie Yu's declaration, prompting the court to implore the Emperor to revisit the Chiyan affair.

Reluctantly, the Emperor agreed to reconsider the Chiyan case. Mei, understanding the precariousness of his position, consented to depart, a sacrifice made to secure the stability of the throne.

Mei rallied the troops against Chu, swallowing a deadly draught. Upon his death, Jing proclaimed him Emperor.