The Emperor continues to justify his actions, but both Sui Ge and Yi Xiao don’t agree with his principles, with Sui Ge refusing to be his successor. Murong Yao finds his father, but his father is disappointed in what his son has become. Prime Minister Zhuang continues with his plans for revenge, enlisting his nephew, Zhuang Ming. Meanwhile, Xi Yang becomes embittered by her loveless marriage to Jing Shi.