The Empress summons Ziqing to her presence. Upon arrival, Ziqing endures the piercing of needles in her knees, followed by being compelled to drink tea laced with Huayin Poison. Although everyone, including Ziqing, is aware that it was a deadly concoction mimicking tuberculosis, she had no choice but to consume it.
She then stumbles toward the carriage where Hongyi awaits her. Inside, Ziqing first regurgitates blood, then removes the needles and expells the toxins from her body by pressing on wounds at her knees. Hongyi is shocked yet marvels at Ziqing’s actions. She realizes that Ziqing is far from ordinary and not to be underestimated.
She assures Ziqing of her respectfulness. Ziqing, in turn, cautions her against mentioning the poison to the Fourth Prince, fearing it might escalate the existing strife with the Empress into outright war. Hongyi remains faithful to her word. Ziqing’s days at the mansion are pleasant; she is often seen enjoying meals, yet she diligently prepares for contingencies.
Meanwhile, Bei Yue finds himself imprisoned without food in the palace dungeon after he rejected the King’s counsel to renounce Ziqing. Bei Yue declares his affection for Ziqing and his resolve to marry her. The King decides to detain Bei Yue for several days to ensure the Empress’s plan could proceed without his interference.
Bei Chen’s wife, Ouyang, and her sister visit Ziqing to monitor the progress of the poison. Ziqing makes them wait, then stages a performance and spits duck blood at the sister.(She is really rocking the dying princess role).
The Emperor, visibly irritated, is reassured by the Empress that Ziqing is on the brink of death. A smile creeps across the Emperor’s face, knowing that the Huayin Poison will claim its victim on the seventh day—the very day he is to proclaim Ziqing as the Princess Consort to the Fourth Prince.
