Bei Yue is released from detention. The Emperor says that he hopes Bei Yue had time to think about how inappropriate to make Ziqing his Princess Consort.
Bei Yue remains steadfast in his decision, insisting that the Emperor honor his commitment to sanction the marriage and proclaim Ziqing as the legitimate Princess Consort for the Fourth Prince. Despite his irritation, the Emperor gives his assurance, now certain of Ziqing’s impending demise.
Bei Yue returns to the Chen Mansion, Ziqing’s father’s home, alongside Ziqing to receive the edict. Present are Ziqing’s father, stepmother, and stepsister. The Quayan sisters and Bei Chen arrive. Bei Yue provokes Bei Chen, and Ziqing coughs in Bei Chen’s direction, leading to a confrontation that forces Bei Chen to depart. Although Bei Chen does not witness Ziqing’s demise, she remains at the doorstep of death.
The sister of Ouayan remains. The palace eunuch finally arrives with the edict, reading the message slowly, as if waiting for Ziqing’s demise. Ziqing has been officially recognized as the new Princess Consort. The sister of Quayan disrupts Ziqing’s reception of the edict, leading Bei Yue to order her detention. Ziqing accepts the edict, reads it, and astonishingly recovers within moments. Everyone, except Bei Yue, is astounded. Bei Yue now harbors suspicions about Ziqing’s immunity to poison, reinforcing the belief that she truly is an islander..
The Emperor swiftly becomes aware of Ziqing’s robust health. He chastises the Empress for her ineptitude, yet simultaneously commands that Bei Yue and Ziqing be left undisturbed. It is at this juncture we understand that an edict is irrevocable.
The Empress, though fearful, agrees to the plan but is not sufficiently frightened, as their next target is Chancellor Chen, the father of Ziqing.
