The emperor refuses to accept Yuan Ling's decision to decline the offer of marriage and orders him to solitude. Meanwhile, Qing Chen locates a scented sachet identical to the one found from the the dark sorceress.

Qing Chen is revealed as an imposter but the leader of the dark sorceress, Ding Shui, warns Minister Feng to keep her close. Meanwhile, Yuan Ling chases an assassin back to the palace.

Qing Chen sides with Yuan Ming to find and defeat his wife's murderer. The two prepare a banquet in commemoration of the late Empress, and the dark sorceress waits an opportunity to strike.