Ep 10. Episode 10

Qingying and Xinsheng are holding a hard time trying to decode a letter from Hai Lancha. Meanwhile, Lei Tingyu confesses his feelings for Wei Yingluo. At the same time, Yingluo is performing a ritual for her deputy from the Previous Hall of Royal Favorites when she receives a surprise visit from Sudong. Sudong tells Yingluo that he is confident he can help her uncover the truth behind the emperor's illness. Yan Shu tells the Empress Dowager that it is time for the people to know that the emperor is sick.

As they try to decipher the letter, Xinsheng suggests checking the characters he has on his robe. The characters on his robe match those on the letter, leading Qingying to understand that Lancha has been leaking information to the other side. On the other hand, Sudong tells Yingluo that the emperor is not suffering from indigestion as the ministry of Rites suggested. He further alleges that imperial physician Hongzhou's medical skills are suspect, especially because he is secretly a member of the Southern faction.

Yingluo decides to investigate Hongzhou's qualifications, and after posing as a maid, she secretly gathers evidence that she thinks will prove her case against Hongzhou. Later on, she finds out that Sudong has been lying about his identity, and that he is actually a member of the Southern faction. After confronting Sudong, Yingluo decides to confront Hongzhou with the revelation that he is secretly a member of the Southern faction.

The emperor's health continues to be a source of concern, and it is revealed that he is suffering from an unknown illness. Meanwhile, a strange note is found by the emperor's bedside, leading to questions about who sent it.

Towards the end of the episode, the mystery of the emperor's illness deepens as another casualty is discovered in the palace, and the emperor's condition worsens. Meanwhile, Yingluo hatches a daring plan to try and find the truth about the emperor's illness through Hongzhou. As the battle between the two rival factions heats up, the stakes get even higher and the palace is once again thrown into chaos.