Ep 17. Episode 17

Jin Zhan, the imperial physician, tells Consort Chun about her pregnancy. She is thrilled and proceeds to tell her mother about the news. The Empress is furious when she hears the news and confronts Consort Chun. Meanwhile, Wei Yingluo and the Empress Dowager have a discussion about the court politics and who they should support. The Empress Dowager advises Wei Yingluo to support a faction led by the Chief Censor, Minister Feng, which would benefit the emperor. Wei Yingluo also learns that the Empress Dowager has a mysterious illness that only Jin Zhan can cure.

Later, Wei Yingluo discovers that Yuan Chunwang is secretly meeting with the Empress. She suspects that Yuan Chunwang is plotting something and tries to investigate. Meanwhile, Yuan Chunwang plots to use the pregnant Consort Chun as a way to seize power. He persuades Consort Chun to write a letter to the emperor, asking him to promote Yuan Chunwang. Consort Chun agrees but is unaware of Yuan Chunwang's true intentions.

When Wei Yingluo discovers the letter, she alerts the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager immediately orders the arrest of Yuan Chunwang, Consort Chun, and the imperial physician Jin Zhan. However, Consort Chun is able to escape before she is arrested. Wei Yingluo helps Consort Chun escape by dressing up as a eunuch and guiding her out of the palace. However, they are caught by the emperor's guard and brought back to the palace.

Meanwhile, Emperor Qianlong is informed about the letter and orders the execution of everyone involved in the plot. The Empress pleas with the emperor on behalf of Consort Chun and suggests that they give birth to the child before any punishment is dealt. The emperor agrees but warns Consort Chun that her actions have caused irreparable damage to her reputation.

As Consort Chun goes into labor, Wei Yingluo helps her through the delivery. However, the baby is stillborn and Consort Chun is devastated. The Empress Dowager visits Consort Chun and tells her that she has arranged for her to leave the palace and live in seclusion. The Empress Dowager tells Wei Yingluo that she has her eyes on her and is impressed with her loyalty to the emperor. Wei Yingluo is relieved that the crisis has passed but is unsure whether she can continue to navigate the dangerous waters of court politics.