Dou Zhao rushes to the emperor’s palace to check his pulse. Upon noticing Ji Yong’s glasses, she immediately recalls something and pulls out her prepared silver needles, remembering Ji Yong’s teachings about the “Thirteen Ghost Needles.” This triggers her realization that Ji Yong’s earlier actions had a deeper meaning, even though he never fully explained them. Eunuch Wang confirms her suspicions: the emperor had deliberately placed Ji Yong by Prince Qing’s side. The emperor was aware of Prince Qing’s ambitions but needed him to rebel to convict him. Ji Yong had been acting as a military strategist for the rebellion.
Meanwhile, Song Mo leads his forces to prevent Prince Qing from storming the palace. Prince Qing orders his men to leave no survivors, resulting in a fierce battle. A series of gunshots ultimately drives Prince Qing’s men back. The emperor, carried out on his palanquin, glares furiously at Prince Qing. Dou Zhao stands by the emperor’s side as Song Mo, teary-eyed, looks on with relief, knowing reinforcements have arrived.
A Dangerous Confrontation
Prince Qing argues that the crown prince has already been assassinated, and by protocol, he should inherit the throne. Song Han incites his followers to continue fighting, promising rewards if they succeed. As the battle resumes, the emperor sheds tears, as though seeing Duke Dingguo, and vows to Jiangs Mei Sun that he will not fail this time. At this critical moment, the crown prince arrives with Gu Yu and their men. Gu Yu, who hadn’t truly betrayed the crown prince, intercepts him mid-route to deliver a secret letter from Dou Zhao, revealing Prince Qing’s treachery. Ji Yong also arrives with his troops, and Prince Qing’s men, seeing defeat, surrender.
Enraged, Prince Qing accuses Ji Yong of betrayal, claiming he once respected him most. Ji Yong coldly admits that his true goal was to purify the court, seeing Prince Qing as the first “decayed flesh” to be removed. Furious, Prince Qing swings at Song Mo, but Dou Zhao shoots him, saving Song Mo. As Song Mo gazes at Dou Zhao, he finally believes that freedom is worth fighting for.
The emperor berates Prince Qing for his lack of ability to wield the imperial seal. Prince Qing concedes but claims he would have ruled through his mother, who had sacrificed much for the court yet suffered unjustly. The emperor angrily condemns Prince Qing’s actions, accusing him of targeting Jiang Mei Sun, a loyal minister, because of the empress’s manipulations.
Revelations and a New Beginning
After Jiang Mei Sun’s death, the emperor had begun to set his plans in motion, determined to expose and eradicate corruption. He knew the empress and Prince Qing were behind his deteriorating health. Prince Qing is shocked to learn the emperor orchestrated so much suffering for the sake of an outsider. Song Mo pleads for Prince Qing’s life, suggesting house arrest instead, where he would hear daily reports of the emperor’s and crown prince’s accomplishments.
Later, Song Mo returns the twin blades, asking the emperor to restore justice to Duke Dingguo. With little time left to live, Song Mo hopes to retire with Dou Zhao to a life of peace. Seeing the spirit of Jiang Mei Sun in Song Mo, the emperor tearfully calls his name, reluctant to let him go.
As Song Han flees, he encounters Miao An Su, who stabs him unexpectedly. Heartbroken, Song Han laments that she waited until he loved her to betray him. Miao An Su, crying, admits she always admired him but couldn’t bear others tarnishing him. She believes that killing him herself is the only way to ensure his dignity. Song Han begs her to reconsider, but she silently removes the necklace he gave her and walks away.
Dou Zhao’s New Wish
Dou Zhao visits the empress, who remarks that they are alike. Dou Zhao disagrees, saying she still believes in love. Soon after, Eunuch Wang delivers an imperial decree, summoning the empress. She refuses, asking instead to be stripped of her title and executed as a commoner. The emperor, gazing at the snow, mournfully reflects on his decisions.
The emperor writes an edict of self-reproach, clearing Duke Dingguo and the Jiang family of all charges. A year later, the crown prince ascends the throne, granting amnesty across the land. Wu Shan returns to the capital to take office, and Ji Yong becomes the new court’s first prime minister. Despite their success, Ji Yong retires quietly, his heart still longing for someone.
Dou Zhao and Song Mo have a mischievous daughter, Lian Jun, who brings chaos wherever she goes. Exhausted by her antics, they eagerly anticipate her starting private school, giving them time to explore the world together. During a rare outing, Song Mo sneaks his father-in-law’s wine, and they toast to their fulfilled wish of clearing their names. Together, they make a new wish: a lifetime of love and unity. With a tender kiss, Song Mo seals their happiness.
