Empresses in the Palace

During the selection, Zhen Huan's resemblance to the late Empress captures the Emperor's eye, though she wishes to avoid palace life.

The new ladies enter the palace. Zhen Huan and Meizhuang navigate the tense atmosphere and meet the domineering Consort Hua.

Zhen Huan witnesses a maid's death and a concubine's madness. She realizes the harem's danger and decides to feign illness to stay away.

Zhen Huan lives quietly in Bi's Garden. She meets a man claiming to be Prince Guo, unaware he is actually the Emperor in disguise.

The Emperor falls for Zhen Huan's wit during their garden meetings. Consort Hua is jealous of the attention given to the unseen sick lady.

The Emperor finally reveals his identity. Zhen Huan's illness "cures" instantly, and she receives unprecedented favor and promotion.

Zhen Huan's rising favor makes her a target. She receives a special hot spring bath from the Emperor, an honor usually reserved for the Empress.

An Lingrong struggles with her low status. Zhen Huan helps her, but the seed of Lingrong's future resentment is planted.

Meizhuang is demoted and confined. Zhen Huan realizes the Empress and Consort Hua are both dangerous players in the power struggle.

Zhen Huan attempts to save Meizhuang. She uses a butterfly trick in the snow to regain the Emperor's favor after a brief period of coldness.

Consort Hua's brother, Nian Gengyao, gains power, making her more arrogant. Zhen Huan discovers a secret scent used to prevent pregnancy.

During the Mid-Autumn feast, Zhen Huan meets the real Prince Guo. A bond of mutual respect and hidden attraction begins to form.

An Lingrong uses her singing voice to attract the Emperor, coached by the Empress to drive a wedge between her and Zhen Huan.

Consort Hua attempts to kill Meizhuang by infecting her with smallpox. Zhen Huan risks her life to help her dear friend recover.

Zhen Huan becomes pregnant. The Emperor is overjoyed, but the news makes her a major target for every woman in the harem.

Consort Hua is demoted for her brother's arrogance, but she uses a secret prescription to regain favor, continuing her rivalry with Zhen.

The Empress uses a cat to cause Zhen Huan to fall. Zhen's pregnancy is threatened, and the palace's hidden traps become deadlier.

Zhen Huan loses her child after being forced to kneel in the sun by Consort Hua. She falls into a deep depression and loses the Emperor's favor.

Zhen Huan realizes she must fight back to survive. She uses a clever display of butterflies to win back the Emperor's heart during winter.