The Empress's Gambit

Empress Regina confronts the Noble Consort about the use of aphrodisiac incense, leading to a shocking revelation about the Consort's past as a former prostitute. The Empress exposes the deception, severing all ties and love, while the Consort retaliates by revealing her own disillusionment with the Empress.Will Empress Regina's revelation about the Noble Consort's past lead to further chaos in the palace?

Empress Regina confronts a defiant woman who threatens suicide, revealing her ruthless control over the woman's family. The Empress's subsequent collapse and reflections on succession highlight her fears of leaving the empire vulnerable, prompting her to accelerate the selection of a crown prince.Will Empress Regina's choice for the next crown prince lead to salvation or another betrayal?

Empress Regina shows concern for the Seventh Prince's well-being and receives a thoughtful gift from him, hinting at her growing affection. She proposes adopting him, promising to secure his future, despite his mother's reservations about his suitability for the throne. Meanwhile, the Empress seeks counsel on handling the flooding crisis in Qinzhou.Will the Empress's plan to adopt the Seventh Prince lead to his rise or his downfall?

Empress Regina proposes a clever and cost-effective solution to address the flooding in Qinzhou by involving the local people in dredging the river, offering them tax exemptions as an incentive, which impresses the Emperor.Will Regina's innovative approach to governance earn her more favor or attract unforeseen adversaries?

Empress Regina's foresight proves accurate as Felix gains the Emperor's favor by using her advice, while the Emperor reminisces about their past and proposes adopting the Seventh Prince under her name, setting a new trap in her intricate plan.Will Regina accept the Emperor's proposal to adopt the Seventh Prince, or does she have another scheme in mind?

Empress Regina selects Prince Felix as her heir after he impresses her with his knowledge and kind nature, but the arrival of a new Grand Tutor introduces potential complications.Will Prince Felix's bond with the Empress remain strong under the Grand Tutor's influence?

Empress Regina confronts Felix's lack of progress in learning the Six Arts and decides to take matters into her own hands by teaching him herself, testing his knowledge with a critical governance question.Will Felix rise to the challenge and prove himself worthy of the throne under Empress Regina's strict guidance?

Empress Regina witnesses Prince Felix's incompetence in handling refugee affairs, leading to Emperor's disappointment and concern for the empire's future. In a moment of vulnerability, the Emperor expresses regret for his past failures towards Regina, wishing for a simpler life together in another life. However, Regina's cold response reveals her dark plan to poison the Emperor, showcasing her ruthless ambition.Will Regina's poisoning plot succeed, or will the Emperor discover her treachery?

Felix learns from the Father Emperor that his birth mother's death was not an accident but a deliberate act by the Empress, sparking a plan for revenge and ascension to the throne.Will Felix follow through with the plan to avenge his mother and overthrow the Empress?

Empress Regina reveals her knowledge of Emperor Edward's schemes and retaliates by exposing her own manipulation, including tampering with his health, leading to a bitter confrontation where she curses him for his past betrayals.Will Edward's downfall be Regina's triumph or will new challenges arise?

Empress Dowager faces multiple crises including refugees, a dike break, embezzlement, and a shocking impeachment by the Grand Preceptor accusing her of overstepping her bounds as a woman in politics.Will the Empress Dowager overcome the Grand Preceptor's impeachment and maintain her power?

The Grand Preceptor challenges Empress Dowager's authority, citing ancestral laws against women in state affairs, leading to a tense confrontation and her decision to step back, entrusting the young Emperor's guidance to the Grand Preceptor.Will the Empress Dowager's retreat mark the end of her influence, or is this another move in her strategic game?

Empress Regina faces a crisis as the Jie people conquer seven cities in the northwest, displacing civilians. Despite the urgency, General Li, a key ally of the Empress Dowager, suddenly claims illness, refusing to lead reinforcements. The Grand Preceptor's mysterious departure adds to the tension, hinting at deeper political maneuvering.Will the Empress uncover the truth behind General Li's sudden illness and the Grand Preceptor's suspicious exit?

Empress Dowager returns to the Hall of Supreme Harmony as the Grand Preceptor quickly changes his stance, submitting his resignation and retiring, acknowledging the Ashford family's newfound power in the court. Meanwhile, Madam Celia warns of the Emperor's unsuitability to rule, hinting at deeper political turmoil.Will the Ashford family's rise to power lead to stability or further chaos in the empire?

A former royal advisor warns the young Empress about the dangers of trust within the imperial family, revealing the fragile nature of loyalty and love, while a shadowy figure from the past vows revenge against Regina.Will Regina's past come back to haunt her just as she starts to secure her future?

Empress Regina reflects on her growing affection for Felix, the new heir, while Xavier, her past adopted son, lurks in the shadows, plotting revenge for being denied the throne.Will Xavier's thirst for vengeance shatter Regina's newfound peace with Felix?

A plot to assassinate the Empress Dowager is uncovered, leading to a tense confrontation where Madam Celia attempts to kidnap the young emperor, revealing her involvement in the conspiracy.Will the Empress Dowager survive the assassination attempt and uncover the full extent of the conspiracy?

Empress Regina confronts Xavier about his betrayal, revealing his true intentions and her awareness of his schemes, while Felix becomes caught in their conflict, leading to a dramatic confrontation.Will Felix survive the deadly game between Regina and Xavier?

Empress Regina, reborn into her past life, vows to take control of her own fate and challenges the traditional norms by aspiring to become the first woman emperor, with the mysterious Quentin Brown offering his allegiance to her cause.Will Empress Regina succeed in her audacious quest to become the first woman emperor, and what secrets does Quentin Brown hide?

Empress Regina, now living a peaceful life, encounters a mysterious book claiming to reveal destiny, and meets a starving thief whom she decides to take under her wing as a bodyguard.Will the thief prove to be a loyal ally or a hidden threat in Regina's rewritten destiny?