Season 1

2015 · 54 episodes

Weakened by illness but strong in mind, Mei Changsu enters court politics to seek justice for a tragedy long forgotten.

1The Kirin GeniusMinister Xu reveals Mei Changsu’s name to Prince Yu, sparking a race to win his loyalty.
2Grand Empress DowagerMei Changsu arrives at Ning manor as princes vie for him; Nihuang’s suitor contest begins.
3Sons of Two FamiliesMei aids Prince Jing to save a boy; Nihuang grows suspicious of his identity at a banquet.
4Choosing a MasterMei uses children to defeat Baili Qi; Prince Jing allies with him to claim the throne.
5Schemes in the Inner PalaceMei’s plan saves Nihuang from poisoning; Noble Consort Yue is demoted for her scheme.
6Principles of LoyaltyPrince Yu takes credit for saving Nihuang; Mei sets rules for Jing’s alliance.
7The Abandoned GardenXia Dong confronts Xie Yu; Mei uncovers corpses, escalating the Duke of Qing’s case.
8A Midnight VisitorMei fends off an attack; Prince Xian scrambles to save a minister tied to the corpses.
9A Time to Cut TiesMei advises Prince Yu to back Jing; the Emperor appoints a neutral Minister of Revenue.
10The Next TargetMei targets Prince Yu’s ally; Jing’s report on Duke Qing is overshadowed by Yu’s reward.
11MentorMei outsmarts Xian’s plan to reinstate Consort Yue; Jing joins the throne fight.
12Even Without a TraceNihuang learns Mei is Lin Shu; Jing uncovers a gunpowder smuggling plot by Xian.
13The Missing GunpowderMei stops Marquise Yan’s plot to kill the Emperor; Prince Yu saves a minister’s son.
14New Year's EveMei keeps Yan’s secret; Xie Yu’s plan to erode Meng Zhi’s trust with the Emperor begins.
15The Eastern Palace StrikesJingrui suspects Qingyao; Mei foils Xie Yu’s plan to kill Shen Zhui at a birthday party.
16AnguishMei protects Shen Zhui; Jingrui’s party invites spark tension with martial arts experts.
17The Secret Gunpowder MillPrince Yu’s explosion kills civilians; Mei boosts Jing’s image to sway the Emperor.
18Silent MovementsQin Banruo finds Mei’s secret room; Jing recommends a new justice minister.
19Guests from Southern ChuMeng Zhi aids Jing’s throne bid; Nihuang is sent to the border as Southern Chu arrives.
20Birthday BanquetXie Yu’s crimes unravel at Jingrui’s party; his Southern Chu ties are exposed.
21Standoff at the BrinkPrince Yu’s army saves guests from Xie Yu’s trap; Liyang protects the Zhuo family.
22A ResolutionLiyang confronts Xie Yu; Xia Jiang suspects a plot behind Xie’s downfall.
23The Truth of That DayMei uncovers Xia Jiang’s role in the Chiyan case; Jing pushes to reinvestigate it.
24ResolutionMei mourns the Grand Empress Dowager; Xie Yu’s exile sparks Liyang’s plea for justice.
25The Fisherman’s GainJing gains power; Mei uproots Banruo’s spies as Prince Yu grows wary of Jing’s rise.
26Farewell to a FriendJingrui leaves for Southern Chu; Banruo plots to seduce Tong Lu for Mei’s secrets.
27"Water Buffalo"The Emperor catches Xian breaking mourning rules; Mei warns Meng Zhi to avoid suspicion.
28Next OpponentJing’s promotion angers Yu; Mei fears Consort Jing knows his true identity.
29Hazelnut PastriesMei uses a gift scandal to boost Jing; Yu and Xia Jiang plan to reopen the Chiyan case.
30Trump CardMei enlists Marquise Yan for Jing; Xia Jiang and Yu plot to undermine the prince.
31Strategic SetupPrince Yu frames Consort Jing; Wei Zheng’s capture threatens Mei’s plans.
32Plot of AlienationThe Emperor frees Consort Jing; Xia Jiang uses Wei Zheng to trap Prince Jing.
33Plea in the SnowJing loses trust in Mei over Wei Zheng; Mei plans a risky rescue with Xia Dong.
34The Right ChoiceJing is promoted; Mei and Yan trick Xia Jiang to free Wei Zheng from captivity.
35The RescueYan distracts Xia Jiang; Jing’s allies rescue Wei Zheng as Consort Jing faces scrutiny.
36Another BattlefieldXia Jiang’s plan fails; Jing is accused of Wei’s rescue, escalating royal tensions.
37The Strategist's ResolveConsort Jing’s secret is revealed as the Emperor’s; Xia Jiang targets Mei for interrogation.
38ConfrontationXia Jiang poisons Mei; Xia Dong’s confession exposes the Xuan Jing Bureau’s plot.
39Turning the TablesThe Emperor arrests Xia Jiang; Mei escapes as Jing’s allies uncover Yu’s corruption.
40Wujin PillJing learns of Mei’s innocence; Xia Dong reveals the Wujin poison to save Mei.
41Paving the WayXia Jiang’s confession clears Mei; Jing picks neutral allies as Yu is demoted.
42Mei RidgePrince Yu learns his mother’s fate; Jing discovers the Chiyan truth from Wei Zheng.
43Raising the Rebel FlagConsort Jing uncovers Mei’s illness; Prince Yu plots a rebellion to seize the capital.
44Desperate BattleMei and Jing thwart Yu’s rebellion; Nihuang’s reinforcements save the imperial fortress.
45ReunionJing captures Yu; Mei’s illness worsens as Nie Feng suffers from the same poison.
46Unworthy SonXia Jiang escapes; Jing suspects Mei’s identity as the Emperor considers a new heir.
47Fire-Cold PoisonMei plans to reopen Chiyan case; Lin Chen captures Banruo to find Xia Jiang.
48Remaining TimeXia Dong learns Mei is Lin Shu; Consort Yue’s plot exposes Mei’s identity to the Emperor.
49Unveiled IdentityXia Jiang accuses Mei as Lin Shu; Jing saves Mei from the Emperor’s wrath.
50SweepGao Zhan clears Mei’s name; Jing and Consort Jing dismantle Xia Jiang’s spy network.
51Xie Yu's LetterJingrui saves Liyang from Xia Jiang’s disciple; Mei’s allies seek a cure for his poison.
52Five Great CrimesLiyang presents Xie Yu’s confession; ministers urge the Emperor to reopen Chiyan case.
53Beyond RevengeThe Emperor relents to reopen Chiyan case; Mei agrees to leave to spare the throne.
54Farewell, Mei ChangsuMei leads the army against Chu, taking a fatal pill; Jing honors him as the new Emperor.

Episodes