Episode Guide
Episode 1: "Zhao Ruoxi enters the palace for the talent selection."
Due to her father's unjust treatment, Zhao Ruoxi can only enter the palace to participate in the talent selection. Upon entering the palace, Zhao Ruoxi encounters an arrogant and domineering showgirl named Guan Panpan. Guan Panpan believes that Zhao Ruoxi has offended her and wants to trouble her. Since Zhao Ruoxi has just entered the palace, she can only endure for now, which only further inflates Guan Panpan's arrogance, and she ends up scratching Zhao Ruoxi's hand. >>read more
Episode 2: "Zhao Ruoci speaks for Liu Cai'nuo.
As attendants, Zhao Ruoci and the others have to learn the rules here. Cui Shangyi came over to teach them the rules, and mentioned that Guan Panpan is a distant relative of the Empress, so she will represent herself in managing these talented women. Guan Panpan commented on how Zhao Ruoci's bedding was so messy, questioning how she could serve the Emperor, and proceeded to step on Zhao Ruoci's bedding several times. >>read more
Episode 3: Zhao Ruoqi resolved the crimson worm incident.
Liu Cai was extremely worried and felt that even if they resolved the issue, they would completely offend Guan Panpan. Zhao Ruqi believed that they could handle any situation and there was no need to worry too much. When Zhao Ruqi and Liu Cai returned, they were shocked to find blood on the window. Liu Cai was afraid that if they discovered the blood, they would be seen as ominous people. >>read more
Episode 4: Liu Rufan confronted Zhao Ruoji about something.
Guang Panpan did leave as expected. Zhao Ruoji admitted that she used false information to deceive Guang Panpan, and now she could definitely find clues by going to Guang Panpan's place. Zhao Ruoji and her group arrived and indeed found Guang Panpan disinfecting with strong alcohol. Guang Panpan was captured because she was framed. The Empress instructed someone to give Zhao Ruoji Guang Panpan's jewelry, which made Zhao Ruoji understand that the Empress was warning her. >>read more
Episode 5: Zhao Ruoqi befriended Shufei.
Zhao Ruoqi and Liu Rufan came to attend the banquet. Liu Rufan introduced Zhao Ruoqi to Shufei, stating that the most favored individuals in the palace currently were Consort Lizhao and Shufei. Consort Lizhao was young and beautiful, greatly favored by the emperor. Shufei, on the other hand, was older and initially not highly favored. However, after the death of the emperor's third son's mother, he was raised by Shufei, causing her to gain favor. >>read more
Episode 6: Zhao Ruoxi held the Xifang event.
Shufei explained that the Dongfang and Xifang events were activities organized by the palace. They invited merchants from the common people to come and buy things. The items sold here were some tribute products that the palace didn't need. The money earned from the sales would be used for disaster relief. Shufei mentioned that Li Zhaoyi organized the Dongfang event, while she herself organized the Xifang event. This year, she entrusted the management of the Xifang event to Zhao Ruoxi, and it had to be better than Li Zhaoyi's Dongfang event. >>read more
Episode 7: Zhao Ruoqi organized the Xifang Market.
With only 10 days left until the market opened, Zhao Ruoqi had been busy preparing on this side, and the opening day was quickly approaching. Lizhao's side had invited a troupe of performers to attract many merchants. Zhao Ruoqi's maidservant was very anxious when a drunkard entered. The maidservant wanted to drive the drunkard away, but Zhao Ruoqi believed that since they were open for business, it wouldn't be right to chase away customers. Instead, she ordered tea to be served to help the drunkard sober up. >>read more
Episode 8: Zhao Ruoqi has been promoted to the position of Jiéyú (a rank in the imperial harem).
The Empress Dowager and others also came over and thought that Zhao Ruoqi did a pretty good job with this event. The arrangement of the merchandise was well-organized, and the feng shui was also good. The Sage believes that the most important thing in business is to enrich oneself and asked Zhao Ruoqi what she thought. Zhao Ruoqi stated that the items were arranged according to their categories. Zhao Ruoqi brought some popular local delicacies called "zhuàngyuán cí" for the Empress Dowager and the Sage to eat. The Empress Dowager noticed that there was a lot of sugar in them and asked Zhao Ruoqi why. Zhao Ruoqi explained that sugar is not easily accessible among the common people and can only be enjoyed when the nation is at peace. Thus, it represents the people's aspirations. >>read more
Episode 9: "Zhao Ruoji serves in the imperial bedchamber.
This person mentioned that before Zhao Ruoji went to attend to the Sage, the Empress Dowager wanted to summon Zhao Ruoji and give her some instructions. Zhao Ruoji felt that being called by the Empress Dowager couldn't be a good thing but still went over. When Zhao Ruoji arrived at the Empress Dowager's place, the Empress Dowager expressed that Zhao Ruoji had been doing quite well recently and now had the opportunity to serve in the bedchamber. They brought out two sets of clothes and asked Zhao Ruoji which set she wanted to choose. >>read more
Episode 10: Zhao Ruoqi was troubled by Lady Lizhao.
The queen convened everyone for a discussion, and Zhao Ruoqi arrived late. Lady Lizhao was there, making sarcastic remarks, saying that it's not Zhao Ruoqi's fault for being late, considering that yesterday was her special day. The queen explained that she called everyone together to discuss the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet and asked if anyone had any ideas. Lady Lizhao suggested that every sister should cook a dish for the Empress Dowager this year since it's the same few dishes every year and lacks novelty. >>read more
Episode 11: Zhao Ruoqi's dumplings were appreciated by the Empress Dowager.
Soon, it was the Empress Dowager's birthday. Zhao Ruoqi and the other two prepared the dishes and presented them to her. The Empress Dowager acknowledged their thoughtfulness, and the Empress was also present. They asked the Empress Dowager to taste the three dishes. Qin Meiren mentioned that the shrimp dish she prepared was accompanied by twenty-four different dipping sauces, offering a variety of flavors and rich textures. She even gave it a beautiful name. >>read more
Episode 12: Consort Shufei is pressuring Zhao Ruoqi.
Because the Empress Dowager was pleased with a bowl of wonton, she wanted to reward Zhao Ruoqi. She asked who had taught Zhao Ruoqi, and Zhao Ruoqi said it was Consort Shufei. The Empress Dowager was also pleased and expressed that it was right to entrust the Third Prince to Consort Shufei's care and instructed her to take good care of him. Consort Shufei was also delighted. Consort Shufei approached Zhao Ruoqi and mentioned that although Zhao Ruoqi had received the Empress Dowager's favor, it would certainly upset Consort Liz >>read more
Episode 13: Zhao Ruoqi met Princess Xuan Gui.
Liu Rufan stated that Xuan Gui was a foreign woman who was originally highly favored. However, for some unknown reason, she suddenly secluded herself and no one could see her. Zhao Ruoqi thought that regardless of the situation, since there was such influence, it was definitely worth a try. Zhao Ruoqi pondered on how to meet Princess Xuan Gui and decided to bribe the palace maid in charge of meals. After all, others couldn't see Princess Xuan Gui all the time, but the maid in charge of meals always had access to her. >>read more
Episode 14: "Zhao Ruoxi and Consort Xuan made a deal.
The nanny followed them in and admitted that she failed to stop Zhao Ruoxi, while Consort Xuan remained silent. Consort Xuan pointed out that Zhao Ruoxi was not a palace maid but probably a concubine from the palace, as palace maids were not allowed to wear earrings and Zhao Ruoxi had forgotten to take hers off. Zhao Ruoxi praised Consort Xuan for her keen observation and revealed her own identity, stating that she intentionally came to meet Consort Xuan. >>read more
Episode 15: Zhao Ruoqi helped Empress Xuan solve the problem.
Empress Xuan took off her veil, revealing many spots on her face. She explained that it was because of these spots that she had been staying indoors and asked Zhao Ruoqi to help her solve this matter. Zhao Ruoqi asked Empress Xuan why she didn't seek the royal physician's help. Empress Xuan said she didn't want others to know, so she had asked people from her household to assist, but it was to no avail. >>read more
Episode 16: Empress Xuan confronted Concubine Shufei and Consort Lizhao.
Soon, it was time for the moon-viewing gathering, and Zhao Ruoji approached. Shufei called her and claimed that her hand was injured, preventing her from peeling chestnuts, so she asked Zhao Ruoji for help. Zhao Ruoji knew that Shufei wanted to punish herself because she hadn't participated in the poisoning plot, implying that if Shufei couldn't accomplish something, Zhao Ruoji couldn't either. >>read more
Episode 17: The Empress reprimanded Zhao Ruoci.
Empress ignored Consort Lizhao's plea for mercy and didn't pay attention to her. Consort Lizhao and Consort Shufei asked Zhao Ruoci to speak on their behalf, but Zhao Ruoci quickly stated that she was merely an onlooker. Afterward, the Empress called Zhao Ruoci and asked if she had any involvement in the matter. Zhao Ruoci claimed that she was insignificant and couldn't possibly be responsible for so much. >>read more
Episode 18: Princess Zhao Ruoji takes care of the three princes.
The emperor believes that Zhao Ruoji is too young and may not be able to take care of the children properly. The empress mentioned that there will be a small test in three days, and she instructed Zhao Ruoji to take care of the three princes during that time. If Zhao Ruoji performs well in the test, she will continue to look after them. However, if she doesn't do well, she will be punished. The emperor agreed to this arrangement. Zhao Ruoji discussed this matter with Liu Rufan, and the three princes were present, being mischievous as usual. >>read more
Episode 19: Zhao Ruoqi was bestowed the title of De Fei.
Due to the matter regarding the achievements of the third prince, the sage summoned Zhao Ruoqi and said that she would be punished. The eunuch informed Zhao Ruoqi that the sage was suffering from a headache, a condition that the late emperor also had. When the sage experienced an episode, his temper would worsen, and he would refuse to take medicine even when offered. The eunuch advised Zhao Ruoqi to be cautious. The sage asked Zhao Ruoqi if she desired to become the empress. Zhao Ruoqi expressed that everyone aspired to be a virtuous mother of the nation and share the sage's concerns. >>read more
Episode 20: "Zhao Ruoqi entertained the princess.
Chen Gong, who was by the side of the Queen, rolled over and said that since Zhao Ruoqi had already been bestowed the title of concubine, there was something suitable for him to do. The envoys from the Kingdom of Lanyue had arrived, bringing along two princesses. They were concerned that the two princesses might feel bored in the palace, so they asked Zhao Ruoqi to accompany them. Zhao Ruoqi suggested that Consort Xuan and Liu Rufan should go together with her if they wanted to keep the princesses entertained. Chen Gong agreed with the suggestion. >>read more
Episode 21: Zhao Ruoqi was framed.
The national teacher took away the bracelet, and the celestial official was inside the bracelet, so he could see what was happening outside. The national teacher was very pleased, thinking that Zhao Ruoqi could become the virtuous concubine with the help of the celestial official. Now that he had taken the bracelet away, he wanted to see what Zhao Ruoqi could do. Both the eldest princess and the second princess were present when the second princess suddenly took out a knife and stabbed the eldest princess. >>read more
Episode 22: "Zhao Ruoqi proved her innocence.
Zhao Ruoqi woke up and was brought here. The Second Princess shouted that Zhao Ruoqi had killed their eldest princess for the sake of a bracelet. The prince demanded that the saint provide an explanation, or else they would send their army to attack. The saint stated that if Zhao Ruoqi had truly killed their princess, she would naturally be punished, but the matter had not been clarified yet, and they couldn't come to a conclusion so quickly. They asked Zhao Ruoqi to explain. >>read more
Episode 23: Zhao Ruoci and others discussed.
Zhao Ruoci was locked up here. Liu Rufan and Xuan Guifei came to see her and said that they only mentioned not letting Zhao Ruoci go out, but they didn't say they couldn't come to see her. Liu Rufan, Xuan Guifei, and Zhao Ruoci talked about these things, and Zhao Ruoci felt that the style of that short knife was very familiar. Zhao Ruoci drew the pattern of the short knife she had seen before, and Liu Rufan said that it was the pattern of the Queen's family. >>read more
Episode 24: Consort Xuan has been framed.
Zhao Ruqi was brought here, and the Empress Dowager mentioned that the Holy One has recently fallen ill. Everyone didn't bother thinking about how to help, but unexpectedly, so many things have happened. Early this morning, Consort Xuan came to accuse the Empress and the Empress's older brother of disturbing the court. Liu Rufan also presented evidence, stating that Consort Xuan falsely accused the Empress, and asked Zhao Ruqi what happened. >>read more
Episode 25: Liu Rufan told Zhao Ruoxi the truth.
When Zhao Ruoxi met Liu Rufan, she blamed him for betraying them and they got into an argument. The reason for their dispute was that the people from the Queen's side were still watching them. They were putting on a show for the Queen's people. They found an excuse to get rid of the Queen's people and pretended to quarrel inside, but they were actually secretly discussing countermeasures. >>read more
Episode 26: "Zhao Ruoji sues the empress.
Zhao Ruoji felt that today was her final battle, the confrontation with the empress. She had finally reached this point, unsure of what the outcome would be. The empress and the sage arrived, accompanied by another woman. Zhao Ruoji stated her intention to sue the empress, but Qin Meiren reminded her that the previous plaintiff, Consort Xuan Gui, had died, urging Zhao Ruoji to think carefully before proceeding. >>read more
Ending 27: "Zhao Ruoqi became the queen."
Now with both personal and material evidence, the sage banished the queen to the cold palace, deposing her from her position and interrogating all the imperial physicians. On the cold palace side, Zhao Ruoqi came to see the queen and revealed her identity, and the queen was astonished to learn that she had not died. Zhao Ruoqi expressed that it was the queen herself who had chosen her to enter the palace. The queen believed that this was her retribution, but she had no regrets. Zhao Ruoqi did everything for her own family, just as the queen did everything for the Liang family. >>read more
