Ruoxi is angered that Yinxiang (13th Prince) failed to attend the horse-riding lesson as promised. He had promised to go but had been intercepted on the way by Minmin to go sheep herding. Yin Zhen (4th Prince), on his own initiative, took his place as Ruoxi's riding tutor. On seeing him, she tries to leave but is caught by the prince who passionately kisses her. That night, she goes to find Yinxiang (13th Prince) to get an explanation as to why was not there to teach her riding. Yinxiang (13th Prince) believes that Ruoxi has feelings for Yin Zhen (4th Prince) and that he is a passing fancy. Ruoxi, of course, cannot reveal that Yin Zhen (4th Prince) is to be the next emperor, which is why she so careful around him. Depressed by the situation, she returns to her estate to throw a tantrum. News of Yinxie (18th Prince) worsening illness arrives but the ministers feel that the emperor should concern himself with the affairs of the empire and advise against informing him of the prince's condition. However, Yinsi goes against the consensus and decides to inform him. Upon receiving the news, the emperor decides to decamp and return to the capital in three days. The crown prince, Yinreng, in a drunken stupor, trespasses into the Mongolian bivouac and is later scolded by the emperor. Yinreng believes that this incident was instigated by his elder brother and goes to demand an explanation from him. During the argument, he is told that it is only a matter of time before the emperor strips him of his title. Furious, Yinreng rushes to the emperor and erupts in a rage, further worsening the emperor's mood and endangering his succession to the throne. Shortly before the emperor's party reaches the capital, news arrives of Yinxie's (18th Prince) passing. In his grief, the emperor confides to Ruoxi his reasons for doting on Yinreng (Crown Prince). From a young age, Yinreng (Crown Prince) had lost his mother and the emperor had personally taken a hand in his upbringing but age failed to bring wisdom. Late in the night, Yinreng (Crown Prince) again disturbs the emperor and, enraged, speechless with wrath the emperor instructs Li De Chuan (eunuch) that the Crown Prince is not to approach his tent without his permission.