Despite Consort Hua's best efforts to retain favor for her family, the Emperor is focused on eliminating threats to his throne which involves getting rid of Consort Hua's brother, the famous General, Nian Geng Yao. The Emperor works with court ministers and advisors to figure out what to do with Nian Geng Yao while Zhen Huan works to bring down Consort Hua in the Imperial Harem. The result? The once powerful Nian clan sees its fall from grace.