Xiao Shu He meets with the Crown Prince, where brotherly respect masks hidden doubts and distance. Afterwards, Shu He drinks with Duan Zi Ang, confessing his conflicted feelings toward the Crown Prince, while Duan Zi Ang comforts him.

The Emperor announces that Prince Xiao Shu He will marry the Princess of Jibei to secure peace between the North and South, assigning Prince Xiao Shu Qian to oversee the matter. The Crown Prince grows resentful, and Prime Minister Gu warns that this move favors Shu He. The Crown Prince then plots to frame Xiao Shu He.