Having gone through all the ups and downs, LIAN-YING behaves so vastly differently than before, trusting no one. What's more, he even approaches CIAN and BAO-YIN, intending to submit to them. In order to show his loyalty, LIAN-YING not only takes initiative to make suggestions to CIAN, but also goes to the cell and kills SHEUNG-HEI in person. Accompanied by LIAN-YING, BAO-YIN goes to the Qian Qing Palace to visit Emperor TONGZHI, who is terminally ill. Weeping and complaining to Emperor TONGZHI, BAO-YIN says all in one breath about how she has been persecuted by CIXI and suffered a miscarriage. Simultaneously, she requests Emperor TONGZHI to designate PU-LUN to ascend the throne as well as writing the designated posthumous edict. LIAN-YING enforces the plan schemed with CIAN, voluntarily making a suggestion to CIXI, who decides to sacrifice Emperor TONGZHI for the sake of state stability……
