In 1154, as the reigning Emperor Konoe's illness worsens, the retired Emperor Toba regrets and wonders if the cause of illness is retribution for him not being in good terms with the former Emperor Sutoku. Kiyomori tries to help mend the relationship between Toba and Sutoku, however, to no avail as Konoe passes away in 1155 at the age of 17. At the Imperial Court, a meeting is held to decide the successor to the throne.
1154年、近衛天皇(北村匠海)の容態が悪化。朝廷は大きく揺れる。近衛天皇が崩御すると、再び鳥羽院(三上博史)と崇徳院(井浦新)の権力争いが激化するとされていた。清盛(松山ケンイチ)は、何とか2人の仲を取り戻そうと奔走を始める。一方、雅仁親王(松田翔太)は訪れた美濃青墓で乙前(松田聖子)という白拍子に会う。そしてついに、近衛帝は17歳の若さで崩御。そして次の帝(みかど)に選ばれたのは…。