After Cixi learned of the shocking secret, she was heartbroken. She never thought that her husband would disregard his love and leave a secret edict that could put her to death. Knowing everything, Lian Ying expressed sympathy for Cixi's experience. Cixi felt that she was exhausted from fighting alone, and she couldn't help feeling very disappointed. Fortunately, Ying Lian sent charcoal to solve the problem, so that he can continue to control the ruling and opposition parties. Prince Gong was impeached by some officials from the court, but he did not take it seriously, thinking that he was clear and he ignored him.
慈禧得悉惊天秘密后痛心疾首，未有想过自己的夫君会不顾情义，留下了能置她于死地的密诏。连英得知一切，亦对慈禧的遭遇大表同情。慈禧有感自己孤军作战甚是劳累，不禁大感失落。幸连英雪中送炭加以开解，才能抖擞精神继续执掌朝野。恭亲王被朝上部分官员弹劾，但他却不以为然，认为自己清者自清而未有理会。双喜掌管了御药房的事务，为改善以往徐公公的歪风，严禁各太监或御医私下买卖假药材。
