Li Bi suspects the Emperor wants to use the struggle between Lin Jiulang and the Crown Prince to even up their power and stabilise the Emperor’s own power. Guo Lishi immediately orders him to be quiet. Li Bi goes to see the Crown Prince and explains why he signed the statement. He pleads with the Crown Prince to rescue Tan Qi. Guo Lishi follows the Emperor’s order to deliver a cheap set of clothing to Lin Jiulang for him to wear to the lantern banquet. Li Sifang tells Yao Runeng to eliminate Tan Qi.
李必怀疑圣上是想利用林九郎和太子之争搞平衡，借机稳定皇权，郭利仕厉声喝止他。李必来见太子，向他讲述了自己在供状上签字画押的原因，并拜托太子救出檀棋。郭利仕奉圣上的命令给林九郎送来一件布衣，让他穿着去参加灯宴。李四方让姚汝能除掉檀棋，姚汝能故意激怒檀棋，随后冲进牢笼掐住檀棋的脖子，李四方眼看着檀棋没了呼吸才肯离开。元载逼姚汝能交代是太子指使他救檀棋，姚汝能坚称是他一人所为，发誓就是死了也不会退，元载当场将他杀害，并下令把檀棋活埋。檀棋挣扎想要撬开棺材，却因体力不济渐渐晕了过去，就在这时李必及时出现，将檀棋从棺材里救出来。
