A Magic Steeped in Poison

Kang holds Ning while she cries. He tells her that her mother’s death is not her fault because she could not have known that the tea was poisoned. Instead, she should blame those responsible, like the officials or those who actually poisoned the tea. He adds that if the guards and officials could not prevent the emperor’s death by poison, then she could not have prevented her mother and sister’s poisoning either.

Ning is startled by his words, which reassure her but also border on treason. He has also accidentally revealed that the emperor was poisoned and did not simply die from an illness. On guard again, she asks if he is there to place his father on the throne. Kang says he has hope that Zhen will be a good and merciful leader and will listen to his petitions. Ning kisses him again, and they return to the palace.

At dinner, the shennong-tu speculate about the emperor’s death and wonder what Zhen will do. Many of the men do not believe that she will be a suitable ruler. When Ning returns to her room, she finds a long thin box with her name on it.

That night, as she waits for her time to report to Zhen, she opens the box.