In Episode 15, betrayal brews at the imperial tea banquet. As Jiang Taohua narrowly survives a poisoning, Meng Zhenzhen confesses to a failed assassination — ending her marriage with Shen Zaiye and surrendering her status in a devastating climax.
🍵 1. A Cup of Tea, a Sip of Death
The long-anticipated imperial tea banquet begins, adorned in luxury — but behind the gold and jade is venom.
Shen Zaiye subtly swaps the regular teacups for poison-detecting glazed cups, a clear signal:
“I know someone plans to strike today.”
Moments later, Jiang Taohua collapses after taking a sip. The banquet erupts in chaos.
⚖️ 2. An Attempt on Her Life — Or His?
Physicians confirm the poison was meant for Shen Zaiye, but Taohua only sipped a small amount and will survive.
Zaiye tells the Emperor:
“Someone tried to kill me. She drank it by mistake.”
Though Zaiye appears calm, it’s clear this was a calculated trap — and he knew it was coming.
🩸 3. The Poisoner Unmasked
The truth unravels quickly. A maid breaks down, pointing the finger at Meng Zhenzhen, Zaiye’s official wife.
Zhenzhen steps forward and confesses:
“Yes. I gave the order. I take all responsibility.”
Everyone is shocked. Even the Emperor asks:
“You are his wife — how could you be so vicious?”
💔 4. A Marriage Ends in Front of the Empire
In one of the most dramatic scenes yet, Shen Zaiye publicly requests divorce:
“I ask to divorce Lady Meng. We will go our separate ways.”
He doesn’t stop there. He announces:
He will dismiss all other concubines,
Protect Jiang Taohua (Princess Chengping) fully,
And warns the court:
“If she’s harmed again, it’ll be a disgrace before all Beiyuan.”
The Emperor agrees. The divorce is granted. Zhenzhen is stripped of her position. The Meng family’s grip on power is broken.
👑 5. A Princess Crowned in Loyalty
Taohua, still recovering, is officially addressed as Princess Chengping by the imperial court. Zaiye spares no gesture:
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Elevating her status publicly,
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Bringing her into courtly circles,
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Shielding her from Meng family retaliation.
Even palace servants now greet her with full protocol.
She says to Zhenzhen later:
“I hope that once this burden is gone… you’ll finally feel at ease.”
It’s a powerful moment of forgiveness, despite all that’s happened.
🧠 6. Zhenzhen’s Quiet Collapse
Zhenzhen returns home with her father, who gives up his position as Right Chancellor in exchange for her life.
They both acknowledge what’s been lost:
“From now on… you and I will only have each other.”
Her quiet dignity and pain mark the end of her arc — a woman caught between duty and heart, ultimately broken by both.
⚔️ 7. Zaiye’s Political Play
Zaiye’s bold declarations weren’t just emotional — they were strategic.
He seizes the moment to:
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Cut all ties to powerful families.
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Claim total loyalty to Princess Chengping.
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Reframe his household as unified, protected, and legitimate.
Even the Emperor notes:
“You’ve become a man who will sacrifice everything… for one person.”
🔥 8. Court Power Shifts Again
With the Meng family disgraced and the Qin family rising, the court’s balance tilts once more.
But as one noble whispers:
“If the Mengs want to return… they’ll find Zaiye standing in their way.”
The game of power isn't over. It's just entering a new phase.
💬 Overall Impressions
Episode 15 is one of the most emotionally and politically explosive episodes yet:
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A public poisoning.
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A marriage destroyed.
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A princess nearly murdered.
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And the realignment of the court itself.
Characters are forced to choose between love, family, and survival — and none of them walk away unscathed.
Zaiye’s devotion to Taohua is finally clear, but at what cost?
And Zhenzhen, once proud and high-born, is left with only her name — and her guilt.
🔚 Final Verdict
“Episode 15 is a masterpiece of slow-burn tension, courtroom-level politics, and gut-wrenching choices. With one sip of tea, an entire dynasty shifts — and hearts are shattered forever.”