Episode 34 delivers intense political reckoning and deep emotional catharsis. As Shen Zaiye reveals his true identity, Empress Lv resurfaces to usurp Beiyuan’s throne, and the empire braces for one final power shift.
⚖️ 1. Truth Laid Bare
Zaiye presents both Meng Zhongyan’s confession and Xie Guanyu’s original petition to the emperor, demanding justice for the witchcraft case that destroyed the Xie clan.
In a dramatic confrontation, Zaiye declares:
“I am Xie Jing’an, son of Xie Guanyu.”
The emperor is stunned—his most loyal chancellor had been the last survivor of a bloodline he helped destroy.
🗣️ 2. Shen Zaiye’s Final Plea
Rather than seek vengeance, Zaiye speaks with measured power:
“History won’t lie for your sake.
A hundred years from now, will you be remembered as a stubborn tyrant or a wise ruler?”
Despite the emperor’s fury, Zaiye resigns:
“I have served you loyally—as a son, a brother, and a minister. Now I only ask to grow old with Taohua.”
The emperor, under pressure, finally issues an imperial edict clearing the Xie family’s name and posthumously honoring Consort Shu.
🕯️ 3. A Family Name Restored
Zaiye returns to the Xie ancestral residence and bows before the memorial tablets:
“Father. Mother. I have cleared our name. May your spirits rest in peace.”
The moment is quiet but powerful, ending a 10-year arc of hidden identity, grief, and moral fortitude.
💔 4. Farewells and Futures
Taohua has already left for Beiyuan to find the antidote. Zaiye promises to follow her soon. Wuxia and Qingying share bittersweet farewells, knowing their duties tie them to Qi.
Zaiye’s resolve:
“Now that justice is done, I will live the life I once only dreamed of—with her.”
🐉 5. A Throne in Chaos
In Beiyuan, Empress Lv—presumed dead—returns in full force:
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She seizes court authority.
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Claims the emperor died the night before.
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Declares the Crown Prince (Jiang Changjue) “missing.”
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Orders the execution of Deputy Chief Yue when he protests her rule.
“Do not play with fire, or your future will suffer.”
Empress Lv demands a coronation date, threatening even the State Preceptor Qian Mochen into compliance.
🔥 6. An Empress’s Revenge
In a chilling scene, Empress Lv confronts the Beiyuan emperor, revealing that she was once the dancer he crippled in a cruel act of pride.
“I could never bear children. I lost everything. And it was you.”
She watches him suffer in desperation, refusing him medicine.
“Savor this despair. It’s what I felt back then.”
Her trauma has become fuel for ruthless ambition.
🕵️ 7. Changjue in Hiding
Meanwhile, Changjue—now a fugitive in Beiyuan—reunites with Qian Mochen, who swears allegiance to him and Taohua out of a debt to their late mother.
“Let me stay by your side until you’re strong enough to protect yourselves.”
But Empress Lv’s forces are closing in. Changjue narrowly escapes another ambush, raising the stakes of the impending confrontation.
🔄 8. Roles Reversed, Power Shifts
As court officials in Beiyuan debate whether to crown Empress Lv, many only comply out of fear. State Preceptor Qian Mochen is poisoned and blackmailed into obedience.
“Choose an auspicious date for my coronation. Your time is short.”
This highlights how politics, power, and survival twist even the most principled.
🌸 9. Taohua’s Vow
Taohua walks the streets of Hao City, finally free from imprisonment, recalling:
“Empress Lv, this was the freedom I dreamed of when you locked me up.”
She and Zhan Lu prepare for the next fight—not just for love or revenge, but for the future of Beiyuan.
💬 Standout Moments
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Zaiye revealing he is Xie Jing’an.
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Empress Lv’s terrifying confession to the dying emperor.
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The reversal of power in court—where a once-humiliated woman now rules.
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Deputy Chief Yue’s execution for speaking truth.
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Taohua and Changjue's resilience in the shadows of a collapsing state.
🎯 Themes & Character Arcs
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Justice through dignity: Zaiye doesn’t destroy his enemies—he demands truth be acknowledged.
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Female rage and power: Empress Lv’s vengeance is rooted in trauma. She seeks more than revenge—she wants domination.
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New rulers rise: Changjue represents the next generation. His survival means hope.
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Reversal of fate: The once-powerless now wear crowns. But at what cost?
🔚 Final Verdict
“Episode 34 delivers everything: political reckoning, generational trauma, and the collision of past sins with present justice. Empress Lv may have seized the throne, but the real power is shifting beyond her grasp.”