Episode 19

DE-HAI has taken good care of SIU-CHAI, who feels so bored that she intends to adopt a child for killing time, but is objected by DE-HAI. At midnight, while a large group of potential candidates rush into the palace, waiting for the emperor's selection, Emperor TONGZHI instead makes all sorts of excuses in avoidance of the participation. Having altered his strategy, DE-HAI manages to get LAN-XUAN short listed for the audition. CIXI recognizes that the paintings from Emperor TONGZHI were made by some ghostwriters, so she tells LIAN-YING to dig out the truth. Upon their return to their room, SIN YUNG reveals LAN-XUAN's naughty and wicked conduct to LIAN-YING. Under CIXI's decree, LIAN-YING invites BAO-YIN to view the paintings in the Chang Chun Palace. Having probed BAO-YIN, CIXI is certain that she and the emperor are perfectly matched, saving that she is CIAN's niece……