PO is wondering if he has become the prime suspect, but to his great surprise, the Emperor asks him to keep a close eye on TAK. PO and CHAK arrive at the town originally proposed as the canal terminus, and are shocked to discover that the municipal officials are all being controlled by a secret mastermind. YING, CHING and Lady CHAN get poisoned and fall unconscious after eating the desserts offered by the Empress Dowager. CHING is later found dead on the spot. PO reports to the Emperor on the investigation against TAK and CHU, following which the Emperor asks him to stalk CHUEN and KWAN. YING misses her days as a commoner, and PO promises to bring her out of the Palace after his mission is achieved. While PO is still investigating the death of CHING, SHEK drops dead suddenly. Despite PO’s suspicion of SIN, all the evidence is against CHAI.… ...