S1, A6: Aruo brags at the Imperial Household Department about the emperor's love for Ruyi being evident in the inscribed board. Sulian overhears by coincidence. Langhua finds out and tells Xiyue about it. As predicted, Xiyue wants inscribed boards for the empress and herself from the emperor. The emperor happens to be watching a pipa performance by the Southern Bureau. Xiyue shows off by giving a solo performance, before acting coquettish with the emperor. The emperor agrees to give them inscribed boards. However, the entire harem will get one each, not just the two of them. At night, he summons pipa musician Bai Ruiji to wait on him. The entire palace is shocked to learn that the emperor favored a pipa musician and made her a second class attendant overnight. Xiyue feels anguished because of Ruiji. She finds out that Hailan accompanied Ruyi for prayers, so she punishes Hailan by making her sew prayer flags outdoors in the middle of winter. Ruyi learns that Xiyue has confiscated Hailan's charcoal. She gives her some from her own share, informing Sanbao to make sure the charcoal can be used by a first class attendant. After many days of serving the emperor, Ruiji finally goes to greet the empress and other concubines. She behaves arrogantly. Later on, she gets into an argument with Xiyue in the Imperial Garden. Upon being ridiculed, she retaliates by calling Xiyue old and haggard. Xiyue is furious and orders her attendants to slap Ruiji. The scene is chaotic.