Episode: 8
Juniper and the Emperor meet at a pavilion, where a physician confirms her daughter is out of danger. Juniper agrees to work as a dance instructor at the Royal Arts Bureau to repay the Emperor for his support. She arrives the next day and finds a notice for a lucrative dance competition. She is immediately confronted by an arrogant rival dancer who makes it clear she intends to marry the Emperor herself.
Juniper and the Emperor share a drink at the pavilion. A physician arrives and delivers the news that Juniper's daughter is out of danger. This relieves Juniper, who has been deeply worried about the child's medical condition.
Juniper thanks the Emperor for his help. She insists on paying back the medical fees but agrees to his terms for shelter. The Emperor offers her a position as a dance instructor at the Royal Arts Bureau.
Juniper learns the pay for the job is ten taels. She is surprised by the high amount and accepts the offer. The Emperor directs her to report to the Royal Arts Bureau for her first day the next morning.
Juniper reaches the Bureau and notices a flyer for a large reward regarding the Tri-Nation Dance Trials. She is quickly cornered by a group of dancers. Their leader boasts about her long-term plan to marry the Emperor.
The rival dancer recognizes Juniper as the person she is competing against. They stare at each other as the conflict escalates, leaving Juniper to face the hostility of someone who views her as a direct romantic obstacle.
“Your daughter is alright now.”
“For all these years, the reason I've delayed marrying Hendrix is for His Majesty.”
Juniper stands face-to-face with an aggressive rival who has been targeting the Emperor for years. The competition for both the dance trials and the Emperor's attention has officially begun. With the rival making her intentions clear, Juniper must navigate this new, hostile environment to protect her future. Will Juniper be able to hold her ground against such a determined and confident opponent?