A woman is denied entry to the palace after failing a test, where her master critiques her gentle nature as a weakness in the ruthless palace environment. Despite his warning that softness leads to death there, she firmly insists on her own decision. Meanwhile, another woman reveals she's waited ten years for revenge and is determined to win the upcoming consort selection tomorrow. As tensions rise, the door finally opens, granting entry to the palace, setting the stage for a fierce competition with high stakes and unresolved rivalries.