The truth comes to light, and as punishment, Prince Qi must return to his fief as per national law, but he begs the Emperor for lenience in private. Ding Quan witnesses this, which further substantiates his belief that the Emperor is more partial to Prince Qi. He visits his teacher for solace and becomes upset when his teacher tells him he will retire once the imperial examination, which he is presiding over, has concluded. (Source: frankly at MyDramaList)