Where the Mask Ends episode 10 recap: The emperor's judgment and the gold from the city wall

In short

A Chou wins huge compensation from the Emperor, meets her birth mother without being recognized, and gives everything away when she realizes the truth is out.

What happens in episode 10

When the Emperor asks what she wants, A Chou cites the law that would cut off Prince Rong's and Han Liao's feet, then settles for compensation: Prince Rong's new mansion, and from Han Liao 20,000 gold, 500 mu of farmland, an estate, 300 servants and a month of hard labor.

On the way out, Consort Li, Zhou Fu, insists on seeing her. Zhou Fu is Wei Rao's birth mother. She doesn't recognize A Chou and pours out her love for the daughter she left behind. A Chou never calls her mother.

Zhou Fu is promoted to Zhaoyi. Her lady-in-waiting returns from Lady Shou'an with the truth about the stand-in bride.

A Chou knows what is coming. She gives half her money to Bi Tao and the maids, throws Han Liao's gold from the city wall, tears up the land deeds and sends the rest as grain for refugees. Lu Zhuo realizes she isn't coming back. Palace guards stop her on the road.

Why it matters

Dramatic irony: the consort hunting the stand-in is the real Wei Rao's mother.

Based on the official episode synopsis, summarized in our own words: Baidu Baike: official synopsis, episode synopses, cast and 追剧日历