Tamako (Empress Dowager Taiken), wife of the retired Emperor Toba, gets upset and clutches at Nariko for bringing up unfavorable rumors surrounding Prince Masahito's birth. On that night, Norikiyo, who has a secret crush on Tamako, visits Tamako to comfort her, but becomes beside himself learning of her continued feelings toward the retired Emperor Toba, and unintentionally wrings her neck. The retired Emperor Toba, however, was indifferent and does not blame Norikiyo for this incident.