Hürrem is angered when Rüstem seeks Mihrimah’s hand, yet she soon sees the political advantage, while Mihrimah is stunned by the idea of marrying him instead of Bali Bey. As plague spreads and Süleyman rushes to protect Hürrem, Şah Sultan uses her absence to seize control of the harem and strike a heavy blow. Mustafa secretly sails to capture a pirate, winning public praise but further damaging his standing with his father. Amid all this, Şah Sultan and Rüstem’s maneuvers push the palace toward another confrontation.