Hürrem tries to stop Mihrimah from divorcing Rüstem, but Rüstem’s jealousy spirals as Süleyman replaces Mustafa with Selim as regent. Mustafa discovers who betrayed him, Fatma surrenders to Elkas’s confession of love, and the mystery behind Mihrimah’s letter is finally revealed. Rüstem shocks the palace by requesting dismissal from the grand vizierate, just as Süleyman makes a decisive ruling about both him and Mihrimah. At the height of his power, however, Süleyman is suddenly struck down by a mysterious illness.