Ja'far is left in a tough spot when he fails to fulfill the duties assigned by Harun Al-Rashid, and the latter asks him to travel to Damascus to quell sedition and discord.
It is revealed to Diaa that the man she thought was called Saleh is actually Harun Al-Rashid himself. Harun Al-Rashid urges Abu-l-'Atahiya to write a riddle in the form of a poem and promises a reward for anyone who can solve the riddle.
Harun Al-Rashid urges Diaa to participate in the competition to solve the riddle. Thaat El-Khal asks Harun Al-Rashid to leave the palace.
Ja'far fails to subjugate Yahya Al-Talebi to the Abbasid caliphate, and Harun Al-Rashid consults his men about the matter. The Barmakids at the palace get spied on for fear they might cause segregation.