Elara Sutton, the Lesser Daughter, was mistreated by her Stepmother and Stepsister. She sought the Crown Prince's protection at the Eastern Palace and became his Protégé. She found evidence of the military funds case, uncovering that her father, Zheng Sutton, Vincent Sullivan, and others framed the loyal. Joining forces with the Crown Prince, she gathered witnesses and evidence. In the Imperial Court, she overturned the case, clearing her grandfather's name, and was proclaimed The Empress.