Fan-made guide — content verified from public playthrough sources. Road to Empress is © New One Studio.
Road to Empress

Chapter 5: Southern Mountain Hunt

The annual royal hunt at Southern Mountain becomes a crucible where Li Zhi and Li Tai's rivalry turns dangerous. Your choice of hairpin — a gift from one of the…

Survival Rate48%
Choices12
Death Branches5
Favor CheckLi Zhi, Li Tai
QTEYes

Synopsis

The annual royal hunt at Southern Mountain becomes a crucible where Li Zhi and Li Tai's rivalry turns dangerous. Your choice of hairpin — a gift from one of the princes — signals your allegiance to the entire court. QTE sequences during the hunt test whether you can survive when the competition turns lethal.

Choice-by-Choice Walkthrough

Choice 1

Which prince's gift do you wear to the hunt?

Li Zhi's jade hairpin — subtle but meaningful
Show outcome
SAFE

Li Zhi Favor +2; Li Tai notices and takes it personally

Li Tai's gold hairpin — flashy and political
Show outcome
RISKY

Li Tai Favor +2; Empress Wang sees you as a threat to her faction

Neither — wear your own
Show outcome
NEUTRAL

You avoid the political signal but gain no favor

Choice 2

During the hunt, Li Tai rides ahead alone. Do you follow?

Follow — he might need help, and it's a chance to talk
Show outcome
RISKY

Intimate conversation with Li Tai; you learn his true ambitions

Stay with the main party
Show outcome
SAFE

You avoid potential danger but miss a pivotal character moment

Choice 3

QTE: Your horse bolts during a thunderstorm. React!

Regain control of the horse
Show outcome
SAFE

You demonstrate competence under pressure

Jump off
Show outcome
RISKY

You might get injured, but someone may come to your rescue

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the hairpin choice lock me out of either prince's route?

No, it shifts favor significantly but doesn't lock you out. You can rebuild favor with the other prince in later chapters, though it requires specific choices.

Is the Southern Mountain Hunt dangerous?

Very. With 5 death branches, this is one of the deadliest chapters in the first half. The combination of QTE sequences and high-stakes political choices means one wrong move can end your run.

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Ch4: Crown Prince's Palace Enigma 2
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Ch6: Southern Mountain Hunt 1