Mustafa’s death shatters the empire: the letter found on him devastates Süleyman, who punishes Rüstem and sinks into guilt and silence. Istanbul erupts in anger against Hürrem and Rüstem, while Mahidevran and Mihrünnisa are crushed by grief and fight to protect young Mehmet. Cihangir’s heartbreak drives him away from his father, and Süleyman realizes too late what he has lost. Even Hürrem, briefly triumphant, is shaken by the depth of the tragedy that her victory has unleashed.
