Different Princess Episode 4 Recap
> Different Princess Recap
The female coroner has examined Lady Wuxue's body. Prince Qi, Ji Feng, while enjoying entertainment, receives a report revealing that Lady Wuxue died from charcoal smoke, though who caused it and why remains unknown. His subordinate suggests Ji Feng should lead the investigation since it concerns the Crown Prince, but Ji Feng is reluctant, dreading the sight of a corpse, and dismisses the task as too troublesome.
In a different location, a subordinate reports to Prince Lyu, Ji Chu, that Lady Wuxue likely died in her lounge, where a charcoal brazier was found and the room was sealed, before her body was moved to the dance floor. Ji Chu shows no interest in inspecting the scene. An unseen observer comments that Ji Chu’s indifference confirms his involvement and vows to foil his plans.
As Lin Xiyao prepares to leave the crime scene, she discovers something peculiar on Lady Wuxue's face, revealing a secret about her poor skin condition. Hua Qingge quickly intervenes, blocking Secretary Du, Lin Xiyao's subordinate, from observing it. Lin Xiyao questions Secretary Du about Lady Wuxue's background, learning she is 23 years old, having gained fame eight years ago after joining Rumeng House at 15. Lin Xiyao then covers Lady Wuxue's face.
Meanwhile, Ji Chu discusses Hua Qingge with his subordinate, who worries that Hua Qingge, seen as a rogue, might exploit Ji Chu's reputation. Ji Chu is unfazed, though his subordinate notes Hua Qingge's alarming knowledge of Ji Chu's plans, particularly regarding the Rainbow-Colored Dress. Ji Chu acknowledges her as an "unknown variable" but remains certain of his success in Lady Wuxue's case and his goal of acquiring the East Office. Lin Xiyao and Hua Qingge visit Lady Wuxue's lounge.
Hua Qingge identifies a silk ribbon as Lady Wuxue's and notes the charcoal brazier and sealed room, confirming it as the likely site of death. Hua Qingge then subtly handles withered flowers, guiding Lin Xiyao to discover medicinal dregs in the pot, thus hinting that Lady Wuxue may have committed suicide. Next, they arrive at the Mystic Medicine House, and Lin Xiyao is surprised Hua Qingge knew her destination.
Hua Qingge explains that Lin Xiyao's discovery of a rare herb in the dregs would naturally lead her here. Agreeing on their shared goal to clear the Crown Prince's name, they approach the entrance. Hua Qingge feigns a stomachache, expressing fear of the owner, Gongye Qi, claiming he can "kill without leaving a trace." Just then, Gongye Qi appears, amused by her comment. Hua Qingge recognizes his golden fish, "Hong," and upon realizing his identity, faints from shock.
Later, Gongye Qi tells Lin Xiyao that Hua Qingge's faint was due to stress and fatigue. Lin Xiyao then gives the medicinal dregs to Gongye Qi for analysis. Elsewhere, Princess Ji Wan'er studies a text about Yinbing, a rare, mildly poisonous herb from the mountains of the Southern Border Country. It can preserve beauty, but prolonged use leads to a fatal accumulation of cold qi.
Pondering why the Crown Prince, Ji Yun, asked her to research it, her attendant suggests a link to Lady Wuxue's case. Though Ji Feng is handling the case, Ji Wan'er, determined to support the house-arrested Ji Yun, vows to clear his name. On their journey back, Lin Xiyao realizes Hua Qingge had only pretended to be unconscious. Hua Qingge admits to fainting initially before waking up.
Lin Xiyao shares Gongye Qi's findings: Lady Wuxue had purple spots on her skin, indicating over a decade of Yinbing use, meaning she likely started at age 13. This, coupled with crow's feet on her 23-year-old face, makes Lin Xiyao question if the victim is truly Lady Wuxue. Hua Qingge insists it is her and redirects the focus to the cause of death.
She then suggests they investigate Nuo, Lady Wuxue's maid, whom she saw hastily leaving that morning and who had accused the Crown Prince. They search a ruined temple where Hua Qingge expected to find Nuo, but find only warm charcoal. Hua Qingge deduces Nuo is now at Ji Chu's residence. To link Ji Chu to the case, Hua Qingge devises a plan.
Overhearing a crowd speculating that the Crown Prince's motive was a crime of passion, she dramatically intervenes, producing a "love poem" she claims was written by Prince Lyu (Ji Chu) for Lady Wuxue. To enhance credibility, she publicly declares Prince Lyu to be her master. Ji Chu, watching nearby, is fascinated as Hua Qingge spins a tale of his secret love for Lady Wuxue and insists on the Crown Prince's innocence.
While they wonder how to find Nuo, Secretary Du informs them that Nuo was found unconscious near the East Office and is now imprisoned there. They immediately go. Lin Xiyao interrogates Nuo, who confirms Lady Wuxue committed suicide due to her failing appearance, absolving the Crown Prince. Hua Qingge discreetly asks Lin Xiyao if Nuo met Ji Chu, but Lin Xiyao reports that Nuo denied it, claiming she fainted from exhaustion and awoke in the East Office.
They also learn that Prince Qi (Ji Feng) has ordered the trial to begin the following day. The trial begins with Ji Feng presiding. After the Crown Prince, Ji Yun, is summoned, Ji Chu unexpectedly arrives and takes the seat intended for Ji Yun. Ji Feng objects, but Ji Chu asserts that a suspect should not be seated in court. Hua Qingge observes, finding Ji Chu arrogant and terrifying.
News of Ji Chu's presence reaches Imperial Consort Wei, Ji Feng's mother, who worries about his interference, while the Emperor, also informed, prepares an edict. In court, Ji Feng questions Ji Yun, who denies killing Lady Wuxue. He explains he was attacked and rendered unconscious, waking up beside her. He states that Lady Wuxue was the one who knocked him out and confirms that he saw his attacker.
