A Prime Minister's Disguise Recap, Plot, Synopsis

A Prime Minister's Disguise Synopsis

A Prime Minister's Disguise Recap

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Former rebel commander Huo Jingheng clashed with Prime Minister Yue's forces on the battlefield. It was actually Prime Minister Yue who had first arranged a surprise cavalry attack on Huo Jingheng. Huo Jingheng truly admired the prime minister—he believed Yue was a rare talent in governing the country. If Yue were willing to surrender, Huo would still appoint him as prime minister once Da Ning was reestablished.

Although King Ning was foolish and incompetent, Prime Minister Yue had his own reasons for standing his ground. Yue Chi, the prime minister, would only fight to the death and would never surrender. Yue Chi deliberately sought defeat on the battlefield because his family was being held hostage by King Ning. The public only knew that Yue Chi had died in battle and had been posthumously honored as Prince Anle by the new emperor.

His sister Yue Ling'er was granted the title of Consort Yue, and the emperor decreed she should enter the palace to serve at his side. Yue Ling'er was actually willing to enter the palace because she was obsessed with looks and had heard the new emperor was both handsome and well-built. Despite knowing about the palace's backstabbing schemes, she still hoped to use her status as a consort to protect the Yue family.

However, Yue Chi worried his sister would be bullied, so he disguised himself and decided to enter the palace in her place. Once he confirmed it was safe, he would switch back with her. Yue Chi’s journey to the palace was rough. He rode in a shabby sedan chair, swaying the entire way. Once he arrived, he began vomiting from the exhausting trip. He was only attended by a single maid named Xiaoyue.

Yue Chi was furious—not only was his sister being dishonored with such poor treatment, but she was also being neglected. He decided to confront Huo Jingheng. Xiaoyue stopped him, explaining that by the emperor’s order, Yue Chi was not allowed to leave Fengluan Palace. On top of that, he was assigned the task of memorizing the twelve palace rules, which filled an entire table with books. Yue Chi was devastated.

Knowing he wouldn’t finish reading them, he began scheming to get the emperor to come to him instead. Consort Hui came to Fengluan Palace with a group of other concubines. The emperor had never shown interest in women, but now that he had specially conferred the title of consort on Yue Chi’s sister, Consort Hui feared she might lose favor and her status be threatened. She decided to strike first.

As she entered the palace, intending to make things difficult for Yue Chi, the emperor unexpectedly appeared. True to his nature, he showed no interest in women, and upon seeing Yue Chi, had no suspicions whatsoever. He stayed only briefly before leaving, arranging for Consort Hui and the others to accompany Yue Chi around the palace. That night, Yue Chi received a pigeon message from Yue Ling'er.

She was worried about her brother, afraid he was suffering in the palace—after all, he had once been defeated by the emperor and now had to humble himself. Yue Chi swore to win the emperor’s favor and become empress one day. He kept a close eye on the emperor and discovered that he was actually quite diligent in state affairs.

Yue Chi eavesdropped on a conversation between the emperor and his guard and learned that in recent years, the emperor had been trying to protect Ling'er. Knowing she was an orphan from the previous dynasty, the emperor understood her hardships. To better protect and care for her, he brought her into the palace. Yue Chi was unexpectedly touched by this.

When Yue Chi returned to Fengluan Palace intending to write to Ling'er, he discovered that she had already arrived in disguise as a maid. As a maid from the Yue household visiting her mistress in the palace, her presence was not suspicious, but Yue Chi was still worried they would be discovered. Yue Chi told Ling'er that Huo Jingheng seemed trustworthy, and Ling'er expressed her willingness to become his empress.

Seeing his sister’s determination, Yue Chi decided to help her compete for the empress position. Playing to Huo Jingheng’s interests, Yue Chi “bribed” the eunuch to deliver a dagger to the emperor. As expected, the emperor, who loved weapons and novelties, immediately came to Fengluan Palace. For several days, he was captivated by the various weapons Yue Chi shared—precious items from Yue Chi's private collection—all of which Huo Jingheng liked and even accepted as gifts.

Yue Chi was distressed; he had only been trying to be polite and hadn’t expected Huo Jingheng to take them seriously. Consort Hui’s father and brother had died on the battlefield because of Yue Chi, so she regarded the Yue family as her enemies. She swore before her family's memorial tablets that she would one day avenge them.

Yue Chi’s entry into the palace had actually been long planned by Yue Ling'er and Huo Jingheng. Neither of them wanted Yue Chi’s talents to go to waste. Since Huo Jingheng’s ascension to the throne, he had been living decadently, which was why he and Ling'er devised this plan. Having studied together in a private school for two years, the three were old acquaintances, and Huo Jingheng was willing to help.

However, Yue Chi now faced a major problem—he had no money. Only with money could he collect the weapons he loved. Consort Hui invited Yue Chi to a tea gathering. He knew it was a trap, but refusing would make Ling’er’s future in the palace even harder. This time, Yue Chi had to win for her sake.

At the event, he was indeed challenged by Consort Hui, but he remained fearless, displaying the bearing of a general's family, which startled both Consort Hui and the other concubines. Not wanting to make enemies for Ling’er, Yue Chi had Xiaoyue bring out the rouge and powders Ling’er had sent. He shared them with the concubines. No woman could resist, and as Yue Chi spoke, the women were quickly enticed.

Taking the opportunity, he sold the products to them and easily earned a large sum of money. When Huo Jingheng heard that Yue Chi had been invited by Consort Hui, he became very worried and rushed to the scene, only to find Yue Chi and Xiaoyue busily counting money. He hadn’t expected Yue Chi to start a business in the harem.

The Empress Dowager issued a decree requiring the concubines to begin exercising, but Yue Chi was nowhere to be seen—giving Consort Hui an opening. Xiaoyue accidentally lost the ruyi (scepter) gifted to Yue Chi by the emperor. Yue Chi didn’t blame her and joined in the search. During the search, he discovered a restricted area filled with traps. There, he encountered the Empress Dowager Du Sanniang.

Having already clashed with her once, Yue Chi fled in a panic—only to realize later he had lost a shoe. The next day, the Empress Dowager had all the concubines try on the shoe in an attempt to find the intruder. Seeing this, Consort Hui added fuel to the fire and directly accused Yue Chi. The Empress Dowager brought the concubines to confront Yue Chi, who played the role of a wronged victim and denied that the shoe was his.

Just as the Empress Dowager was about to punish him, Huo Jingheng arrived in time and stepped in front of Yue Chi. He deliberately acted as if he and Yue Chi were deeply affectionate, which made the Empress Dowager extremely pleased. She had believed he had no interest in women, but it seemed the stone-hearted tree had finally bloomed. She pulled Yue Chi aside to drink and chat, even asking him to remove his veil.

Upon seeing his face, she was reminded of her own mother—Yue Chi resembled her greatly. The two had a wonderful conversation. That night, when Yue Chi returned to his palace, he was surprised to find Huo Jingheng already there. Huo Jingheng teasingly asked to sleep there, but Yue Chi declined. Once again, Huo Jingheng found something he liked in Yue Chi’s collection and left with it—never empty-handed—leaving Yue Chi utterly helpless. Du Sanniang’s younger brother, Du Tianzhao, had returned. As the current prime minister, he came to the palace to report an urgent matter to Huo Jingheng.

After Du Tianzhao returned to the palace, he began complaining to the emperor about his hardships—socializing outside the palace, maintaining relations with various feudal lords, and drinking until he vomited daily. However, Huo Jingheng remarked that despite all this effort, the results were negligible. When Du Tianzhao heard that Huo Jingheng wanted Ling'er to become a consort, he was furious.

The Zheng and Yue families were long-time family friends, and Du Tianzhao had known Yue Chi and Ling'er since they were young siblings. He had feelings for Ling'er, and he never expected to be beaten to the punch by his nephew. When San Niang learned that her younger brother had returned, she went to find him. As always, she found the right moment to teach a lesson to her carefree, wandering brother.

That night, after leaving his sister’s place, Du Tianzhao overheard servants heading to Fengluan Palace to deliver the emperor’s rewards, so he followed along. Just then, he happened to catch Yue Chi secretly eating a pork knuckle. Yue Chi wasn’t wearing a veil, revealing his true identity. Du Tianzhao demanded an explanation. To keep him quiet, Yue Chi had no choice but to tell the truth.

After hearing the story, Du Tianzhao burst out laughing—he never imagined the prime minister would disguise himself as his sister to get married. Du Tianzhao proposed a deal: Yue Chi would help him read memorials, and in return, Du Tianzhao would keep his secret and take good care of Ling'er. Yue Chi agreed. Du Tianzhao visited Ling’er’s residence and overheard her talking with her guards, only to realize they were living in financial hardship.

He decided to use the opportunity to bring Ling’er to his own residence and deepen their relationship. To his surprise, Ling'er brought her entire family along. Since he had promised her, Du Tianzhao had no choice but to agree. In fact, his own salary wasn’t generous, yet he treated Ling'er’s entire family with fine food and drinks every day. Yue Chi received the emperor’s permission to leave the palace and visit his family.

But when he arrived, the house was empty. Upon learning they had been taken in by Du Tianzhao, he mistakenly thought Du Tianzhao intended to imprison them. But when he barged in and saw how happy the servants were, his anger dissipated. Since Huo Jingheng became emperor, a female assassin had been trying to kill him. The assassin turned out to be Jiang Yunqing, a former princess of the previous dynasty and Yue Chi’s fiancée.

Back then, Yue Chi had gone to war while ill, and to ensure his loyalty, the former emperor arranged his marriage to Jiang Yunqing, although the two were genuinely in love. Ling’er had been sent to the palace to accompany the princess, but in truth, the emperor was using her to threaten Yue Chi. That’s why Yue Chi could never falter on the battlefield—he had people to protect.

Jiang Yunqing originally came to rescue Ling’er but was shocked to discover that Yue Chi was still alive. At the same time, Huo Jingheng heard that a female assassin was headed toward Fengluan Palace and rushed over. Outside the door, Huo Jingheng overheard Yue Chi praising him, telling Jiang Yunqing that Huo Jingheng was a benevolent ruler. As long as the people were treated well, it didn’t matter to him who sat on the throne.

But Jiang Yunqing carried deep vengeance—whether Huo Jingheng was kind or not, she was determined to avenge her blood feud. Seeing that Huo Jingheng was about to enter the room, Yue Chi panicked and knocked Jiang Yunqing unconscious. Huo Jingheng actually noticed but didn’t expose Yue Chi. After Jiang Yunqing woke up, Yue Chi asked Du Tianzhao to help hide her at his residence. Du Tianzhao reluctantly agreed. Ling’er and Jiang Yunqing were finally reunited and hugged each other tightly.

Huo Jingheng intended to reduce the power of the feudal lords but couldn’t act rashly. So he prepared many memorials accusing them of arbitrarily increasing taxes and deliberately showed outrage in court. Du Tianzhao seized the opportunity to suggest weakening the lords’ powers. However, Ouyang Wenming opposed the idea, saying that Danning was built jointly by Huo Jingheng and the lords, and such an act would be unjust. Huo Jingheng was merely testing everyone’s reactions and temporarily shelved the matter.

Yue Chi, secretly eavesdropping, realized from the memorials that Huo Jingheng had staged it all. Now, his suspicions were confirmed. Huo Jingheng, aware of Yue Chi’s eavesdropping, deliberately raised his voice, determined to stop waiting and start pressuring Yue Chi to help with the matter. From Du Tianzhao, Huo Jingheng forced out the truth—that Yue Chi was assisting him with reading memorials. Pretending to be furious, he dragged Du Tianzhao to Fengluan Palace to confront Yue Chi.

Yue Chi rushed back to the palace ahead of them. Du Tianzhao was anxious, fearing their relationship would be misunderstood. However, Huo Jingheng wasn’t jealous, since he knew his beloved consort was actually Yue Chi. Huo Jingheng’s real purpose in coming was to get Yue Chi’s help in devising a strategy to reduce the lords’ power. Though Yue Chi didn’t want to get involved, he agreed in the end—to prove his innocence and for Ling’er’s sake.

After leaving Fengluan Palace, Du Tianzhao asked Huo Jingheng if this had been his plan all along. He suspected Huo Jingheng had discovered Yue Chi’s identity. Huo Jingheng denied it, claiming he merely thought that since Ling'er grew up with Yue Chi, she would naturally pick up certain traits. Yue Chi stayed up one night and came up with a plan. The next day, he met with Huo Jingheng and Du Tianzhao to discuss it.

Feudal lordships were hereditary, passed down to the eldest legitimate sons. Yue Chi suggested an heir selection process, giving all the lords’ children a fair chance. They would be brought to the capital to attend the Rongying Academy, where they’d be treated well. Those who passed the selection would earn the right to manage their own territories. Initially, Huo Jingheng objected, fearing it would bring harm. Yue Chi asked him what harm it could cause.

Convinced by Yue Chi’s reasoning, Huo Jingheng gave tacit approval. Since it was Yue Chi’s idea, Huo Jingheng asked him to oversee the academy’s construction. After Rongying Academy was built, many young heirs were invited to the palace. Upon hearing the conditions, they were thrilled. This achieved Huo Jingheng’s goal—to make them too comfortable to want to leave. When the construction was complete, Huo Jingheng brought wine to Fengluan Palace to celebrate with Yue Chi.

He deliberately mentioned that on the battlefield, he had intentionally aimed his arrow wide and only used thirty percent of his strength, yet Yue Chi still "died. " They also discussed being emperor. Huo Jingheng admitted he longed for freedom and wanted to be a wandering hero. But after seeing the people starving, he chose to become emperor—solely so they could eat and stay warm.

Yue Chi felt that Huo Jingheng’s drunken words were meant for him and suspected that Huo Jingheng already knew his identity. Afraid of further complications, Yue Chi decided it was time to switch back with Ling'er. He sent Xiaoyue away, and Ling’er entered through the window. Yue Chi asked if she had feelings for anyone, such as Du Tianzhao. Ling’er denied it, but when Huo Jingheng came up, her praise surprised Yue Chi.

Seeing this, he felt the time was right. He wrote down all his experiences and Huo Jingheng’s habits since entering the palace and gave them to his sister to study. At that moment, Huo Jingheng arrived at Fengluan Palace. Ling’er signaled him with her eyes. Realizing that Yue Chi was hiding nearby, Huo Jingheng didn’t show any change and continued reviewing memorials with her. The two secretly communicated by writing messages in their palms.

Yue Chi noticed their ease and intimacy and became suspicious. He decided to test her. He told Ling’er he was leaving and even explained the escape plan. She dressed as a palace maid, but midway, she was discovered and had to return with Huo Jingheng. Ling’er was happy to see her brother again. Yue Chi accompanied Huo Jingheng into the night, pretending to fall asleep.

When Huo Jingheng went to court in the morning, Yue Chi tried to escape but found that imperial guards were already stationed outside to protect the emperor. Still not giving up, Yue Chi decided to escape with Ling’er. But against so many guards, it was impossible. He thought of the Empress Dowager and wrote her a letter, planning a palace event where concubines would perform for the emperor. The Empress Dowager agreed.

Meanwhile, Du Tianzhao was heartbroken after seeing Ling’er being affectionate with Huo Jingheng. He hadn’t expected to lose his beloved to his own nephew. Jiang Yunqing took the chance to leave Du Tianzhao’s residence. On the street, she saw an announcement about flower purchases for the palace and decided to use it as a way in to assassinate Huo Jingheng. At the banquet, Yue Chi performed two magic tricks. The third trick was his escape plan.

He asked the emperor for an item, claiming he would trace it back to its origin. After getting the object, he asked everyone to close their eyes and began to slip away. Halfway out, he discovered that the item contained something of his own. He realized the emperor already knew his true identity. Just then, Yue Chi accidentally bumped into Jiang Yunqing, disguised as a palace maid. At the same time, Huo Jingheng arrived looking for Yue Chi.

Unable to stop her, Jiang Yunqing fought with Huo Jingheng. Watching from the sidelines, Consort Hui hurried off to call for help. When the Empress Dowager heard, she led people to capture the assassin. Yue Chi quickly fled with Jiang Yunqing. Huo Jingheng didn’t want to pursue the matter, but the Empress Dowager disagreed. Many assassins had been let off in the past, yet none had shown mercy to Huo Jingheng. This time, she was determined to get to the bottom of it and punish the assassin and anyone connected.

Yue Chi brought Jiang Yunqing to Fengluan Palace and asked Xiaoyue to protect her. Then he went to deal with the Empress Dowager’s inspection party. It turned out Consort Hui had deliberately led them there. The Empress Dowager demanded a thorough search. Yue Chi dared not disobey and could only hope for Huo Jingheng’s arrival. Sure enough, Huo Jingheng arrived promptly and, to protect Yue Chi, publicly announced that Yue Chi was pregnant.

Consort Hui, suspicious, asked for a physician to confirm. Huo Jingheng agreed and signaled the eunuch. Under Huo Jingheng’s instructions, the physician falsely claimed Yue Chi had a pregnancy pulse. The Empress Dowager was delighted—finally, a grandchild. Using Yue Chi’s need for rest as an excuse, Huo Jingheng dismissed the crowd. Then, he laid all his cards on the table, stating that he wanted Yue Chi to assist him. Only then did Yue Chi realize he’d been thoroughly manipulated.

Jiang Yunqing had already been safely delivered to Du Tianzhao, who was still unaware of what had happened. Jiang Yunqing then shocked him by saying that Yue Chi was pregnant, leaving Du Tianzhao utterly dumbfounded. That night, Consort Hui sent a pigeon message to her sworn brother, revealing Yue Fei’s pregnancy. If she gave birth, their position would be threatened, so she urged him to prepare.

Hoping to leave the palace, Yue Chi once again approached the Empress Dowager, claiming she wished to honor her deceased brother. The Empress Dowager approved. Once outside, Yue Chi rushed home, planning to take Jiang Yunqing and Ling’er away from the capital. Ling’er slowly packed, stalling for Huo Jingheng’s arrival. Soon, he arrived with a ritual procession, saying he would accompany Yue Fei in honoring her late brother. At the grave, Yue Chi made a dramatic scene.

Huo Jingheng dismissed the others and finally spoke openly. Though he hoped Yue Chi would stay to help stabilize the Danning Kingdom, Yue Chi only wanted a peaceful life. After Yue Chi left, Ling’er, who had been hiding nearby, came to Huo Jingheng and asked what to do. Huo Jingheng hadn’t given up—he wanted to try once more. Back at home, Yue Chi thought about Huo Jingheng’s words and was a little swayed.

Huo Jingheng truly was a benevolent ruler, surrounded by threats on all sides, in need of capable advisors. Still, Yue Chi felt he was not the right person. Jiang Yunqing wanted a peaceful life with him, but sensing his hesitation, she reminded him not to forget the arrow Huo Jingheng had once aimed at him. Yue Chi didn’t want to hear more and said they would leave the next day.

Though Ling’er didn’t want her brother to leave, she didn’t try to stop him. Instead, she gave him the daily log he once wrote about Huo Jingheng. That night, Huo Jingheng came to Yue Chi’s residence, personally delivering the robe and jade token of the Prime Minister. He told Yue Chi that the position of Prime Minister of Danning would always be reserved for him.

Yue Chi diverted the imperial guards, allowing Ling'er and Jiang Yunqing to leave first. He then left a letter for Huo Jingheng, offering him guidance on how to govern the country. In truth, Yue Chi was hesitant deep down—he wasn't sure if leaving was truly what he wanted. On the road, he even saved a child and saw that the person riding through the street on horseback was none other than the Barbarian King.

The Barbarian King had entered the capital without an imperial edict, and Yue Chi sensed something was about to happen. The Barbarian King barged into the palace, ignored Huo Jingheng, and grabbed Lord Wei by the neck when he tried to attack him. The imperial guards drew their swords against the Barbarian King. Huo Jingheng reminded him that the guards were only loyal to the emperor, not the vassal kings. Hearing this, the Barbarian King restrained himself a bit.

Just as he was questioning who had advised Huo Jingheng to allow the princes to study in the capital, Yue Chi walked in and stated outright that the idea was his. Yue Chi had changed his mind—he decided to stay and help Huo Jingheng stabilize the court. With turmoil looming, peace could be shattered in an instant. He sent a letter to Jiang Yunqing, saying that the road ahead was uncertain and he couldn't risk her safety.

Though he must disappoint her for now, if he safely left the capital one day, he would seek her out and protect her for the rest of her life. In the grand hall, Yue Chi openly supported Huo Jingheng. When the Barbarian King made a move, Yue Chi suspected him of harboring rebellious intentions. His words made the Barbarian King uneasy.

The Barbarian King claimed he had merely brought rare fruits for the emperor to taste and thus hadn’t had time to report his arrival. Given the tense situation, he quickly left. Huo Jingheng decided to make Yue Chi the Prime Minister, but knowing this would spark opposition, he advised Yue Chi to be prepared for a war of words with the ministers—just enough to hold them off.

Minister Zhang claimed that Yue Chi, being from the former dynasty, had ambitions to restore it by entering court affairs. Yue Chi remained composed, accusing Minister Zhang of baseless slander. Huo Jingheng reminded Zhang that, by current law, he should be executed on the spot. Seeing this, Zhang fell silent. Yue Chi stated that he had served the people in the former dynasty and continued to do so in the present one.

Since the people are the foundation of the nation, the ministers' concerns were unnecessary. Though they had temporarily appeased the ministers in court, constant opposition was not sustainable. They now needed to shift their stance. Huo Jingheng had an idea—he found the weaknesses in the opposing ministers’ private lives and had Yue Chi confront them one by one. Eventually, Yue Chi naturally assumed the position of Right Prime Minister.

Although Lord Ouyang and Lord Wei supported Yue Chi’s appointment, they set conditions: the title "Lord of Qilin" must not be reinstated, or it would be considered treason, and no member of the Yue family could hold court office. Lord Wei, ill and bedridden, had Lord Ouyang submit the petition and even staged a melodramatic act to “force” Huo Jingheng into agreement. Furious, Huo Jingheng decided to grant Lord Ouyang’s request.

The ministers urged Huo Jingheng to reconsider, and Yue Chi volunteered to comply with Lord Ouyang’s terms. Seeing this, Huo Jingheng had no words left. Knowing her brother was being targeted, Ling'er decided to enter the palace to help him. Yue Chi couldn't manage both the court and the inner palace, but once Ling'er entered, the Empress Dowager granted her authority over the six palaces.

This displeased Consort Hui greatly, so she immediately sent a letter to her sworn brother to await his instructions. Consort Hui went to see Ling'er, curious to see how she would wield her new power, but Ling'er avoided her. Ling'er then approached Huo Jingheng, asking him to have the Empress Dowager rescind the decree. Huo Jingheng told her to follow the Empress Dowager’s orders for now and learn how to survive in the harem, while being mindful that others were watching her too.

Following Du Tianzhao’s advice, Ling'er ensured that Huo Jingheng favored all concubines equally. She essentially auctioned off Huo Jingheng in the inner palace—whether to meet him, have tea with him, or perform for him—all had different prices. When Huo Jingheng came to see Ling'er, he was instead met by Lady Lan, who informed him about the auction. Furious, he had Eunuch Du return the money Lady Lan had spent and stormed off.

Huo Jingheng received a ten-thousand-word memorial from Lord Wei, suggesting Yue Chi serve as a powerless puppet Prime Minister. Huo Jingheng was infuriated. Yue Chi happened to arrive just then and thought Huo Jingheng was angry at him. After understanding the situation, he comforted Huo Jingheng. The two were indeed excellent partners, sharing the same ideals and a common goal of serving the people. Yue Chi, Ling'er, Huo Jingheng, Du Tianzhao, and others were enjoying themselves in the imperial garden.

Huo Jingheng disliked how Du Tianzhao was fawning over Ling'er and sent him off on errands. Ling'er was troubled by the lives of the women in the harem, believing they shouldn't be confined and should learn to live for themselves. Yue Chi advised his sister to establish a dedicated department in the harem so that these talented women could have a platform to showcase their skills. Enlightened by the idea, Ling'er was deeply grateful to her brother.

Their joyful gathering was spotted by the Empress Dowager, who sensed something was off. She secretly followed Ling'er to Fengluan Palace and discovered that the “Consort Yue” there wasn’t the same one she had once shared wine with. Furious, the Empress Dowager seized the chance when Huo Jingheng left the palace the next day to summon Yue Chi, but he slipped away. She ordered a thorough search and eventually traced him to Fengluan Palace.

Just as Yue Chi slipped inside, Du Tianzhao came to warn them, but the Empress Dowager arrived right after. Ling'er quickly devised a plan: she disguised herself as a maid, darkened her face, and pretended to have a secret rendezvous with Du Tianzhao. At the critical moment, Huo Jingheng returned and, seeing the scene, punched Du Tianzhao several times in anger. At that point, the only option was to punish Du Tianzhao, sentencing him to twenty strokes.

Huo Jingheng wasn’t too worried—he knew his mother doted on her beloved younger son. Yue Chi still failed to leave the palace. He was caught by the Empress Dowager’s men and beaten. She demanded a duel, but Yue Chi couldn’t strike her—neither officially nor personally. Yue Chi expressed his true intentions. Trusting her son's judgment, the Empress Dowager released Yue Chi and wished him well in his duties. Under Ling'er's arrangements, her 100-day plan proceeded smoothly.

The concubines each displayed their talents. However, during one incense-making session, due to poor ventilation and the mixing of scents, everyone fainted. Fortunately, Ling'er woke up in time and helped everyone out, but Consort Hui remained inside. Ling'er went back in to find her. To prevent Consort Hui from inhaling more of the toxic fumes, she removed her veil, soaked it with water, covered her mouth and nose, and helped her out. In her dazed state, Consort Hui caught a glimpse of Ling'er's real face and sensed she wasn’t the same “Consort Yue” she had known before.

When Consort Hui woke up, her first reaction was that Consort Yue was not the real Consort Yue, so she wanted to report her. However, none of the other consorts were willing to join her this time. Thanks to Consort Yue, they had all been able to do things they liked, and Consort Yue had even made plans for them in the harem. Seeing everyone walk away, Consort Hui was furious.

Consort Hui sent a message to her sworn brother, but was caught by the guard Wei Zhang. Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi read the letter—it said that Consort Yue had been replaced. Yue Chi hadn’t expected Consort Hui to be far more cunning than they imagined, but for now, they decided not to act. Ling’er brought them her homemade plum wine. After one sip, both men thought it was excellent.

Huo Jingheng asked Ling’er to bring some to the Empress Dowager the next day. This angered Yue Chi—he couldn’t believe Huo Jingheng was even making his sister do chores. But Ling’er was happy to help. Inspired by the other consorts, she had found something she liked to do. Ling’er delivered the wine to the Empress Dowager, but Zhao Jieyu unexpectedly pulled off her own veil.

Before leaving, Zhao Jieyu whispered to Ling’er not to be nervous—they already believed she was Consort Yue. Ling’er sat and drank with the Empress Dowager but got drunk easily. The Empress Dowager found the adorable Ling’er very lovable. That evening, Ling’er had dinner with Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi and recounted the events of the day. Huo Jingheng realized that the Empress Dowager had known the truth all along but had stayed silent, clearly sharing his intentions.

He warned Ling’er that if anyone asked about her appearance, she should play dumb—especially when dealing with Consort Hui. Consort Hui’s sworn brother turned out to be the Barbarian King. He sneaked into her residence at night and urged her to find a way to make Ling’er miscarry. Wei Zhang overheard their conversation and reported it to the Emperor and Yue Chi.

The two had been worrying about how to move the plot forward, and now this incident could help them trap Consort Hui. But just as the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, the Empress Dowager had also placed people to monitor their movements. She didn't care about anything else—she only wanted a royal grandchild. Consort Hui laced Ling’er’s pastries with medicine.

Just as Ling’er was about to eat them, the Empress Dowager arrived with identical pastries and deliberately reminded Ling’er not to eat anything unclean. She ordered Xiaoyue to take away the drugged pastries. Under the Empress Dowager’s protection, Consort Hui had no chance to make a move. Wanting to uncover Consort Hui’s next move, Ling’er volunteered to disguise herself as a beautiful palace maid and eavesdrop.

However, she ate too much beforehand and let out a hiccup while hiding, nearly getting caught by the Barbarian King. Fortunately, Huo Jingheng arrived in time and held her tightly behind a large tree. They overheard Consort Hui’s plan—the Barbarian King wanted to act during her upcoming birthday. The Empress Dowager learned that Consort Hui had invited Ling’er to the banquet.

Initially, she didn’t want Ling’er to attend, but after some coaxing, she reluctantly agreed—reminding her not to eat anything carelessly. Consort Hui laced every dish with abortive medicine, determined to succeed. However, things didn’t go as planned. Ling’er didn’t eat anything and left shortly after making an appearance. Consort Hui chased her to the riverside, urging her to return and eat. Seizing the chance, Ling’er pretended to fall into the water.

Eunuch Gui loudly shouted that Consort Hui had pushed Ling’er in. Huo Jingheng arrived in time and jumped into the water to rescue her. He once again coordinated with the old imperial doctor to fake Ling’er’s miscarriage. The Empress Dowager was furious at their deception, but seeing her son’s care for Ling’er, she suspected he might truly be in love.

Ling’er didn’t tell the Emperor or her brother about her injury from falling into the water, afraid they would worry. When Xiaoyue was treating her wounds, Huo Jingheng arrived and personally applied medicine. Their relationship grew increasingly close and ambiguous. For harming Ling’er, the Emperor punished Consort Hui by sealing her palace—essentially placing her in cold storage. The Empress Dowager went to great lengths to match Huo Jingheng and Ling’er.

She initially wanted the experienced Du Tianzhao to give Huo Jingheng some advice. But Du Tianzhao suspected Huo Jingheng liked Ling’er, so he refused to help. The Empress Dowager arranged for Huo Jingheng and Ling’er to meet separately at her forbidden medicinal pool. The atmosphere made them both shy and awkward. They decided not to enter the pool and left together. Huo Jingheng noticed something behind a screen and, thinking it was a hidden weapon, instinctively shielded Ling’er.

They ended up in each other’s arms, feeling each other's heartbeats. Secretly watching, the Empress Dowager beamed with joy—no one knew her son better than she did. Huo Jingheng was clearly in love with Ling’er, and she was determined to see their marriage happen. Consort Hui had lost all hope. Burdened by hatred and controlled by the Barbarian King, she couldn’t live a normal life. With no chance for revenge, she decided to end her own life.

Fortunately, Zhao Jieyu and another consort arrived in time to save her. They told Consort Hui that, after over two years together in the palace, they had become family. Her self-destruction saddened them, and their scolding woke her up. Meanwhile, Ling’er also pleaded with Huo Jingheng to show leniency. She later learned that Huo Jingheng had never intended to take Consort Hui’s life. Just then, Wei Zhang reported that Consort Hui had tried to take her own life.

Huo Jingheng and the others rushed over and found her safe. He asked Yue Chi to talk to her alone. Consort Hui thanked them for pleading on her behalf but said she would never consider Yue Chi family. After that, Ling’er and Consort Hui became close friends and even card-playing companions. Consort Hui took the initiative to confess the true mastermind and many of his crimes. This time, Huo Jingheng had had enough.

He ordered Yue Chi to arrest the Barbarian King. Yue Chi had long been keeping him under surveillance and captured him immediately. Just then, Wei Zhang reported that the Barbarian King had been rescued by allies and had escaped—but they didn’t know who helped him. Yue Chi volunteered to pursue him. The Barbarian King had been rescued by Yi Qingyun, the Crown Prince of Liguo, who wanted to form an alliance.

Yue Chi was ambushed along the way, but thanks to his excellent martial skills, he escaped. He eventually caught up with Yi Qingyun’s carriage and saw his face but was hit by a hidden arrow.

Yue Chi was sent back home to recover. Jiang Yunqing, who served Yi Qingyun, confessed to him for her failure to carry out the plan. Yi Qingyun controlled her through poison—when he played a flute, she would be in excruciating pain unless she took the antidote. Jiang Yunqing had shot the arrow; without her, Yi Qingyun would not have escaped. Yi Qingyun also took interest in Yue Chi’s abilities and wanted to invite him to become the Prince Regent.

But Jiang Yunqing knew Yue Chi had no interest in rank—he only cared about the people and his Yue family. Jiang Yunqing returned to Yue Chi’s residence, pretending to be injured. Seeing her in that state broke Yue Chi’s heart. He begged her not to keep hurting herself, saying the late Empress would also want her to be safe and happy. They reminisced about when they first met.

Jiang Yunqing, then a princess lost to the outside world, had only returned to the palace as an adult. Yue Chi was a general at the time and often saw her. Though the Emperor acknowledged her, her position in the palace was weak and she was bullied. Yue Chi wanted to protect her, but his friend Pei Ning stopped him.

When Yue Chi’s father learned of this, he summoned him and gave him military medicine to heal the princess and the crown prince. Yue Chi noticed Jiang Yunqing eating chestnut cakes, although she had disliked them as a child. He had someone investigate and suspected that an innocent girl might have gotten involved in the massacre years ago and taken something that could change her fate.

Yue Chi took Jiang Yunqing to a place where Yunshuo lived happily with an old couple. Jiang Yunqing was deeply grateful and decided to stay with Yue Chi. Since he said Huo Jingheng was a wise ruler worth following, she was willing to observe. Yue Chi was thrilled but kept her in his residence due to her sensitive identity. One day, while Jiang Yunqing and Yue Chi were dining, Huo Jingheng suddenly came by.

Frustrated with reviewing memorials, he had come to seek Yue Chi’s help and was surprised to see Jiang Yunqing there. She pretended to be calm but deliberately left behind her jade waist token in Huo Jingheng’s carriage. Recognizing it, Huo Jingheng realized she was the princess of the former dynasty. Yue Chi had kept this from him, and Huo Jingheng was furious—not because of her identity, but because Yue Chi thought so little of him.

After Jiang Yunqing’s identity was exposed, Yue Chi hurriedly arranged for her to leave the city. At the same time, Huo Jingheng had Du Tianzhao summon Yue Chi to the palace. Huo Jingheng didn’t want to make things hard for Yue Chi and offered to arrange Jiang Yunqing’s escape. He was suspicious of her sudden appearance and worried she might be manipulated.

But Yue Chi insisted on escorting her himself, and Huo Jingheng reluctantly agreed, giving him two days to get her out. Jiang Yunqing refused to leave, so Yue Chi asked someone to inform Ling’er to return home under the pretense of a family visit. She had to act quietly and discreetly. Huo Jingheng hoped Ling’er could persuade Jiang Yunqing to leave the capital.

When Ling’er returned home, Uncle Liu was overjoyed and had already prepared her favorite buns. Ling’er shared them with Jiang Yunqing. Yue Chi, knowing his sister was a foodie, reminded her not to forget the task he gave her. Ling’er was happy during her time at home, but Huo Jingheng was gloomy. He missed her and, with his mother’s encouragement, went out of the palace to find her. This time, he didn’t hide his identity in front of Jiang Yunqing.

Faced with her enemy, Jiang Yunqing couldn’t stay calm. That evening, the three of them went out. When Huo Jingheng wanted to give Ling’er a lantern, Jiang Yunqing stepped in, saying she liked it too. Huo Jingheng stayed silent, and Ling’er, taking the initiative, gave the lantern to Jiang Yunqing. Huo Jingheng sent Ling’er away and spoke with Jiang Yunqing alone. He told her that some things couldn't be obtained by force.

Ling’er watched from afar and felt a twinge of jealousy. Back home, she recalled what had happened and suspected that Jiang Yunqing might like Huo Jingheng. She didn’t want to think that way but couldn’t stop herself. It tormented her all night. In the morning, she tripped at the bedside. Jiang Yunqing arrived, and Ling’er said she had a nightmare: the two of them were fighting over a pillow.

Jiang Yunqing laughed and told her if that were true, she’d give her the pillow and find the best one in the world for her. Touched by Jiang Yunqing’s kindness, Ling’er felt guilty. If Jiang Yunqing really liked Huo Jingheng, she would give them her blessing. Lately, the Empress Dowager had been paying close attention to Fengluan Palace. She learned that Jiang Yunqing might have feelings for Huo Jingheng.

As a mother, she couldn’t let anyone interfere with her son and Ling’er’s relationship. She personally issued an edict banning Jiang Yunqing from ever entering the capital again. Yue Chi was pleased, but it seemed Jiang Yunqing had other motives. Not only was she sowing discord between Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi, she also wanted to break up Huo Jingheng and Ling’er. Huo Jingheng saw through her immediately.

He helped cover for Yue Chi and Jiang Yunqing, saying she was merely Yue Chi’s savior and he had no other feelings for her. If there was any bond, it was one of karma from a past life between her and Yue Chi. Yue Chi finally realized that Jiang Yunqing’s real reason for staying wasn’t to observe if Huo Jingheng was a wise ruler—it was revenge. Yue Chi was both angry and heartbroken.

That night, Huo Jingheng snuck into Yue Chi’s residence with meat and wine. Knowing Yue Chi’s concerns, he promised he would never be influenced by Jiang Yunqing’s identity. Even if she stayed at Yue Chi’s residence, he wouldn’t interfere. All he asked was that from now on, there be no more secrets between them. Jiang Yunqing reported back to Yi Qingyun, saying that Yue Chi couldn’t be used. But Yi Qingyun didn’t give up and pressured her for solutions.

Huo Jingheng was practicing archery when someone deliberately passed him the news that Yue Chi had cared for the former crown prince Yunshuo for years. Huo Jingheng flew into a rage and demanded an explanation from Yue Chi.

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