The Heiress Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Heiress Synopsis
In order to stabilize the military power and ensure that the Han family's army in the north is not affected by the court, Han Yuanniang, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Ding, takes the place of her twin brother Han Shiyi and becomes the young master of the Duke of Ding.
Han Shiyi portrays herself as a lascivious and uneducated dude, but accidentally becomes the studying companion of the fifth prince Chen Yanyi.
After "being in the camp of the fifth prince", she helps the fifth prince to make a plan to seize the position of the crown prince.
In this series of turmoil, the fifth prince and Wang Zhongyu, son of the prime minister, discoverHan Shiyi's identity as a girl, and both have a crush on her, during which a series of ludicrous stories occur.
The Heiress Recap
Episode 1 Recap
The State of Chen, founded a century ago, faced constant threats from its borders. The Han family had long guarded the northwest frontier, and Duke Han (Han Jizhong)'s military achievements earned him great renown and the late Emperor's trust. However, Emperor Chen Chenglan, in declining health, grew increasingly wary of the Han family's substantial power.
Unable to immediately reclaim military authority or reform the army, he issued an imperial decree, summoning Duke Han's son, Han Shiyi, to the capital to study at the Imperial College. This move was intended to stabilize the court and gradually exert control over the northern territory. The vacant crown prince's position had ignited a fierce power struggle between the Fifth Prince, Chen Yanyi, and the Second Prince, Chen Yanhao.
Chen Yanyi, a veteran of seven years in the army with numerous military merits, commanded popular support but found little favor with his father. Conversely, the Second Prince Chen Yanhao was refined and scholarly, bolstered by the immense influence of his uncle, Prime Minister Wang, who was powerful in court. Knowing that the Han family's military power made them a coveted ally for both factions, Duke Han, despite being a seasoned general, was well-versed in political stratagems.
Since he had no male heir and his eldest daughter, Han Yuanniang, could not publicly assume his role, he decided to send her to the Imperial College disguised as her twin brother, Han Shiyi. He strictly instructed her to hide her true abilities, avoid taking sides, and maintain a facade of a useless playboy. Han Shiyi, embracing her role, arrived in the bustling capital and immediately began to cultivate a notorious reputation.
Her antics included deliberately bumping her bullock carriage into the Imperial College Dean's carriage, shamelessly accusing him of extortion, and later forcefully taking over the best private room in Li's Glorious Pavilion. There, she brazenly challenged the establishment's rules by ordering her maids, Jinzi and Yinzi, to compel the renowned dancers, Hong'er and Luan'er, to drink with her. This provoked a confrontation, attracting the attention of Chen Yanyi, who was also at the pavilion.
Chen Yanyi, having already received reports of Han Shiyi's arrival and unruly behavior, harbored doubts about her supposed incompetence, believing it to be a deliberate act. He sent his guards to intervene in the escalating dispute. Han Shiyi eventually joined the fray herself, proudly boasting that the two capable maids were "hers." After a brief scuffle, Chen Yanyi ordered his guards to stand down and then abruptly left, ignoring Han Shiyi's indignant protests.
Prime Minister Wang's daughter, Wang Xiyuan, who was hoping to meet Chen Yanyi at the pavilion, tried to follow him but inadvertently stumbled. Chen Yanyi, upon returning to his mansion, pondered whether Han Shiyi's infamous reputation was truly deserved. Han Shiyi, however, was pleased that her "playboy" image was now widely known, fulfilling her father’s command to appear useless and avoid revealing her female identity, which would constitute a severe deception against the Emperor.
On her first day at the Imperial College, Han Shiyi reinforced her image by arriving exceptionally late, much to the anger of Doctor Xia. She offered a preposterous excuse, claiming to have gotten lost in the capital, and casually spoke of "playing" with her classmates. Her "sissy" mannerisms were noted by other students, and she even tried to engage Chen Yanyi, who remained aloof, making Han Shiyi believe he was timid.
After class, Wang Zhongyu, offended by Han Shiyi's behavior and perceived disrespect, accosted her, calling her "womanish" and demanding she acknowledge him as her "boss." When Han Shiyi mocked his qualifications, Wang Zhongyu's frustration boiled over. Along with other students, he cornered her, ordering her to crawl under his legs or be publicly humiliated by having her clothes removed. Han Shiyi feigned compliance but then cunningly pushed one of them and attempted to run.
Wang Zhongyu quickly threw a wooden tablet, tripping her. As his companions moved in, Chen Yanyi suddenly intervened, clearing the students and declaring, "This person, I want him." It was then that Han Shiyi realized the identity of her rescuer. Chen Yanyi promptly demanded that Han Shiyi repay him by becoming his reading partner.
Han Shiyi, fully aware this was an attempt to draw her into his faction, tried to deflect the offer by emphasizing her supposed shortcomings—her lack of academic achievement, martial skill, and general indulgence in frivolous activities. She even jested about offering herself as a reward. However, Chen Yanyi remained unyielding, asserting his imperial authority. Cornered, Han Shiyi reluctantly accepted the position, deciding that it was safer to comply for now while secretly planning her escape from this perilous situation.
She then instructed her maids to gather intelligence on the other students at the Imperial College. Soon after, Han Shiyi was summoned to an audience with Emperor Chen Chenglan by Eunuch Wan Xiang. During the meeting, Han Shiyi reassured the Emperor that her father, Duke Han, was in good health. The Emperor expressed his desire for Han Shiyi to quickly master the military arts and succeed her father, allowing the elderly Duke Han to retire to the capital.
Han Shiyi maintained her facade, humbly admitting her lack of scholarly pursuits due to her delicate health and her father's pampering. She asked the Emperor not to blame her if her academic performance was poor. The Emperor, though chiding her for her lax attitude, urged her to study diligently. After Han Shiyi departed, the Emperor discussed her with Eunuch Wan Xiang, who, feigning ignorance, simply dismissed her as a "playboy."
The Emperor then contemplated the dynamic between Chen Yanyi and Han Shiyi at the Imperial College. He openly acknowledged the powerful backing for his two sons—Chen Yanhao supported by the Wang family and Chen Yanyi by the Chu family—but lamented Chen Yanyi's emotional distance, noting his striking resemblance to his late mother.
Later that day, Han Shiyi ventured out with her maids to enjoy the Lantern Festival on Yong'an Street, where throngs of people had gathered, eager to see Chen Yanyi, who was presiding over the event. Wang Xiyuan was also present, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Fifth Prince. Han Shiyi playfully teased Wang Xiyuan about her evident admiration for Chen Yanyi, even referring to him as a "facial palsy guy," which angered Wang Xiyuan.
As they bickered, Chen Yanyi appeared, solemnly offered prayers for the prosperity of the State of Chen, and then lit the grand lantern, officially commencing the festival. Suddenly, numerous assassins burst forth, launching a coordinated attack on Chen Yanyi. The crowd scattered in panic. Wang Xiyuan, in a moment of genuine concern, attempted to rush to Chen Yanyi's defense but was held back by her guards.
Han Shiyi, remembering her father's warnings to avoid political entanglements, quickly decided to retreat with her maids. However, as they made their way back to their bullock carriage through a narrow alley, they found their path blocked by another group of assassins.
Episode 2 Recap
Han Shiyi was, in reality, Han Yuanniang, the Duke of Dingguo's daughter, disguised as her deceased twin brother to attend the Imperial College and tasked with hiding her true abilities. The two maids, Jinzi and Yinzi, prepared to draw their swords as assassins approached Han Shiyi in a dark alley. However, the attackers simply ran past them. Just then, Chen Yanyi appeared at the end of the alley and ordered his guards to corner the assassins.
An enraged assassin hurled a packet of powder, causing Jinzi and Yinzi to collapse. Han Shiyi, thinking, "Facial palsy tiger is here. I can't show my hand," quickly used her fan to block the powder. She then feigned terror, crying out, "Help! B. . . brave man, don't. . . don't kill me. Help. . . help me." The assassin seized her, holding her hostage.
Han Shiyi pleaded with Chen Yanyi not to leave her, asking, "Doesn't an ordinary person's life matter? You can't leave me in the lurch!" Internally, she resolved to face whatever came, "Fine. Let me see if I'll die." Chen Yanyi, feigning indifference and turning to leave, suddenly shot a silver needle at the assassin when he was distracted, causing him to collapse. Han Shiyi, almost falling from the roof, was caught by Chen Yanyi.
Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before she angrily bit his arm, accusing him, "You almost killed me just now! That's because I had the devil's own luck. If your weapon had deviated a little bit, I would have been dead now." Furious, she walked away.
Chen Yanyi instructed his guards to take the captured assassin to his mansion for interrogation and to replace him with a death row inmate at the Ministry of Justice, claiming the assassin had poisoned himself. Later, Jinzi and Yinzi apologized for their failure, but Han Shiyi told them it was Chen Yanyi's fault for trying to test her.
She explained to them that Chen Yanyi, whom she called a "facial palsy tiger," was deeply calculating and distrustful, making it dangerous for her to be his reading partner. Meanwhile, Chen Yanyi reflected on Han Shiyi's behavior; despite the Han family's martial background, she chose to fall rather than use lightness moves, making her an enigma. He realized that "people's reactions are instinctive only when it's the most dangerous," confirming his suspicion that she was hiding her true abilities.
The next morning, Han Shiyi decided to "continue with my mischief" at the Imperial College to further mislead Chen Yanyi. In class, she deliberately infuriated Wang Zhongyu by adopting a pet turtle and naming it "Wang Er," openly mocking Wang Zhongyu who was the second son in his family and called "Childe Wang Er." She proclaimed the turtle her adopted son, emphasizing the importance of early education.
Wang Zhongyu, provoked, challenged her to a cock racing match, betting she would have to change the turtle's name if he won. Han Shiyi accepted and won. Doctor Xia, discovering the students' illicit cock racing, demanded to know who initiated it. Han Shiyi and other students simultaneously pointed to Wang Zhongyu. During a lesson, Han Shiyi gave a nonsensical answer to a classical question.
When asked about her previous tutors, she claimed they all left for various personal reasons and never returned. Doctor Xia then suggested she demonstrate her equestrian skills at the drill ground. From a selection of fine horses, Han Shiyi chose a small donkey, declaring it gave her "safety" and "wouldn't hurt even if I fall." The other students scoffed at the "legendary scion of a general's family." She even requested a "donkey stool" to mount the animal.
When urged to make the donkey run, she refused, saying it was "too jolting" and that as a future general, she wouldn't need to personally lead charges into battle. Witnessing this display, Chen Yanyi quietly spoke to Doctor Xia, suggesting a test of military strategy. Han Shiyi confidently admitted she had never studied the Art of War, asserting that a general with competent advisors didn't need to know everything himself.
Her performance reinforced her image as an uncultured and incompetent heir. Later, outside the Imperial College, Shen Chengjun, her distant cousin, greeted Han Shiyi. He introduced himself as the grandson of Duke Han's elder sister and revealed that he had been betrothed to Han Yuanniang, who was publicly believed to have died young (and was, unbeknownst to him, Han Shiyi's true identity).
Shen Chengjun explained that the class was divided between Chen Yanyi and Wang Zhongyu, but with Han Shiyi's arrival, it was now three factions, and he pledged his support for her. Pleased with his loyalty, Han Shiyi prepared to accompany him to visit her grandaunt. However, Chen Yanyi interrupted, reminding Han Shiyi that as his newly appointed reading partner, she was required to accompany him after school. Han Shiyi apologized to Shen Chengjun, promising to visit another time.
At Chen Yanyi’s mansion, Han Shiyi complained about the tedium of reading, claiming books offered neither fun nor "beauty." Chen Yanyi calmly instructed her to grind ink. With feigned enthusiasm, she deliberately added too much water to the ink, then clumsily smeared it onto Chen Yanyi's clean robe. She dramatically apologized, expressing concern for his "ruined" clothing. Unperturbed, Chen Yanyi simply told her, "Let's call it a day. See yourself out."
As Han Shiyi left, pleased with her prank, Chen Yanyi internally affirmed his resolve: "You tried to get away with this little trick. You've underestimated me. You're definitely going to be my reading partner." Meanwhile, Wang Zhongyu, immersed in writing a romance, found his thoughts drifting to Han Shiyi. He deemed her "nasty but interesting" and decided to "play a few games" with her.
At the palace, the Emperor expressed dismay over Duke Han's excessive spoiling of Han Shiyi, noting his lack of martial and scholarly skills, and small stature. He worried about the future of the Han army. He then sadly recalled his brilliant eldest son, Crown Prince Ruizheng, who died from a cold, and how his mother, Empress Yuan, had harbored a grudge against him ever since.
The following day in class, Wang Zhongyu brought a piglet adorned with a ribbon, calling it "Miss Han" and pointedly describing it as a "boar" that merely looked cute, implying Han Shiyi, though male, behaved effeminately. Han Shiyi ignored him and moved to sit beside Chen Yanyi, asserting it was her duty as his reading partner. She offered to take notes for Chen Yanyi, but deliberately defaced them, leaving him visibly fatigued.
Chen Yanyi's attendant suggested sending Han Shiyi away, but Chen Yanyi decided it was time to "teach him a lesson," confident in his ability to control him. As a short holiday was announced before an upcoming exam, Han Shiyi excitedly planned leisure activities. However, Chen Yanyi stopped her, reminding her of the impending exam. He declared he would personally help her study and immediately ordered her to carry two heavy buckets of water.
When she tried to rest, he ignored her. Later, he used a dog to chase her, forcing her to cling to him in fright. That evening, he refused to let her leave, insisting she stay for supper. Then, he instructed Jiye to bring rope and, to Han Shiyi's shock, tied her hair to a beam, employing the traditional "tie my hair to the beam" method to prevent sleep during study.
Han Shiyi pretended to study diligently but eventually fell asleep, hidden behind her book, a sight Chen Yanyi observed without waking her. On the day of the exam, Han Shiyi was fast asleep at her desk. Wang Zhongyu and other students conspired to frame her, placing a cheat sheet on her desk. Doctor Xia discovered it and confronted Wang Zhongyu, who denied involvement. Doctor Xia then suspected Han Shiyi, noting the handwriting, and woke him.
Han Shiyi denied the cheat sheet was hers, arguing she wouldn't bother with such a thing when she cared more about sleeping than scores. When other students demanded a search, Han Shiyi grew anxious, fearing her true identity as a woman would be exposed. Just as Doctor Xia was about to proceed, Chen Yanyi intervened, stating that as Han Shiyi's reading partner, he would conduct the search himself.
Episode 3 Recap
When Doctor Xia accused Han Shiyi of bringing a cheat sheet to the exam and demanded a search, Chen Yanyi intervened, offering to search his own reading partner. Han Shiyi, however, felt taken advantage of during the search. After the search, Chen Yanyi confirmed that Han Shiyi had no cheat sheet, and the exam continued. Afterward, Chen Yanyi remarked that Han Shiyi did not need to thank him, as he had acted to preserve his own reputation.
Han Shiyi, however, was furious, retorting that she would rather be wrongly accused than accept his help. When Chen Yanyi ordered her to return to his mansion, she defiantly refused and stormed off. Puzzled by her strong reaction, Chen Yanyi later speculated that his search might have been the cause of her anger and subtly compared his guard Xinting’s physique to Han Shiyi's, noting a distinct difference. Soon after, Chen Yanyi was summoned to the palace.
His father, the Emperor, expressed concern about Chen Yanyi’s injuries from the Lantern Festival assassination attempt, but Chen Yanyi assured him they were minor. The Emperor then decided that the Imperial Court of Justice, led by Chang Guozan, should investigate the assassination, deeming it too significant for the Ministry of Justice. Chen Yanyi agreed, internally observing that the Emperor’s knowledge of his reading partner implied the Wang family would soon act, and he resolved to carefully watch Han Shiyi’s stance.
That night, Han Shiyi awoke from a nightmare where Chen Yanyi tried to kiss her, further solidifying her resolve against him. Meanwhile, Wang Zhongyu, the son of Prime Minister Wang, was secretly the proprietor of Yidian Pavilion and a popular author of storybooks. He discussed his latest work, "A Scholar Met an Officer," with his subordinate, emphasizing the need to keep his identity hidden from his father.
Prime Minister Wang summoned Wang Zhongyu, revealing that Chen Yanyi’s selection of Han Shiyi as a reading partner indicated an impending alliance with the Han family, which would put the Wang family at a disadvantage. To preempt this, Empress Wang and Prime Minister Wang planned to arrange a marriage between their daughter, Wang Xiyuan, and Han Shiyi. Prime Minister Wang instructed Wang Zhongyu to invite Han Shiyi to dinner and gauge his attitude.
Wang Zhongyu initially resisted, claiming disinterest in political maneuvering and deeming Han Shiyi unreliable. However, faced with his father's firm resolve, Wang Zhongyu reluctantly agreed to handle the matter. In class, Han Shiyi resumed her pranks, subtly throwing a stone at Doctor Xia and attempting to pin the blame on Liao Jichang and Gu Wan. When Doctor Xia demanded the culprit, Han Shiyi looked to Chen Yanyi for support.
Chen Yanyi, using logic, explained that based on the trajectory, the stone could not have come from Liao Jichang or Gu Wan, thus clearing them without directly implicating Han Shiyi. Frustrated, Doctor Xia then caught Liao Jichang and Gu Wan napping and reading novels in class, punishing them by making them clean the toilets after school, which coincidentally achieved Han Shiyi’s objective. During lunchtime, Han Shiyi, acting unusually polite, offered Chen Yanyi a meal.
Suspicious, Chen Yanyi politely declined to eat. Han Shiyi then distributed food to Wang Zhongyu and his followers. Soon after, Gu Wan and Wang Zhongyu experienced severe stomach cramps and rushed to the toilet, revealing Han Shiyi had laced their meals with laxatives. Chen Yanyi, who had already deduced her trick, warned Han Shiyi not to "play with fire," threatening to retaliate. Undeterred, Han Shiyi escalated her mischief.
In class, she threw a book at Doctor Xia and pointed towards Chen Yanyi. When Doctor Xia discovered an erotic art book inside, Chen Yanyi silently accepted the blame. Doctor Xia sentenced him to copy "Analects: Xue Er" ten times while suspending his wrist with weights. Chen Yanyi then insisted that Han Shiyi, as his reading partner, must share the punishment, citing ancient rules. Han Shiyi protested but had no choice but to comply.
She questioned why Chen Yanyi, knowing the truth, would accept the punishment, to which he replied that he wished to see how long her act would last. While Chen Yanyi diligently copied, Han Shiyi drew a caricature of a turtle and proudly named it "Wang Er," openly mocking Wang Zhongyu. An enraged Doctor Xia attempted to strike Han Shiyi, who cleverly hid behind Chen Yanyi, causing Doctor Xia to accidentally hit Chen Yanyi instead.
Seizing the moment of confusion as Doctor Xia profusely apologized to Chen Yanyi, Han Shiyi made a hasty escape. Chen Yanyi, observing her antics, understood that her mischief was not mere revenge, but a calculated effort to avoid being drawn into political factions. Later, Wang Zhongyu provoked Han Shiyi into a drinking duel at Li Jin Xuan. Fearing appearing cowardly, Han Shiyi agreed.
Chen Yanyi, aware of Wang Zhongyu's recruitment attempt, instructed his subordinates, Jiyue and Xinting, to closely monitor Han Shiyi. At the pavilion, Wang Zhongyu had arranged for his parents and sister, Wang Xiyuan, to discreetly listen from an adjoining room. He began by feigning friendship and subtly inquiring about Han Shiyi's preferences in women, trying to ascertain his suitability for marriage.
Han Shiyi, discerning his intentions, skillfully played the role of a reckless playboy, claiming a preference for all women and boasting of countless admirers in the northern territory. When Wang Zhongyu formally proposed a marriage with Wang Xiyuan, Han Shiyi was so shocked that he spat out his wine. He then audaciously insulted Wang Xiyuan, calling her unattractive, shrewish, and even inferior to her maid, whom he jokingly expressed a preference for marrying.
This barrage of insults enraged Wang Xiyuan and her parents, who burst into the room. Wang Xiyuan, unable to endure the humiliation, attempted to confront Han Shiyi but was restrained by Han Shiyi's attendants, Jinzi and Yinzi, and then by her own family. Wang Zhongyu, secretly pleased that the match was ruined, pulled his mother away.
Han Shiyi, still aware of Chen Yanyi's spies, continued his audacious performance, even claiming the "seductive perfume" on him was from his "two vixens" at home, further cementing his image as a dissolute youth. Jiyue and Xinting reported Han Shiyi’s outrageous conduct at the dinner to Chen Yanyi, confirming his suspicions about the Wang family's overtures. Chen Yanyi acknowledged the convincing nature of Han Shiyi's playboy act but saw through it.
He recalled Han Shiyi’s precise footwork while dodging assassins and his steady brushstrokes during calligraphy practice, indicating training in both martial arts and scholarly arts. He concluded that Han Shiyi’s "scoundrel" persona was a deliberate facade designed to appease the Emperor and avoid entanglement in political alliances, as the Han family was clearly unwilling to take sides.
Han Shiyi, observing the Wang family's aggressive recruitment and Chen Yanyi's surveillance, recognized the urgent need to distance himself from the Fifth Prince and end his role as a reading partner. To resolve her situation, Han Shiyi unexpectedly offered to stay for dinner at Chen Yanyi's mansion.
Chen Yanyi, knowing that Han Shiyi was from the Northern Territory and that such people often liked strong liquor, and seeing an opportunity to gauge his stance, served her potent spirits, hoping to extract information. Unbeknownst to him, Han Shiyi had already consumed an anti-temulence potion. She feigned extreme drunkenness, rambling about the capital's delights and refusing to leave. Internally, she devised a plan to provoke Chen Yanyi.
Announcing her intention to "cuckold" the Fifth Prince, she lurched into the room of one of the beauties recently sent by the Emperor and Empress. As she aggressively pursued the protesting beauty, Chen Yanyi rushed in to intervene. In the ensuing struggle, Han Shiyi lost her balance and, unable to stop, accidentally fell onto Chen Yanyi, planting a kiss squarely on his lips.
Episode 4 Recap
Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi accidentally kissed, leaving them both stunned. Chen Yanyi's two guards present found the scene awkward. Flustered, Han Shiyi quickly sat up and rushed back to her room. She looked in the mirror, lamenting, "Damn that facial palsy guy. That was my first kiss. Give my first kiss back." Her maids, Jinzi and Yinzi, entered, concerned that she had run in panicked.
Han Shiyi quickly composed herself, claiming she was fine and that she had successfully "cuckolded" the Fifth Prince, which would ensure he would no longer want her as a reading partner. When asked why she looked unhappy despite the good news, she insisted she was happy but tired, sending her maids away so she could change privately. She continued to seethe internally about her lost first kiss. That night, both Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi had vivid dreams.
Han Shiyi dreamt of physically assaulting Chen Yanyi, still furious about the kiss. Chen Yanyi dreamt of passionately kissing a woman in his arms, only for her face to transform into Han Shiyi's, clad in women's clothing. He woke up in shock, exclaiming, "This is utterly ridiculous!" The next day at the Imperial College, Chen Yanyi saw Han Shiyi and recalled his dream, sparking a strange feeling.
To dispel this, he hugged and touched his two guards, feeling nothing unusual, concluding he was "still normal." However, when he accidentally touched Han Shiyi's hand during class, his heart raced. Puzzled, he wondered why he felt this way only with Han Shiyi and decided to test it again. After several deliberate contacts, including a subtle touch of Han Shiyi's hand during lunch, his heart consistently raced, leading him to resignedly admit, "Am I really homosexual?"
Meanwhile, Wang Zhongyu, who had previously noticed Han Shiyi's soft body and small frame, grew more suspicious during class. He mused, "How can a man's body be that soft? He is even small-boned. He totally looks like a woman. Can it be that Han Shiyi really is a woman?" He initially dismissed the thought as impossible.
However, when rumors circulated during lunch about Chen Yanyi being homosexual, fueled by his earlier intimate interaction with his guards and consistent disinterest in women, Wang Zhongyu's suspicion was reinforced. He listened to classmates discuss how good-looking Han Shiyi would be in women's clothing and noted that Han Shiyi's skin was fair and fine, unlike ordinary men. He mused that if Han Shiyi dressed as a woman, both Chen Yanyi and he would find her attractive.
Han Shiyi approached Chen Yanyi, feigning deep remorse for her actions the previous night and her attempt to "cuckold" him by going to the beauties' room. She declared she did not deserve to be his reading partner. Chen Yanyi, surprisingly calm, replied, "It's okay. If you like them, I will let you have them all."
Han Shiyi, startled, quickly refused, citing her "two vixen" maids at home who kept her under "strict control," preventing her from bringing other women home, and returned the beauties to him. Internally, Han Shiyi marveled at Chen Yanyi's "shrewd" and "forbearing" nature, believing he was capable of great things because he could endure such humiliation. Reflecting further, Han Shiyi questioned how any man could endure such an insult.
She began to wonder if Chen Yanyi himself was a woman disguised as a man, just like her. Her maids then revealed a widespread rumor: "Rumor has it that the Fifth Prince doesn't like women. . . Rumor has it that he is homosexual. He likes men?" This revelation made Han Shiyi understand Chen Yanyi's strange behavior, thinking, "Is he. . . is he fond of me?"
Her maids then shared an even more alarming rumor: "The Fifth Prince made you his reading partner because you are good-looking and he fancies you." Han Shiyi was utterly shocked and unsettled by this news. Chen Yanyi met with the owner of Li's Glorious Pavilion to discuss military matters. The owner mentioned Han Shiyi's burgeoning reputation as a playboy among courtesans in the capital.
Chen Yanyi dismissed it, stating, "If he wants to be known as a playboy, let him be." Later, he subconsciously tried to buy rice dumplings, a sweet Han Shiyi enjoyed, but was reminded by his guard that he normally disliked sweets and seemed "to care about Han Shiyi dearly." Annoyed, Chen Yanyi snapped, "A man doesn't care about another man dearly. I just don't want Han Shiyi to be used by ill-intentioned people," and decided not to buy the dumplings.
That night, Chen Yanyi was sleepless, deeply conflicted. He pondered why his heart raced only for Han Shiyi and why he felt compelled to buy him gifts, wondering, "Do I really fancy him? But he is a man." Both Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi spent a sleepless night pondering their predicament. Chen Yanyi resolved that he must "stay away from Han Shiyi" and "not let him affect me again."
Han Shiyi, fearing Chen Yanyi genuinely "fancied" her, decided to disregard it and "keep on playing a playboy's role." The next day at lunch, Chen Yanyi, feigning disinterest, offered Han Shiyi a chicken drumstick, a gesture Wang Zhongyu keenly observed. Later, Wang Zhongyu, increasingly convinced Han Shiyi was a woman, discussed his suspicions with his followers, Liao Jichang and Gu Wan, who remained skeptical.
To prove his point, Wang Zhongyu led them to secretly observe Han Shiyi when she excused herself from class to use the toilet. Han Shiyi, sensing their presence, cleverly cut short her visit, preventing them from confirming anything. Undeterred, Wang Zhongyu then invited Han Shiyi to play Cuju. Despite Han Shiyi's initial reluctance, she eventually agreed. When Wang Zhongyu tried to assign teams, Chen Yanyi quickly asserted that Han Shiyi would be on his team.
During the game, Han Shiyi nearly stumbled, but Chen Yanyi swiftly came to her rescue. After Han Shiyi scored a goal, Wang Zhongyu put his arm around her, commenting on her "smooth and soft" skin and directly asking, "Are you a girl?" Chen Yanyi immediately pulled the two apart, diverting the conversation by criticizing Wang Zhongyu's dirty face and foul odor, claiming, "girls nowadays prefer men like me." Han Shiyi, startled by the sudden defense, reacted with a sharp "You!"
Shortly after the Cuju game, Han Shiyi requested a day's leave from Chen Yanyi, citing a stomach ache. Chen Yanyi granted it. Back at Duke Han's Mansion, Han Shiyi confided in her maids, Jinzi and Yinzi, that Wang Zhongyu now suspected her gender and had been repeatedly setting traps to verify it.
She expressed her frustration with their "meddlesome and annoying" behavior and declared her intention to "find a way to end this once and for all" by completely removing Wang Zhongyu's suspicions. Together, they devised a plan. Undeterred, Prime Minister Wang sent more gifts and a visit request to Han Shiyi's mansion, attempting to win him over. Han Shiyi, resolved to avoid political alignment, instructed her maids to rudely "throw them and their gifts out."
She personally confronted the envoy, telling him to inform Prime Minister Wang to "stop sending gifts here" and warning that if anyone from the Wang family came again, she would "let my dogs bite him." The humiliated envoy reported back to Prime Minister Wang, who understood Han Shiyi's firm rejection. The Prime Minister realized he wouldn't gain the Han Army's support, but vowed to prevent the Fifth Prince from acquiring it either.
Meanwhile, Chen Yanyi discussed Han Shiyi with his advisors, noting Wang Zhongyu's attempts to recruit the Han family. He proposed a plan to "sound out Han Shiyi" by pretending to offer him the esteemed position of supervisor, a role traditionally reserved for talented and virtuous scholars who could rally public support.
His advisors initially balked, but Chen Yanyi revealed his true intended candidate was Zhou Xuezhang, a poor but upright scholar, stating that the false offer to Han Shiyi was merely a ruse to gauge his allegiance. Knowing it was a "treacherous dinner," Han Shiyi, accompanied by Jinzi and Yinzi, went to Li's Glorious Pavilion, ready to face Wang Zhongyu's schemes. Wang Zhongyu expressed surprise at her bringing her maids.
Han Shiyi feigned being controlled by them, claiming it took much effort to get permission to come. Gu Wan then used this as a pretext, stating that a man shouldn't "fear his wife" and risk being seen as "unmanly." Wang Zhongyu convinced Han Shiyi to send her maids away to "stroll the streets." Once her maids were gone, Wang Zhongyu brought in several courtesans to serve Han Shiyi.
Han Shiyi was visibly uncomfortable, again citing fear of her "vixens" at home. Liao Jichang then goaded her, questioning if she was "timid" or even "impotent." Han Shiyi, stung, defiantly asserted, "Who says I'm impotent?" She allowed one courtesan, Ying'er, to drink with her. Wang Zhongyu and his followers then left with their own courtesans, leaving Han Shiyi alone with Ying'er, who provocatively leaned on her and offered wine. Wang Zhongyu and his cohorts watched from outside, eager to see how Han Shiyi would react to this ultimate test of her gender.
Episode 5 Recap
Wang Zhongyu, still convinced that Han Shiyi was a woman, attempted to expose her by arranging for a beautiful woman at a brothel to tempt him. Han Shiyi initially resisted, strengthening Wang Zhongyu’s suspicion. However, Han Shiyi quickly shifted her demeanor, acting flirtatious and lustful. Just as the situation escalated, a woman named Miss Liu burst in, loudly accusing Han Shiyi of being a "cheater" and pursuing him with a sword.
Han Shiyi, feigning terror, fled the scene and dove into Chen Yanyi's waiting carriage. This dramatic chase, orchestrated by Han Shiyi with Miss Liu's acting, successfully convinced Wang Zhongyu that Han Shiyi was indeed a man, effectively quashing his doubts. Inside the carriage, Chen Yanyi questioned Han Shiyi about spending time on "love affairs" rather than her studies. Han Shiyi retorted that her father believed that "having more babies" was a more honorable pursuit for their family.
Back home, Han Shiyi celebrated her successful plan to dispel the rumors, noting Wang Zhongyu's persistence in trying to unmask her. During her frantic escape from Miss Liu, Han Shiyi had accidentally torn Qin Wanning's skirt. In an era where such an incident deeply shamed a woman, Qin Wanning attempted suicide but was saved. Han Shiyi was shocked by this news.
Learning that Qin Wanning was mistreated by her stepmother, Mrs. Qian, and realizing this incident would worsen her situation, Han Shiyi decided to marry Qin Wanning to protect her, planning to find her a suitable husband later. Han Shiyi assured an enraged Lord Qin of his commitment to marry Qin Wanning, promising to handle any objections from her father, Duke Han. The position of supervisor at the Imperial College became vacant, sparking discussions in the imperial court.
After Liao Jichang was deemed unsuitable by his father, Han Shiyi was proposed. Some believed appointing him would appease his father, Duke Han. Emperor sought Chen Yanyi's opinion, who supported Han Shiyi, citing his fair treatment of others. Privately, Chen Yanyi doubted the Emperor would actually appoint him due to suspicion towards Duke Han.
Later, Chen Yanyi offered the position to Han Shiyi, but she refused, expressing her preference for leisure and recommending Zhou Xuezhang, whom she described as educated, upright, and responsible. Han Shiyi stressed she didn't care who got the position as long as it wasn't her. After Han Shiyi left, Chen Yanyi instructed his attendants to spread the news of Han Shiyi's recommendation. He was confident he could win Han Shiyi over eventually.
Han Shiyi, aware of Chen Yanyi's political maneuvering, remained determined to avoid involvement in his faction. Chen Yanyi arranged for Han Shiyi to stay at his mansion, claiming it was to dispel rumors about his own romantic preferences. During dinner, Chen Yanyi mentioned knowing Han Shiyi had a twin sister, Han Yuanniang, whom he had met as a child. He recounted how Yuanniang had given him a handmade bracelet when his mother was ill, which he had kept.
Chen Yanyi then remarked that Han Shiyi resembled his sister in both character and appearance. Annoyed at being compared to a woman, Han Shiyi accused Chen Yanyi of insulting her. When the conversation shifted back to Chen Yanyi's rumored romantic interests, he asked how Han Shiyi would react if he liked men. Han Shiyi deflected, saying it was "none of her business." Exasperated, Chen Yanyi declared that even if he liked men, Han Shiyi was "not his type."
Han Shiyi breathed a sigh of relief and jokingly suggested Chen Yanyi must prefer someone like his bodyguard, Jiye. Chen Yanyi choked on his drink, realizing Han Shiyi had no romantic feelings for him and questioning his own thoughts about her. Han Shiyi was assigned to the "Western Chamber," an elaborately decorated room traditionally reserved for a wife. Realizing Chen Yanyi intended to create the impression that she had aligned with his faction, Han Shiyi planned to sneak out.
She attempted to escape wrapped in a quilt but was caught by Chen Yanyi, who was waiting outside. Han Shiyi claimed to be enjoying the night scenery. To prevent her escape, Chen Yanyi declared he would stay in her room. Han Shiyi protested, suggesting he share a room with his bodyguards, Jiye or Xinting, implying his attraction to men. Chen Yanyi sternly warned her against further defamation and pulled her onto the bed, lying down beside her.
Han Shiyi realized she had created a difficult situation. As they lay there, Chen Yanyi felt his heart pounding. Later, Han Shiyi had a nightmare, reliving her twin brother's murder. Chen Yanyi instinctively reached out and held her hand. The following morning, Chen Yanyi resolved to keep his distance from Han Shiyi, believing his feelings would distract him from his ambitions.
Chen Yanyi’s subordinate reported that an assassin had confessed everything, but Chen Yanyi instructed him to keep the assassin for later use. Chen Yanyi also learned his second brother was returning to the capital and arranged a welcome. He instructed his servant to spread the news that Han Shiyi had recommended Zhou Xuezhang and was staying overnight at his mansion. In the imperial court, the Emperor continued to deliberate over the new supervisor.
After another candidate, Gu Wan, was withdrawn, Chen Yanyi formally recommended Zhou Xuezhang, emphasizing that the recommendation came from Han Shiyi. Chen Yanyi highlighted Zhou Xuezhang's exceptional qualities: a humble background, photographic memory, integrity, and responsibility. Many officials concluded that Han Shiyi had aligned with Chen Yanyi's faction. Separately, Wang Zhongyu's father urged him to win over Han Shiyi, but Wang Zhongyu refused, stating it was impossible to marry his sister Xiyuan to Han Shiyi.
Meanwhile, Zhou Xuezhang pledged his loyalty to Chen Yanyi after learning he had been recommended by Han Shiyi. Han Shiyi visited Yidian Pavilion, an art house performing plays by "Yidianmei." She suspected a powerful backer, unaware it was Wang Zhongyu, who was present and frustrated with the current actors.
Wang Zhongyu, along with Gu Wan and Liao Jichang, discussed a new scheme to assign Han Shiyi the role of the "goddess of lightning" (Dianmu) in the upcoming supervisor's city parade, forcing her to wear women's attire. Han Shiyi overheard their conversation and boldly approached them. When Wang Zhongyu expressed his desire to see her in women's clothes, Han Shiyi surprisingly agreed.
Episode 6 Recap
Han Shiyi and Wang Zhongyu made a bet: the loser of their tree-climbing competition would have to dress as the Goddess of Lightning during the upcoming city parade. The challenge generated much excitement at the Imperial College, with most students betting on Wang Zhongyu, though Shen Chengjun remained a staunch supporter of Han Shiyi. Chen Yanyi, observing Han Shiyi, found him to be consistently peculiar.
At this time, the Second Prince was completing his dike inspection and returning to the capital. Meanwhile, members of the Weiyuan Sect, Prime Minister Wang's covert force, were discovered in the city, leading Chen Yanyi to suspect that Prime Minister Wang intended to target Han Shiyi. The competition took place in the forest of eastern suburbs, where the goal was to climb a tall tree and retrieve a hanging lantern.
Wang Xiyuan, still nursing a grudge against Han Shiyi for a past humiliation, attended disguised as a man. Wang Zhongyu resorted to cheating by using climbing hooks. Han Shiyi, not one to be outdone, skillfully borrowed a whip from her personal guard, Jinzi, using it to swing up to the lantern and claim victory. In her moment of triumph, an assassin from the Weiyuan Sect, hidden in ambush, used a concealed weapon to cut the rope Han Shiyi was using.
She began to fall headfirst, but Chen Yanyi swiftly intervened, pulling out Jiye's hairpin and using it to secure Han Shiyi's clothing to the tree, preventing a fatal plunge. Han Shiyi, mistakenly believing Jiye had saved her, looked at him with new appreciation. To celebrate her miraculous escape and express her gratitude to Jiye, Han Shiyi invited him and Chen Yanyi to Li's Glorious Pavilion for a celebratory meal.
Both Chen Yanyi and Wang Zhongyu noted suspicious details at the scene of the fall: the rope had an unusually clean cut, and a sharp hidden weapon was discovered on the ground. Before the feast, Shen Chengjun informed Han Shiyi that Wang Xiyuan had released Han Shiyi's carriage oxen and attacked her attendants. Han Shiyi, unfazed, invited Shen Chengjun to join them at the pavilion, which he accepted.
At Li's Glorious Pavilion, Chen Yanyi, Shen Chengjun, Jiye, and Han Shiyi dined together. Jiye was visibly nervous about eating with his master. Han Shiyi suggested inviting dancers for entertainment, but observing Chen Yanyi's grim expression, she remembered his dislike for women. Opting for drinks instead, Han Shiyi, boasting of being a "true man from the northern territory who eats meat with big bites and drinks wine with big bowls," was the only one to get completely drunk.
Despite others offering to help, Chen Yanyi gently took her into his arms and carried her to his carriage. On the way back to his mansion, with the unconscious Han Shiyi in his arms, Chen Yanyi found himself unwilling to release her. He was acutely aware of the historical criticism faced by emperors who had male lovers, yet he couldn't deny his feelings for her, despite noting her rascally demeanor.
Later that evening, Chen Yanyi examined the hidden weapon found at the competition site, confirming it was an assassination attempt. He ordered his attendant, Xinting, to investigate the assassin and then sent instructions to his agent, Qi Tai, to ambush the Second Prince on his return journey. The order was specific: injure him severely but do not kill him, setting a trap for Prime Minister Wang. Chen Yanyi personally brought hangover soup to Han Shiyi.
While attempting to feed her, some soup spilled, dampening her clothes. As he helped her dry off, he unfastened her garment, discovering a chest binder. With growing realization, he carefully unwrapped it, confirming that Han Shiyi was, in fact, a woman. Chen Yanyi quickly deduced that she was Han Yuanniang, who had impersonated her deceased twin brother, Han Shiyi, to assume the title of Lord Han of Duke Han.
Understanding the severe implications of this deception—a crime of treason punishable by the execution of her entire family—he decided to keep her secret and feign ignorance. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wang learned of Peng Kun's failed assassination of Han Shiyi, attributing the failure to a master-hand protecting the Fifth Prince. Undeterred, he again ordered the Weiyuan Sect to eliminate Han Shiyi. Unbeknownst to him, his son, Wang Zhongyu, overheard this conversation.
Wang Zhongyu, who wished to avoid political strife and did not want to provoke the Han family, pleaded with his father to stop. Prime Minister Wang dismissed his son's concerns, explaining that the Wang family was too deeply entangled in politics—with Wang Zhongyu's aunt as Empress, his cousin as a Prince, and his older sister as a Prince's Consort—to retreat.
He also revealed that the Emperor himself desired to curb the Han family's military power and would eventually move against Han Shiyi, justifying his own actions as necessary for the family's survival. The next morning, Han Shiyi awoke to find her clothes neatly put back on, much to her relief. She noticed a stark change in Chen Yanyi's demeanor; he was unusually solicitous, preparing a light breakfast and even serving her food.
Han Shiyi, puzzled by his newfound attentiveness, suspected he was using "courtesy before force." When her maids arrived to take her to school, she quickly seized the opportunity to leave Chen Yanyi's mansion. Concurrently, Empress Wang and Prime Minister Wang plotted to use Chen Yanyi's anticipated ambush of the Second Prince to their advantage. They decided to stage their own assassination attempt on the Second Prince and frame the Fifth Prince.
Soon after, the Second Prince was indeed ambushed on his way back to the capital, sustaining a severe arrow wound to the chest that narrowly missed his heart but deeply injured his lung, requiring at least a year and a half for full recovery. The Emperor, enraged, ordered an investigation. The captured assassin, under interrogation, implicated the Fifth Prince as the mastermind.
Back at the Imperial College, news of the Second Prince's assassination and the Fifth Prince's alleged involvement spread, sparking heated discussions. Han Shiyi, looking at Chen Yanyi's empty seat, felt an unexpected pang of sadness, realizing his absence affected her. Meanwhile, the Emperor summoned Chen Yanyi to the palace for questioning, where Mr. Dai presented an arrow, asking if it was from Chen Yanyi's mansion. Han Shiyi, contemplating the turmoil, wished aloud that they could have been children of ordinary families, living happier lives.
Episode 7 Recap
Chen Yanyi was brought before the Emperor for questioning regarding the Second Prince's assassination attempt. He readily admitted that the arrow found in the Second Prince was from his mansion. However, he argued that the assassin had taken poison and died upon capture, leaving no other evidence.
Chen Yanyi pointed out that if he truly intended to harm the Second Prince, he would not be so foolish as to use an arrow clearly marked from his own residence, which would instantly expose him. He suggested it would be simple for someone to acquire one of his arrows and frame him, especially given the known rivalry for the Crown Prince position. Chen Yanyi then asked the Emperor if he believed he would be "this stupid."
The Emperor considered Chen Yanyi's argument reasonable and ordered Dai Xing to conduct a thorough reinvestigation, much to Empress Wang's visible dismay, who had accused Chen Yanyi of jealousy and attempting to kill his brother. Chen Yanyi had anticipated such a move, having already taken precautions by having Qi Tai monitor the situation.
He reiterated his lack of personal ambition for the throne, stating his primary concern was preventing his "incompetent" Second Prince from potentially ruining the country due to external threats and his poor governance. Later, at the Imperial College, Han Shiyi was visibly pleased to see Chen Yanyi. He was also happy to see her, sensing her concern for him. He promised to smile more often, humorously admitting he hadn't done so previously.
Han Shiyi even noted his unusual change in self-reference from "this prince" to "I." While Chen Yanyi was discussing the ongoing investigation of the Second Prince's assassination, Han Shiyi accidentally overheard him. He then brought her to a dungeon, which frightened her, making her believe she was being punished for eavesdropping. Chen Yanyi revealed that Cheng Mingsi, a skilled assassin from the Weiyuan Sect, was one of the attackers at the Lantern Festival.
He explained that he had secretly kept Cheng Mingsi in his mansion, as the Capital Governor, Chang Guozan, was a loyal subordinate of Prime Minister Wang, and other captured assassins had committed suicide to prevent confession. Han Shiyi initially tried to flatter Chen Yanyi, calling him "wise," but then admitted he was "not wise" when pressed. During their conversation, Chen Yanyi probed Han Shiyi, asking if she only regarded him as her lord.
Han Shiyi quickly distanced herself, stating her clear preference for women and firmly declaring she could not be his "bedmate," which left Chen Yanyi momentarily speechless. Soon after, Cheng Mingsi was brought in, pleading for mercy and claiming to have confessed everything. Han Shiyi, observing Cheng Mingsi's unusually compliant behavior, wondered what torture Chen Yanyi had used. She correctly deduced that he employed sleep deprivation as his interrogation method.
Horrified by this cruel tactic, Han Shiyi thought Chen Yanyi was trying to intimidate her into compliance. However, Chen Yanyi reassured her, stating, "You are my man; how could I torture you?" He added that he wanted to be completely open with her. Han Shiyi was puzzled by his declaration that she was "his person," but Chen Yanyi insisted on it.
Cheng Mingsi then fully confessed, revealing he was sent by Prime Minister Wang and that Liao Wu from Daxizhuangzi was the contact person. Later, alone with her maids, Han Shiyi expressed her deep fear of Chen Yanyi's ruthless methods, worrying about what he might do if he ever discovered her true identity. She also pondered how perfectly his clothes fit her when she wore them.
With the inauguration ceremony for the new supervisor, Zhou Xuezhang, approaching, Han Shiyi was reminded of her bet to portray the Goddess of Lightning. Wang Zhongyu, feeling somewhat guilty about his win in the tree-climbing competition—especially since Han Shiyi's fall was a factor—decided to join her in dressing in female attire as an act of solidarity.
Han Shiyi jokingly instructed the maids to apply the "most glamorous" and "most seductive" makeup on Wang Zhongyu, and they playfully walked with their arms around each other. This display did not go unnoticed by Chen Yanyi, who looked on with visible jealousy. During the parade, the duo appeared in black and white costumes.
Wang Zhongyu, in a pristine white dress, looked remarkably delicate and shy, appearing more feminine than Han Shiyi, who, to hide her identity, sported a large fake beard. As they paraded through the streets, they continued their playful banter, each teasing the other about being the "real girl." In their lighthearted scuffle, Wang Zhongyu accidentally pushed Han Shiyi into a river.
He immediately prepared to jump in after her, but Chen Yanyi, who had been watching, swiftly intervened and rescued Han Shiyi, carrying the now beardless and beautiful woman away. Chen Yanyi took Han Shiyi to the Western Chamber in his mansion, instructing his attendant to guard the room and prevent anyone from approaching. Shortly after, Han Shiyi's maids, Jinzi and Yinzi, arrived, expressing their relief and thanking Chen Yanyi for his swift action.
Han Shiyi, however, downplayed his actions as a political maneuver, though she secretly admitted to finding him attractive. Yet, she worried about the implications of his kindness and her identity being exposed, fearing he might use his "sleep deprivation" method on her. After the river incident, Wang Zhongyu recalled a glimpse of Han Shiyi's chest binding and Chen Yanyi's intense anxiety when she fell.
These observations solidified his suspicion that Han Shiyi was indeed a woman and that Chen Yanyi had long known her secret, hence his protective actions. Driven by this new suspicion, Wang Zhongyu instructed his servant, Suiyi, to acquire a design sketch of the Duke Han's Mansion from his father's study. Meanwhile, Han Shiyi's maids observed Chen Yanyi's attentive care for her, interpreting it as genuine affection.
Han Shiyi, however, dismissed it as merely a political tactic to win over the Han family. Despite this, she admitted a nascent fondness for Chen Yanyi, particularly after his swift rescue. Yet, her thoughts were quickly overshadowed by the fear of his alleged preference for men and the potential for his ruthless "sleep deprivation" methods if her true identity were ever to be exposed. Later, Chen Yanyi confronted Han Shiyi about her public "flirting" with Wang Zhongyu.
Han Shiyi was genuinely confused, firmly stating that she and Wang Zhongyu were adversaries. She then wondered why Chen Yanyi would be concerned about her interactions with Wang Zhongyu, especially given Prime Minister Wang's open hostility towards her. Pondering his true motivations, she playfully teased him about his "cold face" and then boldly asked if he genuinely had feelings for her. Chen Yanyi responded, "Do you truly not know my feelings for you?"
Misinterpreting his seriousness and fearing he wanted her to "pledge herself" to him for saving her, Han Shiyi cleverly diverted the conversation by suggesting they become sworn brothers, leaving Chen Yanyi utterly speechless. Meanwhile, Wang Zhongyu, having obtained the design sketch of the Duke Han's Mansion from his father's study with the help of Suiyi, disguised himself as a servant and successfully infiltrated the Han family residence.
Later that night, a fire broke out in the mansion, prompting everyone, including most of Han Shiyi's maids, to rush out to help extinguish it. Seizing this opportunity, Wang Zhongyu hid behind Han Shiyi's door. He watched as Han Shiyi, finding her chest binding uncomfortably tight, asked her remaining maid to re-adjust it. As she removed her outer garments, Wang Zhongyu confirmed his suspicions by witnessing her chest binding firsthand, revealing her true identity as a woman.
Episode 8 Recap
Wang Zhongyu, hidden in Han Shiyi's closet, was startled to discover she was a woman. He made a sound, but quickly used the Han mansion's cat as an excuse to avoid being discovered. Later, after a small, peculiar fire broke out in an uninhabited part of the mansion, Han Shiyi inspected the room and found signs of tampering near the closet. Realizing the fire and the cat were a diversion tactic, she concluded they had been careless.
Concerned their private conversations might have been overheard and recognizing the danger now extended beyond just the Fifth Prince, Han Shiyi instructed her two female guards, Jinzi and Yinzi, to strictly follow pre-arranged plans to clear the Han Army of any deception against the Emperor should anything happen to her, emphasizing that her own life was not important.
Meanwhile, Chen Yanyi, aware of Wang Zhongyu's presence in the Han Mansion, worried that if Wang Zhongyu had discovered Han Shiyi's true identity, the Wang family might take action, endangering the Han family. He ordered an investigation into the Wang family's recent activities and secretly vowed to protect Han Shiyi and her secret. Wang Zhongyu, still reeling from the discovery, was shocked that "brother Shiyi was actually sister Shiyi."
He understood that if the Emperor ever found out, the Han family would face the calamity of extermination, acknowledging the heavy burden Han Shiyi carried. He then saw her as the perfect "Hua Mulan" heroine for his stories and resolved to protect her. Upon returning home, Wang Zhongyu was summoned to Prime Minister Wang's den, who was furious about Wang Zhongyu sneaking into Duke Han's mansion.
Wang Zhongyu lied, claiming he was simply retaliating against Han Shiyi for pushing him into the water. Prime Minister Wang warned him that his actions could strain their relationship with the Han family, but Wang Zhongyu retorted that a breakdown was inevitable, especially if his father's own secrets were revealed. Prime Minister Wang then instructed Wang Zhongyu to cease contact with Han Shiyi, as she was now allied with the Fifth Prince.
Wang Zhongyu questioned if a peaceful coexistence with the Han family was possible, even mentioning his father's past consideration of marrying Wang Xiyuan to Han Shiyi. Prime Minister Wang scoffed, asserting that coexistence was only possible if the Han family surrendered its military power, otherwise, they must be "wiped out." Wang Zhongyu realized that the Han family's military power was their "wealth that everyone covets," and his own family was undeniably greedy.
Soon after, Wang Xiyuan approached Wang Zhongyu, concerned about his reprimand from their father. She then pressed him for information on the Fifth Prince. Wang Zhongyu told her that their father would never approve of her marrying the Fifth Prince and urged her to give up her pursuit. Unyielding, Wang Xiyuan insisted on pursuing her own happiness and begged Wang Zhongyu to arrange a meeting with the Fifth Prince, promising to abandon her affections if rejected. Wang Zhongyu reluctantly agreed.
He took a disguised Wang Xiyuan to the Imperial College, placing her on a path the Fifth Prince typically used, reminding her to remain inconspicuous and leave if rejected. Along the way, Wang Zhongyu encountered Chen Yanyi. Chen Yanyi questioned Wang Zhongyu about his disguise at Duke Han's mansion, indicating his awareness, and then warned him to manage his Yidian Pavilion well and know what he should and shouldn't do.
Han Shiyi, hiding behind a rockery, watched as Wang Xiyuan began her confession to the Fifth Prince. Han Shiyi found Wang Xiyuan feisty and pretty, acknowledging they were a suitable match, and wondered how Chen Yanyi would respond. As Wang Xiyuan approached Chen Yanyi, a guard mistook her for an assassin and kicked her to the ground. She bravely rose, introduced herself, but Chen Yanyi sternly reprimanded her for disguising herself and violating Imperial College rules.
Just as Wang Xiyuan was expressing her deep attraction to him, Chen Yanyi spotted Han Shiyi and called out, "Heard enough?" Startled, Han Shiyi lost her footing and tumbled from the rockery, only to be caught by Chen Yanyi. Han Shiyi apologized for interrupting the confession, jokingly pretending not to have heard anything, and even offered her "expert" consultation on confessions.
Wang Xiyuan, frustrated and embarrassed, blamed Han Shiyi for ruining her chance, convinced Chen Yanyi would have noticed her otherwise. Chen Yanyi, however, told Han Shiyi he was glad she interrupted, implying she understood his true feelings. Han Shiyi, remembering Chen Yanyi's belief that he preferred men like her, quickly tried to excuse herself, flustered. Shortly after, Han Shiyi mentioned a minor fire at her mansion the previous night.
Chen Yanyi then suggested Han Shiyi visit her grandaunt that day, which Han Shiyi agreed to, as she had been meaning to pay her respects. As Han Shiyi left the Imperial College, Wang Xiyuan, still enraged, lashed out with a whip, striking Han Shiyi and dislodging her hairpin, causing her hair to fall loose. Chen Yanyi swiftly intervened, shielding Han Shiyi's head with his robe to conceal her identity, and quickly escorted her to his carriage.
Wang Xiyuan attempted to physically punish her own handmaid for not stopping Han Shiyi. Zhou Xuezhang intervened to protect the handmaid, and Wang Zhongyu also stepped in, reminding Wang Xiyuan that the Imperial College was not her private estate for such unruly behavior and apologizing to Zhou Xuezhang. In the carriage, Chen Yanyi gently helped Han Shiyi re-tie her hair and then gave her his own exquisite hairpin, stating he never took back gifts.
He told her she no longer needed to hide her martial arts skills from others. He explained he had deduced her abilities when she fell from a tree, choosing a protective landing stance despite the pain, rather than revealing her skills. He assured her that if any trouble arose, he would personally cover for her. Han Shiyi felt a surge of happiness from his protective words.
After being dropped off at her mansion to change, Chen Yanyi quietly affirmed his commitment to keeping her safe. Han Shiyi visited her grandaunt, who welcomed her warmly. During their conversation, Han Shiyi cautiously inquired about the rumors regarding the Emperor's ascent to the throne with the Chu family's support. Her grandaunt confirmed that the Emperor was indeed an overlooked son of a concubine, but he was a cunning and reserved man.
He strategically married General Chu's daughter, Empress Yuan, to secure the Chu family's vital military backing, without which he would not have survived the brutal succession struggles. Han Shiyi noted the popular belief that the Emperor favored Empress Wang over the late Empress Yuan and wished to name the Second Prince, Empress Wang's son, as his heir, which was why he delayed the official announcement of the Crown Prince.
Her grandaunt warned Han Shiyi to be mindful of these complex political currents to avoid falling into traps, stressing that the Han family must remain a loyal and patriotic military force, never engaging in imperial power struggles. Later, her grandaunt noticed Chen Yanyi's hairpin in Han Shiyi's hair. She revealed it was a rare treasure made of black gold, not common violet gold, and was a deeply significant memento of the late Empress Yuan, gifted to Chen Yanyi.
She deduced that Chen Yanyi must hold Han Shiyi in extremely high regard to have given her such a precious item, again cautioning Han Shiyi to be more prudent in her actions. Reflecting on her grandaunt's revelations about the Emperor's calculating rise to power and the complex history of Empress Yuan and Empress Wang, Han Shiyi realized the hairpin's profound importance to Chen Yanyi. Given the existing misunderstandings about their relationship, she decided she absolutely could not keep it.
She also concluded that Chen Yanyi was a deeply "crafty" individual, requiring her to be even more cautious around him. The next day, Han Shiyi attempted to return the hairpin to Chen Yanyi, but he refused, reiterating that he never took back gifts and told her she could ask for it whenever she wanted. Chen Yanyi then invited Han Shiyi to join him for a meeting with other officials regarding Zhou Xuezhang's case.
Zhou Xuezhang was facing an accusation of being unfilial for not supporting his birth mother, a charge that would undoubtedly prevent him from becoming a supervisor and could ruin his entire career. He expressed confusion as to why the Li family would suddenly accuse him, suspecting manipulation and bribery, and lamenting the idea of sharing blood with such people. He even proposed begging them to tell the truth, to which Han Shiyi scoffed, saying begging solved nothing.
When Chen Yanyi asked Han Shiyi for a solution, she initially demurred. Chen Yanyi, seemingly giving up, then suggested that Han Shiyi take over the supervisor position. Realizing this was Chen Yanyi's cunning way to pressure her, Han Shiyi suddenly "had an idea." Knowing that Zhou Xuezhang's status as supervisor was due to her, and not wanting to see his career ruined, she proposed a strategy to "beat them in their own game."
Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi visited Madam Lee's lavish home, immediately suspecting she was being manipulated by unseen forces, as her visible wealth contradicted her claims of needing support. Han Shiyi introduced herself and Chen Yanyi as Imperial College students investigating the accusation, with Chen Yanyi being the "official in charge." Madam Lee complained about Zhou Xuezhang's ingratitude now that he was successful.
Han Shiyi explained that because everyone knew Zhou Xuezhang as a "Zhou" with a Zhou mother, it would be difficult to legally prove Madam Lee's claim as his birth mother and his obligation to her. She suggested Madam Lee transfer some property to Zhou Xuezhang to solidify their relationship and his responsibility. Madam Lee and her family were hesitant to part with their land, calling it their "life."
Han Shiyi then subtly implied the transfer could be a "fake title deed" to win the lawsuit and teach Zhou Xuezhang a lesson, while highlighting his current prosperity (carriages, a house in the capital) compared to her rural life. Madam Lee finally agreed. The next day, Han Shiyi and her attendants arrived at Madam Lee's land, announcing plans to clear it for new crops. Madam Lee was bewildered, having believed the transfer document was fake.
Han Shiyi clarified that the deed was indeed real and that for Zhou Xuezhang to be legally obligated to support her, he had to inherit her property. Realizing she had been tricked, Madam Lee grew furious. Han Shiyi then challenged her to prove Zhou Xuezhang was her son, prompting Madam Lee to produce the original deed of sale, which stated she had sold Zhou Xuezhang to the Zhou family for fifty taels of silver.
As the county magistrate, Chen Yanyi pointed out that, by selling him for those fifty taels, Zhou Xuezhang had, in essence, already provided for Madam Lee's family. Chen Yanyi reprimanded Madam Lee for her false accusation. Though he initially threatened flogging, he spared her due to her age and status as Zhou Xuezhang's birth mother, warning her against any future false charges.
Madam Lee tearfully confessed that men from the capital had forced her to sign the document and given her something, claiming she couldn't read and didn't know their identities. Chen Yanyi deduced the Wang family was behind the scheme. Zhou Xuezhang, touched, thanked Madam Lee and promised to be filial to her. He then thanked Han Shiyi for clearing his name. Han Shiyi, downplaying his role, said he was simply bored and couldn't stand Madam Lee's "unreasonable behavior."
Zhou Xuezhang reflected that he would treat his birth mother better in the future. Han Shiyi, considering the matter resolved, then casually mentioned his desire to visit Hong'er and Luan'er at Yidian Pavilion. With the matter successfully resolved, Chen Yanyi informed Han Shiyi that he would take her somewhere special to reward her good performance. Han Shiyi playfully teased him, asking if he was taking her to meet new women. Chen Yanyi simply smiled, telling her she would see when they arrived. The two then rode together to a breathtaking, endless field of flowers, a world seemingly unto itself.
Episode 9 Recap
Han Shiyi reflected on the recent incident in the flower field where Chen Yanyi caught her after she nearly fell from a horse. Her heart pounded intensely, a sensation she attributed to the lingering fear from the near-fall. Meanwhile, Yun'er, Wang Xiai's maid, was out shopping when she encountered Zhou Xuezhang. He kindly helped her gather her dropped purchases, and seeing one item was broken, he bought her a new one.
He offered to escort her home, but Yun'er politely declined. In the imperial court, ministers once again pressed the Emperor to name an heir to stabilize the realm. The Emperor acknowledged the necessity but grew visibly annoyed by the competing factions of the Second Prince, Chen Yanhao, and the Fifth Prince, Chen Yanyi. He declared that both princes would participate in state affairs, and the one who proved more capable would ascend to the Eastern Palace.
Later, Chen Yanhao visited Prime Minister Wang, his uncle, expressing concern about competing with Chen Yanyi, whose strength lay in military command. Prime Minister Wang assured him that as the Emperor would not test them in battle, Chen Yanhao, with the Prime Minister's backing in court, held the advantage. Chen Yanhao also voiced frustration that Chen Yanyi had "crippled" many of his underworld associates under the guise of eliminating "risks from the former dynasty."
Prime Minister Wang advised a cautious approach, suggesting it was too risky to act against Xue Jia directly since he had already "emerged." To maintain his facade as a flamboyant playboy, Han Shiyi visited Yidian Pavilion, where Hong'er, a courtesan with a fondness for him, offered her company. Suddenly, a disheveled man burst in, brandishing a knife and taking Hong'er hostage.
Soon after, soldiers, led by Commander Chang Qi, a subordinate of Prime Minister Wang, arrived to apprehend the man, identifying him as a wanted criminal. Fearing for Hong'er's safety, Han Shiyi swiftly declared that Hong'er was carrying his child, emphasizing the Han family's single-son lineage for three generations. This bold lie successfully deterred the soldiers, who retreated rather than risk offending the powerful Duke Han.
The criminal, recognizing Han Shiyi's identity as Duke Han's heir, decided to switch hostages, believing Han Shiyi would offer a better chance of escape. Han Shiyi, prioritizing Hong'er's safety, agreed to become the hostage. Just then, Chen Yanyi and Wang Zhongyu arrived. Both men simultaneously demanded the criminal release Han Shiyi, offering safe passage out of the city, with Chen Yanyi even offering his personal tally.
The criminal, however, scoffed at their offer, correctly deducing that their hesitation stemmed solely from Han Shiyi being his captive. He insisted on holding Han Shiyi until he was safely out of the city and beyond the range of crossbows, at which point he would release her. Han Shiyi noticed a subtle exchange of glances between Chen Yanyi and Wang Zhongyu, finding their unexpected coordination bewildering. Chen Yanyi and Wang Zhongyu conceded, ordering the City Guards outside to retreat.
As the criminal led Han Shiyi towards a waiting carriage, Han Shiyi discreetly reached for a hairpin hidden in his sleeve, intending to strike. Before he could act, Chen Yanyi moved swiftly, incapacitating the criminal with a precise strike from his thumb ring. To avoid revealing his martial prowess to Prime Minister Wang's men, Chen Yanyi claimed the man had simply fainted from blood loss. Han Shiyi played along with the deception.
Wang Zhongyu, observing the scene, remarked to Chen Yanyi with a knowing smile that his martial arts were impressive. After the ordeal, Hong'er expressed immense gratitude and admiration for Han Shiyi, proclaiming him a "true man" despite his outward playboy image. Han Shiyi felt somewhat uncomfortable with the praise, while Chen Yanyi and Wang Zhongyu exchanged cryptic smiles. Back at Prime Minister Wang's mansion, Chen Yanhao expressed his desire to eliminate Xue Jia.
However, Prime Minister Wang advised against any direct action now that Xue Jia was publicly apprehended, fearing it would alert others. Xue Jia was brought before a joint trial by the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Capital Security and Administration, an occasion Han Shiyi attended. He observed the obvious discord between the two government bodies.
Xue Jia recounted his plight: his father, Xue Fuliang, the Prefect of Qingzhou, was falsely accused of embezzling relief funds and had died in prison. Xue Jia himself was exiled to Minyue, survived an assassination attempt, and journeyed to the capital seeking justice, only to be pursued by assassins. With Han Shiyi's encouragement to speak freely, Xue Jia presented documents as evidence, directly accusing the Second Prince, Chen Yanhao.
When questioned by the Emperor, Chen Yanhao, following Prime Minister Wang's advice, shifted the blame to Pan Zhanpeng, the Chiliarch of Qingzhou, portraying his own involvement as a mere oversight due to his unfamiliarity with Qingzhou's situation and his hurried departure to attend to his ill mother. He claimed Pan Zhanpeng had collected the relief funds from him, and he believed the villagers had received their provisions.
Marquis Jin, however, raised suspicion about how Chen Yanhao, supposedly recovering from injuries, had arrived at court so promptly. Chen Yanhao explained that Director Chang had informed him the previous night. Despite initial reservations about Chen Yanhao's carelessness, the Emperor accepted his explanation as "forgivable" given the circumstances of his mother's illness.
He then ordered a joint investigation by the Department of Capital Security and Administration and the Ministry of Justice into the missing Qingzhou relief funds and the cause of Xue Fuliang's death. During another visit to Hong'er's room in Yidian Pavilion, Han Shiyi discreetly examined an unfinished manuscript. He immediately recognized the handwriting as strikingly similar to Wang Zhongyu's, leading him to realize Wang Zhongyu was the mysterious author, Yidianmei.
Later, Hong'er, still deeply grateful for Han Shiyi's bravery, expressed her desire to "be faithful" to him. Han Shiyi gently declined, citing his household's strictness, and instead proposed that she become his "bosom friend," with whom he could discuss plays, drink, and chat. Hong'er accepted, and Han Shiyi took a sachet from her. At the Imperial College, Han Shiyi pulled Wang Zhongyu aside and confronted him about being Yidianmei.
Playfully, he slung an arm around Wang Zhongyu's shoulder and declared, "So the person I've always liked is you!" Wang Zhongyu blushed deeply at this unexpected "confession." This entire interaction was witnessed by Chen Yanyi, who had been following them. Wang Zhongyu, who previously only saw Han Shiyi as a character in his stories, found his heart racing after Han Shiyi's words, making him question if he was developing feelings for her.
He became visibly nervous and breathless whenever Han Shiyi spoke to him about his novels. He even attempted to convince Han Shiyi to abandon Chen Yanyi and spend more time with him, promising an abundance of stories. Chen Yanyi, observing their closeness, grew visibly jealous. He abruptly interrupted them, ordering Han Shiyi into his carriage. During the ride, Chen Yanyi asked Han Shiyi about his strong liking for Yidianmei.
Han Shiyi, feigning ignorance of his true gender, replied that if he were a woman, a talented and considerate "warm man" like Yidianmei, who understood women's hearts so well, would undoubtedly be adored by every woman. He added that Yidianmei's identity remained a mystery, and as a man, his admiration was purely intellectual. Chen Yanyi then challenged Han Shiyi's casual familiarity with Wang Zhongyu. Han Shiyi, feigning innocence, insisted there was nothing improper as they were both men.
Noticing Chen Yanyi's jealousy, Han Shiyi advised him to give up on her, stating their different preferences made a relationship impossible. Chen Yanyi was left speechless and frustrated. Later, Han Shiyi went to visit Xue Jia in his prison cell.
Episode 10 Recap
Han Shiyi visited Xue Jia in prison, who still harbored resentment from their childhood. Han Shiyi defended her past actions, reminding him that his naivete led to him being tricked, but assured him she never intended harm when she took him hostage. She then pressed him for details about Qingzhou and his father, Xue Fuliang's, death. Later, Chen Yanyi taught Han Shiyi how to use the hairpin he gave her as a hidden weapon, revealing it contained 99 golden needles.
Han Shiyi recognized his fighting technique and deduced that it was Chen Yanyi, not Jiye, who saved her from falling in the east suburb. Chen Yanyi then revealed he knew she had offered herself as a hostage to help Xue Jia. He explained that he had received intelligence about Wang Anli's faction targeting Xue Jia and had secretly protected him, expecting Xue Jia to seek justice from Lord Gu.
However, Xue Jia was discovered by City Guards and sought refuge in Yidian Pavilion, leading to the hostage situation. Recognizing Chen Yanyi's concern about the Qingzhou matter, Han Shiyi volunteered to investigate there on his behalf. Chen Yanyi, feigning unfamiliarity with Qingzhou, agreed to accompany her. During their journey to Qingzhou, Chen Yanyi grew visibly annoyed when Han Shiyi mentioned Wang Zhongyu (referred to as Wang Er). Upon arrival, Qingzhou appeared prosperous, showing no visible signs of the two-year drought.
Locals were reluctant to discuss the disaster relief efforts due to fear of officials. Han Shiyi suggested consulting beggars for information. They found a young beggar, treated him to a meal, and Chen Yanyi offered him silver. The beggar disclosed that Prefect Xue Fuliang had sent all homeless people back to their villages, providing them with food and seeds from Qingzhou's own reserves, as the imperial court had not provided aid.
He described Xue Fuliang as a good official who saved many from starvation. The beggar didn't know the cause of Xue Fuliang's death but mentioned a doctor named Lin Rang (whom he called Lin Baozi) who shared Xue Fuliang's cell. Seeking more information, Han Shiyi insisted they visit a brothel, despite Chen Yanyi's reluctance. They occupied a VIP table that was regularly reserved by Pan Bao, the Chiliarch's son.
Pan Bao, accompanied by numerous bodyguards, tried to instigate a fight, but Chen Yanyi easily overpowered them all. Soon after, Chiliarch Pan Zhanpeng arrived with soldiers. Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi pretended to be merchants from Jiangnan and agreed to be taken into custody. Back at the Chiliarch's residence, Pan Zhanpeng, having heard the details from his adviser and worried about the impending investigation into Xue Fuliang's case, reprimanded his son and ordered him to be confined.
He suspected Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi were not simple merchants. He decided that the immediate priority was to eliminate the village officials who had supported Xue Fuliang to prevent them from testifying, before the Ministry of Justice officials arrived. In their prison cell, Han Shiyi was startled by a rat and instinctively embraced Chen Yanyi. He calmly shooed the rat away. They then agreed on a plan for Han Shiyi to feign illness to summon Lin Rang.
When Lin Rang arrived, he quickly realized Han Shiyi was feigning illness. Playing along, he prescribed "boy's urine" to clear "evil toxins," which immediately prompted Han Shiyi to declare herself cured. Han Shiyi then produced Xue Jia's token as proof that she was Xue Fuliang's son. Trusting her, Lin Rang revealed that Xue Fuliang had indeed been tortured but his injuries were not fatal.
One night, unfamiliar yamen runners took him away, and shortly after, news spread that he had died of illness. Lin Rang explained that most of the prisoners were village officials who had intended to testify for Xue Fuliang but refused to sign false confessions accusing him of embezzling military grain. He also mentioned that Xue Fuliang had entrusted him with an item, which he could only retrieve once they were outside the prison.
Later, Pan Bao, ignoring his father's orders, stormed into the prison to confront Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi. Chen Yanyi's intimidating presence caused Pan Bao to faint. Seizing the opportunity, Chen Yanyi released all the prisoners, including the village officials. As they fought their way out of the prison, they were met by Pan Zhanpeng and his forces, with archers positioned on the high walls.
Pan Zhanpeng, acting under orders from Prime Minister Wang to eliminate Chen Yanyi, commanded his archers to fire. Chen Yanyi swiftly captured Pan Zhanpeng. Just then, Tang Qian, Vice Minister of Justice, arrived, taking Pan Zhanpeng into custody and praising Chen Yanyi for risking his life to protect the innocent. Over dinner, Lin Rang, without hesitation, revealed Han Shiyi's true identity as a woman.
Han Shiyi, flustered, tried to deny it, but Chen Yanyi calmly affirmed that she was indeed the Han family heir. He stated that his awareness of her secret was an invitation for her to serve Prince Qi. Though initially feeling cornered and believing this was mutual utilization by the "heartless" royal family, Lin Rang agreed to serve Prince Qi and then handed over Xue Fuliang's last possession: a blood letter.
The letter disclosed Xue Fuliang's discovery of a conspiracy between the Wei and Qiang people to invade the State of Chen. He had reported this critical information to the Second Prince, Chen Yanhao, who not only disregarded the warning but, to cover his own involvement in corruption, had Xue Fuliang imprisoned and killed. Han Shiyi was deeply affected by the letter, acknowledging Xue Fuliang's loyalty and courage even in death.
Han Shiyi explained that Xue Fuliang and her father had been close, which was why she had helped Xue Jia earlier, not wanting him to die unjustly. Chen Yanyi questioned her about how many other secrets she was keeping. Han Shiyi remained silent, still wary and suspecting that Chen Yanyi was trying to gather leverage against her. Chen Yanyi then announced that Tang Qian would oversee the Qingzhou investigation, and they would return to the capital the next day.
Alone, Chen Yanyi pondered how to convince Han Shiyi of his genuine affection, given that his feelings for her were already well-known throughout the capital. Meanwhile, Han Shiyi, also alone, expressed remorse to her deceased father for potentially entangling the Han family in political danger due to her forced alliance. She thanked Lin Rang for his care of Xue Fuliang and for preserving the blood letter.
Lin Rang, in turn, expressed his honor in serving a good official like Xue Fuliang and affirmed the Han family's long-standing reputation as loyal officials. He confessed his earlier misunderstanding, having thought Chen Yanyi was unaware of her gender and that there was a romantic connection between them, but now understood their actions were for the country's benefit. Chen Yanyi then called Han Shiyi over, pressing her further about her identity.
Han Shiyi maintained her cover, stating that Han Shiyi (her male persona) had died at age six. She reaffirmed her childhood acquaintance with Xue Jia through their families' interactions but insisted he did not know her true gender. She also confirmed her childhood engagement to Shen Chengjun was broken off after her "death."
Han Shiyi emphasized that she was destined to remain the Han family heir and commander of the Han Army, even if it meant a ceremonial marriage to a woman from a humble family and adopting a child, all to uphold her male persona and protect Chen Yanyi from any repercussions. Chen Yanyi, who already knew her secret, responded that he was glad she was a woman. He urged her to stop pretending, reiterating that his affection for her was widely known in the capital.
Episode 11 Recap
Han Shiyi, burdened by her responsibility to the Han Army, found herself unable to accept Chen Yanyi's affection, as her destiny was to live as the Han family's male heir. Chen Yanyi had expressed his joy upon learning she was a woman and openly admitted his feelings for her, which were widely known in the capital.
Han Shiyi, however, gently but firmly explained that as someone raised as a man, she had no interest in romance and felt unworthy of his love. She reiterated that she had truly come to see herself as a man and pleaded with him not to pressure her. Chen Yanyi was disheartened, feeling his affection only pushed her further away, and questioned if she truly did not love him.
Soon after, Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi began their journey back to the capital. Tang Qian had already dispatched the Pan family father and son for escort. Han Shiyi worried about Chen Yanyi potentially exposing her female identity and wondered if it was too late to mend their strained relationship, as Chen Yanyi had been cold towards her since her rejection. During their journey, they made a stop at a secluded house belonging to a Sun family.
For their safety, they had paid the owner to leave and ensured the area was secure. They also spread a cover story that Chen Yanyi possessed a large quantity of medicinal materials and was seeking affluent buyers under the guise of the Li family from Western Sichuan. Upon settling in, they discovered everything they needed except a cook.
Han Shiyi, in an attempt to please Chen Yanyi, eagerly offered to cook, but her culinary efforts quickly resulted in a kitchen fire. Chen Yanyi then took over and cooked a delicious meal that Han Shiyi, Xinting, and Lin Rang devoured with gusto. Han Shiyi playfully chided Xinting for eating like he was starved but admitted the food was excellent.
Chen Yanyi remarked that it depended on Han Shiyi's "performance" when she asked when they would have such good food again. After dinner, Chen Yanyi announced they would leave for the capital the next morning, as the Emperor had summoned him to train in the Six Ministries, specifically proposing the Ministry of Personnel. Chen Yanyi, however, expressed his desire to train in the Ministry of Works.
Their conversation veered towards the imperial family, with Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi discussing the Emperor's complex relationship with his sons, wanting them to be capable but not overly powerful, leading to a furtive existence for ambitious princes. Lin Rang noted that the current Emperor, having lived in fear himself as a prince, now showed apparent leniency towards his sons.
They also touched on Chen Yanhao's long tenure in the Six Ministries and Chen Yanyi's own dangerous training in the western territories, which the Emperor had supported. Chen Yanyi inquired if the northern and western garrisons had been warned about the Wei and Qiang’s planned invasion, expressing concern that the Emperor might withhold this information to weaken the military power of the Chu or Han families, thus suggesting that not notifying them might avoid arousing the Emperor's suspicion.
Han Shiyi teased Lin Rang for his boldness in discussing imperial matters. Lin Rang explained he was a lone doctor with no relatives to fear for. Chen Yanyi then revealed that Lin Rang had a master, who could be considered family. Lin Rang, surprised, asked why Chen Yanyi kept him by his side despite knowing his true identity.
Chen Yanyi explained that after sixty years, there were no longer "remnants of the previous dynasty" but only subjects of the State of Chen. He praised Lin Rang's master as an upright healer who saved lives, thus having no need to hide. Lin Rang expressed his gratitude, and Chen Yanyi assured him he was free to become a roving doctor if he wished, though Lin Rang said he hadn't decided.
Chen Yanyi then turned to Han Shiyi, jokingly asking if she hadn't often bargained with him. Han Shiyi, feigning humility, admitted Chen Yanyi was perceptive and that she likely amused him by hiding her true abilities. Chen Yanyi clarified he would never mock her, only worried she carried too many burdens. Han Shiyi acknowledged his concern.
Later that night, with only one room available, Lin Rang insisted Chen Yanyi and Han Shiyi share it, while he and Xinting would sleep outside. Both Chen Yanyi and Han Shiyi immediately protested, with Chen Yanyi claiming Han Shiyi snored and ground his teeth, and Han Shiyi agreeing that her sleep was "like a battle." Lin Rang, however, remained firm, stating Chen Yanyi's noble status prevented him from sleeping with commoners.
Han Shiyi realized Lin Rang, knowing she was a woman, was deliberately trying to force them together. Feeling awkward in the shared room, Han Shiyi decided to talk until Chen Yanyi fell asleep. She complimented his cooking, which he attributed to his solitary training days in the western military camp. She then expressed sympathy for his difficult childhood, suggesting a virtuous wife would bring him happiness, and offered to introduce him to suitable girls in the capital.
Chen Yanyi, however, described his ideal woman: someone with many flaws, rude, unreasonable, mischievous, petulant, and prone to lying. He pointed out Han Shiyi’s own lies: pretending she couldn't fight or write, and masquerading as a man. Han Shiyi feigned outrage, calling such a girl "detestable" and impossible to find, urging him to change his preferences. Chen Yanyi then admitted this "detestable girl" had brightened his world, and he feared never finding another like her.
He then leaned in and kissed her. Han Shiyi immediately pushed him away, asserting she had no feelings for him and that her initial reaction was merely surprise. Chen Yanyi countered that while her words might lie, her body spoke the truth. Han Shiyi then clarified her stance, stating she genuinely did not like him and asked him not to force her.
She then admitted that Han Yuanniang had died the day she became the Han family heir, and she would forever be Han Shiyi, with no intention of returning to her female identity. She implored Chen Yanyi to let go of his feelings. Chen Yanyi pressed, asking if she would care for him if not for her status. Han Shiyi firmly replied that there was "no if" and that she could only ever be Han Shiyi.
She questioned why, with so many good girls in the world, he stubbornly pursued her. Chen Yanyi declared he would rather remain unmarried than marry anyone other than her, hinting that he would never expose her. Angered by Chen Yanyi's persistence, Han Shiyi went to bed. Chen Yanyi, convinced she held feelings for him but was constrained by her responsibilities, privately vowed to help her restore her female identity once he ascended the throne.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Hong'er found Wang Zhongyu lost in thought, smiling. When he finally snapped out of it, he remarked that a few days without Han Shiyi felt like ages. Hong'er teased him, suggesting he was truly in love. Wang Zhongyu then acknowledged his feelings for the 'female heir,' Han Shiyi, were indeed real.
Upon returning to the capital, Chen Yanyi immediately reported to the Emperor that the Wei and Qiang people were colluding to attack the State of Chen, and the incriminating correspondence had been verified. He stressed the grave danger posed by the aggressive Wei combining with the Qiang for a two-front assault. Chen Yanyi also brought up Xue Fuliang's blood letter, detailing how it implicated Chen Yanhao in the loyal official's demise.
The Emperor, while defending Chen Yanhao by attributing the issue to using untrustworthy subordinates, promised to deliver justice for Xue Fuliang. Chen Yanyi pressed further, suggesting that Pan Zhanpeng, who was being escorted to the capital, could reveal the truth. Feeling cornered, the Emperor ordered Chen Yanyi to attend court alongside Chen Yanhao and to begin his training in the Ministry of Personnel.
Chen Yanyi, however, requested to train in the Ministry of Works, explaining its vital role in hydraulic engineering, agricultural improvements, and increasing grain output for the populace. Impressed by his concern for the people, the Emperor agreed and even provided Chen Yanyi with foreign crop seeds for cultivation. Later, Chen Yanyi encountered Empress Wang, who angrily admonished him for his lack of proper greetings.
Chen Yanyi retorted that she had never paid respects at his late mother’s tomb, implying she was no true empress to him. Empress Wang then complained to the Emperor, feigning illness as the reason for missing his mother's memorial services and expressing concern about potential misunderstandings between Chen Yanyi and Chen Yanhao. The Emperor, mindful of Chen Yanyi’s early loss, urged Empress Wang to be more understanding and directed her to focus on harem affairs.
Separately, Chen Yanhao confided in Wang Anli, frustrated that he was still outmatched by Chen Yanyi and now had to attend court with him. He expressed bitterness about Pan Zhanpeng’s accusations, which had angered the Emperor and led to a scolding, making him feel distant from his once-favored father.
Wang Anli counseled patience, reminding him that the Third and Seventh Princes posed no threat and that the throne would eventually be his once Chen Yanyi was removed, though the means to achieve this remained a question. Han Shiyi found herself in a gloomy mood after Chen Yanyi’s cousin, Chu Xiangyue, arrived in the capital. Her maid informed her that Chu Xiangyue was General Chu's adopted daughter and a potential candidate for Chen Yanyi's wife.
Chu Xiangyue, having elaborately prepared herself and applied "Charm Incense from the West Regions," went to meet Chen Yanyi. She expressed her happiness at finally seeing him after her arrival. Chen Yanyi, however, quickly inquired about her parents (his uncle and aunt), thanked her for bringing specialties from the western territory, but curtly dismissed her, saying he was busy and that servants should handle such matters in the future.
At the Imperial College, Chen Yanyi overheard Wang Zhongyu expressing how much he missed Han Shiyi. Wang Zhongyu then asked Han Shiyi if he had stayed with Chen Yanyi on their trip. Han Shiyi lied, saying it was impossible due to Chen Yanyi's noble status. Chen Yanyi, seemingly annoyed by her lie and the implication, put his arm around Han Shiyi and clarified that they "just slept together."
Han Shiyi, playing along, casually remarked that it was normal for men to share a room. Wang Zhongyu, however, grew suspicious, realizing Chen Yanyi likely knew Han Shiyi’s true identity and that his affections were for her, not for men. After class, Wang Zhongyu invited Han Shiyi to West Street that evening to see a magical show from the West Regions. Han Shiyi enthusiastically agreed, prompting Chen Yanyi to challenge her, asking about her earlier stated prior commitments.
Han Shiyi dismissed it as a minor issue she could resolve. Chen Yanyi was visibly displeased, calling her "improper" for being so intimate with another man as a woman. Han Shiyi retorted that since only he knew her true gender, she had to maintain her "playboy" facade for others, and suggested Chen Yanyi could join them if he was so worried about Wang Zhongyu discovering her secret. Chen Yanyi coldly refused, and Han Shiyi left.
Later that day, Chu Xiangyue brought Chen Yanyi some grapes, which Han Shiyi promptly snatched. Chen Yanyi then sent Chu Xiangyue away. Chu Xiangyue, observing their playful interaction, recalled rumors of Chen Yanyi's close relationship with Han Shiyi and angrily labeled Han Shiyi "detestable" for pestering her cousin. That evening, Han Shiyi and Wang Zhongyu arrived at West Street to watch the variety show. Chen Yanyi, accompanied by Chu Xiangyue, also appeared. Chen Yanyi sat next to Han Shiyi.
As he watched Han Shiyi and Wang Zhongyu chatting happily, he grew increasingly frustrated, silently drinking alcohol. Chu Xiangyue, frightened by the magic performance, clung to Chen Yanyi, who dismissed the acts as mere tricks and vowed to uncover their secrets.
Episode 12 Recap
During a street performance, an assassin disguised as a fire-breather launched hidden weapons. Chen Yanyi and Wang Zhongyu swiftly moved to block the attack. As they pursued the fleeing assailant, Han Shiyi picked up one of the darts and recognized it as identical to those used by the assassin who attacked her during her tree-climbing incident.
Realizing the assassin was deliberately luring Chen Yanyi into a trap, Han Shiyi instructed Jiye to ensure Chu Xiangyue's safety and then rushed to assist Chen Yanyi. In their pursuit, Wang Zhongyu managed to tear off the assassin's human skin mask, revealing him to be from the Central Plains.
The chase led them into a forest where, during a struggle, the assassin briefly held Wang Zhongyu by the neck but then released him, muttering that he couldn't kill the Prime Minister's son. Chen Yanyi observed this, making him suspicious of the assassin's true allegiances. The assassin then drew two swords, and multiple figures emerged from behind him, all armed with dual blades. They surrounded Chen Yanyi, trapping him in an Eight Diagrams formation.
Han Shiyi, recognizing the formation, quickly guided Chen Yanyi on how to break it, pointing out the loophole in the Zhen position and instructing him on the correct movements. The lead assassin then diverted his attention to attack Han Shiyi. She noticed a distinct birthmark on his hand, identical to the one on her younger brother's killer. Caught off guard by this realization, Han Shiyi was protected by Wang Zhongyu, who fended off the attack.
Chen Yanyi then identified the assailants as members of the Weiyuan Sect. During the skirmish, one of Chen Yanyi's guards, Xinting, was struck by a poisoned dart. Han Shiyi immediately administered an antidote, which, as Chen Yanyi later confirmed, stabilized his condition, ensuring he was out of danger.
Han Shiyi then revealed to Chen Yanyi that the assassin leader with the birthmark was indeed the murderer of her younger brother years ago, a memory she could never forget, and that this same assassin had chased her and her sibling in the past. Chen Yanyi then stated that this assassin, Peng Kun, was currently serving Prime Minister Wang Anli.
Chen Yanyi thanked Han Shiyi for her timely intervention, though she modestly insisted he could have managed alone, praising his martial arts skills despite his demanding military duties. Chen Yanyi vowed to avenge her, but Han Shiyi declined his help, stating she didn't want to implicate him and would seek revenge herself. She expressed her sorrow that the loyal Han Army, which had always defended the borders and protected the people, had become a target in the imperial power struggles.
Chen Yanyi promised to seek justice for her family, but Han Shiyi, recalling how history often sacrifices the justice of a few for the many, remained unconvinced. Chen Yanyi suggested Han Shiyi rest in the Warm Pavilion of the Western Chamber in Mingyuan Hall. Han Shiyi protested, reminding him it was traditionally reserved for his future wife and proposing a different room. Chen Yanyi, however, insisted.
When Han Shiyi brought up his previous decision to keep her two maids, Jinzi and Yinzi, out of the mansion, Chen Yanyi cited their failure to protect her from an earlier assassin attack and stated he had arranged for Ru Yi, a trusted maid left by his late mother, to care for Han Shiyi instead. Chen Yanyi then urged her to drop her act.
Han Shiyi confessed that after ten years of impersonating Han Shiyi, acting had become her second nature, blurring the lines between performance and reality. She added that she was content being the Han Heir and wanted to live happily. Chen Yanyi then assured her she would find happiness in the future.
Meanwhile, Wang Zhongyu confronted his father, Prime Minister Wang Anli, who lamented that Wang Zhongyu had ruined their plan to eliminate Chen Yanyi, which was necessary for the Second Prince to have any chance of becoming Crown Prince. Wang Zhongyu defiantly told his father that if he wanted Chen Yanyi dead, he should do it himself, but he would not permit any harm to come to Han Shiyi.
He asserted that the Han family was neutral and Han Shiyi should not be a casualty in their power struggle. Prime Minister Wang accused Han Shiyi of manipulating his son, also revealing that Wang Zhongyu had previously obstructed his efforts to contact Qingzhou. Wang Zhongyu retorted that Han Shiyi would never be interested in the son of an "evil minister."
He then threatened to kill Peng Kun himself if the assassin dared to lay a hand on Han Shiyi again, even daring his father to order Peng Kun to kill him first. Later, Chen Yanyi cautioned Han Shiyi about Wang Zhongyu, stating that Wang Zhongyu had feigned injury that day, allowing the skilled assassin to escape.
He further revealed that Wang Zhongyu's martial arts originated from the Weiyuan Sect, suggesting a deep connection and warning Han Shiyi not to protect him. Han Shiyi defended Wang Zhongyu, arguing that he seemed genuinely uninterested in partisan conflicts and his pursuit of the assassin didn't appear to be an act. She also doubted Prime Minister Wang would trust his unpredictable son with such critical matters.
Chen Yanyi then hinted that Wang Zhongyu's words at the performance might have resonated with her. Han Shiyi, exasperated, asked Chen Yanyi to treat her as the Han family's heir and not as a woman, emphatically stating that she would never revert to her female identity in this life. At the Imperial College, students gossiped about Han Shiyi, calling her a "vamp" for supposedly seducing both the Fifth Prince and now Wang Zhongyu.
Gu Wan even made vile comparisons, asking whether the Duke's heir or a male courtesan from a brothel smelled better. Shen Chengjun, angered by the insults, struck Gu Wan. When Wang Zhongyu arrived, he verbally defended Han Shiyi, telling Gu Wan to think before speaking. Gu Wan questioned if Wang Zhongyu, too, had been "mesmerized." Han Shiyi, growing frustrated, told Gu Wan to shut up, and Shen Chengjun advised her to ignore such people.
During class, Wang Zhongyu continued to provoke Han Shiyi, who responded by throwing a book at him. Dr. Xia, their teacher, scolded them for "flirting in broad daylight" and expelled Han Shiyi from the classroom. As Han Shiyi stood outside as punishment, Chen Yanyi, who had just arrived and was unaware of the situation, offered her his handkerchief to wipe her sweat. Dr. Xia emerged, chastising Han Shiyi again for not being still.
Once inside, Chen Yanyi inquired about Han Shiyi's punishment. Wang Zhongyu, in a teasing manner, divulged the details, hinting at "little secrets" between himself and Han Shiyi. Chen Yanyi surmised that Wang Zhongyu must have discovered Han Shiyi's true identity and developed feelings for her, realizing that a prince falling for a female heir was a love doomed to be empty. He then announced to Dr. Xia that he, too, was late and voluntarily joined Han Shiyi in punishment.
Outside, Han Shiyi asked if his action was intentional. Chen Yanyi confirmed it, expressing mock annoyance that she didn't appreciate his company, and playfully accused her of flirting with another man. Han Shiyi retorted that his words might lead others to believe she was "his man," to which Chen Yanyi simply asked, "Aren't you my man?" Frustrated, Han Shiyi told him she couldn't communicate with him and asked him to leave.
Meanwhile, in the Prime Minister's Mansion, Wang Xiyuan overheard her father discussing how Chu Xiangyue was likely to become the Fifth Prince's consort. Her father explained that while they couldn't stop the marriage, they could ensure the person Chu Xiangyue wished to marry, implicitly Chen Yanyi, "disappeared." He hoped this news would deter Wang Xiyuan from pursuing the Fifth Prince and avoid future heartache for her.
At Prince Qi's Mansion, two palace ladies, who had been assigned to Chen Yanyi by the Emperor and Empress, complained to Chu Xiangyue. They had been dismissed by Chen Yanyi simply for offending Han Shiyi and expressed frustration that Han Shiyi was occupying the Mingyuan Hall's Western Chamber, a place designated for the future Princess Consort.
They alleged that Chen Yanyi, known for his preference for men, was intimately involved with Han Shiyi, even openly flirting in public, implying Han Shiyi was merely Chen Yanyi's "bedmate" rather than his companion. Chu Xiangyue attempted to reassure them that Chen Yanyi wasn't a womanizer and that Han Shiyi was merely a close confidant, but the ladies insisted on the strong connection between Chen Yanyi and Han Shiyi.
Shortly after, Wang Xiyuan arrived at Prince Qi's Mansion, ostensibly to visit Chu Xiangyue. Han Shiyi, passing by, overheard their conversation. Wang Xiyuan immediately launched into a tirade, questioning Chu Xiangyue's familiar address of Chen Yanyi as "Cousin," given their distant relation.
She chastised Chu Xiangyue for living in a male household without proper female chaperones, implying her "wild" upbringing in the western territory made her ignorant of capital etiquette, and also insulted her for being an orphan from a branch family. Chu Xiangyue retorted, defending her family's honor and her close bond with Chen Yanyi, despite being an orphan from a branch family, asserting that her family rules were taught by the Duchess of Zhenguo.
Han Shiyi observed the escalating argument, noting Wang Xiyuan's sharp tongue and realizing her reputation as a "tigress" was well-deserved. The argument turned physical, with Wang Xiyuan slapping Chu Xiangyue. When Wang Xiyuan then saw Han Shiyi, she called both of them "vamps," labeling Han Shiyi as "sissy" and "seductive." Han Shiyi tried to de-escalate the situation and offered to escort Wang Xiyuan out, but Wang Xiyuan refused, threatening to "trample on you vamps."
Chu Xiangyue then ordered her servants to seize Wang Xiyuan. Han Shiyi, initially amused by the spectacle, intervened when Chu Xiangyue instructed her servants to dislocate Wang Xiyuan's arm, warning that such an act would only bring trouble to Chen Yanyi. At that moment, Chen Yanyi appeared. Seeing him, Chu Xiangyue immediately burst into tears, feigning victimhood and blaming Wang Xiyuan for hitting her and making trouble. Han Shiyi, bewildered by the sudden change in Chu Xiangyue's demeanor, watched as Chen Yanyi approached.
Episode 13 Recap
Chu Xiangyue and Wang Xiyuan were in a heated argument. Wang Xiyuan accused Chu Xiangyue of trying to gain influence through Chen Yanyi. During their pursuit, Chu Xiangyue slipped, and Han Shiyi caught her. Despite Wang Xiyuan having hit her, Chu Xiangyue, feigning weakness, ordered her maid to dislocate Wang Xiyuan's arm. Han Shiyi intervened to stop the maid, after which Chu Xiangyue pretended to be pitiful and burst into tears.
Just then, Chen Yanyi appeared and asked Han Shiyi for her opinion. Han Shiyi, unwilling to offend anyone, claimed she had only just arrived and was unaware of the conflict's origins. Wang Xiyuan then publicly accused Chu Xiangyue of ordering her servants to dislocate her arm. Seeing her arguments failing, Chu Xiangyue feigned a swoon, collapsing onto Chen Yanyi's shoulder. Han Shiyi summoned Lin Rang to treat Wang Xiyuan's dislocated shoulder.
Lin Rang offered Wang Xiyuan a bowl of medicine, explaining it was "for her heat." Realizing it wasn't a painkiller, Wang Xiyuan hesitantly pinched her nose and drank it. While she was distracted, Lin Rang quickly reset her shoulder, eliciting a loud scream from Wang Xiyuan. Shortly after, a servant came, asking Lin Rang to tend to Chu Xiangyue. Han Shiyi playfully remarked that most people she had seen faint were either beaten unconscious or pregnant.
Lin Rang, with a seemingly serious expression, declared he would then prescribe a medicine to protect Chu Xiangyue’s baby. Afterward, Han Shiyi explained to Chen Yanyi that she had helped Wang Xiyuan not out of sympathy, but to avoid antagonizing the Prime Minister and Empress. She also noted Chu Xiangyue's deceptive nature, contrasting it with Wang Xiyuan's straightforwardness.
The Second Prince, still hopeful, questioned Wang Zhongyu's disinterest in court affairs, but Wang Zhongyu reiterated his desire for a carefree life focused on mountains and rivers. Both the Second Prince and Wang Zhongyu then went to Prince Chen Yanyi's mansion to apologize for Wang Xiyuan's behavior. Chen Yanyi made them wait for half an hour before leisurely appearing.
Citing the Defender Duke's wife's trust in him to care for Chu Xiangyue, Chen Yanyi bluntly instructed Wang Zhongyu to take his sister, Wang Xiyuan, to apologize to Chu Xiangyue. The Second Prince interjected, suggesting that minor family disputes should be settled amicably, but Chen Yanyi used the authority of the Defender Duke's wife to override him. As Chen Yanyi stood firm on his decision, Chu Xiangyue, who had been waiting outside, entered the room.
She pretended to be magnanimous, claiming she could forgive Wang Xiyuan. Chen Yanyi, seeing through her act, stated that since she had her own ideas, he would no longer interfere in her matters. Realizing her mistake, Chu Xiangyue hastily said she would listen to her cousin, but Chen Yanyi remained indifferent. Having grown up with Chen Yanyi, Chu Xiangyue knew him well.
She noticed the unusual tenderness in his gaze towards Han Shiyi and immediately regarded Han Shiyi as her greatest rival. Chen Yanyi assigned Jiye to protect Han Shiyi, but the playful Han Shiyi quickly managed to ditch him. Han Shiyi then visited a noodle stall owned by an elderly woman whose three sons had died serving in the Han Army, offering comfort and support on behalf of the army.
Later, on the street, a woman suddenly accosted Han Shiyi, hugging her tightly and falsely screaming that Han Shiyi had molested her. The woman's accomplice, a local ruffian, and his gang quickly appeared. To escape, Han Shiyi offered them a large sum of money. While the gang hesitated and discussed the offer, Han Shiyi attempted to flee by scaling a wall but was caught in a net and pulled back down.
Having just squandered her money, Han Shiyi had nothing to give. She then bluffed, claiming to be the Prime Minister's second son. However, the ruffians didn't believe her. As they prepared to attack, Han Shiyi desperately remembered the hairpin Chen Yanyi had given her, which contained hidden golden needles. She subtly activated the mechanism, causing one of the ruffians to be struck and injured. Han Shiyi then bluffed again, declaring herself a sorcerer hired by Childe Wang Er.
Enraged, the gang prepared for a full assault, but Wang Zhongyu arrived just in time, rescuing Han Shiyi from the predicament. Wang Zhongyu playfully called Han Shiyi "Sorcerer Han" and attempted to embrace her, but Han Shiyi, visibly reluctant, pushed him away. Moments later, Chen Yanyi arrived on horseback, pulled Han Shiyi into his arms, and she surprisingly did not resist. The woman who orchestrated the ambush was interrogated.
Initially tight-lipped, she eventually confessed under Chen Yanyi's threat of "annihilation of three generations." She admitted to being hired to publicly humiliate Han Shiyi by stripping and abandoning her in the street. She also revealed the employer's stated motive: Han Shiyi allegedly "seduced a young lady of the employer's family." She then gave the address of a house in the west of the city where she met the employer.
Following the lead, Chen Yanyi discovered that Chu Xiangyue was the true mastermind. She vehemently denied the accusations, even threatening to take her own life to prove her innocence. To prevent animosity between the Han and Chu families, Chen Yanyi chose not to reveal the truth to Han Shiyi. He secretly sent Chu Xiangyue back to the Defender Duke's Mansion that very night. Despite Chen Yanyi's efforts, Han Shiyi grew suspicious after learning of Chu Xiangyue’s sudden departure.
She confirmed her suspicions by questioning Xinting, one of Chen Yanyi's bodyguards, about the fate of the employer. Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi later shared a meal of street food, an indulgence Han Shiyi typically avoided in public for fear of drawing attention. Han Shiyi revealed her dream of one day opening a small restaurant called "Know about Food." During this time, Xinting approached Han Shiyi to intercede on Jiye's behalf.
Jiye had been punished with fifty military flogs and reassigned to the western territory for losing track of Han Shiyi. Han Shiyi agreed to help, acknowledging that she had deliberately shaken him off. Han Shiyi then received a letter from Wang Zhongyu, warning her to "be wary of the Chu family." She reflected on her mother's wisdom that enemies and friends are never fixed.
After confirming from Xinting that Chen Yanyi had indeed covered up Chu Xiangyue’s involvement to avoid conflict with the Chu family, Han Shiyi vowed that Chu Xiangyue would pay for her actions. Meanwhile, in the Defender Duke’s Mansion, Chu Xiangyue, bitter about being sent away, continued to plot against Han Shiyi, whom she viewed as a "male fox spirit" enchanting Chen Yanyi.
The Emperor issued a decree for the Imperial College students to actively practice riding and shooting, scheduling the first competition at the suburban hunting ground three days later. Han Shiyi understood this was a test for the Second Prince and Fifth Prince, who were still nominally students. For the competition, Han Shiyi was present with Chen Yanyi, Zhou Xuezhang, and Shen Chengjun during the hunt. Despite the serious nature of the hunt, Han Shiyi brought cooking utensils, intending to enjoy fresh game cooked on the spot.
Episode 14 Recap
Han Shiyi, Chen Yanyi, Zhou Xuezhang, and Shen Chengjun were on a hunting trip in the mountains when Han Shiyi noticed an unusual quietness, as if all the animals had disappeared. Soon after, they were ambushed by assassins. Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi worked together to fight them off, but then a group of soldiers appeared, which Chen Yanyi immediately deduced were allied with the assassins, as the Imperial Guards would not have arrived so quickly.
The group retreated to a mountain peak, only to find themselves cornered at a cliff. Chen Yanyi revealed there was a mine below and suggested they jump down to escape. Han Shiyi, despite the others' hesitation, bravely jumped first, then assisted Zhou Xuezhang and Shen Chengjun to safety. Once inside, Chen Yanyi strategically blocked the mine entrance with fallen rocks to deter their pursuers, knowing it would buy them valuable time.
They decided to take refuge in a nearby cave for the night and continue their journey to the Gongwei Army barracks located twenty li to the north at dawn. During their rest, Han Shiyi expressed her frustration, blaming Chen Yanyi for being the target of the relentless chase, while Shen Chengjun defended him, highlighting Chen Yanyi's good intentions.
Chen Yanyi explained the gravity of their situation, stating that if they returned alive, the Emperor would surely investigate the Palace Guards, suspecting Prime Minister Wang for the ambush. This would lead to Prime Minister Wang losing years of trust and all his deployed men. Chen Yanyi confessed his own fear but admitted he found comfort in potentially facing death with Han Shiyi, a sentiment she quickly brushed off.
He took the opportunity to clarify that sending Chu Xiangyue away was not to protect her, but to spare the Defender Duke and his wife from distress. He emphasized that Chu Xiangyue, as a mere relative of the Chu family, could not compare to Han Shiyi in his heart. He teased Han Shiyi about being jealous, a claim she vehemently denied, even as Chen Yanyi insisted she harbored feelings for him without realizing it.
Chen Yanyi then let Han Shiyi sleep on his shoulder as he stood guard. Meanwhile, in the capital, the Emperor was enraged upon learning of Chen Yanyi's disappearance. He summoned the Commander of the Palace Guards, scolded him severely, and ordered him to find his son immediately. Commander Ge Yun attempted to deflect blame onto Bai Zhensheng, the Right Commander. In the cave, Zhou Xuezhang and Shen Chengjun discreetly observed Chen Yanyi and Han Shiyi's intimate moment.
They quickly retreated, pretending to be asleep when Han Shiyi tried to explain the situation, which Chen Yanyi found amusing as it confirmed his belief that Han Shiyi had feelings for him. The anxious Chen Yanyi, unable to sleep, went to the ancestral temple to await news beside Empress Yuan's tablet. The anxious Emperor also later went to Empress Yuan's portrait to await news.
Han Shiyi, dreaming of marrying Chen Yanyi, woke up startled to find herself lying on his lap, realizing she had spoken his name in her sleep. She quickly moved away. Later, Zhou Xuezhang and Shen Chengjun speculated about Chen Yanyi's unusual affection for Han Shiyi. Upon returning to the camp the next day, Chen Yanyi instructed the others to eat while he departed.
Han Shiyi, visibly worried, was again teased by Shen Chengjun and Zhou Xuezhang about her concern for Chen Yanyi. On his journey back, Chen Yanyi led troops to confront Peng Kun and the pursuing soldiers. During the battle, he was struck by a poisonous dart. Han Shiyi arrived to find him gravely wounded and desperately sought a cure. Chen Yanyi, feigning his last moments, asked Han Shiyi if she held any feelings for him.
Overcome with emotion, she confessed that since their night at the farmhouse, she had developed unique feelings for him and admitted to being jealous of Chu Xiangyue. She lamented that their differing identities made a relationship impossible. Chen Yanyi then asked if she would be with him if their identities were not an obstacle, to which she nodded.
Han Shiyi then sensed something amiss, prompting Chen Yanyi to reveal that he had already taken the antidote and had feigned severe poisoning to elicit her true feelings. He embraced her, vowing that he would marry no one but her. In court, the Second Prince attempted to implicate the Wei or Qiang people in the assassination to distance himself from the incident, but his premature conclusion was promptly refuted by Marquis Jin, making him seem all the more suspicious.
The Emperor, having received news of Chen Yanyi's safe return and rescue by Qi Tai's Gongwei Army, commended Qi Tai. He ordered a joint trial involving the Censorate, the Imperial Court of Justice, and the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate the assassins. Commander Ge Yun resigned from his post, which the Emperor accepted.
To avoid further suspicion and prevent Chen Yanyi's faction from consolidating power, especially over the Palace Guards, the Second Prince feigned illness, confining himself to his residence. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wang, confident in Peng Kun's silence due to threats against his family, was unconcerned about his arrest.
However, Chen Yanyi, utilizing a fabricated confession from Peng Kun which implicated many of Prime Minister Wang's associates, instructed the Ministry of Justice to apprehend them, including Cheng Mingsi, thus avenging his younger brother. Back in her room, Han Shiyi, now dressed in female attire, recalled her father's solemn warning about the perilous nature of her true identity as a female and the vital need to protect the Han Army.
She resolved that if she were to have feelings for Chen Yanyi, it would only drag down the Han Army, thus she must find a way to distance herself from Chen Yanyi to ensure his safety and the integrity of her family's legacy.
Episode 15 Recap
Wang Zhongyu sought out Han Shiyi after hearing about the assassins at the hunting ground and questioned her about spending a night in a cave with the Fifth Prince. Han Shiyi assured him nothing unusual happened, stating she was with Shen Chengjun and Mr. Zhou the entire time. Later, Wang Zhongyu invited Han Shiyi to a play, a final chapter of "The Heiress" that he had written.
The play depicted a prince who, after ascending the throne, abandoned the female lord who had helped him, enjoying prosperity alone. Wang Zhongyu suggested an alternative ending where the female lord could choose to be with someone who truly loved her, living a free and happy life together. When Han Shiyi expressed annoyance at his probing questions, Wang Zhongyu confessed that he had long known she was a woman.
He explained that he discovered her secret after she fell into the water during the inauguration ceremony, noticing her unusual physique, and then sneaking into her mansion that night to investigate, even admitting to setting the fire as a diversion. Mistaking his intentions for blackmail to align her with the Wang family, Han Shiyi was met with Wang Zhongyu's declaration of love.
He revealed that he initially observed her for his script but gradually understood her pain and loneliness from her decade-long disguise as Han Shiyi, and that's when his feelings for her grew. He acknowledged her affection for Chen Yanyi but believed their relationship wouldn't end well, offering to abandon everything and elope with her to escape the capital's conflicts. Han Shiyi sharply dismissed his confession, advising him to seek medical help and attempting to leave.
Wang Zhongyu followed, pressing her about her relationship with Chen Yanyi since their return from the hunt. Remembering her father's strict warning never to expose her identity, Han Shiyi feigned consideration for Wang Zhongyu's offer. She asked if he would truly forsake his status as the Wang family's second son and all his wealth and fame to wander the world with her.
When he readily agreed, she told him she needed time to think and clarified that there was nothing special between her and Chen Yanyi. Chen Yanyi, who had been watching them speak closely, approached and asserted his unique connection with Han Shiyi. However, Han Shiyi pushed his hand away, insisting he had misunderstood.
She claimed she had never had feelings for him, that he had forcefully bound them together, and that her previous affectionate words were merely comfort spoken when she believed he was gravely injured and wouldn't survive. She then repeated her intention to travel the world with Wang Zhongyu. A visibly hurt Chen Yanyi stated he could offer everything Wang Zhongyu could. When Han Shiyi challenged him to give up everything for her, Chen Yanyi fell silent.
As Chen Yanyi walked away, Wang Zhongyu, despite being used by Han Shiyi, acknowledged her manipulation but expressed no anger. He was pleased that she had turned to him and vowed to remain her friend and a shield. News spread that Peng Kun and Cheng Mingsi had confessed everything, with their testimony reaching the palace.
Prime Minister Wang was informed that his network of contacts across the capital and provinces was exposed, and the Ministry of Justice, Imperial Court of Justice, and Censorate were unusually united against him, no longer engaging in their usual rivalries. Realizing he was facing ruin, he ordered Peng Kun's assassination to prevent a full interrogation. Peng Kun was murdered, a move that Chen Yanyi and his allies had anticipated, catching Prime Minister Wang in a trap.
The Emperor was furious that such an outrageous act occurred in the capital and ordered a thorough investigation, threatening severe punishment for any involved officials. A minister then reported a new crisis: the Hujiatan dyke in Dongping Prefecture had burst, devastating Licheng, Zhangqiu, Qidong, and Zouping. Homes were completely destroyed, fields submerged, and people and livestock swept away, leaving survivors without food or shelter. The Emperor sought solutions from his ministers.
While some proposed opening granaries or deploying troops, the Second Prince, Chen Yanhao, suggested the traditional method of distributing relief funds to each prefecture and county. Chen Yanyi, however, proposed sending officials directly to the disaster areas to oversee relief efforts and personally experience the suffering of the people. The Emperor agreed with Chen Yanyi's approach and dispatched both princes to supervise the disaster relief. Students from the Imperial College, including Lin Rang, volunteered to accompany Chen Yanyi.
Chen Yanhao chose Zhangzhou, a less severely affected area, leaving the more devastated Licheng for Chen Yanyi. Han Shiyi recognized this as another test for the Crown Prince selection, where Chen Yanhao had gained an early advantage. Motivated partly by a desire to repay Chen Yanyi for avenging her brother, Han Shiyi decided to go to Licheng, bringing Lin Rang along to address potential epidemics.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wang, concerned about the Second Prince's (Chen Yanhao) potential for errors during the crisis, instructed Wang Zhongyu to closely monitor him, intending to ensure Wang Zhongyu supported the Second Prince for the Wang family's survival. Wang Zhongyu asked for a shadow guard token, but his father instead provided a secret order with a peculiar seal, avoiding handing over the token.
Upon arriving in Licheng, Chen Yanyi, Han Shiyi, and their companions witnessed the dire suffering of the flood victims. At a meeting, Chen Yanyi assigned tasks: Lu Long would investigate the dam's damage with canal officials; Han Shiyi would establish soup kitchens and distribute congee twice daily; and Zhou Xuezhang and Shen Chengjun would organize soldiers and survivors to rescue trapped villagers by boat, meticulously searching every village.
Lu Long soon reported that the dam's failure was due to long-standing structural issues, not recent negligence. Chen Yanyi ordered him to ensure the repairs were thorough to prevent future incidents. Despite the danger, Chen Yanyi set up his temporary headquarters near the river dyke to stay informed about the situation. Chen Yanyi was informed that the Licheng granary was completely empty.
Chen Yanyi immediately sent people to the Ministry of Revenue for supplies, while Lin Rang grew anxious over the diminishing supply of medicine. The mission to the Ministry of Revenue returned empty-handed. Yu Chengxiang, the Minister of Revenue and a loyal follower of Prime Minister Wang, had refused to release supplies, citing insufficient stock. Chen Yanyi's group realized this was a deliberate tactic to undermine their relief efforts and bolster the Second Prince's image.
Incited by paid provocateurs, the desperate populace began to cause unrest due to lack of food. Chen Yanyi resolved to use his own household's resources, ordering all his personal grains and supplies transported to Licheng. Han Shiyi and Shen Chengjun followed suit, arranging for their families to contribute their reserves. In Zhangzhou, the Second Prince and Wang Zhongyu, upon hearing of Chen Yanyi's efforts, plotted further. Wang Zhongyu predicted Chen Yanyi's private supplies would last only a few days.
They planned to ensure the Ministry of Revenue continued to withhold aid, hoping starvation would lead to widespread riots, which they could then exploit to discredit Chen Yanyi before the Emperor. Aware that their private provisions would only last five days, Han Shiyi proposed an innovative solution: solicit donations from wealthy merchants.
In exchange for money and grain, the government would issue plaques inscribed by officials, with the rank of the inscribing official corresponding to the donation amount, potentially even Chen Yanyi himself for the largest contributions. Chen Yanyi embraced this idea, recognizing that merchants, despite their wealth, craved social status, which such plaques would bestow. He deemed the potential accusation of "official-merchant collusion" acceptable, prioritizing the lives of the starving citizens over political maneuvering.
Initially, many imperial officials, fearing Prime Minister Wang and Empress Wang, were reluctant to inscribe plaques. Han Shiyi and Shen Chengjun personally visited key nobles, many of whom secretly supported Chen Yanyi. Their persuasive efforts secured the commitment of these elder nobles, ensuring their official descendants would participate. Students from the Imperial College, including Liao Jichang and Gu Wan, also arrived in Licheng to assist with various tasks.
A merchant named Zhang Fu'an, from Liaocheng, seventy li north of Licheng, approached Han Shiyi. He explained that his ancestors had been saved by the Han family, and his family had long revered the Han Army. He humbly requested a plaque inscribed by Lord Han for his household. Han Shiyi readily agreed, offering to even copy a book if he donated generously. Noticing leftover ink, she decided to inscribe several extra plaques in advance for future requests.
Chen Yanyi, observing her, also inscribed a plaque with the words "A Family of Loyalty" and presented it to Han Shiyi, deeply moving her. As the sun set, Chen Yanyi watched a sleeping Han Shiyi, reflecting on his decision to set aside his active pursuit of her and content himself with silently supporting her. He reaffirmed his private vow that he would marry no one else if not for Han Shiyi.
Episode 16 Recap
Under Han Shiyi’s guidance, various wealthy merchants have been actively donating money and provisions to aid the suffering disaster victims. Merchants from Sichuan, in particular, responded enthusiastically, influenced by Li Jinxuan. However, not a single leading merchant from the Jiangnan region came forward. Han Shiyi realized this was because Prime Minister Wang originated from Jiangnan, and these merchants feared offending him.
As Jiangnan is a fertile region with many wealthy merchants holding substantial grain reserves, their non-participation or, worse, their collective effort to inflate grain prices, would severely hamper disaster relief efforts. Initially, many officials were reluctant to provide inscriptions to merchants, deeming it beneath their station. However, after Han Shiyi personally escorted them to visit the refugee camps and witness the dire circumstances, they eagerly lined up to offer their calligraphies, acknowledging the greater good.
Wang Xiyuan, disguised as her cousin Wang Xilin, arrived, claiming to be a wealthy merchant and requesting Chen Yanyi’s inscription. Han Shiyi, recognizing her, saw this as an opportunity to address the Jiangnan merchants’ reluctance. He explained that Chen Yanyi’s inscription was not easily given, reserved only for those with a "special identity" who could "play a leading role." He subtly suggested that a leading figure from the Jiangnan merchant community would be an exception.
Wang Xiyuan, pretending to be Wang Xilin, the eldest son of the prominent Wang family in Jiangnan, expressed her admiration for Chen Yanyi. Chen Yanyi, aware of her disguise, played along and inscribed "Blessing for future generations" for her, though he also issued a subtle warning to remember this and not bring misfortune upon her family.
Afterward, Han Shiyi explained to Chen Yanyi that with a member of the influential Wang family seemingly taking the lead, other Jiangnan merchants would surely follow suit and donate. Soon after, Wang Xiyuan was accosted by several thugs who, seeing through her disguise, attempted to assault her. Han Shiyi intervened swiftly, his men subduing the assailants, who were revealed not to be genuine refugees but individuals paid by other counties to stir up trouble.
Han Shiyi, noting the obvious culprit behind this scheme, arranged for the thugs to be sent to the capital for punishment. He then sent Wang Xiyuan, who was shaken but unharmed, back to her family mansion under escort, despite her wish to stay and help. With Wang Xiyuan's (fake) example, the Jiangnan merchants promptly began donating, even being the first to transport their relief supplies to the disaster area.
With the new provisions, Han Shiyi, Chen Yanyi, and their team finally enjoyed a full meal of rice after subsisting on thin congee for days. However, a message soon arrived summoning Chen Yanyi back to the capital. He informed Han Shiyi that the Ministry of Rites had lodged an impeachment, accusing them of coercing imperial officials to curry favor with merchants, thereby undermining the authority of the imperial court.
Han Shiyi insisted on accompanying him to confront the "jerks" in court. During the imperial audience, Chen Yanyi reported on the stable situation in Licheng, noting the flood had receded, dams were being repaired, and no one had starved to death since the initial disaster. When the Ministry of Rites accused him of dishonoring the state by involving officials with common merchants, Chen Yanyi retorted that the survival of the populace was paramount, far outweighing the dignity of officials.
Han Shiyi further challenged the Minister, stating that "When food is sufficient, people will then know etiquette. If people all starve to death, then what's the point of the rules?" He then boldly asked if the Minister had ever experienced hunger. Wang Zhongyu stepped in, revealing that while he had never starved before, he had endured several days of hunger with the Licheng refugees due to the Ministry of Revenue's delayed supplies, sarcastically inviting the Minister to experience it himself.
The Emperor, angered by the Ministry of Revenue official's weak excuses regarding the delayed relief (claiming supplies were sent to "more severely hit" areas but failing to name any place worse than Licheng), sided with Chen Yanyi. Other officials who had participated in the inscription drive also spoke in Chen Yanyi's defense, highlighting his selfless efforts. The Emperor declared Chen Yanyi's disaster relief efforts meritorious and deserving of reward, while ordering a thorough investigation into the Ministry of Revenue’s inefficiency.
After the court session, Chen Yanyi noted Prime Minister Wang's absence from court, explaining that he had secretly gone to Zhangzhou to support the Second Prince. Chen Yanyi then expressed his genuine admiration for Han Shiyi’s sharp wit, admitting his affection for him. Back in Licheng, Lin Rang warned Chen Yanyi that a major disaster was often followed by a major epidemic.
While Licheng had implemented preventive measures like boiling herbs and burying bodies, other regions, such as Zhangzhou, under the Second Prince's governance, had taken no such steps. Chen Yanyi, prioritizing the welfare of the people over political rivalries, decided to send a warning to the Second Prince regarding epidemic prevention. Han Shiyi volunteered to go in person, believing that only his direct involvement would ensure the message was taken seriously.
Chen Yanyi, concerned for his safety, reminded him to be careful, assuring him of his unwavering support. Meanwhile, Wang Zhongyu had confined Wang Xiyuan for recklessly disrupting Prime Minister Wang’s meticulously laid plans by using her cousin's name to rally Jiangnan merchants.
Wang Xiyuan defended her actions, revealing that Han Shiyi had saved her life and that her perception of him had completely changed; she now saw his heroic side, contrary to her previous disdain for his perceived delicate and seductive nature. As they spoke, a servant interrupted, announcing Han Shiyi's arrival in Zhangzhou to advise on epidemic prevention and that both Prime Minister Wang and the Second Prince requested Wang Zhongyu's presence.
The Second Prince hosted a lavish banquet for Han Shiyi and Wang Zhongyu. Han Shiyi, feigning a ravenous appetite, ate heartily while making light of the frugal meals in Licheng. He subtly tried to convey the urgency of epidemic prevention, emphasizing that disease "does not discriminate by status" and urging them, as "royal members," not to be careless. The Second Prince, however, dismissively referred Han Shiyi to Wang Zhongyu for detailed discussions.
Han Shiyi then confronted Wang Zhongyu, angrily pointing out the shortcomings of Zhangzhou's relief efforts—such as uncollected corpses and the higher death toll despite receiving imperial funds—and chastised him for his perfunctory attitude. He handed over the limited anti-epidemic herbs he brought, instructing Wang Zhongyu to procure more and ensure they were decocted for the refugees.
Later, a report reached the Second Prince and Prime Minister Wang that an epidemic had indeed broken out in Sweet-water Village, with over a dozen villagers already ill. The Second Prince panicked, fearing the Emperor’s retribution. Prime Minister Wang calmly assured him that a drastic measure was required: "Block the village, and burn it down" to prevent further spread. The Second Prince hesitated, worried about the Emperor's known benevolence toward his people.
Prime Minister Wang, however, argued that the Emperor would ultimately cover up such an act if it successfully contained the epidemic, to avoid public outrage. He then ordered his men to intercept Wang Zhongyu, who was on his way to Sweet-water Village with medicine, and to "get rid of" Han Shiyi there to eliminate future complications, dismissing any concerns about the Han family’s reaction as a matter of fate and blameable on the Fifth Prince.
In Sweet-water Village, Han Shiyi comforted the villagers, including a young girl named Tianniu whose parents had been lost in the flood and whose brother was now gravely ill. He promised medicine and food would arrive by evening and urged them to gather dry straw for insulation. However, as Wang Zhongyu approached the village entrance with the urgently needed medicine, he found it surrounded by soldiers.
Upon realizing they intended to seal off the village, he tried to force his way through but was knocked unconscious and carried away by the soldiers, unable to warn Han Shiyi. Inside the village, villagers frantically reported the blockade. Han Shiyi confronted the soldiers, identifying himself and demanding to speak to their superior, but they confiscated his token, declared him an imposter, and reiterated orders to kill anyone attempting to leave or enter.
Trapped with the villagers, Han Shiyi realized the horrifying truth: they intended to burn the entire village to contain the plague. Convinced that the Emperor, known for his compassion, would never condone such an atrocity, Han Shiyi resolved to stop them.
Episode 17 Recap
Wang Zhongyu was confined by Prime Minister Wang, who called his son a disobedient brat for neglecting family duties and sabotaging his plans. Prime Minister Wang ordered Wang Zhongyu to stay and reflect, announcing that he and his younger sister would return to the capital tomorrow. Wang Zhongyu defiantly declared that if Han Shiyi died, he would not live alone.
Prime Minister Wang, enraged, wondered what spell Han Shiyi had cast on him and instructed his guards to watch Wang Zhongyu closely. The sealed-off village suffered from a lack of food and medicine, with bodies constantly being removed. Wang Xiyuan arrived to bring food to Wang Zhongyu. Wang Zhongyu, desperate to save Han Shiyi, pleaded with his sister to inform Chen Yanyi that Han Shiyi was in danger in the epidemic area, no matter the cost.
Wang Xiyuan agreed to help. Prime Minister Wang had deliberately allowed Wang Xiyuan to leave, knowing she would alert Chen Yanyi, thereby luring him into the infected village for elimination. He explained his strategy to Second Prince Chen Yanhao, stating that Chen Yanyi, despite his shrewdness, would be swayed by "love," referencing the widespread rumors in the capital about Chen Yanyi and Han Shiyi's relationship.
Prime Minister Wang reassured Chen Yanhao that once Chen Yanyi was dead, the Emperor would have no choice but to name Chen Yanhao as his heir, given the Seventh Prince's frailty and the Third Prince's lack of talent. Chen Yanhao consented to the plan. Chen Yanyi's subordinates urged him not to venture into the dangerous area, emphasizing that his safety was crucial for the future of the state.
However, Chen Yanyi declared that he had already made one mistake by allowing Han Shiyi to enter that perilous place and would not make another. He ordered Lord Lu to oversee Licheng in his absence. Wang Xiyuan was subsequently sent back to Zhangzhou. Meanwhile, Han Shiyi discovered the cause of the disease in the village.
A little girl named Tianniu, who had been following Han Shiyi, revealed that people, driven by hunger, had been pulling dead pigs and rabbits from the river and cooking them. She noted that her brother fell ill after eating them, but she, repulsed by the stench, had not. Han Shiyi observed that most of the sick were men, with few women afflicted.
Han Shiyi confirmed with a woman that her husband had eaten the rotten meat, while she had not due to the smell. Han Shiyi instructed her to warn all villagers to stop consuming the dead animal meat, identifying it as the source of their illness. Wang Zhongyu attempted to stop an elderly man from retrieving more corpses, explaining the danger, but the man countered that not eating would also lead to starvation.
Han Shiyi intervened, reassuring the villagers that help and food would arrive soon, promising to find a way to save them. Han Shiyi realized she was merely bait in a trap set for Chen Yanyi. She feared he would fall for it. To ensure a message reached Chen Yanyi, Han Shiyi carried the little girl Tianniu to the mountaintop, and after the girl reached safety, Han Shiyi, exhausted, fell from the cliff.
A little girl, Tianniu, later found Chen Yanyi and presented him with a hairpin, relaying Han Shiyi's urgent message: "Don't enter the village. They are waiting for you to enter the village, so they can burn the village. If you don't enter the village, Han Shiyi won't die." When Chen Yanyi asked how she got out, Tianniu explained that Han Shiyi had carried her to the mountaintop and given her the hairpin, asking her to seek out Prince Qi.
Despite the warning, Chen Yanyi, along with Jiye and other subordinates, intercepted government goods and disguised themselves as officials to enter the village. Jiye tried to go in his stead, but Chen Yanyi insisted on entering himself, emphasizing his commitment. Inside the village, Wang Zhongyu, weakened by hunger and injuries, hallucinated Chen Yanyi's presence. When Chen Yanyi, in his disguise, finally appeared before a delirious Han Shiyi, she initially believed it to be another dream.
Han Shiyi murmured about always dreaming of him and fearing her impending death. Then, she confessed, "I really miss you," and "I love you." Believing her end was near, she whispered to Chen Yanyi, "If there is a next life, I will definitely be with you." Chen Yanyi vowed that she would not die, reminding her of their promise to spend their lives together and urging her to keep her word.
Lin Rang's face was grim as he took Han Shiyi's pulse. Chen Yanyi, frantic, shook Han Shiyi and then knelt, pleading with Lin Rang to save her. Lin Rang finally revealed that Han Shiyi was merely unconscious from starvation. Enraged by the misdiagnosis and false alarm, Chen Yanyi kicked Lin Rang, who retorted that he was not an imperial doctor and threatened to abandon them.
Chen Yanyi stayed by Han Shiyi's side for two sleepless nights, promising never to leave her again. When Han Shiyi finally awoke, she noticed Chen Yanyi's unkempt beard and commented that he looked ugly. Jiye informed her that Chen Yanyi had not slept for two days and nights watching over her. Han Shiyi immediately asked Chen Yanyi to prevent Second Prince Chen Yanhao from burning the village.
Chen Yanyi explained that the villagers had bowel disease, not a plague, and that Lin Rang had already distributed medicine, leading to an improvement in their condition. He clarified that the disease stemmed from eating rotten animal carcasses from the river. Chen Yanyi assured her that rice gruel was now being provided.
When Han Shiyi asked about Chen Yanhao's explanation, Chen Yanyi reported that the Second Prince denied any intention of burning the village, claiming the lockdown was solely to control the epidemic. Though she had just recovered, Han Shiyi, still terrified of hunger, asked for chicken, duck, fish, and meat, but Chen Yanyi insisted she stick to bland rice gruel for her recovery. She devoured the simple meal ravenously.
Chen Yanyi entrusted Jiye with protecting Han Shiyi while he returned to the capital. Han Shiyi voiced her concern that the Emperor might have already tacitly approved Chen Yanhao's plan to burn the village. Chen Yanyi, however, assured her that the Emperor valued his reputation and would not allow Chen Yanhao to bear the responsibility if the incident became public.
In the capital, the Emperor was discussing Chen Yanhao's secret report, which he had suppressed, hoping Chen Yanhao understood his priority of controlling the epidemic. Chen Yanyi arrived and revealed that he had rushed back after learning Chen Yanhao planned to burn the village under false imperial pretenses, which would tarnish the reputation of the people, the court, and the Emperor. The Emperor initially dismissed it, defending Chen Yanhao's actions as a desperate measure.
However, Chen Yanyi disclosed that the villagers were suffering from a non-contagious bowel disease caused by eating rotten animal corpses, not a plague, and that the source had been identified. Realizing Chen Yanhao's reckless plan without proper investigation, the Emperor was furious and ashamed, calling Chen Yanhao a "disobedient son." Despite his anger, Chen Yanyi advised the Emperor to suppress the matter to protect the state's reputation, suggesting they deal with Chen Yanhao upon his return.
The Emperor agreed, acknowledging Chen Yanyi's wisdom and asking him to share more of the imperial burdens. Back at the Imperial College, the professor asked the students to share their experiences from the disaster area. Han Shiyi reflected on her past arrogance, stating that she now truly understood the profound meaning of "I grieve over people's lives beset with hardships."
Liao Jichang spoke of losing weight and feeling guilty about his privileged life, pledging to contribute more to the welfare of the people. Wang Zhongyu mused on the romanticized notions of rural life versus the harsh realities faced by the common people. The professor expressed satisfaction that these "children of rich families" had gained a deeper understanding of the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Under the table, Chen Yanyi subtly reached for Han Shiyi's hand, which she took, while Wang Zhongyu watched in silence. Later, Han Shiyi mentioned her impending marriage to Qin Wanning. Chen Yanyi, visibly affected, asked about his own fate. Han Shiyi confessed that being with Chen Yanyi had given her a new understanding of love and happiness, making her regret the engagement. However, she felt helpless to revoke her word.
Episode 18 Recap
Han Shiyi arranged for Tianniu and her brother, whom she met in the disaster area, to be brought back to the capital and cared for. Tianniu's brother had recovered and was staying at Shen's Mansion, and Han Shiyi planned to send Tianniu there to be with him. She also intended for Qin Wanning to look after the children once their marriage was complete, believing Qin Wanning to be a kind and trustworthy lady.
Meanwhile, rumors spread through the capital about Han Shiyi and Chen Yanyi's brave actions in saving the villagers of Sweetwater Village, with storytellers painting them as legends. Concerned that his growing reputation might make the Emperor uneasy, Han Shiyi decided he needed to create some "trouble" to re-establish his image as a frivolous playboy and put the Emperor's mind at ease. Around this time, he received a letter from Wang Xiyuan.
Han Shiyi met Wang Xiyuan at Li's Glorious Pavilion, in a private room that Wang Xiyuan noted was the same one where Han Shiyi had previously drunk with her brother, Wang Zhongyu. Wang Xiyuan confessed that she regretted rejecting her father's previous proposal to marry Han Shiyi, admitting she was "blind to a true hero." Han Shiyi tried to deflect her advances by mentioning his imminent marriage to Qin Wanning and the possibility of having a child soon.
However, Wang Xiyuan dismissed this, suggesting he was only marrying Qin Wanning out of a desire to protect her reputation, not true affection, and praised his kind nature. When Han Shiyi attempted to leave, Wang Xiyuan insisted he finish three cups of wine. After Han Shiyi seemingly complied and then collapsed, she revealed to herself that she had cleverly added rice wine to his drink, confident that she could now "make it a done deal."
Her plan was interrupted by the timely arrival of Wang Zhongyu, who quickly ordered a sobering drink for Han Shiyi. Wang Zhongyu chided his sister for making Han Shiyi drink while he was still recovering from injury. Wang Xiyuan, however, defiantly declared her love for Han Shiyi and her intention to force the marriage, revealing she learned such tactics from Wang Zhongyu's own novels.
Upon waking, Han Shiyi told Wang Xiyuan that, since nothing truly happened, he would let the matter go, but due to his upcoming marriage, he could no longer associate with her. Wang Zhongyu then escorted a reluctant Wang Xiyuan away. Han Shiyi privately mused that Wang Xiyuan's reaction indicated she was still unaware of the full scope of his true identity and other secrets.
Han Shiyi proceeded with his wedding preparations, instructing his staff to spare no expense and make the event sensationally extravagant. He learned that the eldest son of the powerful Li family, Li Chengxuan, would also be marrying on the same day. Determined not to be outshone, Han Shiyi resolved to make his wedding the grandest in the capital. He reiterated that his lavish spending was solely to maintain his image as a frivolous noble, thus reassuring the ailing Emperor.
While selecting wedding attire, Han Shiyi was drawn to a bride's gown. After excusing the tailor, he secretly tried it on, admiring himself in the mirror. Just then, Chen Yanyi entered, having been told Han Shiyi was in the room. Chen Yanyi was captivated, remarking, "Shiyi, you look stunning in that dress." When Han Shiyi moved to change, Chen Yanyi stopped him, then tenderly kissed him, promising, "You're going to look even more stunning on our wedding day."
Han Shiyi expressed doubt about their future together, but Chen Yanyi reassured him that he would protect Han Shiyi and the Han family, and that Han Shiyi would eventually reclaim her true identity and become his queen. On the wedding day, as Han Shiyi's procession was en route to collect the bride, they encountered Li Chengxuan's wedding convoy. Han Shiyi magnanimously allowed Li Chengxuan's procession to pass first, despite the risk of missing his own auspicious time.
During this interlude, assassins attacked, knocking Han Shiyi from his horse. Han Shiyi quickly observed that the attackers were merely firing weapons without revealing themselves, an unusual and inefficient tactic, leading him to conclude they were not Prime Minister Wang's men. Lord Qi and the Imperial Guards swiftly arrived, restoring order, and Han Shiyi was urged to quickly resume his journey to avoid delays.
After the wedding ceremony, Han Shiyi, feigning a need to entertain his "best friends and classmates," left the nuptial chamber to join the banquet. Though seemingly drinking heavily, he discreetly revealed to Chen Yanyi that the wine was merely sweetened water, ensuring he wouldn't get drunk. He explained this was all part of his act to solidify his "infamous playboy" image.
Han Shiyi then sent word to the bridal chamber that he was drunk and would be resting in his study. In the nuptial chamber, the bride, upon hearing this, angrily tore off her veil, revealing herself not to be Qin Wanning, but Wang Xiyuan. Han Shiyi was called back and angrily confronted Wang Xiyuan. She confessed to having orchestrated a bride swap by bribing Qin family servants, intending for Bai Yueru to be the bride in Han Shiyi's sedan chair.
However, she denied any involvement with the assassins. Han Shiyi realized the assassins' attack must have created the chaos necessary for the sedan chair bearers to inadvertently mix up the two families' sedan chairs. This meant Qin Wanning had been mistakenly taken to the Li family's mansion. News then arrived that Qin Wanning, discovering herself in Li Chengxuan's nuptial chamber, had attempted suicide by hitting her head and was in critical condition.
Han Shiyi, enraged, lashed out at Wang Xiyuan, who defended herself by saying Qin Wanning did not have to resort to suicide. Han Shiyi deduced that the assassins' true purpose was to create confusion and swap Qin Wanning with Bai Yueru, who was intended to be brought to his mansion, during the ensuing chaos. He wondered who was behind such a complex scheme, noting the Bai family's prominence and their existing engagement to the Li family.
Chen Yanyi then met with Han Shiyi in his study and confessed that he had indeed orchestrated both the assassin attack and the planned bride swap. He explained his actions were to protect Han Shiyi's secret identity, as he worried Qin Wanning might eventually discover it. He had arranged for Bai Yueru to be the bride because her father was his loyal ally, ensuring Han Shiyi's secret would be safe.
He also confirmed that Bai Yueru herself was unaware of Han Shiyi's true identity, having been instructed to avoid Han Shiyi. Han Shiyi was upset about not being consulted, to which Chen Yanyi apologized, promising to discuss all future decisions with her. Han Shiyi then informed Chen Yanyi that the actual bride was Wang Xiyuan and that Qin Wanning had attempted suicide.
Chen Yanyi was surprised by Qin Wanning's suicidal act, believing that Li Chengxuan, the eldest son of Sichuan's wealthiest family and a man of excellent character, would have made a good husband for her. Han Shiyi realized that the Li family was also part of Chen Yanyi's network. While Han Shiyi remained skeptical of Chen Yanyi's overconfidence, she conceded that marrying Li Chengxuan was preferable to her own complicated situation.
Chen Yanyi suggested simply tying up Wang Xiyuan and sending her home, but Han Shiyi hesitated, attributing Wang Xiyuan's stubborn affection to his "handsome appearance and amazing charm." News soon arrived that Qin Wanning had been saved, but remained suicidal and refused to take medicine. Feeling responsible, Han Shiyi wanted to visit her, but Wang Xiyuan, still in the Han mansion, threatened to kill herself if Han Shiyi left, reiterating her claim as his official wife.
Han Shiyi, realizing a direct visit would further harm Qin Wanning's reputation and hinder her relationship with Li Chengxuan, decided against it. Instead, he summoned Qin Wanning's servant, Zi'er, and agreed to send her back to care for her mistress. Han Shiyi also arranged for generous gifts of aged ginseng and other precious medicinal herbs to be sent to the Li family for Qin Wanning.
He then instructed Zi'er to deliver a message to Qin Wanning: that since she had married Li Chengxuan, she was now part of the Li family and should accept her fate. He implored her not to take her own life, adding an encouraging message that a woman's happiness should not solely depend on men.
He cited the Li family's own history, where its glory was established a century ago by a formidable widow, Madame Li, who single-handedly built its prosperity, hoping Qin Wanning would embrace self-reliance and not see herself as merely an appendage to a man. To further protect her, Han Shiyi declared his intention to officially adopt Qin Wanning as his sworn younger sister, announcing it to the authorities.
This would establish her as a legitimate daughter of the Duke's Mansion, ensuring the Li family would treat her with due respect. Zi'er conveyed Han Shiyi's message, and Qin Wanning, though touched by his kindness and foresight, regretted their missed opportunity for marriage.
Despite Wang Xiyuan's persistent refusal to leave the Han mansion, her father, Prime Minister Wang, arrived with his retainers and forcefully demanded her return, threatening to report Han Shiyi to the Emperor if she was not handed over. Han Shiyi quickly denied any formal ties to Wang Xiyuan and urged Prime Minister Wang to take her back, offering to overlook her previous transgressions.
Despite her defiant protests and claims of being Han's wife, Wang Xiyuan was bound and dragged away by her father's men, who threatened to disown her. As she was led away, she defiantly promised Han Shiyi that she would return. Afterward, Chen Yanyi reassured Han Shiyi that Qin Wanning and Li Chengxuan would eventually develop a bond, much like their own, and reiterated his promise that Han Shiyi would one day be his queen.
However, their conversation was cut short by an urgent military report from the northern territory: the State of Wei was invading, and the Yi people in the western territory had simultaneously risen in rebellion, indicating a large-scale, long-planned conspiracy. Han Shiyi was ordered to return to the northern territory immediately to provide support and secure the borders.
Episode 19 Recap
Urgent reports flooded into the capital, revealing a dual invasion: the State of Wei and the Xiyi people were simultaneously attacking the borders of the State of Chen. An official expressed concern that these attacks were coordinated and long-planned, urging the Emperor to dispatch troops and supplies immediately.
In response, the Emperor appointed Chen Yanyi as the Great General guarding the west, granting him the commander's tally and authority to mobilize forces from Sichuan and Shaanxi Provinces to quickly defeat the Xiyi people and then provide support to the northern territory. Simultaneously, Duke Han, guarding the northern territory, dispatched an urgent message to his daughter, Han Shiyi, to return and assist him.
As Han Shiyi prepared to depart for the northern territory, Wang Zhongyu came to bid her farewell. He expressed concern for her safety on the battlefield, reminding her of her resilient nature, and promised to treat her to a drink upon her safe return, to which she agreed. Soon after, Chen Yanyi met with Han Shiyi. He showed her a small bracelet she had made for him in childhood, reassuring her that despite the distance separating them, their connection remained.
He asked her to call him Yanyi and vowed that after achieving military success in the west, he would petition the Emperor to restore her identity as a woman and make her his lawful wife. Han Shiyi, deeply moved, promised to wait for his return, and they both pledged to come back safely. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wang approached the Second Prince, Chen Yanhao, suggesting that the current crisis presented an opportunity for them.
Chen Yanhao, weary of the political struggles and recently chastised by the Emperor, expressed a desire to withdraw from contention and live as an idle prince. However, Prime Minister Wang asserted that Chen Yanyi, known for his ruthless and resolute character, would never spare them, especially given the unresolved matter of his mother's death and the potential fate of the Empress.
Realizing he had no alternative, Chen Yanhao resigned himself to continued struggle, with Prime Minister Wang promising to handle all the necessary arrangements. Elsewhere, Zhou Xuezhang asked Shen Chengjun to join him on the battlefield to assist Han Shiyi.
Shen Chengjun, however, revealed his plans to head to the western territory to train under the Fifth Prince (Chen Yanyi), explaining that his family's ties to the Han family made his presence in the northern territory politically risky due to the Emperor's suspicions. He agreed to take Zhou Xuezhang with him if his mother permitted. Upon her return to the northern territory, Han Shiyi met with her father, Duke Han, to discuss the war.
Duke Han detailed the Wei army's formidable strength, estimating over 200,000 soldiers, split to attack both Xia Pass and Langya Gateway. He cautioned against underestimating Tuoba Xun, the Wei commander, who was well-versed in Chen military tactics and had replaced his uncle, Tuoba Yuan, after previous defeats. Tuoba Xun’s leadership had transformed the Wei forces into a relentless "tiger and wolf" army, inflicting heavy casualties on the Han Army.
Han Shiyi, recalling Chen Yanyi's insights, expressed confidence, stating that Tuoba Xun, as a fellow disciple of the Xuanji Sect, shared a similar strategic mind with Chen Yanyi, whose thinking she understood well. She also mentioned having learned about the Copper and Horse Formations from Chen Yanyi, believing she could counter them.
Duke Han then laid out their strategy: Li Quan would lead the vanguard, feigning defeat and retreating through the West Valley, while Han Shiyi would intercept the retreating Wei forces at Mao'er Mountain. After twelve engagements, Han Shiyi noted that the Wei army had suffered surprisingly few losses, leading her to suspect they were deliberately conserving strength and waiting for a specific moment to strike.
Duke Han discussed the imperial inspector sent by the Emperor, acknowledging his influence but also recalling Chen Yanyi’s prior warning against him. He knew the Emperor, while relying on the Han Army, also harbored deep suspicions and used the inspector as an "eye and ear." Duke Han gave Han Shiyi discretion to deal with any individual who threatened the military efforts, assuring her he would take responsibility should the Emperor question her actions.
Han Shiyi, seeing her father's graying hair, lamented her inability to fully shoulder his burdens. Duke Han affectionately told her he was proud of her, comparing her intelligence to her mother's and her stubbornness to his own. In the western territory, Chen Yanyi’s advisors pointed out that the Xiyi people, though fully engaged, lacked the might of the Wei forces and primarily served to distract Chen's western army, buying time for the Wei.
They suggested Chen Yanyi capitalize on this to consolidate his prestige. However, Chen Yanyi firmly rejected this, prioritizing national security over personal glory. He recalled that Xiyi generals and Chen Yanyi were old acquaintances, and he had a way to persuade the Xiyi to retreat. He declared his intention to swiftly defeat the Xiyi and then reinforce the northern territory, emphasizing the critical situation there.
While he trusted Duke Han's competence, he warned against Tuoba Xun, his cunning fellow disciple from the Xuanji Sect, who had meticulously planned his rise to power for a decade. Chen Yanyi also voiced concern that the imperial court, fearing the Han Army's growing influence, might send officials to impede their efforts.
His plan was to quickly neutralize the main Xiyi threat, and then entrusting the remaining mop-up operations to his subordinates, he would head north, hoping the Emperor would eventually allow him to intervene in the greater national interest. Tragedy soon struck the northern front. Reports reached the Emperor that after a month-long stalemate, the Han Army had suffered three consecutive defeats in seven days, losing over 30,000 soldiers.
The Langya Gateway had fallen, its defenders annihilated, and Tuoba Xun’s army now encircled Xia Pass. The Han Army was in dire peril. Duke Han quickly uncovered the cause of the disaster: the imperial inspector had been a spy, who, under the guise of his official duties, stole the army's deployment maps and secretly delivered them to the Wei.
With irrefutable evidence, Duke Han ordered the immediate execution of the traitor, rallying his remaining generals to fight to the last for the State of Chen. With the Han Army cut off from support and encircled, the only hope lay in reinforcements from an external force to launch a pincer attack. Believing imperial reinforcements would arrive too late, Duke Han revealed the existence of a nearby garrison in Lintangzhou, commanded by Jin Shangwu.
However, his generals were skeptical, pointing out that Duke Han lacked the authority to command these troops, and Jin Shangwu might refuse to act without direct imperial orders, fearing severe punishment for any misstep. Despite the risks, Duke Han trusted Jin Shangwu and entrusted Han Shiyi with a letter pleading for aid, impressing upon her that the fate of the remaining 60,000 Han Army soldiers and the common people of Chen rested on her shoulders.
Han Shiyi, accepting the heavy responsibility, pledged to fulfill her mission. Han Shiyi, accompanied by her loyal attendant Jinzi and a general, broke through the Wei encirclement under the cover of night, fighting their way to Lintangzhou. Upon arrival, Han Shiyi desperately pleaded with Jin Shangwu to open the city gates and dispatch troops.
However, Jin Shangwu, citing his duty to protect Lintangzhou and his lack of an imperial transfer order, repeatedly refused, offering empty excuses and advising Han Shiyi to return to the northern territory. He even refused to let Han Shiyi and her companions enter the city to rest, fearing a surprise Wei attack. Han Shiyi's companion then handed her a backup letter from Duke Han.
This letter, written in anticipation of Jin Shangwu's refusal, ordered Han Shiyi to proceed directly to the capital to inform the Emperor of the true situation and the traitor's crimes, explicitly forbidding her return to the northern territory. Overwhelmed by grief and a fierce sense of loyalty, Han Shiyi refused to abandon her father and the Han Army, declaring she could not live if they were wiped out.
Jinzi, equally determined, insisted on accompanying her to the battlefield, reminding Han Shiyi of their promise to protect her and her own identity as a member of the Han Army. Han Shiyi initially agreed but then, to protect Jinzi from certain death, knocked her unconscious, instructing her to stay alive. While Han Shiyi was away, the battle raged on in Xia Pass. Yinzi, one of Han Shiyi's trusted female bodyguards, bravely fell during the defense of Duke Han.
Severely wounded and outnumbered, Duke Han fought valiantly until his last breath, ultimately sacrificing himself for the state. Han Shiyi rushed back to find the battlefield littered with the bodies of Han Army soldiers. She was met with the devastating news of her father's martyrdom. Grief-stricken, she swore vengeance against Tuoba Xun and refused to retreat. As she fought, Tuoba Xun appeared, offering her mercy if she surrendered.
Han Shiyi, fueled by rage, shot him from his horse with an arrow. Though surprised, Tuoba Xun immediately ordered his men to capture her alive. Having received news of the northern territory's collapse, Chen Yanyi, in the western territory, immediately ordered his troops to march north to reinforce the Han Army, leaving the western front in the charge of General Chu. Han Shiyi, now alone and gravely wounded, continued to fight against overwhelming odds, rising repeatedly even after falling.
Tuoba Xun, attempting to break her spirit, revealed that the mastermind behind the betrayal did not wish her dead but sought to prevent the Han Army from monopolizing the northern territory after his ascension. He implied Chen Yanyi was this mastermind, but Han Shiyi vehemently refused to believe him. Cornered and facing capture, Han Shiyi defiantly leaped from a cliff, choosing death over surrender or a life without honor.
Episode 20 Recap
News reached the imperial court that the Han Army had been annihilated, and their commander, General Han Jizhong, along with his son Han Shiyi, had died heroically. The Emperor, stricken with grief and anger, ordered the remaining forces in Tangzhou, Xia Pass, and Suzhou to hold their ground against the Wei army and commanded Prince Qi, Chen Yanyi, to return to the capital immediately to assume the role of State Governor. Following these decrees, the Emperor collapsed.
Chen Yanyi received an urgent report detailing the loss of Xia Pass and the demise of the Han Army, including Han Jizhong and Han Shiyi. He vehemently refused to believe it, recalling a past promise to Han Shiyi that once he achieved military merit, he would ask the Emperor to restore her true identity as a woman and make her his lawful wife. Driven by disbelief and concern, Chen Yanyi immediately ordered his troops to depart.
Meanwhile, at the Prime Minister's mansion, Wang Zhongyu also learned of the Han Army's destruction and Han Shiyi's supposed death. He prepared to leave to search for her, declaring that Han Shiyi was waiting for him and he must find her, dead or alive. His father, Prime Minister Wang, confronted him, acknowledging rumors of his affection for Han Shiyi.
The Prime Minister revealed that he had already arranged a marriage for Wang Zhongyu with Miss Su and ordered him to stay home. Wang Zhongyu defiantly refused, vowing to marry no one but Han Shiyi, prompting his father to have him confined. The Emperor, recuperating, expressed profound regret over his past actions. He confessed that his desire to reclaim military power from the Han family had led him to disperse their forces, which ultimately contributed to their overwhelming defeat.
He had a disturbing nightmare where he saw Chen Yanyi dying in battle and his late Empress, Zitong, reproaching him for failing to protect their son. Waking in distress, the Emperor questioned his own impartiality and care for Chen Yanyi. Back at the Prime Minister's mansion, Wang Zhongyu's mother worried about his whereabouts, as he had left a note indicating he was heading to the turbulent northern territory.
Prime Minister Wang furiously dispatched Zheng Wu to stop him at the city gate. However, Zheng Wu arrived too late; Wang Zhongyu had already slipped out. Outside the city, an associate provided Wang Zhongyu with a horse, money, and bank notes. Though the associate expressed doubt about Han Shiyi's survival, Wang Zhongyu clung to the belief that without a body, there was still hope.
The associate promised to gather support from the Imperial College students to help with the search while monitoring the political climate in the capital, where the Han Army was now being accused of delaying military operations. Chen Yanyi's strategists reported that while they had pushed back Tuoba Xun's forces at Qikou, the Wei army remained a formidable threat.
An urgent secret report then revealed that Tuoba Xun had divided his main forces and sent them to Lintang Pass, raising fears that An Prefecture and the capital could be endangered. Chen Yanyi proposed a bold strategy: assassinate Tuoba Xun, believing that his death would cause the fragmented Wei army to collapse. His generals strongly objected, citing the extreme danger and the impropriety of a commander risking himself.
They offered to go in his stead, but Chen Yanyi, confident in his abilities, stood firm on his decision, asking his subordinates to trust him. Before embarking, he entrusted a letter to a subordinate, instructing it to be delivered to the Emperor if he should fail. Chen Yanyi was then met by his master, who admonished him for attempting such a dangerous mission alone.
The master reminded him of the potential consequences, including the Second Prince possibly becoming Crown Prince, and insisted that for the good of the State of Chen, Chen Yanyi must not take such a risk. Chen Yanyi countered that only their combined strength could guarantee success in the assassination attempt, to which his master reluctantly agreed. Meanwhile, Han Shiyi awoke in Chen Village, having been rescued by a kind aunt after falling into a river.
She was injured and, to her dismay, realized she had lost all memory of her name, family, or destination. The aunt cared for her, but Han Shiyi soon decided to leave the village and search for her past in the city, taking the aunt's advice that her refined appearance suggested a noble background. Chen Yanyi and his master covertly infiltrated the Wei army camp. Chen Yanyi confronted Tuoba Xun, who had just dismissed his general for the night.
Chen Yanyi provocatively questioned Tuoba Xun about the Han Army's defeat and Han Shiyi's death. Tuoba Xun revealed that he had underestimated Han Shiyi, who, true to her identity as a Han Army general, chose to leap off a cliff rather than be captured. He expressed regret at his inability to save her. Chen Yanyi then slew Tuoba Xun. With their commander dead, the Wei army quickly lost morale and surrendered en masse.
Back in the capital, Chen Yanhao discussed Chen Yanyi's triumph with Prime Minister Wang, noting the Emperor's praise and implied intention to name Chen Yanyi as heir. Chen Yanhao nervously suggested assassinating Chen Yanyi to prevent his ascent, but Prime Minister Wang dismissed it, acknowledging Chen Yanyi's strength. Prime Minister Wang then informed his wife of his plan to revive Wang Zhongyu's old engagement to Miss Su.
He explained that Miss Su's family possessed an ancient medallion of pardon from the founding emperor, which he believed the current Emperor would honor due to his concern for his reputation. Securing this marriage, he reasoned, would ensure the Su family's fierce protection for Wang Zhongyu. Prime Minister Wang also mentioned Wang Xiyuan, who was inexplicably "crazy about Han Shiyi" and had vowed to remain a widow for him, despite never being formally engaged.
Wang Xiyuan, in her room, ordered all flowers and jewelry removed, declaring her intention to live in mourning. She expressed admiration for Qin Wanning, who, despite being married, was also openly mourning Han Shiyi, defying societal expectations. Qin Wanning, in her own mansion, was preparing offerings for Han Shiyi's 49th day of remembrance, acknowledging the gossip from her husband's family but declaring her unwavering devotion to Han Shiyi, her true intended, and her commitment to remaining his widow.
In the bustling city, Wang Zhongyu relentlessly searched for Han Shiyi, showing a portrait of her in male attire to uninterested passersby. Nearby, a hungry Han Shiyi heard an announcement from the Su family: they needed clever, martial arts-skilled servant girls for Miss Su's upcoming wedding, offering five taels a month, plus free food and accommodation. Enticed by the offer of sustenance and shelter, Han Shiyi applied.
When guards tried to block her, she swiftly subdued them, impressing the manager who immediately hired her. She joyfully confirmed the promise of free food and accommodation. Wang Zhongyu was eventually found by his family's guards and forcibly brought back to the Prime Minister's mansion. He immediately confronted his father, reiterating his absolute refusal to marry Miss Su and vowing to escape again if necessary.
His mother pleaded with him, but Wang Zhongyu firmly stated his heart belonged to another and he would not attend the wedding procession. Prime Minister Wang then revealed his desperate situation: the Emperor was dying, Chen Yanyi's ascension as Crown Prince was certain, and their family was in peril. He intended for Wang Zhongyu to take command of the family's Shadow Guard and marry Miss Su, hoping the medallion of pardon would protect him and preserve the Wang family lineage.
Wang Zhongyu, however, declared that lineage meant nothing to him and that he would rather die with his father, promising only to arrange for his mother and Xiyuan to be sent to Jiangnan. Prime Minister Wang insisted he at least maintain appearances to stabilize their precarious position and buy time.
At the Su Mansion, as Miss Su prepared to leave for her wedding, her mother renamed the amnesiac Han Shiyi to "Su Lan," emphasizing that a Su family maid needed a proper name. " Su Lan" pledged to protect the timid Miss Su from any bullying. Chen Yanyi returned to a jubilant capital, welcomed by celebrating crowds. However, he remained somber, dismissing cheerful news about his heroics.
He anxiously received reports from Imperial College students that while no body identifiable as Han Shiyi had been found downriver, he insisted on personally examining any future retrieved corpses, even if heavily decomposed, convinced that Han Shiyi was still alive and somehow unable to contact them. The Emperor, his health rapidly deteriorating, summoned Chen Yanyi. He spoke of the enthronement ceremony for Chen Yanyi, praising his leadership and entrusting him with the empire.
The Emperor then asked Chen Yanyi to grant his Second Brother, Chen Yanhao, permission to retire to his appanage, with the stipulation that he could not leave without imperial decree. He implored Chen Yanyi to promise to keep Chen Yanhao safe for life, to which Chen Yanyi agreed. The Emperor also spoke of Chen Yanyi's stepmother, the Empress, whom he had refused to see.
He advised Chen Yanyi, as a future emperor and role model, to treat her with respect as Empress Dowager to avoid public criticism, and asked for her life to be spared for at least another year. Chen Yanyi accepted this condition. In the wedding carriage as it approached the capital's suburbs, Han Shiyi felt a strange sense of familiarity. Her attendant playfully suggested she might be a lost princess or even the future Empress, a notion Han Shiyi dismissed.
Just then, as Chen Yanyi was informed that a woman's body was being recovered in Pu County, south of the capital, and he headed to investigate, Han Shiyi caught sight of him near the city gate. She stared intently, struggling to recall a memory that hovered just beyond her grasp.
Episode 21 Recap
The Su family awaited the groom in the bridal chamber, but Wang Zhongyu, the second young master, never appeared. Servants gossiped that he preferred men and was unwilling to marry the Su family daughter, having recently been distraught over the death of a young lad he had been searching for. Han Shiyi, now known as Su Lan, decided to intervene to persuade the groom.
Upon entering Wang Zhongyu's study, Han Shiyi was immediately embraced by a frantic Wang Zhongyu, who was overjoyed to see her alive. Confused and annoyed, Han Shiyi pushed him away, clarifying that she was a respectable dowry maid, not a concubine. When Wang Zhongyu continued to touch her, asking why she was dressed as a woman, she slapped him, accusing him of being insane and connecting it to his refusal to marry.
Wang Zhongyu, however, was delighted, exclaiming, "You are real!" He began to suspect she was Han Shiyi, disguised to conceal her identity. Han Shiyi insisted her name was Su Lan and her purpose was to bring him to his bride. Recognizing her amnesia, Wang Zhongyu agreed to meet the bride, hoping to confirm his suspicions. At the bridal chamber, Wang Zhongyu questioned the Su family daughter about Su Lan.
She explained that Su Lan was recently bought by her mother and suffered from a head injury, causing her to lose her memory, even her name. This confirmed Wang Zhongyu’s belief that Su Lan was indeed Han Shiyi. Satisfied, he asked Miss Su to transfer Su Lan to him, offering compensation. Miss Su readily agreed. Misunderstanding, Han Shiyi fled, believing Wang Zhongyu intended to take her as a concubine, while two maids looked on with disdain.
Wang Zhongyu quickly clarified he had no such intention. He then told her her real name and explained that he would gradually reveal her past, proposing they start anew. When Han Shiyi mentioned she was hungry, Wang Zhongyu promptly ordered a feast of her favorite dishes, surprising her with his knowledge. He also subtly instructed his subordinates to discreetly investigate anyone who had contacted Su Lan, especially those connected to the Fifth Prince.
Meanwhile, Chen Yanyi was formally crowned Crown Prince by the Emperor. Despite the grand celebrations, Chen Yanyi remained preoccupied with Han Shiyi's disappearance. He tasked his subordinates with an urgent mission to find her before the Emperor's men, who had issued a nationwide wanted poster for Han Shiyi, demanding she be found alive or dead. In the Prime Minister's mansion, Han Shiyi encountered Wang Xiyuan, dressed in white mourning clothes, who immediately recognized her as Lord Han Shiyi.
Wang Xiyuan expressed her relief that Han Shiyi was alive, believing she was disguised as a woman to evade pursuers. Han Shiyi, however, insisted she was Su Lan and a woman, bemused when Wang Xiyuan claimed to be mourning for her. When Wang Xiyuan attempted to verify Han Shiyi's gender, Han Shiyi resisted, deeming the mansion a perilous place. She swiftly scaled a wall and fled.
As wanted posters of Han Shiyi appeared throughout the capital, Han Shiyi's money was stolen while she was out. She chased the thief into an alley, where she encountered two men who noticed her resemblance to the person on the wanted poster and attempted to apprehend her for the reward. Han Shiyi quickly incapacitated them and retrieved her money. Although the men drew knives, they suddenly turned and ran, making Han Shiyi believe her martial prowess had intimidated them.
Moments later, a large contingent of soldiers appeared behind her, led by Chen Yanyi, who had rushed to the scene after hearing reports of her presence on the streets. Chen Yanyi embraced Han Shiyi, calling her by her true name. When she struggled to escape and even bit his hand, he refused to let go. Feigning unconsciousness, Han Shiyi hoped to avoid his persistent grasp.
Back at his own residence, Wang Zhongyu informed Wang Xiyuan that the person she had encountered was not Han Shiyi, but her twin sister, Han Yuanniang. Wang Xiyuan was astonished, having believed Han Yuanniang died in infancy. Wang Zhongyu explained that Han Yuanniang had been hidden among the populace and cautioned Wang Xiyuan against revealing this secret, as Han Yuanniang's identity was fraught with danger and could imperil their entire family.
He then informed Wang Xiyuan that she and their mother were to return to Jiangnan, leaving her to suspect that their family was on the verge of ruin. Wang Zhongyu reaffirmed his desire for Wang Xiyuan's safety above all else. Meanwhile, Chen Yanyi's subordinates reported that Han Shiyi had previously been living with Wang Zhongyu, hidden in his mansion. Enraged, Chen Yanyi ordered his troops to surround the Prime Minister's residence.
However, he was advised against such a rash move, as the Emperor's ill health and Chen Yanyi's new role as regent made it an inopportune time for a drastic action. Attacking the Prime Minister's family without irrefutable evidence could lead to severe political repercussions and further endanger Han Shiyi. Chen Yanyi conceded, agreeing to bide his time. Lin Rang, the physician, examined Han Shiyi. Chen Yanyi, overcome with emotion and fearing for her life, wept as he held her.
Lin Rang then revealed that Han Shiyi was merely asleep, bringing immense relief to Chen Yanyi. Lin Rang diagnosed Han Shiyi's amnesia as a result of a head injury and a blood clot in her brain, assuring Chen Yanyi that treatment would soon restore her memory. Lin Rang cautiously questioned Chen Yanyi's resolve to cure Han Shiyi, noting the widespread rumors implicating him in the northern territory incident to seize control of the Han Army and ascend to the throne.
He warned that recovering her memory might strain their relationship. Chen Yanyi, however, was unwavering, demanding that Lin Rang proceed with the cure. He pledged to personally investigate the northern territory matter, acknowledging that the current political climate made it impossible for the Emperor to overturn his previous judgment, thus making it an unfavorable time for the Han family to seek vindication. Han Shiyi, under guard, attempted to escape once more, discreetly evading two attendants.
She thought she had succeeded but was startled to find Chen Yanyi and his men behind her. In her shock, she stumbled and fell from a rockery, only to be caught by Chen Yanyi. He gently carried her back to her room, affirming that she was his lawfully wedded wife. Han Shiyi, still suffering from amnesia, demanded proof. Chen Yanyi pointed to the necklace she wore, claiming he had given it to her before they went to the front lines.
Although somewhat convinced, Han Shiyi insisted her memory loss rendered the necklace meaningless as proof. To further persuade her, Chen Yanyi revealed she had a cinnabar mole on her chest. This intimate detail stunned Han Shiyi, forcing her to seriously consider that she might indeed be the "Han Shiyi" he spoke of. Seizing the opportunity, Chen Yanyi embellished his story, claiming that she, with her considerable wealth, had forced him into marriage and "taken advantage" of him.
Han Shiyi, now convinced and intrigued by her supposed wealth, promptly demanded the key to the treasury and all the household account books, insisting that no financial details be hidden from her. Chen Yanyi also instructed his subordinates to refer to Han Shiyi as "Han Yuanniang," a distant relative of the Han family, to protect her true identity.
He himself would assume the alias of Li Yanyi, a common merchant from the Li Jinxuan family, and would have Li Chengxuan pose as his cousin, instructing his men to corroborate this fabricated story if questioned by Han Shiyi.
Episode 22 Recap
Han Shiyi woke to find Chen Yanyi in her bed, questioning why he was there. Chen Yanyi calmly explained that they had always shared the same bed, promising to tell her stories to help her recall their past. Han Shiyi, feeling he was being brazen due to her perceived wealth, told him to leave. Chen Yanyi affectionately called her "Cinnabar mole" and insisted he had no other home if she kicked him out.
Han Shiyi pondered that if his claims were true, it would be improper to expel him, especially since a man of his charm was indeed her type, though she worried about his intentions. He then asked if she truly remembered nothing of him. A faint recognition sparked, and she softly uttered his name, "Yanyi." He encouraged her not to force her memories, assuring her they had an entire lifetime to create new ones.
He then asked if, given a fresh start, she would still fall for him. Han Shiyi, embarrassed, feigned sleep. After wishing her good night, Chen Yanyi leaned in for a kiss, and she playfully warned him not to touch her. The next morning, Han Shiyi was delighted by the lavish breakfast Chen Yanyi had prepared. When she remarked on the extravagance, he proudly stated their family wealth was enough to purchase nearly half the capital.
He attentively wiped her mouth as she ate. Before leaving, Chen Yanyi instructed her to stay home, explaining that the Han family had many enemies in the capital who would endanger her if her presence became known. He also hinted that her memory loss might be connected to these adversaries, vowing to seek justice for her. With a final playful kiss, he departed, leaving Little Black and Little White to attend to her.
Despite Chen Yanyi's warnings, Han Shiyi, thrilled by her newfound fortune, briefly contemplated escaping with her treasures to live a carefree life. However, her maids gently reminded her of Chen Yanyi's orders to remain indoors, thwarting her plan. Meanwhile, Chen Yanyi learned that Wang Zhongyu's family was mobilizing all their Shadow Guard to search for Han Shiyi, confirming his suspicion that Wang Anli had ceded power to Wang Zhongyu.
In response, Chen Yanyi assigned two trusted guards, Xinting and Jiye, to protect Han Shiyi and prevent anyone from approaching her. Han Shiyi consulted the doctor, Lin Rang, about her memory. Lin Rang explained her amnesia was due to a head injury and a blood clot, suggesting she would recover naturally within one to three years, or possibly sooner with acupuncture after more research. Eager to remember, she expressed her unease about not knowing her true identity.
When she inquired about her past relationship with Chen Yanyi, Lin Rang jokingly called them "partners in crime" who often caused trouble. Chen Yanyi, who had joined the conversation, affirmed his devotion, stating he was willing to serve her always. That evening, Chen Yanyi returned and personally cooked simple, comforting dishes for Han Shiyi.
She was both surprised and pleased by his culinary skills, as a faint memory of him cooking for her resurfaced, deepening her belief that they might indeed be husband and wife. She found the meal delicious, though he limited her to one bowl for her comfort. As Han Shiyi settled into her opulent lifestyle, she found herself increasingly captivated by Chen Yanyi, appreciating her grand home and her handsome, attentive "husband."
He lovingly recalled her past self as a mischievous and playful girl with minor flaws, yet he cherished her as a divine blessing, fearing her departure. He promised to help her build new memories since the old ones were gone. Han Shiyi wished to go out for new clothes, but Chen Yanyi gently refused, insisting a tailor come to the mansion, citing the dangers outside. She reluctantly agreed.
Elsewhere, Chu Xiangyue, driven by her ambition to become empress, continued her secret investigation into Chen Yanyi's mansion. The heightened security confirmed her suspicions that he was hiding someone, and she instructed her nanny to maintain surveillance. Wang Zhongyu, after his unsuccessful search for Han Shiyi, concluded she was with Chen Yanyi and promptly sought an audience at the Eastern Palace. Chen Yanyi greeted him with thinly veiled sarcasm.
Wang Zhongyu offered belated congratulations on Chen Yanyi becoming Crown Prince, adding that high status couldn't buy everything. He directly stated that he had once entrusted Han Shiyi to Chen Yanyi because he believed in Chen Yanyi's true feelings. However, with the Emperor's impending wrath against the Han family, Chen Yanyi, despite his new power, could no longer ensure Han Shiyi's happiness. Wang Zhongyu pressed further, questioning how Han Shiyi would cope once her memory returned and she remembered everything.
He concluded by reiterating his unwavering commitment: "I can give up everything for the sake of Han Shiyi. Can you?" He warned Chen Yanyi that Han Shiyi was an independent spirit, "an eagle flying in the sky, not a canary locked up in a cage," implying Chen Yanyi could not trap her forever. Chen Yanyi had arranged for the Fairy Garment Store owner to visit the mansion to make new clothes for Han Shiyi.
Chu Xiangyue seized this opportunity, disguising herself as the store owner to gain entry. Upon seeing Han Shiyi, Chu Xiangyue was struck by her uncanny resemblance to Han Shiyi. She initially suspected Chen Yanyi was merely hiding Han Shiyi, disguised as a woman, but during the measurements, she was astonished to confirm that Han Shiyi was, in fact, genuinely female. Han Shiyi, sensing Chu Xiangyue's true focus wasn't on clothes, confronted her, grabbing her neck and demanding her purpose.
Chu Xiangyue, undeterred, managed to learn that the amnesiac woman was indeed Han Shiyi, who had previously impersonated a young lord. Han Shiyi, still believing Chen Yanyi's story, claimed to be Han Yuanniang, her deceased sister. Recognizing a golden opportunity to create discord, Chu Xiangyue corrected Han Shiyi, stating her true identity was Han Shiyi, not Han Yuanniang.
She further revealed that Chen Yanyi, the man claiming to be her husband, was actually the Crown Prince and was widely believed to be responsible for the annihilation of the Han Army. Chu Xiangyue advised Han Shiyi to verify this information herself, pretending to be a concerned acquaintance, and then departed, promising to deliver the clothes the next day.
Han Shiyi, deeply disturbed, secretly consulted a medical book and realized Chen Yanyi had withheld information about a quicker memory recovery method. She was torn, feeling betrayed by Chen Yanyi, but when he returned to the mansion, she noticed his injured hand and her concern led her to tenderly bandage it. Chen Yanyi then left again, reassuring her of his commitment to restoring her identity and vindicating the Han Army.
Han Shiyi, left alone, was consumed by doubt and confusion, wondering who she could trust in a city where everyone seemed to be lying to her. After Chen Yanyi departed, Han Shiyi, still reeling from Chu Xiangyue's revelations, secretly changed into a servant's attire and fled the mansion. Almost immediately, she was recognized from Han Shiyi's wanted posters that had been plastered across the city and found herself pursued by government soldiers.
Just as she was about to be captured, Wang Zhongyu appeared and rescued her. He whisked her away, explaining they were heading to the Imperial College, a place he noted she used to despise, to meet someone who could help her regain her memories. Meanwhile, Chu Xiangyue reported her findings to Empress Wang: Han Shiyi was indeed a woman, meaning the Han family had committed the grave crime of deceiving the emperor.
Empress Wang was eager to report this to the Emperor, but Chu Xiangyue advised patience, revealing she had already instigated a city-wide search for Han Shiyi, complete with Han Shiyi's wanted posters and a significant reward. As public criers announced the bounty, soldiers continued their pursuit of Han Shiyi. Empress Wang and Chu Xiangyue then solidified their alliance, agreeing to ensure Han Shiyi's demise while sparing the Crown Prince. Empress Wang subsequently informed the Emperor about Han Shiyi's true gender.
Upon arriving at the Imperial College, which was deserted due to a holiday, Han Shiyi felt a strange sense of familiarity. Wang Zhongyu led her to meet a female guard named Yinzi, hoping her presence would trigger Han Shiyi's lost memories. As they reached their destination, a loyal servant rushed to Han Shiyi, joyfully exclaiming that she had been waiting and knew Han Shiyi would return. However, the servant then sadly revealed that Yinzi might never see her again.
Episode 23 Recap
Jinzi, who has been attending to Han Shiyi, revealed Han Shiyi's true identity as Han Yuanniang, the legitimate daughter of Duke Han. Jinzi explained that Duke Han had sent Han Yuanniang to live with collateral relatives for her safety, but those relatives had tried to harm her after the Han family's downfall. Jinzi recounted how Duke Han and the Han Army were framed and led into a trap.
Lord Han, Han Yuanniang’s brother, managed to break through the siege and seek aid from Jin Shangwu, the Chiliarch of Lintangzhou, but Jin Shangwu refused to open the city gates. By the time Lord Han returned to Yuzhou, the Han family had been annihilated, the general defeated, and Lord Han himself died fighting. Han Yuanniang, who had been suffering from memory loss and identified as Han Shiyi, asked who framed her family.
Jinzi stated it was Tuoba Xun, the commander of the State of Wei, in collusion with corrupt court officials. Jinzi further revealed that she had attempted to bring an appeal to the capital with the surviving soldiers but was intercepted, and the appeal letter was confiscated. The Han Army remained falsely accused of failing to defend the state's territory.
Han Yuanniang then learned that the Crown Prince, Chen Yanyi, was behind the interception, as the Han Army's destruction had cleared the way for him to gain military merit and become Crown Prince by aiding the northern territory. Han Yuanniang insisted on a thorough investigation, refusing to jump to conclusions, and wondered about the cause of her own injuries, suspecting more was being hidden from her. Just then, Zhou Xuezhang stumbled upon them.
He expressed surprise to see "Shiyi" alive and was introduced to Han Yuanniang as "Shiyi's" elder sister. Wang Zhongyu, who was also present, asked Zhou Xuezhang to keep their encounter a secret, which Zhou Xuezhang agreed to, citing his debt to Shiyi. Wang Zhongyu then suggested Han Yuanniang leave the capital with him. Han Yuanniang, observing Jinzi's sincerity but also her cooperation with Wang Zhongyu, concluded that no one in the capital was entirely trustworthy.
She decided that if she truly was Han Yuanniang, she should go to the northern territory to uncover the truth herself. Jinzi agreed, emphasizing that the Crown Prince's people were searching for her and that leaving now would allow them to return and clear the Han family’s name when the time was right.
As they prepared to depart for the northern territory, Imperial officers stormed in, announcing they were there on the Emperor's command to arrest Han Yuanniang for the crime of deceiving the Emperor by impersonating Lord Han. When Wang Zhongyu and Jinzi tried to protest, the officer asserted he was merely following orders and that the Imperial College was surrounded, making escape impossible. To protect Wang Zhongyu and Jinzi, Han Yuanniang surrendered and was taken away.
Jinzi, distraught, blamed Wang Zhongyu, accusing his family of relentless persecution. Wang Zhongyu defended himself, claiming his actions, including concealing Han Yuanniang's identity and rescuing Jinzi, were to ensure Han Yuanniang's safety. He explained that this arrest was an opportunity for Han Yuanniang to restore her true identity, arguing that the reappearance of the supposedly dead Han Shiyi would only complicate matters. Wang Zhongyu assured Jinzi that he would find a way to rescue her.
Meanwhile, at the Prime Minister's residence, Wang Xiyuan questioned her brother, Wang Zhongyu, about why only she and their mother were being sent to Jiangnan. Wang Zhongyu reassured her that such precautions were necessary due to the inevitable rise and fall of aristocratic families, and that he had arranged for their self-sufficiency in Jiangnan. He urged her to discard her mourning clothes for "Lord Han" and find a suitable husband, but she refused, insisting it was her own decision.
Wang Zhongyu then gave her a route map for her journey. Separately, Wang Zhongyu presented his fiancée, Miss Su, with a divorcing letter, suggesting she find true happiness after returning home. Miss Su, however, refused to leave him, declaring her unwavering loyalty as his wife. Wang Zhongyu, stating that "timing doesn't matter in love," insisted she depart with Wang Xiyuan.
Wang Zhongyu later handed Zhou Xuezhang a play he had written, titled "The Heiress," based on his discovery of Han Shiyi's female identity, hoping it would help them understand her emotions and clear her name. Upon learning of Han Yuanniang's arrest, Chen Yanyi, seeing no other option, decided to take a drastic step.
The next day, after bidding a tearful farewell to Wang Xiyuan and instructing her to care for their mother, Wang Zhongyu joined a growing procession of Imperial College students and citizens. Led by Zhou Xuezhang, they marched towards the palace, carrying the ancient "yellow memorial." This sacred document, bestowed by the late emperor, mandated that any petition inscribed upon it must be immediately reviewed by the reigning emperor.
The crowd chanted for the Emperor to respect public opinion and restore the Han family's legitimate daughter's identity. At the palace, news of the unprecedented use of the yellow memorial reached the Emperor. Simultaneously, Chen Yanyi requested an audience. He knelt before his father and earnestly requested to marry Han Yuanniang as his legal wife. Initially, the Emperor disapproved, but Chen Yanyi's unwavering insistence led the Emperor to take him to Empress Yuan's memorial tablet.
There, the Emperor revealed his profound love for Chen Yanyi's mother, Empress Yuan, acknowledging that he had married her, the sole legitimate daughter of the Chu family, to seize the throne. To secure his reign, he then had to elevate the Wang family to counter the Chu family, a political necessity that prevented him from dedicating his heart fully to Empress Yuan.
He confessed that his exclusive favor towards Empress Wang was solely for political balance, and that his heart held no other woman. The Emperor advised Chen Yanyi not to sacrifice his happiness for political expediency, stating the empire he would inherit was far more stable than the one he himself had ascended to. Chen Yanyi, however, maintained that marrying Han Yuanniang was his heartfelt wish, comparing his feelings for her to the Emperor's for his mother.
Recognizing his son's true affection, the Emperor relented, granting permission for Chen Yanyi to marry Han Yuanniang as his legal wife. An Imperial eunuch then publicly read the imperial edict, extolling the Han family's legacy and Han Yuanniang's virtues, officially naming her the Crown Princess and ordering the Imperial Board of Astronomy to select an auspicious wedding date. Jinzi watched heartbroken as Han Yuanniang was escorted away in the Crown Prince's carriage.
Dressed in the attire of the Crown Princess, Han Yuanniang entered the Crown Prince's residence. However, Chen Yanyi's past words now seemed like lies, causing her to doubt everything and question her true identity. Determined to find answers, she secretly changed clothes and escaped. She fortuitously encountered Wang Xiyuan outside the city, who, unknowingly helping the "Crown Princess," facilitated her departure.
As they rode in the carriage, Han Yuanniang, wishing to free Wang Xiyuan from her prolonged grief for "Lord Han," fabricated a dream. She told Wang Xiyuan that "Lord Han" had appeared to her, saying their connection was brief and that Wang Xiyuan should not waste her precious youth mourning him but should instead seek a new love and future. Wang Xiyuan, initially sorrowful, eventually conceded, calling "Lord Han" a truly good person and regretting her past misjudgment of him.
Han Yuanniang encouraged her to live a happy life for his peace of mind. After exchanging farewells, Han Yuanniang mounted a horse and rode towards the northern territory. Chen Yanyi was informed of her departure but chose not to stop her, understanding her need to visit her family's graves.
Back in the capital, Wang Zhongyu received a package from his former fiancée, Miss Su: a torn divorcing letter and a pardon medallion, left as she departed for Jiangnan, a poignant reminder of her unwavering devotion. Meanwhile, in the palace, Empress Wang was furious that Han Yuanniang, a "liar," had been made Crown Princess. Her maid, Chu Xiangyue, fanned the flames of her anger, hinting at Han Yuanniang's growing influence and her journey to the northern territory.
Fearing Han Yuanniang's potential threat, Empress Wang decided that Han Yuanniang should "never return" from the northern territory, and planned to use the Han Army incident to sow discord between Han Yuanniang and Chen Yanyi, hoping both would perish. Chu Xiangyue relished the thought of Han Yuanniang no longer competing with her for her cousin, Wang Zhongyu. On her journey to the northern territory, Han Yuanniang sensed she was being followed and confronted a group of assassins.
They ominously warned her that "the more you know, the more you grieve." During the ensuing struggle, Han Yuanniang experienced vivid flashbacks of fighting alongside soldiers, and in that moment, all her memories returned. Distracted by the overwhelming recollection, she was nearly struck down by an assassin's sword when Wang Zhongyu suddenly appeared and rescued her. He immediately realized she had regained her memories, but Han Yuanniang, now fully aware, pushed him away, suspicious of his convenient appearance.
Despite his pleas that he was there to protect her, she refused to trust him and warned him not to follow her. Chen Yanyi was informed of the assassination attempt and Wang Zhongyu's timely intervention. Continuing their journey, Han Yuanniang and Wang Zhongyu encountered a soldier who informed them that the Han Army no longer existed, having been renamed the Northern Army. He directed them to Northern Mountain, where tens of thousands of Han Army soldiers were buried.
Upon reaching the mountain, Han Yuanniang beheld the countless graves, struggling to suppress her tears as she remembered her father's teaching that a man should not weep easily. She declared that she would forever remain Han Shiyi, the heir of Duke Han. She then spotted Jinzi tending the graves, and the two had an emotional reunion. Han Yuanniang found her father, Duke Han's, tombstone.
Kneeling before it, she swore to find the evidence needed to clear the Han Army's name and restore the honor of all the fallen soldiers. Jinzi then revealed that she had previously visited the family of the deceased Cheng Huaiquan, pretending to seek revenge. Cheng Huaiquan's family, anticipating such a day, had given her a map indicating where letters exchanged between Cheng Huaiquan and a "villain" were buried beneath the northern territory boundary marker.
Following the map, Han Yuanniang dug up the hidden letters. She recognized the handwriting as Chen Yanyi's, concluding that he was the treacherous official who had colluded with Cheng Huaiquan to betray the Han Army's deployment plans to the Wei army. Enraged, she believed this was irrefutable evidence that would clear her family's name. Wang Zhongyu, however, noticed that the seal on the letters was affixed in the exact same manner as Prime Minister Wang's.
As he started to voice his suspicion, they were ambushed by another group of assassins. Han Yuanniang demanded to know who sent them, but Chen Yanyi suddenly appeared and shot the assassins with arrows, killing them before they could reveal their master. Chen Yanyi asked if Han Yuanniang was alright, but she furiously accused him of achieving his ambition of becoming Crown Prince by using the Han family as a stepping stone.
Chen Yanyi claimed to be equally pained by the Han Army's destruction, calling it a fault of the court, and denied ever hurting her. Han Yuanniang retorted that the Han Army was blamed for losing the northern territory, only for him to recover it and gain glory, making people forget the Han Army's unjust fate. Chen Yanyi insisted he had been investigating the defeat but lacked concrete evidence as all witnesses were dead.
Han Yuanniang then confronted him about his people stopping Jinzi from submitting the appeal. Chen Yanyi explained that Jinzi had no evidence, and an appeal would have been futile, only drawing the attention of the Wang family, so he had her sent away. Han Yuanniang then presented the letters, challenging him to clear the Han Army's name now that she had evidence. Chen Yanyi claimed he would.
Han Yuanniang scoffed at his "superb acting," stating that if she hadn't known the truth, she would have been fooled again. She accused him of sending assassins and personally appearing to retrieve the incriminating letters, which proved his collusion with Cheng Huaiquan to betray the Han Army to the Wei army. Wang Zhongyu tried to interject, expressing his trust in Chen Yanyi and suggesting further investigation, but Han Yuanniang dismissed him, pointing to the irrefutable evidence.
She spoke of the tens of thousands of Han Army martyrs who fought and died, only to be branded as failures, their lives becoming stepping stones for his rise to power. Enraged, Han Yuanniang stabbed Chen Yanyi, declaring that he would pay the price. Chen Yanyi did not resist.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Despite Han Shiyi's sword piercing his chest, Chen Yanyi did not dodge, claiming he was willing to seek justice for the Han Army. However, Han Shiyi, disheartened and no longer trusting him, declared she would personally present the evidence to the Emperor, ensuring Chen Yanyi would never become Emperor and would experience the pain of loss.
Chen Yanyi responded that if it brought her peace, he had no complaints, but expressed concern about potential assassins on her journey, offering his guard, Xinting, as an escort. Han Shiyi declined, stating Wang Zhongyu would protect her. As they traveled back to the capital, Wang Zhongyu repeatedly tried to speak, hinting at a truth he couldn't bring himself to reveal. Han Shiyi, accompanied by Wang Zhongyu and Jinzi, was determined to report to the Emperor.
Chen Yanyi had already met with the Emperor before Han Shiyi's arrival. During their conversation, Chen Yanyi confirmed that Prime Minister Wang was responsible for the Han Army's demise, having secretly colluded with Inspector Cheng Huaiquan and the State of Wei to betray their defenses, leading to the annihilation of 60,000 Han Army soldiers. Chen Yanyi advocated for Prime Minister Wang's entire clan to be executed for this act of high treason.
However, the Emperor confessed that he had personally promoted Prime Minister Wang to counterbalance the Han and Chu families. Punishing Prime Minister Wang would mean he, the Emperor, would be remembered as a fatuous ruler who trusted a traitor. He implored Chen Yanyi to delay the rehabilitation of the Han Army and any judgment against the Wang family until one year after his own death, to preserve his dignity.
He reminded Chen Yanyi that he had permitted him to marry a Han family daughter. Respecting his father's final wish, Chen Yanyi reluctantly agreed. When Han Shiyi finally entered the palace, the Emperor, already in failing health, told her he was aware of the situation and would handle it, urging her to leave. Han Shiyi, however, insisted on justice, presenting the evidence and accusing the Crown Prince of colluding with treacherous officials.
Before she could elaborate, the Emperor suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed, his life force ebbing away. Empress Wang then arrived to tend to the dying Emperor. In his delirium, the Emperor repeatedly called out "Zitong," the name of Empress Yuan, professing his undying love for her and regretting having failed her. He wished to be reunited with her in the afterlife and promised not to fail her in his next life.
Hearing this, Empress Wang realized that she had merely been a tool for the Emperor to control political factions. Deeply wounded, she questioned his broken promises of eternal love and unrivaled favor. After the Emperor took his last breath, Empress Wang, despite her heartbreak, drew a hairpin and fatally stabbed herself, declaring that she alone would be his wife, even in the netherworld.
In the summer of the third year of Yongding, the Emperor passed away in Hanzhang Palace and was buried in Xianling Mausoleum, receiving the temple name Xuanzong. Crown Prince Chen Yanyi ascended to the throne, changing the era name to Taichu, marking the first year of his reign. Meanwhile, Wang Zhongyu confronted his father, Prime Minister Wang, who admitted to colluding with the enemy and being responsible for the Han Army's defeat.
Prime Minister Wang explained that his death was the only way to atone for his crimes to the Han family and to protect his own family. He urged Wang Zhongyu to leave the capital with Zheng Wu and Tang Liu, entrusting him with the remaining power of the Wang family, and commanding him never to return. Wang Zhongyu discovered his father after he had consumed poison and wept over his body.
The late Emperor, having declared the evidence submitted by Han Shiyi to be fabricated, hastily closed the Han Army case. Before his death, he issued an edict for Han Yuanniang to marry Chen Yanyi immediately. According to custom, marriages could take place within seven days of a mourning period, avoiding a three-year delay. Han Yuanniang viewed this as Chen Yanyi and the late Emperor sacrificing the Han Army's honor for the throne.
She instructed Jinzi to leave, emphasizing that someone from the Han family must survive. Jinzi initially refused, but Han Yuanniang insisted on her departure. Meanwhile, Chu Xiangyue, desperate to prevent Han Yuanniang from marrying Chen Yanyi, initially considered assassination but was advised by her governess to seek help from Wang Zhongyu. Han Yuanniang donned the wedding dress, looking beautiful, and Chen Yanyi complimented her.
However, Han Yuanniang confronted him, branding him the culpable man who used the lives of the Han Army to secure his throne, refusing to believe his claim that the evidence was fabricated. Chen Yanyi swore an oath, promising to rehabilitate the Han Army within a year, or forfeit his throne. He reminded her of their past affection, but Han Yuanniang remained unconvinced. She feigned belief, offering him a toast for his success.
She had poisoned his wine with arsenic, intending to die with him as an apology to the 60,000 fallen Han Army soldiers. However, Lin Rang, having detected the poison, intervened, preventing Chen Yanyi from drinking. Han Yuanniang explained that while Chen Yanyi was her enemy, killing him would plunge the realm into chaos, harming countless innocent people. Thus, she chose to die herself to atone for the Han Army, declaring herself merely a trophy of his victory.
Just then, Wang Zhongyu, having learned of Han Yuanniang's impending empress anointment, stormed into the palace to take her away. Han Yuanniang believed Chen Yanyi had orchestrated the wedding as a trap to lure and kill Wang Zhongyu. She shielded Wang Zhongyu, preventing Chen Yanyi from harming him, and pleaded with Chen Yanyi to let them leave if he held any affection for her.
Chen Yanyi, seeing her protect Wang Zhongyu, was heartbroken, questioning why she refused to believe his promises and chose to leave with his enemy. Suddenly, Jinzi, who had secretly remained in the palace, attacked Chen Yanyi from behind but was fatally struck down by his soldiers. With her dying breath, Jinzi implored Han Yuanniang to live, reminding her that she was the last surviving member of the Han Army.
Overcome with grief and rage, Han Yuanniang seized Empress Yuan's hairpin and stabbed herself in the chest, declaring it payment for Chen Yanyi's kindness. She then clutched Jinzi's lifeless body and departed with Wang Zhongyu. After burying Jinzi, Wang Zhongyu accompanied Han Yuanniang out of the city. In a secluded spot, Wang Zhongyu knelt before her, apologizing on behalf of the Wang family to the Han Army.
He finally revealed the truth: his father, Prime Minister Wang, had fabricated the incriminating seals and handwriting, and he had carried the guilt of not telling her earlier. Han Yuanniang was devastated to learn that both the late Emperor and Chen Yanyi had known the truth but had still chosen to abandon the Han Army, making their actions no different from Prime Minister Wang's. She felt that everything had begun because of her.
She explained her refusal to kill Chen Yanyi: it would lead to widespread chaos and suffering, making her no different from their enemies, and her father would never forgive her. Wang Zhongyu acknowledged that she had saved his life by threatening Chen Yanyi with her own. He then asked if she was still willing to roam the world with him.
Han Yuanniang replied that it would be best if they never saw each other again, for the good of all, adding that in their current circumstances, her personal feelings no longer mattered. Wang Zhongyu, wishing her peace and happiness, watched her depart alone. Three years later, Emperor Chen Yanyi confronted Chu Xiangyue, informing her that even with Han Yuanniang gone, she would never become Empress.
He then bestowed upon her the title of Princess Hewei and sent her to be married to a foreign country in the Western Regions, a journey rumored to take two years. During these three years, Emperor Chen Yanyi officially rehabilitated the Han Army, exposing Prime Minister Wang's crimes to the public. However, he showed clemency, not executing Prime Minister Wang's clan since Prime Minister Wang had already died. The Emperor remained unmarried, with no consorts or heirs.
Meanwhile, Wang Zhongyu's storybooks, reportedly exploring Han Shiyi's inner world, became extremely popular. Han Shiyi eventually returned to the capital. She discovered that Li Jinxuan had been renamed "Zhiweizhai" (Know about Food) two years prior, a name she and Chen Yanyi had once discussed for their own future restaurant. She heard that the owner of Zhiweizhai had recently welcomed a newborn son. Han Shiyi offered her token jade pendant as a congratulatory gift to the owner.
Shortly after she left, Chen Yanyi arrived to congratulate the owner. Recognizing the jade pendant in the owner's hand, Chen Yanyi realized Han Shiyi had been there and immediately pursued her. However, a passing carriage momentarily obstructed his view, preventing him from seeing her. Han Shiyi, on the other hand, saw Chen Yanyi's retreating figure and offered a faint smile before continuing on her way.
