The Heiress Episode 1 Recap
> The Heiress 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.
