The Heiress Episode 10 Recap
> The Heiress 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.
