The Heiress Episode 5 Recap
> The Heiress 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.
