Episode Summary
Ling'er returns home, prompting a visit from a melancholic Huo Jingheng. Tensions arise as Jiang Yunqing's interactions with Huo Jingheng, particularly over a flower lantern, spark Ling'er's jealousy. Despite Ling'er's subsequent guilt and Jiang Yunqing's reassurances, the Empress Dowager, wary of Jiang Yunqing's intentions towards her son, bans her from the Imperial City. Huo Jingheng discerns Jiang Yunqing's manipulative schemes, aimed at creating rifts and seeking revenge, and clarifies her role as merely Yue Chi's savior. Yue Chi is dismayed to learn Jiang Yunqing's true motive. Huo Jingheng reassures Yue Chi of his trust and their bond. The episode concludes with Huo Jingheng learning that Yue Chi has been secretly caring for Yun Shuo, the crown prince of the former dynasty, leading to a demand for an explanation.
Spoiler Alert
"A Prime Minister's Disguise" Episode 12 Recap & Spoilers
Ling'er has returned to her family's residence, much to the delight of Uncle Liu, who had her favorite steamed buns waiting. Ling'er, ever generous, shared them with Jiang Yunqing. Her brother, Yue Chi, aware of Ling'er's love for food, gently reminded her not to forget the tasks he'd assigned her. While Ling'er was enjoying her time at home, Huo Jingheng found himself melancholic and missing her. Spurred on by his mother, the Queen Mother, he decided to leave the palace to seek Ling'er out. This time, he dropped his pretenses in front of Jiang Yunqing, who still struggled to remain calm in the presence of the man she considered her enemy. Later, as the three of them were out together, Huo Jingheng was about to give Ling'er a flower lantern. Jiang Yunqing, noticing this, deliberately stepped forward, remarking how much she also liked it. Huo Jingheng remained silent, but Ling'er, making her own decision, gave the lantern to Jiang Yunqing.
Huo Jingheng then sent Ling'er away so he could speak with Jiang Yunqing privately. He cautioned Jiang Yunqing that some things in life cannot be gained simply by fighting for them. Observing them from a distance, Ling'er felt an unexpected pang of jealousy. She returned home feeling downcast, her mind replaying the earlier scene. She began to suspect that Jiang Yunqing might have feelings for Huo Jingheng. Though she tried to dismiss the thought, it tormented her throughout a sleepless night, and she even tripped by her bedside the next morning. When Jiang Yunqing came to see her, Ling'er recounted a nightmare where she and Jiang Yunqing were arguing over the same pillow. Jiang Yunqing simply smiled and reassured Ling'er that if such a situation were real, she would not only give Ling'er the pillow but would also find her the best pillows in the entire world. Hearing this, Ling'er felt a wave of guilt. Seeing how kind Jiang Yunqing was to her, she resolved that if Jiang Yunqing truly harbored feelings for Huo Jingheng, she would offer them her blessing.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager had been paying close attention to matters concerning Fengluan Palace. Her informants revealed Jiang Yunqing's apparent interest in Huo Jingheng. Protective of her son's relationship with Ling'er, the Empress Dowager personally met with Jiang Yunqing and issued an edict permanently banning her from entering the Imperial City. Yue Chi was pleased by this development. However, Jiang Yunqing appeared to have ulterior motives. She aimed to sow discord not only between Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi but also to sabotage the relationship between Huo Jingheng and Ling'er. Huo Jingheng, however, saw through her schemes. He even helped Yue Chi cover for Jiang Yunqing, stating that she was merely Yue Chi's savior and that he, Huo Jingheng, had no other feelings for her. He suggested that if any fated connection existed, it was a bond from a past life between Jiang Yunqing and Yue Chi, which led to her saving his life.
Yue Chi finally understood Jiang Yunqing's true reason for wanting to stay: it wasn't to observe if Huo Jingheng was a wise ruler, but to seek revenge. This realization left Yue Chi both angered and heartbroken. Later that night, Huo Jingheng secretly visited Yue Chi's residence, bringing meat and wine. Understanding Yue Chi's concerns, Huo Jingheng made it clear that he would not be manipulated or constrained by Jiang Yunqing's background. He assured Yue Chi that even if Jiang Yunqing continued to stay at his residence, he wouldn't interfere excessively. His only wish was for complete honesty and no more secrets between the two of them.
Jiang Yunqing reported back to her superior, Yi Qingyun, stating that Yue Chi was proving difficult to sway to their cause. Yi Qingyun, unwilling to give up, pressed Jiang Yunqing to devise another plan. As Huo Jingheng was practicing archery, information was deliberately leaked to him: Yue Chi had been secretly caring for Yun Shuo, the crown prince of the former dynasty, for many years. Enraged by this revelation, Huo Jingheng demanded an immediate explanation from Yue Chi.
