Episode Summary
In episode 21, despite being saved by Yue Chi and Emperor Huo Jingheng, a vengeful Jiang Yunqing manipulates Yi Qingyun into preparing for war. Pressured by his court, Huo Jingheng betrays Yue Chi, imprisoning him and then ambushing his loyal Qilin Army during a jailbreak, forcing Yue Chi to flee. Seeking revenge, the wounded Yue Chi allies with Yi Qingyun. Meanwhile, Yue Chi's sister, Ling'er, learns of Jiang Yunqing's treachery from Du Tianzhao and sets out to find her.
Spoiler Alert
A Prime Minister's Disguise: Episode 21 Recap & Spoilers
This episode marks a turning point, shattering alliances and forging new, dangerous ones. A shocking betrayal forces a hero onto a path of vengeance, while a princess embraces her darker ambitions, setting the stage for an inevitable war.
A Fallen Hero, A Darkened Princess
The episode opens with a surprising act of mercy. Yi Qingyun, though severely wounded, is not finished off by Yue Chi and Emperor Huo Jingheng. Instead, they save him, proving their ultimate desire is for stability, not needless bloodshed. In a moment of candor, Yi Qingyun reveals Jiang Yunqing's true identity as a princess. This is no surprise to Yue Chi, who admits he has known for some time. He makes it clear that he values her for her courage and spirit, not for her royal title.
Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi allow Yi Qingyun and his men to depart safely. Before leaving, Yi Qingyun hands over the antidote for the poison afflicting Jiang Yunqing. However, the antidote may have come too late for her soul. Jiang Yunqing has fully embraced a darker path, her trust in men shattered. She now stands with the leaders of the Restoration Society, singularly focused on restoring the previous dynasty.
She confronts Yi Qingyun, arguing that while Huo Jingheng speaks of grand principles, he has failed to solve the State of Li's practical problems. With ten cities lost, her homeland is on the brink of starvation. Powerless to oppose her conviction, Yi Qingyun agrees to her terms: he will return to the State of Li and initiate a war. In a stark shift of power, Jiang Yunqing declares that they are no longer master and servant, but allies.
Betrayal in the Court
News that the Qilin Army appeared to save the Emperor spreads through the Imperial Court, causing an uproar. Lord Ouyang and Lord Wei join forces, demanding that the Emperor severely punish Yue Chi and annihilate the Qilin Army. Even Du Tianzhao's attempts to defend his friend are futile. Backed into a corner, Emperor Huo Jingheng has no choice but to strip Yue Chi of his position as Prime Minister and imprison him in the Sky Prison.
While Yue Chi remains compliant in his cell, his loyal men outside are misled by treacherous whispers. Dugu Xing, one of Yue Chi's most devoted followers, leads a desperate attempt to break him out of prison. Huo Jingheng, alerted to the jailbreak, arrives with his own soldiers and catches them in the act. In a devastating moment, Huo Jingheng, acting as the unassailable Emperor, personally stabs Yue Chi. He then gives the chilling order for all members of the Qilin Army present to be killed on sight. In the ensuing chaos, Dugu Xing dies by the Emperor's sword while protecting the fleeing Yue Chi.
An Alliance Forged in Vengeance
Yue Chi escapes, only to fall into the hands of Yi Qingyun, who saves him from being captured for the bounty on his head. With his plans falling into place, Yi Qingyun ensures Yue Chi is cared for and his wounds are treated. He promises to help rescue Yue Chi's sister, Ling'er, from the palace. He offers Yue Chi a new future: a chance to reclaim the ten lost cities and become the Prince Regent of the State of Li, a realm where his ambitions can be fully realized. Consumed by hatred for Huo Jingheng's betrayal, Yue Chi accepts, vowing to avenge his fallen Qilin Army brothers.
Once recovered, Yue Chi immediately begins advising Yi Qingyun on military strategy and troop training.
Meanwhile, Ling'er is frantic with worry for her brother. In the palace, she seeks help from the Empress Dowager but runs into Du Tianzhao. He reveals the terrible truth: it was Jiang Yunqing who deliberately orchestrated the trap that led to Yue Chi's downfall. Unwilling to believe Jiang Yunqing capable of such a betrayal, Ling'er resolves to find her and demand an explanation.
Under the pretext of visiting Cheng'en Temple to pray, Ling'er gets permission from the Empress Dowager to leave the palace. A concerned Du Tianzhao insists on accompanying her. They successfully track down Jiang Yunqing, who coldly admits to everything. She confesses to spreading the rumors that led to the jailbreak and declares that any connection she had with Yue Chi is now severed. Determined to find her brother, Ling'er begins to follow Jiang Yunqing, with the loyal Du Tianzhao staying by her side. Jiang Yunqing, fully aware she is being followed, deliberately slows her pace, leading them further into her web.
