Episode Summary
In Episode 22, Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi's falling out is revealed as a ruse to gain the support of Huo Jingheng's grandfather, a retired general, and encircle Yi Qingyun's army. While a weakened Ling'er finds comfort in her brother Jiang Yunqing's secret care, Jiang Yunqing grows suspicious of Yue Chi's "betrayal." She confronts Yue Chi, revealing her own mission to enthrone Xiao Shuo, but he remains loyal to Huo Jingheng. Following their plan, Yue Chi fakes an illness outbreak in the camp to convince a trusting Yi Qingyun to move his army eastward, leading them directly into the ambush prepared by Huo Jingheng and his grandfather.
Spoiler Alert
A Prime Minister's Disguise Episode 22: Recap & Spoilers
After days of struggling through the forest with little to no food, a weakened Ling'er and Du Tianzhao finally stumble upon an inn. Their ordeal has taken its toll, and Ling'er is suffering from severe diarrhea after eating whatever they could find. As she rests at the inn, the sight of a simple steamed bun brought by Du Tianzhao triggers a wave of emotion. She breaks down in tears, remembering a happy childhood memory of sharing buns with her brother, Jiang Yunqing. Her spirits lift, however, when she learns that Jiang Yunqing secretly paid the innkeeper for their stay and even arranged for medicine to be sent to her room. The gesture proves he still cares for her.
Meanwhile, in the military camp, the full scope of Huo Jingheng's plan is revealed. He meets with Yue Chi, disguised as a common soldier, confirming their falling out was an elaborate performance. Huo Jingheng's objective is to enlist the help of his maternal grandfather, the retired but respected commander of the Northwest Army. His grandfather had previously refused to aid his seizure of the palace, viewing it as a rebellion rather than a legitimate uprising, and chose to retire from military life. To get to his grandfather and successfully encircle Yi Qingyun's army, Huo Jingheng needed an ally on the inside—which is why Yue Chi staged his "betrayal." Their public duel and the reported death of Dugu Xing were all part of the act.
Jiang Yunqing, however, remains deeply suspicious. She warns Yi Qingyun not to trust Yue Chi's sudden change of allegiance, but he dismisses her concerns. He believes Yue Chi's heartbreak is genuine, arguing that Jiang Yunqing cannot comprehend the pain of being stabbed by a man you considered a brother. Jiang Yunqing is adamant that the bond between Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi is not so easily broken.
Taking matters into her own hands, Jiang Yunqing arranges a private meeting with Yue Chi and pleads for his help. She finally reveals her true past: her life was saved by the former Empress and a princess, and she is now driven by a vow to repay that debt by ensuring Xiao Shuo takes the throne. Yue Chi stands firm in his loyalty to Huo Jingheng, whom he believes is the rightful emperor who truly cares for the people. He argues that the nation is too fragile for another change in leadership. Seeing her pleas are failing, a desperate Jiang Yunqing pulls a blade and gives Yue Chi a shallow cut on his neck. Yi Qingyun arrives at that exact moment, shielding Yue Chi. When Jiang Yunqing accuses Yue Chi of being a traitor, Yi Qingyun fires back that after her own recent actions, she has no right to accuse anyone of betrayal.
With the seeds of distrust sown, the final phase of the plan begins. Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi arrange for a portion of the army to fall ill with diarrhea, passing it off as a failure to acclimate to the new environment. Yue Chi, pretending to be sick himself, uses the outbreak to persuade Yi Qingyun to move the entire army eastward. Yi Qingyun takes the bait. As his forces begin their eastward march, Huo Jingheng arrives at his grandfather's residence, poised to unite their armies and lay a devastating ambush for Yi Qingyun.
