Episode Summary
In "A Prime Minister's Disguise" episode 23, Huo Jingheng secures his grandfather's support for the war. Meanwhile, Jiang Yunqing captures Ling'er and abandons Du Tianzhao. After being spurred into action by his father, Du Tianzhao informs Huo Jingheng, who launches a rescue. He saves Yue Chi but Jiang Yunqing uses Ling'er as a hostage to escape to the State of Li. Back in the palace, a heartbroken Huo Jingheng prepares for war, appointing Yue Chi to lead the army against the State of Li, vowing to rescue Ling'er.
Spoiler Alert
A Prime Minister's Disguise: Episode 23 Recap & Spoilers
The episode 23 of "A Prime Minister's Disguise" escalates the conflict, placing key characters in mortal danger and setting the stage for an all-out war. Here’s a breakdown of the intense developments in episode 23.
The episode kicks off with Huo Jingheng finally reuniting with his long-lost maternal grandfather. His grandfather, initially detached from the war raging outside, prepares a grand meal and urges Huo Jingheng to abandon the conflict for a peaceful life. However, as Huo Jingheng details the gravity of the war and the imminent threat to the Da Ning Dynasty, his grandfather’s perspective shifts, and he agrees to support his grandson's cause.
Yi Qingyun's Gambit and Ling'er's Peril
Meanwhile, Jiang Yunqing successfully delivers a message to Yi Qingyun, convincing him not to lead his army into Fengming Mountain and instead placing Yue Chi under arrest. Following instructions, Ling'er and Du Tianzhao infiltrate the camp where Yue Chi is held and set out to warn Huo Jingheng at Fengming Mountain. They nearly get lost, but their journey is cut short by the sudden appearance of Jiang Yunqing. In a shocking turn, Jiang Yunqing saves Ling'er only to take her captive, leaving a helpless Du Tianzhao behind in the wilderness, surrounded by poisonous insects.
Du Tianzhao's Awakening and the Rescue Mission
A desperate Du Tianzhao manages to find his father, Old General Du, and breaks down in tears. Displeased with his son's emotional display, the general commands him to face the harsh reality. Recalling Yue Chi's last words, Du Tianzhao reveals that Jiang Yunqing has abducted Ling'er. Enraged upon hearing the news, Huo Jingheng immediately mobilizes his forces for a rescue. The operation succeeds in freeing Yue Chi, but Jiang Yunqing uses Ling'er as a human shield to secure his escape. In a tense standoff, Huo Jingheng fires an arrow, seemingly at Ling'er. However, it's a deliberate miss, a silent communication understood by both, confirming their unwavering trust in each other.
Strategic Retreat and a Return to the Palace
Jiang Yunqing escapes with Ling'er, heading toward the State of Li. Huo Jingheng prepares to give chase but is stopped by Yue Chi, who argues that a monarch cannot risk his life by venturing into enemy territory alone. Yue Chi expresses his belief that Jiang Yunqing will not harm Ling'er and insists they must plan her rescue carefully. Though reluctant to re-enter court politics, Old General Du pledges to help Huo Jingheng protect the border, personally leading his army to garrison Fengming Mountain.
Back at the Imperial Palace, Huo Jingheng is consumed by his longing for Ling'er. The Empress Dowager and Consort Hui share his deep concern for her safety. In a poignant scene, Huo Jingheng goes to Fengluan Palace, Ling'er's residence, and begins to clean the dust-covered room himself. When Wei Zhang offers to help, Xiao Yue stops him, observing that in this moment, Huo Jingheng is not an emperor, but simply a husband waiting for his wife to return.
A Looming War
In the State of Li, a despondent Ling'er refuses to eat. Jiang Yunqing attempts to break her spirit, taunting her that Huo Jingheng's decision to shoot the arrow proves he values victory above all else. Ling'er firmly refutes this, declaring her unwavering faith in Huo Jingheng and his commitment to the people of the Da Ning Dynasty.
With the State of Li mobilizing for war, the Da Ning court is in turmoil. Yue Chi requests command of the elite Qilin Army to lead the counter-attack, but his proposal is met with fierce opposition from court officials. The Empress Dowager intervenes, silencing the dissenters with her authority. Ultimately, Huo Jingheng gives the order, appointing Yue Chi to lead the army into battle.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger as the drums of war beat louder. With the Da Ning Dynasty and the State of Li on the brink of a decisive conflict, Huo Jingheng vows that he will bring Ling'er home safely.
