Episode Summary
Du Tianzhao discovers Prime Minister Yue Chi's secret disguise as his sister Ling'er in the palace. They strike a deal: Du Tianzhao keeps the secret and cares for the real Ling'er, while Yue Chi helps with official duties. Meanwhile, Yue Chi's fiancée, former princess Jiang Yunqing, attempts to assassinate Emperor Huo Jingheng but is unexpectedly reunited with Yue Chi. Yue Chi praises the Emperor's benevolence to Jiang Yunqing but is forced to knock her out to protect her when the Emperor approaches. He then enlists Du Tianzhao's help to shelter Jiang Yunqing, leading to an emotional reunion between her and Ling'er.
Spoiler Alert
"A Prime Minister's Disguise" Episode 3 Recap & Spoilers
Secrets Unravel and Alliances Shift as a Disguised Prime Minister Navigates Palace Dangers
The intricate web of palace intrigue in "A Prime Minister's Disguise" deepened in the latest installment, as identities were exposed, and precarious new alliances were forged.
The episode opened with Du Tianzhao returning to the palace, weary from his diplomatic missions aimed at stabilizing the various regional lords. He complained to Emperor Huo Jingheng about the toll of constant socializing and drinking, only for Huo Jingheng to remark on the limited success of his efforts. Du Tianzhao was further incensed to learn of Huo Jingheng's intention to make Ling'er a concubine. Unbeknownst to the Emperor, Du Tianzhao has long-standing affections for Ling'er, as their families, the Zheng and Yue, are old friends, and he knew Ling'er and her brother, Yue Chi, since childhood. His nephew's romantic pursuit caught him completely off guard.
Later, Du Tianzhao's formidable sister, Sanniang, seized the opportunity to lecture her wayward younger brother. That evening, after leaving his sister's quarters, Du Tianzhao overheard servants discussing imperial rewards being sent to Fengluan Palace. His curiosity piqued, he followed them and stumbled upon a startling scene: Yue Chi, still disguised as his sister Ling'er, caught red-handed and without a veil, indulging in a pork knuckle. His true identity as a man was instantly revealed to Du Tianzhao. To ensure Du Tianzhao's silence, Yue Chi was forced to confess the entire truth behind his elaborate charade.
Amused by the audacity of a Prime Minister impersonating his own sister to marry the Emperor, Du Tianzhao struck a deal with Yue Chi.Du Tianzhao would keep Yue Chi's secret and also look after the real Ling'er; in return, Yue Chi would assist Du Tianzhao with reviewing official memorials.True to his word, Du Tianzhao visited Ling'er and discovered the dire financial straits her family was in. He offered to bring Ling'er to his residence to better care for her (and perhaps cultivate their relationship). However, Ling'er, ever devoted to her family, arrived with her entire household in tow. Despite his own modest income, Du Tianzhao honored his commitment and began supporting them all.
Meanwhile, Yue Chi received imperial permission to visit his family. He arrived at an empty home and learned they had been taken in by Du Tianzhao. Initially fearing they were being held against their will, Yue Chi stormed Du Tianzhao's residence, only to find his family and their servants content and well-cared for, quickly dispelling his anger.
A persistent threat looms over Emperor Huo Jingheng in the form of a female assassin who has made several attempts on his life. This assassin is revealed to be Jiang Yunqing, a princess of the former dynasty and, significantly, Yue Chi's fiancée. Their betrothal was arranged by the previous Emperor to secure Yue Chi's loyalty during a past military campaign he undertook despite illness. Complicating matters further, Ling'er had been sent into the palace to accompany Jiang Yunqing, a move by the current Emperor (Huo Jingheng) to effectively hold Ling'er hostage and ensure Yue Chi's unwavering service on the battlefield, as he had people he was desperate to protect.
Jiang Yunqing's original mission in infiltrating the palace was to rescue Ling'er. Instead, she was shocked to discover that Yue Chi, whom she presumably thought dead, was alive. Simultaneously, Huo Jingheng was alerted that a female assassin had been spotted heading towards Fengluan Palace. He rushed over, deeply concerned. Outside Yue Chi's chamber, Huo Jingheng overheard a crucial conversation. Yue Chi was telling Jiang Yunqing that Huo Jingheng is a benevolent ruler and that for him, the well-being of the people is paramount, regardless of who sits on the throne.Jiang Yunqing, however, remained consumed by her quest for revenge for her fallen dynasty, declaring that Huo Jingheng's character was irrelevant to her mission.Realizing the Emperor was about to enter, Yue Chi made a split-second decision and knocked Jiang Yunqing unconscious. Huo Jingheng entered, and though he seemed to sense something was amiss, he chose not to expose Yue Chi's actions.
After Jiang Yunqing regained consciousness, Yue Chi, in a bind, turned to Du Tianzhao for help. He asked Du Tianzhao to shelter Jiang Yunqing in his home. Despite his reluctance, Du Tianzhao agreed. The episode concluded with an emotional reunion between Ling'er and Jiang Yunqing, who embraced tightly after their long and fraught separation.
