Episode Summary
Suspecting Emperor Huo Jingheng knows his true identity, Yue Chi accelerates his plan to switch places with his sister, Ling'er. An initial escape attempt by Yue Chi is foiled by Huo Jingheng's foresight. Undeterred, Yue Chi orchestrates a talent showcase within the palace, intending to use it as a cover for his escape with Ling'er. During the event, an assassin named Jiang Yunqing attempts to kill Huo Jingheng. In a pivotal moment, Huo Jingheng subtly reveals to Yue Chi (through a personal item) that he is indeed aware of Yue Chi's disguise. Yue Chi then helps Jiang Yunqing escape the ensuing chaos. The episode concludes with the Empress Dowager, angered by the assassination attempt, insisting on a thorough investigation and severe punishment for the culprit and any accomplices.
Spoiler Alert
"A Prime Minister's Disguise" Episode 5 Recap & Spoilers:
Yue Chi grows increasingly concerned that Huo Jingheng's recent drunken remarks were a veiled message, strongly suggesting that the Emperor might already know his true identity as a man disguised as his sister. Fearing that delays could lead to complications, Yue Chi decides to switch back with his sister, Ling'er, sooner than planned. He arranges for Ling'er to sneak into his chambers after sending his attendant, Xiao Yue, away. Before the switch, Yue Chi probes Ling'er about her romantic interests, specifically mentioning Du Tianzhao, whom Ling'er denies having feelings for. However, when Huo Jingheng's name comes up, Ling'er speaks of him with surprisingly high regard. Taking this as a sign, Yue Chi meticulously writes down all the details of his time in the palace, his interactions with Huo Jingheng, and the Emperor's habits for Ling'er to study.
Shortly after, Huo Jingheng arrives at Fengluan Palace. Ling'er (now in her rightful place) subtly signals him. Aware that Yue Chi is hiding and observing, Huo Jingheng acts naturally, pulling her to review official documents as he usually did with Yue Chi (in disguise). However, the two are secretly communicating by writing messages on each other's palms. Witnessing their apparently easy rapport, Yue Chi becomes suspicious that they might already know each other better than he thought and decides to test the waters.
Later, Yue Chi (back in his male attire but still in the palace, or perhaps this is him as "Ling'er" testing the escape route for his real self later - the text is a bit ambiguous here, but implies he attempts an escape) informs Ling'er of his plan to flee. He disguises himself as a palace maid but is discovered midway. Huo Jingheng escorts him back to Fengluan Palace. Ling'er, witnessing her brother's return, is secretly pleased. Yue Chi then spends much of the night assisting Huo Jingheng with a mountain of memorials. Pretending to fall asleep, Yue Chi plans to escape when Huo Jingheng leaves for the morning court session. However, Huo Jingheng has anticipated this, stationing imperial guards at the door, ostensibly for "Ling'er's" protection.
Undeterred, Yue Chi resolves to escape with the real Ling'er. Realizing they cannot overcome the numerous guards, Yue Chi devises a new plan involving the Empress Dowager. He writes to her, proposing a grand talent showcase in the inner palace where the concubines can perform for the Emperor. The Empress Dowager agrees to the event.
Meanwhile, Du Tianzhao is despondent. Having seen "Ling'er" (who was Yue Chi at the time) and Huo Jingheng sharing what appeared to be intimate moments, he is consumed by jealousy, believing his own nephew has stolen the woman he fancies. Seizing the distraction at Du Tianzhao's residence, Jiang Yunqing slips away. Later, she spots a notice in the city about the palace seeking to purchase flowers and decides to use this as an opportunity to infiltrate the palace and assassinate Huo Jingheng.
During the banquet, Yue Chi takes center stage to perform magic. After two impressive tricks, his third act is designed as his escape. He requests an item from the Emperor, claiming he will "trace its origin." Once he has the item, he instructs everyone to close their eyes and concentrate, creating a diversion for his getaway.
However, as he makes his escape, Yue Chi examines the item from the Emperor and discovers it's wrapped with something that once belonged to him. This confirms his suspicion: Huo Jingheng knows his true identity. At that critical moment, Yue Chi accidentally collides with Jiang Yunqing, who is disguised as a palace maid. Huo Jingheng, who had come looking for Yue Chi (still believing him to be Ling'er), arrives on the scene. Yue Chi tries but fails to prevent a confrontation, and Jiang Yunqing engages Huo Jingheng in a fight. Consort Hui, who had been observing from the shadows, rushes off to summon help. The Empress Dowager, upon hearing of an assassin, arrives with guards. Seeing the escalating situation, Yue Chi quickly helps Jiang Yunqing flee.
Huo Jingheng seems inclined to let the matter drop, but the Empress Dowager vehemently disagrees. She reminds him of past instances where his leniency with assassins only emboldened them, as they showed him no mercy in return. She insists on a thorough investigation to apprehend the assassin and vows to severely punish anyone found to be connected with the attempt on the Emperor's life.
