Episode Summary
To protect Jiang Yunqing, Yue Chi hides her in Fengluan Palace. When confronted by the Empress Dowager (brought by Consort Hui), Huo Jingheng arrives and announces Yue Chi's pregnancy to save him. An Imperial Physician, prompted by Huo Jingheng, falsely confirms it. Huo Jingheng then reveals he wants Yue Chi's help to govern. Consort Hui plots against the supposed pregnancy. Yue Chi gets permission to leave the palace to "mourn his brother," planning to flee with Jiang Yunqing and Ling'er. Huo Jingheng intercepts them, and they have a candid talk where Yue Chi expresses his desire for a peaceful life, though he's internally conflicted. Jiang Yunqing reminds him of past grievances. Ling'er tries to subtly sway Yue Chi by leaving his old journal about Huo Jingheng. Finally, Huo Jingheng visits Yue Chi, offering him the Prime Minister's robes and affirming the position is always his.
Spoiler Alert
"A Prime Minister's Disguise" Episode 6 Recap & Spoilers: A Royal Ruse and a Reluctant Return
In a tense turn of events, Yue Chi secretes Jiang Yunqing away in Fengluan Palace, entrusting her to Xiao Yue's protection. He then braces himself to face the Empress Dowager, who has been deliberately led to the palace by Consort Hui. The Empress Dowager, suspicious, demands a thorough search of Fengluan Palace. Yue Chi, unable to refuse, can only hope for Huo Jingheng's timely intervention.
Right on cue, Huo Jingheng arrives. To shield Yue Chi, he makes a stunning announcement before everyone: Yue Chi is pregnant. Consort Hui, ever skeptical, insists an Imperial Physician examine Yue Chi. Huo Jingheng coolly agrees, giving a subtle signal to a nearby eunuch. The physician, taking his cue from Huo Jingheng, examines Yue Chi and falsely confirms a "joyful pulse" (pregnancy). The Empress Dowager is overjoyed at the prospect of a grandchild. Seizing the moment, Huo Jingheng dismisses the crowd, stating Yue Chi needs rest.
With them finally alone, Huo Jingheng lays his cards on the table: he wants Yue Chi to assist him in governing. Yue Chi is stunned, realizing he's been played by Huo Jingheng all along. Meanwhile, Jiang Yunqing has been safely delivered to Du Tianzhao. Unaware of the palace drama, Du Tianzhao is flabbergasted when Jiang Yunqing informs him of Yue Chi's supposed pregnancy.
Later that night, Consort Hui sends a carrier pigeon to her sworn brother, informing him of "Consort Yue's" (Yue Chi's disguised identity) pregnancy. She warns that if Yue Chi gives birth to an heir, their own position will become precarious, urging him to make preparations.
Determined to leave the palace, Yue Chi once again pleads with the Empress Dowager. This time, his excuse is to visit his deceased older brother's grave to pay respects. The Empress Dowager grants permission. Upon leaving the palace, Yue Chi rushes home, intending to take Jiang Yunqing and Ling'er and flee the Imperial Capital. Ling'er, however, deliberately dawdles while packing, secretly hoping to buy time for Huo Jingheng's arrival. Her wish is granted as Huo Jingheng soon appears with a ceremonial procession, offering to accompany "Consort Yue" to pay respects to his late brother.
At the gravesite, Yue Chi puts on a show of loud, dramatic grief. Huo Jingheng, understanding, dismisses his attendants, allowing the two to finally speak candidly. While Huo Jingheng expresses his sincere desire for Yue Chi to help him stabilize the Da Ning Dynasty, Yue Chi is resolute: he no longer wants to be entangled in court politics and yearns for a simple, peaceful life. After Yue Chi departs, Ling'er, who had been hiding nearby, approaches Huo Jingheng, asking what to do next. Huo Jingheng, not ready to give up, says he still wants to try.
Back at his residence, Yue Chi reflects on Huo Jingheng's words. He's internally conflicted; he recognizes Huo Jingheng as a benevolent ruler who, currently facing threats from all sides, indeed needs capable ministers. However, Yue Chi doesn't believe he is the right person for the job. Jiang Yunqing expresses her wish for a quiet, ordinary life with Yue Chi. Seeing a flicker of hesitation in Yue Chi's eyes, she reminds him of the arrow Huo Jingheng once shot at him. Yue Chi, unwilling to hear more, declares they will leave with Ling'er the next day.
Ling'er, also reluctant for his brother to leave but unable to dissuade him given the circumstances, simply leaves behind the journal Yue Chi once kept, detailing Huo Jingheng's daily life and habits. That evening, Huo Jingheng appears outside Yue Chi's door. He has brought the official robes of the Prime Minister and a jade pendant. He tells Yue Chi that the position of Prime Minister of the Da Ning Dynasty will always be reserved for him.
