Episode Summary
Ling'er, advised by Du Tianzhao, auctions Emperor Huo Jingheng's time, leading to his anger. Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi reaffirm their alliance when a plot surfaces to make Yue Chi a figurehead Prime Minister. Yue Chi suggests Ling'er create a department for harem women to use their talents. The Empress Dowager discovers Yue Chi's disguise as Consort Yue. To protect Yue Chi, Ling'er stages a compromising scene with Du Tianzhao, resulting in Du Tianzhao's punishment. Yue Chi is captured but convinces the Empress Dowager of his loyalty. During Ling'er's "Hundred Day Plan," an accident with incense causes Consort Hui to see Ling'er's true face, raising suspicion.
Spoiler Alert
"A Prime Minister's Disguise" Episode 8 Recap & Spoilers
The drama intensifies in Episode 8 as Ling'er, acting on Du Tianzhao's rather mischievous advice to ensure Emperor Huo Jingheng "shares his imperial attention" more evenly, takes a bold step: she decides to auction off the Emperor's time within the imperial harem. Different activities, from sharing tea with His Majesty to performing for him, come with varying price tags. However, when Emperor Huo Jingheng arrives expecting to see Ling'er, he's met by Noble Lady Lan instead. It's from her that he learns about Ling'er's scheme to auction his time. Understandably furious, Huo Jingheng orders Eunuch Du to refund Noble Lady Lan and storms off in a rage.
Meanwhile, Emperor Huo Jingheng receives a lengthy and troubling memorial from Minister Wei. The minister's proposal? To install Yue Chi as a mere figurehead Prime Minister. This news further infuriates Huo Jingheng. Yue Chi himself arrives amidst this tension, initially thinking the Emperor's anger is directed at him. Once he understands the situation, Yue Chi offers comfort. The episode highlights that Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi are indeed strong allies, united by shared ideals and a common dedication to the well-being of their people.
Later, Yue Chi, Ling'er, Emperor Huo Jingheng, Du Tianzhao, and others are spending time in the imperial garden. Huo Jingheng, visibly displeased by Du Tianzhao's fawning attention towards Ling'er, curtly sends Du Tianzhao away to attend to his own duties. Ling'er, meanwhile, expresses her concerns for the women of the harem. She believes they shouldn't be confined by their circumstances but should find ways to live for themselves. Her brother, Yue Chi, ever supportive, devises a clever plan: he suggests Ling'er establish a special department within the harem. This would provide an outlet for the talented concubines to showcase their skills and find purpose. Ling'er is struck by this insightful idea and expresses deep gratitude to her brother.
However, their lighthearted interactions in the garden do not go unnoticed. The Empress Dowager observes them and senses that something is amiss. Her suspicions aroused, she secretly follows Ling'er to Fengluan Palace. There, she makes a startling discovery: the current "Consort Yue" (who is Yue Chi in disguise) is not the same Consort Yue she remembers sharing drinks with on a previous occasion.
The Empress Dowager is incensed. The following day, seizing the opportunity of Emperor Huo Jingheng's absence from the palace, she attempts to summon Yue Chi. However, Yue Chi manages to evade her initial summons. Undeterred, the Empress Dowager orders a sweeping search of the palace grounds, which eventually leads her forces to Fengluan Palace where Yue Chi has taken refuge. Du Tianzhao also rushes to Fengluan Palace to warn them, but the Empress Dowager arrives hot on their heels.
Thinking quickly, Ling'er concocts a daring diversion. She disguises herself as a palace maid, even blackening her face, and stages a scene implying she's having a secret rendezvous with Du Tianzhao. Just as the Empress Dowager is about to uncover the truth, Emperor Huo Jingheng makes a dramatic return. Witnessing the staged scene, he feigns outrage and lands several punches on Du Tianzhao. To maintain the facade, Du Tianzhao is subsequently punished with twenty strokes of the heavy bamboo. Huo Jingheng, however, remains unconcerned; he knows his mother well and is aware of her deep affection for her own younger brother, Du Tianzhao, understanding she wouldn't allow him to come to serious harm.
Despite the diversion, Yue Chi is eventually captured by the Empress Dowager's guards and subjected to a beating. The Empress Dowager then challenges him to a martial contest. Yue Chi, however, finds himself in an impossible position; for both public and personal reasons, he cannot bring himself to raise a hand against the Emperor's mother. Instead, Yue Chi sincerely explains his intentions and loyalty. Ultimately, the Empress Dowager, placing trust in her son's judgment regarding Yue Chi, decides to let him go, urging him to serve well.
The episode also sees Ling'er's "Hundred Day Plan" for the harem women progressing smoothly, with the consorts enthusiastically showcasing their various talents. During one such activity, a perfume-making session, disaster nearly strikes. Due to poor ventilation and the potent mix of fragrances, everyone in the room faints. Ling'er is the first to regain consciousness. She quickly rouses the others, and they help each other escape the room. However, Consort Hui is accidentally left behind. Without hesitation, Ling'er rushes back into the fume-filled room alone. To protect Consort Hui from inhaling more of the disorienting smoke, Ling'er removes her own veil, soaks it in water, and gently covers Consort Hui's nose and mouth while helping her to safety. In her hazy and disoriented state, Consort Hui catches a clear glimpse of Ling'er's true face. A flicker of recognition, or rather, confusion, crosses her features as she seems to realize that the woman helping her, Ling'er, is perhaps not the same "Consort Yue" she had known or encountered before, setting the stage for further revelations.
