Episode Summary
Consort Hui, suspecting Consort Yue is an imposter (Ling'er in disguise), tries to expose her but finds no support from other consorts who have benefited from Ling'er's kindness. Consort Hui's warning message to her foster brother, the Man Wang, is intercepted by Emperor Huo Jingheng and Ling'er's brother, Yue Chi, alerting them to her suspicions. Ling'er continues to charm the Empress Dowager, who seems aware of the charade. The Man Wang plots with Consort Hui to induce Ling'er's miscarriage. Consort Hui's initial attempt to poison Ling'er with pastries is thwarted by the vigilant Empress Dowager. Ling'er, disguised as a palace maid, overhears their plan to act during Consort Hui's upcoming birthday banquet. At the banquet, Ling'er avoids the drugged food and later stages a scene where she is seemingly pushed into a river by Consort Hui. Huo Jingheng "rescues" her, and they proceed with a plan to fake a miscarriage, with the help of an imperial physician. The Empress Dowager, though angered by the elaborate deception, observes the Emperor's genuine affection for Ling'er.
Spoiler Alert
"A Prime Minister's Disguise" Episode 9 Recap & Spoilers:
Upon waking, Consort Hui's immediate conviction is that the current Consort Yue is an imposter. She’s eager to expose her, but this time, the other consorts are not on her side. They’ve found that "Consort Yue" (Ling'er in disguise) has allowed them to pursue their own interests and has even made plans for their futures within the harem. Seeing them all turn away, Consort Hui is left fuming.
Consort Hui attempts to alert her foster brother by sending a message, but it's intercepted by the guard Wei Zhang. Huo Jingheng (the Emperor) and Yue Chi (Ling'er's brother) read the letter, which reveals that Consort Yue has been replaced. Yue Chi is taken aback, realizing Consort Hui is far more cunning than they had initially believed. For now, they decide to lay low and observe. Meanwhile, Ling'er brings them some plum wine she brewed herself. Both men are impressed after a taste. Huo Jingheng suggests Ling'er offer some to the Empress Dowager the next day. This annoys Yue Chi, who dislikes seeing his sister being ordered around. However, Ling'er is quite willing; inspired by the other consorts, she feels she has finally found an activity she genuinely enjoys.
When Ling'er goes to deliver the wine to the Empress Dowager, things take an unexpected turn. Zhao Jieyu boldly pulls off Ling'er's veil. Before leaving, Zhao Jieyu whispers to Ling'er not to be nervous, assuring her that they have all accepted her as Consort Yue. Ling'er then sits down for drinks with the Empress Dowager but, unaccustomed to alcohol, quickly gets drunk and passes out. The Empress Dowager, however, finds the innocent Ling'er quite endearing. Later that evening, Ling'er dines with Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi and recounts the day's events. Huo Jingheng realizes that the Empress Dowager has been aware of the deception all along but chose to remain silent, indicating she is on his side. He instructs Ling'er to feign ignorance if anyone questions her about her appearance but warns her to be especially cautious around Consort Hui.
It turns out Consort Hui's foster brother is none other than the Man Wang. He secretly visits Consort Hui in her quarters, instructing her to find a way to cause Ling'er to miscarry. Their conversation is overheard by Wei Zhang, who promptly reports it to the Emperor and Yue Chi. This news is almost a relief to them, as they were wondering how to escalate their own plans; Consort Hui's scheme could inadvertently help them. However, they are not the only ones plotting; the Empress Dowager also has her people keeping a close watch on everyone's movements. Her primary concern, above all else, is securing a royal grandchild.
Consort Hui attempts her first move by lacing pastries intended for Ling'er with drugs. Just as Ling'er is about to take a bite, the Empress Dowager arrives, coincidentally carrying identical pastries. She pointedly warns Ling'er not to eat anything "unclean" and has her attendant, Xiao Yue, take away Consort Hui's tainted treats. With the Empress Dowager diligently protecting Ling'er, Consort Hui finds it difficult to make a move. Huo Jingheng and Yue Chi are keen to discover Consort Hui's next plan. Ling'er volunteers for a risky mission: disguised as the palace maid Mei Li, she will try to eavesdrop. Unfortunately, having eaten too much before setting out, Ling'er starts hiccuping while listening in on Consort Hui and the Man Wang, nearly exposing herself. Huo Jingheng arrives in the nick of time, pulling her into his arms and hiding behind a large tree. They manage to overhear Consort Hui's plan: the Man Wang intends to make his move during Consort Hui's upcoming birthday celebration.
The Empress Dowager is aware that Consort Hui has invited Ling'er to her birthday banquet and initially forbids Ling'er from attending. However, Ling'er playfully coaxes her, and the Empress Dowager relents, though she sternly warns Ling'er not to eat anything carelessly. Determined to succeed this time, Consort Hui has an abortifacient sprinkled on every single dish served at the banquet. But her meticulous plan goes awry. Ling'er makes only a brief appearance at the feast and doesn't touch any food before leaving. Consort Hui anxiously chases after her, urging her to return and eat. As they reach a riverside, Ling'er seizes the opportunity. She feigns being attacked and dramatically throws herself into the water. Gui Gonggong, an eunuch in on the Emperor's plan, immediately shouts that Consort Hui pushed Ling'er into the river. Huo Jingheng arrives on cue, dives into the water, and "rescues" Ling'er.
Once again, Huo Jingheng enlists the same imperial physician from before to aid in their deception. They successfully use this staged incident to fake Ling'er's miscarriage. The Empress Dowager is initially furious when she realizes how thoroughly she has been deceived. However, witnessing her son's genuine concern and attentiveness towards Ling'er during this ordeal, she begins to suspect that the Emperor might truly be developing deep feelings for her.
