Episode 5 recap: The Fourth Prince Silently Helps Han Zi Qing
In Episode 5, Han Zi Qing hides under the bed, feeling suffocated. Finally, she musters the courage to peek out, only to find the Fourth Prince awake and looking confused as he hugs her and asks why she’s hiding. She casually claims to be hungry, but when she hears that someone needs to cook, she hurriedly escapes. The Fourth Prince, baffled, rummages through the room and accidentally spots a dagger.
The next morning, as the Fourth Prince and Han Zi Qing prepare to leave, they are stopped by Lord Jiang and his men from the Ministry of Justice. Lord Jiang holds a royal warrant, claiming they need the princess's assistance in the investigation of Master Chen's case. Just as the Fourth Prince is about to protest, Han Zi Qing volunteers, stating she wants to prove her innocence. Though the Fourth Prince worries for her safety, he promises to protect her.
Once they enter the palace, the king mentions the case, expressing concern over the princess being implicated during the envoy’s visit and even hints at the possibility of deposing her. The Fourth Prince firmly opposes this idea, stating that unless the princess confesses, he will not give up on her. He also exposes Ouyang Jing Shi’s disruptive behavior during the announcement of the decree and requests the king to take action against her.
The Fourth Prince secretly makes plans. He has someone keep a close eye on Ouyang Jing Shi and deliberately leaks information about the purple-cloaked individuals to the public, generating interest. Meanwhile, Han Zi Qing unexpectedly encounters the masked figure from their previous encounter in prison. The figure reveals that he has already helped her resolve some issues and mentions that the whereabouts of the two purple-cloaked individuals will soon be revealed. Han Zi Qing tries to inquire about his identity, but he responds with action, leaving her with a “kiss mark” before departing.
On the day of the trial, the king attends in person, and both Han Zi Qing and Han Xi Er are summoned. Master Chen's accusation becomes crucial, but Han Zi Qing insists on a new autopsy. She invites Xie Zhe, the top coroner, who confirms that the murderer is a grown man and highlights the significant suspicion surrounding the newly discovered purple-cloaked individuals. As their identities are revealed to be palace insiders, the king swiftly deals with those responsible. However, Han Zi Qing remains unsatisfied and continues to accuse Han Xi Er of colluding with the innkeeper to frame her. Although the king states there is insufficient evidence for further investigation, Han Zi Qing believes the truth will ultimately come to light.
After the trial, Han Zi Qing searches for the Fourth Prince but finds him missing. Instead, she spots a black-cloaked figure leaving in a hurry, which leaves her suspicious. Upon returning home, she finds the Fourth Prince there, his high-collared attire looking particularly out of place. She internally criticizes his "protection" but is then sent to buy high-collared clothes, leaving her with mixed feelings.
Through a conversation with the maid in red, Han Zi Qing learns that Xie Zhe's presence might not have been coincidental, suggesting someone had arranged it in advance. This revelation deepens her curiosity about the Fourth Prince's true intentions and identity. Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince’s mysterious smile and the secrets hidden beneath his high collar seem to weave a web of protection and intrigue around her.
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