In the beginning of Episode 5 of Perfect Crown, there is a shocking crash. Prince Yi-an purposely drives his car into Hui-ju’s to absorb the impact. He makes a quick choice that saves both Hui-ju and the King, but he gets hurt badly in the process. Hui-ju sees him come out of the wreck for a short time before passing out.
What happened after the accident
Yi-rang quickly hears about the incident and rushes to the Royal Hospital. Jeong-woo tells her that King Yi-yoon got away with only a few cuts and bruises. Hui-ju is still unconscious, though, and Prince Yi-an is having surgery on his shoulder.
When Yi-rang finds out that the King was in Hui-ju’s car at the time, things get tense. Jeong-woo steps in to stop a public scandal as the media starts to cover the story. He says that any investigation could put the King’s position in danger, especially since he is so young. Yi-rang reluctantly gives in, and Hui-ju gets more security.
Getting better and dealing with emotional stress
The surgery on Prince Yi-an goes well, and he should fully recover. At the same time, the King wakes up and goes to see Hui-ju, who wakes up when he gets there. She tells him that the accident wasn’t his fault and that he is safe now.
Hui-ju rushes to see Yi-an as soon as she finds out about his condition. There is a lot of humor and tenderness in the way they talk to each other. She makes fun of his small injuries, and he gently checks her wounds. It’s clear that they have chemistry, but Hui-ju tells him not to put his life on the line for her again. Yi-an’s answer makes it seem like he might not be able to keep that promise.
Secrets and Truths
As things progress, Hui-ju is under pressure from many different directions. Her father cares more about how the Castle Group’s finances will be affected than about her health. In the meantime, her friend Hye-jung suggests releasing dashcam footage to prove her innocence, but Hui-ju refuses because she knows it would show the King’s involvement.
Hye-jung gets mad and asks Hui-ju about her engagement to Prince Yi-an. Jeong-woo hears what Hui-ju says and confronts her. This makes her tell the truth: her marriage to the prince is a contract marriage for status. In a surprising turn of events, Jeong-woo offers to marry her instead, but she says no.
A Breakup Out of the Blue
When Prince Yi-an leaves the hospital without saying goodbye, Hui-ju is shocked. Later, she finds out that he has broken off their engagement. She is hurt and confused when she confronts him, but he tells her that he is breaking things off to protect her. He tells her that someone messed with her car and promises to find out who did it.
But his words hurt more when he said he couldn’t marry someone who breaks the rules all the time and makes enemies, which made it sound like she could take the crown. Hui-ju is too shocked to defend herself.
Family Problems and an Investigation
Hui-ju has more problems at home. Her father blames her for the company’s falling stock prices, and Tae-joon says she is just trying to get attention. Hui-ju fires back, saying that her relationship with the prince was good for the family too. The fight gets worse, and in the end, Hui-ju storms out and starts her own investigation into the car sabotage.
The Real Reason Yi-an Made His Choice
In other places, it becomes clear that Prince Yi-an’s choice is based on trauma. He is scared of losing Hui-ju in the same way that his mother died. Jeong-woo had also told him to break off the engagement for her own safety. Even though he leaves, Yi-an gets ready to say goodbye with an invitation to the private Inner Court Banquet.
At first, Hui-ju says no to the invitation, turning down both the offer and Yi-an. But after more fighting, the two make up enough for her to go.
Getting ready for the banquet and power dynamics
Hui-ju remembers that she is not as important as the others as she gets ready for the banquet. As a commoner, she should stay in the background. She makes fun of the strict hierarchy instead of accepting it.
Before the event, Yi-an and Hui-ju have a quiet moment together to practice good manners. Even after everything, their bond is still strong, which suggests that their relationship is not over.
The Banquet in the Inner Court
A quiet power struggle breaks out at the banquet. Hui-ju shows up late in a modern white suit, knowing full well that Yi-rang is also wearing white. She chose this on purpose to be a challenge.
Yi-rang stays calm and criticizes Hui-ju’s outfit in a way that isn’t too obvious. Hui-ju acts like she doesn’t know anything about royal customs and says she’s late because she got lost in the palace.
A Strong Public Statement
As things get worse, Yi-rang tries to take charge by suggesting a long walk through the royal garden, even though Hui-ju is already uneasy. Prince Yi-an steps in at that point.
He takes Hui-ju’s hand in a bold move and says he will stand by her. They walk past the noblewomen together, showing that they are on the same side. The crowd reacts with both admiration and jealousy, which changes the way they interact with each other in public.
Epilogue: A Look Back at the Past
At the end of the episode, there is a flashback to their high school days. Yi-an quietly praises Hui-ju after she wins an archery contest. Even though she doesn’t like it, the moment sticks with her. Jeong-woo, who saw the exchange, comments on how pretty she is, and Yi-an silently agrees.