Dr. Cutie Episode 1 Recap
> Dr. Cutie Recap
Shen Zhaoer, a young woman disguised as a male doctor named Tian Qi, hysterically crying at the funeral of Infanta Shuncheng in Mansion Ji. Although appearing profoundly grief-stricken, Tian Qi internally bemoans the significant debt she incurred to secure her position serving the Infanta, who was destined to become the Jiedushi's wife. Other servants observe her exaggerated display of emotion, noting that Tian Qi is rumored to be an unlucky star.
They recall that despite successfully treating patients, they often die mysteriously afterward, yet Tian Qi paradoxically receives promotions, leading some to believe her dramatic wailing appeases the deceased and brings her good fortune. Her fervent crying eventually causes the Infanta's coffin to collapse. Two months prior, Tian Qi, a talented medical officer, had fabricated a story about being an "unlucky star" (天煞å¤æ˜Ÿ) to avoid a promotion to imperial doctor.
He claimed that despite successfully treating patients for ailments like chronic leg pain, gastric issues, and impotence, they inexplicably died shortly after due to bizarre accidents (falling off a horse, choking on a tangyuan, or dying of pleasure in a brothel). His master, Ding Zhi, initially chastised her for rejecting such an honor. However, Tian Qi, with clever flattery, managed to borrow 200 guan from him, which he then used to bribe officials on her behalf.
This manipulation successfully secured her a coveted position as Infanta Shuncheng's personal physician in Mansion Ji. On the day Ji Heng, the Jiedushi of Army Anton, returned triumphantly from battle, a grand celebratory banquet was held in his mansion. Kang Ninger, Ji Heng's cousin, openly expressed her disdain for Infanta Shuncheng's late arrival and dismissively referred to her as "Miss Patient," though she curbed her direct remarks once Ji Heng made his entrance.
Known as the "Devil of War" for his cold and unpredictable nature and undefeated record, Ji Heng was in high spirits following his victory. He respectfully invited Infanta Shuncheng, his imperial-appointed fiancée, to sit beside him. As the entertainment began, Tian Qi, who had been advising the Infanta on how to best catch Ji Heng's eye, attempted to pour wine for him. However, she was intentionally tripped by a maid, causing her to fall into Ji Heng's arms.
Immediately, an assassin disguised as a servant emerged and lunged at Ji Heng with a dagger. Ji Heng, with a piercing gaze, caught the blade with his bare hand, his blood dripping, as guards swiftly apprehended the attacker. While others panicked, Tian Qi remained frozen until Ji Heng prompted her to act. She quickly spun a tale of heroic loyalty, claiming she saw the glint of the dagger and bravely intervened to save him.
Ji Heng, more concerned with the assassination, demanded to know who sent the attacker. Before the assassin could speak, Infanta Shuncheng suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed, and the assassin took the opportunity to bite his tongue, committing suicide. That same evening, in a distant tavern, a man in a white hooded cloak received news of the failed assassination and the assassin's suicide. He clenched his cup, his face composed, seemingly deep in thought.
Later, Infanta Shuncheng was confirmed to have passed away. That night, Tian Qi, alone in the Infanta's mourning hall, wept inconsolably. Her tears, however, were not for the Infanta, but for her own financial woes—her elaborate plan to gain a foothold in Mansion Ji through the Infanta was now ruined, leaving her burdened with debt.
In a moment of desperation, she considered taking the Infanta's priceless necklace, a gift from the Emperor, but was scared away by a sudden, chilling gust of wind. After a series of panicked apologies to the deceased, her thoughts returned to her money. She continued crying so hard that she didn't notice Ji Heng approaching. Unthinkingly, she grabbed the corner of his robe, using it to wipe her tears and blow her nose.
Realizing the fabric was not her handkerchief, she looked down at the robe, then up at Ji Heng’s astonished and disgusted expression. Reacting quickly, she pleaded for mercy, attributing her actions to overwhelming grief over the Infanta’s sudden passing, claiming she treated the Infanta like family and that what she did was an accident.
Ji Heng, seeing her seemingly loyal devotion and perhaps softened by the solemnity of the occasion, spared her life, but ordered Sheng Anhuai, his steward, to punish her. Sheng Anhuai, understanding Tian Qi's manipulative display, sarcastically praised her cunning for softening Ji Heng's heart and avoiding harsher punishment by using the Infanta's coffin as a shield. He sentenced her to forfeit a month's salary.
Tian Qi lamented her financial losses but also found herself unexpectedly intrigued by Ji Heng's handsome appearance and scent. Later, in his room, Ji Heng, disgusted by the incident, discarded his soiled robe and ordered Sheng Anhuai to investigate Tian Qi. He suspected Tian Qi’s tearful behavior indicated a more complex relationship with the Infanta than she let on, also noting Tian Qi's guilty expression when questioned.
Sheng Anhuai speculated about an illicit affair, but Ji Heng dismissed this as secondary to the urgent matter of explaining the Infanta's death in his mansion to the Emperor before their wedding, fearing dire consequences if he failed to provide a satisfactory account. The following day, Shen Zhaoer, outside the Jiedushi's yamen, recalled a childhood memory of waiting there with her mother for her father to finish his medical consultations and come home.
These vivid memories, particularly the circumstances surrounding her parents' deaths, renewed her resolve to uncover the truth. Her initial plan to use the Infanta to infiltrate Mansion Ji had failed, so she knew she needed to devise a new strategy. Meanwhile, Ji Heng’s younger brother, Ji Zheng (the Little Marquis), returned to his hometown after a long absence, ostensibly for his brother's wedding. Instead of going straight home, he chose to wander the streets.
His aide, Xu Jin, questioned this delay, noting their hurried journey to avoid missing the wedding. Ji Zheng explained his "homesickness turned into jitter", an idiom Xu Jin, a "rough guy," didn't grasp, much to Ji Zheng's amusement. Ji Zheng then left Xu Jin to rest while he continued to explore the city alone, where he had a fleeting glimpse of Shen Zhaoer, dressed as a woman, on a bridge, instantly captivating him.
