Dr. Cutie Episode 16 Recap
> Dr. Cutie Recap
Ji Heng summoned Dr. Tian Qi, stating he wanted him to meet someone and help Ji Zheng clarify a misunderstanding. As Sun Congrui entered, he immediately confronted Ji Heng, demanding justice for his son, Sun Pan, who had been arrested again. Ji Heng introduced Dr. Tian Qi as the person who was with Ji Zheng during the previous incident that Sun Congrui had complained about.
Sun Congrui, clearly annoyed, suggested that Dr. Tian Qi must be the Young Marquis's favored person and questioned Ji Heng's discipline, implying that two men bullying his son was inappropriate behavior. Dr. Tian Qi, however, firmly declared his integrity, stating he would even take the matter to court to prove his innocence. Ji Heng then presented a petition from numerous locals accusing Sun Pan of serious offenses, including harassing women, preying on ordinary people, and instigating gang fights.
He also reminded Sun Congrui that his son had blocked Ji Heng's carriage on the street, which was an act of disrespect. Ji Heng warned that reporting these matters to the Emperor would result in severe punishment for Sun Pan. Transitioning to state affairs, Ji Heng spoke of recent natural disasters and crop failures, proposing a reduction in common taxes and an increase in taxes on the wealthy.
He urged Sun Congrui not to obstruct this policy and to be sympathetic to the people's needs. Caught in a difficult position, with evidence piling up against his son, Sun Congrui reluctantly agreed to support the tax reforms. After Sun Congrui left, Dr. Tian Qi questioned Ji Heng for seemingly letting the Sun family off lightly, calling it "officials shielding each other" and asking if it was truly fair to the common people.
Ji Heng sternly reminded Dr. Tian Qi that his role as a doctor was to save lives, not to interfere in politics, and warned that such interference could lead to him being charged under national law. Dr. Tian Qi maintained that he was speaking the truth, further questioning if letting the Sun family go would not disappoint the people.
Ji Heng then confronted Dr. Tian Qi about the suspicious coincidences of encountering Sun Pan multiple times and the intense look in his eyes when facing Sun Congrui, suggesting Dr. Tian Qi was hiding something. Dr. Tian Qi confessed that he had intentionally provoked Sun Pan, driven by hatred for the humiliation he endured and the belief that Sun Pan's father had failed to discipline him. He admitted to wanting Ji Heng to punish Sun Pan.
Ji Heng, however, declared he would not act against the Sun family for a mere doctor. He accused Dr. Tian Qi of becoming arrogant due to his favor and ordered him to kneel in reflection, not to rise without his permission. Dr. Tian Qi accepted the punishment. Later that night, as heavy rain began to fall, Ji Heng, despite being told Dr. Tian Qi was still kneeling, decided to check on him.
Sheng Anhuai, finding Dr. Tian Qi still kneeling in the rain, informed him that Ji Heng, out of kindness, had allowed him to return to his room to reflect. As Dr. Tian Qi attempted to show gratitude, he fainted from exhaustion and exposure. Ji Heng moved forward to help but stopped short, constrained by his status in the presence of others, and instead instructed Sheng Anhuai to ensure Dr. Tian Qi was properly cared for.
Sheng Anhuai later ensured Dr. Tian Qi was given ginger soup and light food. He gently admonished Dr. Tian Qi for his conduct, reminding him that a doctor should not meddle in the general's affairs and had "crossed the line." Dr. Tian Qi reflected that he was wrong to assume Ji Heng would avenge him and concluded he must rely on himself for revenge. Meanwhile, Ji Zheng, upon learning of Dr. Tian Qi's punishment and collapse, rushed to his room.
Dr. Tian Qi, however, refused to open the door, explaining that he did not want Ji Zheng to get into an argument with Ji Heng because of him. Ji Zheng, sensing Dr. Tian Qi's desire to be alone, left, wondering if he was seen merely as a friend.
Sun Congrui came to Ji Heng's mansion, furious that Ji Heng had recommended Sun Pan to lead disaster relief in a plague-ridden area, believing it was a deliberate attempt to harm his son. Sun Congrui pointed out he had already fulfilled Ji Heng's request regarding the tax increase. Ji Heng maintained that he was simply providing an opportunity for Sun Pan to gain favor with the Emperor.
Ji Heng offered to rescind the recommendation, but this forced Sun Congrui to accept the dangerous assignment to save face, ending their discussion by declaring their relationship irrevocably broken. At the Sun residence, Sun Pan was in a rage, breaking objects and begging his father to prevent his deployment.
Sun Congrui angrily told him that he could no longer help, as Ji Heng possessed all the evidence of Sun Pan's misdeeds, and despite Sun Congrui already alienating the wealthy for his son's sake, Ji Heng had not relented. Sun Pan pleaded, even suggesting they pledge loyalty to Ji Heng, which only further enraged his father. Later, Sun Congrui met with Kang De, proposing an alliance to overthrow the Ji brothers.
Kang De, however, expressed his ambition to become the new Jiedushi. Sun Congrui reminded him that individuals with physical disabilities were barred from holding such official positions, leading Kang De to feign disinterest in the alliance. Privately, Kang De revealed his true cunning plan: to have his sister, Kang Ning'er, marry Ji Heng and bear his child.
Once an heir was secured, he would eliminate the Ji brothers and install Kang Ning'er's child as Jiedushi, allowing Kang De to wield true power from behind the scenes. In an attempt to further his scheme, Kang De arranged for Sheng Anhuai to bring Ji Heng to an area where Kang Ning'er was performing. However, Ji Heng merely glanced at her before turning and leaving without a word.
A dejected Kang Ning'er feared Ji Heng's disapproval, but Kang De reassured her, instructing her that winning Ji Heng's heart required patience and a step-by-step approach, starting with mastering arts such as music, chess, calligraphy, painting, dancing, and cooking – skills Kang Ning'er admitted she completely lacked. Ji Heng, meanwhile, was burdened by guilt over punishing Shen Zhao'er (Dr. Tian Qi).
He observed Shen Zhao'er's newfound caution and coldness, which made him uneasy, realizing his anger often stemmed from Shen Zhao'er's reluctance to seek his help. Sheng Anhuai, understanding the complex situation, spoke with Shen Zhao'er, revealing that Ji Heng had recommended Sun Pan for the dangerous disaster relief mission for Shen Zhao'er's benefit, effectively offending the powerful Sun family.
He explained that Ji Heng's actions were part of a larger strategy and urged Shen Zhao'er to understand the weight of Ji Heng's position. Sheng Anhuai stressed that while Shen Zhao'er's compassion for the people was commendable, loyalty to Ji Heng should be paramount. Shen Zhao'er, hearing this, realized she had been shortsighted and had not considered the sacrifices Ji Heng made for her.
Sheng Anhuai advised her to put the punishment behind her and resume her duties with her usual respectful demeanor. Later, in her room, Shen Zhao'er engaged in an internal debate, acknowledging her fear and coldness towards Ji Heng stemmed from the realization that she had developed feelings for him. Despite her mission for revenge and her refusal of Ji Zheng's affection, she struggled to deny her growing attachment to Ji Heng, believing she had no right to love anyone.
The following day, Ji Heng sought to make amends with Dr. Tian Qi for the punishment. Knowing Dr. Tian Qi's fondness for money, he presented him with a generous reward, saying, "Didn't you say you love money? These are all yours."
