Dr. Cutie Episode 8 Recap
> Dr. Cutie Recap
Liao Shuyi, in her final moments, cursed Ji Heng, foretelling that he would be forsaken by all and hated by those he loved. This prophecy rekindled Ji Heng's thoughts of the Shen Qingyun family and the unknown fate of Shen Zhaoer, unaware that the person occupying his thoughts was right beside him.
Shen Zhaoer sensed Ji Heng's remorse, attributing it to Liao Shuyi's death, and her perception of him began to soften; perhaps he was not as cold-hearted as he seemed. Ji Heng summoned Shen Zhaoer, demanding to know if she had found the medicinal powder. Startled, Shen Zhaoer confessed that a medicinal powder had been sewn into her belt. She explained that she destroyed the belt out of fear and had not reported it earlier, hoping to live longer.
Ji Heng was furious at her deception but, after her fervent pleas, spared her life, though he warned her that she might regret her actions later. He then led her to the residence where Liao Shuyi, formerly known as Madam Shu, was confined. Confronting Liao Shuyi, Ji Heng revealed his knowledge of her true identity and her connection to Dong Zichun. He pressed her about the murders of Infanta Shucheng, Sun Dali, and Mu Zhu, which Liao Shuyi acknowledged.
When Ji Heng inquired about Dong Zichun's whereabouts and the mastermind behind her, Liao Shuyi refused to cooperate, declaring Ji Heng unworthy of even speaking Dong Zichun's name. She defiantly proclaimed her unwavering love and loyalty to Dong Zichun, despite his abandonment. In an attempt to force her hand, Ji Heng ordered her maid, Zhi Jin, to be taken out for execution.
Distraught, Liao Shuyi apologized to Zhi Jin, promising to repay her in the next life, and then took her own life. Ji Heng did not intervene. Before she fully succumbed, Shen Zhaoer urgently tried to question her about Shen Qingyun and the source of the deadly "Cun Duan," but Liao Shuyi could only whisper "Young master" repeatedly before she died. Ji Heng subsequently ordered Liao Shuyi's title stripped and her to be buried as a commoner.
Shen Zhaoer observed Ji Heng, surmising that he must feel guilty over Liao Shuyi's death. She then astutely deduced that Zhi Jin had not been executed but merely imprisoned, a fact that surprised Ji Heng. Back at the medical hall, Ding Zhi expressed concern for Shen Zhaoer, who recounted Liao Shuyi's suicide and her own confession to Ji Heng.
She admitted to feeling that the Ji Mansion was a perilous place, citing the assassinations and deaths she had witnessed, and even considered leaving. Ding Zhi, however, encouraged her, emphasizing that becoming Ji Heng's trusted personal physician and confidant was their long-cherished ambition, which would grant her immense influence and allow her to achieve anything she desired.
Shen Zhaoer pondered this, reflecting on her original purpose for entering the mansion—to find her parents' killer and clear her father's name—and acknowledging that only Ji Heng possessed such power, yet also recognizing the inherent dangers. That night, as Shen Zhaoer fanned Ji Heng, she considered asking for his help. Suddenly, Ji Heng began to thrash in his sleep, murmuring "Don't go." Shen Zhaoer, alarmed, tried to wake him.
He abruptly sat up, pulled her into an embrace, then quickly released her, regaining his composure. Unable to sleep, he asked her to accompany him for a walk outside. Shen Zhaoer suggested his persistent insomnia stemmed from unresolved worries and a "heart knot." Ji Heng began to confide in her, recounting his youth: how his strenuous efforts in martial arts to earn his father's approval only led to his father's increasing distance and wariness.
He then shared his greatest regret: watching people die to protect him, a sight that still haunted him every time he closed his eyes, forcing him to stay awake. Shen Zhaoer comforted him, asserting that he was a good man who defended the nation and protected its people, believing that those who sacrificed themselves would not regret it, and urged him to cease blaming himself.
Ji Heng then revealed that he kept her by his side because her presence allowed him to sleep peacefully, free from nightmares. He confessed this as a weakness, which he was "exchanging for her loyalty," issuing a severe warning that any betrayal would result in a fate far worse than Liao Shuyi's. Shen Zhaoer promised her unwavering loyalty.
As she continued to fan him, she felt a strange sense of familiarity with his sleeping form, as if she had known him long ago, but quickly refocused her thoughts on the mystery of "Cun Duan" and Liao Shuyi's potential connection to her parents' killer. The next morning, Ji Heng awoke to find Shen Zhaoer asleep by his bed, even drooling.
He nudged her awake, then commanded her to summon Sheng Anhuai for his dressing and to have the bedding changed, complaining that her saliva had soiled it. Shen Zhaoer prepared a medicinal dish of gordon euryale seeds and polished round-grained rice for Ji Heng. Ding Zhi, seeing her culinary efforts, praised her and requested a bowl, which Shen Zhaoer provided before departing. Soon after, Ji Zheng, disguised as the "flower angel," appeared while Shen Zhaoer was serving Ji Heng.
Ji Heng initially humored his brother's prank. Shen Zhaoer was terrified, kneeling and pleading. Ji Zheng continued his antics until Ji Heng finally put an end to it, revealing Ji Zheng's identity. Shen Zhaoer was furious at having been tricked for so long. Ji Zheng followed her, sincerely apologizing. He explained that his flower angel persona was part of his investigation into the Infanta's case, intended to encourage her to confess.
He offered his genuine help with any difficulties she might face in the mansion. Relieved and recognizing the value of such a powerful ally, Shen Zhaoer accepted his apology. Meanwhile, Ji Zheng and Ji Heng discussed Sun Congrui.
Ji Zheng noted how Sun Congrui had repeatedly petitioned the Emperor regarding the Infanta's case, not out of genuine concern, but to accrue political favor, just as he had initially recommended Ji Heng as Jiedushi after their father's death, thereby positioning himself as Ji Heng's benefactor. Ji Zheng criticized Sun Congrui's corrupt practices, including colluding with wealthy merchants to exploit the populace.
Ji Heng acknowledged Sun Congrui's indirect role in the Shen family's tragedy and vowed revenge but stressed that the timing was not yet right. Ji Zheng also expressed curiosity about Ji Heng's unusual concern for Shen Zhaoer (Tian Qi), questioning why he had personally saved her from the pond and kept her in the mansion even after the Infanta's case was resolved.
Ji Heng explained that she was a key clue and had proven diligent, eventually admitting that she helped alleviate his insomnia. Ji Zheng expressed his desire to befriend "Tian Qi" due to her interesting personality. Later, Sun Congrui visited Ji Heng. He once again highlighted his efforts in interceding with the Emperor on Ji Heng's behalf regarding the Infanta's case, reminding Ji Heng of his "life-long friendship" with Ji Heng's late father.
He then subtly requested that Ji Heng recommend his son, Faner, for a position escorting military supplies. Ji Heng, maintaining a cordial facade, promised to carefully consider his request. Shen Zhaoer witnessed this interaction, triggering a painful flashback of Sun Congrui betraying her family. Filled with righteous anger, she worried that Ji Heng might align himself with this villain. Ji Zheng intercepted her, preventing her from disturbing their conversation.
Shen Zhaoer feigned concern for Sun Congrui's supposedly unwell appearance, claiming she merely wished to check his pulse, and then quickly departed. Later, she stood by a pond, angrily throwing stones into the water, silently vowing to avenge her family against Sun Congrui.
