Jun Jiu Ling Episode 18 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
Jun Jiuling, preparing to boil the medicine for Prince Huai, insisted on managing the process herself. She stated she trusted no one else, not even Lu Yunqi, to handle her ingredients, acknowledging that many were waiting to see her fail and that a loss would be a great humiliation. Meanwhile, Lu Yunqi deliberately probed Princess Jiuli by revealing the name of Jun Jiuling’s clinic, Jiuling Drugstore, and her full name.
Princess Jiuli paused, but quickly masked her surprise with a smile, though her fleeting expression did not escape Lu Yunqi’s notice. Elsewhere, Ms. Cao, after learning the full story, gladly agreed to send the imperial decree to the capital, pleased that Fang Chengyu was embracing his responsibilities as a Fang family man.
Fang Chengyu confessed his genuine affection for Jun Jiuling, explaining that while their "fake marriage" was initially a transaction, his feelings were now sincere and he hoped to truly marry her one day, if she was willing. Ms. Cao, understanding his heart, gave her blessing, acknowledging that any genuine effort made is worthwhile in itself. As Jun Jiuling tended to the prince, Princess Jiuli couldn’t help but subtly question her about her name.
Lu Yunqi, observing from outside, noticed that Jun Jiuling always showed a deep, hidden sadness when near Prince Huai, often turning away to weep silently. When Prince Huai’s appetite improved, Princess Jiuli went to prepare him food, prompting Lu Yunqi to leave. Prince Huai, known for his reclusive nature, disliked strangers. Seeing his sister leave, he claimed he needed rest and dismissed Jun Jiuling.
Unbeknownst to him, Jun Jiuling left the room and hid in a corner, crying in agony, praying for her brother's swift recovery and promising to return for him. When Princess Jiuli brought a large bowl of noodle soup and other dishes, Jun Jiuling, secretly fearing poison, meticulously inspected each dish under the pretext of checking for conflicts with the Prince’s medication.
Prince Huai ate with relish, reminiscing about the last time his elder sister had made him noodle soup on her wedding day. Upon learning that Jun Jiuling had successfully treated Prince Huai, a furious Chu Rang believed she had ruined his plans. However, Lu Yunqi argued that the Prince's recovery was advantageous.
He reasoned that if the late emperor’s son died, it would inevitably invite suspicion and tarnish Chu Rang’s reputation, whereas a recovery would earn him praise for his compassion. Convinced, Chu Rang no longer blamed Jun Jiuling. Meanwhile, Zhu Zan and his companions pondered why Lu Yunqi would now advocate for Jun Jiuling, speculating it was either to avoid imperial wrath or to ensure her medical expertise remained available to him.
Days later, seeing Prince Huai’s steady recovery, Lu Yunqi urged Princess Jiuli to return home. As she prepared to leave, Lu Yunqi’s earlier words struck her, and she began to wonder if Jun Jiuling was truly her younger sister reincarnated. The next day, Jun Jiuling took a restless Prince Huai to the courtyard to play on a swing. Lu Yunqi observed their joyful interaction, surprised by the Prince's unusual comfort with Jun Jiuling, as they acted like old acquaintances.
When imperial doctors arrived for a consultation, Lu Yunqi voiced his bewilderment at the pair's closeness. Jun Jiuling gave a brief, evasive answer and left. Imperial Doctor Jiang Youshu confirmed Prince Huai’s full recovery and proposed that the Imperial Academy of Medicine take over his follow-up care. Fearing her brother's health would be jeopardized, Jun Jiuling sternly warned Jiang Youshu, subtly threatening him with the consequences should any negligence occur.
Chen Qi prepared to return to Zezhou, which saddened Fang Jinxiu. Knowing he was hired by her family, she offered to pay double to retain his services, which Chen Qi, feigning indifference, happily accepted. After bidding farewell to Prince Huai, Jun Jiuling returned to her clinic and was alarmed to learn that Fang Chengyu had sent the imperial decree.
She knew that while the decree protected the clinic, it would likely further displease Chu Rang, who was already vexed by her success. Chu Rang had indeed received word of the decree. It amplified his suspicion about Jun Jiuling's connection to the Fang family, but with the imperial seal's whereabouts still a mystery, he decided to observe rather than act rashly. News of Jun Jiuling’s success spread, boosting her clinic's reputation.
Impressed, Ning Yunzhao's uncle nonetheless warned him against entanglement in romance, urging him to focus on his studies and securing a high-ranking position for the Ning family. Not long after, a mother and daughter arrived in the capital, their faces concealed. They sought out the Jiuling Drugstore, and upon reaching the entrance, they removed their veils, revealing faces covered in smallpox, causing the clinic attendant to react in alarm.
