Jun Jiu Ling Episode 22 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
Lu Yunqi and his men arrived at Qingshan Court, intending to apprehend Zhu Zan for his unauthorized departure. As Lu Yunqi's men prepared to take action, Jun Jiuling confronted him, pointing out his own culpability as the imperial guard if Zhu Zan was missing. Just then, Zhu Zan appeared, returning with an imperial decree that rendered Lu Yunqi powerless to intervene. Zhu Zan then revealed he had brought two young boys, Zhou Jing and Maomao, from the death cell.
He explained to the bewildered crowd that these children were the descendants of Grand Guardian Zhou Bentang, who had been falsely accused of treason. Zhu Zan had obtained an imperial decree promising them a pardon from their death sentence if they successfully underwent the smallpox vaccination, which was a dangerous process. Both Zhou Jing and Maomao, despite the risks, bravely volunteered for the vaccination, expressing their trust in Jun Jiuling.
Jun Jiuling, in turn, vowed to protect them, alongside the other doctors, to honor Zhu Zan's perilous efforts in rescuing them. Witnessing this, Lu Yunqi dismissed his men, abandoning his plan to burn the court. That evening, Zhu Zan visited Jun Jiuling, expressing his concern for her well-being, noting how she had not rested for days.
He brought her a bowl of ginseng soup he had personally prepared, admitting he couldn't sleep while she was risking her life for the vaccination. Jun Jiuling, despite finding the soup to be the worst she had ever tasted, cherished the gesture and thanked him. Zhu Zan, in turn, playfully warned her not to develop feelings for him, highlighting the growing closeness and unspoken affection between them after their shared ordeal. Soon, the patients at Qingshan Court fully recovered.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, they bowed deeply and thanked Jun Jiuling, Zhu Zan, and all the doctors for their benevolent efforts, attributing their recovery to the doctors' skills and their own trust. Zhu Zan humbly redirected their praise to the doctors, calling them the true saviors, while Jun Jiuling emphasized that the patients' health was the greatest reward. With heartfelt goodbyes, the cured patients departed for their homes.
Meanwhile, Jun Jiuling chose to return to the capital discreetly, avoiding the grand welcome orchestrated by Zhu Zan, as she disliked such public displays. She knew that the success of the vaccination had already brought immense renown to Jiuling Drugstore. News of Jiuling Drugstore's breakthrough spread rapidly, attracting people from distant regions like Runan and Zezhou, who traveled to the capital seeking vaccination. This surge in popularity infuriated the imperial doctors, who had initially scoffed at Jun Jiuling's methods.
Imperial Doctor Jiang Youshu, observing the situation, suggested that the Imperial Academy of Medicine seize control of the vaccination project. He proposed that local doctors should come to the capital to learn the method under Jun Jiuling's supervision, believing that Jun Jiuling, a mere commoner, would be too intimidated to refuse such a request when summoned by the Emperor.
Chu Rang soon summoned Jun Jiuling to the palace to bestow a reward, eager to assess the woman who had garnered such widespread acclaim. Jun Jiuling knew this visit was a perilous gamble, yet it was a moment she had long anticipated – an opportunity to confront the emperor, her father's murderer. That night, as she rode with Zhu Zan, he sensed her deep-seated unease.
He probed her, asking about her true purpose for entering the palace, noting her mysterious demeanor. Jun Jiuling finally confided in him, revealing her unwavering intention to avenge Princess Jiuling and her father. Zhu Zan, touched by her trust, vowed to stand by her, promising to support her in all her endeavors without question. Buoyed by this newfound closeness, Zhu Zan took Jun Jiuling to a beautiful outdoor location, where fireflies illuminated the night sky.
He was deeply moved by the sight, even reciting a poem. However, Jun Jiuling remained practical, observing that the plant Sedum could be used for medicinal purposes, specifically for the liver and eyes. Her pragmatic comment, focusing on the plant's medicinal properties rather than the romantic ambiance, somewhat surprised Zhu Zan, who noted she was "not an ordinary woman." Jun Jiuling then playfully inquired what an "ordinary woman" was like, before commenting on the beauty of the fireflies.
On the day of her imperial audience, Jun Jiuling, despite her apparent calm, requested Dr. Feng to accompany her, acknowledging that there were aspects of the court she could not navigate alone. Upon entering the assembly hall, Jun Jiuling greeted Emperor Chu Rang with composure. Chu Rang lauded her success in eradicating smallpox in Qingshan Court, equating it to a significant military victory and crediting her as the primary contributor.
Jun Jiuling humbly attributed the success to a combination of divine favor, the court's support, the suitable location of Qingshan Court, and the collective efforts of the doctors and Zhu Zan. Imperial Doctor Jiang Youshu then stepped forward, seeking to leverage her success. He proposed that the Imperial Academy of Medicine take charge of the vaccination, with doctors from across the realm traveling to the capital to learn the method from Jun Jiuling, who would then certify them.
Jun Jiuling, however, firmly disagreed. She explained that the vaccination method could only be learned through practical experience, not mere verbal instruction, a process the imperial doctors had not yet undergone. To ensure proper training and widespread adoption without compromising quality, Jun Jiuling boldly recommended Dr. Feng, a highly respected and experienced physician who had played a crucial role in the recent smallpox treatment.
She suggested that Dr. Feng oversee the training and assessment of doctors from local governments, citing her own youth and Dr. Feng's superior experience as reasons for her recommendation. Chu Rang, impressed by her judiciousness, assented to her proposal, appointing her to supervise Dr. Feng's work. Impressed by Jun Jiuling's insightful and composed demeanor, Chu Rang granted her proposal but also grew wary of her balanced nature.
Jun Jiuling, sensing his suspicion, decided to act, requesting a small favor—a noble title, not for wealth, but to honor her ancestors' dedication to medicine. Her request caused an uproar among the court officials, who deemed it audacious for a mere physician. However, Chu Rang surprisingly agreed, bestowing upon her the title of "County Princess Shanyang." This act seemed to alleviate some of the court's initial skepticism.
After the audience, Jun Jiuling emerged from the palace to find Zhu Zan, Zhou Jing, and Maomao waiting. She informed the children that arrangements had been made for them to leave the capital for another province. Seeing Jun Jiuling's reluctance to part, Zhang Baotang light-heartedly suggested she adopt them as her sons. Immediately, Zhou Jing and Maomao called her "adopted mother" and then, spotting Zhu Zan, declared him their "adopted father," much to his playful chagrin.
As the children departed in a carriage, Jun Jiuling was overcome with emotion, tearfully acknowledging that this separation was for their safety and future. Despite granting her a title, Chu Rang remained suspicious of Jun Jiuling, seeking Lu Yunqi's assessment of her behavior in court.
Lu Yunqi, intent on protecting Jun Jiuling, falsely claimed that her composure and request for a title were merely a facade, arguing that her usual demeanor was much more impolite and that her desire for power made her less of a threat. While Chu Rang continued to ponder Jun Jiuling's true nature, the vaccination program progressed smoothly, with most royal children vaccinated and local doctors completing their training.
Simultaneously, news spread that Ning Yunzhao had excelled in the imperial examinations, a feat that led Jun Jiuling to send him a congratulatory gift. Upon receiving it, Ning Yunzhao reflected on her sincerity, admitting she surpassed him. Later, Chu Rang officially announced the palace exam results, declaring Ning Yunzhao the top scholar.
