Jun Jiu Ling Episode 25 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
Fang Chengyu reflected on his newfound maturity, expressing contentment that Jun Jiuling was loved and protected, even if it wasn't by him. His sister, Mrs. Fang, observed his growth but still voiced concerns about the Ning family's acceptance of Jun Jiuling, especially after the previously dissolved engagement had become public knowledge. The Ning household buzzed with excitement as congratulations poured in for Ning Yunzhao, who had achieved the status of No. 1 Scholar.
Among the visitors was Mrs. Ma, who subtly implied two causes for celebration. Mrs. Ning, initially bewildered, was then shocked to learn that Ning Yunzhao had publicly declared his engagement to Miss Jun was still valid, and they intended to marry upon returning to their hometown. Despite Mrs. Ning's attempts to dismiss this as a misunderstanding, the public seemed to embrace the news. Jun Jiuling made a deliberate appearance during Ning Yunzhao's victory parade.
She explained to her companion that she felt obligated to support him publicly as he had publicly defended her. Moreover, she hoped that by creating a larger stir, Lu Yunqi would become more wary of her. Amidst the celebrations, Zhu Zan, observing the scene with his companions Li Sanbing and Baotang, displayed clear signs of irritation, repeatedly scoffing at suggestions regarding Jiuling and Ning Yunzhao.
Later, Zhu Zan and his companions discussed their unsuccessful search for Wan Qing, the last surviving member of the Wan family. Li Sanbing suggested Zhu Zan's recent agitated behavior stemmed from his affection for Dr. Jun, leading him to believe she might become His Lordship's wife. Zhu Zan vehemently denied this, stating that he wanted Jiuling to live freely.
He even declared that if she truly resembled the princess, she deserved a princely life, questioning why she should even be alive if Princess Jiuling was already gone. Meanwhile, Lu Yunqi's obsession with Jun Jiuling intensified, leading him to consider ruining her if he could not possess her. During one of Jun Jiuling's consultations at Minister Wang's mansion, officials from the Arm Moral Department burst in.
They accused Minister Wang of corruption and conducted a search without a warrant, despite Jiuling's protestations as a healer. Jiuling noted this was a recurring pattern, with officials like Scholar Han also being targeted during her visits. Concluding that Lu Yunqi was deliberately orchestrating these events to inconvenience her, Jiuling decided to confront him directly. When she met Lu Yunqi, she accused him of making her life difficult and harming innocent people.
He openly admitted his actions were driven by his affection and sincere desire to marry her, dismissing her existing engagement. Jiuling, reminding him of her duty as a healer, warned him against involving innocent lives in his schemes. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Huang's son, Huang Ziqing, notorious for his arrogance and corrupt practices, moved through the city with a large entourage.
Minister Tang met with Huang Ziqing, complaining that Minister He had again blocked their memorial to impeach Lord Cheng for alleged collusion with Beiqi. Huang Ziqing promised to report the matter to his father, stating the Emperor would ultimately decide. Jun Jiuling, observing from a distance, recognized a flower seller as Wan Qing, the granddaughter of Wan Dachun, and realized she intended to assassinate Huang Ziqing, a seemingly suicidal act.
As Huang Ziqing prepared for a banquet, Wan Qing deliberately fell, drawing his attention. Seizing the moment, she stabbed him in the chest. Huang Ziqing’s guards quickly retaliated, severely injuring Wan Qing. Prime Minister Huang rushed to the scene, frantic for his son. Imperial doctors present declared Huang Ziqing's injury fatal if the knife, lodged near his heart, were removed, stating their inability to help.
Hearing that Dr. Jun of Jiuling Drugstore possessed miraculous healing abilities, Prime Minister Huang, desperate, knelt before Jun Jiuling, begging her to save his only son and promising her immense wealth. Wan Qing, bleeding and in pain, pleaded with Jiuling not to save Huang Ziqing, screaming that she had avenged her family and that he deserved to die. Torn but compelled by the public’s expectation, Jun Jiuling accepted the daunting task.
As Jun Jiuling approached Huang Ziqing, Wan Qing continued to beg her, warning that saving him would make Jiuling an accomplice to his future atrocities. Zhu Zan, witnessing the unfolding drama, realized the immense burden of public criticism Jiuling would face if she saved Huang Ziqing, and the countless lives that would be lost if he lived. He also understood the political ramifications for Lord Cheng given Prime Minister Huang's animosity.
Acting decisively, Zhu Zan startled a horse, causing it to trample Huang Ziqing, killing him instantly. Prime Minister Huang, enraged and grief-stricken, directly accused Zhu Zan of intentionally killing his son. Prime Minister Huang immediately went to the palace, accusing Zhu Zan before Emperor Chu Rang and demanding severe punishment, even claiming Zhu Zan had retaliated against his family. The Emperor, having received numerous memorials impeaching Lord Cheng, quickly ordered Zhu Zan's arrest.
Lu Yunqi, also summoned, corroborated seeing a frightened horse and Zhu Zan subduing it, but avoided directly implicating Zhu Zan in causing the fright. Despite other ministers' pleas for a thorough investigation due to the sensitive nature of the case, the Emperor, influenced by Prime Minister Huang's fury and Lu Yunqi's testimony, ordered Zhu Zan confined to the imperial prison, subjected to one hundred cudgels, and later beheaded without a joint trial.
In the infamous imperial prison, Zhu Zan endured a brutal flogging of one hundred cudgels, remaining silent for much of it. A sadistic prison doctor, known as "Ghost Hand," eagerly anticipated inflicting further torment. Lu Yunqi visited Zhu Zan, hinting that his actions were unnecessary. Meanwhile, Jun Jiuling, having secretly given Wan Qing a pill to feign death, instructed Baotang and Li Sanbing to ensure Wan Qing's escape from the city.
Concerned for Zhu Zan, whom she realized had risked his life to protect her from the repercussions of saving Huang Ziqing, Jun Jiuling soon welcomed Prince Xian to her drugstore. Prince Xian, feigning illness, subtly indicated his true purpose was related to Zhu Zan, as they were close friends. Jun Jiuling agreed to visit his mansion to attend to his household, seizing the opportunity to gather information or devise a plan to aid Zhu Zan.
