The Imperial Doctress Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Imperial Doctress Synopsis
In the Ming Dynasty, the state was prosperous but the hierarchy was harsh, women had a low status and were not allowed to work in medicine, and secret diseases were difficult to treat.
The Tan family is a family of medicine, generations of ancestors have been the imperial doctor. But because of the traitors framed, they suffered destruction. Since then, the family left the ancestral training that future generations are not allowed to do medicine.
However, the intelligent Tan Yunxian grew up with her grandmother and secretly studied Chinese medicine with her grandmother, She not only helped the people kindly, but also gained the praise and support of ordinary people, and gradually had a mind to save women.
As a result, Yunxian not only faced many difficulties and obstacles in her medical studies but also had to face the impact of feudal rituals and secular concepts.
However, with her obsession and love for medicine, Yunxian overcame many difficulties and not only collected a wide range of medical knowledge, but also broke through the strict confines of rituals and established the system of female medicine, from saving people’s bodies to saving people’s souls, and from saving people to saving the country, spreading and promoting Chinese medical culture, and finally becoming a generation of national doctress, famous all over the world.
The Imperial Doctress Recap
Episode 1 Recap
During the middle of the Ming Dynasty, the strict moral codes of Neo-Confucianism led to a significantly diminished social status for women. Noblewomen were not permitted to appear freely in public, nor could they pursue careers as officials or physicians. Even when ill, societal norms dictating separation of genders prevented them from receiving timely treatment from male doctors, while common women engaged in midwifery or basic medical care were often disparaged as lowly busybodies.
Emperor Zhu Qizhen had ascended the throne at a young age, with Empress Dowager Sun assisting him in state affairs. However, she continually used the young Emperor's immaturity as a pretext to maintain her political power, much to Zhu Qizhen's discontent, as he trusted the eunuch Wang Zhen. Unbeknownst to the Emperor, Empress Dowager Sun secretly summoned Prince Cheng, Zhu Qiyu, to the capital with the intention of installing him as the new Emperor.
Fearing this change would jeopardize his own standing, Wang Zhen secretly ordered the Eastern Depot to assassinate Prince Cheng before he could reach the capital. Meanwhile, the Xu Manor was hosting a grand birthday banquet for Lady Xu, which also served as an occasion to select a daughter-in-law for the family. Among the guests, Shu Yue, daughter of the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Du Chang, presented lavish gifts and wishes.
Hang Yunxian, daughter of General Xuanwu Hang Gang, also attended to deliver her father's more modest gifts of ginseng and ganoderma. She received a polite, if somewhat dismissive, reception from the Xu family, who considered her gifts rather shabby for a family of her father's junior fourth rank.
While other young ladies, like Princess Anhe Wang Meilin, captivated the attendees with their musical talents on the zheng, Yunxian's attention was drawn to a rare Dendrobium officinale plant growing in the manor's courtyard. She knew from the Shenong Compedium that it was a potent life-saving herb. Ignoring the ongoing festivities, Yunxian excused herself, feigning dizziness, to discreetly gather the precious herb with her maid Zisu.
As Yunxian was collecting the herb, a wounded man in purple robes suddenly appeared, brandishing a knife and seizing Zisu. Yunxian, realizing the man was poisoned and in critical condition, offered him the Dendrobium officinale she had collected. The man collapsed, muttering about the cold and his mother, and Yunxian, despite Zisu's pleas to leave him, found herself unable to abandon him. She quickly fetched wild goldthread to aid him and administered the detoxifying Dendrobium officinale.
She bandaged his wounds and urged him to remain silent, but Zisu reminded her of the dangers of being associated with someone being chased, especially since Yunxian was attending a formal banquet, which could bring trouble to her father. Reluctantly, Yunxian left him with a prayer to the Medicine Buddha. The injured man was, in fact, Prince Cheng, Zhu Qiyu, who was being hunted by the Eastern Depot assassins.
Soon after, Cao Jixiang, leading Eastern Depot agents, stormed the Xu Manor. He confronted Xu, who protested the intrusion on his mother's 70th birthday. Duke Wang, Princess Anhe’s father, intervened, reminding Cao Jixiang of the Empress Dowager’s displeasure with the Eastern Depot's arrogance and the impropriety of searching the women's quarters, which could ruin their reputations. Cao Jixiang retorted, suggesting Duke Wang knew who they were searching for. In the chaos, Lady Xu suddenly suffered a stroke.
Panic ensued as everyone called for a physician. Yunxian, recognizing the signs, advised against moving Lady Xu, explaining that it could worsen her condition due to stagnated blood flow. She offered to perform "releasing the ten fingers," a bloodletting technique to alleviate the stroke. While Yunxian struggled with the initial attempt, Duke Wang, quickly realizing that the Eastern Depot was hunting Prince Cheng, instructed his daughter, Wang Meilin, to feign a fainting spell.
As Wang Meilin was carried out in her sedan chair, she found Prince Cheng and hid him inside, successfully smuggling him out of the manor under the guise of her own recovery. Back at Lady Xu's side, Yunxian successfully performed the bloodletting, and Lady Xu regained consciousness, leading to profuse thanks and praise from the Xu family.
Yunxian, however, humbly stated she only knew the basics of medicine and asked them to keep her intervention a secret to avoid her family's disapproval. Unfortunately, the Xu family had already sent a letter to her father, Hang Gang, thanking him for his daughter's life-saving skills. Upon returning home, Yunxian faced her father, Hang Gang's, furious wrath. He forced her to kneel and recited the first family precept: "Keep to yourself, and do not attract attention.
None of our clan must become a physician." Yunxian admitted her wrongdoing but defended her actions, explaining that Lady Xu's life was in immediate danger. Angered by her defiance and believing she had "shown off her skills," Hang Gang began whipping her. Her grandmother intervened, confessing that she had secretly taught Yunxian medicine. She explained that their original surname was Tan, a family of imperial physicians.
Her husband, Yunxian’s grandfather Tan Fu, had been a supervisor in the Imperial Faculty of Medicine, but the family was implicated and imprisoned when safflower powder, an abortifacient, was found in rouge they supplied to Noble Consort Sun (now the Empress Dowager), leading to her miscarriage.
Her grandfather committed suicide to protect the family, and Yunxian's elder brother, Yunliang, died from severe wounds while escaping with her because she, as a child, didn't recognize the madder plant that could staunch blood flow. Before his death, Yunliang made Yunxian promise to learn medicine.
Yunxian tearfully confessed that she was responsible for the incident, as a child, she was tricked by a man with a birthmark into adding the safflower powder, thinking it would speed up the rouge-making process.
Hang Gang reiterated his reasons for forbidding medicine, explaining that even though their family had received a pardon from the Grand Empress Dowager and changed their surname to Hang with the help of Official Qian, he had joined the military to earn merits, hoping to wage war against the Kingdom of Li in An'nan, gain an Iron Plaque, and eventually clear their family name and avenge his father's unjust death.
He feared that Yunxian's public practice of medicine would expose their true identity to fickle court ministers and once again bring disaster to their family. He issued a stern warning that if his mother continued to teach Yunxian, he would disown his daughter. Meanwhile, an imperial physician, Liu, was summoned to the Xu Manor to check on Lady Xu.
Upon examining her and hearing about the earlier treatment, he recognized the prescription of antelope antler powder and abalone shell powder, marveling at the skill of the young girl who had administered it. At Duke Wang’s residence, Physician Cheng Shisan, the supervisor of the Imperial Faculty of Medicine and a trusted confidant of Empress Dowager Sun, was examining Prince Cheng.
He reported that Prince Cheng had sustained serious wounds but would survive thanks to the skilled individual who had detoxified him with herbal medicine and administered ginseng. Duke Wang, pleased, instructed Wang Meilin to diligently care for Prince Cheng, revealing his ambition for her to marry the prince and ascend to the empress's position, thereby securing his family's future.
He also confided that he had manipulated the Empress Dowager into believing the Emperor intended to depose her, which prompted her desire to install Prince Cheng as the new ruler. Back at the Eastern Depot, Wang Zhen chastised Cao Jixiang for his failure to kill Prince Cheng. He ordered all news of Prince Cheng’s escape be suppressed from the Emperor and commanded that all palace gates be sealed to prevent Prince Cheng from reaching the Empress Dowager.
Wang Zhen discussed with his subordinate the Empress Dowager's ambition, likening her to Empress Wu, and recounting her past attempts to undermine him. He concluded that the soft-hearted Emperor would never harm his own brother, so the Eastern Depot must eliminate Prince Cheng as soon as he appears.
Wang Zhen declared that by removing all threats to the throne, the Ming Dynasty would eventually fall under the control of the Eastern Depot, making him the most powerful man in the empire, second only to the Emperor.
Episode 2 Recap
Yunxian’s grandmother discovered that Yunxian had not only performed acupuncture to save Lady Xu at the Xu Manor but had also written a prescription for her. When Yunxian recited the prescription, her grandmother realized there were errors in the medication. She immediately sent Zisu to the Xu Manor to have the prescription changed. Fortunately, the Xu Manor had already adopted a new prescription, and Lady Xu's condition was improving.
Yunxian was spared from a major mistake, but she still felt remorseful that her lack of skill had caused Lady Xu prolonged suffering. Yunxian's grandmother expressed her disappointment, noting that Yunxian's prescription, containing ingredients like antelope horn powder, abalone shell, ocher, prunella, turtle shell, and root of herbaceous peony, showed errors in its application.
While her father had strictly forbidden her from practicing medicine and treating others, Yunxian earnestly pleaded with her grandmother, vowing to be more careful and committed to carrying on the family's medical traditions. Seeing Yunxian's devotion, her grandmother agreed to continue teaching her, but suggested she visit Yongqing Convent to worship the Medicine Buddha and reflect on her path. At Yongqing Convent, Yunxian encountered a man suffering from a malignant sore.
The nuns were attempting to treat him with incense powder and green bean soup, but Yunxian recognized these would only staunch blood, not cure the sore. Lacking proper herbal medicines, she proposed a remedy using swallow's nest and oil, citing the "Thousand Gold Pieces Formulary" which described the cold nature of swallow's nest as effective for malignant sores.
Abbess Jingci, witnessing Yunxian's compassionate heart and medical ingenuity, instructed a nun to prepare the remedy and invited Yunxian to the inner hall to worship. While inside, a maid from the Yu Manor arrived seeking help for her mistress, who was suffering from a miscarriage and severe bleeding. The maid explained that her master, Official Yu Dongyang, a renowned incorruptible official, adhered to rigid views on "gender segregation," thus refusing to let male doctors treat his wife.
Yunxian, moved by Official Yu's integrity, felt compelled to assist. However, Zisu reminded her of her father's strict prohibition against practicing medicine and the recent incident with Lady Xu. Suddenly, a dissolute young man named Zheng Qi (an alias for Emperor Zhu Qizhen) appeared, offering his fast carriage to transport Yunxian to the Yu Manor, promising they would arrive in less than an hour.
Yunxian was initially wary of Zheng Qi, but Abbess Jingci vouched for him, describing him as reliable despite his playful exterior, and persuaded Yunxian to accept his help. On the journey, Zheng Qi’s playful nature turned to flirtatious teasing, which annoyed Yunxian. When he continued to make inappropriate remarks, Yunxian subtly struck his Quchi acupoint, causing numbness. Angered, Zheng Qi stopped the carriage, declaring he wouldn't let them go easily.
Yunxian, furious at his lack of concern for Madam Yu's life, chastised him as an irresponsible person and decided to walk the rest of the way with Zisu. Impressed by her conviction and courage, Zheng Qi forcibly carried her back into the carriage, clearly determined to help. Upon reaching the Yu Manor, Official Yu was initially hesitant to let Yunxian, a woman, treat his wife, expressing disdain for "medicine women" and adherence to traditional gender segregation.
However, as Madam Yu's condition deteriorated, Yunxian quickly intervened, performing acupuncture on the Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, and Duyin acupoints to stop the bleeding. Madam Yu regained consciousness, and Yunxian provided a prescription for "Regulating Energy and Activating Circulation Soup." Official Yu, despite his wife's recovery, worried about the cost of the donkey hide gelatin in the prescription. Zheng Qi immediately offered a gold ingot, but Official Yu, clinging to his "incorruptible principles," refused the money and curtly asked them to leave.
On the return journey, Zheng Qi, still irritated by Official Yu's stubbornness, complained about how upright officials like him were persecuted by the Empress Dowager's favorite eunuch, Fan Hong. He expressed his deep-seated animosity towards the Empress Dowager. Misinterpreting his words, Yunxian assumed Zheng Qi had offended the Empress Dowager and advised him to seek intercession from a trusted confidant, such as Duke Wang. Zheng Qi reacted with sudden anger, silencing her.
Unbeknownst to Yunxian, the dissolute young master Zheng Qi was, in fact, the Emperor Zhu Qizhen, and his strong feelings towards the Empress Dowager stemmed from personal grievances against her controlling influence.
Episode 3 Recap
After successfully helping Madam Yu, Yunxian and Zisu were returning to Yongqing Convent with Zheng Qi. On the way, Yunxian's attempts to reason with Zheng Qi only angered him further. He retorted, "You don't understand anything! Who wants her forgiveness? !" and abruptly abandoned the carriage, leaving Yunxian and Zisu stranded. Zisu complained about his repeated disappearances, but Yunxian decided they had to manage on their own.
She attempted to drive the carriage back, but the horse became spooked and uncontrollable, putting them in grave danger. Just then, Qi Yu, who was passing by with his attendant, noticed their predicament. He swiftly leaped onto the runaway horse, covered its eyes with his hands, and used a Dendrobium officinale herb to calm it, saving Yunxian from peril. Yunxian, grateful for his heroic act, moved to thank him.
However, Qi Yu recognized her as the kind lady who had given him medicine previously, holding up the very same Dendrobium officinale. Yunxian also recognized him from the herb. They discovered they were both headed to Yongqing Convent and decided to travel together. Yunxian noticed he was favoring a wound and offered him her silk handkerchief to wipe his hands, which he accepted.
When a messenger from Yongqing Convent arrived to escort Yunxian, Qi Yu decided to change his plans and bid her farewell. Before leaving, he gave her his cloak, explaining it might be useful as the evening grew colder, and told her to return it the next time they met. As he departed, he deduced from the silk handkerchief she had given him that Miss Hang's name contained the character 'Xian,' and surmised she must be General Hang's daughter.
He later instructed his attendant, Xiao Mazi, to find the best jewelry store in the capital, Wangzhen Store, intending to repair or replicate a broken hairpin Yunxian had dropped. Meanwhile, back at the Hang residence, Official Yu and Madam Yu arrived to express their gratitude for Yunxian's help. Yunxian, anxious that her father might discover she had privately practiced medicine again, was relieved when Official Yu, surprisingly open-minded, covered for her.
He claimed that Yunxian had merely donated money for Madam Yu's medicine at Yongqing Convent. Official Yu then expressed his desire to formally recognize Yunxian as his goddaughter. Mr. Hang, pleased by the honor, readily agreed, forging a closer bond between the two families. Madam Yu also thanked Yunxian for the medicine she secretly sent, recognizing her handwriting, and mentioned that the Emperor had cleared her husband's name.
Official Yu confided in Yunxian that her previous words about rules being man-made had inspired him to reconsider his rigid views, realizing that helping people was worth any societal criticism. He wished for more doctresses like her in the world. Yunxian, still cautious, asked him to keep her medical practice a secret from her father, to which he agreed.
Official Yu then invited Yunxian to their new manor, a reward from the Emperor, as many of his friends were eager to consult her. Yunxian gladly accepted, finding relief from her father's restrictions. After her experiences, Yunxian explained to Zisu that she studied medicine because of a promise to her elder brother to pass on their family's medical skills, despite often feeling she lacked his talent.
She admitted to feeling dispirited after the Madam Xu incident, questioning if she was truly unsuitable for medicine. However, successfully healing Madam Yu brought her a profound and genuine happiness, making her realize that curing good people's illnesses and becoming a good physician were the happiest things in the world. She believed these events were hints from the Medicine Buddha, reassuring her that she could indeed become a good physician.
Sometime later, a package from Wangzhen Store arrived for Yunxian, purportedly from "Zhu household's second daughter." Puzzled, Yunxian opened it to find her damaged hairpin, now perfectly repaired. Zisu immediately realized it was from Master Qi Yu, who had it mended. She teased Yunxian about Qi Yu's thoughtfulness, causing Yunxian's heart to flutter. Yunxian later visited her godmother, Madam Yu, where she was introduced to Madam Yu's friends.
These ladies initially scoffed at the idea of a noblewoman dabbling in medicine, associating it with lowly "medicine women" and even potential harm. Madam Yu defended Yunxian's extensive medical knowledge. Calmly, Yunxian explained that her godmother supported her studies and that, alongside her ladylike duties, she also researched ancient remedies for skin health. She mentioned a "Qibai Cream," a legendary whitening and rejuvenating cream derived from Empress Wu Zetian's recipe, made from seven precious herbs.
Intrigued, the ladies quickly asked Yunxian to make some for them. Back home, Yunxian diligently prepared the Qibai Cream with Zisu's help, explaining that her version, made with superior ingredients like fried bindii and silkworm larvae, was far more effective than commercial ones. Zisu worried that the ladies wouldn't appreciate her efforts, but Yunxian expressed hope that by proving the cream's efficacy, they might eventually accept her as a healer.
She was mindful of her godmother's warning to avoid prescriptions to prevent another incident like Madam Xu's. Suddenly, her father arrived. Yunxian and Zisu scrambled to hide the medicinal equipment and ingredients. Mr. Hang, noticing the smell of smoke and burnt ingredients, was suspicious despite their clumsy attempts to cover it up. Frustrated by Yunxian's perceived neglect of proper ladylike education, he declared his intention to marry her off quickly to prevent further trouble.
Meanwhile, Qi Yu's mother questioned him about his secret visit to Yongqing Convent to see Abbess Jingci, worried about the Empress Dowager's reaction and his older brother, Zhu Qizhen. She insisted he meet with the Empress Dowager. Unknown to her, Zhu Qizhen had previously warned his eunuch, Huang Banban, not to harm his only brother, Prince Cheng (Qi Yu), and ordered him to escort Qi Yu safely to the palace after his scheduled visit to Yongqing Convent in three days.
The Empress Dowager later summoned Qi Yu. She expressed concern for his health, implying he had feigned illness to avoid her. She then directly offered him the throne, stating her intention to make him the new emperor with her full support. Qi Yu humbly declined, citing his "lowly birth" and expressing his unwillingness to challenge his brother. He advised her that deposing the current Emperor, her own son Zhu Qizhen, would be against Heaven's mandate, despite any political disagreements.
The Empress Dowager, enraged by his refusal and sensing his implied disrespect, accused him of insulting her. She then ordered her guards to "take him" away, stating she would find a place where he could "wake up to reality," signifying severe punishment.
Episode 4 Recap
Empress Dowager, enraged by Prince Cheng's refusal to accept her offer of the throne, ordered his confinement, preventing him from attending his scheduled meeting at Yongqing Convent. A princess, intervening on Prince Cheng's behalf, was told by a confidante that Empress Dowager was furious, believing the Emperor intended to kill her. Meanwhile, Wang Zhen's meticulously planned ambush at Yongqing Convent was foiled by Prince Cheng's absence.
Upon learning that Empress Dowager's intention to enthrone Prince Cheng had fallen through, Wang Zhen abandoned his plot to assassinate him. Instead, he shifted his focus to orchestrating the downfall of Empress Dowager, cynical about the truth of the Emperor's birth mother and plotting to sow discord between the Emperor and Empress Dowager regardless of facts. At the Hang household, Official Xu arrived to propose marriage between his eldest son and Yunxian.
Before any agreement could be reached, Yunxian burst into the main hall, brazenly rejecting the proposal. She declared her unwavering vow to care for her grandmother for life and would only marry a man willing to become a live-in son-in-law. Feeling deeply insulted, Official Xu left in a huff. Yunxian's father, Hang Gang, was furious, chastising her for her rudeness and defiance, reminding her that marriage was a parental decision.
When Yunxian retorted that he was wrong to arrange her marriage in her grandmother's absence, Hang Gang became even more enraged. He accused her of wanting to please her superiors by sacrificing her daughter's future, ending the argument by disowning her. Despite her father's disapproval, Yunxian continued her medical pursuits. Her maid, Zisu, overheard villagers gossiping about Prince Cheng's arrival in the capital and upcoming marriage arrangements. Yunxian also encountered "Wang Jiejie," who requested her Qibai cream.
Yunxian, however, observed deeper symptoms and candidly diagnosed Wang Jiejie with internal dampness and heat, advising against Qibai cream, which offended Wang Jiejie. Yunxian's grandmother returned and, though frustrated by Yunxian's continued medical activities, implicitly condoned her actions when Yunxian cleverly framed her dietary recommendations for a patient's goiter as food rather than medicine. Madam Yu constantly advised Yunxian on proper decorum. Later, Yunxian accompanied her godmother Madam Yu to Zhou Manor, where they encountered Madam Xu.
To Yunxian's surprise, Madam Xu bore no resentment over the rejected marriage proposal. She calmly explained that her eldest son was not her biological child, and therefore the match was deemed "slightly inappropriate." Madam Xu then asked Yunxian to examine her, describing symptoms of weakness, persistent coughing, and a pale complexion.
Yunxian diagnosed her with Yang deficiency and, despite her promise to her grandmother not to give prescriptions, was persuaded by Madam Xu and Madam Yu to write down a simple remedy: licorice root and dried ginger water. Yunxian was convinced it was merely writing down a dietary suggestion, not a formal prescription. Tragically, Madam Xu died unexpectedly one night after consuming the suggested remedy.
Official Xu, consumed by grief and fury, stormed the Hang household late at night, directly accusing Yunxian of harming his wife with her "medicine." Hang Gang, believing Yunxian had brought further calamity upon their family, cruelly linked Madam Xu's death to the past misfortunes of Yunxian's grandfather and brother. While Yunxian's grandmother defended her, stating that dried ginger and licorice root soup was a harmless remedy, Hang Gang pointed to Yunxian's written instructions as clear evidence.
He revealed that Official Xu intended to file a formal complaint with the Supreme Court, accusing Yunxian of malpractice and Hang Gang of failing to discipline his daughter. Yunxian, overwhelmed but determined, declared she would face the court alone to protect her family. The next morning, Yunxian was led to the public court, facing a hostile crowd that jeered at her, calling her "General Hang's daughter" who acted as a "medicine woman" and an "evil creature."
In court, Official Xu formally accused Yunxian of deceiving people with her medical skills and causing his wife's death. He also brought up an earlier incident, claiming Yunxian had given his mother a wrong prescription, which would have been fatal if not for the timely intervention of an Imperial Medical Bureau physician. Yunxian admitted to having given "wrong medicine" in the past, but clarified that it was not lethal, and that her prompt blood-letting had saved Official Xu's mother.
She insisted that licorice root and dried ginger water could not cause death, especially since Madam Xu had consumed it half a month before her demise. Official Xu countered by painting Yunxian as a "lowly medicine woman" who illegally sold medicines and Qibai cream for profit. Recognizing the medical complexities of the case, the magistrate decided to postpone a final judgment until the next day, inviting physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau to assist.
He ordered Yunxian to be temporarily imprisoned as a suspect, citing the severity of the charge. At the Imperial Medical Bureau, a discussion ensued about the Supreme Court's request for assistance. Cheng Cunxia, who had recently returned from Nanjing, volunteered to oversee the case.
His uncle, Director Cheng, privately instructed him to ensure Yunxian's downfall, stressing that a noble lady dabbling in medicine was an embarrassment to their profession and that successfully prosecuting this case would greatly enhance Cheng Cunxia's reputation and career advancement. That night, Yunxian's grandmother and godmother, Madam Yu, visited her in prison. Madam Yu sadly recounted her failed attempts to gather witnesses among the ladies who had received Qibai cream; they all refused to get involved, fearing official reprisal.
Grandmother lamented Yunxian's ruined reputation and regretted letting her study medicine. Despite their despair, Yunxian remained resolute, asserting her innocence and her determination to clear her name, convinced that the truth would emerge once an imperial physician reviewed the case. She also refused to involve her godfather, fearing it would tarnish his upright reputation. Grandmother, having bribed the jailers, warned Yunxian about the harsh prison environment and urged her to endure her plight without conflict.
Episode 5 Recap
Imprisoned, Yunxian found herself in a cell crowded with sick inmates. Overwhelmed with compassion, she immediately began to examine them, diagnosing their ailments as exogenous fever. She used cold water to help alleviate their fevers and offered them comfort. Hopeful for a proper remedy, Yunxian gave some money to a jailer, asking him to deliver a message to her family and request a specific medicine: "a thousand gold reed stem soup." Meanwhile, Prince Cheng was under soft confinement.
His attendant, Xiao Ma'zi, brought him pastries and updated him on the outside world. Xiao Ma'zi cautiously revealed that Lady Hang, to whom the Prince had sent a pearl flower, was now imprisoned in Shuntian Prefecture, accused of causing a death through her medical treatment.
Distraught and convinced of Yunxian's innocence, Prince Cheng gave Xiao Ma'zi his precious jade ornament, instructing him to find Official Zheng from the Ministry of Justice and urge him to investigate the case thoroughly to clear Yunxian's name. However, as Xiao Ma'zi attempted to leave, guards searched him, discovered the jade ornament, confiscated it, and punished Xiao Ma'zi, returning the pendant to Prince Cheng.
Elsewhere, the Emperor was concerned that Prince Cheng had not appeared at Yongqing Convent as scheduled and suspected Wang Zhen's meddling. Wang Zhen denied any involvement, prompting the Emperor to send his own people to find Prince Cheng. Later, Empress Qian encountered Wang Zhen, whose haughty demeanor was evident when a palace maid accidentally spilled something on him. Wang Zhen's guards moved to punish the maid severely, but Empress Qian intervened, preventing the harsh sentence.
She voiced her displeasure with Wang Zhen, criticizing his influence over the Emperor and his encouragement of the Emperor's informal outings in plain clothes. Back in the prison, Yunxian's hopes for the medicine were dashed when the jailer returned empty-handed. He claimed he found no one at her manor and mocked her concern for the sick, reminding her that deaths were common in prison.
He warned her to prepare for her upcoming trial, as Governor Xu had seemingly compiled solid evidence against her. Heartbroken and feeling helpless, Yunxian watched as her most severely ill patient, whom she had tried so hard to save, breathed her last. Just then, Luo Da Niang, the woman who delivered food, arrived. Without a word, she dramatically splashed cold water from a deep well onto the seemingly deceased patient. To Yunxian's profound astonishment, the patient miraculously revived.
Luo Da Niang then instructed Yunxian to collect fingernails and sparrow guano from the window, and an earthworm, to be mixed into a bowl of clear porridge for the patient. Despite her initial revulsion at these unconventional ingredients, Yunxian followed the instructions, and the patient showed remarkable improvement.
Realizing Luo Da Niang was a skilled medicine woman, Yunxian sincerely expressed her desire to learn from her, explaining her ambition to become a doctress, a path her imperial physician grandfather had once respected. Luo Da Niang, impressed by Yunxian's kind heart and dedication, agreed to teach her practical "earth" remedies, explaining the medicinal properties of common items like fingernails, bird droppings, and earthworms.
She also warned Yunxian about the dangers of practicing medicine without a solid theoretical foundation, emphasizing that even medicine women, despite their practical knowledge, could make fatal errors. Luo Da Niang encouraged Yunxian to cleverly question the details of her case during the upcoming trial. Simultaneously, in his confinement, Prince Cheng made a deal with his mother, Consort Dowager Wu: he would consider the Empress Dowager's marriage arrangements if she helped Yunxian.
Consort Dowager Wu attempted to influence Imperial Doctor Cheng Cunxia on Yunxian's behalf, but he refused any bribes, stating his commitment to upholding the law. The public trial commenced. Imperial Doctor Cheng Cunxia testified that the licorice root and dried ginger water prescribed by Yunxian were not poisonous and could not have caused Madam Xu's death. Yunxian then requested to question Madam Xu's servant.
The servant revealed that for a month prior, Madam Xu had been ill and was taking "Vitality Powder (Yi Yuan San) and Ginseng Soup" prescribed by Physician Wan Ning of Huimin Apothecary. As her condition hadn't improved, she then began taking Yunxian's prescription. Yunxian explained to the court that Wan Ning's medicine aimed to boost Yin, while hers was intended to boost Yang. Taking two such antagonistic medicines simultaneously, she argued, could indeed cause a sudden death.
Recognizing the complexity of the situation, the magistrate decided to adjourn the trial until Physician Wan Ning, who was currently out of town, could be summoned to testify. After the court adjourned, Cheng Cunxia discussed the case with his uncle, Supervisor Cheng. Cunxia presented his detailed analysis: Madam Xu had long suffered from an Yin deficiency and dysentery, for which Wan Ning's Yin-boosting medicine was appropriate.
However, when Madam Xu consulted Yunxian, her dysentery was gone, and Yunxian, unaware of her complete medical history, prescribed a Yang-boosting remedy. The abrupt discontinuation of the Yin-boosting medicine followed by the administration of a Yang-boosting one created a severe imbalance, ultimately leading to Madam Xu's death. Convinced of Yunxian's innocence, Cunxia expressed his intention to testify in her favor. However, Supervisor Cheng emphatically forbade him.
He reminded Cunxia that he had personally recommended Wan Ning to the Huimin Apothecary, and if Wan Ning were implicated, his own reputation and career would suffer. He dismissed Yunxian as a woman recklessly practicing medicine, suggesting that her conviction would serve as a warning and safeguard the medical profession. He impressed upon Cunxia the political intricacies of the Imperial Faculty of Medicine and the vital importance of protecting their family's name for Cunxia's future advancement to the top position. Reluctantly, Cunxia agreed to abide by his uncle's instructions.
Episode 6 Recap
In the prison, Yunxian continued to learn about medicinal remedies from Aunt Luo. Her grandmother and Zisu came to visit, bringing food which Yunxian shared with her fellow inmates. She also instructed Zisu on the location of her indenture contract, ensuring Zisu's freedom should anything happen to her. The Emperor, deeply troubled by his inability to find Prince Qiyu, drank heavily outside the palace. As he was returning, still inebriated, he encountered Zisu at the Cheng Huang Shrine.
Zisu, who was there to pray for Yunxian, informed him that Yunxian had been imprisoned for treating a patient and was due for a retrial that day. During the retrial, Madam Xu's maid abruptly changed her testimony, now vehemently claiming that Madam Xu had clearly communicated all her symptoms, including diarrhea, to Yunxian, and that Yunxian had still prescribed the wrong medicine. Fortunately, Madam Wang, a third-rank noblewoman, came forward to testify on Yunxian's behalf.
Madam Wang asserted that she was present during Yunxian's encounter with Madam Xu and could confirm Madam Xu had not mentioned having diarrhea at that time. Madam Wang also clarified that Yunxian had merely offered informal advice, not a formal medical prescription, after being repeatedly pressed by Madam Xu. Despite this, Cunxia, an Imperial Physician, distorted the facts in court.
He implied that Yunxian was negligent for not thoroughly inquiring about Madam Xu's full medical history and previous medications, and carelessly prescribing treatment, thereby causing Madam Xu's demise. This left Yunxian still facing a guilty verdict. At this critical juncture, Wang Zhen, the head of the Eastern Depot, unexpectedly appeared at the Supreme Court.
He publicly stated that he was acquainted with Yunxian and that a prescription she had given him previously had cured a chronic illness he had suffered from for decades. Intimidated by Wang Zhen's authority, Cunxia conceded, stating that Yunxian was not a certified doctor and her "mis-prescription" could be considered an oversight.
Minister Xu, also unwilling to offend Wang Zhen, retracted his accusations, claiming his wife's death was due to her own indiscriminate use of medicine and had nothing to do with Yunxian. He then publicly apologized to Yunxian for wrongly accusing her. With Wang Zhen's intervention, Yunxian was acquitted and released from prison.
Back home, Yunxian's father, Hang Gang, was deeply troubled by the unexpected connection between his daughter, a young lady from a respected family, and Wang Zhen, the powerful head of the Eastern Depot. He worried that this would lead to suspicions of his own close ties with the Eastern Depot and damage his reputation. Yunxian insisted she did not know Wang Zhen.
Madam Yu explained that Madam Wang testified out of gratitude; Yunxian's earlier advice had helped Madam Wang's maid find a physician who correctly diagnosed and treated Madam Wang, leading to her pregnancy after years of infertility. Liu Pingan, Cunxia's supervisor at the Imperial Faculty of Medicine, learned of Cunxia's unethical conduct in court. He severely reprimanded him, accusing him of attempting to condemn Yunxian, and ordered him to kneel before the Medicine Bodhisattva.
Liu Pingan forced Cunxia to reflect on his choices: whether to follow the politically shrewd path of his uncle, Cheng Shisan, or to diligently practice medicine with integrity under his guidance. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager was informed of Wang Zhen's blatant disrespect towards high-ranking officials in court. She rebuked Empress Qian for her failure to effectively advise the Emperor. Fan Hong, ever the provocateur, further fueled the Empress Dowager's suspicions against the Emperor, suggesting he harbored intentions of harming her.
Considering this, the Empress Dowager began to contemplate appointing Prince Qiyu as regent to exert more control. In a tragic turn of events, Minister Xu, humiliated and angered by Wang Zhen's interference in the trial, vented his rage on Aunt Luo. After Yunxian's release, Minister Xu ordered the prison guards to beat Aunt Luo to death, learning that she had been teaching Yunxian in prison. Upon hearing the devastating news from Zisu, Yunxian was heartbroken.
She visited Aunt Luo's grave, despairing and believing herself to be an unlucky person who brought misfortune to those around her. Overwhelmed by grief, recalling her mother's difficult childbirth, her brother's premature death, Madam Xu's unfair demise, and now Aunt Luo's brutal murder, Yunxian returned her medical books to her grandmother, declaring her intention to abandon medicine and dedicate herself to prayer and repentance.
Elsewhere, Wang Meilin visited Prince Qiyu to advise him against offending the Empress Dowager during his upcoming meeting with her. Prince Qiyu noticed that her ornamental sash was loose and re-tied it for her. Later, in the palace, Wang Meilin encountered Empress Qian. The Empress noticed the unique "Pipa knot" of Wang Meilin's sash, a style she recognized and hadn't seen in many years.
Episode 7 Recap
The Empress sought His Majesty, but learned he had left the palace since the afternoon. Concerned, she ordered Cao Jixiang to find Wang Zhen or, failing that, himself. Meanwhile, Zisu informed Hang Gang that Yunxian had been in low spirits and refused to eat, staying indoors to pray daily and becoming quite thin. Yunxian's mother had also tried to persuade her to eat, but to no avail.
Hang Gang, dismissive, threatened Yunxian with family punishment if she continued to refuse food. Later, Zheng Qi unexpectedly appeared at Yunxian's residence. Zisu, surprised, questioned his presence. Zheng Qi, referring to Yunxian as "nosy Miss," wondered why she wasn't celebrating being out of trouble. Zisu explained that Yunxian was far from happy, still reeling from the injustice of Aunt Luo's death and unable to seek justice against Governor Xu Shirang, who outranked her father.
Zheng Qi, frustrated, exclaimed that he went through so much trouble to help Yunxian escape her previous predicament, only for her to remain despondent. Despite Zisu's plea for discretion about his involvement, Zheng Qi declared he would be a "good Samaritan all the way," instructing Zisu to pack Yunxian's belongings and await his signal for someone to pick her up. He then advised Zisu to stay with Yunxian, fearing she might do something drastic.
Zisu, suspicious, asked Zheng Qi why he was so concerned and if he had taken a liking to her young Miss, especially after he had even managed to get Wang Zhen, a powerful eunuch, to intervene in Yunxian's trial. Zheng Qi scoffed at the idea, calling Zisu and Yunxian a "pair" for being too compassionate and nosy, respectively.
He claimed he only returned to apologize for abandoning Yunxian previously, but then playfully suggested he wouldn't mind if Yunxian had taken a liking to him, with Zisu as an accompanying servant. Zisu, annoyed, ended the conversation, while Zheng Qi, alone, wondered if he truly liked "her."
Meanwhile, Prince Qiyu was with his mother, who urged him to be tolerant with Empress Dowager Sun, mentioning that Wang Meilin (Princess Anhe) was treating him well and that an alliance with Duke Wang (Wang Zhen) would ensure his claim to the throne. Qiyu expressed his discomfort with such talk. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. Men, demanding money from a previous owner, began to break down the manor's doors.
Qiyu's mother ordered her men to protect Qiyu and move him to the western part of the manor, while she stayed behind. During the escape, Qiyu feigned an old injury and was seemingly captured. However, the apparent captor was none other than the Emperor. The Emperor playfully asked Qiyu why he always found him in difficult situations. Qiyu, overjoyed, recognized his brother and reaffirmed his loyalty, stating he only wanted to be a prince.
The Emperor, teasingly, suggested that if Qiyu had followed Empress Dowager Sun's path, he might be on the throne himself. Qiyu swore he never harbored such thoughts, reminding the Emperor of his past life-saving act where the Emperor jumped into Taiyechi. The Emperor dismissed the seriousness, explaining he was only joking and wouldn't have gone to such lengths to save him if he doubted him.
He then praised Qiyu for his cleverness in using a royal silk braid to transmit information, specifically a "pipa" knot that only Qiyu, the Empress, and their teacher remembered. Qiyu admitted it was a gamble, hoping Wang Meilin would encounter an old friend in the palace who recognized the knot. The Emperor clarified that it was his own Empress who had discovered the message from Wang Meilin, whom he had seen.
Qiyu then asked if the recent commotion and his "capture" were orchestrated by the Emperor, which the Emperor confirmed was a ruse to speak with him. Qiyu expressed concern that the Emperor's delay in rescuing him directly suggested he feared another plot. The Emperor admitted this was true, revealing that Wang Zhen had informed him of Empress Dowager Sun's intent to depose him, a fact he initially couldn't believe.
He confessed his desire to confront her, but acknowledged her control over military and financial powers. The Emperor then instructed Qiyu to continue feigning compliance with Empress Dowager Sun, effectively planting a "saboteur" within her camp. Qiyu readily agreed to help. Qiyu then asked why the Emperor and Empress Dowager, who seemed harmonious during his last visit, were now at odds.
The Emperor shockingly revealed that only after the death of Yang Pu did he learn his birth mother was poisoned by Empress Dowager Sun to secure her own position. He recounted how he, as a child, believed Noble Consort Sun to be kind for taking him in, unaware of her true, power-hungry nature. He credits Wang Zhen for uncovering his mother's last words, which revealed the truth.
Qiyu was stunned, questioning if there was a misunderstanding, but the Emperor vehemently denied it, having personally visited his mother's tomb and found it all black. He expressed his rage at having called her mother for over a decade. While he initially desired to kill her, the Empress persuaded him to consider her years of raising him.
He had planned to simply confine her to the cold palace after he assumed full power, but her relentless pursuit of power and recent audacious schemes left him no choice but to act. Cao Jixiang then reported that everything was prepared, and the Emperor informed Qiyu that a subordinate, who had been given a slow-acting poison from the Eastern Depot, would now serve Qiyu and act as his contact to the Eastern Depot.
Qiyu expressed discomfort with the Eastern Depot, but the Emperor defended Wang Zhen, claiming any past harm was a misunderstanding and promising to punish Wang Zhen severely for his previous actions against Qiyu. The Emperor then circled back to Wang Meilin, noting that her willingness to braid her royal silk ribbon for Qiyu suggested an "unordinary" relationship, as the Eastern Depot had tracked her carriage when she delivered food to Qiyu. He directly asked if Qiyu was "enchanted by her."
Qiyu quickly denied it, expressing guilt for merely asking her to tie her sash and dismissing Duke Wang (Wang Zhen) as the Empress Dowager's "lap dog." When pressed, Qiyu almost revealed his true feelings, blurting out that he already had someone in his heart, but changed the subject to concerns about Empress Dowager Sun's other potential schemes and advised the Emperor to monitor the Ministry of Defense and Bureau of Astronomy.
The Emperor assured him that Yu Dongyang had already been given secret instructions. Still persistent, the Emperor pressed Qiyu to reveal the identity of his "beauty," offering to help him, but Qiyu, still unwilling to name Yunxian, deflected. Cao Jixiang then reported Wang Zhen's readiness, and Qiyu questioned the Emperor's sole reliance on Wang Zhen, but the Emperor retorted that he had no one else he could trust, momentarily forgetting other loyal officials.
Qiyu, now in the Empress Dowager's presence, acknowledged her past foolishness. She declared she didn't truly wish harm upon the Emperor, but found his reckless behavior unbearable and detrimental to the kingdom. Feigning compliance as instructed by the Emperor, Qiyu sought her guidance, expressing his youth and uncertainty. Empress Dowager Sun then revealed her plan: a compilation of eighteen charges against the Emperor, to be presented by officials on a chosen date.
She anticipated the Emperor's volatile reaction, expecting him to behead some officials, which would plunge the kingdom into chaos, creating an opportunity for Qiyu to stage a rebellion with Duke Zhang Fu's central army. Qiyu, after examining the charges, argued that they were trivial matters. Staging a rebellion based on such slight grievances would lead to accusations of usurpation, and the common people would never accept him as Emperor.
Despite a eunuch's interjection that the winner would be king regardless, Qiyu stressed the Emperor's youth, his upbringing by the Empress Dowager, and his inherent filial piety, suggesting that with time and support, he would mature. He warned that a rushed removal of the Emperor would lead to public and bureaucratic dissent. Empress Dowager Sun admitted she hadn't considered these implications, though she expressed frustration at the Emperor's continued recklessness, blaming Wang Zhen's instigations.
Qiyu offered to mediate, leveraging his lifelong bond and knowledge of the Emperor's filial piety towards her. He emphasized that his counsel, even if it led to imprisonment, was for the future of the Zhu family. Despite the eunuch's continued urging for Qiyu to seize the throne, Empress Dowager Sun stopped him, acknowledging Qiyu's words and stating she would "think a bit more" on the matter, dismissing Qiyu and Wang Meilin.
Later, Qiyu reflected on his "double agent" role, hoping to prevent bloodshed by convincing both sides to compromise. He noted that the Emperor had already informed the Eastern Depot of his true intentions, meaning Wang Zhen's people would no longer trouble him. In the Hang manor, Yunxian was still in mourning, rejecting social invitations and telling Zisu to report her as sick.
Yunxian's mother and Zisu then informed her that Abbess Jingci of Yongqing Convent had invited her to meditate there, sending a personal letter to Hang Gang that secured his permission for Yunxian to leave the house. Yunxian initially resisted, wanting to stay home, but her mother persuaded her, emphasizing the Abbess's high moral standing, her rare invitation, and the learning opportunities at the convent.
Yunxian reluctantly agreed, learning from Zisu that Abbess Jingci had royal connections, with her title granted by a previous Emperor and her convent's plaque personally inscribed by the deceased Grand Empress. Upon arriving at Yongqing Convent, Abbess Jingci warmly welcomed Yunxian, arranging for her to stay in the south wing and offering flexibility with vegetarian meals, suggesting she could even have non-vegetarian food discreetly. When Yunxian asked how she could help during her meditation, the Abbess hinted at other duties.
Later, Yuan Tong led Yunxian to the backyard, which was filled with patients. Yunxian was shocked by their condition. Yuan Tong explained that the convent sheltered indigent patients with severe illnesses beyond their capacity to cure. The Abbess, aware of Yunxian's guilt over Aunt Luo and Madam Xu, hoped Yunxian would use her medical skills. Yunxian, however, refused, still haunted by her past failures and convinced she "killed people."
Yuan Tong relayed the Abbess's message: while she wouldn't force Yunxian, if these patients died due to her refusal, wouldn't she feel guilty? A small girl then approached Yunxian, asking if she was a doctor there to save her and her grandmother.
Yunxian, overwhelmed, broke down, flashing back to a memory of her father's disapproval ("If I knew earlier, I shouldn't have taught you medicine from the very start") and the Abbess's challenging words ("If these sick people become terminally ill because you refuse to help, then when that time comes, won't you feel guilty?" ). Just then, Zheng Qi appeared, chastising Yunxian for losing her courage.
He mocked her previous pronouncements of justice, calling her a coward for shrinking from a "small matter." Yunxian retorted that two deaths were not a small matter and she was guilty, fearing to harm others further. Zheng Qi challenged her, warning that if more people died, she would cry herself to death. As Yunxian tried to leave, wanting to go home, Zheng Qi stopped her, accusing her of lacking guts and compassion.
He dragged her to witness the suffering patients, comparing her inaction to a sick child who, despite her own condition, still tried to help. Zheng Qi declared he wanted no association with someone who would watch people die without helping, then turned to leave. Yunxian desperately called him back. A little girl offered Yunxian a candy, telling her it would make the pain go away, triggering a poignant memory of Yunxian offering candy to her dying brother.
This moment pierced through her guilt, and she resolved to help. Yunxian, now invigorated, began treating the patients, diligently covering wounds and prescribing medicine. Zisu noted Yunxian's change of heart, and Yunxian responded that she simply could not refuse to save dying people. Abbess Jingci observed her work, acknowledging her kindness. The next day, Yunxian sought out Zheng Qi.
She thanked him, admitting his harsh words had jolted her into clarity and that the Abbess's guidance had been orchestrated by him. Zheng Qi, feigning indifference, brushed it off as a mere convenience and an apology for abandoning her previously. Yunxian chided him for always pretending not to care, then acknowledged his kind nature despite his poor temper.
Zheng Qi playfully asked if she intended to "give herself to him" as in a drama, prompting Yunxian to scold him for his nonsense. Yunxian then directly asked if he had also helped her during her court case. Zheng Qi initially denied it, but Yunxian, having deduced it, pressed him. He then questioned if Zisu or the Abbess had betrayed his secret, expressing frustration that "not a single mouth is closed."
Yunxian revealed her reasoning: the Abbess, who rarely intervened in worldly affairs and was known to be connected to the royal family, had gone to great lengths to bring Yunxian to the convent, and Wang Zhen's timely intervention in the court case seemed too convenient given Zheng Qi was the Abbess's nephew. Zheng Qi admitted she was smart but obstinate.
Yunxian, however, affirmed her new resolve to heal more people to atone for her past mistakes, vowing to avenge Aunt Luo's death. Zheng Qi offered to deal with Xu Shirang himself, but Yunxian refused, warning him that despite his family's wealth, he was still a lower rank than Xu Shirang, and getting involved would necessitate relying on Wang Zhen, an imperial official.
Yunxian cautioned against associating too closely with court officials, especially those from the Eastern Depot, criticizing their terrible reputation, bloodshed, and the Emperor's indulgence of them. She questioned why the Emperor relied on them so much and suggested that this was why Empress Dowager Sun could not rest easy and continued to rule from behind the curtain. She expressed fear that the Emperor's direct rule would lead to chaos.
Zheng Qi, sarcastically, branded the Emperor "fatuous" and a "bastard" based on her comments, then disparaged her profession, claiming that practicing medicine and randomly writing prescriptions had given her a bad reputation in the capital, so much so that even brothel girls would look down on her.
Yunxian glared at him, and Zheng Qi, annoyed, retorted that he had helped her only for her to mess with him, advising her, as a young lady who didn't understand palace matters, not to spout nonsense. He then walked away, regretting his inability to control his mouth.
Episode 8 Recap
Zhengqi realized his earlier insensitive remarks had offended Yunxian and sought a way to apologize. He entrusted Abbess Jingci with a set of silver needles for Yunxian, hoping they would bring her some comfort by allowing her to treat patients with acupuncture. Abbess Jingci explained to Yunxian that Zhengqi, whose nickname was Yuanbao because of his round ears, had lost his birth mother at a young age.
His mother had also been knowledgeable in medicine, similar to Yunxian, which was why he felt a particular fondness for her. Yunxian, realizing they shared the pain of losing their mothers young, felt a sense of camaraderie with him and her anger subsided, musing that she had actually forgiven the "idiot" a while ago. She asked Abbess Jingci to thank him for her. Later, Yunxian and Zisu spent an evening gathering osmanthus flowers.
Yunxian explained that these flowers could be medicine for the mind and spirit. She then made a jar of osmanthus honey as a return gift for Zhengqi. The Emperor received the osmanthus honey, appreciating its fragrance, and immediately ordered that no one was to touch the jar without his permission. He also sent a box of various medicines, including Longnao Powder, Qizhen Pellet, and Qianjin Dihuang Tea Pills, to Yongqing Convent, stating it was to return Yunxian’s favor.
Zisu noted the unusual generosity. Soon after, a grave report arrived: the Yellow River had flooded, destroying dams in Sunjiadu and Xinxiang, affecting 25 prefectures and leaving over 50,000 people homeless. Wang Zhen reported the flood, suspecting foul play due to the recent construction and maintenance of the dams. The Emperor, also questioning the alleged lightning strike and landslide, suspected political motivation, possibly even linked to the Empress Dowager, and ordered the Eastern Depot to investigate.
As a result of the floods, countless refugees sought shelter, many arriving at Yongqing Convent. Abbess Jingci, overruling the concerns of her disciples, ordered the gates opened, recognizing the desperate people were not thugs. Yunxian, having disguised herself in men's clothes to maintain propriety while treating the refugees, soon discovered that many were suffering from cholera, not malaria as initially suspected. Their symptoms included sunken eyes, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases, bloody stools.
Recognizing the highly contagious nature of cholera, Abbess Jingci immediately ceased Yunxian's direct involvement in patient care and dispatched Zhitong to report the plague to the Huimin Apothecary and the Emperor. News of cholera reaching the capital caused widespread panic, leading to a frenzy of medicine hoarding at apothecaries. Meanwhile, Official Qi from the Shuntian Prefecture reported to the Empress Dowager, presenting a token found on a man who allegedly sabotaged the levee.
He suggested that the Emperor, in his conflict with the Empress Dowager, had orchestrated the flood to implicate her and her family, as the token belonged to the Count of Yongcheng's manor, a title associated with her and her husband. Infuriated, the Empress Dowager resolved to expose the Emperor, only to be informed that the alleged traitors had committed suicide by poison. She then ordered constant surveillance on the Emperor and summoned Prince Cheng and Duke Ying to the capital.
When the Emperor requested to see her to discuss the Yellow River, she feigned illness and refused him. Frustrated by the Empress Dowager's obstruction, especially when Wang Zhen reported widespread rumors blaming the Emperor for the disaster, the Emperor decided to handle matters directly. He arrived at the city gates, which Official Qi had ordered closed to prevent refugees from entering, despite Minister Yu Dongyang's vehement protests.
When a guard, on Official Qi’s orders, attempted to remove Yu Dongyang, the Emperor intervened, killing the abusive guard himself. Revealing his identity, he publicly condemned Official Qi's actions, ordered the gates to be opened to allow all citizens entry, and promoted Yu Dongyang to Inspector General, tasking him with overseeing the Yellow River dyke repairs. The Emperor asked Yu Dongyang to keep his identity a secret from Yunxian.
He then assured the public that he would personally oversee the epidemic, promising free medicine from the Imperial Faculty of Medicine. Before heading to confront the Empress Dowager, he ordered Duke Wang, the highest-ranking minister in the Ministry of Revenues, to prepare 100,000 taels of silver for relief efforts. At Yongqing Convent, the situation was dire.
Cheng Yuanpan, an official from the Imperial Faculty, sent Wan Ning and a team from the Huimin Apothecary to assist, after he himself was scalded protecting Cheng Cunxia from boiling water. Upon arrival, Wan Ning found Yunxian treating patients with a ginger wine tonic, a method she learned from a medicine woman. He immediately challenged her, asserting that ginger, a "hot" herb, was inappropriate for treating cholera, which he diagnosed as dampness-percolating.
Yunxian defended her approach, explaining she had used it as a temporary alternative when conventional medicine ran out, and that it had proven effective in some cases. She argued that not all cholera cases were due to dampness-percolation, noting that some patients exhibited symptoms of toxic heat, which ginger would help, and they weren't thirsty, indicating no excessive heat. Wan Ning continued to argue, accusing her of speaking nonsense and learning from a mere "medicine woman."
Zisu, witnessing the confrontation, recognized Wan Ning. Simultaneously, Wan Ning recognized Zisu, whom he believed had brought him before the court. Yunxian, despite her male disguise, also feared that Wan Ning would recognize her. Abbess Jingci intervened, silencing the debate and emphasizing that saving lives was paramount, regardless of the method, as long as it worked.
She reminded Wan Ning that Physician Hang had discovered the epidemic there and warned him of potential punishment from the Emperor if he failed to perform his duties. Later, in a court session, a minister presented the Emperor with a plan for flood relief, including withdrawing 500,000 silver pieces and deploying 20,000 workers, also mentioning the 20,000 refugees approaching the city. The Empress Dowager then made her entrance into the court.
Episode 9 Recap
In the imperial court, discussions were underway regarding the Yellow River flood disaster. An official presented a report requesting funds and workers, noting the 20,000 refugees headed towards Zhili. Just then, Her Highness, the Grand Empress Dowager, made a sudden appearance, engaging in a tense exchange with Your Majesty the Emperor. She questioned his swift recovery from illness and his ability to handle such a grave disaster. Your Majesty, however, had already made his moves.
His minister reported that Du Ruhui, Magistrate of Huaiyang, and Miao Jiang, Magistrate of Weihui, had been apprehended and confessed to their involvement in causing the Yellow River disaster. When brought before the court, they declared they had acted under the orders of the Empress Dowager. Her Highness vehemently denied the accusation, calling it a setup and accusing Your Majesty of using insignificant bureaucrats to frame her, reminding him of her authority granted by the previous emperor.
In response, Your Majesty ordered Fan Hong, the eunuch most trusted by Her Highness, to be brought in. A signed confession from Fan Hong was presented, leaving the Grand Empress Dowager momentarily speechless. However, Fan Hong suddenly cried out that he was innocent and had only confessed under torture, before collapsing and dying on the spot. While many officials harbored doubts, numerous others still voiced their support for Your Majesty.
Following this dramatic confrontation, Your Majesty paid a visit to Yongqing Convent, bringing with him a large quantity of medicine for the cholera epidemic. He informed Abbess Jingci that he had successfully reclaimed the Imperial Seal. Abbess Jingci, however, sensed that Your Majesty's visit was not solely for this purpose. At the convent, Yunxian, who had been tirelessly treating patients, collapsed from exhaustion. Your Majesty, disguised as Zheng Qi, caught her as she fell.
Zisu, Yunxian’s maid, chided him for not ensuring Yunxian took care of herself. Your Majesty ordered a servant to prepare porridge for Yunxian, then spoke with Abbess Jingci. She expressed concern that his elevated status meant he should not be in such a dangerous place. Your Majesty admitted he was eager to inform her about reclaiming the Imperial Seal, though Abbess Jingci noted that the Empress Dowager's deep palace connections meant she couldn't be instantly removed from power.
Your Majesty also confessed that he came to the convent to see both her and Yunxian. When Yunxian insisted on returning to help, Your Majesty sternly advised her to rest, emphasizing that he had brought ample medicine. He continued to scold her for neglecting her own health, prompting Yunxian to playfully call him "Yuan Bao," a nickname he disliked. Their conversation was interrupted by Your Majesty's servant, who reported that his madam was anxious for his return.
This was how Yunxian discovered Your Majesty was married. He confirmed he had been married for a long time and even teased her about having a son. Before leaving, he gave Yunxian a fragrant sachet containing Styrax, a rare herb for pain relief, telling her not to faint again.
Later, Zisu speculated about Your Majesty's feelings for Yunxian, but Yunxian dismissed it, believing he treated her with kindness because she was knowledgeable in medicine, similar to his late mother, and not for romantic reasons. Zisu, however, felt that Young Master Zhu Qiyu was a much better match for Yunxian, and Yunxian found herself missing Zhu Qiyu as well. Meanwhile, rumors about Physician Hang spread among the refugees.
Some praised her as a "reincarnation of Hua Tuo" for her miraculous cures. However, Physician Wanning deliberately revealed that Yunxian was a woman. The disheartened refugees, fueled by prejudice against female doctors and remembering past incidents where Yunxian was wrongly implicated in a death, began to call her a "medicine woman," refusing her treatment and hurling insults.
Abbess Jingci intervened, defending Yunxian's medical skills and telling the crowd that those willing to be treated by Physician Hang should queue up, while others were free to leave. A group of "Korean merchants," who were actually Oirat spies, approached Yunxian for treatment.
Yunxian began to treat one of them with acupuncture and prescribed a medicine, but Zisu reported that the physicians from Huimin Apothecary, still hostile towards Yunxian, refused to dispense the medicine, claiming it was not sanctioned by the royal court. The Oirat patient's companion angrily offered to seize the medicine by force, but Yunxian advised against it, explaining that their non-Han identity could lead to severe misunderstandings if they resorted to violence.
Trusting Yunxian, the patient agreed to her alternative treatment. Yunxian improvised a remedy using Ji Shi Bai, a white powder found on chicken manure, mixed with groundwater from a muddy hole. This unconventional concoction surprisingly cured the "Korean merchant." News of this "miracle" quickly spread, and the refugees, realizing her abilities, flocked back to Yunxian, forming long queues.
Yunxian, remaining humble despite the sudden shift in public opinion, told the crowds that she was no miracle physician and that the doctors from Huimin Apothecary were also highly skilled. She encouraged half of them to seek treatment from the other physicians. This action earned her quiet admiration from Wanning and the other doctors, who began to view her in a new light. That evening, as Yunxian boiled medicine, her fan accidentally caught fire, nearly burning her.
Wanning quickly warned her to be careful and then offered a sincere apology for his past mistreatment, including publicly exposing her gender and causing her trouble. He confessed his past prejudice stemmed from Madam Xu's death and his subsequent humiliation in court. He humbly acknowledged Yunxian's superior medical knowledge, expressing his regret for doubting her ginger wine tonic and her lentil groundwater soup remedy.
Yunxian, in turn, explained that she had recently learned about these remedies from rare medical texts like "Collected Commentaries on the Pharmaceutical Canon" and Liu Juanzi’s "Remedies Bequeathed by Ghosts". They discussed medical philosophy, agreeing on the importance of observing patients' temperament before diagnosis and offering comfort to alleviate their fears. Their collaboration had led to the cholera outbreak being largely controlled at Yongqing Convent.
Abbess Jingci sent a message to Your Majesty, reporting the controlled epidemic and requesting more grain to feed the increasing number of refugees. Meanwhile, Zhu Qiyu received an urgent letter. Following Your Majesty's orders, he was transporting grain to the capital for disaster relief. He swiftly adjusted his plans, directing his subordinate, Wu Jiang, to deliver 2500 kilograms of grain to Yongqing Convent first, before continuing to Official Yu Dongyang.
Overseeing the distribution, Zhu Qiyu ensured the refugees received their provisions, attributing the generosity to the "virtuous emperor." He overheard people praising a "living Guanyin" at the convent for curing the sick. Zisu and Yunxian, upon hearing that a "Young Sir" was distributing grain, initially thought it might be Your Majesty. To their surprise, they found Zhu Qiyu.
He noticed Yunxian was wearing the pearl hairpin he had given her, expressing his delight and asking if she had always worn it. She playfully replied she wore it out of whimsy, but he insisted it suited her. He told her he had visited her home in the capital and even left a letter, which she had not received. Abbess Jingci then appeared, recognizing Zhu Qiyu as "Ah Yu," an elder family member.
Zhu Qiyu further revealed that Yunxian was the one who had saved him at the Xu Manor. He then gave Yunxian his personal fragrant sachet and invited her to seek him out at Zhu Manor if she ever needed help, describing its distinct features. Yunxian pointed out that as a lady, it would be difficult for her to visit him, to which he promised to visit her instead.
When she inquired about his family business, he vaguely stated they were "imperial merchants" who had displeased the Eastern Depot. Suddenly, a servant interrupted with an urgent message, forcing Zhu Qiyu to leave immediately. He urged Yunxian to take care of herself and reiterated his promise to visit. As Zhu Qiyu rushed back, his servant revealed that his mother, the Taifei, had fallen gravely ill after visiting Xiangji Temple to pray for his safety.
Back at the convent, Zisu excitedly teased Yunxian about Zhu Qiyu's fragrant sachet, wondering if he was interested in her. Yunxian dismissed it, joking that he probably just thought she was "dirty." Zisu reminded her of the hairpin. Noticing Yunxian now possessed two sachets – one from Your Majesty and one from Zhu Qiyu – Zisu remarked that it was fortunate Your Majesty was married, otherwise Yunxian would have a difficult choice.
Alone, Yunxian held Zhu Qiyu's sachet close, while placing Your Majesty's sachet in a cabinet. Her heart stirred, she softly admitted her choice: "I choose Young Sir Zhu." She then tucked Zhu Qiyu's fragrant sachet under her pillow.
Episode 10 Recap
The emperor issued an edict announcing the end of the epidemic and the reopening of the city gates, leading to celebrations and relief among the populace, with victims receiving travel allowances. Wan Gongfeng was commended for his exceptional service, and Supervisor Cheng was also recognized for his diligent efforts in treating the sick within the city. Meanwhile, Yunxian, having learned ginger-separated moxibustion, was treating a man suffering from stomach pain and diarrhea, who lauded her as a "living Bodhisattva."
Zisu, Yunxian's maid, urged her to leave the Yongqing Convent as the city gates were open and her family might arrive. Suddenly, Hang Gang, Yunxian's father, appeared. Enraged to find his daughter touching a man's leg, he accused her of lacking propriety. He forcibly took Yunxian home and locked her in her embroidery room, forbidding her from leaving.
Hang Gang’s mother tried to reason with him, explaining that Abbess Jingci had to let Yunxian treat the gravely ill at the convent. However, Hang Gang remained inflexible, fearing that Yunxian’s growing reputation as a "living Guanyin" would attract the Empress Dowager’s attention, exposing the Hang family’s true surname, Tan, and their ancestral medical background, which could bring severe repercussions.
He expressed deep shame over Yunxian's actions, stating that in other families, such behavior would be met with severe punishment, but he was only confining her to reflect on her mistakes. Despite his anger, Yunxian’s grandmother later secretly brought her snacks, affirming Yunxian's philanthropic deeds at Yongqing Convent and recalling her late grandfather’s principle that a physician must never turn away from those in need. She gently cautioned Yunxian to be more prudent in the future.
Later that night, Zhu Qiyu secretly entered Yunxian's room through the window. He urgently explained that his mother, Consort Dowager Wu, had contracted cholera and was not responding to treatment from imperial doctors. He pleaded with Yunxian to visit his residence to save her. Zisu protested, worried about the severe consequences if Yunxian left, but Zhu Qiyu promised to ensure Yunxian's safe and discreet return. Moved by his plea, Yunxian agreed and instructed Zisu to impersonate her in bed.
At Zhu Qiyu's home, Yunxian examined Consort Dowager Wu, learning of her fever, thirst, and fluctuating body temperature. After initial perplexity over the ineffectiveness of previous prescriptions, Yunxian discerned a foul odor and requested Consort Dowager Wu's chamber pot. Observing reddish-yellow, bloody urine and learning of her recent menstrual period and difficulty with urination, Yunxian accurately diagnosed her illness as heat strangury caused by damp heat in the bladder, exacerbated by cold exposure, rather than the previously assumed toxic heat.
She prescribed Bazheng Powder and advised regular use of nourishing supplements like donkey-hide gelatin and eight-treasure porridge. Zhu Qiyu was immensely relieved and grateful for her expertise. As Zhu Qiyu drove Yunxian home in a carriage, he confessed that he was the one who had arranged for Eunuch Wang to intervene during her previous trial, an act he felt compelled to do due to a special closeness he felt upon first meeting her.
He openly declared his growing affection for her, leaving Yunxian deeply touched. Upon her return, Hang Gang discovered Yunxian had been out all night. Believing her honor irrevocably compromised, he furiously locked her in the dungeon, intending to starve her and even ordered a coffin. His mother desperately pleaded for Yunxian's life, but Hang Gang remained unyielding, prioritizing the Hang family's reputation above all else. Meanwhile, Emperor Qizhen visited Zhu Qiyu.
Zhu Qiyu used the opportunity to ask Qizhen to always protect Consort Dowager Wu in the future, despite her ties to the Empress Dowager. Qizhen also requested Zhu Qiyu to return to the capital and discreetly monitor the Empress Dowager's activities. They agreed to feign public distance to avoid arousing suspicion from the Empress Dowager, while secretly continuing to support each other.
Zhu Qiyu soon received a letter from Yongqing Convent, informing him that Yunxian was imprisoned by her father and urging him to help. He immediately disguised himself as an Embroidered-Uniform Guard and went to the Hang residence. There, he falsely claimed to Hang Gang that he had been dispatched by the Emperor, via Eunuch Wang, to escort Yunxian to the palace the previous night to treat a noble.
Realizing that Yunxian had been acting under imperial command, Hang Gang understood she was innocent of impropriety. He immediately ordered Zisu to retrieve Yunxian from the dungeon. Yunxian was found unconscious, and a worried Hang Gang carried her back to her room. Later, Yunxian's grandmother spoke to her, explaining that her father's harsh punishment stemmed from his concern for her reputation.
She advised Yunxian that Zhu Qiyu, having spent the night with her to save his mother, should marry her to preserve her honor. Zhu Qiyu, who had come to check on Yunxian and overheard the grandmother's conversation from outside her window, then entered. He apologized for inadvertently harming Yunxian's reputation and causing her suffering. He then confessed his love, stating that he had liked her since she first saved him, and believed their repeated encounters were a matter of destiny.
Zhu Qiyu then revealed his true identity as a royal, not a mere salt merchant, and admitted he was the child of a concubine. Yunxian was hesitant, citing the vast difference in their social statuses. Zhu Qiyu assured her that his feelings were genuine and asked her to consider his marriage proposal. He requested she hang a red handkerchief from her window if she accepted, and a white one if she declined, promising to respect her decision regardless.
Episode 11 Recap
The Emperor presided over discussions regarding the reconstruction of the grand dam. He initially suggested Wang Zhen for the position of supervisor, but the Empress Dowager vehemently opposed this, citing Wang Zhen's numerous existing responsibilities, which would make it impossible for him to handle such an important task without oversight. Understanding the Empress Dowager's true intentions, Duke Wang then recommended Prince Cheng, Zhu Qiyu, for the role.
The Empress Dowager, who felt a strong connection to Qiyu, agreed to this proposal. The Emperor feigned reluctance, even making a show of defiance by impulsively promoting Hang Gang to a fourth-rank general. Secretly, the Emperor had always wanted to find a suitable position for Qiyu, and the Empress Dowager's actions had inadvertently paved the way for his plans.
After the court session, Cheng Shisan intentionally sowed discord among officials, remarking that many military officers had participated in disaster relief, yet only Hang Gang received a promotion. He suggested this was likely due to Hang Gang's daughter, the "Living Bodhisattva," and even hinted that the Emperor might have developed an interest in Yunxian after meeting her at Yongqing Convent. Hang Gang was deeply humiliated by these rumors.
Back home, he became even more determined to marry Yunxian off as soon as possible and arranged for matchmakers to visit. Outside their house, children sang songs praising the "Living Bodhisattva" for saving lives. Zisu, knowing Hang Gang would be angered, tried to stop them. The children explained they sang because they hoped Yunxian would hear and continue to practice medicine to save their mothers. Hang Gang, infuriated by the rumors, decided to marry Yunxian off to anyone.
Unwilling to marry a stranger, Yunxian decided to hang a red handkerchief outside her window, a signal Qiyu had asked for in their previous encounter to indicate her acceptance of his proposal. Qiyu, who had been waiting for days outside Yunxian’s window, determined to stay until he saw a red handkerchief, believed Yunxian had agreed to their marriage upon seeing it. He then secretly went to meet her at the Hang residence.
Yunxian, however, clarified that the red handkerchief was a sign of her desperation, not her agreement to marriage, as her father was forcing her into an unwanted union. She sought Qiyu's help to devise a plan. Qiyu revealed that he was already aware of her father's actions and had secretly bribed all the matchmakers in the capital to ensure that no one would propose marriage to her for the next three years.
He then asked if he was merely her last resort. Yunxian quickly denied this, confessing that she had fallen for him the moment he saved her from the startled horse. She explained her hesitation: her poor reputation made her fear that she would burden him and that he might eventually regret marrying her. Qiyu reassured her of his unwavering sincerity, pledging that he would never betray her.
Yunxian then asked if he would support her future endeavors, such as avenging Auntie Luo and continuing her medical studies. Qiyu promised his complete support. The two, deeply in love, then sealed their commitment with a kiss. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager summoned Prince Cheng, instructing him to closely monitor Yu Dongyang and the Emperor's activities. Elsewhere, Wang Meilin visited Consort Wu, Qiyu's mother.
Consort Wu, who already held a favorable opinion of Wang Meilin due to her being the Empress Dowager's niece and Duke Wang's daughter, noticed Wang Meilin's affection for Qiyu and began to consider arranging a marriage between them. During their conversation, the sounds of children outside singing praises for the "Living Bodhisattva" reached their ears.
Wang Meilin seized the opportunity to tell Consort Wu about Yunxian's controversial practice of treating male and female patients at Yongqing Convent, implying she disregarded proper decorum and had become a subject of public ridicule. Consort Wu was taken aback by this news and became deeply prejudiced against Yunxian. Consort Wu later confronted Qiyu about his frequent late nights and absence from home, especially when Wang Meilin visited. She suspected he was pursuing other women.
Qiyu denied this, claiming he was busy at the Ministry of Works. Consort Wu scolded him for not valuing Wang Meilin, emphasizing her crucial connections to Duke Wang and the Empress Dowager, which were vital for his future ambitions. Qiyu expressed his discomfort with Wang Meilin's overbearing nature. Dissatisfied with his response, Consort Wu ordered her servants to investigate Qiyu's movements.
The investigation soon revealed that Qiyu had indeed been visiting Yunxian's household every night, specifically the residence of the "Living Bodhisattva." Consort Wu was distraught, fearing this "wretched woman" would jeopardize Qiyu's path to becoming Emperor. Separately, Hang Gang received a letter from Abbess Jingci, stating her willingness to take charge of Yunxian's wedding arrangements and even secure a noble title for her. Hang Gang's mother was overjoyed, believing this would finally restore Yunxian's reputation.
However, Hang Gang, still bitter, declared he would no longer concern himself with Yunxian's affairs. In court, Elder Statesman Shi, at the Emperor's request, led a group of ministers in proposing that the Empress Dowager retire from governing, citing that the Emperor was now of age and enjoyed the people's favor. The Emperor readily agreed. The Empress Dowager, however, postponed her decision until after the New Year, ostensibly to perform prayers for the deceased Empress.
Privately, she plotted with her confidant, Cheng Shisan, to allow the Emperor to rule briefly, confident that his inexperience and impetuous nature would lead to mistakes. She believed that as long as she maintained control over the treasury and military, her temporary withdrawal would be inconsequential.
Episode 12 Recap
Prince Cheng was praised by the Emperor for his pivotal role in compelling the Empress Dowager to retire from political affairs. The Emperor acknowledged Prince Cheng's discovery of evidence regarding the Empress Dowager's illegal construction of a mausoleum and Duke Wang's corruption. To further undermine Duke Wang's influence, the Emperor suggested Prince Cheng marry Duke Wang's daughter, Wang Meilin, which Prince Cheng firmly refused.
Prince Cheng confessed that he already had someone he loved – a kind, gentle woman who had saved his life, and with whom he had already discussed marriage. However, he wished to prioritize political matters first, waiting until the Empress Dowager fully relinquished her power before requesting an official marriage edict, as he knew his mother and Duke Wang would never agree to him marrying this "other girl."
The Emperor then offered Prince Cheng a strategy: take his beloved to see the flower lanterns during the upcoming Lantern Festival to reassure her of his intentions. Following this, Prince Cheng sent a message to Yunxian, inviting her to meet him at Qinghe Bridge in the third quarter of the "you" hour (5-7 PM) on the Lantern Festival.
Meanwhile, an imperial edict recognized Miss Hang (Yunxian) for her exceptional medical skills in saving epidemic victims, bestowing upon her the title of Xiangjun (noble lady), and granting her father, Hang Gang, additional land. At a family dinner, Hang Gang, acknowledging the Emperor's approval, reluctantly permitted Yunxian to openly pursue her medical studies. Yet, he still cautioned her on the importance of needlework as a lady, especially given her future marriage prospects.
Hang Gang then announced that for the remainder of the first lunar month, he would be on city patrol, leaving at noon and returning at dawn, entrusting Yunxian with household duties and instructing her to "watch herself." Later, Yunxian’s grandmother proudly declared that Yunxian’s medical skills, refined through her studies at Huimin Apothecary, had surpassed her own, leaving her with nothing more to teach.
During the royal New Year's Eve celebration, which included a splendid fireworks display, Prince Cheng pleased the Empress Dowager by presenting fireworks from her hometown, Zouping. However, the atmosphere quickly soured when the Empress Dowager announced her intention to arrange Prince Cheng's marriage to Wang Meilin. The Emperor intervened, stating he had his own plans for Prince Cheng and that matters of the Inner Palace were for his Empress to decide, not the Empress Dowager.
The Empress then explained that, according to his fate, Prince Cheng was not suitable for marriage this year. Infuriated, the Empress Dowager turned her anger on the Empress, reproaching her for failing to bear a son herself or to guide other consorts to produce royal heirs, implying the Empress should be ashamed. The Emperor fiercely defended his Empress, reminding the Empress Dowager that his Empress was only 24 and questioning if she herself had borne a son at that age.
The Empress Dowager retorted by bringing up a previous Empress Hu and insinuated that the Emperor might be the one with health issues preventing royal heirs, even offering to summon Cheng Shisan to examine him. Enraged, the Emperor slammed the table and stormed out of the hall. Later that evening, the Emperor, now dressed in plain clothes and going by "Master Zheng," arrived outside Yunxian's house, where he observed her distributing porridge and buns to commoners.
Yunxian’s grandmother called her inside, and Yunxian, thinking Master Zheng had left, told him she was fine. However, upon returning to her room, she saw his horse still waiting and, feeling pity for him, invited him in. She offered him homemade pancakes and wine she had "gotten without telling anyone," toasting him for a happy and prosperous New Year.
Despite the food and wine being cold due to the winter night, he devoured it, proclaiming it the "best reunion dinner" he had ever had. They then danced with swords in the snow. Yunxian accidentally twisted her ankle, and when Master Zheng offered to rub it, she quickly corrected him on proper first aid, instructing him to use ice to reduce inflammation.
Seeing her longing to watch the fireworks, Master Zheng scooped her up and carried her onto a high wall, where they watched the display. He shared a poignant memory of his mother being killed by his stepmother after watching fireworks when he was nine, and how he had unknowingly called the "bad woman" mother for over a decade.
Yunxian comforted him, asserting that good people are always rewarded, citing her own recent fortune of being granted the title of Xiangjun, which spared her from a forced marriage. They promised to spend every New Year together from then on. Before leaving, Master Zheng suggested that Yunxian visit the Wang's house on Western Street during the Lantern Festival to admire their particularly beautiful trotting horse lamps.
That same night, the Empress visited the Emperor's chambers, finding him asleep after having drunk heavily. Under his pillow, she discovered a piece of red paper with the character "Hang" written on it. On the Lantern Festival, Yunxian was preoccupied. To ensure Yunxian could attend the festivities, Zisu secretly added a triple dose of tranquilizers (albizia bark, spina date seed, and cicada slough, masked by plum blossom) to the grandmother's tea, guaranteeing she would sleep for six to eight hours.
Yunxian, though initially surprised, hurried off to meet Prince Cheng at Qinghe Bridge as planned. However, Prince Cheng was deliberately delayed at Duke Wang's mansion, where Duke Wang and Wang Meilin repeatedly toasted him, making it difficult for him to leave. Yunxian waited impatiently at Qinghe Bridge, noting that the agreed-upon time had long passed.
Disappointed, and hearing passersby talk about the beautiful trotting horse lamps at the Wang's house, which reminded her of Master Zheng's suggestion, she decided to head home. Meanwhile, Prince Cheng finally managed to slip away from Duke Wang's, telling Wang Meilin he had an urgent matter. He then apologized to her for any misunderstanding she might have harbored about their relationship, leaving Wang Meilin heartbroken and in tears.
As Yunxian walked home, she was accosted by several drunken men who recognized her as "Living Bodhisattva" and began harassing her. Just in time, Master Zheng appeared, swiftly coming to her rescue and dispatching the drunkards. He teased her about her meddlesome nature before insisting she join him to guess lantern riddles. They guessed many riddles together, with Yunxian correctly solving a medical-themed one.
The shopkeeper, impressed, offered a Lantian red jade bracelet adorned with a dragon and phoenix pattern, suggesting it was for his "wife." Yunxian felt uncomfortable, trying to refuse the gift and explaining she was waiting for Zisu and that people might misunderstand. However, Master Zheng forcefully placed the bracelet on her wrist, stating he already had a wife and had no need for it himself. Yunxian remained distracted and ill at ease during their continued stroll.
Episode 13 Recap
Hang Yunxian returned to Qinghe Bridge to wait for Zhu Qiyu. He eventually managed to shake off Duke Wang and Wang Meilin to join her. Upon their meeting, Zhu Qiyu apologized for making her wait and presented her with a ganoderma hairpin, saying it was the item best suited for her. He then helped her place it in her hair. As they admired the lanterns together, holding hands, Zhu Qiyu pledged, "With this hand I'm holding, I will grow old."
Unbeknownst to them, the Emperor, who had been traveling around, arrived at the bridge. He saw Yunxian and was about to approach her when he noticed Zhu Qiyu, realizing that Yunxian was the "heart's desire" Zhu Qiyu had spoken of, a revelation that also stirred his own emotions. Greatly displeased, he ordered his retinue to return to the palace. Back at the palace, Duke Wang, accompanied by his daughter Wang Meilin, lodged a complaint with the Empress Dowager.
They reported that Prince Cheng had snubbed Wang Meilin, choosing to meet Hang Yunxian to admire the lanterns instead. Wang Meilin further fanned the flames, calling Yunxian a "seductress" and expressing her desire to eliminate her, especially after the Emperor unexpectedly bestowed upon Yunxian the title of "xiangjun". The Empress Dowager, recognizing Yunxian as General Hang Gang's daughter, a practitioner of medicine known as the "living Bodhisattva," grew furious upon hearing these complaints and her alleged past misdeeds.
She declared Yunxian's actions an "unforgivable crime" and immediately intended to have her poisoned with arsenic. However, Duke Wang intervened, cautioning against such a direct approach. He argued that Yunxian was an official's daughter, well-regarded by the public, and had saved many patients, including the Consort Dowager. Killing her without cause would enrage imperial censors and spark public outrage, potentially causing Prince Cheng to resent the Empress Dowager.
Taking his advice, the Empress Dowager abandoned the idea of public poisoning, deciding to deal with Yunxian "secretly" instead. She then warned Concubine Wu that if Prince Cheng were ever to become Emperor, his Empress must be from the Wang family. Later that night, the Emperor, still seething, refused food and any mention of osmanthus honey, haunted by his own promises to Yunxian.
His servant Wang Zhen then sought an audience, revealing that Lady Hang and Prince Cheng had met previously at Yongqing Convent and had pre-arranged their meeting for the Lantern Festival. The Emperor, recalling Prince Cheng's earlier confession of having a "heart's desire" and their private agreement to marry, denied any personal feelings for Yunxian and forbade Wang Zhen from speaking of her again.
Wang Zhen then reported a brawl involving Zheng De'an, the Emperor's former guard, and urged the Emperor to intervene, to which the Emperor agreed, hoping to save lives. Immediately after this conversation, Wang Zhen secretly instructed someone to tell Duke Wang to "begin now." Soon after, an imperial edict was announced, ordering General Xuanwu Hang Gang to immediately transfer to the position of Commander in Zhejiang, effective immediately.
The Hang family was forced to hastily prepare for their departure to Hangzhou. On the boat at the wharf, Yunxian was distraught about leaving without informing Zhu Qiyu. She asked her maid, Zisu, to deliver a letter, but Zisu reported that Hang Gang had forbidden anyone from leaving the boat. Desperate, Yunxian noticed the boatman, Ah San, suffering from an ailment involving his uvula.
She offered to cure his ailment if he would personally deliver a letter to "Young Master Zhu Yu" (Zhu Qiyu) at Zhu Manor by Xuannan Manor, or to Xiao Ma'zi if Zhu Qiyu was unavailable, stressing the importance of discretion. Ah San agreed, and Yunxian successfully treated his uvula. Upon receiving the letter, Zhu Qiyu immediately rode to the wharf. He called out for Yunxian from the riverbank.
Hearing his shouts, Yunxian rushed to the deck and waved back, but the ship had already begun to move away from the shore. Heartbroken, Zhu Qiyu leaped onto the moving vessel. Hang Gang confronted him, leading to a physical struggle. To stop the fight and make his intentions clear, Zhu Qiyu was forced to reveal his true identity: "I am the Emperor's younger brother, Prince Cheng, Zhu Qiyu."
He then formally proposed to the Hang family, declaring his desire for Yunxian to be his Princess Consort. Stunned by his revelation, Yunxian asked for clarification, which Zhu Qiyu provided, explaining his upbringing outside the palace and apologizing for his earlier secrecy due to the complexities of his situation. Yunxian then confessed the true reason for their hasty departure: her father's fear for their lives, stemming from an incident ten years prior.
She revealed their real family name was Tan, and her grandfather, then the Imperial Medical Bureau's supervisor, was implicated when safflower found in a rogue caused Noble Consort Sun to miscarry. Zhu Qiyu reassured her, promising to protect her from any harm, even from the Empress Dowager. He then reaffirmed his desire to marry her, and Yunxian, recalling their shared promise, "With this hand I'm holding, I will grow old," accepted his proposal.
However, Hang Gang expressed his reservations, telling Yunxian about the factional struggles within the court and stating that he was not optimistic about her marriage with Qiyu. Zhu Qiyu then addressed Hang Gang, promising to use his influence with the Emperor to clear the Tan family's name regarding the old Noble Consort case if the marriage was permitted. Hang Gang, expressing gratitude, acknowledged the difficulty of the task but ultimately gave his consent.
Zhu Qiyu suggested they dock the ship while he returned to the palace to ask the Emperor to cancel the transfer order and grant the marriage, assuring them they would be back at their manor within a day. Back in the capital, Zhu Qiyu found the Emperor in a foul mood, refusing to see anyone. Eunuchs warned him that the Emperor was upset with him, even cursing him while drunk. Zhu Qiyu pressed on, trying to force his way in.
At the same time, the Queen arrived, having learned from Yu Dongyang, that Commander Hang's family had been attacked by Attendant Minister Xu's men, who posed as "bandits." She relayed the devastating news: "Lady Hang Yunxian has unfortunately passed." The attack resulted in Zisu's death while protecting Yunxian, and Yunxian herself was injured while saving her grandmother before falling into the water, her fate unknown.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor collapsed on his throne, while Zhu Qiyu, overcome by grief and rage, coughed up blood and fainted. Meanwhile, at Duke Wang's manor, a servant reported that while the body of an assassin named Xu was found, Hang Yunxian's body was not, though her survival was deemed impossible after being gravely wounded and falling into the deep, cold, and strong currents.
Duke Wang was pleased, knowing that Xu's death would allow them to frame him as solely responsible for the attack, driven by a deep hatred, thus diverting any suspicion from themselves. He then instructed Wang Meilin to seize this opportunity to comfort Prince Cheng and capitalize on his vulnerability, while ensuring their involvement remained hidden.
Episode 14 Recap
His Majesty was deeply saddened, recalling his acquaintance with Yunxian and the circumstances of her "early demise." He reminisced about seeing her and Qiyu admiring flower lanterns together, lamenting that one was now gone and the other gravely ill. He confessed to the Empress that Yunxian was the only person who dared to scold him, and while he liked her "just a little," he never intended to bring her into the palace, knowing her character would not thrive there.
He had only wished for a good friend to share simple joys with, admitting his loneliness. He expressed anger that she and Qiyu had not confided in him, and grief that she had died so young despite her intelligence, medical skills, and inquisitive nature. The Empress offered comfort, reminding His Majesty not to dwell on his sorrow.
She suggested that the thorough plot to chase down Hang Gang’s family couldn't have been solely orchestrated by Xu, who had already been removed from office; someone powerful must have been behind it. She urged His Majesty to investigate the matter for Yunxian's sake, as only by uncovering the truth could Yunxian rest peacefully. Taking the Empress's counsel, His Majesty resolved to investigate, suspecting Duke Wang, but he lacked concrete evidence to convict him.
Meanwhile, Qiyu was gravely ill and bedridden, heartbroken by Yunxian's presumed death. A grand doctor examining him noted that Qiyu's illness stemmed from anger and anxiety affecting his heart, recommending specific herbal remedies and a restorative porridge. He stressed that Qiyu needed to focus on recovery to prevent further deterioration. When Wang Meilin came to visit, having heard of his illness, Qiyu, suspecting her involvement in the Hang family's tragedy, furiously ordered her to leave.
His mother, Consort Dowager, pleaded with him to drink his medicine, reminding him that he was her life and that he still had a future as Crown Prince and Emperor. Qiyu, however, wished for death, prompting his mother to kneel and beg him to take the medicine. Unable to bear his mother's desperation, Qiyu finally drank the tonic but remained deeply distraught, crying alone in his room.
Hang Gang, reflecting on Yunxian’s death, came to a realization that reviving the Tan family's reputation was an empty pursuit. He decided to take his mother back to their hometown to retire and forget the past, if only the court would allow it.
During a discussion with His Majesty, Wang Zhen reported that the order to punish the Tan family years ago had come from the Emperor and Empress Dowager, with Old Ru's assistance to Empress's father, Minister Qian, confirming that Yunxian was originally surnamed Tan. Wang Zhen also reported on the investigation into the bandit attack, revealing that Duke Wang had deftly blamed Xu for disguising himself as a bandit to seek revenge on the Hang family.
His Majesty acknowledged Duke Wang’s cunning, but recognized his inability to directly prosecute the Duke due to his strong ties to the Empress Dowager. Instead, His Majesty approved Tan Geng's three-year leave to return home. Regarding Lady Hang's burial, His Majesty decreed that despite her unmarried status, she should be interred with the ceremony of a county official, allowing him to visit her frequently.
After falling into the river, Yunxian was carried by the current to Huaiyin, where she was spotted and rescued by members of a local opera troupe. As she lay unconscious, she dreamt of her family members blaming her for their misfortune, waking with a cry. Chen Biniang, a lead actress, introduced herself and the troupe, explaining they had pulled her from the water. Priest Wang, a doctor associated with the troupe, examined her and assured her she would survive.
When asked about her identity, Yunxian revealed she was from Wuxi's Changzhou, and that her entire family had been killed, leaving her as the sole survivor. She learned that it was already the tenth of February. Priest Wang explained that they had sold some of her valuables to purchase expensive medicine to save her life, leaving her with only two taels of silver. Yunxian was distraught, fearing her Lingzhi hairpin, a gift from Qiyu, was also gone.
However, Priest Wang produced the hairpin, revealing they had only sold her other belongings, while Biniang apologized for the troupe's poverty. Yunxian, overwhelmed, expressed her gratitude for their rescue. Later, Yunxian asked Chen Biniang to acquire an imperial bulletin, hoping for news of her father. She read that Hang Gang had been granted leave to return to his hometown for rest.
Though relieved to find some news, Yunxian remained melancholic, believing herself a harbinger of bad luck, and silently bid farewell to Qiyu, telling herself she no longer had the privilege to cry. Priest Wang, observing her, noted her understanding of medicine when she recognized the ingredients of the herbs he prescribed. Sensing her despair about her future, Yunxian asked Priest Wang to tell her fortune.
He revealed that her family’s calamity was caused by a woman, that she would later suffer the pain of childlessness, and warned that her relatives should stay away from this woman to resolve their misfortunes, and that the woman herself must remain strong-willed to overcome her own fate. Biniang, witnessing Yunxian’s distress, dismissed Priest Wang’s predictions as unreliable. With nowhere else to go, Yunxian asked Chen Biniang if she could join the opera troupe.
Priest Wang initially objected, questioning why they should keep a "lady of high esteem" and asserting that the troupe couldn't afford freeloaders. Yunxian humbly offered to work as a handyman and assured them she would leave as soon as she found a suitable place. Biniang, seeing Yunxian's plight, readily agreed, saying she was the "homemaker" and could convince the master. Yunxian then revealed her name. Despite being part of the troupe, Yunxian struggled with her duties, especially cooking.
Chen Biniang noticed Yunxian was still very thin and lacked appetite. One day, Priest Wang, after complaining about someone drinking his wine, criticized Yunxian’s suggestion of serving beans with escargot, claiming it would make everyone sick. Biniang explained to Yunxian that certain foods should not be eaten together in the south. Yunxian, confused, asked why, but Priest Wang irritably dismissed her questions and gave her specific cooking instructions.
Later, Yunxian questioned Priest Wang about his fortune-telling, accusing him of extorting money from people. He retorted sharply, telling her she would face retribution for bringing death and destruction upon her own family and burdening innocents. His harsh words wounded Yunxian, causing her to cry. Chen Biniang later comforted Yunxian, explaining that Priest Wang was deliberately harsh to make her cry, hoping to release her pent-up emotions and stimulate her appetite.
She also revealed that the previous time he had smeared mud on Yunxian's face, it was to protect her beauty from lecherous men. Understanding Priest Wang’s true intentions, Yunxian went to thank him. He brushed off her gratitude, telling her to be more practical by washing his robes and buying him wine, complaining that her cooking was unsatisfactory. Yunxian, eager to improve, asked him to teach her.
Priest Wang, though seemingly reluctant, agreed to teach her if she was willing to work hard and tolerate his temper. Yunxian readily accepted. He began teaching her the principles of cooking, emphasizing the harmony of the five flavors according to the five elements, and the importance of eating seasonally, as prescribed in the Book of Rites. Under his tutelage, Yunxian's culinary skills steadily improved.
Episode 15 Recap
Yunxian diligently continued her duties as the opera troupe's cook, gradually observing Priest Wang's extensive knowledge of medicinal cuisine. She expressed her desire for him to teach her, but Priest Wang, feigning disinterest, initially refused to entertain her requests, stating he had nothing more to impart and that she should no longer seek him for kitchen matters.
Undeterred, Yunxian persisted, explaining her growing understanding of how his cooking advice, such as the shepherd's purse egg soup, also held medicinal benefits for the stomach and eyes. She observed the parallels between the "five flavors of harmony" in cooking and the "six harmonies of medicine," and explicitly asked him to teach her the "art of healing and cooking principle."
Priest Wang, acknowledging her sharp intellect, confirmed that "food and medicines are homologous" and introduced his concept of "Medicine Meal," where healthy eating serves as a preventative measure against illness. Citing ancient texts like the "Essential Recipes for Emergent Use," Yunxian reiterated her eagerness to learn these techniques. However, Yunxian's enthusiasm soon led to trouble.
When she decided to prepare a radish and fish stew instead of barley for the troupe, explaining her choice was based on the warm and stomach-filling properties of the ingredients, suitable for the hot weather, Priest Wang was enraged. He publicly reprimanded her, pointing out that certain troupe members suffered from weak stomachs and diarrhea, and her "reckless" substitutions, which he referred to as "warm food," could harm them.
He sternly warned that any further unsolicited medical interventions would result in her dismissal. Meanwhile, Imperial Physician Cheng Shisan reported to the Empress Dowager on Prince Cheng’s condition, confirming his pulse was weak, and his illness stemmed from profound anxiety and heartache over the "death" of Hang Yunxian. He noted that such "heartaches are hard to heal," and could even be fatal. Duke Wang then arrived, commenting on Prince Cheng's deep affection for Miss Hang.
He suspected Prince Cheng had realized his and the Empress Dowager's involvement in the Hang family's tragedy, which explained his subsequent withdrawal and refusal of visitors. Duke Wang stressed the urgency of Prince Cheng's recovery for their plan to install him as the new emperor. The Empress Dowager concurred, worried that without a viable candidate, their scheme to depose the current Emperor would falter.
Duke Wang then proposed a contingency: if the Emperor could produce a male heir, the Empress Dowager could raise the child herself, ensuring their continued influence. The Empress Dowager lamented the Emperor's lack of a son for over a decade, to which Duke Wang attributed his exclusive affection for the Empress and neglect of other consorts. Later, Imperial Physician Liu Pingan performed a health check on the Emperor, confirming his good health.
The Emperor, inquiring about Prince Cheng, learned that while his physical health improved, he still suffered from a lack of appetite due to his emotional distress, requiring more time for a full recovery. Wishing to offer comfort, the Emperor decided to send Prince Cheng the same meal he had just eaten. Liu Pingan, however, discreetly advised against it, explaining that the dishes were "hot in nature" and unsuitable for Prince Cheng's imbalanced constitution.
She also hinted that the Emperor himself should not frequently consume such "hot" foods, as they could harm his health. Suspicious, the Emperor demanded an inspection of his food. Liu Pingan revealed the presence of "silk larvae," "deer blood tofu," and "finely grounded tremolite stone" in his congee – all potent aphrodisiacs. The Emperor realized this was why he felt a "burning inside" after his meals.
Enraged, the Emperor confronted the Empress Dowager, accusing her of adding aphrodisiacs to his food, questioning if such actions were fit for the nation's mother. The Empress Dowager feigned ignorance, claiming a misunderstanding and accusing the Emperor of a false accusation orchestrated with a captured servant. The servant, under pressure, changed his story, implicating Duke Wang and Minister Chen, claiming he was tortured by the Eastern Depot.
The Emperor, infuriated by the servant's wavering testimony, threatened to involve the Imperial Clan Court. The Empress Dowager intervened, admitting she had ordered "replenishing" foods but not aphrodisiacs, blaming the kitchen for misunderstanding. She then revealed her true frustration: the Emperor had not summoned any concubines for a month and had failed to produce a son in over ten years.
In a fit of uncontrollable rage, the Emperor pushed her, causing her to fall and strike her head, rendering her unconscious. Physicians were immediately summoned. The Emperor waited outside the Empress Dowager's chambers, distraught. His Empress attempted to console him, assuring him his actions were unintentional.
Yet, the Emperor confessed his deep inner turmoil: he had long harbored a desire for revenge for his birth mother's death at the Empress Dowager's hands, but seeing her vulnerable, he felt an unexpected wave of conflicting emotions. He found it difficult to reconcile his hatred with the fact that she, his long-time adversary, was now helpless. Wang Zhen soon arrived, seeing the Empress Dowager's unconscious state as a "heaven-sent opportunity" to eliminate her and seize imperial power.
However, the Emperor rejected the idea of assassination. Instead, he recalled a cherished childhood memory of the Empress Dowager taking him to see the moon and her genuine concern when he fell. Acknowledging her care for him over the years, he declared that if she were to awaken, he would no longer seek to put her to death to avenge his mother. Meanwhile, back at the troupe, Priest Wang continued his "Divine Teacher" performances, selling "miracle medicine" talismans.
Yunxian, straightforward in nature, advised an elderly woman not to trust the "trick" medicine. This act, coupled with her earlier critical remarks, infuriated Priest Wang, who threatened to expel her. Sister Chen interceded, defending Yunxian as a good but misguided person, and even threatened to leave if Yunxian was forced out. Priest Wang, still fuming, accused Yunxian of undermining his reputation by calling him a swindler.
Yunxian, returning to the commotion, knelt before Priest Wang, apologizing for her transgressions and begging not to be cast out. Sister Chen urged her to rise, but Yunxian, consumed by remorse, insisted on remaining knelt until he forgave her. Priest Wang eventually emerged, mock-grudgingly forgiving her and telling her to leave. It was then that Yunxian declared her true intention: "I want to become your student! I want to learn medicine from you, and Taoist healing."
Priest Wang initially dismissed himself as a "liar" unfit to teach. But Yunxian demonstrated her understanding, explaining how his "xu, he, hu, si, chu, xi" chant was a medical technique from the "Huangdi Neijing," and how his methods for a chronically weak child combined exercise with treatment. She confessed her earlier reluctance to treat a patient was due to past trauma, fearing that practicing medicine would tear her family apart again.
Priest Wang seized the moment to lecture her profoundly on "a healer's heart is like that of a parent," emphasizing the importance of treating all patients equally with empathy, regardless of their ailment or social standing. He challenged her moral stance, asking if she would have treated the stomach-ache as minor if the patient had been her brother, husband, or father. He questioned how she could become a good physician if she withheld her knowledge from those suffering.
Later, as Yunxian continued to kneel in the rain through the night, Sister Chen implored Priest Wang to end her suffering, even accusing him of his inconsistent behavior towards Yunxian stemming from a past heartbreak. Though he denied it, Priest Wang eventually went out, and seeing Yunxian’s unwavering resolve, he asked if she had grasped his lesson. Yunxian affirmed her understanding: "Healers will always be healers. No matter who the patient is or how badly they are ill.
They are all treated equally." He then issued a challenge: if she could retrieve a snake from South Mountain for his medicinal prescription, he would accept her as his apprentice. Yunxian readily agreed, securing his promise. The following morning, Sister Chen was horrified to learn of Yunxian's task, especially after hearing about a recent fatal snakebite in North Mountain, implying similar dangers in South Mountain. She and Priest Wang rushed to the mountain, only to find Yunxian's shoe.
Priest Wang, distressed, regretted his harshness. To their astonishment, Yunxian appeared, holding a venomous snake, reminding him of his promise. She calmly explained her fearlessness, having grown up in the north and caught scorpions before. Impressed, Priest Wang formally accepted her as his disciple. Yunxian then began her medical apprenticeship, learning about "Medicine as food" and the "Zhu You" method.
Priest Wang explained that "Medicine as food" was documented in ancient texts, but his unique approach combined insights from two invaluable books: "Shi Jing" from the north and "Yingshan Official Medicine." He demonstrated his "talisman" technique, revealing that the "magical" red appearance was a simple chemical reaction between alkaline water and turmeric.
He further disclosed that the "ink" used for the talismans contained powerful medicinal ingredients like "tiger bone, pearl, musk, cinnabar, and top-quality bezoar," all beneficial for common ailments like headaches, migraines, and external sores. When Yunxian questioned the need for such "gimmicks," Priest Wang clarified that "Zhu You," meaning "to cure illnesses using incantations and talismans," was often misunderstood. He explained its purpose was to "cure heartaches," especially for illiterate peasants who would not grasp complex medical theories.
The "miracle medicine" talismans made it easier for them to "believe in it," which in turn led to faster healing. He recounted how Minister Liu’s son, suffering from chronic fatigue, was first guided to meditate with "magic spells" and breathing exercises to build trust, before being given the correct medication. Yunxian finally understood the profound principle: "Believing is healing."
Episode 16 Recap
Having excelled in her medical studies with Wang Taoist, Yunxian's skills in medicated diets had grown remarkably. She inquired about her grandmother and father, learning that, contrary to earlier news, they had not returned to their hometown in Wuxi. Wang Taoist also informed her that Qiyu had fallen gravely ill because of her. To lift Yunxian's spirits, Wang Taoist shared his own painful past, explaining why he became a priest and wandered the land.
He recounted falling in love with a noble lady and setting an engagement. However, her family later told him she was marrying someone of higher status, leading him to believe she had betrayed him. Out of anger, he stayed with distant relatives to calm down. Later, he heard that on the very night she was to be wed, she committed suicide, clutching his marriage proposal.
Overwhelmed with regret for doubting her and wishing it had been her who lied so she might still be alive, he decided to become a priest. Moved by her teacher's story and determined not to let regret define her life, Yunxian resolved to return to the capital to find Qiyu. They bid a tearful farewell, with Wang Taoist expressing his belief that Yunxian would surpass him in medicine and achieve things many others could not.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager had not fully recovered from her illness, allowing the Emperor to reclaim military authority. Having tolerated Annam's aggression for too long, especially after they killed his ambassador, the Emperor decided to dispatch 20,000 troops to attack them. When Duke Wang objected, citing the Empress Dowager's decree that troop deployments exceeding 10,000 required her approval, the Emperor retorted that with the Empress Dowager unwell, he would make all military decisions.
He then ordered all memorials to be sent to Qianqing Palace instead of Renshou Palace. Later, the Emperor instructed Qiyu to move into the Palace in the name of attending to the Empress Dowager, arranging a hall in the North Five Places for him and his mother, Consort Dowager Wu.
Qiyu, still grieving Yunxian, expressed his wish to leave the capital, but the Emperor insisted he stay, believing Qiyu would no longer have to curry favor with the Empress Dowager now that political power was back in his hands. Upon hearing that the Emperor had already dispatched troops to Annam and stripped her of political influence, the Empress Dowager flew into a rage and fainted.
When she awoke, she angrily lashed out at her maid and refused to see the Emperor, who, though previously resentful of her, felt conflicted due to her nurturing of him. Imperial Physician Liu Pingan reported to the Empress that the Empress Dowager's liver qi had stagnated, causing severe headaches and tremors, a condition worsened by her recent anger over the Annam situation.
Upon returning to the capital, Yunxian found that her father and grandmother were no longer at their former residence. She learned that they had been taken in by her godfather, Yu Dongyang, who had since been appointed governor of Henan and moved there with her family. Qiyu, she discovered, was residing in the Palace. Outside the Palace, Yunxian noticed an imperial bulletin offering a reward of five thousand taels of silver for a physician who could cure the Empress Dowager.
She learned that entry required a recommendation from an official of the third rank or higher. Torn by her grandfather's death, which she attributed to the Empress Dowager, Yunxian debated whether to help her. Ultimately, she decided to proceed, viewing the Empress Dowager as a patient and herself as a physician, hoping that if she succeeded, she might also clear her grandfather's name and see Qiyu.
Disguising herself as a Daoist nun, Yunxian sought out Duke Zheng, whose young son was suffering from anorexia that no physician could cure. Physician Liu Pingan, who was also at the Duke's residence, initially dismissed Yunxian's methods as mere deception. However, Yunxian eloquently defended Zhu You, a branch of medicine that focuses on diverting attention and transferring vitality, citing its mention in the "Inner Canon of Huangdi."
She then diagnosed Duke Zheng's son with "love sickness," explaining that it wasn't limited to romantic feelings but could include any profound yearning. She deduced that the young boy was missing his wet nurse, whose sudden disappearance had caused his lack of appetite and misery. When the wet nurse was brought back, the child immediately began to eat, proving Yunxian's diagnosis correct.
Instead of a monetary reward, Yunxian requested a recommendation letter from Duke Zheng to enter the Palace and treat the Empress Dowager. She confessed her ambition to become the first female physician in the Ming Dynasty, acknowledging the societal challenges but expressing her belief that it was possible. Impressed by her skills and resolve, Physician Liu Pingan, wishing to make amends for his earlier skepticism, offered to be her referee and bear any punishment if she failed.
Together, he and Duke Zheng arranged for Yunxian to enter the Palace as a "medicine woman," as proper physicians were typically male, and medicine women were often married. Yunxian agreed, reasoning that if she cured the Empress Dowager, her marital status or original identity wouldn't matter. Inside Renshou Palace, Yunxian joined the other recommended physicians.
During their discussion on the Empress Dowager's condition, which involved toxic heat in the liver, low yin levels, and coagulated phlegm, some male doctors mocked Yunxian, dismissing her as a mere "Aunt" who should "go back and take care of your children." Despite their derision, Yunxian quietly approached a palace maid, asking for help to contact her older cousin, who served Prince Cheng, or to be led to him, as she heard Qiyu was recuperating with him.
The maid explained that Prince Cheng's quarters were far from Renshou Palace, and without a pass, Yunxian, as a medicine woman, could not freely wander the Palace. Later, when the assembled physicians presented their medicine, the Empress Dowager found it unbearably bitter. Enraged, she ordered all the doctors to be dragged out, beaten twenty times, and expelled from the Palace. Yunxian swiftly intervened, claiming she could prepare medicine that was not bitter.
Episode 17 Recap
Yunxian, having previously vowed to create medicine that was not bitter for the Empress Dowager, presented a fragrant sachet. The Empress Dowager found the scent refreshing, and Yunxian explained it contained various herbs like Rhizoma Atractylodes, Evodia rutaecarpa berries, mugwort, cinnamon, fructus amomi, angelica, mint, Biond's magnolia, and polygala root, capable of alleviating pain, reducing toxic heat, clearing eyesight and liver, and relieving depression. Impressed, the Empress Dowager instructed Yunxian to prepare new medicine.
Yunxian then requested to re-examine the Empress Dowager’s pulse, citing the earlier crowded conditions. Granted permission, she also insisted on checking the Empress Dowager’s neck, a request initially met with refusal but eventually allowed. Instead of traditional medicine, Yunxian returned with several "medicinal dishes." She explained that food and medicine shared the same source, and she believed the Empress Dowager's discomfort wasn't a severe illness, thus she aimed to help her relax through diet.
The Empress Dowager, who confessed she felt well but was told otherwise by others who wished to keep her from interfering in politics, thoroughly enjoyed the tangerine and Chinese eaglewood meatballs, fingered citron porridge, donkey hide gelatin and sea slug soup, and green permission cake. She praised Yunxian’s talent and found the dishes much more palatable than bitter medicine, rewarding her with golden melon seeds.
Yunxian, in turn, shared the reward with the palace maids, including Yu Xiang, as a thank you for Yu Xiang having previously informed her of Prince Cheng's residence in the palace, the North Five Places. Yu Xiang instructed Yunxian to call her by her name. Later, the Empress praised Yunxian's medicine, noting the Empress Dowager could now take an afternoon nap. When asked if the Empress Dowager was truly ill, Yunxian confessed she had intentionally downplayed the illness.
She explained that the Empress Dowager's strong personality and unwillingness to admit defeat would worsen her condition if she believed it was serious. By asserting it was merely discomfort, Yunxian aimed to calm her, then begin the true cure. Yunxian diagnosed the Empress Dowager with a goitre, characterized by profuse sweating and hand tremors, caused by stagnation of "qi" and coagulated phlegm due to anger.
The Empress, impressed by Yunxian's insight and the efficacy of her unique food therapies, requested Yunxian stay to nurse the Empress Dowager back to health. Yunxian, however, first sought to meet Physician Liu, which the Empress understood as concern for her reputation, revealing that Liu Pingan had already vouched for her.
The Empress promised to personally write a plaque for Yunxian’s medical clinic if she successfully cured the Empress Dowager, assuring her that her identity as a medicine woman and her initial deception would be forgiven due to her merits. When asked if she desired another reward, Yunxian attempted to request a visit to the North Five Places to see Prince Cheng. Yu Xiang subtly coughed, prompting Yunxian to quickly change her request to seeing an ancient agallocha tree there.
The Empress, unaware of Yunxian's true intention, informed her the tree was outside the Shenwu Gate. Afterward, Yu Xiang scolded Yunxian for attempting to inquire about Prince Cheng in front of the Empress.
Yu Xiang explained that such a request from an outsider concerning an imperial prince was highly inappropriate and could be misconstrued as an affair, and warned Yunxian that even the appearance of an inappropriate relationship, such as being an eunuch's partner, was a strict taboo in the palace.
Yu Xiang also revealed that the Empress Dowager stayed up late reading secret military reports due to her concern for the young Emperor and the Annam campaign, and despite her strict demeanor, she was a kind person who secretly pardoned many condemned criminals. Yunxian pondered why such a compassionate ruler did not spare her own family years ago.
The next day, the Empress came to pay her respects and was immediately berated by the Empress Dowager for indulging the Emperor, failing in her duties, and not bearing a prince. Witnessing the Empress's distress, Yunxian courageously interrupted, offering tea and playfully suggesting the Empress Dowager needed to wet her throat to continue scolding. She humorously expressed her fear of being punished with planks if the Empress Dowager's anger worsened her illness, causing everyone, including the Empress Dowager, to laugh.
When ordered to "roll out," Yunxian innocently asked whether to roll vertically or horizontally, further deflecting the Empress Dowager's anger with her wit. The Empress later praised Yunxian's bravery but warned her of the risks. Yunxian explained she acted out of concern for the Empress Dowager’s health and gratitude to the Empress, adding that the Empress Dowager was pitiful for burdening herself with state affairs.
The Empress agreed that anxiety and anger were the root of the illness but admitted the Empress Dowager was not easily swayed. Despite Yunxian's previous efforts, the Empress Dowager’s vision remained blurry. Yunxian proposed a unique method, claiming it was a "magic spell" she learned from a Taoist immortal that could temporarily transfer the "toxic heat" from her eyes to her feet. The Empress Dowager agreed to try, and Yunxian performed incantations and an eye-washing ritual using a "miracle pill."
She instructed the Empress Dowager to avoid mirrors and meditate for three days, assuring her that while her feet might develop sores, her eyes would clear. The Empress Dowager agreed to endure, and Yunxian even prepared cream for the supposed foot sores. The Empress Dowager then asked Yunxian if she was a real medicine woman, and Yunxian admitted she was unmarried, bracing herself for punishment. However, the Empress Dowager, impressed by Yunxian's skill, forgave her and promised fair treatment.
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Faculty of Medicine, the imperial physicians were agitated by Yunxian’s success. Chen Shisan openly criticized Yunxian's methods as "nonsense" and "mystical," downplaying her medicinal dishes as mere variations of existing remedies. Liu Pingan stepped forward, revealing he had recommended Yunxian and asserting her superior skill by correctly diagnosing and curing the Empress Dowager's goitre. Other physicians argued that Yunxian's advantage was her gender, allowing her to physically examine the Empress Dowager's neck.
Liu Pingan admonished them for their jealousy and urged them to admit their shortcomings and learn from Yunxian, even defending the "Zhu You" branch of medicine, which he had once dismissed as nonsense. Chen Shisan conceded that Zhu You involved comforting patients but accused Yunxian of exaggerating its effects, making other physicians look bad. Three days later, the Empress Dowager's eyes were perfectly clear, but her feet showed no signs of sores.
Yunxian explained that her "spell" was a strategic diversion. By making the Empress Dowager worry about imaginary sores on her feet, her attention was drawn away from her eyes. As "thoughts of the heart are reflected through the eyes," the constant focus on her swollen eyes had exacerbated the toxic heat. With her attention diverted, her eyes naturally healed.
The Empress Dowager, initially indignant at being deceived, was amused by Yunxian's analogy of physicians using "insidious tactics" like military strategists, a concept she understood well from her military reports. She laughed and forgave Yunxian. The Empress seized the opportunity to advise the Empress Dowager to prioritize her health and relinquish control of state affairs to the now adult Emperor. She reminded the Empress Dowager of her own past, having lived under the Grand Empress Dowager's authority.
Yunxian supported the Empress, highlighting the Emperor’s successful governance, including victories in Annam and the smooth operation of the Six Ministries. Reflecting on her illness and the counsel, the Empress Dowager decided to return power to the Emperor and retire to the inner palace.
However, she imposed three conditions: first, the Emperor must discuss national matters with imperial advisors and inform her if more than 5,000 troops were deployed, or she would intervene; second, he must not expel her loyal officials from court; and third, the Empress must diligently work to expand the imperial family. The Emperor, expressing remorse for past disobedience, accepted her orders, with the Empress and Emperor both acknowledging her continued importance in major crises.
Meanwhile, Chen Shisan, furious at the Empress Dowager's retirement which had weakened his political influence, sought to undermine Yunxian. When Yunxian brought a prescription to the Imperial Dispensary, a dose of "Cinnabar," a forbidden ingredient and royal taboo, was clandestinely added to her prescription, which Eunuch Hou then used as an excuse to punish her. Eunuch Hou accused Yunxian of betraying the court and ordered her to be beaten thirty times.
Yunxian vehemently denied writing "Cinnabar," claiming it was added by someone else. Yu Xiang intervened, warning Eunuch Hou of the Empress Dowager's return from Qingyang Palace, where she had gone to fulfill a vow. Unable to administer a beating without facing severe consequences, Eunuch Hou instead ordered Yunxian to be forced into a painful bending posture against a wall for two hours, with Ding Xiang supervising.
Yu Xiang rushed off to seek help from the Empress, but en route, she stumbled upon the Emperor. Upon hearing the name "Yunxian," the Emperor immediately rushed to the Imperial Dispensary. He found Yunxian collapsed against the wall and ordered her to be taken to the palace. Before losing consciousness, Yunxian managed to thank Ding Xiang and offer her a remedy for her body odor, suggesting ginger or yam slices.
Episode 18 Recap
The Emperor rescued Yunxian from the Imperial Pharmacy, revealing his true identity as the Emperor, Zheng Qi. Yunxian was shocked to discover her good friend was none other than the Emperor. He apologized for his deception, instructing her to treat him as she always had, without formalities, and to keep his identity a secret. Yunxian playfully lamented that she wouldn't have suffered so long if she had known. The Empress arrived at Qianqing Palace, expressing her concern to the Emperor.
She explained that she had sent word to Prince Cheng, informing him that Yunxian was alive, as she couldn't bear to see the Emperor risk his brotherhood with Prince Cheng over a woman, reminding him of Prince Cheng's intense grief when he believed Yunxian was dead. Just then, Prince Cheng, having received the news, rushed in and embraced Yunxian in a heartfelt reunion in the rain, pouring out their hearts to each other.
The Empress subtly urged the Emperor to step outside, allowing the lovers a private moment. The Emperor, visibly perturbed, eventually called Prince Cheng back. The Empress then advised the Emperor to view Yunxian as a dear friend or a younger sister, emphasizing that taking her as a concubine would deeply wound Prince Cheng. The Emperor was left in frustrated silence. Soon after, the Emperor summoned Consort Dowager Wu, Prince Cheng's mother, to discuss the marriage.
She was overjoyed, mistakenly believing the union was with Princess Anhe, Wang Meilin. However, Prince Cheng clarified that the Emperor intended to bestow Yunxian upon him. Consort Dowager Wu was aghast, expressing disbelief that Yunxian, presumed dead, was alive. The Emperor subtly referenced the past misfortune of the Hang family, implying her involvement.
Despite this, Consort Dowager Wu adamantly refused, citing Yunxian's low social standing, her tarnished reputation from appearing in public, being tried in court, and treating men, all of which she claimed violated proper feminine conduct and would bring shame to the royal family. Prince Cheng defended Yunxian, highlighting her medical skills that had saved many and the Emperor's bestowal of the title "Xianju," stating her role as a "medicine woman" was merely a disguise.
Consort Dowager Wu, however, continued her tirade, dramatically collapsing and feigning unconsciousness. Yunxian quickly examined Consort Dowager Wu, assuring everyone it was merely a "panic attack" and that she had only fainted. The Empress suggested taking Yunxian away, which the Emperor permitted. Later, Yunxian confided in the Empress that Consort Dowager Wu had merely feigned her fainting spell, a common palace stratagem. Meanwhile, Imperial Physician Liu Pingan found nothing gravely wrong with Consort Dowager Wu.
However, the Empress Dowager soon arrived with Cheng Shisan. After an exchange of knowing glances with Consort Dowager Wu, Cheng Shisan exaggeratedly diagnosed her with a severe condition caused by anger and dismissed everyone to perform acupuncture, allowing him to scheme with Consort Dowager Wu. The Empress Dowager then confronted Prince Cheng, criticizing his perceived "forgetting filial piety" for a woman, reminding him of his mother's hardships and sacrifices.
She further denigrated Yunxian's public reputation and past actions, insinuating that marrying her would bring ridicule upon Prince Cheng and his family, leaving him guilt-ridden. Cheng Shisan then subtly advised Prince Cheng to implicitly obey his mother for her supposed recovery. Prince Cheng spoke with his mother, who feigned acceptance of his marriage but continued to subtly manipulate him with tales of her past suffering, again emphasizing his filial duty.
Prince Cheng, determined to appease her, promised to find a solution. His close attendant then suggested that to circumvent Consort Dowager Wu's objections to Yunxian's reputation, Yunxian should assume a new name and identity. Prince Cheng presented this idea to Yunxian, asking her to temporarily endure the shame for his mother's health and their future together. Though deeply hurt by the suggestion, Yunxian reluctantly agreed, trusting Prince Cheng's promise that she would face no more hardships.
Yunxian then sought out the Emperor, who chastised her for agreeing to change her name. She explained she acted for Prince Cheng's sake, knowing his mother's illness was fabricated. She then revealed to the Emperor that her true family name was Tan.
She recounted how her grandfather, Tan Fu, a former supervisor in the Imperial Medical Bureau, had been framed ten years prior, leading to his suicide, and she implored the Emperor to investigate the old case, clear her grandfather's name, and restore her true family surname. The Emperor confirmed his awareness of her family's past misfortune through the Eastern Depot and that the Empress's father, Official Qian, had saved them, though he was unaware of the framing aspect.
Yunxian further recalled that the culprit was likely a colleague from the Imperial Medical Bureau who had a distinctive red birthmark between his thumb and index finger. The Emperor pledged to launch an immediate investigation to clear her grandfather's name, assuring her that if successful, reverting to her Tan surname would be possible. He also advised her to avoid Renshou Palace, as the Empress Dowager, Wang Meilin's aunt, would now know her true identity and likely harbor strong resentment.
Prince Cheng brought Yunxian to formally meet Consort Dowager Wu again. Consort Dowager Wu, despite outwardly accepting Yunxian, launched into a series of veiled and direct insults. She questioned Yunxian's upbringing, her manners, and skills, implying her low social standing and lack of proper maternal guidance, then outright forbade her from practicing medicine or treating patients after marrying into the royal household, claiming such activities would disgrace Prince Cheng.
Yunxian, her patience exhausted and her life's aspiration under attack, declared that if Consort Dowager Wu could not tolerate her medical pursuits, she would not marry into Prince Cheng's family, and turned to leave. Prince Cheng pursued her, criticizing her stubbornness for causing his mother to faint again. Yunxian confronted him, reminding him of his past promise to support her medical dreams. Prince Cheng backtracked, claiming he only forbade her from going out to treat patients, not from studying medicine. Yunxian retorted that studying medicine without treating patients was meaningless and expressed her profound disappointment in him before walking away alone.
Episode 19 Recap
After Empress's maid Dingxiang informed the Emperor about Consort Dowager Wu and Qiyu's mistreatment of Yunxian, the Emperor was furious. He immediately went to console Yunxian, explaining that Consort Dowager Wu's actions stemmed from her ambition to curry favor with the Empress Dowager and secure a marriage alliance with Duke Wang. By marrying Qiyu to Wang Meilin, Consort Dowager Wu hoped to use their influence to make Qiyu the new emperor, thus allowing her to become the Empress Dowager.
Yunxian understood Consort Dowager Wu's hostility towards her and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to becoming a female physician, overcoming all obstacles. The Emperor wanted to settle Yunxian in the palace for her safety, especially with Duke Wang's malicious nature and her unsettled marriage with Qiyu. However, Yunxian was neither a palace maid nor an official and longed for the freedom to study medicine outside the palace with Wan Ning and treat common people.
Observing Yunxian’s determination, the Emperor granted special permission for Yunxian to take the Imperial Faculty entrance exam, believing it could provide strong support for her medical career. He also offered to transfer Physician Wan to the Imperial Faculty so they could study together. Though Yunxian felt it improper to stay in the palace without a proper title, she expressed her interest in learning from Supervisor Liu Pingan, whom her grandmother had praised.
The next day, the Emperor summoned Liu Pingan and requested he take Yunxian as an apprentice. Liu Pingan respectfully declined, citing his oath to only accept male physicians and Yunxian's lack of formal background compared to the well-established medical families within the Imperial Faculty. Yunxian then proposed that if she could pass the Imperial Faculty exam and become a physician, Liu Pingan should be willing to take her as a disciple.
Liu Pingan, though acknowledging her talent, warned her of the rigorous exam, which would be judged by six different physicians, but agreed to her condition. News of a woman attempting to enter the Imperial Faculty caused an uproar among its members, who vehemently opposed it, viewing it as a defilement of their refined culture and an insult to their profession. Liu Pingan, the supervisor, intervened, reminding them that the Imperial Faculty's doctrines did not prohibit women from taking the exam.
He cited Yunxian’s crucial role in containing the cholera epidemic and curing the Empress Dowager's eye illness, emphasizing that the Emperor himself had granted her special permission. To challenge their skepticism about Yunxian's abilities, Liu Pingan tasked Cheng Cunxia, his apprentice and one of Yunxian's fiercest opponents, with meticulously preparing the exam questions for the upcoming five-day trial. Meanwhile, Qiyu visited Yunxian to criticize her strong stance against his mother.
Yunxian reiterated that Consort Dowager Wu had feigned illness during their last encounter. Qiyu found this hard to believe, as Cheng Shisan had diagnosed his mother as ill, though Yunxian knew this was false and Liu Pingan had also found no actual illness. Qiyu expressed his desire for Yunxian to give up practicing medicine on patients, reminding her that even her grandmother had not done so.
Yunxian was deeply hurt, accusing him of breaking his promise to support her medical aspirations and coercing her. Dingxiang intervened, subtly reminding Qiyu of their surroundings and later, when Qiyu returned to try and dissuade Yunxian from taking the exam, Dingxiang blocked him, stating, "How can a sparrow know the will of a swan?" Qiyu left in a huff. Later, Wang Meilin visited Qiyu, feigning reconciliation, and suggested that Yunxian would eventually understand that a woman’s husband is her world.
Qiyu wistfully wished Yunxian could be more like Meilin. Yunxian, with the Emperor's arrangement, received guidance from Wan Ning, who had been transferred to the palace. Wan Ning detailed the exam structure: a written component covering six sections (essay, application, meridians, prescriptions, methods, and qi) and a practical component with three on-the-spot diagnoses. He listed essential medical texts and noted that clinical skills were prioritized. He also cautioned that as a woman, she might face stricter requirements.
Yunxian dedicated herself to intense study, burning the midnight oil for days. On the day of the exam at the Imperial Faculty, Yunxian faced Cheng Cunxia's challenging written test, which consisted of six questions to be completed within the time it took for one incense stick to burn. She answered calmly and meticulously, completing it before time was up. Out of twelve judges, seven awarded her high scores, three medium, and two low, resulting in an overall high score.
Cheng Shisan then unexpectedly added an oral Q&A session. Despite Liu Pingan's protest about the unfairness, Yunxian accepted. Cheng Shisan questioned her about a hard, painful lump on the tongue. Yunxian correctly diagnosed it as fungus of the tongue and offered two prescriptions, one of which included ingredients considered "lowly" like calamitas urinae hominis and chicken manure. She defended her choice by recalling Emperor Hongwu’s use of such ingredients for nobility.
Cheng Shisan then asked about pregnancy-related swelling, and Yunxian provided a suitable diagnosis and prescription. When Cheng Shisan questioned her experience as an unmarried woman, Yunxian retorted by implying his guilt related to the previous question. Liu Pingan quickly ended the Q&A. The practical examination began with the first task: a blindfolded pulse diagnosis. Yunxian accurately determined the patient to be a seven-to-eight-year-old child suffering from tuberculosis.
However, Cheng Cunxia, ever critical, argued that she had not specified the child's gender, attempting to invalidate her answer, which Liu Pingan recognized as unfair. The second practical problem involved an elderly patient with a severe abscess on his hand. The patient was terrified of scalpels and needles due to a previous doctor's warning. Realizing the challenge was not just medical but also psychological, Yunxian ingeniously used a silver hairpin, concealing it in her hand, to prick the abscess.
She then applied anti-bacterial powder, successfully treating the patient without violating his fear of "knives, needles, or swords," thus passing the challenge. For the third and final practical test, which was supposed to be acupuncture on a bronze man, Cheng Cunxia substituted a naked eunuch, claiming the bronze man had suddenly broken. Liu Pingan expressed concern about the impropriety, but Cheng Cunxia dismissed it, citing Yunxian’s past experience treating men. Yunxian, refusing to forfeit, began the acupuncture.
She correctly identified several acupoints, but for the final needle, Cheng Cunxia instructed her to use a sensitive acupoint located in the eunuch's waist/buttocks area, making it extremely difficult and humiliating for Yunxian to proceed.
Episode 20 Recap
During the final Imperial Hospital examination, Cheng Cunxia presented Yunxian with a morally challenging task: to administer acupuncture on a male patient's private area. Yunxian hesitated, expressing that as a woman, it was inappropriate for her to needle such a hidden area. Cheng Cunxia pressed her, giving her a countdown, but Liu Pingan intervened. He stopped Yunxian, praising her performance and criticizing the "disgusting problem" designed to humiliate her.
Liu Pingan then publicly announced his decision to accept Yunxian as his closed-door disciple, a declaration that surprised many but was met with cheers from some and objections from others, including Cheng Shisan. Yunxian, overwhelmed, knelt to pay her respects to her new teacher. The Emperor, having learned of the difficulties Yunxian faced, was furious at Cheng Shisan's conniving and bullying.
Yunxian, however, dissuaded him from punishing Cheng Shisan, citing his relationship with the Empress Dowager and his position as her senior. The Emperor decided to appoint Yunxian as a 6-star ranked female medical official, placing her in charge of the Imperial Pharmacy, which he moved to Changshou Court.
This arrangement was meant to provide her with a protected position within the palace and allow her to continue learning from Liu Pingan, though Yunxian expressed her desire to also investigate the person who had lied years ago. She reflected on the Emperor's thoughtful actions, acknowledging his genuine care for her. Empress Qian summoned Yunxian, advising her to be patient and cautious in the palace, especially with the concubines, given Yunxian's current status as "His Majesty's favorite."
Yunxian confided in Empress Qian, solemnly swearing that her heart belonged only to Qiyu, and that she viewed the Emperor merely as a respected friend whose boldness she admired. She revealed that Empress Qian's father, Master Qian, had once saved her family, and therefore she felt deep gratitude towards the Empress, both for past kindness and present care. Yunxian also admitted to hearing rumors about her relationship with the Emperor and expressed her desire to avoid him to prevent trouble.
Moved by Yunxian's honesty and dedication to Qiyu, Empress Qian assured her that the Emperor also wished them well and advised her not to actively avoid him but to be mindful in public. The two women, having opened their hearts to each other, embraced a sisterly bond, with Yunxian referring to Empress Qian as "Qian jiejie." Yunxian also offered to help Empress Qian with her health, who confided in her struggles with conception.
Empress Qian further advised Yunxian to avoid directly treating concubines and instead refer them to the Imperial Hospital to prevent complications. Meanwhile, a small eunuch secretly informed Qiyu that he had overheard Consort Dowager Wu speaking energetically with Imperial Physician Cheng Shisan, not appearing genuinely ill. This sparked Qiyu's memory of Yunxian's earlier claims about his mother faking her illness. Seeking confirmation, Qiyu privately questioned Liu Pingan about his mother's condition.
Liu Pingan, without directly confirming, subtly implied that Consort Dowager Wu "seems fine" before Cheng Shisan examined her. This revelation made Qiyu realize he had wronged Yunxian. In another part of the palace, Cheng Cunxia complained to his uncle, Cheng Shisan, about Yunxian's surprisingly high rank.
Cheng Shisan expressed his indignation, stating it took him 20 years to become a Medical Supervisor, while Yunxian, whom he dismissed as an "unruly girl" and a "witch," had swiftly risen due to the Emperor's favor. Cheng Cunxia vowed to drive Yunxian out of the Medical Bureau, and Cheng Shisan encouraged him, certain that Yunxian was solely relying on her connections. The Empress Dowager soon summoned Yunxian.
She assigned Yunxian the task of curing the ailing Consort of the King of Brunei (Puoni in the subtitles), who had fallen ill with severe diarrhea due to acclimatization, along with the King, after arriving at the Hui Tong Inn. The Empress Dowager emphasized the matter's importance for national pride and set a strict three-day deadline, threatening Yunxian with dismissal and 100 lashings if she failed. Cheng Cunxia, eager to compete, volunteered to treat the King.
The Empress Dowager approved the competition, allowing both to go to the Hui Tong Inn immediately. Ding Xiang warned Yunxian that the Empress Dowager was deliberately setting her up. She disclosed a historical secret: foreign visitors suffering from acclimatization-induced diarrhea could be cured by drinking water mixed with specific soil from their homeland, preserved at the Tai Chang Temple since the Yongle Emperor's reign. The Empress Dowager's omission of this vital information indicated a scheme.
Simultaneously, Cheng Shisan attempted to provide Cheng Cunxia with some of this special soil, but Cunxia haughtily refused, insisting on winning through his own superior medical skills and not by "cheating." He was convinced Yunxian, unable to administer medicine to the Consort, would surely fail. At the Hui Tong Inn, Yunxian assessed the Consort, confirming her diagnosis of acclimatization. The Consort, however, adamantly refused to take any traditional medicine, declaring she would rather die.
Yunxian respected her wishes and opted for acupuncture, which visibly relieved the Consort's stomach discomfort. She then inquired about the Consort's post-meal bloating. Knowing the Consort's cultural preferences, Yunxian asked for "sour buttermilk" to be purchased from a nearby Li Bai Temple (mosque). She presented it to the Consort, explaining it was not medicine but could cure her illness. The Consort found it refreshing and felt significantly better.
Meanwhile, Cheng Cunxia, who was treating the King with a secret ancient anti-diarrheal medicine called "Tai Yi Yu Liang" (Stone Brain), was confident in his progress. Cheng Shisan mocked Yunxian, speculating she was resorting to "chanting spells again." Their smugness was shattered when Yunxian, accompanied by a fully recovered Consort, appeared to visit the King, leaving Cheng Cunxia and Cheng Shisan stunned.
Episode 21 Recap
Yunxian explained to Liu Pingan her unconventional method for curing the Princess Consort of Borneo. She had used soured buttermilk to treat the Princess Consort's bloating and diarrhea, a daring move given traditional medical teachings against curdled milk for dysentery patients. Yunxian clarified that with no other options, and the Princess Consort refusing conventional medicine and acupuncture, she resorted to this unusual yet effective approach.
Liu Pingan, though acknowledging the success, teasingly called her methods "bizarre" and compared her to a "voodoo magician," a sentiment previously echoed by Cheng Cunxia. Meanwhile, Cheng Cunxia was seething with resentment over his loss to Yunxian, complaining to his uncle, Chen Shisan, about her "shortcuts" and "dark methods" not found in medical books, while Chen Shisan tried to validate his nephew's claim of being the superior genius. Later, Qiyu came to take Yunxian back to the palace.
He apologized for his past misunderstanding, admitting he had verified his mother's feigned illness and regretted his initial misjudgment of Yunxian's actions. He asked for her forgiveness. Yunxian, in turn, reaffirmed her commitment to medicine, promising Qiyu that she would only treat men out of necessity and would specialize in gynecology, asking for his understanding. Qiyu conceded, playfully asking her not to "kick him out" again, noting her stubborn nature.
The Emperor, intending to congratulate Yunxian on her victory over Cheng Cunxia, arrived to find her and Qiyu in an intimate moment. Disheartened, he turned back to his palace. An official later announced that Minister Hang (Yunxian) had been recognized for her merit in curing the Princess Consort and was granted permission to wear red within the palace, a privilege she acknowledged with gratitude. Soon after, Consort Li sent for Yunxian to her palace.
Ding Xiang explained that Yunxian’s fame had spread throughout the palace because the Emperor, after over ten years of marriage, had no heirs. The concubines, desperate for a prince, had been consuming fertility medicines like water. With Yunxian, a "miraculous physician" even more skilled than Cheng Cunxia, now in the palace, everyone was eager for her help.
Ding Xiang further noted that the Emperor rarely sought out other consorts, primarily visiting the Empress, as the other consorts were arranged by the Empress Dowager and he wished to prevent any harm to the Empress. Upon arriving at Consort Li's palace, Yunxian noticed a palace maid kneeling in punishment. Consort Li explained the maid had accidentally dropped her "Feiyun Tablets" into water.
Consort Li recounted that this precious beauty product, brought by a Korean ambassador, was widely used in the Korean court for its skin-whitening properties. Yunxian, however, warned Consort Li that the tablets contained mercury, a poison recorded in medical texts as "Feiyun Tablet" when used by princesses for facial powder. Yunxian demonstrated the tablet's toxicity by showing how it reacted and turned black in lime water, similar to soap and bath beans.
Consort Li was horrified, realizing she had been applying poison to her face. Yunxian then accurately deduced Consort Li's recent symptoms, including sleep difficulties and increased aggression, as effects of mercury poisoning. Reassured by Yunxian that her poisoning was not severe, Consort Li pardoned the palace maid. Yunxian examined Consort Li, confirming no deep poisoning due to the absence of hand tremors, a typical symptom of severe mercury poisoning.
She prescribed a detoxification regimen of pea and dried green vegetable soup, along with fungus congee, noting this was the same method used to cure the Empress Dowager. For future beautification, Yunxian promised to prepare "Tao Hua Ji," a nutritious dessert made from Shandong donkey hide glue, black sesame, walnut kernel, and yellow wine, after Consort Li's recovery.
Consort Li was overjoyed and welcomed Yunxian to visit often for further guidance, solidifying Yunxian’s reputation as a highly sought-after physician in the palace. An Imperial Physician complained to Chen Shisan that Yunxian, as Minister Hang of the Imperial Pharmacy, was overstepping her authority by widely treating concubines, effectively "taking business" from the Imperial Faculty of Medicine. He proposed shutting down the Imperial Pharmacy. Cheng Cunxia, overhearing, supported the idea, suggesting an impeachment against Yunxian.
Upon hearing this, Liu Pingan confronted Cheng Cunxia, making him kneel before their ancestors. He sternly reminded Cunxia of the sacred medical vows, emphasizing compassion, humility, and the rejection of fame and profit. Liu Pingan admonished Cunxia for his continued hostility towards Yunxian, recalling his earlier attempts to sabotage her during the skills exam and now planning impeachment, all stemming from his inability to accept Yunxian's success in curing the Princess Consort of Borneo.
Liu Pingan even hinted at Chen Shisan's connivance in the matter, expressing deep disappointment in Cunxia. Cunxia, however, defended his stance, claiming his uncle's actions were merely helpful and his report against the Imperial Pharmacy was legitimate given Yunxian's alleged abuse of power. Liu Pingan countered by citing past instances where even Chen Shisan had relied on Imperial Pharmacy eunuchs to treat concubines, implying that patients simply sought the most skilled physicians.
He urged Cunxia, his "treasured disciple" and a "rare medical genius," to embrace the right path, free from vanity. He expressed a desire for Cunxia and Yunxian to collaborate and improve their skills, and encouraged Cunxia to broaden his perspective by studying alternative methods like Zhu You. Ultimately, Liu Pingan compelled Cunxia to promise to get along with Yunxian, to which Cunxia reluctantly agreed.
Consort Dowager Wu informed the Empress Dowager of Qiyu’s changed stance, noting his determination regarding Yunxian and his use of her own previous words against her to justify his choices. The Empress Dowager, having witnessed Yunxian’s impressive medical skills in curing the Princess Consort of Borneo despite Chen Shisan’s schemes, expressed admiration for her talent and proposed that Yunxian be accepted as Qiyu's consort. The Empress Dowager conveyed this decision to Wang Meilin, who vehemently opposed it.
Meilin, distraught, argued against Yunxian becoming Qiyu's consort. The Empress Dowager attempted to reason with her, pointing out that many princes have concubines and that Qiyu's affections were already set on Yunxian. She also suggested that accepting Yunxian might earn Meilin more respect from Qiyu and noted that Yunxian did not seem to be an inherently malicious person. However, Meilin refused any compromise, even suggesting violent acts against Yunxian, such as killing her or disfiguring her, labeling her a "vixen."
The Empress Dowager was dismayed by Meilin's unruly behavior, reminding her that Yunxian was a government official protected by the Emperor. Meilin then accused the Empress Dowager of losing influence since returning power to the Emperor, suggesting she was no longer as effective an ally. Exasperated, the Empress Dowager dismissed Meilin, instructing her to consult Duke Wang. Meilin returned home in tears, questioning if Yunxian's treatment of the Empress Dowager had caused her change of heart.
Duke Wang initially chastised Meilin for her outburst, advising her to accept Yunxian as a consort, predicting Qiyu would eventually lose interest, leaving Meilin free to "make her suffer." However, Meilin expressed deep fear of living with Yunxian, citing her knowledge of "medicine and drugs" and the possibility of being poisoned. Duke Wang acknowledged the validity of her fears, concluding that it was an "either-or" situation.
Realizing the Empress Dowager would no longer assist them, he decided they must act on their own, hinting at exploiting the rumors about Yunxian’s "not ordinary" relationship with the Emperor. Yunxian prepared lunch for the Empress, delighting in the news that Consort Dowager Wu had seemingly approved her marriage to Qiyu. While enjoying the meal, the Empress, Qian, urged Yunxian to advise the Emperor against over-relying on Wang Zhen and the Eastern Depot.
Empress Qian expressed her concern that the Emperor, feeling isolated and no longer heeding her counsel, was becoming overly dependent on Wang Zhen. Yunxian inquired about the persistent rumor that Wang Zhen had implicated the Empress Dowager in the death of the Emperor’s biological mother. Empress Qian then shared her deep suspicions about the official narrative.
She recounted that the Emperor's biological mother, who was reportedly illiterate, had supposedly left a blood-written letter, produced by Wang Zhen years after her death, claiming she was poisoned by arsenic by the Empress Dowager. This led the Emperor to exhume her body, finding black bones, which cemented his belief in the Empress Dowager's guilt.
However, Empress Qian questioned why the Empress Dowager would wait over a year after adopting the Emperor to act, and how an illiterate woman could write such a letter. She suspected Wang Zhen, leveraging the power of the Eastern Depot, had fabricated the will, though the blackened bones remained a mystery.
Empress Qian cautioned Yunxian to keep these doubts secret, as it was a deeply painful and sensitive matter for the Emperor, especially in the absence of concrete evidence to clear the Empress Dowager. During their conversation, Yunxian noticed Empress Qian's unusually small appetite, a detail confirmed by her attendant who noted the Empress typically ate very little.
Checking Empress Qian's pulse, Yunxian diagnosed her with a weak spleen, leading to insufficient qi and blood, which explained her poor appetite, pale complexion, and quiet demeanor, and contributed to her difficulty conceiving. Yunxian immediately prescribed a new regimen, including a blend of sour jujubes, Xia Hezi, atractylodes rhizome, donkey hide gelatin, yam rhizome, and medicated leaven.
After consulting Liu Pingan, Yunxian also prepared medicinal hot spring baths using mugwort leaves, atractylodes, Chinese dodder seeds, and essential oils, designed to warm the womb and enhance fertility. Yunxian discovered that palace maids and eunuchs had no access to medical care when ill. Defying established rules, she opened the Imperial Pharmacy at Changshou Hall for consultations, which quickly became bustling with patients.
Her attendant initially hesitated, stating the Imperial Pharmacy was not for consultations and lower-ranking servants couldn't see physicians. However, Yunxian insisted that "a eunuch's life is also a life" and that in medicine, there are only patients, not distinctions of gender or rank. Despite warnings, she began treating the sick, including male eunuchs, attracting large crowds that Ding Xiang struggled to manage.
Xiao Ma'zi, delivering a message from Qiyu, witnessed the overwhelming crowd and overheard some eunuchs making suggestive comments about Yunxian. Alarmed by their inappropriate thoughts and Yunxian's naivety regarding palace intrigues, he reported the incident to Qiyu. Qiyu, furious but knowing Yunxian was engrossed in her medical mission, opted for a discreet approach.
He sent Xiao Ma'zi to warn Liu Pingan at the Imperial Faculty of Medicine about the situation and instructed Ding Xiang to identify and remove any servants harboring "rude thoughts" towards Yunxian. Later, the Emperor dined with Yunxian, having sent Xiao Ma'zi to excuse himself from Consort Dowager Wu. The Emperor playfully chided Yunxian for overworking herself by "sticking her nose in other's issues."
Yunxian countered, revealing her shock at discovering the countless palace maids and eunuchs who were denied medical attention and often died from trivial illnesses. The Emperor admitted his ignorance of this long-standing ancestral rule. Yunxian passionately argued that "human life is even more important" than old rules, proposing to train eleven palace maids from the Imperial Pharmacy or Imperial Faculty of Medicine in basic medical practices.
Impressed, the Emperor agreed to consult his ministers about expanding medical care for palace staff. Feeling a moment of closeness, the Emperor placed his hands on Yunxian's shoulders, reminiscing about their shared tradition of watching fireworks. He expressed missing her and wished she would proactively visit him. He then acknowledged hearing about her previous declaration of loyalty to the Empress.
He informed her that Consort Dowager Wu was no longer making a fuss, and the marriage decree for her and Qiyu was prepared. However, Yunxian clarified that Consort Dowager Wu still desired Qiyu to take a "real wife" first. The Emperor scoffed at this, calling it a "dream." Unbeknownst to them, Qiyu witnessed this intimate interaction between Yunxian and the Emperor, leaving him deeply shocked.
Episode 22 Recap
Prince Cheng Qiyu was deeply distraught after witnessing Yunxian and the Emperor alone late at night. He discreetly sought information from an Imperial Guard friend, Official Yang, who confirmed the Emperor's strong affection for Yunxian. Official Yang recounted how the Emperor had risked his life for Yunxian during an epidemic at Yongqing Convent and had frequently visited her grave at the Hang Manor in the middle of the night.
He cautioned Qiyu to maintain distance from Yunxian, fearing she was "not a good person," but Qiyu refused to believe she could be such a person. Meanwhile, Duke Wang learned of the situation between Qiyu and the Emperor. He informed his niece, Meilin, that this presented a prime opportunity for her to become Empress. He believed that if the Empress Dowager and the Emperor clashed, and Prince Cheng and the Emperor remained at odds, their position would strengthen.
During a court session, the Emperor proposed expanding the Imperial Pharmacy to provide medical care for eunuchs and maid servants. This proposal met strong opposition from numerous veteran ministers, who argued it defied ancestral traditions and would create confusion with the existing Medicine Bureau. They accused Yunxian, who managed the Imperial Pharmacy, of overstepping her boundaries by treating palace staff and slandered her reputation, calling her a "demonic girl" and "unclean."
The Emperor, angered by their insults toward Yunxian and their disregard for his authority, ordered Wang Zhen to flog Minister Wang De Chao 50 times. When Wang De Chao protested, the Emperor added another 50 strokes. Other kneeling officials joined in the protest, also bringing up the historical tale of Madam Huarui, a woman whose beauty caused conflict between Emperor Taizu and Taizong, warning the Emperor against making Yunxian Prince Cheng's consort due to her "lack of morality."
The Empress Dowager arrived, chastising the Emperor for his rashness in wanting to punish half his court over a woman. She warned that if he continued to create chaos, she would resume her regency. She then halted all discussions regarding the Imperial Pharmacy's expansion and dismissed the court. The Emperor called for the ministers to return, but they ignored his command.
Upon hearing the news of the court's uproar, a servant rushed to Qiyu, informing him that his mother, Consort Dowager Wu, had vomited blood after learning of Yunxian's involvement. Qiyu hurried to his mother's side, where she tearfully expressed her fear that Yunxian was a "loose woman" who had "lost her purity, sinful and wicked," making her unsuitable to be his consort.
Distraught by the turn of events, Yunxian lamented how her intentions to help others had only caused trouble for the Emperor. Her maid, Ding Xiang, chastised her for her impulsiveness, suggesting she was unintentionally ordering the Emperor around, a behavior even the Empress wouldn't dare. Qiyu then confronted Yunxian at the Imperial Pharmacy, urging her to resign and leave the palace to escape the dangerous situation.
Yunxian refused, explaining that she needed to clear her family's name and had promised to help the Empress conceive an heir. Qiyu, feeling neglected, accused her of caring less about him and questioned her propriety in examining eunuchs and meeting the Emperor at night. He admitted seeing her and the Emperor "chatting with arms around each other" and cited rumors of the Emperor's frequent visits to her at Yongqing Convent.
He then invoked the Madam Huarui story, implying that he and the Emperor were now rivals for her affection. Heartbroken by his suspicions, Yunxian denied the accusations, explaining her chaperoned visits to Yongqing Convent, and asked Qiyu to leave. No sooner had Qiyu departed than an imperial decree arrived, summoning Yunxian to Renshou Palace. The Empress Dowager, enraged by the Emperor's confrontation with his ministers over Yunxian, accused Yunxian of interfering in court affairs and violating ancestral rules.
She ordered Yunxian to be executed by poisoned wine, stating that Yunxian was a "woman that brings disaster" who must be eliminated despite her past merits. The Empress, arriving unexpectedly, pleaded with the Empress Dowager to spare Yunxian, vouching for her character and reminding her of Yunxian's past help in curing her illness. In a fit of anger, the Empress Dowager pushed the Empress, causing her to fall and hit her head, bleeding and losing consciousness.
Yunxian immediately examined the Empress and discovered she was pregnant. The unconscious Empress murmured, "Mother, don't kill Yunxian." Realizing the Empress's condition, Yunxian urged the Empress Dowager to spare her, emphasizing her crucial role in ensuring the safety of the royal fetus. Liu Pingan and Chen Shisan were summoned to confirm the Empress's pregnancy.
While Chen Shisan offered congratulations, Liu Pingan cautioned that the Empress's early pregnancy was delicate and, due to the recent shock, she required careful attention to avoid a miscarriage. The Emperor, learning of the "incident" and hearing his unconscious wife's pleas, understood that the Empress Dowager had attempted to kill Yunxian. He confronted his mother, declaring that no one would harm Yunxian as long as he lived.
The Empress Dowager, swayed by the Empress's pregnancy, reluctantly spared Yunxian for the time being. The Emperor then threatened the Empress Dowager, vowing to harm her niece, Princess Anhe, if anything happened to Yunxian. After the Empress Dowager's departure, Qiyu rushed to Yunxian, embraced her, and apologized for his earlier anger and suspicions. He promised to never again act this way and asked for her forgiveness. He proposed they leave for Chengzhou immediately, as the palace had become too dangerous.
Yunxian agreed to depart once the Empress's fetus stabilized, and Qiyu suggested they leave with his grandmother and father-in-law in a few days to escape the escalating political turmoil. Meanwhile, Duke Wang attempted to persuade the Empress Dowager to fully resume power, arguing that the Emperor's erratic behavior and threat to Princess Anhe made him dispensable, especially with the prospect of a royal heir.
Although the Empress Dowager considered supporting Prince Cheng, she decided against it due to his feelings for Yunxian and his potential opposition if she were to harm Yunxian. Instead, she resolved to control the throne through the future royal heir, maintaining her authority as Empress Dowager. Wang Zhen, observing the Emperor's growing distrust, convinced him that Duke Wang was the mastermind behind the court's criticism of Yunxian.
He claimed Duke Wang sought to prove the Emperor a "selfish ruler," drive a wedge between the Emperor and Prince Cheng, and ultimately depose the Emperor to install Prince Cheng, using Yunxian as a pawn. Wang Zhen suggested eliminating Duke Wang to weaken the Empress Dowager's influence, assuring the Emperor it could be made to look like revenge from one of Duke Wang's many enemies.
The Emperor agreed, instructing Wang Zhen to ensure the assassination was carried out cleanly, leaving no trace back to him. Wang Zhen, seeing an opportunity to consolidate his own power, envisioned becoming a powerful general like Qin Han of the Song Dynasty. Yunxian visited the Empress, who expressed gratitude for Yunxian's care and advised her to trust Liu Pingan.
The Emperor also visited the Empress, sharing his belief that Duke Wang was responsible for the court's attacks on Yunxian and the Empress Dowager's attempt on her life. He revealed his plan for the Eastern Depot to assassinate Duke Wang. The Empress vehemently opposed this, warning that Duke Wang's death would raise the Empress Dowager's suspicions and plunge the court into chaos, thereby giving her mother-in-law an excuse to reclaim power.
She emphasized Duke Wang's indispensable role in managing the Ministry of Revenue and the national treasury. In a fit of pique, the Emperor accidentally pushed the Empress, causing her to fall. Yunxian quickly confirmed that the Empress and the baby were unharmed. The Emperor immediately apologized, and the Empress reiterated her pleas, appealing to him for the sake of their unborn child and the stability of the realm. Convinced, the Emperor promised to retract his order, and Wang Zhen reluctantly recalled the Eastern Depot assassins.
Episode 23 Recap
After Yunxian narrowly escaped being poisoned by the Empress Dowager, the Emperor was consumed with frustration, especially after his attempt to assassinate Duke Wang failed. Yunxian urged him to act cautiously and strategically, to avoid reckless actions against officials. The Emperor dismissed her advice, asserting his imperial power to do as he pleased, including pursuing her. Emotionally charged, he embraced Yunxian, asking if she had always known of his feelings and if she harbored any romantic affection for him.
Remembering her solemn vow to Empress Qian and her engagement to Qiyu, Yunxian firmly denied any such feelings, stating she only considered him a good friend. The Emperor eventually calmed down, promising to treat her as a younger sister and release his obsession, and asked her to move back to Chengzhou with Qiyu once Empress Qian's condition stabilized. He then visited Empress Qian, vowing not to lose anyone and admitting he wouldn't commit such foolish acts again.
Meanwhile, Duke Wang reported to the Empress Dowager that Eastern Depot agents had attempted to assassinate him. Outraged, the Empress Dowager decided to act against Wang Zhen, instructing officials to submit memorials complaining about Wang Zhen's domineering power, hoping to create discord with the Emperor and reclaim political authority. In court, an official named Li Ji accused Wang Zhen of abusing his power, leading to a heated argument with Cao Jixiang, Wang Zhen's subordinate.
The Emperor, while defending Cao Jixiang's right to be present, ordered Yu Dongyang to investigate Wang Zhen's conduct. Later, the Emperor chastised Wang Zhen, telling him to lie low for a while. The Empress Dowager also visited Empress Qian with the Emperor present, selecting several consorts deemed likely to bear sons, citing Empress Qian's illness and her inability to serve the Emperor.
She pressed the Emperor to "spread his affections evenly" to secure more royal heirs, a move Empress Qian reluctantly supported. Yunxian informed her master, Liu Pingan, that she would soon be leaving for Chengzhou. He expressed understanding and encouraged her medical pursuits. Soon after, Yunxian was told to leave the Palace immediately as her grandmother and father, Hang Gang, had arrived in the capital, brought by her godfather Yu Dongyang, whom the Emperor had recalled to court.
Yunxian happily reunited with her family. She then told them Qiyu's plan to take her to Chengzhou for safety. Her grandmother felt it was improper for Yunxian to leave before a formal marriage. Hang Gang argued that given the current instability with the Empress Dowager trying to regain power, and the Emperor's great kindness to their family, Yunxian should stay in the capital to assist him.
Later, Yunxian discussed this with Qiyu, expressing her reluctance to abandon Empress Qian, who was pregnant and facing difficulties, especially with the Emperor and the Empress Dowager at odds. Qiyu, recalling his loyalty to his older brother and acknowledging his father-in-law's sentiment, agreed that leaving at such a time would be selfish, and consented to stay in the capital, advising Yunxian to remain cautious within Kunning Palace.
The Empress Dowager, still uneasy with only one imperial heir, finalized a plan with Cheng Shisan to switch royal babies. She revealed that Prince Ning and Prince Fu's consorts were both pregnant, intending to replace the royal offspring with children from these princely families.
She then met with Consort Liu and Consort Zhou, informing them of her secret edict to feign pregnancy with royal princes, assuring them of her full support and promising the role of future Empress Dowager to the first one to succeed. Meanwhile, Yunxian presented her compiled food therapy notes to the Emperor. She explained the book included contraindications and properties of ingredients, suggesting it be published by the court to benefit the common people and earn the Emperor their affection.
The Emperor was deeply moved. When he proposed crediting Yunxian, she declined, mindful of previous criticisms from court officials regarding her involvement in the Imperial Pharmacy. The Emperor then suggested using the pseudonym "Zheng Xian," combining characters from their names, and promised to write an introduction. Yunxian agreed.
She then gave the manuscript to Liu Pingan for review, who praised its clarity and proposed having her senior brother Cunxia also review it, which Yunxian readily accepted, believing more eyes would ensure accuracy. Cunxia, reviewing Yunxian's manuscript, commented that it was "too simple." His uncle, Cheng Shisan, arrived, asking for his help with the scheme to manage Consort Liu and Consort Zhou.
Upon learning of the plan to switch royal babies, Cunxia firmly refused, citing the severe punishment for tampering with royal bloodlines. Cheng Shisan tried to persuade him, mentioning the Empress Dowager's backing, but Cunxia was adamant. Noticing the manuscript in Cunxia's hand, Cheng Shisan inquired about it. Cunxia, fearful of revealing his connection to Yunxian's work, lied, saying it was from a friend who owned an apothecary.
Later that evening, Cheng Shisan returned to Cunxia's residence, but Cunxia was out on a house call. Cheng Shisan found the manuscript on Cunxia's desk and saw it as a "good opportunity." The next day, he gathered several Imperial Physicians, instructing them to copy Yunxian's manuscript but to make "corrections," change recipe names, and alter the sequence to ensure the two versions were not identical. He demanded its completion that very night.
Concurrently, Qiyu informed the Emperor that he had successfully negotiated with the Oirat Clan, securing 10,000 horses in exchange for tea, gold, and silver. The Emperor was pleased, viewing the horses as a means to strengthen his power against the Empress Dowager. Qiyu added that the Oirat Clan's Grand Preceptor, Ye Xian, planned to send a diplomatic team to the capital for the first time.
The Emperor welcomed this, anticipating an increase in his prestige, and tasked Qiyu with hosting the envoys. He also instructed Qiyu to arrange with the Ministry of Revenue to allocate three times the usual amount of silver for the Oirat delegation, but only to dispense the standard amount, using the remainder for military provisions to support the growing Imperial Guards. Qiyu offered his own private funds from Chengzhou, but the Emperor declined, insisting he save them for his dignified marriage to Yunxian.
Episode 24 Recap
Qiyu departed for Datong to negotiate with the Oirat people. Yunxian came to bid him farewell, cautioning him to be careful. He assured her that he was acquainted with some Oirats from his time in the North and found them straightforward and capable of repaying kindness. He promised to return safely within half a month and officially marry her, and they parted with a lingering farewell.
Two months later, Queen Qian’s pregnancy was visibly advancing, and she joyfully felt the baby move, anticipating an energetic child. Qiyu had sent a letter indicating he was on his way home. During this time, Yunxian attended her godmother Madam Yu’s birthday celebration. Madam Yu, who had recently developed an interest in "medicinal food," proudly showed Yunxian a popular book, supposedly compiled by Supervisor Chen Shisan of the Imperial Faculty of Medicine.
Yunxian was shocked to discover that the book was a direct copy of her own medicinal food manuscript. Enraged, Yunxian confronted Chen Shisan, accusing him, a senior member of the Imperial Faculty of Medicine, of plagiarism. Chen Shisan initially denied the accusation, claiming the medicinal food recipes were merely a collection of known remedies.
However, Yunxian presented irrefutable evidence: Chen Shisan's "Seven Treasures Strength Returning Soup" used the exact same main and alternative ingredients as the "Seven Treasures Strength Returning Pill," a secret family medicine from her Tan lineage. She declared her intention to report this grave offense to His Majesty, especially since her "Tranquil Medicinal Food Recipe" was commissioned by the Emperor himself. Cunxia, Chen Shisan's nephew, rushed to intercept Yunxian, pleading with her not to expose his uncle.
He explained that Chen Shisan had raised him and that reporting this crime would ruin their entire clan, potentially costing them their lives and positions. Cunxia desperately promised that within three days, he would collect all the published books and bring his uncle to personally apologize, even vowing to cut off his own fingers if he failed. Moved by Cunxia’s desperate plea and their shared discipleship, Yunxian agreed to give Chen Shisan three days.
Chen Shisan, feigning repentance to Cunxia, promised to handle the matter. Behind Cunxia's back, Chen Shisan acted on a different plan. He recalled Yunxian’s knowledge of the Tan family's secret recipe and, after receiving a secret report confirming her identity, immediately reported to the Empress Dowager that Yunxian was the granddaughter of Tan Fu, the Imperial Physician whom the Empress Dowager blamed for her past miscarriage. Learning this, the Empress Dowager was enraged and vowed to kill Yunxian.
Chen Shisan, wary that the Emperor would intervene to save Yunxian if she were directly executed, proposed a new scheme. He reminded the Empress Dowager about her previous instructions regarding Consort Zhou and Consort Liu, suggesting one could be used. Soon after, Consort Liu dramatically fainted. Yunxian was called to examine her. Consort Liu, feigning an eye injury, asked Yunxian to take her pulse from behind a cloth, extending only her hand.
After Yunxian examined her and prescribed medication, Chen Shisan burst in, accusing Yunxian of harming Consort Liu's unborn royal child, leading to a miscarriage. The Empress Dowager, brandishing Consort Liu's blood-soaked clothing as proof, accused Yunxian of harming a royal heir and demanded her execution for using a fake identity to enter the Palace. The Emperor arrived, fiercely defending Yunxian, explaining that the Grand Empress Dowager had changed the Tan family's surname to Hang, thus making her entry legitimate.
He further questioned the Empress Dowager's accusation regarding the past miscarriage, pointing out the lack of official records. The Imperial Physicians present confirmed Consort Liu’s miscarriage. However, the Emperor denied ever being intimate with Consort Liu, asserting the child could not be his. The Empress Dowager retorted that there were records of his presence in Consort Liu's chambers, accusing Yunxian of attempting to hurt the royal baby to curry favor with Empress Qian.
When the Empress Dowager insisted on punishing Yunxian for treason, even threatening to summon all court officials, Yunxian calmly requested to retake Consort Liu's pulse. She confirmed the miscarriage but declared that the person she examined that morning was not Consort Liu. Yunxian revealed that the morning patient had a rare "Xie Fei pulse," which she had noted and reported to Supervisor Liu Pingan, as such a unique pulse must be officially recorded.
Consort Liu's current pulse was normal, proving that a substitute was used. Cornered, Consort Liu admitted that the Empress Dowager had orchestrated the entire plot to frame Yunxian. Exposed, the Empress Dowager, feigning sudden illness, attempted to take Chen Shisan away, instructing him to escape. The Emperor, however, warned her against protecting Chen Shisan, threatening to send Consort Liu to the Eastern Depot for further interrogation.
Later, Cunxia sought out Yunxian again to apologize for his uncle’s broken promise and his entanglement in the royal bloodline scandal, which had now been exposed. He pleaded with Yunxian to save Chen Shisan, arguing that his uncle, a mere physician, had acted under the Empress Dowager's orders and deserved leniency for his many years of service.
In an attempt to sway Yunxian, Cunxia recounted that during a previous cholera outbreak, Chen Shisan had accidentally scalded his hand while saving citizens, burning off a birthmark between his index finger and thumb. This detail triggered Yunxian's memory, confirming Chen Shisan as the man who had framed her grandfather, Tan Fu, years ago. The Emperor, armed with Yunxian's confirmation, reopened the case of the Empress Dowager's past miscarriage.
He revealed that Chen Shisan, her trusted advisor, was the true culprit who had caused her to miscarry, not Tan Fu. Eastern Depot's investigation found that Chen Shisan had sold a bottle of safflower powder, a potent abortifacient, to the Empress Dowager after acquiring it from a merchant who later died mysteriously. Overcome with rage and the shocking truth, the Empress Dowager ordered Chen Shisan's death. Cao Jixiang immediately complied, stabbing Chen Shisan.
The emotional turmoil caused the Empress Dowager to suffer a stroke and collapse. However, Cao Jixiang secretly brought Chen Shisan back to the Eastern Depot. His stab had not been fatal. Cao Jixiang, seeking to uncover more of the Empress Dowager's secrets, subtly manipulated Chen Shisan. He falsely informed him that Cunxia was the one who had implicated him, pointing out that Cunxia remained unscathed and in his position after the scandal.
Feeling betrayed by his nephew, Chen Shisan, despite his initial reluctance to reveal secrets, agreed to cooperate with Cao Jixiang, especially after Cao Jixiang hinted at a "yang recovering formula" that could restore his virility. Concurrently, Yunxian's "Tranquil Medicinal Food Recipe" was officially published under the title "Taiping Medicinal Food Recipe" and distributed for free, receiving widespread acclaim from the public for the Emperor's benevolent reign.
The Emperor also formally rehabilitated the names of Yunxian’s grandfather, Tan Fu, and her brother, clearing their wrongful convictions, fulfilling Yunxian’s long-held wish. Yunxian, visiting her family's grave, felt a sense of closure. When Cunxia later confronted Yunxian again, seeking help for his uncle, his father sharply rebuked him, stating that Chen Shisan deserved his fate and that Yunxian owed them nothing, having already secured Cunxia's innocence by speaking with the Emperor.
Episode 25 Recap
With the Empress Dowager incapacitated by a stroke, the Emperor fully reclaimed authority over court affairs, feeling quite pleased as state matters proceeded smoothly. Witnessing the Empress Dowager's illness and his own subsequent loss of influence, Duke Wang grew concerned, noting the Imperial Faculty of Medicine's lack of diligence in her care. He instructed his daughter, Wang Meilin, to enter the Palace to look after the Empress Dowager, emphasizing that Prince Cheng was their last hope.
He reminded Meilin that the weaker a woman appeared, the more pity she would evoke from men. Following her father's instructions, Wang Meilin feigned a leg injury in front of Prince Cheng. Seeing her inability to walk and the absence of a sedan chair, Prince Cheng kindly offered to carry her.
As he carried her, Wang Meilin subtly pleaded with him to ensure the Empress Dowager received proper care, lamenting that the Imperial Physicians were merely going through the motions and unwilling to administer strong medications. She reminded him that the Empress Dowager was his legal mother and had always treated him well. Prince Cheng promised to keep a close watch on her treatment. Just as Prince Cheng was carrying Wang Meilin, they unexpectedly encountered the Empress and Yunxian.
Seeing them in such a compromising position, Yunxian felt a pang of jealousy and walked away without a word. Prince Cheng immediately ran after her, calling out to explain. Yunxian confessed that seeing him embrace Wang Meilin made her uncomfortable and jealous. Prince Cheng then seized the moment to speak of their impending marriage. He declared that with Duke Wang and the Empress Dowager no longer obstructing them, the Emperor’s edict would soon be issued.
He asked Yunxian if she was willing to be his Princess Consort, and after a moment of shy hesitation, she nodded in agreement. Overjoyed, Prince Cheng spun her around in a celebratory embrace. True to his word, Prince Cheng called in many Imperial Physicians to diligently attend to the Empress Dowager and sent numerous ginseng supplements. Consequently, the Empress Dowager's health gradually recovered, and she was soon able to speak, though her left side remained somewhat weak.
Wang Meilin conveyed the Empress Dowager's plan to her father: when the Oirat people's visit caused chaos, the Empress Dowager would emerge to take control of the situation. Meanwhile, Oirat Grand Preceptor Ye Xian and his envoy, Bayan Temür, arrived in the capital, accompanied by an unexpectedly large retinue of over a thousand men. Prince Cheng welcomed them, but Ye Xian subtly insulted the Emperor by praising Prince Cheng's bravery and resourcefulness, calling him stronger than his brother.
At court, Ye Xian and Bayan Temür refused to kneel before the Emperor, with Ye Xian provocatively stating he would not kneel to the Emperor, whom he considered a "younger brother" to his own Khan, as only servants knelt to their masters. The Empress Dowager, now recovered, made a dramatic appearance.
She reprimanded Ye Xian, reminding him that his father, Tuohuan, had been granted the title of Duke Shuen Ning by the previous Ming Emperor and had willingly served as a "slave subject." Under the Empress Dowager's formidable presence and acutely aware of the existing discord between the Emperor and her, Ye Xian knelt to her instead, hailing her with "Long live Your Highness Empress Dowager," a gesture the other officials quickly emulated.
During this period, Cao Jixiang, seeking to recover his manhood, was consulting with Cheng Shisan, who was in confinement. Cheng Shisan, secretly planning his escape, made a false promise to Cao Jixiang that he could "regain his manliness" in a month. Later, Cheng Shisan successfully escaped his confinement, vowing retribution against the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Yunxian. The Oirat envoys began to cause disturbances in the capital, engaging in fights and burning houses.
The Emperor, reliant on Oirat horses for his military, was forced to endure their misbehavior. He expressed his frustration to Empress Qian, who revealed that Prince Cheng had facilitated the Empress Dowager's recent recovery. During a court discussion about the mutual trade, it was revealed that the Ming dynasty was losing a significant amount of money. Consequently, the Emperor decreed that each Oirat envoy would only receive ten taels in reward, a substantial reduction from the customary amount.
Ye Xian, instigated by a mysterious tactician who advised him to exploit the rift in the Ming court, used this reduced payment as a pretext. He accused the Emperor of insulting him and his people, then ordered his men to commit killings in the capital, threatening war. Prince Cheng, eager for his wedding, began renovating his residence, even clearing an eastern room for Yunxian to dry her medicinal herbs.
Wang Meilin visited him, expressing her deep sorrow and gifting him pearls as a poignant farewell, reciting a poem about returning pearls to a loved one with tears, regretting not meeting him before he was taken. Her father, Duke Wang, consoled her, assuring her that no one could guarantee a Princess Consort's longevity and promising to ensure she would eventually marry Prince Cheng for the sake of the Wang family.
The Emperor was in the midst of preparing the marriage edict for Yunxian and Prince Cheng, discussing the auspicious date with Empress Qian and hoping this joyful event would offset his recent misfortunes. Empress Qian mentioned that Consort Dowager Wu had agreed to a grand wedding plan for the couple.
However, an urgent military report arrived, stating that Ye Xian had assembled his army after returning to Mongolia and had already surrounded Da Tong, initiating a full-scale war under the pretense of having been insulted by the Emperor. At court, the Emperor declared his intention to launch a massive attack to annihilate the Oirat Empire. However, the Empress Dowager, ringing the Jing Yang Bell, produced a decree from the late Grand Empress Dowager.
This decree stipulated that during the Emperor's youth, the Empress Dowager should govern the country behind a curtain, especially concerning major military decisions. She chastised the Emperor for his mismanagement of the mutual trade, which had depleted the treasury and sparked public discontent, and for recklessly advocating war after the recent plague. She announced her return to managing state affairs behind the curtain, stating that all future official matters would require her permission. The court officials immediately voiced their support.
Enraged, the Emperor accused her of attempting to usurp his throne and shockingly declared that she was not his biological mother, but rather the mastermind behind his birth mother's murder. The ministers, concluding that the Emperor remained irrational and unfit to rule independently, again rallied behind the Empress Dowager, supporting her in resuming managing state affairs behind the curtain. Overwhelmed with despair, the Emperor locked himself in his chambers, refusing to see anyone.
Prince Cheng and Empress Qian tried to reason with him through the door but were unsuccessful. Empress Qian, desperate, decided to fake a sudden stomach ache, hoping to coax him out. She immediately sent for Imperial Pharmacist Hang (Yunxian). Hearing of Empress Qian’s distress, the Emperor finally emerged. Yunxian consoled him, encouraging him not to give up.
She reassured him that her father, Hang Gang, had arranged for men fluent in the Oirat language to assist Prince Cheng and Official Yu in investigating the Oirat activities in the capital, which would help in quelling their disturbances. Yunxian advised the Emperor that governing was akin to being a physician: one must endure criticism and failures to grow stronger, viewing this setback as a minor obstacle in his long reign.
She offered him a cooling soup she had prepared, and they shared a moment reminiscing about past times. The Emperor reaffirmed his intention to issue a marriage order for her and Prince Cheng. Yunxian revealed their plan for a discreet marriage first, postponing a grand ceremony until things settled, and their decision to remain in the capital to support the Empress. The Emperor expressed his relief and happiness that they would stay.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager celebrated her successful return to power with Duke Wang, acknowledging that the Oirat were likely exploiting the internal divisions within the Ming court. She declared that she would not allow them to succeed and then instructed Wang Meilin, who was dutifully attending to her, to bring her medicine. Expressing gratitude to Meilin, the Empress Dowager promised to reward her handsomely and summoned Consort Dowager Wu.
Episode 26 Recap
The Empress, feigning intense abdominal pain, cried out loudly at Yunxian's urging to force the Emperor out of his bedchamber. Yunxian, speaking as if through the unborn prince, chastised the Emperor for his perceived cowardice and indifference toward the Empress's suffering. Provoked, the Emperor emerged, declaring that he would no longer be weak or afraid and would directly confront Empress Dowager Sun.
Resolved to solidify his newfound resolve, the Emperor decided to grant a marriage decree for Yunxian and Prince Cheng. The Empress supported this decision, bestowing a treasured family heirloom bracelet upon Yunxian as part of her dowry. However, as the Emperor prepared to announce the decree, Empress Dowager Sun and Consort Dowager Wu intervened. Consort Dowager Wu produced a supposed decree from the late Emperor, which named Princess Anhe, Duke Wang's daughter Wang Meilin, as Prince Cheng's intended bride.
Prince Cheng immediately rejected this, firmly stating he would marry no one but Yunxian, even threatening to become a monk. Wang Meilin likewise refused to be married off to anyone else, threatening to become a nun. The Emperor, infuriated, warned Empress Dowager Sun against pushing her boundaries, going so far as to challenge her authority over his actions.
Separately, Wang Zhen attempted to persuade the Emperor to personally lead the imperial army against the Oirats, arguing it was the only way to seize military power from Empress Dowager Sun. However, the Emperor, recalling the Empress's cautious advice, initially refused, believing it prudent to remain passive and wait for Empress Dowager Sun to age. Meanwhile, reports from the northern borders brought grim news: Jing fuma's forces had been defeated, and he himself had been killed in battle.
Scouts estimated the Oirat forces at nearly 100,000. During a court session, Empress Dowager Sun called for volunteers to lead the army. Hang Gang, grateful to the Emperor for clearing his family's name, stepped forward alongside Duke Cheng to offer their services. Before departing for the front lines, Hang Gang bade farewell to Yunxian and her grandmother, while Prince Cheng assured them he would protect the Hang household.
Soon, devastating rumors spread throughout the capital: Hang Gang had allegedly betrayed the country at the northern borders, leading to successive defeats for the Ming army. Acting swiftly, Empress Dowager Sun ordered the arrest of the entire Hang family. At the Imperial Faculty of Medicine, Dingxiang, sent by the Empress, frantically urged Yunxian to escape. However, before they could flee, soldiers led by Duke Wang apprehended Yunxian.
Heavily shackled, Yunxian was taken away, but not before imploring Prince Cheng, who had rushed to her aid, to uncover the truth behind her father's purported treason. Powerless to stop the arrest, Prince Cheng was advised to avoid involvement in the military investigation, as it lay outside his jurisdiction. Desperate, Prince Cheng sought help from Duke Wang, who wielded significant influence under Empress Dowager Sun's patronage.
Duke Wang, however, was evasive, feigning difficulty and subtly implying that his daughter Wang Meilin's displeasure over the failed marriage alliance was a factor. Prince Cheng cautiously questioned if Hang Gang's betrayal was orchestrated, an insinuation Duke Wang quickly took offense to, dismissing him. Undeterred in his ambition, Wang Zhen continued to press the Emperor to lead the army personally. He visited Yunxian in prison, reminding her that the Eastern Depot had avenged her family by apprehending Chen Shisan.
He offered to release her if she would convince the Emperor to take personal command of the troops. Yunxian, however, resolutely refused, explaining that as a female official, she could not offer counsel on critical military matters that could cost countless lives. Enraged by her refusal, Wang Zhen ordered that Yunxian be subjected to torture and given only rotten food and dirty water.
He then reported back to the Emperor, claiming he was powerless to rescue Yunxian due to Duke Wang's extensive reach and the Ministry of Defense's control over the prison. Hearing this, the Emperor grew more determined to personally lead the imperial army. Empress Dowager Sun, eager to execute Yunxian, convened officials to discuss her fate. Prince Cheng prepared to intervene, but Consort Dowager Wu advised him to exercise patience and strategic endurance.
She suggested that if Prince Cheng were to marry Princess Anhe, Duke Wang's personal resentment would subside, and he would then advocate for Yunxian and her father with Empress Dowager Sun. Facing an impossible choice, Prince Cheng reluctantly agreed and proposed marriage to Duke Wang, promising to marry Wang Meilin in three days. Duke Wang accepted, pledging to immediately travel to the front lines to investigate Hang Gang's alleged treason once the marriage was settled.
He also issued a stern warning to Prince Cheng about ensuring his daughter's happiness. Upon learning of Prince Cheng's impending marriage to Wang Meilin, Empress Dowager Sun relented, leaving Yunxian's fate to the Emperor's discretion. Prince Cheng brought Yunxian and her grandmother back to his manor. Noticing Prince Cheng's exhausted appearance, Yunxian expressed her gratitude, and he asked her to trust him no matter what challenges lay ahead.
Soon after, the Emperor, furious about Prince Cheng's sudden decision to marry Wang Meilin, confronted him and struck him. Prince Cheng's mother intervened, revealing that his actions were a sacrifice made to save Yunxian and her family, bringing understanding and remorse to the Emperor.
Episode 27 Recap
After finally being released from prison, Zhu Qiyu arranged for Yunxian and her grandmother to stay in a residence, urging them to avoid going out or believing any rumors given the turbulent times. Meanwhile, Princess Anhe, Wang Meilin, was granted a generous dowry by the Empress Dowager, including ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand mu of land. Wang Meilin thanked her father, the Duke, noting that it was more than a royal princess would typically receive.
Her father, however, expressed concern that forcing the marriage might strain Zhu Qiyu's relationship with him, to which Wang Meilin confidently replied that Zhu Qiyu had always been kind to her, and once she became his Princess Consort, his heart would turn to her, and his anger would subside. The Emperor, Zhu Qizhen, upon learning of Zhu Qiyu's impending marriage to Wang Meilin, angrily confronted him, even slapping him.
Zhu Qizhen questioned why Zhu Qiyu would abandon Yunxian for Wang Meilin. Zhu Qiyu's attendant explained that Zhu Qiyu's profound feelings for Yunxian were evident to all, and this marriage was his only recourse to save Minister Hang's family. Zhu Qiyu then expressed his remorse, telling Zhu Qizhen to punish him as he wished, blaming himself for not personally leading the army sooner. Zhu Qizhen, realizing Zhu Qiyu was acting under duress, accepted his explanation.
They agreed to keep the marriage a secret from Yunxian for as long as possible, hoping to spare her pain. Despite their efforts, Yunxian soon learned of Zhu Qiyu's impending marriage to Princess Anhe, Wang Meilin. Deeply heartbroken, Yunxian went to Zhu Qiyu's residence. There, she spoke with Xiao Mazi, who confirmed the truth, explaining that Zhu Qiyu had no choice but to marry Princess Anhe to save Yunxian's family.
Yunxian was devastated, asking why Zhu Qiyu had lied to her and acknowledging that he had agreed to Duke Wang's terms for her sake. Xiao Mazi tearfully pleaded with Yunxian not to dwell on Zhu Qiyu, assuring her that his heart was more pained than hers, and he had been forcing smiles, fearing her reaction. Yunxian understood his sacrifice, but asked Xiao Mazi to pretend she had not visited.
As Zhu Qiyu and Wang Meilin's wedding ceremony proceeded, Yunxian revisited Qinghe Bridge, a place where Zhu Qiyu had once promised to "hold her hand now, being with her till old age." Overwhelmed by sorrow, she hallucinated Zhu Qiyu's reflection in the water and fell in. Ding Xiang screamed for help, catching the attention of Zhu Qizhen, who was passing by. He immediately jumped in and rescued Yunxian.
Zhu Qizhen rebuked her for acting so recklessly, reminding her of her family and his concern, to which Yunxian insisted she hadn't attempted suicide, but had simply "wanted to run after him" after seeing his image. Zhu Qizhen swiftly ordered his attendant to prepare the carriage to return to the palace, bringing Yunxian in under the guise of being the Empress's cousin, "Miss Hang."
Shortly after, the Empress Dowager confronted Zhu Qizhen in his palace, accusing him of bringing a criminal into the inner court, given that Minister Hang was a disgraced official. Zhu Qizhen claimed the woman he rescued was the Empress's cousin, who just happened to share the same surname, and that the real Yunxian had already died by suicide after learning of Zhu Qiyu's marriage.
The Empress Dowager saw through his deception, retorting that he too had concealed a truth when he was brought to the palace as her biological son. Zhu Qizhen, angered by her persistent interference, warned her not to push him too far, asserting his authority as the Emperor. On his wedding night, Zhu Qiyu learned from Xiao Mazi that Yunxian had attempted suicide by falling into the water and was now in the palace, though safe.
Wang Meilin, overhearing, feigned concern and suggested Zhu Qiyu visit Yunxian. Zhu Qiyu thanked her for her "magnanimity," and informed her of his intention to bring Yunxian into their residence after visiting the Empress Dowager the next day, proposing to make her a Noble Consort. Wang Meilin, concealing her fury, graciously agreed, stating Yunxian deserved the position for her deep love for Zhu Qiyu.
Zhu Qiyu, however, was in turmoil over Yunxian and told Wang Meilin he would sleep in his study that night, leaving her to spend their wedding night alone. Wang Meilin's suppressed rage ignited into intense hatred for Yunxian. Zhu Qizhen found Yunxian distraught, sitting by a railing in the rain. Ding Xiang had tried to console her earlier, making her a medicinal porridge and urging her to move on, but Yunxian confessed she couldn't forget Zhu Qiyu.
She reflected on his great kindness in sacrificing his marriage for her family, yet also expressed her pain that he hadn't told her directly, feeling her heart was truly broken. Zhu Qizhen reassured Yunxian, even offering to depose Wang Meilin to allow her to marry Zhu Qiyu. Yunxian believed it was impossible as long as the Empress Dowager held power.
Zhu Qizhen then solemnly swore as Emperor to defeat the Empress Dowager, ensuring that Yunxian, the Empress, and he himself would no longer live burdened by grievances. The next day, Zhu Qiyu came to the palace to pay his respects and sought out Yunxian.
Ding Xiang advised Yunxian to avoid him, weighing the pros and cons of being Zhu Qiyu's concubine – a position that would grant her status but also subject her to Wang Meilin's authority and hinder her medical practice. Yunxian, still torn, insisted she couldn't let go of Zhu Qiyu. When Zhu Qiyu finally found her, Yunxian retreated to her room, unable to face him.
He pleaded outside her door, explaining that his marriage to Wang Meilin was merely a formality to save her family from Duke Wang, and that his heart truly belonged only to her. He begged her to consider becoming his concubine. Yunxian, grateful for his sacrifices, asked for time to think. Meanwhile, Minister Hang's innocence was confirmed, stating he had fought bravely and was forced to surrender.
Zhu Qizhen was impressed by Duke Wang's swift action in ensuring this confirmation, but Zhu Qiyu grew suspicious, perceiving the entire affair as a staged performance orchestrated by Duke Wang. Zhu Qiyu theorized that Duke Wang was not entirely aligned with the Empress Dowager but was instead hedging his bets. By forcing Zhu Qiyu's marriage, Duke Wang secured his family's position regardless of the Empress Dowager's future, while also positioning Zhu Qiyu for a potential rise to power.
Zhu Qiyu declared they must use Duke Wang's own scheme against him and asked Zhu Qizhen for agents from the Eastern Depot to secretly investigate the Wang residence. To maintain the facade and avoid raising Duke Wang's suspicions, Zhu Qiyu feigned affection for Wang Meilin. He brought her chicken soup, causing her to believe that Yunxian's rejection had made him realize her worth.
However, on their second wedding night, Zhu Qiyu once again retired to his study, leaving Wang Meilin alone and further fueling her resentment. Wang Meilin soon stormed into the Imperial Faculty of Medicine, demanding to see Yunxian under the pretense of feeling unwell. She scornfully questioned why Yunxian had not died after falling into the river, blaming her for Zhu Qiyu's coldness.
Wang Meilin declared that only Yunxian's death would resolve the situation, subtly threatening her, reminding Yunxian that while she might have the Emperor and Empress's support, Wang Meilin had the Empress Dowager, and that "one corpse, two lives" was common in the palace. That same day, Yunxian returned to her residence to find her pet cat, Xiou Qiou, dead, seemingly choked from eating something. Her grandmother dismissed it as a natural occurrence.
Soon after, the Empress was startled by wild cats in the palace, leading the Empress Dowager to issue a decree for all wild cats to be culled. Yunxian, connecting the dots, realized the sinister implications of Wang Meilin's threats.
Episode 28 Recap
Duke Wang Wang Ying, in his treachery to frame General Hang Gang, secretly colluded with the Oirat clan, resulting in the tragic deaths of many Ming soldiers. Upon receiving secret intelligence, the Emperor was enraged and intended to execute Duke Wang immediately, declaring he would cut him into pieces. However, Wang Zhen advised His Majesty to publicly expose Duke Wang's crimes at the upcoming court meeting.
This way, Duke Wang could be punished legitimately before all officials, and the opportunity could be seized to weaken the Empress Dowager's influence. Meanwhile, Grand Preceptor Ye Xian of the Oirat clan, aided by a strategist who knew the Ming military personally, planned a night attack on Taiyuan. Despite the Ming Lead General Deng Yan's reputation and cannons, Ye Xian was confident he would not dare to engage, as he possessed evidence of Deng's private coin factory.
After promising his soldiers the city's wealth, the Oirat army successfully attacked Taiyuan City. General Deng Yan was defeated, and Taiyuan fell. Ye Xian observed that the Ming dynasty, from its officials to its soldiers, was utterly corrupt, which was why the Mongols could emerge victorious. He ordered the killing of all bureaucrats who surrendered or fled, while sparing those who fought bravely. His brother inquired if this was also why General Hang Gang, who fought valiantly, had been spared.
At the imperial court, the Emperor intended to expose Duke Wang's treachery. Duke Wang, however, had already made preparations, having colluded with officials from the Ministry of Revenue. The Empress Dowager immediately intervened, questioning the evidence as merely a letter without a witness, and protested the Emperor's swift judgment against a high-ranking official. The Emperor reminded her of her own quick judgment of Hang Gang based on rumors.
Duke Wang then cleverly argued that the treasures he received from the Mongols were bribes he had firmly rejected, and he had even stored them in the national treasury, claiming it was an Oirat scheme to sow discord. An official from the Ministry of Revenue corroborated Duke Wang's story.
Duke Wang further tried to manipulate the situation, referencing his daughter Wang Meilin's marriage to Prince Cheng, an arrangement made by the previous Emperor, and stating he had no grudge against the Hang family, questioning why he would harm General Hang Gang. He even suggested that his daughter had proposed bringing Miss Hang into the palace with the rites of a Noble Consort.
He subtly implied the Emperor was swayed by his feelings for Miss Hang and should not convict an important subject over a girl. Other ministers echoed these sentiments, urging the Emperor not to fall for the Oirat's alienation scheme. Amidst this tense debate, urgent news arrived that General Deng Yan had lost Taiyuan City, which was now only a thousand miles from the capital.
The grim situation caused the Emperor to declare his decision to personally lead the army to kill Ye Xian. This was met with strong objections from the ministers, who pleaded with him not to risk his imperial safety. The Emperor, refusing to be dissuaded, had a protesting minister removed. The Empress Dowager also confronted him, calling his decision "crazy."
The Emperor retorted that she, in her governance, had appointed useless generals, and now tried to prevent him from taking action during a crisis. He accused her of personal motives for delaying the handover of the Military Seal. He declared his resolve, warning that anyone who tried to stop him was a traitor. The Empress arrived, also attempting to dissuade him.
The Emperor showed her the Military Seal he had finally obtained, boasting that Wang Ying would also provide one million in military funds. He credited Wang Zhen for his decisive action. He reassured the Empress that he had made arrangements for her safety, sending her to the South Palace with Imperial Guards, and appointing Qi Yu as temporary regent to oversee the capital. He promised to win the war as a gift for their unborn son.
The Empress wished him victory but advised him to listen more to generals like Fan and not solely trust Wang Zhen, who lacked military experience. The Emperor acknowledged her concerns and then expressed his desire to bid farewell to Yunxian before his departure. The Emperor visited Yunxian, informing her of his impending departure to personally lead the troops.
He shared the good news that the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Revenue had regained their full authority, and promised to save her father and depose Wang Meilin as revenge for her. Yunxian expressed her hope for his swift victory and asked him to treat her father well upon his return. The Emperor entrusted her with the care of the Empress and her own safety while he was away, mentioning Qiyu would be in the palace.
He noticed Yunxian's pale complexion, but she insisted she was fine. On the day of the Emperor's departure, the Empress, still deeply worried for his safety, scanned the crowd but did not see Yunxian. Dingxiang reported that Physician Hang had "suddenly fallen and hurt her leg," unable to attend, and had sent others from Changshou Hall in her stead. Suspicious, the Empress immediately sent Dingxiang back to check on Yunxian, fearing something had truly happened. Indeed, something terrible had happened.
Under the repeated threats from Wang Meilin, who had threatened the lives of General Hang Gang, Yunxian's grandmother, and the Empress herself, Yunxian was forced to attempt suicide to protect them. Wang Meilin's letter demanded she pretend to have accidentally taken the wrong medicine, leading to her "unexpected death" so the Emperor would not dwell on her. As Yunxian prepared to take poison, silently saying goodbye to her loved ones, Dingxiang burst in and stopped her.
Yunxian, distraught, revealed Wang Meilin's threats. Shortly after, the Empress arrived, chastising Yunxian for being so foolish. The Empress recounted how Wang Meilin had already tried to harm her grandmother and had caused her own miscarriage. She declared she would not allow Wang Meilin to harm Yunxian or her family. The Empress then proposed a daring plan: for Yunxian to feign her death in a way that would not arouse suspicion from the Wang family, ensuring everyone's safety.
Yunxian agreed to the plan. Upon hearing the news of Physician Hang's sudden passing, Qiyu was devastated. Consort Li informed him that Yunxian had "died of snake poisoning," supposedly while trying to extract the gallbladder from a coral snake for the ailing Old Madam Tan. Overwhelmed with grief, Qiyu rushed to Yunxian's residence, calling out her name. Dingxiang confirmed that Yunxian was gone. Qiyu, unable to comprehend, collapsed, spitting blood.
An Imperial Physician was summoned, who explained that the blood-spitting was a release of internal pressure and ultimately a good sign, urging Qiyu to remain calm as he was now responsible for governing the capital in the Emperor's absence. In a carriage, Yunxian was revived from her feigned death by her Teacher, Liu Ping'an. He confirmed they were an hour away from catching up with the army.
He explained that the Empress had orchestrated this plan for Yunxian to join the expedition as a military physician, and revealed that the "Fake Death Medicine" was a potent Himalayan mandrake or Jimson weed from India. Liu Ping'an handed Yunxian a book of military medicines, sternly reminding her of the immense responsibility of an army physician and warning her to cast aside any cowardice or sentimentality on the battlefield.
He instructed her to surpass the other army physicians from Huimin Apothecary. As the army marched, heavy rain began to fall. Many new recruits, lacking bamboo hats and proper gear, quickly developed colds. During a rest stop, chaos erupted as a sick soldier was denied medicine by a military physician, who cited limited supplies due to the hasty departure. The other soldiers complained about the lack of both hats and medicine. Yunxian, stepping forward, quickly diffused the tension.
She asked for ginger and brown sugar from the kitchen and brewed a warming concoction, which instantly relieved the soldiers' colds. Soon, a crowd gathered, eagerly seeking her effective "medicine." During an inspection of the camp with General Fan, the Emperor was overjoyed to discover Yunxian distributing medicine. He praised her for her quick action, then asked her why she was there.
Yunxian explained that she and the Empress were worried about him, and her Teacher wanted her to gain more medical experience, pleading with him not to send her back. The Emperor, feeling a surge of imperial power on the battlefield, declared he couldn't bear to send her away. Yunxian then candidly pointed out that the army's medical supplies were insufficient, and without her intervention, the situation would have worsened.
Acknowledging her concerns, the Emperor ordered his eunuch, Xiao Shun'zi, to investigate the Medical Ward's doctors and medicine supply. General Fan reported that only 50 doctors had been sent, and wound medicines were severely lacking, blaming the Ministry of Defense for the oversight due to the hasty deployment. Furious, the Emperor ordered the head doctor to be whipped. Yunxian suggested sending a letter to Supervisor Liu for more doctors and purchasing medicines from towns along the way.
The Emperor agreed and, deciding to entrust the task to someone he "trusted," assigned Wang Zhen to procure the medicines, dismissing Yunxian's offer to go herself due to safety concerns. Wang Zhen, seeing this as a lucrative opportunity, was delighted. An official approached him, recommending a relative in XuanFu who dealt in medicine.
Wang Zhen, pleased by the prospect of "smart people" to profit from military supplies, accepted a bribe and readily agreed to purchase from the relative, intending to buy inferior goods at a high price. On the battlefield, the Emperor observed the enemy lines. General Fan identified the opposing commander as Boyantiemuer, Ye Xian's brother and a renowned Oirat general.
When Boyantiemuer challenged the Ming Emperor to face him, the Emperor, despite General Fan's urgent pleas against the danger and potential trickery, felt compelled to raise the morale of his country. Recalling that even Ye Xian, the Grand Preceptor, led from the front, he dismissed General Fan's concerns about the Empress and the Little Prince, promising to return safely, and rode out to meet the enemy.
Episode 29 Recap
Before embarking on the campaign, Your Majesty reassured the Empress and the little prince of his safe return, expressing his desire to showcase the Ming dynasty's might and avoid being mocked by his soldiers. Upon entering the battlefield, Your Majesty was taunted by an Oirat soldier, who claimed he couldn't even kill a chicken. In response, Your Majesty declared, "Killing you will be enough."
After a decisive victory, Your Majesty confronted the defeated Oirat, asserting, "Didn't you say I can't even kill a chicken? You're even worse than a chicken. Do you admit defeat?" The Oirat surrendered immediately. With his soldiers cheering, Your Majesty declared, "My soldiers are here! Kneel! Kneel!" After the Oirats fled, Your Majesty dismissed concerns about pursuing them further, stating, "I let him off today. I can catch him again some other day."
Wang Zhen quickly praised Your Majesty for showing the "dragon's might," an sentiment echoed by the cheering soldiers. Later, Your Majesty boasted to Yunxian about his performance, to which she replied he wasn't bad, but advised him to be more careful. Your Majesty dismissed her worries as typical of women, but Yunxian retorted that she had witnessed war with her father.
Your Majesty then promised to wage "a beautiful fight" for her to see when they arrived at Datong the next day. Wang Zhen congratulated Your Majesty again, flattering him by saying he truly showcased the Ming Dynasty's dragon might. Your Majesty agreed, lamenting that if he had come earlier, the Oirats might not have become so arrogant. In his delight, Your Majesty granted Wang Zhen the title of Knight.
Meanwhile, outside Your Majesty's tent, Yunxian spoke with General Fan Zhong, confirming their mutual dislike for Wang Zhen, whom General Fan Zhong described as scheming and knowing nothing. Yunxian then inquired about the provisions prepared by Wang Zhen. General Fan Zhong revealed that the supplies consisted of spoiled rice, at least five years old, which the soldiers were forced to eat, and he had to halt two protestors earlier that day.
Yunxian expressed her suspicion about the ease of their victory, wondering why the Oirats, known for their skill, had suddenly become so weak. She speculated that they might have purposefully lured the Ming army into a trap, explaining to General Fan Zhong that her knowledge of warfare came from her father, who was also a general. Your Majesty once again entered the battlefield, quickly breaking the siege of Datong.
He expressed his surprise at how easily Datong's defenses were broken, deeming the Oirat barbarians "just so so" and Ye Xian "nothing but a clown" who instantly fled under his leadership. Unbeknownst to Your Majesty, this was a diversion. The Oirat leaders, including Ye Xian, gloated about Your Majesty falling for their trap, mocking his immaturity. They prepared to abandon Datong and march directly to Beijing, acknowledging the long journey but confident in their scheme.
That night, while stargazing with Yunxian, Your Majesty expressed his newfound joy in battle, imagining gazing at stars from Oirat fields. Yunxian, however, still felt uneasy, sensing that their victories were too easy. At that moment, General Fan Zhong and Wang Zhen sought an audience with Your Majesty to debate strategy.
General Fan Zhong argued for resting the weary soldiers after ten days of travel, while Wang Zhen vehemently insisted on pursuing the Oirats to destroy them in one blow, fearing a loss of morale if they rested. Yunxian interjected, questioning if the Oirats had truly lost, pointing out their organized retreat and the low number of Oirat casualties. She suspected a scheme, reminding Your Majesty of Ye Xian's formidable reputation and how unusual his swift retreat was.
Wang Zhen dismissed her, stating national affairs were no place for a physician. General Fan Zhong supported Yunxian, admitting his own unease about the battle's smoothness. Your Majesty, annoyed, dismissed their concerns, asking if they would only be happy if thousands died. Wang Zhen then proposed deploying scouts to monitor Oirat movements, emphasizing Datong's proximity to Beijing, a seemingly cautious suggestion.
Their discussion was abruptly cut short by news of trouble: the army's grain supply had been set on fire by Oirat spies. An Oirat banner was left behind, bearing an insulting message about the Ming Emperor's lack of strategy. Enraged by this humiliation and the loss of all their grain, Your Majesty declared, "Damned Ye Xian. . . I won't spare you," and immediately ordered all forces to pursue the Oirats.
Yunxian expressed concern about riding, as she hadn't ridden much, but Your Majesty insisted. General Fan Zhong tried to dissuade him from a rash attack, warning of potential reverse psychology, but Your Majesty was confident with his 200,000 soldiers. He agreed to leave 10,000 troops with Guo Deng to guard Datong but pressed the main army onward, dismissing the soldiers' exhaustion. The Ming army soon fell into an Oirat ambush.
Ye Xian taunted Your Majesty directly during the chaos, calling him "even stupider than I imagined" and "the most useless Emperor of the Ming dynasty." Your Majesty was eventually wounded and forced to retreat, with Yunxian and his soldiers urging him to return. After retreating, Your Majesty, feeling remorseful, realized they had underestimated the Oirats, with over a hundred dead and many injured.
Wang Zhen, now understanding the Oirat's "lure the tiger out of its mountain lair" strategy, worried their goal was the capital. He stressed that returning defeated would empower the Empress Dowager against Your Majesty, potentially costing him his own position. He suggested intercepting the Oirats on their path to the capital, proposing Yuzhou as a strategic location with abundant resources, which would also provide troops as his nephew was in charge there.
General Fan Zhong vehemently disagreed, stating that Oirats historically only used Datong or Xuanfu routes. With Datong secured, he argued, they should guard Xuanfu to the north, accusing Wang Zhen of wanting to go home to show off his new title. Your Majesty, tired of their arguments, made no decision. That night, the Oirats launched a surprise attack on the Ming camp, causing heavy casualties. Four thousand soldiers died, and many more were injured.
Your Majesty was deeply remorseful, while Yunxian diligently tended to the wounded, refusing to rest. For immediate rest and resupply, Your Majesty adopted Wang Zhen's proposal to head for Yuzhou, despite General Fan Zhong's warnings. Your Majesty made it clear to Wang Zhen that he would be held responsible if there was no food there. The Oirat leaders, including Ye Xian and Cheng Shisan, quickly learned of this change in direction and anticipated the Ming army's movement.
On the way to Yuzhou, Wang Zhen received news from his nephew that the city was surrounded by Oirats and the grain carts had been intercepted. Wang Zhen tried to make excuses, claiming he was concerned about trampling farmlands, but Your Majesty, enraged by his lies, accused him of taking the 20,000 soldiers for fools. Wang Zhen, in turn, tried to blame General Fan Zhong for their predicament.
Your Majesty silenced them both, declaring, "Wang Zhen, you delayed the troops, I will take away your earl status, keeping your job for observation." He then ordered General Fan Zhong to lead the troops to Xuanfu and arrange matters with General Yang Hong. The Oirats continued their harassment, leaving the dwindling Ming forces exhausted and hungry. Soldiers complained about their meager rations, which an officer claimed were shared by Your Majesty and General Fan Zhong.
Yunxian, noticing Your Majesty's weariness, insisted he eat the food she brought, even though he initially refused, feeling pity for him. Your Majesty later apologized to Yunxian for his previous temper, admitting his feelings of inadequacy after the disastrous battle. Yunxian, in turn, told him he was a good Emperor but criticized his excessive trust in Wang Zhen, reminding him that she and Qian Jiejie had repeatedly warned him.
Your Majesty, however, still defended Wang Zhen, saying he was the only one who hadn't betrayed him. Yunxian urged him to be more sober when facing enemies in the future. During another Oirat attack, while tending to the wounded, Yunxian discovered that the medical pills were filled with mud. Soldiers, examining their own medicine, confirmed the fraud. Your Majesty confronted Wang Zhen, who feigned ignorance.
However, one of Wang Zhen's subordinates exposed him, revealing that he had accepted a bribe of over ten thousand dollars from the medicine vendor and urging Your Majesty to search him. Upon finding money on Wang Zhen, the soldiers erupted in fury, demanding his death for endangering them with fake medicine. General Fan Zhong further condemned Wang Zhen, calling for his immediate beheading.
At this critical moment, news arrived that Ye Xian himself was leading the Oirat army in a final assault. As the battle raged, Ye Xian and Cheng Shisan celebrated their success in making the Ming troops turn against each other. Cheng Shisan, whose true identity was now revealed, gloated about their success, declaring that the Oirats would now rule the world.
Amidst the chaos, Wang Zhen urged Your Majesty to abandon his troops and flee to Xuanfu, even suggesting they could share the country with Ye Xian, as it was "better than dying." Enraged by Wang Zhen's treachery, General Fan Zhong shouted, "What did you say? ! It's all your fault! If it wasn't for you, would I be like this? Would the Emperor be like this? You useless slave!" and summarily killed him.
General Fan Zhong then heroically fought to cover Your Majesty's escape but was ultimately killed by the enemy. With defeat certain, Your Majesty, overwhelmed with grief, attempted to take his own life but was stopped by Yunxian, who reminded him of his duty to his soldiers and to avenge them. Ye Xian then personally challenged Your Majesty to a duel. Driven by impulse, Your Majesty pursued him, with Yunxian following closely.
Ye Xian easily defeated Your Majesty, breaking his arm, beating him, and humiliatingly stepping on his head. Your Majesty, Zhu Qizhen, was captured by the Oirats. News of Your Majesty's capture sent shockwaves through the imperial court in Beijing. Duke Zhao reported the tragic event to the Empress Dowager, who, along with the other ministers, was distraught, lamenting her broken promise to her late husband.
Episode 30 Recap
After Zhu Qizhen's defeat and capture at Tumu Fortress, he was disheartened and began a hunger strike in the Oirat camp, aiming to preserve his last shred of imperial integrity. His eunuch, Xiao Shun'zi, pleaded with him to eat, urging him to consider Miss Hang and the Empress, and not let them down.
Zhu Qizhen, overwhelmed by guilt, confessed that he was too incompetent to have trusted the malicious eunuch, and was responsible for the deaths of a hundred thousand Ming soldiers and for letting down his people and the state. He felt unworthy to live and even asked Xiao Shun'zi to kill him. Meanwhile, in the Oirat camp, Ye Xian's brother informed him that the Ming troops were routed and they had captured a hundred thousand soldiers.
Ye Xian ordered the badly injured to be expelled, lamenting that their efforts to take Xuanfu were unsuccessful as its defense general, Yang Hong, refused to open the city gates despite knowing the Ming emperor was captured. Ye Xian was also troubled by Zhu Qizhen's refusal to eat, acknowledging that the Han people greatly valued loyalty and filial piety.
He feared that killing their emperor would incite Ming soldiers to seek revenge, potentially reversing the war's outcome, especially since the Oirat clan had already suffered over ten thousand casualties after a month of fighting. At this critical juncture, Cheng Shisan appeared, offering his services to Ye Xian. He claimed to know Zhu Qizhen's character well, stating that the emperor's fasting was merely a theatrical display for reputation, fearing blame for subjugating his nation.
Cheng Shisan suggested starving Zhu Qizhen for two more days, assuring Ye Xian that he would eventually surrender. Zhu Qizhen unfortunately fell into Cheng Shisan's hands. Cheng Shisan revealed his true identity and his vengeful motives, reminding Zhu Qizhen that he had replaced the medical ointment for wounds with yellow mud. He expressed his deep resentment for being imprisoned by Zhu Qizhen for a woman and abandoned by Empress Dowager Sun.
He declared his intention to make Zhu Qizhen suffer a life of pain and humiliation as an Oirat prisoner, claiming Zhu Qizhen was responsible for the deaths of countless Ming soldiers. Cheng Shisan then proceeded to torture the emperor, using acupuncture to render him immobile before force-feeding him goat milk, mocking him all the while.
After reflecting on his situation, Zhu Qizhen decided to bravely embrace survival, realizing that as long as he was alive, there would be opportunities for a comeback. He began to eat, telling Xiao Shun'zi that he had come to his senses and could endure anything if even someone like Cheng Shisan could live. He then summoned Ye Xian.
In a show of renewed imperial authority, Zhu Qizhen demanded Ye Xian's presence, asserting his position as Emperor of Ming and Prince Shunning's overlord. He criticized Ye Xian for breaking his oath of loyalty to Ming. Ye Xian's brother was furious, but Ye Xian, seemingly impressed by Zhu Qizhen's defiance, admitted the Ming Emperor was truly outstanding. Zhu Qizhen demanded to be sent back to Beijing and offered forgiveness for Ye Xian's disrespect.
Ye Xian, feigning remorse, agreed to contact the Huailai general and lead Zhu Qizhen to his royal tent for a wash. Secretly, however, Ye Xian and his brother conspired, with Ye Xian revealing his "brilliant plan" to leverage the living emperor for more gain, stating that Cheng Shisan was right about a living emperor being more useful than a dead one.
News of the emperor's capture and the Oirats' demand for 500,000 taels of silver reached the capital, causing a great uproar in court. Duke Wang and other ministers from the Ministry of Revenue stated that the treasury was empty after three military expeditions and could not afford such a sum without jeopardizing the court and the people. Furthermore, they feared Ye Xian would not release the emperor even after receiving the money.
Empress Qian, deeply concerned by the ministers' indifference, arrived in court and offered all her jewels and dowry, even removing her hairpin and earrings, to ransom her husband. Zhu Qiyu, who was overseeing the nation on behalf of his brother, affirmed his commitment to bring the emperor back. After receiving the 500,000 taels of silver, Ye Xian, ever greedy, reneged on his promise.
He then demanded an additional 500,000 taels of gold, and later, an even larger sum of one million taels of gold for his soldiers' provisions, claiming he would personally escort the emperor back to the capital. Zhu Qiyu, distraught by this new demand and his brother's predicament, proposed selling his own princedom, Chengzhou City, to raise the ransom, asserting he could not betray the trust his brother placed in him.
Empress Dowager Sun then appeared in court, vehemently opposing any further payment, believing that Ye Xian's greed was insatiable and that paying would not secure the emperor's release. She proposed that since the nation could not be without a ruler, Prince Cheng, Zhu Qiyu, should ascend the throne. Zhu Qiyu, reluctant to usurp his brother's position, initially refused, stating he was entrusted to supervise the nation, not to steal the throne.
He also cited the Empress's pregnancy, suggesting they wait for the birth of a prince. His mother, Consort Dowager Wu, urged him to accept, highlighting the opportunity. Later, Princess Consort also pleaded with Zhu Qiyu, emphasizing the dire state of the nation and the need for a stable leader. She even offered to write a letter of divorce and leave the capital to avoid suspicions about her father's influence, but Zhu Qiyu refused her offer.
Yu Dongyang and Empress Dowager Sun, along with other officials, continued to press him, arguing that the country needed a strong leader to deter Oirat aggression and stabilize the populace, and that if the Empress bore a princess, the Zhu family might lose the Mandate of Heaven. Finally, Zhu Qiyu accepted the throne, stating it was for the good of the country and its people, accepting any potential historical criticism for disloyalty as his own burden.
Zhu Qiyu was enthroned as Emperor Daizong, with Zhu Qizhen becoming the Retired Emperor and Empress Qian the Retired Empress. Upon his ascension, Zhu Qiyu immediately brought his biological mother, Consort Dowager Wu, into the palace and granted her the title of Empress Dowager, fulfilling her long-held dream. However, her rank was still subordinate to Empress Dowager Sun, who held the title of Imperial Empress Dowager.
Empress Dowager Sun sternly reminded Wu that she was merely a "secondary Empress Dowager" without a respectful title, and must always defer to her, addressing her as a consort would. Wu was assigned to Jiefeng Palace, not the more prominent Renshou Palace. Despite becoming emperor, Zhu Qiyu insisted on maintaining everything as it was during Zhu Qizhen's reign and refused to move into Qianqing Palace, his brother's residence, believing Zhu Qizhen would return.
Alone, he clutched a hair ornament, missing Yunxian. His mother, Wu, resented being ranked below Empress Dowager Sun despite her son being the Emperor. Meanwhile, Yunxian, who had been rescued by Zhou Qiang and hidden in the Oirat camp, was tending to the injured Ming soldiers.
She had used her medical knowledge and limited Oirat language skills to convince the Oirat general to let her treat their injured as well, a move that saved her and the Ming soldiers from being killed. An Oirat soldier informed her that the Ming Dynasty had paid a ransom of 500,000 taels of silver for the emperor, and the Grand Chancellor would soon send him back.
Yunxian was greatly relieved by this news, thinking of Empress Qian and the well-being of the young prince. She hoped that all the captured soldiers would also be able to return home soon.
Episode 31 Recap
Wang Meilin had been instated as Empress. Her palace maids, acting with immense arrogance, went to Kunning Palace to pressure the Retired Empress (the former Empress Qian) to move out. They even threatened to destroy and burn down the palace to force her out. Such bullying enraged the Retired Empress, causing her to experience premature labor. Fortunately, Supervising Physician Liu Pingan arrived in time, slapped the insolent palace maid, and quickly attended to the Retired Empress.
Upon learning of his Empress’s maids causing such a disturbance, Emperor Qi Yu was furious. He immediately rebuked Wang Meilin for her servant's actions, ordering the offending maid to be flogged and tied to a tree. He then rushed to Kunning Palace, where he was informed that the Retired Empress was in labor.
After a difficult delivery, the Retired Empress safely gave birth to a prince, whom she named Jian Shen, a name chosen by his father, the Retired Emperor Zhu Qizhen. Emperor Qi Yu, overjoyed, immediately declared Zhu Jian Shen as the Crown Prince, a decision that visibly displeased Wang Meilin, though she outwardly pretended to agree.
The Retired Empress expressed her gratitude to Emperor Qi Yu and, for the safety of her newborn son, requested permission to move out of Kunning Palace and reside in the quiet South Palace. Although Qi Yu was reluctant to see his sister-in-law endure such hardship, he understood her concerns for the child's safety and granted her request.
To reassure her and demonstrate his loyalty, Qi Yu solemnly swore before the Retired Empress and Wang Meilin that he had no desire for the throne. He vowed that if his Imperial Brother, Zhu Qizhen, were to return, he would immediately relinquish power. He further added a dire oath, saying that if he ever coveted power and refused to return the throne, he would die young and without children. Wang Meilin visibly trembled upon hearing his potent vow.
Meanwhile, the news of Emperor Qi Yu's ascension reached the Oirat grasslands, prompting Ye Xian to decide to attack Beijing. His brother, Boyan Tiemuer, questioned his plans, but Ye Xian was determined. He resolved to first secure the Khan's approval before launching a full-scale assault. On the grasslands, Yun Xian, disguised as Physician Hang, was exiled with the captured Ming soldiers.
She dedicated herself to treating the sick and injured, even assisting Oirat women in childbirth, earning the admiration of the local people. Yun Xian herself mourned the "24th one" she couldn't save, highlighting the harsh realities of their captivity. While attending to the soldiers, some grew resentful of Emperor Zhu Qizhen, believing he was to blame for their plight and that the Ming court would not ransom him.
Yun Xian passionately defended the Emperor, explaining his sincere love for the Ming people and his intentions. She implored them not to abandon him, emphasizing that as long as the Emperor lived, they held hope for returning home. Her words greatly uplifted the soldiers, who renewed their loyalty to Zhu Qizhen.
The Oirat people, witnessing her compassionate medical care, lauded her as a "Living Guanyin," noting that her heart differed greatly from another Han doctor, who was skilled but had a poor personality. At a banquet, the Oirat Khan praised Ye Xian's victory against Ming and expressed a desire to meet the Han adviser who helped him. Ye Xian clarified that his associate, Chen Shisan, was a physician, not an adviser.
The Khan, skeptical of Chen Shisan's medical claims, challenged him to diagnose ailments of the officials present merely by their appearance. Chen Shisan accurately pointed out various conditions among the ministers. Encouraged by Ye Xian, Chen Shisan then examined the Khan, truthfully revealing that he suffered from a deficiency of kidney yang. Boyan Tiemuer, in his usual blunt manner, elaborated that this meant the Khan had too many women, ruining his health.
The Khan, humiliated and enraged, ordered Chen Shisan to be whipped. Ye Xian intervened, reminding the Khan of his promise to spare Chen Shisan. However, Boyan Tiemuer further inflamed the situation by insulting the Khan's lineage. To quell the escalating tension and protect both Chen Shisan and his brother, Ye Xian chastised Boyan Tiemuer and ordered his saber confiscated and him removed from the tent. Still fuming, Boyan Tiemuer sought out Emperor Zhu Qizhen to vent his anger.
He challenged Zhu Qizhen, but the former emperor skillfully outmaneuvered him, impressing Boyan Tiemuer with his composure and prowess. Boyan Tiemuer, recognizing Zhu Qizhen's heroic spirit, pledged his respect and ordered that all Ming captives be treated kindly. Chen Shisan’s reputation as a "divine doctor" grew among the grassland people following his performance at the banquet, and many sought his medical advice, to which he eagerly responded.
However, when common people approached him, he dismissed them, viewing them as beneath his dignity. Later, Ye Xian presented an imperial edict for Zhu Qizhen to sign, intending to use it to legitimize an Oirat invasion of Ming. Zhu Qizhen defiantly refused, explaining that without the imperial jade seal or secret codes, the edict would be meaningless to the Ming people. Angered by his stubbornness, Ye Xian ordered Zhu Qizhen to be confined in a burrow and strictly isolated.
Tragedy struck when Ye Xian's sister, Tuobuhua, was bitten by a rabid dog. Chen Shisan, despite his proclaimed medical expertise, was helpless against the fatal disease. Ye Xian, furious at Chen Shisan's inability to cure his sister, ordered him to be dragged out and whipped, simultaneously sending for other renowned doctors from across the prairie.
Episode 32 Recap
Ye Xian's sister, Tuo Buhua, contracted rabies, and after Chen Shisan's treatments proved ineffective, Ye Xian dispatched a Shaman to find a cure. The Shaman sought the heart and liver of a person with a double whorl on their head as a sacred medicine. When the Shaman's men located such an individual among the Ming captives, a fierce conflict erupted.
To control the escalating situation, Yunxian stepped forward, declaring herself a physician who treated the Ming Emperor and offering to procure whatever medicine they required. An Oirat soldier confirmed her miraculous healing abilities, mentioning she had previously helped their women deliver. Upon learning Tuo Buhua had been bitten by a rabid dog and that the Shaman's remedy was a human heart, Yunxian confidently stated she could treat the rabies.
Ye Xian soon arrived to suppress what he perceived as a rebellion, ordering the immediate execution of all the Ming captives. Yunxian confronted him, warning that even if Tuo Buhua consumed many human hearts, she would still die. She then reiterated her status as a physician and promised to save his sister if he spared the Ming soldiers, betting her own life on her words.
Ye Xian, though initially skeptical, gave her one chance, threatening to sacrifice her and all the captives if she failed. Yunxian was brought to Tuo Buhua, who was in a delirious state and unable to approach water. Yunxian assessed the situation, noting it had been half a day since the bite, and requested Han medicinal herbs. Tuo Buhua cried out for a "Naren flower" while Yunxian attempted to treat her, urging her to endure.
When Tuo Buhua's condition worsened, becoming even more violent, Ye Xian grew distraught and, seeing no improvement, once again ordered Yunxian's execution. Yunxian pleaded for a moment's delay, proposing an alternative method to restore Tuo Buhua's consciousness. She requested the brain matter of the mad dog that bit Tuo Buhua, along with some filthy things like chicken and duck feces, explaining it was a remedy recorded in a Han emergency medicine text by a Great Doctor named Ge Hong.
She also asked for ground beetles found in roots and alcohol. After preparing a foul-smelling concoction, Ye Xian's men were hesitant to administer it. Yunxian offered to drink some herself to prove it wasn't poison, then assured Tuo Buhua she would recover. She declared that the outcome would be known within an hour.
During the tense wait, Ye Xian questioned Yunxian about Han people's use of insects and feces in medicine, to which Yunxian clarified that Han medicine also utilized noble ingredients like antelope horns and orchid roots. Exactly one hour later, Tuo Buhua suddenly awoke, demanding that her brother kill the dog that had bullied her. Ye Xian was overjoyed that his sister recognized him and had seemingly recovered her sanity.
Yunxian confirmed that Tuo Buhua was out of danger and only needed to continue her medication. Yunxian then fainted from exhaustion. A servant reported to Ye Xian that "Physician Hang" was a woman. Shocked, Ye Xian ordered water to wash her face. As he personally cleaned her, his brother, Boyan Tiemu'er, recognized her as the "Living Guanyin" who had saved Ye Xian at Yongqing Convent when he was disguised as a Joseon merchant.
Ye Xian, now certain of her identity, ordered Boyan Tiemu'er to care for Tuo Buhua and summoned Chen Shisan to examine Yunxian. Chen Shisan reported that Yunxian was severely weakened from overwork and poor nutrition, recommending rest, ginseng, and bird's nest. Ye Xian, still holding a grudge for Chen Shisan's failure to cure Tuo Buhua, dismissed his medical judgment and warned him to stop bothering Zhu Qizhen.
Later, reflecting on the discovery, Ye Xian marveled that the "Living Guanyin" had been by his side all along. Tuo Buhua, having recovered, questioned Ye Xian about her rabid behavior and playfully threatened to bite him. Ye Xian expressed his deep concern, revealing he had almost killed a hundred people out of worry for her. Tuo Buhua asked about the "pretty lady" and "Living Guanyin" who had saved her.
Yunxian then directly asked Ye Xian if he intended to go back on his word regarding the Ming captives' lives. Boyan Tiemu'er interjected, reminding Yunxian of their previous encounter at Yongqing Convent, jogging her memory. Boyan Tiemu'er then formally introduced himself and Ye Xian, who acknowledged his family's double debt of gratitude to Yunxian. Ye Xian offered to grant her any wish. Yunxian requested the release of her father, Hang Gang.
Ye Xian informed her that Hang Gang had already been sent back to Beijing with other captives when a ransom was paid. When asked for another wish, Yunxian asked to see their Emperor, Zhu Qizhen. With Ye Xian's permission, Yunxian met with Zhu Qizhen in his prison. They embraced emotionally. Zhu Qizhen defiantly declared that he would not yield to Ye Xian's torture or become a pawn in his schemes to attack the Ming Dynasty, preferring death.
Yunxian agreed, proposing they prepare medicines to "die for the country together," and they vowed to live and die as one. However, they also agreed to fight for their lives and seek an opportunity to escape, hoping to rally other loyal Ming captives. Zhu Qizhen asked if Ye Xian had bothered her, and Yunxian reassured him.
Yunxian then sought reassurance that Zhu Qizhen didn't blame her for treating the Oirats, to which he replied that saving lives was her duty and her survival was the greatest gift. A guard then summoned Yunxian to Ye Xian's tent. In his tent, Ye Xian showed Yunxian a map, asking her advice on the best route to attack Beijing. Yunxian, claiming ignorance of warfare, subtly warned him by mentioning her father's military prowess in defeating Oirat forces.
Ye Xian remarked on her eloquence and then inquired about her relationship with Zhu Qizhen, noting that Boyan had heard a eunuch call her "Minister." Yunxian clarified she was a private palace physician assigned by the Empress to serve the Emperor. Ye Xian, implying flirtation, questioned the nature of her "service" among 20,000 troops.
Yunxian retorted that serving the Emperor in military camps was inconvenient and humorously referenced her cure for Tuo Buhua, saying she merely used "chicken and dog feces" to strengthen his body. Ye Xian, impressed, called her a "rose full of thorns." Yunxian then admonished him for flirting and, using Han connotations, warned that even if he conquered the capital, the people would not follow him.
Ye Xian dismissed this, noting many emperors ruled without popular support for a hundred years, but Yunxian shrewdly pointed out that such reigns rarely lasted a full century. Acknowledging Yunxian's unique character and her efforts in treating not only Ming prisoners but also his own soldiers and herdsmen, Ye Xian offered to send her back to Beijing to reunite with her father. Yunxian refused, insisting on staying to care for Zhu Qizhen, whose health was deteriorating.
She argued that a "mad Emperor" would be useless to Ye Xian's ambitions, suggesting that a healthy, living emperor was essential for his conquest plans. Ye Xian conceded, agreeing to release Zhu Qizhen from the underground prison and allow Yunxian to visit him every three days. He also instructed Yunxian to stay with Tuo Buhua, who had developed a fever from playing too much, and help care for her. Before she left, Ye Xian asked for her name.
She introduced herself as Hang Yunxian, explaining her name's classical allusions to Song Dynasty heroes and the pursuit of virtue. Ye Xian, taken by her name, declared that precisely because of it, he would not let her return home. Meanwhile, news reached the Ming court that the Oirat people were stockpiling weapons and food, preparing to attack the capital. Emperor Qi Yu, furious, ordered Yu Dongyang to immediately gather soldiers and reinforce the city walls.
However, some ministers suggested moving the capital to Nanjing due to their weakened military. At this critical juncture, Wang Meilin's maid interrupted the court session to ask Qi Yu about dinner plans at Kunning Palace, earning a furious reprimand from the Emperor. The maid then relayed the news of the impending Oirat attack and the debate about moving the capital to Wang Meilin, who, scared, decided to consult Sun Dowager Empress about relocating to Nanjing.
The Dowager Empress, however, went to the court and sternly rebuked Wang Meilin for her cowardice and selfishness. She passionately advocated for defending Beijing, citing the disastrous precedent of the Song Dynasty's retreat. Supporting Qi Yu's resolve, she appointed Yu Dongyang as Minister of Defense, tasking him with managing the capital's defense, and expressed her personal wish to die within the capital, to which Qi Yu vowed not to disappoint her.
Back in the Oirat camp, Chen Shisan was astonished to learn that a Han female physician had cured Tuo Buhua, recalling his earlier suspicion that the woman who treated Ye Xian was his concubine. Yunxian continued to care for Tuo Buhua, giving her licorice root to sweeten her bitter medicine. Tuo Buhua, now calling her "Yunxian jie jie," confided in her about her family history and asked for beauty tips, also acknowledging Yunxian's kindness in helping the herdsmen.
During their time together, a frightened horse nearly trampled Tuo Buhua's nephew, Qi Ge. Zhu Qizhen bravely intervened, saving the child. Tuo Buhua, captivated by his heroism, asked for his name and was impressed to learn he was the Ming Emperor. She then offered to grant him any wish. Zhu Qizhen requested that he and Yunxian be allowed to visit the Ming captives. Zhu Qizhen went to the Ming captives, who greeted him respectfully.
He knelt before them, apologizing for their capture and swearing to lead them back to the Great Ming to reunite with their families. The captives, touched by his humility, urged him to rise, expressing their shame for failing to protect him and vowing their eternal loyalty. They mentioned that Yunxian had told them of his struggles and pledged to crawl back to Beijing with him if necessary.
However, a captive named Hou Guang angrily accused Yunxian of being a "pest" and revealed her female identity to the others. He blamed her presence in the army for their defeat, claiming a woman's presence brought bad luck to war. Another captive, Zhou Qiang, tried to defend Yunxian, threatening Hou Guang, but Yunxian intervened, stopping the altercation.
Episode 33 Recap
Ye Xian released Emperor Yingzong, Zhu Qizhen, from the dungeon and allowed Yunxian to attend to his health. Yunxian returned to the prisoner camp with Zhu Qizhen, intending to rally the captured Ming soldiers to seek an opportunity to escape back to Beijing. However, the soldiers, upon learning Yunxian was a woman, were highly resistant to her presence.
Despite acknowledging her vital role in saving their lives and caring for them, they were determined to keep Zhu Qizhen away from her. Zhu Qizhen confronted their prejudices, asking if they had forgotten all her efforts just because she was a woman. He defended Yunxian fiercely, citing historical female heroes like She Taijun, Mu Guoying, Hua Mulan, Liang Hongyui, and even Empress Ma, dismissing the idea that women were unlucky.
He declared Yunxian to be the person he trusted most and asserted that anyone wishing to follow him must respect her. He then promised to find a way to lead them all back. Yunxian was deeply touched by his unwavering support for her aspirations as a female physician.
She confided in him her own fears of not seeing her father and grandmother again, to which he reaffirmed his promise to take her home so they could watch fireworks together once more. Later, the soldiers, having reflected on Zhu Qizhen's words and hearing stories of Yunxian's past deeds, apologized for their behavior. They accepted her as a valued "life sister" and doctor, with newfound determination to return to Ming Country.
Meanwhile, Chen Shisan approached Ye Xian, cautioning him about the "dangerous woman" close to Zhu Qizhen. Yunxian recognized Chen Shisan’s voice and rushed out to confront him, expressing profound hatred. Chen Shisan, in turn, gloated about his past schemes, admitting to sabotaging Ming’s supplies with fake medicines and low-quality grains, further fueling Yunxian's fury. Chen Shisan then fabricated accusations to Ye Xian, claiming Yunxian's treatment of Tuobuhua was suspicious and could leave lasting harm.
He also falsely implicated Yunxian as an agent of the Eastern Depot’s Wang Zhen, urging Ye Xian to eliminate her. Ye Xian, though only half-convinced, decided to distance Yunxian from Tuobuhua. Facing Ye Xian's suspicions, Yunxian showed no fear, boldly critiquing his shortsightedness for relying on a traitor like Chen Shisan, whose history of betrayal, she warned, would inevitably extend to Ye Xian himself.
Tuobuhua vehemently defended Yunxian to Ye Xian, revealing Chen Shisan's true villainy, including his role in her grandfather's death and his plagiarism. Ye Xian explained he was merely having Yunxian assist in the prisoner camp due to a supposed disease outbreak and promised to bring her back after an investigation. He also expressed concern for Tuobuhua’s loneliness and promised she would be the most respected woman in Oirat after the conquest of Ming.
Tuobuhua then, somewhat shyly, let slip her desire to marry, sparking Ye Xian’s delight and curiosity about her suitor. By the river, Tuobuhua encountered Zhu Qizhen, who inquired about Yunxian. His attention was drawn to a sachet Yunxian had given Tuobuhua. Noticing his interest, Tuobuhua, with a blush, offered the sachet to him. Ye Xian and the Oirat Khan clashed over the decision to invade Beijing.
The Khan expressed reservations, citing their numerical disadvantage of only 5,000 troops and the potential for losing everything. Ye Xian, however, insisted that Zhu Qizhen served as their crucial trump card. When the Khan hesitated to affix his seal to the invasion decree, Ye Xian forcibly made him do so. Afterward, Ye Xian fumed privately about the Khan's timidness and his own frustration at being subservient due to his lack of "golden bloodline."
Later, Ye Xian's subordinates reported that multiple Han physicians had re-examined Tuobuhua and confirmed she was in perfect health, completely absolving Yunxian of any wrongdoing. They also presented evidence exposing Chen Shisan's deceitful past and true colors. Realizing Yunxian's innocence and Chen Shisan's treachery, Ye Xian sought out Yunxian. He found her tending to Oirat civilians, offering medical consultations to anyone in need. Ye Xian approached, feigning a cough and asking her to treat him.
Yunxian diagnosed his chronic cough, noting its worsening in the early hours, past instances of coughing blood after arguments and heavy drinking, and recent blood streaks in his sputum. Through pulse and tongue diagnosis, combined with her understanding of medical principles and observations of current events, Yunxian accurately deduced that Ye Xian had recently had a heated argument with the Oirat Khan. She explained that Chinese Medicine reveals a person's true state, as the face, tongue, and pulse never lie.
Yunxian advised him to avoid being overly headstrong and to share his burdens, suggesting calming foods like lotus seeds or mung beans when angered. As a token of gratitude for her consultation, Ye Xian decreed that the Ming prisoners be allowed to write letters to their families. Following this, he ordered Chen Shisan's tent to be relocated outside the camp, forbidding his return without explicit command. Ye Xian often reflected on Yunxian's unique insights and spirited nature.
Unbeknownst to Ye Xian, the Oirat Khan conspired to humiliate Zhu Qizhen. While Ye Xian was away inspecting troops, the Khan secretly invited Zhu Qizhen to a banquet. He presented a maid disguised as Zhu Qizhen for the purpose of mockery, subjecting her to humiliation as if she were the Emperor. Zhu Qizhen, however, calmly responded to the direct insults leveled against him, gaining the upper hand in words and demeanor.
The Khan then demanded Zhu Qizhen kneel and declare surrender, but the Emperor steadfastly refused, asserting his status as the Son of Heaven and warning the Khan of Ye Xian's potential wrath should he be harmed. At this critical juncture, Yunxian was brought into the tent. She had been deceived into coming by a maid named Na Ren, under the guise of Tuobuhua's invitation to try on new robes in a secluded tent.
Realizing the deception, Yunxian, dressed in the requested Han robes, had subtly tried to enlist Na Ren's help to alert Tuobuhua. Upon seeing Zhu Qizhen being threatened, Yunxian, identifying herself as a Ming female official, calmly bowed to His Majesty, making her allegiance clear. She then defiantly threatened to take her own life if the Ming Emperor was further insulted, vowing to appeal to the heavens with her death.
Episode 34 Recap
Ah Ga Duo, the Waila Khan, invited Yunxian to his tent under the guise of Princess Tuobuhua, intending to humiliate Zhu Qizhen. When Yunxian arrived, Ah Ga Duo revealed his true intentions, explicitly stating his desire to make Zhu Qizhen kneel and surrender. As he forcibly offered wine to Yunxian, Zhu Qizhen intervened, offering to kneel himself if Ah Ga Duo would release Yunxian. However, Yunxian defiantly refused, declaring that Zhu Qizhen represented the Ming Dynasty and must not kneel.
She grabbed a dagger from a nearby guard, threatening to take her own life and petition the heavens to curse Ah Ga Duo if he dared to insult the Ming Emperor. Before Yunxian could harm herself, Ye Xian dramatically arrived, swiftly disarming her and announcing to everyone that Yunxian was his woman. He warned that any disrespect towards her would be considered an affront to him.
After confronting Ah Ga Duo for his ill-conceived feast, Ye Xian decided to punish the Khan by restricting his movement and reducing his supplies, only allowing him out if he paid 3,000 taels of gold as soldier's pay and provisions. Ye Xian then ordered a "Han Er Duo," a royal tent similar to Tuobuhua's, to be built for Yunxian, complete with servants, to ensure she received princess-like treatment.
He explained to his subordinate Meng Duo that he had been alerted by Naren about Chen Shisan's plan to send Yunxian back to Ming and Ah Ga Duo's impending actions, and his intervention was to prevent Ah Ga Duo from harming her.
When Meng Duo questioned his growing affection for Yunxian, Ye Xian boldly declared that this woman must be his, and he was curious to see the expressions on Zhu Qizhen and Zhu Qiyu's faces when they learned she belonged to him. Chen Shisan, seizing an opportunity, spoke to Ye Xian, alleging that Yunxian had an impure relationship with Zhu Qizhen, frequently visiting his palace for long hours and accompanying him on military expeditions. This fueled Ye Xian's jealousy.
Meanwhile, Zhu Qizhen, anxious about Yunxian, attempted to sneak out of his quarters. He encountered a guard named Ji Kan, who, after some hesitation, revealed that Yunxian was safe and being treated like a princess in her new tent. Desperate to see her, Zhu Qizhen pleaded with Tuobuhua, reminding her of Yunxian's friendship. Despite her initial reservations about defying her brother, Tuobuhua eventually agreed to take Zhu Qizhen to Yunxian.
In her new tent, Yunxian was confronted by Ye Xian, who brazenly propositioned her to become his woman. Yunxian rebuffed him, reminding him of her past kindness in saving his life. As Ye Xian tried to overpower her, Yunxian revealed she had coated her hands with nettle. When he grabbed her, his face and hands began to sting. Undeterred, Ye Xian found Yunxian's resourcefulness intriguing, yet he vowed she would pay for her actions.
Moments later, Tuobuhua brought Zhu Qizhen to Yunxian's tent. Zhu Qizhen embraced a distraught Yunxian, comforting her and promising to protect her reputation upon their return to Ming, even if it meant killing those who spoke ill of her. However, their reunion was cut short when Ye Xian burst in.
Furious to find Zhu Qizhen with Yunxian, Ye Xian shockingly revealed that Zhu Qizhen had been abolished by the Empress Dowager a month ago, and his younger brother, Zhu Qiyu, was now the Emperor of Ming, ruling under the reign title Jing Tai, making Zhu Qizhen a mere "retired Emperor." The news sent Zhu Qizhen into a state of shock and rage, causing him to vomit blood and collapse.
Ye Xian then ordered Zhu Qizhen to be returned to prison and whipped thirty times in front of the Ming prisoners. Yunxian desperately tried to save Zhu Qizhen, dismissing the Mongolian doctors sent by Ye Xian and administering treatment herself through the night. Despite her efforts, Zhu Qizhen remained unresponsive. Tuobuhua, witnessing his fading life, disregarded Yunxian's reluctance and insisted on an ancient Mongolian method: placing the unconscious Zhu Qizhen into the belly of a freshly slaughtered cow.
Yunxian, though skeptical, joined Tuobuhua and Xiao Shunzi in kneeling and praying to the heavens for Zhu Qizhen's recovery. Miraculously, Zhu Qizhen stirred and woke up. However, Zhu Qizhen was consumed by despair, refusing to eat or drink, believing he had lost everything and no longer wished to live. Yunxian tried to encourage him, reminding him that Zhu Qiyu's emperorship was temporary and he had a duty to return to Ming.
Ye Xian, observing Zhu Qizhen's profound despondency and fearing he might die, decided to use the "former Emperor" as a living shield. He quickly ordered his army to prepare for an immediate assault on Beijing, planning to take Zhu Qizhen as a hostage in the name of reclaiming his throne. Despite Zhu Qizhen's fragile state, Ye Xian forced him into a carriage to accompany the advancing army, with Yunxian also joining to care for him.
Ye Xian instructed Meng Duo to assign twenty additional men to ensure their safety. News of the Waila army's approach reached Beijing, prompting ministers in the Ming court to propose moving the capital south to Nanjing. Emperor Zhu Qiyu, however, angrily forbade any talk of abandoning Beijing. He declared his unwavering determination to fight Ye Xian to the death, rallying his ministers and pledging to defend the capital at all costs.
He ordered Yu Dongyang to immediately muster and command soldiers from all battalions, threatening to execute anyone who showed cowardice. Zhu Qiyu further revealed that he had already moved troops and horses from other provinces and recruited 200,000 voluntary soldiers with private funds, all set to arrive the next day. He also approved the release of imprisoned soldiers to atone for their crimes by defending the capital.
Meanwhile, in the carriage, Yunxian pleaded with Zhu Qizhen to open his eyes and see the suffering around him, urging him to shake off his despair and act for the sake of Ming. It was only when Zhu Qizhen witnessed the brutal slaughter of innocent Ming civilians by Waila soldiers that a spark of determination returned to his eyes.
Episode 35 Recap
Zheng Qi, having witnessed the brutal slaughter of his people, was finally roused from his despondency. Yunxian, finding him awake after days of unconsciousness, informed him of their proximity to the capital and Qiyu's enthronement. She cautioned Zheng Qi against being manipulated by Ye Xian, explaining that his presence near Beijing was merely a tactic to force the Ming army to open the city gates.
Yunxian urged Zheng Qi to focus on mitigating harm to the Ming people, reminding him of Qian jiejie and their newborn Crown Prince, Jianjun, whose legitimacy Qiyu had publicly recognized while promising to restore the throne to Zheng Qi upon his safe return. She impressed upon him that the defense of the country now largely depended on his actions. Driven by a newfound purpose, Zheng Qi sought out Boyan Tiemu'er, his friend among the Oirats, to prevent further bloodshed.
He appealed to their friendship, highlighting the thousands of Ming civilians who had perished in the recent ten-day battle. While acknowledging the inevitability of casualties in war, Zheng Qi argued passionately that innocent civilians should never be targets. He challenged Boyan Tiemu'er to embody a true hero, one who defeats enemies on the battlefield rather than mercilessly killing the defenseless.
Zheng Qi reasoned that even if the Ming Dynasty were to fall, exterminating the civilian population was short-sighted, as it would leave no one to sustain the land or transport resources. Convinced by Zheng Qi's logic, Boyan Tiemu'er agreed that such indiscriminate killing was counterproductive and issued a decree forbidding his troops from harming innocent Ming civilians, threatening execution for any who defied the order. He also promised to persuade his brother, Ye Xian, to adopt the same policy.
Zheng Qi expressed his gratitude for this critical decision. Later, while reflecting on the current predicament, Yunxian lauded Zheng Qi for his unique ability to influence Boyan Tiemu'er. Recognizing that Ye Xian would soon use him as a hostage, Zheng Qi urged Yunxian to escape with Xiao Shunzi when the time came, but she steadfastly refused, reminding him of their shared vow to survive together. Meanwhile, Yunxian was nearing the capital with the Oirat forces, consumed by thoughts of Qiyu.
Unbeknownst to her, Qiyu was also lost in contemplation, feeling nervous about the impending battle and wishing she were by his side. When Wang Meilin embraced him from behind, he momentarily believed it was Yunxian, only to turn and find his Empress. Meilin expressed her fear of the Oirats but refused Qiyu's suggestion to seek safety with his mother, vowing to remain by his side as his wife.
Qiyu acknowledged her dedication, praising her for donating her dowry for soldier supplies and personally making uniforms and boots for the troops, expressing his sympathy for her efforts. Meilin, however, remarked that despite her actions, they were not yet a "true couple." She acknowledged his lingering affection for Yunxian but implored him for his pity, hinting that this night might be their last together, and her final opportunity to serve him.
Following this heartfelt exchange, Qiyu finally consummated their marriage, and they became a true couple. He then instructed his eunuch, Xiao Ma'zi, to relocate to Kunning Palace. As Ye Xian's forces advanced on Beijing, Qiyu rallied the Ming soldiers, emphasizing that their lives and the fate of the Ming Dynasty hinged on this decisive battle. The Ming army employed powerful firearms, inflicting heavy casualties on the Oirats.
Upon learning of the Ming's powerful artillery at Deshengmen, Ye Xian, taking Zheng Qi as his hostage, diverted his troops to Xizhimen, believing the Ming could not possess cannons at every gate. He paraded Zheng Qi before the gates, demanding entry and accusing Qiyu of usurping the throne. However, the Ming commander, Shi Heng, from the city walls, refused to open the gates without an order from Minister Yu Dongyang, subtly rebuffing Ye Xian's claims.
Despite the initial setback, Ye Xian ordered another assault. General Shi Heng and his Shenji Camp valiantly repelled the Oirats with their advanced fire weapons. During a lull, Cheng Shisan, now with the Oirats, stepped forward, accusing Qiyu of conspiring with Wang Zhen to seize the throne, attempting to assassinate Zheng Qi at Mo Bei, and poisoning military rations, even displaying the Medicine Bureau seal as evidence.
However, Zheng Qi, having recovered his strength and broken free from his restraints, bravely personally killed Cheng Shisan. He then urged the Ming soldiers not to be misled by Ye Xian, but to defend the capital and remain loyal to Qiyu and Minister Yu Dongyang. Qiyu then swore by his Royal Father's tomb that he had only temporarily assumed the throne to protect the Ming Dynasty from the Oirats.
He rallied his troops to charge out and rescue Zheng Qi, vowing to commit suicide to affirm his loyalty upon his brother's safe return. The soldiers roared their agreement, chanting, "Save the Emperor!" Ye Xian, enraged by Zheng Qi's continued defiance, brandished his saber, threatening to kill him if he spoke another word. Zheng Qi, undeterred, challenged Ye Xian to kill him, asserting that Qiyu would avenge him and that without a hostage, Ye Xian's leverage would vanish.
With a powerful voice, Zheng Qi implored the Ming soldiers to prioritize the defense of the city gates above his own life or death, commanding them to obey Qiyu as the rightful Emperor. He then shouted, "Long live the Ming Dynasty!" a cry that was enthusiastically taken up by the Ming soldiers.
In a fit of fury, Ye Xian raised his blade to strike Zheng Qi, but at that very moment, a bolt of lightning descended from the sky, striking Ye Xian and causing him to collapse, gravely wounded. In the ensuing chaos, Zheng Qi and Yunxian made their way to safety. The Oirat soldiers quickly bore their unconscious Grand Preceptor away, while Qiyu, from the city walls, spotted Yunxian alive amidst the confusion.
Boyan Tiemu'er, distraught by his brother's critical condition, desperately sought Yunxian's help. Yunxian initially hesitated, reminding him of Ye Xian's recent attempt on Zheng Qi's life. Boyan Tiemu'er pleaded with her, invoking her medical oath and arguing that saving Ye Xian would prevent further devastation for both the Ming and Oirat people, including the Ming captives.
Considering the broader impact and her own medical ethics, Yunxian agreed to treat him, but only if Boyan Tiemu'er promised to repatriate the Ming captives. Boyan Tiemu'er gave his word and guaranteed her safety. However, in a desperate attempt to ensure his brother's survival, he then threatened to kill Zheng Qi if Yunxian failed. Zheng Qi, present during this tense exchange, responded with quiet dignity, stating, "All right. I trust you."
Boyan Tiemu'er, affirming their friendship, declared that if he were to betray Zheng Qi, he would take his own life. Accepting the grim terms, Yunxian examined Ye Xian, whose pulse was barely perceptible. In a swift and drastic measure, she bit his tongue, shocking him back to consciousness. Later, Qiyu visited his Imperial Sister-in-law (Qian jiejie) to inform her that Zheng Qi was alive. Having seen Yunxian on the battlefield, Qiyu also expressed his doubts about her to Qian jiejie.
Ding Xiang, speaking on behalf of the Grand Empress Dowager, then revealed the truth: how Wang Meilin, when she was Princess Anhe, had coerced Yunxian, leading to Yunxian's forced fake death.
Episode 36 Recap
After being struck by lightning and narrowly escaping death, Ye Xian was brought back to life by Yunxian's timely intervention. Yunxian swiftly performed acupuncture and bit Ye Xian's tongue, allowing him to regain consciousness, and then provided him with a medicinal prescription. Boyan Temur, witnessing Yunxian's miraculous efforts, praised her skills. Meanwhile, Ah Ga Duo, believing Ye Xian to be dead, seized the opportunity to reclaim power, killing four of Ye Xian's senior generals within hours.
However, with Ye Xian's unexpected recovery, he quickly regained control. In the midst of the battle, Daizong spotted Yunxian, whom he believed to be dead, and was filled with questions. Still injured, he anxiously asked his attendants to find Emperor Yingzong and Yunxian. He questioned Empress Dowager Qian as to why Yunxian was with the Oirat people if she had supposedly died, and accused her of tricking him. Empress Dowager Qian asserted that she was unaware Yunxian was alive.
Determined to get answers, Daizong first ordered Liu Pingan to be summoned, but then decided to personally visit Empress Dowager Qian in the South Palace to clarify the matter. Upon arrival, Daizong informed Empress Dowager Qian that Emperor Yingzong was indeed alive and unharmed. He then pressed her about Yunxian. Empress Dowager Qian's maid, Dingxiang, explained how Wang Meilin, then Princess Anhe, had coerced Yunxian into faking her death.
Enraged by this revelation, Daizong ordered Empress Wang Meilin to be summoned with the intent to kill her. Yu Dongyang intervened, informing Daizong that Ye Xian had recovered and successfully suppressed Khan Ah Ga Duo. He also confirmed that Emperor Yingzong and Yunxian were still in Oirat hands. Yu Dongyang earnestly cautioned Daizong against executing the Empress, citing historical precedent and the precarious state of the Ming Dynasty, arguing that such an act would destabilize the nation.
He even suggested that Yunxian herself would agree with his counsel. Reluctantly, Daizong conceded, but vowed to depose Empress Wang Meilin instead. Later, Daizong was startled awake from a nightmare where Oirat soldiers were attacking Yunxian, who was covered in blood and expressed hatred towards him. Convinced that Empress Wang Meilin was the true culprit behind Yunxian's suffering, Daizong resolved once more to depose her.
As he drafted the edict of deposition, Empress Wang Meilin burst into the hall, protesting his decision. She reminded him of their past affection and his vows, demanding to know why he would discard their marital bond. Daizong furiously confronted her with her past misdeeds, accusing her of plotting to murder Yunxian, the woman he loved most. In a fit of rage, he nearly strangled her to death before Empress Dowager Wu intervened.
Just as Daizong was about to stamp the edict with the imperial seal, Empress Dowager Sun arrived, halting the proceedings. She reprimanded Daizong, stating that he should not depose the Empress based on "Miss Qian's one-sided account," especially with the nation in such a volatile state. She reminded him of Empress Wang Meilin's steadfastness during challenging times and her father, Duke Wang's significant financial contributions to the war effort.
Empress Dowager Sun declared that as long as she lived, Wang Meilin would remain Empress. She then chastised Empress Wang Meilin for failing to control her subordinates, urging her to repent. Empress Wang Meilin deflected the blame onto her maid, Bi Cao, claiming to have always treated Yunxian kindly. To appease Daizong, Empress Dowager Sun promised that if Yunxian returned safely, she would be granted the title of Noble Consort.
Daizong, feeling powerless against Empress Dowager Sun's authority, conceded, lamenting that she was the "real Emperor." Empress Dowager Sun later discussed the matter with Empress Wang Meilin, chiding her for being outmaneuvered by "Miss Qian and Liu Pingan." Duke Wang then reported to them that Liu Pingan had been struck by an Oirat horse carriage during the recent battle at Xizhimen and his body was never found. The Medicine Bureau had already held a funeral for him.
Empress Dowager Sun remarked on the suspicious timing of Liu Pingan's death. Meanwhile, Emperor Yingzong, held captive by Ye Xian, was forced to join other Ming prisoners in quarrying and carrying sand. Despite the harsh labor, he maintained his resolve and encouraged his fellow captives, asserting that if they could endure, so could he. He told them that his suffering had changed him, and he now understood their hardships.
He secretly revealed his plan to lead them back to the Ming capital within fifteen days, having memorized the route during his journey to the Oirat court. He instructed them to prepare for their escape. Yunxian continued to check on Ye Xian's recovery. Ye Xian, seemingly trying to win her favor, offered her a chest of jewelry, which he claimed were from the "southern regions."
Yunxian immediately recognized them as the Ming Empress's phoenix hairpin and other ransom items meant for Emperor Yingzong's release. She politely but firmly refused, stating that as a Ming person, she could not accept them. Later, Yunxian requested to learn from Mongolian physicians, explaining that their methods had saved Emperor Yingzong when her own had failed. Ye Xian agreed, believing it would help her adapt to life on the plains.
She then began studying medicine with Uncle Duote, a Mongolian physician, discussing the principles of Mongolian medicine and ancient texts like "Important Principles of Correct Diet," even offering to transcribe therapies for him. Amidst these developments, Tuobuhua distributed special belts made by Yunxian to the prisoners, which were designed to alleviate waist and leg pain.
She later confessed her feelings to Emperor Yingzong by the lake, proposing marriage as a means to foster peace between Ming and Oirat and even offering to help him regain his throne. Emperor Yingzong, acknowledging her kindness, gently declined. He explained that he already had an Empress, several consorts, and a son, and as an "Emperor of a dying nation," he was not in a position to marry. He suggested they could discuss it further if he ever returned to the capital. Tuobuhua, however, insisted that his older brother would never allow him to return.
Episode 37 Recap
Ye Xian, the Grand Preceptor, forbade Yunxian from meeting Zhu Qizhen. However, Zhu Qizhen implored Tuobuhua, Ye Xian's sister, for assistance. Tuobuhua, clever in her approach, led Zhu Qizhen to a river bank. She explained that while her brother had issued strict orders against their meeting, she had devised a plan for them to converse across the water, thereby not directly disobeying Ye Xian. Zhu Qizhen called out to Yunxian on the other side, and they confirmed each other’s presence.
Tuobuhua, whom Zhu Qizhen affectionately called "Tuobuhua meimei," agreed to keep watch for them, promising to mimic a bird’s call if anyone approached. Yunxian assured Zhu Qizhen that she was well, having spent her time learning medicine from Uncle Duote, which had kept Ye Xian from bothering her. Zhu Qizhen confirmed he was also fine, expressing his understanding that the Dowager Empress was unwilling to rescue him, yet holding onto hope that Zhu Qiyu would not abandon them.
He also confirmed that their comrades, older brother Li and Zhou, were alive and well. Zhu Qizhen then revealed his plan for escape: they were pooling resources from gold panning and trading with herdsmen, aiming to gather enough rations to flee in a couple of months. Yunxian, though noting the slow progress of gold panning, knew he would be planning such a thing. Zhu Qizhen discussed possibilities for her rescue, including bribing Jikan or seeking help from Princess Tuobuhua.
When Yunxian brought up his use of "Tuobuhua meimei," knowing Tuobuhua's affections, Zhu Qizhen quickly clarified that he only saw her as loyal and cute, with no other feelings. He stated his heart belonged to Empress Qian, who had suffered greatly because of him, and he could not betray her. Yunxian, feeling she had been overly sensitive, observed that Zhu Qizhen had become more decisive and responsible, a change he attributed to his current plight.
He reiterated that he could not return to Daming without her, as he would not be able to face the Empress or Zhu Qiyu. Meanwhile, Khan, still imprisoned by Ye Xian, covertly spread rumors to undermine him. He instructed his loyalists to go to Tatabu and inform their leader that Ye Xian was under the control of the Han woman, Yunxian, and promised the title of Duke of Pingle to anyone who could "save" him.
In Daming, Zhu Qiyu summoned Duke Wang to discuss the rescue of Zhu Qizhen and Yunxian. Duke Wang, however, strongly opposed the idea. He presented a petition stating that the Ministry of Treasury lacked the funds for a war with Oirat and advised against saving the retired Emperor. Zhu Qiyu angrily accused Duke Wang of being seditious. Duke Wang defended himself, claiming to act in Zhu Qiyu's best interest.
He reminded Zhu Qiyu that he was instrumental in placing him on the throne and argued that if Zhu Qizhen returned, Zhu Qiyu would lose his position. Duke Wang challenged Zhu Qiyu, asking if he could truly give up the power and prestige he had grown accustomed to, from being addressed as "Zhen" (the royal "I") to living in Qianqing Palace and hearing "Long live." Zhu Qiyu hesitated, initially saying "Zhen. . . no.. ."
before retracting and claiming he didn't cling to power. Duke Wang warned that Zhu Qizhen, known for his temper, might not forgive Zhu Qiyu for "forcefully seizing the throne." He concluded by suggesting a three-year delay, allowing Zhu Qiyu to solidify his rule before contemplating Zhu Qizhen's return, to avoid political instability. Despite Zhu Qiyu's internal conflict and his concern for Yunxian, whose fate remained unknown, he ultimately suppressed the matter.
Later, Duke Wang's daughter, the Empress, inquired about the discussion. Duke Wang assured her that Zhu Qiyu would not willingly relinquish his power. He further advised his daughter to visit Empress Dowager Sun more often to ensure she did not push for Zhu Qizhen's return and to try to win back Zhu Qiyu's affections, as he no longer visited her Kunming Palace.
Meanwhile, having learned that Empress Qian and Liu Ping'an had jointly orchestrated Yunxian's fake death, Empress Dowager Sun and Empress Wang intended to target Liu Ping'an. However, Duke Wang reported to them that Liu Ping'an had been killed by a Wara war chariot during the recent conflict, and her body was not found.
Back on the plains, the Ming prisoners of war, including Zhu Qizhen, began practicing the Five Animal Frolics, based on diagrams sent by Yunxian, to strengthen themselves against illness. Zhu Qizhen explained the ancient exercises were effective, and fewer people had fallen ill since they started. One of his men then shared a rumor that Ye Xian had grown fond of Yunxian and intended to marry her, even killing two rare snow foxes to make her a fur coat.
Zhu Qizhen quickly dismissed the topic. Meanwhile, Yunxian continued teaching Tuobuhua Han medicine, explaining the differences in moxibustion techniques and herbal uses. Tuobuhua, overwhelmed, suggested Yunxian write another book combining both Han and Mongolian medical knowledge. Tuobuhua also confided in Yunxian about Zhu Qizhen, lamenting that he only called her "Little Sister Tuobuhua" once and now only "Princess," wondering what his true feelings were. Yunxian advised patience.
Meng Duo reported to Ye Xian that despite Ye Xian's lavish treatment of Yunxian, who lived like a princess with her family's safety even checked upon, Yunxian remained unappreciative. Ye Xian dismissed this, confident in his assessment of her character. Meng Duo then delivered more troubling news: new rumors were circulating, blaming the unusually cold winter on Ye Xian's imprisonment of Ming's Emperor and his attack on Beijing, claiming he was unrepentant even after being struck by lightning.
Meng Duo attributed these rumors to Agaduo’s followers. Furthermore, an assassin from the Bulagute Group, Ye Xian's mother's clan and a servant of his grandmother, had been caught attempting to assassinate Yunxian in her tent, though she was safe with Tuobuhua at the time. Ye Xian, realizing the growing unrest, ordered the assassin to be flogged and released, rather than executed.
To counter the rumors and assert his authority, he decreed that every family in Wang Ting would receive 500 kilos of hay and three sheep. He also ordered increased secret protection for Yunxian. Soon after, Ye Xian approached Yunxian again, sending Tuobuhua away. He presented Yunxian with a wild goose as a gift, symbolically proposing marriage according to Han custom. He then explicitly declared his love for her and directly proposed marriage as his main wife.
Yunxian, however, politely refused, stating she was a prisoner who merely wished to return home, offering to write a letter for ransom. Ye Xian countered that he knew her background, having investigated her "pitiful experience," and admired her strength. He laid out her bleak prospects in Daming: both Zhu Qiyu and Zhu Qizhen already had empresses, and no Han man would likely marry a woman who had such close ties to the Emperor.
He argued that only he could offer her a position as his "one and only, main wife," making her the most noble woman on the Great Plains, free to practice medicine—a freedom he claimed was greater than in Ming. Yunxian reiterated that she could not bring herself to love him, stating she respected and feared him, but did not love him. She declared she would rather be alone for life than marry him.
Ye Xian pressed, suggesting their marriage could forge a "brother relationship" between Oirat and Ming, benefiting both peoples. Yunxian defiantly countered, asking why, if such a "brother relationship" existed, Ye Xian wouldn't release the "elder brother," Zhu Qizhen. She proposed that he first release Zhu Qizhen and the Ming prisoners as a sign of sincerity, and then they could discuss marriage. Enraged, Ye Xian accused her of provoking him.
Yunxian stood her ground, declaring that a "blood feud" lay between them due to the countless Ming citizens killed in their wars. She vowed she would never marry an enemy for fame and fortune, concluding that they "will never be people walking the same path." Infuriated, Ye Xian called her a "slave" and a "bitch," ordering Meng Duo to take her to Taojin River. Yunxian was dragged away, bound, arriving at the river with fresh injuries.
The Ming soldiers protested at her treatment. Tuobuhua rushed to Ye Xian, pleading for Yunxian, arguing that she simply couldn't accept such a drastic change, and worrying about her falling ill in the cold before the White Moon Festival. Ye Xian, however, was unyielding, declaring he sent her to suffer to curb her pride, threatening to lock up Zhu Qizhen if Tuobuhua continued to interfere. At Taojin River, Zhu Qizhen was heartbroken to see Yunxian's battered state.
Despite the harsh circumstances, he found a small comfort in their proximity, knowing they would now see each other daily. He tried to help her with the arduous labor of panning for gold, but she stopped him, fearing it would bring trouble to everyone. She reasoned that the physical work would strengthen her for their eventual escape. Zhu Qizhen then showed her an easier way to shovel sand, avoiding the freezing water.
The very next day, Yunxian, ever the physician, began treating a fellow prisoner whose feet were swollen from being in the cold water, offering a traditional remedy to alleviate his suffering.
Episode 38 Recap
Amidst the harsh Oirat winter, Yingzong and his fellow Ming prisoners faced dwindling rations, leading them to conserve food in anticipation of an escape. Their swords were sharpened, awaiting the opportune moment. In the Ming capital, Xiao Mazi reported to Daizong that Yunxian was safe and well-provided for in the Oirat royal court. Puzzled by her comfort as a captive, Daizong accepted Xiao Mazi’s explanation, pre-arranged by Yu Dongyang, that Yunxian’s medical expertise allowed her to survive.
Relieved, Daizong ordered attempts to contact Ye Xian’s sister to secure Yunxian’s return. If that failed, he instructed Xiao Mazi to enlist Cao Jixiang's help, promising him the powerful eunuch lead position. Yu Dongyang had intentionally concealed Yunxian’s true circumstances from Daizong to protect her reputation, a sentiment Xiao Mazi shared, lamenting Yunxian's difficult life and worrying about her family's reaction if they knew the full truth of her situation with Ye Xian.
Meanwhile, Empress Wang Meilin visited Daizong, bringing him a Dendrobium Black Chicken Ginseng soup. The sight of the Dendrobium plant triggered Daizong's memory of his first meeting with Yunxian. Wang Meilin, seeking to mend their strained relationship, explained that she had used Yunxian's own recipe from "Tranquility Medicinal Recipes." She passionately denied any ill intent towards Yunxian, asserting that her maid, Bi Cao, had already confessed to taking bribes and using Wang Meilin's name to harm Yunxian and her family.
In her emotional plea, Wang Meilin suddenly fainted. Daizong immediately summoned the Imperial Physician. Cheng Chuen Xia examined her, announcing that the Empress was three months pregnant and required significant rest. Empress Dowager Sun was overjoyed by the news, proclaiming it a fortunate event for the Ming dynasty.
She promptly promoted Cheng Chuen Xia to Supervisor of the Imperial Faculty of Medicine and declared a general amnesty across the land, urging Wang Meilin to ensure the birth of a Crown Prince. Daizong, touched by the news, reassured Wang Meilin he believed her. He stated that with her and their child, it was enough, and he was too busy with official matters for other consorts.
Upon hearing of Wang Meilin’s pregnancy, former Empress Qian became deeply anxious, fearing for the security of her son Jian Shen’s position as Crown Prince and worrying about potential harm from Wang Meilin and Empress Dowager Sun’s faction. She confided in Minister Yu Dongyang, who noticed her frail condition.
Her maid, Dingxiang, explained that since Yingzong's capture, Empress Qian had been consumed by grief, crying daily and constantly kneeling before a Guan Yin Buddha, which had severely damaged her eyesight and impaired a leg. Dingxiang revealed that Empress Qian harbored suspicions that Daizong would harm her and the Crown Prince, refusing imperial physicians. Consequently, only Dingxiang and another maid, using skills taught by Yunxian, were able to offer her rudimentary care.
Minister Yu Dongyang, although sympathetic, admitted that Yunxian's return was unlikely until Yingzong himself was back. Back in the Oirat camp, Yingzong encouraged his men to endure the severe cold and hunger. A soldier reported that their rations had been further cut, likely on Ye Xian's orders, to pressure Yunxian into submission and force her return.
Yingzong ordered his personal portion of food be given to Yunxian, then instructed everyone to further reduce their intake, even eating three times less daily, to stretch their remaining five days' worth of food. Lisan confirmed their hidden food supply was secure. Yingzong predicted Ye Xian's patience would run out in less than 30 days, by which time they must escape, regardless of food supply. The soldiers reaffirmed their loyalty and readiness to fight their way back to the capital.
Yingzong, feeling the heavy burden of responsibility, promised to lead them home. Yunxian, observing the harsh conditions and Ye Xian's strict orders preventing anyone from helping them, blamed herself for their suffering. Her companions, however, assured her of their unity and loyalty. Yingzong, trying to lift spirits, shared the story of Cao Cao's "looking at plums to relieve thirst."
Lisan and another soldier ventured out in search of food and discovered that the Oirat guards had abandoned their posts due to the intense snowstorm, even taking their horses. Yingzong seized the opportunity, declaring they would escape immediately. He rallied his men, acknowledging the difficulty of the blizzard but expressing confidence in their ability to endure. He confirmed their direction to be southeast, towards Beijing, using a compass he had strategically acquired while treating General Boyan's wife.
As they traversed the snow, Yingzong playfully teased Yunxian, promising to make her "more plump" once they returned. After walking for most of the night, they sought shelter in a cave. Exhausted and with minimal firewood, they huddled together for warmth. Later that night, a wolf attack startled the camp. Yingzong quickly armed himself, entrusting Yunxian with the care of the wounded, and led his men outside with torches to confront the pack.
He bravely fought, killing several wolves, his decisive actions impressing Yunxian. She observed his transformation, inwardly declaring him no longer the impulsive emperor but a great warrior and a brilliant leader. Meanwhile, Ye Xian was enraged to discover that Yingzong, Yunxian, and the Ming prisoners had escaped. His sister blamed him for driving Yunxian away, but Ye Xian countered that Yunxian’s stubbornness needed to be tempered.
He claimed he had sent her to the labor camp for her own safety, believing she would be less of a target with her own people than by his side, especially with the Oirat court’s long-standing discontent with her presence. He admitted he had hoped she would regret her defiance and return to him willingly, but never expected her to flee. Back with the escapees, the wounded soldiers struggled to continue. Yingzong, realizing their predicament, made a difficult decision.
He ordered the able-bodied soldiers to push ahead, carrying their supplies, while he, Yunxian, and the more severely wounded would remain behind as a decoy. He believed the Oirat pursuers would prioritize capturing him, allowing the others to escape. His soldiers vehemently refused, insisting they would not abandon their emperor.
Yingzong, invoking his imperial authority and recalling his vow not to lose another Ming soldier after the Tumu Fortress disaster, ordered them to obey Zhou Qiang, march eighty miles a day, and reach Datong within fifteen days, threatening execution for disobedience. Despite their deep reluctance, Yunxian interjected, reminding them that even in their dire situation, the Emperor's command was inviolable. She urged them to comply, emphasizing that only by reaching Datong could they hope to save their Emperor.
Zhou Qiang, though heartbroken, led most of the soldiers away. However, Yunxian steadfastly remained by Yingzong's side, reminding him of his earlier promise that they would "live and die together." Soon after, a group of soldiers, led by Lisan, also returned, proclaiming their loyalty and declaring they would not abandon him, echoing Yingzong's own past words about not always needing to obey the Emperor in battle. As Oirat pursuers closed in, following their footprints, Yingzong quickly devised a new plan.
He ordered the healthy men to discard their heavy belongings and flee into the forest, carrying the wounded, to create the illusion of a larger group and buy time. Yunxian also assisted in carrying the injured, as Yingzong paused to express his heartfelt gratitude to his loyal brothers for their unwavering companionship through life and death.
Episode 39 Recap
As Zhu Qizhen and Yunxian, along with a group of Ming soldiers, attempted to flee their Oirat captors, Meng Duo and his soldiers surrounded them. Zhu Qizhen, to protect his men, offered to commit suicide if any of them were harmed. He and Yunxian were then taken captive, while the other soldiers were led away. Meanwhile, in the Ming capital, Qiyu awoke from a dream where he saw Yunxian running from him, always just out of reach.
Xiaomazi rushed in to deliver the devastating news that Empress Wang Meilin had suffered a miscarriage. Qiyu immediately went to console Wang Meilin, reassuring her that she was still young and would have other opportunities. After Qiyu left, Wang Meilin confessed to her father, Duke Wang, questioning if her earlier false oath, made to distance herself from the alleged harm to Yunxian, had caused the tragic loss of her unborn child.
Duke Wang dismissed her preposterous thoughts and sternly instructed her to prevent such things from happening again. He then personally ordered Cheng Cunxia, a senior imperial physician, to ensure Empress Wang Meilin’s full recovery using only the finest medicinal ingredients. Back in Oirat territory, Ye Xian was furious at Zhu Qizhen’s escape attempt. During an interrogation, Zhu Qizhen spat in Ye Xian’s face, pushing Ye Xian to a fit of rage. He ordered Zhu Qizhen to be dismembered by horses.
Tuobuhua desperately tried to intervene, first claiming she was pregnant with Zhu Qizhen’s child, a lie Ye Xian quickly saw through, as he hadn't seen Zhu Qizhen in two months. As Zhu Qizhen was agonizingly pulled by the horses, Tuobuhua begged Yunxian to speak up. Yunxian, tied and helpless, defiantly told Ye Xian that if he killed Zhu Qizhen, she would die with him, and the Ming Dynasty would avenge their deaths by trampling the Oirats.
She then changed her tone, claiming she had convinced Zhu Qizhen to stay as she believed Ye Xian had changed, but now regretted her foolishness for implicating Ming. Her passionate words, along with her demand for Zhu Qizhen’s release, finally moved Ye Xian. He halted the brutal torture, apologized for his impulsiveness, and released Zhu Qizhen. Seeing Yunxian still weeping, Ye Xian, in an attempt to comfort her, promised to grant her any wish if she would only stop crying.
He expected her to ask for Zhu Qizhen’s complete release to Beijing. Instead, Yunxian asked for the immediate release of all captured Ming soldiers who had followed her, so they wouldn't know of her impending sacrifice. She then subtly implied her willingness to marry Ye Xian. Overjoyed, Ye Xian readily agreed to her demands and was ecstatic about their upcoming union. He immediately ordered elaborate preparations for their wedding to be held during the Hundred Moon Festival.
Tuobuhua, however, was outraged. She confronted Yunxian, accusing her of being a manipulative Han vixen, putting on tantrums and tears to bewilder her brother. Tuobuhua accused Yunxian of having a secret romantic relationship with Zhu Qizhen and being shameless for agreeing to marry Ye Xian while loving another man, especially when Tuobuhua herself was fond of Zhu Qizhen. Yunxian slapped Tuobuhua. She admitted to deceiving Ye Xian to save Zhu Qizhen but vehemently denied any romantic involvement.
She explained that her relationship with Zhu Qizhen was like family, forged through shared life-and-death experiences. She reiterated that Zhu Qizhen was Qiyu's elder brother, Empress Qian’s husband, and the Emperor of Ming, and she had promised Empress Qian to protect him. To save him, she was willing to sacrifice anything, including her reputation and integrity, even if it meant marrying Ye Xian. Unconvinced, Tuobuhua retorted that Yunxian simply didn't understand her own heart.
Meanwhile, Tuobuhua frequently visited Zhu Qizhen, who was recovering from his injuries, carefully tended to by Tuobuhua herself, though he often called out Yunxian’s name in his delirium. Tuobuhua tried to cheer him up, asking why he was so cold when she was good to him. She even proposed that he marry her to prevent the marriage between Yunxian and Ye Xian, suggesting it could make Ming and Oirat in-laws.
Zhu Qizhen gently rebuffed her, stating they were not fated, and he only saw her as a little sister. He admitted to initially using her but promised not to anymore. Infuriated, Tuobuhua continued to badmouth Yunxian, leading Zhu Qizhen to slap her for disrespecting Yunxian. Zhu Qizhen, though struggling, affirmed his commitment to live well, remembering Yunxian’s sacrifice for him.
Seven days before the White Moon Festival, Ye Xian brought Yunxian to a public ceremony where a shaman was invited to bless their union. Many in the crowd grumbled, calling Yunxian a "witch" and opposing the marriage. The shaman, claiming divine possession, then declared Yunxian a demon and a Ming spy, warning that Oirat would suffer a plague if Ye Xian married her.
To prove her pronouncements, the shaman immersed her hand into a supposedly boiling pot of oil without harm. The crowd, swayed by the shaman, began to shout for Yunxian’s death. Ye Xian, though, stood by Yunxian, instructing his guard Erduo to kill anyone who dared call her a demon. Yunxian stepped forward to expose the shaman’s trick. She bravely immersed her own hands into the same pot, also without harm.
She revealed that the pot contained sandy water with a film of oil, not truly hot oil, a simple trick often used by charlatan doctors. To further demonstrate the shaman’s charlatanism, Yunxian produced a flammable powder, which she used for treating skin conditions, and ignited it, showcasing genuine medical knowledge versus the shaman’s deception. The crowd, now convinced, cheered for Yunxian, hailing her as "Master Tan," while Ye Xian’s uncle looked on with a worried expression.
As Yunxian continued to treat patients, a woman discreetly delivered a message to her. She later learned that Zhu Qizhen was recovering well and there was a plan to help him escape.
Yunxian bid a heartfelt farewell to the departing Ming captive soldiers, instructing one of them, Brother Li, that if she had not returned to Ming by summer, he should inform her family that she had passed away, explaining that the Oirats would force her to marry Ye Xian to humiliate Ming. While she was seeing off the Ming soldiers, a man offered her kumiss. Meng Duo, ever vigilant, intercepted the drink, detecting a bitter almond smell—a potent poison.
He quickly apprehended the man. Upon investigation, Meng Duo reported to Ye Xian that the assassination attempt was orchestrated by his own uncle. Meng Duo reminded Ye Xian that Yunxian was marrying him out of necessity to save Zhu Qizhen, not out of genuine affection. Ye Xian, however, admitted he was fully aware of Yunxian’s true intentions but was willing to be deceived, even hoping she would "deceive him for an entire lifetime."
He confessed his deep love for her, recounting how her tears had melted his heart. To ensure Yunxian stayed by his side permanently, Ye Xian revealed his plan to release Zhu Qizhen once the Ming ambassador arrived, believing that this would remove any lingering hope Yunxian held for returning to Ming with him.
Meng Duo understood Ye Xian's shrewd strategy: the released Ming troops would report Zhu Qizhen’s pitiful condition, forcing the Ming court to reclaim him, thus severing Yunxian’s ties to him. Ye Xian also permitted Tuobuhua to continue caring for Zhu Qizhen, hinting at a broader political strategy involving the Ming Crown Prince. He assured Meng Duo he would speak with Master Tuduo and ordered heightened security around Yunxian's quarters to prevent any further incidents before the wedding.
Episode 40 Recap
Tuobuhua tearfully complained to Ye Xian that Zhu Qizhen had hit her. Ye Xian initially ordered Zhu Qizhen to be whipped ten, then twenty times. However, Tuobuhua intervened, explaining that Zhu Qizhen deliberately provoked her to anger Ye Xian, hoping to prevent Yunxian from marrying him. Instead of a whipping, Tuobuhua requested that Zhu Qizhen be locked in the snow cave under the west cliff for ten days to half a month.
Ye Xian agreed, and his second brother, who imprisoned Zhu Qizhen, urged him to be careful. Distraught over Yunxian's desire for freedom, Ye Xian visited the Lama master late at night. He recounted a parable about a beloved bird that constantly tried to fly away, pondering whether to cage it, clip its wings, or deal with those who wished it ill, fearing they would take his love.
The master responded by asking if the bird was a canary or a wild goose, explaining that a wild goose, if caged, would eventually die because its nature is to fly freely. This conversation deeply moved Ye Xian. The next morning, Ye Xian took Yunxian to watch the sunrise on the plains.
He spoke of his grand vision, desiring to become a respected Khagan and for her to be his Queen, even hinting at ascending the dragon throne in the Forbidden City and making her Empress. Yunxian, however, expressed a preference for being a common female physician over a highly respected Empress. Ye Xian then offered her a choice between a golden canary and a wild goose.
Yunxian chose the wild goose, explaining that despite its lack of material value, it always knows where it wants to fly. Ye Xian then pressed her one last time about marrying him. Yunxian affirmed her willingness, stating she wouldn't have remained in Oirat otherwise, and promised that after they were married, she would treat him well and love him as her husband. Ye Xian expressed his satisfaction with her words.
Later that day, Ye Xian and Yunxian's grand wedding celebration began. As part of the ceremony, they shared the happiness wine, officially becoming husband and wife. The guests enthusiastically drank, but soon after, everyone except Yunxian mysteriously collapsed. Taking the opportunity, Yunxian excused herself to wash her face and secretly met a masked figure who led her to Zhu Qizhen, who was confined.
Yunxian immediately recognized the masked person as Tuobuhua by the distinctive scent of fragrant chewing sticks she carried. Tuobuhua admitted that she had orchestrated everything, including sending the old woman to Yunxian and deliberately provoking Zhu Qizhen, all to aid in Zhu Qizhen's escape. She clarified that her primary goal was to save Zhu Qizhen, who had refused to leave without Yunxian. Tuobuhua handed them a pass token and some beauty prescriptions.
As they were leaving, Zhu Qizhen gave Tuobuhua a carved rabbit he had made for her. Despite Yunxian's offer of sisterly affection, Tuobuhua rejected it, urging them to leave quickly and expressing her wish that Yunxian would write her a whole book of prescriptions as repayment. She then confessed her deep hatred for Zhu Qizhen before sending them off. Upon Tuobuhua's return to the camp, she found Ye Xian already awake.
She confessed to adding Jimsonweed, a calming herb, to the alcohol. Instead of anger, Ye Xian appeared calm. He confirmed his decision to let them go, stating they wouldn't fly far and would eventually perish. More importantly, having shared their wedding wine, he felt satisfied. He also acknowledged that Yunxian was Han, and with his uncle already trying to assassinate her, he couldn't protect her for a lifetime.
He believed that if she were free and happy, she could help more people. Ye Xian ordered his guards along the escape route to let Yunxian and Zhu Qizhen pass unhindered. He then declared his intention to drink alone until he was thoroughly drunk. Zhu Qizhen and Yunxian fled the Oirat camp, aiming to reach the Ming border. They used the pass token Tuobuhua gave them, which proved effective in allowing them to travel safely.
Zhu Qizhen had earlier sent a secret letter to Empress Qian, expecting an escort at their rendezvous point. However, upon reaching the Mongolian border marker, they discovered only a gravely wounded Zhou Qiang. Zhou Qiang, struggling for breath, explained that Empress Qian had indeed sent him, but Duke Wang's men had ambushed them, resulting in the death of all his comrades.
He warned Zhu Qizhen that many people wanted to kill him and prevent his return to the capital, and that Empress Dowager also did not wish for his return. Zhou Qiang reported that he had fulfilled Zhu Qizhen's earlier decree to bring everyone home, though 11 had died, before succumbing to his wounds. Zhu Qizhen and Yunxian, filled with sorrow, buried Zhou Qiang. Zhu Qizhen promised to retrieve his bones for a grand burial if he ever returned to Ming.
As a severe snowstorm descended, Zhu Qizhen and Yunxian sought shelter in a tree cave. They were now without food or warm clothing. Yunxian urged Zhu Qizhen not to blame Qiyu for the assassination attempts, reminding him of Zhou Qiang's report that Empress Dowager did not wish for his return and Duke Wang's men were involved, and that Qiyu had sworn to abdicate the throne upon his return. She urged him to trust his brother.
With Yunxian fading from the cold and exhaustion, Zhu Qizhen desperately tried to keep her awake. He made a heartfelt confession, declaring his love for her, a feeling he'd harbored since their first meeting, which prompted him to give her the golden jade bracelet. He admitted he could never truly treat her as merely a sister, always wishing to embrace and spoil her. Though he knew her heart belonged to Qiyu, he couldn't suppress his feelings.
Content with the thought of her wearing his bracelet, he decided to be selfish just this once and confess his love. He implored her to hold on, promising to find help. Despite Yunxian's pleas for him not to venture into the raging snowstorm, Zhu Qizhen, asserting his duty as a man to protect his woman, left the tree cave alone to seek rescue.
Episode 41 Recap
As a harsh blizzard swept through, Yunxian drifted into unconsciousness, her mind replaying moments of her past with Qiyu. Meanwhile, Zhu Qizhen, also known as Yingzong, bravely ventured out into the icy wilderness to seek help, but he soon vanished without a trace. A compassionate group of Korean merchants discovered the ailing Yunxian. Using her fluency in Joseon (Korean) language, Yunxian claimed her mother was Korean and that the man she was separated from was her husband, Zheng Qi.
She pleaded with them to help find him. Moved by her pleas, the merchants agreed, and after a diligent search, they located Zhu Qizhen, severely frostbitten, in the snow. Yunxian, revealing her medical expertise, immediately began treating his frostbite. She explained to the curious merchants that warm water, not snow, was crucial for frostbite as the skin is fragile, and demonstrated her precise treatment method, starting from the feet.
Impressed, the merchants, who were traveling into a city, then requested Yunxian to diagnose their various ailments, ranging from headaches and fevers to knee pain and digestive issues. After they traveled with the merchants to a nearby city, Yunxian purchased a wide array of medicines, including frostbite cream, chilblain powder, purple gold elixirs, and her own watkins panchrest plaster, offering them as a token of gratitude to the merchant leader.
She then confided in him, asking him to keep their presence a secret, fabricating a story about her and her husband eloping from his disapproving family. The merchant readily agreed. During this time, Zhu Qizhen awoke, and he and Yunxian shared a moment of relief at their survival. He jokingly questioned why she had called him "chagiya," an endearing Korean term for husband, to the merchant.
Yunxian, in turn, bought a horse cart, and they managed to pass through a city gate, where guards were scrutinizing portraits of wanted individuals. Yunxian cleverly disguised Zhu Qizhen and convinced the guards he was a sick husband she was taking to see a doctor outside the city, using soybeans to alter his features and conceal his identity.
Zhu Qizhen noted the presence of Eastern Depot agents among the guards, speculating about their command and who might be behind the pursuit. He and Yunxian decided to continue their journey pretending to be ordinary villagers, though their funds dwindled to less than one tael of silver. Zhu Qizhen, noticing Yunxian's own worsening health, apologized for the harsh words he had spoken in the tree cave during the blizzard, but Yunxian feigned forgetfulness, claiming she was too frozen to remember.
Back in the capital, Empress Dowager Sun sternly confronted Emperor Qiyu, accusing him of attempting to murder his own brother, Zhu Qizhen. She lambasted him for his alleged disregard for fraternal bonds, asserting that he had sent assassins. Qiyu vehemently denied any involvement, shifting the blame entirely to Duke Wang, claiming he was merely managing escaped captives from the Oirat Clan.
The Empress Dowager pressed further, questioning why Qiyu, who once held Duke Wang in little regard, now blindly followed his every command. She cynically asked if he feared Zhu Qizhen's return would lead to him losing his throne, asking pointedly if the ruler of Ming was "Zhu or Wang." Though Qiyu denied her accusations, his words betrayed a growing obsession with power.
The Empress Dowager, citing her failing health, ultimately ordered Qiyu to recall the soldiers and send an escort for Zhu Qizhen, reminding him that she had placed him on the throne and, despite her past dislike for Zhu Qizhen, never wished him dead. Once alone, Qiyu immediately summoned Duke Wang. Duke Wang then met with Empress Wang Meilin, informing her of the Empress Dowager's reprimand.
Wang Meilin, dismissing her father's concern, insisted that Zhu Qizhen "must be killed" to secure Qiyu's position, lamenting the fickle loyalty of old ministers. Duke Wang reported no definite trace of Zhu Qizhen, leading them to speculate about his death in the desolate mountains. Wang Meilin reaffirmed the need to send more men to ensure Zhu Qizhen never returned to the capital.
She also complained about the Empress Dowager's increasingly volatile temper, asserting her own status as the most honorable woman in the world and promising to comfort Qiyu, assuring him of the Wang family's unwavering support. The conversation also revealed Wang Meilin's continued struggle to conceive, anxiously awaiting the effects of a new prescription. As Zhu Qizhen and Yunxian continued their arduous journey, both suffering from severe illness, they arrived not far from the capital.
Yunxian went to acquire medicine and unexpectedly encountered Liu Pingan, her former teacher. Liu Pingan, after his injury, could not return to the Imperial Faculty of Medicine due to Empress Wang Meilin's animosity, which had led her to investigate his supposed "false death." Being a free-spirited person, he had chosen to live a quiet life selling medicinal herbs.
Recognizing Yunxian, he quickly diagnosed her "inadequate Chi and blood" and frostbite, chiding her for neglecting her own health while caring for Zhu Qizhen. He warmly welcomed them into his home and prepared medicines for both. Zhu Qizhen, grateful to see his old acquaintance, inquired about Liu Pingan's knowledge of the capital's situation. Liu Pingan informed him of the Imperial Guards' ongoing search for a man whose portrait closely resembled Zhu Qizhen.
Zhu Qizhen, still holding onto hope, believed it was a misunderstanding and that Qiyu would not harm him. He then entrusted Liu Pingan with a crucial letter, instructing him to deliver it personally to his godfather, Yu Dongyang, and others. Shortly after Liu Pingan departed, a village woman desperately called out for "Physician Liu," claiming her brother had been bitten by a snake and needed a specific herb.
Yunxian provided the medicine, but Zhu Qizhen expressed his suspicion about the woman's behavior, questioning why she persisted in yelling when no one answered, instead of seeking help elsewhere. His intuition proved correct when the same woman soon returned, leading a group of Duke Wang's guards to Liu Pingan's home. Just as Yunxian and Zhu Qizhen were cornered, Jingci Shita, an abbess, dramatically appeared with her own retinue of guards, saving them from capture.
Zhu Qizhen explained to Yunxian that Jingci Shita was actually Empress Hu, his father's original Empress, who had been unjustly deposed and forced into nunnery by Chen Shisan. Despite her status as a nun, she still commanded respect among the old court subjects and could exert significant influence over Empress Dowager Sun. Jingci Shita then announced the arrival of Yu Dongyang and Shi Heng, who bowed respectfully to Zhu Qizhen.
Shi Heng attempted to report on rumors of Yunxian's marriage to Yesen, but Zhu Qizhen vehemently cut him off, declaring that Yunxian had risked her life for him and would not tolerate any insults to her character.
Episode 42 Recap
After much deliberation, Yingzong decided to return to the capital in a righteous manner, rather than by force, despite warnings from Shi Heng about Qiyu's intentions and the influence of Duke Wang. Yingzong expressed his trust in Qiyu, recalling his brother's promise not to usurp the throne, and stated that if Qiyu willingly abdicated, he would honor him as an abdicated Emperor and name his son Crown Prince. He returned to the capital, welcomed by cheering citizens and officials.
When news reached Qiyu, he first considered going to meet Yingzong on horseback but then decided to prepare a full imperial procession, asserting his position as the "righteous Emperor." Upon meeting Yingzong, Qiyu addressed him only as "Imperial brother," not "Your Majesty." Abbess Jingci then confronted Qiyu, questioning if he intended to keep the throne. Amidst the tense atmosphere, Empress Qian, overcome with emotion at Yingzong's return, collapsed. Yingzong immediately carried her to the South Palace for treatment.
Liu Pingan quickly assessed her condition, stating that while Empress Qian's condition was not severe, her extreme happiness had affected her weak state. Liu Pingan also revealed that Empress Qian had developed a severe leg cripple from prolonged kneeling and praying for Yingzong’s safety, and had become blind in one eye from incessant weeping during his absence. Yingzong was deeply saddened and regretful upon learning of her sacrifices.
A palace maid, Ruxiang, then reported a distressing development: shortly after Empress Qian left to welcome Yingzong, Empress Wang's servants took the Crown Prince. Their message, conveyed by Empress Wang, stated that the Empress Dowager (Wu Taihou) missed her grandson and wished to keep him, and that Yingzong must choose between reclaiming the throne and ensuring his son's safety. Qiyu and Yunxian soon arrived at the South Palace to visit Empress Qian.
Yingzong immediately took Qiyu aside and sternly questioned his involvement in the Crown Prince's disappearance, asking if he was using his son to threaten him. Qiyu denied any knowledge of the scheme and later claimed Empress Qian had chosen to move to the South Palace willingly in response to a separate question about her living conditions. Empress Qian then awoke and expressed her gratitude that Yingzong was safely back.
Abbess Jingci, along with several ministers, then confronted Qiyu, urging him to fulfill his promise and return the throne to Yingzong. Qiyu, however, deflected, stating that Yingzong's return was too sudden and that preparations had not been made. When Abbess Jingci pressed for a definite date, Qiyu suggested he needed time to discuss it with the State Council.
Ministers loyal to Qiyu, led by Duke Wang, argued that Yingzong had already abdicated after his military defeat and that Qiyu should remain on the throne, citing historical precedents. Their arguments were interrupted by a eunuch arriving with a decree from the Empress Dowager (Wu Taihou), ostensibly granting ginseng and spring garments to the Crown Prince.
The eunuch delivered a chilling message: the spring garments could quickly become shrouds if a decision wasn't made promptly, clearly threatening the Crown Prince's life. To ensure his son's safety, Yingzong stepped in, declaring that he was genuinely happy about Qiyu's intention to return the throne.
However, he stated that for the good of the Great Ming and its people, he would remain the Retired Emperor and let Qiyu continue to rule, publicly citing his physical inability and self-proclaimed incompetence after his prolonged illness and ordeal in Oirat.
He later confided his true motives were to prioritize his son's safety and the stability of the realm, explaining that a power struggle would only cause chaos for the populace and benefit the Oirats, and that he was not taking back the throne not due to incompetence, but out of willingness to avoid conflict. After securing his position, Qiyu sought to bring Yunxian back to the palace with him.
However, Yunxian declined, insisting on staying at the South Palace to care for Empress Qian and Yingzong, whose injuries were still healing. She also pressed Qiyu to consider her official status if she were to enter the palace, asking him to think it through before speaking to her again. Meanwhile, Duke Wang informed Empress Wang (Wang Meilin) that Qiyu had successfully retained the throne but also revealed Yunxian's survival, much to Empress Wang's outrage.
It was revealed that the Empress Dowager (Wu Taihou) and Duke Wang had orchestrated the abduction of the Crown Prince to threaten Yingzong. Qiyu later confronted them, expressing anger for being kept in the dark and for their methods, but he ultimately accepted the outcome while warning them against any further harm to his brother. Later, Yingzong came to speak with Yunxian, sensing her guilt for having advised him to trust Qiyu, which ultimately cost him the throne.
He reassured her, telling her not to remember or admit to anything that transpired with Ye Xian in Oirat. Overcome with sadness and guilt, Yunxian shed tears, which Yingzong gently wiped away. This tender moment was witnessed by Qiyu, who arrived to visit Yunxian.
Episode 43 Recap
Seeing the intimacy between Yingzong and Yunxian, Qiyu grew furious. Eunuch Ma tried to calm him, suggesting that Official Hang, Yunxian, and Empress Qian were like sisters and had endured hardships together with Yingzong in Oirat, making their gestures of remembrance understandable, though perhaps unsuitable. However, Cao Jixiang seized the opportunity to further instigate Qiyu, warning him to be cautious and implying that Yingzong might harbor ill intentions towards Official Hang.
Cao Jixiang reported that Yingzong had been speaking ill of Qiyu to officials in the Southern Palace, accusing Qiyu of using insidious schemes to force his abdication and saying that people would criticize Qiyu for abandoning his brotherhood. Furthermore, officials allegedly echoed sentiments that Qiyu, like Ye Xian before him, would face divine retribution for breaking his promises, with some even encouraging Yingzong to raise Prince Qin's army to reclaim the throne.
Qiyu learned that Yingzong had not agreed to these proposals but inferred that he wouldn't dare to. In response, Qiyu ordered Cao Jixiang to provide a list of officials who had visited Yingzong and decreed that all future audiences with the retired Emperor must receive his personal approval. He also instructed Xiao Ma'zi to arrange for Yunxian to enter the palace the following day and appointed Liu Ping'an as the Supervisor of the Imperial Bureau of Medicine.
Out of spite, Qiyu ordered the provisions to the Southern Palace to remain minimal and the majority of eunuchs and maids to be removed, stating his desire to see how Yingzong would fare as a retired Emperor without his usual retinue. A eunuch informed Yunxian of the imperial edict to enter the Inner Palace and reside in Wan'an Palace, urging her to leave immediately. After bidding a tearful farewell to Empress Qian, Yunxian was escorted in an imperial carriage.
Upon hearing this, Empress Wang Meilin was secretly infuriated by Qiyu’s public display of favor towards Yunxian. She decided to feign illness, sending gifts to Wan'an Palace and deferring her visit. She vowed to deal with Yunxian once Qiyu's initial passion had waned. When Yunxian arrived, Qiyu revealed a surprise: he had arranged for her grandmother to be brought to the palace in a royal sedan, knowing Yunxian missed her family. Yunxian was overjoyed and deeply touched.
Qiyu also assigned Dingxiang, who had previously served Consort Quanli, to attend Yunxian, after the eunuch explained that Consort Quanli had left the palace and Qiyu wished to ensure Yunxian was well cared for. Qiyu then left, citing urgent matters, but instructed Yunxian's grandmother to stay for dinner. Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Sun summoned Empress Dowager Wu to Renshou Palace, scolding her for coercing the Crown Prince into the palace to threaten Yingzong.
Empress Dowager Sun angrily accused Empress Dowager Wu of having the audacity to involve the child and questioned if she feared the judgment of history. Empress Dowager Wu attempted to deny her involvement, claiming Yingzong had abdicated willingly and she knew nothing. Empress Dowager Sun retorted that Duke Wang would never have dared such an act without Empress Dowager Wu's backing. She then insulted Qiyu, calling his actions despicable and him inferior to his brother.
Qiyu arrived and, upon hearing the insult, asserted his authority as Emperor. He bitterly reminded Empress Dowager Sun that she had initially forced the Empress upon him, praised Duke Wang, and pressed him to take the throne, only to now feign motherly affection. He defended his own mother, Empress Dowager Wu, stating her mistakes were made out of concern for him, and criticized Empress Dowager Sun for acting against her previous assurances that nothing would change upon Yingzong’s return.
Empress Dowager Sun then reminded Qiyu of her authority over the Inner Palace and sternly ordered Consort Wu to kneel. When Qiyu urged his mother to rise, Empress Dowager Sun commanded Consort Wu to recite an old imperial edict. Consort Wu reluctantly recited the decree, which detailed her lowly birth, her father’s status as a traitor, and the command for her to reside outside the palace to uphold social hierarchy. Qiyu stopped her, angrily took his mother, and left.
As they departed, Empress Dowager Sun warned Qiyu that she had made him Emperor and could just as easily reduce him to nothing. Later, Empress Dowager Wu tearfully vented her frustrations to Qiyu, lamenting being forced to kneel and questioning the purpose of her title. She defended her actions as necessary to secure his throne, contrasting her fate with Yingzong's mother, who was buried alone.
Qiyu comforted her, promising she would not suffer again, and announced he would skip the morning court to summon Yu Dongyang. Empress Wang Meilin then sought out Qiyu, feigning remorse and asking for forgiveness. She knelt before him, listing her "crimes": her father's "treasonous acts" of coercing the Crown Prince, her failure to control her family, and her inability to bear an heir. She humbly requested to be deposed.
Qiyu told her to rise and questioned if she truly knew nothing of the Crown Prince's matter. Wang Meilin solemnly swore her ignorance and pledged her absolute loyalty, declaring that her husband's words were everything to her and that she had even considered killing Empress Dowager Sun for humiliating Qiyu. Qiyu praised her for sending gifts to Yunxian's Wan'an Palace. Wang Meilin explained she had feigned illness to avoid any misunderstandings with "Sister Hang."
Qiyu clarified that as Empress, she held higher status than Minister Yunxian, and Yunxian should pay respects to her, but postponed it due to Yunxian's poor health. Qiyu then instructed Wang Meilin to rein in her father, Duke Wang, who, though loyal, often overstepped his authority.
Seizing the moment, Wang Meilin proposed a preemptive strike: since the Crown Prince’s coercion was already circulating, they should blame Empress Dowager Sun for two crimes: attempting to assassinate Yingzong and using the Crown Prince to force his abdication. Qiyu was momentarily taken aback by her ruthless suggestion against her biological aunt, but Wang Meilin reiterated her unwavering loyalty, declaring Qiyu her "sky and earth" and vowing to eliminate anyone who opposed him.
Qiyu was pleased by her devotion but said he needed to see his mother that night, promising to visit Wang Meilin in two days. Qiyu later visited Yunxian, who was being examined by Cheng Cunxia. After Cheng Cunxia reported that Yunxian's severe illness would eventually recover with recuperation, Qiyu dismissed everyone. He spoke to Yunxian about her comfort in the palace, assuring her that her grandmother could visit often.
He expressed his joy and recounted his dream of their future together, including a magnificent wedding, open affection, and many children, even asking what to name their first prince. Yunxian, however, seemed distant. She asked about Empress Qian's recent unhappiness and inquired about what had transpired between Qiyu and Yingzong on the day of Yingzong's return. Qiyu grew annoyed, asking why she brought up "someone else" when he was speaking of them.
Yunxian insisted Empress Qian was not "someone else" and attributed her survival to her. She then plainly stated that she had not yet decided whether she would marry him. Qiyu surmised that her hesitation stemmed from the Empress's past actions against her. He claimed the Empress was not responsible for those deeds and urged Yunxian to forget them for the sake of peace in the Inner Palace.
He added that while he wished to make her Empress, the current situation made it impossible, and his marriage to Empress Wang was "by name only," with Wang Meilin holding the imperial title of Empress only nominally, without his true affection or marital intimacy. Yunxian challenged this, recalling the public celebration and general pardon Qiyu had issued months prior when the Empress was supposedly pregnant. Qiyu immediately accused Dingxiang of informing Yunxian, but Yunxian retorted that it was widely known.
Enraged, Qiyu ordered Dingxiang to be sent to the changing rooms for punishment. Yunxian threatened to leave the palace if Dingxiang was punished. Qiyu, asserting his imperial authority, questioned if she truly thought she could leave. When Yunxian threatened to stop taking her medicine, Qiyu, realizing her leverage, changed Dingxiang's punishment, ordering her to the Southern Palace as a female historian, which he framed as a better position than a court lady, preventing her from entering the main palace.
Still fuming, Qiyu immediately departed for Kunming Palace. He found Empress Wang Meilin dressed casually and spent the night with her. The next morning, Wang Meilin learned from her maid that Qiyu had left early to meet Minister Yu, not wanting to disturb her. The maid congratulated her, hoping for a prince soon, and presented fresh "tomatoes," a southern treasure Qiyu had sent to aid her fertility.
Wang Meilin, feeling confident, dismissed the idea of fighting for Qiyu's favor, believing her unique value meant she alone deserved the phoenix title. She was reassured that Qiyu had not granted Yunxian's pleas the previous night and had even punished Dingxiang. Qiyu later met with Yu Dongyang, who urged a thorough investigation into the assassination plot against Yingzong.
Yu Dongyang presented a badge from the Left Defense of the Imperial Guard, found on an assassin, stressing the need for quick action given the rumors circulating about the Crown Prince's coercion. Qiyu promised to have the Eastern Depot investigate but confessed the difficulty in punishing the culprit if his own mother was involved. He ultimately declared that the honesty between ruler and official was more important than family ties and vowed to bring justice to his "imperial brother," Yingzong.
Afterward, Wang Meilin visited Empress Dowager Sun, apologizing for her father's "treasonous acts" and expressing her distress over Yunxian's entry into the palace. She subtly slandered Yunxian, calling her "bewitching" and complaining that Yunxian had already put on airs. Empress Dowager Sun advised her to endure, reminding her that Emperors often had many women and that she, too, had faced such situations.
She urged Wang Meilin to be magnanimous and avoid foolish actions, promising that as long as she was alive, Wang Meilin would remain Empress. Wang Meilin, however, asserted her desire for Qiyu’s heart, not just the title. Empress Dowager Sun then advised her to bear a prince, reiterating her caution not to trouble Yunxian, who had endured much to return alive.
Wang Meilin feigned agreement and offered Empress Dowager Sun a specially prepared lotus seed soup, which Empress Dowager Sun gratefully accepted. Back at Wan'an Palace, Yunxian refused breakfast, sad not because of lost favor, but by Qiyu's actions. Defying instructions to recuperate, she went to Changshou Palace and discovered the Imperial Pharmacy was dilapidated and abandoned, its staff dispersed. Her maids explained that Empress Wang Meilin had dissolved it upon her enthronement, sending the remaining staff to the Imperial Garden.
Yunxian resolved to revitalize it and requested her maid Lvxiang to gather any remaining former maids. She met Ah Yun and Ah Chan, who were eager to help. She told them she would ask Qiyu to reopen the Imperial Pharmacy. Just then, Qiyu arrived, asking what she wished to ask him.
He apologized for his temper the previous day and explained that Dingxiang had been appointed a female historian in the Southern Palace, which he considered a better position than a court lady, and asked Yunxian for her forgiveness. Yunxian then requested him to reopen the Imperial Pharmacy and recall all the scattered palace maids. Qiyu initially expressed concern for her health but Yunxian insisted her workaholic nature meant inactivity would only worsen her illness.
Qiyu relented, promising to grant her wish. He permitted her to select court ladies, not eunuchs, from those with medical knowledge, instructing her to inform the Chief Eunuch of her needs, but cautioned her against overexertion, prioritizing her health. Empress Wang Meilin heard about the reopening of the Imperial Pharmacy and Yunxian's plans to select women. Annoyed by Qiyu's continued favor for Yunxian, she felt that if she didn't act, she would be perceived as a mere "puppet."
She instructed her father, Duke Wang, to send people to investigate Yunxian's activities and "good deeds" during her time with the Oirats. Yunxian began the selection process for palace maids for the Imperial Pharmacy. She instructed the candidates to grind medicines into powder, explaining that the test assessed their patience, thoroughness, and ability to minimize waste.
Those who produced the finest powder or were least wasteful were selected, including women from medicine-selling families or with prior experience in the Imperial Hospital. Yunxian instructed the experienced maids like Ah Yun to mentor the new recruits, teaching them about herbs, expressing her hope to cultivate them into female doctors, not just palace maids.
Episode 44 Recap
Qiyu announced his intention to formally marry Yunxian as his Consort on the first day of the ninth lunar month, promising a grand ceremony attended by all officials. Yunxian inquired if Empress Qian and the rest of the Retired Emperor's family, including Dingxiang, would be invited, also expressing concern for the Crown Prince's recovery from measles.
Qiyu, however, grew jealous, accusing Yunxian of truly wishing to see the Retired Emperor and questioning her time in Oirat, implying an "unclear purpose" relationship for several tens of days. Insulted by his suspicions, Yunxian retorted that her survival and return to the Capital depended on her actions then. She left abruptly, distressed, and soon after, vomited blood and collapsed. Upon learning of Yunxian's collapse, Qiyu rushed to her side, expressing deep anxiety and apologizing for his harsh words.
He confided in her his plan to depose Empress Wang Meilin and make Yunxian the Empress, revealing that he had been secretly adding medicine to Wang Meilin's food to prevent her from conceiving his child. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Meilin, who was standing outside the window, overheard this entire conversation, confirming her suspicions about the "fairy fruit" she had been given. Heartbroken and enraged, Wang Meilin left, vowing to make Yunxian experience a "living death" without incurring the Emperor's hatred.
The following day, Empress Dowager Wu, instigated by Wang Meilin's slander, sent a "momo" and her attendants to accost Yunxian, publicly accusing her of having illicit sexual relations with the Oirat barbarians and losing her innocence. They demanded to "test" her purity. Yunxian, refusing to suffer such a humiliation, threatened to stab herself with a sharp object if they came closer. The "momo" callously urged her to die, then attempted to strangle her with a white ribbon.
Qiyu arrived just in time, having been alerted by a secret report (sent by Wang Meilin pretending concern). He furiously intervened, demanding to know who authorized this. The "momo", prompted by Wang Meilin's subtle signal, falsely blamed Noble Empress Dowager Sun. Enraged, Qiyu executed the "momo" on the spot. He reassured Yunxian, who insisted on her innocence, promising to settle the score with Noble Empress Dowager Sun.
Later, a eunuch from Empress Dowager Wu presented Qiyu with a secret message from the Head of Da Tong, confirming rumors that Yunxian had married Ye Xian and saved his life during a severe illness. Wang Meilin seized the opportunity, subtly adding to Qiyu's suspicions by mentioning even more "absurd" rumors from Oirat fugitives, including a tale of the Retired Emperor fighting Ye Xian over Yunxian.
She feigned sympathy, suggesting that to protect Yunxian's reputation, Qiyu should quickly confer her the title of consort, implying that her current status made her vulnerable to such slander. During court, the debate over Yunxian's enfeoffment was fierce. Duke Zhao vehemently opposed it, citing the rumors of her impurity and comparing her unfavorably to historical figures who chose death over questioned virtue. Infuriated by his stance, Qiyu had Duke Zhao removed from court.
Conversely, he promoted Wang Meilin's father, Duke Wang, to Great Scholar of Wenyuan Hall for his loyalty and support, tasking him with identifying and removing Noble Empress Dowager Sun's confidants from the Ministry of Works. Meanwhile, Yunxian confronted Qiyu, denying any marriage to Ye Xian and explaining the rumors as jealousy from her closeness with Ye Xian's sister. She offered to undergo a physical examination to prove her virginity and, if still disbelieved, requested permission to become a nun.
Qiyu, still troubled by her admitted time among male prisoners, dismissed her plea to become a nun as an attempt to cause him trouble, and left Wan'an Palace without resolving their disagreement. That night, Qiyu drank alone, burdened by his worries. Wang Meilin came to comfort him, expressing understanding for his plight and Yunxian's perceived eccentricities, reassuring him that she was always there to listen.
Finding solace in her company, Qiyu, pleased by her empathy, instructed her to stop consuming the "fairy fruit" that prevented pregnancy, and remained with her for the night. The next morning, Qiyu received news that Yunxian had suffered a high fever the previous night. Instead of visiting her, he issued an imperial decree officially conferring her the title of Noble Consort.
The decree allowed her to remain in Wan'an Palace and be exempt from traditional palace greetings during her recovery, signifying a formal elevation of her status. Simultaneously, in the Southern Palace, the Retired Emperor found himself in increasingly dire circumstances. Dingxiang explained that many palace maids had left due to illness or lack of resources, as Empress Qian had depleted her savings to pay the Retired Emperor's ransom.
Even daily rations were meager, and any "increase" Qiyu had promised was not materializing. The bird's nest soup Yingzong had recently enjoyed, he learned, was secretly brought in by Yunxian. Afterwards, Qiyu met with Yu Dongyang, instructing him to work with the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate Noble Empress Dowager Sun regarding the assassination attempt, providing evidence from the Eastern Depot. Yu Dongyang then requested permission to visit the Retired Emperor in the Southern Palace.
Qiyu initially hesitated, citing the Crown Prince's measles. However, Yu Dongyang pressed the issue, revealing public rumors of the Retired Emperor's house arrest and stating his own immunity to measles. Qiyu then falsely claimed that Noble Empress Dowager Sun was behind the house arrest and the rumors, fearing the Retired Emperor would contend for the throne.
Convinced of Yu Dongyang's unwavering loyalty, Qiyu granted permission for the visit and asked him to convey a message to his imperial brother to endure the situation, promising to improve the Southern Palace facilities soon. Later, Qiyu visited Yunxian, offering her tribute spring tea. However, Yunxian maintained a formal and distant demeanor, responding to him with polite but noncommittal phrases. Annoyed by her perceived coldness and lingering anger, Qiyu questioned her behavior, feeling she was intentionally making things awkward.
He then went to Wang Meilin, complaining about Yunxian's eccentricities and her failure to understand his efforts to accommodate her. Wang Meilin, in turn, playfully chided him for discussing his affections for another woman in her presence, but quickly reassured him that she was always there to listen. Finding comfort in her understanding, Qiyu once again chose to stay the night with Wang Meilin.
Episode 45 Recap
Xiao Ma'zi reported to Emperor Qiyu that Noble Consort Yunxian had suffered another high fever the previous night, and her condition was worsening. Qiyu initially suspected Xiao Ma'zi of speaking on Yunxian's behalf, but Xiao Ma'zi sincerely explained that he simply wished to prevent the couple from experiencing lasting regret. Qiyu then went to Cheng Cunxia, questioning if Yunxian's illness was genuine or merely feigned.
Cheng Cunxia, stating he had no amicable relationship with Yunxian and thus no reason to lie, confirmed that her illness was primarily a "heart illness" (anxiety) exacerbated by unhealed old wounds from her time in Oirat. He warned that if her condition progressed, her life might not last long. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Qiyu visited Yunxian in her chambers. He apologized for their previous arguments, acknowledging that he had spoken wrongly and expressing understanding for her anger.
He attributed his temper to the stress of dealing with the Empress Dowager's conflicts over the Southern Palace. He promised they would no longer quarrel and tenderly asked her to call him by his given name, Qiyu. He also granted her special permission to secretly leave the palace to visit her grandmother once she was well enough to walk, emphasizing the need for discretion to avoid complaints from court officials. Yunxian, touched, agreed and thanked him.
Meanwhile, after Yunxian visited her grandmother, who noticed and worried about her neck injury, Empress Dowager Sun arrived at Qianqing Palace to confront Qiyu. She accused him of falsely implicating her by spreading rumors that she was using the Crown Prince to frame her. Qiyu retorted that these were mere official rumors concerning her nephew, not her, and suggested that her troubled relationship with the retired Emperor was the true cause of their traction.
Enraged by Qiyu's defiant dismissal, Empress Dowager Sun threatened to seek out Reverend Jingci. She declared that if the two deceased Emperors' empresses deemed Qiyu unfit due to his fraternal strife, she would force him to abdicate and enthrone Crown Prince Jianshen instead. Seeing the tense situation, Wang Meilin quickly intervened, pulling Qiyu to apologize to Empress Dowager Sun. She tried to deflect blame, stating it was all her father's fault, and offered herself for punishment.
Prompted by Wang Meilin, Qiyu offered a somewhat insincere apology, attributing his actions to being misled by a "crafty person." Empress Dowager Sun, acknowledging Qiyu as the former Emperor's son, decided not to pursue the matter further for the time being. Wang Meilin then offered Empress Dowager Sun a cup of tea. As Empress Dowager Sun took a sip, she began to tremble and fainted, exhibiting symptoms of a stroke.
Wang Meilin then confessed to Qiyu that ever since his humiliation at Renshou Palace, she had been secretly adding a tasteless, colorless wine to Empress Dowager Sun's food and snacks whenever she visited. Knowing that Empress Dowager Sun, having suffered a previous stroke, could not consume alcohol, Wang Meilin had deliberately caused her health to deteriorate gradually.
On this day, she had added poisonous nut powder (strychnine) to the tea, which, while not fatal, would induce a coma with muscle tightening, perfectly mimicking a stroke and making it undetectable by imperial physicians. She claimed to have done all this for Qiyu, then tearfully offered to take her own life, professing her unwavering loyalty.
Deeply moved by her apparent devotion and willingness to harm her own aunt for him, Qiyu expressed his complete trust and promised to never betray her. Later, Wang Meilin, feigning concern, fabricated a story that Empress Dowager Sun might now intend to harm Yunxian, thereby prompting Qiyu to leave the palace to ensure Yunxian's safety. During this time, Cheng Cunxia confirmed that Empress Dowager Sun would remain unconscious for an extended period.
Meanwhile, outside the palace, Yunxian was recuperating in her manor's herb garden. Zhu Qizhen, having learned of Yunxian's presence outside the palace, used Yu Dongyang's visit as an opportunity to secretly leave the Southern Palace and see her. Yunxian learned from Zhu Qizhen that Qiyu had falsely claimed the Crown Prince was suffering from measles as a pretext to "seal" the Southern Palace. Noticing a lingering injury on Yunxian's neck, Zhu Qizhen reached out to examine it.
At that very moment, Qiyu arrived to escort Yunxian back to the palace and witnessed Zhu Qizhen's gesture. Enraged, he loudly accused Yunxian of having a clandestine affair with Zhu Qizhen. Incensed by Qiyu's vulgar insults towards Yunxian, Zhu Qizhen slapped Qiyu. Qiyu, asserting his imperial authority as the Son of Heaven, rebuked Zhu Qizhen, leading to a physical altercation between the two brothers, which Yunxian quickly broke up.
Yunxian then confronted Qiyu, questioning if his harsh treatment of his older brother made him worthy of being an Emperor. Further enraged, Qiyu declared that regardless of what anyone thought, he was the Emperor. He ordered his men to seize Zhu Qizhen, returned the slap, and commanded that Zhu Qizhen be taken back to the Southern Palace.
The palace was to be sealed, with only one person to serve him, and never to be unsealed without Qiyu's explicit command, even if it meant being locked up until death. After bringing Yunxian back to the palace, Qiyu, overcome by days of pent-up jealousy and anger, lost all reason. He subjected Yunxian to an insulting act, intending to verify her purity and test her loyalty, questioning her innocence and her past with Zhu Qizhen and Ye Xian.
Following this, Qiyu, realizing his grave error, apologized to Yunxian, admitting he had lost his mind. He expressed his difficulty in accepting her perceived intimacy with Zhu Qizhen, asked her to stop crying, and promised they would now live like a normal couple. Yunxian, however, requested that Qiyu release the retired Emperor. This demand caused Qiyu's emotions to become unbalanced once more, and he stormed out, leaving Yunxian heartbroken.
Later, Qiyu visited Wang Meilin in her palace, where she was receiving treatment for a leg injury. Observing her dedication and recalling his past wrongs against her, Qiyu seemed to feel a sense of guilt. He then issued new decrees regarding the Southern Palace: all other palace maids were to be dismissed, and the palace was to be completely sealed, with food delivered through a small opening.
He stated this was to protect the retired Emperor from assassins, and that anyone disturbing his rest would be beheaded. He also instructed Xiao Ma'zi to involve Yunxian more in the Imperial Pharmacy's daily affairs, hoping that keeping her busy would distract her from dwelling on the Southern Palace.
Meanwhile, Wang Meilin, after learning that Qiyu had given Yunxian gifts, instructed her bribed servants in Wan'an Palace to tell Qiyu that Yunxian was unwell if he attempted to visit her, aiming to further damage their relationship. Yunxian, seeking solace and purpose, began teaching medicine to the palace maids under her care. She focused on practical branches like general practice, obstetrics, and physical injuries, which were particularly relevant in the palace setting.
She offered financial incentives, including a monthly tael of silver and double that for the top three students, for diligent study, teaching them pulse diagnosis and summarizing complex medical theories from ancient texts. Qiyu, secretly observing Yunxian's new endeavor, instructed her attendants to take good care of her. Subsequently, palace maids from the Imperial Pharmacy openly expressed their gratitude for Yunxian's effective treatments and generosity, noting that she even used her own savings to help them. They praised her for her skills and compassion.
Episode 46 Recap
Yunxian remained deeply upset with Qiyu over the Retired Emperor's plight and refused to see him. However, her palace maid, Lvxiang, revealed that Qiyu often visited her chambers secretly, fearing her anger and instructing Lvxiang not to announce his presence. Hearing this, Yunxian's heart softened. When Qiyu came again, Yunxian, observing the late-night fog, invited him inside. They shared a night, their first true intimate time together, yet Yunxian felt she was merely going through the motions, acting a part.
The next morning, she seized the opportunity to request permission to visit her father, Hang Gang, and her grandmother, which Qiyu readily granted. Upon visiting her family, Yunxian discussed the dire situation in the South Palace. She expressed deep guilt, feeling she had personally hurt the Retired Emperor. Hang Gang explained that aiding the Retired Emperor was nearly impossible, as not even high-ranking officials could deliver goods there.
Her grandmother added that the Empress Consort (Qian jiejie) in the South Palace was forced to embroider items to sell for goat milk for the young Crown Prince. Yunxian then produced valuable ginseng pills and rare pearls, which she had carefully disguised with medicine, and asked her father and grandmother to use them to help the South Palace.
To ensure safe delivery while avoiding detection, Yunxian instructed Lvxiang to contact her cousin, who had served alongside the Retired Emperor during the Northern campaign and at the Gold Panning Riverside. She asked her cousin to find a loyal former associate named Li San. Soon after, Li San, Yu Dongyang, and Huo Guang, disguised as guards, successfully delivered food and supplies to the South Palace, greatly improving their living conditions.
The Retired Emperor was touched by their loyalty and wondered about Yunxian's well-being, trusting she was doing well. Yunxian was deeply appeased when she learned of the successful mission. Later, a former court lady, Yuxiang, from Renshou Palace approached Yunxian, urgently seeking her help for Empress Dowager Sun. Despite their past animosity, Yunxian readily agreed to assist, declaring that she could not stand by while someone suffered.
Yuxiang revealed that Empress Dowager Sun's sudden "stroke" and subsequent semi-conscious state, exacerbated by prescribed medicines, was suspicious. She recounted that Empress Dowager Wu, upon visiting and residing in Renshou Palace, had openly gloated, stating it was retribution for Empress Dowager Sun being tricked by her own niece, Empress Wang Meilin.
Yuxiang also warned Yunxian not to inform Qiyu, explaining that before her illness, Empress Dowager Sun had vehemently argued with him, accusing him of fabricating evidence to implicate her in the assassination attempt on the Retired Emperor, an act actually orchestrated by Duke Wang. Further investigation by Lvxiang confirmed these details, also revealing Empress Wang Meilin's involvement in Empress Dowager Sun's illness.
Deeply disappointed by Qiyu's callous treatment of his own legal mother, who had placed him on the throne, Yunxian expressed her profound disappointment, feeling she could never truly leave the palace in this lifetime. Nevertheless, she was determined to heal Empress Dowager Sun. Meanwhile, the imperial physician Cheng Cunxia noticed an unusual improvement in Empress Dowager Sun's condition and went to Renshou Palace to investigate. He discovered Yunxian discreetly treating her.
Initially, Cheng Cunxia harbored resentment towards Empress Dowager Sun, stating his uncle had served her for years only to die under her orders, and that his current actions were a form of payback. However, Yunxian challenged his perspective, reminding him of their master Liu Pingan's ideals. She revealed that Master Liu Pingan had always held Cheng Cunxia in high regard, advocating for his position in the Imperial Medicine Bureau and truly believing him to be his most skilled disciple.
Overwhelmed by this revelation, Cheng Cunxia shed tears of regret, realizing his misunderstanding. With his heart unburdened, he agreed to collaborate with Yunxian in treating Empress Dowager Sun. Together, they devised a plan to safely remove Empress Dowager Sun from the palace and, in alliance with Abbess Jingci, eventually force Qiyu to return power to the Retired Emperor.
Their immediate steps intended to bribe the Bureau of Astronomy to report an abnormal celestial phenomenon, then arrange for Abbess Jingci, leveraging her past connections, to request Empress Dowager Sun's transfer to Yongqing Convent. They reasoned that Empress Wang Meilin, believing Empress Dowager Sun would remain in a vegetative state, might even welcome the move, thinking her death at the convent would be easier to explain.
Word soon reached Empress Wang Meilin that Yunxian had been graced by Qiyu five times in the past month. Despite their apparent rift, Qiyu had been secretly visiting Yunxian at Wan'an Palace, returning to his own palace before dawn to keep it from Wang Meilin. Enraged, Wang Meilin denounced Yunxian as a "flirt vixen" and vowed to kill her. Her maid advised caution, pointing out that eliminating Yunxian would not make the Emperor forget her.
Instead, she suggested enlisting Duke Wang to amplify the accusations against Yunxian. On the imperial court, ministers launched a fresh wave of accusations against Yunxian. Duke Zhao, among others, questioned the Emperor's decisions and raised concerns about the Crown Prince's education. Liu Daojiang then accused Qiyu of locking up the Retired Emperor, favoring relatives, and allowing a "witch consort" (Yunxian) to cause chaos by expanding the Imperial Pharmacy.
Qiyu, feeling his imperial reputation tarnished, furiously summoned Yunxian and ordered her to dismantle the Imperial Pharmacy and disband the doctresses, restricting her to Wan'an Palace without salary. Yunxian, however, defiantly refused, asserting that Qiyu was sacrificing the well-being of countless palace women for his reputation. She threatened to end her life if he persisted, reminding him that her life, once "stolen back from the Oirats," held little value to her. Faced with her resolute stance, Qiyu relented.
This setback only fueled Wang Meilin's determination. She instructed Duke Wang to rally more imperial censors to publicly brand Yunxian as a "scourge," hoping to force Qiyu to abolish her status, or even sentence her to the cold palace or death. The court was soon filled with renewed clamor. Ministers, led by Duke Wang and Wu Shang, continued their relentless attacks, accusing Yunxian of various transgressions, including disrespecting Empress Dowager Sun.
In response, Yunxian, dressed in plain white, boldly entered the Fengtian Hall, declaring she had no intention of leaving alive. Defying attempts to remove her, she challenged the ministers, asking who she had harmed and pointing out the thousands of sick palace women who suffered without proper medical care. She argued that "doctress" was merely a title, not an official position, and required no state funds.
She questioned why her past successes in healing Empress Dowager Sun and the Princess of Boni were once deemed meritorious, yet her current efforts to establish female doctors were condemned as an offense against "justice" and "order." She then dramatically offered to commit suicide to preserve their esteemed court order. At this critical moment, Yu Dongyang arrived, presenting a decree from the Retired Emperor.
The decree, a "declaration of his own sins," clarified that the female doctor system had been his personal initiative during the Northern Expedition, ordered to alleviate the suffering of war-affected women and children who lacked medical treatment. He explicitly stated that Yunxian was merely following his command and took full responsibility for any disputes it caused. Ashamed by this revelation, the assembled ministers bowed and accepted the Retired Emperor's virtuous decree.
Episode 47 Recap
Knowing that the Retired Emperor had deliberately issued a last-minute decree through Yu Dongyang in court to protect Yunxian, Qiyu grew even more resentful towards her. After escorting the Empress Dowager, Qiyu told Yunxian, "You seem to be very special to him," before ordering her confinement to Wan'an Palace. An announcement was made that Noble Consort Hang was ordered to reflect upon her actions in Wan'an Palace.
Wang Meilin, hearing this, remarked to her maid that Yunxian must practice black magic to still be alive, but then deduced that Qiyu was likely tired of Yunxian, which was even better than killing her. Meanwhile, the Retired Emperor, still confined, reflected on a debt he owed Zheng Qi, knowing it could not be repaid in this lifetime. Soon after, a plague struck the capital following floods in Nanjing, spreading rapidly and severely.
Citizens frantically sought help from physicians, describing symptoms of fever, coughing, spitting blood, and bodies turning black, but many doctors, unable to cure them, turned them away. Ministers, including Yu Dongyang, reported to Qiyu that prominent officials were dying within three days of contracting the disease and warned that Beijing would become a dead city if not controlled. Qiyu tasked Duke Wang, Wang Meilin's father, with managing the crisis.
However, Cao Jixiang subtly suggested to Qiyu that this chaos presented an opportunity to eliminate the Empress Dowager Sun's confidants, such as Bai Jin, Du Fulai, and Zhou Jiang, all of whom held important positions. Qiyu agreed, placing Cao Jixiang in charge of this scheme. Cao Jixiang later gloated to Shi Heng about his new power, boasting that "When the Emperor changes, his court of ministers also has to change," and that he sought to become a Head Eunuch.
Shi Heng, however, warned Cao Jixiang to be careful. As the situation worsened, supervisor Cheng Cunxia tried to set up relief stalls and distribute mungbean soup, but Bai Jin's soldiers stormed through, smashing their medicine pots. Bai Jin, anticipating Qiyu's attempt to eliminate him, had taken most of the capital's troops and locked the city gates from the outside, preventing the burial of plague victims and declaring he would "die together" with the city.
Yu Dongyang reported this dire situation to Qiyu, revealing that thousands had died and even an eunuch in the outer palace had contracted the disease, with the Empress Dowager Sun hearing the people's cries from inside the palace. Wang Meilin proposed that Qiyu and the Empress Dowager seek refuge on an island in the Taiye Pond, where supplies could be delivered by boat.
Yu Dongyang urged Qiyu to remain in Qianqing Palace to maintain control, but Qiyu, supported by the Empress Dowager Sun, refused, delegating all plague matters to Minister Yu. Qiyu then told Wang Meilin he would leave Yunxian to her to be brought to the island, before departing with the Empress Dowager. However, Wang Meilin's intentions were sinister.
She sent Yunxian and her maid Luxiang on a small boat, but the eunuch rowing it, under Wang Meilin's secret orders, refused Yunxian's request to go back for other medicine women. Instead, he stopped the boat in the middle of the lake and began to drill holes in the bottom. Yunxian struck him with a wooden board, but both she and Luxiang fell into the water as the boat sank.
Fortunately, two medical women from the Imperial Pharmacy, passing by, threw ropes and rescued them. Yunxian, realizing "Someone on the island doesn't want me there," decided against going to the island. Instead, she resolved to go to the Imperial Faculty of Medicine and then into the city to directly confront the plague.
At the Imperial Faculty of Medicine, Yunxian and the medical women observed a corpse with a deep purple, almost black discoloration, recognizing it as the "black neck sickness" or "black death" a physician had once described to her in Oirat. She suggested that rhubarb, which the Mongols called Zhumusa, could be an effective antidote, though the imperial physicians were initially skeptical, fearing its detoxifying effect might worsen the patients' diarrhea.
Cheng Cunxia, however, agreed to try it, and instructed Wan Ning to add sweet flag and honeysuckle to the decoction. Since distributing medicine from stalls was impossible due to Bai Jin's actions, they decided to deliver medicine door-to-door. Yu Dongyang and Hang Gang brought men from the Ministry of Justice, equipped with sulphur-covered clothes and moist facial cloths for protection, to assist in the distribution. Yunxian rallied everyone to do their best to control the epidemic.
Meanwhile, Qiyu ordered Cao Jixiang to return to the mainland to control the palace, burn all boats, and prevent anyone from entering the island, granting him the titles of Head Eunuch and Director of the Eastern Depot and Imperial Guards. Wang Meilin, hearing Yunxian was missing and finding her shoes by the lake, assumed she had drowned and that the eunuch had fled. In the city, Yunxian and the medical women personally boiled medicine.
When an old man choked on phlegm, Yunxian attempted to suck it out, but the Retired Emperor, who had escaped from the South Palace with Li San after the guards fled due to the plague, stopped her. He pointed out the risk of spreading the disease through spit and instead used his fingers to clear the man's throat.
He revealed he had come to find Yunxian and refused to return to the South Palace, declaring, "This time, even if I die, I will die with you." Yunxian then implemented a system of colored ribbons to categorize patients for more efficient medicine distribution. The Retired Emperor, now a figure of authority and popular support, took charge of the relief efforts.
He instructed Yu Dongyang to issue bulletins on plague prevention under his own name, ordered the extermination of rats (which Yunxian suggested caused the plague), secured Bai Jin's capture with the help of Abbess Jingci, and assigned Shi Heng to suppress looting. As they tirelessly worked into the night, the Retired Emperor gently draped his coat over a sleeping Yunxian, who awoke from a nightmare of everyone, including him, her godfather, and father, dying.
He comforted her, reassuring her that hundreds had already shown improvement and they would surely prevail. As the epidemic came under control, a child recovered, leading grateful citizens to hail Yunxian as the "Living Guanyin." Yunxian, on a whim, proposed a friendly competition between her medical women and the Imperial Academy of Medicine, led by her senior brother Cheng Cunxia, to see who could cure more patients.
Yu Dongyang sent a memorial to Qiyu, informing him of the controlled epidemic and requesting his return to the capital. Qiyu, upon hearing about the Retired Emperor and Yunxian's popular efforts and harmonious cooperation from Wang Meilin, decided to leave the island. While assessing patients, Yunxian suddenly felt unwell and, fearing she had contracted the plague, warned everyone to stay away. The Retired Emperor immediately touched her forehead to check for a fever.
Just then, Qiyu arrived, witnessing the intimate gesture and pulling the Retired Emperor away. Qiyu angrily confronted the Retired Emperor for leaving the South Palace without permission and Yunxian for leaving the palace as a Noble Consort. Yunxian again warned him of her suspected plague, but Qiyu insisted on having Cheng Cunxia examine her. When Qiyu ordered guards to escort the Retired Emperor back to the South Palace, the grateful citizens protested, asserting he had saved them all.
The Retired Emperor, however, instructed the crowd to disperse, acknowledging Qiyu as the current Emperor. Cheng Cunxia, after examining Yunxian, happily announced that she had not contracted the plague, but was, in fact, two months pregnant. Qiyu and the people rejoiced at the news.
Episode 48 Recap
Emperor Qiyu was delighted to learn of Yunxian's pregnancy, declaring it a joyous event. He promptly issued an imperial decree, promoting Noble Consort Hang to Imperial Noble Consort, praising her for saving the Capital during the plague and her current pregnancy. He told Yunxian that she would soon be a mother and asked her not to be angry with him anymore. He admitted his jealousy upon seeing her and his brother together during her disappearance.
Yunxian then revealed that someone had intended to harm her, breaking her boat, and that only medicine women had saved her and Lvxiang. Yunxian suspected the Empress, though Qiyu initially found it impossible. Yunxian pressed the matter, insisting that for the sake of their child, no one should be allowed to escape justice.
Qiyu vowed to have Cao Jixiang investigate thoroughly, promising that if anyone, including the Empress, dared to harm Yunxian or their child, he would not let them get away with it. Meanwhile, Empress Wang Meilin was furious upon hearing of Yunxian's pregnancy, declaring she would not allow it and questioning how Yunxian could have a child when hers was gone.
Duke Wang urged her to calm down, reminding her that her priority should be covering up the attempt on Yunxian's life. He informed her that he had already arranged for a eunuch from Renshou Palace to be framed for the boat incident. When Wang Meilin suggested methods like saffron or causing Yunxian to fall, Duke Wang cautioned against any immediate action, pointing out that Qiyu was protecting Yunxian fiercely and any scheme would immediately implicate her.
He advised Wang Meilin to endure and allow Yunxian to deliver the child, suggesting that after a year or two, they could make it appear as if Yunxian died of illness. He stressed the importance of maintaining a virtuous front to regain Qiyu's favor during Yunxian's pregnancy. Cao Jixiang's investigation into Yunxian's near-drowning was completed, and a eunuch read the letter to Qiyu, just as Empress Wang Meilin arrived.
The letter, tampered with by Wang Meilin, implicated a eunuch from Renshou Palace (Empress Dowager Wu's palace), noting that he had been handsomely rewarded by the Empress Dowager and had a will stipulating that Empress Dowager Wu would care for his family should anything happen to him.
Wang Meilin, feigning innocence, confirmed her clear conscience but then subtly shifted blame onto Empress Dowager Wu, pointing out Yunxian's lack of respect towards her and Empress Dowager Wu's past resentment of Yunxian for angering ministers over the medicine women. Wang Meilin even offered to have her maid, Lan Cao, take the blame if Yunxian still suspected her. However, Qiyu, remembering Wang Meilin's past attempt to poison Empress Dowager Wu, harbored deep distrust.
He quickly dismissed the matter, telling Wang Meilin to return to her palace and granting clemency to Duke Wang. After she left, Qiyu expressed his fear that Wang Meilin, who had poisoned Empress Dowager Wu and framed her own maid, might one day poison him too. He immediately summoned Cao Jixiang for further inquiry into the attempt on Yunxian's life.
Later, Qiyu warned Yunxian to be extra careful, advising her to stay away from servants from both Kunning Palace (Empress Wang Meilin) and Renshou Palace (Empress Dowager Wu), and increased her guards. He refused her request to visit the Imperial Medical Faculty and Imperial Pharmacy, insisting she prioritize her pregnancy and stay safe in the palace. He suggested she instead write her medical book, "Miscellaneous Entries of a Female Physician", limiting her to 500 characters a day.
During a court session, officials reported high death tolls from the plague across various regions, acknowledging the contributions of the retired Emperor, Imperial Noble Consort Hang, and other officials. An urgent report arrived detailing that Ye Xian, now the Oirat Khan, was leading 3,000 ambassadors to Datong to offer condolences and propose an alliance, effectively testing Ming's weakened state.
Officials urged Qiyu to personally lead the army to Datong and meet Ye Xian, while Duke Wang argued against it, citing the ongoing epidemic and Qiyu's imperial status. However, a minister clarified that Ye Xian had crowned himself the Heavenly Khagan of Great Yuan, making him a ruler. Another minister stressed the danger of not meeting Ye Xian, warning of a potential invasion that Ming could not withstand in its current state.
Qiyu initially agreed to depart for Datong in three days. Empress Wang Meilin and Empress Dowager Wu vehemently opposed Qiyu's departure. Wang Meilin argued that it would create a power vacuum, potentially allowing the retired Emperor to stage a comeback. She also expressed concern for Qiyu's safety given Ye Xian's violent nature, and used Yunxian's delicate pregnancy as a reason to keep him in the Capital.
Swayed by their pleas, Qiyu held Yunxian's hand, touching her belly, and declared that he would not leave them. The next day, Qiyu feigned a leg injury in court to avoid going to Datong, ordering Yu Dongyang to go instead. Yu Dongyang refused, stating that an alliance between two nations required a meeting between rulers.
The court was deadlocked until Zhu Qizhen, the retired Emperor, appeared and volunteered to go, stating he had experience with Ye Xian and was the most suitable choice. Qiyu reluctantly accepted his brother's offer. Yunxian was deeply upset by Qiyu's feigned injury and cowardice, especially after learning from a servant that Qiyu was merely afraid of death. She refused to see him later that night, pretending to be asleep.
Qiyu, sensing her disapproval, confessed his feelings of inadequacy compared to his brother and regretted having fought for the throne. The following day, as Yunxian took a walk for fresh air, Empress Dowager Wu accosted her, criticizing her muddy shoes and berating her for disrespecting her and potentially harming her unborn grandson by being so active.
When Yunxian tried to explain the health benefits of exercise, Empress Dowager Wu slapped her, declaring it a warning, and forbade her from leaving Wan'an Palace without her explicit permission. Later, Qiyu questioned Yunxian about retorting his mother, explaining Empress Dowager Wu's bad temper stemmed from her lowly birth and the challenges of her new title, but he continued to insist that Yunxian remain confined for the sake of the child.
Yunxian, with a headache, asked to rest, effectively ending their conversation. Empress Wang Meilin, pleased by Yunxian's troubles, hoped her rival would miscarry or that the Empress Dowager would allow her to raise the child. Still, Wang Meilin desired Yunxian's death and recalled Duke Wang's advice for a tasteless, colorless poison undetectable by physicians. She then learned about Borneo diamonds, described as the hardest substance on earth, capable of grinding jade smooth.
She covertly tested diamond powder on a rabbit, which Cheng Cunxia, unaware of the method, diagnosed as having died of natural causes from an acute intestinal problem, not poison. Meanwhile, Zhu Qizhen met Ye Xian outside Datong. Ye Xian, though now a Khan, still referred to Zhu Qizhen as "retired Emperor." Zhu Qizhen invited Ye Xian to the scenic Wuzhou Mountains for their discussion, and they both ordered their armies to retreat.
They engaged in a horse race, which ended in a draw. Ye Xian probed Zhu Qizhen's wisdom, acknowledging that the retired Emperor understood his precarious position. He confessed his struggles in subduing Ala Zhiyuan and his fear that Ming might ally with them to attack Oirat from both sides.
Ye Xian offered to become a subject to Ming and forge a thirty-year peace, but Zhu Qizhen insisted on a relationship of "uncle and nephew" rather than "brother nations," to which Ye Xian reluctantly agreed. They then swore an oath to uphold the peace for three decades. Overjoyed by the successful alliance, Qiyu rushed to Yunxian's palace. He found a sour bayberry soup, sent earlier as a gift from him, which Yunxian had set aside as it was too cold.
Without thinking, Qiyu, feeling hot, drank the soup. He happily shared the news of the alliance, Ye Xian's tribute, and the new nephew-uncle relationship. He expressed his profound regret for his past actions, admitting his jealousy and selfishness, and promised to compensate his imperial brother, whom he now recognized as truly worthy. He also decreed that Empress Dowager Qian would no longer be confined.
Yunxian, however, seized the moment to ask Qiyu not to remove Jianshen from the Crown Prince position for their unborn child, urging him to return everything that originally belonged to the retired Emperor, who had never harmed him. Qiyu appeared to hesitate at her words.
Episode 49 Recap
After his imperial brother's successful alliance in Datong, Qiyu joyfully shared the good news with Yunxian, assuring her that he no longer harbored ill feelings towards his brother and would compensate him generously. Yunxian, in turn, advised Qiyu against changing the Crown Prince, urging him not to let their unborn child contend for the title with the current Crown Prince Jianshen. Qiyu, after a moment of hesitation, promised Yunxian he would not change the Crown Prince.
He confessed his past error in tacitly approving harm against the Empress Dowager, expressing deep shame. He vowed to never repeat such actions, pledging to rule the country diligently with his imperial brother, ensuring a happy life for all civilians, and promising to treat his imperial brother, Yunxian, and their child well.
As the retired emperor, Zhu Qizhen, approached the capital, Qiyu prepared to personally welcome him, dismissing any concerns about his brother's accompanying troops and hailing him as a hero. Qiyu decided to visit the South Palace himself to deliver ten sets of jade pendants as a reward. However, as he was about to depart, he was suddenly seized by acute stomach pain and coughed up a large amount of blood.
Imperial physicians, led by Cheng Cunxia, initially diagnosed him with excessive toxic heat, prescribing rhinoceros horn powder and Radix Rehmanniae soup, but his condition did not improve. Yunxian, who was pregnant, arrived to check on him, but Qiyu, not wanting her to contract any illness, kept her at a distance.
Later, Physician Wan Ning privately voiced his suspicion that the Emperor's symptoms were more akin to a child who had mistakenly ingested a foreign object, leading to severe abdominal issues, vomiting, and blood in his stool. Cheng Cunxia, recalling the Empress Wang Meilin's rabbit accident involving diamond powder, confronted her. He revealed that Qiyu was not suffering from a mere digestive problem but had been poisoned by a tasteless, odorless foreign substance that caused his intestines to crumble.
Wang Meilin, realizing Qiyu had accidentally ingested the diamond powder she intended for Yunxian, initially denied any knowledge. However, when pressed by Cheng Cunxia about the Emperor's rapidly worsening condition, she confessed to sending the poison to Wan'an Palace, claiming she never meant to harm Qiyu. She explained that it was diamond powder, tested on rabbits to ascertain its slow effect, and the small amount sent to Yunxian was meant to last until her due date.
Enraged, Cheng Cunxia chastised her for plotting to kill both mother and child, warning her against concealing the truth. Yunxian later confronted Cheng Cunxia directly, noting Qiyu's significant blood loss and vomiting indicated something more serious than a digestive issue. She accused him of hiding information and urged him to reveal the truth so they could work together to save the Emperor, pointing out that waiting for his master from Nanjing for twenty days was not an option.
At this critical moment, Wang Meilin rushed in, kneeling before Yunxian and tearfully begging her to save Qiyu, reiterating the truth about the diamond powder. She admitted her intense hatred and jealousy towards Yunxian for "stealing" Qiyu and being able to bear his child, but insisted she did not want Qiyu to die. Just then, Qiyu, supported by Xiao Ma'zi, entered.
He declared her actions "retribution," recalling how he had witnessed her poisoning the former Empress Dowager and never imagined he would suffer at her hands. Wang Meilin desperately pleaded her innocence, but Qiyu remained unmoved. He immediately ordered an edict to be drafted, announcing Wang Meilin's abolishment as Empress. Out of consideration for their past, he decreed she would be exiled to a side palace.
Wang Meilin, in a fit of despair, protested fiercely, reminding him of her sacrifices, including killing her own aunt for him, and vehemently opposed his decision to make Yunxian Empress. Despite her pleas, Qiyu ordered her dragged out, and the edict was read: Empress Wang Meilin was deposed and banned from the palace, and Imperial Noble Consort Hang Yunxian, for her virtue and refinement, was conferred the title of Empress.
Qiyu then urged Yunxian to accept the position, lamenting that he had few good days left and wished to be her husband for as long as possible. Yunxian, however, firmly dismissed his fatalistic words, promising to cure him. To combat the diamond powder, Yunxian gathered all imperial physicians and medical women to brainstorm solutions. She also sent messengers to Jiangnan to find her Daoist priest mentor, hoping his unique knowledge could offer a cure.
Yunxian forgave Cheng Cunxia for his earlier misdiagnosis and urged him to atone by helping Qiyu recover blood. She herself relocated to the Imperial Faculty of Medicine to dedicate herself to finding a solution. Drawing inspiration from her Daoist mentor's story about a man poisoned with gold powder, Yunxian devised a remedy using flour soup mixed with wood shavings, believing the wood would absorb the powder and the thick soup would help it adhere.
Qiyu, though experiencing severe abdominal pain, bravely consumed the concoction, enduring the discomfort for Yunxian and their unborn child. However, his bleeding worsened daily. Amidst his worsening condition, Qiyu grew concerned about Yunxian, who appeared frail from overworking, and insisted that she and the child remain safe. Empress Dowager Wu, desperate, attempted to visit Qiyu but was intercepted by Yunxian.
The Empress Dowager launched into a furious tirade, blaming Yunxian for Qiyu's illness and accusing her of being an inauspicious omen. Yunxian calmly stood her ground, and the Empress Dowager was escorted away. Eventually, Yunxian, exhausted from her tireless efforts, fainted. Cheng Cunxia, fearing for her pregnancy, ordered her to rest for ten days. However, Yunxian, ever devoted to Qiyu's recovery, merely requested a doubled dosage of donkey hide gelatin and fructus amoni to stabilize her pregnancy.
That same day, a medical woman discovered that diamond powder absorbed oil exceptionally well. Experiments on rabbits showed that while water and other medicines were ineffective, lard successfully helped the rabbits expel the diamond powder. This breakthrough led Yunxian to suggest using sesame oil, which could both cleanse the intestines and enrich Qiyu's blood. The treatment was promptly applied to Qiyu, and to everyone's relief, he began expelling some of the diamond powder.
Liu Pingan examined Qiyu, confirming the efficacy of Yunxian's treatment, but cautioned that despite the progress, some diamond powder might still remain, and Qiyu continued to suffer from internal blood clots that would require further treatment. Though showing signs of recovery, Qiyu still feared his illness was fatal and that his days were numbered. He met with his imperial brother, Zhu Qizhen, acknowledging Zhu Qizhen's efforts and expressing gratitude.
Qiyu then announced his intention to entrust the court to Zhu Qizhen during his recovery, with Minister Yu as a counselor. He confessed to Zhu Qizhen that he had usurped the throne, driven by greed for power and reputation, which had twisted his personality and caused Zhu Qizhen immense suffering in the Oirat Clan and the South Palace. Zhu Qizhen, showing his magnanimity, accepted Qiyu's repentance, stating that the past had already been repaid.
Qiyu further revealed his desire to accumulate virtue for his unborn child, Jianji, a name he and Yunxian had chosen regardless of the child's gender. He deeply apologized to Zhu Qizhen, asking for forgiveness for all his past wrongdoings. The two brothers finally reconciled, embracing each other.
Empress Dowager Wu, however, once again burst in, hysterically protesting Qiyu's plan to abdicate, fearing for her own position and accusing Yunxian of being a "traitorous woman" who wished to harm her son and restore her "lover" to the throne. Qiyu, weary, had her escorted away. Weakened by his illness, Qiyu held Yunxian close, reminiscing about their long struggles that had finally led to good days. He asked her to promise to be with him in their next life. Yunxian gently brushed aside his melancholic words, assuring him that he would recover soon. Qiyu looked at her with deep affection, murmuring, "What you say will be how it goes."
Episode 50 (Ending) Recap
On New Year's Eve, the family gathered, including Qiyu, Yunxian, Empress Dowager Wu, and the Retired Emperor, Qizhen. Qiyu, who appeared much healthier, attributed his recovery to Yunxian's efforts in finding miraculous medicine. However, Empress Dowager Wu launched into a series of criticisms, disparaging Yunxian for providing Qiyu with what she called "messy roots and weeds."
She further implied that Yunxian's unborn child with Qiyu would not live long, remarking that with an "Imperial Uncle" (Qizhen) like that, who knows how long it would live after birth. Empress Dowager Wu then lashed out at Qiyu, accusing him of being swayed by others to abdicate and of prioritizing a "traitorous woman" over his own mother. Her harsh words angered Qiyu, causing him to vomit blood.
Seeing his deteriorating condition, Qizhen suggested that he and Yunxian would handle the Lunar New Year celebrations on Qiyu's behalf, and helped Qiyu retreat to rest. As snow began to fall that New Year's Eve, Yunxian stood outside. Qizhen approached her, expressing his worry for both her and Qiyu. He reminisced about a past New Year's Eve spent with Yunxian in her backyard, dancing in the snow and watching fireworks, noting how the current snowfall evoked those memories.
Qizhen promised Yunxian that, no matter what transpired, he would ensure she, Qiyu, and their unborn child, Jianji, could live out their lives in peace and happiness. He then asked her to call him "Yuanbao" one last time, which she did. Before departing to reunite with Jianshen, Qizhen used his foot to write "Chagiya" in the snow, a Joseon word meaning "dear," which Yunxian had once taught him, and bade her farewell.
Back inside, Qiyu, despite his happiness, downplayed his mother's earlier remarks, believing she was merely concerned about preserving her status as Empress Dowager. He confessed to Yunxian that his mother valued her position more than him, a pursuit of power that had even led him to marry Wang Meilin, and questioned why he had such a birth mother. Yunxian tried to comfort him and urged him to rest for the coming new year.
However, as the night deepened, Qiyu suddenly awoke, violently vomiting large amounts of blood. Yunxian desperately tried to control the bleeding with acupuncture and summoned Cheng Cunxia, assuring Qiyu that she would stay by his side. But despite her efforts, Qiyu passed away. Cheng Cunxia arrived too late. Empress Dowager Wu rushed in, heartbroken and enraged, blaming Yunxian's "damn medicines" for her son's death.
In her grief and fury, she shoved Yunxian to the ground, causing Yunxian to bleed profusely, indicating a grave danger to her own life and that of her unborn child. Shi Heng and Cao Jixiang hastily informed Qizhen of Qiyu's death and Empress Dowager Wu's intention to have Yunxian immolated. They also presented a fabricated story about Duke Wang attempting to install a new, young emperor.
Concerned for Yunxian, Qizhen immediately rode to the palace, where Empress Dowager Sun revealed that she and Abbess Jingci had orchestrated these events. Abbess Jingci clarified that while Empress Dowager Wu did plan Yunxian's immolation, the story about Duke Wang was false. She also sadly conveyed that Yunxian had not merely gone into premature labor but had suffered a miscarriage, and the unborn prince could not be saved.
Empress Dowager Sun and Abbess Jingci then pressed Qizhen to reclaim the throne to avert a crisis in the Ming Dynasty. Initially hesitant, Qizhen was convinced when Empress Dowager Sun resolved their long-standing misunderstanding, swearing that his mother's death was an accident, and the belief that she was responsible was a lie concocted by Wang Zhen to gain his trust. As a final inducement, she promised to save Yunxian if he ascended the throne.
Qizhen agreed and rushed to where Empress Dowager Wu, consumed by grief over Qiyu's body, was preparing for Yunxian's immolation. Qizhen intervened and rescued Yunxian, who was severely bleeding. Following these tumultuous events, Qizhen reclaimed the throne in the first month of Jingtai's eighth year. Qiyu was demoted to Prince of Cheng and passed away ten days later. Cheng Cunxia, deeply distressed, discussed Yunxian's condition, noting she was profoundly hurt and might never recover from her immense grief.
He lamented her difficult fate as a woman determined to practice medicine. Qizhen visited Yunxian daily during her slow recovery, explaining that he had abolished her position as Empress to prevent her from being immolated and buried with Qiyu. After some time, Yunxian, unable to overcome her sorrow for Qiyu and their lost child Jianji, and weary of palace life, chose to leave the imperial city and travel the world.
Qizhen, understanding her need to heal, continued his duties as Emperor but confessed to an attendant that his heart had always belonged to Yunxian. He asked the attendant to convey to Yunxian that he would always wait for her if she ever wished to return. Years later, Yunxian, now known as Physician Tan, was a respected practitioner among the common people.
She encountered Cheng Cunxia, who had also resigned his official post to become a wandering physician, seeking atonement for past errors. He expressed his admiration for Yunxian's dedication to healing, confessing that he now found immense happiness in helping patients, a lifestyle he preferred over the pursuit of wealth and fame. Yunxian explained that she had no reason to stay in the palace and had found her true purpose in medicine.
Cheng Cunxia asked her to reserve a copy of her forthcoming book, "Miscellaneous Entries of a Female Physician," for him. Meanwhile, Empress Qian passed away. Yingzong, after a total of 22 years on the throne, abdicated in favor of Crown Prince Zhu Jianshen. Having previously abolished the centuries-old system of immolation, Yingzong decided to leave the palace to find Yunxian, the woman his heart had cherished for so long.
He journeyed until he found a simple residence bearing the sign "Tan Clinic" beyond a small bridge. Pushing open the gate, he saw Yunxian, dressed in red with her sleeves rolled up, washing her hands in the courtyard. The red jade bracelet on her wrist glinted in the sunlight. Sensing his presence, she slowly turned, her captivating eyes and youthful appearance still as beautiful as he remembered.
Through the combined efforts of Yunxian and other female physicians, and inspired by Yingzong's enlightened policies, the Ming Dynasty officially established a system for female physicians. Society gradually accepted women practicing medicine, allowing female patients to receive treatment for ailments previously overlooked due to gender segregation. This reform led to better health outcomes and significantly increased lifespans across the land.
