The Imperial Doctress Episode 11 Recap
> The Imperial Doctress 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.
