The Imperial Doctress Episode 23 Recap
> The Imperial Doctress 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.
