The Imperial Doctress Episode 31 Recap
> The Imperial Doctress 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.
