The Imperial Doctress Episode 40 Recap
> The Imperial Doctress 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.
