The Imperial Doctress Episode 42 Recap
> The Imperial Doctress 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.
