The Imperial Doctress Episode 44 Recap
> The Imperial Doctress Recap
Qiyu announced his intention to formally marry Yunxian as his Consort on the first day of the ninth lunar month, promising a grand ceremony attended by all officials. Yunxian inquired if Empress Qian and the rest of the Retired Emperor's family, including Dingxiang, would be invited, also expressing concern for the Crown Prince's recovery from measles.
Qiyu, however, grew jealous, accusing Yunxian of truly wishing to see the Retired Emperor and questioning her time in Oirat, implying an "unclear purpose" relationship for several tens of days. Insulted by his suspicions, Yunxian retorted that her survival and return to the Capital depended on her actions then. She left abruptly, distressed, and soon after, vomited blood and collapsed. Upon learning of Yunxian's collapse, Qiyu rushed to her side, expressing deep anxiety and apologizing for his harsh words.
He confided in her his plan to depose Empress Wang Meilin and make Yunxian the Empress, revealing that he had been secretly adding medicine to Wang Meilin's food to prevent her from conceiving his child. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Meilin, who was standing outside the window, overheard this entire conversation, confirming her suspicions about the "fairy fruit" she had been given. Heartbroken and enraged, Wang Meilin left, vowing to make Yunxian experience a "living death" without incurring the Emperor's hatred.
The following day, Empress Dowager Wu, instigated by Wang Meilin's slander, sent a "momo" and her attendants to accost Yunxian, publicly accusing her of having illicit sexual relations with the Oirat barbarians and losing her innocence. They demanded to "test" her purity. Yunxian, refusing to suffer such a humiliation, threatened to stab herself with a sharp object if they came closer. The "momo" callously urged her to die, then attempted to strangle her with a white ribbon.
Qiyu arrived just in time, having been alerted by a secret report (sent by Wang Meilin pretending concern). He furiously intervened, demanding to know who authorized this. The "momo", prompted by Wang Meilin's subtle signal, falsely blamed Noble Empress Dowager Sun. Enraged, Qiyu executed the "momo" on the spot. He reassured Yunxian, who insisted on her innocence, promising to settle the score with Noble Empress Dowager Sun.
Later, a eunuch from Empress Dowager Wu presented Qiyu with a secret message from the Head of Da Tong, confirming rumors that Yunxian had married Ye Xian and saved his life during a severe illness. Wang Meilin seized the opportunity, subtly adding to Qiyu's suspicions by mentioning even more "absurd" rumors from Oirat fugitives, including a tale of the Retired Emperor fighting Ye Xian over Yunxian.
She feigned sympathy, suggesting that to protect Yunxian's reputation, Qiyu should quickly confer her the title of consort, implying that her current status made her vulnerable to such slander. During court, the debate over Yunxian's enfeoffment was fierce. Duke Zhao vehemently opposed it, citing the rumors of her impurity and comparing her unfavorably to historical figures who chose death over questioned virtue. Infuriated by his stance, Qiyu had Duke Zhao removed from court.
Conversely, he promoted Wang Meilin's father, Duke Wang, to Great Scholar of Wenyuan Hall for his loyalty and support, tasking him with identifying and removing Noble Empress Dowager Sun's confidants from the Ministry of Works. Meanwhile, Yunxian confronted Qiyu, denying any marriage to Ye Xian and explaining the rumors as jealousy from her closeness with Ye Xian's sister. She offered to undergo a physical examination to prove her virginity and, if still disbelieved, requested permission to become a nun.
Qiyu, still troubled by her admitted time among male prisoners, dismissed her plea to become a nun as an attempt to cause him trouble, and left Wan'an Palace without resolving their disagreement. That night, Qiyu drank alone, burdened by his worries. Wang Meilin came to comfort him, expressing understanding for his plight and Yunxian's perceived eccentricities, reassuring him that she was always there to listen.
Finding solace in her company, Qiyu, pleased by her empathy, instructed her to stop consuming the "fairy fruit" that prevented pregnancy, and remained with her for the night. The next morning, Qiyu received news that Yunxian had suffered a high fever the previous night. Instead of visiting her, he issued an imperial decree officially conferring her the title of Noble Consort.
The decree allowed her to remain in Wan'an Palace and be exempt from traditional palace greetings during her recovery, signifying a formal elevation of her status. Simultaneously, in the Southern Palace, the Retired Emperor found himself in increasingly dire circumstances. Dingxiang explained that many palace maids had left due to illness or lack of resources, as Empress Qian had depleted her savings to pay the Retired Emperor's ransom.
Even daily rations were meager, and any "increase" Qiyu had promised was not materializing. The bird's nest soup Yingzong had recently enjoyed, he learned, was secretly brought in by Yunxian. Afterwards, Qiyu met with Yu Dongyang, instructing him to work with the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate Noble Empress Dowager Sun regarding the assassination attempt, providing evidence from the Eastern Depot. Yu Dongyang then requested permission to visit the Retired Emperor in the Southern Palace.
Qiyu initially hesitated, citing the Crown Prince's measles. However, Yu Dongyang pressed the issue, revealing public rumors of the Retired Emperor's house arrest and stating his own immunity to measles. Qiyu then falsely claimed that Noble Empress Dowager Sun was behind the house arrest and the rumors, fearing the Retired Emperor would contend for the throne.
Convinced of Yu Dongyang's unwavering loyalty, Qiyu granted permission for the visit and asked him to convey a message to his imperial brother to endure the situation, promising to improve the Southern Palace facilities soon. Later, Qiyu visited Yunxian, offering her tribute spring tea. However, Yunxian maintained a formal and distant demeanor, responding to him with polite but noncommittal phrases. Annoyed by her perceived coldness and lingering anger, Qiyu questioned her behavior, feeling she was intentionally making things awkward.
He then went to Wang Meilin, complaining about Yunxian's eccentricities and her failure to understand his efforts to accommodate her. Wang Meilin, in turn, playfully chided him for discussing his affections for another woman in her presence, but quickly reassured him that she was always there to listen. Finding comfort in her understanding, Qiyu once again chose to stay the night with Wang Meilin.
