♫ Not meeting each other, not meeting each other That one person, that one glance ♫
♫ Not resenting the years we wasted ♫
♫ In a certain year, that one gaze, who is nostalgic, who is silent? ♫
♫ Brushing past each other's shoulders, do not argue about our fate ♫
♫ If not for that one look, the fleeting sense of yearning ♫
♫ I would be unaware I had loved that person for a lifetime ♫
♫ Until now, even if the city is abound with rumours, do not explain ♫
♫ Using up the world's medicine, it is still hard to cure the affections of the mortal world ♫
♫ The heavy rain is coming and the ground is damp The memories are fading in front of my eyes ♫
♫ Many years later, all the stories turn out to have similar endings♫
♫ Don't say you love someone, don't say but Please do not overdo the tears ♫
♫ Gains and losses will always come around in a cycle ♫
The Imperial Doctress Episode 23
All the traditional herbal therapies and prescriptions are only intended for usage in this drama. Please do not test or imitate.
What's happened?
The Emperor said because of the Empress' matter
the plan is suspended.
The Empress chooses this moment to interfere?
Tell Cao Jixian the plan is suspended.
Go.
I went to see Qian jie jie.
She is fine now.
You must think I'm very cruel.
At her most vulnerable time,
I was so forceful to her.
Even to my own child almost...
Qian jie jie is fine now.
How could she be fine?
If I had used more force, she--
Enough. It's all in the past.
You must think I'm very perturbed.
How could I think of that kind of plan?
But I have no choice.
I only have the Eastern Depot people.
If I don't act,
the Empress Dowager
would harm every person by my side.
First you,
then it could be the Empress.
Qian jie jie doesn't want for you to not act.
She just wants you to be more careful
and go one step at a time.
You did well before, didn't you?
Just explain in the future.
As long as Qian jie jie gives birth to the prince,
the bureaucrats will still favor you.
After all, the Ming Dynasty's family name is Zhu, not Sun.
Is that so?
Of course.
You must get a hold of yourself.
You can't be like this just because you ran into some inconvenience.
You are the Emperor.
The Empress and your child all depend on you
Accompany me to a place.
You can't only think of your mistakes.
In the past, weren't there people who died because of me?
That time, you were the one who helped me think my problems through.
Only by trying harder, only by saving more people
can I amend for my mistakes.
Aren't I doing well now?
You just need to calm down and get yourself together.
It must work.
You're actually doing pretty well now.
When I was with the acting crew,
the peasants all lauded you as a great emperor.
You are just young
and still don't know how to handle the Empress Dowager.
But that's no matter.
The subjects have bright eyes.
They know you're the true leader of the people.
Don't tell me about these moral principles!
Do you know, when I found out the Empress Dowager was going to poison you,
how terrified I was inside!?
I wondered what will become of the land.
I can't even protect you!
Do you know why I always protect you?
Because if I don't do anything, I'll go mad!
You are the Emperor. You cannot go mad.
I am the Son of Heaven.
I can do whatever I want. Including winning you.
Your Majesty!
What are you doing? Let go of me. Let go of me!
You've already known that I liked you, didn't you?
Then tell me. Do you like me even a little bit?
Tell me!
Your Highness, regarding the Emperor,
he's just an old friend I knew outside the court.
I respected him and admired his charisma. ♫ Not meeting each other, not meeting each other♫
But I've never thought of anything more towards him. ♫ That one person, that one glance ♫
♫ Not resenting the years we wasted ♫
No. ♫ In a certain year, that one gaze, who is nostalgic, who is silent? ♫
I've always thought of you as a good friend. ♫ Brushing past each other's shoulders, do not argue about our fate ♫
♫ If not for that one look, the fleeting sense of yearning ♫
♫ I would be unaware I had loved that person for a lifetime ♫
♫ Until now, even if the city is abound with rumours, do not explain ♫
♫ Using up the world's medicine, it is still hard to cure the affections of the mortal world ♫
You are Qian jie jie's husband. ♫ The heavy rain is coming ♫
You are thus my brother. ♫ and the ground is damp ♫
♫ The memories are fading in front of my eyes ♫
♫ Many years later, all the stories turn out to have similar endings♫
♫ Don't say you love someone, don't say but Please do not overdo the tears ♫
♫ Gains and losses will always come around in a cycle ♫
Truthfully, when I
knew you were with Qiyu,
I should have let go.
But I couldn't let go.
I was thinking
that the Empress conceived a son for me,
but I also wanted to go against my conscience
and bring you to my side.
- You wouldn't. - I would.
And I did so.
Do you know
every time
I saw Qiyu arguing with you,
I was quietly thrilled inside.
I didn't know why either.
You're not that kind of person.
When the Empress' condition stabilizes,
go with Qiyu back to Chengzhou.
Leave Beijing. The farther the better.
What is it? You don't believe me?
No.
Qiyu and I thought the same thing.
We just haven't said anything to you yet.
I am the Emperor.
If I can pick it up, I should be able to put it down.
Don't worry.
In the future,
I won't be like I was today.
Just stay patiently.
I will try hard
to treat you as my younger sister.
♫ The smile she gave after receiving the flower ♫
♫ made me forget the nervousness of plucking it ♫
♫ The street filled with lights and fireworks ♫
♫ Who am I yearning for? ♫
After I become a truly benevolent ruler, ♫ The hem of the dress dances among the smoke ♫
I will invite you two to the Palace.♫ The smell of medicine remains on your finger tips ♫
Okay.
You must work hard,
and protect yourself and Qian-jiejie.
I'll be going now.
When you return to Kunning Palace,
don't berate yourself anymore.
Only then will Qian-jiejie stop worrying.
Wait.
Do you still have the gold bracelet I gave you?
♫ Come, the colourful and fleeting times ♫
♫ The flourishing beauty of it covers my eyes ♫
It's a gift from the Emperor.♫ I go just for the day ♫
I wouldn't dare throw it away.♫ when I can bury our memories ♫
That's enough.♫ The hem of the dress dances among the smoke ♫
♫ The smell of medicine remains on your finger tips ♫
♫ As you bow your head, your feelings are hidden from me♫
♫ One year, and another ♫
♫ I still remember that day ♫
♫ The snow under the eaves was very sweet ♫
♫ One day, one thought ♫
♫ and the times we have lost ♫
♫ The wind comes, and you softly walk away ♫
Your Majesty.
What's wrong?
Nothing. I promise you
I won't do such foolish things again.
You must be healthy.
The child must also be healthy.
I'm suddenly so afraid.
I don't want to lose anyone.
Master...
What is it? If you have something, say it.
I...
I'm sorry.
I might have to go to Chengzhou soon.
There might be a span of time
when I can't learn medicine with you.
You can leave.
I already knew Prince Cheng would do this.
This time, you escaped death.
It is already a miracle in itself.
As long as you live, that's better than anything.
Master, don't worry.
Even if I'm in Chengzhou,
I will continue to work diligently.
No matter what time it is, medicine will be my priority.
Good.
Yunxian.
In this span of time, you've learned quite a bit from me.
In the future, just think of what I taught you
You'll be fine as long as you
gain more experience in a practical environment.
Yes.
Aunt. You don't know how afraid I was back there.
Thankfully the guards remained alert.
The Eastern Depot saw that the place was tightly guarded,
and retreated after realising there was nothing they could do.
Your Highness.
Now, the Emperor is even thinking of killing me.
Even if I can escape this one time,
I won't be able to escape forever.
We agreed on three things,
and one of them was to not harm my people.
It seems that I have been too soft-hearted.
Wang Ying.
Go to Nanjing for me,
and tell Duke Ying that I require his presence immediately.
Tell the court officials to submit memorials
complaining about Wang Zhen's domineering power over everyone.
Since the emperor treats him as a close advisor,
he won't let this pass.
If they would quarrel once more,
I can take back some of the political power.
You are most wise, Your Highness.
The Empress said
when I leave, you're in charge of the Imperial Pharmacy.
Between the pharmaceutical courtesans, I think Yue Nian is good.
She understands everything.
if there's something you don't know, consult her.
I understand.
Su Jieyu's medicine needs to be delivered every ten days.
Take note of the amount of dandruff, and alter the amount of medicine accordingly.
I don't know medicine, how could i remember this?
Furthermore, I don't even want to be in charge of the Imperial Pharmacy.
Give it to someone else.
You're the only one who is literate. To whom could I give it?
I know you're been exhausted.
But if I don't communicate this clearly, I can't help but worry.
You don't even want to leave. Of course you can't let go.
If you really wanted to go to Chengzhou, you would've happily left already.
Why would you bother with these matters?
Now, so solemnly, besides not wanting to leave,
what else could it be?
Official Hang!
Physician Hang, the Emperor told me to deliver a pass to you.
Physician Hang, you should leave the Palace immediately.
Yu Dongyang and your family have arrived in the Capital already.
Grandmother! Grandmother!
Yunxian! My good child!
I finally get to see you!
Let's go in.
You're already a female official.
How could you still be so undisciplined?
Father.
Our family is finally reunited,
why must you keep that expression?
Thank you for bringing my grandmother and father back.
Aren't you a constable at Henan? Why have you returned?
The Emperor ordered me back to the court.
I passed by Baoding and met your godmother, so we came back together.
Where's godmother?
She wasn't feeling well, so she returned first.
Then I'll visit her tomorrow.
No need. She's just tired.
Invite your grandmother in quickly.
Yes.
Farewell.
Thank you, Minister Yu.
I have already sworn an oath in front of my grandfather's grave.
As long as I live, I will definitely catch the culprit
and return justice and honour to my grandfather and the Tan family.
Sadly, the Emperor ordered people to search the whole Imperial Medicine Bureau,
but still couldn't find the person with a birthmark on his hand.
Perhaps it will take time before more news arrives.
Good. Good.
Child, quickly, get up.
You are now a female apothecary,
and have become the last disciple of the Imperial Medicine Bureau's supervisor.
This is great.
You have already brought honour to the Tan family.
Yunxian. I'm just happy
that you're alive.
Since the Emperor already knows about your Grandfather's grievance,
the truth will definitely come to light one day.
From now, as long as you can be safe,
marry Prince Cheng,
merrily live the rest of your life,
I will be satisfied.
That's enough. Don't cry; you're about to become a princess consort.
- Grandmother, - Yes?
Qiyu said I'm not safe in Beijing.
He wants to take me the Chengzhou in a few days.
Return to Chengzhou?
The Emperor will order your marriage immediately?
Not yet...
Right now the court is too tumultuous.
Consort Dowager Wu hasn't approved of our marriage.
So the Emperor said we could swear at the altar
and handle the issues later.
Don't drag it, don't drag it.
Even though the Emperor says that,
you are the only descendant of our Tan family.
That means you won't be properly married.
Are you going to be a concubine or a princess consort?
Your grandmother is right.
When I came here with Minister Yu,
I heard him sayquite a lot.
The Empress Dowager wants to take hold of the court,
which is why the Emperor is so occupied with handling her.
The Emperor has done great deeds for our family.
He even made you an official
and restore the Tan household from the injustices we've endured.
If you leave so suddenly,
is that worthy of what the Emperor has done for you?
But... it was the Emperor who asked me to leave.
Yunxian, you often asked me
"Why are women inferior to men?"
I only know if your brother were alive,
he must have upheld his principles
and stayed in the court, performing service
for the Emperor and Empress.
Sir, Prince Cheng has arrived.
Invite him in quickly.
Grandmother and father-in-law look well.
I think they can move back with us
after resting for a few days.
Qiyu. I have something to discuss with you.
What's wrong?
Can we stay here longer?
Qian-jiejie treats me so well.
Now that she's pregnant, all sorts of problems are happening to her.
If I return to Chengzhou with you,
I'm afraid I'll regret it for life.
Besides, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor are on bad terms again.
I can't leave her alone. My conscience won't allow it.
But it is already hard for you to save yourself.
Qiyu. I know
that you're afraid something will happen to me in the Capital.
But being afraid doesn't mean we have to admit defeat.
I remember you told me many times
that your older brother treated you the best.
So, you're always willing to do anything for him.
Now the court politics are in an unstable position.
Are you really going to leave everything behind like this?
You're right.
We are way too selfish
if we decide to leave now.
When I was discussing with father-in-law,
I felt that he didn't want you to leave for Chengzhou like this.
You must be careful this time.
Try and stay inside Kunning Palace.
Okay?
Your Majesty. As an eunuch, Wang Zhen
has ignored court protocol, and is doing everything the way he wants.
My teacher Li Shimian, the Director of the Imperial Academy
didn't give any bribery to Wang Zhen
yet was punished for a crime he didn't commit.
It is pitiable that a scholar like Official Li
was humiliated in public
in front of the Imperial Academy.
I can only submit this memorial
and ask that Your Majesty release Official Li immediately,
and severely punish Wang Zhen.
Li Ji. You are trying to influence His Majesty's decision with false claims.
Li Shimian cut down the holy tree in the Imperial Academy.
The Director of the Eastern Depot punished him accordingly. How is that a miscarriage of justice?
Cao Jixiang.
You are just an eunuch. What right do you have being here?
Enough.
I allowed him to come.
Your Majesty. Though it is by your wish, no eunuch has ever been able to stand together with court officials.
I implore your Majesty to stay away from such bastards, and rid this evil.
Though he is an eunuch, he is also the Director of the Imperial Guards, a senior official of the third rank.
According to custom, senior officials of third rank or higher are able to come to court.
Is there anything wrong with me asking him to come?
Of course.
I'm not going to indulge in Wang Zhen forever.
Yu Dongyang. You're in charge of investigating this matter.
If Li Duan speaks the truth, mete out punishment accordingly.
When the Emperor makes a mistake, he is given the same punishment as commoners.
Moreover an eunuch like him.
Yu Dongyang is the most honourable official.
All of you should rest assured now.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Long live Your Majesty.
The Emperor is very patient.
It seems that he's become smarter
That's true. I didn't think that
it would be harder this time round.
The Emperor wants Yu Dongyang to investigate Wang Zhen.
He's only doing it for the sake of keeping face in front of the oifficials.
Do you really think he can capture the culprit?
Although this does remind me.
Apart from outsiders, the palace itself can be renovated.
Your Highness. you think...
The child within the Emperess may not be our best guarantee.
We must have a backup.
Only that way can I be safer in my posiiton
as the future Grand Empress.
Your Majesty,
aren't you embarrassing me in public this time?
Companion Wang, you are indeed guilty.
So you weren't accused without reason.
I always believe you, but sometimes you take things too far.
Your Majesty, I am most loyal to you.
Silence.
I know.
Try and lie low for a while.
Empress. How are you feeling today?
Your Majesty. Mother is here.
Greetings, mother.
Your recent handling of court matters have gone smoothly, Your Majesty.
I finally feel at peace.
Thank you for your compliment, mother.
I came here to visit the Empress
as well as
to discuss a matter with Your Majesty.
Please speak, mother.
The Empress is with child,
and has done a great service for Ming.
I am very happy.
However, the Empress is feeling unwell recently,
and has always been confined to the bed,
unable to serve Your Majesty.
I went to the Inner Palace,
and chose a few consorts that were more likely to give birth to sons.
This way, our future Prince
or Princess will be able to have some younger siblings.
Come in.
Greetings, Your Highnesses
and Your Majesty.
You may rise.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Mother. Do you treat me as...
You're too shy.
Childbearing is an important matter for the royal family.
The more Princes and Princesses,
the more assured I am.
Mother, you are indeed wise.
I...I had fallen ill recently,
and forgot about this matter.
Mother, do not worry. I am the Empress,
and will persuade His Majesty to spread his affections evenly.
That's right.
This time, the Emperor actually spent time with everyone from the Inner Palace.
However, he only goes to Consort Li's on a frequent basis.
Even if Consort Li
bears a Prince,
they will not be able to inherit the throne.
That's what His Majesty wants.
That doesn't matter.
As long as he's visited the women,
we will have a plan.
You're thinking of exchanging the royal baby with a commoner's baby?
No. We are exchanging a Prince with a Crown Prince.
Prince Ning and Prince Fu's consorts
are both with child.
This time, Cheng Shisan
will be useful again.
...Exchanging the royal baby with a commoner's baby......Frame Hang Yunxian...
Your Highnesses,
have you clearly understood Her Highness the Empress Dowager's secret edict?
You want me to do this sort of thing...
if we're discovered, we'll be beheaded.
Exactly.
Here.
Consort Liu need not worry.
The Empress Dowager has thought everything out.
She will not let you two
get into any trouble.
Whoever succeeds first
will be the future Empress Dowager.
Hence,
taking a risk
is very worth it.
Am I right?
What is this?
These are things I have recently organised.
They are all food therapies.
After entering the Palace, my food therapies have become quite popular.
Therefore since the early days,
I have written down all the food therapies I have used.
Apart from including each of the therapies' contraindications and the type of people who can use it,
I have also included the properties
of commonly seen perfumes and ingredients.
If they can be reprinted,
and be promulgated via the court...
Yunxian.
It's a bit strange to ask the court to reprint this.
Don't misunderstand.
It's not that I'm reluctant to fund this.
I understand. Please let me finish first.
In the past, the great emperors of the different dynasties
will usually direct editing of medicinal books.
An act to show that the government cares for its citizens' welfare.
That's why during the time of Tang Gao Zhong (a great emperor of the Tang dynasty), there's the Tang Herbs.
- During Song Tai Zhong (a great emperor of the Song dynasty) there's... - Don't say it anymore.
I understand it already. You just want to help me.
I heard you say before
that you want to compete with Empress Dowager in getting the citizens' love.
I don't have the skill to write a medicinal book
but we can try these superficial treatment.
I think that once these books are printed
and if we give them to the citizens for free, they will surely be very happy.
And also the book's contents are related to daily meals.
It's not hard to understand them.
Yunxian
Do you know
that I really owe you so much?
It's fine already. If you really think that this idea is great,
then start thinking what title you want to give this book.
You can think about it for the coming days.
I also want to look at them again
and have Teacher check them.
What name?
Let me think first.
How about...
How about naming it Tranquil Food Therapies.
Don't worry. You'll definitely be credited as author.
No.
The issue over the Imperial Dispensary had just ended.
If the court officials find out, they'll complain again.
How about using a pseudonym?
You are right.
As for a pseudonym...
Why not Zheng Xian?
One character each from our names.
Don't misunderstand. I'm not taking advantage of you.
I will still write an introduction as promised.
Okay?
Okay.
Zheng Xian. Zheng Xian.
This is great.
This text explains profound theories with the simplest words. Anyone who can read will be able to understand this.
If this is published, then you have done a great service.
This is going to be published throughout Ming.
There cannot be a single mistake.
Hence, I would like you to edit it for me.
You are right. Physicians should be extremely careful.
Yes.
Leave the drafts here.
I will read through them carefully.
If you don't mind,
I would like your senior brother to look over this as well.
Yunxian.
I know that you are not friendly with your senior brother.
This is a good chance to fix that.
I will listen to your words.
The more people who read it, the less problems the book will have.
Am I really inferior to this girl?
She's only been in the Palace for half a year, and already thought about compiling official medical texts.
It's not that I refuse to compile.
It's just that these food therapies are too simple.
It's called an official medical text, but seems more like Prescriptions for Universal Relief given by the temples.
- Cunxia. - Uncle.
Cunxia.
The Empress Dowager has given me an order. I hope you will do it with me.
Since I will be too busy
to take care of both Consort Liu and Consort Zhou.
Consort Liu and Consort Zhou are with child?
They are.
However, there is a secret to this.
Cunxia. Come closer.
No.
Anyone who meddles with the purity of royal blood will be beheaded.
Speak quietly. What are you afraid of?
We have the Empress Dowager behind us.
Moreover, the baby will be exchanged with a royal Prince's son.
Their surname is still Zhu.
Uncle. You cannot do this.
You cannot lie to the Emperor.
I can promise you anything else,
just not this.
You...
Fine.
If you're unwilling, I'll find someone else instead.
Uncle. Can't you reject the Empress Dowager's request?
Is that possible?
Cunxia. In one's life,
apart from following medical ethics and humanism,
there are many things one cannot let go of.
There were many things that I forbade you from doing,
because I was afraid of tainting you.
Hence, I've done a lot of this by myself.
Yet now
you're grown up and hold your uncle in contempt?
Uncle. I dare not.
I am extremely ashamed.
Fine.
Just pretend you don't know about this.
What are you holding?
My friend owns an apothecary,
and asked me to check over this.
Cunxia.
Anyone out there?
Master.
Where's Cunxia?
Young Master isn't here. Marquis Anping's wife suddenly fell ill,
and sent for Young Master.
- You may leave now. - Yes.
A good opportunity has presented itself to us.
Physician Cheng, everyone is here.
I am asking you all to lend me a hand.
Start immediately and copy everything down.
Just one thing though -
correct everything possible.
For example, Jade Fairy Blossom Soup can be changed to Goddess' Vitality Soup.
Moreover, you can also change the sequence of prescriptions.
Make them back to front. In short, the two cannot be exactly the same.
You must complete this tonight.
Yes.
I have successfully finished negotiations.
The Oirat Clan is willing to trade 10,000 healthy horses
with 50,000 grams of tea and some gold and silver.
10,000 horses?
The Oirat people have finally come to their senses.
That's good though. With the 10,000 horses, I will be able to strengthen my power.
This way, I can also stand my ground against the Empress Dowager.
Older brother,
the Oirat Clan's Grand Preceptor Ye Xian wrote a letter to me.
He said that all tributes were traded at the border.
This time they want to send a diplomat team
- over here. - Fine. Let them come.
It's a celebratory occasion when vassal states send envoys into the Capital.
This way, my reputation and prestige will also improve.
When the diplomats arrive, you will be tasked with hosting them.
Yes. I will go to Datong tomorrow to plan for this.
You must take care of this.
Also, tell the Ministry of Revenue
that it's the Oirat Clan's first time entering the Capital.
Prepare three times the usual amount of silver.
However, only give out the usual amount when you meet them.
This way,
we can take some of the money to pay for military provisions.
The number of imperial guards is steadily increasing.
My private coffers won't be able to support them for much longer.
If you require more,
I still have some private coffers over in Chengzhou.
That won't do.
How can I use your private assets?
You should keep it for personal use.
No matter what, if you require it,
just tell me.
If you don't use it,
I'll use it to make my marriage with Yunxian more dignified.
Exactly. You should.
Zheng Xian
♫ Used to think the winter had always been this cold, ♫
♫ unrelated to my stubborn obsession ♫
♫ If the heavy snow froze everything ♫
♫ I will wait at the beginning, waiting for you to appear. ♫
♫ Perhaps our vows will change, ♫
♫ as will the times. ♫
♫ Constant, yet ever changing ♫
♫ even if the world changes ♫
♫ Even if my complexion ages with time ♫
♫ I am still the young one in white ♫
♫ until the day ♫
♫ I return to meet you ♫
♫ When that day arrives, we will return to familiar places ♫
♫ Appreciating the colourful world, and watching the light dance across your face ♫
♫ When that day arrives, we will return to the first snowfall ♫
♫ Forgetting our obsessions and the past we have lost ♫
♫ Even if my complexion ages with time ♫
♫ I am still the young one in white ♫
♫ until the day ♫
♫ I return to meet you ♫