A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College Episode 18 Recap
> A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College Recap
Following Yan Yunzhi's return to the Imperial College and his and Sang Qi's mutual confession of affection, the much-anticipated imperial examination concluded. Students gradually emerged from the examination hall, but Sang Qi was nowhere to be seen. Yan Yunzhi, growing concerned, rushed in to check on her. He found Sang Qi walking slowly with her head down, which deepened his worry.
Sang Qi confessed that she felt peculiar; despite having studied relentlessly before the exam, the moment she submitted her paper, she felt utterly drained, both physically and mentally. Although her imperial examination was now over, for Sang Qi and Yan Yunzhi, everything was just beginning. Despite the examination's end, the students were reluctant to return home. Noticing this, Yan Yunzhi suggested they go out to celebrate its successful completion. Following Yan Yan's proposal, they all promptly headed to Qingfeng Restaurant.
There, Qian Jiu, the proprietress, welcomed them and offered a toast to the students, wishing them success in the examination. She specifically toasted Zhuo Wenyuan, acknowledging his likely success. Yan Yan echoed this sentiment, remarking that even Qian Jiu recognized Zhuo Wenyuan as the most promising candidate. This exchange made Sang Qi uneasy, worrying that if she had not performed well, she might hinder Yan Yunzhi’s future.
Yan Yunzhi quickly interrupted her, asserting before everyone that simply giving their best effort was sufficient. He explained that for the students, this examination was an opportunity to assess their learning and, more pragmatically, a stepping stone to their future careers.
He added that His Majesty was also evaluating his own performance as Deputy Chief of the Imperial College, hinting playfully that if he couldn't retain his position, it would be partly their responsibility, a remark that startled everyone before they chuckled in relief. During the celebration, several female attendees pressed drinks upon Yan Yunzhi, who appeared uncomfortable and gently pushed away the offered cups. Sang Qi observed from the side, initially unconcerned and even a little amused.
However, seeing his discomfort, she quickly interceded, taking a wine cup from a woman's hand and drinking it herself. Standing behind Yan Yunzhi, Sang Qi declared that anyone wishing to toast him should direct their offer to her instead. After Sang Qi's bold declaration, Yan Yunzhi, emboldened, openly admitted that he indeed had a woman in his heart. He described her as neither gentle nor demure, nor graceful nor virtuous.
Instead, she was lively, uninhibited, and playful—completely unlike the typical well-bred young lady. Yet, he stated, it was precisely "this" Sang Qi whom he loved, shocking everyone present. Yan Yan, unable to contain himself, exclaimed that he had been holding in this secret for ages. After the banquet, Yan Yunzhi personally escorted Sang Qi home. Sang Qi instinctively mentioned seeing him again tomorrow at the Imperial College, but then her expression fell as she realized her studies there were ending.
Lian Pian, noticing her mistress's melancholy, suggested Sang Qi and Yan Yunzhi take a walk to aid digestion. She also reminded Sang Qi that the vesting ceremony would take place after the exam results were announced, marking Sang Qi's official graduation from the Imperial College.
Sang Qi expressed her earnest hope to be on the list of successful candidates, not just as the first female student of the Imperial College, but aspiring to be the first female official in the imperial court. Yan Yunzhi affirmed her ambition, then added a more personal note, promising to propose to her at the Grand Commandant's Residence after the vesting ceremony. The day for the results' announcement arrived, filling Yan Yan with anxiety, but Sang Qi remained hidden.
Overwhelmed by fear, Sang Qi hesitated to check the list herself, instead confiding her thoughts to her deceased brother's portrait. Despite her apprehension, she resolved to face the outcome. As she stepped out, she heard that the list was surrounded by a massive crowd, which almost made her turn back, fearing public humiliation if she had failed. Unable to wait any longer, Yan Yan swiftly pulled her along.
As expected, Zhuo Wenyuan secured the top position, First Class first place, and Yan Yan also found his name on the list, earning Third Class 20th place and awarded Jinshi's Parentage (Equivalent). However, after a long search, Sang Qi's name remained elusive. Both Sang Qi and Yan Yunzhi were visibly anxious, with Yan Yunzhi pacing restlessly. Seeing Sang Qi's crestfallen demeanor, Yan Yunzhi tenderly offered comfort.
To his surprise, Sang Qi suddenly looked up, exclaiming that she had passed with Second Class 18th place, awarded Jinshi's Parentage. Overjoyed, Yan Yunzhi embraced Sang Qi and spun her around joyfully. Sang Qi playfully admitted she had wanted to "return the favor" for all the times he had surprised her. Yan Yunzhi noted her progress in both studies and wit, attributing it to his tutelage.
Later, Sang Qi accidentally bumped into Song Jiayin on the street, leading to an immediate verbal sparring match. Zhuo Wenyuan, witnessing the exchange, rolled his eyes and systematically refuted Song Jiayin's accusations on Sang Qi's behalf. He then invited Sang Qi to Qingfeng Restaurant, but she declined, stating her father was waiting for her at home. As Sang Qi walked away, Zhuo Wenyuan was lost in thought, recalling a past incident where he was cornered by thugs.
Fortunately, Sang Qi had appeared just in time, bravely subduing the assailants. Their shared past, though beautiful, had been fleeting, and a sense of loneliness filled Zhuo Wenyuan’s eyes. Regarding the matter of Sang Qi's Jinshi status, Yan Yunzhi fervently argued with Grand Tutor Song. The discussion, however, centered on Yan Yunzhi's plea to His Majesty to expand the Imperial College's recruitment of female students, citing Sang Qi's success as proof of their capability.
Grand Tutor Song vehemently opposed this, arguing it would disrupt centuries of tradition, while Yan Yunzhi countered that no rule explicitly forbade it and public opinion had turned positive after Sang Qi's achievement. His Majesty, deciding the matter was not for them to settle, declared Yan Yunzhi's proposal worthy of discussion. He then acknowledged the upcoming vesting ceremony, entrusting Yan Yunzhi with the responsibility of overseeing the significant event where scholars would transition from academia to officialdom.
The vesting ceremony proceeded smoothly. As the scholars looked back at the Imperial College, they were filled with emotion. Sang Qi reflected on her journey, from her arrival in Bianjing over a year ago to her adaptation to life at the Imperial College. Now, being told she no longer needed to report daily or study, she felt a strange emptiness.
During the ceremony, Zhuo Wenyuan was recognized as First Class first place, Meng Zhu as Second Class 16th place, Yan Yan as Third Class 20th place, and Sang Qi as Second Class 18th place. Yan Yunzhi offered them words of caution and encouragement, reminding them to seek his help if they faced difficulties, and promising to stand by Sang Qi. A few days later, Zhuo Wenyuan met Sang Qi on the outskirts of Bianjing.
He revealed a surprise: Rui Xue, the horse Sang Qi cherished from her childhood, which her father had left behind after it fell ill. Zhuo Wenyuan had specifically sought out her father to bring the horse back as a gift to celebrate her success. He also presented her with her old childhood bow, inviting her to go hunting like they used to. Finally, Zhuo Wenyuan confessed his long-standing feelings for Sang Qi.
He recalled how, when stranded in the frontier as a child, only she treated him with fairness, and how their continued correspondence made her his sole friend in Bianjing. He then recounted his deliberate actions to be close to her, from transferring classes to assisting her publicly and supporting her on the mountain, all driven by his affection and desire to protect her. He then explicitly confessed his love for her.
