A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College Episode 20 Recap
> A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College Recap
Yan Yunzhi receives the appointment list, noting Zhuo Wenyuan's prestigious appointment as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. He internally acknowledges Sang Qi's absence from the list, though he had anticipated it. At a celebratory banquet he prepared with fruit wine, Yan Yunzhi ensures Scholar Feng will not interrupt the students. Fellow students congratulate Zhuo Wenyuan on his top performance and new appointment, with one student humorously vowing to stay on Zhuo Wenyuan's good side.
The conversation then turns to Yan Yunzhi, praising his teaching and mentioning his recent marriage proposal to the Sang family, suggesting he's achieving both career and personal success. Zhuo Wenyuan interjects, asserting that the proposal failed and that even if it hadn't, engagements and marriages can be annulled or dissolved, advising against overly confident pronouncements. Yan Yunzhi inquires about Sang Qi's whereabouts from Yan Yan, who explains he is drinking to gather courage rather than drown sorrows.
Yan Yan admits he's trying to embolden himself to visit Lian Pian at Grand Commandant Sang's Residence, having used the celebration as an excuse to leave home. Yan Yunzhi advises him that drinking won't solve problems and that he needs to think carefully and persevere in his promise to bring Lian Pian happiness. Song Luo Tian then mocks Yan Yan for being tipsy, leading to a brief, sharp exchange between them about their respective achievements.
Sang Qi arrives with Lian Pian, initially feigning cheerfulness. Lian Pian, noticing Sang Qi's true feelings, offers to cheer her up with a celebration. Lian Pian expresses her admiration for the Imperial College, understanding why Sang Qi's brother wanted her to study there, though she dismisses the idea for herself as a servant due to her status. Sang Qi, however, encourages her, believing that more women, including Lian Pian, will eventually study there.
Their spirits are dampened as they overhear other students discussing Sang Qi's lack of appointment, rationalizing that His Majesty had already been generous by allowing her to study and wouldn't permit her to be an official. The students also gossip about Yan Yunzhi's alleged failed proposal and Yan Yan's connection to Lian Pian, implying ulterior motives from the Sang family. Upset by the gossip, Lian Pian pulls Sang Qi away. Inside, Sang Qi brightens, asking why everyone looks dejected.
Fellow students express frustration that Sang Qi, despite her high scores, received no appointment, calling it unfair compared to those with lower marks who were appointed. Sang Qi, resolving not to give up, asserts that she deserves the same opportunities as others, boldly declaring that as the first female student of the Imperial College, she can also become the dynasty's first female official. Yan Yunzhi immediately pledges his unwavering support to help her secure her rightful appointment.
Zhuo Wenyuan also offers his assistance through his upcoming position in the Ministry of Personnel. Yan Yunzhi curtly reminds Zhuo Wenyuan to focus on his own duties as a new official, asserting he is sufficient to help Sang Qi. Later, while Yan Yunzhi escorts Sang Qi home, he senses her lingering unhappiness. Sang Qi admits her disappointment, explaining she hoped that studying at the Imperial College would change societal views on women.
Despite her efforts, she feels controlled, citing her unappointed status and Madam Yan's harsh treatment of Lian Pian as examples. She reveals her deepest desire: to return to the Imperial College, even in a minor role, to teach and dismantle prejudices against women's education, realizing this was her brother's true intent. Yan Yunzhi, after much consideration, decides to seek an audience with His Majesty.
He petitions the Emperor to grant Sang Qi an official position, arguing that it is only right for her to serve the court given her meritorious exam performance. He also emphasizes that Sang Qi, as the first female student of the Imperial College, becoming a female official would set a remarkable precedent, benefiting the Emperor's reputation for promoting education. His Majesty, weighing the benefits, agrees to Yan Yunzhi's request, suggesting the role of Archivist at the Imperial College.
Yan Yunzhi, moved by her revelation, vows to secure her appointment, even risking his own position as Director of Imperial College, emphasizing that her success as a female official would be the most powerful example for women's education. Yan Yunzhi, planning to surprise Sang Qi with good news, instructs Bai Shi to help him feign disappointment.
Before leaving for Sang Qi's residence, Bai Shi informs him that Su Jieyu has been frequently visiting Yan Yunzhi's mother, engaging in long, cheerful conversations. Yan Yunzhi's mother then confronts him about his unauthorized proposal to Sang Qi, expressing strong disapproval of Sang Qi. Yan Yunzhi defiantly states he would rather establish his own household than forgo marrying Sang Qi.
Upon arriving at Sang Qi's residence, Yan Yunzhi apologetically pretends he failed to secure her appointment as Manager of the Archive. Sang Qi, initially worried, quickly reassures him that the matter is already resolved, thanks to Zhuo Wenyuan, who used his connections in the Ministry of Personnel to secure the position for her. Hearing Zhuo Wenyuan's name, Yan Yunzhi's expression hardens.
Zhuo Wenyuan then enters, stating that Sang Qi's happiness is paramount and there's no need to discuss who gets credit. He emphasizes his sincere, selfless intent in helping Sang Qi. Yan Yunzhi, visibly irritated by Zhuo Wenyuan's words, abruptly takes his leave, surprising Sang Qi. Later, Yan Yunzhi confronts Su Jieyu about her frequent visits to his mother, implying she may have disclosed his proposal to Sang Qi.
Su Jieyu implies she did, stating her romantic feelings for Yan Yunzhi ended upon hearing of his proposal to Sang Qi. However, as a friend, she expresses concern about his initial, unceremonious proposal, stressing the importance of the "Three Letters and Six Rites" and a formal letter of proposal. She then mentions snacks for Madam Yan in her carriage and asks Yan Yunzhi to have Bai Shi help Zhuo Wenyuan retrieve them, subtly linking Zhuo Wenyuan to her presence.
Yan Yunzhi agrees. As Bai Shi is about to leave, Zhuo Wenyuan arrives at Yan Yunzhi's residence, and Sang Qi arrives with him. Sang Qi questions Su Jieyu's presence, who states she was visiting Yan Yunzhi's mother. Sang Qi, about to leave, asks Su Jieyu for a ride, wanting to chat with her. In the carriage, Sang Qi apologizes to Su Jieyu, acknowledging her feelings for Yan Yunzhi but stating that love cannot be forced.
Su Jieyu retorts that she knew Yan Yunzhi first, implying priority in love. Yan Yunzhi arrives at Grand Commandant Sang's Residence with a formal letter of proposal and bridewealth, asking for Sang Qi's hand in marriage. Sang Qi tries to prompt her father to accept. However, Zhuo Wenyuan arrives simultaneously, also presenting a marriage proposal. Grand Commandant Sang, seemingly favoring Zhuo Wenyuan, teases him about his timing.
Both Sang Qi and Yan Yunzhi attempt to intervene as Grand Commandant Sang considers Zhuo Wenyuan's proposal, with Yan Yunzhi reminding him of his established love with Sang Qi. Zhuo Wenyuan counters, claiming his deep understanding of Sang Qi from their shared upbringing and asserting his right to pursue her, appealing to Grand Commandant Sang's apparent favor and the importance of parental consent. Sang Qi firmly declares she will decide her own marriage.
Exasperated, Grand Commandant Sang proclaims the Sang family will settle the matter by their ancient rules. He playfully engages Sang Qi in a mock fight, which Yan Yunzhi tries to break up. Grand Commandant Sang then stops the charade, announcing a public "duel for marriage" at the Sang Residence, inviting any eligible young man to compete for Sang Qi's hand.
Yan Yunzhi later explains to Bai Shi that a public contest avoids rumors of favoritism and aligns with the Sang family's martial tradition of favoring the strong. Grand Commandant Sang also publicly adopts Lian Pian as his daughter. Yan Yunzhi confidently tells Sang Qi that Zhuo Wenyuan is no match and she will be his wife. Zhuo Wenyuan, in turn, vows to win. Grand Commandant Sang emphasizes that the duel is their chance to prove their determination.
Zhuo Wenyuan reiterates his resolve to fight for Sang Qi, regardless of her feelings for Yan Yunzhi. Sang Qi expresses concern about them fighting. As the event is about to commence, Song Luo Tian arrives, dramatically accusing Sang Qi of causing Yan Yunzhi to fight and warning her of consequences if he gets hurt. Sang Qi dismisses her, commenting on her overly strong perfume.
Grand Commandant Sang then declares that if no other challengers come forward, Yan Yunzhi and Zhuo Wenyuan will proceed to the final duel, just as Song Luo Tian from the Song family is announced as a challenger.
