A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College Episode 24 Recap
> A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College Recap
Zhuo Wenyuan joyfully informed Noble Consort Zhuo that he was on the verge of bringing the Sang family under his control. However, Noble Consort Zhuo was displeased, questioning why he wasn't seizing the prime opportunity to completely eradicate the Sang family while Sang Wei, the Grand Commandant, was imprisoned.
Zhuo Wenyuan explained that Grand Commandant Sang Wei held significant prestige within the military, and even if he were removed, military power might fall into other hands, which would be detrimental to their own influence. He proposed a strategy: Sang Qi was Grand Commandant Sang's Achilles' heel and greatest weakness. By marrying Sang Qi, he could ensure that the Zhuo and Sang families would be inextricably linked, sharing both fortune and adversity.
Under such circumstances, Grand Commandant Sang would prioritize his daughter's safety and, out of concern, would be compelled to obey their commands. Noble Consort Zhuo, contemplating his words, then inquired about his certainty in the plan. Zhuo Wenyuan assured her that everything was prepared, needing only a catalyst, and requested her assistance.
Notices announcing Grand Commandant Sang Wei's impending execution for salt smuggling were plastered across every corner of Bianjing, sparking widespread disbelief among the populace who struggled to believe such accusations against a national hero. Imperial officials proceeded to clear out the Sang family residence, ordering Sang Qi and her remaining household to vacate within three days. Sang Qi sat in her courtyard, her gaze hollow and filled with despair. Yan Yunzhi rushed to her side, offering quiet words of comfort.
At that moment, Bai Shi arrived in a hurry, reporting that a royal decree had reached Yan Yunzhi's own residence, ordering a marriage between him and Su Jieyu. Hearing this, Yan Yunzhi stood abruptly, rushing home to address the matter. This news, however, only intensified Sang Qi's anguish, causing tears to involuntarily stream down her cheeks. Lian Pian was instructed by Yan Yunzhi to care for Sang Qi, and Yan Yan was tasked with guarding the Grand Commandant's Residence.
Upon Yan Yunzhi's return, his father questioned his delay, expressing disappointment at his lack of joy over the arranged marriage, which was a great honor. Yan Yunzhi's father intended to prepare gifts for a visit to the Su Residence, but Yan Yunzhi firmly stated he could not marry Su Jieyu, citing a more pressing matter. His family members questioned if he intended to defy the royal decree, emphasizing the gravity of such an act.
Yan Yunzhi, however, insisted that given Grand Commandant Sang's perilous situation, he could not stand idly by. He declared his intention to first clear Grand Commandant Sang's name before addressing the marriage. His father reminded him that the Grand Commandant's conviction was His Majesty's decision, not easily overturned, and that he himself had petitioned His Majesty on Grand Commandant Sang's behalf without success. Yet, Yan Yunzhi remained resolute, believing he could still create a turning point.
His father pointed out the suspicious timing of Grand Commandant Sang's conviction and Yan Yunzhi's sudden arranged marriage, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to corner them. Sang Qi, after much deliberation, eventually sought out Zhuo Wenyuan, agreeing to his terms. Zhuo Wenyuan remarked on her arrival, jokingly suggesting she implied he orchestrated the entire situation, clarifying that as kin to Noble Consort Zhuo, he held no sway over His Majesty's decisions.
Observing her crestfallen expression, he subtly implied that Yan Yunzhi's reluctance to defy the royal decree indicated a shallow affection for her. Sang Qi, however, firmly stated that her heart belonged solely to Yan Yunzhi and that she would not allow him to risk defying the royal decree for her sake. She then directly asked Zhuo Wenyuan if he still wished to marry her, knowing her feelings.
He confirmed, stating that her past affections no longer mattered as long as she was by his side. Sang Qi then inquired if marrying him would ensure her father's freedom and Yan Yunzhi's safety. Zhuo Wenyuan affirmed this. With a heavy heart, Sang Qi agreed to marry him. Zhuo Wenyuan, overjoyed, promised never to disappoint her.
Sang Qi immediately pressed him to save her father, but he urged patience, promising to clear Grand Commandant Sang's name and return him home safely once they were married. Sang Qi sternly warned him against deceit, threatening severe repercussions. Zhuo Wenyuan feigned hurt, reminding her of his trustworthiness over their years of acquaintance. Sang Qi, left with little choice, agreed to trust him one more time.
He urged her to cheer up, as they were about to be wed, and offered to use his connections to prevent the confiscation of her family residence, promising a grand and honorable entry into the Zhuo family. Sang Qi, however, expressed her regret at ever having known him. Zhuo Wenyuan immediately instructed his servant to prepare the bridewealth and to closely monitor Sang Qi before the ceremony, reporting any unusual occurrences.
Whispers spread through the city about Zhuo Wenyuan's character, with many noting his surprising loyalty for marrying Sang Qi despite her family's downfall and her father's death sentence, a situation most others would avoid. People also wondered why Yan Yunzhi, who had previously been betrothed to Sang Qi, was not intervening.
They concluded that His Majesty's arranged marriage to Su Jieyu prevented Yan Yunzhi from defying the decree, though some remarked on the suitability of Yan Yunzhi and Su Jieyu as a pair. Song Jiayin, deeply frustrated, felt Sang Qi deliberately thwarted her at every turn, first with Yan Yunzhi and now with Zhuo Wenyuan. She openly questioned Sang Qi's appeal, noting Zhuo Wenyuan's seemingly enchanted devotion, and scoffed at the extravagant preparations for a criminal's daughter.
When Song Jiayin encountered Sang Qi, she confronted her, accusing her of consistently stealing her desired suitors. Sang Qi, burdened by her own troubles, initially tried to ignore Song Jiayin. However, as Song Jiayin persisted, Sang Qi, seeing an opportunity to use Song Jiayin, suggested they move their discussion to a more private location. Lian Pian intervened, but Sang Qi told her to wait, indicating she would handle Song Jiayin.
Meanwhile, Yan Yan attempted to enter the Grand Commandant's Residence but was blocked by guards under Zhuo Wenyuan's orders, who stated no outsiders were permitted until the wedding. Yan Yan argued his close ties to the Sang family, insisting on entry. Lian Pian intervened, advising Yan Yan not to cause further distress for Sang Qi, who was already in a foul mood.
Yan Yan inquired if Sang Qi was truly marrying Zhuo Wenyuan, to which Lian Pian confirmed Sang Qi's lack of options, lamenting that the Yan family's predicament had inadvertently implicated Sang Qi. Yan Yan expressed his concern for Sang Qi's well-being. Later that night, Sang Qi visited Yan Yunzhi at the Imperial College. She subtly reminded him of her impending marriage the following day and the need for them to maintain proper boundaries.
Yan Yunzhi, dropping his sword, rushed towards her, but Sang Qi deliberately stepped back, creating a palpable distance. He expressed his heartache, recalling his oath made at Sang Yu's tomb to protect Sang Qi throughout his life. He declared he could not remain passive while Grand Commandant Sang was unjustly imprisoned and Sang Qi was coerced into marriage by Zhuo Wenyuan. Yan Yunzhi insisted he would face any future difficulties with her and refused to let her go.
He then challenged Sang Qi to a sword duel, proposing that the winner could demand a favor from the loser. He offered to let her leave if she won, but insisted she follow his instructions if she lost, promising to fight without holding back. Sang Qi pleaded with him, reiterating her belief that she had no other choice. Yan Yunzhi countered that he was willing to break into prison or even sacrifice his own life for her.
Sang Qi, however, rejected his offer, stating she could not live without her father and felt utterly trapped with no other path. She urged him to forget about her. Deeply intoxicated, Yan Yunzhi stumbled to Yan Yan's residence late that night. Yan Yan opened the door and helped his inebriated friend inside. At the Zhuo Residence, the atmosphere was festive, adorned with "Double Happiness" decorations.
A servant reported to Zhuo Wenyuan that Sang Qi appeared resigned to her fate, while Yan Yunzhi was utterly drunk, likely not to recover by the wedding. Zhuo Wenyuan instructed his staff to remain highly vigilant, keep a close watch on both Yan Yan and Yan Yunzhi, and also monitor Yan San Lang, to prevent any unforeseen disruptions or attempts to distract from the wedding.
The next morning, Sang Qi, resplendent in her elegant wedding gown, prepared to board the sedan chair. Her face, however, bore a detached indifference rather than the typical joy of a bride. As the wedding procession began, Bianjing buzzed with excitement. Yan Yunzhi dramatically intercepted the sedan chair, publicly exposing Zhuo Wenyuan's manipulative schemes. Zhuo family guards attempted to restrain Yan Yunzhi, but he forcefully pushed them aside.
Zhuo Wenyuan, having anticipated such a move, signaled, and several highly skilled martial artists emerged, surrounding Yan Yunzhi. Despite being struck repeatedly by their staffs, Yan Yunzhi steadfastly refused to yield. He desperately called out to Sang Qi, imploring her to remember their shared vows and to reconsider her choice. Nevertheless, the sedan chair continued its journey past him. Meanwhile, Yan Yan was apprehended while attempting to create a diversion at the Grand Commandant's Residence.
Prefecture Court officers accused him of trespassing and violating regulations. He was arrested despite his claims of being on official duty. Zhuo Wenyuan then addressed Yan Yunzhi, suggesting he join the wedding celebration if he was there to offer congratulations, and urged him to maintain decorum on his wedding day. Yan Yunzhi accused Zhuo Wenyuan of using underhanded tactics to coerce Sang Qi into marriage.
Zhuo Wenyuan denied the accusation, asserting that Sang Qi had consented to the union, and dismissed Yan Yunzhi's claims as the ramblings of an intoxicated man, ordering his men to remove Yan Yunzhi. Yan Yunzhi made a final attempt to pull Sang Qi from the sedan chair, repeatedly urging her to come with him and questioning her willingness to marry Zhuo Wenyuan.
A servant then reported to Zhuo Wenyuan that the "thugs" (Yan Yan's group) who had attempted to infiltrate the residence had been driven away by their guards, confirming Zhuo Wenyuan's suspicion that Yan Yunzhi's actions were merely a diversion. Zhuo Wenyuan then gloated over Yan Yunzhi's failed plan, telling Sang Qi that she could now peacefully become his wife. He then questioned Yan Yunzhi about how he should be punished for his repeated interferences.
Grand Tutor Song, Song Jiayin's father, intervened, advising Zhuo Wenyuan against violence on his wedding day. Zhuo Wenyuan relented, sparing Yan Yunzhi due to their past teacher-student relationship, and vowed to care for his wife. The sedan chair then continued its journey. At the Zhuo Residence, Zhuo Wenyuan expressed his long-awaited desire for this day, acknowledging Sang Qi's potential resentment but expressing hope that she would eventually understand his deeper intentions. He then promised a life of harmonious marriage.
Eagerly, he lifted the bride's red veil, only to discover it was Song Jiayin, not Sang Qi. Song Jiayin greeted him as "husband," proclaiming herself his destined wife and celebrating their newfound union. Zhuo Wenyuan, in a state of frantic disbelief, demanded to know Sang Qi's whereabouts. Song Jiayin calmly explained that Yan Yunzhi's attempt to stop the carriage had been the happiest moment of her life, as she relished the attention from both Zhuo Wenyuan and Yan Yunzhi.
She revealed that the bride swap had occurred in front of the Grand Commandant's Residence and feigned ignorance of Sang Qi's current location. Meanwhile, Sang Qi and Yan Yunzhi were interrogating Wei Zhan Hong. Wei Zhan Hong, acknowledging his capture, expressed his readiness to die, claiming he had achieved his vengeance against his father's killers, whom he believed were soldiers who had killed his father during Sang Qi and Yan Yunzhi's pursuit to Jingzhou.
He defiantly boasted about making Sang Qi experience the anguish of a broken family. Sang Qi and Yan Yunzhi then revealed to him the true identity of his father's killers: Xizhao forces, and that he had merely been a pawn in a larger scheme. Wei Zhan Hong initially denied this, but was pressed to reconsider who truly benefited from his father's demise. He was then offered leniency if he revealed the full truth.
Wei Zhan Hong confessed he did not know the ultimate mastermind; his father had never mentioned any contacts. He had been kept isolated after his rescue, unable to see the faces of those who provided his food. He revealed that he was instructed to find a former classmate in Bianjing for assistance and chose Zhuo Wenyuan due to his high official rank, having distrusted Song Luotian.
He admitted to only telling Zhuo Wenyuan that he would expose salt smugglers, not that he intended to falsely accuse Grand Commandant Sang. Yan Yunzhi inquired if Zhuo Wenyuan was indeed unconnected to the deeper conspiracy, to which Wei Zhan Hong confirmed, suggesting Zhuo Wenyuan, newly appointed to officialdom, had simply made an eager mistake.
As a final piece of information, Wei Zhan Hong divulged the existence of a secret ledger his father had hidden before his exile, which might contain crucial clues. He offered to lead them to its location and pleaded for His Majesty's mercy. At the Zhuo Residence, Grand Tutor Song attempted to smooth over the situation regarding Song Jiayin, admitting he had spoiled his daughter.
He stated that since Zhuo Wenyuan had brought Song Jiayin to his residence in such a pompous manner, she could not simply be sent back, as it would cause him to lose face in the imperial court. He also mentioned Noble Consort Zhuo's previous intention to arrange a match between Zhuo Wenyuan and Song Jiayin, suggesting they seize the opportunity to strengthen their family ties. He promised to prepare Song Jiayin's dowry.
A servant then informed Zhuo Wenyuan that His Majesty had summoned Wei Zhan Hong for interrogation and that Noble Consort Zhuo requested Zhuo Wenyuan's immediate presence in the palace. In the Imperial Study, Wei Zhan Hong reiterated to His Majesty and Yan Yunzhi that he did not know the identity of the mastermind. He confirmed his isolation after his rescue and his inability to see the faces of those who provided his food.
He stated he was instructed to seek help from a former classmate in Bianjing, choosing Zhuo Wenyuan due to his official rank, and admitted to only informing Zhuo Wenyuan about exposing salt smugglers, not about framing Grand Commandant Sang. Yan Yunzhi again asked if Zhuo Wenyuan was truly unconnected, to which Wei Zhan Hong affirmed, suggesting Zhuo Wenyuan, being new to officialdom, might have acted out of eagerness.
Wei Zhan Hong also disclosed the existence of his father's secret ledger, hidden before exile, offering to lead them to its location. He then pleaded for His Majesty's clemency. His Majesty ordered Wei Zhan Hong to be held in the Prefecture Court under Yan Yunzhi's supervision. Yan Yunzhi was instructed to retrieve the ledger, verify its contents, and release Grand Commandant Sang immediately if he was found innocent. Yan Yunzhi accepted the order and then requested a favor regarding the arranged marriage.
