A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College Episode 29 Recap
> A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College Recap
Sang Qi suddenly collapsed, unconscious, with the poison having clearly entered her vital organs. Zhuo Wenyuan, however, had no intention of finding an antidote, having never obtained one from Qian Jiu in the first place. He declared that there was no turning back for anyone. Zhuo Wenyuan then instructed Jing Mu to widely disseminate the news of Sang Qi's critical condition.
His plan was to lay a trap for Yan Yunzhi, hoping the news of Sang Qi's illness would compel him to appear. Despite the efforts of physicians, including one who admitted he could do nothing, and Miss Su, who noted Sang Qi's pulse was erratic and indicative of an unknown and peculiar poison, Sang Qi's health continued to decline.
Meanwhile, citizens in Bianjing lamented Sang Qi's fate, recalling her past brilliance in Imperial College and during festivals, now reduced to a mere "candle in the wind." A pale Sang Qi lay in bed, her vitality diminished. She looked at Zhuo Wenyuan and directly asked if he was responsible for her poisoning. Zhuo Wenyuan remained silent, his eyes reddened.
Sang Qi interpreted his silence as an admission, asserting that she knew her own body and that her current state was due to his actions. Zhuo Wenyuan then revealed that her constant thoughts of Yan Yunzhi and her wearing of the poisoned pouch were the cause of her illness. Sang Qi, despite believing he was not involved in her brother's death, questioned why he had framed her father and sought to kill her.
She demanded to know if he had forgotten their childhood affection. Zhuo Wenyuan became agitated, retorting that she was the one who had forgotten their past. He had tried everything to gain her attention, yearning for even a single glance, but she had always pursued Yan Yunzhi without looking back, forcing him to take these extreme measures.
Sang Qi countered that the Zhuo Wenyuan she knew was a gentleman and a virtuous youth, not someone who blamed others for his own wrongdoings after taking a wrong turn and making mistakes. Zhuo Wenyuan then vehemently denied Sang Qi's understanding of him, questioning if she truly understood or could empathize with him. He reminded her that she, as the Grand Commandant's daughter, had grown up carefree in the frontier, protected and pampered by her father and brother.
He, in contrast, had suffered immensely after his father's single misstep led to his family's exile from Bianjing. It was only due to his aunt, Noble Consort Zhuo, securing her position in the harem that he was even allowed to return and study. He vowed to never forget those who had stepped on, tried to crush, and looked down on his family.
He explained that he had diligently climbed the ranks, inch by inch, following the established rules, all to achieve a position where everyone would acknowledge and respect him, allowing him to live with dignity and protect her should she ever need him. He called Sang Qi his "bottom line," acknowledging that she had repeatedly disrupted his plans since arriving in Bianjing, yet he had never blamed her.
He had even negotiated with Xizhao and Noble Consort Zhuo to protect her and had expressed his desire to marry her many times. However, he accused Sang Qi of repeatedly disappointing him and deceiving him alongside others, asserting that her current predicament was a result of her own choices. Sang Qi responded with bitter irony, claiming that knowing him was the biggest mistake of her life and that her impending death would fulfill his wish.
Zhuo Wenyuan, with a somber look, admitted that losing her was his greatest regret, but without her, he would have no more weaknesses. He chillingly noted that in her final moments, he was finally the one by her side. Moments later, Sang Qi passed away. The Sang Residence was draped in white mourning silks, a somber scene. Whispers circulated among the townspeople about Sang Qi's unfortunate passing, drawing parallels to her brother Sang Yu's death four years prior.
They also mentioned that Grand Commandant Sang, heartbroken and bedridden after losing both his children, had not even attended the funeral and was reportedly planning to retire and leave Bianjing. Suddenly, Zhuo Wenyuan arrived at the memorial hall with a retinue. Yan Yan immediately confronted him, accusing him of audacity for showing his face.
Zhuo Wenyuan calmly dismissed Yan Yan's words, stating that as old friends, he had every right to pay his respects, but promised to settle their score another day. Zhuo Wenyuan knew Yan Yunzhi would come, but he was resolute in denying him a final farewell with Sang Qi. He mentally asked for Sang Qi's forgiveness.
As expected, Yan Yunzhi arrived, his presence immediately noted by Song Luotian, one of Zhuo Wenyuan's subordinates, who suggested arresting him after he paid his respects. Yan Yunzhi, no longer concealed, pleaded with Zhuo Wenyuan to allow him to see Sang Qi one last time, promising to surrender afterward. Zhuo Wenyuan coldly refused, declaring that he wanted Yan Yunzhi to forever remember that he, Zhuo Wenyuan, was the one who shared Sang Qi's final moments.
Yan Yunzhi then attempted to force his way in. Yan Yan, declaring he would abandon his official post to side with the Deputy Chief, joined the fray. A fierce confrontation erupted, but Yan Yunzhi and Yan Yan were ultimately outnumbered and overpowered by Zhuo Wenyuan's men. With a chilling command, Zhuo Wenyuan ordered Jing Mu to set the memorial hall ablaze.
Yan Yunzhi cried out Sang Qi's name in agony as he was forced to watch her coffin slowly consumed by the flames. With Yan Yunzhi captured, Zhuo Wenyuan dropped his facade. He coolly reflected on Yan Yunzhi's failed attempt to send Yan San Lang up the mountain, acknowledging it as a good strategy, though Yan San Lang's body had simply "failed him."
He further gloated about the state of their allies and families: Grand Commandant Sang was now grief-stricken and bedridden, having lost both his children and missing court for days. As for Yan Yunzhi's family, though Yan Yunzhi had severed ties with them, the Chancellor was now publicly reflecting on himself. Yan Yan, a mere low-ranking official, stood no chance of restoring his family's honor. Even the Song family, whom Zhuo Wenyuan referred to as "turncoats," were now completely subservient.
Yan Yunzhi sarcastically congratulated Zhuo Wenyuan on his ascendancy, noting that everyone, from commoners to the Emperor, now depended on him. Yan Yunzhi then cut deep, reminding Zhuo Wenyuan that he was still fundamentally "the son of a criminal" and would be nothing without the Imperial College's acceptance. Enraged, Zhuo Wenyuan lashed out, forbidding mention of his father, whom he deemed incapable. He claimed his current success was solely his own making, declaring, "I won."
Yan Yunzhi countered, questioning the value of such a victory now that Sang Qi was gone, and whether immense power and wealth were truly worth her absence. Zhuo Wenyuan paused, admitting he had thought long about that question, but Sang Qi had never given him a chance to choose, implying that Yan Yunzhi and others had forced him onto this path. Yan Yunzhi simply laughed, prompting Zhuo Wenyuan to threaten his life.
Yan Yunzhi calmly dared him to act, hinting that prolonged deliberation might lead to a change of heart. Later, Zhuo Wenyuan's subordinate suggested he change out of his "unlucky" clothes before meeting Noble Consort Zhuo, but Zhuo Wenyuan dismissed the notion, asserting that "bad luck is miles away" from him now.
He then met Noble Consort Zhuo at the palace, reporting Yan Yunzhi's capture and his confession, detailing the ledger and witness evidence, his dissatisfaction with his concubine-born status and years of suppressed ambition, and noting that Official Xiao was now handling the judgment. Zhuo Wenyuan assured her that Yan Yunzhi's crimes were severe and would be dealt with swiftly.
He also informed her that he had repaired the water and land trade routes, which would soon be operational, and that without Xizhao's share, their profits would be significantly higher, allowing them to pursue "bigger goals" and bribe more people. He confirmed that the funds had been safely relocated from the Zhuo Residence. Noble Consort Zhuo praised his shrewdness, lamenting that his father lacked such wisdom, which led to his being a scapegoat and her nephew's exile.
She acknowledged that their combined efforts had successfully elevated the fallen Zhuo family to a position of new prominence, admitting she had initially worried Sang Qi would hinder him but now realized her fears were unfounded. Zhuo Wenyuan humbly credited her guidance, confidently stating that from now on, no one would dare oppose them, and everyone would have to defer to the Zhuo family. Upon returning, Zhuo Wenyuan found Song Jiayin about to leave the table before finishing her meal.
He called her back, playfully questioning if he was so unpleasant that she would leave at his sight. He insisted she eat with him and urged her to speak her mind directly. Song Jiayin then asked if Sang Qi's death was related to him, as the rumors suggested. Zhuo Wenyuan's hand froze for a moment, but he quickly composed himself, denying any involvement and claiming ignorance as he did not study medicine.
He feigned surprise at her sudden concern, reminding her that she had always wanted Sang Qi to embarrass herself. Song Jiayin conceded that she and Sang Qi were not close, often bickering, but confessed that upon hearing of Sang Qi's death, she felt a pang of sadness and wished to see her one last time.
She reflected that Sang Qi was the only person in Bianjing bold enough to challenge her, and despite their rivalry, having Sang Qi around had been genuinely entertaining. While she never wished Sang Qi well, she certainly never desired her death. Seeing Song Jiayin's tears, Zhuo Wenyuan gently wiped them away and comforted her, suggesting they eat before the food got cold.
He then offered to accompany her to visit her parents the next day, stating that he was tired from recent events and desired to spend time with family. Song Jiayin was visibly surprised and touched by his offer. Zhuo Wenyuan reaffirmed his commitment to treat her well and cherish their new familial bond. He then instructed Jing Mu to prepare lavish gifts for his father-in-law, Grand Tutor Song, to avoid appearing disrespectful.
Song Jiayin gratefully thanked him, to which Zhuo Wenyuan teasingly asked if he was still a villain in her eyes. She smiled, replying, "No, you're my family." The next day, at Grand Tutor Song's residence, Song Jiayin's father praised Zhuo Wenyuan for successfully resolving the Xizhao case and securing Yan Yunzhi's confession.
Zhuo Wenyuan confirmed Yan Yunzhi's inescapable fate and assured his father-in-law that the incriminating ledgers had been "naturally" dealt with, advising him to keep such sensitive information in his mind, not on paper. Grand Tutor Song then inquired about the three or four stalled shipments, citing the humid southern climate and poor storage conditions causing significant losses. He pressed Zhuo Wenyuan on when they could resume operations now that the situation was safe.
Zhuo Wenyuan confirmed that Noble Consort Zhuo had approved, and since the case was completely closed and Official Xiao was drafting the judgment, it would no longer attract undue attention. He gave the go-ahead for the goods to move, stating, "All under heaven converges for profit, all under heaven disperses for profit. Goods sitting still with no profit will also cause people to become discontent." Grand Tutor Song lauded his wisdom. Later, a carriage was stopped by officials.
An official requested an urgent audience with His Majesty, citing a secret imperial order to conduct a thorough search. During the search, a customs clearance pass was discovered, followed by other incriminating items. Subsequently, the internal informant in the Prefecture Court was apprehended. The reporting official, visibly stunned, struggled to articulate the full implications of what had been uncovered, muttering that he was certain of what he saw, yet it seemed impossible.
