In a Class of Her Own Episode 1 Recap
> In a Class of Her Own Recap
Yunzhou, in the southern part of Yun, is home to the prestigious Yun Shang Academy, an institution renowned for its flourishing literary arts and strong academic atmosphere. It is the most coveted destination for scholars seeking to become officials. As this year's entrance exam applications open, Feng Chengjun, the son of Yunzhou's Governor Feng Jichang, arrives to register. At a bustling market, he has an unexpected encounter with Xue Wenxi, a young woman disguised as a man.
Feng Chengjun is impressed by the graceful "young man." Xue Wenxi is the author of the popular local novel, "Where Love Begins." During a collision with Feng Chengjun's attendant, the newly finished manuscript in her bag is mistakenly swapped into Feng Chengjun's box. When Wenxi discovers her manuscript is missing, she remains calm and, relying on her exceptional memory, rewrites the entire second volume on the spot for Mr. Chao, the proprietor of Mu Lai Bookstore.
Delighted, Mr. Chao pays her and laments that "Mr. Wen" is not taking the Yun Shang Academy exam. Meanwhile, Feng Chengjun, now in possession of Wenxi's novel, discusses the story's alluring nature with his attendant. The attendant also points out Wenxi's exceptional skill in imitating Governor Feng's handwriting, regretting that such talent is wasted on counterfeiting due to her family’s plight.
Upon returning home, Wenxi finds her younger brother, Wen Bin, unwell and learns that her mother has accepted a betrothal gift on her behalf. Wenxi's father passed away early, leaving the family impoverished. To support her mother and ailing brother, Wenxi disguises herself as a man to make a living by writing and copying. She resolutely refuses the marriage, but her mother has already spent the betrothal money.
Soon after, debt collectors storm Wenxi’s home, revealing her mother borrowed a high-interest loan of 500 units for Wen Bin's medicine. The creditor, taken by Wenxi's appearance, offers to forgive the debt if she comes with him. Wenxi refuses, promising to repay the full amount in seven days. The creditor takes Wen Bin as a hostage until the debt is settled.
Desperate, Wenxi abandons her principles and agrees to a high-paying "assistant" job Mr. Chao had previously offered: verbally providing answers to a candidate during the Yun Shang preliminary exam. Wenxi accompanies Mr. Chao to the academy to meet her employers, a group of influential young men led by President Han, head of the Student Council. Skeptical of her youth, they challenge her.
Wenxi proves her profound knowledge by flawlessly completing a literary excerpt from just two given words, silencing their doubts. President Han acknowledges her talent but sternly warns her of the severe consequences if caught, making it clear she will only receive payment, not protection. As Wenxi tries to leave the academy, she is spotted by guards. In her haste to escape, she collides with Feng Chengjun. His attendant reacts aggressively, but Feng Chengjun calmly asks if she is alright.
Wenxi creates a diversion with smoke and vanishes. Later, in a forest, she is accosted by thugs who try to rob her. However, the unruly but highly skilled Lei Zexin intervenes, easily dispatching the robbers and saving her. The preliminary exam commences. Per academy rules, each candidate can bring one male aide. Following instructions, Wenxi enters the exam hall but, due to a mix-up with the seating chart, mistakenly sits beside Feng Chengjun.
When the exam topic, "Application of Knowledge," is revealed, Wenxi begins discreetly feeding answers to him. Feng Chengjun, however, doesn't write. He critiques her answers as well-crafted but lacking personal perspective and asks for her own understanding. Posing as Wen Bin, she gives a superficial response: for her, it means helping him pass to get paid. Disappointed, Feng Chengjun calls her shallow-minded. Realizing her mistake, Wenxi tries to leave, but he stops her.
She tearfully pleads with him, explaining her family's poverty, her brother's illness, and the pressure from creditors, swearing it is her first time cheating. Unmoved, Feng Chengjun stands and publicly denounces the pervasive cheating, criticizing the students, the hired hands, and the invigilators for turning a blind eye. The invigilator is initially outraged but becomes deferential upon learning Feng Chengjun is the governor's son. He immediately orders all aides expelled from the hall.
Later, a frustrated Mr. Chao rebukes Wenxi for ruining his arrangement with President Han and jeopardizing all future business. Meanwhile, President Han is berated by his father for the scheme's failure and for his own lack of ruthlessness. President Han defends his belief in fairness, stating that anyone with talent and a desire to serve the country should be supported, referencing the ideals of Xue Ding Kun from eighteen years ago. His father furiously silences him, calling Xue Ding Kun's ideas traitorous. Still desperate, Wenxi makes a final appeal to Mr. Chao for help, but he, fearing repercussions, turns her away.
