In a Class of Her Own Episode 20 Recap
> In a Class of Her Own Recap
Xue Wenxi firmly declared her decision not to leave the academy, explaining that she had taken the entrance exam and was the "Wen Bin" recognized by Master Wang and all the other scholars. Despite Mr. Ding's grave warning that her remaining in the academy, if her true identity were exposed, would lead to her death, Wenxi remained steadfast. She argued that learning was for the sake of the common people, questioning why women should be excluded from contributing.
While acknowledging Yun Shang Academy’s traditional role in preparing men for official positions, Wenxi insisted that her performance since entering the academy was on par with, and often surpassed, that of her male counterparts. Mr. Ding, recalling Xue Ding Kun’s defiance in the face of death, was deeply moved.
Wenxi declared her determination to prove that women were capable of achieving anything men could, asserting her desire to participate in the upcoming archery ceremony not for herself, but to advocate for fairness for all women. Mr. Ding, acknowledging her courage, set a condition: if she wanted to be recognized as Wen Bin and remain in the academy, she must excel in all aspects and win the archery ceremony to avoid suspicion.
He warned her that any mistake could doom not only her but also him and her family. Wenxi vowed to win, and Mr. Ding agreed to conceal her identity, reiterating that failure to win the championship would result in her expulsion. The next day, Wenxi began rigorous training for the archery ceremony, joining Feng Chengjun's team.
Her efforts were initially met with sneers from Han Shengzhi, who ridiculed her archery skills, suggesting her arrows were like feathers and that she would only hinder her teammates. Despite the mockery, Wenxi persevered, diligently practicing to improve her strength and accuracy, eventually succeeding in hitting the target, much to the delight of her teammates. Meanwhile, Lei Zexin continued his relentless investigation into the events of eighteen years prior.
He overheard a late-night conversation between his father, Lord Lei, and Mr. Ding. Mr. Ding had come to inquire about the fate of Xue Ding Kun’s family. Lord Lei, hesitant to speak of the past, mentioned that he had followed Lord Feng’s orders to eliminate all those he was told to, implying the command had passed through several individuals, possibly originating from Han Bie Jia.
Lord Lei disclosed that his own son, Lei Ze Xun, had been a victim of the incident, and that Xue Ding Kun’s actions had significantly disrupted the interests of powerful aristocrats, confirming that noble factions were behind the tragedy. Mr. Ding pressed on, questioning how Lord Lei could have harmed Xue Ding Kun’s pregnant wife. Lord Lei claimed he had no choice but to ensure the safety of his own family and eldest son.
Mr. Ding, sensing Lord Lei had perhaps shown mercy, thanked him for his honesty. He also learned that Mu Jiang, a trusted benefactor, had provided a timely warning that had saved Lei's family and extended Ze Xun's life, though Mu Jiang and his family were later unjustly imprisoned.
Fueled by his father's words and the desire for justice for his own parents, Lei Zexin spent the night creating and distributing papers across the city, calling for vindication for Mu Jiang and condemning the aristocrats, causing widespread discussion. Upon his return to the academy, Lei Zexin found Wenxi's team celebrating her progress. Wenxi invited him to join their team for the archery ceremony.
However, still deeply affected by his father's conversation and the implied involvement of Feng Chengjun's father, Lei Zexin harbored a strong prejudice against Feng Chengjun and refused aggressively, stating his disinterest in becoming an official like them. Later, Wenxi's hand was injured from practice, and Lei Zexin, despite his outward defiance, carefully bandaged her hand while she slept.
When Wenxi awoke and realized his kind act, she persisted in urging him to join, emphasizing that their team needed him to even qualify for the competition. After much internal struggle, influenced by past advice from his brother and Wenxi's persistent pleas, Lei Zexin finally agreed to join Feng Chengjun and Wenxi’s team.
Their decision surprised the instructors, who noted Lei Zexin’s exceptional archery skills and expressed their anticipation for the ceremony, remarking that the once rebellious Lei Zexin was finally heading down the right path. Meanwhile, Han Shengzhi’s father expressed concerns that Feng Chengjun might usurp Han Shengzhi's position as student president. Han Shumin, Han Shengzhi's sister, reassured her father, stating that Feng Chengjun was solely devoted to his studies and had no interest in the Student Council's affairs.
She then suggested that her father take action to support Shengzhi, whom she described as self-centered and lacking in interpersonal skills. Later, Han Shumin personally brought an assortment of delicious food to Yun Shang Academy, claiming it was a special treat from her brother, Han Shengzhi, to acknowledge the scholars' hard work for the archery ceremony. She overtly flirted with Feng Chengjun, offering him a special, separate box of food. Wenxi observed this interaction, while Lei Zexin and Wenxi decided to refuse the food offered by Han Shengzhi, demonstrating their disdain.
