The Chang'an Youth Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Chang'an Youth Synopsis
Shen Yiyi is a superb cook. When she was young, she became close friends with Lady Shen Dieyi by coincidence, but Die Yi passed away due to a coughing disease, leaving the mystery of her origin behind.
In order to repay kindness her, Shen Yiyi pretended to be Dieyi and went to Chang'an to fulfill the marriage contract, hoping to find out the truth about Dieyi's origin.
In order to delay the wedding, Yiyi disguises herself as a man and enters the Shang Yi Guan with Dieyi's fiancé Tang Jiuhua, and coincidentally meets Yang Zi'an who is ordered by the emperor to investigate the case.
They have a mutual affection for each other in the "quarrels", but Zi'an struggles with Yi Yi's "male identity" and is in a dilemma.
Meanwhile, Shen Yiyi, Yang Zi'an, Tang Jiuhua, the second prince Li Xinyuan, and swordsman Dugu Muxue repeatedly solve the amazing cases and fight against the eastern diplomatic corps, forming the "Five of Shang Yi Guan", which is famous in Chang'an.
In the smoky battlefield, Shen Yiyi and Yang Chang'an are dependent on each other, expressing their feelings for each other, and the "Five of Shang Yi Guan" overcome the enemy army and return to the dynasty in triumph.
They thought everything would return to peace, but a bigger conspiracy has just begun, the culprit behind many cases emerged, Yiyi's true identity was learned by Zi'an, and their relationship faced challenges.
The crown prince rebelled, Dieyi's identity caused an uproar, how the people of Shang Yi Guan will overcome the difficulties together, How will Yang Zi'an and Shen Yiyi's relationship go?
The Chang'an Youth Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In a bustling wedding procession, Shen Yiyi, a maid who was as close as a sister to the Shen family's daughter, found herself sitting in the sedan chair as the stand-in bride. Her journey began many years ago when, as an orphaned child wandering the streets, she was rescued from a beating by the kind-hearted Shen Dieyi. From that day on, Shen Yiyi was given a name and a home, forever indebted to Shen Dieyi.
Shen Dieyi, despite her beauty and kindness, had a difficult life; her birth parents remained a mystery, and her romance with Tang Jiuhua, which had blossomed over several years, was cut short when she succumbed to a persistent cough barely a month after their engagement. To repay her deep gratitude, Shen Yiyi volunteered to take her mistress's place in the marriage. Before departing, she prepared a final meal for Lord Shen, expressing her unwavering loyalty to the family.
As the bridal procession journeyed towards Chang'An, the accompanying maids gossiped about Tang Jiuhua, painting him as a "Childe Wastrel" known for frequenting pleasure houses, playing music with singing girls, and even rumored to have a pockmarked face and a limp. Unbeknownst to them, the entire journey was part of Shen Yiyi's elaborate scheme. She had arranged for "bandits" to abduct her once they were safely outside Yaocheng, thus preventing any blame from falling on Lord Shen.
Her true goals were threefold: to avoid marrying into the Tang family, to spare the Shen family from further trouble, and to journey to Chang'An to uncover the truth behind Shen Dieyi's mysterious past. Meanwhile, in Chang'An, the Emperor secretly summoned Yang Zian, appointing him as a Supervisory Censor.
The Emperor tasked Yang Zian with an undercover mission: to enroll in Shangyi School, a place frequented by the sons of powerful officials and wealthy merchants, to investigate the escalating corruption within the imperial court. Yang Zian accepted the perilous assignment, and upon leaving the palace, immediately headed for Shangyi School.
As Shen Yiyi and her mock "bandits" executed her plan, she changed out of her bridal gown in a secluded forest, burning it as an offering to her deceased mistress. As she mourned, she heard distant shouts, forcing her to extinguish the flames and flee. Tang Jiuhua, who had been enjoying an evening of music and dance, was informed of his "bride's" abduction.
Despite his public reputation, Tang Jiuhua was deeply in love with Shen Dieyi and immediately led a search party into the night, injuring his ankle in his frantic quest. His men soon discovered the discarded bridal attire and eventually located Shen Yiyi, who had fallen down a slope. With no other escape, Shen Yiyi feigned madness, speaking erratically, refusing to acknowledge him as her husband and asking him to go home and find his mother.
Far from being repulsed, Tang Jiuhua remained devoted, vowing to find the best doctors in Chang'An for his "ailing" bride and insisting that she was his wife regardless of her state. Upon their arrival in the bustling capital of Chang'An, Shen Yiyi marveled at the city's splendor. Though she observed Tang Jiuhua's continued infatuation, she knew she had to escape before reaching his mansion. Feigning hunger, she convinced him to stop at a restaurant.
There, she further demonstrated her wit by expertly critiquing the imperial chef's dishes, much to the staff's indignation. After her meal, she excused herself under the pretense of needing to powder her face and discreetly slipped away. Tang Jiuhua, realizing she had vanished, immediately dispatched his servants to search for her. Now dressed in men's clothing, Shen Yiyi happily explored the streets of Chang'An.
In her exuberance, she accidentally caused a commotion by startling a cart, leading to a heated argument with a well-dressed man—who turned out to be Yang Zian. Their first encounter was marked by sharp words, with Shen Yiyi calling him a "stinky tofu." During their argument, Yang Zian inadvertently dropped his money bag, which Shen Yiyi quickly scooped up and tucked into her own satchel.
While attempting to evade Tang Jiuhua's searching men, she blindly dove into an empty carriage, only to discover the Second Prince Xiao Xinyuan inside. The prince, who had been divining a prophecy about meeting a "strange person," encountered Shen Yiyi. She quickly thanked him and leapt out of the carriage to continue her escape. Her path soon led her to a poor village where Yang Zian was attempting to teach the villagers the value of self-reliance through skilled trades.
Shen Yiyi, however, used Yang Zian's purloined money to directly aid the villagers, drawing them away from his lecture with promises of immediate relief. This led to a second fiery confrontation between Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian. When he accused her of being a thief for holding his money bag, she claimed to have found it and promised to repay him.
Their argument escalated into a battle of wits, quoting classical poetry, with Shen Yiyi demonstrating her superior understanding of the common people's struggles and again dismissing Yang Zian as a "stinky tofu" and a "conceited pedant." As Shen Yiyi wondered how to begin her investigation into Shen Dieyi's past, Tang Jiuhua found her and insisted on taking her back to his mansion to meet his parents. After a thorough cleansing and change of clothes, Shen Yiyi's mind cleared.
She cautiously probed Tang Jiuhua, asking what he would do if "Shen Dieyi" had truly passed away. Tang Jiuhua, however, refused to believe such a possibility, still attributing her strange behavior to her illness and finding her new demeanor "interesting" and "cute." Tang Jiuhua then revealed that years ago, Shen Dieyi had written to him asking for help in investigating the origins of her Sinan pendant, a personal item her birth mother had left her.
He had discovered that the jade material of the Sinan pendant originated in Chang'An and that similar pendants had been highly popular among the nobility years ago, making it difficult to trace its specific owner. He shared his plan to enroll at Shangyi School, believing it to be the best place to find clues since it attracted descendants of notable families, sons of wealthy merchants, and even informed martial artists.
He also mentioned that Shen Dieyi herself had always wanted to study there. Tang Jiuhua had already signed "Shen Dieyi" up for the entrance examination, but there was a catch: Shangyi School did not admit women. Therefore, he had secretly changed her household registration to male, instructing her to cross-dress and to keep her identity absolutely secret, as discovery would be an act of treason punishable by death.
Shen Yiyi initially balked at the idea of impersonating a man, but when Tang Jiuhua suggested they simply marry if she refused, she quickly agreed to enter Shangyi School. She secretly reasoned that if he passed and she failed, their engagement would naturally be broken off, leaving her free to continue her mission of uncovering Shen Dieyi's true parentage.
Episode 2 Recap
Ministers gathered after court to discuss the newly established Shangyi School. Some questioned its necessity, citing the existing Imperial College and numerous academies, while others argued it could be a vital institution for recruiting talents and even training capable generals to strengthen the Great Yu Empire. With the entrance exam looming, Tang Jiuhua diligently tried to guide Shen Yiyi through her studies.
However, Shen Yiyi, whose true aim was to fail the exam and escape their arranged marriage, showed little interest in academics, instead pondering over various food choices for lunch. Tang Jiuhua gently reminded her to finish reciting "The Spring and Autumn Annals" first. Meanwhile, at a tavern, two men were overheard discussing their plan to hire a ghost examinee for the entrance exam, openly admitting their ambition for wealth and official positions.
Dugu Muxue, disgusted by their words, publicly denounced them as "shameless scoundrels" and warned that it would be a "great misfortune for Great Yu and her people if someone like them should become an official." When the men attempted to confront him, Dugu Muxue effortlessly subdued them, declaring they were "not worth its time" for his sword.
In the palace, the arrogant Crown Prince openly taunted the Second Prince, reminding him of his mother's status as a former princess and his own position as the rightful heir. He warned the Second Prince to be sensible if he wished for tolerance. Seeking refuge from the Crown Prince's relentless oppression, the Second Prince pleaded with General Li for help.
He explained that the palace offered no sanctuary and Shangyi School was his only hope for temporary peace, emphasizing his lack of ambition for power. Despite General Li’s initial reluctance due to the Emperor’s potential disapproval, the Second Prince eventually persuaded him, promising to reveal his true identity to his father after enrolling. To further conceal his royal status, the Second Prince adopted the name Li Xinyuan, with General Li posing as his distant uncle.
Yang Zian was engrossed in his studies when his elder brother, Yang Zixu, approached him, announcing his appointment as Shangyi School's Teaching Assistant. Yang Zixu suggested they "work together" if Yang Zian were admitted, to which Yang Zian politely acknowledged their father's instruction for them to "look out for each other."
Yang Zixu, in turn, asserted that as the eldest son and Teaching Assistant, he would be the one to "take care" of Yang Zian, subtly highlighting the superficiality of their relationship before departing for other matters. On the day of the entrance exam, Shangyi School was a bustling hub of activity. Upon entry, an examiner announced that all personal effects were prohibited, and body searches would be conducted to ensure fairness and security.
Shen Yiyi, fearing her disguise would be discovered, attempted to avoid Yang Zian and the search. However, Tang Jiuhua reassured her, promising they would "play by ear." When it was Shen Yiyi's turn, she resisted the examiner's touch. Tang Jiuhua, identifying himself as the "son of the Assistant Minister of War," quickly intervened. He offered his money bag to the examiner, proposing he personally conduct Shen Yiyi's search, which the examiner accepted.
Tang Jiuhua then swiftly performed a perfunctory search, declaring that Shen Yiyi's "small physique" could not hide anything, thus allowing her entry. Other students were disqualified for various reasons, such as birthmarks, shoe lifts, or concealed items like "lucky charms." The Chief Supervisor then announced the first test: a rigorous "long-distance race."
The route began at Shangyi School's training ground, traversed Chang'An Street, the palace's outer corridor, and the palace gate for a mandatory stamp, before returning to the school's finish line. Only the top eighty participants would proceed, with the last twenty being eliminated. Shen Yiyi, surprised by the physical demands after expecting a test of poetry, voiced her concern, but Tang Jiuhua confidently asserted they could "cope well."
Yang Zian, overhearing their casual remarks, scoffed at them, prompting Shen Yiyi to retort by calling him "stinky tofu," reigniting a playful quarrel from their previous encounter. With the Emperor's command, the race began, and the students charged forward. Dugu Muxue and Yang Zian quickly took the lead, exhibiting impressive speed. Shen Yiyi, however, intentionally lagged behind, hoping to fail the exam.
She feigned thirst, claiming she "can't run any further," and later faked a "cramp in her leg," urging Tang Jiuhua to go on without her. Despite her attempts to delay, Tang Jiuhua remained by her side. She also paused to help another student who had dropped their belongings. As the race neared completion, Tang Jiuhua, realizing only two qualifying spots remained, forcefully pulled Shen Yiyi towards the finish line.
Dugu Muxue and Yang Zian claimed the first and second spots respectively, while Li Xinyuan secured forty-eighth. Tang Jiuhua finished in sixtieth place, with Shen Yiyi trailing just behind in sixty-first. Shen Yiyi was secretly pleased, believing she had failed. Tang Jiuhua, despondent about her near miss, lamented, "Just one place behind." During the stamp verification, a significant number of students were disqualified either for failing to acquire a stamp or for having invalid ones.
This unexpected turn of events led to Shen Yiyi and Tang Jiuhua advancing in rank and securing their spots. The examiner then announced a "hidden test" designed to assess the students' "personal qualities," citing examples such as "helping an old man up or helping a pregnant woman." To Tang Jiuhua's delight, and Shen Yiyi's secret dismay, they were the only two who passed this hidden test, resulting in their martial arts scores being advanced by twenty-five places.
Following the martial arts exam, the Chief Supervisor explained that the combined scores of both the martial and literary tests would determine the twenty-six students admitted to Shangyi School. For the literary examination, the Emperor presented a vase with a flower as the subject of their essays. Shen Yiyi, mistakenly believing the results would not be announced for "in over three days" based on Tang Jiuhua's guess, decided to simply draw a stalk of wheat on her paper.
To her shock, after the papers were collected, the Chief Supervisor announced that the results would be revealed immediately. The Emperor personally reviewed the essays. He criticized one student, Hu Mingyi, for "foolish flattery" and awarded him a C grade. He awarded Li Xinyuan and Dugu Muxue B grades for their patriotic sentiments. Yang Zian received an A for his astute observation that "short-lived blossoms are no match for perennial pines," implying that superficial beauty is fleeting.
Upon seeing Shen Yiyi's paper with only a drawing of wheat, the Emperor was enraged, condemning it as "impudence" and ordering her to be taken away for "thirty lashes for contempt of the examination." Shen Yiyi vehemently protested, declaring, "Your Majesty is being unfair!" Faced with the Emperor's wrath, Shen Yiyi boldly argued that the examination rules did not prohibit drawing, only stating the "plant" as the topic.
She then cleverly connected her drawing of wheat to Yang Zian's essay, asserting that while beautiful flowers fade, a simple ear of wheat represents sustenance, which is what truly matters to common people, far more than the symbolism of orchids or chrysanthemums. She further interpreted the Emperor's choice of a flower as an "exhortation" for students to "empathize with the people and to make real progress instead of giving empty promises."
Acknowledging her initial defiance, Shen Yiyi humbly accepted expulsion but pleaded for leniency regarding the physical punishment. Deeply impressed by her eloquent and insightful defense, the Emperor declared, "Well done, Shen Yiyi," not only rescinding her punishment but also awarding her "first in the literary examination to Shangyi School." He remarked that other students, including Yang Zian, Dugu Muxue, and Li Xinyuan, were "diamonds in the rough" who would shine after training at Shangyi School.
Upon learning of Shen Yiyi's successful enrollment under disguise, Lord Tang furiously chastised Tang Jiuhua, condemning their actions as "nothing short of lese-majeste." Tang Jiuhua defended his decision, stating his desire to achieve his dream of attending Shangyi School and protecting Shen Yiyi, who he claimed shared the same ambition. Shen Yiyi, however, openly contradicted him, revealing he had "forced her into it," and offered to withdraw.
Tang Jiuhua swiftly countered that withdrawing after the results were announced would be an even greater act of defiance against the Emperor, risking grave consequences for their family. He reaffirmed his commitment to keeping her identity a secret and promised no one would discover her true self during their four years at Shangyi School. Lord Tang, left with no alternative, reluctantly agreed.
Shen Yiyi privately lamented that her plan to avoid marriage by having Tang Jiuhua attend Shangyi School had backfired, now trapping her there for four years. She resolved to use her time at the school to search for clues regarding her past. The new students were welcomed by Dr. Lin, who was responsible for their daily lives at Shangyi School.
He led them on a tour of the Hall of Boundlessness garden and the renowned Book Depository, which he proudly declared to be the largest in Great Yu. Dugu Muxue inquired if the collection extended beyond Confucian classics, to which Dr. Lin confirmed the presence of all categories, including "mythical stories," organized with indexes.
Shen Yiyi, observing the ancient texts, casually wondered aloud about their monetary value if sold, a comment Yang Zian quickly rebutted by stating that "the value of ancient books cannot be measured by money." Tang Jiuhua defended Shen Yiyi, explaining her remark simply highlighted the books' preciousness and noting her extensive reading as the literary exam champion. Shen Yiyi, however, seized the opportunity to argue with Yang Zian, criticizing his privileged perspective.
She asserted that for ordinary people, basic necessities like food and clothing were far more crucial than the abstract value of ancient books, accusing him of being a "bigot" who, "born with a silver spoon," spouted "empty talk and preaching." Later, when the dormitory assignments were released, students learned that all rooms were doubles and roommates would rotate each term. Shen Yiyi expressed her displeasure at not being able to have a single room, prompting Tang Jiuhua to humorously suggest they share a room, an idea she immediately rejected.
Episode 3 Recap
Shangyi School began assigning dorm rooms, with two students allocated per room. Shen Yiyi requested a private room, stating she was accustomed to living alone, but Yang Zixu, the Chief's Teaching Assistant and superintendent, firmly denied her request. He explained that this was not their home, and room assignments, which would rotate each term, were predetermined. Tang Jiuhua, wishing to share a room with Shen Yiyi, affectionately called her "Dieyi" and suggested they be roommates. Shen Yiyi declined his offer.
Yang Zixu, observing the commotion, reprimanded the students, reminding them of their purpose at the school: to study and serve the country, not to seek comfort. He immediately deducted credits from Shen Yiyi for violating regulations. Yang Zixu also informed the students that each had 100 credits, and losing all of them would result in expulsion. Shen Yiyi, seeing this as an opportunity to leave the school and escape her arranged marriage, welcomed the idea of losing credits.
Tang Jiuhua, equally frustrated, suggested they both drop out and get married, but Shen Yiyi urged him to prioritize their studies and devise a plan later. Yang Zixu then announced the official room assignments: Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian would share Room No. 1, Tang Jiuhua and Bai would share Room No. 2, and Xiao Xinyuan and Dugu Muxue would share Room No. 3. Tang Jiuhua protested the "ugly" designation of his room, but Yang Zixu dismissed his complaints.
The students were then instructed to collect their bedding and uniforms, with classes set to begin the following day. Shen Yiyi, disappointed by the plain school uniform, privately mused that the credit deduction scheme still offered a path to her desired expulsion. Meanwhile, Xiao Xinyuan used his compass in his new dorm, confirming its auspiciousness for academics.
However, he noted that for his specific "natal horoscope," the room's missing southeast corner was detrimental to interpersonal relationships, making him consider placing plants there. Just then, his silent roommate, Dugu Muxue, entered. In Tang Jiuhua's dorm, Bai enthusiastically made the bed for Tang Jiuhua, expressing admiration for his status and intellect, and asked to call him "boss." Tang Jiuhua, though hesitant, accepted. In Shen Yiyi's room, she discovered Yang Zian changing clothes, bare-chested.
She indignantly demanded he cover himself, citing "ungentlemanly behavior." Yang Zian questioned her interference, but Shen Yiyi insisted he could not change in her presence. Their argument escalated, and Shen Yiyi accidentally tripped, falling onto Yang Zian on the bed. Mortified, she immediately fled, calling him a "pervert," and reminded herself of her male disguise. She found Tang Jiuhua, still agitated. Tang Jiuhua, concerned, offered to confront Yang Zian, believing he had bullied her.
Shen Yiyi quickly clarified that Yang Zian had not harmed her, then lamented her predicament of sharing a room with him, whom she mentally dubbed "stinky tofu." A sneeze from Shen Yiyi prompted Tang Jiuhua to advise her to add more layers, inadvertently sparking her new plan: feigning illness to withdraw from school. Shen Yiyi approached the Chief, dramatically claiming to have broken her arm and thus being unable to write, requesting withdrawal.
The Chief expressed sympathy and immediately summoned the school doctor. Shen Yiyi tried to decline medical assistance, but the Chief insisted. As the Chief helped her stand, Shen Yiyi suddenly "recovered," jubilantly proclaiming that his touch had miraculously healed her, even clapping her hands to prove it. She swiftly departed, celebrating her supposed success. The Chief, however, merely scoffed at her "childish trick."
Later, Tang Jiuhua found a dispirited Shen Yiyi and suggested they return to the Tang residence for the night, promising to find a solution for their living situation. The next day, Shen Yiyi observed Tang Jiuhua's cleverly altered school uniform. She warned him about potential reprimand from the Chief, but Tang Jiuhua countered that school rules only mandated wearing the uniform, not preserving its original style.
Inspired, Shen Yiyi asked Tang Jiuhua to help her tear her own uniform sleeve, despite his initial concerns about appropriateness. Later, in class, students buzzed with gossip about their new teacher, Dr. Wu, renowned for his strictness at the Imperial College and dubbed the "Black-faced Master." Shen Yiyi saw this as another chance to rack up credit deductions. During class, Yang Zian noticed Shen Yiyi's torn uniform, but she curtly told him to "mind his own business."
Dr. Wu began his first lesson, not with texts, but with a practical challenge: drink water from a bowl using a long-handled spoon, holding only its very end, without any part of their body touching the bowl. Students protested the apparent impossibility. Dugu Muxue attempted to break his spoon handle, but Dr. Wu quickly stopped him, citing a rule violation. Dr. Wu offered 50 credits to anyone who succeeded before class ended.
He then deducted 10 credits from both Shen Yiyi and Tang Jiuhua for damaging their uniforms and appearing disheveled. Tang Jiuhua tried to argue, but Dr. Wu threatened an additional 20-credit deduction for talking back. As other students struggled, Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi independently arrived at the same solution: to feed each other. Dr. Wu, observing their potential, asked them to demonstrate. Tang Jiuhua, from his seat, was surprised by the simple yet effective method.
Yang Zian, with feigned weariness, offered Shen Yiyi water, but she deliberately splashed it onto his face. Infuriated, Yang Zian accused her of "going too far," while Shen Yiyi retorted that he had been staring at her. Their bickering resumed, prompting Dr. Wu to intervene. He denied them the 50 credits, stating their actions "ran counter to my original intention." Dr. Wu then delivered a powerful speech about the importance of unity.
He emphasized that the first lesson at Shangyi School was not merely academic but about "mutual support." He reminded them that despite their diverse origins and backgrounds, they would "dine together, live together, study together, and weather the storm together" for the next four years. He stressed that they were destined to become "colleagues at the imperial court and comrades-in-arms on the battlefield," working "for the well-being of the people and give your allegiance to the sovereign."
He concluded that if they did not grasp "the power of solidarity," they "don't deserve to be students at Shangyi School." After evening classes, students returned to their dorms. Bai helped Tang Jiuhua mend his uniform, with Tang Jiuhua musing about embroidering a flower for Shen Yiyi, revealing his deep affection for her. Noticing the unusual silence from Shen Yiyi's room, Tang Jiuhua's imagination ran wild, picturing Yang Zian molesting her.
He grabbed a vase, prepared to intervene, but then hesitated, rationalizing that first-day awkwardness might account for the quiet. Yet, he worried about regretting inaction. He also feared Shen Yiyi might perceive him as a "Peeping Tom" if he intruded unnecessarily. Observing Tang Jiuhua's erratic behavior, Bai quietly took his bedding and left to find another place to sleep.
Yang Zian was also seen carrying his bedding, clearly avoiding his own room, and spent the night in the Hall of Boundlessness. Xiao Xinyuan, seeing Yang Zian and Bai leave their dorms with their belongings, concluded that all Shangyi students were "odd" and that his own roommate, Dugu Muxue, would likely not return either, prompting him to sleep. Dugu Muxue was indeed spotted drinking on the roof.
The next morning, Xiao Xinyuan, after divining a "smooth day," attempted to wake Bai, who had fallen asleep outside his door. Just then, Dugu Muxue unexpectedly leaped from the roof, startling Xiao Xinyuan, who accidentally slapped Bai. Both screamed, and Xiao Xinyuan lamented his faulty divination, realizing it was "not smooth" at all. Shen Yiyi confronted Yang Zian about moving back into their room.
He curtly told her to mind her own business, to which she retorted that she was forced to be there. Yang Zian suggested a pact: "whoever comes back later shall spend the night at the Hall of Boundlessness." Shen Yiyi accepted the challenge. Tang Jiuhua arrived, noticing Shen Yiyi's pale complexion and asking if Yang Zian had bullied her.
Shen Yiyi informed him that Yang Zian had slept in the Hall of Boundlessness, then ominously declared, "The war has just begun." The rivalry between Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian continued, manifesting in arguments during classroom discussions about the definition of victory and even in the library over a book. Later, Tang Jiuhua set a trap for Yang Zian, a camouflaged pitfall. Bai, witnessing his efforts, questioned its purpose, but Tang Jiuhua kept it secret.
As Dugu Muxue approached the trap, Tang Jiuhua tried to divert him, claiming he was clearing leaves. Dugu Muxue, however, offered to help, and despite Tang Jiuhua's attempts to dissuade him, stepped forward and fell into the trap himself. Tang Jiuhua, caught in his own scheme, watched as Dugu Muxue calmly asked who he was plotting against. Tang Jiuhua claimed he was trying to catch a bird. Dugu Muxue, unconvinced, simply left him trapped.
Tang Jiuhua desperately called out to Dugu Muxue, even using the more intimate "Xue," pleading to be released. Eventually, Shen Yiyi and Xiao Xinyuan discovered the trapped Tang Jiuhua. Tang Jiuhua repeated his "catching a bird" excuse, but Xiao Xinyuan, suspecting foul play, suggested reporting it to the Chief to "punish the perpetrator and uphold justice." Shen Yiyi, playing along, agreed, prompting Tang Jiuhua to beg them to free him first, which they did.
The conflict escalated in the dining hall when Xiao Xinyuan, who enjoyed meat, was given extra portions by Tang Jiuhua and Shen Yiyi. Yang Zian, observing this, openly criticized their "pampered habits" acquired at home, reminding them that Shangyi School was a place of learning. While Xiao Xinyuan humbly accepted the criticism, Shen Yiyi lashed out at Yang Zian, calling him "too mean" and a "fault-finder," suggesting his harshness was why he had no friends.
Yang Zian retorted that he preferred to speak the truth, even if it meant losing friends. Disgusted by his attitude, Shen Yiyi stormed into the kitchen, declaring she would "show that stinky tofu" what true culinary skill was. She used the kitchen to prepare various vegetarian dishes, such as "vegetarian chicken, vegetarian ham, and vegetarian roast goose," all crafted to taste like meat. The other students were delighted and praised her cooking.
Yang Zian, however, scoffed at them, labeling them "deceptive" and "charlatan's tricks," dismissing her efforts as "not a fundamental solution." Shen Yiyi demanded an apology, calling him "arrogant and unreasonable" and questioning his upbringing, which infuriated Yang Zian. He then grabbed the tablecloth, overturning the dishes and creating a mess.
The twin students, Wang Zhaocai and Wang Jinbao, seized the opportunity to rush to Yang Zixu, exaggerating that Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi were "making a scene" and about to "have a fistfight" in the dining hall (Chuhe Hall). Yang Zixu, after scolding the twins for their delayed report, arrived at the scene, demanding the instigators step forward. Yang Zian took full responsibility, but Shen Yiyi insisted it was a "misunderstanding" and not a fight.
Yang Zixu, however, declared her the "second perpetrator" and stated his intention to report the incident to the Chief, announcing that it would likely be their "last day at Shangyi School." Yang Zian countered that as a Teaching Assistant, Yang Zixu had no authority to expel students. Xiao Xinyuan tried to mediate, claiming it was a misunderstanding and that other students could testify. Yang Zixu agreed, stating he would not punish them if five other students could confirm their story.
However, he warned that if they failed to find five witnesses, not only would the three involved (Yang Zian, Shen Yiyi, and Xiao Xinyuan) be punished, but any student who falsely testified would also face penalties, and "all be expelled from Shangyi School."
Episode 4 Recap
At the beginning of the episode, a furious Yang Zixu demanded punishment for the recent disturbance. Shen Dieyi, claiming it was merely a misunderstanding, offered the other students as witnesses. Two students, seemingly the mischievous twins, falsely testified that they witnessed Yang Zian and others fighting in Chuhe Hall, a claim supported by another student.
Yang Zixu, attempting to intimidate, declared that if Shen Dieyi could not find five additional witnesses to support her claim, she and the other students involved would be expelled, with any new witnesses also facing punishment for perjury. Shen Dieyi bravely stepped forward, offering to bear full responsibility herself to protect her friends, stating that her expulsion alone would be preferable to involving others.
Tang Jiuhua and another student immediately offered their testimony, and Yang Zixu observed Tang Jiuhua's strong loyalty. Dugu Muxue also voiced his support, stating his satisfaction with his roommate, Li Xinyuan. As Yang Zixu pressed for two more witnesses, another student boldly condemned those who confused right and wrong, declaring his disdain for such classmates and his willingness to leave. Shen Dieyi reiterated her readiness to accept sole responsibility.
Tang Jiuhua shamed the hesitant students, reminding them of their recent enjoyment of Dieyi’s cooking, which galvanized many more students to step forward and testify in her favor. Overwhelmed by the collective support, Yang Zixu was forced to concede, merely warning everyone to behave themselves. Later, Shen Dieyi, Tang Jiuhua, and Li Xinyuan were talking. Tang Jiuhua, noticing Li Xinyuan's compass, playfully asked if he was skilled in I-Ching divination.
Li Xinyuan modestly replied he was an amateur, but then, when asked by Tang Jiuhua to predict his romantic future, he claimed Tang Jiuhua would have a romantic encounter that very day. Tang Jiuhua mistakenly believed the romantic encounter predicted was with Shen Dieyi, and was overjoyed. Excited, Tang Jiuhua nicknamed him "Diviner" and suggested they celebrate with dinner at Ningxiang Pavilion, an idea Shen Dieyi liked. Dugu Muxue declined the invitation due to other commitments.
Tang Jiuhua then invited Yang Zian, who flatly refused, stating he never frequented such establishments and advising them to stay away. Annoyed by his dismissive attitude, Tang Jiuhua and Shen Dieyi decided to go ahead, heading off to change their clothes. Meanwhile, Han Yu'er, Lord Han’s daughter and an avid jade enthusiast, attempted to sneak into her father's study to inspect a new fish-shaped tally mold, reportedly crafted from precious white Hotan jade.
Lord Han discovered her and reprimanded her for her mischievousness and for entering his restricted study, emphasizing the tally's importance. Han Yu'er clarified she was only interested in the jade's quality. Lord Han reiterated his warning. Later, feeling bored while wandering the streets, Han Yu'er spotted a distinctive Si Nan jade pendant worn by Shen Dieyi. Following her, Han Yu'er was nearly hit by a cart, but Shen Dieyi quickly pulled her to safety.
Smitten, Han Yu'er asked for her name, and Shen Dieyi introduced herself. Tang Jiuhua and Li Xinyuan arrived, with Tang Jiuhua teasing Li Xinyuan about his "inaccurate" divination, as Shen Dieyi, not him, had the romantic encounter. Li Xinyuan insisted his prediction was still correct. Han Yu'er, upon hearing Shen Dieyi's name, realized who she was. At Ningxiang Pavilion, Shen Dieyi, Tang Jiuhua, and Li Xinyuan settled down to eat.
Tang Jiuhua expressed his excitement about being in such a place. Shen Dieyi, observing the many meat dishes, questioned if it was truly a restaurant. Tang Jiuhua jovially replied that it satisfied both their stomachs and their eyes. Li Xinyuan, eating heartily, earned a teasing comment from Tang Jiuhua, who asked if he had been a wolf or tiger in a previous life due to his love for meat.
Li Xinyuan dismissed the comment, explaining that he was used to nutritionally balanced meals prepared by palace staff, a luxury he missed at Shangyi School, where mostly vegetarian food was served. He intended to fully enjoy the rare opportunity to eat out. Dr. Wu announced a school party on the 15th to encourage friendship among students. Each student was required to prepare a gift of any kind, write their name on it, and bring it for a random exchange.
The news delighted the students. Tang Jiuhua declared his gift would be unique, while Shen Dieyi pondered how to choose a gift that everyone would like. Both Tang Jiuhua and Li Xinyuan advised her to focus on sincerity rather than trying to please everyone, and Li Xinyuan then confidently stated he knew what his gift would be. Yang Zixu, meanwhile, was seen giving discreet instructions to the twin students, telling them to closely monitor certain individuals, revealing his underlying plot.
Later, Shen Dieyi asked Tang Jiuhua about his gift, but he refused to reveal it, fearing she might copy his idea. When Shen Dieyi mentioned it was her first time giving a gift, Tang Jiuhua gently reminded her of their childhood at the Shen family mansion. He recalled making her a pinwheel, and how she, in return, insisted on climbing a tree despite her chronic illness to pick tangerines for him, even saving one for a friend.
He also mentioned her playful promise to marry him if he brought her a rainbow and white crystal jade. Overwhelmed by these memories of the true Shen Dieyi, Shen Yiyi, in her disguise, could only offer a sorrowful "I'm sorry," momentarily losing her composure. At the festive party, Yang Zixu toasted the students’ future success before leaving, entrusting the twins to manage the gift exchange and reminding the restaurant staff to announce the curfew.
One of the twins explained the simple rules: his brother would randomly select a gift, and he would draw a name for the recipient. Li Mi received an inscribed folding fan, while Tang Jiuhua, to his horror, opened a box from Zhang Zhenbang filled with insect specimens and screamed. Shen Dieyi downplayed his fear, but Li Xinyuan insisted gifts should be appreciated for their sincerity. Shen Dieyi, however, countered that Tang Jiuhua was simply scared.
Next, Li Xinyuan received a rare "Mystery Sketches" book from Dugu Muxue, a treasure he had long sought. Dugu Muxue then received a bottle of fine Bamboo Leaf Green Liquor. When it was Shen Dieyi's turn to give her gift, Yang Zian drew her name. Upon opening her fragrant sachet, he immediately began to cough uncontrollably and dropped it.
Tang Jiuhua angrily accused Yang Zian of being ill-mannered, but Li Xinyuan, retrieving the sachet, suggested Yang Zian might have hay fever. Yang Zian confirmed his lifelong allergy to flowers, inherited from his mother. Shen Dieyi, realizing her mistake, sincerely apologized for misjudging him. As the gift exchange continued, the twins orchestrated events so that Shen Dieyi received Yang Zian's gift. It was a hand-copied collection of Tao Yuanming's poems, which she initially appreciated as thoughtful.
However, upon opening it, she found a pornographic picture tucked inside. Tang Jiuhua was outraged, accusing Yang Zian of deliberately humiliating Shen Dieyi. The twins seized the opportunity to fuel rumors, suggesting Yang Zian intended to take Shen Dieyi to a brothel or, even more maliciously, was secretly courting him. Yang Zian, disgusted, loudly refuted their "filthy abuse and immoral slander," insisting the picture was not his. Li Xinyuan agreed, suspecting a prank.
Surprisingly, Shen Dieyi, despite their past conflicts, defended Yang Zian, stating he was innocent. The twins, undeterred, accused Shen Dieyi of feigning enmity while secretly engaging in a relationship. Tang Jiuhua, furious, threatened physical retaliation. Yang Zian, maintaining his composure, reiterated that the picture wasn't his and that the random nature of the gift exchange, coupled with his own accidental receipt of a pollen-filled sachet, suggested a deliberate, "contrived" act of tampering.
He declared Shangyi School a sacred place for "knowledge and spiritual cultivation" where such "filthy" things were not tolerated. Shen Dieyi warned the twins that their misdeeds would be exposed, and Tang Jiuhua ordered them to leave, prompting their hasty retreat. Following the confrontation, Yang Zian remarked that Shen Dieyi's "pugnacity" would eventually cause her trouble and advised her to sometimes "take a step back."
Shen Dieyi retorted that such advice could only come from a "rich young man who's never suffered injustice," likening his behavior to that of a "mindless fool" and questioning why he was so often targeted. Yang Zian abruptly told her to mind her own business, to which Shen Dieyi, frustrated, called him "stinky tofu" before walking away. After Yang Zian and Shen Dieyi’s heated argument, Li Xinyuan approached Yang Zian.
He offered to look for an ancient prescription he once read about for flower allergies, hoping it might help. Yang Zian politely declined, explaining his allergy was hereditary from his mother and he didn't want to trouble him, though Li Xinyuan insisted they could try if he found it. Li Xinyuan then asked about Yang Zian’s other hobbies, to which Yang Zian replied, "Chess." Dugu Muxue, also a chess enthusiast, then suggested they play together sometime, and Yang Zian agreed.
Tang Jiuhua, still annoyed with Yang Zian, questioned Dugu Muxue for chatting with "that grumpy man," reminding him of Yang Zian's earlier "ungrateful" behavior. Dugu Muxue defended Yang Zian as a good fellow and asked Tang Jiuhua to call him "Dugu." Shen Dieyi, in turn, told Dugu Muxue he could call her "Yiyi," her nickname. Tang Jiuhua then led Shen Dieyi away.
As night progressed, Shen Dieyi, Tang Jiuhua, Li Xinyuan, Dugu Muxue, and Yang Zian found themselves outside the city walls after the curfew. They witnessed military officers arresting an elderly street vendor. Shen Dieyi immediately wanted to help. When an officer instructed the students to leave, Tang Jiuhua tried to explain they were late due to a party. The officer refused to release the vendor, leading Dugu Muxue to physically intervene.
Tang Jiuhua tried to calm the situation, vouching for the old man. Unexpectedly, Yang Zian argued that the officers were simply upholding the law, which must be enforced strictly. Shen Dieyi, annoyed, questioned Yang Zian's stance. Yang Zian then explained the city's regulations: street vending was restricted to designated markets, and prohibited elsewhere, especially after curfew, with goods confiscated and offenders imprisoned, though bail was possible. Understanding, Shen Dieyi reluctantly paid the bail for the old man.
However, his goods were still confiscated, leaving him distraught about his livelihood. Tang Jiuhua then stepped in, instructing the old man to report to the Apricot Flower Village Tavern the next day and mention he was sent by the "young master of the Shen family," assuring him of odd jobs and sustenance. Li Xinyuan was impressed, and Tang Jiuhua subtly revealed that the tavern was his family's property, implicitly identifying himself as the benefactor.
Since the city gates were closed, Li Xinyuan led the group to a place in the suburbs to spend the night. During the night, Shen Dieyi continued to criticize Yang Zian, contrasting their active help for the old vendor with his perceived coldness and inaction. Yang Zian argued that helping individuals was a temporary solution; true change required addressing the root causes of poverty, asserting that the world wouldn't change unless people changed themselves.
Shen Dieyi, passionately, countered that even small acts of kindness could offer warmth in a cruel world, inspiring others and creating a lasting impact. As they watched fireflies, Shen Dieyi wondered if they were dancing stars from heaven. Li Xinyuan offered his more scientific view of stars as distant gases, while Dugu Muxue recounted a legend that fireflies were the souls of the departed, lingering for loved ones. Li Xinyuan then sensitively asked Shen Dieyi if she was missing someone.
Shen Dieyi, with a wistful look, mentally apologized (presumably to the real Shen Dieyi), expressing sadness that she had assumed her identity to find her birth parents but had yet to find any clues. The next morning, exhausted, they tried to sneak back into Shangyi School. Tang Jiuhua urged everyone to quickly return to their rooms to avoid Dr. Lin, whom he also referred to as the "Black-faced Master."
However, Dr. Wu (also called Dr. Lin in the subtitles) caught them. When asked about their whereabouts, the students offered conflicting and chaotic excuses: the latrine, jogging, eating, practicing Kungfu, and reading. Dr. Wu, seeing through their lies, angrily dismissed their alibis and Li Xinyuan's belated explanation about being caught by curfew, pointing out that other students had returned on time.
As punishment, he assigned them a month of cleaning duties throughout the entire school, including the Hall of Boundlessness, student dorms, the library, Chuhe Hall, and the latrine. The students then began to squabble amongst themselves, arguing over who had mentioned the latrine, suggesting that person should clean it alone. The Crown Prince visited Shangyi School for an inspection, delivering a speech on the importance of education for future national leaders and encouraging them to serve the Emperor.
Having recently ascended to the position, he expressed his hope for their continued diligence. Later, invited to dinner, he extended the invitation to all students, believing in shared happiness. He noticed Li Xinyuan appearing nervous and playfully asked if he had scared him. An assistant explained that Li Xinyuan was currently serving a punishment of cleaning the entire school and thus could not attend the banquet.
The Crown Prince, finding "Li Xinyuan" an "interesting" name, promised to "have a good chat" with him on his next visit. In a discreet meeting with Lord Han, the Crown Prince's trusted confidant, Lord Han questioned if the Crown Prince had noticed the Second Prince (Li Xinyuan) at the school. The Crown Prince dismissed his brother's presence as trivial. Lord Han, however, argued the strategic importance of Shangyi School as a training ground for imperial talent.
He warned that if these students succeeded, many would enter official positions, and with the Second Prince currently among them, he was well-positioned to cultivate their loyalty, potentially undermining the Crown Prince. Lord Han revealed he had dispatched trusted agents to secure officials loyal to the Crown Prince to consolidate his power. He also emphasized the Emperor's high regard for Shangyi School and the Second Prince's likely future importance, despite his current disfavor.
Lord Han then presented the Crown Prince with a list of loyal supporters, sealed with a distinctive sealing wax. Suddenly, a noise alerted them to a possible eavesdropper. Lord Han urged the Crown Prince to leave immediately and, to prevent any information leak, promptly burned the list of names.
Episode 5 Recap
As Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian were cleaning the Book Depository, a fire suddenly erupted. Yang Zian warned Shen Yiyi to get out quickly. While a banquet was held for other students, Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi were trapped inside the burning building. Yang Zian was injured while saving Shen Yiyi. When they emerged, Teaching Assistant Yang Zixu blamed them for the fire. Shen Yiyi explained they were merely cleaning and did not start the fire.
The Crown Prince intervened, suggesting that the fire might have been caused by natural factors and that no further investigation was needed. He also advised the Teaching Assistant not to blindly blame the students, before leaving for the palace. An accompanying doctor confirmed that Yang Zian’s injuries were only minor surface wounds. He applied medicine to Yang Zian’s back and instructed Shen Yiyi to bandage him after half an hour, despite her initial surprise.
Once alone, Yang Zian urged Shen Yiyi to bandage his wounds, commenting on her slow and clumsy movements. Shen Yiyi's clumsy attempts to bandage him led to an awkward moment where their faces drew close, their hearts racing. Later, as she tried to help, she accidentally fell and sat on Yang Zian. Flustered, she quickly got up, told him he was capable enough to bandage himself, and left to get him some food.
Yang Zian, meanwhile, was privately pondering the suspicious cause of the fire. Yang Zian found the Book Depository fire to be highly suspicious. That night, he secretly returned to the scene and discovered partially burned paper with names of officials, leading him to wonder if it was connected to a corruption case. Meanwhile, Lord Han, also wary that evidence might remain, ordered his trusted subordinate Ning Xiang to revisit Shangyi School and destroy any lingering clues.
Lord Han also warned Ning Xiang against attempting to use the Crown Prince to escape his control, reminding her that her life belonged to him and that she was his right-hand woman. He then gave her a "newest formwork drawing" with instructions. As Ning Xiang carried out her mission, Dugu Muxue, who was on a nearby rooftop, encountered her. After a brief skirmish, Ning Xiang realized she was outmatched and fled.
The next day, Teaching Assistant Yang Zixu, still holding a grudge and seemingly using the opportunity for personal revenge, announced that Shangyi School would host a lacrosse match against the Imperial College in fifteen days. All regular classes would be suspended for self-study and training. For the sake of fairness, all students were encouraged to participate. Yang Zian, Shen Yiyi, Tang Jiuhua, Li Xinyuan, Bai Shaoqian, Zhaocai, and Jinbao were named as the initial participants.
Li Xinyuan remarked that Shen Yiyi, being good at everything, must be good at lacrosse too, but Shen Yiyi admitted she knew nothing about it. Tang Jiuhua protested the unfairness of including Shen Yiyi and also pointed out that Yang Zian’s injuries made him unfit to play.
Teaching Assistant Yang Zixu insisted he wanted to give them a chance to shine and, seeing their good camaraderie, replaced Jinbao with Dugu Muxue, urging them to help each other and share both good and bad times. Shen Yiyi was about to object, but Yang Zian interjected, assuring everyone that his injuries were largely healed. Yang Zixu then warned them to train hard and not disgrace Shangyi School.
Shen Yiyi felt overwhelmed, but her friends encouraged her, assuring her that lacrosse was easy to learn and they would teach her. Yang Zian added that it was better to start training early than to despair. Shen Yiyi resolved to face the challenge head-on, declaring that even if they lost, they wouldn't lose their morale. After their first training session, the students decided to eat together, but Yang Zian declined, stating he needed to review his lessons.
During the next training session, Tang Jiuhua noticed Dugu Muxue was absent, but Li Xinyuan assured him that Dugu often didn't stay in the dorms but always showed up for classes. Dugu Muxue eventually appeared, only to announce that the day's lesson was canceled as he had other matters to attend to, then promptly left. Shen Yiyi, impressed by Yang Zian's lacrosse skills, asked him to teach her.
Yang Zian agreed, on the condition that she wouldn't quit midway, and gave her a lacrosse manual, promising to start formal training the next day. The following morning, Yang Zian woke Shen Yiyi by repeatedly calling her name from outside, much to her sleepy annoyance. Realizing how late it was, she quickly got ready and joined him.
The intensive training led to a significant increase in Shen Yiyi's appetite; she ate several times her usual portion, prompting others to offer her their food. That night, she suffered from severe stomach pain. Yang Zian, mistakenly believing it was indigestion from overeating, brought her some sour dried fruit. Shen Yiyi, though finding the fruit delicious, knew it didn’t ease her menstrual pain (a secret she kept from him), but she appreciated his thoughtfulness.
Later, as she tossed and turned in pain, Yang Zian approached to check on her, only to be accidentally punched in the eye by a sleeping Shen Yiyi. Despite these mishaps, Yang Zian's rigorous training significantly improved Shen Yiyi's lacrosse skills. Yang Zian was subsequently elected as the lacrosse team captain.
He then led the team in deploying a detailed plan for the upcoming lacrosse match, pointing out potential weaknesses in defense and emphasizing teamwork over individual skill, reminding them of the importance of unity taught by Dr. Wu in their first lesson. He stressed that the match concerned the honor of the entire Shangyi School.
Teaching Assistant Yang Zixu, upon hearing of Yang Zian's promotion to captain, arrived to mock their training methods, dismissing them as useless and accusing Yang Zian of making messy arrangements. Tang Jiuhua defended Yang Zian, even accusing Yang Zixu of being a spy for the Imperial College due to his discouraging remarks. Yang Zian calmly stated that the success of their strategy would be evident on the day of the match.
That night, Shen Yiyi sat outside, worrying about the match. Yang Zian approached to offer comfort, suggesting that sometimes one needed to take a step back. However, Shen Yiyi, not wanting to hear philosophical advice, playfully pushed him back to his room, telling him to get some sleep so he wouldn't cry during the match.
Yang Zian then tried to apologize for past misunderstandings, but Shen Yiyi brushed it off, claiming she had forgotten everything, and even teased him about his temper and how no girl would like him. At that moment, Yang Zixu arrived. He explained to Shen Yiyi that his earlier harsh words were meant to motivate them to win and revealed that he was Yang Zian's elder brother, explaining his strictness. Yang Zian simply called him "Brother" and excused himself, citing sleepiness.
Yang Zixu then gave Shen Yiyi a box of his brother’s favorite Sweet and Sour Fish, asking her to deliver it to Yang Zian. The day of the lacrosse match arrived. An announcer declared that the match between Shangyi School and the Imperial College was to advocate the martial arts spirit of Great Yu, with mutual learning and respect being more important than the score. The players from both teams took the field.
The game was intense and exciting, with neither side gaining a clear advantage. Shen Yiyi and her teammates worked closely together, but the Imperial College players seemed confident, repeatedly intercepting the ball and committing multiple fouls, leading to a tense standoff in the game.
Episode 6 Recap
The lacrosse match between Shangyi School and Imperial College began with intense rivalry. Yang Zixu had secretly conspired with Imperial College students, aiming to undermine the confidence of Yang Zian and Shen Dieyi. Throughout the game, Imperial College players deliberately targeted Yang Zian and Shen Dieyi. Shen Dieyi, after an aggressive play from Imperial College, fell and was injured. Yang Zian urged her to be careful and avoid direct confrontations.
Despite the tough competition, Shangyi School persevered, with scores tied at three-all as time dwindled. Ultimately, Shangyi School secured a hard-won victory. Amidst the jubilant celebrations, Shen Dieyi collapsed, her leg heavily bleeding, her pants stuck to the wound. When the medic attempted to cut her pants for treatment, both Shen Dieyi and Tang Jiuhua vehemently refused. The medic noted significant bleeding from her thigh, admitting he was unable to proceed.
Shen Dieyi whispered to Tang Jiuhua, who immediately concocted a story about knowing an "exotic doctor" possessing a secret ancestral styptic requiring privacy during application, insisting everyone leave the room. Soon after, Li Xinyuan, carrying palace secret hemostatic medicine, arrived at Shen Dieyi's room. He overheard Shen Dieyi and Tang Jiuhua discussing her menstrual period and how she had almost been discovered as a girl during the match.
Realizing Shen Dieyi was a woman disguised as a man, Li Xinyuan was deeply shocked and unsure how to act. He confided in Dugu Muxue, asking for advice on how to react to a friend who turned out to be different than perceived. Dugu Muxue wisely stated that everyone has their secrets and that a person being different from one's imagination is not their fault.
Li Xinyuan, who had always admired Shen Dieyi's upright and straightforward character, found clarity and, now aware of her true gender, felt a growing affection for her, vowing to protect her. Han Yu'er, having learned of Shen Dieyi's serious injury in the lacrosse match, secretly came to visit her by scaling the school wall. She confessed her feelings in a letter and offered to apply medicine.
Shen Dieyi, desperate to protect her identity, rejected Han Yu'er, claiming she already had a crush on someone else. She dramatically pointed to Yang Zian, declaring her love for him and stating she could not accept anyone else, even if their relationship was "doomed love." A heartbroken Han Yu'er cried and left.
Shen Dieyi then quickly explained to her friends, Tang Jiuhua and Li Xinyuan, that Han Yu'er was "pestering" her, and she had no choice but to use such a ploy. Tang Jiuhua, clearly upset, questioned why she didn't choose him as a shield instead, emphasizing their close relationship and that he should have been her choice. Consequently, other students, misunderstanding the situation, began to gossip and mistakenly believed Shen Dieyi was homosexual.
The news of Shen Dieyi's public declaration of love for Yang Zian spread rapidly throughout Shangyi School, with students openly gossiping about her and even avoiding her. Feeling guilty for the rumors and fearing she was implicating Yang Zian, Shen Dieyi offered to withdraw from school. Yang Zian, still unaware of her true gender, encouraged her to face the difficulties, asserting, "What we used to be will be what we are now. From now on, nothing will change."
He grappled with his own confusing feelings for "Shen Dieyi," wondering if his thoughts were inappropriate for a fellow male student. Meanwhile, Li Xinyuan, playing chess with a distracted Yang Zian, reaffirmed his internal vow to protect Dieyi, now knowing she was a girl. Later, Shen Dieyi, along with Dugu Muxue and Li Xinyuan, discussed her plan to open a restaurant.
She proposed they collaborate to create a unique blend of wine, humorously suggesting they name themselves the "Team of Three Drunkards." Despite Li Xinyuan's initial reservations about the name being unrefined, he ultimately agreed to join, inspired by Shen Dieyi's free spirit. During roll call, Dr. Wu noticed Shen Dieyi's absence. Tang Jiuhua, Li Xinyuan, and Dugu Muxue attempted to cover for her, but Dr. Wu saw through their deception.
Other students murmured about Yang Zian's apparent absence and Dr. Wu's perceived favoritism. Meanwhile, Shen Dieyi, having skipped class to discuss her wine business with a stall-keeper, learned that the curfew time had been extended due to new laws. She then spotted Yang Zian also at the market, talking to stall-keepers. She realized he was there for similar reasons, checking on the welfare of the common people.
Yang Zian, in turn, expressed his concern for the stall-keepers, noting how "cold, rigid laws" couldn't solve all problems and that "people have feelings." He shared his belief that mutual help and care were crucial. As they discussed the importance of facing challenges bravely and helping others, Shen Dieyi's heart began to beat faster. Upon their return to school through a back entrance, thinking they had evaded detection, Dr. Wu intercepted Shen Dieyi and Yang Zian.
Dr. Wu announced the penalties: a 20-credit deduction for Shen Dieyi for truancy and a 10-credit deduction each for Tang Jiuhua, Li Xinyuan, and Dugu Muxue for their attempts to cover it up. Tang Jiuhua argued that Yang Zian was also absent but unpunished, accusing Dr. Wu of partiality.
Dr. Wu explained that Yang Zian had obtained prior leave to present a political essay, which led to the emperor's approval of new laws, including the extended curfew and the establishment of local fairs. Yang Zian, in a move to protect Shen Dieyi, revealed that he had met her at the market, where she was also inquiring about the curfew.
He suggested that since their purpose was similar, their punishment should be the same, even offering to have his own credits deducted. After confirming with Shen Dieyi that she was indeed at the market for similar reasons, Dr. Wu, taking into account the practical application of their studies, decided to let them off without any credit deductions, stating that their merits offset their faults. Shen Dieyi, surprisingly, appeared disappointed by this outcome.
Observing Shen Dieyi's reaction and her continued closeness with Yang Zian, Tang Jiuhua was annoyed and accused her of having "made peace" with Yang Zian. Reiterating his feelings for her, he said, "After all, you are my future wife," before she dismissed him, saying she didn't want to talk to him anymore. Learning of these events, Yang Zixu, determined to assert his authority and exact revenge, summoned the "Five Scholars of Shangyi School" to Wenxuan Hall.
Yang Zian protested, pointing out that Dr. Wu had already passed judgment. Yang Zixu countered that Dr. Wu's decision was academic, while his own authority as Teaching Assistant encompassed student discipline. He accused Yang Zian and Shen Dieyi of truancy and the others as accomplices. When Yang Zian accused him of abusing his power, Yang Zixu, unabashed, brought up past incidents such as the pornographic picture in Yang Zian's poetry and the sneezing sachet, hinting at his involvement.
He openly threatened Yang Zian, demanding he "shrink back from difficulties and get out of Shangyi School" to avoid shaming the Yang family. Shen Dieyi defiantly challenged him to provide proof. In response to their defiance, Yang Zixu assigned Tang Jiuhua, Dugu Muxue, and Li Xinyuan to copy the "Students' Rules" ten times, and increased the punishment for Yang Zian and Shen Dieyi to twenty copies.
When Shen Dieyi talked back, Yang Zixu further punished her by ordering her to kneel and hold a water bucket for one hour, while Yang Zian was given half an hour. Yang Zian, suppressing his friends' urge to protest, advised them to accept the punishment gracefully to avoid giving Yang Zixu further ammunition. Yang Zixu watched gleefully as attendants added more water to their buckets, prolonging their suffering.
Episode 7 Recap
Yang Zian's punishment time had technically ended, but Shen Yiyi was still struggling with her heavy water buckets. When Teaching Assistant Yang Zixu called for Yang Zian to stop after half an hour, Yang Zian refused, stating that since Shen Yiyi had listened to his advice and prevented further trouble, he would accompany her to the end. Shen Yiyi, touched, asked why he stayed. Tang Jiuhua, witnessing this, secretly vowed revenge on Yang Zian.
After a grueling two hours of holding the buckets, Shen Yiyi's hands trembled, and she ultimately collapsed from exhaustion. Tang Jiuhua immediately cried out for a doctor, expressing his fear for her well-being. A doctor was summoned and confirmed her fatigue but no serious injury. That evening, Shen Yiyi received comforting visits. Tang Jiuhua brought chicken soup from Ningxiang Pavilion, teasing Shen Yiyi about marrying him.
Xiao Xinyuan revealed that Yang Zian had carried Shen Yiyi back to her room before going to the Book Depository, making Shen Yiyi ponder Yang Zian's true nature. Xiao Xinyuan also relieved Shen Yiyi by completing her pending assignments to prevent further trouble from Teaching Assistant Yang Zixu. Dugu Muxue, uncharacteristically, presented Shen Yiyi with a special herbal medicine made from flowers he had cultivated himself, instructing her to apply it to any sore areas.
Tang Jiuhua, surprised by Dugu Muxue's gentle hobby, urged Shen Yiyi to use the "wonder drug." Later that night, Tang Jiuhua, seeking revenge on Yang Zixu, secretly poured a substance into his water pitcher. The following morning, Yang Zixu awoke to find his lips grotesquely swollen, resembling sausages, which drew widespread ridicule and laughter from the students, despite his furious demands to know who was responsible.
As Shen Yiyi grew closer to Dugu Muxue and Xiao Xinyuan, Tang Jiuhua became overtly possessive, worrying that his "wife" was being taken from him. He openly showed favoritism towards Shen Yiyi in public. Shen Yiyi explained that diversifying her friendships would prevent others from suspecting a "bromance" between them, which could expose her identity. Meanwhile, Shen Yiyi received a heartfelt letter from Shen Bowen, her adoptive father.
He acknowledged her sacrifice for the Shen family and his late daughter, Dieyi, reassuring her that he had made all necessary arrangements to protect her identity as a male student. He also informed her that the Tang family had officially changed Dieyi's household registration to male and that the Shen family's businesses in Chang'An were available to her for support. Reading this, Shen Yiyi broke down in tears, lamenting her homesickness.
Yang Zian, observing her distress, comforted her, assuring her that Shangyi School was now her home and that her friends would treat her like family, playfully adding that a "big guy" shouldn't cry like a girl. Shen Yiyi, realizing the kindness shown to her, resolved to stay at Shangyi School, not only honoring her promise to Shen Bowen but also to continue her search for clues about the Sinan Pendant.
As the Double Ninth Festival approached, Shen Yiyi enthusiastically invited Yang Zian to join her friends for a mountain climbing outing, despite his usual reserved nature. However, just as Yang Zian was about to accept, the Chief of Shangyi School intervened, informing him that someone important wished to see him. It was the Emperor, who, under the guise of an imperial reward, had made an incognito visit to Shangyi School. Yang Zian, compelled to attend, politely declined Shen Yiyi's invitation.
The Emperor praised Yang Zian's recent policy proposal and offered him Double Ninth cakes. When Yang Zian inquired about the true purpose of the visit, the Emperor explained that with so many informants around him, he had to use the pretense of a reward to check on the progress of Yang Zian's investigation, which currently had no leads.
Expressing no blame, the Emperor then invited Yang Zian to a game of chess, a pastime they hadn't shared in a long time. The students enjoyed their outing. Xiao Xinyuan recited a poignant poem about homesickness during the Double Ninth Festival, while another student, Bai, attempted a less successful one that Tang Jiuhua joked would earn him thousands of lines of punishment from the Black-faced Master.
Tang Jiuhua then went to find Shen Yiyi, who was attempting to train a carrier pigeon, affectionately calling it "little pigeon." During her demonstration, the pigeon flew off, leading Shen Yiyi and Tang Jiuhua on a chase that ended with them accidentally crashing into Xiao Xinyuan's art supplies, splattering ink on his garment and painting. More significantly, Shen Yiyi's Sinan Pendant left a distinct imprint on Xiao Xinyuan's Xuan paper.
As Xiao Xinyuan looked at Shen Yiyi, he was momentarily captivated, imagining her in female attire, and felt his heart stir with affection. Shen Yiyi, apologetic for the ink, quickly excused herself to wash up.
After leaving to clean up, Shen Yiyi made a dogwood sachet and presented it to Yang Zian, explaining that while people typically wore dogwood on Double Ninth Festival, its powder could be a potent self-defense tool, recalling a past incident where she (as Yiyi) used it to fend off ruffians. Touched by the gesture, Yang Zian reciprocated by sharing the Emperor's specially gifted Double Ninth cakes with her.
Soon after, Tang Jiuhua eagerly found Shen Yiyi, insisting he had something crucial to discuss. He showed her the ink-stained painting with the Sinan Pendant's imprint, alongside a letter from Han Yu'er with a wax seal bearing the identical pattern. Tang Jiuhua excitedly declared that Han Yu'er was a crucial lead in their search for the Sinan Pendant.
Shen Yiyi and Tang Jiuhua immediately went to Han Yu'er's mansion, but were denied entry by a family servant who stated that Han Yu'er was confined by Minister Han and could not receive visitors. Frustrated, Shen Yiyi suggested waiting for Minister Han's return, but Tang Jiuhua advised against it, fearing that directly involving Minister Han without solid evidence could cause more trouble.
He proposed a plan: since Han Yu'er would likely be freed from her confinement by the time of Shangyi School's upcoming spring outing, Shen Yiyi should write an invitation. This would allow Shen Yiyi to question Han Yu'er privately during the outing. Shen Yiyi jokingly accused him of suggesting a "honey trap," to which Tang Jiuhua, knowing her true gender, lightheartedly retorted that as a woman, she wouldn't be at a disadvantage, a comment that Shen Yiyi found outrageous.
The Five Scholars of Shangyi School went to Ningxiang Pavilion for dinner. Outside, Yang Zian noticed several suspicious men concluding a transaction and quickly dispersing. He picked up a copper coin they left behind. Inside the pavilion, Ning Xiang watched Dugu Muxue's departing back, triggering a vague childhood memory. Later, at dinner, Yang Zian, preoccupied, dropped the copper coin into a bowl. The unusual dull sound prompted him to investigate further, comparing it with other coins.
He pointed out that some coins, like those from Tang Jiuhua and Xiao Xinyuan, made dull sounds and were lighter in color, concluding they were "bad money" or counterfeit. Realizing the gravity of minting and circulating counterfeit currency, a capital felony, the group decided to split up and visit various money shops and businesses to gather information on the extent of its spread.
Posing as an ordinary worker, Yang Zian sought employment from a foreman, discovering a city-wide shortage of porters, many of whom had been mysteriously recruited, some initially taken to Ningxiang Pavilion, and then required to sign a three-month contract. At the agreed meeting point, the other scholars realized Shen Yiyi was missing. Tang Jiuhua reported that Shen Yiyi had gone to a busy warehouse area to exchange money. Growing concerned, Yang Zian and the others split up to search.
In a narrow alley, Yang Zian encountered a woman being chased by ruffians. She took refuge behind him, urgently whispering for him to use dogwood powder, which he did, successfully blinding the attackers and allowing her to escape. Suspicious of her quick wit, Yang Zian pursued her. After a brief chase and a playful struggle, he pulled off her veil, revealing the woman to be Shen Yiyi, elaborately disguised.
Before Shen Yiyi could confess her true identity, Yang Zian, still believing her to be male, indignantly scolded her for "cross-dressing" and acting indecently. Playing along, Shen Yiyi claimed she was forced to wear women's clothes to evade a group of robbers. Yang Zian, appearing convinced, instructed her to quickly change back and return to Shangyi School, where their friends were waiting. Upon Shen Yiyi's safe return, the group discussed their findings.
They pooled the various coins they had exchanged, confirming the widespread circulation of counterfeit money. Yang Zian, reflecting on the audacity of the counterfeiters operating in broad daylight, concluded that they must have powerful backing. He decided that confronting them prematurely would be "beating the grass to startle the snake," and they needed to wait for the opportune moment.
Privately, Yang Zian suspected a connection between the illicit profits from the bad money and the corruption case he was secretly investigating for the Emperor, resolving to report his findings immediately. The next morning, Yang Zian deliberately caused a scene in the school's dining hall, loudly complaining about a strand of hair in his porridge and threatening the cook, Aunt Zhang, with dismissal. Shen Yiyi and Tang Jiuhua tried to intervene, expressing concern about his unusual behavior.
As a result of this public disturbance and his subsequent absence from class, the Doctor announced that Yang Zian's "unexcused absence" would result in a deduction of 20 credits. Hearing reports of Yang Zian's strange conduct, Yang Zixu, still seething from the previous prank, instructed his assistants to closely monitor Yang Zian, anticipating his eventual expulsion from Shangyi School. Unbeknownst to them, Yang Zian had orchestrated the incident to create a pretext for his disappearance. He then sought work as a handyman, and upon being recruited, he and other new workers were blindfolded before being led away to an undisclosed location.
Episode 8 Recap
Yang Zian was absent from his classes, leading Tang Jiuhua to suspect he had gone to indulge in carousing. However, Xiao Xinyuan believed Zi'an was not a frivolous man and must have had a hidden reason. Shen Yiyi admitted that she, too, felt something was amiss and had followed him all the way. Fearing discovery, she hid around a corner, only for Zi'an to disappear into a yard the moment she turned away.
Dugu Muxue urged them to stop speculating, asserting that Zi'an certainly had his own plans. Yang Zian, disguised as a common laborer, was indeed led to a remote villa outside the city, where he discovered a large-scale bad money operation. Inside, numerous blacksmiths were diligently melting iron sand and casting copper coins, working in silence as speaking or escaping would result in death.
From outside, Zi'an overheard a transaction between the gang leader and a masked woman, whom he could not identify due to her mask. The masked woman expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the current batch of coins, but assured the leader that the exchange rate of three bad coins for one good one would remain. As Zi'an leaned in closer to hear more, he accidentally stepped on a branch, making a noise.
The masked woman immediately ordered her men to search, stating, "Better to kill a hundred by mistake than let one escape." Meanwhile, Shen Yiyi, having tracked Yang Zian, also arrived at the villa and was captured by the same group of bandits. When she saw Zi'an inside, she instinctively called out his name, inadvertently exposing both their identities. They were then bound and thrown into a dilapidated shack.
Shen Yiyi confided in Yang Zian that she had left flour marks along the path to the villa, hoping Tang Jiuhua and Dugu Muxue would follow them. Yang Zian asked her what she would wish for if they managed to escape alive, to which Shen Yiyi replied she would want to taste his cooking. Using her ingenuity, Shen Yiyi managed to untie their ropes.
As they quietly slipped out, they knocked over a wooden stake, alerting the bandits, who immediately gave chase. During their escape, Shen Yiyi twisted her ankle, and Yang Zian swiftly carried her on his back. They were fortunate to encounter Tang Jiuhua and the imperial guards, who had followed Shen Yiyi's flour trail. Yang Zian quickly informed them that they had been held in the shack, confirming its connection to the bad money case.
Back at Shangyi School, the doctor examined Shen Yiyi, confirming it was just a minor sprain requiring only a hot compress and a few days' rest. Tang Jiuhua, still agitated, reproached Yang Zian for involving Shen Yiyi in such a dangerous investigation, expressing how worried he had been. Yang Zian remained silent, while Dugu Muxue, though understanding Zi'an's predicament, did not intervene verbally.
Shen Yiyi, feeling responsible for derailing Zi'an's plans, apologized to him for her actions, to which he calmly responded that he was not angry. The officers had searched the hideout but found no substantial evidence of the mastermind, as the bad money had been moved, leaving only casting tools and molten iron. Feeling guilty for the stalled investigation, Shen Yiyi realized that her earlier comment about "molds or letters" was crucial.
She then pointed out that the most critical element in creating counterfeit currency was the coin template, which was under strict imperial protection and accessible to only a select few. Yang Zian, recognizing the significance of this insight, knew he had to report it to the Emperor immediately. Unbeknownst to them, Ning Xiang was being reprimanded by her true master, Yang Prime Minister. He expressed his grave concern that the ongoing investigation could implicate him.
He instructed Ning Xiang to create a diversion to shift the court's attention. Ning Xiang swiftly orchestrated the assassination of several important officials in Chang'An, fabricating suicide notes that implicated the "snakehead" (smuggler's leader) in providing the minting templates and detailing how the profits were divided. This led to the purported suicides of the snakehead and the implicated officials, officially closing the bad money case.
The Emperor, pleased with the swift resolution, rewarded Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian with fifty academic credits each and a one-time immunity privilege at Shangyi School. Shen Yiyi attempted to exchange her credits for an additional immunity, but Dr. Lin firmly rejected her request, citing the Emperor's decree. For years, Ning Xiang had been working for Han Shangshu, though her ultimate allegiance lay with Yang Prime Minister. They communicated using letters sealed with a unique wax stamp.
Han Shangshu, wary of an ongoing investigation into a specific Sinan jade pendant, instructed Ning Xiang to mass-produce these sealing wax stamps and distribute them to peddlers for sale. His intention was that if the stamp became widely available as a common commodity, it would obscure their connection to it and prevent investigators from tracing it back to him. Upon learning that Han Yu'er's house arrest was lifted, Shen Yiyi immediately invited her for an outing.
Han Yu'er, delighted, presented Shen Yiyi with a jade pendant, claiming that Tang Jiuhua had clarified that the past incident between Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian was merely a staged act to test Han Yu'er's feelings. Enraged by Tang Jiuhua's meddling, Shen Yiyi refused to listen to his explanations and summarily sent him away. As the semester reached its midpoint, it was time for dorm reassignments.
Shen Yiyi, hoping to avoid further complications, had intended to request a room with Tang Jiuhua. To her dismay, Dr. Lin assigned her to share a room with Xiao Xinyuan. Resigned, Shen Yiyi approached Xiao Xinyuan to discreetly propose swapping rooms with Bai Shaoqian after lights out each night. Xiao Xinyuan initially expressed concern about being discovered, but Yiyi insisted it would be undetectable if they both remained silent.
Xiao Xinyuan, however, seemed to hint at already knowing a secret about Shen Yiyi, causing her to quickly drop the idea and rush off to class. Xiao Xinyuan silently pondered when Shen Yiyi would realize his feelings for her, already aware of her secret. Concurrently, Shangyi School organized an excursion to Green Stream Valley for a traditional ritual of cleansing. Tang Jiuhua informed Shen Yiyi that this outing included a communal bath in the stream, which could expose her identity.
After a serious discussion, they decided that Shen Yiyi would feign an inability to swim to avoid participation. On the day of the outing, Han Yu'er joined the group. Dr. Lin, feeling unwell, was replaced by Yang Zixu as the assistant leading the trip, alongside the Chief's Teaching Assistant. Upon arriving at the stream, where many students began disrobing to bathe, Shen Yiyi quickly steered Han Yu'er to a secluded spot.
She subtly inquired about the sealing wax stamp on a letter Han Yu'er had with her, asking if its intricate pattern was exclusive to the Han family or could be purchased elsewhere. Han Yu'er casually confirmed that her family had many such stamps and it was not unique, much to Shen Yiyi's disappointment. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew a letter into the river.
Shen Yiyi rushed into the water to retrieve it, but in her haste, she twisted her ankle. Han Yu'er's frantic calls for help alerted everyone, including Xiao Xinyuan. Xiao Xinyuan found Shen Yiyi's Sinan pendant, which had fallen from her, and quickly helped her hide when Yang Zixu approached. While hiding, Shen Yiyi overheard Yang Zixu addressing Xiao Xinyuan as "Your Highness Second Prince," revealing his true identity.
Xiao Xinyuan, in turn, acknowledged that he knew Shen Yiyi was a woman, and they both agreed to keep each other's secrets. After Yang Zixu departed, Xiao Xinyuan returned the Sinan pendant to Shen Yiyi. Han Yu'er, captivated by the pendant's distinctive pattern, picked it up, prompting Tang Jiuhua to chide her for her perceived lack of worldly experience, leading to another playful argument between them.
Concerned about Shen Yiyi's recklessness, Yang Zian pulled her aside and sternly chastised her for approaching the water when she couldn't swim. Shen Yiyi, seeing his concern, playfully leaned in and whispered that she had been thinking of him the entire time she was in the water, which created a subtle, intimate atmosphere between them.
Episode 9 Recap
After their outing, Shen Dieyi invited everyone to a restaurant for drinks. Once they had eaten and drunk to their fill, the group headed home in high spirits. As Shen Dieyi was being escorted back to her room, she felt thirsty, and Xinyuan went to fetch some water. Meanwhile, Yang Zian passed by her room and, hearing her voice, was drawn inside. There, a heavily intoxicated Shen Dieyi slurred her words, asking him not to leave.
She then blurted out, "Can't you see I like you?" and confessed that she even enjoys losing to him. Stunned and flustered, Yang Zian rushed outside to the well, pouring cold water over himself to regain composure, eventually collapsing and falling asleep on the ground. The next morning, Shen Dieyi awoke with no memory of the previous night's events. Dugu Muxue found Yang Zian in the courtyard and carried him back to his room.
A doctor diagnosed Yang Zian with a severe cold, advising a bland diet and plenty of rest. Xinyuan later told Shen Dieyi that Yang Zian had left their room in a hurry the previous night and was found by the well. Feeling guilty that Yang Zian might have fallen ill because of her, Shen Dieyi dedicated herself to caring for him, diligently taking notes in class for him, and ensuring he took his medicine and dressed warmly.
Yang Zian, however, struggled internally, trying to maintain distance, reminding himself that Dieyi was a man and such thoughts were inappropriate. He repeatedly urged her to leave him to rest, though Shen Dieyi persisted in her care, deeply worried about his health. Tang Jiuhua, observing Shen Dieyi’s constant attention to Yang Zian, confronted her, asking if she harbored feelings for him. Shen Dieyi vehemently denied it, explaining her actions stemmed solely from guilt.
Tang Jiuhua, satisfied, jokingly declared her his "wife," to which Shen Dieyi playfully retorted. Later, Bai was seen playing with a wax seal that caught Shen Dieyi and Tang Jiuhua’s attention because its pattern matched Shen Dieyi’s Sinan pendant. Bai revealed that such seals were commonly sold by street hawkers, leading Tang Jiuhua to conclude that the pendant was not a unique clue.
Separately, Xinyuan expressed concern to Shen Dieyi that her close proximity to Yang Zian might expose her secret. Shen Dieyi assured him she would be careful. Xinyuan then noticed the Sinan pendant’s pattern, remarking that it looked strikingly similar to court patterns and questioned its origin. Shen Dieyi, caught off guard, concocted a story about her merchant ancestors acquiring it from nomads and her wearing it as an amulet since childhood.
Xinyuan accepted her explanation and promised not to tell anyone, sealing it with a pinky swear. He then asked Shen Dieyi for a favor. Xinyuan invited Shen Dieyi to Changsheng Restaurant for a lavish meal, intending to confess his feelings. He described the girl he liked as spirited, prone to anger and even physical outbursts, yet endearing and familiar. While he spoke, Shen Dieyi’s attention drifted to Yang Zian, who had just entered with his father.
Seeing Yang Zian cough and leave, Shen Dieyi impulsively followed him, completely missing Xinyuan’s subtle revelation that the girl he described was her. Xinyuan, realizing Shen Dieyi had not heard him, was left in despair, pondering his unrequited love. He also briefly wondered if Yang Zian harbored feelings for Shen Dieyi but dismissed the thought, knowing Yang Zian believed her to be a man. Shen Dieyi caught up to Yang Zian, explaining her worry after seeing him cough.
Yang Zian clarified he had merely choked. When Shen Dieyi mentioned she was at the restaurant to help Xinyuan with love advice, Yang Zian internally reasoned that her concern was typical of her kind nature towards everyone, and he should not misinterpret it. Meanwhile, Tang Jiuhua witnessed Han Yu’er harshly scolding a small girl in the market. Mistaking Han Yu’er for a cruel and spoiled young lady, Tang Jiuhua intervened and condemned her actions.
Han Yu’er, annoyed, walked away, but Tang Jiuhua followed, demanding an explanation. He then saw Han Yu’er discreetly give the girl money and advise her to be careful while searching for her parents. It turned out the girl was an abducted child, unknowingly purchased by the Han family’s steward.
Bound by household rules against arbitrary dismissal, Han Yu’er had staged the public reprimand to create a pretext for the girl’s departure, providing her with the means to find her real family. Realizing his error, Tang Jiuhua apologized, but Han Yu’er, still annoyed, seized something from him as recompense before leaving. Back at Shangyi School, the quality of the food deteriorated noticeably.
When Shen Dieyi went to the kitchen to help, Aunt Li informed her that Aunt Zhang, the cook, had taken leave because her child had gone missing over ten days ago. Aunt Zhang was reportedly distraught, and the local authorities had initially dismissed it as a child running off to play. However, as more than ten children from the area went missing, the government began to investigate.
This wave of disappearances had deterred anyone from applying for the vacant chef position. Hearing this, Yang Zian and Xinyuan visited Aunt Zhang’s family. The child’s father confirmed the widespread disappearances, explaining that fear had paralyzed the community. Yang Zian, connecting the recent surge in missing children to the period when the bad money case was "solved," suspected a link between the two. Acting on his suspicion, Yang Zian went to investigate the abandoned money-casting factory.
While he was examining the site, he sensed someone behind him. Turning quickly, he threw a punch, only to find Shen Dieyi rubbing her bruised eye. Shen Dieyi, complaining about his heavy hand, explained that she also suspected a connection between the cases. She recalled being bumped by a small figure when she was previously kidnapped at the factory, deducing that the bad money criminals, having lost their original source of income, might now be turning to child abduction.
Together, they searched the factory and discovered several pieces of children’s clothing, confirming their suspicions. Yang Zian, concerned about the complexity and danger of the case, urged Shen Dieyi to return to Shangyi School and not get further involved. He emphasized that he no longer needed her help. However, Shen Dieyi, moved by the plight of the missing children and reflecting on her own past as a child without parents, insisted on helping.
She spoke passionately about the bullying and ridicule such children endure, and the heartbreaking possibility of them forgetting their parents and their way home. Seeing her tear-filled eyes, Yang Zian relented but made her promise to follow all his instructions. Soon after, Xinyuan, Tang Jiuhua, and Dugu Muxue approached Yang Zian and Shen Dieyi. Noticing Shen Dieyi’s bruised eye, they inquired about it, to which she jokingly attributed it to a donkey kick.
Yang Zian explained they were investigating the child disappearance case, which he believed was linked to the bad money operation, an act he deemed outrageous. Outraged by this atrocity in the capital, Xinyuan, Tang Jiuhua, and Dugu Muxue all volunteered to join the investigation. Yang Zian agreed, recognizing that more hands would expedite the process. Xinyuan then used a map to pinpoint that all reported child disappearance locations converged around Ningxiang Pavilion, making it a key area of interest.
Dugu Muxue, being the most skilled fighter, was tasked with monitoring Ningxiang Pavilion for suspicious individuals. Tang Jiuhua explained that wealthy families' demand for child servants fueled child abduction, and offered to gather information from Han Yu'er about the slave trade. Yang Zian then divided the remaining tasks: he would gather updates from the authorities, Xinyuan would search for other clues, and Shen Dieyi would remain at Shangyi School to facilitate communication.
Shen Dieyi suggested they adopt a team name: the "Five Tigers of Shangyi School." While some found the name a bit common, Xinyuan proposed the "Five Scholars of Shangyi School," which everyone agreed upon. They then enthusiastically devised a unique hand gesture for their newly formed team.
Episode 10 Recap
Tang Jiuhua, hoping to uncover clues in the child abduction case, publicly announced his intention to purchase a young girl, aged seven or eight, to serve as a book attendant for his future child. While others dismissed his words with laughter, Li Mi lingered, offering to help locate suitable channels and candidates.
Meanwhile, Yang Zian attempted to gather information at the government office regarding the recent abductions in Chang’An, but he was rudely turned away by an officer who refused to disclose Lord Zhang’s whereabouts. Yang Zian then canvassed market vendors, learning that due to heightened public vigilance, with parents keeping their children indoors, no new abductions had occurred recently. The investigative team—Shen Yiyi, Yang Zian, Dugu Muxue, Tang Jiuhua, and Xiao Xinyuan—gathered to share their findings.
Yang Zian expressed suspicions of collusion between the abductors and the government, while Dugu Muxue reported observing a servant from Ningxiang Pavilion who left the premises every two days at 11:45 AM, behaving strangely in residential areas, though no concrete evidence was found. Tang Jiuhua declared that his bait, the public announcement, had worked, with Li Mi already taking the hook and mentioning child slaves for sale.
To further ensnare Li Mi, Tang Jiuhua had Han Yu’er pose as his fiancée for a meeting. During the encounter, Tang Jiuhua pressed Li Mi, emphasizing that the maid needed to be "clever and lovely" to please his "fiancée," with money being no object. Li Mi assured him that he would provide an indenture and deliver a satisfactory candidate within three days. Unbeknownst to Li Mi, Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi were already tracking him.
Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi followed Li Mi and the Ningxiang Pavilion servant to a house. Concurrently, Tang Jiuhua appealed to his father for military assistance. Initially dismissing the idea as reckless, Tang’s father was swayed when Xiao Xinyuan, revealing his true identity, vouched for the urgency and pledged to take responsibility to the Emperor. Tang’s father then agreed to dispatch troops.
To create a diversion, Shen Yiyi, disguised as a woman, knocked on the house door, claiming her cat had strayed inside. She was roughly pushed away, signaling to Yang Zian and Dugu Muxue, who then kicked in the door. During the ensuing confrontation with the criminals, Yang Zian instinctively shielded Shen Yiyi from an attack, accidentally discovering her true identity as a woman.
Tang Jiuhua and Xiao Xinyuan soon arrived with soldiers, leading to the arrest of all the culprits, including Li Mi and the Ningxiang Pavilion servant. Shen Yiyi, flustered by Yang Zian’s discovery, consulted Tang Jiuhua, who advised her to pretend nothing had happened for now and to discuss it further once they returned to Shangyi School. An interrogation of Li Mi and the servant yielded no direct answers about the mastermind, with both denying knowledge and blaming each other.
News of the hiding place being discovered reached Han Shangshu, who expressed his disappointment with Ning Xiang. Back at Shangyi School, Shen Yiyi decided to confront Yang Zian about her identity. Tang Jiuhua, however, intervened, suggesting she concoct a story: she had come to Chang’An to fulfill an arranged marriage to him but, unwilling to marry, had disguised herself as a man to enroll at Shangyi School and delay the union.
Despite Tang Jiuhua’s advice, Shen Yiyi later sought out Yang Zian, who was initially hesitant to let her into his room. Yang Zian sternly reminded her of the severe consequences of lese-majeste and urged her to maintain distance, now that he knew she was a woman. Shen Yiyi, however, downplayed the seriousness, reminding him of their previous close interactions, even sharing a room and him changing in front of her.
She insisted their consciences were clear and they could continue as before. It was during this conversation that Shen Yiyi inadvertently revealed that Tang Jiuhua was her fiancé. Stunned by this revelation, Yang Zian grew angry, sternly advising her to leave due to the late hour and their differing genders and her engagement. When Shen Yiyi refused, he declared he would leave instead, prompting her to question why they needed to separate if they were truly innocent.
As Yang Zian exited the room, he pondered to himself, "What if my conscience is not clear?" Yang Zian was later summoned by his father, who expressed concern for his son's health due to his involvement in the abduction case. Yang Zian, undeterred, shared his detailed theory about the sophistication of the abduction ring, which he believed could only be orchestrated by high-ranking court officials, explicitly naming Han Shangshu and Lord Tang as his primary suspects.
His father, while acknowledging Yang Zian’s acumen, decided to take over the investigation himself, urging his son to put his concerns aside. Meanwhile, to alleviate the anxiety among Shangyi School students regarding the ongoing cases, Shen Yiyi created a public discussion board. She proposed the topic "Females are not inferior to males." Initially, many male students expressed conservative views, asserting that women should adhere to traditional virtues and were inherently inferior.
Observing Shen Yiyi's discomfort, Yang Zian passionately intervened, citing historical examples of formidable women like Hua Mulan, Xie Daoyun, Liang Hongyu, and Zhuo Wenjun, and arguing for gender equality, which swayed many of his peers. Later, as Tang Jiuhua sketched Dugu Muxue’s sword moves, he ran out of ink. Xiao Xinyuan wished for an ink-storing brush, inspiring Shen Yiyi.
Remembering a foreign book that mentioned such an invention, she eagerly pulled Yang Zian to the library to research it, much to Tang Jiuhua’s annoyance, who was playfully held back by Dugu Muxue. In the library, Yang Zian helped her find the relevant information. That evening, Shen Yiyi confronted Yang Zian again, asking why he was still avoiding her. He reiterated his belief that, given her engagement to Tang Jiuhua, they should maintain a distance.
Shen Yiyi then confessed that she never wanted to marry Tang Jiuhua and had disguised herself and joined Shangyi School specifically to delay the arranged marriage. Yang Zian's face lit up with happiness upon hearing this. She reiterated that she and Tang Jiuhua were merely friends, and that she would only marry for love, not for wealth or family obligation, thus he had no need for such concerns.
Shen Yiyi later presented the completed ink-storing brush to Xiao Xinyuan, who was delighted. She credited Yang Zian for his help in its creation, prompting Xiao Xinyuan to thank Yang Zian. Tang Jiuhua, feeling left out, playfully complained that Shen Yiyi always invented things with others but never with him. Shen Yiyi promised to include him next time.
She also introduced another invention, a hand-cranked mechanical fan, proposing a playful rule that whoever among the five made a "mistake" (such as excessive drinking, unreasonable anger, or unshared worries) would have to operate the fan. Everyone pointed to Tang Jiuhua, though Dugu Muxue ultimately ended up cranking it. Back at Ningxiang Pavilion, Han Shangshu harshly reprimanded Ning Xiang for allowing the Shangyi School students to focus their investigation on the pavilion.
He reminded her that the abduction and bad money cases were merely diversions, and any further missteps could jeopardize his larger plans. Ning Xiang desperately pledged her unwavering loyalty, likening herself to a "footless kite" whose fate, life, and death were entirely in his hands. Han Shangshu, unswayed, warned her against any "funny ideas" and confirmed he had other tasks for her, instructing her to handle the students perfunctorily.
He then chillingly commanded her to "get rid of" the Shangyi School students if they continued to interfere. Ning Xiang meekly agreed. Separately, Censor Tu was tasked by the Emperor to coordinate efforts to capture the culprits responsible for the imperial city attacks.
Censor Tu attempted to meet with the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace, but the Crown Prince, calling Censor Tu an "old goat," quickly arranged for a carriage to escape through a back exit to avoid the meeting.
Episode 11 Recap
The Crown Prince, agitated that Censor Tu had begun investigating his unauthorized recruitment of private troops, quickly sought out Minister Han to discuss a countermeasure. The Crown Prince feared being exposed and facing charges of treason, similar to what happened to his uncle. However, Minister Han remained unconcerned, simply advising the Crown Prince to minimize his movements to avoid creating suspicion and giving those with ulterior motives an opportunity to find proof of their wrongdoing.
Despite Minister Han's reassurances, Censor Tu awaited the Crown Prince and confronted him about a significant discrepancy between the reported supplies and the actual number of troops in the Crown Prince's mansion, declaring it a serious offense. The Crown Prince feigned composure but was inwardly frantic, denying the accusations and claiming he was being framed. After Censor Tu departed, the Crown Prince immediately dispatched a confidential letter to Minister Han’s mansion.
However, the letter was intercepted by Censor Tu, who discovered the truth of the Crown Prince's collusion with Minister Han in planning a rebellion. Censor Tu immediately penned a memorial, determined to present it to His Majesty. Minister Han, frustrated by the Crown Prince's recklessness, along with Ning Xiang, ambushed Censor Tu outside Zhuque Gate.
Censor Tu, knowing his days were numbered, valiantly refused to surrender the evidence, vowing to deliver it to His Majesty even if it meant his death. Minister Han then struck him down, telling him to take the evidence to hell, and instructed Ning Xiang to handle the rest. Imperial Guards soon arrived, discovering Censor Tu's body. They reported the assassination to His Majesty and began a pursuit of the assassin.
As Ning Xiang attempted to flee with the memorial, she encountered Dugu Muxue. A silent moment was followed by a swift exchange of blows. During their brief fight, Dugu Muxue noticed a distinctive scar on Ning Xiang's arm. This made him freeze, realizing she was Rou, his childhood friend with whom he had practiced martial arts, remembering their playful arguments over who would protect whom. Ning Xiang, however, did not acknowledge him.
Perceiving a disadvantage, she fled, but was soon cornered by the Imperial Guards. Dugu Muxue, with his face obscured by a mask, bravely plunged into the fray, creating a diversion that allowed Ning Xiang to escape. During the skirmish, he was severely wounded in his right abdomen, bleeding profusely. The Imperial Guards tracked his blood trail, which led them to the walls of Shangyi School, causing a stir among the students who had never witnessed such a commotion.
While Tang Jiuhua, Yang Zian, and Li Xinyuan searched frantically for Shen Yiyi, she was in the bathhouse. Dugu Muxue, weakened by his injury, stumbled into the bathhouse, inadvertently seeing Shen Yiyi and realizing she was a woman disguised as a man. Meanwhile, Chief Song, finding no assassin during his initial search, stood with the students at the entrance, blocking the Imperial Guards and demanding they withdraw without a royal edict.
The Commander of the Imperial Guards soon returned, presenting His Majesty's edict, which compelled Chief Song and the others to grant them entry. The entire school was searched, but no assassin was found, except the student dormitories. Back in the dorm, Shen Yiyi, Tang Jiuhua, Yang Zian, and Li Xinyuan had found Dugu Muxue.
Dugu Muxue explained that Censor Tu had been assassinated, and the Imperial Guards mistakenly believed he was the culprit, injuring him as they pursued him to the school. Shen Yiyi observed the severity of Dugu Muxue's wound, realizing it needed immediate stitching to prevent a life-threatening situation. As the Imperial Guards approached the dorm, Dugu Muxue, feeling he was a burden, attempted to leave, but his friends stopped him. Tang Jiuhua prepared anesthetics and sterilized needle and thread.
Yang Zian and Li Xinyuan supported Dugu Muxue while Shen Yiyi, steadying herself, skillfully stitched and bandaged his wound. Dugu Muxue vowed to keep Shen Yiyi's secret of being a woman if he survived this ordeal, grateful for her trust. Seeing the Imperial Guards about to enter the students' dorm, Li Xinyuan stepped forward, revealing himself as the Second Prince to delay them.
However, Teaching Assistant Yang intervened, cautiously reminding the Commander that he possessed His Majesty’s edict and that the search should proceed to ensure the safety of the Prince and other students, implying that obstructing the search might displease His Majesty. The Imperial Guards then opened the door to find Yang Zian, Tang Jiuhua, Shen Yiyi, and Dugu Muxue pretending to be heavily intoxicated, with painted faces, gambling, and speaking gibberish.
Chief Song and the other professors were enraged by this unseemly display and stormed out. Teaching Assistant Yang, though internally frustrated, publicly scolded the four students, acknowledging Li Xinyuan's sacrifice in revealing his identity to cover for them, and issued a major offense and a deduction of fifty academic points to each. The assassin had not been apprehended. His Majesty ordered a city-wide manhunt.
Minister Han, feigning concern, offered to assist in the investigation, then returned to his mansion, curious about the masked person who had protected Ning Xiang earlier. The Shangyi School eventually returned to its usual lively atmosphere. However, everyone now knew Li Xinyuan was the Second Prince. They treated him with excessive deference and flattery, even Chief Song, which made Li Xinyuan quite uncomfortable.
When Shen Yiyi changed Dugu Muxue's dressing, he awkwardly asked Yang Zian to take over in the future. Shen Yiyi, suspecting her heavy hand might have caused him pain, was quickly reassured by Dugu Muxue that this was not the case. He sincerely thanked her, but Shen Yiyi told him to stop being so polite, asserting they were friends. Dugu Muxue, however, declared they were not just friends, but confidants for whom such immense kindness needed no words of gratitude.
Later that evening, Shen Yiyi found Tang Jiuhua, confiding that she suspected the Sinan pendant bore royal patterns and might be a royal item. She suggested asking Li Xinyuan for help, believing his royal status would make it easier to investigate. Tang Jiuhua deemed it unwise; while Li Xinyuan would undoubtedly help, the extent of the pendant's connection to the royal family was still unknown. For Shen Yiyi's safety, Tang Jiuhua believed fewer people should be aware.
Instead, he proposed they both strive to win first place at Shangyi School, which would grant them entry to the palace, allowing them to investigate personally. Shen Yiyi found this idea illuminating. Li Xinyuan continued to feel uneasy due to the sudden shift in how he was treated by his peers and even the Chief. He explained to Tang Jiuhua that the Crown Prince, being the Empress's legitimate firstborn, looked down upon him, the unfavored Second Prince.
Later, Li Xinyuan accidentally bumped into the Crown Prince, dropping a book. The Crown Prince, without a glance, simply told him to pick it up himself before walking away. Li Xinyuan reflected that in the royal family, power often superseded kinship. Tang Jiuhua jokingly warned Li Xinyuan about speaking ill of the royal family, then playfully fled when Li Xinyuan moved toward him.
Episode 12 Recap
Han Shoushu, unable to find his daughter Han Yu'er in her study, discovered a rough carving of a Si Nan jade pendant on her desk. This reminded him of an old incident from his years as an official, causing him great alarm. Meanwhile, at Shangyi School, Han Yu'er, worried about Shen Yiyi after Imperial Guards searched for an assassin, sought her out. However, Shen Yiyi, not wanting Han Yu'er to waste her affection, sternly rejected her once more.
She explained that she understood Han Yu'er's feelings but could not reciprocate them, emphasizing that love could not be forced and advising Han Yu'er to maintain her dignity. Heartbroken, Han Yu'er left. Tang Jiuhua, returning to Shangyi School, saw Han Yu'er's distress and, fearing she might do something foolish, followed her to Ningxiang Pavilion. There, Han Yu'er drank heavily, tearfully questioning Tang Jiuhua why Shen Yiyi did not like her.
Tang Jiuhua, irritated by Han Yu'er's stubbornness and referring to her as a "little witch," pointed out her "awful temper" and suggested she learn from Ning Xiang. Ning Xiang then appeared, discreetly used her incense burner to lull Han Yu'er into a drunken stupor, and subtly questioned Tang Jiuhua about the assassin incident at Shangyi School.
Tang Jiuhua assured her that no one at the school was injured, leading Ning Xiang to wonder if the individual in question was not from Shangyi School after all. Yang Zian, convinced that Censor Tu's sudden assassination had a hidden motive, brought Shen Yiyi to Tu Mansion under the guise of offering condolences to secretly search for documents. While Shen Yiyi stood guard outside Censor Tu's study, Yang Zian entered and observed Ning Xiang collecting incense ash from a burner.
After Ning Xiang left, Yang Zian gathered the remaining ash into a handkerchief, planning to investigate further back at Shangyi School. Back at Shangyi School, Yang Zian discussed Ning Xiang's suspicious actions with Shen Yiyi and Tang Jiuhua. He noted Ning Xiang's secretive behavior and her specific interest in the incense ash was perplexing. Shen Yiyi believed the ash held an unknown secret.
Tang Jiuhua mentioned his acquaintances among exotic doctors at the market, suggesting they might identify the components of the ash. Yang Zian, however, was wary, suspecting the assassin might either be manipulating them or believe the ash would lead nowhere. He decided they should also investigate the source of the incense itself.
Unbeknownst to them, Ning Xiang was informed by her subordinate that Shangyi School students were investigating her special perfume formula; she found this "interesting" and indicated she had a plan. Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian proceeded to the Tu Mansion's warehouse, where the steward informed them that Censor Tu used chrysanthemum and lavender-based incense for insomnia, purchased in large quantities from a city spice shop. However, upon inspection, they found all the spice containers empty.
Yang Zian discovered footprints, confirming the black-clad individual had stolen the stored spices as well, indicating a secret behind the particular blend. As they hurried out, Shen Yiyi tripped over some scrolls, falling into Yang Zian's arms. In the confined space, they found themselves in a close embrace, eyes locked, lips almost touching. Time seemed to stop, and feathers scattered on the floor rose and drifted around them. Shen Yiyi, flustered, quickly stood up, her astonishment evident.
Yang Zian, usually composed, seemed lost in thought, his gaze filled with deep affection for Shen Yiyi. He briefly mentioned a pain in his chest, which he dismissed as the room being "stuffy and hot," while Shen Yiyi internally called him an "idiot" for his lack of directness. Yang Zian, for his part, struggled internally with his feelings for Shen Yiyi, knowing she was engaged to Tang Jiuhua.
Their next stop was the spice shop, where they learned the small clerk responsible for supplying Censor Tu's incense was "gone." A staff member revealed the clerk frequently visited Ningxiang Pavilion for his lover. Just as they pondered this new lead, news arrived that the clerk, Ergouzi, had died suddenly from a food allergy. With this critical lead cut off, all their investigation efforts were redirected to the incense ash.
Tang Jiuhua soon returned with information from the exotic doctors: the ash primarily contained a nerve-calming incense, but it was dangerously mixed with arsenic and nepenthe flower. These two, when burned together, produced a slow-acting poison. Crucially, nepenthe flower was exceedingly rare in Chang'An, only found cultivated in Shangyi School's back hill bamboo grove, the same place Shen Yiyi had previously gathered it to treat Dugu Muxue's wound.
Meanwhile, Dugu Muxue had been feigning illness and taking leave for over half a month. Yang Zixu, the Teaching Assistant, grew suspicious and insisted on checking on him. Dugu Muxue made a timely appearance, pretending to be fine and demonstrating his martial prowess to allay suspicions. Back at court, Lord Han suggested to the Emperor that Censor Tu's case be transferred to other officials, citing Yang Zian's limited capacity as a student.
However, the Emperor, impressed by Yang Zian's initial findings, decreed that he would continue to oversee the investigation. Later, to create a diversion, Lord Han instigated a challenge from the East Kingdom. Kiyokawa Ono, the chief ambassador of the East Kingdom, then challenged the Great Yu Empire with arrogant remarks, refusing to kneel before the Emperor and claiming East Kingdom culture as the true "orthodox."
He taunted the Great Yu officials about the Imperial College's defeat three years prior and proposed a new competition to determine cultural supremacy. Song Chief, while initially cautious about the students' youth, recognized the Emperor's unspoken desire for Shangyi School to accept the challenge. Other officials and students passionately vouched for Shangyi School's capabilities, recalling past victories against the Imperial College and their role in solving the bad money case.
Despite Shen Yiyi's (Dieyi) caution against overconfidence, stressing that "pride goes before a fall," the students rallied enthusiastically, proclaiming "Shangyi School for the victory!" Song Chief, emboldened, accepted the challenge, vowing to redeem the nation's honor. Later, Shen Yiyi found herself filled with self-doubt, believing her skills were limited to "petty tricks" and cooking, not grand competitions. Yang Zian found her by a lake, where she was trying to skip stones unsuccessfully.
He taught her how, explaining that even small stones could create magnificent ripples, just as she, Shen Yiyi, possessed immense, untapped potential. He emphasized the national importance of the challenge, stating that Shangyi School, and indeed, everyone, needed her courage. Moved by his words and his faith in her, Shen Yiyi thanked him, though she still feared letting them down. Yang Zian reassured her that the courage to face the challenge was more valuable than winning or losing.
As they parted ways for the night, Shen Yiyi, in a vivid dream, experienced Yang Zian confessing his love for her, expressing how important she was to him and his need for her, which she reciprocated. She was then woken by Dugu Muxue, who was now her new roommate following the dormitory rotation. The next day, the Grand Chamberlain formally announced the details of the competition between the East Kingdom envoys and Shangyi School.
It would comprise five events: dancing, cooking, mathematics, swordsmanship, and weiqi, held every three days at Shangyi School, with international judges ensuring fairness. No student could participate in more than one event. Song Chief gathered the students to select participants. Xiao Xinyuan was chosen for mathematics, Dugu Muxue for swordsmanship, and Yang Zian for weiqi. For the first event, dancing, Tang Jiuhua confidently volunteered, and his selection was met with applause.
When it came to cooking, few students thought they had the skills. However, Shen Yiyi stepped forward, offering to take on the challenge. Yang Zian and other students confirmed her excellent cooking abilities, citing past instances. With the support of her peers and confidence in her own skills, Shen Yiyi accepted the role.
Episode 13 Recap
The Shangyi School scholars finalized their representatives for the upcoming competition. Tang Jiuhua was chosen for the dance event, Li Xinyuan for mathematics, and Shen Yiyi, confident in her culinary skills, for the cooking competition. Yang Zian was selected for the weiqi event, and Dugu Muxue was recommended for swordsmanship. Teaching Assistant Yang, however, expressed concern that the selections were too hasty, given that Great Yu's national prestige was at stake.
He proposed holding an internal competition within Shangyi School, with the winners going on to represent the institution. When Chief Song asked if anyone wished to challenge the proposed candidates, no one stepped forward. Consequently, Yang Zian, Shen Yiyi, Tang Jiuhua, Li Xinyuan, and Dugu Muxue were officially confirmed as the contestants, with Chief Song emphasizing that the honor of Shangyi School and Great Yu rested on their shoulders. They all affirmed their confidence.
The five selected scholars gathered to discuss their plans. Li Xinyuan was surprised to learn that the usually boisterous Tang Jiuhua was not only skilled in music but also in dance. Tang Jiuhua, initially boastful about his past practices with dancers at home, quickly reassured Shen Yiyi that he had not seen them since she arrived.
He declared his intention to perform the Sogdian Whirl, explaining that despite its common association with female dancers, it was a vigorous dance more suited to men to display robust forms. He acknowledged his skills had become a little rusty and left to practice immediately. Dugu Muxue inquired about Shen Yiyi's preparations for the cooking event. While she initially expressed confidence, Yang Zian advised her that merely delicious food wouldn't suffice for an international competition.
He stressed the importance of dishes having a combination of excellent look, smell, and taste, along with good moral implications. Shen Yiyi, acknowledging the wisdom in his words, promised to carefully consider her dishes and their deeper meanings. She, Li Xinyuan, and Dugu Muxue all confirmed their readiness to prepare for their respective events, while Yang Zian chose to keep his strategy for the weiqi competition under wraps.
That night, Shen Yiyi, still pondering the symbolic meaning for her dishes, was comforted by Aunt Zhang in the kitchen, who, noticing her worries, casually remarked, "Life is short." This simple phrase sparked a sudden inspiration in Shen Yiyi. Meanwhile, Han Yu'er learned about the Five Scholars of Shangyi School competing against the East Kingdom and rushed to the school to find Shen Yiyi. Upon entering, she was captivated by Tang Jiuhua's dancing. Tang Jiuhua, noticing her, teased her.
They soon engaged in their usual banter, with Han Yu'er calling him a "lame fat goose." During their exchange, Tang Jiuhua accidentally twisted his ankle. Han Yu'er, feeling guilty, quickly fetched a doctor. The doctor informed them that Tang Jiuhua's injury was severe and required bed rest, warning that continued strenuous activity could permanently affect his ability to walk. Dr. Wu suggested he withdraw from the competition for his well-being.
However, Tang Jiuhua, drawing on his lifelong dedication to dance and familiarity with injuries, steadfastly refused to give up. Shen Yiyi and others also tried to persuade him to prioritize his health. It was Han Yu'er who ultimately convinced Dr. Wu to let Tang Jiuhua compete, sharing a personal story about how "people only regret things they haven't done." Dr. Wu, though noting Han Yu'er's repeated unauthorized entries into Shangyi School, relented to Tang Jiuhua's determination.
The day of the competition arrived, with many ministers and scholars in attendance. The first event was the dance competition. Tang Jiuhua’s performance, characterized by both power and grace, initially garnered widespread applause. However, he stumbled and fell due to his ankle injury, sustained during practice. Encouraged by the cheers and support from Shangyi School scholars and Dr. Wu, Tang Jiuhua bravely stood up and continued to dance.
Despite his valiant effort, the pain prevented him from maintaining his intricate movements, ultimately allowing the East Kingdom's envoy to claim victory in the first round. Dr. Wu publicly acknowledged Tang Jiuhua’s severe injury and his spirit of never giving up, which exemplified the values of Shangyi School. Back at Shangyi School, Shen Yiyi comforted a dejected Tang Jiuhua, assuring him that he had performed admirably despite his injury.
She then returned to her preparations for the cooking competition, while Li Xinyuan and Dugu Muxue assisted her by gathering fresh ingredients. Shen Yiyi also brought Tang Jiuhua a meal, but he playfully feigned a hand injury, trying to get her to feed him. Shen Yiyi quickly saw through his trick, and he admitted he was pretending. Teaching Assistant Yang visited Shen Yiyi in the kitchen, observing her preparations. He confirmed his support for Shangyi School's victory.
He then warned her against underestimating the East Kingdom, highlighting their culinary creativity, particularly how they had innovated the Raw Fish Slices, a dish originally from Great Yu, into thirty-eight different varieties. He emphasized the importance of knowing one's enemy. Shen Yiyi admitted her oversight and promised to refine her approach.
As she struggled to come up with elegant names for her dishes, Tang Jiuhua, feeling a pang of jealousy when she mentioned Yang Zian's previous advice, suggested she just ask Yang Zian for help. The next morning, Shen Yiyi was delighted to find that elegant and poetic names, penned in Yang Zian's distinct handwriting, had appeared next to each of her dishes. For the Pagoda Leaf Cold Dish, he chose the name "The sky is blue. The wilderness is boundless.
The wind lowers the grass. Sheep and cattle come into sight." For the Frog and Osmanthus Soup, he titled it "Separated by a clear river, the lovers can't speak to each other." The cooking competition commenced. Shen Yiyi presented five dishes, each representing one of the "five tastes"—sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty—which she explained corresponded to the five internal organs, hinting at their medicinal benefits.
Her dishes included Frog and Osmanthus Soup, Pagoda Leaf Cold Dish, Bright Roast Shrimps, Chicken with Scallion and Vinegar, and a rich, savory dish made with sheep bone marrow and venison. The East Kingdom's chef presented various Raw Fish Slices, emphasizing their natural flavor and exquisite knife work. The East Kingdom chef then made a dismissive remark about Shen Yiyi's last dish name. Yang Zian, rising to her defense, retorted that Great Yu's abundant resources might have overwhelmed the envoy.
He eloquently defended the poetic nature of Shen Yiyi's dishes and even offered the accompanying wine if the envoy couldn't appreciate the food. The judges initially declared the cooking competition a draw. This decision sparked protests from the Great Yu attendees. Yang Zian stepped forward again, politely challenging the judges' verdict.
He raised three crucial points: first, Raw Fish Slices, though excellent, originated from Great Yu, thus not truly representing the East Kingdom's native cuisine; second, despite its visual appeal, the raw fish lacked the "smell" component required for a truly "excellent look, smell, and taste" dish; and third, and most importantly, the fish used by the East Kingdom chef were caught during the closed fishing season, a period when Great Yu enforced a ban to protect spawning fish and ensure ecological balance.
Yang Zian emphasized that culinary excellence extended beyond mere taste to include a chef's deeper understanding of harmony and sustainability, referencing the teachings of Mencius. After a re-evaluation, the judges agreed with Yang Zian's arguments, declaring Shangyi School the winner, citing the superior moral and health implications of Shen Yiyi's dishes. News of Shangyi School's victory in the cooking competition reached the Emperor, who was impressed by Shen Yiyi’s ingenuity and unique approach to the five-taste dishes. With the current score at one win each, Li Xinyuan's upcoming mathematics competition became pivotal. He assured his friends he would do his utmost.
Episode 14 Recap
After Shen Yiyi's narrow victory in the second cooking competition, which leveled the scores between the two nations, the upcoming mathematics competition, featuring Second Prince Xinyuan, was deemed critical. Han Shangshu discussed the matter with the Crown Prince, who expressed indifference, confident that Second Prince Xinyuan would win and curb the East Kingdom's arrogance.
However, Han Shangshu worried that such a victory would only further increase the Emperor's favor for Second Prince Xinyuan, especially since the Emperor was already paying close attention to the competition and had praised Shen Yiyi for her cleverness after her win. Han Shangshu suggested that Second Prince Xinyuan should be prevented from participating with a minor injury, thereby averting future concerns and allowing the Crown Prince to do the East Kingdom a favor.
The Crown Prince agreed to this plan, entrusting Han Shangshu with the task. That night, Ning Xiang attempted to assassinate Second Prince Xinyuan. Fortunately, Dugu Muxue intervened. As he looked at Ning Xiang, his mind was flooded with thoughts, and Ning Xiang seized the opportunity to wound him in the abdomen. When Dugu Muxue inadvertently called out "Rou," Ning Xiang momentarily panicked, but quickly regained her composure.
She threw an antidote to Dugu Muxue, telling him to take it or face death, before swiftly fleeing the scene. When others arrived, Second Prince Xinyuan explained that a masked assailant had tried to kill him, and Dugu Muxue had saved his life. They soon discovered Dugu Muxue's injury and called a doctor. The doctor examined Dugu Muxue's wound, noting it was deep but not life-threatening. He dressed the wound and advised daily changes, cautioning against reopening it.
Curiously, despite signs of poison, Dugu Muxue showed no adverse reactions. With the medical treatment concluded and the night drawing late, everyone suggested Second Prince Xinyuan return to his room to rest for his crucial competition the next day. Second Prince Xinyuan thanked Dugu Muxue for saving him and left. Initially, Tangtang also wanted to stay, but Yang Zian persuaded him to leave, citing the inconvenience.
Only Shen Yiyi remained to care for Dugu Muxue, reassuring him that she would always support him. Feeling he could confide in Shen Yiyi, Dugu Muxue shared his past. He recounted being an orphan, born in the borderlands, and adopted by a general. In the general's army, he had few friends until his adoptive father brought home another orphan, a little girl named Rou. Dugu Muxue and Rou were inseparable.
One day, while they were out, Dugu Muxue left Rou briefly to buy her a sugar-coated haw. In that moment, Rou was abducted. His adoptive father, before his passing, had two wishes: to pacify the border and for Dugu Muxue to find Rou. Dugu Muxue expressed his lingering guilt and despair at losing her. He admitted that recently, he felt Rou was near, but she was no longer the innocent girl he remembered.
Shen Yiyi, seeing his confusion, gently advised him to trust Rou if she was truly important to him, suggesting she might have her own unspoken reasons for her actions. The mathematics competition began. Second Prince Xinyuan and the East Kingdom envoy exchanged problems, each answering with impressive speed and accuracy, making it difficult to determine an advantage.
The East Kingdom envoy initially posed several challenging arithmetic and logic problems, which Second Prince Xinyuan solved promptly, demonstrating mental calculation skills that stunned the audience. Next, the East Kingdom envoy presented a problem involving cutting a cake five times to serve twenty people. Second Prince Xinyuan asked if the pieces needed to be of equal size or shape; upon learning they did not, he swiftly completed the task, earning admiration.
When it was Second Prince Xinyuan's turn to present a problem, he introduced a "nine interlinked grids" puzzle, a variant of Sudoku, explaining the rules for filling in numbers from one to nine without repetition in any row, column, or smaller grid. The East Kingdom envoy struggled, his brow furrowed, unable to begin for a long time. Eventually, time ran out, and Second Prince Xinyuan was declared the winner of the round.
Afterward, the East Kingdom envoy, admitting defeat, presented one final challenge: a complex problem about placing rice grains on a board, doubling the amount in each subsequent grid, asking at which grid the total would exceed one hundred million. He claimed no one in his country had ever solved it. Amidst the audience's disbelief and murmurs that the problem was unsolvable, Second Prince Xinyuan quickly provided the answer: the twenty-eighth grid, explaining the exponential calculation.
The East Kingdom envoy was profoundly convinced, praising Great Yu's scholar and graciously conceding. The Shangyi School was announced as the winner of the mathematics event, a victory that delighted the Emperor and infuriated the Crown Prince, who chastised Han Shangshu for his failure. Back at Shangyi School, Second Prince Xinyuan's friends praised his brilliance, jokingly offering him an accountant position, to which he playfully demanded high compensation.
He then acknowledged his debt to Dugu Muxue for saving his life, which enabled his victory. As the swordsmanship competition approached, Dugu Muxue's friends worried about his severe injury. He reassured them, stating he wanted to keep his injury quiet and was determined to win. Meanwhile, Ning Xiang knelt before Han Shangshu, attempting to explain her failure.
Han Shangshu, still suspicious from the "Censor Tu incident" and deeply disappointed by her recent incompetence, warned her with dire consequences if she failed again. Alone, Ning Xiang reflected on Dugu Muxue. A memory flashed: young Dugu Muxue comforting a young Rou about a training injury, promising to protect her. In her current state, Ning Xiang sadly acknowledged that Dugu Muxue remained the same, but she, as Rou, was no longer.
Her hands were stained with blood, and they were now destined to live in two different worlds. The swordsmanship competition was held within a transparent curtain, the wind creating a tense atmosphere. Dugu Muxue and the East Kingdom warrior were initially evenly matched. However, the East Kingdom warrior seemed to discover Dugu Muxue's injury and relentlessly attacked his wounded area. Unable to defend himself adequately, Dugu Muxue was defeated, and the East Kingdom envoy was declared the winner.
Before the final event, the weiqi competition, Shen Yiyi left a note and some homemade dessert for Yang Zian, thanking him for helping her name her dishes and wishing him good luck. The weiqi competition required both players to memorize the board and play five simultaneous games blindfolded, with a stone placer moving the pieces according to their verbal instructions. The first to win three games would be victorious.
Despite initial doubts from some spectators, others, like Shen Yiyi, expressed confidence in Yang Zian. Yang Zian, showing the hospitality of Great Yu, allowed the East Kingdom player to take the black stones and make the first move. In the initial phase, the East Kingdom player employed a cunning and unpredictable style, quickly gaining an advantage in one of the games. Yang Zian's friends, including Second Prince Xinyuan, observed his strategy.
Second Prince Xinyuan explained that Yang Zian deliberately appeared to fall into a trap in one game to make his opponent overconfident. He then expertly executed a counter-attack, turning the tide in another game and winning it, much to the opponent's frustration. As the competition progressed, the East Kingdom player's composure began to fray under Yang Zian's meticulous and unyielding play.
Realizing he was outmaneuvered in one of the games and facing a likely draw at best, the East Kingdom player requested a draw in that specific game, which Yang Zian graciously accepted. The remaining games intensified, with the East Kingdom player visibly agitated and Yang Zian remaining calm and focused. Finally, in a fit of frustration, the East Kingdom player tore off his blindfold, approaching the board in bewilderment, asking why he was losing.
Yang Zian calmly offered a piece of wisdom: "Weiqi is about more than just skillful play; one must not be impatient to achieve victory." The East Kingdom player humbly conceded, admitting he had lost not just the games but also his composure. The judges declared Shangyi School the overall winner of the competition. Overjoyed by their triumph, Shen Yiyi excitedly hugged Yang Zian, while Tangtang, in his enthusiasm, aggravated his leg injury and was taken away by Second Prince Xinyuan. Shen Yiyi stayed behind, waiting for Yang Zian.
Episode 15 Recap
Shangyi School emerged victorious in the competition, to the great delight of the Emperor. The East Kingdom's envoy conceded their defeat wholeheartedly, vowing eternal submission to Great Yu and a future of friendship. Dr. Lin initiated a debate on the topic of "war." Mr. Bai expressed his view that wars are inherently cruel, leading to widespread destruction and misery.
Tang Jiuhua echoed this, advocating for mutual tolerance rather than conflict, highlighting that Great Yu's current prosperity stems from harmonious relations with its neighbors. Another student added that wars, like business disputes, often result in both sides losing, suggesting that compromise leads to thriving. However, Xiao Xinyuan contended that some wars are waged not for invasion, but for protection. Dugu Muxue then spoke passionately, challenging the others on their lack of experience with war.
He emphasized the immense sacrifices of Great Yu's soldiers, who fight to secure peaceful lives for the common people. He also asserted that "justice without force is incompetence, force without justice is tyranny," arguing that a strong nation is essential for maintaining peace and deterring aggression, echoing the famous Han Dynasty general Chen Tang’s sentiment that Great Yu must punish those who offend it, no matter how distant.
Dr. Lin commended all the students for their insightful perspectives, concluding that every issue has two sides and should not be viewed from a single angle. To celebrate their victory over the East Kingdom’s mission, Tang Jiuhua decided to host a celebration at Shangyi School. Shen Yiyi volunteered to organize it and tasked other students with various preparations, while she chose Dugu Muxue to help her with food procurement.
As they were eating at a stall in the market, they witnessed child refugees begging for food, who had been displaced after the Tuoxi Kingdom invaded from the north three days prior. Shen Yiyi compassionately paid for their food. Dugu Muxue expressed his sorrow, lamenting the unstable borderlands and wishing his adoptive father were still alive to lead them in battle, asserting that Great Yu would never surrender an inch of its territory.
Later, at the celebration, Shen Yiyi noticed Dugu Muxue was absent. She found a letter from him in his dorm, addressed to Yiyi, Zi'an, Tangtang, and Xinyuan. In it, Dugu Muxue revealed his decision to join the army, fulfilling a mission inherited from his adoptive father, who had dedicated his life to Great Yu. He acknowledged his previous isolation and expressed gratitude for their friendship, stating that while gold is easy to find, a true confidant is not.
He bid them farewell, hoping they would meet again someday. Separately that night, Ning Xiang found Dugu Muxue drinking alone in Ningxiang Pavilion before his departure. She remarked on his solitude despite the celebration at Shangyi School. Dugu Muxue mentioned her familiarity, but Ning Xiang played it off as casual encounters. He persisted, hinting at an "old friend."
Ning Xiang, quoting a proverb about chance encounters, downplayed the significance of their connection, stating that in this world, everyone is merely a fleeting passerby. She then toasted him. Dugu Muxue complimented her unique scent, which she dismissed as ordinary powder perfume. Ning Xiang then reminded him of his journey and bade him farewell. Upon discovering Dugu Muxue’s letter, the other Shangyi Scholars—Shen Yiyi, Yang Zian, Tang Jiuhua, and Xiao Xinyuan—were distraught but quickly set out to find him.
They found him disguised at the city gate. Tang Jiuhua initially scolded Dugu Muxue for his recklessness, but Shen Yiyi reminded Dugu of his own words from the debate, "Great Yu punishes those who offend it, no matter how far they are from it," and asked if he was willing to serve. He affirmed his commitment. Dugu Muxue tried to deter them by recounting the horrors of war he witnessed at the border.
However, Shen Yiyi declared that their enlistment was not for him, but for Great Yu, as the country was in peril. She proposed that all Shangyi School students should join, arguing that merely discussing theories in school was insufficient, and it was time for practical action. Yang Zian and Xiao Xinyuan supported her, echoing the sentiment that the Five Scholars of Shangyi School must remain united.
Despite their collective determination, Yang Zian and Tang Jiuhua vehemently opposed Shen Yiyi's participation, urging her to wait for their triumphant return. Shen Yiyi insisted that without her, they wouldn't truly be the "Five Scholars" and expressed her confidence in helping and being protected by them. Realizing it was late, Xiao Xinyuan suggested they return to Shangyi School to discuss further.
The students presented their request to Chief Song, kneeling to express their unwavering resolve to join the army and protect their people and territory. Chief Song, moved but unable to grant permission himself, promised to report to the Emperor. The Emperor, however, was furious and rejected their petition, ordering them to return to their studies. Disheartened but not deterred, Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian independently came up with the idea of submitting a blood petition to demonstrate their deep commitment.
While the Emperor was still enraged by the students' defiance, the Crown Prince arrived. He convinced his father that Great Yu needed its young talents, and the students' patriotic zeal was commendable. He argued that facing hardships was crucial for their growth. After careful consideration, the Emperor finally relented and issued an edict permitting the Shangyi School students to join the army.
The Chief, in turn, pledged that Shangyi School would not fail the Emperor, promising to drive out the enemy and return victorious. The Crown Prince then spoke to his second brother, Xiao Xinyuan, who had also signed the petition, urging him not to disappoint their father or him. The petition initially lacked Shen Yiyi’s name, but she secretly bit her finger and added her name in blood. Tang Jiuhua discovered this later, but it was too late.
Before their departure, Tang Jiuhua returned home. His father sternly questioned his decision to enlist, expressing concerns about his capabilities and especially about Shen Yiyi, a woman, going to the battlefield. Tang Jiuhua tried to explain he was "driven by circumstances," as the Emperor had already given his approval. His grandmother arrived and, unaware of the true situation, chided his father for scolding him and fretted about him leaving for a "school trip," which Tang Jiuhua used as a cover-up.
She prepared provisions for his journey, reminding him to be careful. Meanwhile, Yang Zian also visited his father, who questioned him about the petition. Yang Zian asked his father about the ongoing investigation into Censor Tu’s assassination. His father cautioned him that the case was complex and involved many influential figures. Yang Zian speculated that Censor Tu might have been silenced for uncovering the mastermind, but his father advised against premature conclusions.
His father then warned Yang Zian to be cautious on the perilous battlefield and to avoid reckless bravery. Yang Zian promised to be careful and bowed deeply to his father before leaving. That evening, Chief Song and the Doctors hosted a farewell banquet for the students. Dr. Wu and Dr. Lin would accompany them to the front lines. Chief Song urged the students to uphold military regulations and obey all commands.
Amidst the festive atmosphere, some students expressed their somber thoughts about the uncertain fate awaiting them on the battlefield. Shen Yiyi, however, rallied their spirits, encouraging them to be confident and suggesting a guessing game (shefu) to foster team spirit. They divided into two teams, with two players per round: one would give hints, and the other would guess. The losers would either answer a question honestly or perform a brave act.
In one round, Shen Yiyi teamed with Dugu Muxue, who failed to guess "Zongzi" from her hints, leading them to lose and drink a bowl of wine each as punishment. For the next round, Shen Yiyi teamed with Yang Zian. She hinted at "flower" by referencing a dogwood perfume sachet she once gave him that made him sneeze. Yang Zian, however, was visibly distracted and failed to guess within the time limit.
As punishment, they were to confess their love to their teammate. Tang Jiuhua tried to intervene, suggesting the punishment be changed or that he take Shen Yiyi's place, but the other students excitedly insisted on the original punishment. To put an end to the awkward situation, Shen Yiyi grabbed Yang Zian’s hand, declaring the task done. Xiao Xinyuan then stepped in, urging everyone to rest, and Tang Jiuhua promptly led Shen Yiyi away.
The next morning, the Shangyi School students began their journey to the battlefield. During a rest stop that night, Tang Jiuhua asked Shen Yiyi if she was nervous, to which she shook her head. Shen Yiyi noticed Yang Zian's unusual demeanor. He walked alone to a nearby river, taking out a dogwood perfume sachet. Gazing at it, he recalled his moments with Shen Yiyi and realized his deep feelings for her.
Tears streamed down his face as he lamented his love, knowing her engagement to Tang Jiuhua stood in the way. Shen Yiyi approached him, concerned by his tears. Yang Zian, flustered, quickly hid the sachet and claimed that sand had gotten into his eyes. Shen Yiyi insisted on checking his eyes, despite his protests that it was "inappropriate," and continued to press him, guessing it might be the dogwood perfume sachet causing his distress.
Episode 16 Recap
One night, after the students had set up camp, Yang Zian went to the riverside, reflecting on his feelings for Shen Yiyi, which he believed to be unrequited due to her engagement to Tang Jiuhua. Shen Yiyi, noticing his distress, approached him. When she saw him appearing to tear up, Yang Zian quickly made an excuse, claiming that dogwood pollen had gotten into his eye. Shen Yiyi then carefully attended to his eye, blowing into it.
She teasingly asked if he was upset about being forced to confess his feelings for her earlier. Yang Zian, denying he was angry, then asked, "What if I did?" leaving Shen Yiyi flustered, and she quickly made an excuse to leave. Upon arriving at the military camp, Assistant Yang entrusted the students to General Li.
General Li initially expressed skepticism, stating that warfare was for "rough men" and concerned that the scholars, being "feeble," would only "discuss military strategies on paper." Assistant Yang, however, reminded him of Shangyi School's past victory against the East Kingdom. During this time, Tang Jiuhua immediately requested General Li to allow him and Shen Yiyi to share a tent, a request General Li granted. Shen Yiyi, having secretly changed into her battle attire outside, found this arrangement convenient.
General Li initially did not include the Shangyi School students in military training, believing they were too delicate and were only there to experience army life. The students, however, strongly disagreed. General Li explained the current standoff in Feihu Valley against Tuoxi's forces in Fengxi City, emphasizing the need for patience. Despite his caution, the students insisted on participating in the drills. Dr. Wu from Shangyi School voiced concerns about the students' lack of military training.
After some consideration, General Li agreed to form a special unit for the Shangyi School students, which he would personally train and command in battle. He set a strict condition: if any single student failed to endure the rigorous training or dropped out, the entire unit would be barred from participating in any combat. Dugu then rallied his fellow students, urging them to uphold their commitment and ensure no one would quit, thereby bringing honor to Shangyi School.
The training proved to be immensely challenging. Many students, except Dugu, were handling weapons for the first time. Despite the grueling nature of the drills, they all persevered. Dr. Wu, observing their determination, remarked that young eagles should not forever stay in their warm nests but must learn to fly. One day, after a particularly exhausting session, Xiao Xinyuan offered two bowls of water to Shen Yiyi.
Tang Jiuhua, clearly jealous, playfully smeared chalk on Xiao Xinyuan's face, calling him a "real white-faced boy." News soon arrived of a sneak attack by Tuoxi's forces on North City, causing heavy losses. General Li took the Shangyi students to the devastated battlefield, where they witnessed innocent civilians killed and orphaned children weeping over the bodies of their loved ones.
Xiao Xinyuan, observing Dugu's somber expression, noted that no one truly wins in war and that many make sacrifices that are never known. Witnessing the horrors, the students, led by Yang Zian, were filled with a burning desire for revenge and vowed to eliminate the enemy for the sake of the fallen. They collectively pleaded with General Li to allow them to join the fight. General Li recognized their courage and patriotism but expressed concern about their inexperience.
He reiterated that if they truly wished to go to battle, they must intensify their training to prepare for future fierce engagements. The students embraced their training with renewed vigor, focusing on archery, shooting, grappling, and combat. Shen Yiyi then proposed an innovative idea to General Li: live-fire simulation using wooden weapons and blunted arrows tipped with white powder to mark hits. She called this game "Divine Arrow Captures Flag." General Li approved of the plan, finding it brilliant.
During the first simulation, which took place in a dense forest, many students, including Tang Jiuhua, were quickly "defeated." Shen Yiyi eventually secured the flag, winning the game, despite Yang Zian still having one arrow left. General Li was greatly impressed by Shen Yiyi's quick thinking and leadership, deciding to implement "Divine Arrow Captures Flag" across the entire army.
Tang Jiuhua, watching Shen Yiyi's rapid progress and sharp wit, couldn't help but wonder if this capable woman was truly the delicate Shen Dieyi he once knew. During a break, Xiao Xinyuan was nowhere to be found. He had gone to the mountains to gather medicinal herbs and meticulously sketch the surrounding terrain using a compass. Later that night, returning to the camp, he saw Shen Yiyi pacing near his tent.
He mistakenly assumed she was waiting for him, but she quickly claimed she was just out for a walk. She then noticed a basket he was carrying, filled with materials, and expressed curiosity. Xiao Xinyuan mentioned it was a small invention he was working on and promised to show it when it was finished. The next day, General Li was presented with several remarkable innovations.
Xiao Xinyuan revealed a detailed sand table, meticulously crafted from sand and grass, replicating the terrain of Feihu Valley. General Li was astonished by the Second Prince's (Xiao Xinyuan) ingenuity, recognizing how this "exquisite thing" would significantly aid in understanding the environment and overall command. Yang Zian then presented new battle strategies he had developed, which General Li praised as "brilliant" and perfectly suited for canyon warfare, emphasizing their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Tang Jiuhua had also designed a modified weapon, the "Hook Lance," which featured a halberd with an inwardly curving blade. Dugu then showcased it, explaining that this design would be highly effective against Tuoxi's cavalry-heavy forces, helping to reduce casualties in close combat. General Li lauded all these inventions, proclaiming the students "awe-inspiring" and confident that with these new strategies and tools, they would achieve a decisive victory.
His confidence was further boosted by news that their advance units had successfully repelled enemy forces from Ancient Feihu Road, forcing them to retreat to Fengxi City. Tang Jiuhua, still troubled by Shen Yiyi's transformed personality, confronted her in a secluded area. He voiced his deep confusion, listing all the skills she now possessed—military deployment, cooking, discussing restaurants, treating wounds—none of which aligned with the sheltered Shen Dieyi he grew up with.
He recalled her childhood fear of blood and how she had always been a quiet, gentle lady. Shen Yiyi, seeing his distress, finally revealed the truth: she was not Shen Dieyi. She explained that she was Shen Yiyi, an orphan raised by Shen Dieyi and the Shen family. She had come to Chang'an to fulfill Shen Dieyi's engagement to him and to uncover Shen Dieyi's true parentage.
She then tearfully confessed that Shen Dieyi had passed away from a worsening cough. Tang Jiuhua, utterly devastated, refused to believe her, clinging to the hope that it was merely a test. He recalled Shen Dieyi's childhood promise that if she died before him, she would return as a firefly to protect him. Shen Yiyi acknowledged his pain but urged him to move forward, emphasizing that Shen Dieyi would want her to live well and complete her last wish.
Later that night, Shen Yiyi worried about Tang Jiuhua, who had not returned to his tent. Meanwhile, Yang Zian was by the river, holding the dogwood perfume sachet. He replayed Shen Yiyi's teasing question about his confession and his own heartfelt response, "What if I did?" He wrestled with his feelings, knowing his affection might be unrequited due to Shen Yiyi's existing engagement. He eventually returned to his tent, still deep in thought.
Episode 17 Recap
At Ancient Feihu Road, Great Yu’s troops faced perilous conditions and heavy casualties. The Shangyi School students, eager to join the fight, pressed General Li for permission to go to the battlefield. Initially, General Li hesitated, reminding them of the Emperor’s strict orders to protect their lives at all costs.
However, Dr. Wu, using a clever analogy about a poet's need to write their own verses, argued that preventing Dr. Lin, and by extension, the students, from implementing their innovative ideas would stifle their spirit. The students, including Yang Zian, asserted that their strategies were valuable and they were not acting on impulse. They vowed that if they won, the Emperor would be pleased, and if they lost, they would gladly die on the battlefield as atonement.
Convinced by their fervent patriotism, General Li, lamenting that he would be deemed a "guilty minister," granted them permission, stating that a general at the front does not always need to strictly adhere to imperial orders. Inside the military camp, the Shangyi School students and General Li devised a plan. Knowing Tuoxi’s forces were unfamiliar with the terrain of Feihu Valley, they decided to exploit its natural advantages.
Their strategy was to use war drums as a signal to lure the Tuoxi army into the narrow, treacherous parts of Ancient Feihu Road, where they could be ambushed. Tang Jiuhua, having studied Tuoxi General's bold but reckless tactics alongside Shen Yiyi, proposed a feigned retreat to draw him further in.
The plan worked, and upon hearing the Great Yu drums and seeing Xiao Xinyuan flee, Tuoxi’s General believed the Great Yu army was retreating and ordered a full pursuit into the valley. Unbeknownst to the charging Tuoxi forces, Shen Yiyi had already laid Skyquake Bombs along their expected path. These innovative bombs, crafted from niter, sulfur, charcoal, rosin, bamboo shavings, and resin, were designed for high explosive power and even waterproofing.
Once the Great Yu troops had safely passed and Tuoxi’s army was deep within the canyon, the war drums sounded the signal. Soldiers hidden on the cliffs ignited the bombs. The unfamiliar explosions terrified Tuoxi’s horses, causing chaos and heavy casualties. Combined with archer attacks, Tuoxi’s army was trapped and overwhelmed. Back at the Great Yu camp, General Li rejoiced in their perfect victory, praising the students for their adaptive tactics.
Yang Zian, however, regretted that the Tuoxi General had managed to escape. General Li dismissed his concern, deeming the Tuoxi General to be at his weakest, and dispatched Deputy General Gao to capture him, dead or alive. As celebrations began, concern grew when it was discovered that Shen Yiyi, still known as Shen Dieyi, was missing. Xiao Xinyuan revealed she had taken newly refined Skyquake Bombs to test their power.
Worried for her safety, especially since she carried the Sinan pendant crucial to Dieyi's origins, Yang Zian and Tang Jiuhua quickly went to find her. Meanwhile, Shen Yiyi was indeed testing her improved Skyquake Bombs, marveling at their increased destructive force. She then witnessed the capture of the wife of the Xia Meng Pass defender and her maid by Tuoxi soldiers.
The maid bravely tried to help her madam escape but was killed, her dying wish for Shen Yiyi to save the madam. Shen Yiyi stealthily followed the Tuoxi captors into their mountain hideout. There, the Tuoxi General demanded the madam dance for him. Shen Yiyi, disguised as a dancer to blend in, stepped forward, offering to dance herself. During the dance, she whispered a signal to the madam and threw a Skyquake Bomb, creating a diversion for their escape.
However, she was caught by the Tuoxi General. Just as Shen Yiyi faced grave danger, Yang Zian arrived. The Tuoxi General, seeing Yang Zian's concern for her, challenged him: commit suicide, and Shen Yiyi would be freed. Yang Zian, unable to bear the thought of harm coming to Shen Yiyi, stabbed himself.
Feigning acceptance of their grim fate, Shen Yiyi cunningly suggested to the Tuoxi General that since both she and the wounded Yang Zian would die anyway, he should let them die together. She proposed an elaborate game, where she would turn her back to Yang Zian, giving him a chance to betray her and escape, thereby labeling him a "villain" if he took it, or a "good man in hell" if he didn't.
Slightly lowering his guard, the Tuoxi General agreed. At that moment, Yang Zian, with a final surge of strength, pulled the dagger from his chest and flung it at the Tuoxi General’s neck, killing him instantly. Yang Zian collapsed from severe blood loss. Shen Yiyi rushed to him, desperately stemming his wound, crying and questioning his selfless act. He confessed his deep love for her, admitting he couldn't stand to see her hurt.
He revealed his past fantasies of her being a woman, even when he believed her to be a man, and declared that she had stolen his heart and must take responsibility for his lifelong affection. With tears streaming down her face, Shen Yiyi kissed him. Shen Yiyi later awoke in a military tent, tended to by Dugu Muxue. He reassured her that Yang Zian, though more gravely injured, was out of danger and resting.
Dugu Muxue also informed her that the remaining Tuoxi forces had surrendered and the rescued families were safe. Soon after, Tang Jiuhua and Xiao Xinyuan visited her. Seeing her "unconscious," Tang Jiuhua confessed his guilt and promised not to blame her if she woke up. Shen Yiyi, having feigned unconsciousness, promptly "woke up" and acknowledged Tang Jiuhua's vow.
She then shared heartfelt stories about the real Shen Dieyi—the wind chimes Tang Jiuhua made for him, Shen Yiyi's preference for tangerines that Dieyi would bring her, and Dieyi's childhood promise to marry Tang Jiuhua—helping Tang Jiuhua come to terms with Dieyi’s death and forgiving Shen Yiyi for her impersonation. They both resolved to uncover the truth about Shen Dieyi's origins.
With the enemy fully eradicated, the Shangyi School students returned triumphantly to the capital, where their families and crowds enthusiastically welcomed them. Tang Jiuhua was greeted by his grandma, who playfully chided him for secretly joining the army and then pressed him to introduce his future wife. Tang Jiuhua skillfully dodged the topic. As the students prepared for an imperial banquet at the palace, Shen Yiyi realized her Sinan pendant was missing. She hurried back to the carriage to retrieve it, where she unexpectedly encountered Lord Han, who was greatly shocked to see the pendant on her.
Episode 18 Recap
As Shen Yiyi, disguised as Shen Dieyi, prepared to attend a celebration in the palace, she encountered Lord Han. He complimented her dashing appearance and noted she was slightly late, having left something in her carriage. After a brief exchange, Lord Han excused himself, but not before subtly stealing the Sinan pendant from Shen Yiyi. He examined the pendant, wondering if her identity was indeed extraordinary.
During the royal celebration, General Li and the Shangyi School students prostrated themselves before the Emperor, confessing their disobedience in going to battle without imperial consent. The Emperor, however, acknowledged their bravery and exceptional contributions. He specifically commended Shen Yiyi for inventing the Skyquake Bomb, Yang Zian for his brilliant strategies and capturing General Tuoxi, Tang Jiuhua for boosting morale with his drumming, Dugu Muxue for designing the hook spear, and Xiao Xinyuan for his accurate battle sand table.
Each of them was bestowed with the title of County Baron and awarded five hundred bolts of silk, with Shen Yiyi also uniquely receiving a Golden Fish Ribbon. The Emperor even forgave Xiao Xinyuan for secretly enrolling in Shangyi School, recognizing his academic intentions and military merits. He expressed his hope that they would continue to be pillars of the nation.
Later, at the banquet, Shen Yiyi confided in Tang Jiuhua, explaining her plan to investigate the palace's Jadeware House for clues about Shen Dieyi’s birth mother, as records of awarded jade items might reveal something. Suddenly, she realized her Sinan pendant was missing again. Tang Jiuhua accompanied her to search. Yang Zian, seeing their distress, joined them, urging Shen Yiyi to recall her movements.
She recounted how she had found the pendant earlier in the carriage, re-fastened it to her waist, and then met Lord Han. Xiao Xinyuan and Dugu Muxue, having noticed their absence, also came out and offered their help, with Xiao Xinyuan promising to search the palace once Shen Yiyi returned to Shangyi School. Mysteriously, upon returning to the carriage, Shen Yiyi discovered the Sinan pendant again, confirming her suspicion that something strange was afoot.
Back at Shangyi School, the Chief announced a three-day holiday for students to rest, followed by a quiz competition. Initially upset with Shen Yiyi for being careless with the pendant, Tang Jiuhua was reassured when she earnestly told him that the Sinan pendant was more important to her than her own life, and he believed her. Meanwhile, Shen Yiyi found Yang Zian engrossed in a book. She playfully distracted him, and they began playing an idiom game.
When Shen Yiyi playfully said, "I hate you," Yang Zian cleverly responded, "Truth is out there, I like you." Shen Yiyi pressed him to repeat the last part, but he feigned ignorance. During their playful struggle, Yang Zian pulled her into a hug and kissed her. Their intimate moment was witnessed by another student, Bai Shaoqian, who, misunderstanding, thought they had a peculiar hobby. Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi quickly made an excuse to leave.
By a tranquil lake, Tang Jiuhua reflected on his childhood promise to the deceased Shen Dieyi: to bring her a rainbow. He felt sorrow that he never fulfilled this before her passing. Han Yu'er approached, and Tang Jiuhua playfully snatched her glass prism, challenging her to "bring him the rainbow" to get it back. Han Yu'er cleverly projected a rainbow onto his hand using the prism, making him realize that the "rainbow" was always within reach.
Overwhelmed by this epiphany, Tang Jiuhua joyfully lifted Han Yu'er into his arms. Shen Yiyi later sought Xiao Xinyuan for a map of the Imperial Jadeware House. She gave a pretext, claiming she was interested in the nearby Kite House and wanted to visit both. Moved by her words, especially recalling his own childhood fondness for kite-flying, Xiao Xinyuan promised to make her a large kite, expressing that she had become his metaphorical kite, leading his heart to uncharted territories.
At a barbecue with their friends, Tang Jiuhua, having resolved his past grief, revealed to Shen Yiyi that he accepted her true name was Yiyi but wished to continue calling her Dieyi, to which she agreed. He also confided that the deceased Shen Dieyi's origins might be connected to the royal family and urged Shen Yiyi to keep this a secret.
Xiao Xinyuan attempted to show Shen Yiyi the kite he made, but everyone, including Shen Yiyi, was enthralled by a meteor shower. Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi shared a moment, reflecting on the fleeting years at Shangyi School and the unbreakable bond of their "Five Scholars" friendship.
When new dorm assignments were announced, Shen Yiyi and Xiao Xinyuan were once again placed in the same room, much to Tang Jiuhua's frustration, as he still had not been assigned to share a room with Shen Yiyi. The knowledge competition commenced, with Dr. Lin dividing the students into two teams. Correct answers earned eggs, and the team with the most eggs would win an authentic piece of calligraphy.
As the competition neared its end with only one egg left and both teams tied, Dr. Lin posed a final riddle: "If two hands clap hard, which hand hurts more, the left or the right?" Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian, as team leaders, grasped each other's hands, signaling that both hands would feel the pain.
The Chief was deeply pleased, explaining that the competition's true purpose was not merely to declare a winner but to cultivate their minds and foster unity, emphasizing that peace of mind was paramount in all endeavors. After the quiz, Tang Jiuhua complained about the outcome and Yang Zian's competitiveness. Yang Zian defended the importance of fair play, which Shen Yiyi echoed.
Tang Jiuhua, interpreting the earlier "rainbow in hand" moment as a sign that Shen Yiyi was sent by the heavens to protect him, resolved to pursue her, though he felt a pang of jealousy seeing Yang Zian's strong feelings for her. Xiao Xinyuan, feeling a sudden malaise, quietly excused himself.
Meanwhile, Lord Han received a confidential report confirming that Shen Yiyi was not biologically related to the Shen family; Mrs. Shen had died before Shen Yiyi's reported birth, and a woman was buried in the Shen household according to northern burial rites. These details, combined with the Sinan pendant, solidified Lord Han's suspicion that Shen Yiyi was the orphaned child of the late Crown Prince. A flashback revealed Lord Han as the Crown Prince’s loyal confidant.
Years ago, the Crown Prince was framed by the Second Prince and assassinated with his family while returning to the capital. The pregnant Crown Princess managed to escape but vanished. Lord Han, having endured years of patience, vowed revenge against those responsible and swore to find the Crown Prince's heir to restore the imperial bloodline. Later, a servant summoned Shen Yiyi to Changsheng Restaurant to meet Lord Han. Aware of the potential implications, Shen Yiyi was wary.
During their conversation, Lord Han subtly questioned the origin of her Sinan pendant. Shen Yiyi truthfully stated it was a family heirloom. Lord Han then revealed his true intention: he wished to propose a marriage between his daughter, Han Yu'er, and Shen Yiyi, leaving Shen Yiyi utterly surprised.
Episode 19 Recap
Han Shangshu met with Shen Yiyi and expressed his great admiration, proposing to marry his daughter, Han Yu'er, to Shen Yiyi. Startled, Shen Yiyi quickly declined, claiming she was unworthy of the Minister of War's daughter, and hastily excused herself, feigning an urgent matter.
After Shen Yiyi left, Han Shangshu mused to himself that it was indeed "her" and that he had finally found "her," having noticed the Sinan pendant on Shen Yiyi, further solidifying his suspicions about her true identity as a royal descendant. On her way back, Shen Yiyi inadvertently bumped into Tang Jiuhua, who immediately noticed her preoccupation. When Shen Yiyi confided that Han Shangshu had proposed a marriage between her and his daughter, Tang Jiuhua grew suspicious.
He pointed out that the Minister of War, known for his high standards, would never marry his precious daughter to a merchant's son with no official rank or prominent family background. Tang Jiuhua then remembered he had to go home to see his grandmother and left, advising Shen Yiyi to be cautious as Lord Han was a cunning old man with hidden motives. Shen Yiyi reflected on Tang Jiuhua's words, finding them insightful.
She recalled the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of her Sinan pendant around the time she met Lord Han, suggesting he might have uncovered some clues. Yang Zian, observing Shen Yiyi's deep thought, approached her. She recounted the situation, and Yang Zian agreed with Tang Jiuhua's analysis, concluding that Han Shangshu must know something to make such an unusual offer, possibly deliberately testing her.
Shen Yiyi then playfully asked Yang Zian when he first fell in love with her, given that she had not yet revealed her female identity. Yang Zian evaded the question, instead caressing her head and telling her to prioritize her safety and to seek him out if she ever encountered danger. He advised her that Shangyi School offered a measure of protection and urged her not to wander carelessly. Yang Zian then left for home to meet his father.
Seeing both Yang Zian and Tang Jiuhua return to their families, Shen Yiyi sighed, wondering when she would have a home to go back to. Dugu Muxue, noticing her melancholy, suggested they go out and enjoy themselves. He offered to buy her some peach blossom wine from Ningxiang Pavilion.
Shen Yiyi, however, mentioned that the line for the popular peach blossom wine would be too long, but Dugu confidently stated he had his ways and left quickly, promising to return before her tea cooled. At home, Yang Zian discussed Censor Tu's murder case with his father. He expressed his suspicion that all recent incidents, including the bad money case and the abduction case, seemed connected to Ningxiang Pavilion, and he believed there was an insider in the imperial court.
His father cautioned him, noting Ningxiang Pavilion's widespread connections among officials and martial artists in Chang'An, making it incredibly difficult to investigate. He advised Yang Zian to focus on his studies at Shangyi School and let others handle the case, warning him not to be blinded by superficial details, using an analogy of a burnt fish to illustrate that things are not always as they seem.
Yang Zian, however, was determined to continue the investigation, hoping to become an upright official like his father. Meanwhile, Dugu Muxue went to Ningxiang Pavilion for the promised wine but found it sold out. As he left, he encountered Yang Zian. Dugu Muxue confided that the Ningxiang Pavilion's boss, Ning Xiang, bore a striking resemblance to the assassin he had saved during Censor Tu's assassination, and she carried a familiar scent.
He speculated that Ning Xiang was deeply involved in the recent cases. Yang Zian agreed, suggesting they start their investigation with the boss of Ningxiang Pavilion, offering to handle it since he frequently visited the establishment. Elsewhere, Han Shangshu oversaw the production of counterfeit currency. He inspected the coins, deeming them incorrect in weight and texture, and demanded that his subordinate shorten the production time and improve the quality.
He instructed the subordinate to ensure Minister Zhang Yu either accepted the illicit funds (over thirty thousand taels of silver) or faced deadly consequences. Han Yu'er, smitten with Shen Yiyi, tried various ways to impress her but was repeatedly rejected, leaving her distraught. Noticing his daughter's unhappiness at dinner, Han Shangshu learned of her affection for Shen Yiyi.
To Han Yu'er's delight, he pledged his full support for her choice, even mentioning that Shen Yiyi wears the Sinan pendant despite claiming not to like jade. At Shangyi School, the students began their swordsmanship classes, which would be a significant part of the graduation exam. The instructor explained that swordsmanship would be combined with the civil exam for the total graduation score, with the top-scoring student earning an audience with the Emperor and receiving personal commendation.
Worried about her late start and potential inability to graduate with top honors, Shen Yiyi practiced diligently after class, secretly hoping to win the top prize to secure an audience with the Emperor and investigate the truth of Shen Dieyi's origins. Tang Jiuhua observed her hard work and advised her to rest, reminding her that everyone has their weaknesses and cannot excel at everything. Shen Yiyi, however, remained resolute, believing she could achieve what others could.
Tang Jiuhua received a summons from his grandmother, who had repeatedly expressed a desire to meet his future wife. While pondering whom to bring to appease his grandmother, he spotted Han Yu'er in the marketplace. Seizing the opportunity, he gleefully took her with him. At his home, Tang Jiuhua's grandmother showered Han Yu'er with affection, impressed by her respectful demeanor and a jade pendant gifted by Han Yu'er as a symbol of longevity.
Han Yu'er skillfully charmed the old lady by feigning sympathy and concern, making the grandmother utterly delighted with her grandson's choice. Shen Yiyi continued to struggle with swordsmanship despite her efforts, feeling discouraged and fearing she might not graduate. Dugu Muxue found her despondent and encouraged her not to give up. He demonstrated several sword forms and offered to teach her every night at midnight, under strict conditions, an offer Shen Yiyi eagerly accepted, promising to work hard.
Han Shangshu invited Shen Yiyi to his manor to discuss the marriage proposal again. Shen Yiyi firmly rejected him, stating her lifelong wish was to find "one true love." Her words profoundly moved Han Shangshu, as they echoed the sentiment of the late Crown Prince, his former confidant. The Crown Prince had also insisted on marrying an regular civilian woman rather than seeking power through alliance, a memory that further convinced Han Shangshu of Shen Yiyi's royal lineage.
After leaving Han Shangshu, Shen Yiyi met Dugu Muxue at their designated spot for sword practice. Under his rigorous guidance, her skills rapidly improved. She became engrossed in swordsmanship, contemplating techniques even while eating or reading, eventually managing to exchange several moves with Dugu Muxue. During a break, Shen Yiyi asked Dugu Muxue about his philosophy that "the sword is not in the hand but in the heart" and the meaning of "the feeling of sword."
Dugu Muxue explained these were his adoptive father's teachings. His adoptive father, a general, had raised him after he was orphaned, instilling strict discipline and the ambition of a warrior dedicated to serving the country. Dugu Muxue described his adoptive father as an upright man who had fought countless battles and had only two disciples, Dugu himself and Rou.
On his deathbed, the adoptive father had expressed his only regret was not finding Rou and entrusted Dugu Muxue with this task. Later, Yang Zian found Shen Yiyi training tirelessly and hurting her hand. He worried about her reckless determination to win the first place, questioning why she was risking her life for scores and rankings, unlike her usual easy-going self. Shen Yiyi revealed that she needed to get the first place to enter the palace.
When Yang Zian pressed for more details, she remembered her promise to Tang Jiuhua not to disclose her true intentions and fabricated a story about wanting to tour the palace. Unconvinced, Yang Zian felt hurt by her lack of trust, but Shen Yiyi insisted she had a secret she couldn't reveal yet. Frustrated, Yang Zian left, leaving Shen Yiyi lamenting their misunderstanding, while Tang Jiuhua, who had witnessed the exchange, wondered what was happening between them.
Episode 20 Recap
Yang Zian observed Shen Yiyi practicing her sword with reckless abandon, almost injuring herself multiple times. He questioned her relentless pursuit of first place, to which she explained it was her only chance to enter the palace and uncover a long-hidden secret. When Yang Zian pressed further about the secret, she remained silent, having promised Tang Jiuhua not to reveal Shen Dieyi's past to anyone. Frustrated, Yang Zian stormed off.
He felt hurt, not by the concealment itself, but by her unwillingness to share the secrets of her heart with him, though he wished they could graduate and remain together forever. Later, in the Book Depository, Yang Zian searched for a tattered piece of paper he had once found, covered with names, including "Zhang Yu."
He now realized it wasn't just a list of officials but a swordsmanship manual, potentially linked to a corruption case and a suspicious fire in the Book Depository. Returning home, he secretly watched his father activate a hidden mechanism in his study, revealing a secret room. After his father left, Yang Zian investigated and discovered a newly minted bad money coin. He noted that previous batches of bad money had been destroyed by the government, making this new type alarming.
He also observed an unfamiliar guard accompanying his father, further fueling his suspicion about his father's activities and undisclosed whereabouts. Lord Yang was summoned by Minister Han. Minister Han reminded Lord Yang of his past, when he betrayed the former Crown Prince but spared the life of the Crown Prince's pregnant wife. He revealed the "Sinan pendant" as proof of Lord Yang's deception of the Emperor, threatening to expose him and ruin the Yang family.
Minister Han questioned Lord Yang about stopping the production of bad money, asserting that Lord Yang no longer had the authority to do so and that production must continue, warning him not to hinder his own financial schemes. This interaction brought back memories for Lord Yang of a conversation with the former Crown Prince, who expressed desires for a prosperous nation and happy citizens over the throne itself, lamenting the loneliness of power if it meant losing loved ones.
Yang Zian, tasked by the Emperor to privately investigate court corruption, found himself in a dilemma. He suspected his father was also investigating the bad money case, given the new coin found in his study. Yet, his father had denied having any leads. This made Yang Zian wonder if his father was under a secret imperial order, or if the bad money, child trafficking, corruption, and collusion cases were all connected to his father.
He internally grappled with the disloyalty of doubting his own father, but also the impossibility of facing him and himself if his father truly was involved. He secluded himself, refusing to see friends. In class, Tang Jiuhua was caught whispering to Shen Yiyi. When Mr. Yang, the Teaching Assistant, questioned him about the lesson, Dugu Muxue subtly prompted Tang Jiuhua by showing him a romantic poem, leading Tang Jiuhua to recite lines about love.
Mr. Yang, infuriated by the "nonsense," ordered Tang Jiuhua to copy Tao Te Ching three hundred times. Earlier, students discussed Yang Zian's absence due to a fever, noting he seemed upset the previous night. Shen Yiyi, hearing this, felt conflicted. Tang Jiuhua encouraged her to visit Yang Zian with him after school, but she declined, still feigning indifference despite her concern.
Yang Zian's father visited him, attempting to casually discuss his ink, known for its high quality, as a simple pleasure in his otherwise frugal life. Yang Zian used the opportunity to subtly probe his father about his investigation into Ningxiang Pavilion and the corruption cases. His father vaguely replied that the accounts checked out, but acknowledged that the scale of the bad money operation, child trafficking, and corruption indicated powerful backing and immense initial funding.
He rhetorically questioned whether investigating such a source was wrong, then swiftly changed the subject to Yang Zian's upcoming graduation exam, urging him to study hard. Yang Zian then asked his father if he had ever "strayed or made mistakes" in his cautious life. His father confessed to faults, specifically regretting his lack of attention to Yang Zian and his brother, which he felt caused their strained relationship.
When Yang Zian gently urged him to "correct mistakes in time" before they become "big ones," his father, appearing burdened, responded that he had realized his errors, but "it's too late." Meanwhile, on the rooftops of Ningxiang Pavilion, Dugu Muxue spotted a black-clad woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to his long-lost adopted sister, Rou. He descended and fought with her, tearing her sleeve to reveal the birthmark on her wrist, confirming it was Rou.
However, the woman, identifying herself as Ning Xiang, insisted "Rou was dead" and that their paths diverged the day she was taken. She told Dugu Muxue to remember the Rou of his childhood and forget the Ning Xiang before him, stating their reunion was merely an accident.
Dugu Muxue, who had traveled from the north to the south to find her, refused to let her go, but Ning Xiang warned him to stop interfering or there would be no way out for him this time. Feeling Yang Zian's distress, Shen Yiyi brought him a bowl of noodles, apologizing for the recent arguments. She perceived his anger stemmed from her secrecy about her reason for seeking first place and her true identity as a girl.
Yang Zian admitted these were his initial thoughts, but said his current upset was for a different reason. Seeing him still in turmoil, Shen Yiyi, feeling that Tang Jiuhua was right about resolving misunderstandings, confessed her deepest secret: she was an orphan, not the real Shen Dieyi. She had promised Lord Shen and Tang Jiuhua to uncover the real Shen Dieyi's origins, which involved a royal Sinan pendant left by Shen Dieyi's mother.
Shen Yiyi revealed that Shangyi School was her only path to the palace to investigate the pendant's history and fulfill Shen Dieyi's last wish, which is why she was so desperate to win first place. Tang Jiuhua, upon learning that Shen Yiyi had revealed everything to Yang Zian, was initially furious, fearing for her safety and accusing her of breaking their promise.
Shen Yiyi, however, explained the immense emotional burden of living with so many lies, pretending to be Shen Dieyi, misleading everyone at Shangyi School, and causing her friends to worry. She expressed her weariness and her reluctance to harm those she cared about through continued deception.
Tang Jiuhua then recalled a past conversation with the real Shen Dieyi, who had taught him that "white lies" were acceptable to protect loved ones, but that if lies were discovered, one must face the truth to avoid hurting those same people further. Understanding Shen Yiyi's plight, Tang Jiuhua later spoke to Yang Zian, confirming Shen Yiyi's story and emphasizing her sincere trust in Yang Zian.
He urged Yang Zian to comprehend her "pains" and to avoid creating further complications for her and her family. Meanwhile, Minister Han met with the Crown Prince, informing him that Zhang Yu was dead and the matter handled. He pressed the Crown Prince to act quickly, as the Second Prince and the "Five Scholars of Shangyi School," including Yang Zian, were gaining popularity and influence.
Minister Han advised that if these individuals could not be swayed to their cause, they must be eliminated, a conversation overheard by Ning Xiang. Dr. Lin announced the upcoming final exams to assess the students' learning at Shangyi School. The news prompted varied reactions, with some students expressing anxiety about passing and others lamenting the impending separation. Xiao Xinyuan expressed his gratitude for having spent so many unforgettable days at Shangyi School. Tang Jiuhua shared a heartfelt sentiment, also expressing his immense gratitude for having met everyone at Shangyi School. As Yang Zian left the classroom, Shen Yiyi called out to him.
Episode 21 Recap
After class, Shen Yiyi called out to Yang Zian. He turned around but did not immediately answer. As he walked away, Shen Yiyi felt she heard him thank her for telling him the truth, which made her jump with joy. In the following days, Yang Zian was often seen walking around alone, appearing distraught. Shen Yiyi wondered what was troubling him, as he had been gloomy despite their recent reconciliation.
Hesitating, Yang Zian showed her a copper coin, which Shen Yiyi immediately recognized as a new form of bad money. Yang Zian confessed his suspicion that his father might be involved. Shen Yiyi suggested that perhaps Lord Yang was secretly investigating the matter himself, and, being his son, he might want to shield them from danger.
Yang Zian found this plausible but recalled a recent incident: his father had claimed to inspect the Ministry of War with Minister Han, but his shoes were covered in red mud, found only in Chang'An's west. This made Yang Zian wonder why his father lied, and he hoped his father was not involved. Shen Yiyi comforted him, telling him not to overthink things as nothing was confirmed.
They embraced, which was witnessed by their roommate, who quickly pretended not to see anything to avoid awkwardness. Later, the Five Scholars of Shangyi School were out for drinks. After leaving the tavern, they noticed paper money scattered on the ground. Tang Jiuhua mentioned that Lord Zhang Yu, an important court official, had recently died. Rumor had it that a box of bad money and a written confession were found in his home, leading to his suicide.
The confession stated he bribed officials with bad money, killed Censor Tu who discovered it, and then took his own life, begging the Emperor to spare his family. Yang Zian found this suspicious, noting the lack of other evidence like a list of bribed officials or details of the mint. Dugu Muxue also found the case suspicious and, remembering seeing Rou at Zhang Yu's mansion, decided to investigate alone to avoid implicating her.
Dugu Muxue went to Ningxiang Pavilion, where he confronted Ning Xiang, calling her Rou. She denied her identity, stating "Rou is dead" and threatened to destroy the nepenthe flowers in the courtyard and cut off her scar if that was what identified her to him. Dugu Muxue seized the knife from her, pleading with her not to deny their past.
He told her he had lost her once, and now that he had found her by her scar, he implored her to promise that if they were ever separated again, she would seek him out. Meanwhile, Shen Yiyi asked Xiao Xinyuan to obtain an ancient coin from the palace mint, which resembled current currency but had a different weight.
She gave it to Yang Zian, explaining it could be used to test Lord Yang: if he was innocent and secretly investigating the bad money case, he would question Yang Zian about the coin; if he was guilty but repentant, he would confess to the Emperor. This coin was a warning, a chance, and a window of time for Lord Yang. They realized they needed more concrete evidence, like a coin mold.
At dinner, Dugu Muxue relayed Han Yu'er's query about Shen Yiyi selecting jade carving patterns, mentioning Han Yu'er would find someone to engrave them. This conversation about carving templates gave Shen Yiyi an idea. Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian went to a jade workshop in the city's west, a place known for skilled engravers where even Han Yu'er would go.
Shen Yiyi staged a loud scene, claiming the workshop ruined her Sinan pendant, drawing a crowd and forcing the owner to call out all the engravers. This diversion allowed Yang Zian to slip into the back room to search for templates. Though he didn't find a mold, Yang Zian discovered something he deemed more important, keeping the details secret from Shen Yiyi for the time being.
Separately, Xiao Xinyuan, Tang Jiuhua, and Han Yu'er were eating noodles when they witnessed a commotion. The Crown Prince's hunting dog had bitten a child, and the child's father, unaware of the dog's owner, killed it. The Crown Prince, initially enraged, was advised by a subordinate and then publicly offered the family money. However, Xiao Xinyuan, who was with Tang Jiuhua and Han Yu'er, felt something was amiss and followed the family.
Shortly after, the Crown Prince's guards intercepted the family, demanding the child's life as compensation for the dog. The Second Prince, intervening, publicly shamed the guards for their cruelty and offered the family more money, advising them to immediately leave Chang'An. Later, a guard reported the Second Prince's intervention to the Crown Prince, who was furious at his brother's defiance. Minister Han then met with the Crown Prince and other allies in the West Mountain, where they were supposedly hunting.
Minister Han warned the Crown Prince about the Second Prince's growing favor with the Emperor and his close ties with the "Five Scholars" of Shangyi School, particularly Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi. He argued that if the Second Prince's power continued to grow, the Crown Prince's position would be threatened, urging immediate action to seize power. The Crown Prince reluctantly agreed to Minister Han's counsel, and the allies toasted to their impending coup.
Meanwhile, Yang Zian stealthily followed a suspicious attendant who was returning to his father's mansion. The attendant managed to evade Yang Zian, but later reported to Lord Yang that his son was tracking him. Lord Yang was startled, remembering Yang Zian's recent probing questions, and realized his son might have clues. The attendant also relayed a message from his "master," demanding a large sum of money and warning Lord Yang not to let his son interfere with their plans.
After the attendant left, Yang Zian, who was observing from a distance, watched as Lord Yang reflected on his actions, wondering if he had made mistakes, and wishing he would repent. Lord Yang then checked a hidden compartment and discovered that one of the bad money coins was missing. Yang Zian, witnessing this, understood that his warning had been received, and hoped his father would use this chance to confess to the Emperor.
Episode 22 Recap
The graduation examination at Shangyi School began with the Doctor announcing the rules: students were allowed to discuss among themselves and consult books. Despite concerns from some students that this might compromise fairness, the Doctor declared the test was about "what you learned at Shangyi School" and instructed everyone to open the envelopes placed before them. Many students were surprised to find only a blank piece of paper inside their envelopes, leading to confusion about the questions.
Yang Zian, however, quickly understood the Doctor's intention, explaining that they were to write down their learnings from their time at Shangyi School. Shen Yiyi, reflecting on her cherished experiences and companions, also penned her deepest thoughts. The Chief and the Doctor reviewed the submitted answer sheets, noting that most students' responses were traditional, focusing on classical doctrines and skills. They then turned to more unique answers. Xiao Xinyuan had drawn a circle.
The accompanying text explained that what was learned at Shangyi School was inside the circle, while what was yet to be learned was outside, illustrating the concept that the more one learns, the more one realizes how much there is still to know, a principle also applicable to governance.
Tang Jiuhua’s answer sheet featured a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, symbolizing his journey from immaturity to responsibility, reflecting how the rigorous training at Shangyi School transformed him from a "cabbage worm" into a butterfly ready to take on challenges and protect others. The Chief commended his growth.
Dugu Muxue simply wrote the number "five," an answer he elaborated on by stating he had always been a loner, arriving at Shangyi School to fulfill his adoptive father's wish but without direction. Meeting his five friends warmed his cold heart, helping him find the true meaning of guardianship—to protect the girl he loved, the friends he cherished, and his beloved country. He declared he was "no longer alone."
The Chief acknowledged the profound insights of these students, remarking that it was no wonder they were known as the "Five Scholars of Shangyi School." The Chief and the Doctor then examined the blank, crumpled answer sheets submitted by Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi. Assistant Yang expressed his confusion regarding the blank papers, leading the Chief to summon Shen Yiyi and Yang Zian and ask for their insights.
Shen Yiyi explained that she had learned too many things at Shangyi School for a single sheet of paper to contain. She believed that life should not be limited to a piece of paper or any single place. A newborn baby begins as a blank page, gradually filled by experiences, people, and even adversaries. At the end of life, this paper could be a masterpiece or a ruined scrap.
She concluded that everyone is a "paper" and how we write on it determines life's colors and tastes. She emphasized the importance of shedding self-imposed limitations to discover infinite potential. Yang Zian added that his life contained both bitter, dark hues and sweet, vibrant ones. He asserted that one cannot truly appreciate sweetness without experiencing bitterness, nor brilliant colors without darkness.
The Doctor, inspired by Shen Yiyi's words, drew a beautiful landscape on her crumpled paper, telling her that everyone holds inherent value, and even a crumpled sheet can become a canvas for the most exquisite art. He assured Yang Zian that the bitterness and darkness of today would become indelible landscapes on the paper of his life after enduring the test of time. Both students expressed gratitude for the profound lessons.
Following the academic tests, a swordsmanship examination was held, where the Five Scholars of Shangyi School excelled due to their prior combat experience. Notably, Shen Yiyi emerged victorious against Yang Zian, to her great delight. With the comprehensive examination results posted, Yang Zian and Shen Yiyi were announced as co-champions. They were summoned to an imperial audience, where, to the Emperor's surprise, they declined any material rewards or official titles, requesting only a single statement from His Majesty.
Yang Zian then stunned the court by stating his request was for his father, Yang Wenyuan. When his father remained silent, Yang Zian knelt and accused Lord Yang of involvement in both the bad money and child abduction cases. Lord Yang vehemently denied the accusations, claiming he merely kept Yang Zian uninformed to protect him from danger, implying his son had misunderstood.
Unconvinced and seeking a confession from his father, Yang Zian reiterated his accusation and asked the Emperor to order a search of his room at Shangyi School for a specific bad coin he claimed to have hidden there, as well as Lord Yang's study. Yang Wenyuan, having anticipated such a move, had already prepared by moving evidence.
When the Imperial Guards returned reporting no bad money found, Yang Zian revealed the truth: he had the real bad money on him all along. Yang Zian explained that he had planted an antique coin from the former dynasty, which resembled bad money, in his closet at Shangyi School. His intention was to give his father a chance to confess when he realized his secrets were exposed. Instead, Lord Yang had that antique coin destroyed, confirming his guilt.
Feeling torn between loyalty to his father and duty to the Emperor and the people, Yang Zian performed a triple kowtow: first to his father for his upbringing, expressing regret for his suspicion and wishing for a simple life together in the next; second to the Emperor for deceiving him by delaying the confession; and third to heaven and earth on behalf of the victims of the bad money and abduction cases, vowing to expose the truth.
Seeing his father's tears, Yang Zian presented the ultimate evidence: the mold design paper used to mint the bad money. He highlighted that the paper was rare cold-gold parchment and the ink was scarce Li Ting ink, known only to a few high-ranking officials. He revealed that his father's exceptional fondness for this specific ink had led him to pre-order next year's supply, making him the only person who could have produced these documents.
Cornered by the irrefutable evidence, Yang Wenyuan confessed, pleading with the Emperor not to punish his family. Han Junji intervened, reminding the Emperor of Lord Yang's loyal service over the years. He then reminded Yang Wenyuan of his past warning: that the Emperor would "cut weeds and eliminate the roots" if he discovered a trusted courtier had attained wealth and status through deception.
He pointedly asked what the Emperor would do to Yang Wenyuan and his beloved son if he knew, implicitly threatening Yang Wenyuan's family. To protect his loved ones, Yang Wenyuan had succumbed to Han Junji's coercion, which led to the clandestine minting of bad money. The Emperor, bound by his promise to Yang Zian, spared Lord Yang's life but sentenced him to imperial prison for review by the Three Judicial Offices, followed by exile in Ba Prefecture.
All his assets were to be confiscated, and he was to be banished from Chang'An permanently, effective in three days. In the prison, Yang Zian knelt before his father, seeking forgiveness. Yang Wenyuan, however, reassured him that he had done nothing wrong, revealing that despite his outwardly glorious career as a revered Prime Minister, he had been tormented by guilt over his past misdeeds, unable to sleep peacefully.
He expressed gratitude to Yang Zian for saving his life and bringing him a sense of calm. He hoped that in the afterlife, they could reunite as father and son, living a simple life free from political schemes, and that his time in Ba Prefecture would serve to atone for his sins. Later, Han Junji visited Yang Wenyuan in prison, bringing food and wine.
He gloated about his own meticulous planning, suggesting that without his caution, he would be in Yang Wenyuan's place. Yang Wenyuan, however, instead questioned Han Junji about the 'sinanpei' (compass pendant) and its connection to the former prince, implying Han held deeper secrets. Han Junji grew suspicious, accusing Yang Wenyuan of trying to extract information to gain merit and atone for his sins.
Yang Wenyuan then dismissed Han Junji's confidence, asserting that his current predicament would inevitably become Han Junji's future, highlighting the difference between his own remorse and Han Junji's unrepentant nature. On the day of his exile, Yang Wenyuan bade farewell to Yang Zian and Yang Zixu.
Although Yang Zixu bitterly criticized Yang Zian for his actions, Yang Wenyuan defended Yang Zian's choice, stating that in situations where loyalty and filial piety conflicted, Yang Zian acted according to what he believed was right. He acknowledged both sons as worthy members of the Yang family and urged them to support each other and take care of themselves, expressing hope for a future reunion. Yang Zian, deeply emotional, promised to remain by his father's side in this life and the next.
Episode 23 Recap
After Yang Zian sent his father, Lord Yang, to Ba Prefecture, Shen Dieyi comforted him, assuring him it was not his fault. She explained that Lord Yang should have anticipated the consequences of his actions, and Yang Zian could not simply ignore his conscience and let his father continue astray.
Shen Dieyi reminded him that he had saved his father's life, giving him a chance to atone for his mistakes and regain his conscience, and that Lord Yang would undoubtedly be proud of him. Yang Zian noticed Shen Dieyi's injured hands, realizing she hurt herself making winter clothes for him. He asked her why, like him, she had refused imperial rewards and only asked for a promise from the Emperor.
Shen Dieyi confided that her request was a safeguard for Yang Zian's life. She had been worried about the evidence he found and feared he might be punished for implicating his father. Her promise was to ask the Emperor to absolve him, or, if not, to allow her to join him in prison, believing the Emperor would not wish to lose two top students from Shangyi School.
Deeply moved, Yang Zian tried to express his gratitude, but Shen Dieyi sealed his lips with a kiss, playfully warning him that she would do it again every time he uttered words of thanks or propriety. She then proceeded to kiss him again when he tested her by saying "not proper." Meanwhile, Dugu Muxue led Rou to see the worry-free flowers he had planted on the back mountain of Shangyi School, flowers that held their childhood memories.
He apologized for finding her so late and promised to take care of her, confessing she was always in his heart. However, Rou, aware of Dugu Muxue’s deep feelings for her and knowing the danger of Lord Han’s plot, decided not to disclose her knowledge to him, fearing for his safety. She declined to join him and his friends for a gathering, citing business at Ningxiang Pavilion, which made Dugu Muxue suspect she was hiding something.
Rou, to herself, confirmed her decision, unwilling to let Dugu Muxue take risks without fully understanding the conspirators' intentions. Unbeknownst to Dugu, Lord Han Junji was actively inciting the Crown Prince to usurp the throne. He advised the Crown Prince to accuse the Emperor of fratricide and rebellion—the same charges the Emperor allegedly used against his own brother twenty years prior.
Lord Han explained that if the court officials appeared loyal to the Emperor initially and only pledged allegiance to the Crown Prince after his ascension, the public would perceive the Emperor as having lost the Mandate of Heaven.
He detailed their plan: the upcoming Shangyi School graduation ceremony in the palace would gather all the ministers, while General Tuoxi's remaining forces would attack the city that very night to divert General Li's troops, leaving the imperial city’s defenses weak and without outside reinforcements. Lord Han had even drafted a "self-criticism edict" for the Emperor, ensuring the Crown Prince would have a compelling justification for his rebellion. Rou, hiding outside, overheard their entire plot.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Rou immediately went to the Shangyi students and disclosed everything she knew. The students began to formulate a meticulous counter-plan to expose the Crown Prince's conspiracy to the Emperor. Xiao Xinyuan, the Second Prince, expressed concern that the Emperor might be suspicious of his motives if he, as a royal prince, directly accused the Crown Prince without irrefutable evidence.
Rou then stated that the next day would be their opportunity, coinciding with the Crown Prince's plot. Xiao Xinyuan entrusted Yang Zian with the Imperial Seal, instructing him to ride to the palace that very night. The Emperor, who had been uneasy after a comment from Xiao Xinyuan about Tuoxi's forces, had already issued a written instruction for General Li to prepare. Yang Zian, with the Imperial Seal, rode swiftly through the night.
The following morning, Lord Han Junji secretly ordered stringent security measures throughout the palace. As the Shangyi students arrived for the graduation banquet at the Emperor's invitation, the Emperor noted Yang Zian's absence. Tang Jiuhua and Xiao Xinyuan explained that Yang Zian, feeling like the son of a criminal official, deemed himself unworthy to face the Emperor and remained at his mansion for introspection.
The banquet commenced, the palace gates were closed, and dancers and musicians began to play, creating a facade of tranquility inside while outside, rebel guards were rising up. The Crown Prince made a dramatic entrance, presenting a "gift" to Xiao Xinyuan and the Emperor. It was a scroll, and when Xiao Xinyuan hesitated to open it, the Crown Prince seized him, pressing a dagger to his throat, and forced him to read the contents.
Xiao Xinyuan, under duress, read aloud the "self-criticism edict," which listed the Emperor's alleged misdeeds, including slandering his kinsman and usurping the throne. The Crown Prince then brazenly demanded the Emperor's abdication. The Emperor, furious, vehemently denied the accusations, insisting he had redressed his brother’s name and promoted his former subordinates. Noticing that Yang Zian had been gone for four hours, Shen Dieyi, to buy more time, cleverly interjected.
She pointed out to the Crown Prince that even with the damning edict, his rebellion would lack legitimacy and public support without the Imperial Seal. The Crown Prince, taken aback by this oversight, frantically demanded to know the Imperial Seal's location, ordering a palace-wide search and threatening to execute a prince every fifteen minutes until it was found. Shen Dieyi then asserted that she knew where the Imperial Seal was but could not hand it over.
She revealed that they had already informed the Emperor of his plot and that Yang Zian possessed the Imperial Seal, granting him authority over the military, and was leading an army to put down the rebellion. Just as the Crown Prince reeled from this revelation, sounds of fierce fighting erupted outside the palace gates. Yang Zian, leading a contingent of soldiers, burst into the main hall.
In a fit of desperation, the Crown Prince shoved Xiao Xinyuan aside and lunged at the Emperor with his dagger. Imperial Guards, positioned behind him, unleashed a volley of arrows, and the Crown Prince fell dead. Yang Zian immediately apologized for his late arrival, but the Emperor graciously pardoned him.
The Emperor then issued an edict, stripping Crown Prince Xiao Lingjun of his title, demoting him to a commoner, confiscating his property, exiling his household, and denying him burial in the royal tomb. Rebels of the sixth rank and above were condemned to death by dismemberment, while others were exiled. Lord Han Junji, seeing his plan crumble, urged the Emperor to reclaim the Imperial Seal from Yang Zian.
To everyone's astonishment, Yang Zian stated that the Emperor should not take it back. The Emperor then unveiled the true extent of the deception: Yang Zian had never possessed the actual Imperial Seal. It was all a brilliant ruse concocted by Yang Zian and Shen Dieyi. The Emperor had been forewarned of the plot by Xiao Xinyuan.
Yang Zian had taken a written instruction from the Emperor to General Li, directing him to leave behind three thousand elite soldiers, not thirty thousand as Shen Dieyi had bluffed. Shen Dieyi's dramatic claim about the Imperial Seal and the vast army was a crucial tactic to deter and demoralize the rebel forces, thus buying time for the real, albeit smaller, reinforcements to arrive.
The Emperor lauded Yang Zian and Shen Dieyi for their ingenuity and teamwork, crediting their "inside and outside cooperation" for quelling the rebellion. As a reward, he conferred upon them the prestigious titles of Supervising Censors, tasking them with overseeing officials, inspecting prefectures, supervising justice, and purging the court.
Infuriated by being outmaneuvered, Lord Han Junji, in a desperate last attempt, accused Shen Dieyi of being the orphaned child of the former Crown Prince, presenting the Sinan pendant she wore as proof. He recounted how the former Crown Prince and his pregnant wife had escaped, with their bodies never found, implying Yang Wenyuan, who led the chase, might have hidden her.
Lord Han, once a subordinate of the former Crown Prince, demanded that Shen Dieyi be instated as Crown Prince, believing it would rectify the historical injustice against the former heir. Shen Dieyi confirmed the pendant was from her mother but professed ignorance of the other details. Yang Zian swiftly countered, accusing Lord Han of colluding with the now-deceased Crown Prince in rebellion.
He produced the sword used to assassinate Censor Tu, revealing that Lord Han had sent Rou to kill Censor Tu to silence him about bribery, but when Rou hesitated, Lord Han himself committed the murder. Rou, the witness, confirmed this, stating she had hidden Lord Han's sword and retrieved the bribe accounts he tried to conceal.
Yang Zian then presented another damning piece of evidence: detailed records proving Lord Han had collaborated with Yang Zian's own father in establishing a counterfeit money mint. Cornered, Lord Han admitted to his crimes but then defiantly lashed out at the Emperor, accusing him of framing his brother for power and declaring that the betrayal by his own son was divine retribution.
He further lamented his failure to have the Crown Prince kill the Emperor earlier, which cost the Crown Prince his life. He vehemently insisted that Shen Dieyi, as the biological child of the rightful heir, was the true "Son of Heaven" and the legitimate Crown Prince, and that he had waited twenty years to restore her to power.
To prevent further chaos and the baseless claim, Shen Dieyi then knelt before everyone and publicly revealed her true identity: she was a woman. The revelation stunned everyone in the court, leaving Lord Han in shocked disbelief.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
As many ministers reacted with shock to the revelation that Shen Dieyi was a woman, a student at Shangyi School who had always been presumed male, Lord Han was consumed by fury. He reflected on his two decades of meticulous planning, enlisting soldiers, and inciting the Crown Prince to rebellion, all to make the Emperor experience the bitterness of betrayal. His latest scheme involved promoting Shen Dieyi to Crown Prince, a plan now shattered by her true identity.
Realizing his efforts were in vain and his end was near, Lord Han committed suicide by smashing his head against a wall, declaring he was joining the Crown Prince. In the aftermath of Lord Han’s sudden death, Shen Dieyi knelt before the Emperor, asking for forgiveness for her deception. All the students of Shangyi School also knelt, pleading on her behalf, with Xiao Xinyuan highlighting her past meritorious service to the Emperor. The Emperor asked Shen Dieyi what she desired.
She stated that she was merely the eldest daughter of the Shen family and wished to return home to dutifully care for her father. The Emperor then pardoned Shen Dieyi, sparing her life. The Emperor also declared Lord Han (Han Junji) guilty of treason, pardoning his clan from execution but demoting them to commoners, and ordering the arrest of all his accomplices.
He then declared that Shen Dieyi's name would be removed from Shangyi School records, and no one was to ever speak of this matter again. She was officially declared the daughter of the Shen family, not a royal member. Shen Dieyi, radiant and cheerful in her female attire, was surrounded by her admiring classmates.
Dean Ji praised her, noting that despite being a woman, she had excelled in her studies, jointly topped the Shangyi School with Yang Zian, solved difficult cases, and fought bravely in battle, proving herself as capable as any man. He announced that although her student status was revoked, the Emperor had graciously permitted her to attend the upcoming graduation ceremony, where their families would also be invited. The news was met with enthusiastic applause from the students.
Rou sat in Ningxiang Pavilion, recalling its past splendor. Her brother, Dugu Muxue, approached her, offering to stay if she wished, affirming that wherever she went, he would follow. Rou expressed her deep gratitude for all he had done, stating she was ready to let go of the past ten years lived there, finally finding happiness and closure. Dugu then promised, "Now can I protect you?" Meanwhile, Xiao Xinyuan was summoned by the Emperor.
He remembered how, upon learning of the Crown Prince’s rebellion, he had entrusted his imperial seal to Yang Zian. Yang Zian, however, advised against using it directly to request troop deployment from the Emperor, explaining that directly requesting the imperial seal from the Emperor for troop movement would have invited suspicion, as a ruler would always doubt a minister in such a critical situation.
Instead, Yang Zian rode three hundred miles overnight to ask General Li for three thousand auxiliary soldiers, a contingency plan, while the main forces from the city’s eastern garrison would be the Emperor’s primary solution. This wise counsel earned the Emperor's complete trust, leading to Xiao Xinyuan being formally invested as the new Crown Prince, lauded for his distinguished appearance and great talent. Shen Dieyi returned to the Shen family home.
Yang Zian, too, requested permission to resign his official post and return home, desiring a period of rest after so many significant events. Under the moonlight, Shen Dieyi asked him about the depth of his feelings, wondering if he had searched for her for ten years like Dugu Muxue had searched for Rou. Yang Zian teasingly replied that he loved her "three-tenths," which initially saddened and angered her.
He then playfully asked if she was upset over stinky tofu, distracting her. He reassured her, promising plenty of time in the future to prove his affection, playfully adding he would go wherever she went. She also fondly recalled seeing fireworks with Dieyi (the true Shen Dieyi) in Yao City during her childhood, a sight she had longed to witness again.
Shen Dieyi confided her initial dream of opening a restaurant in the capital, believing her culinary skills would make it famous. Yang Zian affirmed her dream, jokingly worrying about becoming fat from her cooking, but then declaring he would be her co-owner, not just a handyman. The graduation ceremony commenced, with family members present to witness the occasion.
When Yang Zian went to receive his award, he was delighted to see his elder brother in the crowd, signaling a mending of their relationship. The Emperor had even commissioned a court painter to create a graduation portrait for all the students. Later, Shen Dieyi penned a letter to her father, confirming she had uncovered Dieyi's true lineage. She also shared her intention to open a restaurant in Chang'an, promising to visit him someday with her husband.
After Lord Han’s downfall and the confiscation of his property, Han Yu’er was left destitute. Tang Jiuhua comforted her, reminding her that she still had him as a friend and that his home was her home, effectively indicating their engagement. Separately, Xiao Xinyuan invited Shen Dieyi to the palace. As they flew a kite, Shen Dieyi commented on his promising future.
Xiao Xinyuan, understanding their bond was one of siblings, regretfully cut the kite string, symbolizing his letting go of his romantic feelings for her. He declared that as a prince, he bore a heavy responsibility and must prioritize the nation. Shen Dieyi encouraged him, believing he would succeed. He, in turn, wished her happiness. Dugu Muxue and Ning Xiang prepared to leave.
Yang Zian bought Ningxiang Pavilion from Ning Xiang, who accepted no money but requested a private room be kept for their future reunions. Upon hearing that Yang Zian had already secured a location for her restaurant, Shen Dieyi excitedly embraced him, playfully declaring she would repay him by offering herself in marriage. A year later, Han Yu’er had become Tang Jiuhua’s fiancée, and Shen Dieyi’s "Five Flavor Restaurant" was thriving.
One evening, Xiao Xinyuan, Tang Jiuhua, and Dugu Muxue gathered with their loved ones to celebrate with Shen Dieyi. Yang Zian, who was not yet present, was jokingly mentioned by Shen Dieyi. Shen Dieyi personally prepared five signature dishes, each representing one of the five tastes, and explained their significance. The final dish, stinky tofu, she humorously declared represented Yang Zian’s "stinky" temper. As the friends laughed and chatted, fireworks suddenly lit up the sky outside.
They all rushed out to watch the spectacular display. Yang Zian approached Shen Dieyi, asking if she liked them. He revealed that he had planned the fireworks, remembering her childhood longing to see them with Dieyi. Amidst cheers and blessings from their friends, Yang Zian clarified that when he had once said he only loved her "three-tenths," he meant "three-tenths of the moon's light in the world," signifying his complete and wholehearted love. Overcome with emotion and cherished memories, Shen Dieyi and Yang Zian shared a joyful kiss, sealing their love and happiness.
