Time Flies and You Are Here Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Time Flies and You Are Here Synopsis
Xie Xiaoman, an ordinary woman, offended the famous Julu infanta Zhao Xiaoqian of Wujiang Province by mistake.
She is forced to marry Zhao Xiaoqian because of a contract of marriage. A contract makes their lives intertwined.
They start off as quarrelsome lovers and gradually get to know each other and work together through hardships and obstacles to finally reap a romantic love.
Time Flies and You Are Here Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Xie Xiaoman, her mother, and her younger brother traveled by carriage to Wujiang Prefecture. Her mother chided Xiaoman for clinging to the idea of returning to Yuyangli Village. Xiaoman retorted that their family of four had depended on the two hectares of land in Yuyangli, and her uncle, Xie Jing, heartlessly took it, acting like a bandit.
She complained that the decision to sell the land and move to Wujiang to attend a free school was made without consulting her, especially since her studies in the village were incomplete. Her mother insisted that the land was already sold to her uncle and they were now in Wujiang, leaving Xiaoman no choice but to stay. Upon their arrival, Xie Xiaoman's father waited at the city gate, and her brother and mother joyfully embraced him.
Xiaoman, observing her father's weary appearance, felt a pang of heartache, clutching a receipt and vowing that the matter of their land would not simply be forgotten. Meanwhile, at the Commandery Prince's mansion, Yan Boyang mobilized servants to search for Zhao Xiaoqian's prized cricket, Jinguo. Zhao Xiaoqian, lounging with a book over his face, calmly instructed them to be careful, as Jinguo was right by the doorstep, warning them not to let it be bullied by other male crickets.
Zhong Ziyan sat silently nearby. Liangji, the mansion's butler, presented Zhao Xiaoqian with the land deed for the two hectares in Yuyangli Village, a token of gratitude from Xie Jing for past assistance. Liangji also mentioned the neglected study and suggested hiring a literate maid. Zhong Ziyan then pressed Zhao Xiaoqian about the thirteen urgent letters from the capital, asking about his plans.
Zhao Xiaoqian ignored the question until Yan Boyang cried out that Jinguo had escaped, prompting him to abandon his book and rush out to pursue his cricket. As Xie Xiaoman and her family walked through a bustling street, they were caught in the commotion of Zhao Xiaoqian's frantic search. The crowd scattered them, and in her haste to find her family, Xiaoman accidentally stepped on Jinguo, killing the cherished cricket.
An enraged Zhao Xiaoqian seized her, but Xiaoman stomped on his foot, called him "insane" and a "playboy," then swiftly fled, inadvertently dropping her receipt. Zhao Xiaoqian attempted to give chase but was stopped by Zhong Ziyan, who reminded him of the thirteen letters from the capital and his mother's insistence on his return to the Imperial College, hinting it was a pretext for his arranged marriage with Shen Zhaowen.
Liangji added that if Zhao Xiaoqian returned, they would forgo hiring a new maid for the study. Zhao Xiaoqian defiantly stated he had no intention of returning, then picked up Xiaoman's dropped receipt. Later that evening, at their uncle Su's residence, where Xie Xiaoman and her brother were to stay, their cousin whispered disdainfully, labeling them a "broke family."
When Xiaoman later confided in her mother about wishing to live with her parents, her mother explained that her father's yamen hostel was far and filled with a mix of people, deeming it unsuitable. Xiaoman, still determined to reclaim their land, was frustrated when her mother dismissed the idea as impossible. Her despair deepened upon realizing her precious receipt was now lost. Unbeknownst to her, the missing receipt was in Zhao Xiaoqian's possession.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian, facing an impending exam, dismissively told Zhong Ziyan that his plan was simply to "burn" the papers. The next day, Xie Xiaoman and her brother arrived at Bailu Academy. Before the exam, her cousin, Xie Ruying, criticized their family for repeatedly borrowing money. Xiaoman retorted, accusing Ruying of burning her brother's palm years ago, an accident that forced her parents to stop working for a year, leading to their financial difficulties.
Shortly after, Xiaoman was shocked by the high cost of the academy's textbooks—two sets amounted to two strings of cash, nearly her father's monthly salary. When she questioned the inflated prices, the bookseller rudely dismissed her. During the exam, Xie Ruying deliberately engaged her in conversation again, leading the teacher, Director Xu, to mistakenly accuse Xiaoman of cheating.
Director Xu, already holding a poor impression of her, believing she sought only shortcuts and a good marriage, instructed her to report to the Teachers' Office after the exam. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian, Yan Boyang, and Zhong Ziyan proceeded with their plan to burn the exam papers in the Teachers' Office. Xiaoman, arriving as instructed, smelled smoke and rushed in to extinguish the flames. However, she was met with Director Xu's fury and wrongly accused of setting the fire.
Covered in ash and unable to name the real culprits, Xiaoman was left helpless as no one believed her. Later, Xie Xiaoman overheard students discussing that most of the burnt papers belonged to the Jingnv Pavilion (for female students), while many from the Luming Pavilion (for male students) remained intact. Realizing the truth, Xiaoman rushed to the Luming Pavilion and confronted Zhao Xiaoqian, who tried to bar her entry.
Once inside, she directly accused him of arson and demanded her lost receipt. Zhao Xiaoqian nonchalantly confirmed he had thrown her receipt into the fire, igniting Xiaoman's fury. She declared it was extremely important to her, but he dismissively asked if she was afraid of him. Xiaoman boldly replied, "Why should I?" infuriating Zhao Xiaoqian, who retorted, "Then, wait and see."
Returning home, Xiaoman found the Su family's carriage had already departed, leaving her to walk to her uncle Xie Jing's house. There, her parents, uncle, aunt, and grandmother were waiting. Her parents scolded her and instructed her to kneel and apologize to her grandmother. Xiaoman defiantly refused, publicly accusing her uncle of seizing their land and forcing her father to work as a coroner and her mother as a washerwoman.
She argued that they were only in contact now because her elder brother had prospects. When her uncle denied it, Xiaoman cited the meager twenty strings of cash he paid for their two hectares as proof of his cruelty. Her grandmother, enraged, threw a cup and challenged Xiaoman to reclaim the land from the Commandery Prince of Julu herself. To appease the grandmother, Xiaoman's father slapped her, compelling her to kneel.
Later that night, her father waited for her in the rain, apologizing for hitting her. Xiaoman shared her cherished memories of Yuyangli, emphasizing how the land had sustained them, calling it her "savior." Her father reassured her that she was his "beloved daughter, the apple of my eye," promising never to hit her again but urging her to think before acting.
Inspired by a previous conversation with her former mentor, Li Su, who encouraged her to find a way to achieve her goals, Xiaoman resolved to earn money and redeem her land. She went to the Commandery Prince's mansion and applied for the vacant position of a maid to clean the study, affirming her literacy and readiness to start the next day for fifty cash a day. During her work, she discussed the gifted land with Liangji.
She calculated that at her current wage, she would need to work two thousand days to earn the hundred strings of cash required to buy back the land. Liangji, sympathetic and noting the Prince's disinterest in the land, agreed to hold it for her, provided she diligently balanced the accounts. Meanwhile, Zhong Ziyan informed Zhao Xiaoqian that his mother's letters to Principal Yang were a subtle attempt to force his return to the capital for his marriage with Shen Zhaowen.
Zhao Xiaoqian then asked Zhong Ziyan to investigate why Xiaoman was at the Teachers' Office that night. Liangji also reported to Zhao Xiaoqian about the newly hired maid and mentioned that the tassel on his deceased elder brother Zhao Xiaojie's sword had loosened. Zhao Xiaoqian, instantly concerned, stated he would personally take it to be repaired. Xiaoman, discovering the sword tassel during her cleaning, recognized its intricate pattern but was warned by Liangji not to touch the Prince's precious possession. Suddenly remembering another task, Xiaoman abruptly left the mansion early, passing Zhao Xiaoqian without either of them recognizing the other.
Episode 2 Recap
The Su family's grandmother warmly welcomed Xie Xiaoman, bestowing upon her a jade hairpin and inviting her to call her "grandma" just like Su Minggu. However, Su Minggu, overhearing, scoffed at Xiaoman's acceptance, citing the proverb "one's tongue is tied when one takes gifts" and questioning what Xiaoman lacked to accept such generosity while living in their home.
Su Minggu's mother, alerted by the commotion, scolded Su Minggu for her poor exam results and for lying about them, ordering her to kneel. Su Minggu's father intervened, stressing that integrity is fundamental to a person and that such deceitful habits could lead to bigger problems later. He instructed Su Minggu to remain on her knees without breakfast until school time.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian confronted Xie Xiaoman outside the Six Gentlemen's Study, attempting to use her lost receipt to prevent her from reporting him for burning the exam papers. Xiaoman, defiant, asserted her right to report him. In a fit of anger, Zhao Xiaoqian tore the receipt again, threatening that she would never see it if she dared to report him.
Xiaoman called him "shameless," to which he retorted that there were many worse things he could have done but chose not to. Congwen, seeing the argument, inquired about the matter. Xiaoman, seizing the opportunity, feigned asking about the Spring Banquet. Congwen patiently explained that poetry should express "pure thoughts," advising her to speak her mind without fear. He encouraged her to work harder after her "B" grade on the last major exam.
Xiaoman promised to prove her innocence and strive to meet his expectations. Later, in Luming Pavilion, Xie Xiaoman searched Zhao Xiaoqian's desk for her receipt but instead found a sword tassel, instantly recognizing it as belonging to the Commandery Prince of Julu, thus realizing Zhao Xiaoqian's true identity. Zhao Xiaoqian entered, angrily demanding she put it down. During their struggle, the tassel broke. Infuriated, Zhao Xiaoqian retrieved her torn receipt and shredded it again in front of her.
Angered and disheartened, Xiaoman gathered the pieces and left. Zhong Ziyan found Xiaoman trying to reassemble the shredded receipt. He explained that the sword tassel was a precious keepsake of Zhao Xiaoqian's deceased elder brother, Dalang, whom Zhao Xiaoqian loved deeply. He added that Zhao Xiaoqian had been in Wujiang Prefecture for four years recovering since his brother's passing, and these keepsakes were more important to him than anything.
Zhong Ziyan apologized for Zhao Xiaoqian's outburst and offered to have the receipt repaired and sent to her residence if it was important. Xiaoman was left to process the revelation of Zhao Xiaoqian's identity. News spread throughout the academy that the Commandery Prince was furious, spending the afternoon shooting arrows in the training grounds. Xie Ruying, observing the Prince's foul mood, suggested that Xie Xiaoman was likely the cause.
Xue Sanniang, the sub-prefect's daughter and an admirer of Zhao Xiaoqian, was too timid to approach him directly and asked Xie Ruying to inquire about his well-being. Eager to curry favor, Xie Ruying then told Zhao Xiaoqian that she would ensure Xiaoman had a difficult time. She revealed that Xiaoman was the daughter of her second uncle, a son born of a concubine, and that her father used to be a coroner.
Soon, word that Xiaoman's father was a coroner spread through the school, with many students mocking her for having a father who "deals with dead bodies." Su Minggu, however, stood up for Xiaoman, asserting that there was nothing wrong with being a coroner and calling the detractors ignorant. Dejected, Xiaoman left school, only to find that the Su family's carriage had already departed.
She encountered Zhao Xiaoqian and, assuming he was there to mock her, defiantly told him she was indeed a coroner's daughter. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, stated that social standing did not matter, proclaiming, "Are nobles and kings born into their station?" He then declared that they were now enemies. On her way home, Xiaoman met her father and asked him about the meaning of "Are nobles and kings born into their station?"
Her father explained it meant "heroes are not judged by their origins" and that a person's worth is not determined by their background. Reassured, Xiaoman requested an embroidery book from her nanny and spent the night meticulously recreating the sword tassel, learning it was called a "gentleman tassel." Xie Ruying, still determined to humiliate Xiaoman, dismissed concerns about her own reputation, remarking that her family had long disregarded such things.
She ordered Xiaoman to fetch refreshments from the school kitchen for the Spring Banquet. Reluctantly, Xiaoman complied, fearing the repercussions for her parents if she refused. In the kitchen, she was ambushed, splashed with charcoal powder, and locked inside. At the Spring Banquet, Su Minggu noticed Xiaoman's prolonged absence and worried. She overheard students discussing how Director Xu had reported their grades to their parents, realizing that Xiaoman hadn't been the snitch she had suspected.
Minggu rushed to the kitchen, freed Xiaoman, and offered her a handkerchief to clean herself. Xiaoman arrived at the banquet late and disheveled. The teacher reprimanded her for her "disgraceful" appearance and for "seeking attention." Congwen interceded, citing historical precedent that a grand event should not be bogged down by minor details and that the Spring Banquet should focus on poetry. When asked for her poem, Xiaoman recited a simple verse about her hometown, Yuyangli.
The teacher dismissed it as unsophisticated. Xiaoman, however, stood her ground, declaring that she was speaking from her heart, as Congwen had advised. She then bravely asserted that being born in Yuyangli was no less noble than being born in Wujiang.
Citing the principles of "a gentleman has pure thoughts" and "nobles and kings are not born into their station," she challenged those from prestigious families who engaged in gossip and petty, dishonest tactics, questioning how they intended to "carry on the legacy of the ancient sages and bring peace to the world" if they behaved in such a manner. Her powerful words earned her widespread applause, though Xie Ruying remained unconvinced.
Xiaoman, holding an ink brush, confronted Ruying, suggesting she would retaliate with ink for the charcoal powder. Ruying called her a "barbarian." Xiaoman retorted that she was not like Ruying and would not resort to such "underhanded things." She defended her father, stating that while he was a coroner and others might look down on him, he was an "honest man" who diligently supported his family, earning her respect.
The principal decided not to pursue the matter further but warned everyone against similar future conduct. Moved by Xiaoman's speech, Zhao Xiaoqian confessed to the principal that he was the one who had burned the exam papers. The principal revealed he had known all along but chose not to investigate.
He told Zhao Xiaoqian that his father wished him to return to the capital and enroll in the Imperial College, reminding him of his past intelligence and lamenting that he now seemed to have "lost his way." Zhao Xiaoqian smiled faintly and left without a word. Xiaoman, having organized the books and compiled a catalog for the mansion, gave it along with the new sword tassel to Uncle Liangji, considering it something she "owed."
As she left, she again crossed paths with Zhao Xiaoqian. Liangji later showed Zhao Xiaoqian the new, identical sword tassel, mentioning it was made by the new maid in the study. Zhao Xiaoqian hurried after her, catching a glimpse of her changing clothes. He then politely waited outside the room, where he discovered the new maid was Xie Xiaoman. Xiaoman explained that she was working there to reclaim her family's farmland, which her uncle had gifted to Zhao Xiaoqian.
She told him the tassel was a "gentleman tassel" and that, considering his behavior, he was far from a gentleman, emphasizing her point by stepping on his foot. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, simply remarked on how "skinny" she looked. The Wujiang Prefecture School, a government-run institution, and Bailu Academy harbored a fierce rivalry, particularly during the annual cuju competition. Students from Wujiang, led by Shen Yan and Xu Shu, provocatively planted white flags at Bailu Academy.
Zhao Xiaoqian retaliated by leading his personal guards to Wujiang Prefecture School, where they shot arrows to smash its wooden plaque. Zhong Ziyan was dismayed, even questioning Mr. Qin, the coach, for participating in Zhao Xiaoqian's "mischief." Mr. Qin explained that their duty was to protect the Prince and prevent him from being bullied. Zhao Xiaoqian, pleased with their actions, promised his guards extra meat for dinner.
Yan Boyang, assuming Zhao Xiaoqian was returning to the capital, asked if it was to marry Shen Zhaowen, which would make Shen Yan his brother-in-law. Zhao Xiaoqian vehemently denied any marriage plans, calling Yan Boyang "sick." He then inquired about the mansion's meals, noting that the maids seemed to be getting thinner. He instructed Liangji to tell Xie Xiaoman to work in his messy study that day. Yan Boyang expressed surprise that Xiaoman was now working for him.
Later, Xiaoman learned from fellow students about the upcoming Cold Food Festival and its associated cuju competition. She was told that girls traditionally prepared refreshments for the male players, not only to wish them victory but also as a subtle way to express romantic interest or gratitude to elders, depending on the recipient. Xiaoman wondered what kind of dessert Zhao Xiaoqian liked, only to be told by his attendant that he enjoyed all "delicious foods."
Episode 3 Recap
Xie Xiaoman's younger brother, Li'er, sought her out at school, distressed from being bullied, and asked her to take him home. Concerned about a dessert-making assignment for the upcoming Cold Food Festival, Xie Xiaoman approached Senior Li to inquire about his preferred snacks, thanking him for his help at the recent Spring Banquet.
Senior Li recounted how her family's kindness in Yuyangli had deeply impacted him and mentioned his fondness for the Chestnut Cakes her mother used to share with students. Overhearing this, Li'er reminded his sister of their mother's Chestnut Cakes and insisted she collect him from the academy gate after school. Later, as Xie Xiaoman and other young ladies watched the boys play cuju, Xie Ruying pressured Xie Xiaoman to ask Zhao Xiaoqian his favorite dessert.
Minggu interceded, pointing out Xie Ruying's dismissive attitude toward Xie Xiaoman, who was her own cousin. Minggu then turned to Miss Xue, criticizing her for her feigned concern and revealing that Miss Xue's relentless gossip had even reached her own father. She angrily declared that minor squabbles between young ladies should not lead to their families' silk documents being withheld. Hearing the gravity of the situation, Xie Xiaoman volunteered to approach Zhao Xiaoqian to avoid further trouble for her uncle.
However, as she walked onto the field, Zhao Xiaoqian powerfully kicked a cuju ball, striking her head and knocking her unconscious. Zhao Xiaoqian promptly took Xie Xiaoman to a doctor. Upon regaining consciousness, Xie Xiaoman abruptly sat up, bumping heads with Zhao Xiaoqian, and the two immediately began to bicker. Zhao Xiaoqian called her a "vengeful shrew," asserting that the ball incident was her fault for being too weak.
Xie Xiaoman retorted, likening him to Guan Yu due to his dark complexion and accusing him of kicking too hard. He dismissed her family's torn title deed as insignificant, stating that her family's land was his, and he would return it if she made him happy. Xie Xiaoman, still determined, demanded he tell her his favorite dessert flavor, promising to cease her complaints if he did.
Zhao Xiaoqian refused, but as he left, he offhandedly told her to make "anything," as he was "not picky." Meanwhile, observing the white flag Zhao Xiaoqian's team had planted at their Wujiang Prefecture School, Shen Yan plotted revenge. He prepared a packet of croton nut powder after Xu Shu learned that Xie Xiaoman worked as a maid in Zhao Xiaoqian's residence.
Back in the kitchen, Xie Xiaoman diligently prepared two types of desserts: Ox Tongue Cakes, a traditional auspicious snack for the Cold Food Festival, and Chestnut Cakes, intended for family and elders. She suddenly remembered Li'er, realizing she had forgotten to pick him up. Li'er, meanwhile, had been further tormented by bullies who branded him a "village rascal" and "butcher's son." In a desperate attempt to prove his father's official status, he displayed his father's official token.
Xu Shu, who had been lingering nearby, intervened, chasing off the bullies before seizing the token from Li'er. Xie Xiaoman arrived and confronted them. Taking advantage of the situation, Xu Shu threatened her with the stolen official token, commanding her to secretly add the croton nut powder to Zhao Xiaoqian's food during the cuju match. Xie Xiaoman sternly admonished Li'er for taking their father's token, explaining the severe repercussions of such an act.
Li'er, tearfully, revealed his daily struggles, feeling overshadowed by Xie Xiaoman's more comfortable life at the Su family, complete with a generous allowance, meals from fine restaurants, and new clothes, while he was left with only homemade steamed cakes and constant taunts as a "village rascal." Moved by his confession, Xie Xiaoman promised to recover the token.
Later, she discreetly questioned Liangji about the consequences of losing an official token, confirming that such an incident could lead to an official's dismissal or even imprisonment if the token was used for illicit activities. Zhao Xiaoqian invited Xie Xiaoman to dinner at the Commandery Prince's mansion. Observing her thin frame, he generously piled her plate with food, expressing concern that she looked "scrawny." Despite his efforts, Xie Xiaoman's mind was consumed by Xu Shu's threat, and she ate distractedly.
On the day of the Cold Food Festival cuju match, young ladies presented auspicious snacks to the players. Su Wei offered peach blossom shortbread rolls to a hesitant Zhong Ziyan, but Yan Boyang promptly snatched and ate them. Zhao Xiaoqian, bypassing all other offerings, made a bee-line for Xie Xiaoman's desserts, eyeing her "ugly" and "casually made" cake.
As he was about to consume the Ox Tongue Cake containing the croton nut powder, Xie Xiaoman, unable to proceed with the deception, quickly knocked it from his hand and offered him a Chestnut Cake instead. He took a bite and grudgingly admitted it was surprisingly delicious. Thanks to her intervention, Zhao Xiaoqian remained unharmed, and Bailu Academy won the first half of the match.
During the halftime break, Xie Xiaoman confronted Xu Shu, demanding the return of her father's official token. Xu Shu, having witnessed her deliberate act of knocking away the drugged cake, refused and insolently demanded a kiss in exchange for the token. At that moment, Zhao Xiaoqian appeared. Xu Shu, startled, stammered nervously under Zhao Xiaoqian's piercing gaze. Zhao Xiaoqian, with an intimidating presence, compelled Xu Shu to return the token to Xie Xiaoman.
However, upon realizing Xie Xiaoman had intended to drug him, Zhao Xiaoqian became enraged and stormed off. In the second half of the match, Zhao Xiaoqian's anger affected his play. Instead of focusing on the goal, he repeatedly targeted Shen Yan. His emotional state led to Bailu Academy conceding several points, ultimately losing the match 7-3 to Wujiang Prefecture School.
As punishment for being the losing team leader, Zhao Xiaoqian was forced to pour three bowls of lime powder over his head. Enraged, he then instigated a chaotic brawl between the two academy teams, which Zhong Ziyan attempted to quell, calling Zhao Xiaoqian "crazy." As the fight subsided, Xie Xiaoman approached Zhao Xiaoqian, asking if he was alright. He responded with a cold, sarcastic remark, saying, "I lost. You must be happy now," and walked away.
Zhong Ziyan later found Xie Xiaoman, noting Zhao Xiaoqian's profound unhappiness over the day's events. He reassured her, however, that she had nothing to fear, as Zhao Xiaoqian's group was preparing to leave the prefecture soon. Indeed, upon returning to his mansion, Zhao Xiaoqian furiously ordered Liangji to pack their belongings for an immediate return to the capital, smashing objects in his room. Carrying Chestnut Cakes, Xie Xiaoman headed to the Commandery Prince's mansion to apologize.
En route, she came across Su Wei, who had been knocked over by a horse, scattering the peach blossom shortbread rolls she had made for Zhong Ziyan. Xie Xiaoman helped her gather the pastries and offered to deliver them in her own food box, advising Su Wei to keep quiet about them being dirty.
At the mansion, Xie Xiaoman encountered Shi Deng, who informed her that Zhao Xiaoqian was in a rage, smashing things, and refusing to see anyone, as they were set to depart for the capital the following day. Xie Xiaoman handed Shi Deng her food box, asking him to give it to "Mr. Zhong" from "a young lady at the Academy" whom he "should recognize."
She also pleaded with Shi Deng to convey her apology to Zhao Xiaoqian, admitting her fault and requesting not to be dismissed from her work. Shi Deng, misunderstanding her reference to "the young master," assumed she meant Zhao Xiaoqian and delivered the entire food box to him. Later, Su Wei asked Xie Xiaoman if she had feelings for Zhao Xiaoqian, to which Xie Xiaoman explicitly denied, confirming her affection was for Zhong Ziyan.
Xie Xiaoman also confided that she had taken on work in Zhao Xiaoqian's study to earn money and redeem her family's land deed, which was now in the Commandery Prince's possession. Back at the mansion, Shi Deng presented the food box to Zhao Xiaoqian, explaining that "Xiaoman" had sent it with an apology and a request to continue working. Zhao Xiaoqian initially ordered the box discarded.
However, upon seeing the peach blossom shortbread rolls, he recognized them as a traditional Cold Food Festival dessert used by young ladies to express their affection. Shi Deng confirmed this interpretation. Misinterpreting the gift as a declaration of love from Xie Xiaoman, Zhao Xiaoqian changed his mind and decided against returning to the capital.
Episode 4 Recap
Zhao Xiaoqian proudly shows his horse, Zhao Mao, the peach blossom shortbread rolls, claiming they are a token of love from Xie Xiaoman during the Cold Food Festival. He wonders if Xiaoman fancies him but quickly dismisses the thought of her being after his family's noble title, stating that she is not that kind of person. To his dismay, Zhao Mao devours all the shortbread rolls before he can eat any.
Annoyed, he scolds the horse for being a "bad guy" and not leaving him a single one, then punishes it by making it pull a millstone. Congwen visits Yanniang, who joyfully notes his arrival on the Cold Food Festival and how she reserved time for him. Congwen replies that he has nowhere else to go besides the academy and his home. Yanniang questions his future plans, reminding him he has been Principal Yang Chidao's disciple for two years.
She acknowledges his disdain for official life but points out that if he never takes the spring exam, merely being Yang Chidao's student won't be enough to help her achieve redemption from her registered courtesan status. Congwen takes her hand, assuring her that there are other ways to secure her freedom, not solely through becoming an official. Their conversation is then interrupted by a maid, who announces that someone is asking for Yanniang.
Yanniang instructs the maid to stall the visitor, Squire Wang, because Congwen is still present in her chamber. At the Su family residence, Xie Xiaoman observes preparations for the Qingming Festival's Goddess of Silkworm worship, including an altar and Minggu dressing up. Minggu, however, expresses her dislike for the annual tradition, complaining to her father about the public exposure and judgment.
Her father firmly reminds her that as the young proprietress of Su Chang Chi, with the Imperial Silk Manufactory set to inspect them tomorrow, it is her duty. Minggu reluctantly accepts. Later, she tells Xiaoman she feels constantly pressured by her family's business. Both Minggu and Xiaoman believe Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhong Ziyan have departed for Biandu.
Minggu reflects that she never had high hopes for Zhong Ziyan, acknowledging he is destined to become a principal graduate, not to marry into her family. When asked, Xiaoman confirms she will no longer work at the Commandery Prince's Mansion and will seek other ways to earn money, such as copying the Thousand Character Classic, despite her handwriting not being ideal. Minggu offers to have her mother redeem Xiaoman's land, but Xiaoman declines.
She explains that she has already promised Mr. Liangji that she would save the money herself. She calculates that working at the Commandery Prince's Mansion for half an hour earns 50 copper coins, significantly more than the 10 copper coins earned from copying a Thousand Character Classic. Xiaoman also feels obliged to honor her commitment after some previous mistakes. She then asks Minggu not to mention her work at the mansion to her uncle or mother, fearing another punishment.
In their last class before the Qingming holiday, their teacher announces a new round of exams after the festival, prompting all students to prepare. Zhao Xiaoqian, Zhong Ziyan, and another student unexpectedly return to class, much to the teacher's surprise. Zhao Xiaoqian explains that he enjoys playing Go with the teacher. As students settle, Zhao Xiaoqian displaces another student to sit opposite Xie Xiaoman, to her internal frustration at his bossy demeanor.
The teacher further explains that due to issues with the previous Jingnv Pavilion exam papers, Principal Yang has decided the make-up exam will be a Discourse on Politics, which is optional for Jingnv Pavilion students. He adds that Xingzhou, Zhong Ziyan's courtesy name, will be tutoring at the Commandery Prince's Mansion for the next two days. Zhao Xiaoqian then instructs Xiaoman to attend these tutoring sessions.
When she objects, stating that Jingnv Pavilion students are not required to take the exam and asks who Xingzhou is, Zhao Xiaoqian clarifies that Xingzhou is Zhong Ziyan's courtesy name and then offers his own, Zhanzhi, suggesting she call him "Senior Brother Zhanzhi." He reminds her that working for him as a school companion, which includes accompanying him in study, is part of her duties and threatens to fire her if she doesn't comply.
Su Minggu quickly interjects, implying that Xiaoman wishes to keep her job, and after Zhao Xiaoqian asks if she is threatening him, she corrects herself to say that both she and Xiaoman will attend. Afterward, Xiaoman admits to Minggu that she is unhappy about going but feels compelled to for the sake of redeeming her land. She plans to go to the mansion after school for her regular work.
Meanwhile, Mr. Liangji approaches Xie Xiaoman, noting her consistent work at the mansion and suggesting they formalize her employment with a contract for four days a week, paid monthly. From the courtyard, Zhao Xiaoqian, feigning interest in a book, has Hongsu check if Xiaoman has signed. Hongsu confirms the signing and warmly welcomes Xiaoman, offering her assistance as "Sister Hongsu." Liangji then announces Su Minggu's arrival for dinner, and Xiaoman goes to greet her.
During a Discourse on Politics tutoring session led by Zhong Ziyan, a bored student named Boyang struggles to stay awake, while Su Wei discreetly sketches Ziyan. Zhao Xiaoqian, seemingly engrossed, brews and serves tea to Xiaoman, who is impressed by his tea ceremony skills. Zhao Xiaoqian remarks that he has learned everything since childhood and can do anything, contrasting it with Xiaoman's feeling of knowing nothing.
He then explains his life as a carefree prince, whose responsibility is to be proficient in all things yet master of none, as his livelihood is supported by the populace's taxes. He elaborates that society expects a virtuous and flawless prince who avoids conflict. Xiaoman questions if his move to Wujiang Prefecture was driven by a desire for freedom from Biandu's constraints.
Zhao Xiaoqian dismisses the notion of freedom as a literary construct, using the example of tea foam "gathering and dispersing in a fixed way" to suggest that all things are predetermined. Xiaoman, however, points out that he doesn't seem like someone who believes in destiny. Zhao Xiaoqian then reminisces about how his family in Biandu used clean snow water collected in winter for brewing tea, a memory that leads Xiaoman to believe he misses his brother.
Later, Zhao Xiaoqian asks Xiaoman why she listened so attentively to the Discourse on Politics, to which she replies she found it interesting. He then invites her to Taiping Tavern the next day to listen to a debate, offering it as part of her work. Xiaoman gladly accepts and sincerely apologizes again for the Cuju game incident, promising her diligence at the Studio of Artlessness. Zhao Xiaoqian accepts her apology.
On their way home in a carriage, Xie Xiaoman opens her food box and discovers a note. It reads, "See you in Taiping Tavern at shen shi [3-5 p. m. ] tomorrow. P. S. The peach blossom shortbread is very yummy. I like it very much." Both Xiaoman and Minggu initially believe the note is from Zhong Ziyan for Minggu, a misunderstanding arising from Xiaoman having given the shortbread meant for Zhong Ziyan to a manservant to deliver earlier.
Minggu, excited by the supposed invitation, asks Xiaoman to impersonate the Goddess of Silkworm for her the next day, explaining that she needs to keep her appointment with Zhong Ziyan and that someone must still fulfill the role for the Imperial Silk Manufactory's inspection. Xiaoman, initially hesitant due to concern about her aunt's reaction, eventually agrees, believing her absence as a mere maid will not be significant.
She asks Minggu to apologize to Zhao Xiaoqian on her behalf for missing their appointed meeting. Minggu happily promises to do so. Later that night, as Zhao Xiaoqian diligently studies "Faults of Qin," Zhong Ziyan informs him that all arrangements for the next day's debate are complete. Zhao Xiaoqian, still focused on Xiaoman, asks if Ziyan is sure he wants to bring her along.
Ziyan questions Zhao Xiaoqian's strong interest in Xiaoman, to which Zhao Xiaoqian playfully responds that he finds her "wooden-headed" but "very cute." Ziyan then explains that he will not be able to accompany Zhao Xiaoqian to Taiping Tavern, as his mother and sister, A'Yun, will be passing through Wujiang Prefecture tomorrow for a brief one-hour visit with relatives. Zhao Xiaoqian shows concern, advising Ziyan to send tonics for his mother with Mr. Liangji, which Ziyan acknowledges.
The next morning, at Taiping Tavern, Zhao Xiaoqian, having arrived early, meticulously arranges food and wine, instructing servants to delay serving the second course until "she" arrives. Despite the arrival of the debaters, he insists on waiting. Meanwhile, Xie Xiaoman, elegantly dressed as the Goddess of Silkworm, prepares for the ceremony. As Su Minggu rushes to her supposed rendezvous, her maid, Dengxin, complains about Minggu giving up her role as the Goddess, calling Xiaoman a "savage girl" for stepping in.
Minggu defends Xiaoman, reminding her maid that she is her cousin. Minggu, rushing to fulfill her supposed rendezvous, spots Zhong Ziyan and his family preparing to depart. When Ziyan's younger sister, A'Yun, expresses a craving for milk cake, Minggu seizes the opportunity to send a servant to buy some for her.
Approaching Ziyan and his mother, Minggu effusively praises Ziyan's academic reputation at the academy, highlighting how teachers admire "Xingzhou" (Ziyan's courtesy name), and presents the milk cake to A'Yun as a gesture of goodwill towards Ziyan. Ziyan's mother urges him to focus on his studies and not worry about family matters, as Ziyan offers her some money.
Minggu then pulls Ziyan aside, openly sympathizing with his difficult life, his tireless studies for his mother's well-being, and the perceived discomfort of being a school companion. Ziyan sharply cuts her off, asking what business it is of hers and condemning her eavesdropping as "indecent" and "despicable." He sternly warns her against future speculation about his affairs.
Ziyan's servant then interjects, scolding Minggu for her impertinence and advising her to hurry to Taiping Tavern, where the Commandery Prince is waiting for Minggu's "cousin." This remark makes Minggu realize with a shock that the note was from Zhao Xiaoqian to Xiaoman. Minggu, furious and embarrassed, confronts Ziyan, asking if the letter was from the Commandery Prince to Xiaoman, leaving Ziyan's servant confused about "what letter," before storming off.
At Taiping Tavern, Zhao Xiaoqian waits impatiently for Xie Xiaoman, but is eventually informed that she has not left her dwelling and will not arrive. Infuriated, he attributes her absence to his own indulgence, claiming she has forgotten her status as a mere maid. He immediately orders his horse and rides to the Su Mansion. At the Su Mansion, the Qingming Festival's Goddess of Silkworm worship is underway, presided over by Xie Xiaoman, dressed in the ceremonial attire.
Su's grandmother praises Xiaoman's graceful performance. Lord Chang arrives with Congwen, who explains his presence as accompanying his father's old friend, the Grand Supervisor. Congwen expresses surprise at seeing Xiaoman in the role of the Goddess of Silkworm, as he expected Minggu. Xiaoman explains Minggu's absence and her temporary replacement, apologizing for her inexperience. Congwen then asks about her Discourse on Politics preparations, reassuring her to speak her mind.
He compliments her beauty and offers to assist with her studies anytime. Mid-ceremony, Zhao Xiaoqian dramatically interrupts, denouncing Xiaoman as untrustworthy and quoting Confucius on the importance of integrity. Congwen defends Xiaoman, pointing out that Zhao Xiaoqian is trespassing without an invitation. Zhao Xiaoqian retorts by declaring himself the Commandery Prince of Julu, demanding Congwen kneel, and disparaging Congwen as a commoner whose father is only a third-rank official.
Congwen accuses Zhao Xiaoqian of abusing his imperial status to humiliate others. Xiaoman attempts to intervene, reminding Zhao Xiaoqian of the significance of the day for Su Chang Chi. Zhao Xiaoqian confronts her about her absence from their appointment and demands to know about the peach blossom shortbread rolls. Xiaoman boldly states that the shortbread was "not for you." Enraged, Zhao Xiaoqian orders Liangji to take Xiaoman back to his mansion.
Despite Xiaoman's protests and Congwen's interjection, she is forcibly escorted away. Su's grandmother, witnessing the chaos, questions Su Wei about Xiaoman's involvement with the prince, deeming Zhao Xiaoqian's actions lawless. Congwen seizes the opportunity to request troops from Lord Chang, accusing the Commandery Prince of Julu of kidnapping a common girl. Lord Chang appears hesitant. At the Commandery Prince's Mansion, Xie Xiaoman kneels defiantly, regretting ever signing a private contract with Zhao Xiaoqian.
A servant then reports that the mansion is surrounded. Zhao Xiaoqian, addressing Zhong Ziyan by his courtesy name Xingzhou, orders him to instruct Arms Instructor Qin to lead troops into the city. A standoff ensues at the mansion gates. Congwen confronts Arms Instructor Qin, suggesting that while the prince may be young, Qin should act with more wisdom. Qin replies that his duty, mandated by the Emperor, is to protect the prince regardless of his maturity. An unnamed person advises Congwen that the Commandery Prince of Julu, being the Emperor's adopted son, is not someone to provoke lightly.
Episode 5 Recap
Following the standoff at the Commandery Prince's Mansion, Zhao Xiaoqian emerged to face Li Congwen, who, as Xie Xiaoman's senior and old friend, demanded to know on what authority Xiaoman was being detained, emphasizing the importance of a woman's reputation. Zhao Xiaoqian presented a private contract, stating that Xiaoman had agreed to serve as his female attendant for two years, and challenged Li Congwen's right to interfere in his household affairs.
Lord Chang intervened, suggesting Xiaoman was at fault and the situation would not easily be resolved. Zhong Ziyan urged Li Congwen to leave, promising Xiaoman would be sent home the next morning. However, Li Congwen insisted on staying overnight to personally escort Xiaoman home, apologizing to Lord Chang for the trouble and vowing to seek pardon later. Xiaoman's father then entrusted his daughter to Li Congwen's care and advised Zhao Xiaoqian to prioritize peace.
Inside the mansion, Zhao Xiaoqian questioned Xiaoman about her actions. Xiaoman defiantly stated that while she knew the day was important for her uncle, as the Commandery Prince, Zhao Xiaoqian wielded power over everyone, whereas she, a commoner, could say nothing. She expressed deep hatred for him, accusing him of ruining her reputation, lacking respect, being arrogant, and trampling on others' dignity.
Xiaoman declared her intention to diligently perform her duties but demanded that he keep his distance, stating they had nothing more to say to each other. Enraged, Zhao Xiaoqian ordered her to kneel in Zhuiyuan Hall until she admitted her mistake. Xiaoman stormed off, with Zhong Ziyan following. Zhong Ziyan found Xiaoman and shared a glimpse into Zhao Xiaoqian's difficult past.
He revealed that Zhao Xiaoqian, then known as Hanchen, and his elder brother were brought into the palace at age five, intended as heirs, when His Majesty had no sons. He described the treacherous palace life where Zhao Xiaoqian's brother, Xiaojie, died at seven. Zhao Xiaoqian stayed by his brother's body for a day and night before being discovered.
After His Majesty later had another son, who became the current Crown Prince, Zhao Xiaoqian's status plummeted, and he was sent out of the palace at age eleven. Zhong Ziyan explained that Prince Pu had many children, but Zhao Xiaoqian did not get along with his siblings and was neglected by his wary parents. His move to Wujiang Prefecture, Zhong Ziyan clarified, was not for recuperation but to escape the "political strife."
Zhong Ziyan appealed to Xiaoman for understanding, suggesting Zhao Xiaoqian's lonely upbringing contributed to his eccentric personality. Despite being somewhat moved, Xiaoman firmly countered that personal suffering did not justify inflicting pain on others, maintaining her refusal to yield. Later, Xiaoman's mother arrived at the Su family residence, furious about the public embarrassment Xiaoman had caused, which had affected her uncle's business. Xiaoman’s aunt tried to calm her, attributing the family's struggles to a lack of resources rather than Xiaoman.
Xiaoman's uncle, Su Hanru, had already gone to smooth things over. Both her aunt and uncle expressed concern over the private contract with the Commandery Prince's Mansion, which could not be bought out, fearing that a unilateral annulment would incur the Prince's wrath and legal repercussions. Distraught over Xiaoman’s tarnished reputation, her mother declared that Xiaoman would quit school and return home to prepare for an arranged marriage.
Xiaoman vehemently opposed this, angrily pointing out that she had never been consulted about significant family decisions, including selling their land, moving to Wujiang Prefecture, attending Bailu Academy, or now, her own marriage. Her father explained the proposed marriage to Su Tingshan's son, a distant relative in Tongzhou, as a way to strengthen family ties. Xiaoman refused, asserting that she sought education to discern right from wrong, not merely to secure a good marriage.
Her mother dismissed her arguments, stating that studying was useless within the confines of marriage and questioning who would marry Xiaoman with her ruined reputation. Xiaoman, in turn, declared that she would not marry and threatened to jump into the river if forced. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian, attempting to reconcile, arrived with gifts of silk and cosmetics.
He awkwardly claimed they were for Yan Boyang's father's birthday, but Zhong Ziyan playfully teased him about bringing such items, implying a proposal, which Zhao Xiaoqian denied, also asserting he had no intention to apologize. Zhao Xiaoqian finally confronted Xiaoman, asking her to turn away as he had never apologized to anyone before, nor did he believe he was wrong, but he admitted he felt "distraught" when she was angry or sad, especially about the peach blossom shortbread incident.
He formally offered an apology. Xiaoman, observing his discomfort, playfully offered to read his palm, calling him "headstrong" and "like a child sometimes" who unintentionally hurt others. She advised him to perform more good deeds so that Taishang Laojun would pardon his mistakes, jokingly claiming to be Taishang Laojun's disciple who would report him if he ever bullied her again.
She assured him she would continue her work as per their agreement and then requested his help in acquiring Teacher Liu's fan, which he readily agreed to. Elsewhere, Shen Yan received a letter from the capital detailing Zhao Xiaoqian's refusal to return for their arranged marriage. This public defiance deeply embarrassed the Shen family. Shen Yan, referring to Zhao Xiaoqian as "trash abandoned by the palace," expressed his contempt that such a person presumed to marry his sister.
He then devised a plan: if Zhao Xiaoqian were to spend a night with Courtesan Zhu at the upcoming Teacher Liu's Poetry Competition, their marriage alliance would naturally be dissolved, saving the Shen family's honor. The next day, at the Teacher Liu's Poetry Competition, Xie Xiaoman, disguised as Zhao Xiaoqian's male assistant, accompanied him after Zhong Ziyan had made preparations and departed. Zhao Xiaoqian greeted Master Han, a scholar who remembered teaching him calligraphy as a child.
Shen Yan interrupted, subtly mocking Zhao Xiaoqian by also claiming to have been taught by Master Han and acknowledging that Hanchen's technique was superior despite his mischievousness. Xiaoman expressed concern to Zhao Xiaoqian about the difficulty of winning the fan for Li Congwen. During the Flying Flower Game, where participants recited poems containing the word "flower," Zhao Xiaoqian chose not to have Xiaoman present his verse, instead instructing Yan Boyang to do so, citing Xiaoman's clumsiness.
Yan Boyang, visibly uncomfortable with acting as a mere attendant in front of his father, resisted, but Zhao Xiaoqian insisted, appealing to their "brotherhood." Yan Boyang's father later privately praised his son for "planning for himself" amidst the volatile political climate, disregarding the public's taunts about him being the Commandery Prince's attendant. He dismissed Yan Boyang's notion of true brotherhood with Zhao Xiaoqian, reminding him of their vastly different social statuses.
Feeling humiliated by the taunts and his father's pragmatic advice, Yan Boyang angrily returned the poetry supplies to Zhao Xiaoqian and stormed off. Zhao Xiaoqian followed Yan Boyang, demanding an explanation for his behavior. Yan Boyang, feeling used and having "learned the reality" of his position as an attendant, confronted Zhao Xiaoqian, revealing that Xiaoman wanted Teacher Liu's fan not for him, but for Li Su.
Enraged and feeling foolish for being manipulated, Zhao Xiaoqian stormed back to Xiaoman, accusing her of using him and making him a "fool." He refused to listen to her explanations and abruptly departed. Xiaoman wanted to pursue him to clarify, but Minggu urged her to stay for the competition, promising to find Zhao Xiaoqian and explain everything for her.
Meanwhile, Xu Shu reported to Shen Yan that the boat was fully prepared, assuring that once Zhao Xiaoqian entered, he would not be able to leave easily. Xu Shu, tasked with luring Zhao Xiaoqian, found only Xie Xiaoman. He falsely informed her that Yan Boyang was trapped on the boat and urged her to quickly tell Zhao Xiaoqian to rescue him, emphasizing the potential danger if Yan Boyang remained confined for too long.
Xiaoman, still in her male disguise, rushed alone to the boat to find Yan Boyang. Upon her arrival, two courtesans, having been instructed to intercept a specific male target, mistook her for that person due to her attire. They enthusiastically greeted her and insisted she adhere to the boat's rule: "One must drink once they enter the boat," trying to force her to drink.
Meanwhile, Shen Yan arrived at the boat and questioned Xu Shu about the progress of their plan. Xu Shu explained that he hadn't found Zhao Xiaoqian but had sent Xiaoman to notify him, reasoning that his own appearance would arouse suspicion. He assured Shen Yan that even if Zhao Xiaoqian did not fall into their trap completely, merely his presence on the boat would be enough to fuel damaging rumors and tarnish his reputation.
Inside the boat, Yan Boyang, still stubbornly rooted, had played three rounds of chess and refused to leave. Shen Yan observed this and decided to engage him in a few rounds, proposing a game for money. Elsewhere on the boat, Xiaoman was cornered by the courtesans who pressed her to drink, reminding her of the boat’s rules. Despite her protests, she was forced to drink.
Distraught, she noticed Li Su and Yanniang together, with Li Su playing the zither while Yanniang sang. A courtesan commented that Yanniang was not available to just anyone, as she was already "in love" with Li Su. Xiaoman also overheard a private conversation where Li Su was advised against further helping her due to his "special status" and the potential damage to her reputation.
Li Su agreed, promising not to interfere in Xiaoman’s affairs again, citing his concern for Yanniang, who then reassured him that her "freedom" would soon be redeemed with Lord Chang's assistance. Overwhelmed by these revelations and the realization that even Li Su would no longer help her, Xiaoman, feeling deeply distressed and isolated, forcefully pushed her way out and left.
Episode 6 Recap
Yan Boyang, having lost all his money in a chess game against Shen Yan, attempted to wager Zhong Ziyan's moneybag. Minggu, witnessing this, intervened to protect Zhong Ziyan's property. Shen Yan then proposed a new bet: the loser would strip and swim a lap in the lake. Despite Minggu's attempts to dissuade him, Yan Boyang accepted. Unable to stop him, Minggu subtly guided Yan Boyang through the game, leading him to victory.
When Shen Yan refused to honor the bet and ordered his men to strip Yan Boyang and throw him into the lake, Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhong Ziyan arrived, escalating into a brawl. Their fighting drew the attention of Teacher Liu, who sternly reprimanded them. Xie Xiaoman, who had consumed several cups of wine and was feeling its effects, entered the scene and offered to take responsibility on Zhao Xiaoqian’s behalf.
Li Su suggested a peaceful resolution, proposing that the assistants for both sides drink three cups of wine each. After the penalty was served, Teacher Liu departed, but the tension between Zhao Xiaoqian's group and Shen Yan's men quickly rekindled. Li Su expressed concern for Xie Xiaoman, noticing her unusual detachment. Shortly after, Xie Xiaoman succumbed to her drunkenness and fainted, prompting Zhao Xiaoqian to carry her away.
Zhao Xiaoqian arranged for a carriage to take Xie Xiaoman home, but to his surprise, Xu Shu was the driver. Xu Shu drove the carriage far outside the city before abandoning it and leaving with the horses. As Xie Xiaoman murmured her reluctance to marry, feeling that being a servant meant no one would want her, Zhao Xiaoqian tenderly kissed her, reassuring her that he would.
Meanwhile, Shen Yan, pleased with Xu Shu’s actions, instructed him to spread rumors by morning that Zhao Xiaoqian, the Commandery Prince of Julu, was taking a concubine. The next morning, Xie Xiaoman's family was frantic with worry over her disappearance. Minggu could not explain where Xiaoman had gone, only that Zhao Xiaoqian had promised to send her home, and now both were missing. Xie Xiaoman's father, distraught, wanted to request troops from the censorate to find his daughter.
Zhong Ziyan, upon realizing Zhao Xiaoqian was also gone, dispatched soldiers with a strict order to find the Commandery Prince without fail. As dawn broke, a guard reported that Zhao Xiaoqian's carriage had left the city and not returned. Zhong Ziyan quickly relayed this discreetly to Official Xie, emphasizing that no one else should hear it. Eventually, they found the abandoned carriage with Zhao Xiaoqian and Xie Xiaoman inside.
To shield Xie Xiaoman's honor, Zhao Xiaoqian instructed her to stay hidden in the carriage and only alight once they reached a secluded spot, out of public view, assuring her that he would protect her. Despite their efforts, news of the carriage's overnight absence and return to the city by morning, with Xiaoman believed to be inside, had already spread amongst the townsfolk.
Xie Xiaoman's father desperately tried to assure his wife that their daughter was pure and nothing had happened, that it was a deliberate setup. However, the widespread rumors left Xie Xiaoman's reputation severely tarnished, leaving her mother distressed that she might never marry. Xie Xiaoman confided in Su Wei, realizing that her and Zhao Xiaoqian's overnight absence was a deliberate setup by Shen Yan.
Enraged by this realization, Zhao Xiaoqian ordered Xu Shu to be thrown into prison with death row inmates for several days. Yan Boyang, shocked, protested, pointing out that this was tantamount to a death sentence for Xu Shu and would surely provoke Shen Yan's wrath. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, was undeterred, stating he would see whether Young Master Shen or he, the Commandery Prince of Julu, held more power.
He instructed Zhong Ziyan to proceed with the punishment and to issue a challenge to Shen Yan, declaring an unending feud. Zhong Ziyan then explained the broader implications: news of the incident would soon reach the capital, and Zhao Xiaoqian's parents, who highly valued his engagement to Shen Zhaowen, would likely accelerate the marriage rather than annul it.
He reasoned that Shen Yan's plan to destroy the engagement by tarnishing Zhao Xiaoqian's reputation would backfire, as Zhao Xiaoqian’s parents would clear his name at Xie Xiaoman's expense, forcing him into a politically advantageous marriage with Shen Zhaowen, the niece of Noble Consort Cao, amid the imperial court's power shifts. Such a marriage would pull Zhao Xiaoqian into dangerous political currents he wished to avoid.
To avert being dragged back to the capital and made a political pawn, Zhong Ziyan proposed they turn Shen Yan's scheme on its head: Zhao Xiaoqian should take Xie Xiaoman as a concubine. Zhao Xiaoqian, despite his reluctance to force Xie Xiaoman, agreed to consider it.
Taking the initiative, Zhong Ziyan instructed Liangji to assemble a generous betrothal gift from the mansion's treasury and publicly proceed to the Su family residence for a marriage proposal, emphasizing that Liangji should enter through the main gate without secrecy, and that Zhong Ziyan would take full responsibility. Meanwhile, at the Su family residence, Xie Xiaoman remained distraught, having locked herself in her room.
Su Wei brought her osmanthus-filled rice balls, urging her to eat and reassuring her that her parents, though upset, were trying to find a solution. Despite the public gossip, Xie Xiaoman resolved to face her circumstances with dignity. Her family, however, was plunged into deeper worry when envoys from the Commandery Prince’s mansion arrived with numerous gifts, proposing to take Xie Xiaoman as a concubine.
Xie Xiaoman’s father, furious, brandished a broom, attempting to drive them away, declaring that his daughter, a virtuous and pure girl, was destined to be a first wife, not a concubine. He spoke tearfully of Xie Xiaoman's lifelong hardships and unwavering filial piety, blaming his own lack of success for her current predicament. The Su family matriarch also firmly rejected the proposal, asserting that Xie Xiaoman would not be a concubine.
She announced that Xiaoman's coming-of-age ceremony would proceed as planned, but no invitation would be extended to the Commandery Prince, as their family’s dignity would not be compromised. The matriarch advised Xie Xiaoman to stand tall and act with integrity, especially during this challenging time, and suggested that after the ceremony, her mother should take her to Yuyangli Village to avoid further gossip, with the understanding that she would return later.
Accepting this advice, Xie Xiaoman decided to attend school for a few more days, facing the rumors bravely before departing for Yuyangli Village. She also wished to bid farewell to Li Su, who had always looked after her, prompting Su Wei to arrange a meeting at the academy. Five days later, news of the incident in Wujiang Prefecture reached the Princess Consort in the capital.
She was outraged by Zhao Xiaoqian’s audacious plan to take a concubine before his official marriage, considering the immense effort invested in securing his alliance with the esteemed Shen family. She emphasized that the Shen family, renowned for its strict adherence to tradition, would certainly annul the marriage if Zhao Xiaoqian took a concubine. Zhu Momo, her trusted nanny, remarked that Zhao Xiaoqian had grown unruly during his prolonged stay in Wujiang Prefecture.
The Princess Consort, dismissing Xie Xiaoman as a mere social climber, ordered Zhu Momo to travel to Wujiang Prefecture with the explicit mission to bring Zhao Xiaoqian back, regardless of whether he had already taken the "wench" as a concubine, in which case she would simply be cast out. At the academy, where students were unusually silent about Xie Xiaoman, Zhao Xiaoqian sought out Xie Xiaoman to discuss her feelings.
She informed him of her imminent departure from Wujiang Prefecture, asking him to forget her. Zhao Xiaoqian, confessing his inability to do so and his reluctance to force her, made a final plea, asking if she would marry him. Xie Xiaoman unequivocally refused.
Undeterred, Zhong Ziyan pressed Zhao Xiaoqian to take Xie Xiaoman as a concubine, revealing his concern that royal envoys from the capital would soon arrive to drag Zhao Xiaoqian back into a precarious political marriage, thereby jeopardizing Zhong Ziyan's own future, which was entirely dependent on Zhao Xiaoqian's.
He explained that Prince Pu and Princess Consort Pu intended to use Zhao Xiaoqian, the Emperor’s former adopted son, as a political pawn, and a marriage to a Shen family daughter would make him a target in the volatile court. To protect Zhao Xiaoqian's future and prevent him from being exploited, Zhong Ziyan was determined that he marry Xie Xiaoman, no matter her personal wishes.
To force the issue, Zhong Ziyan instructed Yan Boyang to seal Su Chang Ji, the Su family's business. Xie Xiaoman, having gone to the academy hoping to bid farewell to Li Su, was informed by a professor that he had already been granted leave and departed for Tongzhou. Her younger brother, Xie Li, then frantically rushed in with news that their father had been arrested by the authorities.
Episode 7 Recap
Xie Xiaoman rushed home and found her mother distraught. Her mother explained that Xie Xiaoman's father had been arrested that morning for allegedly overstepping his authority by independently involving the Patrol and Inspection Office. Xie Xiaoman immediately suspected Zhao Xiaoqian and wanted to confront him, but her mother urged her to wait for her uncle, who had gone to the magistrate's office.
Moments later, a servant reported that her uncle had also been arrested, and the family's business, Su Chang Chi, was sealed. A messenger from the commandery Prince's mansion arrived, stating that Zhao Xiaoqian was waiting for Xie Xiaoman at Taiping Tavern and threatening that her father and uncle would never be seen again if she didn't comply. Despite her family's fears, Xie Xiaoman, feeling she had nothing left to lose, resolved to go.
Upon arriving at Taiping Tavern, Xie Xiaoman found only Zhong Ziyan. She questioned his authority, but he asserted that while he couldn't make decisions, she could. Zhong Ziyan revealed that Shen Yan had orchestrated the previous scandal involving her and Zhao Xiaoqian, aiming to break the marriage alliance between the Zhao and Shen families. He also admitted that Shen Yan was behind her father's arrest. When Xie Xiaoman asked about her uncle, Zhong Ziyan confessed that it was his doing.
He then told her that although the commandery Prince's mansion was not a peaceful place, they could protect her entire family if she married Zhao Xiaoqian as a concubine. He warned that if she refused, not only would her father and uncle suffer, but her brother, Xie Xun, a scholar in the capital, would also be barred from the imperial examinations due to his father's imprisonment. Xie Xiaoman accused him of threatening her, to which Zhong Ziyan affirmed, "That's right."
She demanded to see Zhao Xiaoqian. Zhao Xiaoqian then appeared, declaring that all actions were his, and Zhong Ziyan was innocent. He admitted his selfishness, explaining he didn't want to return to the capital and therefore used her. Xie Xiaoman angrily asked why he was so self-centered and whether he had ever considered her feelings, likening herself to an item to be moved at their whim.
Zhao Xiaoqian apologized, but Xie Xiaoman lamented that it was her entire life he had ruined. He then proposed a two-year marriage as his concubine. In exchange, he would order the release of her father and uncle, ensure Su Chang Chi's safety, provide her with 200 taels of silver, and return her family's mulberry fields in Yuyangli. After two years, a flexible contract would grant her freedom.
Xie Xiaoman slapped him, stating he owed her that, and then accepted his terms. Xie Xiaoman returned home, reassuring her mother that everything would be fine and her father, uncle, and Su Chang Chi would be safe. When her mother questioned Zhao Xiaoqian's sudden change of heart, Xie Xiaoman announced she would forgo her coming-of-age ceremony and marry him. Her mother wept, but Xie Xiaoman urged her to smile, wanting to be a joyful bride.
Liangji arrived soon after, delivering a gift from Zhao Xiaoqian and conveying that Xie Xiaoman's coming-of-age ceremony would proceed as planned. He also announced that Teacher Liu Huaiying, a renowned scholar, would serve as her honored guest, affirming that Zhao Xiaoqian would provide everything Xie Xiaoman deserved, as it was his debt to her. Enraged by this audacity, Minggu smashed the gift, deeming them despicable, and stormed off to confront Zhong Ziyan.
She found Zhong Ziyan drinking heavily at Taiping Tavern and furiously asked why they would ruin Xie Xiaoman's life. A visibly distraught and drunken Zhong Ziyan repeated that her life was ruined and expressed his own deep sorrow. He then began reciting classical poetry, declaring his grand aspirations. Xie Xiaoman's coming-of-age ceremony eventually took place. Teacher Liu Huaiying, her honored guest, assured Xie Xiaoman that she did not look down on her for her upcoming marriage.
Teacher Liu acknowledged the plight of many women unable to control their fate but encouraged Xie Xiaoman not to despair. She emphasized that while society dictates women depend on men, true reliance should ultimately be on oneself. She shared how she, like Xie Xiaoman, had read "Admonitions for Women" at a young age, remembering mostly the critique of unequal education for men and women.
Inspired by Ban Zhao's hope for women to learn courtesy and knowledge, Teacher Liu dedicated herself to teaching women. She advised Xie Xiaoman that even married into the commandery Prince's mansion, she should remain strong, pursue her studies, and never abandon her ambition, thus avoiding the pitfalls of domestic grievances and daily drudgery. Xie Xiaoman gratefully promised to uphold these teachings.
During the ceremony, Zhao Xiaoqian watched from afar and sent a painting, wishing Xie Xiaoman a life free from hardship. On the wedding day, a nervous Zhao Xiaoqian played chess with Zhong Ziyan, losing narrowly before Zhong Ziyan urged him to go to the bridal chamber.
Inside Xie Xiaoman's room in the Lotus Garden, a maid, Lampwick, scattered auspicious items on the bed according to custom, enthusiastically predicting many children for the couple, with a son becoming a top scholar and a daughter a princess consort in the capital. Zhao Xiaoqian entered, praised Lampwick, and sent her off with a reward. Xie Xiaoman noticed a fresh injury on his face and asked about it. Zhao Xiaoqian insisted on drinking a wedding toast with her.
Xie Xiaoman protested, stating that toasts were for wives, and as a concubine, her red attire was improper. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, insisted, saying he didn't want to wrong her and that it was their custom. They performed the toast, and Zhao Xiaoqian saw an auspicious sign in their cups, predicting a good life together. Their moment was interrupted by the arrival of Zhu Momo, Princess Consort Pu's nanny, sent from the capital.
Zhu Momo immediately reprimanded Liangji for the red decorations, deeming them improper for a concubine's wedding. She questioned Zhao Xiaoqian's understanding of customs, reminding him that as a royal, he must uphold proper etiquette. She pointedly asked what the true duchess would wear if a concubine wore red. Zhong Ziyan intervened, explaining that the dress was not bright red but mauve to signify a difference and add to the festivities.
Zhu Momo accepted this explanation but then declared that since Xie Xiaoman had married into the family, she would not dwell on past events but would ensure adherence to Prince Pu's Mansion's rules. She asserted that as a concubine, Xie Xiaoman held the status of a maidservant, and the mansion did not tolerate those without manners. She demanded Xie Xiaoman demonstrate her courtesy. Zhao Xiaoqian attempted to interject and suggest Zhu Momo rest, but was rebuffed.
Zhu Momo sternly ordered Xie Xiaoman to wake at 5:45 AM the next day to learn etiquette from her. When Xie Xiaoman protested, stating she had school, Zhu Momo dismissed it, asserting that a married woman should not leave the mansion freely or need to attend school after finding a husband. She forbade Xie Xiaoman from returning to the academy and ordered her to learn rules under her supervision.
Zhong Ziyan subtly held back an agitated Zhao Xiaoqian from reacting rashly. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian asked Zhong Ziyan about Zhu Momo's true intentions. Zhong Ziyan speculated that Princess Consort Pu still aimed for Zhao Xiaoqian to marry Shen Zhaowen and sought to remove Xie Xiaoman from the mansion. Zhao Xiaoqian, though angered by his parents' manipulation, decided not to alert them yet, claiming he had his own plan.
Minggu arrived, inquiring about Zhu Momo's presence and the ban on Xie Xiaoman's studies. Zhao Xiaoqian explained that Zhu Momo, his mother's nanny, was ostensibly there to enforce rules but was truly acting on his mother's behalf to control him. Zhong Ziyan elaborated on Zhu Momo's high status, making open defiance difficult. Zhao Xiaoqian asked Minggu to visit Xie Xiaoman after school and advise her not to provoke Zhu Momo.
Meanwhile, Senior Brother Li returned to the academy and noticed Xie Xiaoman's absence and the strange atmosphere. He learned that the rumors of Xie Xiaoman spending a night outside the city with Zhao Xiaoqian had spread, leading to her forced marriage. He expressed his regret over the studious Xie Xiaoman having to marry. At the mansion, Zhu Momo rigorously drilled Xie Xiaoman in the tea ceremony, criticizing her "clumsy skills" and holding a ruler as supervision.
Minggu's visit, approved by Zhao Xiaoqian, offered Xie Xiaoman a brief reprieve. Xie Xiaoman confided in Minggu, expressing her strong desire to continue her studies. Minggu encouraged her not to give up and suggested a plan: Teacher Liu had assigned an essay on Qu Yuan's poetry and prose for the upcoming exam, which coincidentally fell on Xie Xiaoman's day to visit her own family. Minggu offered to take Xie Xiaoman's essay to Teacher Liu and plead for her continued education.
Back in training, Xie Xiaoman, struggling with fatigue, continued practicing the tea ceremony under Zhu Momo's watchful eye. As Zhao Xiaoqian, Zhong Ziyan, and Yan Boyang walked past, Zhao Xiaoqian watched, clearly pained, as Zhu Momo raised her ruler to strike Xie Xiaoman's hand, but Zhong Ziyan restrained him.
Episode 8 Recap
Zhu Momo continued to harshly discipline Xie Xiaoman, observing her hands. Zhao Xiaoqian, witnessing Xiaoman's ordeal, wished to intervene. However, Zhong Ziyan stopped him, reminding him not to alert their opponent. Zhao Xiaoqian, playing along, told Zhu Momo not to exhaust herself over "just a mere concubine" who was "not capable of anything." Zhu Momo agreed, asserting that many people "don't know their places."
She feared that if a concubine sought to study, she might eventually covet the position of the first wife. Zhao Xiaoqian feigned agreement, stating that Xiaoman "will not get what she wants" and would resume learning etiquette the next day. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian found Xiaoman in her room, who was cursing him, calling him unreliable. He offered to apply ointment to her injured hands.
As he did, he tried to persuade her to act more submissive towards Zhu Momo, suggesting she "butter Zhu Momo up" and "say something flattering." He argued that a married woman returning to the academy would make her "a laughing stock." Xiaoman fiercely disagreed, stating that studying and understanding principles shouldn't be a joke, while trivial household chores are considered important.
She reiterated that their marriage was a two-year contract, after which they would "no longer have anything to do with each other." She insisted on planning for her own future, refusing to be confined to the inner quarters and asking if he wanted her to move "from one backyard to another" after two years. Hearing her words, Zhao Xiaoqian became angry, forbidding her from attending the academy. Congwen visited Minggu, concerned about Xiaoman's absence from the academy.
He heard about Xiaoman's marriage to the Commandery Prince and suspected something had happened, offering his help. Minggu reminded him that she had sent a message to him at the brothel on Xiaoman's wedding day, but he had not come. Congwen claimed he never received it. Minggu quickly dismissed the past, explaining that Xiaoman was now married and facing a significant problem: a nanny from the capital, Zhu Momo, was preventing her from studying.
Minggu admitted that even Teacher Liu was unable to help, suggesting that only Principal Yang Chidao could intervene. Congwen then outlined a plan: on the day of the upcoming examination, Minggu was to ensure Xiaoman took the test at the academy. He would then submit Xiaoman's test papers to Principal Yang Chidao, a revered scholar in Wujiang Prefecture who had even tutored the Commandery Prince of Julu. Congwen believed Principal Yang was the only one capable of influencing Zhao Xiaoqian.
Minggu accepted, thanking Congwen, who then arranged for a message to be sent to the Commandery Prince's Mansion. Zhao Xiaoqian made arrangements for Xiaoman's return visit to her family, instructing Mr. Liangji to prepare gifts befitting a first wife and announcing his intention to accompany her. He also requested ointment, stating he wished to check on her.
Zhong Ziyan cautioned him against treating Xiaoman with such high regard, warning that it might give her false hopes of becoming the first wife, which would ultimately harm her. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, insisted that he owed Xiaoman and would grant her anything within his power. On the day of her family visit, Xiaoman, accompanied by a servant, devised a plan.
She told the servant to return home with the gifts while she and her sister, Minggu, went to buy baked bread for her father. This allowed her to secretly head to Bailu Academy for the examination. Unbeknownst to Xiaoman and Minggu, Hongsu had planted a spy who observed Xiaoman entering the academy. The spy reported this to Hongsu, who then dispatched someone to inform Zhao Xiaoqian to prevent him from returning home to an empty house.
Zhao Xiaoqian sought Shen Yan's assistance, engaging him in a cricket fighting match. During the match, Shen Yan provocatively commented that if it weren't for Zhao Xiaoqian’s brother, he wouldn't even bother with Zhao Xiaoqian’s family matters. Zhao Xiaoqian retorted that if it weren't for Shen Yan, things wouldn't have escalated to this point. Zhao Xiaoqian intentionally lost the game, conceding defeat as per their wager.
Shen Yan, still mocking, revealed Zhu Momo's true intention: to marry Shen Zhaowen to Zhao Xiaoqian, thereby making Shen Yan Zhao Xiaoqian’s powerful brother-in-law. Shen Yan vehemently rejected the idea, vowing he would never let his sister marry Zhao Xiaoqian. Nonetheless, Shen Yan agreed to help with Zhao Xiaoqian's request. Zhao Xiaoqian, after agreeing to some unspecified humiliating terms, warned Shen Yan of severe repercussions if he failed to deliver.
Zhong Ziyan later clarified that Zhu Momo would respect the Shen family's wishes due to her desire for the marriage alliance. Therefore, if Shen Yan simply stated that his sister enjoys studying and wishes other women entering the family also be educated, Zhu Momo would cease her interference with Xiaoman's schooling. A servant informed Zhao Xiaoqian that Lady Xie had gone directly to Bailu Academy instead of returning home.
Enraged, Zhao Xiaoqian rushed to the academy, where he immediately confronted Congwen, accusing him of "secretly dating his concubine." Congwen defended himself, emphasizing that the academy was a place of learning, and Xiaoman was merely a student. He denied any inappropriate conduct, stating he was only trying to help her "pursue studies." Hearing the escalating argument, Xiaoman submitted her half-finished exam paper and stepped out to mediate.
Zhao Xiaoqian angrily demanded to know why she hadn't informed him of her plans, questioning if she believed Congwen could help her more than he could, to which Xiaoman affirmed. Further incensed, Zhao Xiaoqian accused her of underestimating him and overestimating Congwen, sternly reminding her, "I'm your husband," before ordering his attendants to escort her back to the mansion. Teacher Liu then intervened, requesting a private conversation with Xiaoman and leading her away.
Meanwhile, Congwen presented Xiaoman's exam paper, an essay titled "Qu Yuan Fu," to Principal Yang Chidao. Principal Yang was highly impressed, remarking on Xiaoman's "splendid discourse" and her skillful integration of Qu Yuan's "God of the Xiang" and "Lady of the Xiang" to explore feminine virtues. He praised her work as "first class," suggesting that if she were a man, she could easily rival Congwen's scholarship.
However, he cautioned Congwen against consistently assisting Xiaoman, deeming such involvement as a violation of "tradition and customs" in what was essentially a "family matter." Principal Yang made it clear he would not "intervene" and advised Congwen to consider the situation from the perspective of the Commandery Prince of Julu. He then instructed an attendant to deliver Xiaoman's acclaimed article directly to the Commandery Prince.
Teacher Liu discussed with Xiaoman the unfairness of societal norms that restricted women who loved to study. She acknowledged that Xiaoman's article, which she had read and graded "First class," had helped her clarify her own past confusion about the purpose of studying for married women. Teacher Liu implored Xiaoman never to cease her pursuit of knowledge, to "speculate and reason," emphasizing that "beauty will not last," and "delicacies and luxuries are just physical necessities."
Instead, "only conviction and thoughts" would truly sustain her throughout life. Xiaoman, deeply moved, promised to keep this wisdom "engraved in my heart" and expressed her own aspiration to become a teacher like Teacher Liu, "to guide and enlighten others." Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian was publicly fulfilling his losing wager to Shen Yan.
He was forced to lead Shen Yan's horse through the bustling streets, while Shen Yan, revelling in the moment, rode triumphantly and urged Zhao Xiaoqian to marry more concubines, stating he had enjoyed the "grand display" more than any courtesan's performance. Zhao Xiaoqian, despite his inner fury, maintained a stoic expression, enduring the public humiliation.
After the ride, Shen Yan jested about wanting his sister to marry Zhao Xiaoqian, prompting Zhao Xiaoqian to angrily remind him to promptly fulfill his promise. Zhao Xiaoqian then instructed his attendants to remember the names of everyone who had mocked him, warning them sternly not to disclose this humiliating incident to Xiaoman. Xie Xiaoman returned to her family home, where her parents immediately inquired about Zhao Xiaoqian's treatment of her. Xiaoman reassured them, stating he was "pretty good."
Her younger brother, Xie Li, then interjected, questioning why Zhao Xiaoqian hadn't accompanied her on her return visit if he truly cared for her. At that very moment, Zhao Xiaoqian arrived, apologizing for his tardiness to his father-in-law. He extended a gracious invitation to the entire family for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, suggesting they rent a boat to sail across Lake Tai and enjoy the dragon boat race, an idea that thrilled Xie Li.
Zhao Xiaoqian also presented Xie Li with imperial tributes, specifically Mahoraga figures, and pledged to send jewelry and silk to the Su family to express his gratitude for their past care of Xiaoman. Her parents and Xie Li were visibly pleased by his sincerity. Later, Xiaoman discreetly asked Zhao Xiaoqian if he was still angry with her, to which he replied by promising that she could return to the academy the very next day.
Yan Boyang, observing Zhao Xiaoqian's preoccupation with his new "wife," lamented to his mother that Zhao Xiaoqian had neglected their usual horse polo games. His mother corrected him, pointing out that Xiaoman was a concubine, not a formal wife, and subtly suggested that Yan Boyang might be ready for marriage himself. She proposed Xie Ruying, the daughter of Magistrate Xie.
Upon hearing this, Xie Ruying was outraged, loudly rejecting the idea of marrying Yan Boyang, whom she scornfully dismissed as a mere "scholar's assistant" and a "loser." She argued that she shouldn't marry such a man when Xie Xiaoman had married the Commandery Prince, refusing to "serve Xie Xiaoman." Her mother reminded Ruying that Xiaoman was only a concubine, essentially a "servant," whereas Ruying would become the prestigious "first lady" of the Yan Family.
Still furious, Ruying declared she would "shave and become a nun" rather than marry him. Her mother, deeming her behavior "arbitrary," confined her to her room. Later, Ruying confided in Sanniang, seeking help to avoid the marriage, asserting that she would only marry a man of Congwen's caliber. Meanwhile, Xie Xiaoman, aware of Zhao Xiaoqian's assistance but noting his continued distant demeanor, asked if he was still angry with her.
Though Zhao Xiaoqian attempted to credit Congwen for the help, Xiaoman expressed her gratitude by offering to embroider a sachet to repel mosquitoes for him during the approaching monsoon season. Zhao Xiaoqian, despite his feigned indifference, subtly conveyed his anticipation for the gift. Minggu later discussed Zhao Xiaoqian's temper with Xiaoman, suggesting that during their upcoming "expedition" to Tangjiao Village to observe crops, Xiaoman should bring Zhao Xiaoqian along to visit the highly reputed Mount Kunyan Temple there.
Xiaoman, still annoyed, flatly refused, stating she would not take him even if she went. Zhao Xiaoqian sought out his master, Xu Zi, who was also the governor of the Zhexi Troops and the one who had taught Zhao Xiaoqian his exceptional horse-riding and archery skills. Xu Zi asked Zhao Xiaoqian if he was resolute in not joining the Xiongjie Camp, understanding that his status as a Commandery Prince inherently barred him from the battlefield.
Xu Zi expressed his regret, having invested so many years in teaching Zhao Xiaoqian, only for him to be unable to fight in wars. Despite this, Xu Zi acknowledged that even while confined to Wujiang Prefecture for years, Zhao Xiaoqian’s skills in riding, archery, and military strategy had remained sharp. He concluded that Zhao Xiaoqian harbored a deep ambition, an "arrow in you," merely awaiting the opportune moment to be released.
Within the Jingnv Pavilion, students excitedly discussed their upcoming annual "expedition" to Tangjiao Village, where they would learn about the difficulties of farming. They exchanged rumors about the trip, including that students from both Luming and Jingnv Pavilions would reside in separate courtyards. They also spoke of the Mount Kunyan Temple, located behind their accommodations, which was rumored to be connected to Lake Nanming, a mythical place where krakens could supposedly be seen.
Xue Sanniang observed Xie Ruying's uncharacteristic behavior and inquired about it. Ruying then confided that her father intended for her to marry Yan Boyang, whom she scornfully called a "loser." She further elaborated that Yan Boyang's father, Yan Nengfu, was embroiled in a scandal involving a poem of treason by Jia Zhixing, jeopardizing his official position. Minggu, overhearing Ruying's disparaging remarks about Yan Boyang, immediately leaped to his defense, leading to a heated argument between the two. Unyielding, Ruying vehemently declared that she would sooner "shave and become a nun" than marry Yan Boyang, and then desperately appealed to Xue Sanniang for assistance.
Episode 9 Recap
The students of Bailu Academy arrived at Tangjiao Village for their expedition. Zhong Ziyan, whose home was in the village, returned to visit his mother and sister, receiving special permission from Director Xu. Minggu, seeing Zhong Ziyan leave, intended to visit him as well and asked Xie Xiaoman to collect her room plaque. Meanwhile, Yan Boyang, excited about his impending marriage, spoke to his friends about marrying Xie Ruying.
Zhao Xiaoqian retorted that he might as well get married soon to get divorced sooner. Xie Ruying, who did not want to marry Yan Boyang, asked Xue Yanwan to arrange a meeting at the gazebo at the end of the village. Despite initial hesitation, Xue Yanwan agreed and conveyed the message to Yan Boyang, who eagerly accepted the invitation to meet after dinner.
Director Xu then reminded everyone about the rules, forbidding them from leaving their rooms at night, citing the dangers of Tangjiao Village with tales of Demon Foxes and Vengeful Ghosts. While room plaques were distributed, Minggu asked Xie Xiaoman to pick up hers, as she intended to slip away. Yan Boyang also made an excuse to leave for his rendezvous.
When it was Xie Xiaoman's turn, Zhao Xiaoqian overheard Xue Yanwan mentioning that young ladies were vulnerable to cold and could face complications during childbirth if they got sick. He then insisted that Director Xu assign Xie Xiaoman a sun-facing room. Xie Xiaoman, unwilling to accept special treatment, refused the change. Annoyed by her stubbornness, Zhao Xiaoqian publicly gave the sun-facing room to Xue Yanwan and then ordered Xie Xiaoman to wash his feet that night.
Angered, Xie Xiaoman stomped on his foot before running off. Later that evening, Xie Xiaoman arrived at Zhao Xiaoqian's room with water to wash his feet. She found him screaming in terror at a toad in his room. Amused by his fear, Xie Xiaoman picked up the toad and playfully teased him with it, making him chant "get rich" three times and apologize for his behavior. After he relented, she agreed to let the toad go.
Still scared, Zhao Xiaoqian begged Xie Xiaoman to stay and sleep in his room, offering her the bed while he would sleep on the floor. He cited Xue Yanwan's earlier warning about women getting cold. Xie Xiaoman, initially worried about Minggu who had not returned, eventually agreed, convinced by his sincerity and fear. Meanwhile, Yan Boyang waited at the gazebo until nightfall, but Xie Ruying never showed up.
Minggu, who had gotten lost trying to find Zhong Ziyan's home, stumbled upon him. She informed Yan Boyang that Xie Ruying was not interested in him and was merely toying with his emotions. Yan Boyang refused to believe her, but soon grew scared by Minggu's stories of Vengeful Ghosts and Demon Foxes. He pleaded with Minggu to stay with him, convincing her by suggesting that Xie Xiaoman would likely come looking for her, and they should wait for her together.
They ended up waiting all night. The next morning, Minggu and Yan Boyang returned. Xue Yanwan teased Minggu about wearing the same clothes and finding her dropped purse, suggesting she was "in love." Suddenly, Xie Ruying rushed in, announcing that Xue Yanwan's embroidered shoe was missing. After a search, it was found in Yan Boyang's book bag. Someone mentioned that Yan Boyang had not returned to his room all night.
Xie Ruying immediately accused him of improper conduct, declaring she would never marry a "lecher" like him. Zhao Xiaoqian tried to defend Yan Boyang, stating that despite his mischievousness, he was a noble and wouldn't commit such an act. Director Xu, however, found the evidence incriminating. He confronted Yan Boyang about his whereabouts. Yan Boyang looked to Minggu, hoping she would testify for him, but she hesitated.
Infuriated, Director Xu ordered Yan Boyang to be locked in the wooden shed, determined to punish such "a pest." Minggu felt deeply guilty for not stepping forward. Back in their room, Zhao Xiaoqian complained to Xie Xiaoman about Minggu's failure to testify for Yan Boyang. Xie Xiaoman defended Minggu, explaining that she understood the fear of a woman's reputation being ruined, drawing parallels to her own situation.
She reminded Zhao Xiaoqian that after their agreed two years, they would have no further ties, and she needed to plan for her future. Zhao Xiaoqian, angered by her words, accused her of being selfish and ruining his life, then stormed out into the pouring rain. Later, Xie Xiaoman found Zhao Xiaoqian sitting on a bamboo stalk, again terrified by a toad. She helped him scare it away.
She then took him to Mount Kunyan to see Lake Nanming, explaining the legend of the Kun, a mythical creature. She shared wild fruits she had picked, and though Zhao Xiaoqian initially called her "stupid" for eating them, he eventually relented and ate them. He then opened up about his childhood memories with his older brother in Wude Palace, flying kites from the high city walls and dreaming of their parents seeing them.
As they talked, they saw what looked like the mythical Kun in the lake. Zhao Xiaoqian, moved by the moment, pulled Xie Xiaoman closer and kissed her. Meanwhile, a village elder warned Director Xu that some wild fruits in the area could cause hysteria if consumed, but Director Xu dismissed the concern, believing his noble students wouldn't eat such things. Overwhelmed by guilt, Minggu brought a bowl of noodles she personally made to Yan Boyang in the wooden shed.
She apologized, explaining that she feared public criticism, her teacher's wrath, and her parents' disappointment, as a woman's reputation was paramount. Yan Boyang understood and forgave her, even lightheartedly joking that if he were to marry her, he'd be a "coward with an overbearing wife." Following this, Minggu went to Director Xu and confessed the truth, clearing Yan Boyang's name.
Director Xu released Yan Boyang, and though concerned about Minggu's reputation, he assured her and her parents that the academy and Yan's family would keep the incident confidential. Minggu's mother, however, was furious.
She ordered Minggu to kneel, scolded her for bringing shame to the Su family, and decreed that as the young mistress of Su Chang Ji, Minggu must learn Bian Embroidery and would not be allowed to leave home until she mastered it, in preparation for their new store in the capital.
Minggu argued that she was raised like a boy and should not be bound by traditional female conduct, but her mother remained firm, telling her that her father couldn't save her this time. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian took Xie Xiaoman to a restaurant for a meal, having ordered many of her favorite dishes. Yan Boyang, now free, joined them and asked why Minggu wasn't in class.
Xie Xiaoman teased him, hinting that he might have leaked information about their night together, but he vehemently denied it. As Zhao Xiaoqian began to talk about their night at Lake Nanming on Mount Kunyan, Xie Xiaoman quickly put a piece of Peng Cake in his mouth, silencing him.
Episode 10 Recap
Xie Xiaoman feigned a complete loss of memory regarding the previous night's events, attributing it to consuming wild fruits. Zhao Xiaoqian, though disappointed, reassured her that it was inconsequential since the Qixi Festival was fast approaching. He informed her that he would have Liangji send her clothes and accessories, insisting that they must celebrate the festival together. Yan Boyang echoed his excitement, specifically asking if Minggu would join them.
Xie Xiaoman was unsure but planned to inquire at her aunt's residence that evening, prompting Zhao Xiaoqian to decide to accompany her. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian arrived at the Su family home with gifts. Xie Xiaoman’s grandma warmly greeted her, expressing how much she missed her. She then asked about Xie Xiaoman's well-being at the Commandery Prince’s mansion and how Zhao Xiaoqian was treating her.
Xie Xiaoman affirmed that he was very kind, even taking her to try a new dish called "Yuguanfei" that morning. Her aunt chimin, mentioning the numerous tonics Zhao Xiaoqian had brought for the family, expressing hope for a grandchild by the following year. Excusing herself, Xie Xiaoman went to find Minggu, leaving Zhao Xiaoqian in an awkward silence with her grandma until her father offered him a drink.
While they drank, a servant brought a pot of millet seeds for the Su parents, explaining an ancient Qixi tradition of planting them to pray for a son. Zhao Xiaoqian, surprised by their continued desire for children, mentioned that some deer antler he brought could enhance virility. When Xie Xiaoman found Minggu, Minggu confirmed she was indeed grounded and forbidden to leave home until she mastered Bian Embroidery.
She showed Xie Xiaoman a pouch she was embroidering, intending to give it to Zhong Ziyan on Qixi. Xie Xiaoman warned her against such a gesture, reminding her of the trouble with Yan Boyang and the risk of her aunt sending her to a convent. Minggu confided that she knew a future with Zhong Ziyan was impossible but found it hard to let go.
To help her, Xie Xiaoman volunteered to embroider Minggu’s round fan, giving Minggu more time for her pouch. Minggu then requested Xie Xiaoman to keep this secret from Zhao Xiaoqian, fearing Zhong Ziyan might deduce her intentions. Xie Xiaoman promised her assistance. Back at the Commandery Prince's mansion, Zhao Xiaoqian, inspired by the Su family's tradition, began planting millet seeds in a clay pot in his courtyard, hoping for a son.
Liangji discreetly acknowledged the Commandery Prince’s wish but warned another servant to keep it quiet to avoid embarrassing Zhao Xiaoqian. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian approached Xie Xiaoman, who was examining the needlework on Minggu’s fan. He tried to rekindle her memory of their shared night, mentioning Su's grandma's wish for a grandson. Xie Xiaoman, however, maintained her pretense of amnesia, attributing it to the wild fruits and dismissing the grandma's words as her aunt's nonsense.
Zhao Xiaoqian then gently insisted she wear the rhino horn hairpin he gifted her the next day for school, as he loved seeing her wear his gifts. Meanwhile, Yan Boyang visited Minggu under the pretext of discussing academy lessons. Minggu jokingly rebuked him for nearly getting her into trouble. Yan Boyang asked if her mother had stopped her from attending school.
Minggu, though grounded for failing to learn Bian Embroidery, lied and assured him her mother would never do that, claiming she could return to school if she made a wish on Qixi. Yan Boyang then asked what she would wish for, and Minggu expressed her desire to participate in the white rabbit lantern riddle game. At Jingnv Pavilion, Li Congwen lectured the students on Qixi Festival customs.
Xie Xiaoman, distracted by the fan she was embroidering for Minggu, was called upon by Congwen to share a custom. She recounted a local tradition of "cow's birthday," involving flowers on cow horns and the Cowherd and Weaver Girl legend, which drew laughter from her classmates. After class, Congwen spoke privately with Xie Xiaoman. She explained Minggu’s situation and her wish to help by learning Bian Embroidery.
Congwen suggested seeking help from Yanniang, a courtesan and former capital lady skilled in Bian Embroidery, and offered to introduce them, reminding Xie Xiaoman not to neglect her studies. After school, Zhao Xiaoqian arrived to pick up Xie Xiaoman and invited her to a water puppetry show. Xie Xiaoman, however, fabricated a prior arrangement with Minggu and insisted on going to the Su family.
Though disappointed, Zhao Xiaoqian teasingly pinched her cheek, hinting he could provide her with an "older brother" if she desired, before leaving. Xie Xiaoman then met with Congwen. As they walked towards the Wazi entertainment district, a passing carriage bumped Xie Xiaoman, causing the rhino horn hairpin Zhao Xiaoqian had given her to fall. Congwen caught her, and they continued their journey.
Unbeknownst to them, Xie Ruying and Xue Yanwan witnessed the scene, retrieved the hairpin, and followed them to the entrance of Yanniang's establishment. Driven by jealousy and a desire to see Xie Xiaoman disgraced, Xie Ruying saw Shen Yan nearby. She approached him, spun a tale about Xie Xiaoman dropping the hairpin, and asked him to return it to Zhao Xiaoqian, believing this would expose Xie Xiaoman's visit to the courtesan house.
Shen Yan, with his companion, headed to Taiping Tavern to find Zhao Xiaoqian. At Taiping Tavern, Yan Boyang informed Zhao Xiaoqian and their friends that he would not join them for Qixi, citing other commitments. Just then, Shen Yan arrived and provocatively sat beside Zhao Xiaoqian. Despite Zhao Xiaoqian's evident disdain, Shen Yan produced the hairpin, infuriating Zhao Xiaoqian, who demanded its immediate return and absolute secrecy. Shen Yan agreed but only after Zhao Xiaoqian consumed eight cups of wine.
After Zhao Xiaoqian complied, Shen Yan returned the hairpin, but then taunted him, contrasting Zhao Xiaoqian’s past ambition to join the army with his current devotion to a mere lady, calling it "pathetic and ridiculous," and remarking that even the Duke of Yongguo wouldn't recognize him now. Upon Xie Xiaoman's return to the mansion, Zhu Momo noticed her missing hairpin and questioned its absence.
Moments later, a heavily intoxicated Zhao Xiaoqian, supported by Zhong Ziyan and others, also demanded to know where the hairpin was. Xie Xiaoman lied, claiming Minggu had admired it and kept it to make a replica. Zhao Xiaoqian, seeing through her deception, exploded in a fit of rage. He ordered everyone out of his room, then dragged Xie Xiaoman inside, demanding she undress him for a bath, asserting it was her duty as his concubine.
When she resisted, he accused her of exploiting his affection and questioned if she was capable of anything beyond lying. Following the argument, Xie Xiaoman sought solace with Minggu. Minggu offered her water, and Xie Xiaoman poured out her conflicted feelings about her arranged marriage and Zhao Xiaoqian's kindness. She then asked Minggu about Jia Zhixing's satirical poem against Chancellor Xu, a grave offense that could lead to execution, expressing deep concern for Congwen's involvement.
Minggu shared that her nanny, Hu Momo, had given her a spider in a box, which was diligently weaving a web. Minggu, having named the spider Deng Qiao'er, urged Xie Xiaoman to find peace by observing it. Back at Yanniang’s, while learning Bian Embroidery, Xie Xiaoman reiterated her worries about Congwen and Jia Zhixing’s case. Yanniang revealed that the Commandery Prince of Julu received confidential government intelligence every seven days.
She proposed that Xie Xiaoman secretly copy these reports for her, enabling them to understand the court's stance and devise a strategy to protect Congwen. Despite her reservations about betraying Zhao Xiaoqian, Xie Xiaoman agreed, believing it essential for Congwen's future. As she secretly copied the documents, Xie Xiaoman silently acknowledged her dilemma, hoping for Zhao Xiaoqian's understanding, while Wick stood guard, assuring her no one was approaching.
Xie Xiaoman then asked Wick if Zhao Xiaoqian was still angry or if he mentioned banishing her. Wick, initially confused and thinking she meant Shi Deng'er, eventually clarified that Zhao Xiaoqian had contracted a serious cold and Liangji had been attending to him all night. Meanwhile, Zhu Momo, learning of Xie Xiaoman's return and confinement to the Studio of Artlessness, gathered her attendants, including Hongsu, to confront her. Realizing Zhu Momo was coming, Xie Xiaoman instructed Wick to keep her return a secret as she planned to immediately go to Zhao Xiaoqian.
Episode 11 Recap
Xie Xiaoman, having returned to the commandery Prince's mansion, was trying to quietly leave when Zhu Momo, who had learned of her presence, intercepted her. Zhu Momo, clearly displeased, remarked on Xie Xiaoman's return, stating she had no respect for her, and ordered servants to seize her. Xie Xiaoman conceded that her unauthorized departure was wrong, but asserted her right to leave according to the private contract she had with Zhao Xiaoqian. She declared herself willing to accept punishment.
Zhu Momo decided to teach her the "rules of the capital" and ordered a beating with a ruler. When the servant went to hit Xie Xiaoman, Wick shielded her, offering to take the punishment herself. Zhu Momo, however, ordered both of them to be beaten. Meanwhile, Squire Wang arrived to see Yanniang, pushing past her attendants. Yanniang granted him entry. Squire Wang apologized for his earlier rudeness towards Li Su and offered his help with her redemption.
He revealed his investigation showed that even Duke Teng, whom Li Su had approached, couldn't help Yanniang, implying the issue was not Yanniang's eligibility but rather Li Su's involvement. He hinted that Yanniang understood the underlying reasons. Expressing his sincere feelings, Squire Wang, a wealthy widower with a son and daughter, promised to secure her redemption and marry her with a grand wedding.
Yanniang acknowledged his words, saying she would consider them, but asked him to leave due to her ill health. Squire Wang left, expressing his willingness to wait for good news. Later, Li Su received a letter from Duke Teng explicitly refusing his request for Yanniang's redemption. Despite this, when Yanniang asked him for updates, Li Su concealed the truth, telling her Duke Teng had not yet replied and that a response should be coming soon, leaving Yanniang feeling more anxious.
As Xie Xiaoman and Wick were being beaten, Shi Deng'er rushed to inform Zhao Xiaoqian. Although ill with a cold and advised by his attendants not to expose himself to the wind, Zhao Xiaoqian insisted on going. He arrived and angrily questioned Zhu Momo's actions, asking if she was torturing Xie Xiaoman. Zhu Momo asserted that she was upholding the Princess Consort's discipline and that Xie Xiaoman's unauthorized departure and the lost rhino horn hairpin were grave matters.
She claimed that even Zhao Xiaoqian's father, the King, could not override her. Enraged, Zhao Xiaoqian knelt before Zhu Momo, reminding her that she was setting rules on his mother's behalf. He declared that he too had likely broken many rules and demanded that he be punished first, as he was a man protecting "his woman." Zhu Momo relented, and Zhao Xiaoqian then ordered all the servants who had beaten Xie Xiaoman to punish themselves.
He then scooped up the injured Xie Xiaoman and carried her back to her room. In the room, Zhao Xiaoqian insisted on applying ointment to Xie Xiaoman's injuries. She, embarrassed, tried to refuse. He teasingly reminded her they were husband and wife, then confessed that he had seen her back before when she was working at his mansion and changed clothes. He said his past insistence on her eating more was because he knew how thin she was.
Xie Xiaoman still wished to apply the ointment herself, so Zhao Xiaoqian agreed to have her maid assist with her back, but reiterated his desire to simply talk to her. He expressed regret for his harsh words the previous night, admitting he had drunk too much after being provoked by Shen Yan. He told her he knew she had gone to the brothel but didn't blame her, believing she had her reasons.
He then shared a dream he had of his late brother and spoke of their childhood, his brother's upcoming birthday, and his own ambition to protect the kingdom for his brother. Xie Xiaoman then apologized for lying, confessed that she had indeed gone to the brothel to learn Bian Embroidery from Courtesan Zhu. She was helping Minggu, who was grounded, by completing an embroidery project on her behalf, thus giving Minggu time to finish a sachet for Zhong Ziyan.
She admitted she was afraid to tell Zhao Xiaoqian lest he accidentally reveal Minggu's secret. She confessed that she wished she could dislike him, but his kindness, especially in defending her while sick, made it impossible. Zhao Xiaoqian gently kissed her forehead and embraced her, promising to arrange for Liangji to handle the Bian Embroidery for Minggu. He also invited her to celebrate the Qixi Festival with him the following night.
The next day, Minggu presented her mother with a fan featuring the exquisite Bian embroidery. Her mother was very pleased with the work and, after reminding Minggu to uphold good conduct, allowed her and Xie Xiaoman to go out for the Qixi Festival. They excitedly left to meet Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhong Ziyan. Zhong Ziyan visited a Kui Xing shrine, drawing a longan that portended he would become a top scholar.
Elsewhere, Yan Boyang repeatedly tried to win a white rabbit lantern at an arrow-throwing stall but consistently missed his targets. The four friends eventually met up. Xie Xiaoman suggested that she and Zhao Xiaoqian go look at the fish lanterns, leaving Minggu and Zhong Ziyan to spend time alone. As they walked among the fish lanterns, Xie Xiaoman remarked on their resemblance to the great fish they had seen at Mount Kunyan Temple.
She expressed her fondness for bright, flickering things, like stars, and mentioned the magnificent fireworks of Wu River Prefecture during the Lantern Festival. Zhao Xiaoqian, realizing her love for fireworks, suddenly told her to wait for him and that he would return shortly. While waiting, Xie Xiaoman encountered Courtesan Zhu. She handed Courtesan Zhu the copied intelligence, asking her not to tell Li Su. Courtesan Zhu then probed Xie Xiaoman, asking if she loved Zhao Xiaoqian.
Xie Xiaoman hesitated, remarking that many marriages were arranged and love was a luxury, and that Courtesan Zhu didn't need to feel guilty. Courtesan Zhu pressed further about Xie Xiaoman's feelings for Li Su, given her efforts to help him. Xie Xiaoman began to respond, "Towards Senior Li, I only. . ." , but Courtesan Zhu cut her off, saying it was inappropriate to ask such personal questions. Zhao Xiaoqian, returning at that moment, had overheard their conversation.
Heartbroken, he confronted Xie Xiaoman, stating, "So you don't have feelings for me. You returned for the intelligence." Xie Xiaoman tried to deny it, but Zhao Xiaoqian continued, expressing his hurt, "This is the first time in my life I've tried so hard to win a woman's heart. And you don't want anything to do with it." He then walked away, leaving Xie Xiaoman distraught. Fireworks erupted in the sky, a spectacle he had arranged for her.
Xie Xiaoman watched, torn by her feelings and silently apologizing to Zhao Xiaoqian. Meanwhile, Minggu was still unable to give Zhong Ziyan the sachet she had made. Zhong Ziyan, noticing her hesitation, asked if she wanted to say anything. When she demurred, he decided to return home to study for the upcoming civil examinations. Yan Boyang, still at the arrow-throwing stall, continued to fail in winning a white rabbit lantern.
Later, Li Su spotted Yanniang at the festival after seeing her interact with Xie Xiaoman. He confronted her, asking if she had orchestrated Xie Xiaoman's mission to retrieve intelligence from the Prince's mansion. He chastised her for resorting to such unethical methods, reminding her of the severe consequences if Xie Xiaoman were caught. Yanniang retorted, questioning Li Su's self-righteousness and stating that if he hadn't been so preoccupied with "a scholar's integrity," she wouldn't have been forced to become "bad."
She then accused him of lying, revealing that she knew Duke Teng could not help her and that he had deceived her. Deeply hurt, Yanniang turned and walked away, despite Li Su calling her name. The following morning, Zhu Momo and her servants stormed into Xie Xiaoman's residence in the Lotus Garden, demanding access to her chambers to confiscate her belongings. Wick bravely stood in their way, refusing to let them pass.
Zhu Momo ordered Wick to be dragged away, but Xie Xiaoman emerged, stopping them. Wick explained that Zhu Momo intended to take Xie Xiaoman's trousseau, including her dowry. Zhu Momo scoffed at the idea of a mere clerk's daughter having a significant dowry. Xie Xiaoman demanded to know why Zhu Momo was seizing her possessions.
Zhu Momo claimed the rhino horn hairpin given by Zhao Xiaoqian was an imperial tribute, and its loss meant not only punishment for Xie Xiaoman but also disgrace upon the entire Commandery Prince's mansion. Xie Xiaoman countered that Zhao Xiaoqian himself had not yet spoken on the matter. She accused Zhu Momo of attempting to embarrass the Prince and drive her out.
While conceding that most of her valuables were indeed gifts from the Prince and she couldn't stop Zhu Momo from taking them, Xie Xiaoman defiantly warned that if any of her family's dowry were touched, she would seek justice in court. With that, she left with Wick. Zhu Momo, furious at Xie Xiaoman's newfound defiance, called her cunning. Xie Xiaoman, contemplating the potential repercussions, acknowledged that her actions might lead to her divorce, which she would accept.
She instructed Wick not to engage in further confrontations. Meanwhile, Minggu rushed to Xie Xiaoman, declaring that something serious had happened. At Bailu Academy, Zhao Xiaoqian openly confronted Li Su in front of other students. He accused Li Su of meddling in his household affairs, questioning whether he was an imperial relative or an investigating censor. Li Su responded that as Zhao Xiaoqian's senior, it was his duty to teach him the principles of a gentleman.
Zhao Xiaoqian scoffed at being called a gentleman and asserted that in Wujiang, no one could control him. He declared Xie Xiaoman to be merely a "plaything" and stated he could sell her for "three cash" if he wished. Taking him seriously, Li Su declared his willingness to purchase "Xie Xiaoman of the Xie Family" for three cash.
Disgusted, Zhao Xiaoqian retorted that while she might be a plaything, he would rather sell her to a peasant than to Li Su. He then offered to sell her to any other student for free. Having overheard the entire exchange, Xie Xiaoman stepped forward, confronting Zhao Xiaoqian. The teacher intervened, and Principal Yang summoned them to his office. In the office, Zhao Xiaoqian reiterated his right to sell Xie Xiaoman due to their contract.
Li Su argued that Xie Xiaoman was also a student of the academy. Principal Yang admonished them for their quarrel, recalling fond memories of Zhao Xiaoqian's late brother, Xiaojie, and his upcoming birthday. He advised Zhao Xiaoqian to embody "broad-mindedness," even suggesting he sell Xie Xiaoman to Li Su. Zhao Xiaoqian, angered, told him not to mention his brother. Xie Xiaoman, unable to bear it any longer, spoke up, condemning both men for discussing her as property.
She declared, "Yes, I may be Your Highness' concubine, but I'm a person. I'm not an object. I'm not one to be sold and bought easily, or abandoned casually." She reminded Zhao Xiaoqian of their contract's expiry term and stated that while he might treat her as a plaything, she refused to treat herself as one. As a student of the academy and Principal Yang, she pleaded for his help. Zhao Xiaoqian scoffed, questioning her qualifications.
Xie Xiaoman challenged his misogynistic view, asking if he believed only men deserved education. She then announced her intention to participate in the upcoming polo tournament. She vowed to prove herself by achieving first place in both literature and martial arts, and if she succeeded in getting Grade A in the tournament, she requested Principal Yang's assistance in redeeming her freedom. Zhao Xiaoqian accepted her challenge, declaring they would settle the matter on horseback five days later.
Episode 12 Recap
Xie Xiaoman initially regretted her impulsive challenge, admitting to herself that she had been driven by anger and underestimated Zhao Xiaoqian's skill, feeling foolish for not realizing he was "born to play polo." Other students in Jingnv Pavilion voiced their apprehension about playing against Luming Pavilion, citing their lack of riding experience and suggesting the matter was a private affair between Zhao Xiaoqian and Xie Xiaoman.
However, one student passionately argued against inaction, emphasizing the pervasive injustices women faced and the importance of supporting one another. Inspired by this, Xie Xiaoman confided in Teacher Liu about her inexperience with riding and her hasty decision. Teacher Liu encouraged her not to yield to an unfair fate, drawing parallels to historical heroines like Lady Hao and Princess Zhao of Pingyang, who achieved greatness through their own strength, not by clinging to men.
He contended that women are no different from men, and their perceived weakness stems from their reluctance to strive and dare, mistakenly believing that submission leads to a smooth life. He asserted that a destiny controlled by others is no longer one's own and urged Xie Xiaoman to fight for her future. Xie Xiaoman absorbed his wisdom, realizing the profound significance of his words.
Later, Xie Xiaoman addressed her fellow students in Jingnv Pavilion, openly sharing her distress about being cast aside by the Commandery Prince and put up for sale. She spoke of her childhood dream of a simple life in Yuyangli Village, planting mulberry trees, reading, and marrying into a good family for a peaceful existence. However, she lamented how one accidental night had irrevocably altered her life in a world that was already harsh towards women.
She questioned the purpose of education if a woman could not control her own fate, criticizing the "Admonitions for Ladies" for fostering suffering. She adamantly declared that women, regardless of their status as concubines, servants, or courtesans, were not mere "objects" to be "trampled by others or thrown around." She conveyed that profound suffering might be necessary for women to realize their inherent equality with men.
With this realization, she expressed her determination to live with dignity and sought the help of her classmates, appealing to them as a fellow woman. Her heartfelt plea resonated deeply with the women of Jingnv Pavilion, who enthusiastically volunteered to participate in the polo match, determined to challenge Luming Pavilion and defy expectations.
Meanwhile, Yanniang agreed to marry Squire Wang on the condition that he facilitate her redemption and take her as his first wife, promising not to marry any concubines. Squire Wang, overjoyed, readily assented. Elsewhere, Li Su approached Magistrate Yan to seek assistance with Courtesan Zhu's (Yanniang's other name) redemption.
In the capital, the Empress speculated about Lady Shen's persistent attempts to meet His Majesty, believing that Lingniang, Lady Shen's daughter, was unwilling to marry Zhao Xiaoqian after he took a concubine, but also reluctant to enter the palace as a royal concubine. His Majesty, testing Crown Prince Zhao Xiaoze, remarked that the Crown Prince's grasp of "Mencius" fell short of Zhao Xiaoqian's (Hanchen's), encouraging him to learn from his elder brother.
Amidst complex palace politics involving the Empress and Noble Consort Zhang, Lingniang's father, Shen Zunfu, revealed His Majesty's intention for Lingniang to enter the palace, possibly even the East Palace, to bolster the Shen family's standing. Lingniang's mother was distraught at the idea of her daughter being a pawn, but Shen Zunfu insisted the family "couldn't afford to fall." Lingniang was heartbroken upon hearing her marriage being treated as a strategic asset.
Back at the academy, Xie Xiaoman and the other ladies of Jingnv Pavilion trained diligently for the polo match, even reciting "The Ballad of Mulan" to bolster their spirits. At her residence, Xie Xiaoman noticed servants were busy moving lanterns, but they remained tight-lipped about the reason. Later that night, she was seen practicing polo with a broom, referencing the polo books she had bought.
Zhao Xiaoqian, observing her from outside, dismissed his attendant's suggestion for reconciliation, believing Xie Xiaoman's mind was made up. Spotting Zhao Xiaoqian, Xie Xiaoman defiantly declared that Jingnv Pavilion would not lose to Luming Pavilion. Zhao Xiaoqian confronted her, questioning her eagerness to leave him. Xie Xiaoman retorted that he was the one who initiated selling her, abandoning her first.
He then accused her of secretly aiding Li Su despite being his concubine, questioning how he could maintain his dignity as a Commandery Prince. Xie Xiaoman admitted to copying intelligence due to concern for Li Su, explaining that both Li Su and Teacher Liu had enlightened her, showing her that women could pursue their own paths and understand moral principles. She expressed her disappointment, asking how she could ever love someone who so casually controlled her destiny.
Zhao Xiaoqian, gripping her shoulders in frustration, then released her. He advised her to take care of herself after leaving him and to stop "stepping up for others," implying that without his protection, her life would have been in danger. He confessed his own self-hatred for falling for the "heartless Xie Xiaoman" before abruptly leaving. Soon after, Zhao Xiaoqian's attendant reported that the Su family had arrived to take Xie Xiaoman away.
Zhao Xiaoqian ordered them to be expelled, threatening to seal Su Chang Chi if they caused further disturbance. He then handed 200 taels and a property deed to the man he had arranged to sell Xie Xiaoman to, instructing him to give it to her after the polo match, with the message that she should never return to Wujiang Prefecture. Meanwhile, Xie Xiaoman and the other women continued their strenuous polo training, gradually improving their riding and playing skills.
Zhao Xiaoqian secretly watched their practice sessions, concerned for Xie Xiaoman's safety and fearing she might fall. Yan Boyang openly observed the training, noting Xie Xiaoman's skipped meals and worrying that Minggu, too, might be hungry. The day before the match, Zhong Ziyan approached the Principal, expressing concerns about the escalating tension around the polo match.
He requested the Principal to intervene and prevent a definitive outcome, assuring him that he had a plan to resolve the situation without further complications. The Principal urged him to consider his actions carefully. The polo match, a historic first for male and female teams at Bailu Academy, began. The Principal reminded all students to compete fairly and skillfully. Zhao Xiaoqian wasted no time, scoring the first point for Luming Pavilion.
Xie Xiaoman rallied her team, encouraging them not to lose heart. During an intense skirmish for the ball, Xie Xiaoman nearly fell, but Zhao Xiaoqian instinctively used his polo stick to stabilize her. Yan Boyang, attempting to go easy on Minggu, inadvertently scored another point for Luming Pavilion, bringing their score to two. Xie Xiaoman's eyes welled with tears, while Zhao Xiaoqian remained impassive. Just as they prepared for the decisive third point, heavy rain began to fall.
The match was suspended, with the current scores recorded and the game rescheduled for the following day. As Xie Xiaoman walked away with her brother Xie Li, Zhao Xiaoqian stopped her and asked if she had been crying. She ignored him and continued on her way.
Episode 13 Recap
Li Su accompanied Xie Xiaoman home to her worried parents. Her mother scolded her father for his perceived uselessness, believing it had caused Xiaoman's predicament, while her father blamed himself. When Xie Li brought Xiaoman inside, her mother worried about her weight loss, and her father started hitting himself, filled with remorse. Li Su intervened, introducing himself as Xiaoman's senior from the academy and reminding her mother that they had met before.
He then asked to speak with her parents privately, sending Xiaoman to rest. Li Su reassured them, explaining that although he and the Commandery Prince were not on good terms, the young man Zhao Xiaoqian chose to 'buy' Xiaoman from had strong ties with Li Su's father. Li Su had already made arrangements: if Xiaoman were indeed sold, they would redeem her. He acknowledged that this situation would unfortunately tarnish Xiaoman's reputation.
Meanwhile, Wick informed Xiaoman that the Commandery Prince's mansion was preparing for a memorial. Shi Deng'er had told her that Duke of Yongguo, Zhao Xiaoqian's brother, had a birthday approaching, and it was customary for the mansion to hold a memorial every year around this time. Xiaoman recalled Zhao Xiaoqian mentioning his brother's birthday was after the Qixi Festival. Deeply affected, Zhao Xiaoqian secretly visited Mount Han Temple in the rain to light lanterns for his brother.
He reminisced about their childhood, how he was stubborn and playful while his brother was reliable. Everyone expected his brother to be the next Emperor, a role Zhao Xiaoqian never contested. He only wished to protect the state for his brother from the borders. But then he was exiled from the capital, and his brother met an even worse fate.
He remembered wishing to fly the highest kite so his parents would see it and bring them home from Wude Palace. His brother comforted him, promising to always be there for him, saying that the wooden sword and kites would also always be with him. He then promised to take him to fly the kite. Suddenly, Zhao Xiaoqian saw a kite in the sky and excitedly ran towards it, only to find Zhong Ziyan flying it.
Zhong Ziyan explained that Xiaoman had made and given him the kite, hoping it would ease Zhao Xiaoqian's grief for his brother, Xiaojie. Seeing Zhao Xiaoqian about to get angry, Zhong Ziyan stopped him, expressing his wish that Zhao Xiaoqian wouldn't regret his actions. He conveyed Xiaoman's sentiment that "the Zhao Xiaoqian she knows never worried about a single thing" and handed him the kite string. Later, Wang Weicheng came to Xiaoman.
He clarified that he had no intention of marrying her because he and Lang Mengzi from Jingnv Pavilion were childhood sweethearts, and he had promised her he would never take a concubine. He then revealed Zhao Xiaoqian's true instructions: after the polo tournament, Wang Weicheng was to take Xiaoman's deed, release her, and give her a title deed, telling her never to return to Wujiang Prefecture.
Wang Weicheng handed all the documents Zhao Xiaoqian had given him to Xiaoman, leaving them to sort it out themselves. Xiaoman realized that Zhao Xiaoqian had not genuinely intended to sell her. She then went with Minggu to the market, bought bamboo splint and cloth, and made the kite. The polo tournament continued, having been postponed from the previous day due to rain. Zhao Xiaoqian arrived just as the time limit for his team was about to expire.
He apologized to the ladies of Jingnv Pavilion, stating that he wouldn't disrespect their efforts and ambition by not showing up. He told Xiaoman he would see her test through and wouldn't go easy on her. The match was intense. Later that night, Zhao Xiaoqian met Xiaoman at the brightly lit Mount Han Temple. Xiaoman confronted him, asking why he was harassing her when she was about to become a respectable woman again.
Zhao Xiaoqian stubbornly declared he wouldn't release her. He apologized for his previous harsh words about selling her, admitting he was wrong. Xiaoman revealed that Wang Weicheng had told her Zhao Xiaoqian actually wanted to free her. Despite this, Zhao Xiaoqian playfully insisted he wouldn't release her now, comparing himself to a dog that changes its mind. Xiaoman laughed, forgiving him, and they watched fireworks together, signaling their reconciliation.
Separately, Shen Zhaowen visited the Princess Consort, requesting permission to travel to Wujiang Prefecture under the pretense of visiting relatives. The Princess Consort, who wished for Zhao Xiaoqian and Shen Zhaowen to marry, was pleased, promising to "be on her side" if Zhao Xiaoqian upset her. Li Su went to find Yanniang, but only saw her maid Qiongqiong packing. He then learned that Yanniang had decided to marry Squire Wang and had called him there to bid farewell.
Yanniang recalled their first meeting at Yanliu Forest and recited a poem. She also sang a song, making three wishes: for her lover to live long, for her own health, and to meet him in her dreams. Li Su then recalled Lord Yan's words to him: as long as Li Su served as Yanniang's guarantor, she could not regain her freedom because his father would never permit him to marry a courtesan.
Lord Yan advised him to let go, especially since another man was willing to guarantee her freedom, so she could find a husband. Overcome with melancholy, Li Su was distracted during class, his voice fading as he read a sorrowful poem. Xie Xiaoman noticed his unusual behavior.
Later, Wick informed Xiaoman that Courtesan Zhu was reportedly marrying a wealthy squire who owned hundreds of acres of farmland and was no longer interested in Li Su, whom she described as a poor scholar. Xiaoman wondered if Yanniang was being forced into the marriage by Squire Wang, fearing that Li Su, as a poor scholar, couldn't fight against him.
Zhao Xiaoqian, having decided he wanted to talk to Xiaoman and needed a pretext, went shopping with Zhong Ziyan and Yan Boyang. Yan Boyang suggested a "poem hidden in a lantern" for the upcoming Ghost Festival, claiming it was a popular and effective way to confess feelings. Zhao Xiaoqian dismissed it as too subtle for his temperament, preferring a more direct approach. He eventually bought a lantern with "Lover on the other side" written on it.
He later gave this flower lantern to Xiaoman. During a visit to Xiaoman's home, Zhao Xiaoqian critiqued her calligraphy and taught her the Su Calligraphy style. He then asked if she liked "poem hidden in lanterns." Xiaoman, however, was preoccupied with the thought of Yanniang potentially being coerced. Zhao Xiaoqian jokingly suggested staying the night and was promptly called a "lecher" by Xiaoman.
Meanwhile, Yan Boyang wrote a letter to his pen pal, detailing his affections for Minggu and seeking advice. Xu Shu snatched the letter, threatening to copy it hundreds of times and post it all over Bailu Academy unless Yan Boyang paid him twenty strings of cash. Yan Boyang was desperate, not wanting "Ming. . ." to find out. Qiongqiong, distraught, tried to stop Yanniang from burning her letters to Li Congwen, tearfully stating that Yanniang still yearned for him.
Yanniang, however, was resolute in her decision to marry Squire Wang and leave the next day. Qiongqiong then sought out Xie Xiaoman for help. She confirmed that Yanniang was indeed marrying and that it was her own choice, not by force. Nevertheless, Qiongqiong still believed both Yanniang and Li Congwen cared deeply for each other. She pleaded with Xiaoman to arrange one last meeting between them, hoping for a change of heart or at least a proper farewell.
Qiongqiong gave Xiaoman the second half of a poem, "Sapphire Song," that Yanniang and Li Congwen had co-written, with Li Congwen having penned the first verse. She believed that if Li Congwen saw Yanniang's completed verse, he would surely come to meet her. Qiongqiong informed Xiaoman that Squire Wang's carriage, picking up Yanniang, would pass through the market on Leqiao at the third quarter past seven in the evening during the Ghost Festival night and awaited Xiaoman's message.
Episode 14 Recap
Yan Boyang met Xu Shu in an alley to retrieve a letter. Xu Shu demanded payment first, citing that Yan Boyang's father was corrupt and had amassed a fortune. Minggu suddenly appeared, questioning Yan Boyang about giving money to Xu Shu, whom she accused of constantly causing trouble. Xu Shu, however, asserted his right to a fee for delivering letters. He then threatened to tear the letter if Yan Boyang didn't pay.
Yan Boyang urged Minggu to leave, insisting it was a matter between men. After Minggu reluctantly departed, calling Yan Boyang a coward, Xu Shu, annoyed by her interference, demanded an additional 20 strings of cash and left without giving Yan Boyang the letter. Minggu, still upset, later complained to Xie Xiaoman about Yan Boyang's cowardice. Zhao Xiaoqian impatiently waited for Xie Xiaoman to return for their Ghost Festival dinner.
Upon her arrival, he revealed he had booked a decorated pleasure boat for them to watch lanterns, as he had something important to tell her later that evening. Xie Xiaoman, in a somber mood, expressed her reluctance to go. Zhao Xiaoqian insisted, adding that some words are best said during festivities to make them more formal. He then presented her with a lantern, instructing her not to light it until they reached Guizhao Workshop.
Xie Xiaoman then asked him if he believed in a love that transcends social status, where two people could be together based solely on mutual affection. She recounted a story of a couple separated by family background, where the man couldn't even bid his beloved a final farewell. Zhao Xiaoqian firmly stated he didn't believe in such prejudices. He emphasized that true manhood meant having a clear conscience, not only regarding matters of state but also one's personal feelings.
He declared that a man who didn't dare to see his lover one last time was unworthy. Inspired by his words, Xie Xiaoman decided to intervene for Li Su and Courtesan Zhu. Xie Xiaoman found Li Su in his study, urging him to meet Courtesan Zhu, who was leaving that night. She reminded him of Zhao Xiaoqian's words about being true to one's heart, which applied to personal matters as much as to grand ambitions.
Li Su then read a poem by Yanniang (Courtesan Zhu) that expressed deep sorrow and longing. Realizing the profound emotions within the verse, he agreed to go. Xie Xiaoman handed him the lantern that Zhao Xiaoqian had given her, suggesting he present it to Yanniang, and then left to rejoin Zhao Xiaoqian. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian and his companions were waiting.
Yan Boyang, hearing that the Ghost Festival involved a "Night Parade of One Hundred Demons," offered to protect Minggu if she became frightened. Xie Xiaoman intercepted Courtesan Zhu's carriage and gave the lantern to Li Su before discreetly leaving. Li Su approached Courtesan Zhu (Yanniang), presenting the lantern and pulling her away from her carriage. On a bridge, he apologized for his past insensitivity and confessed his romantic feelings, asking her to run away with him.
Yanniang acknowledged his earnestness but reminded him of their vastly different social standings, recognizing herself as a 24-year-old courtesan unworthy of his esteemed scholarly family. She urged him to pursue his grand ambitions, marry into a noble family, and become a high-ranking official who serves the people. She expressed her hope that, in his old age, he would recall Yanniang, the woman from Wujiang Prefecture who once wished him success.
Although deeply moved by his offer to abandon his future for her, she chose to accept her own path—a simple life with the man she was promised to. Her husband-to-be then called out for her, and after a heartfelt farewell, Yanniang left. Li Su was left alone, heartbroken, echoing her words about his path to becoming a chancellor. Zhao Xiaoqian and his companions waited for a long time for Xie Xiaoman. Growing impatient, Minggu offered to look for her.
Yan Boyang volunteered to join, but Minggu angrily rebuked him for his earlier cowardice in dealing with Xu Shu. Stung by her words, Yan Boyang declared his intention to confront Xu Shu and reclaim his money and letter, determined to prove he wasn't a coward. Concerned he would be unarmed and reckless, Minggu urged Zhao Xiaoqian to help. They soon found Yan Boyang being beaten by Xu Shu and his men. Zhao Xiaoqian intervened, swiftly taking down Xu Shu's thugs.
Xie Xiaoman arrived, bewildered by the fight. Xu Shu, trying to save face, claimed Yan Boyang's letter was a love letter that "Dew becomes frost" had rejected. Minggu, unable to tolerate Xu Shu's disparagement of Yan Boyang, bravely stepped forward and declared, "I am Dew becomes frost! And I am in love with Yan Boyang!" This gave Yan Boyang the courage to punch Xu Shu and retrieve his letter. Xu Shu quickly fled, intimidated by Zhao Xiaoqian.
Later, the group jokingly pressed Yan Boyang to introduce them to "Dew becomes frost." To their surprise, "Dew becomes frost" turned out to be a middle-aged man named Yu Qilin, Yan Boyang's pen pal to whom he confided his feelings about Minggu. Yu Qilin advised Yan Boyang to directly express his true feelings to Minggu. At the same time, Zhao Xiaoqian pulled Xie Xiaoman aside to watch the river lanterns.
He noticed that the lantern she held was not the one he had given her but one that symbolized rejection, and his mood instantly soured. That night, Zhao Xiaoqian was startled awake from another dream about his older brother. In a flashback, a young Zhao Xiaoqian was seen in the palace, eagerly flying a kite on which he had written messages to his parents. A eunuch intervened, forbidding the kite flying due to the empress's pregnancy.
The young prince became distressed, insisting that his true parents were Prince and Princess Consort Pu, not the Emperor and Empress. The kite string then snapped. Back in the present, Liangji discussed Zhao Xiaoqian's recent moodiness with Shi Deng'er, attributing it to the approaching death anniversary of the Duke of Yongguo. He advised Shi Deng'er to keep his distance from Zhao Xiaoqian during this sensitive time. Later, Minggu accompanied Xie Xiaoman to the Dongguan Building in the academy.
Xie Xiaoman picked up a book titled "Lonely Boat in the Night." Minggu observed that Zhao Xiaoqian had been acting strangely since returning from the Ghost Festival, suspecting they might have argued. Xie Xiaoman assured her they hadn't, but confirmed his unusual behavior. Minggu then informed Xie Xiaoman that her mother wished for her to return home.
Xie Xiaoman returned home to find her mother insisting that she bring Zhao Xiaoqian to a village wedding banquet to show off her newfound status. Xie Xiaoman protested, pointing out the simple country food wouldn't suit a prince and that she didn't need to put on airs in front of her childhood friends. Her mother, however, recounted their shared history with the host family and tearfully bemoaned her own struggles raising three children alone, appealing to Xie Xiaoman's conscience.
Reluctantly, Xie Xiaoman agreed to speak with Zhao Xiaoqian, though she made no promises about his attendance. Her mother then dismissed her, scoffing at her constant reading. Later, at Jingnv Pavilion, Li Su announced his decision to leave Wujiang Prefecture to meditate at Mount Kunyan Temple, bidding farewell to his students. Xie Xiaoman directly asked if his departure was prompted by Courtesan Zhu.
Li Su confessed that Yanniang's departure had left him confused about his future, particularly concerning his academic path and the imperial examination. He needed time away to clear his mind and decide his future. He also promised to get her a new lantern, replacing the one she had given Yanniang. Xie Xiaoman asked about Zhao Xiaoqian's location and learned he was attending a chess lesson at Tingtao Pavilion.
During the lesson, his teacher Yang Shanzhang was advising Zhao Xiaoqian on the philosophy of chess, emphasizing the importance of understanding when to let go and when to persevere. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, asserted that a life without something to hold onto would be dull. He then provocatively asked what if the opponent made the first move to give up.
Yang Shanzhang calmly replied that on the chessboard, one must look inward to their own heart, not to the actions of others. As Zhao Xiaoqian absorbed this wisdom, Xie Xiaoman arrived at the academy to find him.
Episode 15 Recap
Xie Xiaoman approached Zhao Xiaoqian to discuss her family's plans to return to Yuyangli Village for a wedding between her childhood friends, Cheng and Ying. She hoped he would join them, but Zhao Xiaoqian, still harboring resentment from the Ghost Festival lantern incident, rejected the idea, claiming the village was "filthy and squalid" and accusing her of wanting to "show him off as a trophy."
Angered by his words, Xie Xiaoman declared he could stay if he wished and stormed off to inform her mother. Observing the tense exchange, Zhong Ziyan questioned Zhao Xiaoqian about the source of his anger. Zhao Xiaoqian confessed his distress over the lantern Xie Xiaoman brought home, which bore the inscription "to cut all ties." He believed this reflected Xie Xiaoman's desire to end their relationship.
Zhong Ziyan urged him to clarify the situation, suggesting there might be a misunderstanding and warning him not to exacerbate it. Meanwhile, Xie Xiaoman's mother, unaware of the argument, presented her with a large rooster, intending for it to be a tonic for the Commandery Prince.
Upon returning to the mansion with the rooster, Xie Xiaoman was intercepted by Zhu Momo, who immediately reprimanded her for bringing a "filthy creature" into the household, especially with the Duke of Yongguo's death anniversary approaching. A servant, Shi Deng'er, quickly reported the incident to Zhao Xiaoqian. Initially indifferent, Zhao Xiaoqian changed his tune after Zhong Ziyan advised him not to hurt Xie Xiaoman's feelings further. Zhao Xiaoqian then intervened, defending Xie Xiaoman against Zhu Momo's accusations.
Xie Xiaoman explained that her mother had acquired the rooster from the Temple of Confucius as a symbol of good luck and nourishment for him and Xingzhou. Zhao Xiaoqian, taking the rooster, playfully named it "Zhao Shengwu," after a horse he once owned, insisting it bore his surname as "my partner." He tried to subtly bring up the lantern issue, but Xie Xiaoman, noticing his fluctuating moods, assumed his distress was related to the Duke of Yongguo's death anniversary.
She assured him he didn't have to attend the wedding if he felt unwell. Seeing her concern, Zhao Xiaoqian agreed to accompany her to the village, promising to discuss the lantern after their return. In Wujiang Prefecture, Yan Boyang had won a cricket fight against others.
When provoked by a rival who mentioned Xu Shu from the academy was organizing a cricket competition that excluded him and Zhao Xiaoqian, Yan Boyang, insulted and called a "lapdog" of the Commandery Prince, declared he would bring Zhao Xiaoqian to the competition the next day to demonstrate true brotherhood. Xie Xiaoman and Zhao Xiaoqian journeyed to Yuyangli Village, with Xie Xiaoman's mother bringing along a cart full of poultry, to which Zhao Xiaoqian surprisingly made no complaints.
The entire village turned out to welcome them, and Zhao Xiaoqian charmed the crowd by introducing himself as "Yuyangli Village's son-in-law" and agreeing to be the groom's attendant, much to the villagers' delight. Inside the bride's room, Xie Xiaoman shared with the other girls her two-year agreement with Zhao Xiaoqian, stating they would "part ways after two years" and were "not a real couple."
This conversation was overheard by an attendant who began to spread malicious gossip, claiming Xie Xiaoman was only interested in Zhao Xiaoqian's power, had been involved in a "frivolous scandal," and, most offensively, disparaging Zhao Xiaoqian's late brother by referencing his death at the Emperor's hands. Enraged, Zhao Xiaoqian attacked the attendant. Xie Xiaoman rushed out to stop him, reminding him it was a wedding.
Zhao Xiaoqian, still upset by her earlier comments about their "contract," retorted, "The wedding means nothing. You still do not admit we're husband and wife anyway. You still insisted on cutting ties with me!" He then coldly apologized to the villagers, citing his brother's death anniversary as the cause of his foul mood, before leaving. Later, the groom informed Xie Xiaoman that Zhao Xiaoqian had been wearing white mourning clothes beneath his garments, highlighting his presence despite his grief.
Learning that the attendant had spoken ill of the Duke of Yongguo, Xie Xiaoman became furious, kicked the man herself, and instructed the village chief to further punish him on behalf of the Commandery Prince's mansion. She then departed to pursue Zhao Xiaoqian.
Learning that Zhao Xiaoqian's master, General Xu, was stationed at the nearby Xiongjie Camp, Xie Xiaoman borrowed a cart and went there alone, determined to uncover the truth behind the Duke of Yongguo's death and Zhao Xiaoqian's suffering. At the camp, she introduced herself as the Commandery Prince's concubine, seeking an audience with Grand Commandant Xu. The general, unimpressed by her status as a mere concubine, initially dismissed her, scoffing at her audacity to question matters of state.
Undeterred, Xie Xiaoman declared she would not leave without answers and, to prove her worth, offered herself as bait to help capture the bandits plaguing the region. Back at the mansion, Zhao Xiaoqian, having initially decided to join Yan Boyang for a cricket fight at Xiaozhangtai, had a change of heart. He learned from his servant that Xie Xiaoman had gone to Xiongjie Camp.
Simultaneously, a notice from the local magistrate warned him to avoid leaving the city due to recent bandit activity. Fearing for Xie Xiaoman's safety, Zhao Xiaoqian immediately prepared his horse and rushed towards Xiongjie Camp. Meanwhile, at Xiaozhangtai, Yan Boyang, impatient for Zhao Xiaoqian's arrival, began his cricket match. Xu Shu, seizing the opportunity for revenge, challenged him to a high-stakes match, adding fifty strings of cash to the bet and daring Yan Boyang to participate.
Egged on by the crowd, Yan Boyang, despite his servant's warnings, accepted the challenge, confident in Zhao Xiaoqian's impending arrival with his prize cricket. However, Yan Boyang ultimately lost. Xu Shu relentlessly mocked him, calling him a "mere dog" to the Commandery Prince and suggesting he was "less than a dog." Enraged, Yan Boyang attempted to retaliate but was outnumbered and overpowered.
Xu Shu then forced him to put his thumbprint on a debt receipt, threatening to submit it to the magistrate within three days if the payment wasn't made, citing the Emperor's recent crackdown on corrupt officials. On a desolate road, Xie Xiaoman was ambushed by bandits. Just as they surrounded her, Zhao Xiaoqian arrived, shooting one of them with an arrow and quickly dispatching the rest. General Xu's troops then arrived to apprehend the captured bandits.
General Xu revealed to Zhao Xiaoqian that Xie Xiaoman had voluntarily offered herself as bait, driven by her concern for Zhao Xiaoqian's torment over the Duke of Yongguo's death and her desire to know what she could do to help him. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian took Xie Xiaoman for a quiet meal of noodles.
He reminisced about his older brother, who would always find him food when he was hungry as a child, including a delicious bowl of noodles just like the one they were eating. He then led her to a rooftop, a place his older brother would take him to when he was upset.
Zhao Xiaoqian recounted their childhood, their entry into the palace where their parents became "royal uncle" and aunt, and how their esteemed status meant they could no longer openly express their feelings, instead writing them on kites.
He shared the harrowing tale of his brother's long illness during a harsh, snowy winter, the Empress's budget cuts that left them without charcoal, and his desperate attempts to steal warmth for his brother, ultimately leading to his brother's lonely death at a young age in Wude Palace. Xie Xiaoman comforted him, urging him to move past his grief, assuring him his brother would want him to live happily.
Zhao Xiaoqian then asked Xie Xiaoman why she had gone to Xiongjie Camp, sensing it was for his sake. She admitted she had noticed his recent gloominess and irritability, believing it stemmed from the Duke of Yongguo's death. She wanted to understand what had happened so she could help him "move on." Finally, Zhao Xiaoqian asked about the lantern that had caused so much misunderstanding.
Xie Xiaoman explained that she had given the lantern to Li Su to pass to Courtesan Zhu during their emotional farewell, a desperate act to stop Courtesan Zhu's departing carriage. She admitted to buying another lantern later, fearing Zhao Xiaoqian's anger. Zhao Xiaoqian, realizing the misunderstanding, laughed, calling her "silly," and the tension between them finally dissolved.
However, their moment of reconciliation on the rooftop was interrupted by news of a noble guest arriving at the Commandery Prince's mansion: Shen Zhaowen. Servants gossiped that Shen Zhaowen, also known as Lingniang, was the daughter of a prominent capital official, a goddaughter of the Empress, and had been granted the title of County Princess Rong'an. She had grown up with Zhao Xiaoqian, and many speculated they had once shared a romantic connection. The servants worried this new arrival would challenge Xie Xiaoman's position, but Xie Xiaoman, with a new purpose, declared she had "matters to attend to" and left.
Episode 16 Recap
Xie Xiaoman approached Zhao Xiaoqian, explaining that Minggu told her the upcoming Dance of Nuo ritual, involving masked sword-wielding and prayers to be heard by the deceased, offered a unique opportunity. She asked to borrow the Helu, hoping to use it to speak with her late brother-in-law. Zhao Xiaoqian was visibly stunned when she referred to his brother as "brother-in-law," but he eventually agreed.
He later expressed his disbelief and happiness to Liangji, remarking on how she called his brother "brother-in-law." Teacher Liu then introduced Shen Zhaowen (Lingniang) to Jingnv Pavilion, announcing her as a new classmate. Shen Zhaowen gracefully introduced herself, expressing her pleasure to learn alongside everyone. Teacher Liu informed the class that with the civil examinations approaching, it was Jingnv Pavilion's turn to prepare the Dance of Nuo, specifically the Dance of Prince of Lanling.
As no etiquette courses had been held this year, Director Xu decided the ladies would learn etiquette while practicing the Nuo Dance with a coach. When Teacher Liu asked for volunteers to lead the dance, Xie Xiaoman promptly volunteered, but Shen Zhaowen also stepped forward. Teacher Liu decided both would practice, and the best would be chosen. Xie Ruying immediately praised Shen Zhaowen, stating that having grown up in the palace, Shen Zhaowen was naturally proficient in such matters.
Shen Zhaowen's arrival in Wujiang Prefecture was also revealed to have been announced in the capital, as she is Shen Yan's sister. During a chess lesson, Zhao Xiaoqian demonstrated a winning strategy emphasizing letting go of obsession and using distraction to create new opportunities. After the game, Zhong Ziyan noticed Yan Boyang's absence from class, but Zhao Xiaoqian seemed unconcerned, questioning what good Yan Boyang could be up to.
Zhao Xiaoqian then asked Zhong Ziyan if Liangji had previously served under the Minister of Rites, hinting at wanting Liangji's help with the Nuo Dance, presumably to assist Xie Xiaoman. Zhong Ziyan affirmed Liangji's past role and promised to arrange things, though Zhao Xiaoqian downplayed his eagerness. After class, Minggu warned Xie Xiaoman that Shen Zhaowen harbored ulterior motives and was trying to outshine her.
She cautioned Xie Xiaoman to be wary, reminding her of Shen Zhaowen's past with Zhao Xiaoqian and the potential for old feelings to rekindle. Just then, Shen Zhaowen approached them, stating she had heard of Xie Xiaoman in the capital and regretting their brief encounter with Hanchen (Zhao Xiaoqian). Inquiring about Hanchen's whereabouts, Shen Zhaowen then requested to accompany Xie Xiaoman to the Commandery Prince's mansion.
She claimed she needed to consult Hanchen about the Dance of Prince of Lanling, which she had performed for him as a child, and thought it would be a good opportunity to learn alongside Xie Xiaoman. At the Commandery Prince's mansion, Liangji was demonstrating parts of the Nuo Opera, explaining its historical significance and various forms, including the Dance of Prince of Lanling.
As Zhao Xiaoqian watched, Shen Zhaowen arrived, rushing past Xie Xiaoman to greet Zhao Xiaoqian with familiar affection. She informed him that she was now a student at Jingnv Pavilion and Xie Xiaoman's classmate. She then recalled their childhood memories of performing the Nuo Dance in the palace, reminding him how he had guided her, and asking him to teach her again, subtly boasting of their shared past.
Seeing Shen Zhaowen's overly familiar behavior, Zhao Xiaoqian presented the Helu, a sword belonging to his late brother Xiaojie, to Xie Xiaoman, stating it was for her to use in the dance. Xie Xiaoman, visibly upset by Shen Zhaowen's actions, thanked him and left angrily, stating she would practice alone.
Shen Zhaowen, speaking with her maid, was surprised Zhao Xiaoqian so readily gave the Helu to Xie Xiaoman and expressed frustration that Xie Xiaoman was more difficult to deal with than anticipated, wondering what "enticement" Xie Xiaoman used to captivate Zhao Xiaoqian. Her maid suggested that women of lower birth might use "licentious" methods, which men often found irresistible.
Shen Zhaowen then revealed she had overheard from her brother's lackey, Xu Shu, that Zhao Xiaoqian's study partner, Yan Boyang, owed Xu Shu a significant gambling debt, and began to scheme. Yan Boyang's father furiously confronted him, having learned from his teacher that Yan Boyang had been skipping the academy to frequent the brothel. His father lambasted him, particularly because the Personnel Commissioner was currently in Wujiang Prefecture investigating corrupted officials, and Yan Boyang's behavior jeopardized his father's reputation.
Yan Boyang's mother tried to intercede, but his father blamed her for spoiling him. Enraged, Yan Boyang retorted that he was nothing compared to his older brother, who had passed the civil examination at twenty and whose birthdays were celebrated lavishly. He bitterly pointed out that no one remembered his birthday was tomorrow, nor did they care that he wished for his mother's longevity noodles.
Declaring that he would no longer be the "second son of the Yan Family," he stormed out. His mother then realized it truly was his birthday. As Yan Boyang left his mansion, Xu Shu apprehended him and his men forcibly took him away. Xu Shu then threatened Yan Boyang with his gambling debts, warning that with the Personnel Commissioner investigating corrupted officials in Wujiang Prefecture, revealing Yan Boyang's transgressions would implicate his father, regardless of his father's integrity.
He also implied that Zhao Xiaoqian, as an exiled prince, would be powerless to help. Xu Shu then explicitly demanded that Yan Boyang acquire the Helu. While the ladies of Jingnv Pavilion practiced the Nuo Dance, Xie Ruying made snide remarks towards Xie Xiaoman. Earlier, a man working for Xu Shu informed him that Xie Xiaoman would be bringing the Helu to the academy, instructing him to take action.
During a break, Zhao Xiaoqian, unaware that it was Yan Boyang's birthday, was then informed by a servant that Yan Boyang's father wished for him and Zhong Ziyan to attend a small birthday celebration for Yan Boyang after class. Back at the practice, Shen Zhaowen used a real sword, while Xie Xiaoman used a wicker branch, prompting the instructor to remind her to use the proper prop if she wished to excel.
Xie Ruying continued to taunt Xie Xiaoman, suggesting she was beneath Shen Zhaowen due to her common background. Minggu defended Xie Xiaoman, turning the insults back on Xie Ruying by exposing her feelings for a senior student. Amidst the argument, Xie Xiaoman and Minggu decided to go retrieve the Helu. On their way, Xie Xiaoman explained to Minggu that she had been hesitant to use the Helu during practice because of how much Zhao Xiaoqian treasured it.
Upon returning to the pavilion, they discovered the Helu was missing. Zhao Xiaoqian then arrived, inviting them to Yan Boyang's birthday celebration. Xie Xiaoman, distraught over the lost Helu, refused the invitation without explaining why, and quickly left with Minggu to search for the sword. Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhong Ziyan arrived at Yan Boyang's mansion to find Yan Boyang trying to avoid them, but they insisted on celebrating his birthday.
Zhao Xiaoqian sincerely apologized for forgetting, and then read aloud a heartfelt letter from Yan Boyang's father, Yan Nengfu, expressing regret and encouraging his son to pursue virtue. Yan Boyang's mother then presented him with longevity noodles. Zhao Xiaoqian gifted Yan Boyang a fine stallion from Dayuan, which Yan Boyang clearly appreciated. During the celebration, Yan Boyang quietly apologized to Zhao Xiaoqian.
Meanwhile, Xie Xiaoman and Minggu searched frantically throughout Jingnv Pavilion for the Helu, but after failing to find it, Xie Xiaoman decided she had to inform Zhao Xiaoqian. Earlier, Zhao Xiaoqian, perplexed by Xie Xiaoman's recent moodiness, asked Liangji if she was still in the Lotus Garden. Liangji suggested that Xie Xiaoman might be jealous of Shen Zhaowen's arrival and the attention she received from Zhao Xiaoqian.
Later, Xie Xiaoman knelt outside Zhao Xiaoqian's room, confessing that she had lost the Helu and begging for punishment. Zhao Xiaoqian tried to get her to stand, but she insisted on taking the blame. Zhu Momo arrived, scolding Xie Xiaoman harshly for losing the Duke of Yongguo's relic and ordering servants to seize her. As Xie Xiaoman desperately tried to speak with Zhao Xiaoqian, he angrily pulled her into his room.
She continued to confess her fault, insisting it was hers alone, and urged him not to be constrained by the sword or the "ruthless palace" that had haunted his dreams since his brother's death, a detail Liangji had shared with her. Zhu Momo again demanded to handle Xie Xiaoman, but Zhao Xiaoqian, visibly agitated, ordered everyone to stay out of his business. He instructed the servants to drag her away, but ultimately intervened, commanding them to let Xie Xiaoman leave.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian's mother petitioned the Empress, expressing her willingness for Zhao Xiaoqian to marry Shen Zhaowen, even if it meant he lived under the Shen family's surveillance, just to bring him back to the capital. The Empress agreed to arrange the marriage. Back at the Su family residence, a distraught and weeping Xie Xiaoman arrived after failing to find the Helu. Lady Su tried to comfort her, asking what had happened.
Zhao Xiaoqian, deeply troubled, ordered Liangji to find Arms Instructor Qin and command him to search every corner of Wujiang Prefecture, leaving no stone unturned, until the Helu was found. Zhao Xiaoqian was then consumed by a painful memory from a winter long ago. News of the Empress's miscarriage of a young prince spread, leading to reduced provisions for all palaces.
In the bitter cold, with charcoal supplies cut off and his brother gravely ill, Zhao Xiaoqian's brother offered his fur mantel for warmth, but Zhao Xiaoqian, fearing for his brother, secretly went to find charcoal. He managed to get some from Ruisi Palace, but his brother gently chastised him for stealing, reminding him of their principles.
His brother then told him he might not be able to stay with him much longer, urging Zhao Xiaoqian to leave the palace and go to where he truly belonged. He emphasized that Zhao Xiaoqian should never return, no matter who called him back, as he was meant for leading armies and finding freedom in a broader world. Despite Zhao Xiaoqian's desperate pleas, his brother passed away.
The painful memory faded, replaced by the words of his master, echoing his brother's sentiment. His master questioned how long Zhao Xiaoqian intended to hide in Wujiang Prefecture, urging him not to let his talents rust away. He revealed that Chancellor Qin had secured His Majesty's approval for Zhao Xiaoqian to go to Zhending Prefecture in three months. With His Majesty planning to conquer the strategic Baichuankou, his master stressed that this was Zhao Xiaoqian's sole chance to earn merits and fulfill his ambitions.
Episode 17 Recap
Xie Xiaoman was consumed by self-blame after misplacing Helu, believing the fault was entirely hers. Minggu tried to console her, assuring her that all the employees of Su Chang Chi had been dispatched to search for the sword, confident they would find it given their family's standing. However, Xie Xiaoman felt that if retrieving it were easy, Zhao Xiaoqian wouldn't have been so distraught. She insisted the incident was her mistake, preventable with more caution.
Minggu reminded her of the important selection ceremony for the main dancer that day, urging her to focus on being positive. Suddenly, they overheard people on the street discussing how Yan Boyang was gambling with Xu Shu at a brothel over a sword, losing heavily. Suspecting it might be Helu, Xie Xiaoman decided to go to the brothel first and asked Minggu to inform Zhao Xiaoqian.
Minggu worried that Xie Xiaoman would miss the selection and lose to Shen Zhaowen, but Xie Xiaoman clarified that her purpose was never to win against Shen Zhaowen, urging Minggu to hurry and get help. At the brothel, Yan Boyang had already lost everything and failed to reclaim Helu. He attempted to challenge Xu Shu again, but Xu Shu mocked his empty pockets and refused further bets, turning to leave.
Xie Xiaoman intervened, offering her Hetian Jade hairpin from the Commandery Prince's Mansion as a new stake. Xu Shu scoffed at her, a mere lady, wanting to gamble. He then demanded she drink an entire jar of Meishou Wine before he would consider gambling, adding that his decision to wager Helu depended on his mood. Xie Xiaoman boldly accepted and quickly drank the wine.
In her drunken state, she lashed out at Xu Shu, accusing him of framing Yan Boyang to get to her, and vowing to settle the score. Xie Xiaoman then offered a new wager to Xu Shu: if she won, she would reclaim Helu and Xu Shu would have to kowtow three times to her husband, Zhao Xiaoqian; if she lost, she would kowtow to him. The crowd urged Xu Shu to accept.
He rolled the dice and scored four points, but Xie Xiaoman, in a stunning turn, rolled a rare winning combination that scored five points, securing her the win. She triumphantly demanded Xu Shu honor the bet and apologize to Zhao Xiaoqian. As Xu Shu tried to renege, Zhao Xiaoqian arrived, having been informed by Minggu. Faced with the Commandery Prince, Xu Shu was compelled to kneel, return Helu, and the money he had won.
Before leaving, Zhao Xiaoqian ordered Xu Shu to tell his master, Shen Yan, to meet him that night. He then carried the inebriated Xie Xiaoman back to the mansion. A physician confirmed she was only suffering from the effects of Meishou Wine, which was not serious, and would recover. Zhao Xiaoqian tenderly cared for Xiaoman in her room, affectionately calling her "rascal" and expressing his concern that she might miss the selection. He suggested she could dance for him instead.
Later, Yan Boyang approached Zhao Xiaoqian, apologizing for taking Helu, especially knowing its significance and that it was with Xie Xiaoman. Zhao Xiaoqian responded by punching him once, then declared the matter closed, forbidding anyone from mentioning it again. Meanwhile, Shen Yan confronted Shen Zhaowen at the academy, having learned from Xu Shu that she was behind the theft of Helu.
He furiously chastised her for resorting to such "lowly methods" and reminded her of Zhao Xiaoqian’s deep emotional attachment to Helu, linked to his brother's passing. Shen Zhaowen angrily retorted that Shen Yan, who left home as a teenager, knew nothing of her struggles.
She explained that if Zhao Xiaoqian did not marry her, she would be forced into the palace to serve His Majesty, becoming a tool for the Empress to compete against Noble Consort Zhang, all for Shen Yan's political future. Shen Yan was taken aback by her revelation, stating he never intended for his aspirations to be built on his sister's sacrifice.
Her maid further inflamed Shen Zhaowen's resolve, arguing she shouldn't lose to Xie Xiaoman, who "crawled into His Highness' bed first," asserting that "it's every man for himself." Realizing the marriage with Zhao Xiaoqian was fast approaching, Shen Zhaowen resolved not to give up and ordered her Dance of Nuo costume, determined to assert her status as Commandery Princess Rong'an. That evening, Zhao Xiaoqian and Shen Yan engaged in a spar.
Shen Yan questioned why Zhao Xiaoqian, who hadn't used a sword in years, had changed. Zhao Xiaoqian replied that someone told him "if you do not treat a wound, it'd remain there forever," and he wished to uncover it. He recalled once losing to Shen Yan and His Majesty saying his heart was "unsettled." After his brother's death, he abandoned the sword for a bow, a choice Shen Yan had also questioned.
Now, Zhao Xiaoqian declared that since he had "wielded the Helu again, nobody will be able to take it away from me." Shen Yan warned that "the capital has its eyes on us," and they could not escape their destinies. He pointed out that Shen Zhaowen's visit was tied to Zhao Xiaoqian's marriage contract, suggesting he couldn't simply deny it.
Zhao Xiaoqian firmly stated he would not marry Shen Zhaowen and refused to acknowledge the marriage, then decisively won the spar. Later, Shen Zhaowen performed the Dance of Nuo at Bailu Academy, garnering widespread praise. Separately, Xie Xiaoman performed a ceremonial Dance of Nuo outdoors for Zhao Xiaoqian. She recited a poignant message to his deceased brother, praising Zhao Xiaoqian's filial piety and dedication to his brother's legacy, and expressed her shared joys and sorrows with him.
After her performance, Zhao Xiaoqian confessed his deep affection, revealing three wishes: for Xiaoman's well-being, for his own long life, and for Xiaoman to love him and be with him forever. He spoke of wanting to share his life with her, to write, watch clouds, eat her cakes, wear her clothes, and grow old together, then gently kissed her. As the civil examinations approached, Principal Yang announced a trip to Mount Kunyan Temple for blessings.
Teacher Liu informed the interested ladies to sign up with Director Xu. Xie Xiaoman and Minggu decided to go. Meanwhile, at Mount Kunyan Temple, a Mr. Li, who had been residing there to compose and drink, informed the abbot he was returning to the capital to take the civil examination, dismissing his writings as worthless. The abbot advised him to let go of attachments. As they spoke, a gust of wind scattered his manuscripts, which he accepted as "heaven's will."
Back at the academy, Minggu playfully teased Xie Xiaoman about her growing affections for Zhao Xiaoqian, noting that everyone else was aware of Zhao Xiaoqian's feelings. Shen Zhaowen, overhearing their conversation, made a disdainful remark about "noble daughters not mingling with peasant households." Zhao Xiaoqian found Xie Xiaoman reading in her room and pressed her for an answer to his confession. When she tried to avoid him, he pulled her close.
He mentioned Zhu Momo's constant complaints about their unconsummated marriage and suggested he stay in her room that night to silence the nanny. Blushing, Xie Xiaoman agreed to give him her answer when they reached Lake Nanming at Mount Kunyan Temple. Zhao Xiaoqian left, delighted. On the journey to Mount Kunyan Temple, Minggu continued to tease Xie Xiaoman about being "smitten by love."
Xie Xiaoman denied it, but when challenged to list Zhao Xiaoqian's flaws, she could only say he was fierce and yelled at her, quickly adding it was always for her own good. She then called him a "lecher" but hesitated to elaborate further. Separately, Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhong Ziyan discussed his impending marriage to Shen Zhaowen.
Zhao Xiaoqian reiterated his refusal to marry her and asked Zhong Ziyan not to inform Xiaoman until he had resolved the matter, though Zhong Ziyan warned of the difficulties of resisting the arrangement. Minggu urged Xie Xiaoman to accept Zhao Xiaoqian's feelings soon, fearing Shen Zhaowen might seize the opportunity. Reflecting on the Helu incident, Xie Xiaoman suspected Shen Zhaowen orchestrated its theft, deducing that Xu Shu, as Shen Yan's subordinate, would have no reason to steal Helu unless instructed.
She concluded that Shen Zhaowen knew Helu's importance to Zhao Xiaoqian and intended to use its theft to drive Xie Xiaoman away. Minggu was shocked by Shen Zhaowen's cunning and vowed to confront her at the temple. At Mount Kunyan Temple, Director Xu began distributing room plaques. Zhao Xiaoqian promptly declared that he and "Lady Xie" would share a room, publicly pulling a protesting Xie Xiaoman away.
She insisted she and Minggu had important matters to investigate, but Zhao Xiaoqian maintained that as husband and wife, they must share a room. He ignored her pleas, even when she reminded him they were on holy ground, and embraced her as she nearly stumbled.
Episode 18 Recap
Minggu, filled with righteous anger, intended to confront Shen Zhaowen. Along the way, she was followed by Yan Boyang, who tried to distract her by suggesting they go to the back mountain to pluck cassia twigs. Minggu, however, was resolute in her purpose. Yan Boyang, noticing her necklace, exclaimed about its beauty, recognizing it as "Naga Pearls of the Eastern Sea" and remarking, "Good pearls match good people." Minggu clarified it was a family heirloom from her mother.
When Minggu insisted she needed to go, dismissing Yan Boyang's attempt to join her by saying, "It involves resentment between women. Go elsewhere," he still tagged along. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian had taken Xie Xiaoman to Lake Nanming, hoping to speak to her more freely as it was less crowded than earlier. He expressed his deep feelings, sharing that he never imagined falling in love. Xie Xiaoman entered his life, a carefree girl from the countryside, completely different from him.
He felt she had "supernatural powers" because, before her, his heart had never felt "so alive." He admitted his selfishness, wishing she would always stay by his side so his life wouldn't be "so lifeless anymore." Before he could say more, a small monk interrupted them with urgent news: a fight had broken out in the main hall, and Lady Shen was injured.
Inside the Buddhist hall, Shen Zhaowen had just finished praying for a happy marriage with Zhao Xiaoqian when Minggu stormed in, questioning if Shen Zhaowen had done anything against her conscience. Shen Zhaowen's maid immediately defended her mistress and demanded evidence. Minggu directly accused Shen Zhaowen of orchestrating Xu Shu's theft of the Helu to frame Xie Xiaoman. She pointed out that everyone in Wujiang Prefecture knew Xu Shu was associated with the Shen family.
The maid retorted, insulting Minggu and Xie Xiaoman, calling them "vulgar" and "dirty losers," and asserted that Xie Xiaoman didn't "deserve" Shen Zhaowen's malice. Losing her temper, Minggu called Yan Boyang to assist. While Yan Boyang grappled with the maid, Minggu physically confronted Shen Zhaowen. During their struggle, a jade bottle, Principal Yang's offering, was shattered.
Shen Zhaowen then stepped on Minggu's pearl necklace, which had fallen to the floor, causing her to slip, hit her head on a table, and lose consciousness. Upon Zhao Xiaoqian's arrival, he quickly carried the unconscious Shen Zhaowen away to find a physician. Director Xu intervened, trying to calm the situation. Xie Ruying exaggerated, claiming Minggu had provoked the incident and pushed Shen Zhaowen.
Shen Zhaowen's maid, brandishing her mistress's title as Commandery Princess Rong'an, warned Director Xu of severe consequences if anything went wrong. Minggu, though, stood her ground, declaring, "I'll be responsible for my own actions. I started the fight, but Lady Shen incidentally stepped on the pearls, fell on the floor and got hurt. Am I also responsible for that? At most, I'll let you hit me back."
Xie Xiaoman then stepped forward, apologizing on Minggu's behalf and promising that the Su family would bear all medical and recuperation costs. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian, after ensuring Shen Zhaowen was being attended to, wanted to check on Xie Xiaoman, but Shen Zhaowen clung to him, pleading, "Hanchen, can you keep me company for a while? I'm a little scared." She evoked their childhood, insisting he stay by her side.
Zhao Xiaoqian, torn, told her he would ask Zipei to keep her company, but Shen Zhaowen adamantly refused. Xie Xiaoman then walked in, seeing Zhao Xiaoqian by Shen Zhaowen's bedside, and politely asked him to step out. Once they were alone, Xie Xiaoman confronted Shen Zhaowen directly about the Helu. Shen Zhaowen, after some prodding, admitted her involvement in its theft.
Xie Xiaoman observed that while people in the Commandery Prince's Mansion wanted Shen Zhaowen and Zhao Xiaoqian to marry, Zhao Xiaoqian himself did not. Shen Zhaowen retorted that it had nothing to do with Xie Xiaoman, whom she called a "concubine," and accused her of being full of herself.
Shen Zhaowen then dropped a bombshell: a memorial for her marriage with Zhao Xiaoqian was already being prepared in the capital, and Zhao Xiaoqian had known about it all along but never told Xie Xiaoman. She cruelly suggested that Xie Xiaoman held little importance to him and advised her to leave Zhao Xiaoqian now to avoid a more ignominious fate later, like becoming a nun in an ancestral temple.
As Shen Zhaowen's maid came in to end the conversation, Xie Xiaoman reiterated her apology for Minggu's actions. Shen Zhaowen coolly accepted, telling her only to tell Minggu to be more careful, and the maid ushered Xie Xiaoman out. After Xie Xiaoman's departure, Shen Zhaowen instructed her maid to quickly investigate Xie Xiaoman's background and press Princess Consort Pu in the capital to hasten the imperial decree for her marriage.
Xie Xiaoman, deeply upset, tried to avoid Zhao Xiaoqian, but he caught up to her, asking what was wrong. She directly questioned him about his engagement to Shen Zhaowen. Zhao Xiaoqian, visibly distressed, confirmed it was true but promised, "I definitely won't agree to it. Believe me, okay? I can solve this." Xie Xiaoman, hurt, questioned how he would solve an "imperial order from the capital" and accused him of lying and keeping secrets.
Zhao Xiaoqian explained that he had feared this day since he married her. As the Commandery Prince of Julu, his mind was consumed by her, even to the point of defying an imperial order. He lied because he didn't want her to worry, to overthink, or to leave him, emphasizing, "I really like you, Xiaoman." Xie Xiaoman, however, was skeptical. " You like me?" she asked, highlighting the imperial order that bound him to Shen Zhaowen.
She felt like a "small object" in their relationship, to be "coaxed" when liked and "discarded" when not. She accused him of mere "possession," not love, and questioned how she could possibly trust him. With that, she turned and left, leaving Zhao Xiaoqian calling out her name.
Later, a monk spoke to a seemingly distraught Zhao Xiaoqian about the insignificance of humans in the vast universe yet the nobility of human spirit, contemplating the nature of attachment and the choice to let go. Suddenly, an earthquake rocked Kunyan Temple. Director Xu frantically took a headcount, discovering that Zhao Xiaoqian and Yan Boyang were missing. Shen Zhaowen, asserting her authority as Commandery Princess Rong'an, insisted on leading a search party for Zhao Xiaoqian.
Xie Xiaoman also desperately wanted to go, but Director Xu tried to stop her, deeming her a "headache" like Shen Zhaowen. Li Su then offered to accompany Xie Xiaoman, reassuring Director Xu that they would be fine, and they set off. Meanwhile, Minggu searched for Yan Boyang in the Buddhist hall, finding him huddled under a table. Yan Boyang explained he was hiding there because his mother had taught him it was the safest place during an earthquake.
He then retrieved Minggu's heirloom pearl necklace, which had fallen during the earlier scuffle, explaining he knew it was precious and should not be lost, as she might want to pass it to her future daughter. Minggu was touched to tears, realizing he had risked his life to find her necklace despite her earlier harsh words, calling him an "idiot." Xie Xiaoman and Li Su eventually found Zhao Xiaoqian. Moments later, Shen Zhaowen also arrived, having sprained her ankle.
As Zhao Xiaoqian helped her, Shen Zhaowen leaned into him, declaring, "Hanchen, I've always liked you. I've been thinking every day when we'll get married." She then looked pointedly at Xie Xiaoman and Li Su, adding, "Who would've thought he's actually liked by someone? I was wrong about him," aiming to provoke Xie Xiaoman. Zhao Xiaoqian then carried Shen Zhaowen back. As Xie Xiaoman turned to leave, a book fell from her hands.
Li Su picked it up and found a note inside expressing her desire to see the Queen of the Night flower, known to bloom only for a few hours at night between summer and autumn. Knowing the mountain well from his long stay, Li Su offered to take her. They soon found the rare blooms. Xie Xiaoman, though acknowledging their beauty, still felt a deep sadness.
In the city, Zhao Xiaoqian stumbled upon a "touhu" game and noticed the pot was rigged with black beans to prevent winning. He exposed the trick, leading the dishonest stall owner to call for backup. Zhao Xiaoqian easily subdued the aggressive men, identifying them as army deserters. Coincidentally, Mr. Qin, the arms instructor, arrived in the city to report on military supplies and promptly arrested the deserters. Zhong Ziyan questioned Zhao Xiaoqian about his unusually aggressive behavior.
Zhao Xiaoqian, explaining that desertion was a capital offense, then confided that Xie Xiaoman had learned about his engagement with Shen Zhaowen. He decided to seek help from Principal Yang, hoping to get an official title conferred upon Xie Xiaoman. However, Principal Yang showed him a letter indicating that the Prince Pu's Mansion's marriage alliance with the Shen family was already well-known in the capital, and the imperial palace had effectively given its approval.
Back at Jingnv Pavilion, Teacher Liu, discussing an upcoming assignment about future aspirations, noted that Xie Xiaoman had not yet submitted hers. Xie Xiaoman explained her difficulty in finding a clear direction and requested more time. Li Su, having decided not to participate in the spring imperial examination and to remain a teacher, advised Xie Xiaoman. He mentioned that Teacher Liu was considering appointing female historians and thought highly of Xie Xiaoman, urging her to apply herself.
Referencing the story of Jiufang Gao and the Horse, Li Su advised Xie Xiaoman not to judge things merely by appearances or believe only one side of a story but to seek clarification. He then invited her to accompany him to the city's outskirts the following afternoon, promising she would understand his reasons upon arrival. Meanwhile, Xie Xiaoman's mother brought her another plump hen, pressing her to have a son soon to secure her status in the Commandery Prince's Mansion. Upset, Xie Xiaoman accused her mother of "selling" her and lamented being brought to Wujiang Prefecture in the first place.
Episode 19 Recap
Principal Yang informed Zhao Xiaoqian that the capital now knew of the renewed marriage alliance between Prince Pu's Mansion and the Shen family, and the imperial palace had approved it. Zhao Xiaoqian questioned why the Empress would agree, to which Principal Yang explained that the Shen family was allied with the Empress, and marrying their daughter would place Zhao Xiaoqian under her control in the capital.
Zhao Xiaoqian declared his refusal to marry Shen Zhaowen, stating his sole intention was to have Xie Xiaoman conferred as Noble Lady Wuguo. He asked Principal Yang, the only person in Wujiang Prefecture not controlled by the Prince's Mansion, to submit a memorial on his behalf, confident that Shen Zunfu would reconsider entrusting his daughter after seeing it.
Principal Yang, acknowledging Zhao Xiaoqian's resolve to defy Prince Pu's Mansion, regretfully said he couldn't help directly, as submitting such a memorial was beyond his authority. However, he suggested Zhao Xiaoqian seek assistance from Duke Teng of Tongzhou, who had resigned from his position and was free from political constraints, indicating that Duke Teng's involvement would significantly improve Zhao Xiaoqian's chances. Zhao Xiaoqian thanked Principal Yang, who wished him well and remarked on his high ambitions.
Zhao Xiaoqian then informed Zhong Ziyan that he would not be able to accompany him to the autumn imperial exam as he needed to travel quickly to Tongzhou, and Zhong Ziyan understood, wishing him to take care. Feeling dispirited about Zhao Xiaoqian's impending marriage to Shen Zhaowen, Xie Xiaoman encountered her childhood friend Ming Yue on the street. Ming Yue was bruised and seeking help.
Xie Xiaoman took Ming Yue back to the mansion, where Ming Yue tearfully recounted how, after Xie Xiaoman left, her family's poor harvest and her brother's illness forced them to marry her off to a man in Wujiang Prefecture. The matchmaker had promised a wealthy family, but her husband turned out to be a local hooligan who regularly beat her.
Ming Yue expressed her desire to return home, but then refused Xie Xiaoman’s offer of money, fearing her husband wouldn't let her go and that she would only be a burden or an "old maid" if she returned. Despite Xie Xiaoman’s reassurances, Ming Yue insisted on leaving, unwilling to implicate her friend. Meanwhile, Zheng Hai, the hooligan and husband of Ming Yue, was frustrated with Ming Yue for failing to bring Xie Xiaoman to him.
He was motivated by a desire to rescue his brother, Huang Liu, who was facing execution, and to get revenge on Zhao Xiaoqian. Originally, Zheng Hai planned to kidnap Zhao Xiaoqian from Bailu Academy for a "life for a life" exchange. However, upon learning that Zhao Xiaoqian was not in Wujiang Prefecture, Zheng Hai changed his strategy to target Zhao Xiaoqian's concubine, Xie Xiaoman, to exploit his perceived weakness.
Xie Xiaoman, Minggu, and Yan Boyang were among those who saw Zhong Ziyan off for his autumn imperial exam. A young woman gave Zhong Ziyan a cicada for good luck, hoping he would achieve the top rank. After Zhong Ziyan entered the hall, Minggu tried to reassure a troubled Xie Xiaoman about Zhao Xiaoqian's recent preoccupations, suggesting they could talk later.
Xie Xiaoman then departed to meet her Senior Brother Li, who had established a small private school in the mountain forest. Senior Brother Li invited Xie Xiaoman to teach the women a lesson from "Examples for Women." Instead of adhering to the traditional text, Xie Xiaoman taught the girls about having "high ambitions," like her own teacher Liu Huaiying had taught her.
She used a farmer's proverb to explain how women are often confined and undervalued, contrasting it with the freedom and ambition encouraged for men. She urged the girls to look forward, whether their ambition was to excel in academics or to grow large, sweet potatoes. Senior Brother Li praised her teaching, remarking that she truly seemed like a teacher who had found her own belief, unlike himself who had searched for years.
Xie Xiaoman admitted her confusion about her own future, especially concerning Zhao Xiaoqian. Senior Brother Li then recited a poem and revealed himself as the "Lunatic of Wild Dreams Hall," the author of the book Xie Xiaoman had found. He thanked her, explaining that reading and understanding his book had encouraged him to stay in Wujiang Prefecture and reconnect with his original ambition to live authentically, rather than getting entangled in his father's generation's affairs.
Xie Xiaoman, delighted to have inspired him, expressed her anticipation for his next book. Senior Brother Li affirmed that her support gave him confidence to move forward. Xie Xiaoman then sought his advice about a friend who wished to advance but feared societal gossip, asking if she should help her. Senior Brother Li advised her to trust her own judgment. A maid, sent by Shen Zhaowen, invited Xie Xiaoman to a public area where Xie Xiaoman's mother was working.
Shen Zhaowen confronted Xie Xiaoman, mockingly asserting that despite Zhao Xiaoqian's reluctance to marry her, Xie Xiaoman would never become his legitimate wife. She declared that the imperial palace in the capital had already approved her marriage to Zhao Xiaoqian. Shen Zhaowen’s maid then deliberately harassed Xie Xiaoman's mother, causing her to spill tea and prompting a humble apology from Xie Xiaoman's mother.
Shen Zhaowen continued to taunt Xie Xiaoman, questioning her status and lineage, claiming that Zhao Xiaoqian did not truly belong to her and that her son would call her "little mother" instead of "mother." She also highlighted that Xie Xiaoman’s parents would always be considered inferior.
When Shen Zhaowen pressed further, suggesting that Zhao Xiaoqian's affection couldn't protect Xie Xiaoman from the powerful Princess Consort Pu, the Empress, or the imperial palace, Xie Xiaoman's mother, in desperation, offered a bracelet to Shen Zhaowen’s maid, pleading for her daughter’s well-being and a place in the Commandery Prince’s mansion.
After witnessing her mother's humiliation and hearing Shen Zhaowen’s continued insults about her inferior status, Xie Xiaoman delivered two forceful slaps to Shen Zhaowen—one for her mother and one for herself—before leaving the scene. Zhao Xiaoqian visited Duke Teng, presenting a memorial and requesting his assistance to have his concubine, Xie Xiaoman, conferred as Noble Lady Wuguo, explaining that he desired for his beloved to have a proper status despite potential gossip in Wujiang Prefecture.
He added that he intended never to marry a legal wife, wishing for a simple life with Xie Xiaoman and children, and promising to stay out of the capital's political turmoil. Duke Teng found Zhao Xiaoqian's plan naive, reminding him that while his affection for Xie Xiaoman was understandable, his identity dictated he would eventually have a wife, and prioritizing a concubine over a wife was a grave taboo.
Duke Teng questioned if Prince Pu's Mansion or the Emperor would permit such an arrangement, and whether Zhao Xiaoqian was prepared to defy an imperial order, warning that his insistence would ultimately harm Xie Xiaoman. He also urged Zhao Xiaoqian to reconsider his ambitions, asking if he truly wished to spend his life as a leisurely prince in Wujiang Prefecture, especially with the imminent battles at Baichuankou.
Zhao Xiaoqian boldly affirmed that he would do anything for Xie Xiaoman, even defy the imperial order. While searching for Ming Yue in the neighborhood, Xie Xiaoman was intercepted and kidnapped by Zheng Hai’s men, who took her to Zheng's Mansion. Ming Yue was already there, tearfully pleading with Zheng Hai to release Xie Xiaoman. Zheng Hai, confirming Xie Xiaoman's identity, expressed his long-held desire to confront her, threatening to disfigure her.
He then revealed his motive: to retaliate against Zhao Xiaoqian, who he blamed for the arrest and impending execution of his brother, Huang Liu, in seven days. Xie Xiaoman, however, calmly informed Zheng Hai that he had miscalculated; she was a concubine of little consequence in the Commandery Prince’s Mansion, and Zhao Xiaoqian would not risk himself for her. She warned that his actions would not save his brother but would instead endanger his remaining comrades.
Ming Yue, witnessing this, tearfully apologized to Xie Xiaoman for her involvement. Zheng Hai, enraged, slapped Xie Xiaoman and ordered his men to inform the Commandery Prince's Mansion to retrieve her the next day. Xie Xiaoman confronted Ming Yue about her betrayal, who again apologized, claiming she hadn't anticipated Xie Xiaoman's arrival. Liangji and the servants searched frantically for Xie Xiaoman, initially suspecting the Shen family.
Ming Yue then arrived at the Commandery Prince’s mansion, kneeling and confessing that Zheng Hai had kidnapped Xie Xiaoman to use her as leverage against Zhao Xiaoqian. Zhao Xiaoqian, who had just returned, immediately rushed to Zheng's mansion alone, despite warnings from Liangji that it was a trap. Inside, Zheng Hai taunted Xie Xiaoman, threatening her with violence and claiming Zhao Xiaoqian would never come. Zhao Xiaoqian burst in, demanding to know the terms for Xie Xiaoman's release.
Zheng Hai, still bitter from a previous confrontation, proposed that Zhao Xiaoqian allow himself to be beaten, and in return, he would release Xie Xiaoman and safely return Huang Liu, whom he claimed was falsely accused of desertion while attending his mother's funeral. Zhao Xiaoqian maintained that desertion was a capital offense and military law was justice.
However, when Zheng Hai accused him of valuing royal lives over commoners', Zhao Xiaoqian instructed Xie Xiaoman to close her eyes, promising to take her home, and then ordered Zheng Hai's men to beat him. While Zhao Xiaoqian endured the beating, Xie Xiaoman used a sharp tile shard to cut her ropes. She then knocked the knife out of Zheng Hai's hand, prompting Zhao Xiaoqian to pull her behind him and effortlessly subdue four of Zheng Hai's men.
Just as Zheng Hai grabbed an axe, Mr. Qin and his soldiers arrived, arresting Zheng Hai, his men, and Ming Yue. Zhao Xiaoqian bandaged Xie Xiaoman’s hand, telling her not to act alone in the future and that he would help her. Recognizing her friendship with Ming Yue, he offered to let her visit Ming Yue in prison. Zhao Xiaoqian visited Huang Liu and Zheng Hai in prison, stating he wasn't there for revenge but was intrigued by their actions.
He praised Huang Liu's past service, demonstrating detailed knowledge of the Shenwu Army, its history, and Huang Liu’s unit under General Meng Liang, highlighting the significant Battle of Heyuan where General Xu Zi led troops to reclaim Shun City. Zhao Xiaoqian contrasted Huang Liu’s desertion with his own lifelong dream of serving on the battlefield, expressing respect for Huang Liu's contributions to a national battle.
He offered Huang Liu a second chance: to join General Xu's army when it returned to Zhending in three months, urging him to reclaim his role as a true soldier instead of remaining a gangster. For Zheng Hai, Zhao Xiaoqian commended his loyalty to his brother and clear sense of right and wrong, but criticized his recklessness and frivolous behavior towards women.
He offered Zheng Hai the same opportunity to join the army with his comrades after serving three years of penal servitude. Zhao Xiaoqian challenged them to prove themselves worthy of "swans" with high ambitions, not "sparrows," and both Huang Liu and Zheng Hai pledged their allegiance by tossing their cups. Huang Liu, however, questioned why Zhao Xiaoqian, who clearly harbored such martial ambition, chose to remain confined to the small Wujiang Prefecture.
Episode 20 Recap
Xie Xiaoman spoke with Mingyue, who was distressed about her marriage to the abusive Zheng Hai. Mingyue confessed her uncertainty about the outcome of a divorce and lamented the unfair treatment of women. In response, Xie Xiaoman encouraged her, stating that the world treats women unfairly because they haven't fought for their own justice, suggesting they could take a chance.
Xie Xiaoman shared the story of her cousin Su Wei's grandmother, who, after losing her husband, was nearly stripped of all her property by her clan. The grandmother knelt in the snow for three days, calling for justice, which ultimately led to the tradition of female shopkeepers at Su Chang Ji in Wujiang Prefecture. Xie Xiaoman asserted that if a widow raising a daughter could achieve such a feat, they too should not fear.
Mingyue then asked Xie Xiaoman about her own plans, to which Xie Xiaoman replied that she would also fight for her own path. Xie Xiaoman confronted Zhao Xiaoqian, expressing her long-held desire to speak with him. She recounted a story about an arrogant and domineering Commandery Prince who forced a commoner lady to marry him as a concubine.
The lady merely wished to reclaim her family's land and return to her simple village life, but neither she nor her family could oppose the powerful prince. Although they married, the lady disliked her life, feeling that being with the prince was like living with a tiger, and she could not be at ease by his side. When the prince later asked her to spend their lives together, she knew his affection would be fleeting and temporary.
Most importantly, she understood that she would forever remain a concubine, perpetually inferior. Zhao Xiaoqian tried to reassure her, claiming he could resolve the situation, but Xie Xiaoman pressed him on how, asking if they could defy an imperial edict. She pointed out that even without Shen Zhaowen, there would be another, and that she could never be his first wife. She pleaded with him to let her go, dismissing his assurances as pointless.
Though Zhao Xiaoqian asked her to stay, Xie Xiaoman turned and left. Soon after, Zhao Xiaoqian confided in Shen Zhaowen, revealing he had already found someone he loved, Xie Xiaoman, who resided in his heart. He emphasized that this woman, despite not being from a noble family, or as refined or generous as Shen Zhaowen, was the best in the world. He described her spirited nature, her blushes, and her often illogical but endearing arguments.
He admitted he had tried to imagine a life without her but found it impossible, unable to live without her or to love Shen Zhaowen, for which he apologized. Meanwhile, the civil examination commenced, with the topic announced as "Discourse on the Benevolent Governance of Punishment." Zhong Ziyan, upon hearing the topic, was visibly shaken, his hand trembling as he realized it was the same as the leaked question he had seen.
During the examination, Xu Shu was apprehended for cheating. Under interrogation, he confessed that the Head of Nencao Hall had written the essay on his behalf. The examiner, comparing the handwriting on Xu Shu's paper, identified it as Zhong Ziyan's. A messenger was immediately dispatched to Prince Pu's Mansion to report that the examinee Zhong Ziyan had committed examination fraud. Minggu, worried for Zhong Ziyan, consulted a fortune teller.
The reading indicated an ominous situation based on the "Heaven and Earth Obstruction" hexagram, suggesting malevolent forces were at play while the good was precarious, leading to significant effort with little gain. The fortune teller explained that the hexagram showed the vile entering the palace while the good remained in the wild. Perplexed, Minggu pressed for a solution, and the fortune teller advised her to pay a tael of silver to "eliminate the calamity."
Despite Yan Boyang calling it a scam, Minggu bought an embroidered pouch, asserting she was paying for peace of mind. Later, after the exam, Minggu waited for Zhong Ziyan, who walked past her dejectedly. She then inadvertently discovered a paper crane he had dropped, which contained his personal profile for the examination. This led her to realize something serious had happened.
At home, she questioned her parents about the purpose of the personal profile and the consequences if it wasn't submitted. Her father explained non-submission meant either absence or trouble, and her mother bluntly suggested "cheating." Disturbed, Minggu rushed to the examination hall. Despite being told the examination was over, she insisted on seeing an official. She asked about a "Mr. Zhong" who hadn't submitted his profile.
The official confirmed that Zhong Ziyan was accused of examination fraud and banned from taking the exam ever again. Minggu tearfully pleaded with the official, insisting on Zhong Ziyan's upright character and begging for a re-investigation. Determined, Minggu tracked down Xu Shu at a brothel, accusing him of framing Zhong Ziyan and demanding he clarify the truth. Xu Shu defiantly refused, stating that since his own examination prospects were ruined, he saw no reason to help.
He bitterly remarked that noble children like Minggu could never understand the struggles of someone like him. Minggu, however, reiterated Zhong Ziyan's innocence and the devastating impact this would have on his life's efforts. She begged Xu Shu for help. Xu Shu eventually agreed, but only in exchange for 500 strings of cash. Minggu, unwavering, promised to procure the money by the next day.
When Xu Shu inquired about her relationship with Zhong Ziyan, Minggu bravely declared, "I'm in love with him." Later, forgoing her family's discussions about their business expansion, Minggu secretly took silver notes from her mother's chiffonier. Meanwhile, Teacher Liu announced a women's civil examination to find an assistant for her upcoming "Biography of Legendary Women" project, offering the top scholar a place under her tutelage.
Xie Xiaoman was the first to volunteer, followed by Shen Zhaowen, and many other women eagerly joined. At lunch, Shen Zhaowen approached Zhao Xiaoqian, seeking his guidance for the upcoming women's examination, which caused Xie Xiaoman to leave in irritation before finishing her meal. Li Su, learning of Xie Xiaoman's participation, offered to help her prepare, suggesting they study together. Later, while studying, Xie Xiaoman encountered Shen Zhaowen and Zhao Xiaoqian already there.
Shen Zhaowen graciously invited Xie Xiaoman to join them, but Xie Xiaoman politely declined, stating she had other plans. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, remarked on Xie Xiaoman's impoliteness for refusing Shen Zhaowen's kindness. Just then, Li Su arrived, and Xie Xiaoman left with him to study elsewhere, which visibly annoyed Zhao Xiaoqian. Li Su, noticing the lingering tension, inquired about Xie Xiaoman's relationship with Zhao Xiaoqian.
Xie Xiaoman revealed their plans for a divorce and was simply awaiting the letter of annulment. She reasoned that Zhao Xiaoqian's impending departure from Wujiang Prefecture might be a blessing in disguise for her. Li Su promised to give her a special gift after the women's examination. Upon returning to her room, Xie Xiaoman discovered her books were missing.
Her aide, Deng Xin'er, informed her that Zhu Momo had taken them earlier that afternoon, claiming it was by Zhao Xiaoqian's orders. Enraged, Xie Xiaoman immediately confronted Zhao Xiaoqian. Zhao Xiaoqian, who had been drinking with Zhong Ziyan (whose aide noted his unusual melancholy after the civil examination), admitted he had indeed given her books to Shen Zhaowen because Shen Zhaowen, his fiancée, had wanted them.
He asserted that he would do anything for his fiancée and questioned why Xie Xiaoman, who was supposedly indifferent to him, should care. When Xie Xiaoman accepted his explanation and tried to leave, Zhao Xiaoqian stopped her, declaring that the Commandery Prince's mansion was not a place she could come and go from as she pleased. He commanded her to help him change and then demanded she serve him in bed that night, reminding her she was still his concubine.
Xie Xiaoman fiercely resisted, screaming that her sole motivation for participating in the women's examination was to leave him. Zhao Xiaoqian, angered, accused her of toying with his feelings, saying she enjoyed seeing him repeatedly beg for her attention. Xie Xiaoman retorted, questioning why he would bother her when he had Shen Zhaowen, with whom he shared a history, equal social standing, and an engagement.
Zhao Xiaoqian then adamantly declared that even if he married Shen Zhaowen, he would never permit Xie Xiaoman to leave him, threatening to turn Wujiang Prefecture upside down if she tried to take a single step out of his mansion. Overwhelmed, Xie Xiaoman slapped him across the face and retreated to her room, where she broke down in tears. Zhao Xiaoqian, standing outside her room, listened to her cries, his own heart heavy with sorrow.
Elsewhere, Zhong Ziyan drowned his sorrows in alcohol, drinking himself into a stupor. The women's civil examination for Teacher Liu's biography project commenced with the topic "Discourse on Princess Consort Ming's Diplomatic Mission." Shen Zhaowen began by extolling Princess Consort Ming Zhaojun's selfless act of volunteering to marry Huhanye, ending centuries of conflict and bringing sixty years of peace and prosperity to the border regions.
Shen Zhaowen presented Princess Consort Ming as a paragon of virtue for her deep understanding of justice and her sacrifice for the people. Xie Xiaoman then rose to challenge this view. While acknowledging Princess Consort Ming's posthumous praise, Xie Xiaoman argued that her actions were merely a consequence of circumstance. Citing "Book of Later Han," she pointed out that Zhaojun had spent years in the palace without ever meeting the Emperor, accumulating bitterness.
Thus, Xie Xiaoman asserted that Princess Consort Ming, weary of living like a caged bird, chose the opportunity to leave the confines of the deep palace, even if it meant being three thousand miles from her homeland. Shen Zhaowen immediately countered, criticizing Xie Xiaoman for presumptuously reinterpreting a revered act of national sacrifice, questioning how such an interpretation could diminish a woman's sacrifice for her country and people.
Xie Xiaoman retorted that while Princess Consort Ming's departure was praised, in her view, the Han people had betrayed her by forcing her to sacrifice her happiness and control over her own destiny. Yet, through her strong will and tenacity, she coincidentally saved the nation.
Shen Zhaowen then questioned if it wasn't a great sacrifice for Princess Consort Ming, a delicate woman, to marry a foreign man she had never met, to spend her life with him, and to be buried in the desert, unable to return home. She further pressed Xie Xiaoman, asking if, as Xie Xiaoman claimed, Princess Consort Ming left because she was tired of a caged life, why were there so many songs of grievance about her?
Shen Zhaowen concluded by asking if moving from the palace to Xiongnu wasn't simply moving from one cage to another. Before Xie Xiaoman could fully respond, Zhao Xiaoqian intervened, reciting a poem that spoke of everlasting spring, sleepless willows, and dreams that remain distant, anchored in Yuyangli Village.
Episode 21 Recap
During the women's civil examinations, Xie Xiaoman eloquently debated the plight of Princess Consort Ming, arguing that historical literati often portrayed Zhaojun (Princess Consort Ming) as bitter, imagining her longing for her homeland. However, Xie Xiaoman suggested that Zhaojun was merely a tool in Han, her emotions disregarded, but after marrying into Xiongnu, she found boundless freedom and happiness, far more than she experienced in Han.
Her compelling arguments, which spoke to the suffering of women throughout generations, earned her the top honor in the examination. Teacher Liu presented Xie Xiaoman with a hairpin, formally accepting her as a disciple and entrusting her with the important task of compiling historical records of remarkable women to inspire future generations. Meanwhile, Minggu, anxious about Zhong Ziyan's situation, stole 500 strings of cash from her mother, money intended for buying a new shop.
In Minggu's room, a servant found Zhong Ziyan's personal profile, confirming something was terribly wrong. Xie Xiaoman and Yan Boyang learned of this and immediately went to search for Minggu. At the same time, the Principal received a letter from an old friend in the capital, detailing that Li Su's father, Li Guangwen, was embroiled in a major corruption case, having sided with Chancellor Xu. Li Guangwen was under investigation and confined to his residence, his fate uncertain.
The Principal revealed that Li Guangwen had been the primary benefactor of the academy and, despite the known estrangement between father and son, urged Li Su to return to the capital before winter to visit his father. Li Su understood and agreed to go. The search for Minggu led Xie Xiaoman and Yan Boyang to a brothel, where she was with Xu Shu.
Minggu, having given Xu Shu the 500 strings of cash, pleaded with him to clarify Zhong Ziyan's innocence. However, Xu Shu reneged on his promise, furious at the prospect of further reprimand from his father or imprisonment. Yan Boyang, angered by Xu Shu's behavior, punched him and questioned whether he feared legal repercussions for threatening Minggu, reminding Xu Shu that his own father, Yan Nengfu, could easily resolve Zhong Ziyan's situation without Minggu resorting to such desperate measures.
Enraged and feeling targeted, Xu Shu grabbed a vase, intending to strike Minggu, but Yan Boyang bravely shielded her and was hit on the back, falling unconscious. Shortly after, local officials arrived and arrested Xu Shu. Unaware of these developments, Zhao Xiaoqian was discussing his plans to join the military permanently. He declared his lifelong ambition was to be a great general and was ready for any difficult battles.
However, Liangji rushed in with shocking news: Zhong Ziyan had been banned from the civil examinations due to cheating. Zhao Xiaoqian, deeply upset, returned to find a drunken Zhong Ziyan and punched him, reprimanding him for his despair. Zhong Ziyan, distraught, expressed his unwillingness to drag Zhao Xiaoqian into his troubles. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, insisted on supporting his friend. Minggu, worried about Yan Boyang's injury, went to his mansion but was told he was not home.
She left a packet of herbal medicine with an attendant, instructing him to tell Yan Boyang to take care of himself and not worry about Zhong Ziyan, as they would find a solution. She also asked the attendant to convey her apology to Yan Boyang. Zhao Xiaoqian later met with Shen Yan in prison to seek his help.
He requested that Shen Yan, whose uncle Lord Feng was part of the Liangzhe Circuit's Division of Personnel, write a letter to issue an official document. This document would allow Zhong Ziyan to access reserve questions and retake a separate examination. Shen Yan refused, explaining that the capital was well aware of Zhong Ziyan's case.
He revealed that Zhao Xiaoqian’s mother had sent a message, stating that if Zhao Xiaoqian insisted on joining the military and refused to marry Lingniang, Zhong Ziyan would never be allowed to enter the examination hall again. Shen Yan further warned Zhao Xiaoqian that he and General Xu could not contend with the powerful figures in the capital, as the Empress would not allow him to gain significant military achievements that could threaten the Crown Prince.
Frustrated, Zhao Xiaoqian expressed his resentment for his identity as the Commandery Prince of Julu, which he considered the source of all his troubles. He decided to spare Xu Shu's life but ordered him to be sent to Shanhai Pass to guard the city gates. Later, Xie Xiaoman visited Zhao Xiaoqian and suggested a family gathering for the Mid-Autumn Festival, concerned about how her family would react to news of their separation.
Zhao Xiaoqian invited her family to the Commandery Prince's Mansion, promising a good meal and fireworks. In her efforts to cheer him up, Xie Xiaoman told him a ghost story, which he found amusing. Before she left, Zhao Xiaoqian asked her the real reason for wanting to leave him. Xie Xiaoman confessed her unwillingness to be confined to the inner court and share her husband with others, as he was destined to marry someone of high status.
Zhao Xiaoqian, saddened, expressed his desire not to part with her. He invited her to sleep in the same room, saying he would take the floor. Xie Xiaoman then pulled him onto the bed, embracing him. She told him he was the best man she had ever met and wished him well, hoping he would become a revered general and achieve great success.
The next morning, Zhao Xiaoqian and Xie Xiaoman learned that Zhong Ziyan had left the city alone the previous night. They, along with Minggu, found him at his family's noodle stall, where his mother and sister were still unaware of his ban from the examinations. His mother still held high hopes for him to become a great scholar and official. Zhao Xiaoqian encouraged Zhong Ziyan, reminding him to credit the Commandery Prince's Mansion when he became the top scholar.
That evening, Zhao Xiaoqian, Xie Xiaoman, and Minggu took Zhong Ziyan to a scenic spot by the water. Xie Xiaoman shared some fruit with them, recalling a previous visit with Zhao Xiaoqian where they saw the mystical kraken. She suggested they all make a wish if the kraken appeared.
Zhong Ziyan confided his long-held aspirations to follow in his father's footsteps, become a top scholar, and serve in the imperial court, aiming to "establish a conscience for Heaven and Earth, secure a destiny for the people, and bring peace to all generations." Just then, the kraken appeared.
Xie Xiaoman wished to become a teacher like Teacher Liu, Minggu wished to run Su Chang Ji as successfully as her mother, and Zhong Ziyan reiterated his grand vision for his political career: to attain the fourth rank by thirty, the third rank by forty, enter the privy council, and become the grand chancellor by fifty to "establish a conscience for Heaven and Earth, secure a destiny for the people, and bring peace to all generations." As Zhao Xiaoqian listened, he looked at Xie Xiaoman and kissed her.
Episode 22 Recap
Zhong Ziyan received a special opportunity to retake his civil examination, and his friends gathered to see him off. Minggu, showing her concern, gave Zhong Ziyan a cloak she had made and some snacks, reminding him to stay warm and eat well during the exam. Zhong Ziyan thanked her before heading into the examination hall. Outside, Minggu discussed her worry for Zhong Ziyan with Su A-po, who advised her to maintain high spirits and wish him success.
Separately, Yan Boyang passionately prayed to Mr. Frog to bless Zhong Ziyan with success, even promising offerings and a female frog. His father found him praying and gently reminded him about considering marriage. As the weather turned cold and drizzly, Xie Xiaoman expressed concern about Zhong Ziyan being cold inside the examination hall, but Minggu reassured her that he would be fine with the cloak.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian, waiting outside with Shi Deng'er, inquired about the appeal he sent to the capital, learning it had been ten days since its submission. He then instructed Shi Deng'er to arrange for him to meet Shen Zhaowen at Taiping Tavern for a meal. After the exam, Xie Xiaoman and Minggu were there to greet Zhong Ziyan.
He asked about Zhao Xiaoqian's whereabouts, and Xie Xiaoman explained that he had left early that morning, adding that they would all see him later at the Mid-Autumn family dinner at the Commandery Prince's Mansion. At Taiping Tavern, Zhao Xiaoqian met with Shen Zhaowen. She toasted him, believing he had come to see her off. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, informed her that he was aware of the capital's plans but would have to disappoint her again.
He explicitly stated that he would not marry her and would not return to the capital. He explained that as her brother, he could not allow her to marry someone who did not love her, and that she, as Shen Zhaowen, Lingniang, and Commandery Princess Rong'an, deserved a better man. He promised to be the one to send her off on her wedding day.
He had already written an appeal to His Majesty, confident that the Emperor, who treated them like his own children, would not make things difficult for her. He wished her a safe journey back to the capital, leaving Shen Zhaowen to call out his name in despair as he departed. Minggu then sought out Zhong Ziyan to express her feelings, recalling their memorable evening on the bridge during the Qixi Festival, watching lanterns and fireworks under a bright moon.
She confessed that she had always had a crush on him. Minggu acknowledged that their futures were divergent; he was destined for the capital, to take the spring exam, meet the Emperor, and pursue a brilliant career, potentially becoming the principal graduate and meeting a better woman. She, however, would remain a simple merchant in Wujiang Prefecture. Despite their different paths and the unlikelihood of them ever being together, she wanted him to know she liked him.
Zhong Ziyan, deeply moved, told Minggu that she was the best lady he had ever met, but he felt he was not fortunate enough to accept her feelings, assuring her that such a wonderful person like her would surely find someone better. He then subtly asked if she had ever noticed Yan Boyang's feelings, implying that Yan Boyang was in love with her.
While Xie Xiaoman waited anxiously for Zhao Xiaoqian at the family dinner, an imperial edict arrived at the Commandery Prince's Mansion. The eunuch declared the Emperor's decree, demoting Zhao Xiaoqian to Duke of Wuguo, confining him to Wujiang Prefecture, and stripping him of his political duties, citing his "arrogant and imperious" behavior. The attendees were surprised, but the eunuch clarified that this was a self-requested demotion by Zhao Xiaoqian. Searching for him, Xie Xiaoman eventually found Zhao Xiaoqian.
Earlier, Zhao Xiaoqian had explained his decision to his master. His master was furious, questioning his ambition to go to the borders. Zhao Xiaoqian clarified that while he was a Commandery Prince, he felt like an abandoned pawn in the capital's grand scheme. He explained that Zhong Ziyan and especially Xie Xiaoman were the most important people to him, and he could not abandon them for his ambitions.
To break free from the manipulation of the capital and remain in Wujiang, he willingly submitted the appeal to be demoted and permanently stay in Wujiang Prefecture. He then took Xie Xiaoman to a scenic spot adorned with lanterns. Removing his mask, he revealed his new title as Duke of Wuguo, relinquishing all his former prestigious titles and duties.
He confessed his love for Xie Xiaoman, the daughter of a clerk from Wujiang Prefecture, sincerely asking her to be his first wife, promising to love her exclusively and remain with her for the rest of their lives. Overwhelmed, Xie Xiaoman tearfully accepted his proposal. Soon after, Zhao Xiaoqian bid farewell to Shen Zhaowen as she was escorted back to the capital by General Xie's troops.
Zhao Xiaoqian assured her that he had included her situation in his appeal to the Emperor, ensuring she would not be forced into marriage in the palace and could reunite with her family in peace. Shen Zhaowen, however, expressed her hurt, believing he went to such lengths to be rid of her, solely for Xie Xiaoman's sake. She ominously warned him that the capital would not easily let him go.
At the same time, the Empress instructed Wangfei to go to Wujiang Prefecture and bring Zhao Xiaoqian back, regardless of his marital status with Shen Zhaowen. Later, Xie Xiaoman and Minggu discussed their upcoming wedding, planned for next spring. Xie Xiaoman complained that Zhao Xiaoqian was an "irresponsible" Duke of Wuguo, leaving all the wedding preparations, from bedding to curtains, to her.
Xie Xiaoman then shared her aspiration to become a teacher like Teacher Liu after marriage, but worried about Zhao Xiaoqian's reaction. When Zhao Xiaoqian arrived, Xie Xiaoman playfully chided him for being late. She then broached the topic of becoming a teacher. Zhao Xiaoqian immediately refused, arguing that if she became a teacher, she would be too engrossed in the academy to manage household affairs or care for their future children, who would bear the Zhao surname.
Xie Xiaoman found his reasoning unreasonable, but Zhao Xiaoqian, now a self-proclaimed "unreasonable official," insisted on his stance. Zhao Xiaoqian and Xie Xiaoman visited Su A-po, who was ill. A-po lamented that she was getting old and tired, and expressed her worry that after she passed, Minggu might not be mature enough to manage the family business, Su Chang Ji, on her own. Soon after, Xie Xiaoman's father was seen chasing Xie Li, hitting him with a cane.
Xie Xiaoman intervened, only to learn that Xie Li had scored a "C" grade on his exam. Angered by this, Xie Xiaoman snatched the cane from her father, intending to discipline Xie Li herself, but her father quickly restrained her. She lamented that Xie Li, unlike her and her brother, could not even memorize The Analects, questioning if his teachers were negligent.
When Zhao Xiaoqian laughed at her fervent concern, Xie Xiaoman retorted playfully, suggesting he not buy Xie Li any more toys. Zhao Xiaoqian then proposed a bet: if Xie Xiaoman could successfully teach Xie Li The Analects, he would reconsider her request to become a teacher. Xie Xiaoman eagerly agreed, prompting Zhao Xiaoqian to instruct a servant to bring Xie Li to Lotus Garden for lessons the next day.
Minggu, separately, comforted a distraught Xie Li, telling him that her mother used to hit her with a stick. When Xie Li claimed he was stupid, Minggu assured him that his "brain isn't completely developed yet." She then offered a strategy: if he couldn't understand something, he should simply memorize it, and when asked, recite it all, which would make others think he was brilliant.
Minggu also realized Xie Li had a crush and encouraged him to express his feelings, advising him not to make her mistake of delaying and losing everything in the end. Meanwhile, Yan Boyang's mother, concerned about his marital status, tried to introduce him to several respectable young ladies from prominent families in Wujiang Prefecture. Yan Boyang, however, rejected each one without explanation.
His mother pressed him for his requirements, warning that his constant rejections were causing gossip and embarrassing his father, who was an official. She then announced her intention to arrange a meeting with Xue Yanwan, the daughter of Sub-prefect Xue. Yan Boyang flatly refused, leading his mother to threaten to forbid him from attending the academy or even leaving their mansion. She insisted that marriage was ultimately decided by parents and advised him to take it seriously.
Episode 23 Recap
Xie Xiaoman and Su Minggu were at Jingnv Pavilion when they overheard other ladies discussing that Xue Yanwan was absent today because she was meeting with Yan Boyang to arrange a marriage. They also learned that Xie Ruying was slated to marry the eldest son of the Prefect of Tongzhou, though he was said to be in poor health. Su Minggu quietly expressed her disappointment that Yan Boyang had truly gone for a blind date. Meanwhile, Li’er was following Fenniang.
She turned to him and explained that she would no longer be able to attend school with him because her father’s transfer order had arrived, and he was to take up a post in Tongzhou. Her mother would accompany him, and she had no choice but to follow.
Fenniang handed Li’er a small wooden doll, keeping one for herself, and bade him farewell before he could express his feelings, saying her house was just ahead and he didn’t need to see her off. Li’er called out her name, saddened by her departure. Later, a dejected Yan Boyang walked along, discarding numerous love letters he had written to Su Minggu while reciting a poem about lasting yearning and the agony of remembrance.
Li’er happened to come across the scattered letters and diligently collected them. He then encountered Zhao Xiaoqian, who playfully intercepted him. Zhao Xiaoqian told Li’er that his sister, Xie Xiaoman, was worried about his poor academic performance. He then decided to teach Li’er himself and encouraged him to fail everything before Chinese New Year’s Eve, promising to reward him with a pony if he did.
Xie Xiaoman patiently tried to teach Li’er how to recite the Analects, but he consistently mixed up the phrases, testing her patience. She grew frustrated, calling him dumb. Li’er grabbed his book box and ran off towards Zhao Xiaoqian, who intervened and calmed Xie Xiaoman. Zhao Xiaoqian then shifted the conversation to Yan Boyang and Su Minggu’s ongoing spat.
He suggested inviting them to the commandery Prince's mansion the next day so they could sit down and resolve their differences, noting that Yan Boyang’s bickering with a lady was irritating to him. Xie Xiaoman agreed, though she questioned Zhao Xiaoqian’s sudden interest in their affairs. Zhao Xiaoqian then teasingly admitted he had just come to see her because he missed her. At the academy, the letters Li’er had brought were confiscated.
Su Minggu noticed a stack of confiscated love letters, saw one addressed "To Minggu" and signed "Zhanzhi" (Yan Boyang's courtesy name), and discreetly took all of them. Reading one, she saw a heartfelt confession of his genuine feelings. Initially, Su Minggu was reluctant to attend the gathering at the commandery Prince's mansion due to her unresolved issues with Yan Boyang. However, after reading the letters, she changed her mind and agreed to go.
That evening, Yan Boyang arrived at the commandery Prince's mansion for dinner, bringing Xue Yanwan with him and explaining that he had accompanied her shopping for cosmetics that afternoon. The atmosphere at the table quickly became strained. Zhao Xiaoqian tried to lighten the mood by encouraging Su Minggu to drink the Bixiang wine. Yan Boyang, however, showed excessive concern for Xue Yanwan, advising her to drink a warming wine due to her frail constitution.
Su Minggu remarked that while a sommelier could judge wine, a person's true character could only be known after spending time with them. She then continued to drink, observing that some people are perpetually "unsober." Feeling slighted, Su Minggu declared she could no longer drink and had matters to attend to, and promptly left. Zhao Xiaoqian confronted Yan Boyang, criticizing him for his childish behavior and asking if he felt good about provoking Su Minggu.
Disgusted, Zhao Xiaoqian and his companion also left. Xue Yanwan then thanked them for the hospitality and departed, and Yan Boyang offered to escort her home. Xie Xiaoman wondered why Yan Boyang was suddenly so attentive to Xue Yanwan. Zhao Xiaoqian explained that Yan Boyang was merely trying to make Su Minggu jealous. He then playfully scooped her up, suggesting they go "make some babies."
Just then, their servant informed them that Li’er was refusing to study again and had threatened to cook their pets. Xie Xiaoman angrily went to confront Li’er, who was found doodling instead of copying the Analects. Li’er defiantly argued that Xie Xiaoman wouldn't understand his feelings because she only cared about homework, asking if she had ever loved or missed someone so much she couldn’t sleep, wishing to meet them in her dreams.
Zhao Xiaoqian intervened again, stopping Xie Xiaoman from hitting Li’er. He suggested they focus on having their own "principal graduate" child. Annoyed by his "low-minded" remarks, Xie Xiaoman angrily told Zhao Xiaoqian to leave and shut the door on him, lamenting that neither Li’er nor Zhao Xiaoqian brought her any peace of mind. Meanwhile, Yan Boyang caught up with Xue Yanwan and apologized for his behavior at dinner.
Xue Yanwan, however, told him she could see that he and Su Minggu were in love, and there was no need to use her as a shield. Yan Boyang attempted to deny it, claiming Su Minggu didn't like him, but Xue Yanwan pointed out his past reluctance to obey parental orders regarding marriage. She asserted that she was not a desperate woman and would not marry a man whose heart belonged to another, as it would be a humiliation.
She firmly told Yan Boyang that if he truly wished to marry her, he must first forget Su Minggu. Later, Su Minggu’s grandmother, feeling her health decline, called Su Minggu to her side. She spoke of how Su Minggu's parents had shouldered the household responsibilities during her illness. She advised Su Minggu that no matter what difficulties she faced in life, she must always maintain integrity and a positive outlook.
She said that Yan Boyang was a good child and that she had observed his affection for Su Minggu. She urged Su Minggu to face challenges directly rather than avoiding them, lest she live with regret. When Su Minggu expressed uncertainty about her feelings, her grandmother gently suggested that such deep consideration meant the matter was likely already resolved and warned her not to hesitate, or someone else might take such a good man.
Inspired by her grandmother’s words, Su Minggu reread Yan Boyang’s letter, which passionately described his profound feelings for her and requested a meeting at Xiang Bridge tomorrow at noon. She resolved to confront her feelings head-on. The next day, Xie Xiaoman arrived at the academy only to learn that Li’er was missing. Distraught, she feared he had run away because of her scolding and worried he might be in danger.
Zhao Xiaoqian assured her he had already dispatched men to search the mansion and Su Family residence and ordered more manpower. He then took Xie Xiaoman to search the streets himself. Su Minggu went to Xiang Bridge, expecting Yan Boyang, but found Li’er instead. Li’er explained that he was waiting for his classmate, Fenniang.
He admitted that he had wanted to write her a letter but, knowing few words, had copied a love letter he found on the street, only adding "Xiang Bridge at noon" himself. He expressed confusion as to why Su Minggu had the letter, as he had given his copy to Fenniang. Su Minggu realized that the letter she had found at the academy was one of Yan Boyang's originals, and Li'er's copying had caused a misunderstanding.
Just then, Zhao Xiaoqian and Xie Xiaoman found Li’er. Su Minggu, upon seeing Zhao Xiaoqian, asked where Yan Boyang was. Learning he was having dinner with Sub-prefect Xue’s family at Taiping Tavern, she hastily departed. Xie Xiaoman sternly reprimanded Li’er, who began to cry and confessed his heartbreak over Fenniang’s imminent departure for Tongzhou, stating he would never see her again. Zhao Xiaoqian comforted Li’er, promising to take him and Xie Xiaoman to find Fenniang.
Li’er immediately cheered up and eagerly agreed. After Li’er apologized to Xie Xiaoman, they set off. Su Minggu rushed to Taiping Tavern, burst into Yan Boyang’s private room, where he was about to put a hairpin on Xue Yanwan, and pulled him away. Both Madam Yan and Madam Xue were shocked by her "unruly" behavior. Xue Yanwan, seeing the turn of events, told her parents she did not wish to marry Yan Boyang.
Outside, Yan Boyang confronted Su Minggu, demanding to know what she wanted. Su Minggu, referring to his letters, admitted she had read them all. She confessed her past foolishness, acknowledging that she had been so focused on pursuing what was out of reach that she had neglected his unwavering affection. She reiterated her grandmother’s advice to face challenges, not avoid them, and expressed how heartbroken she felt when she realized he was truly getting engaged to Xue Yanwan.
She apologized for interrupting his family dinner and turned to leave. Yan Boyang stopped her, declaring that he desired no one but her, and that he had loved only her from the very beginning. He vowed to love her for the rest of his life, even if she only considered him a friend, and was willing to wait patiently for her to fall in love with him and marry him. Su Minggu was deeply moved by his sincere confession.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian took Li'er to a valley and encouraged him to shout his message to Fenniang, explaining that the echo would carry his words far. Li’er shouted that he had always wanted to be Fenniang’s best friend and would wait for her in Wujiang Prefecture. Inspired, Zhao Xiaoqian then loudly proclaimed his love for Xie Xiaoman, urged her to marry him, and promised to have a plump son with her, also agreeing to her wish to become a teacher.
He concluded by telling her not to lock him out of their room after they married. Unbeknownst to them, Xie Ruying’s father was discussing with a subordinate his plan to seize Su Chang Ji’s assets, noting that Old Madam Su’s health was failing. The subordinate proposed that if the father helped him with the takeover, he would offer the Tongzhou branch of Su Chang Ji as a dowry for Xie Ruying, who was destined for Tongzhou.
Episode 24 Recap
Old Madam Su was gravely ill, remaining unconscious despite the family's efforts. Her daughter, Su Huazhong, worried as it became increasingly difficult to administer her medication. Meng Hanru, Su Huazhong's husband, proposed they revive a family tradition: the Winter Solstice Prayer Ceremony. They used to hold it annually for family longevity and peace when Minggu was young, and he hoped it would lift Old Madam Su's spirits and aid her recovery.
Minggu initially hesitated but ultimately agreed to make the arrangements. Suddenly, Yan Boyang, the second son of Prefect Yan, arrived with urgent news. Su Tingshan, exploiting Old Madam Su's unconscious state, had traveled from Tongzhou to claim the Su family's ancestral property, Su Chang Ji, in Wujiang Prefecture. He had filed a lawsuit against Meng Hanru and Su Huazhong, and the court hearing was scheduled for the very next day.
Su Huazhong was furious, condemning Su Tingshan as a malicious and ungrateful person. Xie Xiaoman, who had just returned to the Su family residence, learned of the dire situation. She recalled that before Old Madam Su fell ill, she had explicitly stated that all her property and shops, upon her death, were to be inherited by Su Huazhong and Minggu. Xie Xiaoman bravely volunteered to testify in court.
Minggu, feeling overwhelmed by the family crisis, found some relief in Xiaoman's offer. Yan Boyang reassured them that he would ensure Xie Xiaoman could leave the Duke's Mansion to attend. Earlier that day at the commandery Prince's mansion, Xie Xiaoman had sought Princess Consort Pu's permission to visit her ailing grandmother. Zhu Momo had criticized Xie Xiaoman's perceived lack of respect for wanting to depart so soon after the Princess Consort's arrival.
Nevertheless, Princess Consort Pu granted leave, though she sternly instructed Xie Xiaoman to return promptly. Princess Consort Pu then confronted Zhao Xiaoqian, asserting that Xie Xiaoman was an incompatible match for him as a main wife, only fit to be a concubine. She demanded he leave Wujiang Prefecture and return to the capital.
Zhao Xiaoqian adamantly refused, declaring his unwavering intention to marry Xie Xiaoman and asserting his independence from their dictates, reminding his mother that as an "abandoned son," he felt no need to abide by their instructions. The Princess Consort, seeing his resolve, merely sighed, conceding that "a grown son does not need his mother anymore."
That evening, Minggu was practicing the prayer for the upcoming ceremony when Yan Boyang secretly joined her, bringing roasted sweet potatoes because he was worried she might be hungry. He shared encouraging news: he had spoken with his father, Prefect Yan, who assured him that if the Su family's case was appealed to the provincial office, it would fall under his jurisdiction, guaranteeing a favorable outcome.
Yan Boyang then light-heartedly suggested they set a wedding date once the case was settled, which Minggu dismissed as ridiculous. Minggu confided her fear that if it didn't snow during the ceremony, it would signify a bad omen. Yan Boyang comforted her, dismissing her worries. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian discussed the Su family’s lawsuit with Zhong Ziyan, admitting his suspicion that Princess Consort Pu might be secretly involved.
Zhao Xiaoqian noted that his earlier attempts to provoke her had met with no reaction, deepening his belief that her visit to Wujiang Prefecture had a more complex agenda. Zhong Ziyan questioned if Zhao Xiaoqian feared Princess Consort Pu would derail his marriage to Xie Xiaoman. Zhao Xiaoqian, with fierce determination, stated that he would marry the woman he loved, declaring that no one, not even "the mother of the deity," could stop him.
The next morning, as Zhao Xiaoqian and Xie Xiaoman prepared to leave for the court, Zhu Momo blocked their path, insisting that Xie Xiaoman serve Princess Consort Pu for her morning routine. Zhao Xiaoqian ordered Zhu Momo to step aside. Princess Consort Pu then appeared, scolding them for the early morning commotion and questioning Zhu Momo's lax discipline. Xie Xiaoman attempted to explain her urgent need to attend court as a witness. Princess Consort Pu again criticized Zhu Momo.
Defiantly, Zhao Xiaoqian asserted his authority in the Duke's Mansion, stating that he sets the rules there. He challenged his mother to punish him if she disapproved, but reiterated that Xie Xiaoman must leave. Enraged, Princess Consort Pu ordered Zhao Xiaoqian to be flogged for his insubordination. Zhao Xiaoqian, enduring the blows, instructed Zhong Ziyan to take Xie Xiaoman and leave immediately.
His attendant later asked if the punishment was worth it, but Zhao Xiaoqian, though in pain, remained defiant, telling his mother that if she didn't kill him, he wouldn't obey. Eventually, Princess Consort Pu told Zhu Momo to "settle the matter," implying she would intervene to resolve the situation. At the Wujiang Prefecture court, Su Huazhong argued that Su Chang Ji was Old Madam Su's personal dowry, not clan property as falsely claimed by Su Tingshan.
Su Tingshan challenged her by asking why the store was named "Su Chang Ji" and not "Wang Chang Ji," given Old Madam Su's maiden name was Wang. Meng Hanru clarified that the first store, originally named "Xia Fei Ji," was indeed Old Madam Su's dowry, and the subsequent seven branches were expanded through its successful operations, thus solidifying its status as her private property.
Su Huazhong further stated that Old Madam Su had orally willed all her properties to her and Minggu, and a witness was present. Xie Xiaoman stepped forward, identifying herself as the niece of Su Huazhong and Meng Hanru, and testified to personally hearing Old Madam Su’s oral will while serving her. Su Tingshan objected, arguing that Xie Xiaoman's kinship rendered her testimony invalid. The magistrate agreed, preparing to close the case.
Just as the magistrate was about to issue a ruling, Xie Ruying dramatically intervened. She stopped the proceedings and confronted the magistrate, accusing him of having private meetings with Su Tingshan and showing clear bias. She even produced Su Chang Ji's ledger, implying financial impropriety. Xie Ruying sternly warned him against corruption and abusing public authority, reminding him of his duty to serve the people.
Faced with such a public accusation, the magistrate had no choice but to recuse himself, referring the Su family property case to the Wujiang Prefecture Magistrate for review and conclusion within ten days. Outside the court, Xie Xiaoman expressed her gratitude to Xie Ruying for her timely assistance.
Xie Ruying, however, dismissed the thanks, explaining her actions were primarily motivated by her father's attempt to marry her off to an ailing man for his own career advancement—a fate she would not accept. She then confessed her long-standing, unrequited affection for Li Su. Knowing her own impending marriage meant she might never see him again, she asked Xie Xiaoman to deliver a love letter to him, ensuring her true feelings were expressed.
Xie Ruying then, with a touch of bitterness, admitted her deep jealousy of Xie Xiaoman's abundant blessings: glory, wealth, affection, and luck, stating, "I hate you forever." Yet, in that moment of raw honesty, they seemed to find a strange, albeit tense, resolution to their past rivalry. Upon returning home, Xie Xiaoman found Zhao Xiaoqian still feeling the after-effects of the flogging, though he tried to downplay his pain.
Xie Xiaoman informed him that the case had been successfully transferred to Prefect Yan. Meng Hanru light-heartedly quipped that this was a chance for their "future son-in-law," Yan Boyang, to shine, much to Minggu's embarrassment. With Old Madam Su now recovered, the family decided to hold the prayer ceremony immediately. Despite her recent illness, Old Madam Su insisted on being present, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
She shared a tender moment with Su Huazhong, offering her a candy and reminiscing about her childhood love for sweets. Minggu then performed the ritual, chanting prayers and wielding a sword. Simultaneously, high on the roof, Yan Boyang and a servant diligently created artificial snow using feathers, ensuring the ceremony's success. The family rejoiced at the sight of the "snow," believing it to be an auspicious omen promising renewed health for Old Madam Su and prosperity for Su Chang Ji.
Yan Boyang, watching Minggu, quietly vowed to perform similar prayers for her and their future family once they were married. Princess Consort Pu's machinations continued. Zhu Momo delivered a message to Prefect Yan, implicitly instructing him to uphold the county magistrate's initial decision regarding the ownership of Su Chang Ji, ensuring no alterations to the outcome. Prefect Yan acknowledged her warning. Back at the Duke's Mansion, Zhu Momo reported to Princess Consort Pu that the Su family matter was "concluded."
However, Princess Consort Pu felt this was insufficient. She inquired about progress in the capital. Zhu Momo confirmed receipt of a secret letter concerning Xie Xun, Xie Xiaoman’s brother, assuring the Princess Consort that Xie Xiaoman would not dare jeopardize her brother's future and life. Zhu Momo then presented Xie Xun's jade pendant to Princess Consort Pu, a symbolic token of their leverage.
Meanwhile, a servant reported to Principal Yang at Bailu Academy that Li Guangwen's properties in the capital had been confiscated, and alarmingly, Bailu Academy itself was listed among the affected assets. The following day, the Su family property case reconvened under Prefect Yan. Su Huazhong reiterated her arguments, and Xie Xiaoman, testifying as a witness, restated Old Madam Su's oral will.
She further added that Old Madam Su had now regained consciousness and confirmed the will, with a formal written document to be submitted soon. However, Su Tingshan unexpectedly produced a property distribution agreement, claiming it was from his late father, Su Feihuan, and his brother, Su Feiyun, clearly stating the ownership of Su Chang Ji. Upon hearing this news, Old Madam Su, still recuperating at home, became agitated.
She recalled that her husband, in a moment of sympathy, had indeed drafted a document to assist Su Feihuan's family with some shops. But he quickly rescinded it after realizing their idleness and greed. She believed this document was merely wastepaper from his study and sent a message to the court, emphasizing that it lacked any official seals or signatures. Prefect Yan, however, possessed a sample of Su Feiyun's handwriting and ordered his adviser to compare the penmanship.
Despite Xie Xiaoman's protests that Old Madam Su, being alive, would certainly know if such an agreement was valid, and the validity of her own testimony, Prefect Yan silenced her, stating that a genuine distribution agreement would supersede an oral will. The comparison ultimately confirmed that the document was indeed written in Su Feiyun's hand.
Episode 25 Recap
Su Tingshan presented a property distribution agreement, which the court clerk confirmed to be in Su Feiyun's handwriting. When asked by Lord Yan, Su Huazhong, though shocked, confirmed it was indeed her father's penmanship. Zhao Xiaoqian found the situation suspicious, pointing out that if the agreement was legitimate, Su Tingshan should have submitted it with the initial appeal, not just when his case was faltering. He strongly suspected foul play.
Lord Yan (Yan Nengfu) rebuked Zhao Xiaoqian, stating that his presence as a non-participant was already an exception and he was now disturbing the court. He ordered guards to remove Zhao Xiaoqian, who protested but was forcibly escorted out. Su Huazhong informed Lord Yan (Yan Nengfu) that Old Madam Su had sent a message confirming the document was merely a draft without a seal or signature, therefore not a legally binding agreement.
It was just discarded paper from her father's study, which Su Tingshan had taken. Yan Boyang, also present, accused Su Tingshan of forging evidence and demanded the magistrate make a judgment, but Lord Yan (Yan Nengfu) silenced him. Before a verdict could be announced, news reached the court that Old Madam Su had passed away. Su Huazhong was distraught. Despite evidence of forgery and protests from Yan Boyang, who was subsequently taken away, Lord Yan (Yan Nengfu) declared the verdict.
He ruled that all seven stores of Su Chang Chi in Wujiang Prefecture belonged to Su Tingshan. Su Huazhong and her family were given ten days to transfer ownership and ordered to repay three years of tribute. Su Huazhong condemned Su Tingshan as despicable, while Su Tingshan gloated about the law's fairness even to royalty. Xie Xiaoman confronted Princess Consort Pu, directly asking if she had interfered in the Su family's case.
The Princess, without hesitation, admitted to giving the situation a "little push," stating there was no need to bribe a mere local officer. Enraged, Xie Xiaoman called her a vile wench and tried to attack her, but Zhu Momo held her back. The Princess further confessed to being behind Zhong Ziyan's troubles, hinting at more. She then revealed Xie Xiaoman's brother's jade pendant, confirming he was imprisoned.
Princess Consort Pu threatened Xie Xiaoman, saying if she persisted in marrying Zhao Xiaoqian, her brother's safety could not be guaranteed, and more "terrible things" would befall those around her, labeling Xie Xiaoman a "catastrophe." The Princess gave Xie Xiaoman one last chance to leave Zhao Xiaoqian. In response, Xie Xiaoman shoved the Princess, called her disgusting, and denounced her pretense of piety, warning her of divine retribution and the torments of hell for her actions.
Xie Xiaoman then sent Shi Deng'er to tell Zhao Xiaoqian to meet her by Xushui River at the same time tomorrow, as she had something to discuss. Shi Deng'er delivered the message, also informing Zhao Xiaoqian that Xie Xiaoman had just left Princess Consort Pu's chamber.
Zhao Xiaoqian confronted Princess Consort Pu, demanding to know what she had told Xie Xiaoman and accusing her of orchestrating the Su family's misfortune to drive Xie Xiaoman away and force him back to the capital. The Princess claimed her actions were for his own good, citing his recent demotion and confinement as proof of the dangers he faced.
Zhao Xiaoqian, however, retorted that she had destroyed everything important to him, making him feel that if he had no desire to live, neither should she. The Princess, in turn, warned him against opposing the palace, ominously hinting that his brother's death served as a stark reminder of the consequences. Zhao Xiaoqian pressed her for details about his brother's death. The next day, Xie Xiaoman met Zhao Xiaoqian by Xushui River.
She informed him that she had agreed to Princess Consort Pu's demand to leave him and proposed they end their relationship, never to marry or meet again. Zhao Xiaoqian vehemently disagreed and pressed her for an explanation. Xie Xiaoman revealed the Su family's lost lawsuit, Old Madam Su's death, and her brother's impending imprisonment.
She explained that their relationship was now a liability, implicating others, and that despite her deep desire to marry him, she realized they could never truly be together. Zhao Xiaoqian refused to accept her decision, declaring he would resolve all the problems and would never allow her to agree to such a separation. The principal of Bailu Academy announced its closure, which was met with sadness from the teachers.
They reassured him not to blame himself, attributing it to changing times. Teacher Liu expressed her intention to establish a women's academy in the capital to educate women, while Li Su decided to travel south for further studies after his recent return from the capital. Zhao Xiaoqian informed Zhong Ziyan that he had found Fuweng, the person he was seeking, currently with General Xu in Tengzhou.
He revealed that his mother had hinted at a conspiracy behind his brother, the Duke of Yongguo's, death, implicating the Empress. Zhao Xiaoqian, realizing the recent events were not coincidental, planned to meet Fuweng to uncover the truth, hoping this investigation might also help resolve his current predicament with Xie Xiaoman. The court's judgment was later altered, leading to Su Tingshan seizing all of the Su family's businesses, stores, properties, houses, farmland, and farmhouses in both Tongzhou and Wujiang Prefecture.
Minggu was furious, wanting to confront Su Tingshan, but Su Huazhong, though also deeply upset, held her back, mentioning they still owned a few stores in the capital. Teacher Liu delivered her final lesson to the students of Jingnv Pavilion, informing them that Bailu Academy was closing due to implication in certain issues, with official orders to confiscate and shut it down. She encouraged the literate young women to continue their efforts, study diligently, and secure bright futures.
The students were upset, especially as they would miss their year-end exams, having prepared to make their families proud. When officials arrived to seal Bailu Academy, students, including Xie Xiaoman, bravely stood their ground, demanding to see official documents for the closure. As the officials threatened arrests, Yan Boyang stepped forward, challenging them to arrest him first. He declared he would question his father, Lord Yan (Yan Nengfu), about sealing the academy without proper paperwork.
Recognizing Yan Boyang as the magistrate's son, the officials hesitated and ultimately retreated, temporarily leaving the academy unsealed. Xie Xiaoman asked Minggu if she intended to completely sever ties with Yan Boyang. Minggu confirmed her decision, explaining that while she knew it wasn't Yan Boyang's fault, she couldn't leave her mother to shoulder the burden of Su Chang Chi alone and had no choice but to help her, meaning their relationship had to end.
Su Huazhong gathered her shopkeepers to inform them of Su Chang Chi's downfall. She offered them her personal savings, urging them to seek new opportunities. However, many loyal shopkeepers, appreciative of her past kindness, offered to stay and help her rebuild if she decided to start a new business. Minggu, asserting her role as the business successor, proposed they move to the capital to restart.
She emphasized her mother's unparalleled expertise in textiles, her father's meticulous accounting skills, and her own commitment to learning business management, confident that they could establish a new Su Chang Chi in the vast capital.
Episode 26 Recap
Minggu, the young proprietress of Su Chang Ji, gathered the shopkeepers, expressing gratitude for their loyalty and support to the Su family over the years. She announced that the Su family had decided to move to the capital to restart their business and asked if the shopkeepers were willing to follow. They enthusiastically agreed, pledging their continued service.
Xie Xiaoman's parents, having received great care in Wujiang Prefecture, also offered to move to the capital and assist Su Chang Ji in any capacity. Minggu's mother reminded everyone that the essence of Su Chang Ji's prosperity lay in their honesty and quality, not merely the physical storefronts. Meng Hanru, Minggu's father, expressed his deep thanks to all. Xie Xiaoman found Li Su to deliver Xie Ruying's letter.
Feeling emotional, Xiaoman confided in him, reflecting on the tumultuous year, the loss of her grandmother, the closure of the academy, and how everything seemed to change overnight. She admitted that meeting Zhao Xiaoqian had been the greatest upheaval, yet she missed him terribly. Separately, Zhao Xiaoqian, on his journey, pondered whether he could have kept Xiaoman if he had tried harder.
Back with Li Su, Xiaoman learned that his family was demoted and that he was leaving due to this and the academy’s closure. He revealed he was from an official’s family, but the recent events had shown him the cold realities of life, turning him into the "son of an accused official." They moved to Fengxue Pavilion to talk, where Xiaoman reminisced about roasting sweet potatoes with Li Su, feeling she had troubled him.
Li Su assured her he enjoyed their time. When Xiaoman inquired about his family's troubles, Li Su explained his past friction with his father, his perception of his father’s actions as wrong and the official world as corrupt. However, witnessing his father's rise and fall in the capital made him realize that the father-son bond was paramount. He now embraced life as a commoner, free to roam the mountains and rivers, and write his books.
Li Su then asked if Princess Consort Pu had caused trouble for Xiaoman. Xiaoman confessed that Princess Consort Pu had pressured her to leave Zhao Xiaoqian. Initially resistant, she agreed after her grandmother's passing, the ruin of Su Chang Ji, and her brother's near imprisonment. But after leaving, she realized her true feelings, acknowledging her love for Zhao Xiaoqian and the deep pain of their separation. She constantly worried about his well-being.
Li Su gently advised her to look forward if she couldn't forget him, promising his unwavering support. He also subtly hinted at his own feelings, mentioning that his true thoughts were "written in the book" he had given her. Meanwhile, officials arrived once more to seal Bailu Academy. Yan Boyang, along with other students, defiantly resisted the closure. When an officer disparaged their academy exam, Yan Boyang tore up the official document, leading to his arrest.
Students, including Xie Xiaoman, rushed to the magistrate court in protest. Inside, Yan Nengfu, the magistrate and Yan Boyang's father, chastised his son for his reckless behavior. Yan Boyang stood firm, stating his deep affection for the academy and its teachings, which he valued above his father's influence. Incensed, Yan Nengfu ordered his son to be beaten. Yan Boyang accepted the punishment, asking his father to permit the students to take their final examination.
The principal of Bailu Academy arrived and, after calming the students and subtly urging them to act with prudence, entered the magistrate's court. He appealed to Yan Nengfu, acknowledging the magistrate's official duties but also reminding him of his past as a Bailu student and the importance of compassion over rigid adherence to law. The principal championed Yan Boyang's actions as the spirited defiance of youth.
Touched by the principal's plea and his son's determination, Yan Nengfu relented, agreeing to let the students complete their exams. Students outside cheered upon hearing the news. Minggu hurried to check on Yan Boyang, who, embarrassed by his spanking, tried to hide. Minggu worriedly asked if he was in pain, but he dismissed it.
She questioned his foolishness in taking the beating, to which Yan Boyang admitted his shortcomings, his failure to help with her family's case, and how he often made her angry. Minggu reassured him that she didn't blame him and confessed her own past immaturity. She realized that her mother and grandmother had always shouldered the family's burdens. Now, with her grandmother gone and Su Chang Ji lost, she had to take responsibility.
Minggu informed him that she was leaving for the capital with her mother to rebuild Su Chang Ji. Yan Boyang, rushing out from his hiding spot, desperately pleaded for her to stay, believing they could be together forever. Minggu sadly dispelled the notion of "forever," advising him to take care, dress warmly, avoid upsetting his parents, and lead a purposeful life.
Before leaving, she told him that his brave actions had made him seem like a "great hero" and that she "seemed to have fallen" for him. Yan Nengfu overheard their tender farewell. Zhao Xiaoqian finally reached Fuweng, his childhood attendant, only to find his left arm missing. Zhao Xiaoqian immediately suspected the Empress's involvement and pressed Fuweng for the full truth behind his arm's loss and his elder brother, Duke of Yongguo's, death.
Fuweng recounted that years ago, Zhao Xiaoqian, as a young prince, flew a kite in the imperial palace hoping his parents would see it. A sudden gust of wind snapped the string, and the kite landed in Kunning Palace, startling the pregnant Empress. She went into premature labor, resulting in a stillbirth. Despite imperial physicians confirming the baby had been dead for days, the grief-stricken Empress, in her distress, blamed Zhao Xiaoqian.
To protect his younger brother, Duke of Yongguo confessed to the deed. Zhao Xiaoqian grimly realized the Empress had murdered his brother and had been manipulating and monitoring him through Prince Pu's Mansion, even sending his mother to persuade him to return to the capital, all to prevent him from seeking revenge and keep him under her control.
Fuweng tearfully implored Zhao Xiaoqian to stop asking, emphasizing that he and Duke of Yongguo only wished for Zhao Xiaoqian to live well. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian, seeking solace, shared drinks with General Xu's soldiers. He confessed to General Xu his deep regret and sense of powerlessness, lamenting his inability to protect Fuweng or his brother.
General Xu, his mentor, reminded him of the harsh realities of the world where "the strong survive, the weak perish," and that only a truly strong individual could contend with the corrupt forces in the imperial court. General Xu challenged Zhao Xiaoqian, sensing that his visit to Tengzhou was more than just seeing Fuweng and that his indignation had not faded. Zhao Xiaoqian acknowledged his desire to protect his loved ones but admitted his current efforts were futile.
He requested a place among the Xiongjie Camp soldiers heading to Baichuankou, declaring his intention to earn military merit, seize military power, and return victoriously to protect those dear to him. General Xu, recognizing his resolve, enthusiastically welcomed him to fight alongside him, greatly boosting the soldiers' morale. At Bailu Academy, students diligently completed their final examination, writing essays titled "To Each His Own Ambitions." As the examination concluded, the principal delivered his last lecture.
He reflected on Bailu Academy's thirty-year legacy, emphasizing the impermanence of time. His final lesson centered on the principle of "a gentleman respects fate, thinks twice before acting," expressing his hope that every student would become an upright and just gentleman.
He reiterated the academy's core values: "Live up to my conscience, to upkeep the promise for the people, carry forward the power of wisdom, and bring peace to the world," stressing that within this peace, they must also actively explore themselves. Though a student then announced that Magistrate Xie and his officers had arrived to officially seal the academy, the principal calmly urged them to remain composed.
He explained that physical structures are external, but their inner knowledge and character cannot be taken. He advised them to accept what cannot be changed and to prudently challenge what can, which is the path of a gentleman. He invoked the academy's esteemed legacy, urging them to maintain integrity for the prosperity of their home and country. Finally, with a profound sense of farewell, he declared them officially graduated. Teacher Liu sought out Xie Xiaoman to discuss her future.
Xiaoman shared her family's plan to move to the capital, where she would assist at her aunt's shop. Teacher Liu, revealing her intention to establish a women's academy in the capital, invited Xiaoman to join her in teaching and compiling women's historical records, a project she felt was vital after encountering so many intelligent young ladies at Bailu. Xiaoman, delighted by the opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher, humbly accepted, promising to work hard.
Teacher Liu provided her with her capital address. Later, while looking through a book Li Su had gifted her, Xiaoman discovered a hidden letter. In the letter, Li Su expressed his gratitude to Xiaoman, admitting that he had once been lost and conflicted between seeking worldly approval and following his own path. He credited Xiaoman with making him realize that even a lone individual could find understanding and appreciation.
He confessed his deep affection for her, vowing to face any hardship with her. The letter concluded with a request for Xiaoman to meet him at the Leqiao market on New Year's Day at 5 a. m. , signed "Su."
Episode 27 Recap
On Chinese New Year's Eve, Zhao Xiaoqian returned to the commandery Prince's mansion, only to hear Princess Consort Pu declare that if he remained obstinate, he would end up with nothing. Zhao Xiaoqian confronted her, asserting that her noble status, glory, and riches, admired by all, were obtained at the cost of human lives. He then ordered all servants to leave the room. He accused his mother of having lost her sense of judgment from committing too many bad deeds.
Angrily, Princess Consort Pu claimed she did not understand what he was talking about. Zhao Xiaoqian revealed that he had found Fuweng and uncovered the truth about his brother's death, accusing his mother of sacrificing her own son's life for her personal glory and status. He sarcastically commented on their family's supposed "tender mother and filial sons, upright in conduct."
Princess Consort Pu tearfully stated that she had not wanted to send him to the imperial palace, that she had pleaded with the Emperor and Empress but was powerless against imperial authority, and could only resign to fate, lamenting that they were simply "not destined to be mother and son."
Zhao Xiaoqian retorted that she had already caused the death of one son and now intended to kill him too, stating that she always prioritized her own benefits and never considered his feelings. He informed her of his decision to go to the battlefield with General Xu to Baichuankou. Princess Consort Pu was shocked, asking why he would risk the future of the entire Prince Pu's Mansion.
Zhao Xiaoqian explained that returning to the capital would be "making himself the opponent's prey," and going to war was his only chance to survive and escape manipulation. He affirmed his decision, declaring that even if he were to die, it would be at Baichuankou. Afterwards, Zhao Xiaoqian accused Hongsu of being his mother's spy and mercilessly ordered her to be sold to the southern region.
He then wandered alone to the Lotus Garden, the place Xie Xiaoman had once inhabited, gazing at the pot of soil used to pray for a child, filled with longing for her. Meanwhile, the Su and Xie families gathered for their reunion dinner. The Su family planned to move after the New Year.
A servant delivered a pot of soil from the Lotus Garden and a letter to Xie Xiaoman, noting that the pot was the one Zhao Xiaoqian had used to pray for a child. Xie Xiaoman immediately recognized Zhao Xiaoqian standing at the door. He had come to bid her farewell, informing her that he was going to the battlefield. Xie Xiaoman responded that "Serving the nation is quite good."
She shared her plans to move to the capital after the New Year, to help her aunt with the new Su Chang Chi shop and to teach at Teacher Liu's academy, becoming a teacher herself. Zhao Xiaoqian expressed his admiration for her spirit, embracing her and telling her to "live on and never admit defeat."
As the first snow began to fall, Zhao Xiaoqian repeatedly apologized to her, asking her to remember that "there's only one Zhao Xiaoqian in this world, and he cherishes you like his own life." He then left without looking back. Xie Xiaoman watched him go, wishing him "keep going further and further, press forward with indomitable will, best of luck," and a Happy New Year.
Outside the city gates, Zhong Ziyan caught up with Zhao Xiaoqian, offering to join him on the battlefield as his "foot soldier," having abandoned his path to imperial examinations. Elsewhere, Yan Boyang knelt in the snow, pleading with his father to let him attend the Imperial College in the capital, promising to earn honor for the family. His father, seeing his resolve, nodded in agreement.
As the Su and Xie families prepared for their journey to the capital, Yan Boyang rushed to meet them, declaring he would join them on their journey and attend the Imperial College there, so they could look out for each other. Minggu warned him that if he went, it must be to earn glory and not to continue his frivolous ways, or she would not acknowledge him. Yan Boyang promised to mature and take responsibility for his choices and future.
In the capital, the newly reopened Su Chang Chi shop was bustling with customers. Xie Xiaoman began teaching at Teacher Liu's academy, and Yan Boyang diligently pursued his studies at the Imperial College, with everyone slowly settling into their new routines. At Baichuankou, Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhong Ziyan discussed the ongoing war. Baibao Stronghold and Taozhou had been successfully recaptured, and General Xu had sent a report confirming the capture of Linzhou City, with all bandits surrendering.
A soldier suggested that by simply holding Baichuankou, they might return victoriously to the capital by early spring. Zhao Xiaoqian warned against underestimating the enemy and inquired about the scouts sent out days ago, who had not yet returned. Soon after, a soldier reported that enemy forces were exploiting Baichuankou's weak defenses and advancing, while their own army was critically short of provisions and might not last a few more days.
Zhao Xiaoqian proposed attacking Yao Camp, the enemy's primary provision storage, as it was their only hope for resupply. He ordered double the amount of firewood for daily cooking and double the flags at each station to create the illusion of a larger army, deterring the enemy from reckless attacks. He forbade direct combat outside the camp, citing their disadvantage against the enemy's cavalry with their predominantly infantry forces, and ordered "truce signs" to be hung in every camp.
Anyone who engaged the enemy due to provocation, regardless of the outcome, would face execution. Zhao Xiaoqian tasked Shen Yan to accompany him with 200 soldiers that night to ambush the enemy's provision route. He dispatched a homing pigeon to General Xu, informing him that in five days, at midnight, their army would attack the enemy camp, and if General Xu did not send reinforcements, Baichuankou would fall, and they would fight to the last man.
Zhao Xiaoqian led the charge and was struck by an enemy arrow but was saved by the timely arrival of General Xu and his reinforcements. After three grueling years of combat, the battle of Baichuankou concluded, leaving many soldiers, including Huang Liu, dead. In the capital, rumors spread wildly that General Zhao, also known as Hanchen, was a "Living King Yama" who disregarded human lives for military achievements.
These rumors reached the Emperor, and the Crown Prince echoed sentiments from ancient texts, stating that "a bad year follows the war" and that a wise ruler should use "benevolence to make all the regions surrender" to avoid war. The Emperor sternly rebuked the Crown Prince, reminding him that as Crown Prince, he was not a mere literati or sage.
He declared that if the generals who had fought for three long years to protect the nation were to return only to hear such words, the Crown Prince might as well forfeit his position. At Baichuankou, Zhao Xiaoqian presided over a solemn memorial for the fallen soldiers.
He learned that Scout Huang Liu, a former deserter and a local gangster from Wujiang Prefecture whom Zhao Xiaoqian had once inspired to serve, had tragically died protecting the last batch of provisions for the city. A wounded soldier confronted Zhao Xiaoqian, questioning if their comrades had died in vain, for aspiring for the great and serving the nation, only for the nation to fail in providing adequate provisions. Zhao Xiaoqian promised the soldiers that he would personally ensure an accounting for the provision shortage and instructed them to wash up and return home.
Episode 28 Recap
Zhong Ziyan informed Zhao Xiaoqian that, as they suspected, 300,000 piculs of provisions were destroyed in a fire, with 200,000 piculs being hay, and none of the escorting officials survived, leaving it an unsolved case. Grand Secretariat Qin in the capital is covertly investigating this matter. According to a letter, a year prior, His Majesty had inspected the accounts of Jingxi and Jingdong, discovering that funds meant for military salaries were used by officials to cover deficits.
Zhong Ziyan believed Grand Chancellor Xu was responsible for the treasuries' emptiness and that the Crown Prince was also involved. Zhao Xiaoqian remarked that the Crown Prince was too young to realize he was being manipulated and questioned why Empress Cao would idly watch the heir to the throne become a "pest." Zhong Ziyan explained that Grand Chancellor Xu implicated the Crown Prince for self-preservation, ensuring His Majesty would have no choice but to drop the investigation.
Zhao Xiaoqian then pondered what Grand Chancellor Xu would do if a different person held the title of Crown Prince. As Yan Boyang excitedly learned he ranked 233rd in the imperial examination, he rushed to find Minggu to share the news. He found Minggu and Xie Xiaoman fiercely confronting scholars who were spreading rumors about Zhao Xiaoqian, calling him an "evil spirit" and claiming he sacrificed over ten thousand soldiers for victory.
Xie Xiaoman adamantly defended Zhao Xiaoqian, telling the scholars they knew nothing and were spewing nonsense, leading to her being called a "feisty tramp." Yan Boyang intervened, stopping the fight and chasing the scholars away. Minggu, overjoyed by his success, embraced Yan Boyang. Later, Yan Boyang, Minggu, and Xie Xiaoman celebrated his achievement at a restaurant. Yan Boyang, proud to be a Jinshi, playfully hinted at wanting to marry Minggu. Minggu, however, told him to earn some money first.
Xie Xiaoman teased Minggu about her promise to marry Yan Boyang if he passed the exam. Minggu then advised Xie Xiaoman to stop defending General Zhao Xiaoqian in the streets, as he was now a high-ranking official who wouldn't be harmed by public opinion, but Xie Xiaoman was being called a "feisty tramp." When Minggu asked if Xie Xiaoman knew Zhao Xiaoqian was returning, Xie Xiaoman confirmed everyone at the academy was talking about it.
Minggu felt they had all "parted ways long time ago" with Zhao Xiaoqian. Minggu then told Xie Xiaoman that an old friend from Wujiang Prefecture was coming to the capital and invited her to her store the next night to pick out a garment. As Zhao Xiaoqian returned to the capital, a grand imperial escort drew large crowds, with people whispering and calling him "Living King Yama."
In the throng, Xie Xiaoman tried to call out to him but could not see his face, feeling a growing distance between them. In his carriage, Zhao Xiaoqian discussed the capital's situation with Zhong Ziyan. Zhong Ziyan reported that despite clear military fund embezzlement in Jingxi and Jingdong, no official problems had been detected, Xu Huan was rapidly gaining power, and Grand Secretariat Qin was isolated.
He mentioned Qin's regret over Zhao Xiaoqian's tarnished reputation from Baichuankou, and that rumors portraying Zhao Xiaoqian as an "aggressive warlord" and "reincarnation of evil" were rampant. Zhong Ziyan questioned if it was the right time to challenge Xu Huan, but Zhao Xiaoqian dismissed his concerns, stating he was "seeking fortune through risks."
Zhong Ziyan also informed him that Yan Boyang had passed the imperial examination and their friends knew of his return, prompting Zhao Xiaoqian to order the withdrawal of the spy from the Xie Family. At the imperial court, Grand Chancellor Xu and Shen Shidao exchanged passive-aggressive remarks regarding gifts for Zhao Xiaoqian before Zhao Xiaoqian arrived and greeted Xu curtly.
Presented as "Deputy Commander of the Four Routes of Guanxi, Commander of the Xiongjie Army," Zhao Xiaoqian bowed to His Majesty. His Majesty praised Zhao Xiaoqian for the victory at Baichuankou and promoted him to "Commander of the Pengri and Tianwu Armies of the Four Divisions and Commandery Prince of Julu." Zhao Xiaoqian, however, declined these honors, instead requesting to serve as the Imperial Grand Governor.
His Majesty, surprised, asked his motive, to which Zhao Xiaoqian claimed it was for "pride" as he was "bored of military positions." His Majesty reminded him of the over 10,000 casualties at Baichuankou and the public rumors, questioning how he could seek such a civil post, especially one reserved for the Crown Prince. Zhao Xiaoqian responded by quoting military strategy: "A commander either fights or defends. If they can't defend, they withdraw. If they can't withdraw, they flee.
And if they can't flee, they die. I couldn't withdraw or flee. My only option was to fight the enemy with our very lives." He then told His Majesty to take his time considering the request, as he could wait, before excusing himself. His Majesty observed that Zhao Xiaoqian had "indeed changed." Later, a eunuch informed Grand Chancellor Xu that His Majesty had not approved Zhao Xiaoqian's request for the Imperial Grand Governor position.
Xu's subordinates expressed concern about His Majesty's apparent favoritism towards Zhao Xiaoqian, but Xu remained calm, considering plans to cause trouble for him. Zhong Ziyan warned Zhao Xiaoqian that his actions in court had undoubtedly aroused suspicion, and Grand Chancellor Xu would soon make a move, urging him to be cautious. He also informed Zhao Xiaoqian about an invitation from Yan Boyang for a reunion, which Xie Xiaoman would also attend.
Zhong Ziyan advised that Grand Chancellor Xu was already monitoring them and was aware of Yan Boyang and Xie Xiaoman's presence in the capital, so their best course of action was to "act as usual," a sentiment Zhao Xiaoqian accepted. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian returned to Prince Pu's Mansion.
Upon seeing him, his mother, Princess Consort Pu, immediately admonished him for daring to request the Imperial Grand Governor position in court, fearing it would be perceived as him competing for the throne, risking his life. Zhao Xiaoqian, unfazed, sarcastically noted her quick access to information and asked if the Empress intended to poison him too.
He clarified that he was not there to argue but to offer incense to his deceased brother, stating that his own fate was determined the year his brother died. He defiantly suggested that his mother inform the Empress that if she failed to discipline the Crown Prince, then the matter of replacing the Crown Prince "will no longer be up to her." The next day, Xie Xiaoman, Yan Boyang, and Minggu prepared a meal for Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhong Ziyan.
Xie Xiaoman felt anxious, wondering if Zhao Xiaoqian still remembered her or their past at Yuyangli Village. Soon, Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhong Ziyan arrived. Yan Boyang expressed relief that Zhao Xiaoqian survived being shot by an arrow, and Zhao Xiaoqian, in turn, congratulated Yan Boyang on passing the imperial examination. After a toast, Zhao Xiaoqian inquired about Yan Boyang's family. Xie Xiaoman then cautiously asked about Zhao Xiaoqian's injury from Baichuankou, to which he coldly replied, "I'm fine."
Zhong Ziyan interjected, explaining that the injury wasn't severe but caused his knees to ache on rainy days due to the harsh cold in Baichuankou. Xie Xiaoman, concerned, urged him not to neglect it and asked if he had consulted a physician. Zhao Xiaoqian abruptly changed the topic, asking if Xie Xiaoman was married. He advised her not to delay finding a husband and offered to provide her with an endowment once she did.
Xie Xiaoman was deeply hurt by his words and demeanor. Suddenly, an old man burst into the room, crying out for Zhao Xiaoqian to "pay for my son's life." He vehemently accused Zhao Xiaoqian of being greedy for military merits and callously sacrificing soldiers' lives, leading to his son's death. Zhao Xiaoqian, unfazed, coldly challenged the old man: "If you're able to kill me, I'll pay for his life with mine."
As soldiers dragged the old man away, he continued to curse Zhao Xiaoqian as an "aggressive warlord" and the "reincarnation of evil." Disturbed by the incident, Zhao Xiaoqian abruptly left the gathering. Xie Xiaoman followed him, trying to understand his knee pain and offering her knowledge from Yuyangli Village. Zhao Xiaoqian cut her off, telling her to "stop bringing Yuyangli Village up" and reminding her that there were imperial physicians in the palace, so she needn't concern herself.
Xie Xiaoman, troubled by his coldness and the public rumors, asked why people were calling him an "aggressive warlord" and saying he "covets power." Zhao Xiaoqian dismissed her, stating that "no matter what you say behind my back, in public, you should address me as the Commandery Prince." He warned her that the capital was a complicated place and he had no time for "insignificant peasants" like her, advising her to "take care of yourself."
Hurt, Xie Xiaoman retorted that she would be cautious and did not need his concern. Later that night, in what turned out to be a dream, a drunk Xie Xiaoman lamented Zhao Xiaoqian's return as a high-ranking official, feeling ignored and foolish for still caring for him. She bitterly recalled being the one who left him first and scoffed at his offer of an endowment, confessing that she only wanted to see if he was dead.
Zhao Xiaoqian appeared before her, playfully admitting he visited her in a dream to avoid being hit by her during the day. Xie Xiaoman, overcome with emotion, furiously called him "terrible" and demanded he leave, insisting they should go their separate ways, their paths too narrow for both. She berated him as a "traitor," "heartless," "worse than animals," and a "scoundrel" for proposing to marry her off and offering an endowment.
Zhao Xiaoqian embraced her, tenderly calling her "my woman," assuring her that his pain was "ten times more" when he hurt her, and that he could never forget her. He provocatively challenged her to try and marry someone else, promising to "stop it no matter what" if she dared. He then gently told her to sleep and dream of him "openly taking you as my wife."
The next morning, Zhong Ziyan reported to Zhao Xiaoqian that their investigation confirmed the old man who caused the scene was planted by Grand Chancellor Xu. When asked about his next move, Zhao Xiaoqian declared, "I'm going to request His Majesty to betroth Shen Zhaowen to me tomorrow. The plan goes on." Meanwhile, Xie Xiaoman woke up, realizing her emotional confrontation with Zhao Xiaoqian was merely a dream.
Minggu excitedly informed her that an old friend from Wujiang Prefecture, Li Congwen, had arrived in the capital and urged her to go out with him. Xie Xiaoman and Li Congwen took a stroll, admiring the city's scenery. Li Congwen noted Xie Xiaoman's growth from an "odd job" to a teacher. He hinted that his return this time was "not only to teach," and offered her some rice cakes. He asked about her meeting with Zhao Xiaoqian.
Xie Xiaoman confessed her disbelief in the street rumors about Zhao Xiaoqian's character before his return, having always seen him as a "righteous man." However, she was deeply disturbed by his callous dismissal of the old man, seeing him treat others "like an ant," and wondered if three years can truly change a person so profoundly. Li Congwen encouraged her to seek answers directly from Zhao Xiaoqian, as she refused to believe what others told her.
In the imperial court, a minister raised concerns about the hefty cost of compensation for the nearly 10,000 casualties of Baichuankou. Another minister countered, emphasizing the importance of compensation to maintain troop morale and future willingness to fight. His Majesty then asked Zhao Xiaoqian for his opinion.
Zhao Xiaoqian deferred to His Majesty's judgment on the compensation, but then made a personal request: having passed the age of 20 and been granted a Commandery Prince's Mansion, he sought a Commandery Princess. He formally requested His Majesty's approval to marry Commandery Princess Rong'an, Shen Zhaowen, stating they "grew up together" and he "has deep feelings for her." The court was abuzz, with ministers calling his timing "ridiculous" for seeking marriage right after a major war.
His Majesty did not immediately approve and dismissed most of the court. In Kunning Palace, a eunuch reported to the Empress that Zhao Xiaoqian first sought the position of Imperial Grand Governor, and now had publicly proposed to Shen Zhaowen in court. The Empress was displeased, calling Zhao Xiaoqian arrogant after his victory and regretting not having eliminated him earlier. She instructed the eunuch to tell Grand Chancellor Xu to "deal with it himself."
The eunuch relayed Grand Chancellor Xu's warning that Zhao Xiaoqian was coveting the position of Imperial Grand Governor to replace the Crown Prince, and that he "must be annihilated." The Empress, now convinced of Zhao Xiaoqian's "daunting ambitions" and potential to cause "turmoil," agreed to "eliminate him." The scene concluded with Grand Chancellor Xu, in a separate moment, reflecting on his rise to power: "I keep no one who gets in my way."
Episode 29 Recap
The Qionglin Banquet was held, and His Majesty opened Jinming Lake for the scholars. The topic for the debate, "The stability of the state lies in virtue, not in strategic terrain," was clearly aimed at Zhao Xiaoqian. Shen Zhaowen, sitting beside Zhao Xiaoqian, provocatively told Xie Xiaoman that she had invited her to the event. One scholar criticized Zhao Xiaoqian, citing the 10,000 lives lost at Baichuankou and comparing him to the "mass murderer" Gongsun Qi.
Another scholar defended the role of military strength, and Xie Xiaoman also spoke up, stating that the stability of a nation lies in "both virtue and strategic strength" and that military power serves as a deterrent. Zhao Xiaoqian then addressed the scholars, acknowledging that their criticisms were directed at him.
He quoted the "Rites of Zhou", distinguishing between those who "sit and discuss principles" (nobility and royalty) and those who "rise and act on them" (scholar-officials), challenging them on their true intentions—whether to overthrow the Zhao family or to serve the state. Finding the discussion tedious, Zhao Xiaoqian left with Shen Zhaowen.
Shen Zhaowen's brother mocked Zhao Xiaoqian's grandiosity and warned Shen Zhaowen to be wary of his marriage proposal, prompting Zhao Xiaoqian to scold him for ruining the Xiongjie Camp's reputation. The brother retorted that people called Zhao Xiaoqian a "murderer." Xie Xiaoman then arrived, insisting on seeing Zhao Xiaoqian. Zhao Xiaoqian led Xie Xiaoman away. She presented him with handmade knee guards containing medicinal herbs for his old knee injury.
Zhao Xiaoqian, noticing Shen Zhaowen nearby, deliberately threw the knee guards away. He accused Xie Xiaoman of merely wanting to know if he was a "murderer" and cruelly suggested she was trying to "climb into his bed." Hurt, Xie Xiaoman retorted, asking if this was what he had become, to which Zhao Xiaoqian coldly affirmed he liked his new self. Xie Xiaoman, saying she was unworthy, tearfully left, while Shen Zhaowen watched from a distance.
Zhong Ziyan, receiving a secret report, informed Zhao Xiaoqian that Chancellor Xu had planned an ambush in Tianshui Alley for that very night, advising him to take Tianzhu Road where Zhong Ziyan's covert guards were positioned for protection. Furious, Zhao Xiaoqian confronted Shen Zhaowen, demanding to know her true reason for inviting Xie Xiaoman.
Under pressure, Shen Zhaowen confessed that she wanted to test where Zhao Xiaoqian's heart truly lay and admitted that her servant, Zipei, had placed informants at the entrance. Realizing Xie Xiaoman was in danger, Zhao Xiaoqian quickly grabbed his sword and rushed out to find her. Xie Xiaoman was chased by ruffians into Tianshui Alley. Zhao Xiaoqian arrived just in time, swiftly dispatching them.
Seeing covert assassins on the rooftops, Zhao Xiaoqian deliberately hardened his demeanor, telling Xie Xiaoman he was back only for power and that she was "unworthy" of him, commanding her to leave. At that moment, an old man, Zhou Shixian's father, confronted Zhao Xiaoqian with a knife, accusing him of his son's death at Baichuankou.
Zhao Xiaoqian disarmed him, then recounted Zhou Shixian's heroic service as a deputy squad leader of Camp 57 who died defending Gu City, revealing that the old man was being manipulated. With assassins closing in, Zhao Xiaoqian urged the old man to leave, and then he and Xie Xiaoman boarded a boat to escape. On the boat, another assassin ambushed them, taking Xie Xiaoman hostage.
Following Zhao Xiaoqian's discreet signal, Xie Xiaoman kicked the assassin's dagger away, allowing Zhao Xiaoqian to kill him. However, Xie Xiaoman's back was grazed by the dagger during the struggle. Zhao Xiaoqian brought Xie Xiaoman to a small island for safety and tended to her wound. When she asked about his numerous enemies, Zhao Xiaoqian coldly dismissed her, suggesting she distance herself as he had accumulated too many grudges.
He denied pushing her away to protect her, claiming she now meant "nothing" to him, and his love for her was "in the past." Xie Xiaoman, heartbroken, pressed him, asking if he was marrying Shen Zhaowen and if he loved her. Zhao Xiaoqian confirmed both with a flat "Yes." Devastated, Xie Xiaoman acknowledged her foolishness for living in the past, promised to never bother him again, and wished him and Shen Zhaowen a lifetime of happiness.
Zhao Xiaoqian simply replied, "Thank you," then walked away, but secretly watched over her from behind a fence. A montage reveals that during the years he was away at war, Zhao Xiaoqian continued to receive reports about Xie Xiaoman's life in the capital—her opening a store, becoming a disciple at Wujin Academy, falling ill, and turning twenty. Before his return, he had confessed his true plan to Zhong Ziyan.
He admitted his return to the capital was fraught with extreme danger and that he might die. To thoroughly investigate Chancellor Xu's involvement in the Baichuankou provision scandal, he must first become the Prefect of Bian Capital. To do this covertly, he planned to "openly contend for power" and propose marriage to Shen Zhaowen, using this as a smokescreen to "covertly investigate the correlation between Chancellor Xu and the loss of Baichuankou's provisions."
Zhong Ziyan warned of the immense danger, but Zhao Xiaoqian felt a deep debt to the fallen soldiers, believing his life was already forfeit. He insisted that Zhong Ziyan and Xie Xiaoman must survive and instructed Zhong Ziyan to find a man named Li Guangwen in the capital, then take Xie Xiaoman and leave, never to return. If he died, Zhong Ziyan was to keep these truths from Xie Xiaoman.
The next morning, Zhong Ziyan and Shen Zhaowen arrived at the island. Zhao Xiaoqian pulled Shen Zhaowen aside and unequivocally stated that his proposal to her was "merely a measure of expediency" with no genuine feelings. He clarified that Xie Xiaoman had always been, and would always be, the only one in his heart. Zhao Xiaoqian then instructed Zhong Ziyan to inform the Xie family to pick up Xie Xiaoman.
Zhong Ziyan also showed Zhao Xiaoqian a token from the Chancellor's residence found on the assassin, confirming Chancellor Xu's involvement. Zhao Xiaoqian saw this as Chancellor Xu "shooting himself in the foot" and declared his intention to enter the imperial palace to "ask for a position." Meanwhile, Li Su found Xie Xiaoman. He reassured her about her overnight absence and proposed marriage, expressing his desire not to miss out on her again.
Zhao Xiaoqian entered the imperial palace and boldly requested the position of Prefect of Bian Capital. His Majesty, infuriated, accused him of coveting the Crown Prince's "rice bowl." Zhao Xiaoqian retorted that with the Crown Prince being young and Chancellor Xu overbearing, he, a Commandery Prince, was nearly assassinated.
He provocatively warned that if the truth of a Crown Prince and Grand Chancellor attempting to assassinate a victorious general became public, the people and the soldiers of Baichuankou would never be silent. Left with no choice, His Majesty issued an edict promoting Zhao Xiaoqian to Prefect of Bian Capital. Upon learning of Zhao Xiaoqian's explicit rejection, Shen Zhaowen, consumed by jealousy, vowed to be ruthless.
Shortly after, she falsely accused Su Chang Ji, Ming Gu's family store, of selling fake silk. Officers arrived to close the store and arrest Ming Gu's father, stating their actions were based on claims by Commandery Princess Rong'an, whom Ming Gu identified as Shen Zhaowen.
Episode 30 Recap
Shen Zhaowen claimed that Su Chang Chi, a renowned silk store, sold her fake silk, leading to the arrest of Meng Hanru, Minggu's father, and the sealing of the shop. Xiaoman received a letter from Commandery Princess Rong'an, Shen Zhaowen, requesting a meeting. Realizing Shen Zhaowen was targeting her, Xiaoman and Minggu confronted her. Xiaoman accused Shen Zhaowen of fabricating charges, asking if the people's tribute was for her to oppress them.
Shen Zhaowen brazenly admitted her actions, retorting, "I am oppressing you. What can you do?" Shen Zhaowen then revealed her true intention: she was to marry Zhao Xiaoqian and felt uneasy about Xiaoman's past relationship with him. She demanded Xiaoman marry Li Congwen, assuring that if she did, Shen Zhaowen would be at ease, Zhao Xiaoqian would be happy, and Meng Hanru would be safe.
Xiaoman pressed if this was Zhao Xiaoqian's will, which Shen Zhaowen confirmed, adding that Zhao Xiaoqian, as the Imperial Grand Governor of the capital, would even provide Xiaoman with an endowment to sever their ties. Shen Zhaowen mocked Xiaoman's naivety, warning her that "the capital is a complicated place," and "pride will do you no good. Nobody would take the grudges of the insignificant seriously." Determined, Xiaoman decided to seek out Zhao Xiaoqian.
Xiaoman and Minggu arrived at the Commandery Prince's mansion to plead for Meng Hanru's release. Inside, Zhong Ziyan was helping Zhao Xiaoqian review documents for the investigation into the missing military provisions, connecting the accounts of Jingdong and Jingxi Roads to Li Guangwen's bank and the embezzlement of military funds. Liangji informed them of Xiaoman's presence, but Zhao Xiaoqian instructed him to deny his presence. Outside, Xiaoman desperately called for Zhao Xiaoqian, asserting her uncle's innocence.
Liangji warned her to stop causing a scene. Xiaoman, realizing Zhao Xiaoqian was intentionally avoiding her, cried out, "Zhao Xiaoqian, you rascal!" Meanwhile, Zhong Ziyan urged Zhao Xiaoqian to prioritize the military provision case, reminding him of his oath at Baichuankou and the elaborate ruse he had constructed with the "marriage" to Shen Zhaowen to mislead Xu Huan. He warned that revealing their true intentions now would jeopardize everything.
Zhao Xiaoqian, torn, questioned if there would be a future for Baichuankou if he didn't act now. Hearing their conversation from outside, Xiaoman, in despair, shouted, "All you want is for me to marry Li Congwen. . . I admit defeat. I'll marry him!" She then threw down her hairpin, declaring they would never meet again. After she left, Zhao Xiaoqian emerged to pick up her broken hairpin.
He then instructed his subordinate to ensure Meng Hanru's safety in prison and allow no visitors, stating he would personally handle Shen Zhaowen. Zhao Xiaoqian then presented his meticulously gathered evidence to the Emperor. He declared that while many believed he sought to usurp the throne, his true purpose was to redress the injustices suffered by his brothers at Baichuankou. The Emperor dismissed his claims, asserting there was no injustice.
Undeterred, Zhao Xiaoqian detailed how a year prior, during their fight at Baichuankou, 200,000 of the 300,000 piculs of military provisions allocated by the Emperor were burned in Shuozhou, leaving them with only 100,000 to fight for six months. This led to the death of 10,000 soldiers, some starving to death, making their victory feel like a defeat. He revealed that the lost 200,000 piculs were actually hay.
Despite the Emperor's rising anger, Zhao Xiaoqian pressed on, accusing Xu Huan and the Crown Prince of corruption, claiming they had eaten away at the imperial treasury by diverting military funds from Jingdong and Jingxi Roads. He implored the Emperor to investigate. The Emperor demanded witnesses, and upon hearing Zhao Xiaoqian had none, declared the case nullified and dismissed him.
Zhao Xiaoqian passionately protested, crying that "the country is falling apart" and questioning if the soldiers deserved to starve, accusing the Emperor of suppressing the truth due to the Crown Prince's involvement. Despite guards seizing him, Zhao Xiaoqian continued to yell about the nation falling apart, leading the furious Emperor to order him to be flogged twenty times. Enduring the flogging, Zhao Xiaoqian quietly reaffirmed his resolve as he recalled it was Xiaoman's engagement day.
On the day of Xiaoman's engagement to Li Congwen, amidst the elaborate exchange of betrothal gifts, Zhao Xiaoqian, fresh from his flogging, burst into the ceremony. He declared his intent to stop the marriage, proclaiming, "If you're getting married, I'm going to stop it." Xiaoman's parents pleaded with him to leave their daughter alone, and Minggu accused him of pushing Xiaoman to this point. Zhao Xiaoqian simply stated he could not let her go.
When Li Congwen bravely stood in his way, Zhao Xiaoqian drew his sword. Xiaoman, protecting Li Congwen, urged Zhao Xiaoqian to stop his madness. Zhao Xiaoqian then struck her hairpin, sending it flying, and hoisted her onto his shoulder, carrying her away. Despite Xiaoman's shouts of him being a "rascal" and "shameless," Zhao Xiaoqian merely admitted to it, reiterating, "I said it. I'm stopping the engagement."
Xiaoman confronted him about their past kiss, asking if that night was real and why he had locked up her uncle and refused to see her if he cared. Zhao Xiaoqian kissed her, explaining that he was not involved in the malicious actions and never wanted her to marry anyone else. He revealed that he was unable to act due to complex circumstances but now could, asking her to trust him again and marry him.
When Xiaoman questioned if she would again be his concubine, he asked for six months to give her a "rightful title." Xiaoman slapped him, exclaiming, "In your dreams! . . . As long as I'm still alive, you belong to me alone. In life, you are mine, in death, you are my ghost." Zhao Xiaoqian then jumped into a nearby lake to catch wild geese for a betrothal gift.
He returned with two goose eggs, declaring, "From today onwards, you're my wife. . . I'll marry you in a few days." He promised to save her uncle and protect Su Chang Chi, and returned her broken hairpin, urging her not to lose it again. Minggu and Xiaoman's parents, relieved to find her, brought her home. Xiaoman confessed to Li Congwen that while she initially refused Zhao Xiaoqian, she was deeply moved and realized she still loved him.
Knowing he was engaged in something dangerous, she wanted to stand by him, and she apologized to Li Congwen. Li Congwen, understanding her heart was not his, gracefully accepted her decision. He encouraged her to follow her heart, promising, "No matter where you are, no matter what happens, I'll always be there for you." Xiaoman reaffirmed her decision was her own, not a deal.
The next day, Xiaoman went to the yamen and beat the drum to submit an appeal for her uncle. Meanwhile, Shen Yan spoke with Shen Zhaowen, reminding her that Zhao Xiaoqian's marriage proposal was merely a ruse. A despondent Shen Zhaowen questioned if her long wait was in vain. Shen Yan acknowledged Zhao Xiaoqian's wrongdoing and vowed to protect her reputation, urging her to abandon the pursuit of marriage. Finally, Zhao Xiaoqian grandly married Xie Xiaoman.
Her parents, though worried about the challenges of marrying into a powerful family, were put at ease when Xiaoman assured them that her decision was made willingly, without regret, and that she was merely indulging her own will one last time. As the band played to announce her arrival, her family sent her off with their blessings.
Episode 31 Recap
Zhao Xiaoqian married Xie Xiaoman, and a grand procession with a ten-li red dowry arrived at the Commandery Prince's mansion, filling the air with joy. Everyone rejoiced, and even Dengxin'er, Xie Xiaoman's maid, was happily drinking, celebrating Xie Xiaoman's second marriage. Shi Deng'er found Dengxin'er's tipsy remarks adorable. Yan Boyang and Zhong Ziyan diligently entertained guests, genuinely happy for their brother.
Xie Xiaoman's mother bid her farewell, urging her to take care of herself, while the wedding procession carried Xie Xiaoman into the mansion with blessings for everlasting health and happiness. On their wedding night, Zhao Xiaoqian sat apart from Xie Xiaoman. Xie Xiaoman, wanting to consummate their marriage, called him over. Though he lay beside her, he simply told her that since she was now his wife, she had nothing to fear and could do as she pleased.
He then excused himself, claiming to have matters to attend to, and went to take a cold bath. Shi Deng'er, witnessing Zhao Xiaoqian's unusual behavior on his wedding night, questioned Mr. Liangji, who merely shook his head without a word. The next morning, at court, Chancellor Xu sarcastically congratulated Zhao Xiaoqian on his promotion as Prefect of the Capital, expecting him to rise swiftly. Zhao Xiaoqian, maintaining a polite but indifferent expression, acknowledged the congratulations.
Chancellor Xu then questioned Zhao Xiaoqian's decision to forgo a marriage with the prestigious Shen family for a commoner, speculating that he was not interested in contending for the throne. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, revealed his true intentions, stating that his focus was on three major cases: the 200,000 piculs of military provisions at Baichuankou, Li Guangwen's bank, and the accounts of the Jingdong and Jingxi Roads.
When Chancellor Xu challenged him, asking if he feared uncovering uncomfortable truths, Zhao Xiaoqian fearlessly declared that he would investigate regardless of who was involved, and that his ultimate goal was to send Chancellor Xu to hell to pay respects to his ten thousand fallen brothers. Meanwhile, in the East Palace, the Emperor questioned the Crown Prince about flood governance, lamenting his lack of practical knowledge beyond rote memorization.
The Crown Prince suggested relocating civilians, but the Emperor scoffed at the massive costs and the potential for corruption. Empress Cao tried to intervene, but the Emperor, angered, confronted her about the corruption surrounding the Baichuankou and Jingdong and Jingxi Roads cases, accusing her and the Crown Prince of deceiving him. He further criticized the Crown Prince's ignorance, contrasting him with Zhao Xiaoqian's military achievements, and threatened to replace him as Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince retorted that the Emperor only cared about Zhao Xiaoqian, which sent the Emperor into a furious rage, causing him to collapse and faint. Seeing the Emperor unconscious, Empress Cao immediately dispatched a eunuch to inform Chancellor Xu. Upon receiving the news of the Emperor's coma and the Empress's concerns about the Crown Prince's position, Chancellor Xu resolved to eliminate Zhao Xiaoqian to secure the Crown Prince's ascension.
He discussed his plans with his confidants, and Shen Yan, who was present, secretly listened to their scheme. Chancellor Xu revealed that Zhao Xiaoqian, as Prefect of the Capital, was already investigating the corruption cases that implicated the Crown Prince and Chancellor Xu himself.
He stressed the urgency of their actions, stating they must rely on the Empress to handle matters within the palace, ultimately aiming for the Emperor's abdication and the Crown Prince's enthronement, with Chancellor Xu and his allies acting as Imperial Regents. Back at the mansion, Xie Xiaoman, following Dengxin'er's playful advice, attempted to seduce Zhao Xiaoqian by dressing up as a fox spirit. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, remained unresponsive, causing Xie Xiaoman to shyly retreat.
Later, realizing Zhao Xiaoqian was undertaking something significant and trying to protect her, Xie Xiaoman resolved not to let him push her away. She then brought him breakfast she had prepared, insisting he eat it, stating she only cooked for her husband. Zhong Ziyan updated Zhao Xiaoqian on their investigation, reporting that Li Guangwen had been located and was expected to arrive in the capital in two days, personally invited by Li Su.
However, with Xu Huan closely monitoring the city, Li Guangwen, being a former criminal, would have to sneak in. Zhong Ziyan volunteered to personally retrieve him, assuring Zhao Xiaoqian that with Li Guangwen's testimony and the gathered evidence, even the Emperor would have no choice but to act against Chancellor Xu. Soon after, Shen Yan secretly met with Zhao Xiaoqian, confirming the Emperor's unconscious state and Chancellor Xu's impending coup.
Shen Yan detailed Chancellor Xu's plan to deploy imperial guards to secure the city gates and trap Zhao Xiaoqian within the palace. He also revealed his father's willingness to help, provided his safety was guaranteed. Shen Yan outlined their plan to disguise themselves as imperial guards and enter through Wende Gate to reach Zichen Palace. He also informed Zhao Xiaoqian that Empress Cao was holding the Emperor captive in Kunning Palace.
Zhao Xiaoqian instructed Shen Yan to prioritize rescuing the Emperor first to leave Chancellor Xu no room for denial. Shen Yan also advised that their allies would wear yellow scarves on their left arms as identification. Acknowledging the impending life-or-death battle, Zhao Xiaoqian then instructed Zhong Ziyan to meet Li Guangwen outside the city the next day. Once Li Guangwen was secured, Zhong Ziyan was to lead the Su and Xie families to a prepared house outside the city.
He explicitly told Zhong Ziyan that if he did not return within three days, Zhong Ziyan should not wait but return directly to Wujiang Prefecture with everyone. Zhong Ziyan, however, staunchly refused, invoking his oath to die for his country and swearing to be Zhao Xiaoqian's vanguard. He insisted on joining Shen Yan to enter the palace. Unable to convince his loyal friend, Zhao Xiaoqian reluctantly agreed.
Before the families left, Xie Xiaoman pulled Zhao Xiaoqian aside, demanding to know the full truth. Zhao Xiaoqian confessed that he had returned to the capital to overthrow Chancellor Xu and avenge the ten thousand soldiers who died at Baichuankou due to lack of provisions. He warned her that the next day would be a fierce battle, and he might not return alive. Xie Xiaoman, recognizing his righteous cause, declared that she would not leave.
She refused to let him go, insisting that if she were to remarry, she would rather reincarnate as a wooden fish. Zhao Xiaoqian, touched by her unwavering commitment, spent the night with her. Before leaving, he told her that he would return to the city for the night, and if he did not come back by dawn, she should return to Wujiang Prefecture. Xie Xiaoman defiantly proclaimed that he would not be a man if he failed to return.
The next morning, Zhong Ziyan, transporting Li Guangwen in a carriage, was ambushed by guards. Zhong Ziyan quickly instructed Li Guangwen to alight at an upcoming junction while he drove the carriage to distract their pursuers. Meanwhile, at the morning court, the Crown Prince, acting as regent, entered. An imperial edict was announced, stating the Emperor was gravely ill and the Crown Prince would act as regent with Chancellor Xu as his aide.
Grand Secretariat Qin voiced his concern for the Emperor's health, but Chancellor Xu cut him off, stating that the matter of Commandery Prince of Julu must be dealt with first. Zhao Xiaoqian then made his grand entrance. Chancellor Xu immediately accused Zhao Xiaoqian of colluding with the enemy and causing the deaths of over ten thousand soldiers at Baichuankou. He then dramatically appealed to the Crown Prince to order Zhao Xiaoqian's execution, claiming Zhao Xiaoqian sought to usurp the throne.
Many officials echoed the plea for Zhao Xiaoqian's execution. At the same time, in Kunning Palace, Empress Cao confronted the now-awake Emperor. She held an edict of abdication, forcing him to cede the throne to the Crown Prince. The Emperor, realizing her scheme, accused her of a grand betrayal. When he threatened to refuse, Empress Cao arrogantly stated that she would "help" him approve it, reaching for his hand to force his mark on the document.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
Chancellor Xu Huan stood before the court, pressing the Crown Prince, Xiaoze, to order Zhao Xiaoqian’s execution, accusing him of coveting the throne and colluding with foreign enemies. Despite the growing pressure from the officials, Xiaoze hesitated, unable to bring himself to condemn his brother. Seeing Xiaoze’s indecision, Chancellor Xu Huan overstepped his authority and commanded his guards to arrest Zhao Xiaoqian. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, was prepared.
He stepped forward to impeach Chancellor Xu Huan, presenting a detailed appeal that accused him of embezzling military funds, colluding for personal gains, and harming loyal officials. He specifically mentioned corruption in Jingdong and Jingxi Roads and the theft of military provisions from Baichuankou. As his star witness, Li Guangwen, a former secretariat, was brought forth to confirm Xu Huan’s crimes.
Chancellor Xu Huan dismissed the accusations as slander and immediately ordered Li Guangwen’s seizure, then threatened Zhao Xiaoqian with execution for insubordination and treason. He revealed a captured Zhong Ziyan as a hostage, stating that if Zhao Xiaoqian did not comply, Zhong Ziyan would be executed. Zhong Ziyan, remembering his oath to serve as Zhao Xiaoqian’s vanguard, bravely urged him not to give in, recalling the countless brothers who starved to death at Baichuankou due to stolen provisions.
He implored Zhao Xiaoqian to fight for their justice. Ignoring Zhong Ziyan’s pleas, Chancellor Xu Huan ordered Zhao Xiaoqian’s immediate execution. In the ensuing struggle, an assassin ambushed Zhao Xiaoqian from behind. Zhong Ziyan, without hesitation, jumped in front of Zhao Xiaoqian, taking the fatal blow and collapsing to the ground, spitting blood. Zhao Xiaoqian cradled his dying friend, desperately calling for an imperial physician.
In his last moments, Zhong Ziyan spoke of his lifelong quest for justice due to the inherent unfairness in the world, believing his death in the imperial court would make him a martyr. He urged Zhao Xiaoqian to prioritize the state and Baichuankou. Enraged by Zhong Ziyan's death, Zhao Xiaoqian fiercely fought back, slaughtering Xu Huan's soldiers on the spot.
He then held his sword to Xu Huan’s throat, reciting the names of numerous soldiers who died because of Xu Huan’s greed. He formally requested the Crown Prince to launch a thorough investigation into Xu Huan. At this critical moment, the Emperor arrived, accompanied by Shen Yan, revealing his feigned illness and shocking everyone. He questioned the chaos in the court, indicating his full awareness of Xu Huan’s machinations.
Li Guangwen then presented a comprehensive confession detailing 146 specific crimes committed by Xu Huan, including corruption, embezzlement, and seizing state assets. The Emperor confronted Xu Huan, acknowledging his thirty years of service but declaring that even a single one of his crimes was enough to annihilate his entire clan. Xu Huan, with no recourse, confessed and begged for mercy. The Emperor, however, was resolute.
He ordered Xu Huan’s arrest, the confiscation of his property, and a full investigation into all his associates, tasking Chancellor Qin with overseeing the matter. Xu Huan was dragged away, his power crumbled. Meanwhile, the Emperor turned his attention to his wife, Qiongniang, the Empress, and their adopted son, Xiaoze. He expressed his heartache that his own family would conspire against him.
The Empress, attempting to shield Xiaoze, took full responsibility for all the crimes, claiming she was misled and that Xiaoze was an innocent party caught in her schemes. Xiaoze tried to defend her, but she sternly rebuffed him, saying she was not his biological mother. The Emperor, addressing Qiongniang, spoke of their long marriage and his decision not to execute her.
Instead, he banished her from the imperial palace to live a life of monastic cultivation, reflecting on her misdeeds, and declared that they would never meet again. She thanked him for his grace, and as she was led away, Xiaoze cried out for his mother. The Emperor then questioned Xiaoze’s hesitation to execute Zhao Xiaoqian earlier and his continued affection for the Empress despite her grave crimes.
Xiaoze stated that Zhao Xiaoqian was his elder brother, and the Empress, regardless of her actions, was still his mother. Seeing the genuine benevolence in Xiaoze’s heart, despite his weakness, the Emperor encouraged him to strengthen himself and govern with kindness and integrity for the welfare of the people. Zhao Xiaoqian later encountered Qiongniang as she was leaving the palace. She claimed he had won and avenged his deceased brother, asking if he was satisfied.
Zhao Xiaoqian clarified that his return was not for personal revenge, but to assist a wise ruler and ensure his loved ones lived in a peaceful and prosperous era. The Crown Prince, Xiaoze, then approached Zhao Xiaoqian, asking if the rumors of Zhao Xiaoqian viewing him as a rival and seeking to replace him were true. Zhao Xiaoqian reassured him, calling him his younger brother and promising never to harm him.
He advised Xiaoze to make his own righteous decisions, unswayed by external influences, to discern right from wrong, protect the good, and prevent evil. Zhao Xiaoqian subsequently reported to the Emperor that all his assigned tasks were complete: Xu Huan faced justice, his associates were arrested, and their properties confiscated. The Emperor noted that while the court was now clean, it was also depleted of talent. Zhao Xiaoqian suggested new imperial examinations to recruit capable individuals.
When asked what he desired for himself, Zhao Xiaoqian declined any official court positions, choosing instead to be stationed at Baichuankou to guard the borders. He expressed confidence that without Xu Huan’s negative influence, Xiaoze would mature into a capable ruler.
Before his departure, Zhao Xiaoqian requested two favors: a posthumous title for Zhong Ziyan and a noble title for Zhong Ziyan’s mother, and an imperial edict to officially name his concubine, Xie Xiaoman, the Commandery Princess Consort, so she could accompany him to Baichuankou for the rest of their lives. The Emperor granted both requests. The Emperor then asked Zhao Xiaoqian if he blamed him for past events and would no longer call him "father."
Zhao Xiaoqian maintained his formal address as a subject to both the Emperor and the Crown Prince, a response that visibly pained the Emperor. An imperial edict was subsequently issued, appointing Zhao Xiaoqian as Commander of the Palace Command and Military Commissioner of the Four Circuits of Guanxi, dispatching him to the borders. It posthumously granted Zhong Ziyan the title of Chengwulang and ordered his noble burial.
Xie Xiaoman was granted the title of Duchess of Wuguo and Commandery Princess Consort of Julu. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian sat alone on the palace steps, contemplating his loss. In his grief, he imagined Zhong Ziyan appearing beside him, reassuring him that he had no regrets about their journey together and urging him to return home, as Xie Xiaoman would be waiting.
Before leaving the capital, Zhao Xiaoqian, Xie Xiaoman, Yan Boyang, and Minggu visited Zhong Ziyan's tomb to bid him a final farewell. One year passed. In Wujiang Prefecture, Minggu and Yan Boyang were happily married and expecting their first child, diligently managing their family business, Su Chang Chi. At Baichuankou, Zhao Xiaoqian had embraced his role as a general, leading military drills.
He used the excuse of recuperating from a "sprained waist" due to excessive training to enjoy sweet moments with his Commandery Princess Consort, Xie Xiaoman. Their attendants, Shi Deng'er and Dengxin'er, often observed their affectionate interactions, with Shi Deng'er playfully commenting on Zhao Xiaoqian’s captivated state whenever he saw his wife, wishing for such a devoted man in her own next life. Zhao Xiaoqian and Xie Xiaoman lived a blissful life together at Baichuankou.
