Time Flies and You Are Here Episode 12 Recap
> Time Flies and You Are Here 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.
