Time Flies and You Are Here Episode 16 Recap
> Time Flies and You Are Here 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.
