Time Flies and You Are Here Episode 21 Recap
> Time Flies and You Are Here 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.
