Time Flies and You Are Here Episode 25 Recap
> Time Flies and You Are Here 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.
