Time Flies and You Are Here Episode 4 Recap
> Time Flies and You Are Here 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.
