Time Flies and You Are Here Episode 8 Recap
> Time Flies and You Are Here Recap
Zhu Momo continued to harshly discipline Xie Xiaoman, observing her hands. Zhao Xiaoqian, witnessing Xiaoman's ordeal, wished to intervene. However, Zhong Ziyan stopped him, reminding him not to alert their opponent. Zhao Xiaoqian, playing along, told Zhu Momo not to exhaust herself over "just a mere concubine" who was "not capable of anything." Zhu Momo agreed, asserting that many people "don't know their places."
She feared that if a concubine sought to study, she might eventually covet the position of the first wife. Zhao Xiaoqian feigned agreement, stating that Xiaoman "will not get what she wants" and would resume learning etiquette the next day. Later, Zhao Xiaoqian found Xiaoman in her room, who was cursing him, calling him unreliable. He offered to apply ointment to her injured hands.
As he did, he tried to persuade her to act more submissive towards Zhu Momo, suggesting she "butter Zhu Momo up" and "say something flattering." He argued that a married woman returning to the academy would make her "a laughing stock." Xiaoman fiercely disagreed, stating that studying and understanding principles shouldn't be a joke, while trivial household chores are considered important.
She reiterated that their marriage was a two-year contract, after which they would "no longer have anything to do with each other." She insisted on planning for her own future, refusing to be confined to the inner quarters and asking if he wanted her to move "from one backyard to another" after two years. Hearing her words, Zhao Xiaoqian became angry, forbidding her from attending the academy. Congwen visited Minggu, concerned about Xiaoman's absence from the academy.
He heard about Xiaoman's marriage to the Commandery Prince and suspected something had happened, offering his help. Minggu reminded him that she had sent a message to him at the brothel on Xiaoman's wedding day, but he had not come. Congwen claimed he never received it. Minggu quickly dismissed the past, explaining that Xiaoman was now married and facing a significant problem: a nanny from the capital, Zhu Momo, was preventing her from studying.
Minggu admitted that even Teacher Liu was unable to help, suggesting that only Principal Yang Chidao could intervene. Congwen then outlined a plan: on the day of the upcoming examination, Minggu was to ensure Xiaoman took the test at the academy. He would then submit Xiaoman's test papers to Principal Yang Chidao, a revered scholar in Wujiang Prefecture who had even tutored the Commandery Prince of Julu. Congwen believed Principal Yang was the only one capable of influencing Zhao Xiaoqian.
Minggu accepted, thanking Congwen, who then arranged for a message to be sent to the Commandery Prince's Mansion. Zhao Xiaoqian made arrangements for Xiaoman's return visit to her family, instructing Mr. Liangji to prepare gifts befitting a first wife and announcing his intention to accompany her. He also requested ointment, stating he wished to check on her.
Zhong Ziyan cautioned him against treating Xiaoman with such high regard, warning that it might give her false hopes of becoming the first wife, which would ultimately harm her. Zhao Xiaoqian, however, insisted that he owed Xiaoman and would grant her anything within his power. On the day of her family visit, Xiaoman, accompanied by a servant, devised a plan.
She told the servant to return home with the gifts while she and her sister, Minggu, went to buy baked bread for her father. This allowed her to secretly head to Bailu Academy for the examination. Unbeknownst to Xiaoman and Minggu, Hongsu had planted a spy who observed Xiaoman entering the academy. The spy reported this to Hongsu, who then dispatched someone to inform Zhao Xiaoqian to prevent him from returning home to an empty house.
Zhao Xiaoqian sought Shen Yan's assistance, engaging him in a cricket fighting match. During the match, Shen Yan provocatively commented that if it weren't for Zhao Xiaoqian’s brother, he wouldn't even bother with Zhao Xiaoqian’s family matters. Zhao Xiaoqian retorted that if it weren't for Shen Yan, things wouldn't have escalated to this point. Zhao Xiaoqian intentionally lost the game, conceding defeat as per their wager.
Shen Yan, still mocking, revealed Zhu Momo's true intention: to marry Shen Zhaowen to Zhao Xiaoqian, thereby making Shen Yan Zhao Xiaoqian’s powerful brother-in-law. Shen Yan vehemently rejected the idea, vowing he would never let his sister marry Zhao Xiaoqian. Nonetheless, Shen Yan agreed to help with Zhao Xiaoqian's request. Zhao Xiaoqian, after agreeing to some unspecified humiliating terms, warned Shen Yan of severe repercussions if he failed to deliver.
Zhong Ziyan later clarified that Zhu Momo would respect the Shen family's wishes due to her desire for the marriage alliance. Therefore, if Shen Yan simply stated that his sister enjoys studying and wishes other women entering the family also be educated, Zhu Momo would cease her interference with Xiaoman's schooling. A servant informed Zhao Xiaoqian that Lady Xie had gone directly to Bailu Academy instead of returning home.
Enraged, Zhao Xiaoqian rushed to the academy, where he immediately confronted Congwen, accusing him of "secretly dating his concubine." Congwen defended himself, emphasizing that the academy was a place of learning, and Xiaoman was merely a student. He denied any inappropriate conduct, stating he was only trying to help her "pursue studies." Hearing the escalating argument, Xiaoman submitted her half-finished exam paper and stepped out to mediate.
Zhao Xiaoqian angrily demanded to know why she hadn't informed him of her plans, questioning if she believed Congwen could help her more than he could, to which Xiaoman affirmed. Further incensed, Zhao Xiaoqian accused her of underestimating him and overestimating Congwen, sternly reminding her, "I'm your husband," before ordering his attendants to escort her back to the mansion. Teacher Liu then intervened, requesting a private conversation with Xiaoman and leading her away.
Meanwhile, Congwen presented Xiaoman's exam paper, an essay titled "Qu Yuan Fu," to Principal Yang Chidao. Principal Yang was highly impressed, remarking on Xiaoman's "splendid discourse" and her skillful integration of Qu Yuan's "God of the Xiang" and "Lady of the Xiang" to explore feminine virtues. He praised her work as "first class," suggesting that if she were a man, she could easily rival Congwen's scholarship.
However, he cautioned Congwen against consistently assisting Xiaoman, deeming such involvement as a violation of "tradition and customs" in what was essentially a "family matter." Principal Yang made it clear he would not "intervene" and advised Congwen to consider the situation from the perspective of the Commandery Prince of Julu. He then instructed an attendant to deliver Xiaoman's acclaimed article directly to the Commandery Prince.
Teacher Liu discussed with Xiaoman the unfairness of societal norms that restricted women who loved to study. She acknowledged that Xiaoman's article, which she had read and graded "First class," had helped her clarify her own past confusion about the purpose of studying for married women. Teacher Liu implored Xiaoman never to cease her pursuit of knowledge, to "speculate and reason," emphasizing that "beauty will not last," and "delicacies and luxuries are just physical necessities."
Instead, "only conviction and thoughts" would truly sustain her throughout life. Xiaoman, deeply moved, promised to keep this wisdom "engraved in my heart" and expressed her own aspiration to become a teacher like Teacher Liu, "to guide and enlighten others." Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoqian was publicly fulfilling his losing wager to Shen Yan.
He was forced to lead Shen Yan's horse through the bustling streets, while Shen Yan, revelling in the moment, rode triumphantly and urged Zhao Xiaoqian to marry more concubines, stating he had enjoyed the "grand display" more than any courtesan's performance. Zhao Xiaoqian, despite his inner fury, maintained a stoic expression, enduring the public humiliation.
After the ride, Shen Yan jested about wanting his sister to marry Zhao Xiaoqian, prompting Zhao Xiaoqian to angrily remind him to promptly fulfill his promise. Zhao Xiaoqian then instructed his attendants to remember the names of everyone who had mocked him, warning them sternly not to disclose this humiliating incident to Xiaoman. Xie Xiaoman returned to her family home, where her parents immediately inquired about Zhao Xiaoqian's treatment of her. Xiaoman reassured them, stating he was "pretty good."
Her younger brother, Xie Li, then interjected, questioning why Zhao Xiaoqian hadn't accompanied her on her return visit if he truly cared for her. At that very moment, Zhao Xiaoqian arrived, apologizing for his tardiness to his father-in-law. He extended a gracious invitation to the entire family for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, suggesting they rent a boat to sail across Lake Tai and enjoy the dragon boat race, an idea that thrilled Xie Li.
Zhao Xiaoqian also presented Xie Li with imperial tributes, specifically Mahoraga figures, and pledged to send jewelry and silk to the Su family to express his gratitude for their past care of Xiaoman. Her parents and Xie Li were visibly pleased by his sincerity. Later, Xiaoman discreetly asked Zhao Xiaoqian if he was still angry with her, to which he replied by promising that she could return to the academy the very next day.
Yan Boyang, observing Zhao Xiaoqian's preoccupation with his new "wife," lamented to his mother that Zhao Xiaoqian had neglected their usual horse polo games. His mother corrected him, pointing out that Xiaoman was a concubine, not a formal wife, and subtly suggested that Yan Boyang might be ready for marriage himself. She proposed Xie Ruying, the daughter of Magistrate Xie.
Upon hearing this, Xie Ruying was outraged, loudly rejecting the idea of marrying Yan Boyang, whom she scornfully dismissed as a mere "scholar's assistant" and a "loser." She argued that she shouldn't marry such a man when Xie Xiaoman had married the Commandery Prince, refusing to "serve Xie Xiaoman." Her mother reminded Ruying that Xiaoman was only a concubine, essentially a "servant," whereas Ruying would become the prestigious "first lady" of the Yan Family.
Still furious, Ruying declared she would "shave and become a nun" rather than marry him. Her mother, deeming her behavior "arbitrary," confined her to her room. Later, Ruying confided in Sanniang, seeking help to avoid the marriage, asserting that she would only marry a man of Congwen's caliber. Meanwhile, Xie Xiaoman, aware of Zhao Xiaoqian's assistance but noting his continued distant demeanor, asked if he was still angry with her.
Though Zhao Xiaoqian attempted to credit Congwen for the help, Xiaoman expressed her gratitude by offering to embroider a sachet to repel mosquitoes for him during the approaching monsoon season. Zhao Xiaoqian, despite his feigned indifference, subtly conveyed his anticipation for the gift. Minggu later discussed Zhao Xiaoqian's temper with Xiaoman, suggesting that during their upcoming "expedition" to Tangjiao Village to observe crops, Xiaoman should bring Zhao Xiaoqian along to visit the highly reputed Mount Kunyan Temple there.
Xiaoman, still annoyed, flatly refused, stating she would not take him even if she went. Zhao Xiaoqian sought out his master, Xu Zi, who was also the governor of the Zhexi Troops and the one who had taught Zhao Xiaoqian his exceptional horse-riding and archery skills. Xu Zi asked Zhao Xiaoqian if he was resolute in not joining the Xiongjie Camp, understanding that his status as a Commandery Prince inherently barred him from the battlefield.
Xu Zi expressed his regret, having invested so many years in teaching Zhao Xiaoqian, only for him to be unable to fight in wars. Despite this, Xu Zi acknowledged that even while confined to Wujiang Prefecture for years, Zhao Xiaoqian’s skills in riding, archery, and military strategy had remained sharp. He concluded that Zhao Xiaoqian harbored a deep ambition, an "arrow in you," merely awaiting the opportune moment to be released.
Within the Jingnv Pavilion, students excitedly discussed their upcoming annual "expedition" to Tangjiao Village, where they would learn about the difficulties of farming. They exchanged rumors about the trip, including that students from both Luming and Jingnv Pavilions would reside in separate courtyards. They also spoke of the Mount Kunyan Temple, located behind their accommodations, which was rumored to be connected to Lake Nanming, a mythical place where krakens could supposedly be seen.
Xue Sanniang observed Xie Ruying's uncharacteristic behavior and inquired about it. Ruying then confided that her father intended for her to marry Yan Boyang, whom she scornfully called a "loser." She further elaborated that Yan Boyang's father, Yan Nengfu, was embroiled in a scandal involving a poem of treason by Jia Zhixing, jeopardizing his official position. Minggu, overhearing Ruying's disparaging remarks about Yan Boyang, immediately leaped to his defense, leading to a heated argument between the two. Unyielding, Ruying vehemently declared that she would sooner "shave and become a nun" than marry Yan Boyang, and then desperately appealed to Xue Sanniang for assistance.
