Original subtitles

[Bianjing]

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ♚ Imperial College Students ♚ @ Viki.com

[Imperial College]

[The Place for the Talented]

Imperial College. A place that gathers the best scholars. [Luofu Inn]

After the previous principal resigned, the college was handed over to young and capable vice principal.

He renounced ostentatious verbosity and put importance on justice and understanding.

Seeing for oneself is better than hearing from many others.

So I shall visit the Imperial College to see for myself.

♫ The Spring breeze blows through the world, making the willows sway and the peach blossoms glitter ♫

♫ The legends in books are always heartwarming and amazing ♫

♫ Who put pen to paper and wrote "it's never too late to meet" ♫

♫ When I look back, there's someone smiling sweetly at me ♫

♫ Having you with me in this mortal world adds a touch of intensity to this depth of love ♫

♫ Whether it's a whirlwind or dull life, I have no regrets in my life ♫

♫ Let's set a date for the next hundred years, but don't forget to be present in our youth ♫

♫ May we live up to the fleeting years, every day and every night together ♫

♫ It turns out we met before in between a moment and a thought ♫

♫ He sends her a thousand words in writing, and she left a set of stories ♫

♫ The zither's sound is like water with the light's shadow as a dream, all worldly affairs are insightful ♫

♫ Enjoying the scenery and mountains with you ♫

♫ For the rest of my life, my mundane world is fulfilled ♫

♫ I'll wait till the Spring breeze arrives ♫

♫ That's when I'll know your deep love with just one thought ♫

[Imperial College]

[A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College]

[Episode 01]

[Qingfeng Restaurant]

[Yan]

Eldest Miss is here.

Here it comes. Quick.

There, there. Behave!

Young Master! Young Master, this is the third time our horse went mad this month.

It'll run into Miss Song this time.

That's fine. Just run into her.

But she's the beloved daughter of Grand Tutor Song!

In that case, accelerate. She will dodge in time.

Yan Yunzhi would rather make the horse run faster than save me?

What should I do?

Young Master, I have stopped your horse. Are you all right?

[Yan]

What a weird man.

Miss!

Are you okay? Are you injured?

It's all your fault. You ruined my plan.

The one on the street is fool and the one in the carriage is weird.

Does no one from Bianjing know how to say thank you?

You should already be grateful that you are spared from being punished.

Thank you? Who do you think you are?

Just so you know, I can save you just as easily as I can kill you.

I...

Do you have any idea who you're talking to?

This is Song Jiayin, the daughter of Grand Tutor Song.

Your lowly life means nothing to her.

So what if it's Grand Tutor Song? Who cares if it's Song Jiayin?

Class or origin never scares me. Catch me if you can.

My name is Sang Qi.

Sang Qi?

Just a country pumpkin from nowhere then. You will suffer for this.

♫ Your gentle figure is what I yearn for ♫

♫ Putting on an honest expression to hide the temptation ♫

♫ Though I might not say much ♫

♫ Hidden deep inside are my feelings of certainty ♫

You're staring at me, Young Master.

Are you planning to thank me? No need for that.

Helping others has always been my duty.

♫ There are thousands of worries that fill my existence ♫

♫ If it's the persistence of love that generates mutual admiration ♫

What a shame.

He doesn't know how to speak.

♫ Then I'll have everything in this world ♫

Is he a mute?

♫ Then that will have been my mistake ♫

♫ As promised, this is a perfect story ♫

[Qingfeng Restaurant]

Bravo!

Well done!

Miss, we're full now. Sorry.

A'Qi.

Come up here.

Zhuo Wenyuan!

A'Qi, you must be exhausted.

- Come with me. - Let's go.

I'd like to have roast lamb, braised leg of lamb, grilled lamb chops, crispy taro with relish,

sweet and sour plum meatballs, sweet fish with wax gourd, and some ginger slices for a touch of spice.

You're not going to find anything like it.

Even since I was young, I heard that you loved eating Qingfeng Restaurant's roasted lamb.

Seems like that was true.

Go and prepare them.

Okay.

Sir, this way.

- Young Master San. - Young Master Qi. Have a seat.

Why are you so late?

I bumped into someone.

Why did you come back all of a sudden?

I'm old enough now. Time to study at the Imperial College.

Imperial College? Did I hear that correctly?

It is the most prestigious academy of the Song Dynasty.

It has always recruited male children, ages 14-19, from noble families.

As for a female student... I really haven't heard of it before.

Everything has to start from somewhere.

I can make my case with His Majesty and ask him to send me there to become the first female student ever.

Being a pioneer is not that easy.

I've made up my mind.

It is the wish of my late brother.

He wanted me to inherit his ambition and study at the Imperial College.

Zhuo Wenyuan.

I don't care if this is your last stock. You have to give it to me.

If you dare disrespect the Song family, then I'll find someone to destroy this place!

Hurry and go!

You again...

Learning to copy me?

I was wondering why you were that bold as to tell me your real name.

Turns out you're Young Master Zhuo's new play thing.

Young Master Zhuo. You take pleasure in having different female companions, don't you?

Miss Song, mind your words.

This is the second daughter of Grand Commandant Sang, Sang Qi.

Oh, so you're that wild girl who spent all her life by the frontier?

No wonder you're not familiar with Bianjing's rules since you've only just got back.

You embarrassed me in front of my future husband.

Young Master Qi, since when did you get engaged? She's calling you her future husband already.

Also, taking the two ladies last bottle of wine isn't appropriate, is it?

I paid first.

So that girl was Sang Qi, the younger sister of Sang Yu?

Meeting her in person is much better than believing the rumors.

I don't care if you're the daughter of the Grand Commandant.

Even if I can't do anything to you, this restaurant still owes me an explanation.

She might have a pretty face, but she has nothing in her brain.

All she knows how to do is throw a tantrum. Give me a break already.

Exactly.

What are you two talking about?!

Complimenting you.

Miss Song, I was complimenting you. Your grace and beauty are mesmerizing.

Does that even need to be said?

You appeared in front of me several times and caused trouble.

Are you just trying to get my attention?

Not at all.

Even if you are, you should give up on that idea.

Whoever crosses me has to pay for it! Take this waiter away.

Wait!

Miss Song, this waiter here has a family. Why do you have to be this heartless?

How I deal with him has nothing to do with you.

Also, his mistake was that he allowed you to ruin my plan.

Tell me then, Miss Song. How did I ruin your plan?

If you can spare him, I can help you do whatever you were planning to do.

Just because it's you, this might actually be fun.

Miss Sang, let's make a bet, shall we?

Let Yan Yunzhi accept your pouch.

Yan Yunzhi?

Who is he?

The young man who alighted from the carriage just now.

Oh, that man.

That young gentleman who struggled to open his eyes and who couldn't talk?

What an apt description.

I am clearly both handsome and dashing.

Never have I gotten such remarks before. This is infuriating.

The Lantern Festival will be the deadline.

If you can't make Yan Yunzhi accept your pouch by then,

then... then you have to get on stage and perform in public like those entertainers.

What do you think? Let everyone in Bianjing laugh at you.

And if he were to accept my pouch?

Then I'll be the one performing.

I'll apologize to you in front of everyone in Bianjing.

And I'll promise to never bother you anymore.

Allow me to give you a piece of advice, Miss Song.

If A'Qi really does lose the bet and has to perform, your ears might suffer.

I'll still watch her performance!

Shopkeeper, bring pen and paper. We'll write it down.

No need for that. I am a woman of my own word.

Everyone here is a witness.

I'll take this bet.

All right. I'm waiting.

A'Yin, Yan Yunzhi wouldn't even take your pouch.

Why give yourself another rival?

Never heard of the story where Dong Shi imitates Xi Shi? (T/N: story where one imitates another and makes a fool of themselves)

How can he appreciate my beauty without seeing someone uglier first?

Where do I need to go to find this Yan Yunzhi?

It's just to give him my pouch. Why do I have to wait until the Lantern Festival?

A'Qi, I thought applying to the Imperial College was already tough enough for you.

But no, you outdid yourself this time.

What do you mean?

Who is Yan Yunzhi actually?

Yan Yunzhi, one of the Four Bachelors of Bianjing.

The other three are Qing Xuan, Yan Xiaolang, and me.

You?

Then this standard isn't very high, is it?

The hardest bachelor among the four to impress is Yan Yunzhi.

Although he's just a secondary son of the Chancellor, but he's a polymath.

In terms of appearance, he's second to me.

He doesn't like those who readily offer themselves to him.

If you want him to take your pouch, I advise you to start learning to play the zither now.

No worries. There's no nut I can't crack.

I know.

Speak of the devil. Let's see how you fare.

Go ahead.

Young Master Yan. We met twice in one day. How fortuitous.

Please take my pouch.

In Bianjing, giving a man your pouch means you have feelings for him.

No. Not at all. Don't misinterpret this. I don't have feelings for you.

- Likewise. - Wonderful.

Someone who can't open his eyes and can't speak doesn't deserve Miss Sang's pouch.

You're too humble.

You just have to open your eyes wider like this.

Look, such piercing eyes. Who wouldn't be able to see

Beautiful eyes.

- You have no shame. Is this how people who live by the frontier fortress act? - Let go.

You were talking behind my back and now, you want me to take your pouch?

What are you trying to do?

Well, I...

I just came here from the frontier fortress.

The accent on the frontier is still a bit strong. My accent is still there. It shows when I speak.

I didn't talk behind your back. It's impossible.

Impossible.

Yes. Yes.

Today is not my day. Two weirdos in one day.

It's because you talked behind his back.

No, I didn't. I'm talking in front of him now.

Look at him.

Song Jiayin and he are a match made in heaven. Perfect match.

It's not like he understands anyway. Compliment him.

Pretend you're complimenting him. Compliment. Compliment.

- Dummy. Silly. - But I do understand.

I was on duty in Shudao once and learned a few words.

Then... is there still a chance between us?

Only if I've lost my mind.

Only if you've lost your mind...

Thanks for the tip, Sir.

It's mine! Mine—

So that's how you're planning to take care of him?

What is wrong with today?

But the Lantern Festival is still days away.

I don't believe that Yan Yunzhi won't eventually take my pouch.

My gosh, this entire day.

I haven't settled my main business, and now, I have a bet to worry about.

Main business?

Are you still going to try and enroll in the Imperial College?

I am a woman of my word, of course I'm going.

That's going to be tough then.

Did I smell roast lamb?

- Oh, yes. - Let's go. Time to eat. Let's go.

[Grand Commandant Manor]

[Father]

[Father, can you ask His Majesty to give me permission to study at the Imperial College?]

[I grant Sang Qi, daughter of Grand Commandant Sang, the permission to study at the Imperial College. Royal Decree]

Ridiculous!

Isn't this ridiculous?!

Throughout my life, I have never heard of a woman being permitted to have official education.

If Grand Commandant Sang asks His Majesty to let his daughter study at the Imperial College,

then one day, his daughter can rise to the same position as us. Isn't that, right?!

That's right.

Vice Principal.

I have discussed this with other scholars. We have to give Sang Qi an exam.

The Imperial College is not place for just anyone.

- Yes, exam! - An exam!

But the current batch of students have all been recruited from other public academies.

They didn't take any entrance exams. Why does Sang Qi have to take one?

Just because she's a woman?

Besides, if we have all agreed to recruit our very first female student, why make it more difficult for her?

This...

Vice Principal, Scholar Feng is just being careful.

After all, recruiting a female student is unconventional so we have to convince the public.

- Please think twice, Vice Principal. - Please think twice, Vice Principal.

I did think this through.

Education should be ever evolving. We shouldn't just stick to etiquette.

If Sang Qi has great academic potential,

then we cannot be extra critical of her just because she's a woman and refuse her application.

If we do that, a talent would be wasted.

If that's what you're thinking Vice Principal, then an exam can confirm my statement better.

If Sang Qi fails, it means she is not smart enough.

Then it would be inappropriate for her to study at the Imperial College.

And if His Majesty wants to hold us accountable, we can give him a proper answer.

- Don't you think so? - Yes.

If this is what you want all think, dear scholars,

all right then, let's see if Sang Qi has what it takes or not.

Exam?

Just me?

They are just purposely trying to make things harder for me.

I already told you it wasn't going to be this easy.

Zhuo Wenyuan. If you can study at the Imperial College, it means you must have some study tips.

Tell me, please.

When it comes to knowledge, it can't be accomplished overnight.

I really can't help you this time.

Father.

Brother.

I've failed the two of you.

I've failed the Sang family. I've failed our ancestors!

I've failed all the lamb soup with flatbreads as well as the candied fruits I ate for more than a decade. I...

- Enough. - You'll tell me?

Yes, I'll tell. Sit down.

I can't take the exam for you, but I'm familiar with those teachers at the Imperial College.

You just have to understand them and write what they want to see.

Scholar Feng. The disciplinary teacher at the Imperial College

as well as a teacher of the Imperial Study. [The Midwinter Tales]

He is old-fashioned and traditional.

Your enrollment displeases him a lot,

but the good thing is, his exam papers never change. It's always the same questions.

You just have to memorize by heart the answer I give you and you'll ace the exam in no time.

Scholar Huo Cheng, a martial arts teacher.

He used to work under your father and is close to the Sang family.

He won't be too hard on you. [Martial Arts]

All he wants to see is your horseback archery skill.

This should be a piece of cake for you.

Yan Yunzhi, why are you here?

You study at the Imperial College too?

My Young Master manages the Imperial College. He's Yan Yunzhi, Vice Principal Yan.

Now I see. First, you threw away my pouch.

And now, you give me an exam to make things harder for me.

I merely made a bet with someone, but who knew you were this petty?

But what a coincidence, I enjoy tackling a challenge.

I will definitely get into the Imperial College.

♫ The sun will rise in the dawn ♫ ♫ The sound of books is awakened again ♫

♫ The sound of water encircles the bamboo ♫ ♫ The pen never stops as the moon shines again ♫

♫ The sound of water encircles the bamboo ♫

- Time's up.

♫ The road to enlightenment is vast in one's lifetime ♫

[A Reward and Punishment System based on Loyalty]

♫ To climb the mount of learning requires diligence ♫

♫ To travel a thousand miles ♫

Vice Principal Yan, I've answered all the questions you gave me.

Now, you have no choice, but to let me study here, right?

♫ Cultivating at all times to learn to uphold justice ♫

Tomorrow morning at five. Being late is unacceptable.

Noted!

♫ Don't wait, ignore the trivialities of youth ♫

♫ Seize the advantage, seize the advantage of the time ♫ ♫ With my body, with my heart, carry it out ♫

Yan Yan, don't always get in my way!

♫ Don't wait, ignore the trivialities of youth ♫

[Yan]

[Song]

♫ We've already recounted thousands of years of human stories ♫

♫ Keep seeking success even after you've found it ♫

- Here. - Here.

[Imperial College] ♫ Be an earnest scholar while you're young ♫

♫ Fly higher than the swans ♫ ♫ Competing with the sky to see who's taller ♫

♫ Look at how beautiful the country is ♫

♫ As our generation shows who is the best ♫

[Song Luotian, Imperial College]

Song Luotian!

You're a hypocrite! A petty person!

Yan Yan. Look at you, you're ike an 8-year-old.

You're in Yellow Class. It's normal that you're behind my Black Class.

Isn't that right? [Zhuo Wenyuan, Imperial College]

What's wrong with being in Yellow Class?

You two. There's no need to use the naming order to argue among yourselves, is there?

In terms of who's first, among the four, Sky, Earth, Black, and Yellow classes. Sky Class sure is the most eager.

I mean, aren't you both still behind?

That's odd. Why did everyone come so early today?

Did something big happen in the Imperial College?

[Sang Qi, Imperial College]

Sang Qi.

Who's Sang Qi?

I only know one Sang family in Bianjing, which is Grand Commandant Sang's family.

But... he had a son who already passed away, didn't he?

I heard she's the first female student in the Imperial College since its founding.

Nonsense!

A woman studying in the Imperial College? Has the world gone mad?

Won't this tarnish the reputation of this college?

- Exactly! - Would Scholar Feng agree to it? Would the Vice Principal agree to it?

And not just that, will His Majesty agree to it?

Sang Qi came to the Imperial College yesterday and passed the entrance exam.

She earned approval from all the scholars.

Yan Yan, aren't you the eldest son of the Grand Preceptor?

How can you not know about this?

She's the daughter of Grand Commandant Sang. She grew up with him and now, she's old enough for a marriage.

That's why she was sent back to Bianjing.

- What does whether she is old enough for a marriage have to do with you? - Exactly!

Why? You want to ask for her hand?

She doesn't want to study in her own house and instead, she came to the Imperial College where only men study.

The way I see it, she's here to pick a suitor!

- A suitor? - She thinks we're just her playthings.

- Who does she think we are? - Exactly.

This is the first day of school. A girl took our spotlight just like that.

She really is plotting something.

Who says women can't study in the Imperial College?

But this is the first time we've had a female student here.

Let me divine.

- So? - What's the result?

It's... Great Misfortune!

- Great Misfortune? - This is bad.

A female student in the Imperial College? It's immoral!

- But... - Let me divine again.

Now, I'm interested to know what kind of girl she is.

Me too!

Let's show her how we do things in the Imperial College!

- Let's go. - Let's go. Come on.

- Let me divine it again. - Let's go.

- Just let me divine again! - Go!

[Sang Qi, Imperial College]

Now that I'm in the Imperial College, fulfilling the bet will be easy.

Greetings, Vice Principal.

Get back in line.

Sang Qi, present the gift.

As a student, this is my sincerest greetings, Vice Principal Yan.

Sang Qi, do you know what giving a man your pouch means?

Yes, it means I have feelings for you.

But this is not what I meant.

What do you mean then?

It means we are teacher and student. That kind of meaning.

Vice Principal Yan, this is a gift from your student.

You woudn't reject it, would you?

Bai Shi, record this.

Today, Sang Qi gave me one ink brush case as my student.

Stupid trick.

[Grand Hall]

Vice Principal!

Vice Principal!

Vice Principal.

Even though the handiwork is still wanting, but please accept my gift.

Are you done yet?

When most girls give away their pouch, it's usually filled with love.

But the way you do it, is like forcing it down someone's throat.

If you were an assassin, I would have died from your arrows,

scare tactics, and suffered from a stroke due to your stubbornness.

I had to use unconventional means or else it wouldn't get your attention.

You really have no shame.

Vice Principal.

Consider the past encounters we shared and just take this pouch, please.

What past encounters have we had?

Put your pouch away. I'm taking you to the classroom.

[Sky Class]

The Imperial College will categorize everyone based on their potential into four classes, Sky, Earth, Black, and Yellow.

All students should respect the teachers and help each other.

Do not do anything out of the line. Understood?

This is Sky Class. The future pillars of our country.

- You lie! - Just you wait.

[Yellow Class]

This is your classroom, Yellow Class.

Hurry!

Quick!

[Yellow Class]

Go on in.

Do... do I really deserve this?

Remember this.

Respect your teacher and behave.

[Yellow Class]

Why was she assigned to our Yellow Class?

And I thought she was smart.

So you're Sang Qi?

She ignored me!

Why did he come to Yellow Class?

- I know, right? - Why is he here?

What is he doing here?

Isn't he in Sky class?

- Why did he come here? - I know, right?

Why is he here?

Brother Zhuo, why did you come to our class?

From now on, I'm also part of Yellow Class.

Did I hear you correctly?

Why did you come to Yellow Class to entertain us instead of staying in Sky Class?

If trouble comes, then we'll see.

Why are you here?

- To be your classmate. - To be my classmate?

No. You should head back to your class.

You want me to go back? Easy.

Ace the exam and get into Sky Class. We'll go back together.

Zhuo Wenyuan, the Vice Principal asked for you in the main hall.

Vice Principal.

Zhuo Wenyuan.

You rank first in Sky Class.

You'll most likely get into the top three, or even first in the imperial exam.

Why do you wish to go to Yellow Class?

You're destroying your own future, aren't you?

You once said that we shouldn't study merely for glory and fame.

I remember your teachings by heart, Vice Principal.

Sky, Earth, Black, and Yellow.

You went from the first class to the last class. Does your aunt know about this?

Vice Principal.

This is but a small matter, there's no need to tell her, is there?

Allow me to ask you this then.

Why?

Allow me to ask you too, Vice Principal.

Sang Qi is a woman.

It is not easy for her to enroll in the Imperial College.

Why did you have to make it harder for her?

You think I'm harsh on her?

Sang Qi might not be qualified for Sky Class,

but with her results and her family background, she's more than enough for Earth Class.

To study is to be humble.

There are many women who stay at home, but only she has the chance to study.

If she cannot be a role model for other girls, then what woman would dare step into this college?

I understand your intention, Vice Principal.

However, Sang Qi is definitely not someone who gives up easily.

I shall take my leave.

[How are you, A'Qi?]

A'Qi? Brother Yu,

which girl are you writing this letter to?

Stop teasing. She's my younger sister.

I want to recommend her to study here. What do you think?

I think you must be joking. A woman in a school? You're dreaming, aren't you?

I'm serious.

If A'Qi ever comes back to Bianjing and enrolls in the Imperial College, please take good care of her for me.

She's your younger sister, not mine. I don't know her.

You know the condition of my health.

I don't know if I can live to see that day...

Brother Yu.

I can promise you, but you need to stop your nonsense.

Okay. I can rest assured then.

[Grand Hall]

Vice Principal.

Is he taking a nap?

I'm coming in then...

Vice Principal!

Vice Principal! Why do you want to commit suicide?

This is...

- Bai Shi. - Yes?

Inform the Prefecture Court that the victim might have used a broad strip of cloth to hang himself.

That's why there's no suspension marks by his earlobe.

Yes, Young Master.

Vice Principal, so you're helping the Prefecture Court investigate a case.

Why are you laughing?

And why are you here?

Me? Well, I haven't seen you in a day.

I've missed you so I came here to visit you.

Worry about your studies instead.

Don't think that by getting into the Imperial College that everything is all and well.

You're saying is that you might expel me?

What do you think?

Don't worry, Vice Principal. I will work hard so that your plan will fail.

I hope so.

If there's nothing else, I'll head back to study then.

Wait

Take your thing with you.

Where did you go?

I went to find the Vice Principal.

He is still not taking your pouch, I bet.

He wouldn't take it and was hanging himself.

What? The Vice Principal attempted suicide?

Then... Is he okay?

He's fine. Don't worry, he couldn't be better.

- A'Qi, what happened exactly? - Suicide?

- You'll see promotions and get rich! - Thanks, Brother Meng.

- Let me divine for you too. - Hey!

- I have something to tell you. - What thing?

You have to keep it a secret.

- Scholar, I need to tell you something. - Come here.

- Come here, come here! - What's going on?

I need to tell you something. But you have to keep it a secret.

I need to tell you something. But you have to keep it a secret, okay?

Vice Principal Yan... You're alive?

My bad. My bad.

- Who said that? - I don't know either!

Sang Qi!

You finally asked for me, Vice Principal.

Vice Principal, are you trying to assault me in broad daylight?

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ♚ Imperial College Students ♚ @ Viki.com

''This Life'' - Ye Xuanqing | Liu Fengyao

♫ Waiting for fate to execute its plan, and choose which lifetime we'd prefer ♫

♫ I'm willing to exchange this lifetime for the next if we can get to know each other ♫

♫ There are thousands of worries that fill my existence ♫

♫ If it's the persistence of love that generates mutual admiration ♫

♫ Then I'll have everything in this life ♫

♫ If I start missing what was in the past, that will have been my mistake ♫

♫ With all that I am, I can't do that ♫

♫ As promised, this is a perfect story ♫

♫ That happens to coincide with my determination ♫

♫ But at the dewy morning hour, I've changed my mind ♫

♫ I want to expect the fortune of this unexpected love ♫

♫ I'm writing down the statements of happiness ♫

♫ I've also accepted that this life was meant to be reincarnated ♫

♫ Even if love is faint, I want to explore and give it a try ♫

♫ Develop it into something deeper ♫

♫ Even if love is faint, I want to explore and give it a try ♫

♫ Develop it into something deeper ♫