Original subtitles

(Bianjing)

(Cloth. Hotel)

(Imperial College)

(The Place for the Talented)

(Imperial College.)

(A place that gathers)

(Luofu Hotel) (the best scholars.)

(Imperial College)

(After the previous chief resigned,)

(the college was handed over to a young and capable deputy chief.)

(He renounced ostentatious verbosity)

(and placed equal emphasis on both classic literature and current affairs.)

(Hearsay is still hearsay.)

(I shall visit the Imperial College myself)

(to see if the rumors are real.)

♪The spring breeze blows through the world♪

♪Blowing across the willow bank and the peach blossoms are brilliant♪

♪The legend spreads♪

♪There is always an amazing heartbeat♪

♪Who picks up the pen and writes that it's not too late to meet♪

♪Looking back to see someone smiling happily♪

♪Adding a touch of intensity to the depth of love♪

♪Being with you in the world of mortals♪

♪Whether it is a hustle or plain life♪

♪There will be no regrets in my life♪

♪See you in the next hundred years♪

♪Don't forget the current youth♪

♪I wish to stay and live up to the passing years♪

♪Every morning and every night we are together♪

♪It turned out we've known each other since the beginning♪

♪A thought at a certain moment♪

♪He sent me a thousand words♪

♪She left a story♪

♪The sound of the guqin is like water and the shadow of the light is like a dream♪

♪Everything is tactful♪

♪Looking at the scenery and mountains with you♪

♪The rest of my life will last in perfection♪

♪Wait until the spring breeze blows♪

♪That's when I know your deepest love, and I'll miss♪

(Imperial College)

=A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College=

=Episode 01=

(Qingfeng Restaurant)

(Yan)

Young Lady is here.

Quick.

There, there.

Young Master.

This is the third time our horse went mad this month.

It'll run into Young Lady Song this time.

No matter.

Just run into her.

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

In that case, accelerate.

She will dodge in time.

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

What should I do?

(A Dream)

(New Dragon Gate Inn)

Mister, 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.

One is crazy

and another one 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?

She

is Song Jia Yin, the daughter of Grand Tutor Song.

Your lowly life means nothing to her.

Grand Tutor Song?

Song Jia Yin?

Class or origin never scares me.

Catch me if you can.

My name is Sang Qi.

Sang Qi?

Just a townie from nowhere then.

You will suffer.

♪Your dainty figure is my muse♪

♪I put on an honest expression to hide my bewitched heart♪

♪Though I might not say much♪

♪Every word is pronounced with my most profound feeling♪

You're staring at me, Mister.

Are you planning to thank me?

No need for that.

Helping others

has always been my duty.

♪Many woes and sorrows fill my existence♪

♪If persevering makes us fall in love with each other♪

What a shame.

He can't speak.

♪If not letting go of my past becomes my mistake♪

Is he a mute?

♪Then I shall not make that mistake♪

♪This beautiful story♪

(Qingfeng Restaurant)

Bravo!

Well done!

Miss,

we're full now. Sorry.

Qi.

Come up here.

Zhuo Wen Yuan!

Qi, you must be exhausted.

Come with me.

Let's go.

I'd like to have roast lamb, braised leg of lamb, grilled lamb steaks,

crispy taro

with relish,

sweet and sour plum meatballs,

sweet fish with wax gourd,

and some ginger slices for a touch of spice.

You will be regaled.

Even since I was young, I heard that

you're obsessed with the roasted lamb of Qingfeng Restaurant.

Seems like it's real.

Serve them quickly.

Okay.

Here, Sir.

San Lang.

Qi Lang. Have a seat.

Why are you late?

I bumped into someone.

Why come back out 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 Song Dynasty.

It usually recruits young noblemen

of 14 to 19 years old.

A female student?

I've never heard of it.

Everything starts 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 easy.

I have 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 Wen Yuan.

I don't care if this is your last stock.

I want it.

If you disrespect the Song family,

then I'll find someone to raze this place.

Off you go!

You...

Why are you copying me?

I was wondering why

you were that bold as to

tell me your real name.

I see you're the new toy of Mr. Zhuo.

Mr. Zhuo.

You take pleasure in having different

female companies, don't you?

Miss Song.

Mind your words.

She is the daughter of Grand Commandant Sang,

Sang Qi.

Oh, so you're a girl

who spent all her life by the frontier fortress?

No wonder you're not familiar with the city rules.

You embarrassed me in front of my future husband.

Qi Lang.

Since when are you wedded?

She's calling you her future husband already.

Also,

you are supposed to concede the last bottle of wine to the ladies.

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 does is throwing tantrum.

Give me a break already.

Exactly.

What are you two talking about?

It's a compliment.

Miss Song, I was complimenting you.

Your grace and beauty are mesmerizing.

Of course.

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.

If you cross me, you'll have 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 planned to do.

Entertain me then.

Miss Sang,

let's make a bet, shall we?

Make Yan Yun Zhi take your pouch.

Yan Yun Zhi?

Who is he?

The young man who alighted from the carriage.

Oh, that man.

That young gentleman who struggled to open his eyes

and who couldn't talk?

What an apt description.

I am 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 Yun Zhi

keep your pouch by then,

then you shall get on stage and perform in public

like those entertainers.

What do you think?

You will be the laughing stock in Bianjing.

And if he keeps my pouch?

Then I'll be the one performing.

I will apologize to you in front of everyone

in Bianjing.

And I'll promise to never bother you anymore.

Allow me to remind you, Miss Song.

If Qi loses the bet

and has to perform during the festival,

your ears might suffer.

I will 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 the witness.

I agree with this bet.

All right.

I'm waiting.

Yin.

Yan Yun Zhi refused your pouch.

Why give yourself another rival?

I need a lousy copycat for my own good.

How can he appreciate my beauty

without seeing someone ugly first?

Where should I find this Yan Yun Zhi?

It's just to give him my pouch.

Why do I have to wait till the Lantern Festival?

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 Yun Zhi actually?

Yan Yun Zhi,

one of the Four Bachelors of Bianjing.

The other three are Qing Xuan, Yan Xiao Lang,

and me.

You?

The standard is not very strict, is it?

The hardest bachelor to impress

is Yan Yun Zhi.

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,

you can start by learning how to play the guqin 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.

Mr. 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

does not deserve the love

of Miss Sang here.

You're too humble.

You just have to widen your eyes like this.

Look, such piercing eyes.

Everyone can see them now.

Beautiful eyes.

You have no shame.

Is this how people who live by the frontier fortress act?

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.

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 Jia Yin 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.

I've 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!

So that's how you'll impress him?

What is wrong with today?

The Lantern Festival is still days away.

Yan Yun Zhi will

take my pouch eventually.

My gosh.

I haven't settled my main business,

and now, I have a bet to worry about.

Main business?

Are you still trying to enroll in the Imperial College?

I am a woman of my word.

I will study there.

It will be tough.

Did I smell roast lamb?

Yes.

Let's go. Time to feast.

Let's go.

(Grand Commandant's Residence)

(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!

How 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 her daughter study in Imperial College,

then one day, her daughter can rise

to the same position

as us!

That's right.

Deputy Chief.

I have discussed this with other scholars.

We need to give Sang Qi an exam.

Imperial College is no place for anyone.

Yes, exam!

But the current batch of students

is all recruited from other public academies.

They did not 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 be extra harsh on her?

I...

Deputy Chief,

Scholar Feng is just being careful.

Recruiting a female student is unconventional

so we have to convince the public.

Please think twice, Deputy Chief.

I did think this through.

Education should be ever-evolving.

We shouldn't think inside the box.

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 will be wasted.

In that case, Deputy Chief,

all the more reason to give her an exam.

If Sang Qi fails,

it means she is not smart enough.

She will then

not be given the chance to study in 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, dear scholars,

then

let's see if Sang Qi

has

what it takes or not.

Exam?

Only me?

They are just trying to make things harder for me.

I already told you it'd be tough.

Zhuo Wen Yuan.

If you can study at the Imperial College,

it means you must have some study tips.

Tell me, please.

Rome was not built in a day.

I really can't help you this time.

Father.

Brother.

I failed you two.

I failed the Sang family.

I failed our ancestors!

I 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. Sit down.

I can't take the exam for you,

but I'm familiar with those teachers

in the Imperial College.

You just have to understand them and write

what they want to see.

(Scholar Feng.)

(The disciplinary teacher in the Imperial College)

(The Midwinter Tales) (as well as a teacher of the Imperial Study.)

(He is old-fashioned and traditional.)

(Your enrollment displeases)

(him a lot,)

(but the good thing is,)

(his exam paper is always the same.)

(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.)

(Martial Arts) (He won't be too hard on you.)

(All he wants to see)

(Fine Martial Arts) (is your horseback archery skill.)

(This should be a piece of cake)

(for you.)

Yan Yun Zhi.

Why are you here?

You study at the Imperial College too?

My Young Master manages the Imperial College.

He's Yan Yun Zhi, Deputy Chief 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're this petty?

That said,

I

enjoy tackling a challenge.

I will study

in the Imperial College for sure.

♪The sun will be out soon. The sound of recitation wakes me up♪

♪Surrounded by a conducive environment, My pen never stops until the moon appears♪

♪A noble man keeps striving relentlessly♪

Time's up.

♪Seizing every moment throughout his life♪

♪For there is a lot to learn in this world♪

(A Reward and Punishment System Based on Loyalty)

♪The mountain of knowledge is intangible which he must work hard to scale♪

♪By studying each and every tome without faltering in his long journey♪

Deputy Chief Yan.

I answered

all the questions.

Now,

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

♪Which trains him to uphold righteousness at all times♪

Tomorrow morning at five.

We don't wait.

Noted.

(Propitious path)

♪Don't waste your youth on trivial matters, yeah, yeah♪

♪Seize this very moment in time♪ ♪Put to practice what you've learned♪

Yan Yan, don't get in my way.

♪Don't waste your youth on trivial matters, yeah, yeah♪

(Yan)

(Song)

♪Recount a thousand years' worth of human stories♪

♪Keep seeking even when you've succeeded♪

Here.

♪Be an earnest scholar while you're young♪

(Imperial College)

♪Fly higher than the swans with your lofty aspirations♪

♪Look at how beautiful our country is♪

♪As our generation rules the world♪

(Song Luo Tian, Imperial College)

Song Luo Tian.

You're a hypocrite!

Yan Yan.

Look at you.

So childish.

You're in Class Yellow.

It's normal that you're behind me,

(Zhuo Wen Yuan, Imperial College)

who is in Class Black.

What's wrong with being in Class Yellow?

You two.

There's no need to use the naming order

to argue among yourself.

In terms of who's first,

among Class Sky, Terre, Black, and Yellow,

Class Sky sure is the most eager.

I mean,

both of you are behind.

That's odd.

Why did everyone come here this early?

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.

He had a son who already passed away,

(Sang Qi) 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?

It will tarnish the reputation of this college.

Exactly!

No way Scholar Feng

or Deputy Chief will 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 scholars.

Yan Yan.

Aren't you the eldest son of the Grand Preceptor?

How can you not know of 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.

Whether she is old enough for a marriage...

Exactly!

is none of your business.

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's plotting something.

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

But this is the first time we have

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? This is 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 leave.

Let's go.

- Let me divine. - 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, Deputy Chief.

Get back in line.

Sang Qi.

Present the gift.

As a student,

this is my sincerest greetings, Deputy Chief 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 just teacher and student.

It's a gift.

Deputy Chief Yan,

this is a gift from your student.

You have to accept it.

Bai Shi.

Record this.

Today, Sang Qi gave me

one ink brush case as my student.

Stupid trick.

(Grand Hall)

Deputy Chief!

Deputy Chief.

Even though the handiwork is still wanting,

please accept my gift.

Will you let this go?

When a girl gives away her pouch, it's usually filled with love.

But you.

You will force it down someone's throat.

If you were an assassin,

I would have died from

your arrows,

scaring tactics,

and suffered from a stroke due to your stubbornness.

I had to use

unconventional means or else

it's not special enough to get your attention.

You really have no shame.

Deputy Chief.

For the past encounters we shared,

take this pouch, please.

We do not share any past encounters.

Take your pouch away.

I'll bring you to the classroom.

(Class Sky)

The Imperial College will categorize everyone based on their potential

into Class Sky, Terre, Black, and Yellow.

All students should respect the teachers and help each other.

Do not do anything out of the line.

Understood?

This is Class Sky.

Our future pillars.

(Classroom)

You lie!

Just you wait.

(Class Yellow)

Stay here if you dare.

This is your classroom.

Class Yellow.

Hurry!

Quick!

(Let's learn some poems)

(Class Yellow)

Go in.

Do I

really deserve this?

Remember this.

Respect your teacher

and behave.

(Class Yellow)

Why is she assigned

to Class Yellow?

And I thought she was smart.

So you're Sang Qi?

She ignored me.

Why did he come to Class Yellow?

I know, right?

Why is he here?

What is he doing here?

Isn't he in Class Sky?

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

Why is he here?

Zhuo,

why did you come to our class?

From now on,

I'm part of Class Yellow.

Did I hear you correctly?

Why did you choose Class Yellow

instead of staying in Class Sky?

I'll go back if I get any trouble.

(Let's learn some poems)

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 Class Sky. We'll go back together.

Zhuo Wen Yuan.

Deputy Chief asked for you in the main hall.

Deputy Chief.

Zhuo Wen Yuan.

You rank

first in Class Sky.

You'll most likely

get into the top three, or even the first, in the imperial exam.

Why do you wish to go to Class Yellow?

You're destroying your own future.

You once said that

we shouldn't study merely for glory and fame.

I remember your teaching by heart, Deputy Chief.

Class Sky, Terre, Black, and Yellow.

You went from the first class to the last class.

Is your aunt aware of this?

Deputy Chief.

This is but a small matter.

No need to tell her.

Allow me

to ask you this then.

Why?

Allow me to ask you too, Deputy Chief.

Sang Qi is a woman.

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

Why are you making it tougher?

You think I'm harsh on her?

Sang Qi might not be qualified for Class Sky,

but with her result

and her family background,

she's more than enough for Class Terre.

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

no other girl

will dare to take a step into this college.

I understand your intention, Deputy Chief.

However,

Sang Qi is not someone who gives up easily.

I shall take my leave.

(How are you, Qi?)

Qi?

Yu.

To which girl

are you writing this letter?

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?

Wake up already.

I'm serious.

If 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 my health condition, don't you?

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

Yu.

I can promise you,

but you need to stop your nonsense.

Okay.

I can rest assured then.

(Grand Hall)

Deputy Chief.

Is he taking a nap?

I'll come in then.

Deputy Chief!

Deputy Chief,

why do you want to 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 mark by his earlobe.

Yes, Young Master.

Deputy Chief.

So you're helping the Prefecture Court to investigate a case.

Why are you laughing?

And why are you here?

Well,

I haven't seen you in a day.

I've missed you

so I came here for a visit.

Worry about your study.

Getting into this college

is just the beginning.

You're saying that

you might expel me?

What do you think?

Don't worry, Deputy Chief.

I will work hard

so that your plan will fail.

I hope so.

If there's nothing,

I'll head back to study then.

Wait.

Take your thing with you.

Where did you go?

I went to find Deputy Chief.

He is still not taking your pouch, I bet.

He won't take it.

He was hanging himself.

What?

Deputy Chief attempted suicide?

Then...

Is he okay?

He's well. Don't worry.

He couldn't be better.

Qi.

What happened?

Suicide?

Qi!

(Enrich my knowledge, restrict me with formality) You will have better job prospects!

Thanks, Meng.

Let me divine for you too.

I have something to tell you.

What thing?

Don't tell anyone.

(Classroom)

Scholar, I need to tell you something.

Come.

Come here!

Why?

I need to tell you something.

But don't tell anyone.

(Archive)

I need to tell you something.

Don't tell anyone.

Deputy Chief Yan...

You're alive?

My bad.

Who said that?

I don't know either.

Sang Qi!

You asked for me finally, Deputy Chief.

Deputy Chief.

Are you trying to assault me

in broad daylight?

♪As our fate intertwined, which life should we pick?♪

♪I'm willing to this life for a chance to meet you in every life♪

♪Many woes and sorrows fill my existence♪

♪If persevering♪

♪Makes us fall in love with each other♪

♪That's how I come to this life♪

♪If not letting go of my past♪

♪Becomes my mistake♪

♪Then I shall not make that mistake♪

♪This beautiful story♪

♪Is like the way I look when I make up my mind♪

♪But my heart changed its mind♪

♪At the dawn♪

♪What an unexpected love♪

♪And so I wrote my words with joy♪

♪I have accepted this life I reincarnated in♪

♪May this budding romance♪

♪Develop into something unforgettable♪

♪May this budding romance♪

♪Develop into something unforgettable♪