Original subtitles

♪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 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 20=

Young Master!

I've brought you the list of appointments you asked for.

(Decree)

(Zhuo Wen Yuan, appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel)

Zhuo Wen Yuan, appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

This guy

usually fools around.

But to think he would be able

to get such good results.

(Yan Yan, appointed as Patrol of the Left Army of Prefecture Court)

(Wen Yu Shi)

It appears that Miss Sang...

I expected she wouldn't be appointed.

(Imperial College)

Please enjoy yourselves today.

I have prepared

fruit wine that has a low alcohol content.

I've already informed Scholar Feng as well.

So he won't

suddenly show up

and punish you.

A toast to Deputy Chief.

- Come. Have a seat. - Have a seat.

Have a seat.

It has been a while.

Indeed.

Zhuo.

You scored the highest results,

and you were appointed as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Your future will be prosperous indeed.

How did that saying go again?

When you get lucky...

"Don't forget your friends when you get rich".

It's no wonder you didn't make the ranks.

Who cares?

I must get on Zhuo's good side first.

Don't forget about your old classmate

in the future.

Of course, I wouldn't.

We are all classmates.

Please continue to look after me in the future.

So humble.

But speaking of which,

Deputy Chief Yan's teaching was exceptional

this year.

And I heard he went to Grand Commandant Sang's Residence to ask for his daughter's hand.

I suppose he is going to acquire success in both love and career this year.

Didn't that fell through?

Then...

Since it fell through,

it doesn't count.

Even if Grand Commandant Sang agreed, the marriage could be canceled at any time.

Even if they were married,

they could still get divorced.

That is why they say that you sure can be sure about your drinking capacity,

but don't be so sure about your words.

All right. All right. Zhuo.

Please. Let's enjoy the dishes.

Yan Yan, have you seen Sang Qi?

Drinking your sorrows away?

But you can't get drunk off of this.

I'm not.

I'm trying to summon courage.

I took this opportunity

and got out of the house.

Deputy Chief,

why don't you help cover for me while I go to see Lian Pian?

You promised you would

bring Lian Pian happiness, didn't you?

Then, you should think things through

carefully.

And you must persevere.

But don't drink.

Drinking won't solve your problems.

What's going on, Yan Yan?

You only drank a few cups of wine, and you're already tipsy?

Song Luo Tian.

You're heartless indeed.

You're acting high and mighty

as if you were the top scholar.

You didn't even make it into the list!

Just wait and see.

You got into that Prefecture Court or something, didn't you?

Who knows

who will serve the other in the future?

(Imperial College) Young Lady, I'm fine.

Today is the announcement of the results.

I won't spoil your mood.

I feel happy too.

What are you saying?

It's fine if you're unhappy.

I have ways to cheer you up.

(Imperial College) The Imperial College is holding a banquet today.

After we see the results,

I'll treat you to a feast and a good time, all right?

You're the one who is expecting good results.

Why are we celebrating for me instead?

Because you're my little sister.

The Third Young Lady of the Sang family.

Of course, I have to treat you.

Let's go.

Young Lady,

it's no wonder that Young Master

wanted you to study here.

I can tell that this is a special place

the moment I entered.

How about it?

Do you want to study here too?

Don't tease me, Young Lady.

I am just a servant.

I can understand a storytelling script at best.

How could I possibly study here?

Well, you know more than enough words.

Either way,

I am confident that there will be

more and more female students in the Imperial College in the future,

including you.

Let's go.

(Decree of Appointment)

Why isn't

Sang Qi's name on the list?

(Zhuo Wen Yuan, appointed as Vice Minister) His Majesty has already been kind enough

to allow her to study here.

His Majesty can't possibly let her become an official.

- That's right. - Indeed.

I guess even if women can make it into the list,

they'll still have to go home

and serve their husbands and take care of their children.

It's more than enough for them to know a few words to manage the household.

- Right. - That's right.

I heard

Deputy Chief went to the Grand Commandant's Residence for marriage.

And Yan Xiao Lang

got together with her maid.

I had already expected this a long time ago.

From the start,

the Sang family already had ulterior motives.

You're right.

They come from different classes and backgrounds.

She doesn't deserve him.

So that's what happened.

Lian Pian, let's go.

Qi, you're here.

Everyone is already here.

I wasn't able to make it to the list.

I'm ashamed of facing you, Deputy Chief.

Don't be disappointed.

You've already proven yourself.

You're late.

What's going on?

Why is everybody pulling a long face seeing me here?

Everyone got their appointments

with their own merits.

You should all be happy.

You were on the list as well.

But you weren't appointed.

But everyone in Bianjing

knows how well you did.

This isn't fair.

That's right.

Even those who scored lower marks than you did manage to land positions in the ministry.

They should give an explanation for this.

Sang Qi, at least you made it into the list.

And what about me?

I... I have to stay back for another year.

Guo Cheng, didn't you say you wouldn't get drunk off fruit wine?

I'm not. I'm not drunk...

Wine does not make a man drunk, but he is already confused.

We'll leave now.

Excuse us.

Slowly now.

An entire year...

That's enough. You guys don't have to comfort me.

I've already decided.

I, Sang Qi, won't give up.

But you're right too.

Since I made the list,

I deserve the same opportunities

as you do. Right?

Well, you're a tough one.

We've never had a woman as an official in our dynasty.

I am the first female student of the Imperial College.

I, too, can become the first female official in our dynasty.

That's right, Sang Qi.

I will continue to support you

and help you

get back what you deserve.

Qi, we've known each other for many years.

I'll always support you too.

And I will be joining the Ministry of Personnel soon.

I will gain more ways and contacts to help you.

Thank you.

Zhuo Wen Yuan.

As your teacher, I have to advise you.

You haven't even joined the Ministry of Personnel yet.

As a new member joining the court,

you should learn

how to manage your own duties first.

The Deputy Chief of the Imperial College is not a position of high status either.

Neither do you have much authority.

I will be able

to have more opportunities and a brighter future.

It's fine.

Zhuo Wen Yuan.

Thank you for your reminder.

But it's enough for me

to help Sang Qi.

Let's go.

Yan Xiao Lang.

Am I drunk?

Ow...

What my mother said

must have made you feel awful.

I talked to my mother.

Even though she still disapproves...

Yan Xiao Lang, maybe we should just give it up.

You're still mad after all.

I will try my best to get my mother's approval as soon as possible.

Wait for me, all right?

Then what if she won't?

Would you let go of me first?

I will never.

You are the only one for me, Lian Pian.

Qi, what's on your mind?

The appointment?

Or Yan Yan and Lian Pian?

I thought

as long as I could get into the Imperial College and study hard,

I would be able to change

the society's perception of women.

But I tried so hard

and in the end,

I was still restrained by societal norms.

My name was on the list.

But I was not appointed.

Lian Pian is a wonderful girl.

But Madam Yan still said those awful things about her.

Qi.

What do you want to do the most

if you receive an appointment?

I want to go back to the Imperial College.

I thought about it a lot.

From when I entered the Imperial College

and met you and everyone else

until we are going our separate ways now.

I finally understood

why my brother wanted me to join the Imperial College

and why he wanted me to strive to get good results.

Perhaps he had already expected this.

That's why he wanted me

to help the women in this world

fight for this opportunity.

If I can go back to the Imperial College

and teach others...

No.

Even if I could just

get a minor position in the Imperial College,

that would already have great significance,

and I wouldn't disappoint my brother.

Qi.

Even if I

have to risk my position as Deputy Chief,

I will get you the title and accreditation you deserve.

I said I wanted to become your colleague.

You're usually a stickler for the rules.

Why aren't you saying anything about it?

If you can stay in the Imperial College,

you will already be the greatest role model

for women to study.

That is much more significant than me lecturing students every day.

Let's go.

(Grand Commandant's Residence)

I'll go inside now.

Rest early.

Go on.

(Grand Commandant's Residence) Bai Shi.

I'm going to make a trip to the palace tomorrow.

Aren't you going to ask for her hand in marriage?

I have to ask His Majesty

to give Sang Qi her due appointment first.

If I ask her father for her hand now,

everyone will know

that she is my wife-to-be.

Rumors will spread.

They'll say that Sang Qi was only able to stay in the Imperial College

because of me.

I can't let her go through that.

You're indeed thoughtful, Young Master.

Yan Yun Zhi.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You didn't come here

to show me what a wooden dummy

is like, right?

I was thinking of a matter.

It concerns Your Majesty's reputation among the people.

I wish to ease Your Majesty's burden.

So I hope that Your Majesty will allow me

to do so.

Well, given your hesitance,

you don't appear convincing.

What is the matter? Tell me.

I would like to ask Your Majesty

to give Sang Qi an official position.

That's it?

Would that affect my reputation?

Firstly,

Sang Qi did make it into the list.

It is within all reason for her to be awarded an official position

and for her to serve the imperial court.

Secondly,

Sang Qi

is the first example of a woman studying in the Imperial College.

Everyone in the nation knows of this.

If she can become a female official,

then Your Majesty's benevolence and efforts to push for education for all

would certainly be a great deed recorded in history.

You make it sound so reasonable.

But do you know

how controversial it is for a woman to become an official?

Now, what's this other thing

about easing my burden?

The Imperial College is short of a Manager of the Archive.

It is a position neither too high nor too low.

Sang Qi is the perfect candidate.

If someone opposes it,

then I, as her teacher

and her superior,

will be the one to face the criticisms.

Your Majesty will not have to worry about that.

In doing so,

Your Majesty will have upheld the fairness of the imperial examination

and quell the disputes among the people.

Wouldn't that be a win-win?

The Manager of the Archive of the Imperial College.

Very well.

(To serve the people. Appoint her as the Manager of the Archive.)

Yan Yun Zhi.

What if I was the one

who opposed the decision?

Your Majesty has already written the decree of the appointment,

haven't you?

(Appointed her as the Manager of the Archive of the Imperial College)

You must have bewitched me with your honeyed words, haven't you?

I wouldn't dare.

You wouldn't?

I think you most certainly would.

I wouldn't dare.

Young Master.

Bai Shi. Help me change my clothes.

We'll make a trip to the Sang Residence.

I see you have

good news to tell Miss Sang.

Mind your steps.

When did Lan get here?

Young Master, I asked the servants about it.

Miss Su often comes to visit Madam

when you're not around.

And she usually stays for quite a while

and gets along very well with Madam.

Would you like to greet her?

Qi Lang!

Qi Lang,

why didn't you tell the family

that you went to ask for her hand in marriage?

You're unruly indeed.

I've already made it clear

about who I want to marry.

But it was against your wishes.

So both of you pretended you didn't hear.

I won't allow you to refute me.

I'm telling you,

we will never allow you to marry that Sang Qi.

That's fine.

Then, I'll just leave the family and start a new one on my own.

You...

Young Master.

Wouldn't this be too direct?

Your expression is full of happiness.

Miss Sang will be able to know it right away.

Right.

You're right.

I should pretend that things didn't go well.

And give her a surprise later.

That's a good idea.

(Agarwood)

Young Lady, try the snacks I made.

All right.

(Muyan Pavilion)

Qi.

What's going on, Deputy Chief?

You don't seem to be in a good mood.

I'm sorry.

I wasn't able to get His Majesty to let you

work as the Manager of the Archive.

Oh, you had me worried there!

I wondered what the matter was.

Well, this matter is resolved.

So you already know.

That's right.

Thanks to Zhuo Wen Yuan.

He had someone from the Ministry of Personnel put a word in.

I'm the Imperial College's Manager of the Archive now.

I'm your colleague now.

Zhuo Wen Yuan?

That's right.

He and you...

Deputy Chief.

Let's not argue over who gets the credit over this matter.

Sang Qi's happiness is the most important thing.

Deputy Chief was worried

that it might be inappropriate

for you to do such a thing as you just joined the Ministry of Personnel.

But you already settled it today.

I never try to gain anything from you, Sang Qi.

I've always been sincere.

A thousand gold is worth nothing before your smile.

We've been friends for so many years.

Don't say things like that.

It grosses me out.

Have a seat, Deputy Chief.

It's fine. There's no need.

I only came to tell you this.

Since this matter is already settled,

I'll take my leave now.

(Muyan Pavilion) You just came, and you're already leaving?

I have some matters to attend to.

What a surprise indeed.

(Secretariat Chancellery)

Lan.

I heard you've been visiting my mother recently.

But you didn't tell me about it.

You've been very considerate.

I was only visiting her because I had time on my hands.

That's perfect, then.

There are some things I would like to talk to you about as well.

It has been a while since we had a chat too.

Let's find a place to talk.

Young Master. Miss.

Lan.

You've visited my mother many times.

Are idle talk all that you've done with her?

You must be bothered

because I told her

that you asked for Sang Qi's hand in marriage.

She must have tried to stop you, didn't she?

I am serious about that.

No one and nothing

will stop me.

You think too much.

To be very honest with you,

my feelings for you ceased

the moment I heard you asked for her hand in marriage.

But as a friend,

I'm worried

about your actions.

You abruptly went to ask for marrying her at her residence.

You must not have made proper preparations.

Her family

isn't as familiar with you as my family is.

Grand Commandant Sang will definitely not accept it.

The Three Letters and Six Rites are essential when it comes to marriages.

Not only do you need to send your letter of Eight Characters,

but you will need to write a letter of proposal as well.

Missing any of those will make you appear rash and inappropriate.

Thank you for reminding me.

Oh, right.

I prepared some snacks for Madam Yan as well.

I left them on the horse carriage.

Bai Shi, help Wen Yuan

to get those things.

Bai Shi?

Miss.

Young Master, should I go?

Or should I...

Go on. Come back quickly.

Yes, Young Master.

Yun Zhi, you mustn't be hasty.

This is an important matter in your life, after all.

We have been friends for many years.

If there's anything I can help with,

I hope you won't mind

and let me know.

All right. I will.

But I heard

Grand Commandant Sang has already rejected you once.

Are you sure that you will be successful next time?

If I fail, I'll just try again.

Until he agrees.

(Secretariat Chancellery) Bai Shi!

Is Deputy Chief home?

Deputy Chief is home...

Wen Yuan.

But...

Lan is here as well?

She is here?

Qi?

(Secretariat Chancellery) Why are you here, Lan?

I came to keep Madam Yan company.

Well, then, next time,

you can bring me along with you.

Qi, have you been here for long?

No.

I was just about to go back.

Then, I'll send you back...

No need.

Lan.

You're about to go back, aren't you?

Will you give me a ride back?

I can have a chat with you on the carriage as well.

I don't mind. Let's get on the carriage.

Thank you.

(Secretariat Chancellery)

What did you tell her just now?

(Secretariat Chancellery)

Come to think of it,

I should apologize to you, Lan.

I understand your feelings for Deputy Chief.

But you should know

that feelings can't be forced.

But...

But I met Yun Zhi first.

There is no such thing as who came first in love,

isn't there?

(Grand Commandant's Residence)

Qi!

(Grand Commandant's Residence) Qi.

I know

you saw Su Jie Yu and me together today.

But please don't misunderstand.

She came to see my mother.

There is nothing between us!

You look exactly

like how I was

when I wrote the right answer during the exams but crossed it off.

Yes. Right.

I've reflected upon myself.

I was wrong.

That has to be the correct answer, right?

Yan Yun Zhi.

Yes.

You are not allowed to be alone with any other woman again.

Of course. I promise.

Qi.

I hope

(Grand Commandant's Residence) you will rest early today.

Because I need you to wake up early tomorrow.

Wake up early?

Grand Commandant Sang.

I came in haste last time.

I did not consider all the proper etiquette.

Today, I have written a letter of proposal,

and I have prepared all the bridewealth as well.

Please reconsider, Grand Commandant Sang.

Please allow me to take care of Sang Qi

for the rest of her life.

Father, this will do, right?

I'm thinking

that such an important matter

cannot be decided so easily.

If you think that there is something lacking,

please let me know immediately.

I'll make the arrangements right away.

Father, if you don't accept it,

I will.

Hold on.

I'm not late, am I?

It looks like you chose to come today as well, Deputy Chief.

Grand Commandant Sang,

(Letter of Eight Characters) for your daughter's hand in marriage.

Please consider allowing me to marry her.

Have you gone mad, Zhuo Wen Yuan?

This is the most serious decision I have ever made.

You...

It seems

my Qi is well-liked.

I wondered

why you weren't the first to be here

for such an important occasion.

Good.

I think you stand a good chance.

- Father! - Wait!

Grand Commandant Sang,

you should know

that Sang Qi and I have long been in love, don't you?

You won't try to separate a pair of lovers, would you?

(Letter of Eight Characters) Grand Commandant Sang is just observant.

He knew that Sang Qi and I grew up together.

I understand and care for Sang Qi

more than you do.

Then have you asked Sang Qi's opinion in this matter?

Zhuo Wen Yuan.

I have always thought of you as my closest friend.

We have always been

just that as well.

You've seen how Deputy Chief

and I got together.

Why are you doing this today?

Hurry up and go back.

Leave!

Qi.

I know you and Deputy Chief are in love.

But I have a chance to fight

for my love as well, don't I?

Besides,

I think Grand Commandant Sang favors me more.

One's parents should have the final say when it comes to the matter of marriage.

My marriage

will be decided by myself.

Qi.

In that case,

we'll settle this the Sang way.

Fine.

Marriage is not a game.

Don't blame your daughter

for bullying an old man like you.

Qi!

Your father is

as skilled as ever.

Qi!

Qi, please stop messing around.

Grand Commandant Sang!

Qi!

What are you guys doing?

It is pointless for Qi and I

to fight here.

You guys should be the ones doing this.

A duel to decide the marriage.

Whoever wins will get to marry Qi.

Father.

I told you. I'll decide my own marriage.

What are you trying to do?

I get the final say in the Sang family.

I'll decide the rules.

You...

I have the say.

How about it?

Do you dare to duel?

- Why wouldn't I?

Welcome everyone

to the Sang Residence's duel for Young Lady Sang's marriage.

We hope that all young and capable gentlemen will participate.

Welcome everyone

to the Sang Residence's duel for Young Lady Sang's marriage.

We hope that all young and capable gentlemen will participate.

(Sang)

Don't worry.

(Haoran Hall) Today, the Sang family

has set up a stage here.

There are two things

we would like to announce to the people of Bianjing.

First of all, the Sang family

has a new young lady.

My newly adopted daughter,

Lian Pian.

Great!

Secondly,

we will be hosting a duel for my daughter, Sang Qi's marriage

right here.

Everyone here can be a participant

as well as a witness.

The Sang family is not concerned

about statuses and backgrounds.

As long as you are a young, unmarried man

of a suitable age, good character,

and are able to stand your ground

on this stage,

you may ask for Second Young Lady Sang Qi's hand in marriage.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Great!

Young Master.

Didn't Grand Commandant Sang say

it was just a duel between you and Wen Zhuo Yuan?

Why has it turned into a battle

where every capable young man is allowed to join?

Grand Commandant Sang is most right to say that.

If it was just a duel between

Zhuo Wen Yuan and me,

it may be a fair fight,

but there are so many pairs of eyes here.

People may suspect and say things about the Sang family,

and cause disputes between our families.

It risks causing tensions.

It makes sense when you put it that way.

Besides, I know

that the Sang family has been practicing martial arts for generations.

They've been staying at the frontier for many years. They favor the strong.

If I can't even handle the others,

how would I earn Grand Commandant Sang's approval?

Aren't you going to warm up?

No need.

Then, remember this.

Take care of yourself out there.

Don't get hurt.

I don't want to see bruises on your face.

Don't worry.

I am your senior.

Zhuo Wen Yuan's skills are inferior to mine.

Just get ready to become my wife.

Grand Commandant Sang,

I will win for sure.

I won't let Yan Yun Zhi

take Sang Qi away.

I may have organized this duel.

But my intention

was not to go against my daughter's will.

I'm giving both you and Yan Yun Zhi a chance

to prove your determination to marry her.

Your fate

lies in your own hands.

If you can do it, fight.

If you can't, give up.

Yes.

Zhuo Wen Yuan, the battle hasn't begun yet.

It's not too late for you to leave now.

Qi, if you're trying to get me to quit,

you can stop now.

I am not someone who quits

before even trying.

Qi, you can choose not to choose me.

You can choose Yan Yun Zhi.

But you can't stop me from pursuing you

and trying to marry you.

Zhuo Wen Yuan, you and I have been friends for many years.

I don't want to see both of you

fight and get into a dispute out there.

I don't want to just speak without actions.

I want to prove my words.

I am going out there for sure.

Out of the way.

What's going on?

Back off!

Sang Qi, how could you do this?

How could you have Yan Yun Zhi fight with someone over you?

I won't forgive you

if he gets hurt!

Miss Song.

You must have gotten all dressed up

to try and steal the attention today.

But...

That scent on you

is way too strong.

Did you use all of the perfume and aromatics

in a perfume store?

You're just tasteless.

This is a rare type of aromatic

my father specifically got me.

I'm the only one who has this in all of Bianjing.

Perhaps I am too ignorant, after all.

I've never smelled something so pungent.

This is strange.

There are so many people here.

But why isn't Yan Xiao Lang around?

Can you stop fanning yourself?

It seems no one dares to come onto the stage.

If there is no one else,

we will proceed to the final duel with both of them.

Whoever wins

will be able to marry my Sang Qi.

Song Luo Tian from the Song family will duel!

♪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♪