Original subtitles

♫ 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 17]

[Tomb of Sang Yu, Beloved Son]

I forgot! You're still wounded.

Are you okay?

A'Qi, actually, if you don't want me to leave,

then I won't leave.

My brother's wish hasn't been fulfilled yet,

and we still don't know the truth about Xizhao.

- You can't... - I'm asking you.

Go away! Go!

You want me to go?

No... T-this, I was telling it to go away, but it refused.

Then answer me.

I don't want you to leave.

I want you to stay.

Actually, I know what you're thinking.

What you want... is what I want too.

[Tomb of Sang Yu, Beloved Son]

[Brush and Ink Pavilion]

This composition is terrible, worse than rotten eggs.

If you all don't mind, I'd like to take these back to paper my wall.

It looks like Vice Principal Yan's departure from the Imperial College

has had a huge impact on the students' studies.

We don't know when Vice Principal Yan will be able to return.

Is there anything else we can do?

Although I'm quite respectable among the students,

they may not be willing to let me discipline them.

However, if they're doing this on purpose, I'll still report this matter to His Majesty.

[Scholar Feng of Imperial College implores for the return of Yan Yunzhi]

[to return as the Vice Principal of the Imperial College.]

[Since the departure of Vice Principal Yan from the Imperial College,]

[the students have been mooning around.]

Really? Is that so

Today?

What is it?

I'm sure it'll work. Definitely.

Yeah.

It turns out so many students like him.

He would be so happy if he knew.

- It's exciting to sign. - I know, right?

Again?

Look.

He's back.

Yeah.

Brother Zhuo, hurry up, come over here!

I'll...

- Come here. - Go on, go.

Brother Zhuo, sign your name. Sign it.

Stand here.

I should go.

Brother Zhuo, if you don't sign, there will be no end to our suffering with Scholar Feng here.

- Just sign it. Sign it. - Just sign.

- It's just signing your name. - Yeah. That's right.

- It's almost our turn. - Line up.

It's almost our turn.

I'm getting excited just thinking about signing it!

Yeah!

[Students' names]

May I know for what purpose Your Majesty summoned me to the palace?

All the teachers and students of the Imperial College jointly protested,

and have called for the return of Yan Yunzhi to the Imperial College.

What do you think about this, Grand Tutor Song?

[Report]

Well...

This... This matter isn't under my scope of responsibility.

Your Majesty should make the decision.

When Yan Yunzhi was chased out of the Imperial College, you were the one who made the most noise about it.

I think education isn't some trivial matter, it can't be based purely on emotions.

Ultimately, it should be based on actual achievements.

If the number of passing students in the imperial examination this year doesn't exceed that of the previous years,

it'll be meaningless even if Yan Yunzhi were to return.

Good! Grand Tutor, you have a point!

Then we'll use this year's imperial examination as the test.

See if Yan Yunzhi is qualified to be the Vice Principal of the Imperial College.

Do you think this will work?

- I have no idea. - It won't.

It's already been awhile since we submitted the petition.

- Why is the Vice Principal still not back yet? - Yeah.

Perhaps His Majesty found it troublesome and sent the petition back.

He has the temperament of a child.

He'll actually believe you if you say that.

That's right. Don't try to scare me.

- Vice Principal. - It's the Vice Principal.

- The Vice Principal is back! - The Vice Principal is back!

Who was worried about me?

- Vice Principal! - Vice Principal!

- You're finally back! - We missed you so much!

Our suffering has come to an end!

- Exactly! - Yeah!

This response isn't what I expected.

Vice Principal, you can't forget the feelings among us brothers.

I was the one who told them to sign the petition to send to His Majesty.

- He's right! - Yeah!

Everyone looks like they have a lot of energy.

It looks like Scholar Feng taught you well.

Now that I've returned, I'll definitely be creating a new atmosphere for all of you.

Come. Follow me to the main hall.

- Let's go! - To the main hall!

- Let's assemble at the main hall! - Assemble at the main hall!

- Let's go! - Let's go!

[We have talents now and here]

His Majesty has agreed to let me stay at the Imperial College.

- That's great! - That's good!

- That's wonderful! - Great!

- Great! - That's terrific!

Great!

However! The condition is that this year's imperial examination results must exceed those of the previous years.

Exceed previous years?

What am I to do then?

Yeah.

- It's impossible. - Don't fret.

We have Sky Class, don't we?

Heaven favors them, right? What's so hard about that?

I can't believe you said that.

How am I not one of the favored ones?

I just didn't focus on my studies, that's all.

Otherwise, I'd be better than you.

This is an important matter to the Imperial College.

We cannot only rely on Sky Class' abilities.

Scholar Feng and I have already discussed this matter.

From today on, Sky Class and Yellow Class will study in the same classroom.

Earth Class and Black Class will be in the same classroom.

You're all classmates and friends and should be encouraging each other.

The hard days are coming again.

Let's help each other!

I'm going to be with Sky Class!

Let's help each other.

Let me.

Thank you!

Watch your hands.

Brother, I'll be counting on you going forward.

[Brilliance can teach people to be literary] [All scholars must follow the rules]

I can't believe this is the solution!

Amazing! Amazing!

We both came from a set of parents.

- Why are you so outstanding? - It pays to work hard.

Compare to you, I'm not as handsome.

You're even good with words. So refined!

[Textbook]

Zhuo Wenyuan, right now is the time for us to spring towards the finish line.

You don't need to worry about me. I'm going lead you astray.

Ever since you arrived, I had already decided to disappoint myself.

But... I did it willingly.

- I owe you one, then. - Sang Qi.

- Vice Principal. - There are some problems with your composition.

Come to my study, I'll explain it to you.

All right.

Vice Principal, it's self-study time.

If you want to play favorites, you'll have to wait until I finish explaining the topics to Sang Qi.

Since Sang Qi has some problems, I can explain them to her.

Vice Principal, I have problems with my composition too.

Why don't Sang Qi and I both come to your study and you can explain it to both of us?

You must believe in yourself.

Your composition is really good.

I've already decided to put it up as a first-class example.

Thank you, Vice Principal. But I want to keep improving.

Otherwise, someone will steal the top position.

Zhuo Wenyuan, the Vice Principal is busy

and its hard for him to find time to explain problems to me.

I'll be right back.

I'll be back in a bit, okay?

You finished it so soon?

Not bad.

The writing is coherent and clear.

You included all the main points I mentioned just now too.

Vice Principal,

will I be able to make ranks if I sit in the examination with this?

A'Qi.

Actually, what's most important about the imperial examination isn't getting ranked.

This time, for me it's a test.

It's also a test for you... to confirm if women can study in public schools.

Be confident. We still have time.

When the time comes, I hope all students at the Imperial College, not only you,

will gain a higher level of knowledge.

By the way, you haven't told me what was going on after they killed the Wei family in Jingzhou.

There aren't any clues yet.

For the time being, just do you duty as a student.

We'll talk about the rest later.

Right, right.

I've been preparing for this moment for so long.

I mustn't waste my efforts.

Speaking of which... what do you want to do after the examination is over?

I want to have a sumptuous meal and tell everyone about us.

When it comes to a matter likes this, how can a lady be the one to tell it?

- Let me do it instead. - Actually I've thought about it,

I think I should say it. If you say it,

the public would say you're taking advantage of me because of your position.

If I say it, uprightly and openly, we don't have to fear anyone.

Looks like you've really thought through it carefully.

Then we'll do as you say.

Oh right, I need to go up the mountain.

- Go up the mountain? Spiritual Mist Mountain? - Yes.

I want to tell Master that I'm not only his disciple,

but also his nephew's wife, so he'll stop making teasing me.

If he dares to tease you again, I'll pull off his beard for you.

Vice Principal, time passes so quickly.

There's other things that are faster.

After the imperial examination is over, can I ask you to marry me?

I'm not telling you.

A'Qi... if you have trouble with your studies, you can ask me.

You're not allowed to ask other men.

Do you smell someone having dumplings?

There's such a strong vinegar scent. (T/N: vinegar also means jealous)

Promise me.

All right.

[Qingfeng Restaurant]

Give me one catty of beef. Another catty of trotters.

Also, a jar of wine.

- That's all. Take your time. - All right.

Young Master Qi. I mean Vice Principal Yan.

I can finally call you Vice Principal Yan again.

After returning to the Imperial College, I guess it's harder for you to come out and drink with me.

It's rare for you to treat me, so I'll naturally had to come.

How did it go?

As expected.

The father and son of Wei family have close ties to Xizhao.

The coroner found a tattoo on Official Wei's shoulder.

He was a mole that Xizhao planted in the imperial court all these years.

Although we don't know if Wei Zhan Hong is still alive,

he was involved in the incident when Sang Qi was poisoned at the Imperial College.

He's related to this matter.

They wanted to kill me with poison.

As if they would've been safe if I had died.

That's not all.

I think they plotted against the Wei family first, so that they would take the blame.

After that, waited for you to protect him secretly and then made their move.

That way, they could get rid of the Wei family and you at the same time.

If I had died in the wilderness like Official Wei, I wouldn't be able to prove my innocence.

I fear I would've been set up as one of Xizhao's accomplices too.

After such a huge commotion, the imperial court is investigating this matter seriously.

For the time being, they likely won't make any moves.

In any case, we must handle this carefully.

Since there are no more leads on Xizhao, we should change our direction and focus on the Song family.

They'll definitely give themselves away.

Young Master Qi, you've changed.

You would have risked your life to investigate something in the past.

Don't tell me...

Don't tell me you've gone soft after being bullied by Grand Tutor Song?!

Listen, I'll look down on you if it's true!

Someone like you should stay single for the rest of your life.

- I... - Don't hurt the ladies, okay?

Young Master, since we suffered the setback in Jingzhou, this is your first time coming to my courtyard.

Do you blame me for being incompetent?

Yan Yunzhi is indeed hard to deal with.

Don't take it to heart.

It wasn't a total loss anyway.

At least, we still have a bargaining chip in our hands.

But we must lay low for the time being.

Yes.

After Yan Yunzhi returned to the Imperial College,

the upcoming imperial examination has taken up a lot of his energy and mine.

I need to become the top scholar, so I won't let my aunt down

With your talents, you'll definitely rank first.

I must inform you about something in advance.

Before, we didn't touch Yan Yunzhi or Sang Qi because we didn't want to cause more trouble.

But if they interfere with us again, even if it's the son of the Chancellor,

or the daughter of the Grand Commandant, we'll execute them on the spot.

Even if you put in good words for them, I'm afraid it won't work.

I've told you all before that Sang Qi is my bottom line.

You can't touch her.

To make sure our cooperation goes smoothly is also my mission.

If such a day comes, you and I will have to cross swords then.

Are you sure you want to do this?

When it comes to Sang Qi, I don't joke around.

This wine is tasteless. I'm not drinking anymore.

Look, there are new rules.

That's too harsh, isn't it?

How is this possible?

It doesn't make sense.

What's happened?

Make way, make way. Let me see.

[New Rules] [Imperial College]

- Imperial rules? - Everything gets us in trouble! - Yeah.

Today, the Vice Principal has announced new rules for the Imperial College during the extensive study period.

How would that impact our studying?

From today onward, study time will be extended to four hours every day and night.

Each class will have a scholar on rotation.

There will be a quiz every day.

To maintain good physical strength in the examination hall,

the physical class will change to group exercises.

All students shouldn't bring any playthings that will affect their studies.

Disobedience will mean punishment.

Punishment for those who disobey the teachers.

Punishment for those who get distracted and doze off.

Punishment for those who don't do what they're told.

Severe punishment for those who fail the quizzes?!

- It's going to be all right. - What are we going to do?

Inhumane!

Inhumane!

♫ 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 ♫

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

We pray that our forefathers watch over us.

♫ 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 ♫

[30 Days before the Imperial Examination]

♫ I'll wait till the Spring breeze arrives ♫

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

Exchange the cash and goods at the same time.

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

Vice Principal, I was wrong! I won't do it again!

♫ The legends in books are always heartwarming and amazing ♫

Stop crying!

[20 Days]

♫ 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 ♫ [10 Days]

[10 Days before the Imperial Examination]

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

♫ 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 ♫

Physical fitness!

Keep in good shape!

The examination hall is like a battlefield!

Perseverance is victory!

If you don't work hard, who will?

If I knew it was going to be like this, Yan Yunzhi shouldn't have come back!

How could I have forgotten? I'm a lady!

I have a greatest excuse!

Vice Principal!

- Vice Principal! - Physical Fitness!

- Vice Principal. - Keep in good shape!

The examination hall is like a battlefield!

Perseverance is victory!

If you don't work hard, who will?

Go on.

The examination hall...

The examination hall is like a battlefield!

Perseverance is victory!

If you don't work hard, who will?

Ever since I came to the imperial college, I've never seen him rest before.

Do I look handsome?

Yes.

Do you like me?

Yes, I do.

But sometimes, it's annoying.

When did I annoy you?

No, I never get tired of looking. Why would that be annoying?

This is for you.

The imperial examination is coming up soon. I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

Do I have to thank you then?

You already said it just now.

During the extensive study period, the students' results have improved significantly.

The answers on the examination paper are almost the same as the standard answers.

Does that mean you're doing a good job?

No, I've never treated education as my job.

Although the students have improved, you all still don't understand the true meaning of education.

How so?

The scholars and I teach students the rules of propriety and how to serve the people.

It's not just about gaining fame.

Yes, if it was for the sake of fame, getting good scores would be enough.

But the imperial court doesn't need such people.

What should we do then?

Although the students are young, many are ambitious.

Of course, I understand that.

I graduated from the Imperial College too.

I entered the examination hall because I wanted to serve the people too.

But when I really received my appointment, I realized everything had only just begun.

The road ahead is long and full of obstacles.

I hope all of you will use the knowledge and truth you learned at the Imperial College

to inspire you when you feel lost, so you won't forget your original intentions and keep going.

Thank you for your advice.

Lately, the students have studied hard to prepare for the exam.

When the time comes, you can expect to see them giving their all at the examination hall.

The Imperial Examination Hall has also been arranged

and strengthened the proctoring system to ensure the fairness of the exam.

I'm a bit puzzled by what Vice Principal Yan just said.

It has always been male candidates who take part in the Imperial College's examination.

Now, we have Sang Qi.

Sang Qi definitely cannot enter the examination hall.

It's all in vain, no matter how hard a woman works.

Don't tell me... [Memorandum]

That a woman... also wants to seek an official position?

My daughter, Sang Qi...

If a woman can assume an official post, it's naturally a good thing.

It proves that her ability is not inferior to or even superior to that of a man.

I think if Sang Qi participates in the examination, it'll be an inspiration to women all over the world.

Only when everyone learns can we all prosper.

I concur.

Sang Qi has studied hard for days.

She doesn't seek any title, but only asks to enter the examination hall.

This is also to fulfill... my late son's last wish.

There's no need to discuss this matter.

Just carry it out, as Vice Principal Yan has said.

Sang Qi is permitted to join the examination.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Brother, I'm going to the examination hall for the exam tomorrow.

Your unfulfilled wish, I'm going to fulfill for you.

Watch over me, so everything goes well.

[Boldness of Vision]

A'Qi!

[The gold hour of dawn]

Lian Pian, where's A'Qi?

Miss is in the Young Master's room talking to him.

In that case, I won't bother her.

I've custom-made some writing materials for her.

Help me give these to her.

Tell her that I'll wait for her at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall.

So she won't have to enter the examination hall alone.

Thanks!

Miss, Young Master Zhuo delivered these last night.

I thought I should still tell you.

Put it away. I already have writing materials.

I'm not going to change them.

[Imperial Examination Hall]

A'Qi, if you want to stop, just throw the brush and walk out openly. Don't force yourself.

Father, what are you talking about?

- Miss, I made you some snacks. - Hurry, give them to me!

You mustn't go hungry. You won't have energy if you're hungry.

- The doors are opening. - Let's go.

- Good luck. - I'm going in now.

Do well on your exam. [Imperial Examination Hall]

I wish you success in the exam.

It's time.

Let's go in together.

Don't push yourself too hard.

Let's go.

Master Sang!

Yan Yan!

I didn't sleep all night so I could prepare these for you.

Look at them.

I don't hope for anything else.

With your kind thoughts, I'll definitely succeed on my first try and repay you.

I don't buy that nonsense.

I just hope you and our young miss to be safe and everything to go smoothly for you two.

As for fame or position, I've never sought a luxurious life.

Hurry, go on now.

- Let's go. - Miss.

- I'm going in now. - Good luck.

What's wrong?

Before we go in, should we say something like "don't forget me when you're rich"?

Remember to stay calm.

May everything go smoothly.

Sang Qi!

Vice Principal!

A'Qi, I'll definitely become the top scholar, so you'll know I'm more than just this.

♫ The sun will rise and light up the sky at dawn ♫ ♫ The sound of tinkling bells awaking the books once again ♫

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

♫ A gentleman's life struggle is to strive relentlessly for self improvement ♫

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

♫ To climb the mountain of learning requires diligence ♫

♫ To travel a thousand miles, break through ten thousand scrolls, don't fall from the sky (break through ten thousand scrolls) ♫

♫ Friends only become confidants through the sharing of writings and calligraphy ♫

♫ Cultivating at all times to learn to uphold justice ♫ ♫ Acting with devotion ♫

♫ How many saints have to study Confucius' work? ♫ ♫ We've already recounted thousands of years of human stories ♫

♫ Keep seeking success even after you've found it ♫ ♫ Be an earnest scholar while you're young ♫

It's almost time. They should be coming out by now. [Imperial Examination Hall]

I wonder how they're doing.

Would he do well today?

Enough, no matter how much you pace,

if it's not time yet, they still can't come out.

Everyone knows that, but I'm just feeling anxious.

All right, all right.

- They're coming out! - They're coming out.

Zhuo Wenyuan.

Young Master.

Let me carry these for you.

- Be patient. - Zhuo Wenyuan.

Although you're in Yellow Class,

among the students in this batch, I'm most optimistic about you.

I have high hopes for you.

How do you feel?

I did my best as always.

You're calm. Your future is expected.

The Vice Principal is right.

- Seeing how confident you are, I feel relieved. - Let's go home first.

- Vice Principal. Scholar Feng. - Vice Principal. Scholar Huo.

- Well done. - How did it go?

I did my best, like always.

Me too.

It enough if you met your own expectations.

- Here they come. - They're coming.

Let's go, let's go.

Yan Yan!

Yan Yan, how did you do?

I think I did pretty well!

I wrote everything the teacher taught me onto the test paper.

- That's great. - I didn't leave anything out!

How did you do?

I did my best as usual.

That's great then.

Your best like always? Wait,

doesn't that mean it's hopeless? - You...

Yan Yan.

Stop talking nonsense.

It's difficult to do one's best in this examination.

I wasn't speaking nonsense.

I don't know about anyone else.

But him? If we look at it seriously, you wouldn't pass even if you did better than you always do.

Enough already.

Both of you started bickering ever since you entered the Imperial College.

You're about to graduate, but you two are still at it.

When you've all embarked on official careers,

you'll know how precious friendship

between classmates is. Understand?

Why is Miss not out yet?

I think... she'll be out soon.

A'Qi!

- Vice Principal. - A'Qi.

Why was your head down all the way here?

You didn't do well?

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 ♫