Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Special Lady]

[Episode 19]

As for the poem I told you last time...

I wanted to say...

I want...

Senior,

let's review first.

It's getting late.

I...

The exam is in a few days.

I still have a lot of books to read.

Excuse me.

Junior Zhou.

Is there any misunderstanding?

I never misunderstand anything.

I just...

I just want to study hard.

I don't want to be disturbed by other things.

Please understand.

Can't believe I see ghosts

before midnight.

I didn't expect you to come to Wenjing Hall to study.

You're here to study,

but can you read?

What are you doing here?

What do you mean?

What kind of attitude is that?

Is this how you treat

the person who has saved your life?

You promised not to threaten me with this.

I...

Did I promise you?

I forgot.

I just came to the Wenjing Hall on a whim.

How can you read?

Let me see.

Stop it.

Like I said, you...

Go away!

Stay away from me.

Were you going to cry?

Are you crazy?

Are you talking about yourself?

That's good.

I'm relieved.

Why?

Because it would be too ugly.

You're ugly!

People surnamed Xiao are all ugly.

People surnamed Xiao are the ugliest.

The ugliest.

Everyone surnamed Xiao is ugly.

People surnamed Xiao are the ugliest.

You...

You...

You...

Did you quarrel with Mr. Zhou?

I...

Let me help you.

Did you quarrel with Mr. Zhou?

I won't give it to you.

Here you are.

Don't give it to her.

Don't give it to her.

Give it to me.

Let me see.

Open it.

What's written on it?

Miss.

If you keep sighing,

the flowers on the tree will be sighed off by you.

Yueniang.

What happened?

Why don't you even tell me?

I met Mr. Zhou at Wenjing Hall today.

Wasn't that a good thing?

But he was very cold to me.

"I never misunderstand anything.

I just want to study hard.

I don't want to be disturbed by other things.

Senior. Please understand."

That's what he said.

That's what he told me.

I still don't understand why.

He should have told me earlier.

It's not because of the scandal.

Then why?

Yes.

Then why?

Miss.

Don't you remember?

The exam is coming.

Since the exam is coming,

Mr. Zhou would focus

on his study.

Therefore, he was cold to you.

Yes.

You have a point.

But Yueniang,

the top deserves the top.

Your level of knowledge is about the same as mine.

Don’t lose face

in front of Junior Zhou in this exam.

Big Brother won't leak the questions and help me with the review.

This exam...

Come on, let me teach you.

Stop sighing.

Get ready for the exam.

The teacher is here.

The teacher is here.

Sit down.

Excuse me.

Let me help you.

What are you doing?

Didn't you ignore me just now?

Handsome Mr. Xiao,

are you going to hold a grudge against a girl?

The exam is coming.

The exam is coming.

And then?

It's too difficult.

I usually stay in the Teachers' office.

I know some of their thoughts.

That's what I mean.

So can you help me with the review?

To help you with the review?

Why should I help you?

Aren't we good friends?

Isn't it normal to help your friend with the review?

But it’s abnormal that you want to study.

It’s for Zhou Ji again, right?

Please help me.

Okay.

I'll help you.

No problem.

But

you have to pay some price.

Pay some price?

What do you mean?

Follow me.

Between Bohai and Mount Tai lies Qingzhou.

After the governance of Yiyi improved,

both the Weishui...

Both the Weishui and Zishui rivers have been dredged.

The soil...

The soil...

I remember! I remember!

The soil...

The soil there is fertile and white,

with extensive saline-alkali land by the seaside.

The land there is of the third grade,

with taxes at the fourth grade.

Offerings...

Offerings...

I remember again.

Offerings include salt and fine woven cloth.

Offerings...

With a variety of sea products.

Additionally, there are silk,

hemp, tin, pine, and peculiar stones from the valleys of Mount Tai.

The Caiyi region is suitable for pasturing.

You've memorized it quite well.

It's so hard.

Making a mistake costs money, so of course, I've memorized it well.

The essay section holds more weight in terms of points.

You need to focus on it.

Writing essays is my weakness.

Weakness?

Then I'll...

I'm good at it.

I'm good at it.

I'm good at it.

♫In the ancient road♫

♫Parting is hidden in the fields♫

♫There's no green grass through this journey of 10 miles♫

♫The breeze♫

♫Is so gentle while I'm drinking wine♫

♫The setting sun♫

♫Seems slightly burnt while I'm thinking about the past♫

♫I got rid of the sorrows that had made me frown♫

♫Why not♫

♫Just ride a horse to travel around the world and laugh happily?♫

♫I sang in the fields and knew that the journey was long and the mountains were high♫

♫I could only watch you leave and listen to the neighing of horses and roaring of tigers♫

♫I've had a few happy moments with you♫

♫But there were also many sad moments for parting♫

♫I sang in the fields and had endured many hardships♫

♫I don't know when we'll meet again, and maybe we'll no longer be young by then♫

♫Get a pot of sweet tea to comfort my confidant in the journey♫

♫It's just perfect♫

Zhu.

How did your essay go?

Not bad.

You're really something.

You really guessed the topic accurately.

However,

thanks also to my intelligence.

I answered without a single mistake.

Why didn't you say that

when I took your money?

That was just a small amount of money.

Just a small amount of money.

Yueniang!

What are you doing?

Nothing.

I won't bother you if there's nothing else.

Leave. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Mr. Ding, do you believe

Mr. Zhou will be the first place again in this exam?

Of course.

My bro

is knowledgeable.

He's just a little less skilled than me

in fortune-telling and divination.

Mr. Zhou.

Zhou...

Can't you see?

Mr. Zhou is sleeping.

Lower your voice.

Listen.

Last night, Mr. Zhou stayed up all night

at Wenjing Hall.

The first place

won't be easy to get.

There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Of course.

We should also study hard

and learn from Mr. Zhou.

My father said

all he wishes is that I finish my studies safely.

My mother also said

she would buy an official position for me.

What a loser.

Zhou...

Mr. Zhou.

Mr. Zhou.

Did we disturb you just now?

Mr. Zhou, Zhou...

Look at you.

It's you who wants to buy an official position,

not Mr. Zhou.

Why were you talking so loudly?

You were disturbing his sleep.

What does it have to do with me?

Let's go back.

Idiot.

Let's go back.

Good.

How is it?

How did the students do in this exam?

Is there anyone outstanding?

Zhou Ji deserves his fame.

He wrote fluently,

cited extensively, and did it all in one go.

But why did his handwriting

suddenly become exquisite?

Let me see.

Why is this handwriting so familiar?

Would it be a test paper from a female student?

How can a female student generate

such a broad view?

Why does it look so...

[Candidate Song Zhu A]

Good article.

Did Yueniang write this?

Dean, you think...

The skill level of Yueniang

and the author of this essay...

Are worlds apart.

Juntang.

Who do you think

composed this article?

In the entire academy, only one person is on good terms with Miss Zhu

and willing to make an exception

to help her.

Three places higher than last time.

Your name is over there.

See?

-Over there. -Look.

Yes.

You've improved.

Come on.

Look.

It's a little better than last time.

Miss Jin.

Second Sister.

After school,

take your test paper back.

Check the mistakes.

During afternoon self-study,

copy the entire article in which you made mistakes during the exam 20 times

and submit it tomorrow.

Second Sister.

Second...

Second Sister.

20 times?

Got it, Second Sister.

Lady Zhao.

Take a look for me.

What's my ranking this time?

I dare not watch it myself.

I didn't do well in the exam, either.

Second.

Second?

Am I that good?

I didn't even review.

You are second to last.

It doesn't matter.

It's good to be second to last.

As long as I'm not the last.

You are just lucky.

Luckily your father didn't check your studies.

You only got the fifth place this time.

How come you started to show off?

It's just the fifth place.

You really piss me off.

I'm not cut out for studying.

I don't recite.

The person who recites every day appears dull.

I won't want to be a Number One Scholar, either.

It's enough that I can read.

"It's enough that I can read."

Am I right, Lady Zhao?

You're right.

Women don't study for fame.

We don't need to fight for fame for our families with knowledge.

Ranking is not important.

It's important to learn and use it.

Look how insightful Lady Zhao is.

Lady Zhao.

Your words

sound as melodious as the nightingales in the courtyard.

Lady Zhao talks nicely.

Why do you compare her with a bird?

Yueniang.

You got the fifth place and you started to show off.

I am...

I'm the fifth.

How dare you show off?

I'm the best fifth.

Why don't you be as outstanding as me?

The teacher is here.

Sir.

Sir, we’re going to class.

Song Zhu.

Let’s go.

Let's go.

Sir.

Go to the Dean's Room.

The Dean's Room?

Father.

Come in.

Father.

Are you compiling books again?

After reading a strategic essay,

I got some inspiration.

Whose essay is so remarkable

that it inspired you?

Make a guess.

I...

How can I guess?

I've never approved a test paper.

You should be familiar with this essay.

Father.

I...

Dean.

I, Xiao Yu, want to see you.

Come in.

Did Father find out anything?

Mr. Chen said you wanted to see me.

Have a seat.

After you return to the academy,

you've assisted Mr. Chen in formulating essay topics for the female students.

Have you seen these test questions?

I saw them while helping Mr. Chen

distribute the papers.

The question was "Because he doesn't contend,

no one in the world can contend with him."

How do you interpret this sentence?

Dean.

Forgive my frankness.

I disagree.

Father must suspect Xiao Yu and me of cheating.

Feel free to speak.

The sage Laozi advocated the highest virtue is like water,

benefitting all without contention,

dwelling in places people disdain,

hence closer to the Tao.

This phrase applies to all things in the world.

It's the truth.

But this sentence ignored the most important part.

Human hearts.

The saying goes that human hearts are unfathomable.

That's the truth it speaks.

If everyone

doesn't contend,

then how can the family be sustained?

How can the country be governed?

If everyone idles around,

in the end,

the outcome will surely be an empty treasury.

How come what you're saying

is so similar to what I said?

Can't you at least offer a different perspective?

That's just my humble opinion.

Forgive me if it seems presumptuous.

Dean. I wonder, do you think it's better for the world to strive for universal harmony

or to classify people into different categories?

Yesterday, I entered the city to sell silk,

tears filled my heart on the journey back.

The people adorned in luxurious silk attire

are not silk farmers.

The bricklayers excavated the soil in front of the gate to make bricks...

Why is it weird?

But their own house had not a single tile...

They're saying weird things.

Those wealthy families, without dirtying a finger,

dwell in high-rise buildings covered in tiles.

Dean. You mean...

I just remembered this poem

after hearing your words.

I didn't mean anything else.

All right, come in.

I called her here

to let her hear

what the essay she wrote

means.

Father.

I...

I won't do it again.

You two helped each other.

It seems that you two are very close.

I've written a letter to your father.

The matter of your marriage can be put on the agenda now.

Yu.

You can come over for dinner.

Let's discuss it again.

I'll follow your arrangement.

Okay, you may leave.

Let me ask you.

Why didn't you refuse?

Why should I?

Do you know

what it means when my dad invites you over?

As your future husband,

it's normal to visit your family.

What future husband?

I don't want to marry you.

You don't want to marry me.

In that case,

why do we need to go to such lengths?

Who says I don't want to marry you?

You're so smart,

beautiful, virtuous,

and suitable to be a wife.

If I can have you as my wife,

what else do I want?

You...

You're the most shameless person I've ever met.

Look.

We have

reached an agreement to break off the engagement.

You didn't succeed in helping me.

I understand.

You helped me write a family letter,

but it's as if you didn't write anything.

I forgive you too.

But now you're saying this to me.

I think you think I've been too nice to you lately.

Zhu.

I advise you to be kind.

Don't always scold me.

It won't do you any good.

I should advise you to be kind.

You're bullying me because the engagement hasn't been broken off.

Are you done scolding me?

If you're done.

I'm leaving.

Mr. Xiao.

I was wrong.

I beg you.

Can you break off the engagement with me?

Are you begging me?

I am begging you.

Please help me.

Help me ruin the engagement.

Okay?

Okay.

This time,

you owe me.

What do you mean?

Newly made clothes.

Come and take a look.

Young Master. Miss.

Take a look.

This one and that one.

Wrap them up for me.

Okay.

Well...

How much?

20 copper cash.

Okay.

Thank you.

Wait for me.

It's okay. I can do it myself.

Thank you.

Sir.

Excuse me.

All kinds of ready-to-wear.

This one.

And this one.

And this one.

Wrap them up for me.

Okay.

You...

Take them.

Thank you.

-Sir, look at this painting. -I...

Pack all these up for me.

You...

Forget it.

Wait.

My mother happens to want a painting.

Give me a painting.

-Thank you, Boss. -Okay.

How much is this?

Two taels.

Two taels.

Here. Thank you.

Okay.

Wait for me.

If you mess up

tonight,

listen,

I... I...

Don't worry.

Isn't it just to make your family hate me?

Is it that hard?

Well.

Make them think

you're showing your true colors.

They had a good impression of you.

You have to make them think

you've been trying to cover up.

Do you understand?

But I'm afraid

if my true colors are revealed,

the dean will force you to marry me.

Please make them feel

as embarrassed as possible.

Anyway, don't let them like you.

-Miss Song Zhu. -Otherwise...

Aren't you tired of

nagging everyday?

Let me ask you.

Doesn't your family find you annoying?

I'm just afraid you'll mess it up.

It's hard to make people like you.

It's easy to be hated.

You know what? The way you are now

is quite easy for people to dislike.

Say it again.

Alright, let me help you.

I can do it. Give it to me.

-I can do it. -You can do it.

I know you can.

The whole street sees that you can do it.

Give it to me.

Young Master.

What are these?

They are for the Song family.

For the Song family?

I promised Miss Song Zhu

to go to the Song family and make them dislike me

so that she can break off the engagement.

Break off the engagement?

With these...

Can you break off the engagement with these?

Miss Song Zhu

underestimated the friendship between the two families.

Even if the engagement is cancelled,

it will be sorry for...

You really underestimated

the relationship between the Song family and the Xiao family.

It's just that Miss Song Zhu is so stubborn.

If I don't agree,

she will think I like her.

Moreover, my frequent visits to the Song's Academy

and interactions with Song Xu

are advantageous to me.

But Young Master,

do you have feelings for Miss Song Zhu?

No.

Why do you keep talking about this?

I've been walking all day and I'm quite tired.

I need to go to sleep.

Wake me up at 3 p.m.

Even if it's meant to provoke,

these things seem too fake, don't they?

These are all the top qualities among fakes.

Top qualities.

Feinaing.

Have you packed everything for school?

Yes.

Is there anything else you need in the dorm?

Yiyang Academy attaches the most importance to rules.

It's not like home.

You must be polite when you get along with others.

They are all older than you.

Greet them when you meet them, okay?

Take these cakes back

for everyone later.

Brother,

I find you are more nagging than mother.

You won't nag me every day, will you?

That depends on your performance.

Brother.

[Song Mansion]

Is that Dean Song's house?

Yes.

That's Dean Song and Song Zhu's house.

Mr. Xiao, please.

Mr. Xiao, come with me.

Brother.

What are you looking at?

Nothing. Let's go.

From the moment you enter,

you have to be careful.

Uncle Dai who will escort you in is Mother's confidant.

He hates arrogant and domineering men.

Mr. Xiao, watch your steps.

It's so dark here. How can I walk?

I'll get two more lanterns.

How can two lanterns be enough?

I want ten.

Mr. Xiao has night blindness?

Poor Yueniang.

Mother.

Xiao Yu is splendid on the outside but tattered within.

You have no idea how arrogant

he is in the academy.

He's notorious.

He didn't look like that before.

And he helped the academy in the tournament.

It's true.

You can observe him later.

Besides,

a playboy

can also help the academy, right?

Greetings, Auntie.

He has night blindness.

Get more lanterns.

Go.

Yu. Please sit down.

Mother.

Why are there so many lanterns?

Mind your own business.

Do you know why?

How would I know?

Is it your family's way of treating a guest?

Whatever.

Let yourself go and behave wildly.

What is this?

Why does it taste so bad?

Can't you even taste how good this tea is?

I can't tell what's good about it.

Well...

Yu.

This tea is your father's favorite.

He mentioned in the letter that this tea is commonly stocked in your household.

Can't you tell?

No wonder

it tastes familiar.

Auntie. Please excuse me.

I don't like to drink tea at home.

It's okay.

Dai.

Make him another pot.

Yes.

You can't even recognize that this is the tea you have at home.

Do you have no sense of taste?

How would I know?

Is it also your family's way of treating a guest?

I was in a mess just now.

That was improper.

I haven't presented the gifts yet.

Auntie. I heard that you've always liked paintings.

So I found

this painting by Mr. Yan Liben.

Please accept it.

Yu. You're so polite.

You saved Yueniang last time.

I haven't thanked you yet.

How can I accept your gift?

It's just a small gift.

It's my duty.

Nothing will go wrong with this painting, right?

We bought it together.

Don't worry.

Ridiculous!

That's right.

Ridiculous!

Yu.

Where did you obtain

this authentic painting by Yan Liben?

Well...

A few days ago,

I went to the art shop to find this painting.

The owner told me

the painting was burned.

I really believed it.

I thought

I might never have the chance to see this painting.

So I stopped thinking about it.

I didn't expect that after they couldn't find this painting,

they actually lied to me.

Mother.

Why don't you take a closer look?

Are you sure it's an authentic painting?

Shut up.

Can't I tell if it's authentic or not?

Yu.

You know me well.

I don't know how to thank you.

Auntie. You're welcome.

As long as you like it.

Yueniang.

If you are as considerate as Mr. Xiao,

I'll be relieved.

Good.

Good.

Did you do it on purpose?

How is that possible?

I went to buy the painting with you.

You picked it yourself.

Well.

How can you not know

what your mother likes and dislikes?

I...

I...

I was also surprised.

What should we do now?

Let me think.

The point is you can't make any more mistakes.

Your mother made the mistake herself.

As long as you don't escape,

as long as you firmly...

Firmly refuse to marry me...

Zhu, how many times have you uttered these unrealistic words?

I don't know how many times I've rejected you.

Who would want to marry his brother?

I...

Who is your brother?

We can't be sisters.

Why don't you tell me

what we should do next?

Your parents are waiting for us to eat.

Zhu.

Come in and eat.

Coming.

Hurry up.

Let's go.

Let's cange the plan.

Now, your target is my father.

How should I do?

Fight with me.

Okay.

Let's go.

Let's eat.

Come, sit down.

Sit down, Yu.

Yu.

Do you remember you liked this dish the most

when you were in our mansion and young?

Here.

I made it for you today.

Here.

After a long time,

I can't even remember the taste.

How is it?

Delicious.

Then eat more.

Make yourself at home.

Okay.

Why are you so rude?

My parents haven't eaten yet.

Uncle Song told me to make myself at home.

Didn't you hear that?

Father, look at him.

He has no manners at all.

Yueniang.

You finally have something you don't like.

I...

We are family.

It doesn't matter.

Let's eat.

Let's eat.

Let's eat.

I heard that

Mr. Xiao helped Yuenaing

with the review for this exam.

Really?

Before, Yueniang came to me for review before every exam.

Why did you ask Mr. Xiao for help this time?

-That’s because I happened... -Yueniang has always been lazy.

Previously, you showed no patience with some of the difficult

and obscure articles.

It's like I wanted to kill you

when I asked you to recite.

But I didn't expect

that this time you could perfectly transcribe the obscure "Shang Shu - Tribute of Yu"

without missing a single detail.

That's because...

Yueniang.

You finally met someone who can control you.

Mr. Xiao.

After Yueniang have you,

she doesn't even need me anymore.

Let's eat.

Let's eat.

Yueniang has been impolite just now.

I'm sorry.

Dean, you're being too serious.

I know her personality.

Now that the marriage between you and Yueniang is on the agenda,

it seems like...

-It’s time to meet your parents. -No.

I think

we should put the marriage aside for now.

What do you mean?

Could it be that you and Yueniang...

No.

But I haven't finished my studies.

If I haven't cultivated myself,

how can I think about establishing a family?

Well...

Uncle,

we haven't had a good discussion about the essay topic last time.

May I continue seeking guidance from you today?

[Song Mansion]

Xiao Yu, stop!

What did my parents tell you?

Of course it's about our marriage.

What did you say?

Of course, I agreed.

What?

You...

How can you change so easily?

Why didn't you refuse?

It's not that serious.

Anyway, you don't need to worry about it.

What do you mean?

Did you ask me?

Why did you agree?

You are a stumbling block in my life.

I'm so annoyed.

Are you that reluctant to marry me?

You sound like you’re willing to marry me.

Is Zhou Ji that good?