Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Special Lady]

[Episode 5]

Come here.

Mother.

We don't know when you'll

return from the capital after this departure.

Take care of yourself since you're alone out there.

Don't worry, Mother.

Mother.

If you keep saying these things,

Second Brother may not want to leave.

Father.

Father.

Do you have anything to advise me

about my trip to the capital?

Now there's the late spring chill.

Wear more at night when you study.

-Don’t get sick. -The ink...

Yes. What's more, Father?

This is Xiao Yu's test paper.

The weather is dry over there. Pay attention to the food.

Drink more soup and water.

Do what you can

and follow the flow.

I understand.

I will speak and act cautiously.

Father.

Where is Big Brother?

I told him to do something.

Don't wait for him.

Do you have something to say to him?

No.

I was thinking

he also participated in the imperial exam...

It's indeed Xiao Yu's test paper.

Did Father know I went to the Teachers' office?

Sister, may I have a word with you?

Yueniang, I told Father that Mr. Xiao

has come to Yiyang.

Sister.

Mr. Zhang would hand over the test papers of unsuccessful candidates

to Father for review every year.

Father will find out sooner or later.

Second Brother, look at you.

You betrayed me and will go to the capital yourself.

What should I do now?

Don't worry.

You still have Big Brother.

I told him

to cooperate with you in the future.

If Xiao Yu bullies you,

just tell him.

OK, I got it.

Second Brother, you should go.

Don’t go back if there's nothing important.

Go.

Just go.

Father, Mother.

I didn't expect

the Number One Scholar to expose me.

Young Master.

Cakes, porcelain, wine and tea,

the "Four Treasures of the Study" and the calligraphy and painting works are all prepared.

Let's go if we are prepared.

Sir, this way.

Sir, someone is looking for you.

Please.

Sir, who are you looking for?

I'm Song Li from the Song family.

I'm here on behalf of my father

to invite Mr. Xiao to our house.

Young Master.

Mr. Song?

Mr. Xiao.

I apologize for the previous

misunderstanding.

About what?

Nothing.

What should I do?

Second Brother.

Others tend to speak the truth when questioned.

But you don't need to be asked. You voluntarily share.

How did you manage to be the Number One Scholar?

Come on.

Last time you came in a hurry,

and there wasn't enough time to show you around properly.

It was indeed a bit rushed.

After you finish talking with my father,

I'll take you around properly.

Okay.

Mr. Xiao.

[Propriety and Loyalty]

Please have a seat.

I'll go get my father.

OK.

How about

I go and apologize to Father first?

But what if Father doesn't understand the whole situation,

given Father's temperament,

if he finds out...

Greetings, Uncle Song. I'm Xiao Yu.

No need to be polite.

Have a seat.

How is your father and mother?

They're good.

You've suffered recently.

I didn't take good care of you.

Uncle Song, you're too kind.

Uncle, you have been in seclusion for a few days.

I didn't dare to bother you.

I've read your test paper.

I have some questions for you.

Yes.

Father.

That's what I know.

Uncle Song, I think you're

a reasonable person.

Why does this voice sound so familiar?

Big Brother, do you think so too?

Why is Big Brother also here?

No.

If I go to apologize now, I'll die.

Xiao Yu will definitely smear my reputation.

No way. I'll wait a bit longer.

Yueniang.

Come in.

Father, what do you want from me?

Yueniang.

This is Uncle Xiao's son, Xiao Yu.

Hello, Mr. Xiao.

Yueniang,

when you were young, I arranged a marriage between you and the Xiao family.

I didn't tell you this

because both of you were young.

Now that you've grown up,

you should know this.

Although this meeting is hasty,

you've technically been acquainted.

In the future, you can interact more.

Hello, Lady Zhu.

Xiao,

what did you say to my father?

Take a guess.

You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

It's not surprising if anything comes out of your ear.

Yu.

Why didn't your father

Your father came with your mother.

My father asked me to bring you a letter.

But I met a thief on the way...

Mr. Xiao...

Looks exactly like when he...

Was young.

Yueniang, stop joking.

You were only three then.

You must be mistaken.

I remember Mr. Xiao

looked quite sickly as a child.

But I didn't expect

he's so robust now.

I'm flattered.

I used to be a picky eater when I was young.

So my father punished me thoroughly.

That's why I've grown a bit more sturdy now.

However,

Lady Zhu hasn't changed at all.

She's just

as knowledgeable,

gentle, and virtuous as before.

She'll be a perfect wife.

Thank you, Mr. Xiao.

I'll leave you two to get to know each other.

Yu.

If not for the blotchy ink on your exam paper,

passing the exam would have been easy for you.

It was an accident.

I was careless.

Uncle,

may I ask you for a favor?

Uncle,

would it be possible for me to take the exam again as an exception?

No.

Although our families are close,

it was because of your negligence.

Making an exception

would set

a dangerous precedent.

I believe your father can understand my intention.

I'm sorry for this exam.

Your father is really stubborn.

I told you.

Are you willing to give up now?

By the way,

where do you live now?

I'm staying at the inn for now.

You can come and stay at our house.

Li can help you with your studies,

and you can retake the exam next year.

Thank you, Uncle.

How is this acceptable?

Yueniang, why do you say that?

Father.

I think, although our families are close,

he and I were kids then.

Now we have grown up.

Plus, Second Sister is not married.

Mr. Xiao is a man.

It's really inconvenient for him to move in.

If this gets out,

it won't sound good.

Yueniang is getting more and more considerate.

Yu.

When will your mother come back?

I'll send someone to invite your father to come over.

Uncle, I thank you on behalf of my parents.

I'll be back in the capital in a few days.

Come and visit when you're free before you leave.

Tell me if you need anything.

Yes, Uncle.

I shall take my leave.

OK.

I'll see Mr. Xiao out.

Take care, Mr. Xiao.

Yueniang, stay here.

Did you stain the exam paper?

Yes.

No.

It's partly my fault.

That means there are other reasons, right?

And...Didn't Xiao Yu tell you?

What else?

Nothing else.

Kneel in the ancestral hall.

Tell me when you've made up your mind.

Yes.

You've met Mr. Song.

He has known your identity.

It will be easier for us to take the next step.

You can pay more visits

based on this relationship.

But I can’t always go visit.

Besides, Song Zhu will definitely play tricks.

I have to find another way to get close to Song Xu.

What is it?

Stay in the academy.

Young Master, don't forget

you failed.

You're narrow-minded.

Do I have to be a student to stay in the academy?

Young Master, you want to...

Go and check

the situation of the teachers in the academy.

As soon as possible.

Young Master, I’ve checked it.

Tell me then.

Mr. Zhang is pedantic and old-fashioned.

Instructor Shen is so rough.

Mr. Chen is hard to get along with.

Young Master, who else do you want to investigate?

The most difficult one to get along with,

Mr. Chen.

Lady Zhu.

I'm here to ask you a question.

Shall we

talk inside?

No need.

I'm here to ask

what you have told my father.

What did I tell your father?

I forgot.

You...

You're really scared

that I would tell your father about you stopping me from taking the exam.

So you came to a man's room early in the morning to question me like this?

What exactly did you tell my father?

Nothing.

Really?

Why didn't you tell him?

What are you up to?

I hope we can stay out of each other's business.

You don't have to pester me anymore.

Sure.

As long as you break off the engagement with me,

we'll stay out of each other's business.

I’ve told you

I'm not qualified to break off the engagement

and I can't do it.

Mr. Xiao.

Mr. Xiao.

I know it was my mistake

to stop you from entering the academy.

I...

I wanted to discuss with my father

to let you enter.

But my father found you're here first.

I admit

I was wrong to stop you from entering the academy.

I apologize.

How about

we cooperate again?

Lady Zhu.

If you really have a way,

you wouldn't have come here to beg me.

I've thought about it.

It's better to rely on myself.

Please leave.

Mr. Xiao.

Mr. Xi...

Xiao Yu.

How dare you!

You stupid Xiao Yu!

Bad guy!

You stupid Xiao Yu!

Are you Mr. Chen's attendant?

Yes, I am.

Are you looking for Mr. Chen?

Mr. Chen is having a ritual in the hall.

I'm here for you, not him.

Thank you. Senior.

Before learning culture, learn virtue.

Before establishing goals, establish an upright character.

After taking over the wolf hair brush,

you will be the students of Yiyang Academy.

You should obey the will of the heavens and respond to the people's will.

Don't be envious, don't be greedy, and maintain integrity.

Please think carefully

about these words

[Xianxian Hall]

and work hard every day.

Don't let the past efforts go to waste.

Thank you, Sir.

Washing can clean hands and also cleanse the heart.

Perform the Vegetables Offering Ceremony.

Senior.

This is the plaster I use to refresh myself

while studying at night.

You won’t feel sleepy if you apply it between your eyebrows.

Thank you, Junior Zhou.

Offer the wine goblet.

Bow.

Disciples, offer the vegetables to the late sage as a token of respect.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Please help me.

Sirs, I, Xue Hanfu, bow and thank you.

Don't stand on ceremony.

The Vegetables Offering Ceremony is meant to show reverence and respect.

You don't need to be overly elaborate.

No.

My father said

you have worked hard in teaching.

He asked me to bring some local specialties

for you.

What are these?

Dates.

All right.

I appreciate your kindness.

Hurry up and pack these.

Put them away.

Do you dislike these grains?

It's OK.

I also brought

the most expensive black-bone chicken

to replenish your health.

I'm warning you.

If you come closer to me,

I won't go easy on you.

This...

Go.

I...

I won't be polite.

Mr. White.

I have no grudge against you.

I won't eat you either.

But please go somewhere else.

Go!

Senior, I caught the chicken.

-I caught the chicken. -I got you.

Ouch!

Senior.

Alright.

Back to your place.

Groom yourselves.

Stop! Give it back!

I won't.

Yueniang. Yueniang.

-What’s wrong with you? -Here.

Do you want to go to the archery class later?

Shouldn't you be in the archery class?

Why are you all here?

Sir,

we are all delicate women.

How can we stand the torture of Instructor Shen?

That's right.

The archery class was arranged by the late Mrs. Song.

You all have let down her earnest efforts.

But Sir,

here's the Women's Academy.

Why aren't there classes for women?

Tell me what you want to learn.

I'll report to the Dean.

Of course, it would be a makeup class.

Not bad. Right?

Yes.

Fine.

If you all want to have the makeup class,

I'll inform the Dean

to change the archery class into the makeup class.

Thank you, Sir.

Yueniang.

No.

I object.

Yueniang.

Sir.

I'm not interested in the makeup class.

Lady Zhu.

If you are not interested in the makeup class,

come with me to the cosmetics shop tomorrow

to pick some materials for the makeup class

to cultivate interest.

Yueniang.

It's OK.

Makeup class?

Tomorrow, Mr. Chen

will go to the cosmetics shop in the west of the city to buy cosmetics.

Keep these.

It should be enough for you to buy land and a house.

Filial piety comes first.

It's good to spend more time with your parents.

I've put the letter of resignation on Mr. Chen's desk.

But it's inappropriate

to leave suddenly.

Mr. Chen...

It's fine.

Don't worry.

As long as you did as I say

by writing in the letter that there's an emergency at home,

Mr. Chen won't blame you.

Go ahead.

OK.

Young Master.

Uncle Hu, calm down.

Have a bun.

The buns here taste just OK.

Try it.

Mr. Chen has gone out.

He's coming this way.

Don't worry. Have some buns.

Come on, try it.

Young Master.

The buns here are delicious.

That's good.

Take your time.

I'll go first.

Young Master, do you want me to go with you?

I can go alone.

I...

I know what you want to say.

You just eat here.

If I see you moved even a little when I return,

you'll be punished.

Waiter.

Keep replenishing buns for him without limit.

How dare he say that with just a small sum of money?

What's wrong with him?

I...

No need to replenish.

It's enough.

[Chen's Cosmetics Shop]

The attendant

left the letter of resignation and disappeared.

Where am I supposed to find someone to fill the vacancy in such a short time?

Take it.

You again?

I should be asking you that.

What are you doing here?

Do I need to explain to you?

What do you want?

Tell me where you're going.

The cosmetics shop.

What for?

To buy some cosmetics, of course.

You're lying.

You'll know if it's true if you go with me.

Fine.

I'll see what tricks you can still play.

Smell it.

This is not bad.

Sir.

Lady Zhu.

What time is it now?

Aren't you...

Greetings, Mr. Chen. I'm Xiao Yu.

Why are you two here together?

It's just a coincidence.

Mr. Chen, are you looking at the cosmetics?

I'm warning you. Don't think about doing anything bad.

Look at you.

Eyebrow powder comes in colors such as dark blue-black,

copper green, teal blue, and black-green.

Not many women in the capital use graphite for eyebrow makeup.

More prefer to use eyebrow ink.

I didn't expect Mr. Xiao to know such things.

It's just some common sense.

You'll understand after listening to some girls.

What's so special about it?

The prevailing eyebrow shape in the capital city is slender and elongated,

resembling a crescent moon,

or it could be the eyebrow shape of another type called Qingquetou.

As for lip makeup,

they are narrower and lighter compared to the previous dynasty.

So, it's better not to choose colors like Dahongchun, Xiaohongchun,

and Shengtanxin.

You might consider colors like Tiangongqiao and Nenwuxiang.

As for forehead decoration,

the noble ladies of the capital

prefer using pearls as ornaments.

I heard it originated from the imperial palace

and is exceptionally exquisite.

Lady Zhu.

You should learn these.

Last time I noticed

Mr. Chen's clothes and fabrics,

I knew that

Mr. Chen is meticulous in details.

If you start the makeup class,

it'll definitely benefit the Women's Academy.

You're my confidant.

Women nowadays are not as delicate as you,

let alone men.

I'm flattered.

I'm just a failed student.

How could I qualify to be your confidant?

So what if you failed?

Don't ask about the origin of a hero.

By the way,

coincidentally, my teaching assistant has resigned.

I'm short of hands now.

If you're interested and don't mind the effort,

you can be my assistant

and we can have more communication.

No.

Sir, if you need help,

I can help you.

You don't need to hire someone else.

We are teachers and students.

I can't order you around.

Besides, I need someone to carry heavy things for me.

You're a girl.

It's not OK.

Mr. Chen, it's my honor to be by your side

and learn from you.

OK.

Meet me tomorrow at the academy.

Yes.

Sir.

Sir, please think twice.

Mr. Xiao is right.

You should trim your eyebrows.

Sir, look at this one.

Lady Yi, am I beautiful today?

Yes.

So beautiful!

A standout among the rest.

Beautiful.

I don't know how to do it.

Ladies, come and take a look.

Come here.

You make me feel embarrassed.

Let's take a look.

It's always like this when she shows up.

So many people revolve around her.

Lady Yan's makeup today is exquisite.

Is it that a little touch of makeup can make me as beautiful as a fairy?

You're as beautiful as a fairy.

She's an ugly girl who imitates a beauty.

Aren't we having a makeup class today?

So,

I brought

my favorite white jade rouge cream.

I want to learn it well.

Let me see.

It smells so good.

It smells so good.

Lady Jin, do you want to take a look?

Lady Yan, your white jade rouge cream

is really a rare item.

Even our first madam's

is not as good as this in quality.

My father dotes on me the most.

So all the good things

are mine to use first.

But this white jade rouge cream

is not a precious item in my house.

If you like it,

I can give you one tomorrow.

Really?

If you don't believe me,

I'll give you this box.

That's great.

I want one too.

I wish I could have one.

Lady Zhao, you should have one too.

Thank you.

You're so considerate and generous.

But I don't usually wear makeup.

I don't need such an expensive thing.

Lady Yan, if you give me one,

I can ask my mother

to inquire about the young masters of Yiyang for you.

My mother is the best matchmaker in Yiyang.

I don't need you to inquire for me.

It's just a box of rouge cream.

I'll give it to you.

Thank you.

Who is it?

Good morning, ladies.

Isn't this Mr. Xiao?

Why is Mr. Xiao here at the Women's Academy?

Yeah. What happened?

You may put down the cosmetic case.

Mr. Xiao.

From today onwards,

Xiao Yu will be the teaching assistant at the Women's Academy.

He'll assist me in teaching.

It must be the help of Yueniang

that Mr. Xiao could come here.

I'm sorry.

Sir, I'm late.

Why are you late?

I saw a snake.

Snake?

Where is it?

In the forest.

Sir, can you sprinkle some realgar?

Otherwise, after class,

I won't dare to go out.

I'll go take a look and sprinkle some realgar powder.

You get familiar with Mr. Xiao.

All right.

Song Yi. Lu Jia.

Follow me.

Hello, ladies.

You can call me Teaching Assistant Xiao.

Hello, Mr. Xiao.

I hope I can get along with you in the future.

I also have some knowledge about makeup.

I hope we can discuss this together.

Teaching Assistant Xiao.

I have some questions for you.

Please go ahead.

Mr. Xiao.

Do you have any experience as a teaching assistant in other academies?

No.

Have you written any books on makeup?

No.

Have you learned from renowned teachers?

No.

You have no qualifications. Why are you here?

It seems that Mr. Xiao doesn't have

convincible qualifications.

Exactly.

Why is he teaching us if he doesn't have any qualifications?

How can he teach us?

That's right.

Yueniang.

Why do you bully Mr. Xiao like this?

Miss. You're wearing the Red Marks Makeup, aren't you?

Mr. Xiao, you can tell?

Miss. Please come with me.

OK.

Here.

Have a seat.

Thank you.

Don't paint the eyebrows as long, paint them short.

Red marks should be hanging, not vertical.

Do you know the origin of the Red Marks Makeup?

It is also known as Morning Dawn Makeup.

During the reign of Emperor Wen of Cao Wei,

a palace maid named Xue Yelai

accidentally shattered a crystal screen.

The fragments of crystal cut her face,

and the palace maid believed her appearance was ruined,

fearing she would no longer receive favor from the emperor.

However,

Emperor Wen, upon seeing her wound resembling the dispersing morning glow,

unexpectedly felt a sense of compassion and tenderness towards her.

Afterwards, the women in the palace all imitated her

in hopes that the emperor would view them differently as well.

It's also known as Morning Dawn Makeup.

Mr. Xiao,

you know so much.

He's really good at bluffing.

Lady Yan,

I didn't expect your makeup to have such a history.

Lady Zhao, do you mean it?

I really like it.

Qinruo.

Mr. Xiao knows so much.

Mr. Xiao.

Could you provide an evaluation of my makeup

and that of other ladies?

Come up, ladies.

Let Mr. Xiao take a closer look at your makeup.

Hurry up.

Mr. Xiao.

Stay away from him.

This is not good.

Mr. Xiao.

Yueniang.

Come closer. He needs to take a closer look.

You don't have to be so close.

You...

As to short eyebrows, the length of yours is just right.

Ask one by one.

One by one.

Mr. Chen has always adhered to proper etiquette.

Why is he so intimately interacting with the female students?

Sir, why don't you put on your glasses

to see more clearly?

All right, stop it.

How dare you!

Stop!

Nonsense!

In broad daylight,

what kind of decorum is it for a man to be interacting so casually with a group of women?

Why are you so close to him?

Go away!

Hey you, come here.

Who are you?

Why are you here at the Women's Academy?

I, Xiao Yu, was newly appointed by Mr. Chen as the teaching assistant.

Nonsense.

Mr. Chen knows so many capable men.

Why would he appoint a young man like you?

Talent and knowledge have nothing to do with age.

Besides,

I can help the ladies study.

Why can't I be a teaching assistant?

Ridiculous.

That's right.

Sir.

This pervert came to Song's Academy secretly.

Now he came again.

If someone hadn't told me

that a man has come to the Women's Academy,

I wonder what ridiculous things

this pervert would do.

Get out now.

Or I'll report to the authorities.

Report to the authorities.

-Well. -Mr. Zhang. Mr. Zhang.

Calm down.

Don't be angry.

It's such a sunny day.

Why don't we sit inside?

Go away.

Mr. Zhang.

Lady Zhu, lead the way.

Kick him out.

Yes, let's go.

Let go of me!

Go.

-Mr. Zhang. -I’m not a pervert.