Episode 12 recap: Hongji fell in love with Chiyue.
One day, Chiyue took Lizichen to the county town for a stroll. They were delighted by the interesting things they saw on the street. At that moment, a few children who were going to school passed by them. Chiyue noticed the envious look in Lizichen's eyes and thought that they should let Liziqiang, Lizichen, and Lizixi all go to school. However, there was no school in the village, and it was not practical for all of them to go to school in the county. Chiyue was momentarily stumped.
Hongji volunteered to teach the children and Chiyue immediately agreed. When Chiyue returned home, he specially prepared desks and chairs for the children. He planned to let Hongji teach them for half a day. He should have paid Hongji for his services, but Hongji refused because he didn't know how long he could teach the children. After all, his parents hoped that he would participate in the imperial examination, which was taking place next year.
Chiyue believed that not everyone should study, but rather do what they love. Otherwise, there would be no difference between them and a salted fish. Hongji was deeply moved by Chiyue's words. They went up the mountain together to find wood and prepare writing boards. However, Chiyue accidentally sprained his foot and unexpectedly discovered a plant used for making alcohol. Hongji carried the injured Chiyue back home, which made Chiyue feel a bit embarrassed, but Hongji was more than willing to do so.
When Liziqiang saw that Chiyue hadn't returned so late, he went out to check and happened to see Hongji carrying Chiyue back. He couldn't help but suspect that there was something between them. Upon learning that Chiyue had injured his foot, Liziqiang quickly supported him back home. Lizichen and Lizixi both wanted to study, so Liziqiang had to suppress his objections and decided to take the opportunity of studying to assess Hongji on behalf of Chiyue.
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