Episode Summary
The episode opens with Wei Shao attacking Bianzhou, causing panic in nearby Yanzhou, home to the Qiao family. Xiao Qiao learns about the historical feud: her grandfather, Qiao Gui, failed to support Wei Shao's grandfather in a past war, leading to the Wei family's tragic losses and Wei Shao's deep-seated hatred. To make peace, a marriage is proposed between Wei Shao and a Qiao daughter. Meanwhile, Xiao Qiao’s sister, Da Qiao, is in love with a horse master, Bi Zhi. As Wei Shao conquers Bianzhou and captures his nemesis Li Su, Da Qiao elopes with Bi Zhi, aided by Xiao Qiao. To save her family from Wei Shao's wrath and a broken alliance, Xiao Qiao bravely volunteers to marry Wei Shao in her sister's place, offering the strategic city of Panyi as part of her dowry. Wei Shao, initially furious and intent on revenge, is intrigued by the offer of Panyi and, upon finally seeing Xiao Qiao, seems visibly moved.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 1 Recap & Spoilers: Love, War, and a Whole Lot of Family Drama
The story kicks off with some serious tension. We see Wei Shao leading his troops to attack Bianzhou, and it's pretty clear he's not stopping there. Over in Yanzhou, Xiao Qiao (played by Song Zu'er) is understandably freaking out. She knows Yanzhou is next on Wei Shao's hit list and quizzes her grandfather, Qiao Gui, about this formidable general.
Grandpa Qiao Gui decides it's time for a history lesson, spilling the tea on the long-standing beef between the Wei and Qiao families. Turns out, they weren't always enemies. Back in the day, Qiao Gui, newly appointed as the governor of Yanzhou, threw a banquet that was basically a networking event to form alliances. He and Wei Shao's grandfather hit it off, and an alliance was born. The Wei state built a crucial water canal, Yanzhou had the military might, and for a while, they had each other's backs.
But then, things went south. Fourteen years ago, Bianzhou sent their fierce general, Li Su, to attack the Wei state, successfully snatching Xindu. The Wei family waited for Qiao Gui to send backup, but his advisors were split. Some feared getting involved would be pointless and only drag Yanzhou into the mess. Others worried about breaking their word. Just then, Xiao Qiao accidentally dropped and broke a jade piece. Qiao Gui, taking this as a bad omen, decided to pull back and not send troops.
This decision had devastating consequences for the Wei family. Wei Shao's older brother died on the battlefield protecting Wei Shao and others. A terrified young Wei Shao was hidden in a chest by his brother, who, with his dying breaths, warned him never to trust the Qiao family, blaming their betrayal for the Wei defeat. Wei Shao then witnessed the brutal murder of his brother and father and heard Li Su order the execution of all male Tings in the city. Heavy stuff.
Back in the present, Qiao Gui admits that even if he had sent troops, it probably wouldn't have saved the Wei state and might have endangered his own people. It was a tough call. He also reveals he believes Wei Shao's mother, Xu Furen, is a reasonable woman. He’d written to her, hoping to arrange a marriage between their families to bury the hatchet. Xu Furen agreed, and even Xiao Qiao thought it was a good match on paper. However, she rightly suspected Wei Shao wouldn't exactly welcome a bride from the family he blames for his suffering.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qiao's older sister, Da Qiao, seems blissfully unaware of the impending doom, busy playing games with her maids. Xiao Qiao, ever the pragmatist, tries to make her sister see the seriousness of the situation, especially since Da Qiao is the one initially slated to be the peace-offering bride. But Da Qiao’s eyes keep drifting to a horse master named Bi Zhi, and Xiao Qiao doesn't miss the lovey-dovey looks.
Adding to the family's stress, Xiao Zao informs Xiao Qiao that Liu Yan, the heir of Liangya royalty, and his uncle, Liu Shan, have come to ask for Xiao Qiao’s hand in marriage. Their attitude, however, is anything but respectful. They bring up how the Qiao family paid a hefty sum when they married Ding Furen, and now, all they seem to care about is Xiao Qiao's dowry. They're clearly scared of being caught in the crossfire if Wei Shao attacks Yanzhou and it spills over to Liangya.
When the Qiao family reveals their marriage alliance with the Wei family, Liu Yan, despite his earlier apprehension, claims he’s always been cared for by the Qiao family and isn’t afraid of repercussions. He pushes to get married quickly. Liu Shan reluctantly agrees, praising Liu Yan and presenting their betrothal gifts – they’ve swapped out a valuable lynx for a weasel, which Liu Shan still thinks is pretty decent. Qiao Furen tries to convince Xiao Qiao to accept, pointing out it’s a much better deal than Da Qiao’s, who’s set to marry into the "tiger's den" of the Wei family.
Cut to Wei Shao, who's busy besieging Bianzhou, planning to win without a direct assault. His advisor, Gongsun Yang, breaks the news about his mother arranging his marriage to a Qiao daughter. Gongsun Yang is also worried that the Qiao family might team up with Li Su, putting them in a pincer attack. Wei Shao, however, decides to launch an immediate, surprise attack on the city before any such alliance can form. Gongsun Yang voices concerns about the low chances of success with a rash attack, but Wei Shao isn't listening and has already mobilized his troops to Bianzhou.
The first clash is a win for Wei Shao. He breaches Bianzhou's defenses and captures Li Su alive.
Back in Yanzhou, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao are having a heart-to-heart. Da Qiao tries to comfort Xiao Qiao, saying that once she marries Wei Shao, Liangya will value Xiao Qiao more. Just then, Bi Zhi shows up outside, wanting to see Da Qiao. He’s all fired up, wanting to fight Wei Shao himself to stop the war. Da Qiao, though in love with him, knows he's no match for Wei Shao and talks him down. She also explains she can't just run away with him; as the eldest daughter, she has responsibilities. Xiao Qiao overhears their entire conversation.
With both sisters supposedly getting married around the same time, Da Qiao wants to give Xiao Qiao all her best possessions. Xiao Qiao deliberately asks for some of Da Qiao’s most cherished items, secretly planning to safeguard them for her. Both sisters silently vow to do whatever it takes for the other's happiness.
Then, in a pivotal move, Xiao Qiao arranges for Da Qiao to meet Bi Zhi and urges her to elope with him. She argues that marrying Wei Shao would ruin Da Qiao's life and offers to take her place. Xiao Qiao wants her sister to be happy with the man she loves, even if it means a simpler life. As for Liu Yan, Xiao Qiao has no interest in marrying him. She sees his acceptance of the downgraded betrothal gift, knowing the Qiao family is in a tight spot with Yanzhou's impending doom, as a sign of disrespect and cowardice.
Xiao Qiao makes Bi Zhi promise to treat Da Qiao well, threatening to hunt him down if he doesn't, but also promising to help him rise in the world if he makes Da Qiao happy. Bi Zhi is immensely grateful. With tears in her eyes, Xiao Qiao watches Da Qiao's carriage depart.
The next day, news of Da Qiao’s elopement spreads like wildfire through the Qiao household. No one dares inform the Wei family, fearing deadly repercussions. Suddenly, all eyes turn to Xiao Qiao, and the suggestion is made: Xiao Qiao should marry Wei Shao in Da Qiao's stead. With the Wei state strong and Liangya weak, offending Liangya is the lesser of two evils. Xiao Qiao approaches Qiao Gui and nods her consent. Qiao Gui closes his eyes, accepting this as fate.
Meanwhile, Li Su, though captured, is defiant. He boasts about slaughtering the Wei family years ago and says even if Wei Shao seeks revenge now, he only has one life to give, and it was all worth it. He even regrets not killing Wei Shao back then. Enraged, Wei Shao orders Li Su to be dismembered and his body parts put in a box. Gongsun Yang rushes in to stop him but is too late. Gongsun Yang argues that everyone knows about their feud; sparing Li Su could have won over hearts and minds. But Wei Shao retorts that he wanted Li Su’s life, not public approval.
Xiao Qiao then discusses Wei Shao's mindset with Qiao Gui. She astutely points out that Panyi, the gateway to Yanzhou, is something Wei Shao desperately wants. If they offer Panyi as part of her dowry, she believes Wei Shao will agree to the marriage. Qiao Gui, moved to tears, praises Xiao Qiao's intelligence, saying she surpasses her father and uncle.
The next day, Xiao Qiao's uncle gives her the seal of Panyi. As she departs for the marriage, tears fill her eyes. She remembers Qiao Gui's advice: learn to use softness to overcome hardness; this is the key to survival. And if she can win over the Marquis (Wei Shao), she must strategize for Yanzhou's future.
As Wei Shao is fuming about the uncooperative citizens of the newly conquered city, he hears Xiao Qiao's entourage has arrived at the city gates. Furious, he grabs his bow, intending to kill her. Gongsun Yang quickly intervenes, reminding Wei Shao that marrying Xiao Qiao means getting Panyi without shedding a single drop of blood. He also mentions the famous "Shuangshu" (Twin Beauties) of the Qiao family, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, renowned for their stunning looks, implying Xiao Qiao's beauty is considerable. Wei Shao eventually orders his men to let Xiao Qiao's carriage enter.
Wei Shao grumbles that Xindu is in ruins and it's not a suitable time for a wedding. Gongsun Yang argues the two aren't mutually exclusive, emphasizing that Panyi is the "heart of the deer" (a metaphor for a strategic prize) if several powers unite. Wei Shao scoffs, saying if she hands over Panyi willingly, not killing her is already an act of mercy on his part.
The next day, during negotiations, Gongsun Yang proposes the wedding take place in Panyi. The Qiao representative insists on Xindu. Neither side budges. Xiao Qiao’s maid, Xiao Tao, doesn't understand why they're arguing over the location. Xiao Qiao explains the underlying power dynamics. Unbeknownst to them, Wei Shao is eavesdropping. He curtly states that if they're not sincere, he'll send them packing. But then, he lifts the curtain and sees Xiao Qiao for the first time. The sight clearly makes an impression, and Wei Shao is visibly stirred.
