Episode Summary
Wei Yan finally learned the truth about his parentage from Madam Xu. After an emotional confrontation, he chose to remain loyal to the Wei family and Madam Xu, a resolution largely orchestrated by Xiao Qiao. Meanwhile, Chen Pang seized power in Bianzhou after Chen Xiang's sudden death and immediately ordered the capture of Su Ehuang, falsely claiming it was Chen Xiang's dying wish. Wei Yan, now aware of Chen Pang's villainy towards his mother, confronted one of Chen Pang's men, declaring them enemies. Wei Shao decided to personally oversee the construction of a canal in Rong Commandery. Su Ehuang, learning the truth about Chen Xiang's intentions to protect her, planned her escape. Xiao Qiao convinced Wei Shao to let her accompany him to Rong Commandery, leading to several awkward yet endearing interactions on their journey, hinting at their growing closeness.
Spoiler Alert
So, Wei Yan strolls in and sees Madam Xu looking perfectly fine, and you can almost see the gears turning in his head. He blurts out something Xiao Qiao told him and then bam – realization hits. He’s been played! He tries to bolt, but Grandma Xu, ever the matriarch, isn't having it. She gently asks him if he really doesn't want to see her anymore.
This is where it gets heavy. Wei Yan is crushed by guilt, feeling like he’s betrayed the Wei family. Madam Xu finally coaxes out of him how he learned about his real father: one of Chen Pang's men spilled the beans. Then, Madam Xu lays it all out. Turns out, Chen Pang forced himself on Wei Yan's mother, Qing Yun. Madam Xu kept this explosive secret buried for years, not wanting Wei Yan to be consumed by a cycle of revenge. She takes all the blame on herself, which is a massive moment for her.
Wei Yan, bless his heart, asks the tough question: did she ever truly see him as her grandson? He points out that while she always doted on him, even more than Wei Shao sometimes, she never let him near any real power. Madam Xu doesn't flinch. She admits it’s because he’s Chen Pang’s son. Giving him power would be like handing the Wei state over to their enemy. Ouch.
She then gives him an ultimatum:
- Stay. He’ll always be her grandson, cherished and loved, but he’ll never hold any real authority.
- Leave. Kowtow three times to thank her for raising him, and then never come back.
Wei Yan, after a tense moment where he calls himself a "wild dog" (talk about an identity crisis!), actually gets down and kowtows. Madam Xu is in tears, thinking he’s chosen to leave. But psych! Wei Yan declares that he knows she kept his parentage a secret because she cares for him. From now on, he only wants to be a son of the Wei family because he can't bear to leave her. Cue the waterworks and a big hug! Seriously, grab your tissues. And you know who gets a quiet nod for this breakthrough? Xiao Qiao, for her strategic meddling. Wei Shao is definitely grateful for her smarts.
Meanwhile, in the Ancestral Hall and Bianzhou...
Xiao Qiao then pays a visit to Madam Wei, who's doing her penance in the ancestral hall. Madam Wei is a crying mess, feeling disrespected by Madam Xu, bullied by Xiao Qiao, and convinced Wei Shao is ignoring her. Xiao Qiao, smooth as ever, reassures her that Wei Shao sent her because his current position makes a personal visit tricky. She also lets Madam Wei know that this whole punishment thing is partly for show. Once it's over, they’re still family. Madam Wei is, of course, thrilled.
Over in Bianzhou, things take a dark turn. Chen Xiang suddenly dies, and Chen Pang, with a little help from his supporters, steps up as the new governor. His first order of business? Hunt down Su Ehuang. He even cooks up a story that Chen Xiang’s dying wish was for Su Ehuang to be locked up in Yu Lou for life. Cold.
Wei Yan Draws a Line in the Sand
Our boy Wei Yan isn't done. He privately corners Chen Lie, one of Chen Pang’s men, and asks how his parents really met. Chen Lie tries to feed him a fairytale about them being madly in love. Wei Yan sees right through it, whips out a dagger, and gets to the point: Chen Pang abducted his mother, which ultimately led to her death. He tells Chen Lie to return everything and to pass a message to Chen Pang: the next time they meet, they're enemies. You tell him, Wei Yan!
Later, a Wei family elder starts mouthing off to Xiao Qiao about some 14-year-old grudge. Wei Yan steps in and shuts it down, saying Xiao Qiao wasn’t involved back then and shouldn't be blamed. Xiao Qiao is clearly thankful for the save.
Wheat Seeds, Waterways, and Wei Shao's Big Trip
Good news on the agricultural front: Bianzhou finally sends the wheat seeds! Gongsun Yang gives major props to Xiao Qiao for her role in this. Wei Shao, while acknowledging her efforts, also dryly notes she’s been looking out for the Qiao family’s interests too. Gongsun Yang, sensing Wei Shao isn't actually mad, suggests they get moving on building the canal in Rong Commandery. He also thinks they need to place one of their own people there alongside Yang Feng. Wei Shao agrees and tells Wei Xiao to appoint Zhen Zhi to the post.
But Gongsun Yang has concerns. Rong Commandery is a bit too close to Bianzhou for comfort, and Wei Dian is pretty chummy with Rong’s governor, Yuan Wang (their kids are even talking marriage). He thinks they need someone with more clout to keep things in line. Wei Shao’s solution? He’ll go himself.
Su Ehuang's Escape Act
Su Zixin brings Su Ehuang the grim news: Chen Xiang is dead, and Chen Pang wants her imprisoned. Su Ehuang is devastated by Chen Xiang's death and furious at Chen Pang. But then Su Zixin drops another bombshell: Chen Xiang's actual dying wish was to protect her "peony fate" from being exploited by others. Su Ehuang, feeling the weight of her circumstances compared to Xiao Qiao's, decides she’s not going into the city. She’s going to make a run for it and needs Su Zixin’s help. Su Zixin is understandably nervous – the whole city is looking for her, especially women with those distinctive flower markings on their foreheads. But then, Su Ehuang simply wipes her flower marking off! Su Zixin is floored, having assumed it was a permanent feature.
Road Trip! Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao Get Closer (Sort Of)
With Wei Shao heading to Rong Commandery, he tasks Wei Yan with holding down the fort in Yu Commandery. Wei Yan is initially hesitant, probably worried about appearances, but Madam Xu is all for it. He’s touched by their trust and vows to do his best. Madam Xu gives credit where it's due, telling Wei Shao that her mended relationship with Wei Yan is all thanks to Xiao Qiao. She also hopes Wei Shao can use this trip to finally bury the hatchet with the Qiao clan.
Guess who wants to tag along to Rong Commandery? Xiao Qiao! Wei Shao’s not keen at first, citing danger and the inconvenience of canal-building. But Xiao Qiao argues she can teach the locals how to plant the new wheat, and with him around, what’s to fear? Wei Shao, looking into her eager eyes, caves.
When Wei Shao tells Gongsun Yang, the latter teases that maybe Xiao Qiao just wants to travel with Wei Yan. (Wait, what? Wei Yan is staying behind. Pretty sure Gongsun Yang meant Wei Shao, or maybe he's just stirring the pot!) Wei Shao, though probably secretly pleased, brushes it off, claiming Xiao Qiao is genuinely interested in public welfare. Suuuure, Wei Shao.
The next day, Wei Shao is waiting for Xiao Qiao, and when she finally appears, looking fabulous, he’s visibly impressed. Even Xiao Tao picks up on the different way Wei Shao’s looking at her mistress today!
Wei Yan sees them off, telling Wei Shao to look after Xiao Qiao, but his eyes definitely linger on her as she gets into the carriage. On the journey, Xiao Qiao tries to peek at Wei Shao through the window. His oh-so-romantic response? Close the window, it’s windy. Xiao Tao can’t help but think he’s clueless. Meanwhile, Wei Liang is being super attentive to Xiao Tao, offering to get her anything she wants. She pretends to be annoyed by his fussing, but she’s totally loving it.
During a rest stop, Xiao Qiao makes a move to sit next to Wei Shao. He, in a surprisingly thoughtful gesture, puts his cloak on a rock for her to sit on. She then snags his dry rations. They’re tough to chew, but she declares them delicious, clearly just happy to be spending time with him. She starts openly fangirling, asking him to describe Rong Commandery. Wei Shao, puffing up with pride, launches into a detailed explanation. Xiao Qiao, however, seems more interested in him, gazing at his face and sighing that he’s handsome and that Rong Commandery’s impressive landscape has nothing on him. Wei Shao’s reaction? He thinks she might be running a fever because she’s acting so out of character! Oh, these two.
Wei Liang, ever the wingman (or perhaps just a foodie), has already done his research and tells Xiao Tao about all the great eats in Rong Commandery. He’s convinced that if they follow his "guide," Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao’s relationship will definitely level up.
