Episode Summary
Xiao Qiao's clever schemes successfully drive a wedge between Yuan Wang and Wei Dian, leading to Yuan Wang siding with Wei Shao after a staged ambush. Wei Qu assassinates Wei Dian, consolidating Wei Shao's power. Meanwhile, efforts to repair the Rong Jun canal bring together the bickering Yang Feng and Zhen Zhi under Wei Shao's leadership. News arrives of Chen Xiang's death and upheaval in Bian Zhou. Su Ehuang and Su Zixin, on the run, learn of Xue Tai's rebellion and his supposed intention to protect Su Ehuang. Wei Shao attempts to gift Xiao Qiao warhorses, which she unenthusiastically accepts. A romantic stargazing attempt by Xiao Qiao is thwarted by Wei Shao's obliviousness and Yang Feng's presence. Yuan Wang proposes a marriage between his daughter and Wei Liang, leading to a bet between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao. Wei Liang rejects the proposal, reaffirming his feelings for Xiao Tao by gifting her his symbolic weapon trinket, and Wei Shao loses the bet to Xiao Qiao.
Spoiler Alert
So, things kick off with Yuan Wang having turned down Xiao Qiao. But Xiao Qiao, ever the strategist, deliberately heads to a jewelry shop to order wedding accessories. Predictably, word gets back to Wei Dian super fast. He summons Yuan Wang for a late-night chat, with a bridal headpiece strategically placed in front of him. Wei Dian, not buying Yuan Wang's denials, accuses him of planning to marry into Wei Shao's family. He even reveals he's had Yuan Wang under surveillance, day and night. This, understandably, infuriates Yuan Wang, who thought he and Wei Dian were on the same side. A massive argument erupts, and just like that, a rift forms between them.
Meanwhile, Wei Qu spills the beans to Wei Shao about Yuan Wang's midnight visit to Wei Dian's place. Xiao Qiao, always thinking ahead, proposes their next move. Wei Shao, eager for action, wants to lead the charge himself. But Xiao Qiao, citing his still-healing injuries, firmly shuts that idea down. Wei Shao tries to appeal to Wei Qu, asking if he's recovered, but Xiao Qiao cleverly shows Wei Qu Wei Shao's injured arm, and Wei Qu, not wanting to get caught in the middle, makes a swift exit. Smart man.
On his way back, Yuan Wang is ambushed! The arrows used in the attack are identical to those from Wei Dian's residence – a detail Xiao Qiao had cleverly arranged by having her people collect arrows from a previous assassination attempt. This masterstroke makes Yuan Wang believe Wei Dian is behind the attack. Right on cue, Wei Liang shows up, pretending to rescue Yuan Wang. And just like that, Yuan Wang's loyalty shifts to Wei Shao. Soon after, the common folk start receiving wheat seeds, a move that signals to Wei Dian that Wei Shao is making his play. Wei Dian immediately orders his troops to assemble and go after Wei Shao, thinking Wei Shao's forces are small and an easy target.
Wei Dian then heads back to his chambers to gear up in his armor, ready to confront Wei Shao. Plot twist! Wei Qu is already there, lying in wait. In a shocking turn, Wei Qu strikes Wei Dian down with a single blow. Wei Dian dies, never imagining his ambitions would be cut short so abruptly before he even made his move. The next day, Yuan Wang officially takes over Wei Dian's former troops and pledges his full support to Wei Shao.
Elsewhere, Yang Feng, accompanied by Wei Xiao, is on his way to Rong Jun to work on repairing a canal. He's pretty thrilled to be part of such a grand project. What he didn't expect was to be partnered with Zhen Zhi. The moment these two meet, they start bickering. Yang Feng declares he can't work with Zhen Zhi and tries to leave, but Wei Xiao and his men block his path. Wei Shao then arrives, revealing that fourteen years ago, Yang Feng and Zhen Zhi worked together under Qiao Gui and Wei Hou to build the Yongning Canal. Wei Shao appeals to their sense of duty, urging them to put aside their differences and work together for the people of Rong Jun, regardless of regional boundaries. They both agree to follow his orders. Just then, news arrives: Bian Zhou has undergone a major upheaval, and Chen Xiang is dead.
In another storyline, Su Ehuang and her younger brother are being pursued by two soldiers in their carriage. These soldiers, under orders from Xue Tai, were looking for Su Ehuang but didn't apprehend her because she wasn't wearing the signature peony hairpin on her forehead. However, Su Ehuang learns from this encounter that Chen Pang has become the governor of Bian Zhou. Xue Tai, unhappy with this, has apparently rebelled with his cavalry and is now sending people to find "Lady Yu Lou" (presumably Su Ehuang) to protect her. Su Zixin suggests they go join Xue Tai, but Su Ehuang is skeptical, believing Xue Tai's offer of protection is more about preserving his own reputation.
As they approach the territory of Wu Shan Guo, Su Ehuang once again puts the flower hairpin in her hair. Su Zixin, however, feels they have accomplished nothing and have no face to return home. With Chen Xiang dead, they're left with nothing, and he worries about what they'll say if questioned back home. He even complains that Su Ehuang, "just a woman," only knows how to put a flower in her hair. This enrages Su Ehuang. She scolds Su Zixin for daring to lecture her now that she's lost her power, reminding him that the flower on her forehead protects not just her, but him too. Su Zixin wisely shuts up.
Back with our main couple, Xiao Qiao asks Wei Shao for a gift. After all, she's been nursing him back to health and masterminding the plot to drive a wedge between Yuan Wang and Wei Dian. Wei Shao offers her some newly crafted gold jewelry, but Xiao Qiao isn't impressed, feeling it's a dismissive gesture. Wei Shao, though grumbling about her being troublesome, promises to put more thought into a proper gift.
The next day, Xiao Qiao takes the four Wei brothers gift shopping, but nothing catches her eye. Suddenly, Wei Shao has a brilliant idea: five hundred warhorses! He figures Xiao Qiao's scheming must be for the benefit of Yan Zhou. Xiao Qiao, however, isn't thrilled. Wei Shao then suggests weapons. Defeated, Xiao Qiao pretends to like the warhorses.
When Xiao Tao hears about this grand gift, she's astounded that Wei Shao would give away five hundred warhorses. Xiao Tao remarks that while a husband might not know if his wife is happy, the father-in-law certainly would be. Xiao Qiao then asks Xiao Tao what Wei Liang has given her. Xiao Tao immediately thinks of a flower hairpin and dejectedly leaves. Chun Niang advises Xiao Tao not to rush things. Suddenly, Xiao Tao spots some incense and gets an idea.
Xiao Qiao deliberately brings Wei Shao some sweet desserts, having specially scented the room with incense. But Wei Shao is entirely focused on the sweets, much to Xiao Qiao's disappointment. She then brings up the idea of observing the stars, saying it would be beneficial for the canal project, and offers to accompany him. Wei Shao immediately agrees, telling her to go to the stargazing platform first and he'll join her after he finishes reviewing some memorials.
A gleeful Xiao Qiao heads to the platform. It's windy, but she refuses to wear her cloak, afraid it will hide her carefully chosen outfit. Wei Shao arrives and stares at her for a long moment. Xiao Qiao, thinking he's captivated by her beauty, is ecstatic. But then, Wei Shao scolds her for not wearing her cloak despite having it with her and forcefully puts it on her. Ouch.
Xiao Qiao was hoping for some quality alone time, but Wei Shao has also invited Yang Feng to join them for stargazing. Yang Feng, however, quickly picks up on Xiao Qiao's intentions and tries to excuse himself, saying the platform is a bit crowded for three. Before Xiao Qiao can celebrate, Wei Shao insists Yang Feng stay and explain the meanings of the stars. Poor Xiao Qiao is left pacing anxiously behind them.
Later, Yuan Wang invites Wei Shao to his home. Wei Shao finds himself distracted, his mind replaying the image of Xiao Qiao on the stargazing platform from the previous night. Yuan Wang has to call his name several times to get his attention. Yuan Wang then reveals that his daughter has developed feelings for Wei Liang and hopes Wei Shao can speak to Wei Liang on her behalf. Wei Shao, who initially thought Yuan Wang's daughter liked Wei Qu, is surprised but agrees to talk to Wei Liang.
Wei Shao tells Xiao Qiao about this, and Xiao Qiao is certain Wei Liang will refuse the match, saying there's no need to even ask him. Wei Shao, unconvinced, makes a bet with her: if he loses, he'll go shopping for a "caitou" (a prize or token, often for a bet or game) with her on the street. Wei Shao goes to talk to Wei Liang. Just as he broaches the subject, Xiao Tao walks by. Wei Liang immediately declares his opposition to the marriage, emphatically stating he only likes one person. Wei Shao, desperate not to lose the bet, tries to persuade Wei Liang to agree.
Xiao Qiao also tells Xiao Tao about someone being interested in Wei Liang. Xiao Tao, clearly unhappy, walks off. Wei Liang immediately chases after her, urging Wei Shao not to force matters of the heart. Wei Shao concedes defeat and agrees to get Xiao Qiao her "caitou."
Wei Liang follows Xiao Tao to her room. Seeing her angry, he explains the origin of the small weapon trinkets that he and his three sworn brothers carry. Wei Shao had them made for them years ago. Since any one of them could die on any given campaign, whoever goes to battle leaves their symbolic trinket with the others, representing a bond of "though we weren't born on the same day, month, and year, we wish to die on the same day, month, and year." He then offers his own small weapon trinket to Xiao Tao. Aww!
