Episode Summary
Wei Shao, while planning new settlements and vital waterworks, shares a significant, heartfelt moment with Xiao Qiao where she pledges her unwavering loyalty to him and his vision of peace. Family dynamics shift as Qiao Ci leaves home, leading to a reunion with Da Qiao and Qiao Fu Ren at Bo Ya. Wei Shao's feelings for Xiao Qiao become increasingly apparent, highlighted by a welcome feast and a cleverly chosen sour fruit gift for his mother, orchestrated by Xiao Qiao to foster reconciliation. However, Wei Shao is soon tormented by visions of his deceased father and brother, reigniting his internal conflict about loving Xiao Qiao due to their families' history. He announces the Lu Li Conference to gain support for his ambitious canal project. His turmoil deepens after a conversation with Wei Yan, causing him to abruptly distance himself from Xiao Qiao by moving to the army barracks, leaving her confused and hurt. Astutely, Xu Fu Ren perceives Wei Shao's avoidance as a sign of his deep affection and strategically appoints Xiao Qiao to oversee the Lu Li Conference preparations, hoping to force them back together. The episode closes with a conflicted Wei Shao trying to convince himself he's fine alone.
Spoiler Alert
So, Wei Shao is in full-on leader mode, scouting locations to build housing for refugees – a spot with good water access is key. He even dispatches Wei Duo to Pan Yi to grab some books on waterworks. Then, in a move that’s both practical and a little bit flirty, he asks Xiao Qiao to use her astrology skills to predict the weather, hoping to speed up construction. Xiao Qiao, ever the playful one, brings up Yang Feng, suggesting he’d be a better teacher for Wei Shao in celestial observation, cheekily implying she doesn't want to be the one to "delay" Wei Shao. Wei Shao, bless his heart, pretty much admits she’s already delayed him more than once, so what’s one more time? And boom, Xiao Qiao couldn't help but crack a smile at that.
Later that night, under a starless, dark sky, things get real. Wei Shao finally opens up, confessing his deep-seated fear: that one day he and Xiao Qiao might end up on opposing sides. He was terrified when she got into trouble the day before, scared she might vanish just like his father and brother did, and even more scared of losing the peace he’s found. Xiao Qiao, in a truly touching moment, takes his hand, reassuring him that even a fleeting moment of peace can echo for generations if they cherish it. Then, with a formal bow, she pledges her loyalty, not just as a wife, but as a devoted subject. She’s all in, ready to help him build those canals, let the water flow everywhere, spread goodwill, erase hatred, and bring peace to the land. Wei Shao, understandably moved, grips her hand tightly. This was a big step for them!
Meanwhile, on the family front, Qiao Ci gets all huffy and decides to pack his bags and leave home. Turns out, Qiao Fu Ren totally saw this coming and was already there to meet him, even arranging for guards to accompany him to Bo Ya. Qiao Yue gets wind of this and is naturally worried, but when he hears Qiao Ci left with official papers, he figures it's just a formal family visit.
Qiao Fu Ren and Qiao Ci then head to Bo Ya to see Da Qiao. They find her living in a pretty run-down place, and Qiao Fu Ren’s heart aches. She laments that if Da Qiao had just told her she was in love with Bi Zhi, she would’ve given her blessing. Spotting a Konghou (a type of harp) in the room, Qiao Fu Ren feels a wave of relief, taking it as a sign that Bi Zhi genuinely cares for Da Qiao. When Da Qiao invites them to stay in Bo Ya, Qiao Fu Ren happily agrees.
Back in Yu Jun, Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao make their return. Wei Yan, ever the good brother, suggests throwing a welcome feast for Wei Shao, who’s immediately on board. But Xiao Qiao, practical as always, reminds Wei Shao that his injuries mean no booze. Wei Yan picks up on how genuinely Xiao Qiao cares for Wei Shao. This flusters Wei Shao a bit, and he quickly tries to cover, saying Xiao Qiao is actually concerned about the common people. Smooth, Wei Shao, real smooth. Later, when Xiao Qiao steps away to grab something for Xu Fu Ren, Wei Shao puffs up his chest, boasting to Wei Yan that he’s a powerful lord, he doesn’t really listen to Xiao Qiao, isn't swayed by romance, and only occasionally humors her. Of course, who should walk in right at that moment? Xiao Qiao. The embarrassment is palpable. Wei Shao makes a hasty retreat to see Wei Fu Ren, telling Xiao Qiao to keep Xu Fu Ren company, with Wei Yan hot on his heels.
Wei Shao thoughtfully brings some local specialties for Wei Fu Ren. The moment she tastes one, it’s so sour her eyes water, but she can’t quite explain why. Instead, she declares that, to avoid making things difficult for Wei Shao, she’s decided to accept Xiao Qiao as her daughter-in-law. She also astutely observes that Wei Shao has fallen for Xiao Qiao. Wei Shao then tries one of the fruits himself, and yup, it’s incredibly sour. They both burst out laughing. Wei Fu Ren, however, sweetly says that any fruit from her son is sweet to her. Aww!
Later, Wei Shao asks Xiao Qiao about the sour fruit strategy. She explains that both he and his mother are very direct people, and for them to get along better, one of them needs to soften a bit. Wei Shao is genuinely touched by her thoughtfulness. As Xiao Qiao prepares a bath for him, Wei Shao soaks in the tub, mulling over his mother's words. It hits him: he might actually be head over heels for Xiao Qiao, her image completely occupying his thoughts.
But then, the past rears its ugly head. Suddenly, Wei Shao is haunted by visions of his father and brother, looking furious that he’s developed feelings for Xiao Qiao. He snaps out of it, remembering his grandmother’s advice to let go of past grudges and build a life with Xiao Qiao. Now, he’s riddled with doubt, wondering if he can truly overcome his deep-seated hatred.
The next day, Wei Shao announces his ambitious plan to his subordinates: to build canals starting from Pan Yi and extending to various regions. He’s aware that other lords might not be thrilled, so he and Xiao Qiao have decided to organize the Lu Li Conference. The idea is to get everyone on board, emphasizing that this project will benefit all the people.
Later, Wei Shao and Wei Yan are having drinks, and Wei Yan can't resist teasing his brother, saying the only reason Wei Shao isn't out carousing is because he's scared of Xiao Qiao. Wei Shao denies it, but his affection for her is pretty obvious. Then, Wei Shao gets serious, asking Wei Yan if he thinks it's okay for him to actually fall for Xiao Qiao. Wei Yan is against it, listing a bunch of reasons why it’s a bad idea. But Wei Shao shoots down every single one. Wei Yan sees clearly that his brother is smitten, but also knows his sense of duty (especially to his family's past) will just end up torturing him.
That night, Wei Yan calls for Lan Yun’s company and paints a picture titled "Goddess of Yu Mountain." He tells her the story behind it: a scholar stumbles upon a goddess and can never leave her. Interestingly, Wei Yan doesn't paint the goddess's face. When Lan Yun asks why, he just smiles and says he's never actually seen the goddess, so how could he possibly paint her face? Deep.
Wei Shao returns from Wei Yan's place looking pretty troubled. He announces he’s going to stay in the army barracks for three days. As Xiao Qiao is helping him undress, her hand brushes against the jade pendant on his waist. Wei Shao immediately clutches it, his demeanor turning cold and distant. He shoves the pendant into a wooden box and storms out, leaving Xiao Qiao completely bewildered and hurt.
Our boy Wei Shao is seriously conflicted about Xiao Qiao. He’s so antsy that he calls a meeting with Gongsun Yang and others, but then just sits there, unable to speak. Gongsun Yang finally prods him. Wei Shao, clearly flustered, just makes up some stuff about preparing for the Lu Li Conference. Wei Qu and his brothers quickly agree and make their exit. Wei Shao, still restless, then suggests he go hang out at Gongsun Yang’s place, much to Gongsun Yang’s reluctant agreement. Once outside, the Wei Qu brothers put two and two together: Wei Shao must have had a fight with Xiao Qiao. Why else would he be pushing for the Lu Li Conference a whole year ahead of schedule?
Xiao Qiao, perceptive as ever, understands that Wei Shao moving into the government office is his way of dealing with his internal turmoil. She knows some things he just has to figure out on his own. News of Wei Shao’s move quickly reaches Xu Fu Ren, who immediately sees through it: Wei Shao is avoiding Xiao Qiao precisely because he’s fallen for her. Just then, Xiao Qiao comes to see her. Xu Fu Ren, never missing a beat, decides the Lu Li Conference will be held at the training grounds and puts Xiao Qiao in charge of all the decorations. Xiao Qiao, seizing the opportunity, suggests they get scholars and poets to start hyping up the conference, making sure everyone in the land knows about Wei Shao's noble intentions. Xu Fu Ren is all for it, clearly thinking, "Let's see how you avoid her now, Wei Shao!"
The episode ends with Wei Shao, alone in the government office, feeling the cold and loneliness but stubbornly telling himself it’s "fine." Oh, Wei Shao, the denial is strong with this one! Can't wait to see how this all unfolds.
