Episode Summary
Episode 25 featured a dramatic duel where Qiao Ci, aided by Wei Shao's ancestral spear, defeated a treacherous Su Zixin. This led Su Ehuang to reveal her true purpose: finding a new master for Xue Tai, presenting his military tally and catching Liu Yan's attention. At a subsequent banquet, a proposal for a vital canal project faced resistance, largely instigated by Liu Yan. While Xiao Qiao eloquently defended the project, it was Qiao Ci's compelling speech, praising Wei Shao's character, that ultimately won over most attendees. This event, and Qiao Ci's later admission that Xiao Qiao coached him, significantly deepened the bond between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, leading to a heartfelt affirmation of their relationship. Meanwhile, Su Ehuang actively schemed against Liu Yan by spreading damaging rumors and then met with him, though no alliance formed as Liu Yan lamented their shared fate as pawns. The episode concluded with Qiao Ci's departure, during which Xiao Qiao expressed concern for her sister Da Qiao, and Su Ehuang made a strategic request to Wei Shao for temporary asylum in his territory.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicked off with that tense showdown between Su Zixin and Qiao Ci. Su Zixin, not surprisingly, fought dirty, managing to injure Qiao Ci and even shatter his weapon. Just when it looked like curtains for Qiao Ci, our man Wei Shao stepped in. He wasn't about to let Qiao Ci go down like that, declaring the supplied weapons were subpar. Then, in a classic heroic move, Wei Shao offered Qiao Ci his own late brother's spear. Across the way, Su Ehuang’s eyes welled up seeing the weapon of her deceased beloved, but she quickly pulled herself together, managing a faint smile.
Armed with this significant weapon, Qiao Ci turned the tables and defeated Su Zixin. But Su Zixin, ever the sore loser, tried to nail Qiao Ci with a hidden projectile. Luckily, Qiao Ci blocked it. Wei Shao, having had enough, banned Su Zixin from any further competition. Adding to Su Zixin's humiliation, Su Ehuang publicly slapped him, blaming herself for not raising him right. Then, she dropped a bombshell: her real reason for being there was to find a new master for Xue Tai, and she even produced his military tally! You can bet this got Liu Yan’s gears turning.
Later, Wei Yan and Wei Shao paid a visit to the injured Qiao Ci, showing some genuine concern. Qiao Ci found out from Xiao Qiao that the spear he’d used was an incredibly precious memento – a relic of the late elder brother of both Wei Shao and Wei Yan. Hearing this, Qiao Ci couldn't help but praise his brother-in-law, Wei Shao, which naturally made Xiao Qiao pretty happy.
A Banquet, a Bold Proposal, and Shifting Alliances
Fast forward to the banquet, Wei Shao made a clear statement by having Xiao Qiao join him and even tasking her with carving the hunted game. This was a big deal, signifying her importance and leaving Xiao Qiao a bit stunned. The diplomatic drama wasn't far behind. Gongsun Yang brought out a map, proposing a plan to build a canal to benefit the people. However, Liu Yan, ever the instigator, managed to stir up opposition, with many fearing it was just a ploy for the Wei state to station troops everywhere.
Xiao Qiao, drawing from her position as both a Wei wife and a Qiao daughter, made an impassioned speech. She recalled how her own grandfather had faced similar skepticism when he wanted to build a canal but eventually won everyone over by personally visiting families and leading the construction efforts, which ultimately brought prosperity. Despite her heartfelt plea, many still dismissed her words as just a wife defending her husband.
But then, Qiao Ci stepped up! Speaking as the heir of Yan Zhou, he passionately argued for the canal's benefits. He also lauded Wei Shao for his magnanimity in marrying Xiao Qiao (setting aside old feuds) for the greater good of the people. Qiao Ci’s words resonated, and the crowd, swayed by his conviction, voiced their approval for the canal and showed newfound respect for Wei Shao. You could see the appreciation on Wei Shao's face. Liu Yan, however, remained defiant, swearing he'd never support the project.
Whispers, Revelations, and Budding Romance
After the assembly, Wei Shao thanked Qiao Ci and even apologized for being harsh when they first met. Qiao Ci, in turn, was full of praise for Wei Shao, listing all the ways he’d been good to Xiao Qiao. Wei Shao was pleased but also thought Xiao Qiao might have laid on the compliments a little thick when talking to her brother. Plot twist! Qiao Ci confessed that Xiao Qiao had actually coached him on his entire speech. He’d been super nervous about messing up and had spent ages memorizing it. This revelation, of course, made Wei Shao’s heart grow even fonder of Xiao Qiao.
Later, Wei Shao sought out Xiao Qiao, thanking her for her trust and admitting his own past narrow-mindedness. He confessed that when they first married, they were both playing games, but somewhere along the line, he’d found himself unwilling to hide anything from her. He truly wanted them to be a real couple. In a touching moment, Xiao Qiao took his hand and asked, after everything they’d been through, weren't they already a real couple? Wei Shao, overcome with emotion, pulled her into a heartfelt embrace. Aww!
Schemes and Solitude
Meanwhile, the scheming never stops. Su Zixin discovered that Liu Yan had killed his own father to seize power and warned Su Ehuang against associating with him, urging her to marry someone decent if she chose to remarry. Su Ehuang, ever the pragmatist, mused that human hearts are both the hardest and easiest things to control – once you know someone's desires, they become your puppet. She then instructed Su Zixin to spread the rumors about Liu Yan’s patricide and fratricide.
True enough, when Liu Yan and Zhao Kai threw a banquet hoping to rally the feudal lords, no one showed up. Except, that is, for Su Ehuang. Liu Shan (an associate of Liu Yan) figured everyone stayed away because of the ugly rumors. Liu Yan, however, suspected they were more afraid of offending Wei Shao, given their recent fallout.
Su Ehuang, in a private chat with Liu Yan, expressed a surprising "understanding" of his ruthless actions, comparing his situation to her own experiences of being discarded once her perceived value was gone. Liu Yan, sensing she was after something, cut to the chase. Su Ehuang claimed she was simply looking for a worthy partner for a "grand plan." Liu Yan, rather dismissively, only offered to show her the scenery at Liang Ya. Taking this as a no, Su Ehuang made her exit, stating she had no intention of seeking refuge there.
Once she left, Liu Shan warned Liu Yan not to trust her, saying Su Ehuang was just looking for "good soil for the peony on her forehead" – basically, a powerful man to elevate her status. Liu Yan admitted he wasn't entirely fooled. His mind, during their talk, had drifted to Xiao Qiao. He mused that Xiao Qiao chose Wei Shao because, despite being fostered by Lady Ding, she was truly loved and treated as family, making her fiercely loyal and willing to sacrifice for them. He and Su Ehuang, on the other hand, were just pawns, insignificant as ants. It’s a rare moment of bleak self-awareness for Liu Yan.
Farewells and New Requests
The episode wrapped up with some emotional goodbyes. Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao saw Qiao Ci off. Qiao Ci, ever the protective brother, entrusted Xiao Qiao to Wei Shao, warning him that if he ever wronged her, he’d come seeking justice. Wei Shao, in turn, warned Qiao Ci to stay away from shady places like Luo Zhong Fang. Xiao Qiao also urged her brother to leave extra supplies for their older sister, Da Qiao, when he passed Liang Ya, knowing Da Qiao and Bi Zhi were struggling.
Watching Qiao Ci ride away, Xiao Qiao was visibly heartbroken. In a sweet, spontaneous gesture, Wei Shao swept her onto his horse, and they rode together to see Qiao Ci off a little further. Wei Yan, witnessing this display of affection, couldn't help but smile.
And for the final cliffhanger: Su Ehuang approached Wei Shao. Claiming that she’s shown her hand and now fears being targeted by her enemies, she requested temporary asylum in the Wei state.
