Episode Summary
Episode 26 sees tensions rise as Su Ehuang schemes to get closer to Wei Shao, who, along with Xiao Qiao, feels uneasy about her continued presence. Meanwhile, Gao Heng's return and his rapport with Xiao Qiao ignite Wei Shao's jealousy, leading to a grand gesture of moving an entire rock carving for her. Wei Yan grapples with his unrequited love for Xiao Qiao and advises Wei Shao on handling both Su Ehuang and Gao Heng. Xiao Qiao reassures Wei Shao of her feelings, leading to a tender moment. Su Ehuang uses an old debt to avoid being sent away. Gao Heng departs after restoring the rock and giving Wei Shao some fitness tips. Wei Yan's hidden feelings for Xiao Qiao are noticed by Su Ehuang. The episode ends with a new political obstacle concerning canal construction and Wei Yan hallucinating Xiao Qiao's presence.
Spoiler Alert
Wei Shao is in a bit of a bind. Su Ehuang has decided to stick around, and remembering his brother's request to look after her, Wei Shao can't exactly kick her out.He reluctantly agrees but has this nagging feeling that something's not quite right, a sentiment Xiao Qiao shares.
Meanwhile, Su Zixin has been doing some digging and finds out from the maids that Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao haven't consummated their marriage.The official story is that they're mourning for Qiao Gui, but Su Ehuang and Su Zixin are convinced it's a lack of affection – because, in their eyes, what man isn't driven by desire?This news is music to Su Ehuang's ears; she thinks her chance has finally come. She invites Wei Shao over, using the excuse of having gathered some books on water conservancy to help Xiao Qiao. She tries to get close to Wei Shao, but he quickly sidesteps her advances, taking the books to study with Xiao Qiao.Seeing these books, Xiao Qiao feels a sense of unease.
On another note, Gao Heng returns from Yunzhong County and brings Xiao Qiao a rubbing of an inscription from Moya Rock. She's thrilled and expresses a wish to see it in person, an idea Gao Heng is more than happy to facilitate.
When Wei Shao learns of Gao Heng's return, he immediately orders that Xiao Qiao not be told. Too late! Wei Liang spills the beans that Gao Heng has already visited Xiao Qiao and even gifted her the rubbing. In a rather extravagant (and jealous?) move, Wei Shao orders the entire Moya Rock to be uprooted and brought to Xiao Qiao.She's, understandably, stunned. Gao Heng rushes over, calling it a desecration, arguing that the rock is part of the mountain and moving it would inevitably cause damage. Wei Shao insists it's fine, but Gao Heng quickly points out missing pieces.Xiao Qiao steps in to stop the argument, entrusting Gao Heng with the rock's restoration and even offering to bring him meals daily. Wei Shao tries to object but is shooed away by Xiao Qiao.
Frustrated, Wei Shao goes to drink with Wei Yan, complaining about Gao Heng. Wei Yan chides him for not having opened up to Xiao Qiao sooner. Wei Shao admits he has already confessed his feelings. This clearly stings Wei Yan, but he forces a smile and offers to help get rid of Gao Heng. Wei Yan figures Gao Heng merely admires Xiao Qiao's talent, but what if someone else, also admiring her, tried to force their way in? Wei Yan is also aware of the Su Ehuang situation and advises Wei Shao to send her away. He suggests that if Wei Shao is truly committed to caring for her, sending gifts and greetings during festivals would suffice; there's no need for her to stay in Yujun.
Wei Yan then visits Gao Heng and is surprised to learn that Gao Heng plans to leave after restoring the rock carving. Gao Heng, with a rather philosophical outlook, says there are many famous mountains and rivers, and he doesn't intend to spend the rest of his life there. His free-spirited nature seems to strike a chord with Wei Yan, making him reconsider his own lingering attachments.
Later, Wei Yan contemplates burning a portrait of Xiao Qiao but can't bring himself to do it.His unrequited and unspoken love for her is causing him immense pain, leading him to drink heavily.
Knowing Wei Shao is upset, Xiao Qiao waits for him in the courtyard with lanterns.She openly confesses her affection for him, emphasizing their direct communication and shared interests. She tells him he's her only confidant. As for Gao Heng, she respects his talent and hoped he could be of service to Wei Shao. However, if his presence upsets Wei Shao, she's willing to send him away. Wei Shao, understanding the depth of her feelings, feels a bit small for his jealousy and decides to let it go. But Xiao Qiao, sensing he's still bothered, doesn't want him to bottle up his "sour words." Though Wei Shao claims he doesn't care, she insists on considering his feelings. This finally brings a genuine smile to Wei Shao's face. He leans on her shoulder as they sit on the steps, watching the moon, and he suddenly craves a mooncake.
That night, Su Ehuang sends another message requesting to see Wei Shao. Remembering Wei Yan's advice, Wei Shao refuses. Instead, he prepares some money and gifts and visits her the next day, hoping she'll leave. He suggests that returning to Wushan Country, with family and these resources, would ensure she's well-regarded and taken care of.
Su Ehuang, however, isn't ready to leave. She fakes a headache, and her maid conveniently recalls how Su Ehuang once cared for a young, sick Wei Shao day and night, which supposedly led to her chronic headaches. Guilted, Wei Shao can't bring himself to force her out.
Gao Heng quickly finishes restoring the rock carving. When Wei Shao visits, he's struck by Gao Heng's impressive physique, noticing his well-defined muscles. He can't help but glance at his own build, feeling a bit inadequate and even more eager for Gao Heng to leave. Gao Heng confirms his impending departure, planning to personally escort the Moya Rock back.
Wei Shao is skeptical that Gao Heng achieved such a physique without martial arts training. Back home, he starts lifting heavy objects, determined to build some muscle himself.
He even continues his impromptu weightlifting at the government office when Gao Heng comes to say goodbye. Wei Shao, slightly embarrassed, tries to act nonchalant and asks when Gao Heng might return. Hearing that Gao Heng won't be coming back at all, Wei Shao can barely hide his delight and offers to see him off personally the next day. Gao Heng, noticing Wei Shao's improper lifting technique, actually comes back to give him some pointers.
The next day, Xiao Qiao, Wei Shao, and Wei Yan see Gao Heng off. Su Ehuang also shows up uninvited with gifts, humbly saying they're not as grand as what Wei Shao prepared. Wei Shao gives all the credit to Xiao Qiao. After Gao Heng leaves, Wei Yan discreetly picks up a handkerchief Xiao Qiao dropped. Su Ehuang witnesses this and realizes Wei Yan also has feelings for Xiao Qiao.
Back home, Xiao Qiao notices her handkerchief is missing and panics. Wei Shao, unconcerned, promises to buy her a new one and takes her hand as they walk back.
In other news, Liu Yan of Liangya Country is unwilling to allow a canal to be built through his land.Wei Liang suggests rerouting through Bianzhou, which might be a better option, but Wei Qu reminds him that Bianzhou holds a grudge against the Wei Kingdom.
The episode ends with Wei Yan, drinking heavily at home again, suddenly seeing Xiao Qiao appear before him.(Likely a drunken hallucination, given his emotional state!)
