Episode Summary
Episode 29 sees Liu Yan offer a lavish marriage proposal to Su Ehuang, who in turn gives him her military tally to attack the Wei state and halt the Yongning Canal. Meanwhile, in Yu Jun, Xiao Qiao completes her mourning period for Qiao Gui. A tender moment with Wei Shao leads to their much-anticipated wedding night, but it's dramatically interrupted by news of Yanzhou being under siege. A past secret—a hidden passage Xiao Qiao had built—is revealed, causing a bitter fight between her and Wei Shao, who feels betrayed. Despite Xu Furen's counsel for Wei Shao to forgive, the couple is estranged. Wei Shao eventually sends troops to aid Yanzhou by attacking Liancheng. Xiao Qiao, in turn, decides to go to Boya for reinforcements, supported by Xu Furen and Wei Furen. Elsewhere, Wei Yan struggles to gain respect but earns his soldiers' loyalty through a brave act after failing to secure aid from Chen Pang.
Spoiler Alert
Shifting Alliances and Bold Moves
The episode kicks off with Liu Yan making a grand gesture: he's offering double the usual dowry from Taozhou Mu to marry Su Ehuang. Not just that, he’s also throwing in two counties under her name. This power move has the Wu Shan envoy practically bowing in submission, promising to get the wedding preparations underway ASAP.
But Su Ehuang isn't just waiting around. While Liu Yan is gearing up to hunt a lynx for her (as you do), she approaches him directly. She tells him there's no need for pretenses and willingly hands over her military tally. Her condition? Liu Yan needs to use his forces against the Wei state and, crucially, stop the construction of the Yongning Canal. Liu Yan, ever the opportunist, swears that once Wei is conquered, he and Su Ehuang will share the spoils.
A Glimmer of Hope in Yu Jun
Meanwhile, over in Yu Jun, things are looking up for Xiao Qiao. Xu Furen is busy preparing for Xiao Qiao's ceremony to mark the end of her mourning period, even arranging for new clothes. Wei Furen chimes in, a bit wistfully, about how she used to have a figure like Xiao Qiao's in her youth. Xu Furen, ever the diplomat, reassures her that every age has its own beauty. Xiao Qiao, ever gracious, compliments them both, saying they must have been stunning in their youth to have such a handsome son as Wei Shao.
Just then, Wei Shao himself arrives and leads Xiao Qiao to the courtyard. In a truly touching moment, he has set up a memorial tablet for Qiao Gui. Xiao Qiao is overcome with emotion; she hasn't dared to even speak Qiao Gui's name since being with Wei Shao, but she misses her grandfather deeply. Seeing her break down, Wei Shao gently takes her arm and reminds her that she can tell him anything. Xiao Qiao, overcome, falls into his embrace. Later, dressed in white, she formally pays her respects to Qiao Gui's tablet, with Wei Shao watching silently from behind.
Anticipation and an Ill-Timed Interruption
That night, Xiao Qiao officially ends her mourning. She's dressed in brighter colors and beautifully made up. Over at the government office, Wei Shao is practically bouncing off the walls, anxiously glancing at the door, clearly anticipating their wedding night.
Chun Niang, ever the helpful servant, has done some recon. She informs Xiao Qiao that Wei Shao has no "Tongfang" maids (bed-warming maids), is inexperienced with women, and has a somewhat rough demeanor. Worried he might unintentionally hurt Xiao Qiao, Chun Niang advises her to check out a silk book hidden in her dowry chest for some, uh, "guidance." Xiao Qiao, blushing, agrees.
Wei Shao rushes back to the manor, and when he sees Xiao Qiao, the air is thick with love and anticipation.They share the traditional wedding wine, both visibly nervous. Wei Shao asks if she's scared, and Xiao Qiao bravely says no. He then admits he's not scared either, which makes her laugh. Xiao Qiao thanks him for allowing her to mourn her grandfather for a full year. Wei Shao brushes it off, admitting that when they first married, they couldn't stand each other and wouldn't have wanted to live together anyway. When Xiao Qiao asks how he feels now, Wei Shao confesses that having her in his life is the greatest fortune. They gaze at each other, and he tenderly kisses her forehead. But just as things are about to progress, Wei Liang urgently knocks on the door: Yanzhou is under siege!Talk about bad timing!
A Secret Revealed, A Rift Formed
Wei Shao immediately calls a military council. His plan is to intercept the enemy at Xiaogang. However, he's shocked to learn that Qielang Ya’s forces reached Xiaogang in just half a day. Xiao Qiao, hearing this, is consumed by guilt and wants to tell Wei Shao something important. But before she can, Wei Shao, already aware of a secret passage, confronts her.
Xiao Qiao admits she had Bi Zhi secretly construct the passage. Wei Shao is furious, accusing her of always being guarded with him, allowing Qielang Ya to advance all the way from Yanzhou to Xiaogang. This creates a deep rift between them. Xiao Qiao tries to explain that her initial defensiveness was before she fell in love with him. But Wei Shao can't get past the fact that she never told him. Xiao Qiao, in turn, questions if he ever truly let go of his hatred for her family, suggesting he only refrained from attacking Yanzhou to please her because he liked her. The argument escalates, with Wei Shao accusing her of fabricating reasons just to get him to save Yanzhou. Heartbroken and in tears, Xiao Qiao watches Wei Shao leave. He does, however, tell her that only a few people, like Wei Liang, know about the passage and promises not to ruin her reputation.
Wisdom and Forgiveness
Later that night, Xu Furen summons Wei Shao, not for a lecture, but for a game of chess – specifically, to finish the game she once played with a member of the Qiao family. Wei Shao asks if she can truly help Yanzhou and forget their past grudges. Xu Furen generously says yes, otherwise, she'd be no different from Qiao Gui. She admits that when she arranged the marriage, she knew this day might come and advises Wei Shao to repay grievance with virtue.
Small Comforts and Big Decisions
Xiao Tao tries to comfort the distraught Xiao Qiao, telling her she heard from Wei Liang that they stopped monitoring Xiao Qiao’s letters long ago, believing in her sincerity. Xiao Qiao blames herself for her distrust of Wei Shao and doesn't fault him for not sending troops to Yanzhou. But then Chun Niang arrives with news: Wei Shao has dispatched troops to Liancheng, a territory of Yanzhou that Qielang Ya had occupied. It's clear Wei Shao intends to help Yanzhou. Xiao Qiao is moved to tears again.
Xiao Tao also delivers a shield to Wei Liang, into which she’s sewn a protective talisman she prayed for. Xiao Qiao then goes to Wei Shao, bringing him battle boots she made. Though visibly moved, Wei Shao maintains a cold demeanor. Xiao Qiao, knowing the main forces are heading to Liancheng and leaving their rear vulnerable, promises to defend their home front. Wei Shao looks at her for a long moment before silently getting up and leaving.
Departures and New Missions
The next day, Wei Shao arranges for the defense of Yu Jun and dispatches his forces to Liancheng and Panyi. Xu Furen personally sees him off with a farewell drink, urging him not to return unless victorious. Wei Furen chatters on, promising to wait for his return, until Xu Furen, fearing she'll say something inappropriate, has her escorted away.
Wei Qu prompts Wei Shao to look at Xiao Qiao, but he stubbornly refuses. As Wei Shao leads his troops out of the city, Xiao Qiao begins to beat the war drums for him. The moment he's gone, she announces her plan to go to Boya to seek reinforcements for Wei Shao. Wei Furen immediately promises that if Xiao Qiao can bring Wei Shao back safely, she’ll listen to her in everything from now on. Xu Furen assigns 500 of her personal guards, led by Wei Xiao, to escort Xiao Qiao to Boya.
A Test of Leadership
Meanwhile, Wei Yan pleads with Chen Pang for aid for the Wei state, reminding him they are allies in the canal construction. Chen Pang refuses. Wei Yan then asks to borrow 100,000 soldiers, promising to replenish any losses. Chen Pang scoffs, saying he wouldn't trust any soldiers Wei Yan provided, even replacements, as they'd still be Wei men. Wei Yan leaves in anger.
His own soldiers initially look down on Wei Yan, seeing him as a good-for-nothing womanizer. Some even openly challenge him. Wei Yan takes them all on. When a collapsing tripod threatens to crush some of his men, Wei Yan shields them with his own body. This act of bravery earns him the respect and loyalty of his commanders, who kneel before him in deference.
