Episode Summary
Wei Xiao's attempt to kill Xiao Qiao is thwarted by Wei Shao, who reveals Xiao Qiao previously saved them. Caught between Liu Yan's advances and Wei Shao's army, Xiao Qiao publicly rejects Liu Yan and sides with Wei Shao, leading to a tense confrontation where she slaps him. During an emotional argument, Wei Shao sees Xiao Qiao's injuries and softens, carrying her back as she voices her frustrations about his motives. Meanwhile, Qiao Gui passes away, his last wish being his sons' unwavering support for Xiao Qiao. Wei Shao faces resistance in Pan Yi until Xiao Qiao strategically sways public opinion by revealing his plan to rebuild canals for their benefit, a plan she astutely deduced. She also tasks Bi Zhi, via Da Qiao, with securing the strategic location of Bo Ya. Just as Xiao Qiao feels her plans are falling into place, she receives the devastating news of Qiao Gui's death.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with some serious tension. Wei Xiao, still nursing his grudges against the Qiao family for basically everything wrong in his life, is ready to turn Xiao Qiao into a human pincushion. Just as he’s about to let an arrow fly, our broody hero Wei Shao swoops in, shoves Wei Xiao (nice one, bro!), and makes the arrow go wide. Wei Shao then drops a truth bomb: Xiao Qiao was the one who saved their hides.
But Xiao Qiao isn't out of the woods yet. While trying to make a getaway, she finds herself in the ultimate tight spot: Liu Yan and his crew in front of her, Wei Shao and his army behind her. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place! Liu Yan, ever the charmer (or so he thinks), lays it on thick, reminiscing about how his six years with the Qiao family were his happiest. He even calls Xiao Qiao by her adorable nickname, Man Man, swearing he still treasures her and would forgive everything if she’d just go with him.
Now, here’s where Xiao Qiao shows her fire. Instead of falling for Liu Yan’s smooth talk, she makes a dash for Wei Shao’s side! She then calls out Liu Yan, basically saying, "Sure, you treat me like a treasure, but you treat everyone else like dirt!" Ouch. Liu Yan, clearly not taking rejection well, orders his archers to fire. Wei Shao, in a classic hero move, sprints out and shields Xiao Qiao with his own body. The moment is intense, and once the immediate danger passes (with Wei Shao’s men giving chase to the enemy, conveniently leaving our main couple alone), a shaken Xiao Qiao lands a solid slap right across Wei Shao’s face. You go, girl!
The waterworks start soon after, and honestly, who can blame her? Xiao Qiao lays into Wei Shao for being ready to sacrifice her at the war flag without a shred of proof, and then having the nerve to accuse her of running off with Liu Yan. It’s during this emotional confrontation that Wei Shao spots the burn scars on Xiao Qiao’s hands – a painful reminder of her burning ropes to escape. Her tearful accusations seem to melt some of that icy exterior, and he actually offers her a piggyback ride back. As she’s perched on his back, Xiao Qiao doesn’t miss a beat, grumbling that she’s totally over the idea of marrying him. She accuses him of being just like Liu Yan, only after her dowry, ready to toss her aside once he got his hands on it.
But don’t let the tears fool you; Xiao Qiao is playing the long game. She’s not really done with Wei Shao. This is all a calculated move – she wants him to be the one begging for her hand in marriage. Smart.
Meanwhile, a somber note hits the Qiao family. Qiao Gui is on his deathbed. His final thoughts are consumed with worry for Xiao Qiao, and he makes his sons promise to grant her any request. He also mumbles some words of regret towards Marquis Wei before passing away. The outpouring of grief from the common folk as they bid him farewell shows just how beloved he was.
Back in Pan Yi, Wei Shao isn’t exactly getting a warm welcome. The locals are giving him the cold shoulder, refusing his attempts to count the population and distribute grain – a stark contrast to how things went down in Xin Du. Yang Feng astutely points out that the people probably still think Liu Yan is Xiao Qiao’s intended, hence their reluctance to accept Wei Shao. The solution? Get Xiao Qiao to clear the air. Gongsun Yang agrees, suggesting Wei Shao should talk to her. But Wei Shao, bless his proud heart, flat-out refuses. Instead, he sends his four top guards to do the talking, but they all get turned away by Xiao Qiao’s loyal maid, Xiao Tao, with the classic "she's asleep" excuse. Gongsun Yang then nudges Wei Shao again, saying he really should apologize, considering everything Xiao Qiao has been through.
Wei Shao, grabbing a stick and looking like he’s about to "discipline" Xiao Qiao (we see you, tsundere Wei Shao, you’re not fooling anyone), discovers she’s slipped out in disguise. He tails her, only to find her meeting with her sister, Da Qiao. Da Qiao wants Xiao Qiao to leave with her, to escape all this drama. But Xiao Qiao, ever the strategist, spins a tale about how she’s actually fallen head over heels for Wei Shao and wants to marry him. Wei Shao, eavesdropping like a pro, actually looks pretty chuffed to hear this. Da Qiao, respecting her sister's (supposed) choice, decides not to push it and leaves with a guy named Bi Zhi.
Later that night, Wei Shao confronts Xiao Qiao, letting her know he’s onto her little meeting with Da Qiao. But he also shows a surprisingly understanding side, acknowledging that her willingness to marry him isn't about love, but about the people. And then, miracle of miracles, he apologizes for giving her such a hard time. Progress!
The next day, Xiao Qiao takes center stage. She publicly addresses the people, admitting the Qiao family's past betrayals. Then, in a powerful move, Wei Shao tears down Xin Du's prayer wall, declaring that Pan Yi is now his city. He announces his real reason for being there: to rebuild the canals and bring prosperity back to the people, calling for unity. This speech, coupled with Xiao Qiao’s presence, sways the crowd, and they erupt in support of Wei Shao. Even Da Qiao, watching from the crowd, looks relieved.
Wei Shao is genuinely surprised that Xiao Qiao knew about his plans for the canals. She explains that Yan Zhou had attacked Xin Du years ago precisely because the Wei State had helped Yan Zhou build the Yongning Canal. Yan Zhou was then forced to sever this vital waterway. Xiao Qiao saw through Wei Shao’s intentions when Pan Yi was handed over and chose to trust him with her heart (and her city!). Now that she's rallied the people, she tells him that if he backs out, he’ll be betraying not just her, but the people of both Yan Zhou and Wei State. Checkmate. Wei Shao, clearly outmaneuvered and impressed, seems to have finally, truly accepted Xiao Qiao.
As Xiao Qiao sees Da Qiao off, she tells her to send word once she’s found a safe place. There's a touching moment of sisterly concern. Their path is blocked by a massive boulder, but Bi Zhi, the guy with Da Qiao, casually moves it with what looks like superhuman strength, leaving Xiao Qiao stunned. Seizing a moment alone with Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao reveals another layer of her plan. She tells Da Qiao about a strategic location called Bo Ya, at the border of Bian Zhou, Liang Ya, and Wei State. With Pan Yi gone, they need a fallback, and she hopes Bi Zhi can secure Bo Ya. Yan Zhou has always been on the defensive because they lacked strong warriors; Bi Zhi’s arrival is a game-changer.
Xiao Qiao’s original plan was clever: use the canal project to keep Wei Shao busy and away from warmongering, giving Yan Zhou some breathing room. Then, she’d leverage their marriage to shift the power dynamics. But just when she thinks she’s got a handle on things, a messenger arrives with devastating news: Qiao Gui has died. The memory of her beloved guardian brings Xiao Qiao to tears. The messenger, ever practical, reminds her that the canal project is massive and she can't let her grief derail it.
The episode closes with a poignant scene: Xiao Qiao, gazing at the moonlit sky, seemingly sees Qiao Gui’s smiling face, and the tears fall once more. What a blow, right when things were starting to look up for her and Wei Shao.
