Episode Summary
Xiao Qiao navigates complex relationships within the Wei household, cleverly handling an interrogation by Madam Xu and a confrontation with Wei Shao's mother by citing Madam Xu's request for her to copy scriptures. Meanwhile, Bi Zhi protects Da Qiao and reluctantly becomes a leader for villagers resisting forced conscription, with Da Qiao eventually supporting his decision. Wei Shao's mother attempts to push him to take Zheng Chu Yu as a concubine, a plan Xiao Qiao subtly thwarts with Madam Xu's help. Tensions flare when Wei Shao accuses Xiao Qiao of tampering with a precious box, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Xiao Qiao proves her innocence by expertly opening the box's mechanism, revealing its sentimental contents and forcing Wei Shao to question who actually damaged it. Elsewhere, Da Qiao's plea for military aid from her father is rejected.
Spoiler Alert
Things kicked off with Wei Shao taking Xiao Qiao to formally meet Madam Xu. In a rather sweet gesture, Wei Shao had even personally sewn a pair of shoes for Madam Xu. Not to be outdone, Madam Xu had a gift ready for Xiao Qiao too. She didn't give Wei Shao any grief for not bringing his wife by sooner. Instead, she cleverly sent Wei Shao away to have a private chat with Xiao Qiao. Madam Xu was surprisingly chill, not giving Xiao Qiao a hard time at all. She’d heard that Xiao Qiao's ancestor, Qiao Gui, was skilled in divination and asked about it. Xiao Qiao confessed that Qiao Gui’s peeking into heavenly secrets was the very reason he didn't send troops back in the day, a fact that still brought guilt. Madam Xu didn't press further and told Xiao Qiao not to worry about all the stuffy formalities or daily greetings. She did, however, invite Xiao Qiao to come by and copy Buddhist scriptures when she had free time, an offer Xiao Qiao readily accepted.
Meanwhile, Bi Zhi, trying to protect Da Qiao's reputation, was still spending his nights outside. But when a heavy rain started, Da Qiao, worried sick, rushed out to him. She urged Bi Zhi to stop caring so much about what others thought, especially since the neighbors already considered them a married couple. Bi Zhi got the message, and Da Qiao even took the initiative to kiss him. The very next day, a determined Bi Zhi was seen hauling a large piece of wood to a craftsman, planning to have a Konghou (a type of harp) made.
Back in the Wei household, Wei Shao's mother summoned Xiao Qiao, clearly intending to put her in her place and scold her for not paying respects. But Xiao Qiao, quick on her feet, mentioned that Madam Xu had asked her to copy scriptures. Wei Shao's mother, though fuming, didn't dare say much more against Madam Xu's wishes. She then had someone tell Wei Shao to come for dinner that evening, planning to complain about Xiao Qiao.
Out in the village, Bi Zhi became a local hero after driving off a military leader who was trying to forcibly conscript men. The grateful villagers knelt before him, begging him to lead them in further resistance to find a way to survive. Bi Zhi, however, having just settled down with Da Qiao, was more interested in a peaceful life. But the villagers reminded him that if these troublemakers kept coming around, Da Qiao wouldn't have much peace either. Bi Zhi eventually agreed, though he worried about his lack of strategic skills. Luckily, one of the villagers was skilled in strategy and offered to assist him.
When Da Qiao heard about what happened, her first instinct was for them to flee, terrified they’d angered Xue Tai and wouldn't survive. But Bi Zhi was now set on becoming the master of Bo Ya, which would allow him to counterbalance Pan Yi and, in his mind, fulfill his promise to Xiao Qiao (likely referring to protecting her family's interests or a similar vow). Da Qiao stopped trying to persuade him. She walked outside with Bi Zhi and saw the people kneeling and cheering "General!" from across the river, and a smile finally appeared on her face.
At dinner, Madam Wei (Wei Shao's mother) presented Wei Shao with a pair of shoes she’d made for him. He struggled to put them on, and they were clearly a terrible fit. Seizing the moment, Madam Wei proposed that Wei Shao take Zheng Chu Yu as a concubine. Wei Shao agreed to go back and seriously consider it.
Later, when Wei Shao returned to his quarters, his feet were so sore from the ill-fitting shoes that he could barely walk. He found Xiao Qiao copying scriptures and noticed her touching a box on the table. He immediately snatched the box away, telling her not to touch his things without permission ever again. Xiao Qiao, noticing his discomfort, brought him a pair of shoes she had made, which fit perfectly. She then cleverly asked if she could take Madam Wei's shoes back to "study" the craftsmanship, and Wei Shao, of course, agreed. He then questioned why Xiao Qiao was so attentive to his needs but unwilling to serve his mother by making her soup. Xiao Qiao explained she'd never learned how and was afraid to say so, fearing her mother-in-law would accuse her of making excuses. Wei Shao then dropped the bomb, telling Xiao Qiao to prepare for the wedding to Zheng Chu Yu.
Xiao Qiao didn't waste time. She went to Madam Xu, using the excuse of needing advice on what calligraphy style to use for copying scriptures, and then casually asked what style would be appropriate for writing the concubine-taking documents for Zheng Chu Yu. Madam Xu saw right through her and told her to just say what was on her mind. Xiao Qiao pointed out that since Wei Shao had previously refused his uncles' suggestions for him to take concubines, he'd need a very good reason to take Zheng Chu Yu now, especially to appease those same uncles.
Madam Xu, understanding the delicate politics, went straight to Madam Wei. She announced that she had already prepared a dowry for Zheng Chu Yu and had even selected someone else for her to marry. Madam Wei, not daring to defy Madam Xu, had no choice but to agree.
Wei Shao later found Xiao Qiao, aware she had gone to Madam Xu. He wasn't truly angry but did warn her not to mess with things in his study. As Xiao Qiao left with her things, Wei Shao thought she was upset. Hearing footsteps, he assumed Xiao Qiao had returned and started to explain he didn't suspect her and that she could enter his study anytime. Plot twist! It was Zheng Chu Yu, happily presenting Wei Shao with snacks. He promptly kicked her out, forbidding her from entering his study without permission.
Over in Bo Ya, Xue Tai brought his men to teach Bi Zhi a lesson but ended up being defeated himself. The common folk cheered wildly. Bi Zhi, with a simple whistle, managed to spook Xue Tai's horses, and amidst the chaos, he led his people to attack Xue Tai's forces.
Da Qiao, terrified they wouldn't be able to defeat Xue Tai, wrote to Kang Commandery for help. However, Lord Qiao refused to send troops, afraid of offending the Wei State. He was only willing to send soldiers to bring Da Qiao back; military aid was out of the question.
Back in Wei Shao's world, he returned to find his precious box had been tampered with – there was a new scratch on it. Xiao Qiao insisted she hadn't touched it and had no idea what was even inside. Wei Shao clearly didn't believe her, convinced that everyone from the Qiao family was deceitful. He grabbed Xiao Qiao by the throat, warning her that if she ever touched his things again, she’d be sent packing back to Kang Commandery. Xiao Qiao saw the murderous intent in his eyes and was chilled to the bone. However, she kept her composure and ordered an investigation to find out who else had entered the study.
Unfortunately, Xiao Zao and Chun Niang, after questioning some servants, found that no one was willing to help or tell the truth. Chun Niang suggested going to Madam Xu, but Xiao Qiao felt that since Madam Xu was part of the Wei family, she couldn't rely on her for everything. Xiao Qiao was determined to get to the bottom of it, otherwise, she'd always be at a disadvantage. She knew she was in a weak position but refused to just accept her fate.
Later, while Wei Shao was discussing canal construction with Gongsun Yang and Wei Qu, Xiao Qiao barged in. She snatched the box from in front of Wei Shao and, right there, easily opened its mechanism, proving her innocence. She pointed out that she knew the box was precious to him; if she had wanted to open it, she could have done so easily and certainly wouldn't have clumsily scratched it. She then called Wei Shao out for marrying her yet still suspecting her, questioning how they could ever share a bed if he was constantly worried she might attack him in his sleep. Xiao Qiao apologized for touching the box but firmly stated she wasn't the one who scratched it. She also promised that if he ever forgot how to open the box, he could always come to her. Her logical and well-articulated defense even earned praise from Gongsun Yang and the others.
Alone, Wei Shao held the box. Opening it, he saw two silk handkerchiefs and a sword tassel – mementos from his grandfather, father, and older brother. Seeing these items, it was as if his deceased relatives were there with him, and tears welled up in Wei Shao's eyes.
At the same time, Xiao Qiao's words echoed in his mind, and he began to doubt his own conclusions about who had actually scratched the beloved box.
