Episode Summary
Wei Shao grows suspicious about a tampered wooden box, unaware his mother Wei Fu Ren and Zheng Chu Yu are behind it. He confronts his mother, cleverly defending Xiao Qiao and suggesting a marriage for Zheng Chu Yu. Envoys from Yan Zhou arrive, pressuring Xiao Qiao about Wei Shao's military movements and her perceived loyalty, leading her to vow to plant Yan Zhou's flag in Bo Ya. Feeling used, Xiao Qiao navigates tense relations with Wei Fu Ren (who is influenced by Zheng Chu Yu) while also showing care for Wei Shao, which touches him. Wei Shao discusses the meaning of "Zhi Qin Zhi Ai" (closest and dearest) with Gongsun Yang, who subtly suggests Xiao Qiao fits this description, leaving Wei Shao conflicted but affected. A series of awkward yet telling interactions occur between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, including a failed attempt by Wei Shao to carry her over a puddle and Xiao Qiao sending food but avoiding him. Xiao Qiao then feigns distress over a poorly played Konghou, claiming it belonged to her sister Da Qiao, to manipulate Wei Shao into sending supplies (and men) to Da Qiao in Bo Ya. The mission, led by Wei Qu, also serves as reconnaissance. Wei Qu meets Bi Zhi in Bo Ya and delivers a hidden message from Xiao Qiao to Da Qiao with a plan against Xue Tai. The episode culminates with Wei Shao discovering Bi Zhi is the commander of Bo Ya and confronting Xiao Qiao with this news, who feigns disbelief, claiming Bi Zhi is merely a horse slave.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Wei Shao playing detective, trying to figure out who messed with that infamous wooden box. Little does he know, Zheng Chu Yu and his own mother, Wei Fu Ren, are busy toasting their supposed success in driving a wedge between him and Xiao Qiao by, you guessed it, tampering with that very box. Their celebration is cut short when Wei Shao himself walks in, sending Zheng Chu Yu scrambling into hiding. Wei Shao, bless his directness, flat-out asks Wei Fu Ren if she knows anything about the box. Mama Wei immediately tries to throw Xiao Qiao under the bus.
But Wei Shao isn't buying it. He cleverly explains that the box initially held worthless trinkets. Later, seeing Xiao Qiao liked it, he gifted it to her and even taught her how to open the lock. So, why would she need to pry it open? He adds that Xiao Qiao then started using it for her valuable gold and silver jewelry. Checkmate, Mom! Wei Fu Ren, looking suitably awkward, promises to investigate. Wei Shao doesn't stop there; he also brings up finding a suitable husband for Zheng Chu Yu, someone who could live nearby and help care for Wei Fu Ren. From her hiding spot, a startled Zheng Chu Yu bumps a shelf, making a noise. Wei Shao’s Spidey senses tingle, and he wants to check it out, but Wei Fu Ren manages to shoo him away. Before leaving, though, Wei Shao lays down the law: stop making trouble for Xiao Qiao, because, after all, she is the Nü Jun (female ruler) of Wei. You tell her, Wei Shao!
Meanwhile, drama is brewing on another front. Envoys from Yan Zhou suddenly arrive, showering Xiao Qiao with supplies and a letter. Turns out, her sister Da Qiao’s plea for help was shot down by Qiao Zhugong. The envoy then has the gall to blame Xiao Qiao for being all cozy with Wei Shao while he’s apparently massing troops in Pan Yi. This is news to Xiao Qiao, and she’s floored. Never one to back down, she vows to use Wei Shao to plant Yan Zhou's flag in Bo Ya. The envoy is skeptical, but Xiao Qiao is dead set on making it happen.
Understandably, Xiao Qiao is furious with Wei Shao, feeling like he’s just using her when she genuinely wanted to build a life with him. She tries to visit Wei Fu Ren, but Mama Wei pulls the classic "I'm sick" card to avoid her. Zheng Chu Yu, ever the pot-stirrer, whispers that Xiao Qiao must have bewitched Wei Shao to cause a rift between him and his mother, and Wei Fu Ren totally eats it up.
Back in her own courtyard, Xiao Qiao isn't playing games. She confronts her servants, calling them out as spies and scolding them for not taking proper care of Wei Fu Ren (thus causing her "illness"). Seeing her genuinely angry, they quickly scatter.
Then, in a softer turn, Xiao Qiao mends the shoes Wei Fu Ren made for Wei Shao and whips up a spread of his favorite dishes. Wei Shao is visibly touched. Later, when he's with Wei Fu Ren, she tries to undermine Xiao Qiao again, claiming Xiao Qiao couldn't possibly know his preferences or even his shoe size because she isn't his "Zhi Qin Zhi Ai" (closest and dearest). Ironically, this just makes Wei Shao appreciate Xiao Qiao even more.
Wei Shao himself seems to be struggling with this whole "Zhi Qin Zhi Ai" concept. He seeks out Gongsun Yang for some wisdom. Gongsun Yang helps him break it down: Xu Fu Ren is someone he respects and who has high hopes for him, but it's not deep love. With Wei Fu Ren, it’s more about filial piety. His comrades like Wei Liang? They've faced death together, but if they wanted to leave, he wouldn't stop them. As for Gongsun Yang himself, Wei Shao trusts him. Gongsun Yang then writes down "Love and Kin" (爱和亲 - Ai He Qin) and suggests that the person who is "Zhi Qin Zhi Ai" is someone you're not afraid to show your vulnerabilities to, someone you want to share everything with. All signs, in Gongsun Yang's view, point to Xiao Qiao. Wei Shao tries to deny it, grumbling about their politically motivated marriage, but his heart is clearly stirring. Gongsun Yang sees right through him and leaves with a knowing smile. A flustered Wei Shao then scribbles all over the "love" character Gongsun Yang wrote. That night, he has someone send a bowl of ginseng soup to Xiao Qiao's room but doesn't go in himself. Baby steps, Wei Shao, baby steps.
The next day, Wei Shao pointedly waits for Xiao Qiao so they can go visit Xu Fu Ren together. Walking behind her, he spots a puddle. Remembering a time he carried her, he rolls up his sleeves, seemingly ready for a repeat performance. But Xiao Qiao just… steps over the puddle. Awkward! Even her attendant, Xiao Zao, can't help but crack a smile.
Later, Xiao Qiao sends some snacks to Wei Shao but refuses to go into his room. Wei Shao, clearly wanting to see her, has his attendant Xiao Tan relay messages back and forth, insisting she come in so he can tell her "in person" if the snacks are to his liking. After a few trips, Xiao Tan is probably exhausted. Xiao Qiao stands her ground, saying the snacks are made to his taste so they will be fine, and besides, she’s worried about his temper. She makes a quick exit. After a second food delivery with no Xiao Qiao in sight, Wei Shao finally comes out himself and gifts her an armrest. A peace offering, perhaps?
Xiao Qiao is understandably confused by Wei Shao's hot-and-cold behavior. Her attendant, Xiao Tao, suggests he’s probably feeling guilty and trying to make amends. Suddenly, an idea sparks for Xiao Qiao, but she needs funds. Xiao Tao, who apparently has been quite the entrepreneur ("half the street outside is practically surnamed Qiao!"), readily provides the cash. Xiao Qiao is thrilled and finally understands Xiao Tao's frequent outings. Her plan? To buy a Konghou (a type of Chinese harp).
Soon, a Konghou is acquired. When Xiao Qiao plays it, however, the sound is… less than melodious. It's downright screechy. She makes sure Wei Shao sees her "crying" over it. When he asks what's wrong, she spins a tale: the Konghou belonged to Da Qiao, and seeing it reminds her of her sister's hardships. Da Qiao sent a letter saying things are tough, and the Qiao family isn't helping. Wei Shao immediately offers to send people and supplies. He’s a bit surprised to hear Da Qiao is living in Bo Ya. Xiao Qiao explains Da Qiao eloped, so they're stuck in this ungoverned territory. Wei Shao agrees to send help but makes one condition: Xiao Qiao must not play that terrible-sounding Konghou again. Fair enough!
Using this as an opportunity, Wei Shao dispatches Wei Qu and others with the supplies, also tasking them with finding out who’s in command at Bo Ya. He personally sees Wei Qu off, sending a generous amount of goods. Xiao Qiao adds a box of wheat seeds, remarking that the more people who go, the better they can "help" Da Qiao. Riiiight.
As soon as Wei Qu arrives in Bo Ya, he encounters a wild boar. He’s about to shoot it when someone named Bi Zhi beats him to it. And that's how they meet. Wei Qu then delivers the wheat seeds to Da Qiao. She quickly finds a hidden letter from Xiao Qiao inside, detailing a plan to counter someone named Xue Tai – a plan that, if successful, could keep the Wei family in check for more than three years! These sisters don't mess around.
The news travels fast. Wei Shao soon learns that the commander of Bo Ya is none other than Bi Zhi. Gongsun Yang astutely points out that Bi Zhi's allegiance will determine whether Bo Ya ultimately belongs to the Wei or the Qiao. Wei Shao, however, seems convinced that Xiao Qiao has no idea Bi Zhi is the commander.
The episode ends with Wei Shao going to Xiao Qiao's quarters. He "congratulates" her, revealing that the commander of Bo Ya is her very own brother-in-law. Xiao Qiao stares at him, her face a mask of disbelief, insisting that can't be true because Bi Zhi is just a "Ma Nu" (horse slave).
