Episode Summary
The Wutuo threat on Jiyang escalates with the kidnapping of the princess's daughter and the burning of the city's granaries. Facing an imminent siege with an undermanned army, Xiao Jue risks his military career to help, and Mu Hongjin grants him full command. He appoints He Yan as general, who quickly earns the soldiers' respect by defeating ten of them at once. As the city prepares for war and civilians are evacuated, He Yan leads a dangerous mission to lure away the enemy commander, with Xiao Jue's only order being for her to survive.
Spoiler Alert
Legend of the Female General, Episode 19: The Siege of Jiyang
The episode kicks off with Cui Yuezhi revealing he's not upset about being deceived by Xiao Jue and He Yan's fake identities, acting as if he knew all along. He Yan wisely chooses not to press the matter. Meanwhile, Xiao Jue can't stand seeing Chu Zhao getting friendly with He Yan and interrupts them, urging He Yan to leave with him to visit their elders. It's revealed that Liu Buwang has a hidden reason for staying in Jiyang, a secret He Yan keeps from Xiao Jue. They later learn from Liu Buwang himself that he returns to Jiyang every year around the time of the Water God Festival.
On his way back to the city this time, Liu Buwang spotted Wutuo spies. He tailed them and discovered they were using the festival crowds as cover to infiltrate Jiyang and kidnap the daughter of the Mengji Princess. With Wutuo agents now moving freely within the city walls, no one knows how they're getting in. The Princess, though wary of their interference in Jiyang's affairs, tightens security and reinforces the city's defenses, hoping it will be enough. There's a palpable sense of dread, as if a major crisis is about to unfold.
Wandering through the city, He Yan notices the increased patrols and can't help but admire the Princess's command. Chu Zhao gives He Yan a flower tassel that perfectly matches her purple whip. In return, she buys him the most expensive sugar painting she can find, one she even decorates herself. A moment of tension reveals Chu Zhao's fear of fire, yet he's more concerned about protecting the precious gift from He Yan.
When they return to the royal residence, they run into Xiao Jue, who immediately notices the new tassel on He Yan's whip. When she tells him it was a gift from Chu Zhao, Xiao Jue's jealousy flares. He remarks that he also received a gift from her—so much osmanthus candy that he can't even finish it. Not to be outdone, Chu Zhao proudly points out that He Yan personally wrote the characters "Zilan" on his sugar painting.
The situation in Jiyang takes a dire turn when several of the city's granaries are set ablaze, an act everyone knows was committed by the Wutuo. Xiao Jue and He Yan rush to discuss a plan with Mu Hongjin. With only 20,000 soldiers to defend against the impending Wutuo attack, the outlook is grim. Mu Hongjin, however, is resolute; she will not retreat and vows to stand with Jiyang to the very end.
Xiao Jue offers to help defend the city. This is a huge risk for him, as he has already violated military discipline by leaving his post in Yezhou, and bringing troops to Jiyang would be an even greater offense. Nevertheless, he is willing to face the consequences for the sake of the people. He Yan also pledges her support. Moved by their commitment, Mu Hongjin places all of Jiyang's soldiers under Xiao Jue's command. In a bold move, Xiao Jue appoints He Yan as the general to lead the 20,000 troops.
The Jiyang soldiers, who haven't seen battle in years, are not only weak but also openly disrespectful of a female commander. Xiao Jue, confident in He Yan's abilities, challenges ten of them to fight her at once. As expected, He Yan effortlessly defeats them all. A group of noblewomen who came to watch are left in complete awe. Inspired by He Yan's strength and courage, they rally to support the war effort, contributing money and resources to help protect their home.
That night, many of the able-bodied citizens flee the city, leaving behind mostly the elderly, weak, and sick. Cheng Lisu and Song Taotao make a bet to see who can save more people. Chu Zhao, who lacks martial skills, asks the Princess to put him in charge of settling the remaining civilians. Though Ying Xiang tries to convince him to leave for his own safety, his mind is made up. While helping an old man, Chu Zhao is left alone and is nearly crushed by a falling, burning beam, but He Yan appears just in time to save him. It's hinted that his pyrophobia stems from being bullied as a child over his parentage, but He Yan doesn't press him for details when he's reluctant to talk about it.
On the eve of the great battle, Mu Hongjin and Liu Buwang share a quiet moment, communicating through music. She remains unaware that the reason he failed to meet her all those years ago was because he was imprisoned by his master, Daoist Yunji. As a final preparation, He Yan gives Chu Zhao a suit of "Yun Qing Jia" (Cloud Light Armor) to protect him from harm.
The war horn sounds as the Wutuo commander, Huyate, leads his army in an assault on the city. He Yan volunteers to lead an elite squad on a dangerous mission: to lure Huyate and his formidable heavy-armored soldiers away from the main battle. Xiao Jue has only one command for her: "Come back alive."
