Wei Shao attends his family's memorial, leaving the injured Xiao Qiao outside the city. She feigns weakness, stirring his guilt.

Xiao Qiao struggles with her mother-in-law. Elders urge Wei Shao to take a concubine — though seemingly loving, he is wary of the Qiao family.

Su E Huang meets Wei Shao alone, upsetting Xiao Qiao. Grain sent by the Qiao family is destroyed — and Xiao Qiao and Wei Yan are blamed.

Xiao Qiao prompts Wei Yan to reconcile with his grandmother, then takes action to resolve the conflict between Lady Zhu and Wei Shao.

Wei Shao faces trouble. Xiao Qiao helps him rally the troops. After Yuan Wang and Wei Dian oppose the canal plan, Xiao Qiao plots to drive them apart.