A Justice Served with Fire
Qi Min arrives wielding a sharp sword, and Xuan Qingkou accuses the two individuals present of human trafficking, declaring their crimes deserving of death. Despite the lawlessness of the area, Xuan Qingkou decides to take matters into her own hands and sets fire to the house, ensuring justice is served.
A Gift with Meaning
Luo Zhizhou gently hands Sun Zhaomin a delicate sachet—a gift specially prepared by Madam Zhang. Sun accepts it with a glimmer of joy in her eyes, admiring the finely crafted piece, which is a rarity in the northern Xuandan region. These exquisite trinkets, usually found in the bustling Yan’nan region, are cherished treasures, and Madam Zhang, knowing Sun’s fondness for them, always ensures she brings such surprises when possible.
A Plan to Revive Liangzhou
Xuan Lie observes the scene quietly, calculating his next move. He advises Sun Zhaomin that managing Liangzhou requires more than martial skills alone. Sun agrees but admits she has struggled to find a suitable strategy. Xuan Lie proposes enlisting Jun Qiluo, the talented daughter of the Jun family from Yan’nan, whose expertise in embroidery could help develop a local industry. Sun is inspired, seeing the potential to boost Liangzhou’s economy.
Sun’s Visit to Jun Qiluo
Sun Zhaomin visits Jun Qiluo with gifts of northern delicacies, enthusiastically introducing her hometown’s specialties. While Jun appreciates the gesture, she politely mentions her preference for lighter flavors. Sun quickly offers a bowl of milk porridge, confident it will suit Jun’s palate. Sun then reveals her true purpose: she hopes Jun will teach her embroidery to support Liangzhou’s development. Jun listens thoughtfully, understanding the gravity of the request.
An Agreement with Conditions
Jun Qiluo later discusses the plan with Xuan Lie, commending his vision of using embroidery to boost development. However, she adds a condition: the initiative must also promote trade between Xuandan and Yan’nan, allowing her family’s business to establish a foothold in the north. Xuan agrees, promising to share the profits from the embroidery industry.
The Silver Embroidery Workshop Opens
Jun and Sun collaborate to open the Silver Embroidery Workshop, attracting widespread attention. Though some criticize the timing—arguing that focusing on embroidery during a food shortage is inappropriate—Jun persuades the public by highlighting the promise of trade benefits and steady wages. Xuan Lie supports Jun, ensuring the workshop operates smoothly and fosters cooperation between the regions.
Jun Qiluo’s Skill Silences Doubters
When skepticism arises about the workshop’s success, Jun confidently showcases a stunning double-sided embroidery piece, earning admiration from everyone present. Orders pour in from merchants, securing the workshop’s reputation.
Unexpected Challenges
However, trouble strikes when a seamstress falls ill from handling fabric contaminated with diseased animal fur. Seizing the opportunity, Xi Changkun accuses Jun Qiluo of negligence. Xuan Lie defends her, dismissing the accusations as baseless. To cure the seamstress, rare herbs are needed, but they have been bought out in the area. Determined, Jun promises to find the herb and complete the orders, winning back the merchants’ trust.
A Dangerous Quest
Jun Qiluo and Xuan Lie scour local pharmacies but find the herb, Xuan Shen, is sold out. They venture into the mountains to search for wild Xuan Shen. After enduring great hardship, they locate a plant, only to be ambushed. Their attackers steal the herb, leaving them teetering on the edge of a cliff.
The episode ends with tension rising as Jun and Xuan navigate this new crisis.
