If not you then who?

Xiaoliu flat out rejected Xiangliu even when he threatened to eat her if she did not comply.

Xiangliu immediately changed his tactics, and threatened her with Jing’s life instead.

Xiaoliu knows a threat when she hears one. Xiangliu left her with no choice since he now threatened to kill Jing instead.

She had tried to not get Jing involved in Xiangliu’s business, but Xiangliu already knew too much.

The way Xiangliu reacted, didn’t he anticipate this result where he will get his herbs for free already? Yet he did not look too pleased.

Jing waited for her for so long, but he did not look upset even when she appeared with Xiangliu, asking for a favor.
As she was awkwardly making her request, he was agreeable to everything she said, just took her in with his eyes during their brief meeting.

Xiaoliu stole a quick look at Jing as he walked away.
You don’t want to see him because you just can’t help yourself when you do?

She then turned to Xiangliu to take her leave, but Xiangliu had other plans and took her hostage until he gets his herbs.

Xiaoliu is anxious about knowing the position of Xiangliu’s rebel camp and he actually looked a little sorry to frighten her to this extent. He caught himself reaching out to pat her head again but stopped.

Her second time in his camp, this time Xiaoliu could actually look around her surroundings, and even make daring remarks regarding his living conditions.

As Xiangliu goes into his rest mode after taking in new poison she made, Xiaoliu takes out her secret walnut weapon.

Two small lights emerged and she tried to send one of them towards Xiangliu, but hilariously the bug was frightened and retreated.

The noise woke Xiangliu, and Xiaoliu had to abort the mission.

The next morning, Xiaoliu was woken by a loud training drill.

In case you are wondering like me how a noisy rebel army can train in a quiet forest for decades without being found, in the novel, a spell/skill that can conceal sounds can be cast to a specific area like a barrier, is frequently used. However in the drama, it has never come up. Perhaps they felt it will ruin the tone of the drama. Think of it like a cone of silence from Get Smart hehe

You are so doomed Xiangliu, what is with this soft gaze at your hostage?

Xiaoliu expressed her apologies to Xiangliu.

Its our first time seeing Master Qingqiu in action.

Jing was unfazed by the bad news that there is no more herbs to treat miasma, which Xuan had taken off the market. He did not blame Yu and provided a quick solution in his calm and serene manner in a manner of minutes.

tsk! Are you questioning the instructions of your boss? This is for the audience otherwise we can’t fully appreciate the lengths Jing is willing to go to, to help Xiaoliu help Xiangliu.

It is all worth it as long as Xiaoliu will be happy.

Meanwhile Xuan’s spy network has got wind about the deal going down. He coolly instructed his men to lay a trap for Xiangliu.

Jing really need to get those herbs soon, before Xiaoliu decide to drain herself in order to save these soldiers. She always said she is hard-hearted, but not even a day spent in this ‘enemy’ rebel camp and she is ready to offer her blood to save them.

Xiangliu seemed a little touched.

In her moment of joy, Xiaoliu grabbed THE.XIANGLIU. excitedly by his shoulders! If he was a little more cuddly like Ye Shiqi he would have gotten a hug. Too bad, she is still afraid of him.

One look from him and she took two steps back after seeing his reaction. He is in shock since nobody probably dared to ever grab him like that, but his expression is too unfriendly.

Jing came in person to inform Xiangliu where the herbs are stored. Xiangliu nodded in acknowledgement and left without any thanks. Xiangliu I don’t think the ‘no thanks needed’ was intended for you. hahaha

Xiaoliu was really dreading how to face Jing, so she pretended to watch Xiangliu go.
Jing, as usual, misread the situation, as Xiaoliu had intended.

Xiaoliu casually tossed in the question she was most concerned with, “when is he leaving Qingshui town?”

Jing is always at a loss of words when she brings up the subject of his fiancee.

Seeing no response, she once again, pretends to leave cheerfully.

Xiangliu came to Xiaoliu injured after he was ambushed.

Xiaoliu immediately vouched for Jing when Xiangliu said someone from the Tushan family betrayed them. She realized Xuan was the one behind the stolen herbs.

Xiaoliu’s ingenious plan to avoid bloodshed is to kidnap Nian to use her as exchange for the herbs.

They successfully executed a ploy to get Xuan away to fight Xiangliu, while Xiaoliu lured her away from the safety of the two really pathetic guards.

Xuan hears about Nian’s kidnapping and he is out for blood.
What will he do to one sister he has sworn to find for the return of his other sister?

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The heavens gave Xiaoliu the most desired man in the entire Dahuang, she literally picked him home from the bushes.

But what is she going to do when she is a man and he is a man with an engagement?
All she can do is to push this stubborn fox back home, where she thinks he belongs.

The dynamics between Xiaoliu and Xiangliu also shifted in this episode.

Now Xiaoliu sees Xiangliu differently, understands him a little more. She even gets actively involved in his cause to save the rebel soldiers. She was reluctant when Xiangliu threatened her into helping him get the herbs but after the rebel army are no longer faceless individuals , she did not even hesitate to use her own blood to try to save them from their illness.
Xiaoliu’s kind heart is always unable to overlook suffering.

Xiangliu too, pulled a prank on her with the insecticide pellet and laughed when she drank it thinking it was tea. In his desperation to save his soldiers, he had not considered using her to heal them. He also provided as many guards for her as he could spare for her part in the kidnapping.

They are now partners in crime.

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