The Debt (Xena episode)

Xena: Warrior Princess episode
“The Debt (Part 1)”
Episode no.	Season 3 Episode 6
Guest star(s)	Jacqueline Kim (Lao Ma); Marton Csokas (Borias); Grant McFarland (Ming Tzu); Daniel Sing (Ming T'ien, adult)
Writer(s)	R. J. Stewart (teleplay); Robert Tapert & R. J. Stewart (story); Robert Field (editor)
Director	Oley Sassone
Production no.	#V0406
Original airdate	1997 Nov. 3
Episode chronology
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"Gabrielle's Hope"	"The Debt (2)"
List of Xena episodes

Xena and Gabrielle head many days toward the rising sun to the land of Chin, where Xena once studied with a woman named Lao Ma.

Dialog

Gabrielle, trying to persuade Xena to explain what her latest mission is, helps Xena negotiate for the purchase of a bunch of supplies:

X: How much for the lot of this? (to the shopkeeper)

Shopkeeper: Twenty dinar.

G: Twenty dinars? Do we look stupid?

S: Oh, well... fifteen dinar?

G: (to Xena): Give him twelve; it's more than it's worth.

G: Thanks, Gabrielle.

G: You're welcome. I'm glad I could help you get a deal on the things you need to commit murder.

Xena rounds on her and stares coldly.

... Later, after Xena and Gabrielle take a break from the flashback:

X: You ain't heard nothin' yet.

G: I don't think I want to hear any more about this tale of war, greed, hate.

X: Hate? It's not about hate. It's about love.

And then she introduces the part of the story that includes Lao Ma.

... When Xena's and Lao Ma's eyes meet, there is a charge; the camera zooms in on Xena's face; and Lao Ma says:

M: You must be Xena.

X: Oh, you've heard of me.

M: Oh yes. They say you're a dangerous woman.

... Shortly after, Xena, somewhat stoned, watches Lao Ma and Borias jealously. As Lao Ma reaches for something on the table, Xena throws a knife and says, dangerously:

X: That's my piece of meat you're reaching for.

M: You're wrong. I don't eat meat.

Lao Ma gently corrects her, before reaching for a piece of bread.