Cinnonym

It's a significant symbol, that so many viewers noticed. Kept us on the edge of our seats "when is she going to notice". It would be stupid if they edited it out or forgot it. really hope they haven't and acknowledge it in the next episodes.

I think she might have thought they were fake because she already had experience with fake soldiers/yamen runners from the previous episodes (when they came to forcibly take grain and encourage the rioters). I hope they will show her noticing the hair tie in the next episodes, because it is an important symbol they can't just leave.

I would argue that it's not senseless (in the context of the drama). From the first episode, I believe, there was always the threat of war looming in the distance even if it hasn't reached them yet. It was bound to happen. It's also part of the villain's evil plot.

I remember them addressing this naivety in the novel. She learns and grows later, I remember the ML in the novel helping her understand this aspect of business too. I hope they show her growth in this aspect in the drama too.

Is it available on Viki in your region? The subtitles should be better there