Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 10 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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Zhang Maoze informed Zhao Zhen that Censorate officials were opposing the promotion of three imperial consorts and impeaching Empress Cao Danshu, believing these actions were part of a scheme by the Empress to seize power. Zhao Zhen was puzzled and saddened that his family matters were scrutinized and used by ministers to such an extent. Upon his return to the palace, Li Di and Lü Yijian, along with other ministers, met with Zhao Zhen to discuss the matter.
Zhao Zhen clarified that the promotion of the three consorts was his own decision, and Cao Danshu had merely complied. However, Lü Yijian still claimed that Cao Danshu had failed in her duty by being merely a "submissive and agreeable" Empress. Meanwhile, Fan Zhongyan and several other ministers submitted memorials demanding a thorough investigation into Consort Guo's death. Zhang Maoze searched extensively but found no evidence linking Lü Yijian to her demise.
To prevent the matter from escalating and to avoid uncertainty about its future direction, Zhao Zhen decided to temporarily suppress the memorials impeaching Lü Yijian. He also ordered Zhang Maoze to find a reason to exile Yan Wenying. Maid Huan'er expressed her indignation on behalf of Cao Danshu regarding the impeachment.
Cao Danshu, however, reflected on her own conduct, acknowledging that she had been unruly and willful, and had indeed intended to win people's hearts and prove herself to Zhao Zhen, but realized these actions had implicated others. She resolved to be cautious in her words and deeds, recognizing that as Empress, she could no longer act whimsically like the favored daughter of the Cao family.
Furthermore, having attended Fan Zhongyan's lectures, she was already regarded by ministers as part of his faction. Ministers continued to discuss Consort Guo's death, not only in court but also during private gatherings. Years later, Fan Zhongyan returned to the capital. Opposing Lü Yijian's firm grip on court affairs and his formation of factions, Fan Zhongyan presented Zhao Zhen with a "Chart of Officials." Gao Ruone immediately stood up to refute him.
As Fan Zhongyan and Gao Ruone debated intensely, Zhao Zhen changed the subject, and Fan Zhongyan had to withdraw. During this period, Han Qi, while dining with friends and other ministers at a restaurant, coincidentally recognized Liang Yuansheng working as an odd-jobber. Surprised to see him after many years in the capital, Han Qi chatted with Liang Yuansheng, inquired about his recent situation, and offered help if needed.
Han Qi subsequently met Fan Zhongyan, attempting to persuade him to tolerate Lü Yijian's criticisms and not to oppose Lü Yijian's faction. However, Fan Zhongyan was resolute, insisting on writing down his political views for Zhao Zhen and maintaining his commitment to advise for what was right. Han Qi admired Fan Zhongyan's sincerity but warned that such actions would provide Lü Yijian with leverage.
As Han Qi had anticipated, several ministers from Lü Yijian's faction began to target Fan Zhongyan during a court discussion with Zhao Zhen. Zhao Zhen quietly observed their arguments. After they finished, Zhao Zhen spoke, using their debates as a basis to mention Yan Shu's past transgressions and his self-request to leave the capital, proposing Yan Shu's recall to the capital to resume his duties. Lü Yijian and the other ministers unanimously agreed to this.
Despite the recall of Yan Shu, Lü Yijian did not relent on Fan Zhongyan. Without Zhao Zhen's consent, Lü Yijian privately drafted an edict, using the authority of the "two official departments," to dismiss Fan Zhongyan from the capital, awaiting Zhao Zhen's final approval. Han Qi and Ouyang Xiu were particularly displeased upon learning of this. Zhao Zhen later visited Cao Danshu while she was practicing calligraphy. He expressed interest and joined her, discussing national reputation.
He informed Cao Danshu of Lü Yijian's intention to dismiss Fan Zhongyan. Zhao Zhen recounted his several-hour long conversation with Yan Shu, which had revolved entirely around Fan Zhongyan, sharing his sentiments with her. He also explained that Yan Shu had advised against Fan Zhongyan's demotion, but Zhao Zhen had not been persuaded; instead, he had convinced Yan Shu. While Zhao Zhen acknowledged Fan Zhongyan's "gentlemanly conduct," he still intended to demote him.
After speaking with Zhao Zhen, Yan Shu specifically met Fan Zhongyan to catch up and inform him of his current situation. Cao Danshu, after listening to Zhao Zhen, wrote down some lines from Fan Zhongyan's writings that she particularly liked. She humbly remarked that her comprehension was far inferior to Zhao Zhen's and lamented that she could not produce such good calligraphy as Zhao Zhen did.
Hearing this, Zhao Zhen immediately took Cao Danshu's hand and guided her to write a few lines. He reminded her to be patient if she wanted to improve her calligraphy and offered to be her teacher. This made Cao Danshu momentarily joyful and excited, causing her to forget her usually hidden emotions, which pleased Zhao Zhen. However, she quickly regained her composure and resumed her polite yet distant demeanor.
After Zhao Zhen departed, Huan'er, seeing Zhao Zhen and Cao Danshu write together, likened them to a storybook couple. She also misconstrued Zhao Zhen's visit to discuss matters like spring plowing as a sign of affection, suggesting Cao Danshu could gently persuade Zhao Zhen to stay. Cao Danshu, however, strictly adhered to her duties as Empress, refusing to act seductively or attempt to curry favor, and instructed Huan'er to cease her inappropriate remarks.
Fan Zhongyan remained unconcerned about his predicament, believing that regardless of Zhao Zhen's trust, he must always offer his counsel. He decided to write another memorial for Yan Shu to submit. After completing it, he shared drinks with Yan Shu, discussing his ideas, unfazed by Zhao Zhen's reasons for not allowing Yan Shu to advise on his behalf. During the spring season, Fan Zhongyan was dismissed from the capital.
He chose to leave early to prevent Han Qi's group and Lü Yijian's faction from engaging in prolonged arguments over his situation in court, which could potentially harm his close friends. Wang Zhi and others brought good wine to bid him farewell. After Fan Zhongyan's departure, minister Yu Jing submitted a memorial, blaming Zhao Zhen for listening to Lü Yijian's "muddled words."
In court, arguments regarding Fan Zhongyan's alleged factionalism were illogical, and many who were close to him resentfully cursed Lü Yijian. Later, when Cao Danshu brought snacks or new plum wine to Zhao Zhen, she found him reading memorials. She hesitated, fearing she would disturb him, but Zhao Zhen assured her they were old memorials and posed no issue, then proceeded to discuss them with her.
Upon hearing minister Yu Jing's memorial, Cao Danshu remarked that Zhao Zhen's impartiality was precisely why Fan Zhongyan had been demoted from the capital. Realizing she had just commented on court affairs, she immediately apologized to Zhao Zhen.
