Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 18 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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Zhang Maoze found Empress Cao Danshu distraught and, after dismissing others, tried to console her. He revealed his knowledge of Huan'er's matter, explaining that Cao Danshu's self-sacrifice in covering for Huan'er led Emperor Zhao Zhen to misunderstand her as heartless and rigidly adhering to rules, while Zhao Zhen himself remained ignorant of the truth.
Cao Danshu confided her deep sadness, feeling that Zhao Zhen, who once discussed state affairs with her, now increasingly disliked and ignored her, especially regarding Zhao Yuanhao's rebellion. Her attempts to reconcile were met with neglect. Over five years, her hopes of being Zhao Zhen's most trusted person had crumbled, and she now believed herself to be his most disliked.
Overwhelmed and frustrated, she yearned to shed the empty honor of her position and wanted to be deposed—either for her perceived lack of affection or, as she put it, for being childless. Humiliated by Zhao Yuanhao's defiant messages against the Great Song, she expressed a strong desire to join the army as a common soldier and fight on the battlefield with her uncles, believing death in battle was preferable to a lifetime confined in the palace as a resentful empress.
Zhang Maoze tried to assure her of Zhao Zhen's respect, but Cao Danshu remained unconvinced. Meanwhile, at court, Su Zimei and Zhang Shixun fiercely debated Zhao Yuanhao's rebellion. Zhang Shixun and others advocated for a conciliatory approach to avoid further conflict with the Western territories, while Su Zimei argued for decisive action.
Emperor Zhao Zhen arrived amidst their arguments, expressing frustration that his long-standing policy of leniency towards the Tangut people had failed to secure their loyalty, instead nurturing their rebellious spirit. Su Zimei directly criticized Zhao Zhen, stating that his excessive tolerance of rebels like Yuanhao had emboldened them and led to the current defiance. Prompted by this, Zhao Zhen declared his resolute decision to personally lead an imperial expedition to quell the Western Xia rebellion.
The ministers, including censors, strongly opposed this, arguing that Yuanhao was a mere rebel unworthy of an emperor's personal campaign. They feared the risks and potential instability, citing previous emperors' past mistakes and Zhao Zhen's continuation of flawed policies. Zhao Zhen, however, allowed them to voice their opinions freely, even promising to issue a self-recrimination edict if his decision proved wrong, assuring them they would not be punished for their counsel.
He remained firm in his resolve, stating that drafting the imperial expedition edict must precede any discussion of previous emperors' merits or faults. He explained that the Song military system, despite Taizu's reforms, had a critical flaw—the absence of an emperor's direct leadership, which he believed was necessary to address its shortcomings and compensate for a lack of warhorses.
He set a deadline, allowing ministers to advise until two candles burned out, after which the edict for the imperial expedition would be drafted. As the discussion time neared its end, Han Qi urged Zhao Zhen to at least postpone drafting the edict, expressing concern for his safety and the potential for court upheaval. Zhao Zhen dismissed these concerns.
However, after the designated time, Yan Shu stepped forward to object, pointing out that previous emperors who led imperial expeditions all had established male heirs to secure the succession. Zhao Zhen, currently without a son, left the Song dynasty vulnerable, and the nation could not bear the consequences of losing its emperor. Yan Shu's words left Zhao Zhen without rebuttal.
Angered and frustrated, Zhao Zhen abandoned the plan for an imperial expedition, blaming Yan Shu for keeping him a "puppet" in the palace with his "civilized" arguments. Instead, he angrily issued an order to adopt his imperial brother's thirteenth son, Zongshi, into the palace as his foster son, to assess his character for potential succession. Zhao Zhen then departed in a fury. Han Qi attempted to follow him, but Yan Shu intervened, sensing that Zhao Zhen needed solitude.
Following this, the ministers expressed their gratitude to Yan Shu for his crucial intervention, which averted the immediate drafting of the expedition edict and secured the adoption of an imperial heir. Su Zimei, in particular, sincerely apologized to Yan Shu, admitting he had previously misjudged him as merely a slick diplomat but now recognized his integrity. Han Qi, concerned that Zhao Zhen might be without attendants, dispatched Liang Huaiji to follow the emperor and provide support.
Despite Zhao Zhen's angry attempts to dismiss him, even threatening him with death for insubordination, Liang Huaiji stubbornly continued to follow. After walking through most of the Imperial City, Zhao Zhen gradually calmed down and spoke with Liang Huaiji. Learning of Liang Huaiji's background, Zhao Zhen grew reflective, lamenting that if not for desperate circumstances, no parent would send their child to the palace. He concluded that the widespread misfortune indicated his failure as an emperor to ensure his people's peace and prosperity.
