Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 19 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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Liang Huaiji diligently follows Zhao Zhen, even when asked to leave. Zhao Zhen, touched by Liang Huaiji's compliant nature and reminded of his daughter Zhao Huirou, shares his thoughts on the deep affection parents hold for their children. He then instructs Liang Huaiji not to disclose their conversation to anyone and gives him a written message to deliver to the ministers, praising his good work and asking him to return to Funing Hall with him.
Liang Huaiji promises to keep the secret and expresses wishes for Zhao Zhen's continued good health. Upon returning to the teaching bureau, Jia Jiaoxi (also referred to as Jia Yulan) learns from the dancers that Ren Shouzhong searched Zhang Bihan's room and discovered "unclean things" and many forbidden books. Realizing immediately that Lan Shao (also referred to as Xu Lan Shao) was behind the setup, Jia Jiaoxi confronts and slaps Lan Shao.
She then sends dancers to summon Yang Huaimin, hoping to use Yang Huaimin's influence, possibly through Xia Song's connections, to introduce Zhang Bihan to Zhao Zhen. Yang Huaimin, however, is hesitant and wary of potential trouble, believing Zhang Bihan is not destined to be a concubine and thus reluctant to assist. Jia Jiaoxi, nonetheless, insists and prepares to take Zhang Bihan to Zhao Zhen, even defying Ren Shouzhong's orders.
Meanwhile, Ren Shouzhong reports to Cao Danshu about the incident, explaining that forbidden books and "seductive items" were found in Zhang Bihan's room at the teaching bureau. He characterizes Zhang Bihan as unruly and shameless, alleging she repeatedly attempted to seduce Zhao Zhen. Fearing further complications, Ren Shouzhong urges Cao Danshu to agree to immediately expel Zhang Bihan from the palace. Cao Danshu, after hearing Ren Shouzhong's one-sided account, hesitates to make a decision.
She ultimately proposes only a light punishment for Zhang Bihan, stating that since Zhao Zhen clearly cares for Zhang Bihan, the Emperor himself should be the one to decide her fate. While Zhao Zhen is conversing with Zhang Maoze about Cao Danshu's unexpected practice of swordplay in the forest, Zhang Bihan, having been boldly released by Jia Jiaoxi despite Yang Huaimin's attempts to stop her, rushes into the hall in distress. She tearfully cries out her grievances to Zhao Zhen.
Zhao Zhen is deeply sympathetic to her plight. Jia Jiaoxi tearfully assures Zhao Zhen that Zhang Bihan would never possess forbidden books, asserting that Zhang Bihan's heart is solely for Zhao Zhen. She further claims she had intended to send Zhang Bihan out of the palace, but was appalled by Lan Shao's cruel act of framing her by planting forbidden books.
Zhang Bihan then reiterates her desire to remain in the palace as a maid rather than being sent away to marry. Deeply moved, Zhao Zhen comforts Zhang Bihan, embracing her, and promises that she will not be married off. He decides to keep her in Funing Hall, a decision that makes Zhang Bihan extremely happy and marks the first time Zhao Zhen has kept someone he likes by his side.
Zhao Zhen states that Zhang Bihan's official status will need to be discussed with Cao Danshu. He then instructs Yang Huaimin and Ren Shouzhong to consult on how to investigate and handle the matter of the forbidden books. Regarding Jia Jiaoxi's actions, including her forceful entry, Zhao Zhen determines she must be punished for her lax discipline.
However, unwilling to directly punish Jia Jiaoxi due to Zhang Bihan's respect for her, and recognizing it as an inner palace affair, Zhao Zhen delegates the task of punishing Jia Jiaoxi to Cao Danshu, thereby demonstrating his respect for the Empress. The next morning, Cao Danshu visits Funing Hall to see Zhao Zhen off to court. She presents him with a precious suit of battle armor, her most treasured dowry, which she received from her family.
As Empress, she cannot wear it to fight, so she gifts the "Cao General's armor" to Zhao Zhen, suggesting he bestow it upon his chosen General of the Western Campaign. Zhao Zhen performs a solemn bow to the heavens, thanks Cao Danshu for the armor, and expresses his gratitude. He then announces his decision to adopt a clan nephew, Zong Shi, as his foster son, asking Cao Danshu to diligently manage, instruct, and raise him. Cao Danshu agrees.
In the first year of Kangding, Zhao Huirou has grown into a young girl who can talk and walk, living a carefree life and enjoying singing to an "Ying'er" (oriole/warbler) in the garden. Miao Xinhe and Cao Danshu continue to share a sisterly bond while assisting Zhao Zhen. One day, Gao Taotao, who accompanies Zhao Huirou, reports that Zhao Huirou refuses to return to the palace for pastries, insisting on seeing the singing "Ying'er."
Cao Danshu and Miao Xinhe go to the garden to persuade her. While Miao Xinhe doesn't understand Zhao Huirou's reason, Cao Danshu kindly asks Zhao Huirou for her true desire regarding the bird, attempting to coax her back. After being coaxed, Zhao Huirou suggests she can teach how to write a letter to "Ying'er." Zhao Zhen's adopted son, Zong Shi, is also in the palace.
Gao Taotao asks Cao Danshu if Zong Shi can play with them, explaining that he studies diligently all day and doesn't dare relax without Cao Danshu's permission. Cao Danshu clarifies that she does not prevent him from playing. When Zhao Huirou asks Zong Shi to play, or when Gao Taotao finds him, Zong Shi states that he is still pondering parts of or hasn't fully grasped yesterday's lesson and therefore cannot play.
Seeing his diligence, Cao Danshu asks Miao Xinhe to take Zhao Huirou and Gao Taotao to play, while she stays to study with Zong Shi. As western border conflicts persist, Zhao Zhen, engaged in state affairs, consults with his ministers regarding Zhao Yuanhao's proposal for peace and how to resolve the ongoing war.
Zhang Shixun advocates for peace talks, asserting that despite past friendly relations with the Tanguts having led to insufficient border defenses and repeated invasions by Zhao Yuanhao, recent Song military actions following Zhao Yuanhao's rebellion have rendered his incursions fruitless, making peace talks now feasible. However, Yan Shu and others disagree, believing that the time for peace talks is not yet ripe.
Yan Shu further points out that while pursuing a decisive victory might be an option, it would present immense logistical challenges for transporting provisions and would be a costly endeavor, causing significant hardship to the populace. Fu Bi adds that Zhao Yuanhao is cunning and unlikely to abandon his imperial ambitions or readily seek peace with the Song merely due to a few minor setbacks.
