Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 27 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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Miao Xinhe, having specially adorned herself, prompts Cao Danshu to notice her unusually beautiful makeup. Miao Xinhe introduces Dong Qiuhe, a young woman from the Shangfu Bureau, as her beautician. Cao Danshu, surprised by Dong Qiuhe's youth and quick assignment to Miao Xinhe, becomes curious and asks Dong Qiuhe to do her makeup, which turns out to be perfectly suited to Cao Danshu's taste.
Cao Danshu then questions Dong Qiuhe about her acquaintance with Zhang Maoze, and Dong Qiuhe confirms he had personally summoned her. Cao Danshu realizes that Zhang Maoze had specially arranged for Dong Qiuhe to work for Miao Xinhe, bypassing her master. Fearing that such quick promotion at a young age would invite trouble, Cao Danshu advises Dong Qiuhe to return to the Shangfu Bureau to continue her studies.
Fu Bi informs Zhao Zhen that the Khitan king desires Zhao Huirou to marry their ten-year-old Khitan king, a proposal Zhao Zhen finds troubling as he is unwilling for Zhao Huirou to marry far away. Wishing to avoid state affairs, Zhao Zhen visits Kunning Palace, where he is pleasantly surprised by Cao Danshu's (and Miao Xinhe's) refreshed appearance. During dinner, Zhao Huirou eagerly chats with Liang Huaiji, asking him about Ban Jieyu.
Miao Xinhe comments on Zhao Huirou's lack of manners, saying she plans to teach her proper etiquette. However, Zhao Zhen, seeing Zhao Huirou's innocent and lovely nature, decides he wants to continue spoiling her and ensure her happiness and freedom, promising to find a devoted husband for her. After leaving Kunning Palace, Zhao Zhen instructs Liang Huaiji to send a decree to Fu Bi.
Fu Bi is to go to Khitan (Liao) to decline the marriage proposal, citing the existing Song-Liao alliance and demanding that Khitan cease trading with Yuanhao. Zhao Zhen offers goods in exchange for not forming a marriage alliance for Zhao Huirou. He is later pleased by Fu Bi's successful negotiation, believing that cutting off Khitan's trade with Yuanhao will deplete Yuanhao's supplies, stop their war with Song, and stabilize the Western border.
Zhang Bihan is angered by Zhao Zhen's refusal to send Zhao Huirou to Khitan, feeling he only dotes on Zhao Huirou and ignores the death of Zhao Chuyue. Instructor Jia Yulan advises Zhang Bihan to stay calm, prioritize her health, and focus on bearing a prince. Instructor Jia also suggests using Zhang Bihan's jewelry to bribe imperial attendants and female officials for influence and advises befriending Zhang Bihan's elder brother to gain connections in court.
Zhang Bihan also discusses the widely known accusation by Xia Song's wife that Xia Song took bribes and kept concubines. Zhao Zhen later asks Yan Shu whether this accusation about Xia Song is true. Zhao Zhen is concerned about severe over-staffing in the civil and military administration and desires reforms.
Despite Lü Yijian's arguments that over-staffing, while increasing costs, prevents regional power from growing excessively (citing ancestral laws), Zhao Zhen intends to appoint Fan Zhongyan to address these "three redundancies" (redundant officials, staff, and soldiers), even if it's a "strong remedy" for a temporary fix. Cao Danshu later calls Zhang Maoze to thank him for his constant care and help since her entry into the palace, feeling undeserving.
Zhang Maoze insists he only does what he feels is right and necessary, his duty, not wanting Cao Danshu to be bothered. Cao Danshu questions if promoting Dong Qiuhe was also part of his duty. While Zhang Maoze's explanation is reasonable, Cao Danshu, understanding his underlying feelings, is deeply moved by his concern, though she inwardly feels that what she truly desires cannot be obtained through calculation.
Zhang Maoze maintains his resolve to do what he believes is right, offering to accept punishment if he oversteps. Zhao Huirou expresses interest in learning painting to Zhao Zhen, who asks Liang Huaiji to select flower-and-bird paintings from the Imperial Painting Academy and send them to Kunning Palace for Cao Danshu's initial review. Liang Huaiji delivers the selected paintings. Cao Danshu immediately notices several Cui Bai paintings that Liang Huaiji had independently chosen and asks him why.
Liang Huaiji explains that Cui Bai's egrets are painted with remarkable realism and liveliness, unlike other painters who depict them incorrectly. Cao Danshu recognizes Liang Huaiji's exceptional talent and keen eye for painting, also complimenting his previous drawing of Zhao Huirou for its spirit. Zhao Huirou officially begins learning painting from Cui Bai, with Liang Huaiji serving as an intermediary to relay Cui Bai's teachings due to gender separation.
During a lesson, Zhao Huirou, being playful and not wanting to copy books as Zhao Zhen instructed her (complaining about Ouyang Xiu's many posts Zhao Zhen likes, forcing her to study), asks Liang Huaiji to help her by imitating her handwriting, as he can mimic any script without Zhao Zhen noticing. She even cries while pleading for his help. During the Dragon Boat Festival, Zhao Zhen bestows many rewards upon Miao Xinhe and specific ones upon Zhao Huirou.
Miao Xinhe later finds Liang Huaiji to thank him for his significant help with Zhao Huirou's painting studies and gives him new clothes. Liang Huaiji humbly expresses gratitude for the opportunity to hear Cui Bai's lessons through Zhao Huirou, but Miao Xinhe insists his talent greatly aided Zhao Huirou.
