Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 28 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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At the Dragon Boat Festival palace banquet, Empress Cao Danshu meticulously arranged everything, awaiting Emperor Zhao Zhen, who was occupied with court affairs. Meanwhile, censors were publicly condemning Xia Song, whose scandal was widely known, demanding his impeachment for indecency. Jia Jiaoxi was furious at Xia Song but also worried about his potential impeachment. During court, ministers like Cai Xiang endlessly gossiped about Xia Song, who had been sued by Lady Xia.
Zhao Zhen, however, showed no interest, instead staring distractedly at Cai Xiang's beard. After finally excusing himself from the clamoring ministers and returning to Fuling Palace, Zhao Zhen desired to comb and wash his hair before the banquet. He asked Li Sishi, his comb-out attendant, to assist him. Li Sishi, overly talkative, criticized former court officials and advised Zhao Zhen against accepting remonstrances.
When Zhao Zhen mentioned the censors' suggestion to cut down on unnecessary palace staff, Li Sishi, assuming herself indispensable and emboldened by Zhao Zhen's apparent agreement, boldly suggested he start with her. Zhao Zhen suddenly realized the wisdom of the censors' advice to dismiss unproductive palace staff. He sent for the palace register in the rear garden. As Zhao Zhen arrived, Cao Danshu prepared to announce the banquet's commencement, but Zhao Zhen declared its postponement.
He instructed the Palace Steward to bring the register and immediately dismissed Li Sishi and thirty other attendants, ordering them out of the palace. Li Sishi, shocked and regretting her arrogance, tried to force her way back to apologize but was stopped by Ren Shouchong. Ren Shouchong later warned Zhang Maoze not to become complacent despite his long service to Zhao Zhen, citing Li Sishi's downfall as a cautionary tale.
News of Zhao Zhen's swift action, taken in response to the censors, reached Xia Song. Unperturbed, Xia Song celebrated at home with wine and song, accompanied by Hui'er, whom he knew was sent by Jia Jiaoxi. At the delayed banquet, royal relatives and dignitaries discussed Zhao Zhen's decisive action. Princess Weiguo explained it as a stark warning to all palace women not to challenge the Emperor's boundaries.
Zhang Bihan, frightened by Zhao Zhen's "thunderous methods" and realizing his high regard for the censors, felt a surge of panic. Jia Jiaoxi attempted to comfort her. Following the banquet, Zhang Bihan attempted to recommend her personal comb-out maid, Xu Jingnu, to Zhao Zhen. Unexpectedly, Miao Xinhe intervened, recommending Dong Qiuhe. Zhang Bihan sarcastically jabbed at Miao Xinhe, who, unaccustomed to conflict, struggled to respond.
Seeing this, Cao Danshu stepped in to defend Miao Xinhe, also subtly reminding Zhao Zhen that he had previously seen and admired Dong Qiuhe's unique comb-out style. To ensure fairness, Zhao Zhen decided that on the upcoming Qixi Festival, both recommended maids would demonstrate their skills by combing hair, and he would choose his "comb-out lady" based on their performance.
Zhang Bihan returned to her palace in tears, upset that Zhao Zhen hadn't immediately accepted her recommendation and still shaken by his earlier decisive actions. Jia Jiaoxi consoled her, explaining that Zhao Zhen likely made the Qixi decision because Zhang Bihan was the first to propose a candidate, making it difficult for him to accept outright. Jia Jiaoxi reassured Zhang Bihan of Xu Jingnu's excellent skills and her potential to win. Cao Danshu later questioned Miao Xinhe's sudden assertiveness.
Miao Xinhe confided her deep concern: Zhang Bihan viewed Zhao Huirou as the killer of her daughter, Yue'er. Miao Xinhe feared that if Zhang Bihan's favored attendant were placed near Zhao Zhen, she would constantly slander Zhao Huirou, potentially harming her. Cao Danshu tried to allay her fears, arguing that Zhao Zhen was clear-headed and loved Zhao Huirou, and would not easily believe gossip or harm his own daughter.
However, Miao Xinhe countered that if Zhao Zhen were truly clear-headed, he wouldn't neglect an excellent Empress like Cao Danshu to exclusively favor the arrogant Zhang Bihan. Back in Fuling Palace, Zhao Zhen discussed the censors with Liang Huaiji. While acknowledging that most memorials contained empty rhetoric, with only a small fraction being truly pertinent, Zhao Zhen explained their crucial role.
He stated that the censors existed to keep both himself and all officials disciplined and constantly vigilant, preventing him from causing harm to the nation due to personal desires. He specifically mentioned Li Sishi's greatest error was tempting him to disregard the censors' restraints, which necessitated her dismissal. He emphasized that everyone, including himself and his court, required the censors' supervision so that the common people would know that their rulers' actions were always being watched.
Liang Huaiji, deeply impressed and having learned much, knelt and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to know Zhao Zhen within the palace. Zhao Zhen further revealed his personal intention for teaching Liang Huaiji: he wanted Liang Huaiji to accompany his imperial son, Zui Xinglai, at Yifeng Pavilion as he grew, acting as a close confidant who would prioritize the prince's well-being over state interests, and assist Zui Xinglai in becoming an enlightened monarch.
