Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 29 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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Miao Xinhe and Cao Danshu share a late-night conversation in Kuning Palace. Miao Xinhe confides in Cao Danshu, having grown closer to her over two years and sharing thoughts she no longer dares to tell Zhao Zhen. Cao Danshu reassures Miao Xinhe, urging her to remain true to herself and trust Zhao Zhen's gentle, compassionate, and wise nature, believing he won't be misled by Zhang Bihan's confidants or spies, even if he dotes on the willful and unruly Zhang Bihan.
However, Cao Danshu acknowledges that with the "arrow shot," the Yi Feng Ge and Xiang Luan Ge are now destined to be rivals. She warns Miao Xinhe to always remember the rules of the state and household, asserting that she will maintain order in the palace. The next morning, Consort Yu visits Miao Xinhe, sharing her desire to prevent Zhang Bihan's people, specifically Xu Jingnu, from serving Zhao Zhen.
Both women wish to ensure their chosen individual surpasses Xu Jingnu in the competition for the position of Imperial Dresser/Combing Lady. Consort Yu recommends her personal hairdresser, Gu Cai'er, for the competition. Miao Xinhe initially considers using jade for decoration and summons Dong Qiuhe to advise on suitable jewelry and headwear. Dong Qiuhe, however, immediately objects and kneels, pleading with Miao Xinhe to reconsider.
She explains that palace preferences, like Zhang Bihan's fondness for Jiangxi kumquats which caused their price to soar in the civilian market, could inflate civilian prices. Miao Xinhe and Consort Yu are astonished, and Miao Xinhe realizes her error, retracting her request for jewelry. Dong Qiuhe then proposes that Zhao Zhen's hair does not require elaborate accessories, and winning the competition merely requires excellent combing. She explains her design plan for hair accessories, reassuring Miao Xinhe.
Dong Qiuhe openly shares her thoughts, even in front of Consort Yu, who praises her for her integrity, calling her presence by Zhao Zhen's side a blessing. Miao Xinhe agrees, feeling it is fortunate that Zhao Zhen has Liang Huaiji and Dong Qiuhe. Zhao Huirou expresses satisfaction but also jealousy over Liang Huaiji and Dong Qiuhe's tacit understanding, reminding Liang Huaiji that he is "her person" and should not be too close to other women.
After meeting Xia Song, Zhao Zhen goes to Xiang Luan Ge. Xia Song had been seen drinking with a singing girl arranged by Instructor Jia (also known as Jia Yulan), who sang a song Xia Song had written for Jia Yulan years ago. Lady Xia, Xia Song's wife, caused a scene, compelling Xia Song to apologize to Zhao Zhen for his personal affairs disturbing the court.
Instructor Jia was pleased by Xia Song's continued affection but worried about Zhao Zhen's potential anger. Zhang Bihan attempts to speak in defense of Xia Song and Instructor Jia to Zhao Zhen, stating that Xia Song's affection for the singing girl was an expression of his love for Jia Yulan, unconnected to Instructor Jia directly.
Zhang Bihan, speaking recklessly, even blames the former emperor for arranging Xia Song's marriage, which had separated Xia Song and Instructor Jia, who had a prior engagement unknown to the former emperor. Zhang Bihan suggests Zhao Zhen expel them both from the palace. Instructor Jia quickly kneels, pleading for forgiveness, especially given Zhang Bihan's pregnancy. Zhao Zhen immediately stops Zhang Bihan, sending her to wash her face.
He then reassures Zhang Bihan, stating he only came to verify Xia Song's words, not to blame anyone. After sending Zhang Bihan away, Zhao Zhen informs Instructor Jia of his decision: he will issue an imperial decree ending Xia Song's current marriage with a letter of divorce. However, to preserve Lady Xia's family's reputation, Xia Song cannot marry Instructor Jia.
Instructor Jia expresses deep gratitude, promising to dedicate herself to the palace and diligently care for Zhang Bihan, vowing never again to contemplate outside matters or instigate trouble. Zhao Zhen, relieved, agrees to forgive her past mistakes, provided she remains law-abiding and ceases external collusion and troublemaking. That evening, Zhao Zhen, reflecting on Cao Danshu, spontaneously paints her portrait and instructs Liang Huaiji to frame it, along with another painting.
Zhao Zhen then probes Liang Huaiji, asking if he likes Cao Danshu. Liang Huaiji, uncertain of Zhao Zhen's intent but unwilling to lie, replies he doesn't know, only feeling respect for her. Zhao Zhen becomes thoughtful. Zhao Huirou's wet nurse, Madam Han, brings a young palace maid to Yi Feng Ge to be Zhao Huirou's playmate, mentioning she is two years older than Zhao Huirou. Madam Han asks Zhao Huirou to name the maid.
Liang Huaiji, present to teach Zhao Huirou painting, subtly prompts her by pushing candied fruit towards her. Zhao Huirou then names the maid "Jiaqingzi" after the candied fruit. As Liang Huaiji guides Zhao Huirou's hand in painting, Zhao Huirou praises his artistic skill, noting how he made a duck "come alive" with just a few strokes and, having studied with Cui Bai, will surely become a great painter. Liang Huaiji humbly calls himself mediocre, which displeases Zhao Huirou.
She reminds him that Zhao Zhen also praised his painting, and persistent modesty implies she is foolish and disrespectful in her judgment. Liang Huaiji, silenced, kneels to salute her. Zhao Huirou then asks him not to formally salute her when they are alone. Naive Zhao Huirou also encourages Liang Huaiji to take the imperial examinations to become a court official, which deeply saddens him. He tearfully explains that as a eunuch, once in the palace, he can never leave.
Zhao Huirou, though not fully grasping the rules, comforts him, asserting that he is better than court officials and that she envies his ability to remain by Zhao Zhen's side. While visiting the ailing Grand Princess of Weiguo, Zhao Zhen questions Zhang Maoze about his knowledge of Xia Song and Instructor Jia's past relationship.
Zhang Maoze, who commands the Imperial City Department and manages intelligence, does not dare conceal information but suggests he might misjudge what intelligence to present to Zhao Zhen without clear instructions. Hearing this, Zhao Zhen suddenly grows angry, riding silently ahead. After Zhang Maoze catches up, Zhao Zhen sits by a lake and instructs him to re-comb his hair.
