Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 30 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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After helping Zhao Huirou clean her painting room and taking her paintings to Funing Hall for Zhao Zhen's relaxation, Liang Huaiji is leaving Yifeng Pavilion when Miao Xinhe asks him about her simple hairstyle. She expresses concern that it might not be noticeable enough for Zhao Zhen, potentially hindering Dong Qiuhe's selection as a hair-combing person. Liang Huaiji reassures her, explaining that elaborate ornaments aren't the key for Zhao Zhen.
He prefers hairstyles using "Dao Yin Shu" (guiding technique) which massages the scalp and clears meridians for health. He advises Miao Xinhe to let Dong Qiuhe massage her meridians more, so that on Qixi Festival, Zhao Zhen can see Miao Xinhe's naturally radiant complexion, which will reveal Dong Qiuhe's skill and lead to her selection.
Earlier, after Zhang Maoze finishes combing Zhao Zhen's hair, Zhao Zhen, following a prior incident where Zhang Maoze inadvertently said something displeasing while discussing Jia Yulan and Xia Song, reassigns Zhang Maoze. Zhao Zhen decides that Zhang Maoze and Yang Huaimin will jointly manage Huangchengsi, holding equal rank. Their actions must be reported to Ren Shouzhong, and Zhao Zhen states he will no longer personally issue direct orders to Zhang Maoze, instead expecting him to adhere to palace rules.
This signifies a growing estrangement between Zhao Zhen and Zhang Maoze. Zhao Zhen takes Zhao Huirou on an outing to the capital streets. While in the carriage, Zhao Huirou questions Zhao Zhen about the long-standing rule preventing palace servants ("neiren" or "neishi taijian") from leaving the palace to take imperial examinations and become officials.
She wonders why a wrong rule cannot be changed, but despite her request, Zhao Zhen states he cannot change it, explaining it as merely an old custom. On Qixi Festival, palace concubines present themselves to Zhao Zhen and Cao Danshu. Yu Jieyu appears first, earning praise from Zhao Zhen, who then inquires if Gu Caier knows Dao Yin Shu.
Next is Miao Xinhe, who, following Dong Qiuhe and Liang Huaiji's advice, wears a special yet simple hairstyle that beautifully highlights her radiant complexion, greatly satisfying Zhao Zhen and reminding him of her as a child. Pleased with Dong Qiuhe's work, Zhao Zhen asks about her, learning her family ran a herbal and spice shop, her father and grandfather were skilled in medicine and joined the army due to previous wars, and Zhang Maoze personally brought her into the palace.
This last detail somewhat displeases Zhao Zhen. Zhang Bihan, expecting delight, appears in a red robe (similar to Cao Danshu's) and a flamboyant white hair crown adorned with pearls. Zhao Zhen is openly displeased, remarking on her lack of propriety and understanding of etiquette. Upset, Zhang Bihan defiantly pulls off her jewels and expresses her intention to change her headwear and clothes in a side hall.
Zhao Zhen, showing no sympathy, allows it and tells her to change her clothes as well. While everyone is serving Zhao Zhen, Yang Huaimin teases Xu Lantiao, who is doing hard labor. He tells her not to work so hard and praises her for framing Zhao Huirou, while disparaging Zhang Bihan as foolish and easily manipulated. After Zhang Bihan's departure, Cao Danshu smooths the atmosphere, orders snacks, and asks Zhao Zhen about his decision for the hair-combing person.
Despite the positive impression left by Miao Xinhe and Dong Qiuhe, Zhao Zhen announces Gu Caier, Yu Jieyu's hair-combing person, as the new "Si Shi" (palace artisan for adornments). Zhao Zhen observes Dong Qiuhe and Cao Danshu, seeing their reactions appear normal, without obvious disappointment. That evening, Zhang Bihan angrily demands Jia Yulan (also referred to as Jia Jiaxi) throw away the head crown and gifted pearls.
She expresses deep disappointment, as her deliberate choice to wear a red robe and elaborate headwear on Qixi Festival was intended to test her importance to Zhao Zhen, and she now feels it proved she wasn't the most important woman in his heart. Jia Yulan advises Zhang Bihan that Zhao Zhen's affection cannot surpass royal rules or her official rank.
She emphasizes that rank is not superficial and can be exchanged for promotion, bringing more favor and solidifying greater affection, so Zhang Bihan must strive for both Zhao Zhen's heart and a higher rank. After Qixi Festival, while returning to the palace with Zhao Huirou, Zhao Zhen inadvertently learns that Miao Xinhe had previously recommended Dong Qiuhe to Cao Danshu, but Cao Danshu hadn't given her a significant role.
Zhao Huirou misunderstands, believing both Cao Danshu and Zhao Zhen dislike Dong Qiuhe. Zhao Zhen clarifies to Zhao Huirou that neither he nor Cao Danshu dislikes her, but that the best or liked people don't necessarily need to be kept by one's side. Independently, Cao Danshu meets Dong Qiuhe to inquire about her background and reason for entering the palace.
Dong Qiuhe, concerned about her elderly grandfather serving as a military doctor, seeks permission from her superior and then from Cao Danshu to replace him in the army, but both deny her request due to her gender, though Cao Danshu appreciates her filial piety. On the Song border, Di Qing apprehends two junior officers, several soldiers, and civilians engaged in private trade with Xia, specifically for grain.
To strictly enforce military discipline and warn against illicit trade, Di Qing severely punishes them, executing the two junior officers by caning and displaying their bodies. He implements a strict border trade ban. Through scouts, he gathers intelligence from Xia and reports the situation, particularly in Yanzhou, to Zhao Zhen via memorial. With Xia unable to trade with Song, facing shortages of rice and grain after three years of blockade, Yuan Hao sends a letter requesting peace.
Zhao Zhen discusses this with his officials. Fu Bi considers Yuan Hao cunning and his peace request a trick. Xia Song highlights the loss of significant tax revenue from stopping trade. The officials struggle to reach a consensus, and Zhao Zhen does not trust Yuan Hao, responding by sending more troops and supplies to Yanzhou. Zhao Zhen later dismisses Chen Zhizhong and others, retaining only Fu Bi and Yan Shu to discuss the civil service system.
Recognizing the Song bureaucracy is more bloated than previous dynasties, Zhao Zhen decides to reform the official selection system and address the issue of redundant officials, instructing Yan Shu to lead this reform. He also recalls Ouyang Xiu to the capital. Han Qi is removed from his post and prepares to return to the capital to report, taking sole responsibility for General Ren Fu's defeat and all associated blame.
Before his departure, Han Qi transfers Liang Yuansheng to Di Qing's command for further training and experience. Liang Yuansheng, worried about Han Qi returning alone and wishing to share the responsibility, attempts to accompany him, but Han Qi prevents him from doing so. Later, Zhang Bihan gives birth to a daughter. Following the Qixi Festival, Zhao Zhen's affection for her grows even deeper, prompting palace discussions that if she had borne a prince, she might have become Empress. However, Zhang Maoze holds the opinion that Zhang Bihan, regardless of how favored she becomes, could never attain the position of Empress.
