Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 31 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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Fan Zhongyan receives three urgent imperial decrees to return to the capital, making him uneasy. Upon entering the capital, he is met by Yan Shu, who informs him that Lu Yijian is critically ill and wishes to see him to reconcile past differences. Fan Zhongyan, feeling unsettled, goes directly to Lu Yijian's residence without returning home.
Lu Yijian, on his sickbed, cautions Fan Zhongyan about reforms, particularly the issue of redundant officials, expressing his opposition to such changes and his belief that Zhao Zhen will not truly deviate from ancestral systems. He advises Fan Zhongyan on supporting the Song dynasty. Later, Zhao Zhen, sleepless, wanders the palace. He eventually arrives at Kuning Palace, noting he hasn't visited in nearly half a year. Inside, Cao Danshu is with Zhao Huirou, appreciating Cui Bai's painting of Dong Qiuhe.
Cao Danshu expresses her admiration for Dong Qiuhe's work, leading Zhao Zhen to question why she hadn't promoted Dong Qiuhe to Supervisor of Decoration. Cao Danshu explains her initial concerns about Dong Qiuhe's youth but now recognizes her superior work. Cao Danshu also intends to host a "scent competition." Zhao Huirou, planning to surprise Zhao Zhen, hides. The conversation between Zhao Zhen and Cao Danshu turns strained. Zhao Zhen questions if Cao Danshu resents his long absence from Kuning Palace.
Cao Danshu responds that she wouldn't dare trouble him and attributes his absence to state affairs. Zhao Zhen angrily accuses Cao Danshu of being overly compliant, even lending her Empress's carriage to Zhang Bihan and disregarding ancestral rules, implying he is left to criticize Zhang Bihan. They also discuss replacing Zhang Bihan's carriage, leading to more tension. Cao Danshu, feeling blamed, explains that Zhang Bihan's disregard for rules is habitual and always protected by Zhao Zhen.
She wanted to curb Zhang Bihan's temper but feared affecting her pregnancy, so she complied, also considering the interests of other concubines when lending the carriage. Their conversation remains strained, with Cao Danshu subtly criticizing Zhao Zhen's favoritism. Zhao Zhen, displeased by her reasonable yet accusatory explanation, states that even without him, Cao Danshu would be a respected Empress praised by officials, then leaves angrily.
Before leaving, he takes his favorite wine back to Funing Palace, instructs Kuning Palace staff to assist Cao Danshu with the Grand Court Assembly, promises them double pay, and gifts Cao Danshu ginseng. Back in Funing Palace, Zhao Zhen drinks and confides in his eunuch Liaoozi about Cao Danshu's continued detachment and politeness. Zhao Huirou, hidden, overhears their strained conversation and, seeing Cao Danshu's sadness, offers to stay with her for the night.
Meanwhile, Consort Yu and Miao Xinhe are seen discussing the engagement of Zong Shi and Gao Taotao. Zhao Huirou, confused by the conversation, learns that Zong Shi and Gao Taotao are expected to be like Zhao Zhen and Cao Danshu. Zhao Huirou then shares Gao Taotao's hope that Zong Shi will not take many concubines like Zhao Zhen.
Consort Yu considers this a possibility, noting that since Zhao Zhen now has a prince, Zong Shi is no longer in direct line for the throne, and if Gao Taotao can manage Zong Shi, her wish might be fulfilled. Consort Yu also remarks that it's fortunate Zhang Bihan only had a daughter, as the court hopes the heir's mother is benevolent, and Miao Xinhe carefully avoids further sensitive topics. Consort Yu cautions Zhao Huirou not to repeat their conversation.
Zhao Huirou, later unmotivated to paint on her study day, chats with Liang Huaiji, recounting what she overheard in Kuning Palace and concluding that Zhao Zhen holds only respect, not much love, for Cao Danshu. Later, Zhao Zhen summons Han Qi, who has returned to the capital and immediately apologizes for a military defeat. Zhao Zhen, not primarily concerned with the defeat and taking partial responsibility, seeks Han Qi's opinion on Lu Yijian's opposition to his reforms.
Zhao Zhen expresses his resolve to tackle the issue of redundant officials and reform the official system. To gain public trust and effectively implement reforms, he plans to appoint the most upright officials, Fan Zhongyan, Han Qi, and Fu Bi, to the two highest governmental bodies to lead this initiative. He subsequently announces this determination to his ministers at court.
In the imperial harem, Cao Danshu hosts a scent competition (also referred to as a "scent appreciation gathering"), aiming to select the most fragrant and economically made incense, inviting various ladies. Zhang Bihan, who typically avoids palace banquets and similar events, unexpectedly arrives with Xu Jingnu, surprising Cao Danshu. Cao Danshu politely invites Zhang Bihan to be seated.
Zhang Bihan then boasts that her incense was praised by Zhao Zhen and insists on competing with it, wanting everyone to appreciate it. Dong Qiuhe explains the voting rules. Among the many incense varieties, Xu Jingnu's "Pavilion Scent" and Dong Qiuhe's "Drunk Jiang Han" receive an equal number of votes. However, because Xu Jingnu's incense used significantly fewer ingredients (less than a tenth of Dong Qiuhe's), it is declared the winner.
Zhang Bihan, dismissive, declares it "just a game" and seems disdainful of the victory. Cao Danshu, wishing to avoid Zhang Bihan's self-congratulation, immediately awards her own prize to Xu Jingnu. As Xu Jingnu accepts the prize, she accidentally trips and falls, breaking the imperial gift. Zhang Bihan, seeing this mistake, laughs and scolds Xu Jingnu for being conceited, demanding she be punished with twenty strokes of the rod.
Cao Danshu defends Xu Jingnu, stating the prize is Xu Jingnu's to manage, and no one else has the right to interfere, but Zhang Bihan insists on the punishment, effectively challenging Cao Danshu.
