Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 41 Recap, Plot

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Zhao Zhen, in a conversation with his attendant Liáozi, initially about making insect cages, reflected on Zhang Maoze’s intelligence and the unfortunate circumstance that kept him confined to the palace, preventing him from achieving official fame or protecting Cao Danshu, whom he admired. Zhao Zhen acknowledged that Zhang Maoze and others wished to protect Cao Danshu, yet he believed they misunderstood her.

He asserted that Cao Danshu, as empress, performed her duties flawlessly and feared only failing in her responsibilities, not him or losing her position, and he fully trusted her capabilities. He opined that Zhang Bihan was more prone to making mistakes, thereby requiring more of his attention, leading him to inadvertently neglect Cao Danshu. Zhao Zhen had even planned to name Zuìxīnglái his crown prince once the child recovered, entrusting Cao Danshu with his education.

Meanwhile, Cao Danshu was discussing Zuìxīnglái’s critical condition with her attendant Dong Qiuhe. Although the child’s fever had subsided and the epidemic toxin cleared, his internal organs were severely damaged due to his young age. They hoped he could survive the next two crucial nights to gradually recover. Dong Qiuhe, who had already decided to leave the palace, expressed her admiration for Cao Danshu and wished to stay longer to learn from her.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a scream from Miao Xinhe, Zuìxīnglái’s mother. Medical officials rushed to check on Zuìxīnglái, but it was too late; he had passed away. Upon receiving news from the palace regarding the illness of both Zuìxīnglái and Zhao Huirou, Xia Song was delighted and immediately relayed the information to Zhao Yuanyǎn, hoping to instigate action against Yan Shu.

Zhao Yuanyǎn, muddled by illness, seized upon the news, interpreting Zuìxīnglái’s death as divine retribution for Zhao Zhen’s past lack of filial piety towards his birth mother, Li Lanhui, blaming Zhao Zhen’s earlier recognition of Liu E as his mother. Zhao Yuanyǎn entered the palace, declaring he had come to deliver a final memorial.

He vehemently accused Liu E of being an unkind woman who had mistreated Zhao Zhen in his youth and disrespected the late emperor, further alleging that Liu E had prevented Zhao Zhen from seeing his birth mother, thus denying him filial piety, which in turn brought the epidemic that afflicted Zuìxīnglái. Zhao Zhen, finding Zhao Yuanyǎn’s accusations tiresome and dismissive of Liu E’s contributions to the Song empire, regarded his words as raving madness.

Out of respect for Zhao Yuanyǎn’s advanced age, Zhao Zhen ordered him to be escorted to a side hall for rest and left with Liang Huaiji. As Zhao Zhen walked away, Zhang Maoze rushed to him, grief-stricken, to report Zuìxīnglái’s death. The news struck Zhao Zhen like a thunderbolt.

Recalling Zhao Yuanyǎn’s earlier accusations, Zhao Zhen could no longer deny his deepest fears and began to question if his perceived lack of filial piety truly was the reason for the successive deaths of his children. He cried out to the heavens, lamenting and asking if Li Lanhui truly could not forgive him, sending Zuìxīnglái to accompany her. After his initial grief, Zhao Zhen hurried to Yifeng Pavilion, intending to comfort a devastated Miao Xinhe.

However, Cao Danshu intervened, gently stopping him. She revealed that Zhao Huirou was also suffering from a high fever, constantly calling for her father and brother. Miao Xinhe, having been solely focused on caring for Zuìxīnglái, had not been able to attend to Zhao Huirou. Realizing that Zhao Huirou needed him most, Zhao Zhen rushed into her room. The imperial doctors attempted to stop him, fearing he might be affected by the illness, but Cao Danshu overruled them.

She reasoned that Zhao Huirou was all Zhao Zhen had left, and since the doctors were uncertain if Zhao Huirou truly had the epidemic or if she could be cured, she could not prevent Zhao Zhen from being with his daughter. Meanwhile, Zhang Maoze moved swiftly to seal off news of Zuìxīnglái’s death, preventing it from spreading outside the palace.

However, upon learning of Zhao Yuanyǎn’s specific knowledge about Zuìxīnglái’s illness and his subsequent memorial to Zhao Zhen, Zhang Maoze grew suspicious of an internal leak, though he did not yet know how the information had been disseminated. Distraught, Zhao Zhen decided to issue an imperial decree to grant further honors to Li Yonghe, Li Lanhui’s brother, hoping to appease his birth mother’s spirit and pray for Zhao Huirou’s recovery and safe growth. However, this decision faced strong opposition.

Ouyang Xiu vehemently argued against the decree, asserting that Li Yonghe was being honored without merit and that Zhao Zhen’s action violated the principles of the new policies, which would undoubtedly cause widespread discontent. Ouyang Xiu sought out Yan Shu, urging him to dissuade Zhao Zhen, but Yan Shu remained indifferent and refused to assist. Zhao Zhen remained at Yifeng Pavilion, diligently caring for Zhao Huirou. As Zhao Huirou’s condition improved, she noticed Zhao Zhen’s haggard appearance from constant care.

Feeling pity for him, she told him she was better and urged him to rest, assuring him that with Liang Huaiji’s company, she was not afraid. She promised to take her medicine, rest well, and, once recovered, help him take care of Miao Xinhe. Zhao Zhen was both comforted and saddened by Zhao Huirou’s sudden maturity; after holding her for a moment, he went to rest.

Still fearing his children were being punished by Li Lanhui’s spirit, Zhao Zhen summoned Li Yonghe, along with his sons Li Zhang and Li Wei, to the palace. He prayed to Li Lanhui, vowing to treat the Li family generously and bestow upon them the highest honors. Li Yonghe, however, was filled with unease by Zhao Zhen’s repeated honors. When summoned, he humbly bowed, expressing his unworthiness, stating that he was nearing sixty and unfit for heavy responsibilities.

He also recalled Li Lanhui’s past admonition for them to remain ordinary people and avoid troubling Zhao Zhen. He pleaded with Zhao Zhen to allow him to retire, only agreeing to partake in the family meal if his request was granted. Zhao Zhen, who had only intended to bestow more honors, was at a loss, realizing his intentions had become a burden to Li Yonghe.

During the family meal, Zhao Zhen, seeing Li Yonghe’s resolve to decline further official duties for himself, offered to grant honors to his son, Li Wei. Li Yonghe, however, refused this as well, explaining that Li Wei was of mediocre talent and too young, and that even a nominal official position could lead him to neglect his studies. Zhao Zhen, acknowledging the wisdom in Li Yonghe’s words and not wanting Li Wei to abandon his education, changed his offer.

Instead of an official title, he granted Li Wei one wish. Li Wei, sensing Zhao Zhen’s kindness, boldly asked for another opportunity to see Zhao Huirou. He explained that he wanted to personally give her the various delicious candied fruits he had collected from the common folk, knowing they were her favorites. Zhao Zhen, seeing the boy’s sincere heart despite his disregard for palace etiquette, was not concerned. He promised to deliver Li Wei’s snacks to Zhao Huirou and arranged for them to sit together at the next palace banquet.

Episode 40 Recap

Episode 42 Recap