Serenade of Peaceful Joy Episode 9 Recap
> Serenade of Peaceful Joy Recap
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At a banquet, Wang Gongchen approached Ouyang Xiu, attempting to curry favor and asking if Ouyang Xiu would be willing to become Xue Kui's son-in-law. Ouyang Xiu not only refused but also ridiculed Wang Gongchen, causing him to leave the banquet early, feeling humiliated. Wang Gongchen's wife, Xue Yuhu, who was waiting with other women, was angered upon learning of the ridicule and went home.
Zhao Zhen, in a good mood, watched a shadow puppet play written by Fan Zhongyan with his ministers. He used this opportunity to inform Lü Yijian, who had previously sought Fan Zhongyan's dismissal, that Cao Danshu was a highly suitable Empress and that the turmoil surrounding the deposed Empress had subsided. Han Qi, during the play, praised Fan Zhongyan's poetry and spoke favorably of him.
Zhao Zhen then instructed Lü Yijian to find an opportunity to recall Fan Zhongyan to service, which Lü Yijian reluctantly agreed to. After the shadow puppet play, Zhao Zhen went to Kunning Palace, where he found Cao Danshu hosting a drinking party for palace consorts. Miao Xinhe and the other consorts promptly excused themselves upon his arrival. Zhao Zhen asked Cao Danshu for a cup of wine.
As they drank into the evening, Zhao Zhen, observing Cao Danshu's knowledge of agricultural machinery, speculated that she must have traveled extensively with her father or brothers. Cao Danshu did not respond. Zhao Zhen subtly expressed a desire to stay overnight, but Cao Danshu politely suggested that he had memorials needing his attention and should return to his palace early. Feeling rejected, Zhao Zhen left. Returning to his palace in anger, Zhao Zhen dismissed all his servants.
A concerned Zhang Maoze inquired about his distress. Zhao Zhen confided that he believed Cao Danshu still resented him for not visiting Kunning Palace on their wedding night, which he felt was why she sent him away. Zhang Maoze suggested Zhao Zhen could forcibly stay, as Cao Danshu would not dare refuse an imperial decree. However, Zhao Zhen refused, unwilling to force Cao Danshu.
Meanwhile, in her own palace, Cao Danshu's maid, Huan'er, questioned why Cao Danshu had sent Zhao Zhen away if she harbored feelings for him. Cao Danshu revealed her belief that Zhao Zhen did not like her. She had learned after entering the palace that Zhao Zhen had a woman he liked, Chen Xichun, before their marriage, leading her to conclude that he was coerced into marrying her and did not love her.
Cao Danshu suspected Zhao Zhen's interest in her knowledge of machinery, similar to Chen Xichun, meant he viewed her as a mere substitute. She was unwilling to become a stand-in or someone Zhao Zhen could treat casually. Despite Huan'er's advice to let go of these grievances, Cao Danshu resolved that if she could not have mutual affection with Zhao Zhen, she would instead fulfill her duty as Empress by managing the Harem diligently and acting as his loyal subject.
The deposed Empress Guo, demoted to Net Consort, upon learning of the new Empress, began to seek sympathy by attempting self-harm, including crashing into a pillar. Yan Wenying reported this to Cao Danshu, embellishing details about Guo's disloyalty and hoping Cao Danshu would severely punish her. However, Cao Danshu was not swayed, criticizing Yan Wenying and warning him against casually discussing Guo or spreading unfounded rumors.
Cao Danshu then decided to personally visit Zhao Zhen in Funing Hall, a place she had not set foot in during her nearly one year as Empress, to discuss Empress Guo's situation. Zhao Zhen was exceptionally pleased to learn of Cao Danshu's visit and immediately arranged for wine to entertain her. Cao Danshu inquired about his intentions for Guo.
Zhao Zhen admitted he had previously softened and considered bringing Guo back privately, even sending Zhang Maoze to check on her after Guo had caused trouble. Cao Danshu, feeling that Guo, despite being deposed, remained a consort and shared a similar fate, urged Zhao Zhen to allow Guo's return to the palace. Zhao Zhen, gently taking Cao Danshu's hand, wanted to explain his reasons for deposing Guo and discuss their marital issues.
After hearing Zhao Zhen's explanation—that Guo, though unsuitable as Empress, was straightforward and not malicious, and should not face a tragic end—Cao Danshu expressed understanding. She continued to persuade Zhao Zhen to bring Guo back, suggesting Guo could be re-conferred with the title of Worthy Consort or Noble Consort. She assured Zhao Zhen that she would manage any difficult relationship with Guo and fulfill her duties as Empress.
Zhao Zhen was greatly surprised by Cao Danshu's magnanimity and agreed to Guo's rightful return, re-conferring her as Worthy Consort. Cao Danshu also requested the promotion of Miao Xinhe and two other consorts, which Zhao Zhen also granted. Having concluded these matters, Cao Danshu promptly excused herself, leaving Zhao Zhen at a loss for words and watching her depart with evident reluctance.
Back in her palace, Huan'er remarked on Zhao Zhen's apparent regret at Cao Danshu's departure, suggesting he would not have forced her to leave if she was truly unwilling. However, Cao Danshu maintained that if Zhao Zhen truly wanted her to stay, he would have issued an imperial decree, which he did not. She felt she held no place in Zhao Zhen's heart, given Empress Guo and Miao Xinhe before her, and Chen Xichun in his past.
Cao Danshu continued to believe that she must avoid excessive contact with Zhao Zhen, fearing her underlying resentment would deepen and eventually erupt, preventing her from becoming a tolerant and magnanimous Empress, unlike Guo. Lü Yijian, discussing Cao Danshu's handling of Empress Guo and the promotions of the consorts with Gao Ruona, found her approach remarkably clever, as it simultaneously pleased Zhao Zhen and strengthened her influence within the Harem.
That evening, Ren Shouchong suddenly reported the news of Empress Guo's death to Cao Danshu, who was greatly astonished. Zhao Zhen, upon learning of Guo's passing, ordered Zhang Maoze to investigate. The investigation revealed that Yan Wenying had tampered with Guo's medicine, causing her death. Zhao Zhen was overcome with self-reproach, believing his oversight in this "simple" family matter had led to Guo's premature demise. He realized that for an emperor, his "private" household affairs could never truly be private.
