The Song of Glory Episode 16 Recap
> The Song of Glory Recap
On a cool evening, Shen Lige, Shen Zhi, and Shen Feng gathered on the rooftop, drinking and talking lightheartedly. Shen Feng expressed his joy in having Shen Lige as an older sister, contrasting her with Shen Leqing, who he claimed only knew how to tattletale to their parents. Shen Lige confessed she had never experienced such a refreshing and warm feeling before. She asked her brothers about their future aspirations.
Shen Zhi declared his intention to guard their territory and family, becoming a pillar for them. Shen Feng, eager for the battlefield, stated he aimed to become a renowned general rather than merely protecting the state like his elder brother. Shen Lige embraced their ambitions, affirming that she would join them in striving for the betterment of the nation so they would live a life without regrets.
Their cheerful gathering was eventually interrupted when Uncle Zheng discovered them, scolding Shen Feng for stealing the general’s wine. Meanwhile, Wan'er, still unable to accept her father's death, played the zither in a desolate pavilion, seeking to vent her grief. Overcome by emotion, she collapsed due to a flare-up of her heart ailment. Fortunately, Chen Shaoxun, who was gathering herbs nearby, found her and rushed her to San Jiu Hall.
Upon waking, Wan'er thanked Chen Shaoxun and intended to leave, but he advised her against it, noting her weakened state and heart condition. He revealed his extensive research on complex illnesses and offered to help find a cure, which her late father had long sought. Wan'er noticed gardenias planted nearby and realized Chen Shaoxun had incorporated them into her medicine.
She praised his meticulous and thoughtful approach, acknowledging that his deep understanding of the flower's medicinal and comforting properties was remarkable. After retrieving her forgotten music book, Wan'er departed, leaving Chen Shaoxun’s colleague to tease him about being smitten. With the court temporarily at peace after Lu Yuan's downfall, Liu Yikang invited Shen Lige to stroll through the bustling market.
They savored various street foods, with Liu Yikang playfully guiding her on how to eat them and teasing her for her "pettiness" when she refused to share a bite. Later, they came upon a display of lanterns, each bearing a poem. Shen Lige read aloud, "There was a beautiful person, lovely, with clear eyes and a fine forehead. We met accidentally, my desire was satisfied. Change my heart for your heart, we will know each other well."
Liu Yikang, looking at her, suggested the poem was written about them, subtly using it to express his profound feelings. Back at San Jiu Hall, Xu Lin, Chen Shaoxun, and Shen Lige finalized their assassination plan for Liu Yikang's upcoming wedding. Chen Shaoxun was tasked with entering the prince's manor through the west route to create a diversion at the Fangying Pavilion during the ceremony, allowing Shen Lige to escape.
After the assassination, Shen Lige would pass through the front courtyard and flee via the east route, where Kong Cheng would meet her, before they all rendezvoused at the Luohua Shop. Xu Lin sternly warned Shen Lige against any mistakes, emphasizing this would be their last chance. Reflecting on their mission, Shen Lige pondered if they were destined to be bound by hatred for their entire lives.
Chen Shaoxun agreed, expressing that true happiness might lie in letting go of their hatred and living as normal people, perhaps with him pursuing his dream of being a benevolent doctor. Kong Cheng then arrived, excitedly sharing secret intelligence he had gathered about the princess consort and imperial consort dowager’s pastimes, warning Shen Lige that they were extremely troublesome and prone to punishment.
Meanwhile, Shen Lige’s mother lovingly prepared items for her daughter’s upcoming stay at the royal manor to learn etiquette. She insisted on packing Shen Lige’s personal belongings, stating that nothing could compare to what she personally prepared. She even described a pillow filled with dried orchids for better sleep.
Moved by her mother’s affection, Shen Lige expressed how wonderful it was to be her daughter and wished for their simple happiness to last forever, asking to sleep with her mother that night. Her mother affectionately agreed. In the imperial court, Liu Yixuan voiced his discontent with the power concentrated in the noble families, whose deep-rooted connections led to corruption.
He proposed that, in addition to increasing the number of selected officials, it was crucial to also implement examinations for Zhongzheng officials to ensure impartiality and fairness. Liu Yikang fully supported this, further declaring his intent to establish Confucian academies across the country, breaking the monopoly of private education and opening the doors for public selections based on merit. Under house arrest, Lu Yuan continued his machinations.
He paid a visit to Grand Concubine Sun, offering a thoughtful gift and subtly sowing seeds of discord. He reported that Liu Yikang was frequently meeting with poor scholars, discussing literature and politics, implying Liu Yikang intended to empower them to share authority with the noble clans. Lu Yuan insinuated that Liu Yikang desired to fill the court with commoners, an outcome that would solidify their loyalty to the prince and make future plans difficult for the noble families.
Grand Concubine Sun, already displeased with Liu Yikang’s marriage to a commoner, listened intently as Lu Yuan expertly fanned her resentment. Having exhausted all avenues in her selfish pursuits, Shen Leqing reluctantly accepted her arranged marriage to a family in Tong City. Dressed in fine attire, she bid a seemingly tearful farewell to her parents and brother, expressing gratitude for their upbringing.
Later that night, during her journey, she offered wine to her maid, Lingxi, and the sedan chair bearers, claiming it would keep them warm. Unbeknownst to them, the wine was poisoned. After they all collapsed, Shen Leqing calmly stepped out of the sedan, her face devoid of emotion.
