The Song of Glory Episode 18 Recap
> The Song of Glory Recap
Shen Lige, having resided in the manor for some time, paid a formal visit to Princess Consort Xie Wenzhi. Xie Wenzhi, who had heard of Shen Lige protecting a maid named Hong Dan, expressed her admiration. Shen Lige clarified that Hong Dan's mistake was unintentional and not a major offense, emphasizing that while the manor's rules were strict, they should not be unreasonable.
Impressed, Xie Wenzhi granted Shen Lige full authority over the Han Ling Pavilion, her temporary residence, and advised her to be both kind and strict, diligently abiding by rules for her own protection. Later, Xie Wenzhi presented Shen Lige with a custom-made wedding accessory, highlighting Liu Yikang's high regard for the marriage and the importance of adhering to etiquette. After leaving the Princess Consort's residence, Shen Lige and her maids returned to Han Ling Pavilion.
Along the way, Shen Lige observed an increased military presence in the manor and paused. Liu Yikang coincidentally returned, and his attendant pointed out Shen Lige. However, Liu Yikang, preoccupied with an urgent matter, merely glanced at her back before leaving. Xiao Xin quickly informed Shen Lige that he was Prince Peng Cheng, but Shen Lige only caught a fleeting glimpse, again missing the chance to see his face.
Curious, Shen Lige tasked Xiao Xin and Hong Dan with discreetly gathering information about Prince Peng Cheng. The maids soon learned that Liu Yikang dined with Princess Consort Xie Wenzhi at Jiao Hua Pavilion on the first and fifteenth of each month, a rule set by the Grand Consort due to the distant relationship between the couple, explaining why Xie Wenzhi had not yet conceived. Shen Lige expressed pity for the Princess Consort's situation.
Meanwhile, Shen Leqing, consumed by jealousy, instructed her maid Ling Xi to spread rumors about Shen Lige having extensive blade scars across her body, hoping to prevent the marriage. Xue Qiu warned Shen Leqing to act only as an informant for Protectorate Lieutenant-General Lu and not to meddle, threatening to replace her if she disobeyed. However, Shen Leqing, determined to become Prince Peng Cheng's consort, refused to back down.
Later, Shen Leqing and Ling Xi deliberately discussed the alleged scars in front of Grand Consort Sun. Ling Xi elaborated, claiming Shen Lige's long-lost past and sword scars indicated a fierce fate that would bring misfortune to Liu Yikang and the manor. Infuriated by the disrespectful gossip, the Grand Consort ordered Ling Xi's mouth to be slapped and Shen Leqing to be thrashed twenty times as a warning to all servants against gossiping about their masters.
Despite the pain, Shen Leqing told Ling Xi her injuries were worth it if they helped eliminate Shen Lige. In the following days, Shen Lige displayed an increasingly unconventional demeanor. During etiquette lessons with Aunt Yue Mei, she was often distracted, climbing trees to rescue birds. When Aunt Yue Mei sternly tightened Xiao Xin's belt during a dressing lesson, causing Xiao Xin distress, Shen Lige intervened, humorously putting the belt on Aunt Yue Mei, who pleaded for release.
Princess Consort Xie Wenzhi, witnessing this, was amused rather than angered. She noted that Shen Lige's arrival had brought unprecedented laughter and liveliness to the once-somber manor. Xie Wenzhi invited Shen Lige to share stories of her adventurous life outside the manor. Shen Lige recounted tales of confronting kidnappers and tricksters, which fascinated Xie Wenzhi. They also discussed rules, with Shen Lige questioning the practicality of a rule limiting food consumption, suggesting it was wasteful.
Xie Wenzhi, who had always followed rules without question, found Shen Lige's perspective refreshing and logical. Xie Wenzhi then expressed her deeper thoughts on women's limited choices in marriage, lamenting that their pursuits often ended in vanity, and stating that merely being present and offering companionship might be the best path. She confessed her genuine fondness for Shen Lige, appreciating her lack of materialism and status-seeking, and affirming the happiness Shen Lige had brought to her life.
A servant then announced that Grand Consort Sun wished to meet Shen Lige and Xie Wenzhi. During the meeting, the Grand Consort used "ugly sand oranges" as a veiled insult, questioning how Shen Lige, with her common background and scars, could serve Prince Peng Cheng. Xie Wenzhi attempted to defend Shen Lige by citing Emperor Gaozu's edict and the Shen family's merits, but the Grand Consort cut her off.
Shen Lige then dramatically undid her clothes, exposing her numerous, startling blade scars. The Grand Consort concluded that the matter was beyond her and Xie Wenzhi and should be left to Prince Peng Cheng. Back in Han Ling Pavilion, Shen Lige reassured a worried Xiao Xin that Liu Yikang's interest in the Shen family was for their military power, not her appearance, and the marriage would not be easily canceled, viewing it as a political maneuver.
Liu Yikang, learning of the controversy, consulted Xie Wenzhi. She confirmed that she had found a physician and a special "Skin Comfort Balm" that could heal blade scars, a remedy from Emperor Gaozu's time. Liu Yikang expressed his gratitude for her thoughtfulness. Xie Wenzhi reiterated her genuine liking for Shen Lige, contrasting Shen Lige's vibrant, unconventional life with her own strictly regulated upbringing.
She urged Liu Yikang to visit Shen Lige, arguing that it would counter rumors of misfortune, demonstrate his commitment to the marriage, and reassure Shen Lige, all while challenging his own reforms by breaking tradition. Liu Yikang, deeply moved by Xie Wenzhi's open-mindedness and her belief in equality for all citizens, agreed to visit Shen Lige. Xie Wenzhi promptly sent exquisite hairpins to Han Ling Pavilion.
Upon hearing that Liu Yikang was approaching, Shen Lige, suppressing her emotions, dismissed her maids. She then hid a hairpin in her sleeve and waited by the door, poised for an assassination attempt. However, just as Liu Yikang reached her door, his attendant Xu Zhan rushed up, informing him that Prince Jing Ling (Liu Yixuan) had an emergency military report and was waiting at Cheng Xiu Pavilion. Liu Yikang immediately left, inadvertently saving himself from Shen Lige's ambush.
Concerned about any potential exposure, Shen Lige visited Xie Wenzhi, feigning a desire to leave the manor due to her scars and not wanting to burden the household. Xie Wenzhi reassured her that Liu Yikang was unaffected and that the marriage would proceed. She then introduced Medical Officer Sun Zehai, who presented his family's inherited "Skin Comfort Balm," a powerful remedy for scars.
He explained that while the balm would cause unbearable itching for three days, enduring it would result in completely new skin. Shen Lige, grateful for the Princess Consort's care, accepted the treatment, stating that her life experiences had prepared her for such discomfort. Sun Zehai left to prepare the medicine. Unbeknownst to them, Shen Leqing and Ling Xi overheard this. Realizing Xie Wenzhi was helping Shen Lige, Shen Leqing rushed to the pharmacy.
There, she overheard Sun Zehai warning his apprentice about a vital ingredient in the balm, Jianxueku, emphasizing that even a slight overdose could be fatal. Seizing the opportunity, Shen Leqing ordered Ling Xi to distract the apprentice, allowing her to tamper with the potent medicine.
