The Song of Glory Episode 20 Recap
> The Song of Glory Recap
Shen Lige, having already foreseen the poisoning attempt, had secretly replaced her Skin Comfort Balm. She gathers her loyal maids, Xiao Xin and another, reassuring them of her safety and expressing gratitude for their fierce devotion. She emphasizes that they are family now and must prioritize their lives above all else. Meanwhile, Lingxi, the maid involved in the poisoning, is being interrogated and subjected to torture under Yu Yan's supervision.
Wang Zijin is escorted back to her manor by Shen Feng. At the gate, she defiantly proclaims her unwavering love and commitment to Shen Zhi, sending a message through Shen Feng that she is destined to be his wife, regardless of her father's disapproval. Her father, enraged by her defiance, orders her confinement. Confronting him, Wang Zijin laments his focus on her well-being over her heartfelt desires. Concurrently, Shen Tingzhang is in his study, consumed by guilt.
He recalls a painful memory from a past war where, to save the city's inhabitants, he was forced to close the gates, leaving Wang Zijin's two brothers outside to die in battle. His wife attempts to comfort him, reminding him of his duty as a general. Yet, Shen Tingzhang remains remorseful, fearing this old grievance will now obstruct Shen Zhi and Wang Zijin's happiness.
Later, Shen Feng finds a gloomy Shen Zhi on night duty and teases him about the complexities of love. Shen Zhi, however, firmly declares his steadfast love for Wang Zijin, affirming his heart will forever belong to her until death parts them. Liu Yixuan visits Sun Taifei, who is reviewing the plans for Liu Yikang's marriage to Shen Lige.
Sun Taifei expresses concerns about the grandeur of the ceremony for a commoner's daughter and the potential for criticism, given the existing Princess Consort. Liu Yixuan dismisses these worries, asserting that dedication to the state outweighs social status. The Princess Consort then arrives to report that Shen Lige was poisoned and the culprit's maid was apprehended. Sun Taifei, wishing to avoid any scandal before the wedding, instructs her not to inform Liu Yikang and promises to personally visit Shen Lige.
Soon after, Liu Yixuan visits Shen Lige, who is practicing flower arranging. He warns her that the poisoning incident may be politically motivated due to the alliance between the Shen family and Prince Peng Cheng, urging her to be cautious and offering his help. Observing their warm interaction, Sun Taifei later scolds Liu Yixuan for visiting Shen Lige in Han Ling Pavilion.
She warns him that such actions, especially with Shen Lige soon to be his sister-in-law, could lead to damaging rumors that would harm the reputation of Jingling Manor. Liu Yixuan, however, remains confident in his brother's trust. Liu Yikang is discussing the details of his upcoming marriage when an official voices concerns about public opinion regarding a marriage to a commoner. Liu Yikang firmly dismisses these objections, reiterating his decision is final.
An urgent report then arrives from Danyang, revealing that malicious individuals in a Confucian academy have framed students for conspiracy. Frustrated that his initiative to establish academies for commoners is being undermined, Liu Yikang summons Secretariat Director Xie Hao and Protectorate Lieutenant-General Lu Yuan. He highlights the malevolent intent behind the framing and entrusts them with the investigation, underscoring their responsibility to protect the students. Following the meeting, Xie Hao criticizes Lu Yuan for his perceived complacency.
Lu Yuan, however, assures Xie Hao that he has a strategy to manage the situation. Later, alone, Lu Yuan inwardly mocks Xie Hao, confident that Fang Qing's entry into the court will further expose Xie Hao's vulnerabilities. During a court session, the Minister of Personnel begins to read the official appointments, but upon reaching Fang Qing's name, he discovers the dossier has been secretly replaced. This substitution was orchestrated by Liu Yixuan.
Secretariat Director Xie Hao immediately objects to Fang Qing's appointment, revealing that Fang Qing's father was executed for cowardice and his teacher committed suicide due to treason, labeling the Fang clan as criminals unfit for government service. Liu Yikang, sharing the same teacher as Fang Qing, responds sharply, questioning whether Xie Hao's issue is with Fang Qing personally or the report's content.
To counter the growing dissent and protect Fang Qing, Liu Yikang orders a thorough re-investigation of the family background of everyone on the list. Recognizing Liu Yikang's strategic move, Lu Yuan then steps forward to commend Fang Qing's erudition and talent, affirming his suitability for a position. Afterward, Xie Hao angrily confronts Lu Yuan for not opposing the appointment. Lu Yuan calmly asserts that his clan prioritizes selecting capable individuals, even commoners, who can be useful to their cause.
Shen Lige visits the imprisoned Lingxi, attempting to persuade her to betray Shen Leqing by arguing that Leqing is ruthless and will inevitably dispose of her. However, Shen Leqing also visits Lingxi in her cell. In a veiled threat, she reminds Lingxi of her loyalty not just to her, but also to her younger siblings and the sacrifices required to protect them. She gives Lingxi a steamed bun, which secretly contains a note with instructions, ensuring the maid's cooperation.
After several days of diligent etiquette lessons, Shen Lige undergoes her official assessment before Sun Taifei and Princess Consort Xie Yunzhi. Her composed and graceful demeanor pleases Sun Taifei, who bestows upon her the title of "Side Consort Li," a name derived from Lige's own name. Sun Taifei advises her to maintain proper conduct and adhere to rituals once she enters the marriage.
Seizing the moment, Shen Lige announces that she has identified the mastermind behind her poisoning and requests that all maids from Jiao Hua Pavilion be assembled. Once gathered, Shen Lige dramatically exposes Shen Leqing as the Second Miss of the Shen family, revealing she had disguised herself as a maid after fleeing an arranged marriage. Shen Lige directly accuses Shen Leqing of ordering Lingxi to tamper with her Skin Comfort Balm.
Shen Leqing vehemently denies the allegations, claiming she merely sought refuge from an unwanted marriage and harbored no ill will toward her "Older Sister." Shen Lige then calls upon Lingxi to testify. To everyone's astonishment, Lingxi, despite her severe injuries, unexpectedly implicates Yu Yan, alleging that Yu Yan commanded her to add the poison, Jianxueku, to the ointment and threatened her with expulsion if she refused.
Yu Yan is shocked and denies the accusation, accusing Shen Leqing of orchestrating the frame-up out of resentment for past reprimands. Shen Leqing, in turn, feigns innocence, asserting her lowly status as a maid would prevent her from executing such a scheme.
