The Song of Glory Episode 30 Recap
> The Song of Glory Recap
Shen Lige remained unconscious, as ordinary medicine could only temporarily alleviate her condition without stimulating her senses. Time was running out, and her life was in danger. Desperate, Chen Shaoxun diligently consulted medical texts and eventually discovered that the extreme heat of snow lotus could dissolve the medicinal properties of Ba Qiao, and combining the two could cure her illness. However, a 20-year-old snow lotus was exceedingly rare, known only in ancient medical texts.
Liu Yixuan searched every medicine room in the Prince's residence but found nothing. Lu Wan'er arrived at San Jiu Hall to give an update on the Benevolence Courtyard and overheard the urgent need for the snow lotus. Out of kindness, she offered to help and soon found the precious herb in her family's own medicine cabinet. Chen Shaoxun, who had lost all hope, was overcome with emotion upon seeing Lu Wan'er present the snow lotus and embraced her tightly.
Meanwhile, Shen Tingzhang and his son, Shen Zhi, traveled out of the city to their designated meeting point. They had secretly stationed ten thousand elite soldiers about thirty li outside the city and dug defensive trenches. Shen Tingzhang then entrusted his wife, Shen Madam, to the care of close confidants. Shen Madam, still suffering from her illness, seemed to sense her husband's impending departure.
She anxiously offered him a bag of edible lotus seeds, repeatedly urging him to eat them as she watched him ride away. Shen Zhi reassured his mother that he and his father would return safely and instructed Uncle Zheng to protect her at all costs. Elsewhere, the recent conscription efforts had been largely unsuccessful, yielding barely more than ten thousand soldiers in total. This meager number was gravely insufficient to counter the Wei army's one hundred thousand troops advancing southward.
Courtiers, citing a sparse population due to frequent northern border battles, attempted to shirk responsibility. In response, Liu Yixuan, acting as regent, presented his own feudal land's household register, proving that military-eligible men were still available. He issued a stern decree, giving all noble clans ten days to thoroughly inspect their draft registers. Any household found to have concealed or falsely reported their numbers would have all assets confiscated and redirected to the state treasury.
Furthermore, any individuals with unclear household registrations would be immediately conscripted. Liu Yixuan's decisive actions sent shockwaves through the court. Secretariat Director Xie Hao, angered by the decree, sought to complain to Grand Consort Sun, but Xie Yunzhi intercepted him, reminding him that the inner court was not the place for political discussions. Xie Yunzhi then gently advised Grand Consort Sun that Prince Jing Ling likely had his reasons and should not be questioned.
At San Jiu Hall, Wang Zijin regularly read aloud Liu Yikang's heartfelt letters to Shen Lige, hoping to stir her consciousness. Unbeknownst to them, Shen Leqing, having discovered that Shen Lige was still alive, hired con artists to create a disturbance outside San Jiu Hall, accusing the medical practitioners of causing a death. As Chen Shaoxun and Kong Cheng stepped out to address the commotion, Shen Leqing seized the opportunity.
She slipped into the hall, knocked out Wang Zijin, and then, finding herself surrounded by Liu Yikang's paintings and letters to Shen Lige, was consumed by rage. She furiously tore the artwork and correspondence, demanding to know why Shen Lige so easily received Liu Yikang's love when she herself had loved him for so long and sacrificed everything.
With a dagger in hand, she lunged at Shen Lige, but just as she was about to strike, Shen Lige suddenly awoke, grabbed the weapon, and inflicted a cut on Shen Leqing. Realizing she was outmatched, Shen Leqing hired a carriage and fled the city. Despite her recent recovery, Shen Lige, having already given Shen Leqing chances, endured her illness and pursued her on horseback.
The chase led them to a perilous cliff where Shen Leqing, in her desperation, plunged into the chasm, meeting her end. Shen Lige observed her fall, remarking that malicious intentions invariably lead to bitter consequences. Soon after, officials arrived at San Jiu Hall, prompted by the false accusation from the con artist. They attempted to arrest Chen Shaoxun and Kong Cheng, but Liu Yixuan arrived just in time.
He vouched for San Jiu Hall's integrity and demanded a thorough investigation before any arrests were made, dismissing the accuser and securing Chen Shaoxun and Kong Cheng's release. Back inside, everyone was relieved to see Shen Lige awake and well. She recounted Shen Leqing's attack, and the others shared their worries during her unconscious state.
Upon learning that Liu Yikang was personally leading the expedition and her father and brother were secretly at the northern border, Shen Lige decided she too must go. Liu Yixuan explained that Liu Yikang had General Shen Tingzhang seemingly retire to prevent Lu Yuan from monitoring the Shen family, thus creating a vacancy for the northern general. To prevent Lu Yuan from seizing military power, Liu Yikang had to lead the army himself.
Her father and elder brother had secretly gone north to assist the Suiyuan Army from the rear, while her mother had been sent to a safe location before their departure. Shen Lige felt she had missed too much time with her family and Liu Yikang and yearned to be with them. Chen Shaoxun and Kong Cheng immediately pledged to accompany her, and Liu Yixuan granted their request. Before their journey, the three visited Xu Lin's grave.
Shen Lige reflected that despite Xu Lin having taken her from her family, she felt no hatred, but rather gratitude for the years he had raised her. Fate had ultimately led her back to her family and to her love, and her martial siblings had remained by her side. She acknowledged Xu Lin’s secret affection for them, believing he had been blinded by hatred but had ultimately paid for his actions.
Chen Shaoxun echoed her sentiments, urging them to look forward, free from hatred, and envision a brighter future together. Kong Cheng, brimming with youthful ambition, declared his post-war aspiration to be a righteous hero like Shen Lige, rather than confined to a medicine shop. At Matou City, Shen Feng received intelligence that Wan Jingsheng was mobilizing troops for a surprise attack.
With Prince Peng Cheng's army still two to three days away, Shen Feng immediately ordered his troops to fortify the city's defenses, emphasizing that every extra rock and arrow could save a life. Meanwhile, Liu Yikang, passing through a pear blossom forest, picked a bloom and pondered about Shen Lige, unaware that she, too, was thinking of him, cherishing his letters and paintings, and resolved to join him soon at the northern front to fight alongside him.
When Chen Shaoxun met Lu Wan'er again, he informed her of their impending departure for the northern border. He explained his duty as a medical practitioner to help in times of war and, with thoughtful care, left her with prepared medicines for her delicate health, promising that they would meet again. Lu Wan'er expressed her gratitude, feeling blessed to have known him.
