The Song of Glory Episode 41 Recap
> The Song of Glory Recap
Shen Feng arrived at Prince Peng Cheng's manor, ostensibly for military affairs, but also to visit his older sister, Shen Lige. The siblings, as always, engaged in playful banter. Shen Feng cheekily addressed Shen Lige as "Side Consort Li," then commented on her more feminine appearance, teasing her about cooking and having many children. Shen Lige defended her cooking and her relationship with Liu Yikang, stating he loved her as she was. Together, they went to visit Liu Yikang.
In Cheng Xiu Pavilion, they overheard a report being given to Liu Yikang about General Shen Tingzhang and his son's valiant victory against the Wei Army. The people were so moved they wished to erect a tablet of longevity for Shen Tingzhang, hailing him as the greatest general of their generation.
However, several ministers advised against this, arguing that the Shen family already held significant power with three generals, and with Shen Lige married to Liu Yikang, further rewards could lead to them becoming overly proud or overstepping their authority. They suggested distributing the Shen family's military power. One minister even dared to mention that Side Consort Li had a monopoly on Liu Yikang's favor.
Shen Feng, enraged by these criticisms, was about to confront the ministers, but Shen Lige swiftly pulled him away. Still fuming, Shen Feng returned home. His anger began to subside as he heard his mother, Shen Furen, singing a childhood song. He approached her, only to find her increasingly confused, mistaking him first for Shen Zhi and then calling him by his own name.
Shen Furen was making clothes for "Jia'er" and diligently copying scriptures, believing her sincerity would bring good fortune. Concerned about his mother's worsening condition, Shen Feng pulled Uncle Zheng aside. Uncle Zheng confirmed Shen Furen's growing confusion and her newfound obsession with copying scriptures and frequent temple visits, though he was somewhat relieved by her improved mood. Later, Shen Furen went to Shen Leqing's room, presenting her with the copied scriptures and a hairpin while calling her "Jia'er".
She expressed her desire for "Jia'er" to return home, promising to protect her. Shen Leqing feigned filial piety, suggesting they wait for her father and brother's return to give them a "pleasant surprise." After Shen Furen left, Shen Leqing planned to use Shen Furen's handwriting to forge a letter to Shen Tingzhang, luring him to Weiyang Lake. With General Shen and Shen Zhi's imminent return, Wang Zijin was diligently preparing clothes for Shen Zhi.
Her father, Wang Gong, expressed his concerns, but Wang Zijin reaffirmed her love for Shen Zhi and reminded her father of his promise. She then confessed that she and Shen Zhi had secretly married in Matou City, sanctioned by Prince Peng Cheng, during a perilous time. Though initially displeased with Prince Peng Cheng's involvement, Wang Gong understood Wang Zijin's unwavering devotion.
He acknowledged his past reluctance stemmed from a desire to spare her a life of constant worry, but seeing her resolute, he agreed to fulfill her wish, prepare her dowry, and personally visit the Shen manor upon the generals' return to formalize the marriage. Shen Lige decided to visit her family, and Liu Yikang personally helped her pack. He jokingly expressed his reluctance for her to leave, bargaining her stay down to three days.
Shen Lige had cooked a meal for him, which he found "a little bitter" but declared a "feast for my eyes" because of her beauty. To appear a "generous son-in-law," he encouraged her to take many gifts to her father. Shen Lige playfully leveraged this, successfully requesting his oldest jar of Bixin wine from his cellar, a request he feigned pain over but ultimately granted, stating he only hated to part with her.
Outside the room, Xiao Xin had been listening, musing that she wanted to marry a man like Prince Peng Cheng. San Bao, overhearing her, grew jealous. Xiao Xin further teased him, calling him "not like a man," commenting on his slim figure, fair face, and his name, San Bao, which she likened to a "palace lady."
San Bao, deeply hurt, angrily explained that Prince Peng Cheng, who had taken him in as an orphan servant and taught him to read, had given him that name, and he was proud of it. Xiao Xin quickly apologized, professing her admiration for his name and looks. Xu Zhan then appeared, playfully lifting San Bao to diffuse the tension.
Xu Zhan shared that he too had lost his parents to Lu Yuan's private foundry, and they all bonded over their shared experience of growing up in Prince Peng Cheng's manor, considering Shen Lige as their family. They then lightened the mood by talking about lotus seeds. On the day of her return visit, the Anbei General's manor was bustling. Shen Lige arrived with several carriages laden with gifts, including a carriage full of Bixin wine, drawing crowds of onlookers.
Shen Feng, eager to meet his father and brother, rushed off to the post station. Uncle Zheng informed Shen Lige that master chefs had been preparing the family's favorite dishes all morning, with Wang Zijin even personally purchasing fresh fish. However, when Shen Lige inquired about her mother, Uncle Zheng hesitantly revealed that Shen Furen did not wish to see her.
Shen Lige went to her mother's room, where Shen Furen addressed her formally as "Side Consort Li," criticizing the extravagant gifts and stating that Shen Lige was not her daughter nor related to the Shen family. She claimed not to know Lige, insisting this woman was not her daughter, Jia'er, and demanded she leave so she could continue copying scriptures. Hurt but attempting to comfort herself, Shen Lige hoped her mother would eventually recover.
At the Wang Manor, Wang Zijin took out a plum flower hairpin, a token carved by Shen Zhi, recalling his words: "Keep wearing it, until I come back." She smiled, deeply anticipating his return. Meanwhile, Shen Tingzhang and Shen Zhi, on horseback, eagerly rode towards Weiyang Lake, looking forward to meeting Shen Furen. As they entered a suburban forest, a long rope suddenly tripped their horses, sending them both tumbling.
As they tried to get up, a volley of wooden spikes rained down from all directions, followed by dozens of assassins who quickly surrounded them. The Shen father and son fought fiercely but were outnumbered and quickly sustained multiple injuries. Xue Qiu then emerged, revealing his identity. Shen Tingzhang recognized him and condemned his unrepentant nature despite Lu Yuan's execution. Xue Qiu demanded Shen Tingzhang kneel.
Before his father could, Shen Zhi prevented him, lamenting that he was an unfilial son for being unable to protect his country, his family, or his mother. He clutched the plum flower hairpin, remembering his vow to marry Wang Zijin, and then slit his own throat, dying in his father's arms. Overcome with grief, Shen Tingzhang cradled his dying son, blaming himself for failing to protect him. As he mourned, Xue Qiu slowly approached and fatally stabbed him. At the same moment, back at the Shen manor, as Wang Zijin held Shen Zhi's carved plum flower hairpin, it suddenly broke in her hands.
