The Song of Glory Episode 42 Recap
> The Song of Glory Recap
Shen Feng arrived at the courier station, only to learn that his father, Shen Tingzhang, and eldest brother, Shen Zhi, had rerouted to Weiyang Lake. When he reached the forest, a horrific sight met his eyes: his father and brother lay lifeless. Overwhelmed by grief, Shen Feng cried out their names, begging them to answer and promising to take them home. He repeatedly declared, "We're going home!" as he loaded their bodies onto a cart.
He then pulled the cart through the streets of Jiankang, past somber citizens. Hidden in a corner, Shen Leqing watched the procession with a contemptuous sneer. At the gates of the Shen residence, Shen Feng finally collapsed in tears. Meanwhile, at the Shen residence, Shen Lige, Wang Zijin, and others awaited their return. Madam Shen, unaware of the tragedy, fretted about their delay, asking why the General and her son had not yet arrived, and where Shen Feng had gone.
Shen Lige tried to reassure her, suggesting they might have been delayed by camp matters. Shortly after, a commotion outside signaled their arrival, shattering any lingering hope. Inside, Wang Zijin clung to Shen Zhi's lifeless body, sobbing inconsolably. She reminded him of his lifelong ambition to be a hero on the northern border, to die bravely on the battlefield with his spirit returning to the earth.
She questioned why he had returned like this and how he could bear to leave her, his wife. Her mind replayed their sacred vows, Shen Zhi pledging never to disappoint her, and her own promise to marry only him in this lifetime. Across the city, Liu Yikang was in his study, preparing a decree to officially sanction the marriage between Shen Zhi and Wang Zijin, celebrating their love.
His joyful mood was shattered when Xu Zhan rushed in to report the devastating news: General Shen and his son had been ambushed on their way back to Jiankang and were both dead. Liu Yikang's immediate concern turned to Shen Lige. At the same time, Liu Yixuan, who was about to teach Miss Wan'er horseback riding, received the same grim tidings. Shocked, he immediately instructed Ji Zhu to return to Jiankang, postponing his plans.
Driven by a desperate need for answers, Shen Lige and Shen Feng went to the ambush site near Weiyang Lake. A heavy downpour had washed away most of the evidence. Shen Lige stubbornly searched, refusing to believe there was nothing left. Shen Feng urged her to give up, explaining the rain had taken everything, but Shen Lige persisted, eventually finding some lotus seeds cherished by Shen Tingzhang.
However, Xue Qiu’s jade pendant, which they had expected to find, was conspicuously missing. Overcome with anguish, she knelt and cried out her father's and brother's names, demanding to know who was responsible. Back at the Shen residence, Shen Lige was haunted by memories of her father and brother – Shen Tingzhang welcoming her into the family, Shen Zhi promising to protect her and always be there. She struggled to accept their deaths.
Liu Yikang, observing her profound grief, offered solace, holding her as she finally allowed herself to break down. Liu Yixuan also arrived to express his condolences and advised Liu Yikang to spend time with Shen Lige, recognizing her immense need for support. Later, Shen Feng recounted the events, explaining that the courier station reported his father and brother had changed their route to Weiyang Lake, a place where they were subsequently ambushed.
Shen Lige, having calmed somewhat, confirmed that there were clear signs of a meticulously set trap. She pointed out that although the killers tried to conceal their tracks, the gruesome, numerous wounds on Shen Tingzhang and Shen Zhi's bodies were undeniable evidence of the extreme cruelty and hatred with which the crime was committed. Liu Yixuan concurred, suggesting the killers must have been well aware of the General's and Shen Zhi's martial prowess and thus made extensive preparations.
Shen Lige instantly suspected Xue Qiu, who had vanished after Lu Yuan's death. Brandishing her sword, she declared her intention to find him, even if it meant searching the ends of the earth. Liu Yikang, however, intervened, stopping her. He cautioned that while Xue Qiu might seem insignificant, he was hiding in the shadows and commanded the remnants of the Black Armored Brigade, posing a continued threat to the Shen family.
He urged Lige to stay within the safety of the Shen residence, assuring her that the central troops were already searching the city, and the Commandant of Justice was thoroughly investigating the case to uncover the truth. He promised that he would ensure Shen Tingzhang and Shen Zhi did not die in vain and that they would handle the investigation. Before leaving, Liu Yikang instructed Shen Feng to take good care of his sister.
Liu Yikang then discussed the matter privately with Liu Yixuan. Liu Yixuan expressed doubt that a mere wanted criminal like Xue Qiu could orchestrate such a large-scale assassination of a senior general. Liu Yikang agreed, speculating that Xue Qiu was likely just a "sword exploited by someone else," implying a powerful mastermind. Liu Yixuan wondered if a court official could be behind it.
Liu Yikang cautioned against premature speculation without evidence and warned Liu Yixuan not to mention these theories to Shen Lige, fearing her impulsive reactions after such a shock. He also advised Liu Yixuan not to meddle rashly, as he had his own plan, and asked him to stay and help. Throughout these somber days, the Shen household maintained a fragile silence, shielding Madam Shen from the devastating truth.
Wang Zijin, though her heart was shattered, forced herself to maintain a cheerful facade while tending to Madam. However, Madam Shen's oblivious talk of her and Shen Zhi's impending marriage reopened Wang Zijin's wounds. After settling Madam for the night, she retreated to her room and collapsed in wrenching sobs, sealing the door against the agonizing memories.
Days later, as the funeral arrangements proceeded, Madam Shen continued to be under the illusion that Shen Tingzhang and Shen Zhi were simply delayed. Influenced by Shen Leqing's earlier instructions, she insisted on going to the temple to chant scriptures, refusing to explain her reasons. When Shen Lige brought her favorite pastries, Madam Shen, remembering Shen Leqing's words, angrily rejected them, scolding Shen Lige and knocking the food to the floor, accusing her of wanting to harm her.
Uncle Zheng, witnessing the scene, was about to reveal the truth, but Shen Lige subtly stopped him, asking him to take care of her mother and saying it was better if she wasn't present that day. At the temple, Madam Shen again dismissed Uncle Zheng, reminding him that "Jia'er" (Shen Leqing) was the true young lady of the manor and that her chanting should not be disturbed. The funeral for General Shen Tingzhang and Shen Zhi was a solemn affair.
Shen Lige and Shen Feng ascended a high platform, waving flags in a traditional ceremony to call back the souls of the deceased. Below, the assembled generals and soldiers mourned their fallen heroes, their cries of "General, come back!" echoing as the coffins were finally sealed.
