The Song of Glory Episode 49 Recap
> The Song of Glory Recap
Shen Lige, having spent eighteen years in a life of danger, now desired to settle down as a devoted wife and mother, tending to the manor and even asking her maid, Xiao Xin, to find remedies for pregnancy. When Liu Yikang unexpectedly overheard this, he playfully teased her, asking if she was ready to "obediently stay in the manor, and no more fighting and killing" or "washing clothes and cooking." They shared the medicine, both finding it quite bitter.
Liu Yikang then jested about putting away her swords, daggers, and crossbows, to which Shen Lige amusingly protested. Unbeknownst to her, Liu Yikang had been experiencing an uncontrollable tremor in his hand, which he attributed to his demanding state affairs and carefully concealed. Meanwhile, Shen Feng, standing outside Mei Qi’s room, was caught by Uncle Zheng, who remarked that Shen Feng was "just like his father back then" – clueless in matters of the heart, calling him "good-for-nothing!"
Uncle Zheng then shoved him into Mei Qi's room. Mei Qi, who had been sewing, presented Shen Feng with a Pangu-style outfit, expecting him to join her in Pangu soon. Shen Feng confessed his dilemma, explaining he couldn't abandon his mother and eldest sister-in-law in Jiankang, yet he didn't want to part with Mei Qi. Mei Qi, deeply touched, declared she would stay in Jiankang with him; "Wherever you are, that's where I'll be."
They envisioned a future where they would protect the North and Pangu together if war arose. Watching them, Uncle Zheng chuckled, noting he had to kick both father and son to sort out their romantic woes. In the imperial court, Fang Qing reported torrential rains in the South and an impending flood season, recommending immediate river course maintenance to prevent disaster.
However, with the new policies replenishing aid for local areas, the treasury was nearly depleted, leaving military expenditure as the only available funds. Many ministers vehemently opposed using military reserves, arguing that while irrigation works were vital for the people, the northern border's defenses were weak, and Great Wei was a constant threat. Depleting military funds would leave them vulnerable to foreign invasion.
Liu Yikang, his hand trembling unnoticed amidst the fervent debate, lost his patience and sharply commanded, "Shut up!" He asserted that both Song and Wei were still recovering from the previous year's battle, making Wei's army unlikely to act recklessly. Therefore, addressing the imminent flood, which threatened thousands of lives in Great Song, was paramount.
He promised to find an alternative solution for the military reserve, and Liu Yixuan deftly supported his brother, reminding the ministers that without the people's safety, no battle could be won. Following Xie Hao's execution, the position of Director of Central Secretariat remained vacant. The ministers, in unison, recommended Prince Jing Ling, Liu Yixuan, praising his past achievements in mobilizing troops for the northern border, organizing household registries, and maintaining calm during the Jingzhou unrest.
However, Liu Yikang declined, explaining that while Prince Jing Ling was meritorious, he had just been appointed to lead the central army and reorganize military affairs. Holding both positions would be too demanding, and he needed time to find another suitable talent. After the court session, Vice Minister Sun and Vice Minister Wang speculated about Liu Yikang's change in temperament and his trust in Prince Jing Ling.
Liu Yixuan, overhearing their gossip, sternly reprimanded them for criticizing Prince Peng Cheng and dismissed their concerns. Later, Liu Yixuan sought out Liu Yikang, noticing his older brother seemed unwell. Liu Yikang brushed off his concern, attributing his headaches to late nights spent on new policies. Liu Yixuan asked if Liu Yikang was upset about rejecting his nomination for Director of Central Secretariat.
Liu Yikang gently explained that the role demanded someone who could "balance and mediate all sides" with a "smooth and sophisticated manner," which was contrary to Liu Yixuan's "forthright and sincere" nature. He didn't want his brother embroiled in such complexities. Liu Yixuan appreciated his brother's thoughtful consideration, stating that he could afford to be forthright because Liu Yikang was always there for him. They then discussed their mother's upcoming birthday feast.
Separately, Xie Yunzhi spent her days drawing figures in her room, a stark contrast to her landscape-loving grandfather. Concerned about Xie Yunzhi's lingering sadness, Shen Lige took her to the Benevolence Courtyard, an orphanage, hoping to lift her spirits with the sight of "the purest and most beautiful smiles in the world." The children joyfully swarmed Shen Lige, who introduced them to "Older Sister Yunzhi."
The children, delighted, asked Xie Yunzhi to draw for them, eventually requesting portraits of their mothers, even though they couldn't remember what their mothers looked like. Xie Yunzhi, deeply moved, promised to paint all their mothers, bringing smiles to their faces. Later, a grateful Xie Yunzhi thanked Shen Lige for the experience.
Wishing to give Liu Yikang a much-needed break from state affairs, Shen Lige personally sought out and decorated a charming thatched cottage with a bamboo fence deep in Qixia Mountain. Accompanied by San Bao and Xiao Xin, they aimed to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. Shen Lige enthusiastically tried to make tea, only to discover there was no water. Later, they prepared to roast fish, but again, realized they had no firewood.
Despite these humorous mishaps, Liu Yikang found joy in the simple outing, even attempting to chop wood for Shen Lige. He confessed he was tired but "especially happy." As he dozed off, Shen Lige noticed his hand trembling severely. When she questioned him, Liu Yikang dismissed it as mere fatigue. Alarmed by the intensity of the tremor, Shen Lige insisted they immediately go to San Jiu Hall to consult Chen Shaoxun.
Meanwhile, Duke Wang hosted officials at Zuiyi Shop, where they enjoyed wine, paintings, and poetry. Liu Yikang arrived and formally extended an invitation to Duke Wang to assume the pivotal role of Director of Central Secretariat. Duke Wang initially demurred, citing his age and long retirement, preferring his leisurely life of "calligraphy, paintings, poetry, and wine."
However, urged by Fang Qing and other ministers who emphasized the court's need for his experience and wisdom, Duke Wang reluctantly accepted the weighty responsibility. Liu Yikang then thanked Duke Wang for his previous assistance in dealing with Xie Hao. Duke Wang, ever principled, humbly stated that as an official of Great Song, he would serve impartially and expected Liu Yikang to also adhere to rules, rewarding him for right actions and not showing favoritism for wrong ones.
At the Shen manor, Shen Madam, Wang Zijin, and Mei Qi were happily making wontons. Shen Madam asked Shen Feng to deliver some to Prince Peng Cheng's manor for Shen Lige, and for Wang Zijin to take some to her father, Duke Wang. Wang Zijin headed home, where she found her father polishing the armor of his deceased brothers, lost in thought about their upcoming death anniversaries. A servant then arrived, relaying an urgent summons from Prince Peng Cheng's manor.
Wang Zijin, recalling Shen Feng’s earlier comment about Liu Yikang and Shen Lige being out of the city, questioned the urgency. Duke Wang explained that while Prince Peng Cheng was enjoying leisure, he still had "unfinished work." He promised to eat the wontons later, kept warm over a charcoal stove, and left in haste. Privately, Duke Wang instructed his maid, Lu Wan'er, to accelerate her plans, deciding he would eliminate her if she showed any signs of hesitation or compassion.
Lu Wan'er, feigning dizziness and weakness, manipulated Chen Shaoxun into escorting her to the imperial mausoleum to perform for Sun Taifei's birthday. Shortly after their carriage departed, Shen Lige and Liu Yikang’s carriage arrived at San Jiu Hall, only to find Chen Shaoxun gone. Kong Cheng explained Chen Shaoxun had just left with Wan'er for the imperial mausoleum. Unbeknownst to them, Duke Wang, from his own carriage, had observed Lu Wan'er and Chen Shaoxun leaving together and smirked, stating, "Perfect."
Back at the manor, Royal Physician Chen examined Liu Yikang, diagnosing his tremors and drowsiness as symptoms of "weakness in overall health" and stagnant blood flow, consequences of his past poisoning and recent overwork. He prescribed calming medicine and soothing incense. Shen Lige remained uneasy, still wanting Chen Shaoxun's expert opinion. Later, Liu Yixuan arrived at the manor, expressing concern for Liu Yikang's health. Liu Yikang again downplayed his symptoms.
Liu Yixuan then proposed appointing Adjutant General Cheng Fang as the Western Central Army's lead general. Liu Yikang cautioned against it, noting that Cheng Fang was Liu Yixuan's confidant and the unit had previously been under Lu Yuan, making a direct appointment potentially disruptive. He advised letting Cheng Fang earn merit to win over the troops. Liu Yixuan agreed, acknowledging his hastiness.
They ended their conversation by looking forward to celebrating their mother's birthday the next day with a hearty drink. At the imperial mausoleum, Sun Taifei admired the calligraphy of a couplet Liu Yixuan had written for her birthday. Chun Fang confirmed that Prince Peng Cheng, Liu Yikang, had also agreed to attend. Sun Taifei, feeling like a child in her old age, expressed her eagerness to see her sons and "say a few heart-to-heart words."
Reflecting on her simple yet happy life with Chun Fang among the flowers in the mausoleum, she wistfully suggested that Chun Fang, who had followed her for so many years without enjoying much fortune, should return to her hometown after the birthday feast. Chun Fang, however, firmly refused, vowing to "stay by your side forever," to which Sun Taifei quietly mused, "Forever is but a blink of the eye in time."
