The Song of Glory Episode 52 Recap
> The Song of Glory Recap
What many believed to be a genuine assassination attempt on Prince Jing Ling, orchestrated by the Zhu Que Alliance, was, in fact, an elaborate trap set by Prince Peng Cheng, Liu Yikang, and Shen Lige. Liu Yikang had feigned his poisoning and imprisonment, allowing his younger brother, Liu Yixuan, to play a crucial role in luring out the true mastermind. Liu Yikang explained that their High Ancestor had always warned them against being mere pawns in a larger game.
By not defending himself against the accusation of murder, he made the real culprit—Wang Mian—lower his guard. Liu Yikang revealed that Wang Mian's long-standing plot sought to turn the brothers against each other, sow chaos in the Imperial Court, and ultimately destroy Great Song. By allowing himself to be pushed into the death trap, Liu Yikang sought a way out, urging Liu Yixuan to trust him for just one night until the whole truth would be revealed.
Liu Yikang also mentioned that he had already instructed Shen Lige to make arrangements, starting with those around them, and that Lu Wan'er had fallen into their trap. As Liu Yikang confronted Wang Mian, he stated that his confession to murder was a ruse to expose the mastermind, whom he was surprised to discover was Wang Mian. Wang Mian, in turn, expressed his dismay, noting that even Grand Consort Sun's death couldn't bring down Liu Yikang.
He called Shen Lige a "misplaced chess piece" who had brought about his crushing defeat. Shen Lige countered, revealing that Wang Mian's use of her master's poison, Heart Addiction Grass, along with his role in the deaths of Huo Yun and Master Xie, had given him away. She accused him of being narrow-minded and devoid of humanity, contrasting him with others.
Wang Mian then blamed Lu Wan'er's soft-heartedness for his failure, but Shen Lige assured him he couldn't have escaped regardless. Wang Zijin, confused, questioned her father about his actions, to which Wang Mian declared that his entire life's purpose revolved around this scheme, reminding her of her brothers' deaths. As members of the Zhu Que Alliance engaged in a struggle, Wang Mian overturned oil and forcefully dragged Wang Zijin away, escaping into a secret passage, with Shen Lige in pursuit.
Liu Yikang ordered his men to extinguish the fire and find the secret door switch. Once the path was clear, he and Liu Yixuan split up, with Liu Yikang heading to find Shen Lige. Liu Yixuan was tasked with finding Chen Shaoxun, who was still in Wang Mian's clutches. Shen Lige followed Wang Mian and Wang Zijin to a hidden chamber, where she saw memorial tablets for Wang Mian's deceased sons, Wang Song and Wang Hua.
Wang Mian, in his grief, vowed to bring everyone down with him. Wang Zijin confronted her father, lamenting how he had changed and become a stranger to her. Wang Mian asserted that he had always been this way, further questioning if she remembered how her brothers died. As Wang Mian threatened to harm Shen Lige, Wang Zijin revealed that her father's actions were all for his two sons.
Wang Mian angrily declared that the Shen family did not deserve to mention his sons and admitted to killing General Shen Tingzhang and Shen Zhi, which was why he had saved Xue Qiu. Heartbroken by this confession, Wang Zijin tearfully accused her father of killing the person she loved most. Wang Mian, in turn, expressed his disappointment that her brothers' deaths had not deterred her from becoming the "widow of the Shen family," questioning her worth.
Shen Lige interjected, asking if his daughter's happiness was worth less than his hatred. Wang Mian tried to attack Shen Lige, but Wang Zijin shielded her, begging her father to relinquish his hatred, which had already caused so much suffering to innocent people and the country. Wang Mian, however, declared that he had no way back and no intention of turning back. In despair, Wang Zijin took her own life, clutching her love token.
She stated that she would repay her father's crimes, asking him to remember her smile and live a carefree life for the sake of her and her brothers' spirits. Wang Mian, left with only one child, cried out in remorse, but Shen Lige condemned him for his unrepentant evil. Upon apprehending Wang Mian, Liu Yikang declared that Wang Mian, who harmed others, ultimately harmed himself, gaining nothing in the end. Shen Lige urgently inquired about her senior brother, Chen Shaoxun.
Guards informed her that they had found Chen Shaoxun in Wang Mian's dungeon, his martial arts destroyed and poisoned, leaving him in an unresponsive state. Shen Lige was overcome with grief. Following Wang Mian's capture, the central army sealed his manor. Liu Yikang publicly announced that Wang Mian, the Director of Central Secretariat, was the mastermind behind his poisoning, Grand Consort Sun's death, and the leader of the Zhu Que Alliance.
An imperial decree was read, condemning Wang Mian for his rebellious actions and sentencing him to immediate death. With the position of Director of Central Secretariat vacant, Liu Yikang recommended Liu Yixuan. Liu Yixuan expressed reservations, feeling unworthy due to his past mistakes concerning Wang Mian. However, Liu Yikang reassured him, acknowledging that familial emotions can be impulsive but praising Liu Yixuan for correcting his course and saving the situation.
He emphasized Liu Yixuan's familiarity with state affairs and his unwavering assistance over the years, making him the best candidate. Liu Yikang urged his brother not to decline, emphasizing their unity in working for a better future for Great Song. Later, Liu Yixuan met with Shen Lige, thanking her and Liu Yikang for their continued trust and care despite his past errors.
He sincerely apologized for his actions and attitude regarding Grand Consort Sun, acknowledging the irreversible mistakes he had made. Shen Lige comforted him, explaining that everyone can be deceived by illusions, but what truly matters is overcoming them and finding the path back to their original intentions, believing this experience had deepened the understanding and trust between the brothers. Both agreed to cherish this renewed bond. Meanwhile, Shen Lige, with Kong Cheng, visited the recovering Chen Shaoxun.
Though his martial arts were destroyed and he was poisoned, Kong Cheng diligently massaged and cared for him, noting small movements in his fingers, giving hope for recovery. Kong Cheng expressed his desire for Chen Shaoxun to recover so he wouldn't have to be the "grown-up" running San Jiu Hall alone. Shen Lige affectionately reassured her senior brother, telling him to rest and let them take care of him.
At the Shen manor, preparations were in full swing for Shen Feng and Mei Qi's wedding. Shen Feng noticed Mei Qi's sadness and correctly guessed she was homesick. To cheer her up, he secretly invited the Pangu tribesmen to the wedding feast. Mei Qi was overjoyed and deeply moved by the surprise reunion with her family and friends.
Liu Yixuan visited Lu Wan'er in prison, acknowledging that her crime did not warrant death, but that everyone must pay a price for their actions. He confessed that he understood her desire for revenge for her older brother, as he, too, had felt the same after his mother's death. However, he was luckier than her, as Liu Yikang and Shen Lige had not abandoned him, helping him see the truth. Lu Wan'er thanked him, finding some solace in his understanding.
Both reminisced about their innocent days at Muran Pavillion, where they connected through music and conversation without knowing each other's true identities, wondering if they might have been together under different circumstances. Lu Wan'er then expressed a wish to see Chen Shaoxun. Liu Yixuan gave her a letter he found with Chen Shaoxun in Wang Mian's manor, in which Chen Shaoxun wrote: "From this day on, we will each have a sunny day.
If we don't meet again, do not miss each other." Lu Wan'er was then led away to face her punishment of exile. Liu Yikang and Shen Lige brought Liu Yixuan to the Shen manor, where Shen's mother warmly welcomed him, treating him as if he were her own son. The family enjoyed a meal, filled with laughter and heartfelt conversation, and Liu Yixuan expressed his happiness at being a part of their family, toasting to their reunion.
Later, San Bao and Xiao Xin celebrated their wedding. Shen Lige and Liu Yikang bestowed upon them "One Heart Jade Pendants," wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness. Xiao Xin and San Bao expressed profound gratitude to Shen Lige and Liu Yikang for taking them in as orphans and helping them find happiness.
Xie Yunzhi, who had found his passion teaching war orphans at the manor, presented the newlyweds with a beautiful painting created by the children, depicting the couple happily living under a plum tree. He praised Shen Lige for her efforts in educating the orphans, foreseeing a prosperous future for Great Song. As Liu Yikang and Shen Lige planted pear tree seeds, they reflected on their journey, relishing the peaceful present.
Shen Lige expressed her joy that everyone around them, including San Bao, Xiao Xin, Shen Feng, Mei Qi, and Xie Yunzhi, had found their happiness and purpose. She cherished the thought of finally enjoying life calmly, free from endless struggles. Liu Yikang echoed her sentiments, imagining a future where they would grow old together, have children, raise them, and plant pear trees, eventually sitting under the trees, listening to the breeze and watching the clouds.
However, their tranquility was abruptly interrupted by a messenger from Adjutant Cao, who urgently summoned Liu Yikang back to the manor with a secret imperial decree. Adjutant Cao relayed that the messenger believed the decree was about Shen Lige's promotion, but the decree, issued by the Emperor, actually commanded Liu Yikang to personally execute Shen Lige within three days.
The Emperor believed that as a former member of the Zhu Que Alliance, Shen Lige's continued presence would jeopardize Prince Peng Cheng's regency, invite criticism in court, and tarnish the royal family's dignity. Adjutant Cao urged Liu Yikang not to reveal this to Shen Lige.
