Resumen del episodio 18 de Swords into Plowshares
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Qian Hongzong, following the royal decree, personally went to the Liaoqian Army camp by Taihu Lake. The Liaoqian Army, whose name sounded very elegant, was actually responsible for dredging river channels and clearing silt, equivalent to a silt removal engineering team. However, in those days, it was a genuine labor camp.
Soldiers had to tread barefoot into the ice-cold lake water, personally carrying loads of lake mud ashore, day after day, accompanied by mud, to ensure the smooth waterway transport in the Taihu Lake basin and the fertility of the farmland. Watching the former Confucian minister, known for his literary talent and moral integrity, now clad in coarse hemp short coat, toiling alongside the soldiers, Qian Hongzong felt both pity and a degree of respect.
He immediately ordered Shen Wenqi to be "fished out" of the mud and brought him back to Hangzhou to meet the emperor. When Qian Hongzuo asked about the Wenzhou matter, Shen Wenqi commented that Ouyang Kuan was greedy and unable to part with things, narrow-minded and unable to tolerate others, while Qian Hongchu acted decisively, showing much of Qian Hongjun's style in rectifying official administration.
This statement was insightful, as it not only affirmed Qian Hongchu's achievements but also clarified the past misunderstanding regarding Qian Hongjun. Qian Hongzuo was moved by these words, frankly stating that Shen Wenqi, who governed the people, and Shuiqiu Zhaoquan, who managed the army, could be called the two gentlemen of the state. When leaving the palace, Shen Wenqi met Cheng Zhaoyue face to face.
He disdained such a petty villain, not even bothering to give him a direct look, and simply flicked his sleeves and left. He Chengxun, after Cheng Zhaoyue entered the palace, secretly passed a note, revealing that Qian Hongzong was investigating the Imperial Guard Department. The Imperial Guard Department was Cheng Zhaoyue's domain, and only he himself knew how many shady dealings were hidden within it.
After listening to Cheng Zhaoyue's report on the concluding progress of the Wenzhou case, Qian Hongzuo turned to ask Qian Hongzong how he viewed this person. Qian Hongzong believed that everyone could speak good words, but on the night of the Lìchūn Courtyard fire, Cheng Zhaoyue was indeed in the palace. Shen Wenqi took up the post of Wenzhou Prefect, and by the way, brought a box of Ding Sheng Gao for Qian Hongchu, which made Qian Hongchu very happy.
He also felt at ease because of Shen Wenqi's arrival, and couldn't help but complain that he had been exhausted from rushing about, mobilizing troops, preparing provisions, and pacifying the six prefectures during this period. Shen Wenqi reminded Qian Hongchu that he was no longer the carefree imperial clan youth of yesteryear; bearing such immense responsibility meant no rest could be thought of.
Even if the current war ended and the temporary camp was dismantled, the imperial court would surely send new assignments. When he returned to his residence at night, Qian Hongchu's teeth itched with anger at the thought of Cheng Zhaoyue, and he planned to find an opportunity to eliminate the other party. But the problem was that Qian Hongchu was in charge of grain, fodder, and military equipment.
Matters related to the Shanyue community belonged to the Ministry of Revenue and were under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Trade. Cheng Zhaoyue, as the Commander of the Inner Imperial Guards, was theoretically under the control of Hu Jinsi, the Commander of the Upper Army. With such intertwined powers and responsibilities, Shen Wenqi admonished Qian Hongchu never to overstep his authority.
With state affairs at hand, he must set aside personal likes and dislikes and prioritize the country and its people. In the Battle of Baipuxia, the Wuyue army decisively defeated the Southern Tang forces. Capitalizing on their victory, they pursued the retreating enemy and attacked from inside and outside with the Fuzhou defending army. The Southern Tang army was routed, and the defending general Li Renda then surrendered the city.
Fuzhou, an important town in the southeast, was officially incorporated into the territory of Wuyue, and the Qian clan regime's influence in the Min region was unprecedentedly consolidated. The victory report reached Hangzhou, and the court and people rejoiced. Qian Hongzuo held a grand feast for the generals and soldiers, and rewards poured down like rain. All generals received his favor, except for Qian Hongchu, which stirred public discussion.
Wu Cheng, with his straightforward character, spoke up for Qian Hongchu, directly pointing out unfair rewards and punishments. However, not everyone was as daring as Wu Cheng. Hu Jing had doubts in his heart and could only seek explanation from his father. Hu Jinsi saw through the emperor's manipulative tactics at a glance: Qian Hongzuo's action was not out of forgetfulness, but actually for balance. Sometimes, not rewarding is more thought-provoking than heavily rewarding.
On the other hand, Qian Hongchu had been slow to propose to Sun Taizhen, which caused Madame Yu to have quite a few complaints, feeling that Qian Hongchu had neglected her daughter. To outsiders, this seemed like the Seventh Young Master being unromantic or due to busy state affairs, but Qian Hongchu had another plan in mind. Sun Taizhen was Madame Yu's only daughter, and behind her represented the Huanglong Island, which dominated the sea.
He had not proposed not because he was unwilling, but because he was waiting for the best timing to maximize support from Huanglong Island for his future great cause. In contrast, Cheng Zhaoyue relied on wealth to extensively befriend court officials and nobles, weaving a vast network of connections. His evident ambition had already aroused the alertness of Qian Hongzuo and Qian Hongzong.
He Chengxun was on pins and needles, thinking that rather than being buried with Cheng Zhaoyue, it would be better to act first. He found Qian Hongchu and Qian Hongzong overnight and revealed everything about Cheng Zhaoyue's three major crimes. The two dared not delay and immediately entered the palace to report to Qian Hongzuo.
But Qian Hongzuo still had doubts: what immense benefits did Jinling promise him that could make him willingly take such extraordinary risks to commit such an act of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country? That night, Cheng Zhaoyue secretly met with Southern Tang envoy Li Yuanqing. The two drank and talked happily, secretly conspiring important matters. Half drunk, Cheng Zhaoyue finally revealed his true thoughts and demanded chips from Li Yuanqing.
Today's plan was to later take control of Zhenhai and Zhendong two military governorships, overthrow Wuyue, carve out a territory and rule independently, and become a powerful warlord dominating a region.
