General and I Episode 48 Recap
> General and I Recap
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At Jiaoyan Pavilion, an auction for a set of ancient military books was underway. The steward, Wei Ting, suggested that Ze Yin acquire them, believing the books would please Lady Bai. Before Ze Yin could bid, Yan Shisanniang unexpectedly ended the auction, claiming the books for herself. She then ascended to the top of the tower with the books, easily evading Ze Yin and Wei Ting who pursued her.
Upon reaching the top, they found wilting plants and discovered a hidden passage leading into the ship's depths. Inside, they uncovered a secret vault overflowing with gold and treasures. Realizing the danger, Ze Yin and Wei Ting narrowly escaped before being fully apprehended by Yan Shisanniang's people. After their perilous escape, Yan Shisanniang met with her master, Chu Beijie, who was painting.
She reported encountering an extraordinary woman and also relayed intelligence that He Xia had launched an attack despite opposition from Bailan's old nobility, leading Chu Beijie to realize their time at Jiaoyan Pavilion was ending. Meanwhile, Ze Yin confided his concerns to Pingting, sharing the unsettling discoveries at Jiaoyan Pavilion and his fear that the place was a hotbed of danger that could lead to bloodshed.
Pingting, understanding the gravity of the situation, immediately concluded that they could no longer safely remain there. Meanwhile, He Xia prepared for his invasion of Jin, commencing the appointment and conferment of titles for his generals. Generals Gui Chengning and Gui Yan, fearing they would be overlooked, were eventually appointed to lead the left and right flank vanguards of the Weibei and Yongxiao Legions.
Although they publicly accepted their roles, they privately harbored deep resentment towards He Xia, proclaiming their true loyalty lay with the princess and the citizens of Bailan, not him. The Gui family secretly plotted He Xia’s demise, planning to "bury him" once their troops engaged the enemy. In Jin, the forced conscription of grain plunged the common people into misery.
With meager harvests, their last remaining food supplies were seized by the army, leading to widespread lamentation and desperate pleas for sustenance. King Sima Hong, grappling with He Xia's army having penetrated hundreds of miles into Jin territory and dozens of cities fallen, despaired that his kingdom's century-old foundation would crumble under this young general's onslaught. None of his kneeling civil and military officials dared to take command against Bailan.
At his lowest point, a messenger brought news that a mysterious magnate from the private sector had offered to donate 100,000 bags of grain to aid Jin in resisting Bailan. Sima Hong, seeing a glimmer of hope, exclaimed that the heavens were not forsaking Jin. Winter Zhuo reported to He Xia about the enigmatic benefactor distributing grain in Jin, noting that this act had significantly boosted the flagging morale of the Jin troops.
He Xia immediately ordered Fei Zhaoxing to investigate the magnate’s origins. Winter Zhuo also informed him that the Jin government’s forced grain collection had incited widespread public outrage and riots in various regions. He Xia acknowledged that their long-standing strategy of importing large quantities of Jin’s grain had proven effective. He Xia, believing that "to disrupt a government, first disrupt its people's hearts," decided to exploit the situation.
Since someone else had inadvertently initiated their plan, he instructed Winter Zhuo to release all of their own reserve grain. He Xia's cunning scheme was to transform the Jin people's fear of hunger into a frenzy of desperate, high-priced purchasing, thereby exhausting their last reserves.
He predicted that if prices were raised, people would buy regardless of cost, and those who couldn't afford it would resort to theft and robbery, quickly turning Jin into a living hell without the need for military intervention. Yan Shisanniang, meeting with her master, Chu Beijie, who was operating under the alias Master Dong, inquired if they should continue purchasing grain given the soaring prices. Chu Beijie unequivocally affirmed, stating that money was useless if one's homeland was lost.
He also revealed his strategic plan as Master Dong to open a new trade route, circumventing the war zones and checkpoints, to extend beyond the Great Wall, envisioning a future prosperous business hub that could even serve as a peaceful retreat. Around this time, Pingting, accompanied by Yang Feng and her son Changxiao, visited the market to purchase grain. Chu Beijie seemed to catch a glimpse of Pingting but she quickly disappeared. Yang Feng, noticing Pingting’s preoccupation, gently probed her.
Pingting admitted she was not merely shopping but investigating the sudden availability of rice after months of scarcity. She deduced that He Xia was behind the market disruption, aiming to destabilize both Jin and Liang. However, Pingting also observed that a caravan of Jin businessmen was distributing grain at exceptionally low prices, indicating that someone had anticipated He Xia's maneuvers and was prepared to counter his actions by balancing the market. Pingting speculated about the identity of this benevolent force.
During their market visit, Changxiao wandered off and was found by Yan Shisanniang. When Pingting rushed to retrieve her son, Yan Shisanniang recognized her, remarking on her extraordinary demeanor, distinctive plum scent, and her renowned wine-making skills. Pingting, in turn, recognized Yan Shisanniang's identity from her opulent attire and celebrated reputation. Pingting politely dismissed herself, emphasizing her desire to live a peaceful life and prioritize her son's safety amidst the chaotic world.
Later, Yan Shisanniang reported to Chu Beijie, describing Pingting as a "special woman" she had encountered. Back in Jin, Chu Beijie, as Master Dong, instructed his subordinate to conspicuously transport grain to Yanling City. He stressed the importance of ensuring the public witnessed these supplies, not only to feed the army but also to inspire hope among the populace that Jin could still fight and reclaim its strength.
Simultaneously, in He Xia's camp, generals discussed their strategy to capture Yanling, which was defended by Luo Shang, Chu Beijie’s lieutenant. One general volunteered for the task, confident of victory due to their numerical superiority. Meanwhile, the patriarch of the Gui family cautioned his son, Gui Yan, to be extremely vigilant, acknowledging He Xia's covert animosity towards their family despite his public demeanor, and reminded him to ensure his uncle's sobriety to avoid any vulnerabilities.
