Swords into Plowshares Episode 20 Recap
> Swords into Plowshares Recaps
Hu Jinsi's residence was lit up all night. Hu Jinsi ordered his household guards to be on high alert. On the stove, sizzling, oily chicken legs were roasting, as if he had anticipated Shuiqiu Zhaoquan's late-night visit. The two sat opposite each other, eating chicken leg meat while cautiously probing with words. Although Hu Jinsi was dissatisfied with Qian Hongzuo, he changed the subject, mentioning his old friendship with the late king.
His words, both overt and implied, suggested he had no intention of rebellion. His aim was to secure fame, favor, and a path to survival for his descendants. During their conversation, Hu Jinsi seemingly casually inquired about the royal family's movements. He heard that Qian Hongchu had gone to the Xiaoshan barracks and was relieved it wasn't Qian Hongzong.
If Qian Hongzong, who had never left the royal domain, were to take command of the army, let alone deploy troops, he probably wouldn't even be able to enter the camp gate. Because in Hu Jinsi's view, military law was strict, and Shen Chengli was a rule-abiding person. But Qian Hongchu was different; this young man was outwardly gentle but inwardly firm, and particularly adept at adapting to circumstances.
As soon as the two met, it was likely Shen Chengli would be at a disadvantage. Furthermore, Hu Jinsi revealed a method for seizing military control to Shuiqiu Zhaoquan. He said that sometimes being forceful wasn't effective. Controlling an army was like catching a tiger: capture the head, and the rest will submit. A clever person should send the tiger back to the mountains.
Give him authority if he wants it, dispel his doubts if he fears, entrust all rewards and punishments to the other party, and let the other party take credit for showing favor and goodwill. This way, one could win people's genuine submission. Shuiqiu Zhaoquan understood the hidden meaning. Clearly, Hu Jinsi's words, while outwardly instructing on how to deal with Shen Chengli, were actually a demand to Qian Hongzuo, implying that any military action would have to go through him.
As expected, Qian Hongchu, facing the provocation of arrogant soldiers and fierce generals, directly enforced military law as the commander-in-chief, flogging those who disobeyed with twenty to thirty strokes. Even Shen Chengli voluntarily accepted twenty military floggings. Immediately, those under his command trembled in fear, and his authority was established, his orders carried out.
After the flogging, Qian Hongchu delegated authority to Shen Chengli to deploy troops and set up defenses, strengthening Hangzhou's city defenses to deal with a possible rebellion. This combination of asserting power and winning over hearts made Shen Chengli respectfully submit. After Shuiqiu Zhaoquan bid farewell and left the residence, Hu Jinsi summoned his son, Hu Jing. He said that this person had courage, was adaptable, loyal to the royal family without being rigid.
If he were no longer alive, the Hu family descendants would definitely not be a match for Shuiqiu Zhaoquan. Hu Jing grumbled upon hearing this, saying that he had never fought in the first place. Enraged, Hu Jinsi turned to look at Hu Jing and cursed him as a "blockhead." Shuiqiu Zhaoquan returned to the palace to report, asserting that Hu Jinsi's actions were all for self-preservation. Qian Hongzuo clearly distinguished the fundamental difference between Hu Jinsi and Cheng Zhaoyue.
He then adopted Shuiqiu Zhaoquan's suggestion and appointed Hu Jinsi as Grand Marshal, taking overall charge of internal and external military affairs. One night banquet, half a chicken leg, and a few sharp remarks, and the Hu family gained power, while the Qian family resolved its crisis. That night, Hangzhou was under a city-wide curfew, heavily guarded, with defenses layered like an iron barrel.
Cheng Zhaoyue learned that Hu Jinsi had been appointed Grand Marshal, and knowing that winning him over was hopeless, her heart sank. Her only hope for survival rested on the five hundred veteran soldiers of the "Black Cloud Long Sword Brigade" under Li Yuanqing. However, Li Yuanqing, who was at the Qinhuai Inn, was in a situation no better. Arrowheads were hidden outside the window, and knife shadows flickered in the corridor.
His identity as an envoy from Southern Tang, if used well, was a talisman; if not, it was a death warrant. Even if the Black Cloud Long Sword Brigade was brave, in the heart of this foreign capital, they would likely have already become pincushions of arrows, unable to escape being pierced by countless arrows. Qian Hongchu used "peace talks" as a pretext to meet Li Yuanqing.
Ostensibly to discuss state affairs, it was actually a tactic to stall and keep him under control. He was responding with an open strategy, all to buy time for suppressing the rebellion. The news finally reached Cheng Zhaoyue's ears. Li Yuanqing couldn't even protect himself, and her last bit of hope was completely extinguished. All her intricate plans of yesteryear had, in the present, trapped her in her own web. Inside the royal palace, another dramatic scene unfolded.
Hu Jinsi came to meet the monarch, having a frank discussion with Qian Hongzuo. Qian Hongzuo tightly clasped Hu Jinsi's hand, tearfully admitting his mistakes. After a heartfelt exchange between ruler and minister, their estrangement melted away. Qian Hongzong, watching resentfully from the side, still harbored ill feelings towards Hu Jinsi. He left the grand hall alone and saw He Chengxun still kneeling at the foot of the steps.
He then instructed him to dispatch one hundred men from the Imperial Guards to the Shanyue Association to arrest Cheng Zhaoyue and bring her to justice, allowing him a chance to atone for his crimes by rendering meritorious service.
