Swords into Plowshares Episode 29 Recap
> Swords into Plowshares Recaps
Qian Hongchu was deep in thought in his residence when Xue Wen burst in frantically, bringing news that Hu Jinsi had imprisoned Qian Hongzong in the palace. Now, Hu Jinsi had led his men outside the residence, using military power to override monarchical authority and effectively control state affairs. Qian Hongchu was shocked to his core, knowing that direct resistance would be futile.
He therefore ordered someone to first invite Hu Jinsi to his residence for a talk, attempting to ascertain the true situation. Sun Taizhen knew that a major change was likely to occur tonight. She had large pots of mutton stewed to reward Ge Qiang and all the loyal troops.
She stated that liquor could be forgone, but there must be enough meat, for they were brothers who had desperately fought their way out of the southern 'shura field' with Qian Hongchu, and they absolutely could not go into battle on an empty stomach. These words both stabilized morale and secretly gathered strength; the soldiers, armored, quietly awaited orders. Meanwhile, on the other side, Hu Jinsi and Qian Hongchu sat facing each other.
Hu Jinsi directly stated that Qian Hongzong's actions had lost public support, and only if Qian Hongchu succeeded as regent could the state be stabilized. Because his words implicitly insulted the deceased Qian Hongzuo, Qian Hongchu's expression suddenly changed. He gestured with his sword to Hu Jinsi, indicating that if he further insulted the former monarch, he would fight to the death. Indeed, Hu Jinsi humbled himself and apologized, then immediately changed the topic, analyzing the pros and cons.
He said that with the nation on the brink of collapse, if Qian Hongchu clung to minor principles and stood by idly, the foundation laid by the former kings might be destroyed. Ultimately, to confirm his brother's safety, Qian Hongchu outwardly submitted for the time being and prepared to enter the palace accompanied by Sun Taizhen. At the same time, he secretly sent someone to report to Shuiqiu Zhaoquan, hoping for a countermeasure.
In contrast, Qian Hongzong, under house arrest, felt that the tide had turned against him and lamented that there were no longer any troops loyal to the Qian family. The imperial attendant Huang Wei tearfully advised him, saying that the palace guards still obeyed the king's orders, and although Hu Jinsi wielded significant power, he had never intended to rebel or usurp the throne; seizing the Qian family's realm was absolutely impossible.
However, Qian Hongzong refused to listen to his advice. Despite knowing that the royal palace was heavily guarded both inside and out, he still made Huang Wei risk taking a handwritten note out of the palace to seek help from Shuiqiu Zhaoquan. Huang Wei had served the former king for many years and had always been grateful for his kindness, having long tied his own life to the Qian family.
Therefore, he took a desperate risk, seizing Hu Jing as a hostage, attempting to force his way through the palace gates. Ultimately, he was no match for the guards and was subdued. Hu Jing furiously brought him before Qian Hongzong for questioning. Qian Hongzong, startled and pale with fear, shockingly shifted all blame onto Huang Wei and Shuiqiu Zhaoquan. That night, Hu Jinsi accompanied Qian Hongchu into the palace.
Just as they were about to enter the palace gate, he received a note from Hu Jing. Seeing the two characters "Shuiqiu," he immediately ordered He Chengxun to lead armored soldiers directly to Shuiqiu's residence. By the time Shuiqiu Zhaoquan read the note and realized the change in circumstances, and was about to gather his family retainers and troops for a discussion, He Chengxun had already led his cavalry to surround the mansion.
Dozens of lives from Shuiqiu Zhaoquan's household, including women, children, and the elderly, all became innocent souls under the blade. In another corner of the palace, Qian Hongchu met with his elder brother Qian Hongzong. He pointed out that Hu Jinsi was not like Zhang Yanze; what he truly sought was a definitive "right and wrong."
He even quoted Sang Weihan's clear words from years past to warn his brother: "There must be right and wrong in the world; the historical records are above, and the common people are below. This is an eternal and unchanging principle." Unfortunately, the matter was already decided, and further words were useless. Qian Hongzong told Qian Hongchu that if he did not succeed as regent, the Qian clan and the longevity of the Wuyue Kingdom would surely collapse overnight.
From a young age, Qian Hongchu had witnessed the weight of royal power and deeply understood that once he sat on that chair, it would mean binding his own life, the fate of the land, and the lives of the myriad people together. From then on, there would be no possibility of retreating to a life of ease.
However, looking around, powerful factions surrounded them from outside, the people of Wuyue were uneasy within, and his brother's life hung by a thread. He had no other choice. To preserve the nation's foundation from collapse and prevent widespread suffering, Qian Hongchu could only shoulder the heavy responsibility. Finally, Qian Hongzong pushed the door open and hurried to the high steps in front of the hall.
Facing the clamoring civil and military officials and soldiers, he prostrated himself, knelt, and loudly pleaded for Qian Hongchu to succeed as regent. In an instant, Hu Jinsi and his followers crashed to their knees, their cheers rising in waves. From this day forward, the youth who once pursued personal grievances with delight had quietly died.
What remained was only the fifth ruler of the Wuyue Kingdom, a guardian of the frontiers who, in the tumultuous cracks of a chaotic world, had to bear the burden of his family, his land, and his people.
