She thought he did this to resolve an issue and wanted to compensate him with money.Di Qing realized his mistake and took a deep breath, smiling at his wife: "This isn't just about some money;our family's wealth is far behind the Clouds'.
Trust me, it's all resolved now, and I will be ordered to stay in the capital for a year.
Tell that disobedient son of mine not to venture out.
He should abide by this restriction.
If he dares to sneak out again, I'll break his legs."His wife hurriedly waved him off: "Tae is very obedient these days;he's focused on studying and hasn't gone anywhere."Di Qing sighed and put on a long coat before heading towards the garden.
As he entered, he looked eastward towards Cloud's home, wondering what was happening there.Di Qing realized that he had acted too rashly this time.
After the expedition, they should have brought some spoils;everyone knew his army had emptied Dali's provinces of Eastern Kiang, Chaohsiang, and Jianchang.
But upon returning to Dongjing with empty hands, it wouldn't be strange if people criticized him.Thinking of the poor Western Army, he couldn’t bear to send all the spoils back to Dongjing.
Moreover, the Western Army needed money to survive;Aunque el gobierno era generoso con ellos en comparación con los xiangjun, no era suficiente para las necesidades de los soldados.Con un salario de 300 guàn como subsecretario, recibía muchos beneficios: ropa para el invierno y la primavera, suministros mensuales y diversas otras asignaciones.
Pero todo eso era para los funcionarios, mientras que sus hombres luchaban por mantenerse alimentados.Now that the Western Xia and Jingtao were dormant, and the new Liao Emperor was mobilizing his army, Di Qing realized how precarious the situation could be if other nations formed alliances against Song.If only those scholars would lower their standards a bit;it could be a huge military fund...
He thought bitterly...A fruit fell at Di Qing's feet, a yellow pear.
It looked inviting but had been split open."Eat this pear to cool off your temper," said Cloud Zhen, sitting on the wall and munching on the pear as he called out to Di Qing: "I can't steal;I just told you, both of us are under house arrest.
The only way to see each other is by climbing over walls."Di Qing sat in the sun, leaning against a tree trunk.
He said with a smile: "House arrest is good.
Two newly crowned heroes being punished together is unique to Song.
One is greedy and the other arrogant;it's perfect for couplets.
Are you going to make a grand move?"Cloud Zhen handed him half of a bunch of bananas from his basket: "Taste these, I brought them back from Guangnan.
A master craftsman there can preserve them for fifty days.
Eat quickly before they disappear."The two men peeled the bananas while cursing the censors."Did you break the six imperial inspectors' teeth yesterday?""No, their escape was too fast;only three were hit by Han Qi.""How unfortunate!What about your wine?Don't be stingy, share it with me."Cloud Zhen shook his head: "No, it's afternoon tea time.
My wife doesn't allow me to drink now.
These fruits will do as a welcome."Di Qing nodded: "Drinking can lead to mistakes, young man;what are you scheming?Let’s talk and see if I can help with your plans."Cloud Zhen smiled: "You're right, Di Gong;it's more comfortable talking to you.
Recently, I've drafted some reform plans.
Take a look;although there isn’t much to change, let me show you my vision."Di Qing opened the scroll Cloud Zhen threw down and read: "I was just worried about the Western Liao and Dali, but you're already thinking of them.
You’re calling for reforms, not preparing for battle?""Good armies are forged in combat, not drills!"Di Qing nodded: "Makes sense!" (To be continued...)