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...)