Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 123 The Unruly Become King
He immediately knelt down before the King of Wu.

This scene was witnessed by all the officials.

Both were princes, and although Wu Sheng was not granted a title, this was not a matter of merit. Even nine-year-old Wei Yixun was granted the title of Prince of Changsha; Wu Sheng was not granted one simply because he was not favored by the emperor.

But liking something isn't the standard.

Now, he is the only one among all the princes who has made a great contribution. With his resume and popularity, he can definitely compete for the throne and does not need to serve under the King of Wu.

Even if the probability of winning is extremely small, it does not affect his eligibility.

But who would have thought that he had no ambition whatsoever.

Now, he has come under the direct command of the King of Wu.

The King of Wu's chances of winning suddenly surpassed those of the King of Jin!
A smile appeared on Zhao Yi's face.

Ye Changqing, who was among the civil officials, was also smiling, but as he kept an eye on the King of Wu and Wei Wusheng opposite him, he felt a sense of unease.

King Wu was eager to act, but he seemed to be losing control.

The Sixth Prince's surrender was too hasty; the less assertive a person is, the more worrying they are.

Of course, they are not yet at a point where they can calmly consider how to weaken the power of the regional princes after they ascend the throne.

In any case, the current King of Wu has gained powerful support and is slightly ahead of the King of Jin.

"Let's go."

After helping Wei Wusheng up, the King of Wu took his hand and walked towards the city gate.

The accompanying eunuchs held up a red silk canopy decorated with python patterns and jeweled pendants to shield the two from the snow.

The King of Wu waved his hand, dismissing him.

The two of them braved the wind and snow, walking among the officials.

The civil and military officials on both sides clasped their hands together and bowed, saying, "Congratulations on your triumphant return, Sixth Prince!"

Almost all the important figures in Kyoto are here.

Among them were the factions of the King of Wu and the King of Jin.

But more often, it's the aristocratic families who are protecting themselves.

Sun Heng was right there, watching the Sixth Prince and the Prince of Wu walk toward Sheng'an amidst their cheers.

That day, Father guessed correctly. The good news that Shuofeng had lost the battle was actually a rumor spread by the Emperor himself, in order to arrest people later and vent Song Shi'an's anger.

Fortunately, he had told those people beforehand not to move around or say anything.

The members of the aristocratic party were spared, but some of the lower-ranking members were still arrested.

In fact, after arresting people at the Imperial College, the Embroidered Uniform Guards went straight to the Court of Judicial Review.

Chen Ling, the former Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was an ally of the gentry in Jiangnan. He also held an important position in the Court of Judicial Review, and many people in the court could be considered to be Sun Situ's men.

The emperor is coming for the Sun family of Yangzhou!
As they returned to the city with the King of Wu, several officials gathered around Sun Heng. He waved his hand with a forced expression, signaling them to remain silent.

At least for now, it's best to avoid direct confrontation.

The people of Sheng'an are uneasy.

Of course, this 'person' refers to an important figure.

As soon as Wei Wusheng entered the barbican and went through the inner city gate, he saw countless people waiting by the roadside in the heavy snow.

At the central axis of the street, one can see a vast expanse of people on both sides, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Everyone looked at Wei Wusheng.

Then, one after another, they knelt down in the snow and kowtowed to him.

Wu Sheng stopped in his tracks, completely stunned by the overwhelming public sentiment.

And he also moved the people.

The bloodstains on his armor, the tattered thick cloak, and his gaunt face made him look as if he had just crawled out of a pile of corpses.

Their princes, just like their children, personally went to the battlefield to kill the enemy!
“They are all worshipping you.” Holding Xiao Wei’s hand, King Wu said with a smile.

Wei Wusheng snapped out of his daze, looked at the King of Wu, and instead of reacting with high emotional intelligence to this sensitive remark, calmly said, "What we are worshipping is a victory built on piles of corpses."

His actions, on the contrary, reassured the King of Wu even more: "This time, I will do my best to ensure that every soldier who has died or been wounded receives his pension. I will also apply to His Majesty to exempt their families from taxes for up to five years, without taking a single penny."

Upon hearing this, Wei Wusheng clenched his fists and said with gratitude, "On behalf of my brothers, I thank Your Highness, Prince Wu."

"Why be so polite with Fourth Brother?" he said with a smile.

After a brief moment of preparation, Wei Wusheng adjusted his words and said, "Fourth Brother, I'll listen to whatever you say."

That address of "Fourth Brother" pleased the King of Wu greatly.

Of all these princes, the one he was closest to by blood was the Prince of Jin.

That person is a sibling from the same mother.

Before the Crown Prince died, the two were still brothers who were friendly and respectful to each other.

However, after the Crown Prince and Prince Ning both died, their relationship changed drastically.

Because of the position of crown prince, they all have a chance.

Because of this change, the other brothers also changed direction.

The Prince of Zhongping became inseparable from the Prince of Jin, the two of them being like shadows, like true brothers.

On our side, no princes have come to surrender.

Of course, such conditions are not met.

Prince Su was sickly, Prince Changsha was too young, and Prince Jiangling was away in another region.

Now, I have an extra person on my side, Wusheng.

I am stronger than the King of Jin.

Wusheng's achievements surpassed those of Zhongping King.

Steady!

“It’s not about listening to me.” King Wu smiled affectionately at Wei Wusheng. “We are brothers, and we should support each other.”

"it is good."

The two, who had never had much interaction before, walked hand in hand through the wind and snow toward the center of power.

.........

Upon entering the palace, in the Hall of Attendants, eunuchs removed their cloaks and swept away the snow. Wei Wusheng was left only in his golden scale armor.

"Quickly, move a brazier for the Sixth Prince to warm him up," Chen Bao ordered the eunuch beside him.

"No need, Eunuch Chen," the tough-guy Xiao Wei refused outright.

Having spent so many days defending the city in Shuofeng, his body and mind had long been honed to the highest level.

He even felt that the wind and snow in Sheng'an were too mild.

Wei Wusheng Returns from Freljord

"Then, Your Highness, please."

Chen Bao smiled politely and extended his hand.

"Hmm." Before leaving, Wei Wusheng turned back and nodded to the King of Wu.

"Speak carefully to your father," the King of Wu instructed.

Both of them were to see the emperor, but because of the "Liangzhou Case," which involved nine generations of relatives, Wusheng had to explain to the emperor alone first.

This step is actually quite crucial.

The King of Wu was still a little worried about whether Wei Wusheng, who had never been involved in politics and had only fought one battle, could withstand the pressure.

But Song Shi'an must have told him that, right?
Just like Ye Changqing did to himself every time he entered the palace.

I kind of want to see the person next to Wusheng.

"Your Highness, please have a seat." The eunuch brought a chair for the Prince of Wu.

"okay."

The King of Wu sat down, his calm expression masking a turbulent inner world.

……

This audience was held in the Taiyuan Hall of the Imperial Palace, the most important place where officials gathered for court.

Wearing armor, Wei Wusheng entered the hall and prostrated himself in worship.

"Rise." The emperor on the dragon throne, though old, was all the more majestic.

Wei Wusheng stood up and stood in the center of the main hall.

At this moment, there were only three people inside the hall.

Emperor, Wei Wusheng, Chen Bao.

Although the palace doors are open, what is said here is enough to shield the entire world.

"Have you met Ji Yuan?"

The first words the two exchanged upon meeting came from His Majesty the Emperor's curious inquiry.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Wei Wusheng replied directly.

"How does he look?" the emperor asked, his tone full of interest.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Wei Wusheng replied, "A great ruler of his generation."

"Oh?" This answer surprised the emperor. "You're afraid of him?"

"When we met, my mount hesitated the whole time," Wei Wusheng confessed truthfully.

"But you beat him."

"I was able to repel the enemy because Your Majesty mobilized the army, which tied up a large number of troops, making Ji Yuan hesitant to continue the siege," Wei Wusheng replied.

"You are very humble and know how to conduct yourself appropriately."

Both were hiding places, but his hiding place made the emperor much more comfortable than that of the Prince of Jin. Leaning back on the dragon throne, he said quite amiably, "But no one can erase the merits of Shuofeng's defense of the city, not even me. This battle was won by you. It was won by those thousands of soldiers."

"Your Majesty's grace is deeply appreciated, and I am filled with trepidation."

Wei Wusheng bowed once, then stood up.

"However, despite winning, there are some things you need to explain to the world."

The emperor's tone gradually turned serious: "Who orchestrated the power grab and troop mobilization in Langya?"

"Your Majesty," Wei Wusheng replied calmly, "it was your subject who came up with the idea and made the decision."

"Then why was it Song Shi'an who led you into Langya, and then he took command of the Imperial Guards?"

“I wish to mobilize troops and need manpower, so I have ordered him to carry it out on my behalf.”

"Is it true that the joint impeachment by the powerful clans of Shuofeng directly targets Song Shi'an, accusing him of wielding power?"

"The joint impeachment was coerced by Zhang Wen, the head of the powerful clans of Shuofeng. Those people have already confessed and hope to be cleared in Sheng'an. Moreover, the evidence that Zhang Wen's family secretly colluded with the Qi bandits is conclusive, and they have all been imprisoned." Wei Wusheng continued solemnly, "After Song Shi'an entered the city, he was in charge of logistics for our army and never controlled military power. He has always performed the duties of a county magistrate."

"What about those Imperial Guards who arbitrarily granted official titles and made promises?"

"It is my decision."

Wei Wusheng took on everything.

"Wei Wusheng".

Suddenly, the emperor called out his name.

"Your subject is here." Wei Wusheng looked up.

"Tongmen Pass was lost, Zhao Xiang was lost, Wuwei was lost, only you defeated Ji Yuan. And only you could defeat Ji Yuan."

Since he did everything, all the credit must belong to him. The emperor said sternly, "I hereby appoint you as the Prince of Qin, the Governor of Sizhou, and the Grand General."

After these three titles were announced, even Chen Bao made a decision.

This honor surpassed that of all the princes.

This is the real prince.

Moreover, the emperor's word is law and absolute, and cannot be lied about!
But Wei Wusheng remained calm.

"All the credit is yours. But someone has to bear the consequences." The emperor stretched out his hand and said, "Song Shi'an is dead, so it all belongs to you."

This is not a test.

The emperor was indeed chosen for him.

Even the most well-hidden person has to come out eventually, because the purpose of hiding is to obtain all of this!
Once again, Wei Wusheng slowly knelt down and bowed to the emperor: "I want nothing, I only wish for the Song Dynasty to live in peace."

(End of this chapter)