Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 130 Song Shi'an, Turns the Emperor into a Frenzy

"Young Master Song, I've brought you the meal."

Outside the prison, a jailer holds a plate with a bowl of water and two cold buns in his hands.

"Ah."

Sitting calmly in his thatched cell, Song Shi'an remained remarkably composed.

Then, the jailer opened the door, brought the meal to him, knelt down, and said nervously, "Lord Song, the food is the same in all prisons except the Imperial Prison. Unless there are special instructions, we cannot make exceptions."

The two special cases he mentioned were bribery and extra meals.

This is the Dali Temple, the place where officials are imprisoned.

Those imprisoned here are all officials. Or perhaps they are involved in cases concerning other officials.

Compared to the ordinary prisons of the various district commanders, the food was actually better.

Moreover, punishment is not applicable to high-ranking officials.

As long as the crime is not capital offense, family members are allowed to visit the prison. With a small bribe, food can be delivered under inspection and surveillance.

Why didn't anyone help Song Shi'an get special treatment?

The entire Song family has been arrested.

But it doesn't matter. Putting aside the north wind, people who have experienced the high school cafeterias of four provinces rarely picky eaters.

"It doesn't matter."

Song Shi'an didn't care at all and just picked up a piece of steamed bun and started eating it.

Beware of poisoning?

Only when the emperor wanted to cover his tracks would he poison someone at the Dali Temple.

If the emperor truly wanted to kill someone, there was no way they could survive.

However, even if the emperor has the power of life and death, it does not stop Song Shi'an from forcing him step by step.

It doesn't really matter.

Don't treat emperors from the era of regional separatism as emperors in the traditional sense.

If he really kills himself, then the Wei family can just play by themselves.

At the same time, Northern Liang came under Ji Yuan's control.

He was killed as soon as he returned to Beijing. The next day, when the members of the Yixin Society checked their ID cards, their nationalities were all listed as "Qi".

"Lord Song," the jailer said in a low voice as he ate his steamed bun, "Lord Song already knows about today's interrogation."

Oh, you've passed on the message.

"Hmm?" Song Shi'an asked curiously.

He continued, without changing a single word, relaying: "Lord Song asked me to pass on a message to you, saying that I am aware of the situation and that I am doing well in prison, so there is no need to worry."

It seems my father is a respectable man.

He dared to go all in with the emperor, so he certainly wasn't afraid of this small offense.

I'm not one to do a one-off deal.

If the people of the world think that Song Shi'an is an irresponsible person who leaves all the responsibility to Xiao Wei and is willing to do anything for wealth and status, then that would be a real loss.

Even if I do become rich and powerful in the end.

I've already conquered the north wind, so can't I still make money standing up?

All I can say is that the emperor hated Xiao Wei too much.

Logically speaking, if there is such a courageous son who personally rode to meet the other emperor at the age of 21, he could simply let go and do as he pleases. They are all his sons, so why must the King of Wu or the King of Jin do it?

To be honest, Song Shi'an really knew the reason.

He understands Lao Wei just like a farmer understands rice.

"Okay, I understand." Song Shi'an raised his head, looked at the jailer squatting in front of him, and smiled. "What's your name?"

This question made the jailer tense up in fright.

Working at the Dali Temple and secretly passing messages to criminals is a serious crime, punishable by death. How could one possibly leave a name behind?

But he was very brave.

Looking at Song Shi'an, the jailer said with a resolute gaze, "Reporting to Lord Song, my name is Zhu Amang."

"Okay, I understand."

Song Shi'an responded gently.

The other person then stood up and left with great respect.

Zhu Amang's pants are a bit loose at the waist.

Hmm, it's time to move it up a bit.

However, these are all trivial matters.

Holding a steamed bun in his hand, Song Shi'an stared solemnly out of the cell and murmured, "Little Wei, you must take good care of yourself over there."

.........

Chen Bao shoulders a very heavy mission.

The emperor wanted to test Wei Wusheng.

But the emperor couldn't say it himself; he had to send someone else.

To do such an absurd thing.

Was this test effective?
It is useful.

It can tell whether Wusheng has any rebellious intentions.

However, there has been no progress in this case.

That old fox knew better than anyone that Wei Wusheng was in no danger, and that because of the King of Wu's memorial, he would even be granted the title of king. Song Shi'an was also in no danger; the rebellious minister who appeared in a dream had already become a virtuous minister.

The emperor was simply giving Wei Wusheng a warning.

Actually, it was given a long time ago.

The moment the secret edict Qin Kuo carried was exposed, Xiao Wei was reminded: the emperor dislikes you and doesn't trust you at all.

Trying to extract information here now is tantamount to doing it openly again.

Was Wusheng a resentful eunuch who held a grudge against the emperor for making the decision, or was he an obedient eunuch who diligently followed the emperor's orders and tested the waters?
This life is like walking on thin ice.

Can I get to the other side?

He didn't know that he had already arrived at the Imperial Clan Court.

In an inner hall, Wei Wusheng took his seat.

Here, only Chen Bao and him remain.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Chen Bao smiled and bowed.

"Greetings, Lord Chen."

Wei Wusheng greeted him in a very friendly manner, appearing kind and lovely.

"Thank you, Sixth Prince." After expressing his gratitude, Chen Bao returned to the main topic and said, "Your Highness, the interrogation confession from Song Shi'an is out."

Upon hearing this, he visibly perked up. He showed some nervousness, but it wasn't obvious.

Having served the emperor for so many years, Chen Bao was most adept at reading people's expressions and moods.

He can accurately judge nine out of ten people.

Another issue isn't that you can't see through something, but that even if you do, it's useless.

Once some people reach a certain level, they are basically invincible.

For example, the Duke of Li.

The luxury of those in high positions.

Even if you've got a good idea, what can you do? You can't control it.

On that day, the emperor almost pleaded with him to go to war, but he refused without a second thought.

As if to say:

We're all old bones. If I go, even if we win, can you rest assured?

It's for your own good, and it's also for my own good.

But Xiao Wei, he can handle it now.

"What did he say?" Wei Wusheng asked.

"Return to your highness."

In a calm tone, Chen Bao said, "The Dali Temple interrogated us for an entire afternoon, and Song Shi'an's testimony is basically consistent with yours."

As he spoke, Chen Bao's eyes were fixed on Wei Wusheng's eyes.

If the two people have agreed to take responsibility and their testimonies are completely contradictory, then my answer will elicit two different reactions from him.

First, surprise.

Surprised that Song Shi'an wasn't doing what was agreed upon.

Secondly, it was also a surprise.

He was certain that Song Shi'an would do as agreed, so why would he, the chief eunuch, lie? This was the emperor testing him!
No matter how clever or meticulous a person is, it is impossible to be perfect in every aspect.

He could foresee that Song Shi'an would be tried separately from him.

But who could have imagined that the emperor would suddenly set him up and deliberately put him to the test?
Even if Song Shi'an is a prodigy who can even calculate this step, when asked this question, can a 21-year-old really do it without a single flaw?

I think it's impossible.

"Doesn't that mean the truth is out?"

The tension from before turned into relaxation, and Wei Wusheng replied quite casually.

“According to procedure, that is indeed the case,” Chen Bao said. “Then, Your Highness, is there anything you wish to ask? Or would you like to meet His Majesty and say something in person?”

"Eunuch Chen, I have a question," Wei Wusheng said with a smile, "If that's the case, then is Song Shi'an about to be released from prison?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Chen Bao replied honestly.

"Okay, then I have nothing else to say."

Xiao Wei shook his head.

"Then this servant will take her leave."

"Please take care, Eunuch Chen."

After bowing, Chen Bao left the Imperial Clan Court.

Only Wei Wusheng remained, sitting alone in the chair.

As agreed and according to plan, Song Shi'an's testimony was consistent with his own, and he was quickly released from prison.

He took full responsibility and would be punished by the emperor in court. However, when the emperor was disciplining his son, all the officials would have to pretend to dissuade him and plead for him. Thus, the actions of mobilizing troops and privately appointing officials ended lightly.

The two will be able to meet again soon.

He laughed.

But her smile looked stiff.

Looking at the deep scar on the palm of his left hand, he shook his head to himself after a long while.

No, I can't think like that.

I insisted that Song Shi'an shift all the blame onto me, and he simply did as I said.

If I were to be displeased because of this, wouldn't I be hypocritical?

Wei Wusheng knew that he was not displeased.

Since birth, Wusheng has only been himself.

Wu Sheng also wanted someone to put in a good word for him...

.........

"Your Majesty, the Sixth Prince is unaware."

Upon returning to the palace, Chen Bao reported to the emperor.

After he said that, the emperor understood the situation.

But I still asked, "Are you sure?"

“Your Majesty, I am certain,” Chen Bao said. “When I said that Song Shi’an’s and the Sixth Prince’s testimonies were consistent, His Highness showed no surprise, unease, or inconsistency. Moreover, there was a moment of disappointment.”

The emperor nodded.

Then, he gently tapped the handle of the dragon throne.

The height of the punches kept increasing.

Slowly, he stood up.

As he walked forward, he suddenly turned around, pointed at Chen Bao, and said defiantly, "Just how much does Song Shi'an love his son, me?"

Chen Bao quickly lowered his head, not daring to speak.

"Without prior consultation, you are willing to risk your life to atone for my son's crimes!"

"He wants to force me to make Wusheng step forward as well!"

"Be utterly loyal to the rebels," the emperor retorted. "Why is it that following the Prince of Wu brings no wealth or honor? He, of all people, chose the son I disliked the most!"

Song Shi'an has become a general.

The emperor could no longer intimidate Wei Wusheng.

On the contrary, it made him hold a grudge.

But the emperor had no way to do anything about it.

"I want to kill this arrogant wretch! All the officials and nobles are eager for his death! If I want him dead, there will be no one to stop me!"

Raising his finger and forcefully slamming it down, the emperor continued after uttering those harsh words, "But if we kill him, the entire Northern Liang will rebel! If we kill him, we'll have to kill Song Jing and slaughter the entire Song clan. Then, no one in the world will be willing to risk their lives for my Wei clan! I cannot kill him!"

The old emperor really wanted to support Song Shi'an!
The old emperor really wanted to kill Song Shi'an!
The old emperor could kill Song Shi'an!
The old emperor couldn't kill Song Shi'an!
"Your Majesty!" Chen Bao immediately knelt on the ground, trembling as he shouted, "His Highness Prince Wu can keep the Sixth Prince and Song Shi'an in check!"

"A king cannot rule a king. If he cannot control him, the King of Wu will be the first to die! And when he gains the ability to kill the King of Wu, the King of Jin will be the second to die!"

Suddenly, the emperor's body trembled.

He closed his eyes, placed his hand on his forehead, and it seemed as if he saw the dream come true.

(End of this chapter)