Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 153 The Song Father and Son Released from Prison

Song Shi'an is now a hot potato.

It's very troublesome.

Wang Chen was under a lot of pressure and couldn't wait to get rid of these two gentlemen as soon as possible.

Public opinion is one factor, and the emperor is another.

Therefore, after the urgent dispatch from the Dali Temple arrived, Zhu Qing and Qin Kuo's confessions were placed together with the Dali Temple documents that had already been finalized.

However, I did take a quick look at the specific content of the statement.

After gathering all the evidence, Dali went straight to the palace.

But by the time the urgent message arrived, it was already dark, past 9 PM. Wang Chen could only hope that His Majesty had not yet gone to bed, otherwise this newly appointed scholar would be born in prison.

Anyway, he had done his best, and Wang Chen breathed a sigh of relief.

On the eve of his release, he went to the Imperial Prison, to the cell where Song Jing was.

It was discovered that even at this hour, the adult was still not asleep.

"Who goes there?" Song Jing, who was leaning back in his chair, asked when he saw someone coming.

"Lord Song, it is I."

After Wang Chen spoke, he took the lantern from the person next to him and asked them to open the door.

"What brings Lord Wang here at this time?" Song Jing asked, puzzled.

After Wang Chen entered, he smiled and stood aside, saying, "Shuofeng's confession is back, and Shi'an is fine. Once the palace approves and issues the decree, the Prefect will be released from prison. Naturally, the Song family will also be released from confinement."

"That's it."

Song Jing didn't react much; he already knew it was just going through the motions.

“Your Excellency,” Wang Chen said, “the Dali Temple’s verdict is to demote Shi An by two ranks and deduct his salary for two years. This is truly a last resort, and I hope you will understand.”

"Not at all, not at all. Such a serious offense deserves to be punished as a commoner."

"How can you say that? Shi An is no commoner," Wang Chen joked. "Although he has made some mistakes, he has performed such a great service, and with the results of the imperial examination tomorrow, Shi An might become... How old is he this year?"

"Lord Wang, my son is twenty-one years old."

"That might be the youngest fourth-rank official in the Great Yu Dynasty," he exclaimed.

"You jest, sir. How can someone be promoted directly from the ninth rank to the fourth rank? Besides, it's still uncertain whether one will pass the imperial examination or not," Song Jing said modestly.

"If you don't make it to the fourth rank this year, you can do it next year." Wang Chen put his hand on his and flattered him, "Even if this didn't happen, it wouldn't be difficult for Shi An to pass the imperial examination."

"This matter?" Song Jing asked, puzzled.

“My lord, let me tell you something that’s not widely known,” Wang Chen said. “Those who go to jail here rarely get out. And those who do get out are usually promoted a few ranks. After all, they suffered injustice and imprisonment, so they naturally deserve some compensation.”

They suffered for the country.

"Is that so?" Song Jing didn't pay much attention to this.

Which high-ranking official frequently summarizes the current situation of the corrupt officials who have fallen from power in the Dali Temple?
So unlucky.

I also want to thank my son, because of this novel experience.

“Not only Shi An, but also Young Master Ce will pass the imperial examination.” Wang Chen winked at Song Jing, quite certain of his confidence.

"That's all thanks to His Majesty."

Song Jing had great faith in his two sons, but he was still aware of the truth about Song Ce's success in passing the imperial examination.

Very difficult.

A sixteen-year-old boy passing the imperial examination would almost always have to rely on connections.

Back then, when I was twenty years old, I managed to pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), which was already extremely rare.

However, he wasn't overly excited.

A rise that's too rapid is always worrying.

"And another thing," Wang Chen added, "If the Prefect is able to get out at the earliest, he might be released by tomorrow morning, which would probably coincide with the announcement of the results. If he doesn't make it in time... he might have to prepare to be imprisoned and receive the imperial decree as a Jinshi."

"What does Lord Wang mean?"

After looking the man up and down—a man dressed in shabby official robes, looking exhausted and thin—he said, “I will now send someone to fetch hot water for the Prefect, and also a change of clothes, so that he can look presentable when he goes out.”

"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Wang."

"Then I'll take my leave now."

After bowing, Wang Chen left.

Next, they went to Song Shi'an's prison cell.

This is the first time I've come to see this 'nephew'.

After all, for someone of his status to look after a seventh-rank official was far too presumptuous.

When he reached the entrance, he simply ordered the cell door to be opened.

Lying on the straw, Song Shi'an squinted and saw a high-ranking official standing next to the prison guard carrying a lantern. The official's attire indicated that he was of the rank of third grade or higher.

A high-ranking official.

"Who are you?" Song Shi'an asked directly, taking advantage of his dazed state.

"Wang Chen, Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review," the other party said.

"Oh, Lord Wang."

Song Shi'an pretended to be instantly sober, bracing himself on the ground with both hands as if he was about to get up.

But it wasn't efficient.

That kid is really arrogant.

"Lie down."

Wang Chen didn't take it to heart. After the others left, he went into the cell, placed the lamp on the ground, and sat down next to Song Shi'an, saying, "Kid, do you know why you were able to get out?"

This meant he was leaving. Lying hastily on the ground, Song Shi'an replied, "Your Majesty's grace."

"He is truly loyal."

Wang Chen was satisfied with his answer.

He certainly knew how much he had contributed, but he didn't arrogantly say it was because of his own merit or hard work.

"Besides His Majesty's grace, you should also know," Wang Chen reminded him, "His Highness Prince Wu has gone to great lengths for your father and for you. His men are even arguing with the officials in court. Doctor Ye came a few days ago to inquire about the outcome of your trial and, on behalf of Prince Wu, urged the Court of Judicial Review to release you from prison as soon as possible."

Wang Chen said these words to fulfill his responsibility.

At the same time, try to get closer to them.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, Song Shi'an solemnly sat up, faced an unknown direction, and suddenly clenched his fists and gave a military salute.

That scared the hell out of me...

Nervous.

"As long as you know it in your heart."

Wang Chen placed his hand on Song Shi'an's shoulder and patted him gently. Then he asked with a smile, "You were indifferent to marriage before because you loved to play around. Now that you've made meritorious contributions and passed the imperial examination, you're so eager to enter officialdom. You're young and promising. Shouldn't you consider it?"

"I've had this idea, but I haven't met the right person yet," Song Shi'an said.

"I have a little daughter named Xuan, she's lovely and beautiful," Wang Chen introduced. "She's only slightly less beautiful than the Sun Situ family's daughter. What do you think, young man?"

Song Shi'an turned to look at him and asked seriously, "How old is Xuanxuan?"

Wow, you're in such a hurry.

Wang Chen said, "He's just twelve this year."

"This is too childish," Song Shi'an said, embarrassed. "If others find out, they'll think I, Song Shi'an, have unusual tastes."

"If you think it's okay, you can get engaged first."

"She's still too young..." Song Shi'an hesitated. "How about we let Xuanxuan wait for me for another two years?"

"But we can't wait for you, Master Song."

Knowing the kid was joking, Wang Chen stopped talking to him, slowly got up, and said with a smile, "I'll send someone over to bring you clothes and hot water later. Take a good shower, and you can go out tomorrow."

Song Shi'an slowly stood up and bowed to him: "Lord Wang, thank you for taking care of my father these past few days."

Wang Chen looked at him with satisfaction, nodded, and then gave a final reminder before leaving: "Once you leave, don't come back in."

.........

Inside the palace, at the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Dali was sitting to the side of Chen Bao, reporting his work with a smile.

Chen Bao sat in the main chair, flipping through the documents one by one. After confirming there were no problems, he handed one to the eunuch beside him: "Make a copy and archive it."

Some important judgments were kept as backups not only by the Court of Judicial Review but also by the palace.

“But His Majesty has already retired for the night. I can only consult His Majesty’s will tomorrow morning, then draft the imperial edict, affix the seal, and issue it,” Chen Bao said. “If things go quickly, it might be in the morning; if things go slowly, it might be in the afternoon.”

Dali is in a bit of a dilemma.

Chen Bao smiled and said reassuringly, "Go back and tell Lord Wang that everything is alright."

Hearing those words, he was finally relieved.

The trial of this case can be considered a complete success.

While not perfect, at least the emperor's will was understood and things weren't completely messed up.

"Then, thank you for your trouble, sir."

As Dali stood up, Chen Bao also stood up, bowed respectfully, and Chen Bao returned the bow slightly.

The handover is now complete.

Then, the eunuch hurried to Xuanyu Hall.

At the door, there was a eunuch on duty. When he saw Chen Bao, he quickly lowered his voice and said, "Godfather, His Majesty is not asleep yet."

"Understood."

Chen Bao nodded and then walked into the palace.

She entered the hall quietly, with light footsteps, without making a sound.

At this moment, the emperor, who was leaning back on the dragon throne and gently tapping his leg with a jade ruyi, squinted and asked, "Can Song Shi'an leave?"

"Your Majesty is wise beyond reproach," Chen Bao replied. "Qin Kuo and Zhu Qing have returned with their testimonies, both of whom have defended Song Shi'an and taken responsibility for their crimes. If we get involved in this matter, it shouldn't be a big problem to let it go like this."

"What was the punishment?"

“Song Jing is innocent, but Song Shi’an has been demoted to the ninth rank and fined two years’ salary,” Chen Bao said.

"Very well." The emperor was satisfied with the result. "Draft an imperial edict for me, stamp it, and release the father and son."

"Yes." After Chen Bao finished speaking, he asked, "Your Majesty, the announcement is posted at Chenshi (7:00 AM). When will they be released?"

"Whenever it is, it will happen," the emperor said indifferently.

"Yes."

Chen Bao understood.

According to the normal procedure, that would be a delay.

The Emperor is so gracious, he could have just released you, why did he have to rush to bring you out?
How much influence do you have?
"Tomorrow, the imperial city (inner city) will be open to the public, allowing people from the outer city to enter," the emperor said.

"Yes."

After Chen Bao agreed, he raised his head, his expression carrying a hint of 'questioning'.

The emperor sarcastically remarked, "Let the people see that their Lord Song was not mistreated or tortured in prison."

(End of this chapter)