Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 165 The Newly Appointed Marquis, Accepting Gifts Extravagantly

The position of Sheng'an Ling can be considered the highest rank of the third grade. Moreover, due to its special geographical location and its importance as a key position among officials in the capital, it was always entrusted to the emperor's confidants, and only those who were independent and free from factionalism could hold the post.

In the vast capital city, he was the direct superior of all lower-level officials.

Moreover, they also possessed a rather sensitive 'mechanism'.

Kyoto Prison.

Dali Temple is the highest prison in the country, and it mainly houses political prisoners.

But Kyoto Prison was different; it was where all ordinary criminals were held.

Whenever there is a coup in the capital, the forces that can be mobilized are not large armies.

They were either personal guards, suicide squad members, or prisoners sentenced to death.

After all, death was already inevitable for them. Joining the rebellion would at most mean dying in battle, but if they survived, they could not only save their lives but also earn merit by following the emperor, just like the loyal soldiers.

What would you choose?
"Your Highness, His Majesty has decided to make you the crown prince."

Ye Changqing made no attempt to conceal the true nature of the emperor's actions.

"I...I know." The King of Wu's expression was exactly the same as when he had disobeyed and knelt before him that day, as if he could see a dragon throne in front of him.

Just one step away!

"But Your Highness, you must be vigilant." Ye Changqing didn't want to open the champagne halfway through. He held the Prince of Wu's hand and said very seriously, "The more powerful we are, the stronger the counterattack of the Prince of Jin's party will be."

When the two sides are evenly matched, they will test each other.

But what if one of them gets injured and bleeds?

Then the adrenaline will kick in.

Moreover, the Prince of Jin's faction remains large.

"Yes, I will be extremely careful and consult with you on everything before making a decision." King Wu knew that the current situation was hard-won, so he could not repeat his previous reckless actions. However, he thought of something, "Should I still submit a memorial in court recommending that Wu Sheng be made king?"

This was his biggest flaw.

Zhao Yi was also thinking about this issue.

"Your Highness, the arrow is on the string and must be released."

In response, Ye Changqing made a decisive judgment: "If you didn't say so, that's fine. However, since you have already made an agreement with His Majesty, you cannot go back on your word."

How could we possibly stand up the emperor?

"Furthermore, I dare to say something that may be presumptuous," Zhao Yi said, putting on his armor first.

"There are no taboos," said the King of Wu.

Since a disclaimer had been issued, Zhao Yi spoke boldly: "The reason why the Sixth Prince is not granted a title is well known. Logically speaking, a title should be granted. This should not actually be considered a reward."

The King of Wu did not quite understand the meaning of his words.

Therefore, Ye Changqing directly pointed out, "If Your Highness doesn't speak, His Majesty has no way to speak either."

Upon hearing this, the King of Wu suddenly realized what was going on.

Yes, Wusheng wasn't granted a title of king not for any other reason than the emperor's dislike of him, who considered him a cursed son.

Now that the title that rightfully belonged to him has been bestowed upon him, the emperor has no way to back down.

I really have to say it myself.

"Alright, let's do it then." King Wu no longer hesitated.

If you're going to form cliques for personal gain, then so be it. Things have gotten to this point, why pretend to be innocent?

"Your strength is the strength of us followers," Ye Changqing affirmed.

The stove is hot, burning fiercely!
“But you are young and inexperienced. Can you manage to keep things under control in this position?” Zhao Yi asked Ye Changqing.

Ye Changqing's father was the Minister of Agriculture, one of the Nine Ministers. He had also previously achieved the second-highest rank in the imperial examination, which is why he was able to rise to the rank of fourth-grade official at such a young age, before he was even thirty.

However, his previous official position was a high-ranking but low-level post, with a much smaller amount of power.

Now he truly manages thousands of officials in Kyoto.

"Isn't Song Shi'an's father going to be the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat? He has the responsibility of recommending officials. Why don't we replace some important departments, such as the various commandants, with our people?" King Wu suggested.

"No, no." Ye Changqing quickly waved his hand. "A new broom sweeps clean, or he can use both kindness and severity, but he can't change the status quo too quickly."

As the top leader parachuted into a department, if you want to quickly establish yourself, do you really want to replace all the middle-level managers?

This is absolutely not okay.

Officials who were transferred from powerful departments are dissatisfied.

The newly appointed official couldn't control the people below him either.

Those below, seeing that the new leader practices nepotism, know that no matter how hard they try, there is no room for promotion, and their enthusiasm will be greatly diminished.

"Then what should we do? The position of Sheng'an Magistrate is very important. If he can't command a large following, his power will be greatly diminished," Zhao Yi reminded him.

Song Jing held this position for many years, relying on his ability to promote and demote without favoritism.

Everyone reveres him and is willing to serve him.

During his tenure, Kyoto never experienced any major chaos.

Even unavoidable fires are handled with extreme speed and efficiency.

After a moment's thought, Ye Changqing said solemnly, "Spend some money."

Spreading Money

Upon hearing these words, the two men immediately admitted their mistake.

But I didn't find it particularly amazing.

That's how it was in the ancient officialdom: a leader who was willing to spend money was a good leader and could command a large following.

"Can you afford it?" King Wu asked. "I'll try my best, I'll have to scrape together it." After Ye Changqing finished speaking, he slowly looked at Zhao Yi, "Or, I can borrow from a wealthy friend."

Both of them looked at him at the same time.

The wealth of the nobles of Qinzhou is still worthy of recognition.

Even if he were the King of Wu, he couldn't compare.

"I know, I know, but don't expect everything from me," Zhao Yi said impatiently.

"Of course, after all, this is for my career advancement, I will return it to you, don't worry, brother."

After glossing over the matter, Ye Changqing added, "Just now, His Highness mentioned something very important."

"What is it?" King Wu asked.

"Let Song Jing help us plant our people," Ye Changqing said.

“Yes, we spent so much money to reward the troops, and His Highness put in so much effort,” Zhao Yi said. “Song Shi’an should repay us.”

"It's not good to squeeze out other people's positions, but when it comes to land reclamation, a large number of new low-ranking officials with real power will emerge." Ye Changqing reminded, "If Your Highness doesn't make any demands, then those recommended and arranged by Song Jing will all be Song Shi'an or the Sixth Prince's people."

"Good," King Wu agreed. "At least half of them should be our people."

Wu Sheng was indeed a member of the King of Wu's faction, but this did not allow Wu Sheng to grow too powerful and gradually lose control.

"Of the remaining half, there's a portion that was personally suggested by Song Shi'an," Ye Changqing said in a somewhat serious tone. "Even if Your Highness can't be too forceful, you should at least be mindful of the proper etiquette in terms of form."

"Hmm." King Wu nodded slowly. "All their actions must be reported to me before I grant permission."

Who is the ruler, and who is the subject?

This cannot be done carelessly.

Even if you can't interfere with or decide everything, you have to tell me before you do anything.

"But I believe that Wusheng and Shi'an will not overstep their bounds." King Wu still held them in high regard.

“Even if they don’t overstep their bounds, Your Highness should still be careful,” Ye Changqing said. “Whatever your business is, you shouldn’t go directly to Song Shi’an without going through the Sixth Prince.”

NTR banned world.

After much deliberation, the King of Wu nodded: "Alright."

The vassal of a vassal is not my vassal.

Just then, Jia Guihao, the Western Commandant, entered the mansion. After finding the group of people, he hurried over and bowed to them one by one: "Greetings, Your Highness, and the two gentlemen."

"Aren't you on duty? How can you neglect your duties?" Ye Changqing asked jokingly.

"Huh?" Jia Guihao was taken aback.

“New Sheng’an Commander, your direct superior,” Zhao Yi said, extending his hand.

"Ah! Lord Ye has been promoted!" Jia Guihao exclaimed with delight, quickly bowing in greeting and asking, "When will you hold the banquet, sir? I'll go back and prepare the gifts."

"So you came here to ask about gift-giving?" Ye Changqing laughed.

"Actually, you could say that."

Jia Guihao smiled sheepishly.

"Huh?" King Wu asked, puzzled.

"This humble official was unaware that Lord Ye had been promoted to the position of Magistrate of Sheng'an. However, my former lord, Song Jing, the Magistrate of Sheng'an, was granted a marquisate, and I was just about to deliver a gift to him. Then I was thinking, isn't Song Jing now His Highness's man? So I wanted to ask His Highness and the two lords if they were planning to deliver gifts, and how much they intended to give," he said with a smile.

Another unspoken rule in the workplace.

The size of the gift should not exceed that of the eldest child.

"Oh, you've been granted a marquisate?" King Wu was somewhat surprised, but not entirely unexpected.

Because the three of them had long predicted that their achievements in this battle would surely earn them a title of nobility.

"You're quite wealthy," Zhao Yi couldn't help but remark. "And you're worried that your gift will overshadow His Highness's."

"Of course I wouldn't dare to surpass Your Highness," Jia Guihao waved his hands repeatedly.

The implication is that we might surpass you.

Jia Guihao, true to his name, is a very wealthy man whose moral character is not particularly high.

"Of course we have to send it."

The King of Wu felt this was the perfect time to win over and express his stance to the officials in the capital.

This new favorite is a member of the Wu King's faction.

"Not only must you give a gift, but it must be a generous one," Ye Changqing advised.

King Wu nodded subtly, rubbing his forehead: "I know, I know."

The King of Wu was not a very wealthy man to begin with, and he used all his money to win people's hearts.

"In that case..."

Suddenly, Ye Changqing had an idea and asked, "Your Highness is going to deliver gifts, why not go with the Sixth Prince?"

.........

For a newly established noble family, this matter is far more significant than marriage or children's births.

Even though Song Jing himself is the kind of person who is low-key and incorruptible, he can't be too pure and upright.

Such a big event, shouldn't we have a feast?
Don't want to get along with your colleagues?

Since we're holding a banquet, it's natural to start by collecting gifts.

The day after Song was granted the title of Marquis, a steady stream of dignitaries arrived at the gates of the Song residence, accompanied by their servants, carrying a dazzling array of luxurious and precious gifts.

On March 28th, a large amount of funds from Sheng'an flowed into the Song family.

(End of this chapter)