Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 192 Song Shi'an: Questioning the Prince of Yan
Zhao Yi and Ye Changqing went to the Wu King's Mansion together.

After getting out of the carriage, as the two walked together, Ye Changqing suddenly thought of something, stopped, and said to Zhao Yi beside him, "Since we are here to discuss matters together today, why don't we wait for the Prince of Zhongshan and Song Shi'an to arrive before entering the Prince's residence together?"

"Why?" Zhao Yi asked in return.

“This way, Song Shi’an will feel more like a colleague, rather than as someone who is His Highness’s man and he is the one who joined later,” Ye Changqing said.

"We were originally His Highness's people."

Zhao Yi glanced at him, then walked towards the Prince's residence, casually saying, "You're overthinking it."

Ye Changqing smiled, didn't think too much about it, and followed along.

King Wu might have thought that he was more likely to 'reject' newcomers, since civil officials have such limitations—they tend to be jealous of each other.

But surprisingly, it was the military commanders who first asserted their sovereignty.

Of course, Ye Changqing only said that; when it came to seniority, he certainly wouldn't want to be on equal footing with those who came after him.

Since joining at any time guarantees being given important responsibilities, why is there such a thing as "following the dragon"?
I arrived early, so shouldn't I get more?
If that's the case, then let's just sit on the fence, play it safe and develop our strength. Once we've grown powerful enough, we'll choose one that can win and join them, becoming early adopters.
That's not what they said.

In ancient Chinese history, the underlying logic of politics was based on the principle of first come, first served.

The noble families will always be superior to the gentry of Jiangnan.

After the two entered the mansion, King Wu, who was already in the main hall, took the initiative to come out and greet them with a smile.

"Please, both of you, have a seat," King Wu said, extending his hand in invitation.

The two of them sat down quite naturally, one on the left and one on the right, near the head of the table.

Of course, when the King of Zhongshan arrives, he will definitely sit next to the King of Wu, since the King is also a respected figure.

So, Song Shi'an's position is...

"The weather is cool today, and the peach blossoms are in full bloom. Shall we go to the central courtyard to drink wine, admire the flowers, and have a long talk?" said the King of Wu.

Ye Changqing quickly understood the King of Wu's dilemma, so he took the initiative to stand up and said, "That's wonderful! On such a beautiful day, let's drink and make merry. How delightful!"

Even if Zhao Yi wasn't particularly perceptive, he could still tell. Nevertheless, he forced a smile, and the three of them moved their conversation to the courtyard, amidst the red water, peach blossoms, and pavilion.

While drinking, he told the two of them everything that had happened recently.

As a military general, Zhao Yi was naturally furious and felt that he should send troops to suppress Northern Yan.

What Ye Changqing cared about more was: "His Majesty and His Highness said that Minister Song was also present when the military report came that day?"

“Yes,” King Wu said. “At that time, they were discussing the marriage between Changqing and Song Ce, and then the urgent message arrived. His Majesty did not ask Minister Song to leave.”

"Does that mean Song Shi'an also knows everything?" Ye Changqing said.

“That’s for sure,” Zhao Yi said. “Recently, the Song family has been acting all around Song Shi’an.”

"There's one more thing," King Wu said. "My father told me not to reveal this, and you must not tell anyone else either."

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will keep this a secret," Ye Changqing said.

“We will maintain absolute secrecy, just like before,” Zhao Yi added.

Ye Changqing could clearly hear some of his emotions.

Zhao Yi was responding to what the King of Wu had said.

As the core of the Wu King's faction, we never leak secrets.

Your Highness, you never used to say such formal things, but now you insist on saying something like this?
The atmosphere has changed somewhat because of Song Shi'an, this shining new star.

Ye Changqing was at a loss for what to do.

It wasn't that he was truly selfless; he simply felt that the Wu King's faction couldn't afford any trouble at this stage.

We should secure a solid victory before discussing anything else.

If you lose, you will be punished.

Without saying much, King Wu nodded and said, "The first place where Song Shi'an decided to implement the military-agricultural colony system is Huai County."

Both of them were shocked when they heard this.

Zhao Yi sighed, "This is sacrificing one's own family for success."

"No, it's much more than that." Ye Changqing corrected the contradiction in his words, and then gave an example, "Think about it, what if you were sent to Qinzhou as a military agricultural officer to cultivate land?"

"..." Upon hearing this, Zhao Yi, who felt that Song Shi'an was after wealth and status, was speechless.

This is not about wealth and status at all.

It's one thing for you to use your own family's money to gain wealth, but what about your uncle's family and your great-grandfather's family?
What about the families of close friends? The families of in-laws? The families of meritorious officials from the same court?

That's going to absolutely offend someone.

Zhao Yi would never do that. If he did, even his own father could cripple him.

"Yes, that's amazing," Zhao Yi had to admit.

"If Huai County can be established, the whole country can be established." Ye Changqing said in a serious tone, "This Song Shi'an is determined to make things happen, regardless of the consequences."

“Loyal and devoted, isn’t that right?” said the King of Wu.

“It is unwavering loyalty, but it goes beyond loyalty.” Ye Changqing had to admit, “He wants to leave a name for all eternity, so Your Highness, you must also have such courage.”

The King of Wu didn't fully explain the "Longzhong Dialogue" at the Song residence that day, but Ye Changqing revealed the true nature of their relationship in a single sentence.

He is still very capable.

“Then this time, we must take the initiative to send an envoy,” said the King of Wu.

“Yes, Song Shi’an would be the best choice,” Ye Changqing said. “Of course, I can go too, and I will do my best to fulfill my mission.”

"Changqing, are you going too?" King Wu asked. "This is very dangerous."

“If there are ways to avoid danger, I’m not afraid,” Ye Changqing said. “But I have to admit that Song Shi’an is more effective.”

“Yes.” As a military general, Zhao Yi was well aware of this. “Ji Yuan was his defeated opponent, so he will have more confidence if he goes there.”

"But Your Highness, you must not persuade him to go. Moreover, you must genuinely care about his safety and advise him not to go." After Ye Changqing finished speaking, he added, "After all, he has only just joined, so we cannot be too blatant in our approach." This statement also subtly implied that it was best for them to remain the first choice.

Zhao Yi smiled and nodded.

"Okay, I'll listen to you."

The three of them reached an agreement in this way.

Wei Wusheng and Song Shi'an also arrived together shortly afterward.

Under the personal reception of the King of Wu, he was led to this courtyard and jokingly introduced as "Zhao Zhonglang, Lord Ye".

"Shi'an greets the two lords." Song Shi'an took the initiative to bow, being polite and courteous.

"Is this our top scholar of Dayu?" Ye Changqing immediately said enthusiastically, "I have long admired your name, it is very famous."

"Lord Ye is also a senior figure in the literary world, whom I have long admired." After saying these polite words, Song Shi'an said to Wei Wusheng somewhat shyly, "Indeed, you are exceptionally handsome."

“I think Song Zhuangyuan is more handsome,” Zhao Yi immediately joked.

“Then I’m the second most handsome,” Ye Changqing retorted, while also jokingly adding, “As the runner-up, I’m the second most talented.”

Zhao Yi: "You were only second in that year's class..."

The two men's banter amused the King of Wu, who pointed at them and smiled at Wei Wusheng: "Look at our people, they're all so unserious and have no manners."

Upon hearing the mention of lack of manners, the two immediately bowed to Wei Wusheng and said, "We pay our respects to His Highness the Prince of Zhongshan."

"You're too kind, please don't stand on ceremony," Wei Wusheng said in a very easygoing manner. "It's not that we're being impolite; it's just that this makes us feel comfortable and at ease, like we're at home."

"The Wu King's Palace is everyone's home." The Wu King took it seriously and extended his hand, "Everyone, please take your seats."

And so, the five people knelt on the ground around the tea table in the lakeside pavilion, beginning the first "general meeting" of the Wu King's residence.

“Your Highness, after my father returned to the manor yesterday, he told me about the military situation outside the pass. I already told His Highness Prince Zhongshan about it on my way here,” Song Shi’an said frankly.

"Hmm." King Wu nodded. "In that case, let's get straight to the point."

After he finished speaking, Ye Changqing took the initiative to pour wine for Song Shi'an.

After expressing his gratitude, Song Shi'an drank with him.

“This is my opinion,” Zhao Yi said. “The military settlements are urgent, but if war breaks out in Northern Yan, the court may not be able to provide the funds and provisions for the military and civilians who are settled there.”

"Yes," Ye Changqing said. "In any case, everything must prioritize Shi'an's land reclamation plan."

"What does the King of Zhongshan think?" the King of Wu asked.

"We will obey Your Highness's orders." Since the two of them are not together now, they still need to use their official titles to maintain the dignity of the royal family. "Shi An and I will follow your instructions."

Upon hearing this, the King of Wu felt somewhat embarrassed.

If I'm the only one who has to say it, how can I possibly speak up?
“Since this is a meeting, we should discuss it together. There’s no need to blindly follow orders. Our decisions have always been made through discussion,” said the King of Wu.

"Hmm." Wei Wusheng nodded. "Let me think about it."

"Very well." King Wu smiled, then turned to Song Shi'an and asked, "Shi'an, what are your thoughts?"

“Your Highness, I believe that whoever is sent on this mission must be recommended by His Highness the Prince of Wu. Moreover, it must be one of our own,” Song Shi’an said.

“Yes, we can’t let His Highness Prince Jin get there first,” Zhao Yi said. “I’ll go.”

"You're going? What kind of military officer is sent on a mission? Do you think you can win with your silver tongue?" Ye Changqing laughed. "Your Highness, let me go. I promise I will not fail in my mission."

“The previous envoy has just been killed. This trip is too dangerous. Changqing, you have just taken on the important position of magistrate of Sheng’an, so you should not go,” said the King of Wu.

"Your Highness, Shi An, please go."

Song Shi'an couldn't be too proactive, but since he had already given face, he volunteered.

Wei Wusheng simply watched.

"What are you saying? It's dangerous for Changqing to go, but it's not dangerous for you?" King Wu laughed and quickly waved his hand. "What I mean is, if none of you go, let someone else go. Anyway, we're all on the same side. Even if we don't complete the mission, we'll still have the courage to do it, which is better than not going at all."

The King of Wu sometimes gets anxious and reveals his true feelings.

But he's not really stupid; he can't even speak.

“But Your Highness, please forgive my words. This mission must succeed, as it concerns the future of the Great Yu for decades to come,” Song Shi’an insisted.

"This is too dangerous, we can't take such a risk..." King Wu's expression was serious, showing his appreciation for talent. "Don't say any more."

Go ahead and act.

The military report arrived yesterday, and today they summoned us here, still saying things like this?

Wei Wusheng felt truly saddened.

Perhaps, in this world, there are few people who truly cherish genuine feelings.

"Your Highness," Ye Changqing advised, "as Shi An said, this matter is indeed very important. We cannot allow them to complete the alliance. We should discuss and come up with a practical and effective decision regarding who should be sent as envoy."

“Lord Ye is absolutely right,” Song Shi’an agreed. “But if I were to go, there would be some other benefits.”

"What are the benefits?" Zhao Yi asked.

“I have crossed paths with Ji Yuan, and Chen Xing was also in that war,” Song Shi’an stammered. “Both Lord Ye and I can go, and we can both succeed, but if I were to go as an envoy…”

"Shi An, don't worry about it." Ye Changqing knew he was in Diejia, and then admitted, "Only you are qualified to do this."

"And it's not even a qualification..."

Song Shi'an remained humble.

"what's up?"

Both King Wu and Zhao Yi looked at him with some curiosity.

Facing their gazes, Song Shi'an did not back down and resolutely said, "I will hold the Prince of Yan accountable."

(End of this chapter)