Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 275 Declaring War on the Nobles

I can fight to the death, and I can also be loyal to Yu.

These words completely extinguished the gentleness on the Duke of Li's face.

Instead, there is a deep, pensive gaze.

Song Shi'an's forceful manner made people feel as if he were already the swordsman, possessing the power to control everything.

They're completely impervious to reason.

“It’s not that you can.” Duke Li smiled and praised Song Shi’an, “You have already fought to the death. This action is an act of loyalty to the Great Yu and to the Emperor.”

"You flatter me, Duke Xie."

Song Shi'an had already decided before he arrived that he would be neither humble nor arrogant.

This is why they wear official robes.

I am here in my capacity as an official appointed by the imperial court.

Instead of becoming one of your 'three thousand disciples', engaging in ambiguous and entangled relationships with you.

"But not everyone is willing to fight to the death," the Duke of Li reminded him. "There probably aren't many loyal ministers like you in the Great Yu Dynasty, are there?"

"My lord, I believe that a great reward will surely attract brave men," Song Shi'an replied. "Like myself, I have made some minor contributions and also made quite a few mistakes. But His Majesty is benevolent and willing to promote me despite the pressure. This move is also a test for those who want to make contributions."

"Yes." Duke Li nodded. "When Emperor Gaozu was conquering the world, he was known for his ability to recognize and appoint capable people and for his clear system of rewards and punishments. This made his army brave, disciplined, and disciplined, with everyone willing to die for their country."

"The title of 'Nobles of Qinzhou' was Emperor Gaozu's reward for 'loyalty and fighting to the death'," Song Shi'an said.

“You’re right about that.” Duke Li raised his finger and smiled. “But there’s one more thing you’ve overlooked.”

"Please correct me, Your Excellency," Song Shi'an said earnestly.

"The Emperor Gaozu did indeed bestow eternal wealth and honor upon the nobles of Qinzhou," the Duke of Li said with a deep smile. "But those rewards were already given out when the country was being conquered. They were not bestowed upon them after the founding of the nation."

"..."

This sentence sent chills down Song Shi'an's spine.

This Duke of Li is too arrogant.

He meant that it was not the emperor who bestowed wealth and status upon the people of Qinzhou.

The people of Qinzhou built their country themselves.

After Emperor Gaozu became emperor, it wasn't that he was unwilling to reduce the power of the vassal states, but rather that he lacked the ability to do so.

That's why such a special group exists.

Therefore, if Song Shi'an wanted to establish military farms, he was not stealing what the emperor had given to the nobles.

Instead, they stole what rightfully belonged to the nobles.

He's revealed his hand.

So, Song Shi'an, how do you intend to refute this?
It's all just empty rhetoric: "Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king; on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king."

Or should I just say it bluntly, "I'm going to rebel against you all"?

You're good at sophistry, and you even managed to verbally kill the old king of Yan, Ding.

Then try cursing me to death and see what happens.

“The Duke is right. The wealth and honor of the nobles are all earned by the nobles themselves.” Song Shi’an smiled and faced him without fear, saying, “The current emperor has no favors for the people of Qinzhou.”

Song Shi'an, having been labeled, began to argue sophistry.

This is clearly a sign of insecurity and an inability to win an argument.

Even though investigating this statement could lead to the execution of nine generations of one's family, it still made the Duke of Li chuckle: "So, what are you trying to say?"

“Song Shi’an’s official rank is still too low; he can’t change anything.” Song Shi’an also smiled with the same mockery. “But this minor honor comes from His Majesty’s grace.”

Your nobility was earned by your ancestors.

Song Shi'an had neither soldiers nor land; his honor was bestowed upon him by the emperor.

Therefore, this brings us back to the fundamental theorem—power is only responsible for the source of power.

The Duke of Li's expression darkened.

“Duke, Song Shi’an can’t control anything,” Song Shi’an said. “This official robe, black gauze hat, and salary are all given by His Majesty. My ancestors didn’t leave behind any fiefdoms or property. So, I am willing to die for His Majesty.”

"You mean that after the military colonies are established, everything you do can represent His Majesty?"

“Of course.” Song Shi’an said without any regard for hierarchy, “Every decree comes from the emperor. If His Majesty thinks I’ve done something wrong, then he can execute me. But if His Majesty doesn’t say anything, then Shi’an is the sword in His Majesty’s hand. Wherever His Majesty points, Song Shi’an will cut down.”

The old man wanted to make me back down.

This led to the theory that the Great Yu Dynasty was full of 'emperors'.

Without the nobles of Qinzhou, there would be no Great Yu.

But Song Shi'an wouldn't tolerate it.

My wealth and status were not given to me by you, and it's not your place to point fingers at me.

"Haha." Duke Li raised his hand, patted him on the shoulder, and continued walking forward. "Your land reclamation could have been successful."

Even so, Shi An still hopes to succeed.

Song Shi'an continued to support him, talking as they walked.

"It's not too late to change your mind now."

The Duke of Li gave him one last chance to choose.

"Would the Duke forgive my offense just now?" Song Shi'an asked.

“I’m not even angry, so how can I forgive you?” Duke Li said magnanimously. “But if you really think what you just said was inappropriate, you can take it back.”

If the military settlements don't move Qinzhou, you'll win.

Otherwise, I'll lead all the nobles to attack you!

"I also think we should take it back."

Song Shi'an stopped and raised his hands in a gesture of respect: "Please, Duke, retract your statement that the wealth and honor of Qinzhou did not come from Emperor Gaozu. Such a statement is indeed disrespectful to a subject."

Instantly, a murderous intent flashed across the Duke of Li's face.

His eyes were so fierce that you felt he would kill you at any moment.

Song Shi'an's gaze was unusually fierce.

Having enjoyed wealth and power for so long, isn't that enough? Do you really think you're some kind of founding prince?

What, you think I can't even touch you?

“Then there’s no need for further discussion.” Duke Li gently tugged at his sleeve, looking at Song Shi’an. “From now on, there’s no need to hold back.” “Thank you for your kind words, Duke.”

"No, it's you who don't need to hold back against us anymore," the Duke of Li said frankly. "Bring it on, sword."

"As ordered."

Song Shi'an clenched his fist in a salute, then turned to leave.

"Young man, you only preserved Beiliang, you did not conquer it."

The people of Qinzhou were being looked down upon like this; even someone as magnanimous as the Duke of Li would not tolerate it any longer.

His retreating figure served as a stark reminder.

"Oh, right."

Song Shi'an stopped, turned around, bowed again, and apologized with a smile: "I am truly sorry for causing the Duke of Guo to suffer a great loss by bringing down the Duke of Qin in Northern Yan."

After finishing speaking, Song Shi'an finally left.

The Duke of Li's anger instantly filled his mind.

At the same time, there was a hint of 'surprise'.

How did he find out about Qin Che's matter?
No, there will be no disclosure.

It wasn't anyone who leaked the information.

There is only one possibility: this trip to Yan State made him realize that Qin Che's backer was himself.

He slammed his clenched fist down on the wooden handrail of the covered bridge, instantly cracking it: "Very well, you've dared to bully this old man."

.........

Song Shi'an left the mansion and got into the carriage, quickly leaving the place.

The Duke of Li must be a respectable person.

Furthermore, it's simply impossible for someone to be so foolish as to lure themselves to the mansion and kill them.

But if he were to become a powerful figure, and given that this old man is a ruthless character capable of destroying a nation, it's not entirely impossible that he might send out assassins to kill him.

It wasn't installed during the Song Dynasty; why make enemies everywhere?

This is simply because the negotiations broke down; there's nothing that can be done about it.

If you lower your stance and say that the nobles will fully cooperate with the court's policies, then everything will be easy to discuss.

Patriotic entrepreneurs are always praised and lauded.

But if he comes on the scene with a line like "A nobleman is a nobleman," then I'm sorry.

Even a minor official is still a master!

I'm just here to play games. I'm begging you today, but even if I win in the future, it'll still disgust me.

However, Song Shi'an's most ruthless statement was probably his last one.

Judging from your expression, I think I guessed correctly.

The Duke of Qin's backer was the Duke of Li.

After meeting the emperor that day, Song Shi'an became even more certain of this.

The reason is simple: when Song Shi'an met with the emperor before he left, there was a screen between them.

This resulted in him being unaware of the emperor's specific physical condition.

After this meeting, Song Shi'an was completely certain: this battle was unwinnable.

His body might not be able to withstand the end of this battle, and he hasn't even appointed a crown prince. Isn't this just leaving a hidden danger for chaotic governance?

Therefore, Qin Che probably knew that Da Yu would not actually send troops, which is why he dared to be so stubborn.

If his wish were granted, the situation in the north would evolve into Qin Che holding the military lifeline of the Yan state in his hands.

Dongliang could only heavily guard the area, creating a stalemate with the Duke of Qin.

So who will get this position?
Nobles of Qinzhou.

The power of the nobles was taken back in an instant.

As for why the Duke of Qin's backer must be the Duke of Li...

Geopolitics.

Although the Duke of Li's territory was not in Dongliang.

But after he single-handedly destroyed two countries, he stopped in Liaonan Commandery.

He definitely has a connection with the Duke of Qin.

Damn, that's so dark.

too frightening.

But, that's just right.

If we don't seize this opportunity to deal with the powerful nobles now, we'll never have another chance.

Old man, let's see who can use their knife faster.

Song Shi'an was fired up.

However, just as his carriage arrived at the Song residence and he was about to get off to go home, he suddenly saw a familiar beautiful woman on the road, so he lifted the curtain and greeted her: "Xinyue".

Just as he was about to get off the bus, Xinyue boarded it directly.

He pulled down the curtain, put his finger to his lips, and made a 'shh' gesture.

Song Shi'an was puzzled.

Then, Xinyue put her mouth close to his ear and whispered, "A strange person is looking for me."

"Strange?" Song Shi'an was puzzled.

"Let me finish," Xin Yue said, pressing her hand on his other arm. "This morning, someone came to my place, said something to my maid, and left a note. It said the location and time."

"Looking for you?" Song Shi'an immediately became alert and quite angry. "Who's so desperate that they'd dare to have designs on you?"

"Guess what he said?" Xin Yue didn't respond at all, and said in a particularly serious tone.

What did he say?

Xin Yue looked into his eyes and whispered, "I can save Song Shi'an's life."

(End of this chapter)