Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 303 Deciphering the Curse of the Crown Prince's Appointment
You unfilial son!

When Song Jing turned around and saw Song Shi'an, his heart almost stopped, and his eyes widened so much that the officials behind him tensed up and dared not meet his gaze.

Didn't you promise me you wouldn't come with me?
Father, I did promise you I wouldn't come with you.

So I came by myself.

Song Shi'an knew that he would face severe criticism and persecution when he returned home, and might even be whipped with his jade belt by the Marquis.

But he had no choice but to come.

Admittedly, if he hadn't shown up this time, the matter would have simply passed.

But look at the eyes of these officials.

Which of them wasn't astonished and surprised?
This shows that everyone felt they should avoid any appearance of impropriety in this matter.

If they hadn't come this time, no one would have dared to stir up trouble or spread rumors, and the emperor wouldn't have blamed them; they would have gotten through this ordeal.

But now everyone knows his weakness.

That man, who was always open-minded, indifferent to rumors and slander, and seemingly invincible, harbored a certain fear deep inside.

In other words, they felt guilty.

Not coming would be the complete collapse of one's public persona.

So when he appeared, Wei Yiyuan made no attempt to hide his delighted smile.

At this moment, the egg-shrinking is not the Song Shi'an I know.

Fourth Brother, what do you think?
Song Shi'an, you even have to argue about something like this!
If you don't come, everything is over for me!
But, of all things, they chose to defy the prevailing trend and make an untimely appearance at this crucial moment.

As the soon-to-be crown prince, practically an emperor, the Prince of Wu was enraged for the first time by a subject. Even though he didn't show his displeasure on his face, Song Jing keenly sensed it; the Song family was about to suffer a severe blow.

"Gentlemen, I am unwell and am a little late. Please forgive me."

Song Shi'an remained quite calm, with a polite smile on his face, and took the initiative to bow to his colleagues as he entered the ranks of officials.

An official closest to him smiled and prepared to return the greeting. However, as soon as he raised his hand, he noticed that the officials on either side of him had all looked away, appearing very nervous and trying their best to avoid eye contact, awkwardly conveying the impression that 'Song Shi'an isn't talking to me.' So he quickly withdrew his hand, lowered his head, and dared not respond.

If all the officials had the same attitude and greeted him together, then there would be nothing wrong with it.

At this critical juncture, when everyone is avoiding him, if you become the only one who talks to him, what the hell is that if not a crony?
I'm not a henchman, I'm just a polite person... Go tell that to the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

Song Shi'an, on the other hand, seemed to have some kind of social superpower. Even when no one paid him any attention, he would still nod and greet each person next to him as he entered the crowd, maintaining a smile.

Those people were terrified, as if summoned by the King of Hell. Some of the older officials even turned their backs and dared not face him.

A few days ago, because of this 'news', there was a lot of killing in Sheng'an City.

If the emperor only wanted to respond to the rumors and that his delay in appointing a crown prince was not because he was waiting for Wei Wusheng, then he could have simply appointed the Prince of Wu as crown prince. Isn't the intention behind this sudden massacre quite obvious? — I'm about to pass on the throne, and anyone who dares to cause trouble at this time will be killed!
Song Shi'an, a third-rank official, found his place among the rows of third-rank officials. As soon as he walked over, the crowd dispersed naturally, like a magnet being deflected.

There was no one within three steps.

Pure workplace bullying.

"Shi'an, I heard from Song Dutang that you caught a cold and are unable to leave the manor. I was planning to visit you," the Prince of Wu said to him. "It's good that you're alright."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am very grateful." Song Shi'an bowed and replied, "I was indeed a little sick last night, but I was almost better when I woke up this morning. His Majesty ordered all officials of the fourth rank and above in the city to be present. I thought that since I was no longer in serious condition, it would be inappropriate for me to be absent without a valid reason."

"Ah, very good."

The King of Wu nodded and smiled at him. After exchanging pleasantries, he turned his head away.

Not far away, the vanguard of the army was less than a mile away, and the commander's banner could already be glimpsed.

The officials behind King Wu could not see the face of the new crown prince. But his own brother, King Jin, knew just how unhappy his younger brother was.

How much he wanted to kill someone.

But it's understandable.

If the Prince of Jin were to put himself in his shoes, he would see that his two subordinates were in a rather ambiguous relationship, and there were even rumors that they were plotting to replace him. Furthermore, given all this, they still didn't know how to maintain distance and insisted on doing things that would lead to misunderstandings. How could he possibly tolerate this?
It's not a turtle.

Of course, if it were the Prince of Jin, this would never have happened.

Ye Changqing sensed that things were in chaos; something had happened to His Highness Prince Wu.

Because this matter is far too complicated, and he also has his own extended family, he cannot openly offer advice to the King of Wu at this time, as doing so might offend him.

In a physical sense.

Song Shi'an's actions were certainly wrong, but the deed was already done.

He has already arrived. Because the officials do not know the King of Wu's attitude, they dare not show goodwill and even openly isolate him. If you do not defend him at this time, wouldn't that confirm the discord between the two kings?
He clenched his fists, looking at Song Shi'an behind him. Just as he was about to move, an official beside him grabbed his sleeve and shook his head very seriously.

Ye Changqing's body stiffened, and he struggled to grit his teeth and endure it.

But when he saw Prince Zhongping glance at Song Shi'an with a playful look, he shook off his colleague's hand, went straight to the back row, and stood next to Song Shi'an in full view of everyone, taking the initiative to greet him: "Why are you still coughing? Are you not completely better yet?"

Upon hearing this, Song Shi'an also covered his face halfway with his sleeve, coughed weakly twice, and explained, "It's been getting colder lately, so I haven't been paying much attention. I should be better soon."

All the officials witnessed the exchange between the two.

Everyone was stunned.

This Ye Changqing is truly fearless!
The King of Wu was also awakened by his deliberate 'self-destructive' behavior—it highlighted the importance of decorum.

The crown prince has not yet been clearly established, and the position has not yet been firmly established. At this time, no matter how big or undignified the events are, as the head of the Wu Wang Group, you must maintain a respectable image in public!

The King of Jin only lost, he did not die.

Before one has become emperor and secured his position, it is not advisable to engage in internal strife.

I understand, I understand!
I haven't won yet. I'm not the emperor yet, and I haven't even become the crown prince!

Before the main army arrived, King Wu personally strode forward. Upon seeing him arrive, Wei Wusheng immediately stopped his horse, dismounted, and rode directly towards him in both directions.

"Wusheng greets His Highness, the King of Wu!"

Kneeling on one knee with his hands clenched into fists, Wei Wusheng solemnly bowed.

The nearly 10,000 imperial guards dismounted one after another, and then, under a unified command, knelt down in unison to pay their respects, creating a magnificent spectacle.

"Well done, you scoundrel! This great victory truly enhances our national prestige!"

The King of Wu warmly helped him up with both hands, looked his tall and handsome younger brother up and down, and showed a very satisfied smile. Then he took his hand and said happily, "Let's go home."

As the two approached, all the officials bowed in unison.

And so they walked along the road between the officials on both sides, heading towards Sheng'an City.

As they passed Song Shi'an, the King of Wu grabbed his hand and held it tightly, saying, "There is another great hero in this battle."

"I am humbled, I only did some small things by talking," Song Shi'an replied modestly.

"Our civil and military achievements are all for the sake of serving the country. Our Great Yu may have enemies, but there is also peace. We protect the people and bring peace to the world. What do we have to fear from those Qi traitors?"

After saying this, he grasped one in each hand, basking in the glory, using his actions to dispel doubts and refute the so-called rumors of a 'sage ruler and virtuous minister'.

Or rather, this "lord" does not refer to anyone else, but to me, His Highness the King of Wu!
The other two were both subjects.

Wu Sheng was initially quite happy to see Song Shi'an, but he also keenly sensed that the atmosphere seemed somewhat strange...

The other two kings stood far behind, their hands behind their backs, witnessing the scene firsthand.

"They're acting all lovey-dovey, like nothing ever happened," Wei Yiyuan joked with a smile. "You've made up as if nothing ever happened."

"Making up is easy."

The Prince of Jin shook his head and sighed, "To return to the way things were before is difficult."

.........

"The Emperor of the Great Yu Dynasty decrees: King Wei Yiyun of Wu is renowned for his filial piety and benevolence, and is diligent in governing and exceptionally talented. He is truly my right-hand man. Therefore, he is hereby established as Crown Prince. This decree is hereby proclaimed throughout the land so that all may hear of it. This is the imperial decree!" "Your subject obeys the decree."

He slowly raised his head and held up his hands. As the heavy imperial edict landed in his hands, a golden light gradually appeared in the King of Wu's eyes.

When he stood up, the way the eunuch Xi bowed to him was the same as how he bowed to his father.

In the main hall, the emperor sat high on the dragon throne.

Looking at the prince, who was still immersed in extreme ecstasy and was in a daze.

Gently, she raised her hand.

The King of Wu—no, the Crown Prince—awakened from his hazy illusion and looked at the Emperor. He saw only his father, who gently waved his hand outwards.

The Crown Prince nodded slightly.

Then he turned around and walked step by step towards the outside of the main hall.

The morning light streamed in through the golden threshold of the Taiyuan Hall, and within the light, dust motes moved and coalesced into a pillar of light...

The prince raised his right foot and stepped over the threshold.

The vast land of China is now open and clear.

All officials of the seventh rank and above in the imperial court, totaling more than 600, were already prostrating themselves in worship below the jade steps.

The Crown Prince raised the imperial edict he was holding.

The next moment, all the court officials in the capital shouted in unison, "Your subjects congratulate His Highness the Crown Prince!"

At this moment, the world was under the crown prince's feet.

Wei Yiyun finally got everything he had ever dreamed of.

At his feet, among the kings at the very front, the King of Jin felt a trace of regret for the first time.

Originally, he should have been the one ruling the world.

However, Wei Wusheng, who was standing next to him, didn't care about such things at all.

Even though Song Shi'an had once told him that he hoped he could become the crown prince.

He did not feel any reluctance to lose it.

The ceremony is over.

To celebrate the establishment of the crown prince, the emperor granted a general amnesty.

Officials in Kyoto were all rewarded.

It is rare for a year's salary to be paid in full.

However, after the officials left the palace, Wei Wusheng went to find Song Shi'an immediately.

But the other person still avoided him and quietly left to return home.

After returning to Sheng'an, he learned everything.

Therefore, he clearly understood that Song Shi'an was not deliberately avoiding him to protect his political interests out of fear of being implicated.

If he was afraid, he shouldn't have come to greet him that day.

He was welcomed at a time when heads were rolling and everyone in the court was in danger, which shows that he was not afraid at all.

The matter is now in the past. Both the former King of Wu and the current Crown Prince were putting on a political show, leading the two of them away together. At this moment, however, he deliberately combs his hair, indicating that he cannot bear to do so.

I couldn't bear to let it affect me.

But what kind of nonsense is this!

After tugging hard at his sleeve, Wei Wusheng got into the carriage with considerable dissatisfaction after Song Shi'an slipped away once again.

.........

Sheng'an West, the Emperor's Mausoleum.

A few elderly eunuchs were sweeping up the fallen leaves in the cemetery.

At the entrance of a quiet, low-ceilinged stone house, an old cat crouched, sprawled lazily on the ground. An aged hand slowly rested on its soft fur, gently stroking it.

"Eunuch Chen, today His Highness Prince Wu was officially named Crown Prince, and our Imperial Mausoleum was also rewarded with 100,000 coins," an old eunuch reported to him with a smile.

"I'll share it with everyone." Chen Bao didn't get up, continuing to leisurely pet the cat.

"Then distribute 50,000 coins..." the old eunuch said quite sensibly.

“Distribute it equally. You are rewarded because of your kindness, while I am punished because of my sins…” He abruptly stopped stroking the cat and changed his words, “Never mind, you go and do it.”

"Yes, then this servant will go and distribute the fifty thousand coins."

The remaining 50,000 was naturally given as a tribute to Eunuch Chen.

"Why did they come? Why did I come?" Chen Bao smiled calmly. "In the end, we will all go back to the earth."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.

The cat stretched and then slipped away.

"The disgraced eunuch Chen Bao pays his respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."

Slowly and somewhat clumsily, Chen Bao knelt on the ground and kowtowed.

"And what crime have you committed?"

"He asked from the other side."

"Your Highness, I have offended His Majesty," Chen Bao said.

"Looked up."

The Crown Prince spoke with considerable composure. After Chen Bao slowly raised his head, he said solemnly, "I, the Crown Prince, forgive you for your innocence."

The crown prince arrived as agreed.

This was entirely within Chen Bao's expectations.

After all, he knew how important this matter was to the Crown Prince.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Chen Bao kowtowed again.

"Whatever you say, I will pardon you," the Crown Prince said sternly. "You are innocent now, and you will be innocent in the future. As long as I am here, you will remain innocent. As for any promises made afterward, you don't need them, do you?"

You think you can outlive me?

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Chen Bao knew that he had no choice.

You don't even need to feel guilty anymore.

Originally, he was an executioner.

But when that day came, when it was time to back down, Song Shi'an went instead.

That means he doesn't even value his own life.

Well then, so be it.

"A traitorous minister who appeared in a dream..."

The newly crown prince, upon learning this secret, was not as calm as Chen Bao had been when recounting it. He murmured those four words, already drenched in cold sweat.

(End of this chapter)