Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 311 An Sheng ascends to the throne
"Father, an official from the Ministry of Personnel has come to inform us of the court assembly at 9:00 AM today. Should we still claim illness as before?"

Before going to the Dali Temple for his morning roll call, Sun Heng went to Sun Situ's study and, while Sun was practicing calligraphy, he delivered a report.

"Wait a minute." Sun Situ called out to his son, utterly exasperated, "Are you out of your mind?"

"Huh?" Sun Heng was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding. "Didn't you all claim illness and not go before? Because of His Majesty's... childish behavior that day."

“Then let me ask you, who is holding the court assembly now?” Sun Situ asked.

"His Majesty has appointed the Crown Prince to oversee the state; it should be the Crown Prince, right..."

"This is the Crown Prince's first court assembly," Sun Situ said forcefully. "Moreover, there was no prior notice; it was held this morning. Don't you understand?"

After thinking for a while, Sun Heng guessed and said, "Is Your Highness trying to intimidate us?"

"Hmph, use your brain," Sun Situ said with a smile, "When is it okay to have emotions, and when is it okay to show loyalty?"

The first meeting of the new leadership, and it was convened on short notice.

If you refuse without a good reason, do you still want to stay in this company?
One emperor and one courtier.

Regardless of what happens in the future, this "emperor" is making an example of someone to establish authority; when it's time for you to stay out of the way.

"Father," Sun Heng asked curiously, "what if some senior officials don't go, citing illness as an excuse?"

"Then go and recuperate. There's nothing good about being an official anymore," said Sun Situ.

"Is that so..." Sun Heng felt the pressure from the court, but still didn't quite believe the Crown Prince's killing intent was so overwhelming. "The Duke of Li has also skipped court several times, and so have all the old nobles, including us. Can the Crown Prince really so domineeringly remove all those who don't respect him?"

“He can’t just take away a Duke and a Minister of Works.”

After putting down his pen, Sun Situ wiped his hands with a wet wipe and walked out of the study: "But we will give him face."

.........

"Your Highness, the Ministry of Personnel has informed us that the court assembly will begin at 9:00 AM today."

Inside the bedroom, the eunuch reported to Wei Yiyuan.

"Okay, got it."

Just after he was dismissed, a short, simply dressed retainer came to announce from outside the door: "Your Highness, it is I."

Upon hearing this, Wei Yiyuan waved his hand at the beautiful concubine lying on the bed and said, "You may leave."

"Yes, Your Highness."

After getting dressed, the concubine left.

At the same time, the man walked in.

She walked right up to Wei Yiyuan and whispered, "Your Highness, the rumors are ready, and we are just waiting for your command."

"Wait a minute." Wei Yiyuan raised his hand and said, "The Crown Prince has suddenly summoned people to court. Let's see what the Crown Prince has to say first."

It's certainly satisfying to spread rumors that the emperor had a dream in which Song Shi'an and Wei Wusheng were present.

It could undoubtedly throw Sheng'an into chaos.

Make these people see everyone as an enemy, and everyone as someone who wants to kill them!

But we can't rush this.

“Last night, the Crown Prince summoned them both to the palace. When they returned, Song Shi’an and Wei Wusheng went back to the Prince of Zhongshan’s residence together…” Wei Yiyuan started brainstorming again, “Could it be that they reconciled?”

A voice whispered from the doorway beside them, "Will Song Shi'an tell the Sixth Prince about the dream?"

“They were sleeping side by side, how could they not tell?” Wei Yiyuan frowned. “But what was Song Shi’an trying to do by telling Wei Wusheng?”

Sixth Prince, the Emperor had a dream in which he mistook me for a traitorous minister. Can you save me?
"Is it possible..."

Suddenly, the retainer seemed to realize something, looked at Wei Yiyuan, and widened his eyes.

"You mean, I just made up a random guess, and it actually came true?"

Wei Yiyuan's face darkened, becoming quite serious.

"If this rumor is true..."

"That means there was a leak."

Wei Yiyuan laughed at himself.

On Sheng'an Street, someone cursed Wei Ye as a tyrant, and was immediately arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard on the spot for 'leaking secrets of the Great Yu'—from a joke of the Great Yu.

"Let's hold our tongues and see what my beloved fourth brother has to say today."

Wei Yiyuan sat up from the bed, and his retainers slowly withdrew.

Then a maid came in to help him wash up and change his clothes and hat.

Then he rode in a sedan chair to the gate of the mansion and boarded the royal carriage.

"Your Highness, here is the book you requested."

A eunuch held a novel in both hands and handed it to him.

"They've already released the third book."

Leaning against the carriage, Wei Yiyuan began reading "Journey to the West," a book that was quite popular in Sheng'an.

He already knew about it, but he only got hooked a few days ago when someone presented him with a deluxe edition of "Journey to the West, Volume One".

I heard that this kind of book can sell for half a tael of silver (five hundred coins).

Wei Yiyuan wasn't stupid. He knew that these popular novels were only worth about twenty coins a book, and even if they were beautifully packaged, they weren't worth five hundred coins. So he became interested: Was the cover made of gold, or were the words written in gold ink?
After watching it, it was indeed incredible.

It is a divine book.

Five hundred coins is not an exorbitant price.

Because each chapter ends with a printed illustration, the scene of Sun Wukong causing havoc in the Heavenly Palace is particularly thrilling.

Then I became a book lover.

"Who exactly is this Wu Chengen? How does his brain work, to have so many ingenious ideas?"

Wei Yiyuan even wanted to give this young writer a reward.

The book is well-written, but the updates are too slow.

“However…” As they approached the palace, Wei Yiyuan put down his book and sighed, “In the end, it’s still a matter of being granted amnesty. Even if this Great Sage has extraordinary abilities, he still has a Buddha and a Jade Emperor above him.”

"Your Highness, we have arrived," the coachman said.

Wei Yiyuan stepped down from the king's carriage.

At the palace gate, officials were already entering the side passage one after another.

Ahead, the Prince of Jin was waiting for him.

This second brother is no longer trying to avoid suspicion.

After all, if the two brothers don't stick together now, they might very well be taken away by that crown prince.

“Everyone’s here today,” the Prince of Jin said to Wei Yiyuan, glancing at him.

All the nobles who held official positions were present.

Duke Li, Zhao Lun, and even Han Qi, who had previously lost his son and was so grief-stricken that he refused to go anywhere, all came.

“It’s the Crown Prince’s first time overseeing the country, so naturally we should come and show our support,” Wei Yiyuan said.

You can say that the nobles were incredibly arrogant, but don't say that they didn't understand politics.

Without politics, there would be no noble class that has continued to exist to this day.

It simply means not being confused about important matters.

"What will they say today?" Prince Jin said as he walked.

"I don't know," Wei Yiyuan reminded him with his eyes.

Prince Jin then realized that the Crown Prince had summoned the two of them to the palace last night, and this matter had been reported by spies. They couldn't let it be discussed here.

“You are right.” The Prince of Jin now trusts his younger brother quite a bit.

Even if it's not a secret, knowing it in advance can certainly be beneficial.

For example, at this moment, among all the officials, perhaps only these two know that the Crown Prince summoned Wei Wusheng and Song Shi'an yesterday.

Knowing about this, I made some preparations.

In the imperial court, they would not be tempted to say anything they shouldn't.

"Second brother, you're right too."

Wei Yiyuan responded with a smile.

He has been able to reconcile with the Prince of Jin.

Previously, he had always thought this man was cowardly, stubborn, and deserved to lose to the King of Wu.

But ever since he learned that there was a powerful hand of Heaven beyond the human way, he understood.

The highest power can control everything.

For an emperor, even a dream could be regarded as divine revelation.

How to win.

Even, how to live.

As the two walked forward, they saw another figure ahead.

Sun Situ, who had been sulking over the emperor's childish behavior that day and had stopped attending court in the mornings, also came.

None of those in this position are fools.

Old Minister walked slowly, so the Prince of Jin quickly caught up.

"Your Highnesses."

After being reminded by his colleagues, Minister Sun turned around and led several officials to pay their respects to the two princes.

"Lord Situ, it's been a long time," the Prince of Jin said with a smile.

"Please." Sun Situ extended his hand, taking the initiative to invite him.

"Please." The Prince of Jin also extended his hand.

The two princes, together with Minister Sun and accompanied by many officials, walked toward the Taiyuan Hall.

The Prince of Jin's faction was indeed wiped out and sent out of Sheng'an.

This did not mean that anyone who was close to the Prince of Jin would be sent away. On the contrary, without his cronies in the capital, the Prince of Jin was able to interact with officials more openly.

We are not part of the Prince of Jin's faction.

We are all anti-Song Party members.

"A lot of people."

Finally arriving, Song Shi'an, still somewhat sleepy, stood at the very back, looking at the bustling procession of officials.

“Although this is your first time attending court, there have never been so many people before,” Wei Wusheng said to him.

Are all of these opponents?

Looking at the massive power group, which resembled towering mountains, Song Shi'an asked with a smile.

"Let's go."

Without the slightest fear, Wei Wusheng led him forward.

……

Below the dragon throne in the Taiyuan Hall, there are seven jade steps, with the Crown Prince standing on the fifth step.

The metaphor is the middle of the nine-five.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

As if facing the emperor, all the officials knelt and kowtowed.

Several princes, too, rested their foreheads on the ground.

"Flat body."

The standing prince said.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The officials slowly rose and retreated to their respective seats on the left and right.

"Is everyone present at today's court assembly?" the Crown Prince asked.

The eunuch Xi replied, "Lord Ouyang Ke is going out of the city to meet a famous physician and is not in Sheng'an. Of the other officials in the capital, only a few are unable to leave due to important matters assigned by His Highness. Only the Grand Counselor Ling is unwell and unable to come."

In response, the Crown Prince said understandingly, "Lord Ling is getting on in years and has reached the age to enjoy his retirement. Let's not trouble him. Lord Song, grant him permission to retire."

"..."

These words, though expected, still surprised the officials in the court.

One person was dismissed on the spot.

Your Highness, you truly have great courage.

However, those who still can't figure things out at this point deserve it.

Coincidentally, Doctor Ling was also an anti-military agricultural colony member from an old aristocratic family, so this was a case of asking for trouble and getting it.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Song Jing naturally accepted the order.

"Recently, you ministers must have heard some sayings among the people, such as the concept of a sage ruler and virtuous ministers?" the Crown Prince said.

Upon hearing this, all the officials were astonished.

It's actually on the table!

Is this prince decisive or just brave?

Or rather, pure recklessness!

"Gentlemen, please don't hold back. If it's true, it's true," the Crown Prince said in a rather easygoing manner. "After all, His Majesty previously executed a group of Qi spies for this. But executing them doesn't mean silencing people or covering their mouths. The court is a place for discussion."

Even with the crown prince's endorsement, no one dared to utter a sound.

I'd be a fool to believe you!
At this moment, a minister suddenly spoke up: "Your Highness, I believe this is nothing more than a scheme by the Qi traitors to sow discord and create chaos in the internal affairs of our Great Yu. Anyone who uses such rhetoric to try to mislead the public is a spy!"

These generous and righteous words made it clear to everyone that these were actors hired by the Crown Prince.

But acting cannot be devoid of substance.

"Ever since these rumors started circulating in Sheng'an City, His Majesty ordered me to investigate," the Crown Prince said casually. "And indeed, I found out something."

Just then, two Imperial Guards carrying a box walked into the middle.

Upon opening the box, one finds at least three thousand taels of gold.

"Where's the gold?"

"There seems to be an imperial edict on it?"

"But it doesn't seem like an imperial edict from my Great Yu."

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, the Crown Prince invited, "Lord Situ, may I take a look at this imperial edict?"

After being called upon, Sun Situ walked to the box with some confusion. Then, a member of the Imperial Guard picked it up and presented it to Sun Situ with both hands.

Then, he opened it and, after seeing the words on it, said, "This is an imperial edict from Ji Yuan to his subordinates: 'All matters of state are entrusted to you...' It is genuine; the seal, the paper, the pattern all match."

If someone else said this, not everyone would believe it; they might suspect it was a plant by the Crown Prince.

For Sun Situ, who had the deepest grudge against Song Shi'an, hated the military farm system the most, and was somewhat aligned with the Prince of Jin's faction, there was no reason to question it.

The head of the Three Dukes and the leader of the Southern gentry, why would he need to serve as a naval officer?
"Ji Yuan gave Sheng An's spy 10,000 gold coins. As long as the mission is completed, the rest will be his."

The Crown Prince's single sentence drew everyone's attention.

Everyone started talking about it.

"This Ji Yuan is really willing to spend money."

"Ten thousand taels of gold for the spy?"

"For the pseudo-Qi state, this is undoubtedly a gamble on the fate of the nation..."

"What kind of mission is worth entrusting with such a fortune?"

Just then, the Crown Prince announced: "Ji Yuan has only one request: use human words to kill Song Shi'an."

These words caused an uproar throughout the room.

Everyone, including Song Jing, looked at Song Shi'an, a third-rank official, behind them.

Just like being praised by the homeroom teacher in front of the whole class, he became the target of everyone's criticism.

Moreover, this was an arrest warrant issued by the people of Qi.

It still refers to a loyal subject who was punished by the enemy.

The Great Yu Dynasty had the Song Dynasty!

Go Song! Go Dayu!

"All of Sheng'an's spies have been captured, and they have also implicated three officials of Dayu, two of whom are of the sixth rank and one of the eighth rank," the Crown Prince said righteously. "They are the ones who accepted Ji Yuan's gold and helped spread the so-called 'sage ruler and virtuous minister' propaganda."

With witnesses and physical evidence gathered, officials seized the opportunity to express their indignation and their deep patriotism.

"Sheng'an actually has such a despicable person."

"They should be executed along with their entire family!"

"Your Majesty is wise! Your Highness is wise! You have seen through the treacherous schemes of this Qi traitor!"

"Your Majesty is wise, Your Highness is wise."

These few simple moves at the start of the morning court session were enough to make all the officials bow in admiration.

Both the Duke of Li and the Minister of Works Sun recognized the Crown Prince's abilities.

It's astonishing that such a major incident occurred in Sheng'an, with so many people arrested, yet not a single word leaked out.

He looks a bit like his father.

"Everyone loves you."

The Crown Prince smiled faintly, and after everyone stood up, he continued, "Ji Yuan spent ten thousand gold pieces to buy Song Shi'an's death, which shows that he is afraid. What is he afraid of?"

"Your Highness," Ye Changqing stepped forward and said, "Ji Yuan's only fear is the establishment of military farms!"

"Yes, Lord Song advocates military farming, and military farming in places like Yizhou in Beiliang has been effective. Ji Yuan is already panicking."

"Therefore, we should implement the land reclamation program as soon as possible."

"I believe," Zhao Yi also said, "that the scale of the military farms should be expanded and completed as soon as possible while the northern border is stable."

It was indeed the Crown Prince's people cheering him on.

But when it comes to group tours, there's no reason not to join.

"Yes, we need to get this done now."

"Ji Yuan has just been defeated and is now locked in a fierce battle with the Yan state, so we have more troops available to spare."

"It makes sense, it makes sense..."

Those spineless cowards joined in one after another.

Sun Situ could feel the people around him and behind him echoing his sentiments.

Like Grand Tutor Sun, Duke Li remained expressionless and said nothing.

Important figures can indeed express their stance through their temper.

But others can't.

At this moment, "anti-military farming" is equivalent to "spies from the State of Qi".

“What my beloved ministers say is absolutely right.”

The Crown Prince nodded, then decided: "Immediately, Song Shi'an is transferred to be the Prefect of Huai Commandery, in charge of agricultural settlements. General Wei Wusheng is to oversee all military affairs, supervise all agricultural settlement troops, and all his troops are under his command!"

Upon hearing this, none of the officials dared to show any surprise.

Apart from Grand Tutor Sun and Duke of Li.

The two even looked at each other in court.

Four hundred li away from Sheng'an, one person was in charge of the army and another was in charge of the provisions.

Aren't they...?

Can you kill whomever you want?
(End of this chapter)