Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 312 Taking Office, Huai County!
After the court session ended, all the officials departed.

The Crown Prince, on the other hand, slowly sat down on the steps below the dragon throne.

With one hand on his knee, he watched as the figures of his ministers gradually disappeared from sight, descending from their heights.

"What were their reactions just now?" the Crown Prince asked.

"Your Highness," said Eunuch Xi, who was standing to the side, "although they were all somewhat surprised, most of them were compliant and approving."

"Then who did not comply and praise?" the prince asked.

"..." Eunuch Xi knew that it was dangerous to say this, but he even knew about the emperor's curse dream, so what was there to be afraid of? After thinking for a moment, he said, "The nobles of Qinzhou were all somewhat astonished and hesitated."

“Nobody obeys, right?” the prince said.

"Except for General Zhao."

"And what about his father, Zhao Lie?"

"They seem somewhat worried."

"That means they're not convinced."

"Yes."

This conversation was understated yet sharp and incisive.

This fully reveals the stance of the nobles of Qinzhou—they disagree.

Of course, the others did not agree, but they had exposed the spies and secrets of Qi and killed a group of people. At this point, who would dare not give the Crown Prince face?

"The people of Qinzhou are indeed far too arrogant." The Crown Prince truly harbored murderous intent.

Their support for Song Shi'an's land reclamation efforts was genuine.

“Besides the nobles of Qinzhou, only Minister Sun is left,” Eunuch Xi whispered.

"He and that Duke of Li looked at each other in court, completely ignoring that I was right there on the steps." The Crown Prince shook his head and said with a hint of self-mockery, "They probably think that just coming here is a favor to me."

"Your Highness, today in the court, you judged and punished with just a few words, which impressed all the officials."

Grandpa Xi hadn't expected that Xiao Wei could evolve to this extent, even showing some of Old Wei's style. So he sincerely admired him and said, "There's still a long way to go, and those people are all getting old. They have to think about their descendants."

These words certainly pleased the Crown Prince.

"Of course, my sword is very fast."

The crown prince was not foolish or incompetent before. In fact, he was known for his decisiveness from the very beginning.

Even if his bottom line is not as stable as that of the Prince of Jin.

But now that Ji Yuan has staked 10,000 gold on the fate of the nation, he has to go all out too!
"Song Shi'an, you need to keep a close eye on things, but don't overdo it."

The Crown Prince turned his head slightly, and then Eunuch Xi leaned over, squatted down, and listened to the Crown Prince's semi-saintly words: "Now, whoever he wants to kill, you must help him kill."

"Yes, Your Highness."

.........

"Lord Situ, please wait a moment."

After leaving the palace, the Duke of Li called out to the other party, acting quite affectionately.

Sun Situ stopped and looked back at the other person, then smiled and waited in place: "Duke, it's been a long time."

“Military generals are indeed inferior to civil officials. You are more than ten years older than me, but you look much healthier,” said Duke Li.

“To be old and not die is to be a thief,” said Sun Situ. “My old bones are already what the world calls a person who holds a position without doing any work, so of course I’m all greasy.”

"Hahaha, not at all, not at all." Duke Li waved his hand and said, "The Sun family's disciples and former officials are all over the world. Many young scholars consider it an honor to be associated with the Sun family. What kind of person would not know how to respect their teacher and value the way, and would say that such an old man is just a figurehead?"

“Song Shi’an’s earlier insults were a great relief to the world,” Sun Situ reminded him.

"Scholars all want to study under the Sun family, how could this be?" Duke Li asked curiously. "When the Minister of Works speaks of 'all under heaven,' does he mean the common people?"

The two old men looked at each other and smiled.

They then humorously avoided the topic and moved on.

Noblemen are treated like royalty, while commoners are like ginseng in the ground, to be planted wherever they please.

The same applies to the gentry of Jiangnan; only those with money and power are considered true Jiangnan residents.

"The so-called noble families and aristocratic clans must have their reasons for existing," said Duke Li. "Does the State of Qi not have any hereditary aristocratic families or royal families?"

“But His Highness said that Ji Yuan is afraid of Song Shi’an’s land reclamation reform,” said Sun Situ.

“Talented people are naturally feared. Even if no changes are made, isn’t it normal to want to get rid of them as soon as possible?” said the Duke of Li. “When I was young, didn’t the people of Qi offer me a head for ten thousand gold pieces? This has nothing to do with what I did.”

Sun Situ just smiled apologetically and didn't say anything.

"When His Majesty held court earlier, Minister Sun said that he would fully advocate for military-agricultural colonies, even if Song Shi'an was not present," said the Duke of Li. "Now that Song Shi'an, the initiator of these colonies, has arrived, do you still support him?"

This guy is deliberately picking a fight.

He knew perfectly well that he was angered by the emperor's charade, yet he still had to say it.

"Of course I can support it."

"Stop walking," Sun Situ said to him.

"Lord Situ is still as strong and decisive as ever."

After a faint smile, the Duke of Li gently placed his hand on the other man's shoulder and patted him, saying, "Minister Situ, the country is in such a state, let's work together to stabilize it first."

Looking solemnly at the hand that was placed on his shoulder, and then slowly shifting his gaze to the man's face, Sun Situ said, "I am old. As Your Highness said, it is time to retire when one is old."

“Then, elder brother, I’m a bit younger than you, so I’ll take on more of the burden, is that alright?” Duke Li asked humbly.

After staring blankly for a long time, Sun Situ slowly curved his lips into a smile: "Then, brother, I will definitely support you with all my might."

.........

"Did you see the way the Duke of Li looked at Minister Sun? Even someone like that acted like that at the Crown Prince's first court assembly today."

On the carriage of the Prince of Jin, Wei Yiyuan spoke in disbelief.

"It's not just him." Prince Jin also felt it was too outrageous. "Having tens of thousands of troops in Huai County is not comparable to having tens of thousands of troops in Beiliang. Planting a thorn in the side of the capital, what is this Crown Prince trying to do? Is he a saint?"

"Moreover, there is also grain," Wei Yiyuan reminded him. "It is grain from the land cultivated with the full strength of the nation. With this grain, it would be no problem to instantly raise an army of 100,000 in Sizhou."

A female-oriented novel states:
Having soldiers is useless; you need power.

According to the author's intended meaning, this statement is quite absurd.

But what's even more absurd is that this statement is true.

In ancient times, in order to control border generals, power was divided among them, with military power, the power of appointment and dismissal, and administrative power rarely being concentrated in one place.

If it's centralized, then it's called a Jiedushi (military governor).

If food supplies are truly cut off, even an army of 100,000 could mutini in an instant.

Although Cao Cao killing Wang Hou is a fictional story, it is one of the few truly realistic accounts of the event.

Even if an army is defending a city, it is highly likely to mutiny if it is without food, let alone in open field battles.

"Is he really that close to Wusheng?" Prince Jin was quite puzzled. "Are they brothers?"

"Second brother, you and the Crown Prince are brothers born of the same mother."

“This approach won’t stop them at all.” The Prince of Jin still couldn’t accept it. “Are we just gambling with an emotion?”

"It's also to keep Wusheng and Song Shi'an in check," Wei Yiyuan said. "But if their achievements overshadow the emperor, and this land reclamation reform really happens... will they be able to escape unscathed?"

"But with the Crown Prince's support, coupled with the integration of military and political power, the success of the military-agricultural colonies could be greatly enhanced. It's even possible that significant results could be achieved within a year," said the Prince of Jin.

"but……"

Wei Yiyuan was also stuck.

Let's say that.

Putting Song Shi'an and Wei Wusheng together to establish agricultural settlements greatly increases the chances of success.

However, once the military settlements are successful, their achievements will inevitably overshadow those of their superiors.

They can never retire gracefully unless they relinquish power after achieving their goal.

But if he really relinquishes power, Song Shi'an will definitely be killed by his enemies.

Unless, the Crown Prince kills them after they successfully establish their settlements.

But at that time, the crown prince could never have killed them.

Paradox, it's all a paradox!

I can’t figure it out at all!
That makes absolutely no sense!
"There's no solution." In the end, the Prince of Jin concluded, "Unless they can really play the co-governance game harmoniously."

"This can be ruled out."

Wei Yiyuan immediately dismissed the idea, then said with a serious expression, "There is only one possibility: Fourth Brother has a plan to kill them after they successfully establish their settlements."

.........

In the Taiyuan Hall, Song Shi'an received the imperial edict and fish tally, and immediately prepared to go to Huai County to take up his post. The Crown Prince walked down to the hall, grasped Song Shi'an's hands, and said very heavily, "Shi'an, I can double the number of your people and army, but the amount of grain will only be the same as before."

The first year of military settlement was bound to be unprofitable, because the basic survival of the settlement workers had to be covered.

The number of people initially allocated was based on the amount of grain that the national treasury could provide, which just happened to be the amount that met the grain reserve red line.

It's not that we don't want to expand.

Now, doubling the scale means that—

The amount of food consumed is twice the original amount.

However, there was only so much food available...

"Your Highness, I will find a way."

Song Shi'an understood that all he could bring with him was an appointment order.

"Hmm." The Crown Prince said helplessly, "If all else fails, then we'll have to let the common people suffer first."

Song Shi'an nodded, but did not give a verbal agreement.

The crown prince understood his meaning.

He refused to serve the suffering people.

Do as you please. As long as you can feed those people, it doesn't matter where the food comes from—whether it's stolen, cheated, or donated.

Develop first, then govern.

"As for money..." the Crown Prince said again, "the national treasury can't produce any more."

"Shi An understands."

The fact that 20,000 gold coins killed Ji Yuan's son was indeed a great victory.

But this blow also struck at the lifeline of the national treasury.

"I'm sorry," the Crown Prince said jokingly, "all I can give you is my support."

"That's enough."

Song Shi'an nodded seriously, offering a suggestion through his eyes.

"May you have a safe journey."

The prince released his hand, and they parted ways.

"Take care, Your Highness."

Song Shi'an turned around, walked out of Taiyuan Hall, and headed towards the world of Dayu.

And so, Song Shi'an left Sheng'an with a convoy of cars in a dashing manner.

Since the other officials had already left, only a dozen or so imperial guards accompanied him.

However, some relatives were brought along.

Song Gan was personally arranged by his father.

Yun'er is in charge of taking care of her daily life.

Three dogs served as his personal guards and took care of the four daughters.

Finally, there is Xin Yue.

My wife definitely has to go with me.

"Huai County has nine counties, with Jianxin County as its capital. It's a large county with a dense population. Then there are the two counties that are my hometown, namely Jing County and Huaiyang. I'll definitely take you there when I have time."

While traveling, Song Shi'an, who was sitting in the front of the carriage behind the driver, said to Xin Yue beside him.

"I know, I know."

Xin Yue nodded in agreement.

“The three I mentioned are all relatively wealthy,” Song Shi’an said. “We are less than a hundred miles from the county border. The nearest county, Cishan, can be considered an impoverished county in the entire Sizhou. There are relatively few so-called aristocratic families there.”

“In a place like this, it would be even more appropriate to cultivate the land, and it would be easier to do so, right?” Xin Yue asked curiously.

"Well, maybe."

Song Shi'an said with a smile.

The convoy continued its journey.

When they got close to the ferry crossing on the river, Song Shi'an, who was looking at the map, suddenly said, "It's getting late today, let's set up camp here."

“Lord, there’s a post station less than ten miles ahead. Should we continue our journey?” San Gou asked.

"You brat, I say stop when you want to stop, and that's when you want to stop." Song Shi'an flicked his head.

"Yes!" San Gou said with a grin, "Whatever the Earl says, goes."

So the convoy stopped there and set up tents.

Make a fire and cook.

"Song Gan, come here for a second."

When they sat down to eat, Song Shi'an greeted them.

"Lord, what are your orders?" Song Gan asked.

Then, Song Shi'an whispered something to him.

Upon hearing these words, Song Gan's expression darkened, and he looked at the other person, somewhat unsure of what to do.

"Just listen to me."

Song Shi'an raised his finger and said.

Yun'er, who was standing to the side, felt strange, but she didn't dare to say anything. After all, Xin Yue was there, so she just ate in silence.

And so, Song Gan left for a while, and returned quite some time later, reporting something to him in a rather secretive manner.

Finally, night fell, and the soldiers had all gone to their tents to rest. With only a few people on night watch, Song Shi'an took out a set of clothes from one of the tents and placed it in front of Xin Yue: "You can put this on now."

This is a rather worn-out linen outfit with many patches.

It's like what a peasant woman would wear.

"Would your housekeeper really agree to that?" Xin Yue asked curiously.

“Because he knows that everything I do has a purpose,” Song Shi’an said.

"That's good."

Xin Yue didn't ask too many questions and went straight to changing clothes.

However, when she undressed in front of him, a faint blush rose to her cheeks. It wasn't the shyness of a young girl, but simply because this guy was staring at her so openly...

She finally got to wear peasant women's clothes.

However, because it is too beautiful, it still seems somewhat out of place.

"Just a little dirt on it tomorrow will be enough."

Since Song Shi'an had given a good evaluation, he also changed into a set of patched linen clothes typical of commoners.

“It’s not very safe for you to do this, but I’m here to protect you.”

As Xinyue spoke, she began to pack some hidden bamboo knives into her bundle.

Then, Song Shi'an put in a fish-shaped tally engraved with "Song Shi'an, Prefect of Huai County": "Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who likes to offend."

"Don't worry, I'm not an adventurous person."

Xin Yue repeated a phrase, then shrugged with a mocking laugh.

Is there even the slightest bit of persuasiveness in what you're saying?

"Okay, let's go."

After getting ready, the two set off immediately.

As soon as they stepped out of the tent, the three dogs at the door froze.

What's the design?
"I'll do whatever Song Gan says; he knows."

Song Shi'an made a shushing gesture, then quietly left with Xin Yue, carrying the lantern.

At the nearby ferry crossing, a boatman and his awning boat, which Song Gan had already arranged, were already waiting.

The man and woman also boarded the ship.

A campfire lamp stood at the bow of the boat, and the boatman, dressed in a straw raincoat, slowly steered the boat forward with a long oar...

The two men sitting in the dock parted ways with 'Prefect Song's' entourage and headed towards Huai County.

(End of this chapter)