Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 318 Night Walk in Brocade Clothes
"Grandpa, please slow down."

Old Master Song was helped down from the carriage.

Upon seeing him arrive, Old Master Li, who had arrived a step earlier, stepped forward to greet him, saying, "You've come!"

"We're both getting on in years, so please don't help me up."

Old Master Song said jokingly.

"Yes, you're using a cane now too." Old Master Li said with a self-deprecating laugh after seeing him take the cane from the younger generation next to him and start using it. "We're all halfway to the grave."

“No matter what, he’s still an old man,” said Song Taigong. “Old people should be treated with a little more deference.”

After he finished speaking, a middle-aged man next to him said rather unhappily, "That Wang Shuishan went too far. He is still Shi An's close friend, but when he came to Jing County, he didn't give our Song family any face at all. I alone was fined 500,000 coins."

"Alright." Seeing his considerable dissatisfaction, Li Taigong reminded him, "Shi'an is our source of strength, and Shuishan is an indisputable retainer of the Song family. In the end, it will still be our own people."

“I treated him like one of my own, but did he think that way?” the man said angrily. “I think it’s probably Shi An’s tacit approval.”

"Shut up." After the man was embarrassed by the casual remark, Old Master Song said, "What? We'll talk about that after we see Shi An. If you think he's heartless now, how can you have the face to rely on him and use him as your backer?"

“That’s a fair point,” said Old Master Li. “Shi’an also came with a mission from the imperial court. If the land reclamation goes well this time, it will be a glory for the Song family. We can’t just rely on him; we have to support him too.”

“Of course, he’s one of us.” The middle-aged man said with his head down, “As long as he doesn’t let his family down, our entire family will do everything we can to support him.”

Although his decision to use his hometown for land reclamation has caused considerable dissatisfaction among his clansmen.

Rumors also circulate that this young man is willing to sacrifice his family for the greater good, using people from his hometown to advance his career.

However, he was, after all, appointed as the governor of Huai County.

This is the Song family's biggest backer.

Your relative has become the top official in your hometown. Even if they want to implement reforms, it won't be a bad thing.

It all depends on what he wants.

Enemy or friend?

Of course, being a friend comes at a price.

"Grandpa, shall we go to the house first?"

The accompanying clansmen asked.

Although Jianxing is not the ancestral home of the Song family, it is, after all, their administrative center. Therefore, both the Song and Li families own properties here, and some younger members are managing them.

"Where is Shi An?" Song Taigong asked.

Since Li Taigong arrived first, he knew more, so he said, "I asked Song Gan, and he said he was going to inspect the outskirts of the city."

"We've been here for so many days, and no one has seen us?" Song Taigong asked the others.

A young clansman from Jianxing said, "They were very low-key on the day they arrived. They didn't show their faces and didn't even get off the carriage. I asked to see them many times afterward, but they always said they were busy with official business and went to various places."

"It's good that you have ambition," Li Taigong said with a smile. "Once you take office, you should go around to understand the people's conditions, instead of holding lavish banquets. With such a spirit of enterprise, what can't you do well?"

Although the Li family is not from the same clan, their ancestors were longtime friends and intermarried for generations, making them as close as family.

Just like the Xiahou clan and the Cao clan, there was no barrier between them.

Old Master Li originally intended to marry his clanswoman to Song Jing's son, but one of them married a princess, and the other had an ambiguous relationship with a female warrior, which was one of his regrets.

“Old Master Li is right.” Old Master Song agreed, but also warned the rest of the men, “When you see Shi An, no one is allowed to complain or tattle.”

"Yes."

Everyone nodded in response.

Then, led by the two old men, they headed towards the prefect's residence.

Before they even arrived, Song Gan hurried over to greet them.

"Grandpa, Grandpa Li, and all the gentlemen, please forgive us for not welcoming you properly."

With a smile and a slight bow, Song Gan spoke with great respect.

Upon seeing him, apart from the two elderly gentlemen, Li and Song, the others responded with considerable politeness.

Although he was just a household servant, he was given the Song family name after all, and could be said to be Song Shi'an's only secretary in charge of internal affairs, equivalent to the eunuch Xi by the Crown Prince's side. He still had to be taken seriously and could not breathe on him carelessly.

“You are the head steward of the Song family, and now you are here to assist our young master Song. You are very busy with important matters, so of course I can understand,” Old Master Song said with a smile.

"You flatter me," Song Gan said. "I am just a servant in the Song household. I was sent here by the Marquis to take care of our young master Song. I really don't deserve to be called busy with official duties."

“Taking good care of Shi’an is our most important task,” said Old Lady Li fairly.

“Yes.” Song Gan extended his hand and said, “Now, my most important task is to take good care of everyone.”

"please."

The two old men chuckled, and so they headed toward the prefectural governor's mansion in a harmonious atmosphere.

However, just before they arrived, Song Gan said, "The arrival of the Song and Li families is a family matter. If we go into the main hall, it will be a bit awkward, and the young master will scold me if he finds out. Why don't we go directly to the inner courtyard?"

The Prefectural Governor's Office was a rather large institution, with the Prefectural Governor's residence located within it.

The main hall is in front, with the reception area and official rooms on the left and right, which are for official receptions.

Behind that is the inner courtyard. Although it faces inwards, it also has a large gate, leading into the prefect's private space.

"I've come here on some official business," Old Master Song said, looking at him.

Once inside the residence, you won't encounter any other officials.

If we go through the main gate, we can at least meet with Prefect Ji.

This could also put pressure on him, making Song Shi'an want to see them sooner.

However, Song Gan smiled rather amiably and said, "What are your official matters to our Lord Song? They're just family matters."

These words immediately pleased the members of the Song and Li clans.

Everyone's face was beaming with a smile just like Peter Ho's.

Even Old Master Song wasn't in such a hurry anymore.

"Alright, let's go and rest in Lord Song's inner quarters first."

Everyone agreed amicably.

They walked around the prefect's mansion and entered the inner courtyard through the back gate.

"Let us first take you to your rooms to rest. Your luggage and carriages have also been arranged."

Once inside, Song Gan began making arrangements.

They were led to various rooms by servants and maids, as if they were on vacation.

After settling the two old men in, Song Gan's face darkened. He lowered his voice and said to San Gou beside him, "Quickly go and call the clerk over. Prepare a banquet and fine wine. He will entertain the guests."

"What should we do if these adults want to see the Earl?" San Gou asked.

“It’s alright, I’ll try to stall for time,” Song Gan said. “You should also tell the Prefect that he doesn’t need to worry too much. He should just do what he needs to do. Official business is important, so he doesn’t need to come over.”

"Yes."

San Gou immediately went to do it.

The old steward, Song Gan, could only grit his teeth and bear it.

Within the inner palace, the first day was marked by a grand welcoming banquet.

The chief clerk, who was also a heavy drinker, served as the host, and everyone took turns offering toasts.

They even summoned some singers to play the zither and dance, to entertain these noblemen.

"Minister Xiao, when will Shi An arrive?"

While enjoying his drink, Old Master Song, who was sitting at the head of the table, couldn't help but ask, "It's so late today. We're just going to the outskirts of the city. We should be able to get back, right?"

"Grandfather, the Prefect has gone to investigate the people's conditions. If he encounters any problems, it's normal for him to be away for one night. If there's anything you need, please tell me."

“Shi An is very busy with his work, so we don’t need to be in such a hurry,” Li Taigong added.

"Grandpa, let me offer you another cup," the clerk said with a smile.

"Oh, Lord Xiao, it's not Gang Jing..."

"This cup is a tribute to your spirit of courage and noble character."

"Okay, then drink."

The first day, it's been delayed like this.

The next evening, he still hadn't returned.

"My lord, even if you have official business, it's not far from the outskirts of the city. You should be back by now, right?"

"Don't worry, Grandfather, I have already sent someone to report to the Prefect."

Did you mention that people from your hometown have arrived?

"Of course! I was talking about Grandpa Li, and some other adults came too."

"What did you say?"

"There's been no reply yet. They might have gone a little too far, but they'll definitely be back by tomorrow morning."

"Where is Shi An? Shall we go there..."

“Grandpa, you are already so old. If the Prefect finds out that you are going there in person, he will surely reprimand me. How about this, I will send someone to inquire again, and we will be able to give you a reply tonight.”

"This……"

"Grandpa, I never imagined your past was so legendary. I have great respect for you. Such a virtuous and respected person deserves my respect."

"Okay, okay."

……

"What about Shi An? What did he say?"

"The Prefect said that we can return to Jianxing tomorrow."

"Is that so?" The old man felt increasingly pressured, and knowing he had been away for so many days, he worried that if his family were robbed and their household registrations were wiped out, he would be finished. So he asked cautiously, "Where is Magistrate Ji? Can I see him?"

"The Prefectural Magistrate is currently extremely busy with the registration of grain in the Prefectural Granary and is not at his residence. He will definitely come to pay his respects to you once he is finished."

“Alright, I’m going to go out for a stroll…” “Grandpa.” Just then, Song Gan hurried over and said with a smile, “The Prefect is coming back. It will be at midnight tonight. Everyone, please rest well tonight. He will meet with you all tomorrow!”

"Tonight?" The old man leaned on his cane and slowly stood up. "Since Shi'an is back, even if it's tonight, we should go and greet him."

Just then, the dancers were about to appear again.

They were also greeted with fine wine and delicacies.

But the old man left the table without waiting for the clerk to stop him. He said, "I'm an old man, I can't drink anymore. You young people stay and keep the clerk company."

He left, and Old Master Li left with him.

The clerk could only stare at Song Gan, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

Song Shi'an, please come back soon!

.........

At night, a carriage stopped a few hundred paces outside Jianxing City.

Song Shi'an and Xin Yue got off the car.

The carriage then turned around and left.

The two looked at the tightly closed city gate a few hundred paces away.

“Wang Shuishan’s official position is too low,” Xin Yue said. “He should be given a higher position.”

To Xin Yue's surprise, this incognito visit revealed that the county with members of the Song clan was actually the one where the military-agricultural system was best implemented.

Logically speaking, this should be the most difficult one.

“He should be prime minister,” Song Shi’an said.

"Then you should be the emperor."

Since there was no one around, Xinyue began to speak cryptically.

"If you want to be empress, just say so, you little glutton."

"Humph."

After their banter, the two of them reached the city gate.

"No one is allowed to enter the city during curfew! You shall stand still!" shouted the man on the city wall.

Song Shi'an looked at him and replied, "I am Song Shi'an from Huai County."

"..." Upon hearing this, the man was stunned, but quickly said, "Please wait a moment!"

Several minutes later, the city gates opened.

A centurion in charge of the city gates came over.

Before she even reached him, Xinyue took out the fish-shaped talisman.

The other party only noticed the gilding on it, and after matching Song Shi'an's features with the description, he knelt on one knee, clenched his fists, and said: "Greetings, Lord!"

"Go in."

Song Shi'an's face darkened, and he walked straight inside.

Excluding the military, Jianxing had a population of around 10,000 and a city area of ​​approximately 1.2 square kilometers.

From here, it takes about 600 steps along the central axis of the city to reach the gate of the prefect's mansion.

"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency. I will send someone to fetch the carriage..."

"What's going on in the city? A concise summary."

Song Shi'an ignored him and continued walking quickly.

Bai Zong quickly followed and said, "Your clan leaders came to Jianxing a few days ago and are staying in the inner quarters of the Prefect's residence. As for Prefect Ji, he is busy with matters related to the military farms and has not rested all night."

"How many people know that I didn't come to Jianxing with the convoy?" Song Shi'an asked.

"Ah? You didn't come?" After his initial surprise, General Bai continued, "Your convoy came that day. Although you didn't get out of the car, the people and officials in the city all thought you were there, but you didn't show your face."

"Then why did you open the door for me?" Song Shi'an asked.

"The Prefectural Magistrate has given us, the officers guarding the city, orders that if anyone claims to be the Prefect, we should let them pass without questioning them," said the centurion.

"Then you should be able to guess that I haven't been here, right?"

"……Yes."

What do you think I went to do?

"It should be an incognito visit to various counties," General Bai stammered. "I just didn't expect you to actually disguise yourself as an ordinary citizen and personally observe the people's conditions, which makes me especially respectful."

"Hehe." Song Shi'an chuckled and asked, "Have you distributed all the rations and pay?"

"It's here, it's here."

General Bai answered instinctively, but then realized that this might also be part of his incognito visit, so he added, "The officers in the city have probably received about 60% of their pay."

Upon hearing this number, Song Shi'an had a rough idea of ​​what it meant.

The fact that officers of the rank of centurion or above could receive 60% of their salary illustrates a certain principle.

Jianxing's politics were not yet completely corrupt and turned into a mess.

It's about the same level as Sheng'an.

They went directly to the prefectural governor's residence.

"Who are you...?"

Before the guard at the door could finish speaking, General Bai interrupted him directly: "This is Lord Song."

The two quickly stepped back.

Song Shi'an didn't slow down for a moment as he walked into the mansion.

The moment he entered, the guard said, "Quickly, go and invite Registrar Xiao to the main hall!"

The chief clerk was the chief secretary and the only official who lived in the governor's mansion, with a residence and courtyard within the mansion.

When Song Shi'an entered the main hall, the county officials had already lit the candles in the hall beforehand.

And so, travel-worn and dressed in simple clothes, he sat in the governor's seat.

Immediately afterward, the clerk, who was running and fastening his official robe and belt without even wearing his black gauze hat, rushed over and immediately knelt down upon seeing him: "This humble official greets Lord Song!"

He looked very angry.

The pretty woman standing next to him was also quite fierce.

"Summon all officials of rank in the city," Song Shi'an said, putting his feet on the table. "Meeting."

"Yes!" the clerk immediately accepted the order.

……

Meanwhile, in the inner courtyard of the prefect's mansion, which was enclosed by high walls, the clansmen who had been left behind until now, and who still hadn't seen Song Shi'an even at night, gathered in the courtyard.

"Didn't you say you'd be back tonight? Where are you?" Old Master Song said angrily. "Where are you?"

Even the usually good-natured Old Master Li couldn't help but say, "Song Gan, if it's inconvenient for you, we'll go back to our hometown."

"Please wait a moment, gentlemen, I'll go again..."

Song Gan hurriedly responded, but he had no confidence at all.

Just then, someone came to report: "Lord Song has returned! He has arrived in the main hall!"

At this moment, the eyes of the tribespeople who had been waiting until midnight lit up.

"I told you, he would come. Please wait a moment, everyone," Song Gan said with a forced smile.

"Then we should go and greet them."

Fearing that Song Shi'an would only briefly visit the main hall before leaving again, Old Master Song went directly to the door leading to the second hall of the house.

The other members of the tribe followed suit.

There were a dozen or so people in this large group.

Seeing that he couldn't stop them, Song Gan called out to San Gou and whispered, "Go tell the young master that the clansmen have gone over."

"Yes."

San Gou then ran in a large circle all the way to the main hall to report the news.

Song Gan followed the Song and Li clansmen, who were walking slower because the old man was leading the group.

After leaving the inner courtyard, passing through the second hall, and then through the courtyard, which made the old men a little breathless, they finally entered the main hall through the inner gate.

Because of the long wait, their emotions had begun to rise.

Now is the time to get Song Shi'an to make a promise in person.

And, in front of his men.

Just as everyone had a clear purpose and was about to enter the lobby...

Then he saw all the officials of Huai County standing in the hall with their heads bowed, while Song Shi'an, dressed in commoner's clothes, stood in front of the desk, pointing his finger at the air, and said with unprecedented rage: "If you don't want to work here, take off your official hats and get out of here right now!"

This warning echoed throughout the entire hall.

All the officials knelt down in unison.

Besides the Commandant, there was also the second-in-command, the Prefectural Assistant.

But they both bowed their heads to the dust.

Needless to say, everyone else was trembling with fear.

This scene immediately stunned Old Master Song, Old Master Li, and everyone else.

"..."

After holding back for a while, Old Master Song said to Song Gan, "Wait, let Shi An finish his work first."

(End of this chapter)