Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 32 A Gift

The sound of the small copper coin hitting the plate stood out especially against the silence of the crowd, even creating a faint, ethereal echo.

Even the maids carrying the wooden trays were stunned, their minds blank.

Just moments ago, Old Qian was laughing at the filial piety of these scholars, but Sun Situ's eyes immediately turned solemn.

Interesting, so interesting.

Is this what it means to be a top scholar?

All the students froze in shock, and the Sun family members' faces instantly turned ugly. Only Wei Yiyuan made no attempt to hide his amusement, showing great appreciation for this young man, Song Shi'an.

His purpose in this trip was not to become the top scholar in the imperial examination.

When the Prince of Jin came, he emphasized to him that it was for Sun Qian's sake.

This man would later become a pillar of the Sun family.

But now, none of that matters anymore.

Scholar, how will you perform?
"One coin?" Finally, a student couldn't help but break the silence. "The congratulatory gift from the top scholar is just one coin?"

Seeing this, Hu Yu, who was next to Sun Qian, also stepped in and questioned, "Brother Song, are you serious about this one-coin congratulatory gift?"

"Why would Lord Situ be so short of a mere copper coin?"

Finally, it was time to unleash our power. Han Zhongchen chuckled and joked, "I heard that on the day of the imperial examination, you, the top scholar, stormed your own family's main gate and offended your father. That's why you haven't dared to go home for several days, until now."

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked and began to discuss it amongst themselves.

"Is that so?"

"Didn't you go home after the results were released?"

"It seems that's true..."

Hearing this, Sun Heng smiled. Then, he covered his mouth by raising his sleeve to drink.

He gave Han Zhongchen an approving look.

"So, I want to say something on behalf of Brother Song."

Facing everyone, Han Zhongchen earnestly tried to salvage the situation, saying, "Brother Song certainly wasn't just joking. Perhaps he only has this one coin on him, and he's already prepared to give it all as a congratulatory gift?"

After he finished speaking, everyone in the room burst into laughter.

Even the Prince of Zhongping.

Others may have exaggerated, but he was genuinely happy.

Jieyuan, what are you going to do?

Using an article as a congratulatory gift shows you have a strong temper, right?

Quickly curse this bastard!
Gao Yunyi's blood pressure spiked. Back in his hometown school, a despicable person like Han Zhongchen would have been beaten and kicked with a sack over his head long ago after school.

It was truly the Sun family who saved you.

Since we've already given him a single penny, let's not hold back anymore!
"I didn't expect you all to know my story so well."

Song Shi'an responded with a smile, then looked at Han Zhongchen, who was smugly pleased with himself, and asked, "May I ask your surname, sir?"

These words immediately darkened his expression.

We had already been introduced to each other before we arrived.

And the banquet is already halfway through, and you don't even know my last name?!

Glaring at Song Shi'an with displeasure, Han Zhongchen began, "I..."

"That's all."

Song Shi'an raised his hand to casually interrupt him, not letting him speak at all, showing no interest whatsoever.

Han Zhongchen became an instant sensation, and Gao Yunyi burst out laughing.

Then, looking at Minister Sun, Song Shi'an said, "Minister Sun, this coin is not an ordinary copper coin."

What's so special about it?

Sun Situ asked coldly.

“This coin was minted in the thirty-first year of the Jia Rui era,” Song Shi’an said.

Upon hearing this, everyone began to recall that year.

However, they are all too far away.

It is now the 49th year of Jia Rui's reign. At that time, everyone was basically a few years old, and the oldest was only thirty. It was impossible for them to understand what was happening.

There were no major events recorded at that time.

"That year, I was the official in charge of bell making and oversaw the production of new coins." Only Minister Sun had a deep impression of this.

"That year, His Majesty personally led an expedition and defeated the puppet Qi state, bringing the northern barbarians to submission. From that moment on, the power of the Great Yu Kingdom began to flourish. His Majesty then ordered the Minister of Works, who was in charge of bells, to specially produce a batch of new coins to demonstrate the grandeur of a great nation."

Picking up the copper coin, Song Shi'an showed the small piece to everyone: "This coin symbolizes a long and prosperous reign. It is a new coin designation created by Minister Situ for His Majesty."

"And Minister Situ has served as prime minister for more than ten years, helping His Majesty to extend the prosperous era."

"Today, I, your student, offer this inscription of 'May the nation's reign be long and prosperous' to His Highness Prince Zhongping and to Minister Situ." The three paragraphs became increasingly impassioned.

Those who listened grew increasingly upright.

Han Zhongchen, who had just said "broken copper coin," quickly covered his mouth and lowered his head, afraid of being noticed.

It's a commemorative coin!

You bastard, what a stunt you've pulled!
Sun Situ raised his hand.

The maid brought the coin up.

After picking it up, I looked at the rusty copper coin, and the four characters '国祚绵长' (meaning 'long reign of the nation') on it were still clearly visible.

Then, he handed the money to Prince Zhongping, who was standing to the side: "Your Highness."

As Song Shi'an just mentioned, it was given to the Prince of Zhongping.

"I was only two years old that year, I never imagined so much time had passed." King Zhongping couldn't help but sigh.

Then, he handed the money back to Sun Situ, smiling and saying, "This is a birthday gift from the top scholar to you, Situ. Please accept it."

Holding this money, Sun Situ felt as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly.

This kid is using a single coin as a congratulatory gift to humiliate him.

But he still couldn't refuse to accept this humiliation.

"Mr. Song, you're very thoughtful."

Looking at him, Sun Situ used a title that was unbiased, but clearly somewhat 'frivolous' in this context.

Song Sheng is a student whose surname is Song.

It's like calling someone for a driver, a cook, or a waiter.

"Thank you for your praise, Master Song. I am honored."

That really shows their thoughtfulness.

When I went out to buy steamed buns this morning, I only received this commemorative coin as change out of more than ten coins.

And it was wide open.

Based on its commemorative value, this article is worth at least two coins.

This madman is courting death!

It's a bit too much to treat the top scholar position so seriously.

Clutching the wine cup, Sun Qian looked at him with a cold gaze.

There are very few people in the world who dare to mock and insult the Sun family of Yangzhou.

"I am very satisfied with the gifts from all of you students. Please accept them."

After speaking to the steward beside him, Sun Situ casually tossed the copper coin in his hand, which rang crisply.

Oh, you're angry.

Prince Zhongping became increasingly interested in what was to come.

What other good shows will there be?
Bring it here quickly!

At this moment, Sun Heng stood up and said to Sun Situ, "Father, today is your birthday. My younger sister Jinhua has prepared a zither piece to dedicate to you."

Upon hearing this, everyone present became intrigued.

That's the main topic for today.

At least nominally the main topic.

He was choosing a husband for Sun Jinhua, the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan.

Everyone had heard of her 'illustrious name', but no one had ever seen her in person.

Is it time to open my eyes?
This is Lord Situ's youngest daughter!

Han Zhongchen was eager to try his luck and win the favor of the beauty.

“Okay,” Sun Situ replied calmly.

Then, he noticed Song Shi'an, who was still living a dissolute life and drinking alone.

Then, to everyone's delight, the youngest daughter made her entrance.

Apart from Sun Qian, all the other members of the group unconsciously turned their gazes toward the door.

As a pair of mandarin duck shoes came into view, the eyes of the young students gradually filled with brilliance.

All beings were filled with joy and delight.

Song Shi'an, whose seat was closest to the door, was the last to see her because he didn't look to the side.

Humph.

It’s really beautiful.

(End of this chapter)