Frost for a Thousand Years

Huai County Military Colony.

Song Shi'an looked at the Crown Prince's Decree with a very calm expression.

Xinyue stood beside him.

Sitting next to him was Xiao Wei, whose face looked cold and was clearly displeased.

Finally, Song Shi'an finished reading and handed it to Xiao Wei.

"I won't look. Just tell me what the Crown Prince's orders are," Wei Wusheng said angrily.

“There’s no need to build another palace… no, there’s no need for such a large-scale construction,” Song Shi’an said. “The scale will only be 20% of the original.”

"His Highness the Crown Prince is surprisingly receptive to advice," Xin Yue exclaimed in surprise.

“He never intended to build this palace in the first place,” Wei Wusheng quipped. “This whip also saved him money.”

"Your Highness, don't be angry." Knowing that he was still throwing a tantrum, Song Shi'an teased, "It's already quite good that you were able to pick this up and put it down so easily."

"Do you know that those around you, even your father's former subordinates, have all gone to pledge their loyalty to the Crown Prince?" Wei Wusheng's resentment remained focused on this point. "Don't you find it tragic?"

“And the generals under Your Highness’s command are all on Your Highness’s side,” Song Shi’an said.

“I’m not showing off my management skills, but I genuinely feel sorry for you.”

The garrison has overcome so many difficulties and obstacles to achieve its current success. Those people came with Song Shi'an and have witnessed his noble character along the way. Why can't they be inspired to become upright and honest officials themselves?
They had to flatter and fawn, saying that the people still had the resources to build a palace.

It is known that the total number of people engaged in land reclamation remains unchanged.

The fields that need to be harvested in autumn remain unchanged.

However, it added a forced labor service for 100,000 people.

Doesn't that mean each person has to work an average of 20% more?

Let me give you another simple example.

You went from working five days on and two days off to working six days on and one day off.

And it's not just this week, it's been stealing half of your weekends for several whole months.

We will use the resources of the common people to win Your Majesty's favor.

“Your Highness, I am very grateful for your words.” Song Shi’an smiled slightly, then asked, “Does Your Highness think it’s a bad thing that all my officials have personally come to the capital to sever ties with me?”

These words caused both of them to fall silent for a moment.

And, at the same time, they realized what was happening.

However, it was Xin Yue who spoke first: "They are afraid of being implicated and becoming your cronies. This at least shows one thing: they are not your cronies."

What does such a rapid cutting represent?
A friendship as fragile as plastic.

“You make it sound like you’re right,” Wei Wusheng said. “But if something really happens, these bastards will be the first to betray you, and they might even stab you in the back.”

“That’s right. If something really goes wrong, those people will definitely impeach me.” Song Shi’an looked at Wei Wusheng and said seriously, “Therefore, Your Highness, you must be strict with the army and unite the soldiers as one.”

These words silenced His Highness once again.

It doesn't matter if the civil officials gossip behind their backs; it's just a way to make the crown prince want to kill them.

But in the end, he wasn't an assassin.

If it really comes to killing, Wei's troops can also be used for self-defense.

"Why bother with people who kneel down at the slightest provocation? What we should really fear are those die-hard loyalists who genuinely feel the Crown Prince has been wronged and blush with embarrassment," Song Shi'an said.

Just like when watching "Yongzheng Dynasty", Sun Jiacheng in the show is very touching. He is a good servant who can cry even if the Fourth Prince suffers a little grievance.

In the drama, Nian Gengyao also dies directly at his hands.

However, the civil officials at this time all had "integrity," or rather, as aristocratic families, they wielded too much power.

They possess the confidence to win over both sides.

This is why Song Shi'an was able to stir up trouble in this era.

No faction has any truly loyal followers.

They side with whichever side has the upper hand.

Whoever wins, they become their subjects.

"Shi'an." Wei Wusheng, who seemed to have a vague feeling, looked at Song Shi'an and asked, "What will this path lead us to in the end?"

He sensed that Song Shi'an had already reached a conclusion.

Song Shi'an sensed that Xiao Wei was filled with anger and ferocity for some unknown reason.

“Your Highness, you don’t want me to tarnish my reputation, and I don’t want you to die from your arrogance.” Song Shi’an still handed him the Crown Prince’s Decree.

After Wei Wusheng took the letter, he discovered that it contained this information.

Shi An, this is a waste of resources and manpower, and I do not wish to wage a large-scale war. But please tell Wu Sheng that even if Xi Shan makes things difficult for him, a reprimand or warning would suffice. Why resort to whipping and humiliation? Tell him to come to Sheng An if he has time. I have something to say to him.

“The Crown Prince has been waiting for me… no, waiting for Your Highness to admit your mistake,” Song Shi’an said. “However, Your Highness, you did not express any approval before, but now I think we should go.”

If someone immediately apologizes after assaulting another person, it means they knew it was wrong, and to knowingly commit another wrong is pure provocation.

Therefore, Song Shi'an also felt that he should not show any reaction.

But now that the crown prince has offered him a way out, he has no choice but to accept it.

Otherwise, this would be a complete disregard for the Crown Prince.

"I understand." Wei Wusheng had no communication with the Crown Prince at the moment, and everything he did was based on what others said to guess the Crown Prince's intentions.

“However,” Song Shi’an pressed his hand down and said, “I think it would be better for me to go.”

"The Crown Prince sent me, what is the meaning of you going?" Wei Wusheng asked, puzzled. "Besides, this will make him think that you were also behind the beating of Xishan."

"Whether it was my idea or not is all speculation. A thousand people have a thousand opinions, but none of them can compare to me personally speaking to His Highness."

"Are you going to take responsibility?"

"No, I must strongly advise His Highness against it."

Song Shi'an said firmly.

"..." Wei Wusheng was somewhat uneasy, but Song Shi'an had never let him down, so he chose to believe him unconditionally. "Huai County is in my hands. Your departure will surely cause rumors to spread. I will catch those traitors who spread rumors and cause trouble, just like catching spies."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Song Shi'an appeared extremely relaxed, as if he were taking a publicly funded trip, saying, "Perfect timing, my little nephew was also born, Xinyue, come home with me to visit him."

……

"So this is what happened in Huai County. Eunuch Xi went to Huai County to solicit bribes. Because he asked for too much, he angered the Sixth Prince. Furthermore, he made things difficult for the construction of the imperial palace several times, which is why he was whipped by the Sixth Prince."

"That's right, mobilizing 100,000 people to build a palace within two months, and those two months happen to be the autumn harvest season. The imperial court couldn't possibly issue such an order..."

"It's probably that Xi Shan who, in order to curry favor, forced them to increase the demands, which really angered the Sixth Prince."

"Keep your voice down. Eunuch Xi has arrested and killed many ordinary people before, treating them as spies. If you say anything more to him, he'll kill you too."

"I didn't say anything, I didn't say anything..."

The streets and alleys of Sheng'an were buzzing with discussion about this matter.

After all, this is big news.

Such a shocking event is absolutely rare in this dynasty.

Inside the carriage, Song Ce listened for a while, then pulled down the curtain and said to the coachman, "Let's go back to the manor."

"Yes, son."

Song Ce returned to the mansion by carriage and went directly to his bedroom.

At this moment, Changqing was holding her son with a loving expression and a particularly indulgent smile. As soon as she saw Song Ce return, she said to the child, "Look, your father is back. Call him father."

"If a newborn can call someone 'father,' then he's a child prodigy." Song Ce smiled, then winked at the maid.

So she left.

Then, Song Ce handed a paper bag of candied fruit to Chang Qing: "You said yesterday that you wanted to eat Xu Fangzhai's candied fruit, so I went to buy it for you."

"Jingming, you're so kind."

Changqing smiled so much her eyes crinkled into crescent moons. Song Ce held his sleeping son in his arms, looked at Changqing who was eating candied fruit, and was about to say something when she put a piece of candied fruit into her own mouth.

"Hmm, what do you want to say?" Changqing asked.

"No, no." Song Ce shook his head with a smile.

"The King of Zhongshan, isn't his situation quite serious?" Changqing, who knew everything, asked anxiously.

"The difference between selflessness and arrogance is just a matter of a single thought," Song Ce said with a hint of helplessness.

"Does the Sheng'an court think he's arrogant and complacent?" Changqing asked worriedly.

“The problem now is that Your Highness has both merit and power,” Song Ce explained. “At this time, even the slightest thing can cause speculation.”

"As for the matter of whipping the chief eunuch, there's no way to silence public opinion." Princess Changqing was a smart woman and understood how serious the matter was.

If Wei Wusheng doesn't handle things properly, it could lead to brothers turning against each other.

“You and the Sixth Prince have been close since childhood,” Song Ce said. “Our Song family should speak on behalf of the Prince.”

“Jingming, don’t say that,” Changqing said. “Although it was Wei Wusheng who hit the man, he worked with my uncle in Huai County, and many people are already trying to pin this on my uncle. The Song family should be even more careful.”

Song Ce closed his eyes, nodded, and his expression remained quite somber.

“Jingming, don’t worry.” Changqing pointed to the sleeping baby in his arms and said, “This is not only our son, but also His Majesty’s grandson. I’m taking him to the palace soon to pay my respects to the Crown Prince and His Majesty.”

Hearing this, Song Ce smiled with relief and said, "Changqing, family ties are really important."

"Hmm." Changqing nodded and joked, "Whether the world believes it or not, people like the Crown Prince and the Emperor also have family ties."

.........

"Yang'er, this is His Highness the Crown Prince."

Changqing held his tiny son and presented him to the Crown Prince, speaking softly.

Upon seeing this little trinket, the Crown Prince's face broke into a long-absent loving smile, and his voice became more affectionate: "What Crown Prince? I am your uncle."

"Quickly call him uncle," Changqing said to the child.

"If he can open his mouth at such a young age, then he's not just a child prodigy, he's a god."

The crown prince gently took the child into his arms and said, "His name is Song Yang, right?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Who named it?" the prince asked.

“He is his uncle.”

"Oh, Shi An took it."

“Yes,” Changqing said. “We wrote to ask when he was born, and they just assigned him the character ‘Yang’ without any other options.”

"Why is it called Yang?" the crown prince asked curiously.

“My uncle said he’s never met his nephew, but he thinks he must look like his father,” Changqing said with a smile. “As for Jingming, his uncle said that his younger brother is a warm person, like sunshine, making people feel especially at ease.”

These words filled the Crown Prince with mixed feelings. Thinking of some of his brothers, he said enviously, "Shi An really loves his younger brother."

"Yes," Changqing replied with a smile, and then began to tease the child in the prince's arms.

"In my memory, you were just a little girl..." The Crown Prince said with a sigh as he looked at his younger sister's profile. "Now, you are a mother. It's unbelievable."

Changqing smiled shyly and said, "When I was little, I wanted to join the Crown Prince and my brothers when I saw them together, but I was just a girl and I was so young, I was afraid you would find me annoying."

"What are you playing with us for? When the few of us get together, we don't do anything good, especially that Wei Yiyuan... Sigh, never mind, talking about the past makes me feel old."

Only the dead have revolving lanterns in their heads.

The Crown Prince held Song Yang in his arms and paced back and forth in the main hall for a full quarter of an hour until the child woke up, opened his eyes, and began to cry.

"What should we do? What should we do?" The crown prince panicked and asked hurriedly.

"Mother is here, Mother is here."

Changqing took the child and gently rocked and soothed him for a while until he was fine.

"You really do look like a virtuous wife and loving mother," the Crown Prince said.

Just then, a eunuch entered, intending to report something.

Seeing this, Changqing took the initiative to say, "Your Highness, please continue with your official duties. I will take Yang'er to pay my respects to Father and Mother."

She mentioned leaving very decisively.

There was absolutely no lingering attachment.

She knew perfectly well that she was now the one in charge of the country.

All power in the world is in his own hands.

But while she was in a good mood, she didn't say a single word about Wei Wusheng...

When he first met her, the Crown Prince was worried about how to deal with her pleas for mercy, but after she stopped pleading at all, he felt a little guilty.

You've narrowed your perspective on people.

They've tainted family bonds.

"Changqing," he suddenly spoke, "what are your thoughts on the recent incident?"

When asked about this, Changqing tried to avoid the question at all costs, saying, "Your Highness, I know nothing about these court affairs. I dare not answer your questions."

She didn't seem to want to talk at all.

She went to the palace because she wanted to see her son.

"Don't be afraid," the Crown Prince said with a smile. "Everyone's been talking about this lately, it's driving me crazy. I don't know what Wusheng is thinking either. You've been close to him since you were little, tell me, what was his motivation for hitting Xishan?"

"I really don't know," Changqing shook his head, then said, "but I think this was done very poorly."

Instead of pleading for leniency, they criticized and condemned him?

"How so?" the crown prince asked curiously.

“He not only beat Eunuch Xi this time, but I also thought it was too rough when he whipped Zhao Xiang before.”

After Changqing finished his evaluation, he seemed to notice something and, fearing that it might involve politics, quickly said, "Your Highness, please continue with your work. Changqing is going to see Father and Mother."

"it is good."

The Crown Prince smiled and nodded in agreement, but as the other party was about to leave, he called out, "Changqing."

"What is it, Your Highness?" Changqing asked, puzzled.

"Don't call me Your Highness, call me Fourth Brother."

The prince's expression was full of gentleness and kindness.

"Fourth Brother, you're busy. Changqing is leaving."

Changqing, holding the baby, nodded slightly and then left.

After watching her disappear, the crown prince's eyes showed reluctance.

Such pure family affection exists in the Song family.

At the same time, Changqing's words made the Crown Prince realize something.

Zhao Xiang had already been whipped before Eunuch Xi was whipped.

What merits or power did Wei Wusheng have at that time?
How can this lash be considered an act of arrogance or self-pity?
It was purely Wei Wusheng's personal whim.

They unleashed a heavy lash upon all the insects of the Great Yu, treating them equally.

Perhaps, he really wasn't targeting me.

Perhaps, he really is just trying to fix this country.

"What is it?" the crown prince asked the eunuch beside him.

"Your Highness," the eunuch said, "Lord Song returned to Sheng'an alone on horseback... no, with a female guard with him."

"Song Shi'an?"

Upon hearing this name, the Crown Prince showed surprise: "Didn't I send Wei Wusheng back?" (End of Chapter)