Frost for a Thousand Years

"What is the young master doing?"

One morning at the Song residence, Song Jing encountered Yun'er, who was fetching water, in the courtyard and casually asked her a question.

"My lord." Upon seeing him, Yun'er quickly lowered her head and answered tremblingly, "The young master is reading in his room."

"What book are you reading?" Song Jing asked astutely.

"My lord, Yun'er is illiterate and doesn't know what book this is..." Yun'er replied cautiously.

Reading at home is definitely a good thing.

People in ancient times established the value of lifelong learning and advocated the noble habit of reading extensively.

But the problem is, what books are being read?

If it's a book with explicit sexual content, then it's better not to read it at all.

"Go and do your work."

After casually uttering this remark, Song Jing walked past her and headed towards Song Shi'an's room.

Yun'er, who had originally intended to tip him off, naturally dared not be so audacious and could only lower her head apprehensively and watch him go.

And just like that, Song Jing pushed open Song Shi'an's door.

Sure enough, that guy was dressed disheveled, with his legs crossed, his long hair loose, and holding a erotic novel with an obscene title. He was indulging in debauchery in broad daylight, showing no gentlemanly manners whatsoever!
"...Father, what brings you here?" Song Shi'an looked up at the other person, but he didn't hide the book in his hand, just holding it openly.

Still using PUA tactics.

This kid is so amazing, why don't you just give him the position of head of the Song family?

"Has the situation in Huai County turned out as you wished?" Song Jing asked.

"What do you mean, 'as I wish'?" Song Shi'an blurted out, then realized his words were pretentious and had displeased his father. He quickly apologized, "Father, that's not what I meant. I wanted to ask, what did I do wrong this time?"

Why did you start cursing as soon as you came in?

"You know nothing about what happened in Huai County?" Song Jing asked incredulously.

“Father, weren’t you worried I’d cause trouble? I’ve been resting at home every day. There’s no way I can find out what’s going on in Huai County,” Song Shi’an said.

"Where's Song Ce? He didn't come looking for you?" Song Jing asked.

Even if it's not an important department, he must have heard a lot of rumors yesterday.

“He’s busy taking care of the children,” Song Shi’an said, his tone growing increasingly serious. “Besides, I’ve told him that the matter of the military farms has nothing to do with me, and whatever happens is none of my business.”

These words made Song Jing vaguely sense certain emotions within him. So, he sat down next to him and said, "Shi An, are you really disappointed?"

“Father, as I said before, Changqing has just given birth to a son for the Song family, and I do not wish to be in the limelight again,” Song Shi’an said.

“You should also know about what happened in Huai County.” Song Jing said, raising his finger. “After all, it was something you did.”

"What happened to Huai County?"

Because the Crown Prince publicly claimed that his reason for resigning from his official post was to recuperate, after returning to Sheng'an, he refused to see anyone except Xin Yue. He stayed in his study, reading obscene books, writing some parts of "Journey to the West," and having the plump Yun'er give him foot baths and massages, thus indulging in decadence at home.

"The situation at the imperial palace has completely descended into chaos. Merchants have fled north, tenants have suffered from heatstroke, and officials are shirking their responsibilities. Among them, Eunuch Lian is feigning illness and dares not show his face," Song Jing said.

“Oh.” Song Shi’an was not surprised at all.

It could even be said that everything proceeded exactly as he had envisioned, without any deviation.

After all, the accounts are really hard to keep track of.

Even if he personally supervised the construction of the palace and strictly followed his decrees, it might not be easy for it to be implemented.

Those in power always feel that they are pushing something to its limits, that a single misstep can have far-reaching consequences, and that a single mistake can lead to total defeat.

I never imagined it would be such a limit.

I even felt that the north wind was a bit dangerous, but after all, it was a city defense, so it wasn't that dangerous.

The situation in Yan was indeed perilous, but since Kang Xun couldn't possibly offend both countries, it wasn't truly dangerous.

Needless to say, there was also the practice of military colonization.

Song Shi'an, you're just putting on a show of trying hard.

“However, among all the officials, Wang Shuishan, who was your contemporary,” Song Jing said, “did a good job as county magistrate. He was the only one who didn’t completely fall into chaos and still had the capacity to organize locust control.”

"As expected of him." Song Shi'an showed a satisfied smile, especially proud.

“But you should know that this is not something that can be solved by a few people. If Eunuch Lian falls, things will only get worse,” Song Jing said.

Song Shi'an remained silent.

“This time, someone’s head will roll,” Song Jing said.

"It's all fate."

Song Shi'an didn't blame anyone, including Eunuch Lian.

Because the core issue does not lie with him.

“Your Highness,” Song Jing said, staring into his eyes, “I will definitely have to come and beg you.”

When he said this, Song Shi'an was slightly taken aback and looked at the other person with some surprise.

Song Jing laughed and said, "Do you think that your father, with so many years in officialdom, has much less experience than you?"

"No, no, my father is a pillar of the state, he must be shrewd and cunning, with multiple escape routes."

"Ok?"

"What I mean is, always having enough room to maneuver, never getting into trouble."

"Hmph." Song Jing looked at his self-righteous son and said, "Even if you don't know the specific details of the land reclamation, you should understand what Ji Zhi is all about, right?"

"I understand now. He's an official who cherishes his reputation, not exactly upright, but competent enough," Song Shi'an said.

“Your summary is very accurate.” Song Jing raised a finger and said to him, “You left Huai County without saying goodbye, without informing anyone, and that’s how things were done. You certainly didn’t form cliques or engage in favoritism. But have you considered how your real cronies feel?”

"A real clique?" Song Shi'an was taken aback.

“You think the people I send you are all incompetent fools, useless to you. Sure, there is one incompetent fool among them who has betrayed us, but do you think your old man would send you a bunch of burdens?” Song Jing asked again.

“Father, please explain yourself clearly,” Song Shi’an said earnestly.

“Ji Zhi has been my subordinate for over ten years, and I sent him to Huai County because of you. Now that you’ve resigned, what is he supposed to do as the county magistrate so that he doesn’t end up pleasing neither side?” Song Jing asked.

Song Shi'an continued to stare at Song Jing and guessed, "He obeys orders and proclamations, but doesn't work hard or risk his life. He's become a puppet of Eunuch Lian."

"After you gave instructions to Song Gan, you left. At the same time, the message was also sent to Sheng'an." Song Jing told him, "The moment Ji Zhi received the Crown Prince's decree, he went to see Song Gan. He knelt down and said that Lord Song was resigning. He would rather resign than be a traitor."

"You have such integrity?" Song Shi'an asked in surprise. "And what was your reply?"

"New Lord, continue in your post."

The six words "Song Jing" made Song Shi'an understand.

Although his father suddenly found him that day and scolded him for his childish behavior of resigning from his post, he immediately followed the group.

"There's no need for angry words. As a matter of court politics, it's meaningless," Song Jing said in a rare relaxed tone. "If you think the emperor has made a mistake but won't listen to honest advice, then let him suffer a little."

The price for this loss was—Eunuch Lian's head fell.

All the officials who had flattered the Crown Prince and advocated for the construction of the temporary palace were implicated and held responsible.

The person who betrayed the Song family's cultivation and joined the princeling faction was punished even more severely.

And what will the result be?
"And the result is?" Song Shi'an asked with a slight smile.

Song Jing made a two with his fingers, then made a walking motion, saying with considerable experience, "Your man, go in front of the man."

.........

"Your Highness, this servant went to the Song residence to inquire after Shi An's well-being, but Minister Song declined to meet with him, citing the young Master Song's illness as the reason," the eunuch said.

"Hmm." The Crown Prince said calmly, "Then if it's inconvenient to meet, let's not bother you." "Yes."

The eunuch lowered his head and left the East Palace.

The crown prince, now completely calmed down, will no longer do those things out of impotence and rage.

This headwind reminded him of how he felt when he was vying for the crown prince position with the Prince of Jin.

It is quite familiar.

At that time, he was quite empathetic.

Now, he can think.

If Song Shi'an takes the initiative to see me, it's not because he's amused, but because of his patriotic loyalty.

When Song Shi'an passively met with himself, it wasn't out of smugness, but because he genuinely wanted to withdraw from power and return to a simple life.

If Song Shi'an did not wish to see him, it was not because he was waiting for a higher price, but because he genuinely felt powerless against the corruption of the court.

Regardless of what the Crown Prince is really thinking, he cannot be too fixated on the idea that "Song Shi'an is just waiting for him to lose," lest he show his humiliation and dissatisfaction on his face.

Therefore, after being politely refused the first time, the crown prince left the palace in person.

Dressed in plain clothes and escorted by plainclothes Imperial Guards, they rode in a carriage to a tavern on the banks of the Anhe River in the outer city.

The news of the Huai County military settlement spread throughout Sheng'an yesterday.

Therefore, it is being hotly discussed by ordinary people today.

Sitting in a simple carriage, the prince could hear the citizens' opinions on governance all the way.

"Could it be that things are really going wrong with this land reclamation project?"

"That shouldn't be the case. The grain is almost ripe, it'll only be about a month. Even if we're short-handed right now, how about sending some more troops?"

"You think it's easy? Sending troops requires marching, which consumes even more food. For this land reclamation project, the troops and food we can muster are already at their limit. How can we possibly contribute more manpower and resources?"

"Indeed, that's 500,000 people eating and drinking for a year out of thin air. The imperial court certainly can't afford that."

"I've heard that the vast majority of the grain is still being bought on credit by Lord Song."

"He even used the four thousand taels of gold His Majesty had previously awarded him to pay for it, simply because he didn't want to build a temporary palace..."

"It seems this palace is simply not meant to be built."

"Those eunuchs were so aggressive towards Lord Song, and when they actually made him do it, things turned out like this."

"If you ask me, His Highness the Crown Prince probably doesn't think that Lord Song is having a hard time..."

"Hey, be quiet!"

He didn't need to keep quiet, because the Crown Prince had already heard it.

Then his face fell.

Everyone says that the common people are ignorant and easy to educate and enslave, but as long as the court doesn't shut them up, the people can see everything clearly—the Crown Prince was being presumptuous.

They assumed that tuntian (military agricultural settlements) was simply farming.

"Your Highness...Young Master, we've arrived."

At this moment, the coachman spoke.

The Crown Prince then stood up, and the Imperial Guard sitting next to the coachman also got out of the carriage at the same time, quickly walked around to the back of the curtain, and lifted the curtain.

Then, he got off the carriage.

Under the protection of the Imperial Guards, they entered the tavern and into an elegant private room.

"Young master, are you waiting for someone?"

A waiter came over and asked.

The Imperial Guard casually tossed a silver ingot from his sleeve, and as the man held it in both hands with a look of surprise, he said, "You don't need to come to this room; we'll stay here."

"Yes, you can stay as long as you like."

The waiter readily agreed and then left.

The prince sat by the window, looking out at the bustling banks of the Anhe River.

It was only early evening, and the sun had not yet set.

However, time was slipping away little by little, the sunset was getting redder and redder, and it shouldn't be too far off when it got dark.

The Crown Prince is willing to wait here all day.

.........

"Young Master, there's a coachman outside who handed this note to the gatekeeper, instructing him to make sure it's given to you." Song Gan handed the note to Song Shi'an after arriving at his study.

Song Shi'an was puzzled, but after taking it and opening it, he saw its contents.

It's an address, a tavern somewhere in the outer city.

He didn't say anything else.

But this is the Crown Prince's notebook.

He saw it immediately.

This is an invitation to meet up in person...

She originally thought that after rejecting him today, he would send someone over in a few days, or even come in person. But she didn't expect that he would choose a date location and wait for her on the same day he rejected her.

Regardless of his true feelings, there is no doubt that he has adopted a very humble attitude.

What should Song Shi'an do then?

Of course, we'll meet up in person.

He just had a fight with the Crown Prince; it's not like he's disowning him.

So, after changing into a plain robe, he took a carriage to the tavern in the outer city.

By then, the sky had already darkened.

However, the colorful lanterns of the taverns on both sides of the river have already been lit up, pedestrians come and go, and cruise ships move slowly. The street with the most vibrant nightlife in Sheng'an has ushered in its most beautiful moment.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, a muscular man in plain clothes, clearly a member of the Imperial Guard, was waiting for him.

"Please." The other person extended their hand.

Song Shi'an nodded.

Then, follow behind him.

It wasn't until they reached the door of an elegant room that the Imperial Guard opened it, and Song Shi'an saw a man who, after being thoroughly beaten down by reality, had matured considerably in both state and mind.

The moment he saw himself, his face was filled with shame.

Song Shi'an quickly bowed and whispered, "Your Highness."

The crown prince extended his hand, inviting him in.

So he went in and knelt down opposite the prince's desk.

The Imperial Guards also closed the door and stood guard at the entrance.

The two looked at each other, the atmosphere was very complicated.

Song Shi'an remained silent, after all, it was his own decision to resign, and it wouldn't be appropriate to say anything at this point.

But the Crown Prince is the most powerful person under the Emperor. Am I supposed to wait for him to apologize to me?

Just as Song Shi'an was about to speak, the kneeling Crown Prince slowly bowed to him: "It is the one who is wrong who should be restless." (End of Chapter)