Frost for a Thousand Years

The burning of the four granaries disrupted the grand ceremony for the military settlement.

The soldiers who guarded the granary so tightly were like incompetent husbands, who could only watch helplessly as the flames consumed everything.

Although both were on fire, the sheer size of this granary and the abundance of flammable materials far surpassed that of the other single-story residences.

The four massive warehouses, each several tens of meters high, resembled four suns rising from the sea, illuminating the heavens and the earth. Even the air hundreds of steps away was scorched, and the heat waves before one's eyes appeared like transparent snakes.

The officials' residences were burned to the ground, and all the soldiers either blocked the surrounding area or guarded the granaries, while the rest were basically with the emperor.

Some officials wanted to seek refuge with His Majesty, but regardless of their rank or status, they were all blocked by the Imperial Guards and could not get any closer.

Therefore, they have no choice but to make a living on their own.

In the end, most of them went to the altar of the land reclamation ceremony.

It can be said that this is the only spacious place where the fire will absolutely not spread.

The downside was that all the adults were gathered in this place, which was completely exposed and had no soldiers guarding it.

If the rebels find this place, just two cavalrymen, each with a long spear, can wipe them out.

There's nothing we can do but pray that the rebels are rational.

Alternatively, the rebels could be quelled by the Imperial Guards as soon as possible.

After all, among these officials, those who could come here were mostly retired officials with idle posts or those with very high status. Even military officers, under the bureaucratic system of the Great Yu, were mostly overweight and bloated.

The oldest and highest-ranking official, He Shaofu, was the one closest to death.

Of his personal guards, one was shot dead and another ran away, leaving him alone, leaning on his cane, running desperately towards the sacrificial platform with gritted teeth.

While exerting force, he muttered to himself: "Hurry up and move your dead legs!"

Suddenly, He Shaofu stepped into a mud pit and stumbled to the ground, falling face-first into the dirt. Seeing the fires on both sides about to catch fire, tears welled up in his eyes in despair.

"Lord Shaofu!" At this moment, Yu Xiu, the youngest member of the group and a senior official, came over, quickly helped him up, and urged, "Sir, let's go quickly."

"Lord Yu? Oh...good, good!"

Seeing a glimmer of hope in his desperate situation, Shao Fu's adrenaline surged, and his legs suddenly regained their strength, allowing him to hold his opponent back without holding them back.

The two escaped the inferno and finally saw the altar for the festival.

"Let's rest for a while..." Old Master Fu waved his hand, panting, he was about to collapse.

"Young Master, are you alright?" Yu Xiu asked with concern.

"If it weren't for Physician Yu, I'm afraid I would have died here." Shao Fu sighed and waved his hand, revealing the bitterness of 'I won't talk about it anymore'.

“Once we get to the top, we’ll be pretty safe,” Yu Xiu said. “Of course, if the rebels really find their way here, then there’s nothing we can do.”

"Huh?" Shao Fu asked, quite puzzled. "It's one thing that my old arms and legs can't run anymore, but why is Doctor Yu only running out now?"

“I’ve gone to see His Majesty,” Yu Xiu said.

"Were we driven away?" Shao Fu snorted in dissatisfaction, complaining, "I also went to see His Majesty, but he wouldn't even let me get close. I'm afraid he's also considered a rebel."

The old man was quite humorous.

If we mistake this old man for a rebel, we'll have to assign a few assassins to take care of him.

But Yu Xiu could tell that he was complaining that His Majesty didn't care whether he lived or died.

“The nature of this rebellion is unclear,” Yu Xiu said. “And the army’s strength is limited. His Majesty is probably afraid that if the army is dispersed, and the officials are allowed to conduct the palace in an disorderly manner, the rebels will take advantage of the chaos to attack.”

This reasoning is definitely sound.

What if the assassins seize the opportunity to attack, and these old men get in the way, causing the army to collapse and the rebels to break in and kill the emperor?
But when you talk about it, it makes you feel really uncomfortable.

We can verbally say that we would support Yulong and die for him.

But we cannot truly die for our lord.

That's not the same thing!
However, considering that Yu Xiu's mentor was Minister Ouyang, a model of integrity and impartiality, He Shaofu did not continue to complain to him about this matter. Instead, he returned to the topic: "Why did it take so long for Physician Yu to go to His Majesty? Even if he went, he should have arrived at the altar soon."

After all, this is a middle-aged man in his prime.

"Reporting to Lord Shaofu," Yu Xiu said, "a captain in the Imperial Guard is from the same hometown as me."

"Then how so?" Young Master He asked with great concern.

Yu Xiu looked around and, finding no one, said to him, "After the rebels abducted Prince Zhongping, they were using the banner of Prince Jin."

The young official was taken aback, but quickly realized: "Using the Prince of Jin's name? Is it that obvious?"

What is the most important thing in plotting a rebellion?
It's a rebellion.

Of course, that's for sure.

But conspiracy is also crucial.

But if the Prince of Jin was truly the mastermind behind this, why would he openly shout and reveal his identity when he had such a good opportunity to fish in troubled waters?
It's like someone stabbing someone with a gun and then shouting: "I was sent by XXX!"
It's quite obvious that they've framed me.

"Could it be that An Sheng is really behind this?" He Shaofu asked tentatively, lowering his voice.

In fact, they all knew that the emperor was doing this to weaken An Sheng.

However, they dared not easily speculate in this direction.

The emperor pinned the assassination charge on Wei Yiyuan.

In feudal society, people could only hate whomever their ruler or father told them to hate.

"I don't know," Yu Xiu shook his head and said with a sigh, "but we are all civil officials, and we are almost imprisoned. Even if something happens, it won't change anything."

"Lord Yu, you mustn't think like that," the Minister of the Imperial Household said, his voice trembling with determination. "Civil officials assist the state, and military generals guard the borders. If there is no use for us in this world, why bother establishing the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers?"

The emperor didn't care about our lives at all, letting the rebels kill us without a second thought.

But we cannot allow ourselves to belittle ourselves.

“What the young master says is absolutely right.” Yu Xiu nodded, then said hesitantly, “But all the officials are in a state of confusion and don’t know what to do.”

"Although I am not as old as your mentor, nor do I hold real power like these younger generations such as Ye Changqing and Song Shi'an," He Shaofu said, pointing to himself, "I am the oldest here. If I really want to rely on my age, others will not be too disgusted."

"You flatter me, sir. You are one of the Nine Ministers."

Yu Xiu bowed respectfully.

He Shaofu realized that this kid had truly inherited his mentor's methods.

She clearly wanted to do something herself, but instead of taking the lead, she promoted him.

However, this matter really requires someone to handle it.

"Let's go, Doctor Yu."

"Yes."

And so, the two of them helped each other up to the high platform of the festival.

Upon seeing He Shaofu arrive, the disheveled and utterly wretched officials all crowded around him, each with tears in their eyes.

"Lord Shaofu, are you alright?"

"Lord Su was just killed by the rebels' arrows... He's gone."

"My steward also died in the fire."

"These granaries are burning one after another, what should we do?"

When they gathered together, there was no sense of relief or emotion from surviving a disaster.

Because there was no aftermath at all.

"Everyone, please listen to me."

The young master raised his hand and spoke in a louder voice.

Then, everyone quieted down and looked at him hesitantly.

“We are all old bones. To be old and not die is to be a thief. If we die in this great calamity, then so be it. But we must not forget what will happen after we are gone.”

The Prefect looked at these people and said tremblingly, “Among you gentlemen, there are the five prominent families of the capital, the seven families of Jiangnan, the Wang family of Shandong, the Cui family of Yingchuan, and many other prominent families such as Su, Fan, and Huang. In fact, the fate of the people rests on the shoulders of us officials. Gentlemen, do not be discouraged, do not panic.”

The old man's words awakened these fleeing, destitute old men, who were in the same predicament as the refugees, and reminded them of their identity.

We are a prestigious family, renowned throughout the land.

Even if we no longer hold much real power, the emperor cannot remain in power without us.

If we die here, the emperor will be even more relieved. He can simply bestow power and titles upon his descendants and shift all the blame onto the rebels.

But if we don't die and survive this ordeal, the emperor will have an even bigger headache once we get out.

We all remember when the rebels came, you hid in your shell, surrounded by the army, and didn't encounter any danger, allowing us to escape from the fire.

"Yes, yes, we should cheer up."

Even if you don't know exactly what happened, it will eventually pass.

"We can still serve the Great Yu loyally."

Everyone knows that in times of chaos, swords are merciless, and they are nothing more than fish on a chopping block. But after the war, when order is restored, he needs them.

Whether the Crown Prince or the Prince of Jin becomes emperor, doesn't the support of all the officials be necessary?

Regardless of who wins.

To gain legitimacy, don't you need their approval?

But the fear is that Wei Wusheng will win.

This man had no relatives by marriage, no cronies, and his mind was full of strict discipline and impartiality; he was the most orthodox military general.

If they were to win, and with Song Shi'an's assistance, would they still have any good days ahead of them?

Tell me, who here hasn't cursed Song Shi'an?

"No matter what, let's wait until dawn."

The Minister of the Imperial Household Department disregarded the consequences and declared, "This time, it's everyone. We must unite as one and go together to pay our respects to His Majesty!"

.........

This is the fourth one!

Of the twelve granaries in total, four were burned down in just a short time.

Before even deducting the portion sold, one-third of the surplus grain from the land reclamation was burned to pay the merchants.

Song Shi'an, who personally led 500,000 soldiers and civilians to cultivate the land, using their blood and sweat as nourishment, thus creating this vast expanse of fertile land and abundant harvests, was actually so ruthless as to burn down the houses one by one, as if he were killing his own children!

Xi Shan and Wei Le were both furious. This man had absolutely no humanity; he was a truly cruel official!
"Your Majesty, please make a decision quickly."

Song Shi'an looked down at the old emperor, whose face was flushed from roaring, and reminded him, "Once all the grain is burned, I'm doomed, and your dynasty is doomed too."

"Then die." The emperor clenched his fist and said fiercely, "You, and your woman, and that rebellious son kneeling outside, I will make you suffer a thousand cuts, make you suffer unbearable pain, make you watch helplessly as your loved ones die tragically before your eyes. I will simply perish with you!"

Upon hearing this, Song Shi'an smiled.

Slowly, he sat down in the chair.

Xin Yue, standing to the side, also exuded composure.

Time is passing by, second by second.

The base has already burned down four warehouses.

If six camps are burned, only half will remain. The extra grain, after deducting next year's expenses, will only be enough for the Northern Liang's military supplies for one year.

If eight sites are burned, it will barely be enough to start the land reclamation project and recoup the costs.

If we continue burning it, it won't make much sense.

Because at that time, the imperial court would inevitably plunder the losses from the people.

These 500,000 soldiers and civilians, after being slightly incited, turned into a mob on the spot, and came to block the granary with knives, guns and halberds.

But the emperor could not possibly grant him this request...

He would rather hand over military power to the other side, allowing the balance of power to shift and him to be held hostage, than agree to the emperor's schemes.

"Tell me your demands now!"

Avoiding the mention of the Prince of Jin, the emperor said firmly, "If you want all your loyal followers to come here and replace my Imperial Guards and Embroidered Uniform Guards, I can agree to it."

Wei Le was stunned when he heard this.

What the hell?
Let the rebels replace us?
So where do we go?
Obey the rebels' orders?
“Your Majesty is truly great,” Song Shi’an said regarding the deal. “Neri An agreed to it.”

"But," the emperor said with unwavering insistence, "you must withdraw your elite guards from the granaries!"

“Your Majesty, you dislike the word ‘threat,’ but please forgive me,” Song Shi’an said politely. “I’ve already withdrawn, so how can I threaten you?”

"Everyone, leave," the emperor said. "Leave only you and your woman. With me here, what do you have to worry about?"

The emperor himself came as a hostage.

Then, both sides calmed down and remained restrained.

When the suicide soldiers in the granary withdraw, Wei Wusheng can also take back control of part of his army.

It's a win-win.

At the same time, it also minimizes the cost of a lose-lose situation.

Even Xin Yue felt this was acceptable.

Song Shi'an frowned slightly, staring at the old man with hostility, and said, "The Crown Prince is your son, isn't Wusheng his?"

This statement left everyone bewildered.

Only the emperor, after being exposed, chuckled lightly: "Does he care about such things?"

“I don’t know if Wusheng cares or not.” Song Shi’an glared at him and said, word by word, “But even if His Majesty didn’t sacrifice himself like this, His Highness the Crown Prince would still lead his troops to attack and take care of you, you old bastard, along the way.”

"!" The emperor was instantly enraged by these words, and then a wave of dizziness swept over him.

The images he described are still echoing in my mind.

Even if he were a hostage in their hands, the Crown Prince would not hesitate at all.

He and the army of the Duke of Li will raze this place to the ground under the pretext of suppressing the rebels.

Yes, the emperor could sacrifice himself.

He can die once those people come out of the granary.

If he dies at the hands of Song Shi'an, they will not only lose their legal advantage of holding the monarch hostage to demonstrate their power to the world, but they will also become complete regicides and traitors.

But just as Song Shi'an said, even if he didn't do it, the Crown Prince would still 'reluctantly' send troops.

Zisheng, he doesn't have that kind of filial piety.

Only the Prince of Jin possessed such a heart.

Therefore, it's even less likely that the Prince of Jin will come!
"Father!"

At this time, a voice came.

The emperor's eyes widened.

Sitting in his seat, Song Shi'an smiled and jokingly said, "The Prince of Jin has come himself."

The Prince of Jin and the Prince of Changsha were both in this mansion, but in different rooms, and were guarded by elite soldiers.

However, they were not the imprisoned Prince Zhongping or the controlled Prince Qin; they could move freely within the mansion.

With such a momentous event occurring, how could the Prince of Jin not know?

So he came over immediately and, outside the main hall, learned the full extent of the current situation from the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Upon entering, he was immediately angered to see Prince Song Shi'an sitting opposite the emperor.

This guy is too arrogant.

However, they do have the right to be arrogant.

"Woo——"

A trombone sounded.

The emperor has become numb.

But Prince Jin panicked upon hearing this and hurriedly said to Song Shi'an, "Shi'an! Stop! Everything is negotiable, we can talk slowly! His Majesty will grant you whatever you want!"

Song Shi'an ignored him completely.

He held out his palm and announced the time: "Five seats."

"Song Shi'an!"

The Prince of Jin, his face flushed, pleaded urgently, “The Great Yu has indeed wronged you, but that is the Crown Prince’s fault. Even if my Wei family is also at fault, what is the point of what you are doing? If the grain really runs out, won’t the uprising of 500,000 soldiers and civilians start in your Huai County first? Your family members did move from Jing County and Huaiyang, but they will also be affected, and may even suffer annihilation. You hate my Wei family, but the common people are innocent, right?”

"Ziyu, that's enough."

The emperor interrupted him, his voice trembling slightly.

“Shi’an believes that His Highness Prince Jin is absolutely right,” Song Shi’an said. “And now Prince Jin has the opportunity to save the world, so why not allow it?”

"I?"

The Prince of Jin was very surprised. In his current state, without soldiers or power, and even his brothers were being regarded as the masterminds behind the assassination of the emperor, what could he do?
Before Song Shi'an could explain how valuable the Prince of Jin was, the emperor angrily shouted, "Song Shi'an, shut up!"

.........

"You are not Second Brother's people."

Inside a thatched hut, Wei Yiyuan looked around cautiously and asked, "Are you Song Shi'an's men?"

After being exposed, the two assassins lowered their heads, coughed twice, and ignored him.

But this reaction confirmed Wei Yiyuan's suspicion that the people who came to rescue him were Song Shi'an's men.

"I understand, I understand everything!"

While Wei Yiyuan was in prison these past few days, living like a walking corpse, he had considered some issues. Now he understood everything and said, "The Emperor and the Crown Prince came to the land reclamation ceremony to strip Song Shi'an and Wei Wusheng of their power. And they knew this all along, so they arranged for you assassins to prepare for this rebellion."

"The assassin who killed the emperor was arranged by Song Shi'an," Wei Yiyuan said with certainty, raising his finger. "Although we don't know how he did it, assassinating the emperor at this time will muddy the waters. Prince Jin will also be implicated. For the sake of stability, His Majesty cannot forcibly strip Wusheng of his power under these circumstances. Otherwise, it will cause turmoil in the court and among the people."

Wei Yiyuan kept talking, but no one paid him any attention.

But he still said, "You rescued me tonight, using my second brother's name, just to take advantage of the chaos and seize power."

“But Song Shi’an was wrong. He doesn’t understand the emperor at all.” Wei Yiyuan shook his head and said with great regret, “He can’t threaten the emperor. No one in this world can threaten the emperor. Song Shi’an has lost, utterly lost…”

"What if we had all the granaries in our hands, and could burn them down at will?"

Seeing that he was slandering Song Shi'an, the assassin next to him impatiently retorted.

"..." Wei Yiyuan paused for a moment, then his eyes lit up and he said excitedly, "That's right, that's right! Second brother was right after all. Don't underestimate Song Shi'an. He's definitely not that simple. If he really controls all the granaries, he can even threaten Father Emperor."

Wei Yiyuan now harbors no resentment whatsoever for Song Shi'an's scheme that led to his imprisonment.

He became completely immersed in Song Shi'an's art.

Isn't this exactly the kind of power struggle he loves to see?
"Hmph." The assassin snorted smugly, seeing that he was impressed by Song Shi'an's brilliant operation.

“But even so, it’s not enough,” Wei Yiyuan said. “I just heard you say that the Crown Prince is no longer here, nor is the Duke of Li. So he must be with the Duke of Li, mobilizing a large army. No matter how resourceful Song Shi’an is, or how brave Wu Sheng is, they could never swallow up such a large army. That’s for sure!”

Wei Yiyuan leaned close to one of the assassins and said excitedly, "I hate the Crown Prince too, and the Prince of Jin also hates the Crown Prince, so we can cooperate!"

Brothers working together can cut through gold!
"Your Highness, please calm down," the man advised.

“Don’t you have people? You can go and report to your lord.” Wei Yiyuan continued to try. “Just say that Prince Zhongping… no, just say that Yiyuan requests to join Prince Qin’s command and is willing to work with Shi’an to plan important matters.”

"Alright, alright," the assassin said dismissively, somewhat annoyed with him.

"I am not joking with you!"

Wei Yiyuan grew anxious and grabbed one of the men's arms, saying, "Ruo Ansheng can't win in a one-on-one fight!"

"Don't look at those officials, no matter how pathetic and ridiculous they are now. In the end, this world is still controlled by the powerful families."

"There's one more thing, which everyone knows."

"Compared to the Crown Prince, what those aristocratic families prefer is..."

"Please stop arguing, Your Highness, or I'll tear your mouth apart."

.........

The emperor told Song Shi'an to shut up.

This precisely illustrates his breach of defense.

The Prince of Jin did not understand why his father, the Emperor, was reacting this way.

Until Song Shi'an leaned back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, his expression completely calm, he casually gave the order:

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you abdicate the throne to the Prince of Jin."
-
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