Frost for a Thousand Years

"Your Majesty, General Mi Heng requests an audience."

Ji Yuan, who was sitting in front of a stove and eating from a bowl, did not put down his bowl after hearing the eunuch's message. Instead, he said quite calmly, "Let him in."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

After a while, a burly general walked in, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Your Majesty."

"Sit," Ji Yuan said without looking up.

Then he sat down on a small stool next to Ji Yuan, looked at the emperor who was slowly eating, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Xiao Qun has reinforced his troops again."

He had the opportunity to fight Xiao Qun before, during the great battle against Beiliang.

At that time, he even said, "Is Xiao Qun afraid of me?", showing that he was not afraid of this famous general.

The only problem is that the main battlefield wasn't there last time, so they couldn't fight.

But now that I've actually encountered it, I realize it's tricky.

"I know." Ji Yuan was very clear about this, and even more clear about the reason why the resistance on the other side was gradually growing stronger.

“Your Majesty, give me ten more days, and I will be able to take the water fortress.” Mi Heng said with great determination, “Once we can cross the river, on land, we will never be in such a difficult situation as we are now.”

After Song Shi'an captured Nanshuo County, the Great Yu mobilized the entire northern forces to build a water fortress there. They also established three camps along the ferry crossing.

To achieve a direct breakthrough, Ji Yuan must first destroy the water fortress and allow his army to cross the river. Then, he must capture one of the three fortresses before finally attacking Shuofeng City.

Of course, the playing style is not formulaic.

The river is so long that they don't necessarily have to cross it from here. They could also bypass the main river and cross at some of the smaller ferry crossings.

But Da Yu's defenses aren't as rigid as Maginot Line's; you can't win just by going around them.

There was a beacon tower every few hundred steps along the coast, and the shore was patrolled regularly. There were also many troops stationed in the fortified villages along the coast, which could respond immediately.

If they fail to get their several thousand troops across within half an hour, they will be besieged.

Therefore, Qi's strategy was to concentrate the vast majority of its forces on a single, forceful attack. The goal was to capture the water fortress, control the river, and then launch a large-scale crossing.

Even if the arrows fired by the soldiers on the shore were like rain, as long as some of them got ashore, it was like a siege where someone had already stormed the city, and the rest of the men charged in like mad bulls.

Ji Yuan wasn't held back by the other side; this battle, if fought normally, would have been a long stalemate.

But this battle was abnormal.

He had reliable sources, from the Duke of Qin of Yan.

The nobles and emperor of Dayu have decided to abandon Beiliang and let Song Shi'an's forces perish there, thereby realizing the reclaiming and centralization of power.

But Xiao Qun and the Northern Liang army were actually tied together.

After the two sides joined forces, they actually actively resisted the enemy.

Is Xiao Qun not a nobleman, or is he disobeying the emperor's authority?

"Your Majesty," Mi Heng said, leaning closer to the other party who remained silent, "Give me more time, more soldiers, five days! I will take the river within five days!"

"General Mi, of course I trust you," Ji Yuan said with a smile. "But the army has been attacking for so many days and is a bit tired. Let's rest for a day tomorrow."

"Your Majesty, why is this?" Mi Heng was still unconvinced.

How could Ji Yuan tell him that the losses in this battle were making him feel a little distressed?

Because the war against Beiliang had only lasted for a little over a year, the Qi state had been severely weakened by the gains it had made.

The original plan was to complete the recuperation within three years and then head south to conquer the world.

Just like how Zhuge Liang needed to pacify the southern regions and govern Shu before his Northern Expeditions, and how he needed to recruit soldiers, war is always a matter of attrition.

Zhuge Liang did launch many Northern Expeditions, but this was all based on the premise that there were no major losses.

In the battle against Beiliang, both the Dayu and Qi kingdoms suffered serious injuries.

Broken bones for a hundred days.

The people of Dayu were physically stronger, so they recovered better than those of Qi.

"His Majesty……"

Mi Heng wanted to continue trying, but Ji Yuan suddenly asked, "Didn't you eat?"

"No," Mi Heng answered instinctively, then explained, "Your Majesty, this humble general wasn't hungry..."

"If you're not hungry, then I won't keep you for dinner," Ji Yuan said casually.

Mi Heng was given the order to leave, and had no choice but to sigh. She then stood up, bowed to Ji Yuan, and left.

A short while later, Chen Xing came in and asked with particular curiosity, "Your Majesty, did General Mi just arrive?"

"Ah, we just chatted casually."

Upon seeing him, Ji Yuan put down the bowl in his hand and looked at the other person: "What exactly happened in the south?"

“Your Majesty, this matter is undoubtedly true.” Chen Xing walked over, sat on a stool, and said very seriously, “Not only did our spies say so, but some of the spies we captured also confirmed the truth of the matter.”

Ji Yuan began to listen attentively.

Then, Chen Xing said, "The Grand Ceremony of Military Farming in the South was indeed a conspiracy, and it even involved military force. The purpose was to eliminate Wei Wusheng and Song Shi'an and weaken their military power. But Wei Ye was too soft-hearted and tried to use the war in the north to overthrow them. Instead, he was outmaneuvered by Song Shi'an, who burned down five of the twelve granaries, forcibly forced the emperor to abdicate, and installed the Prince of Jin, a pseudo-Yu, as the new emperor. I heard that the officials of the Grand Ceremony of Military Farming actively supported it, and Sheng'an has also acknowledged it."

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan's expression darkened.

“However, this doesn’t coincide with the timing of Xiao Qun’s sudden rebellion against us,” Chen Xing added. “Xiao Qun’s deliberate actions must be due to his own reasons.”

"The State of Yu still has such true military generals."

Ji Yuan made a crucial mistake by underestimating the human heart.

It is astonishing that a nobleman and a high-ranking official like Xiao Qun was able to avoid getting involved in political struggles.

In order to prevent the loss of Beiliang, we relinquished control of Beiliang's military power.

If he weren't such a pure person, either Zhu Qing and Qin Kuo's Northern Liang army would have surrendered long ago, or Ji Yuan would have been able to take advantage of the internal chaos to quickly cross the defenses they had painstakingly built and at least besiege Shuofeng.

"No one could have predicted this." Chen Xing shook his head and said regretfully, "Our spies have been keeping a close eye on Liangzhou. Xiao Qun and Chen Ling even joined forces to punish Nanshuo County. It's a fact that the two sides are at odds. But how could he let it go so quickly?"

"Because we always felt that the State of Yu was rotten to the core," Ji Yuan explained. "We thought they were utterly useless, so whenever they were of any use, they could catch us off guard."

Who could have imagined that in a country like the Great Yu, which was constantly embroiled in internal strife, people could unite against a common enemy when it came to matters of national importance?

This is the perfect opportunity for the nobles to get rid of Song Shi'an.

"The weather is getting colder," Chen Xing said. "Your Majesty, we are better prepared this time. We can survive this winter, but what will our victory be?"

Previously, it was an invasion operation, so logistical considerations were taken into account.

However, they had already occupied half of Beiliang's territory for a year and a half, and Wuwei had become an important town of Qi. The defensive lines they built, the grain they stockpiled, and the roads they opened up all gave Qi a sustainable fighting capability.

“Victory, that’s the problem.”

Ji Yuan was also thinking about it.

"Oh, right, Your Majesty, I forgot to mention," Chen Xing added. "Although Song Shi'an has taken control of the emperor and established a new ruler, and the pseudo-Yu faction recognizes him, it seems that the Duke of Li is unwilling to accept it and is even resisting their imperial edict with the original crown prince."

"How could you forget to mention something like this?" Ji Yuan said speechlessly.

"Your Majesty, I am getting a little senile..."

“But it doesn’t matter,” Ji Yuan said. “The Duke of Li’s resistance is useless; Song Shi’an is bound to win.”

"I think so too," Chen Xing said. "Given the emperor's scheming, since he is willing to abdicate in time, he should be confident that Song Shi'an can stabilize the situation."

The Duke of Li is indeed very strong, especially in terms of martial prowess.

He also has a good enough political mind.

But he was shrouded in mist.

People shrouded in mist find it difficult to see themselves clearly.

This is why the officials agreed, Sheng'an's court yielded, Wu Wang's confidant Ye Changqing accepted, Ouyang Ke and Song Jing joined forces, and the Empress also accepted becoming the Empress Dowager.

Yes, the vast majority of people, those with political wisdom, believe that Song Shi'an won.

Rather than saying that the Duke of Li was in a fog, it would be more accurate to say that he refused to accept the arrangements of fate.

Furthermore, there was considerable resistance, and it even seemed like they had a good chance of winning.

In retrospect, it becomes clear that Song Shi'an and Wei Wusheng did not face many obstacles in their victory.

The level of danger was incomparable to the previous battle against Ji Yuan in Beiliang.

It wasn't even as exciting as that mission to the State of Yan.

"This Song Shi'an is truly a god-like figure," Chen Xing exclaimed with great admiration. "Even Wei Ye fell to his hands. It's really unbelievable."

He had considered that Song Shi'an was a skilled politician, but this was ultimately the will of Heaven, orchestrated by such a wise emperor himself. He had still managed to win.

That's amazing, truly amazing.

"The heavens of the Yu Kingdom are about to change."

Ji Yuan looked at the fire in front of him and said calmly.

“Yes, the most troublesome person has taken over,” Chen Xing said. “Moreover, he is definitely a proponent of war.”

During this period of confrontation between the two countries, it can be said that all officials were in favor of war.

Are you saying that if the State of Qi comes, you won't resist?
Isn't that traitorous?
However, there are differences between those who advocate war.

Within the main camp, there are both doves and hawks.

The vast majority of old noble families and aristocratic clans do not advocate war or initiate conflict with the enemy; all their military actions are based on preserving their existing base of influence.

But Song Shi'an was different.

When the younger generation rises to power, their followers can only be other younger generations.

The young general was eager to make a name for himself.

They will definitely take the initiative.

The short-term goal is to reclaim the homeland of Northern Liang, the medium-term goal is to conquer the State of Qi, and the long-term goal is to unify the world.

"Let's fight then. I've had enough of pounding on this old turtle's shell."

Ji Yuan rubbed his hands together and said casually.

"Then, Your Majesty, this time...?" Chen Xing asked.

"Let's stop fighting and withdraw our troops," Ji Yuan said.

"When will we withdraw to Leyang?" Chen Xing was preparing to plan the trip.

"Withdraw from Leyang?" Ji Yuan snorted and said, "When did I say I wanted to return to Leyang?"

They withdrew their troops, but didn't return home?
Could it be that……

Chen Xing's eyes widened as he made a guess.

Their emperor had already made two preparations this time.

With such a large army and several times the number of laborers mobilized, it's as if they've coordinated the resources of many powerful families across the country. Coming here is definitely not a matter of common sense; they wouldn't leave if the attack failed.

"I am right here."

After Ji Yuan stood up, he casually said to Chen Xing, "Start immediately and begin the land reclamation."

.........

With the support of many prefects and magistrates of Huai County, Song Shi'an returned to the ceremony of establishing military settlements.

Because of the important position of the Jianxing General Camp, Wei Wusheng had to stay there, and the old emperor was also reluctant to move, so the two lived separately in this place.

However, I heard that Xinyue has already returned.

And, they brought him a perfect gift.

Above the main gate of the grand ceremony, a blurry head hangs. An arrow has pierced its eye.

However, the winding scars on his face made it immediately clear who he was.

Song Shi'an, who had just gotten off the carriage, looked up at him.

The prefects and magistrates went directly to meet Song Shi'an on the way, and they had not been to the military settlement ceremony in advance, so this was the first time they had seen such an amazing sight.

On everyone's face was a deep sense of fear.

It can be said that this fear stemmed from fear of the Duke of Li.

He was terrifying when he was alive.

Yet this person, decapitated and hanging here, is a gruesome sight, like a sacrificial offering on an altar...

Song Shi'an is truly terrifying.

He even killed the Duke of Li!
Who in this world can stop him?

Who else dares to oppose him?
Only that person is left.

Ji Yuan.

Just then, the emperor, dressed in a dragon robe and accompanied by eunuchs, walked out of the ceremony.

"Shi An, congratulations on your triumphant return."

He walked briskly forward with a smile on his face.

The remaining officials were stunned when they saw the new emperor.

Someone was about to kneel and bow when someone pulled him back and glanced at him, signaling him to be mindful of his actions.

When the other party arrived, Song Shi'an smiled and responded before taking a few steps forward and kneeling in greeting: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

After he took the lead, all the officials knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, we pay our respects."

The new emperor was not a dull person, but rather quite pragmatic.

He walked up to Song Shi'an, helped him up with both hands, and then said to the others, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Everyone got up one after another.

"Shi'an, you must be exhausted from your journey." The emperor said, holding his hand. "I have prepared a welcome banquet for you, but I know you are overworked, so it will be fine to hold it tomorrow morning after you have rested."

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty." Song Shi'an also joked, "This carriage ride has indeed made my whole body ache."

"You're too tired," the emperor said with concern. "How can you relax when you carry the weight of the entire Great Yu on your shoulders?"

"Your Majesty is fighting for the Great Yu kingdom," Song Shi'an said. "Your subject will only do his utmost to help Your Majesty fight alongside you."

"With you here, I fear nothing," the emperor said. "Even a villain like the Duke of Li can be slain by you. Who can offend me? Who dares to offend me? Hahaha."

The emperor was very pleased.

Even though he had recently heard the story of his brother's death.

There was indeed a brief period of sadness.

How can siblings born of the same mother not have emotional ups and downs?

But to be honest, I've also let go of the burden in my heart.

It's true that he was a puppet emperor, but he also wanted to live a peaceful life.

With a former crown prince still around, if there are any further incidents or changes that require him to be reinstated, then he will always be in danger of being sidelined.

Besides, Song Shi'an had already made empty promises to him before.

If you behave, you'll live.

"Shi An, go and rest first, get a good night's sleep." The emperor patted his shoulder.

"But Your Majesty, I have something else to report to you..."

"Everything is settled, no rush."

The emperor said this with great magnanimity.

"Very well, Shi'an will go to see His Majesty tomorrow."

Song Shi'an bowed deeply to the emperor.

After greeting him, she returned to her official residence accompanied by San Gou.

Why isn't Xinyue here to greet me?
Oh, she must be waiting for me.

So in front of the gate, Song Shi'an suddenly stopped, pointed at San Gou, and said to him, "General San Gou, go and rest."

"My lord, we cannot leave the gate unguarded."

The three dogs remained on high alert at all times.

After pursing his lips slightly, Song Shi'an waved his hand and casually said, "Then stand further away."
-
My good buddy invited Xuebing for drinks, so I'll post 4,500 words today. Respect.

I need to eat in the next chapter; I need to polish the writing. (End of this chapter)