Frost for a Thousand Years

Ji Yuan has most likely really withdrawn.

Xiao Qun did not slack off at all on the first day the enemy stopped attacking.

Even when everyone along the opposite bank of the river had evacuated, leaving only a few sentries stationed at the original beacon towers, they did not choose to withdraw their defenses and continued to maintain high-intensity patrols.

Only after learning that Ji Yuan himself had retreated to the center of Beishuo County did Xiao Qun begin to clean up the battlefield and tally the casualties.

Inside the camp, Luo Ting was with the two of them.

"General," Luo Ting reported to him, "we've learned that Ji Yuan has ordered all troops and accompanying civil officials to begin preparations for next year's land reclamation. He himself will remain in Beishuo County for the next three years."

"As expected of him." Xiao Qun sighed deeply at the man. "He quietly settled a matter that would have been debated in the court for half a year without any result, with a battle that was bound to be fought."

Throughout the state of Qi, the southern expedition was indeed a unifying force.

In particular, the young and vigorous Emperor Ji was quite capable and accomplished in military affairs. Those aristocratic families and powerful ministers were willing to invest in him, entrusting their young talents to the emperor to make achievements on foreign battlefields.

So even without a break this time, they were still able to easily mobilize so much power.

No one even questioned the fact that so many civil officials and laborers had inexplicably joined the army.

As an emperor, he must be confident in winning battles.

Such a sudden attack must have come from some inside information.

Therefore, this is a plan for the newly occupied territory.

Once we've captured the cities and counties, should we employ civil officials to govern them?
The newly conquered lands are inhabited by the Yu people. If the people of Daqi are not relocated there, how can they be ruled?
In the end, they were thoroughly outmaneuvered by their Emperor Ji.

No country in the world wants to establish military colonies.

Because the country's population is limited, and after the limited population has gone to farm for the imperial court, the remaining losses will naturally be borne by the aristocratic families who have lost their population.

This is truly a calculated scheme.

If they win, they march south; if they lose, they settle down and cultivate land.

Whether he wins or not, Ji Yuan is the winner.

"I'm afraid we should prepare for a five-year standoff with Ji Yuan on the banks of the Chishui River, where a single move could have far-reaching consequences," Luo Ting said.

The total number of troops deployed by both sides will continue to increase, and perhaps 200,000 troops will be stationed in this small area of ​​two counties.

It can be said to be the center of the world.

"Are we prepared for this?" Xiao Qun snorted, somewhat pessimistic.

“Even if there are some debates in the court, and the important figures are wavering,” Luo Ting said, “we have already contained Ji Yuan in the north, and cooperation with Qin Kuo, Zhu Qing, and others is not impossible. Why should we make changes?”

In Luo Ting's view, the important figures in the South need to be stabilized first.

Since Xiao Qun had the ability to stop Ji Yuan, it means that the arrangement was correct.

Why change what is right?

"I don't know, I don't know."

Xiao Qun sat in front of the desk, his feelings very complicated.

He was unaware of the situation in the south.

Even a big shot like Xiao Qun couldn't see through the path that Luo Ting's so-called big shots were going to take.

People generally regard the nobility as a single group, believing that they share the same fate, and that they rise and fall together.

The noble families consist of nine clans.

Among them, the Duke of Zhangping's family was in Qinzhou, but he himself was far away in Yangzhou, on the border of the Southern Yue Kingdom.

It's fair to say that these are people from all over the country; how could their thinking possibly be completely unified?
Take this instance, for example. The Duke of Li wants to fight. If he loses, will the remaining eight families be wiped out along with him?
If it were really that simple, half of the powerful families in the world could be wiped out so easily, and there wouldn't be any major, uncontrollable forces left.

Just like this time, if the Duke of Li wins, he will only execute Song Shi'an's entire family, then investigate some key allies, and warn the officials who echoed his call, that's all.

In politics, you don't kill all your enemies.

Just then, a cavalryman hurried into the camp and went outside the tent.

"General, a scout from the south has important military intelligence to report!" the guard reported as he entered.

Upon hearing this, Luo Ting tensed up.

Xiao Qun also stood up from his desk, looking particularly uneasy.

A governor who could command tens of thousands of troops and govern a region was so vulnerable in the power struggle.

"Let him in," Xiao Qun said restrainedly.

Then, the sentry came in, carrying a helmet in his hands.

Upon seeing Xiao Qun, he presented the object with both hands, walked up to him, placed it on the table, then knelt on one knee with his fists clenched.

"A helmet?" Luo Ting didn't understand.

Xiao Qun's heart tightened. He was very familiar with this silver-scaled helmet, which was cast with a dragon and decorated with a red tassel.

However, the putrid smell of blood on the leather inside the helmet was what shocked him the most.

"It belongs to Duke Li," Xiao Qun said.

"?!" Luo Ting was dumbfounded.

Then, the scout reported: "At Bijian Valley in Qinzhou, eight hundred elite Imperial Guards ambushed the Duke of Li, who was retreating from Sizhou. The Duke was personally killed by Song Shi'an's eunuch Xin Yue. Afterwards, the Imperial Guards returned south and sent this item north by cavalrymen carrying yak-shaped insignia, on an urgent 800-li journey, hoping to deliver it to the general."

Hearing these words, Luo Ting felt terrified.

That Duke of Li was a ruthless man who single-handedly destroyed two countries, made the Northern Yan tremble in fear, and made the people of Qi afraid to go south for many years.

He was killed just like that?
"Didn't Song Shi'an only have the Imperial Guards and a small number of garrison troops?" Luo Ting asked Xiao Qun incredulously. "Is such a great victory possible?"

"This thing has already been delivered, don't you still trust his methods?" Xiao Qun asked, holding the helmet in his hand.

"That yak-horse cavalryman said that Lord Song has something to convey to the general..." the soldier said weakly.

Xiao Qun did not speak.

He was vigilant, but also ruthless.

Although his family was all in Sheng'an, he held military power.

He never wanted to be the King of Liangzhou.

But if he went back and was slaughtered, he had no choice but to stay here.

Luo Ting was very concerned about what Song Shi'an was about to say, and he was getting a little anxious. He just stared at the cavalry opposite him and Xiao Qun beside him.

"explain."

Finally, Xiao Qun got the soldier to speak.

Looking at the other party, the soldier said, "You were threatened with weapons before, but I know you are as steadfast as ice and as a pillar of the nation. Now that the scoundrel has been killed, I only beg you to govern Liangzhou as firmly as the Xiaohan Pass, and protect the peace of the six prefectures of our Great Yu."

I had initially thought it was an extremely harsh threat, but it turned out to be so gentle.

Luo Ting even felt that Song Shi'an was sincere.

That makes sense.

That's right, Song Shi'an used surrender as a threat to Xiao Qun.

But how can someone who has no morals be morally blackmailed?
If those power-hungry nobles were in charge, they wouldn't let go of this opportunity to eliminate their political enemies.

This shows that Song Shi'an had anticipated that Xiao Qun would fall for this, and fully trusted his character.

“General, this is good news,” Luo Ting said to Xiao Qun. “And General, you are perfectly fine. The eight captains who went on the expedition came from the seven great families. There was no Xiao family member among them, nor any Xia family member.”

You're even a winner.

"The Crown Princess is from the Xiao family of Qinzhou," Xiao Qun said to him expressionlessly.

"..." Luo Ting was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to start the conversation.

Silence, long silence.

“If the Duke of Li is killed, can his entire clan be spared? Zhao Yi is also involved; we don’t know if he’s alive or dead now, but can his father, Zhao Lie, be let off the hook?” Xiao Qun said. “Every member of the current royal family has noble blood. To cut the weeds, you must pull out the roots, but where are the roots?”

"Would Song Shi'an offend the root of all evil?" Luo Ting asked, puzzled.

“He is a smart man who only does the right thing. The right thing is certainly not indiscriminate killing, but how far does killing go to be considered indiscriminate, and where can it be called restraint?” This is what makes Xiao Qun uneasy.

Is he really capable of being the Governor of Liangzhou?

Was it right or wrong to submit to the imperial court?
“General, you are different,” Luo Ting said earnestly. “Song Shi’an likes upright people.”

"So you mean he decides whether to kill someone based on his own likes and dislikes?" Xiao Qun asked.

"Isn't someone who kills based on their likes and dislikes more humane than someone who kills for personal gain?" Luo Ting retorted.

If someone kills based on their likes or dislikes, it means that if you were liked by them, they would at least show leniency.

To kill for personal gain is to be guilty of "possessing a treasure as a crime," and those weaker than him will be slowly devoured.

If Song Shi'an wants to become regent, does he truly possess any benevolence?

“The entire Northern Liang is not in your hands, General, and Liangzhou is not a place you can control alone,” Luo Ting said sincerely. “If you were to truly resist them and break away from the court, the territory under your control would be less than three prefectures.”

The Governor-General of Liangzhou was not the same as the Military Governor of Liangzhou.

His power is subject to checks and balances and oversight.

Of course, the soldiers under his command were his source of confidence.

"If I were to establish myself in Liangzhou, would you follow me?" Xiao Qun asked Luo Ting.

"Reporting to the General," Luo Ting said, "this humble general would not."

This answer reveals the fundamental challenge Xiao Qun faces in starting his business.

Who wants to rebel against you?

Song Shi'an's gun isn't even pointed at us, so why should we risk our lives for such wealth?

“General, I know you’re just joking, testing me.” Luo Ting offered him a way out, “After Zhao Xiang’s great defeat, why did His Majesty send you to lead the expedition? He knew you had the ability to confront Ji Yuan. Why did Song Shi’an try to force you to surrender this time? He knew you cherish the people and the land, and couldn’t bear to lose cities and territory.”

Xiao Qun closed his eyes, and after a long, long time, he sighed.

"Reporting to the new ruler," Xiao Qun finally decided, "I previously believed rumors and falsely accused Lords Qin and Zhu of usurping power. My crimes are grave, and I am willing to accept all punishments from the court. Currently, Ji Yuan is cultivating land on the opposite bank and dares not act rashly. I will temporarily assume the position of acting governor of Liangzhou, awaiting the court's formal appointment. I submit to all your demands."

The phrase "all submit" is not a formal or respectable expression, nor is it a proper or elegant form of writing.

But this sentence is the only one that expresses his attitude.

The person he was referring to was Song Shi'an.

"I hope this bloody turmoil in the court will end soon..."

Luo Ting also hoped that Song Shi'an's post-victory bloodbath would show some leniency.

That's enough if you kill them all.

.........

"Young master, there are county officials at the gate, more than a hundred of them." A servant hurriedly approached Wu Qiong and reported.

Upon hearing this, Wu Qiong paced anxiously, feeling flustered.

When Song Jing was released earlier, he was a little scared, but not terribly scared.

Because at that time, the court was not ruled by Song Jing alone.

The Empress Dowager released him purely because Song Shi'an had the life of one of her sons in his hands.

This woman is utterly incapable of achieving anything.

However, after Song Jing came out, some nobles became frightened.

Just like Zhao Xiang's father, Marquis Xun, Zhao Lun, who quietly left the city with only a few relatives.

Afterwards, Hua Zheng's family also fled under the cover of night. After all, Hua Zheng was also involved in this battle, and if he lost, he would definitely not escape punishment.

Wu Qiong was resolute, and after talking with Zhao Yi's father, Zhao Lie, she became even more determined not to run away. The reason was simple.

If they win this battle, Song Shi'an, who is surrounded, will surely die. At that time, they will immediately take over the court, force the Empress Dowager to abdicate, exterminate the Song and Cui families, and completely seize power, gaining even greater authority than the old emperor did at that time.

Even if they lose this battle, the Duke of Li is not within the encirclement. He can still run back to Qinzhou and, together with his eldest son, who is also his elder brother, he can easily mobilize an army of tens of thousands of people.

If Song Shi'an wanted the Great Yu to split apart, then he would kill him.

If he wants to maintain stability, he can only deal with it by ignoring it, or at most by placing him under house arrest.

In short, if all the nobles have fled, then the court will truly be in the hands of Song Jing and his group.

Even if the Duke of Li wins the war, he probably won't be able to enter Sheng'an City.

To his surprise, Song Jing suddenly gained power for some unknown reason.

They were able to send officials from the capital to surround his house, effectively placing him under house arrest.

He received no news from inside.

However, with Wu Qiong's intelligence, he was able to deduce it.

Why did Song Jing gain law enforcement power and even dare to surround the Duke's mansion?

It is certain that the Empress Dowager granted him law enforcement power in addition to military power.

This law enforcement power allows for the supervision and management of all officials.

Why should we grant him authority?

Song Shi'an definitely won!
Now, he can't run away even if he wants to.

Furthermore, being confined within this vast Duke's mansion, they had no way of knowing what was happening outside, not even some rumors circulating in the streets.

Song Shi'an won, but how did he win?
If my father loses, how will he lose?
Is he doing well now?

Did they flee to Qinzhou?

Clenching her fists, Wu Qiong felt utterly hopeless. The anxiety in her heart was impossible to calm down.

How could my father lose to Song Shi'an? He's that important person.

I have never seen my father lose!

Just then, a servant carrying a heavy box came over and ran to Wu Qiong, saying tremblingly, "Young master, this is a gift from Song Shi'an to you. He said he wanted to present this gift to Brother Wu to express his wish to win his favor."

"..."

Wu Qiong's eyes widened.

What do you mean by "Song Shi'an had someone send this to me"?

What does it mean that Song Shi'an's gift was delivered to him?
This means that Song Shi'an had unimpeded access to Huai County.

His men are all allowed into Sheng'an City.

Moreover, they could directly obtain items from officials in the capital and have them delivered to them.

This is terrifying.

for example.

Your father is a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. He and his men have surrounded a demon and are currently engaged in a fierce battle.

Then, while you're at home, you suddenly receive a box, which is said to be a gift from the ghost.

What could be in this box?!

Wu Qiong opened the box with trembling hands.

Inside was a human head with empty eye sockets.

The servant carrying the box was so startled that he dropped it, and the box fell to the ground.

The head rolled to Wu Qiong's feet.

"what--"

His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, letting out a horrified scream.

Afterwards, he was filled with anger.

.........

In the Sheng'an magistrate's office, Ye Changqing and Song Jing were facing each other.

"The items should have already been sent in, along with threats," Ye Changqing said. "Lord Du, your son is truly ruthless."

"It's all for the sake of Sheng'an's peace," Song Jing said.

“But I also agree with this method,” Ye Changqing said. “There has never been such an imperial edict issued to nobles before. Although it can be done, it will inevitably cause fear among the other nobles.”

Exterminating nine generations of a family is a very difficult task.

This is even more difficult for these nobles.

Because they really do have some 'get-out-of-jail-free cards'.

If the decree is truly issued in accordance with the natural course of events, the entire family of nine generations will be exterminated.

The other accomplices who were mixed in were constantly in fear, worried that the guillotine would fall on their heads next.

Therefore, compared to a formal trial.

It would be better to treat this as an accidental 'accident'.

“The Empress Dowager holds a tight grip on military power and won’t hand it over to us,” Song Jing said. “Therefore, we can only rely on officials from the capital. It’s wonderful that Lord Ye is willing to cooperate.”

Although the Empress Dowager wasn't very bright, she knew that the army absolutely could not be handed over.

The police can.

"I also hope everything is alright, and that Sheng'an will remain as prosperous and peaceful as before," Ye Changqing said, looking into Song Jing's eyes.

"Of course, Sheng'an will always be Sheng'an."

Song Jing smiled at him.

The two of them just waited like that.

Suddenly, a clerk rushed over to report: "The gates of the Duke of Li's mansion have been flung open, and hundreds of servants have rushed out, nearly a hundred of whom are in armor. Wu Qiong is sitting in a chariot, directing his servants, and they have broken through our blockade."

After all, they were officials from the capital. Ordinary people carrying stern rods could not possibly face the armored servants.

"How many people are wearing armor?" Song Jing asked seriously.

“There are a hundred people, or more than a hundred!” the clerk said.

"That's good." Song Jing nodded, feeling relieved.

This move indeed forced Wu Qiong to rebel.

Song Shi'an's ruthless tactics worked.

"The number of servants at the Duke's mansion has always been the highest among all officials, and it is not something we can stop," Ye Changqing said to the registrar. "Tell our people to set up barricades at all the passes to block them. Also, gather the people in the outer city in advance in the direction Wu Qiong is going."

"Yes, sir!" The clerk hurriedly went to do it.

Here, only the two of them remained.

They looked at each other, speechless for a long time.

"Thank you, Your Excellency. I'm going to see the Empress Dowager now." Song Jing stood up and turned to leave.

"Lord Commander," Ye Changqing called out to him, "Is Zhao Yi already dead?"

"..." Song Jing stopped and turned to look at the man with a sad expression. He said, "When he was trying to escape back to Qinzhou, he was killed by the Duke of Li. You should know the reason for his killing because the Duke of Li casually installed Prince Wu as emperor."

"I know." Ye Changqing did not doubt Song Jing's words.

If Zhao Yi loses and wants to flee with the former crown prince, then killing the crown prince's confidant would be no problem.

Reasonable.

"And what about His Highness?" Ye Changqing asked, his voice trembling slightly.

“I really don’t know,” Song Jing said. “Shi An’s letter didn’t mention it to me, but there are a lot of rumors now. Some are alive, and some are dead.”

Ye Changqing remained silent for a while.

My heart felt like it was filled with dark water, a deep sense of heaviness and sorrow.

"Lord Du, you promised me." After a moment, Ye Changqing raised his head and said to him, "No matter what, Zhao Yi's entire family must not be exterminated."

This was the only thing he could do for his friend.

"I promised you, and I will definitely keep my word."

After saying this, Song Jing left.

After he left, Ye Changqing recalled the time at the Wu Prince's residence when the three of them drank and talked freely, discussing the struggle for the throne and having high hopes for the future of the Great Yu Dynasty. Suddenly, she burst into loud sobs, heartbroken.

……

"Lord, please."

Song Jing went directly to the palace.

Now, all he needs to do to get in is a notification.

And the Empress Dowager would soon agree.

And so, he walked into the Taiyuan Hall.

The Empress Dowager sat behind the curtain.

"Your Highness," Song Jing said after bowing, "Wu Qiong, the eldest son of the Duke of Li, has secretly possessed more than fifty sets of armor and weapons, and has raised an army in rebellion. He has led his servants to massacre officials in the capital and is now trying to flee the imperial city. We request that the Empress Dowager order the Imperial Guards to quell the rebellion on charges of treason."

Upon hearing these words, the Empress Dowager tensed up immediately.

She had just received the news that Wu Qiong was going to run away.

However, she did not send troops to suppress the rebellion.

She wanted to get away with it.

Do you really think the sons of the Duke of Li can take down Sheng'an?
He just wants to run away.

If he could escape the city, and with a little leniency, it wouldn't be impossible for him to make it all the way to Qinzhou...

But this guy just came straight over.

Needless to say, Wu Qiong was definitely forced into rebellion by him.

He wanted to use the charge of treason to have the Duke of Li killed without exception.

Biting her lip, the Empress Dowager hesitated greatly.

"Empress Dowager—"

Just then, a eunuch rushed in, and when he saw Song Jing, he was speechless.

Then, he was met with Song Jing's death stare.

"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, reporting to the Chief Eunuch!" The eunuch had no choice but to speak, "Wu Qiong, driving his carriage and leading his servants, has already rushed out of the capital. On the way, he was stopped by civilians. He then used arrows to kill them and headed towards the south gate, presumably intending to leave the city..."

I heard these words in front of Song Jing.

The Empress Dowager could indeed offend Song Jing and forcefully protect the Duke of Li.

But the price to pay is that it will come back to haunt you in the future.

"By order of the palace, Wu Qiong has secretly hoarded weapons and armor and is plotting a rebellion."

The Empress Dowager raised her voice and ordered, "Send the Imperial Guards to suppress this, exterminate the entire clan, leave no one alive!"
-
A new book club group has been created. Those interested are welcome to join; the group name is below the introduction. (End of Chapter)