Frost for a Thousand Years

Wu Qiong drove the car into the crowd like a madman.

The fact that he was able to leave through the gates of the imperial city showed that he was not under strict lockdown.

Regardless of what others say, at least the Empress Dowager is still on the side of the Wu family of Qinzhou.

As long as you rush out from the central axis of the outer city, no one will stop you at the Sheng'an city gate.

"Get out of my way! All of you, get the hell out of my way!"

Wu Qiong roared at the people blocking the road, gritting his teeth and his face contorted with rage, venting all his hatred for Song Shi'an onto these commoners.

At this moment, he felt as if the whole world was against him, and he wished he could kill everyone.

The fact that Song Shi'an delivered a head to him was indeed too ruthless.

He hadn't originally planned to force his way in, but if he just waited to die like this, Song Shi'an would take action against him when he returned.

The saying goes, "He who strikes first gains the upper hand, and he who strikes last suffers the consequences."

The Duke of Li's Mansion is the largest building complex in Sheng'an besides the Imperial Palace, with nearly a thousand maids and servants.

His father had secretly forged 120 sets of armor and matching weapons, which he stored in the family treasury.

According to the laws of the Great Yu Dynasty, the private possession of weapons and armor was a serious crime. However, it was impossible for those noble families who practiced martial arts not to have several sets of armor at home for their children to practice martial arts. Therefore, an upper limit was set: anyone who privately possessed more than fifty sets would be punished as a treasonous criminal if discovered.

The crime of treason can lead directly to military action.

But he couldn't care less about all that. Dozens of people had already died on the way from home, and many more had been scattered. Now, he only had about fifty people left with him.

As long as he continues along this central sky street, he will definitely be able to escape.

These lackeys and petty officials are no match for me.

The people were terrified by this scene. Upon seeing someone being shot, they immediately panicked and fled in all directions.

But this, ironically, made it difficult for his servants to advance.

For a time, it was like a horse trampling through mud, trapped and unable to move forward.

"The army is coming! The army is coming!"

Just then, the Imperial Guards rode towards them from the Imperial City.

Upon hearing this, Wu Qiong was dumbfounded.

Startled, she stiffly turned her head and saw that the Imperial Guards had indeed arrived. Her fear turned to anger in an instant: "Without the Empress Dowager's order! How dare you mobilize the Imperial Guards!"

Without the tiger tally, the army of the Great Yu Dynasty is absolutely immobile.

Even if the tiger tally is unavailable, an imperial edict, delivered by the Imperial Guard or a eunuch, can still be effective.

Now that the emperor is gone and the tiger tally is gone, the empress dowager, who was entrusted with the task, has become the sole legal commander.

Anyone who mobilizes troops, except for her, or without her orders, will be considered to be committing treason!
Shameful treason!

"We are here on the orders of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager to suppress the rebel Wu Qiong!" However, the leading general was not afraid at all and immediately shouted loudly.

The Empress Dowager's decree...

The Empress Dowager?!
"No, you're lying! If the Empress Dowager really wanted to stop me, why did she let me leave the capital? I'm already here, how could the Empress Dowager give such an order?!" Wu Qiong retorted angrily.

The head of the Imperial Guards' face darkened, and he quickly gave a wink to the person next to him: Don't let him say anything!

Although he was a member of the Imperial Guard and loyal to the emperor, he knew he was just a working man.

Anyone who isn't a fool can see who's in charge of the court now.

Wu Qiong's incoherent barking, like a mad dog, had even implicated the Empress Dowager. How could they possibly allow him to make such dangerous statements again?

His men were very quick to act, and immediately led their men to the left and right flanks, completely surrounding Wu Qiong's men.

"Don't come any closer!" Wu Qiong drew his sword, pointed it at the person approaching him, and shouted, "I am Wu Qiong, son of the Duke of Li! My ancestor, the Duke of Li, followed our great-grandfather in many battles and achieved great military exploits. Our great-grandfather once said that no one should lay a hand on my Wu clan! This is written in the history books!"

“Wu Qiong has secretly possessed more than fifty sets of armor and weapons, resisted the court officials, and indiscriminately slaughtered civilians.” The general looked at him and said, “Young master, if you get off the carriage and surrender, you will be spared the suffering of war.”

Nick Jonnick, you fucking arrested, you know that?!

"Impossible! You can't touch me!" Wu Qiong gripped the hilt of his sword, pointed to the sky, and roared like a madman, "When my great-grandfather fought alongside our great-grandfather, you were all just country bumpkins. How dare you ask me to surrender? Without the Wu family, how could the Great Yu be what it is today!"

After the fleeing people had spread out a little, they all stopped and looked in the same direction.

I find this young master from a prominent family somewhat frightening.

He always made people afraid that he would bite...

However, his actions did indeed intimidate some soldiers, making them less likely to approach the wealthy and powerful.

"Useless thing."

The leading general picked up a soldier's spear, held it with both hands, and charged forward on horseback.

As soon as he arrived, Wu Qiong quickly raised his sword to parry.

But every inch longer, every inch stronger. In addition, given the opponent's status as a general of the Imperial Guard, his sword didn't even have time to block before the long spear pierced a huge hole in his chest.

"what--"

Wu Qiong gripped the spear shaft, spitting out blood, his face contorted in pain, tears streaming down his face.

Even on his deathbed, he kept thinking about Song Shi'an's words: "I present this gift to Brother Wu, hoping to win your favor."

Song Shi'an, I'll haunt you even as a ghost...

After Wu Qiong fell, the remaining servants were immediately disoriented. Faced with this powerful army, they threw down their weapons and dismounted to surrender.

But once they dismounted, the Imperial Guards were like farmers harvesting wheat, swiftly collecting their heads as easily as chopping melons and vegetables.

No one in the Wu family was spared; no matter how much they pleaded, they were all stabbed in the face.

The people cheered with joy at the sight.

"You deserve to die!"

"These damned nobles deserve to die!"

"Exterminate their entire family! Exterminate their entire family!"

The people have long suffered under the rule of the nobility, especially the people of Sheng'an, who are disgusted by these parasites who are constantly losing battles. Seeing this scene, they are all delighted.

"Since Wu Qiong has rebelled, does that mean Lord Song has defeated the Duke of Li?"

"That's the Duke of Li..."

"In that case, when Lord Song returns to Sheng'an, shouldn't he also exterminate all the other nobles?"

The common people weren't completely ignorant, especially those from Sheng'an, who also had their own sources of information.

Previously, the Prince of Jin was announced as emperor in the marketplace by imperial decree, which some interpreted as a struggle for the throne.

The Crown Prince, supported by the Duke of Li, and the Prince of Jin, supported by Song Shi'an, will engage in a life-or-death war in Huai County.

It now appears that Song Shi'an has won a great victory.

And perhaps even the Duke of Li is dead...

The generals of the Imperial Guard heard the people's cries, many of which contained dangerous statements that they dared not even listen to.

After killing all the other nobles, it will definitely be their turn.

Never mind, we'll just have to see how it goes when the time comes.

"Kill everyone from the Wu family, leave no one alive."

After taking Wu Qiong's body away, he turned around with his soldiers and headed towards the residence of the Duke of Li.

Indeed, many people escaped, but some maids, servants, Wu's elderly relatives, and even Wu Qiong's elderly mother who couldn't walk, were unable to leave.

So even after Wu Qiong escaped, this place was still sealed off.

After arriving at the gate of this magnificent mansion, the Imperial Guard general held his breath and remained silent for a long time before gesturing for entry: "A dog, a fish, an earthworm—anything that can breathe, cut them in half."

At a command, soldiers stormed into the residence of the Duke of Li.

The fighting was relentless, and the screams of slaughter echoed throughout the area, like a scene from hell, utterly inhuman.

This is inhumane, and some of the killings seem unnecessary.

In ancient times, these things were not discussed.

If eradicating the root of the problem were unnecessary, there wouldn't be a story like "The Orphan of Zhao".

For the winner to leave room for maneuver is to be cruel to himself.

The interest groups that follow him will not allow it either.

In short, the lineage of the Duke of Li is destined to disappear from the world.

.........

Ouyang Ke and his entire family wore white silk ribbons.

Ouyang Ke himself even sat quietly in the mourning hall of the Yu family for several days, appearing particularly solemn.

“Lord Ouyang…” Yu Xiu’s younger brother, Yu Yan, walked to Ouyang Ke’s side and said with great sorrow, “Your health is not good either. Don’t ruin your health because of your brother’s affairs. It is a blessing for my family to have someone like you take care of us like this.”

Yu Xiu was the one who supported the Yu family since Yu Xiu's father passed away early.

His ordeal in Huai County truly brought utter destruction to the Yu family.

"I need to pull myself together." Ouyang Ke, who was kneeling in the mourning hall, prepared to get up.

Yu Yan, who was standing nearby, quickly reached out to help him up.

“But now that your brother is gone, the Yu family will depend entirely on you.” Ouyang Ke said to him, “I will arrange an official position for you, but your ability and reputation are not as good as your brother’s. You must take charge of things on your own as soon as possible.”

"..." Upon hearing this, Yu Yan knelt on the ground in gratitude and bowed to Ouyang Ke. "Master, thank you for your concern. I, Yu Yan, will repay your great kindness with the rest of my life!"

Ouyang Ke was saddened, after all, his disciple was his own student.

It is also a pity.

He had cultivated such a capable assistant for so many years, who could have easily entered the central core of Sheng'an and become his most reliable wingman, but he was killed by that Duke of Li.

This old thief, he's already at an age where most of his body should be buried in a coffin, yet he's still so vigorous.

He personally led his cavalry, charging and killing their way through the enemy lines, and eventually wiped out the commander's camp.

If no one replaces Song Shi'an, then Song Shi'an will be the one to die.

Naturally, Song Shi'an will not lose.

He knew it from the very beginning.

The only thing he truly couldn't accept was that the person who died was his beloved disciple...

After taking one last look at the mourning hall, Ouyang Ke turned away.

Yu Yan helped him out of the Yu residence.

A carriage was parked in front of the mansion gate.

Below them is Song Shi'an's younger brother, Song Ce.

Originally, his career as a prince consort was doomed, but because of his brother, he was about to enter the inner court. "Prime Minister Ke, there are some matters to discuss," Song Ce bowed and reported.

"Get in the car and we'll talk."

"Yes."

Ouyang Ke was helped into the carriage, and Song Ce sat beside him. Then the carriage started moving.

“The Wu residence has been cleared,” Song Ce said. “The rest of the nobles are trembling with fear. Some of them had been clamoring to see the Empress Dowager a few days ago, but from today onwards, they have all stayed indoors.”

After Song Jing and Ouyang Ke came to power, they controlled all the officials in Sheng'anli and the Dali Temple. They used the pretext that "family members were involved in the coup" to monitor these people.

After all, seven out of the nine noble families of Qinzhou had joined the great war.

What about those who originally ran away?
They were lucky to run fast.

"This is a warning shot; these sick cats should behave themselves now," Ouyang Ke said casually.

“Prime Minister Ke, my father made a deal with Ye Changqing,” Song Ce said. “His condition for offering his services was…”

"Let Zhao Yi's family go," Ouyang Ke interrupted.

"Yes." Song Ce nodded.

"Did your father ever say that there are different ways to let go?" Ouyang Ke asked.

“Yes, my father said so,” Song Ce said.

"That's enough."

Ouyang fell silent and closed his eyes to rest.

The carriage arrived at the residence of Marquis Zhao Lie of Huai.

Ouyang Ke was helped down from the carriage by Song Ce.

Just as they were about to enter, Ouyang Ke said, "There might be hidden soldiers in this mansion. It's alright if they see me, but seeing you might make them angry. Would you like to come in with me?"

"Yes," Song Ce said. "Please allow me to accompany you, Prime Minister Ke."

Seeing his courage, Ouyang Ke chuckled.

Then, the two of them went inside together.

Sure enough, upon entering the mansion, the Zhao family members all gritted their teeth and glared angrily at Song Ce. If it weren't for Ouyang Ke's presence, they probably would have already rushed up and killed him.

The two walked into the lobby.

After the announcement, Marquis Zhao Lie of Huai was already waiting there.

Upon seeing Song Ce, he immediately drew his sword and charged towards him.

Ouyang Ke didn't react at all, just watched.

Song Ce didn't react at all, waiting for him to come.

Only when a sword was held to his neck did Zhao Lie say, "You scoundrel, you dare to come before me? Do you want to die?!"

The sword was already at his neck, but Song Ce remained unmoved and said, "Ce knows that Marquis Huai is a respectable man."

The phrase "a respectable person" is indeed the best reason.

Zhang Muzhi dared to hand the pistol to Huang Silang at the end, unafraid that the other party would kill him with a single shot; that's what makes him a decent person.

The nobles of Dayu were even more dignified than could be.

"Hahaha…"

Ouyang Ke let out a genuine laugh, seemingly amused by the child, but actually a sign of his approval of this eighteen-year-old.

Zhao Lie put down his sword and threw it aside, falling for his trick.

It's really unsightly to vent like this at this time.

They lost the battle, but in the end, when the other side sent an envoy to negotiate, they killed the other man's son.

This is even more disgraceful to the Zhao family than losing.

Zhao Lie sat back down in his chair, and Ouyang Ke sat down next to him without being invited.

Song Ce stood aside, humbly accompanying him as a junior.

"You know about what happened in Huai County, right?" Ouyang Ke asked.

“I know,” Zhao Lie said, his face darkening.

“Your son was not killed on Song Shi’an’s orders,” Ouyang Ke said. “He was indeed killed by the Duke of Li.”

"So I should thank you for executing the entire Duke of Li's family on my behalf?" Zhao Lie glared at him, his eyes red, and said, "For avenging the loss of my son?"

"Lord Huai," Ouyang Ke said, "but how come you can't avenge this on Song Shi'an?"

“I’m already a prisoner, how can I report this?” Zhao Lie sneered. “Tell Song Shi’an that he can do whatever he wants with me, kill me or torture me.”

This person is completely unyielding.

Moreover, they are still rampant and arrogant.

Ouyang Ke shook his head and said, "Song Shi'an's opinion is the same as mine. It's not that we don't want you to survive, but the premise of everything is stability."

"So you just want to use us as hostages to coerce the Qinzhou army?" Zhao Lie said agitatedly. "If all the people of Qinzhou were in Sheng'an, you would have wiped them all out long ago. It's precisely because you can't handle Qinzhou that you're wasting your breath here. I will never submit to a scoundrel!"

Ouyang Ke was speechless.

He never intended to keep Zhao Lie.

His idea was to punish the ringleaders and let the accomplices off lightly.

Among the chief culprits were the Duke of Li and Zhao Yi.

"Marquis of Huai, it is indeed impossible for you to submit to us." At this moment, Song Ce suddenly spoke up, "But you should remember that all the nobles are in Sheng'an, so why did this battle fail? Why can't a single soldier be mobilized from the capital?"

"..." Zhao Lie blushed from the retort, staring at the little brat with murderous intent.

“My brother’s plan is to execute the entire family of the Duke of Li, and then demote you, Zhao Lie, to commoner status,” Song Ce said. “But the charge will not be treason. Rather, it will be colluding with his cronies to slander the Empress Dowager.”

"I don't need your pity. Just like you killed Wu Qing's family, wipe out my entire Zhao family as well!" Zhao Lie clenched his fist and punched his chest hard.

"Marquis Huai is truly a man of unwavering integrity, worthy of admiration."

Ouyang Ke gripped the handrails with both hands, preparing to get up, no longer wanting to waste words with him.

“My brother did indeed intend to exterminate your entire family, but his attempt to persuade you was not to win over the Zhao family.” Song Ce stared at him, speaking with utmost seriousness. “His desire to spare you stems entirely from his cherished friendship with General Zhao from his time at the Wu Prince’s residence. Nothing more!”

"..." Zhao Lie was stunned by this sentence.

Ouyang Ke paused for a moment, did not get up, and continued to look at him.

"Marquis Huai, think about it. When has my brother ever taken your son seriously?" Song Ce said almost earnestly. "He even held back his strength against the Duke of Li, ambushing him in the retreat valley. Would he really consider your son a true opponent?"

These words are malicious.

Because, in Song Shi'an's view, Zhao Yitang's mouth watered.

"A retired emperor can intimidate tens of thousands of soldiers just by being placed in front of them. Why does my brother want to kill him?" Song Ce questioned again.

"Just because he was killed by Wu Qing, if he really fell into your brother's hands, would he have any chance of survival?" Zhao Lie asked rhetorically.

Song Ce looked at him with an extremely subtle expression, and after a long while, he said, "Do you know that your son never initiated a single battle until his death?"

"?" Zhao Lie froze.

My son never fought a single battle before he died, what are you talking about?
How did my son lose the battle?
"Before he launched the final offensive, almost all of his men had been turned against him by the King of Qin. Before dawn, most of them had deserted. He couldn't even stop the deserters before the King of Qin's army surged forward. In the end, he didn't even get close to the King of Qin's banner before almost all of them..."

"Alright, that's enough!"

Zhao Lie raised his hand and immediately interrupted him.

At the same time, my face felt like it was being roasted.

He heard that his son had been tricked, intimidated by the emperor, and then, during the battle between the two armies, retreated to find the Duke of Li, where he died on the way.

These were all revealed by people from the imperial court before they arrived.

The purpose was to hope that he would compromise and surrender to Song Shi'an along with the nobles, so as to welcome the new regime in a conciliatory manner.

But the specific details are unknown...

How could it be so embarrassing?

“As long as Zhao Yi surrenders, my brother will forgive him as he did Hua Zheng, and act as if nothing happened,” Song Ce said. “Now that he is dead, my brother is also very sad because of our past friendship. Therefore, Marquis Huai, please do not regard my Song family as an enemy.”

We have never taken your Zhao family seriously.

"Where is my son's body?"

After a long silence, Zhao Lie asked.

"It's all packed up. It will come back with the army," Ouyang Ke said.

Zhao Lie stopped being stubborn and no longer insisted on anything. He stood up and left with only one sentence: "Do whatever you want."

.........

Inside the palace, the Empress Dowager's eyelids kept twitching.

After killing the entire family of the Duke of Li, she had a bad feeling.

However, the fate of the nobles was secondary.

She didn't have the luxury of worrying about others.

It was the King of Wu.

She had been inquiring about the news of the Prince of Wu before. The news from the 'new emperor' was that the Prince of Wu would follow her back to Sheng'an, but she didn't completely believe it.

Therefore, she used her current authority to continuously send out Imperial Guards to investigate the situation.

Given the Duke of Li's character, he would definitely take the King of Wu with him when he fled.

The Empress Dowager could not change this matter, and she also knew that if the King of Wu followed her, he would only become a puppet.

But a puppet is better than a dead one.

But now that the Duke of Li has not only failed to escape but is also dead, what about his own son?
She was in a state of utter confusion.

Finally, the Imperial Guards who had been dispatched long ago returned.

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

He rushed in, knelt on one knee, clenched his fists, and said with great sorrow, "His Highness the Prince of Wu was ambushed along with the Duke of Li, but His Highness refused to return to the city. He shouted, 'I'd rather be a bone in a tomb than a king in prison,' and then committed suicide!"

"..."

The Empress Dowager's world collapsed in an instant.

I almost fainted.

But then, anger brought her to her senses, and she shouted, "Nonsense! My son wouldn't have such integrity! It must have been Song Shi'an who drove him to his death! Bring Song Shi'an to see me... If he doesn't come, I won't let them into the city!" (End of Chapter)