Frost for a Thousand Years

The following day, on the central axis of the Imperial City, the Heavenly Street.

The carriage of Prince Wei Yu of Nanyang is now moving slowly.

Meanwhile, he remained inside the carriage, peering through the curtain to observe the intersection.

Early this morning, the Ministry of Personnel conveyed to all officials the news that His Majesty had returned to the capital and that they were to welcome him, with the requirement that no one be absent without a valid reason.

But this 'unexcused absence' is where manipulation is possible.

What if I have a reason?

What if I get so sick I can't get out of bed?
Generally speaking, if someone is in a bad mood, has some opinions about the court, and is on the fringes of politics, then they can claim illness and refuse to see the emperor, and the court will not care too much. Just like the former Minister Sun, after the emperor deceived the officials and changed his orders frequently, he basically stopped participating in politics.

The Prince of Nanyang really didn't want to come.

What happened at Prince Qi's residence yesterday was quite unpleasant.

What followed was even more horrifying...

But he was afraid.

If I don't go today, and Song Shi'an holds a grudge, what should I do?
However, after sending people to inquire with the other kings, none of them responded, which made the King of Nanyang somewhat worried.

Not going will result in being resented for expressing dissatisfaction.

He went, but if he went alone, wouldn't he become a traitor and be ridiculed by his clan?
This is so damn frustrating.

However, while waiting, he finally saw the royal carriage of Prince Qi!

Fortunately, even the Imperial Clan Head came. I went out with him for a bit, so at least I wasn't isolated and helpless, and didn't incur the wrath of the crowd.

"Don't go too fast, just follow Prince Qi's carriage," Prince Nanyang immediately instructed the coachman.

And so, he followed Prince Qi out of the imperial city.

On the main street outside the city, about a mile from the city gate, the other party got out of the carriage.

The Prince of Nanyang also quickly got out of the carriage.

He went straight over.

Upon seeing this fellow arrive, Prince Qi did not turn his head and continued walking until the other party was right next to him. Only then did he say with some displeasure, "If you want to go, then go; if you don't want to go, then don't go. Why are you referring to me?"

“Your Excellency, you can’t say that,” the Prince of Nanyang said defiantly. “You are the head of the imperial clan. If you don’t take the lead, how are we supposed to know where to go?”

"How am I supposed to leave?" Prince Qi was furious on the spot and shouted, "Song Shi'an beat up a prince in the street, an old man in his fifties, almost to death. How am I supposed to leave? Who can guarantee that some young scions won't come and beat me to death in broad daylight!"

Prince Qi spoke in a very loud and powerful voice.

Even the officials and guards around heard it, and heard it clearly.

The Prince of Nanyang knew that the city was basically full of Song Shi'an's men. If this got back to him, he would be finished.

So he quickly lowered his voice and reminded him, "Zongzheng, calm down."

Upon hearing this, Prince Qi's face darkened, and he coldly snorted at him, "Why shouldn't I answer your question? Even if we leave together, we won't be on the same path!"

Having said that, he angrily pulled up his sleeve and left.

The Prince of Nanyang followed closely behind, not angered by the remark. On the contrary, he continued to stick close to him to prevent being politically isolated.

As it happened, Ye Changqing, who was walking slowly behind them, witnessed the whole scene.

Because of Prince Qi's loud voice, which he made no attempt to conceal, he overheard the core content of their conversation.

Why did the two people travel the same route, yet not travel the same route at the same time?

The King of Nanyang appeared out of fear.

Prince Qi appeared out of anger.

The former was terrified after being punched three times by Song Shi'an and was worried that the iron fist would also fall on his head.

The latter, however, intends to confront Song Shi'an today, in front of all the officials and His Majesty, demanding a stern explanation.

This also reflects some divisions within the royal family.

It appears that a considerable power struggle has formed internally.

There was only one person who wanted to compromise with Song Shi'an and only one person who wanted to fight against Song Shi'an.

But what if we include the remaining few who didn't even come?

Today, Prince Qi will surely find himself alone and powerless.

And today, a fierce competition is destined to take place.

Fortunately, this is a small benefit for Ye Changqing.

If the court's conflicts and focus are all on the royal family, then the attention of the former crown prince's former subordinates will be diverted.

Furthermore, they will become a force that can be won over to attack the other side.

Of course, in Ye Changqing's view, the imperial clan had no chance of winning.

This is what most intelligent people think.

Therefore, their focus is not on this at all.

“A prince from the imperial clan was beaten, and Prince Qi also intervened. Today, His Majesty had no choice but to respond, but on one hand, there was the face of the Imperial Uncle, and on the other hand, there was the face of the newly appointed nobles. It was difficult to resolve either issue.”

“But if we completely disregard the face of our royal uncle, then His Majesty’s face will also be put under our feet.”

"If Your Majesty were to gloss over this matter today, Song Shi'an would be in the limelight, unmatched in his own right. But with the conflict between the Emperor and the Chancellor now out in the open, he wouldn't have an easy time in the future."

"The Imperial Chancellor? He's not even a chancellor yet."

Among the ministers, some who did not support Song Shi'an were simply waiting to see this farce unfold.

His power is immense now, but if he were to cause the emperor to lose face in this situation, then this kid's power won't last long.

His fearless nature makes him suitable for sweeping local reforms, but he cannot be so reckless in the imperial court.

No matter what, beating up a prince in the street is not something an adult should do.

"Shi'an, the news has spread throughout the city." Standing in front of the officials, Song Jing whispered to Song Shi'an beside him, "You can do what you've decided to do, but you must control your emotions and not really make things difficult for yourself."

As he spoke, he glanced back.

Looking at the fuming Prince Qi, Song Shi'an was reminded that today's matter was extremely serious.

"Father, don't worry," Song Shi'an said. "I've seen so many bastards, but I've only ever beaten up this one, the Prince of Guangling. That shows that I'm not really someone who's easy to beat up."

I don't hit people because I like it; it's purely for a purpose.

"Don't bring up that bastard or anything like that when the time comes," Song Jing said quite seriously.

Watch your rice noodles, watch your manners!
"Don't worry, Dad."

After nodding to him, Song Shi'an smiled amicably at Prince Qi, who was approaching from behind.

The two people became enemies.

Under the supervision of the eunuchs, the officials formed a welcoming formation outside the city.

However, because of Song Shi'an, the troublemaker, Sheng'an had long been in a state of moral decay. The concepts of hierarchy and seniority had been completely disrupted. Who stood in which position and who should lead the center position were all in chaos.

After all, the position of Grand Diviner had been suspended for a long time, and the order of the court had long been disrupted, leading to a trend of 'might makes right'.

Ouyang Ke, Song Jing, Song Shi'an, and the Imperial Clan Head Qi Wang were in a row.

The rest were Sun Situ and his group.

Ye Changqing stood in the last row and was met with cold stares from others.

Does this scene seem familiar? The King of Wu once bet on the An Sheng duo and won a great victory, reaching the peak of his political prestige. He was even granted the right by the emperor to personally receive the triumphant army. How spirited Zhao Yi and Ye Changqing were back then.

Standing at the very front, he arrogantly bullied the Jin Prince's faction, breathing directly on anyone who dared to look at them.

Therefore, those who lose in choosing sides are not only afraid of the new emperor's retaliation and Song Shi'an's intolerance, but also of how those former members of the Prince of Jin's faction could possibly tolerate them.
Even so, Ye Changqing still came.

Because after Song Shi'an punched Wang three times, some of his opportunities also came.

As the officials waited, they saw the emperor's carriage arrive, its flags fluttering in the wind, bright and strong.

Behind the emperor were also hundreds of officials.

They were part of the group that went on government-funded trips during the Huai County land reclamation period.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

The eunuch shouted in a high-pitched voice.

As a result, the officials standing before the city walls began to prostrate themselves on the ground.

Officials who participated in the Huai County Colonization Ceremony following the imperial carriage also dismounted and knelt in worship.

At this moment, the emperor slowly alighted from the carriage.

He had initially been somewhat resentful, but upon seeing this scene—everyone around him kneeling and prostrating themselves, including the Prince of the Imperial Clan—some of the things he held dear in his heart were somewhat relieved.

Just like the Queen of England, how much power does she still have?

But her status as head of the Commonwealth and the indescribable prestige she exuded in formal settings were enough to make her happy and disregard any other concerns.

Not to mention the current emperor, who still wields some power.

Of course, he can't laugh.

His father just died.

With a heavy heart, he walked to the center of the officials. Slowly, he knelt down, facing the direction of the palace, tears streaming down his face. He kowtowed sorrowfully, saying, "Father, I, Yixuan, have arrived too late to see you one last time... I am unfilial!"

"Your Majesty, please accept my condolences."

As he mourned at the palace, the officials also offered their condolences with kowtows.

After completing the necessary procedures, the emperor stood up.

Then, he said to his officials, "My beloved ministers, rise."

Everyone stood up.

The emperor, having composed himself, walked to the officials in front of him and said with great fervor, "My beloved ministers, I ascended the throne in Huai County, not in Sheng'an. The reason, as you all know, is that the traitor Wu Qing caused chaos, threatening the stability of the state. Therefore, I hereby commend a loyal official who saved the crumbling empire and turned the tide..."

Before he could finish speaking, Prince Qi stepped forward and solemnly said, "The loyal minister Your Majesty has commended is unparalleled in his merits and contributions. But I would like to ask Your Majesty, before you commended him, did he already possess the power of life and death over anyone?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked over.

It exploded! It exploded!

Prince Qi's opening remarks were a bombshell.

It can be said that Song Shi'an was placed directly on the fire rack.

Of course, everyone knew that the one who was truly being tortured and suffering was His Majesty.

Okay, tell me, your uncle got beaten up by your loyal subordinate, are you going to do anything about it?

Ouyang Ke's expression was quite calm.

In my heart, it flows quietly like a river.

He had indeed been dissatisfied with Song Shi'an's foolish behavior, feeling that he was messing around and that things would get really bad if this continued.

But as he said, what does it have to do with him?

On the contrary, if Song Shi'an ruins himself, then this hot potato should fall into my hands.

Ouyang Ke certainly didn't want to be a pillar of strength, but if he were to lead the officials and guide the Great Yu forward, he didn't think he lacked the ability.

No matter what, he won't do any worse than Gongsun Xing of Northern Yan.

After being interrupted, His Majesty paused briefly and looked at the Imperial Clan Minister and Song Shi'an.

At this moment, Song Shi'an stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I beat up the Prince of Guangling on the streets of the Imperial City yesterday. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Song Shi'an was also a fool; he stood up and didn't back down.

Therefore, the Imperial Clan Minister spoke up, saying, "Very well! Lord Song himself said so, so please punish him, Your Majesty. And according to the rites and punishments of the Great Yu, what is the appropriate punishment for assaulting a vassal king? Please make your judgment, Your Majesty!"

This commotion stirred up all the officials.

Song Shi'an does indeed hold great power, but now that the emperor has returned and all the officials are present, it would be difficult for Song Shi'an to seize power if he were to do so now.

If one is a ruler with guts, then seize this opportunity to take down Song Shi'an!
Anyway, he was the one who ordered the punishment, so Your Majesty can just make the judgment according to the law.

If Song Shi'an complied, he would be imprisoned.

To disobey would be to defy the imperial decree.

If one does not comply but resists, that is rebellion.

In short, he was under a lot of pressure!

Song Jing is indeed under a lot of pressure.

Because he was genuinely afraid that the emperor, relying on his superior numbers and flamboyant behavior, would fight to the death.

Even if General San Gou were right next to the emperor and could have taken him hostage immediately, he still wouldn't feel at ease.

What Song wants to be is a powerful minister, not a damn terrorist.

But Song Shi'an remained remarkably calm.

He kept his head down, without any arrogant expression, as if he were completely at the emperor's mercy, appearing extremely open and honest, like a righteous and loyal minister.

Like him was Ye Changqing, an elite who entered the court at a relatively young age.

Most people felt very tense and the situation was unclear. Only he knew what kind of person the King of Wu, whom he was assisting, was, and what his opponent was.

"Uncle, please tell me what happened," the emperor said expressionlessly.

“Your Majesty,” Prince Qi turned to face the assembled ministers and began, “Yesterday, the four princes and I gathered at the palace. Although we did not receive a summons from the late Emperor to the palace, we must adhere to the rites and regulations governing the imperial clan. Even if we old bones are no longer of use, shouldn’t we, as members of the clan, be responsible for the funeral arrangements after the late Emperor’s passing? Yet this Lord Song abruptly visited, surrounded the palace with officials from the capital, provoked and intimidated us before leaving, and even attacked and beat Prince Guangling, nearly killing him. Where is justice? Where is the law?!”

He spoke with immense anger, and it was mostly true.

The officials all felt a pang of pity watching.

Song Shi'an was indeed too hasty and too harsh on the veteran comrades.

However, what they care about more is, Your Majesty, how should you resolve this situation?

Your pride has been shattered.

"Why did Song Shi'an go to the Imperial Uncle's residence?" the Emperor asked.

"We were summoned by the late Emperor's oral decree, and we all accepted the summons," Prince Qi said righteously. "But his reminders and warnings to us were not given in writing!"

This sentence is deeply moving.

A strong condemnation was lodged against Song Shi'an's illegal law enforcement.

Everyone sensed that His Majesty's face was about to be completely shattered.

until……

"No, it was I who ordered Minister Song to go to the Prince's residence." (End of Chapter)