Frost for a Thousand Years

"It seems that Prince Su has also arrived."

As Song Jing and Song Shi'an walked together along the passageway leading into the palace, he vaguely caught a glimpse of a figure dressed in a python robe. He then lowered his head slightly and whispered something.

“Our Emperor is still quite determined,” Song Shi’an said.

Prince Su was in poor health from a young age and was always sickly. Although there were some dangerous rumors circulating that he was pretending to be weak, it was very unusual for someone with poor health to live to their thirties in ancient times.

However, considering that he was already like this before the former crown prince died, and it wasn't a persona he developed later, this rumor is not true.

The fact that the emperor was still able to forcibly remove him from his home under these circumstances demonstrates that his attitude towards weakening the power of the princes was very firm.

"But you should know that all these grudges are owed to our family," Song Jing reminded him.

Although Song Shi'an knew that this emperor also wanted to move closer to the image of a sage emperor, and thus actively accelerated this process, those old cunning politicians were not fools. Everyone understood that the money the emperor saved was for Song Shi'an's benefit.

Then the retaliation will definitely fall on Song Shi'an's head.

"It's alright, it's a good thing that His Majesty is willing to cooperate."

Song Shi'an didn't care about the future reckoning. If he were afraid, he wouldn't have started his official simulation game in this world in the first place.

Don't be afraid to play; if you're afraid, don't play.

"The information about the six departments' methods you mentioned has also been released," Song Jing reminded her again. "The adults you saw should all know about it."

When implementing a sudden and important policy, it is usually done by releasing information in advance to gauge public opinion before implementation.

This has been the custom since ancient times.

The leaks and trends you know about are all things someone wants you to know.

The propaganda department makes its living from this.

“I can feel it,” Song Shi’an said. “Clearing out 50% of the people means that half of them will disappear from the court. Those who are not in important departments are either afraid or angry. Or they are both afraid and angry.”

They're afraid when they're about to be optimized, and they complain after they're optimized.

This is all human nature.

"We're moving a bit too fast," Song Jing said. "I'm afraid there might be problems."

"Then let's walk slowly."

A smile appeared on Song Shi'an's lips, and he slowed his pace slightly.

Visibly, everyone around and behind him slowed down their walking pace in unison, following Song Shi'an's rhythm.

Song Jing knew that his son was thinking, "I have great power in my hands. Who dares to disobey me now?"
"Okay, if we're going to do it, we'll do it hard."

Song Jing stopped giving him risk warnings.

After all, we're in this position now; it's all or nothing.

Then we can only move towards success and leave no room for error.

Just then, the young master He walked over, bowed to the two of them, and said in a very obsequious manner: "Lord Song, young Lord Song."

The two returned the greeting.

Then Song Jing said to Song Shi'an, "Your grandfather is behind us. He has difficulty walking, so I'll wait for him."

"Father, I'll go first then."

Song Jing stopped, citing the need to wait for Cui Ting. Song Shi'an then walked ahead, accompanied by He Shaofu, who had come to see him.

He actively participated in the militia during the Huai County land reclamation period, supported the Prince of Jin as emperor, and took the lead in welcoming the new era as a 'progressive person'.

Now that the court is dismissing officials, it certainly won't be his turn, but he still covets the six ministries of the new dynasty.

"Young Master Song," He Shaofu asked in a low voice, "I've heard that the imperial court is going to undergo reforms?"

Song Shi'an spoke frankly, "His Majesty does have this idea, and we have discussed it together."

"Those six ministries, are they really true?" He Shaofu asked again.

"Yes," Song Shi'an replied, "His Majesty intends to unify the administration of court officials into six ministries."

If that's really the case, then the current six parts are extremely valuable.

Although it is somewhat similar to the previous Nine Ministers, it is not on the same level at all.

The Nine Ministers did not include military generals.

However, the Ministry of War alone is capable of managing all the troops in the country.

In other words, the Six Ministries are equivalent to all the previous civil and military officials combined.

One of them could probably be worth two of the Nine Ministers.

In order to weaken the power of the princes, the privilege of judging them would definitely be downgraded. Therefore, the Court of Judicial Review and the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs would both be placed under the Ministry of Justice.

These two were previously ranked as follows: one was a super-grade official, and the other was one of the top officials among the Nine Ministers.

It's easy to imagine how much real power someone would wield if they entered F6.

Therefore, this reform is a risk of layoffs for some, but a stepping stone to advancement for others.

"At that time, things were peaceful." Prefect He asked tentatively, "At the beginning of this new policy, there will inevitably be a need for capable people. I have always supported it, as you saw in Huai County, didn't you?"

The veterans are now mentioning their own achievements.

"The merit of the Minister of the Imperial Household in leading the way to support His Majesty is no less than that of suppressing the rebellion," Song Shi'an said. "His Majesty will never forget it."

"I'm just afraid His Majesty will think that this old minister is too old and no longer of any use..."

"Though the sun sets late, its afterglow still fills the sky." Before he could finish speaking, Song Shi'an said with a smile, "Shi'an knows that Young Master He can still shine for our Great Yu."

"I'm ashamed, it's just a small contribution," He Shaofu said self-deprecatingly.

It was just a small contribution.

“But he is indeed over sixty, and His Majesty can’t bear to let the old and young households work too hard,” Song Shi’an said, placing his hand on the back of his hand.

He suddenly became a little anxious: "Shi An, do you still think I'm too old and useless?"

"It's not a matter of this short while." Seeing that he was anxious, Song Shi'an said with a smile, "Shi'an just feels that compared to these trivial matters of the court, there are some things that are more worthy of the Shaofu to do."

He Shaofu wanted to join the ministry.

What are considered trivial matters in the imperial court?

The affairs of the imperial court are the most important matters of the nation!

"Old minister, what is worth doing?" Young Master He asked with some suspicion.

His tone was not very good.

Compared to others, he was not afraid of Song Shi'an.

He had more reason than anyone else to blame Song Shi'an.

Because he had taken a risk by investing in Song Shi'an, and the returns had not met his expectations, Song Shi'an could not expect to gain the respect of his followers.

“With a new emperor newly enthroned, it is inevitable to appoint a crown prince in order to consolidate the court.” Song Shi’an hinted at him with his eyes and said, “Who else, besides you who are highly respected, is qualified to be the crown prince’s tutor?”

"The Crown Prince's tutor..." the Minister of the Imperial Household asked curiously, "From now on, the Grand Tutor should be called the Crown Prince's tutor?"

The system of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers was overthrown together.

If the Nine Ministers are gone, then the Three Dukes certainly won't be either.

However, since real power resides within the Six Ministries, honorary positions must be held outside of them.

Not all nominal positions need to be dismissed.

For example, the position of tutor to the crown prince is quite necessary.

"Instructing the Crown Prince is a crucial responsibility for stabilizing the foundation of the nation," Song Shi'an reminded him to know when to stop and not to push his luck any further.

After streamlining, Song Shi'an needs to carefully allocate each of the newly established powerful units.

The official, the household registration officer, the old man, and Ouyang Ke each had one.

How could the remaining four be given to such opportunists who were just quick to kneel down at the time?
A person as ruthless as him in acquiring land should not be allowed to hold a position of real power as the head of a department.

"Is this position on par with the Six Ministries?" asked He Shaofu.

“They are all first-rank officials,” Song Shi’an said. “Moreover, they are first-rank officials after the new policies.”

These words gave He Shaofu a sense of security.

He was also a first-rank official before.

However, Zheng Yipin before the layoffs and Zheng Yipin after the layoffs are not the same thing.

In addition, the position of tutor to the crown prince is a way to build a good relationship with the future emperor.

Regardless of who the crown prince is, he is the crown prince's tutor.

"Shi'an, the great responsibility His Majesty has entrusted to this old minister is a great responsibility you have entrusted to me." He Shaofu was satisfied and gladly accepted, "This old minister will certainly do his best."

"In the future, I would like to ask the Grand Tutor to say some good words about the new policies."

Song Shi'an smiled and nodded; everything between them was understood without words.

……

And so, the officials went to court.

The new emperor walked from among the crowd to the throne and sat down.

After the court session began, Eunuch Zhang, holding the imperial edict, spoke:

"Imperial Edict of Emperor Anshun's Accession to the Throne"

By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
The late Emperor Taizong has passed away peacefully, and we remember his illustrious achievements. Following the principles of posthumous titles, which state that "one who governs the world is called 'Wen' (文), and one who quells chaos is called 'Wu' (武)," we hereby bestow upon him the posthumous title of Emperor Taizong Wu (太宗武皇帝). His robes and hat will be enshrined in the east chamber of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and his golden armor from his campaigns in the west chamber—this is an old system established by Emperor Gaozu, signifying his combined literary and military prowess. From this day forward, the reign title will be changed to Anshun (安顺).

The inscription on the new coins reads "Anshun Tongbao," and the reverse side features the Big Dipper constellation, symbolizing the reformation of the seven polities.

The investiture ceremony is as follows:

First, the eldest son of the emperor, Zhiheng, was made crown prince.

Second, the emperor's second son, Zhi, was enfeoffed as the King of Chu.

Third, the third son of the emperor, Zhihe, was enfeoffed as the King of Yue.

So be it.

The new emperor's first edict was a formal declaration of his ascension to the throne, carrying on the legacy of the past and ushering in a new era.

Although Huaijun had already ascended the throne, it was clearly a temporary measure intended to put out a fire.

Now, it is time to officially let the world know that the Great Yu Dynasty has changed its era name.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The officials immediately prostrated themselves on the ground and accepted the edict.

They were largely unsurprised by today's edict.

The only slightly unexpected thing was the posthumous title given to Emperor Taizong Wu.

Because Wei Wusheng hated his father the most, and his father was most afraid of a bad posthumous title, so logically speaking, even if he didn't give him a bad posthumous title, he would at least make some sarcastic remarks and disgust his hated father in the posthumous title and temple name.

Surprisingly, she is kind.

Emperor Taizong Wu.

To be honest, it's already the second best temple and posthumous title after Emperor Gaozu of Yu.

In fact, Wei Ye is truly capable of taking on that responsibility.

Under his leadership, the Great Yu Dynasty remained powerful, and its territory expanded by at least one province compared to before he took over. By any measure, he was not a loser.

Judging from this posthumous title, Wei Wusheng was not a particularly cruel person. The officials also relaxed a little, feeling less anxious about the future.

"My beloved subjects, rise."

The emperor spoke.

These officials slowly rose to their feet.

Then, the emperor continued, "Before his death, when the late emperor summoned Song Shi'an and all the officials to the palace, he said before the historian that his funeral should be simple, and that all of you should assist me and, together with the governor of Sizhou, Shi'an, to work together for the country and to launch a northern expedition to quell the rebellion. Therefore, I should inherit the late emperor's will, practice frugality, and guard against extravagance and waste. Hence, I hereby declare that the stipends of all the princes will be reduced from the original 10,000 shi of grain for princes to 4,000 shi, and their royal lands will be reduced from 30,000 mu to 12,000 mu."

Upon hearing this, the others present knew that he was referring to them.

The emperor even reduced the privileges of his own sons, so how could his brothers and uncles have the nerve to continue to hold high-ranking positions and receive generous salaries?

But this cut was really too ruthless.

Twelve thousand acres of land is only the wealth level of a single aristocratic family.

We are kings, after all.

But there was nothing he could do; the Prince of Guangling disobeyed and was beaten three times by Song Shi'an, almost to death.

If they don't obey, will they survive?

In the Great Yu, there are nearly twenty vassal kings, both inside and outside the capital.

Just casually, there are over 400,000 mu of land and a salary of over 100,000 shi (a unit of dry measure).

Song Shi'an is truly the first fierce man to descend from heaven in the Great Yu Dynasty.

Also present at court today is Prince Qi, the one who argued with the emperor the other day. Even so, he has no choice but to come, since the emperor said that if he doesn't come, his title will be revoked.

Wouldn't that make him a beggar?

We have no choice but to comply.

However, he didn't want to take the lead in doing such a thing.

At this moment, the sickly Prince Su stepped forward, prostrated himself in respect, and said, “Your Majesty, I, your humble brother, have been unworthy of my position and have made no contribution whatsoever to the Great Yu. Now, I am unworthy to be a relative of the Emperor, yet I have squandered my generous salary year after year. In the middle of the night, I examine my conscience and am filled with shame and fear. I humbly request that my annual salary be reduced to four thousand shi (a unit of dry measure), and my royal land be reduced to twelve thousand mu (another unit of dry measure), so as to fulfill the late Emperor’s last wish.”

Upon hearing this, the emperor was so moved that he cried.

No, she really choked up and cried.

He stood up and said with great satisfaction, "My brother, Prince Su, is truly my right-hand man... With your heart, how can I not destroy the Qi barbarians!"

Upon hearing this, the young Prince of Changsha immediately knelt down.

Then, even the already timid Prince of Nanyang knelt down.

One after another, all the vassal kings knelt down.

"We all humbly request that this be done!"

The reduction of the power of the feudal lords was accomplished so easily.

The officials found it amusing, but they also knew what was going on.

If he's this ruthless towards his own sons, brothers, and uncles, how lenient can he be towards these foreign officials?

But there's no way around it; if you don't accept change, you'll just be eliminated by it.

"Gentlemen, please rise."

The emperor gladly accepted all of this and especially commended the kings for their generosity.

Then he began, “Today’s court assembly will only read out the imperial edict and will not discuss state affairs. Tonight, we will keep vigil for His Majesty. If you have no other reason, please enter the assembly on time tonight.”

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The officials prostrated themselves.

"Retreat."

And so, the court session ended.

Then came the vigil ceremony for the late emperor.

All the officials in the court, including the old and infirm such as Grand Tutor Sun, Prefect He, and Right Chancellor Cui, as well as those in poor health such as Prince Su and Ouyang Ke, all dressed in white, wearing mourning clothes, to guard the emperor's tomb.

In the main hall, the new emperor knelt in the middle, filled with grief, with only Song Shi'an by his side, while the others stood behind him and in two rows.

"Shi'an, Father Emperor..."

The Emperor had actually learned yesterday of the message his father had asked Song Shi'an to convey to him, but in this setting, thinking about such a matter still made him somewhat sad, and he asked, "Do you really think that way?"

Beware of following in the footsteps of the former emperors; strive to cultivate benevolence.

Don't be like your father, do some good deeds instead.

When this emperor was the Prince of Jin, he actually hated his father for a while, but when the late emperor worried about him not becoming a puppet emperor, he felt sorry for his father.

So he was really upset that his father would say that.

"The late emperor truly thought so," Song Shi'an said to the emperor with considerable sadness, "but the matter is not like that."

These words truly comforted the emperor.

Your dad really thinks he's a terrible person, so he wants you to be okay.

But in fact, your dad isn't bad.

Deep down, Song Shi'an thought the same thing.

Aside from losing, Wei Ye was an exceptionally outstanding emperor.

He was truly very respectable.

He still held his own life in his hands when the granary was burned down.

He could have just killed him directly, regardless of the raging flood.
But his ultimate goal was to seize the Wei dynasty's throne.

For the sake of the continuation of the dynasty, he was willing to die, he could let Wei Wusheng, whom he hated, become emperor, and he could let Song Shi'an, whom he loathed so much, win.

Emperor Wei Xian was not wrong.

The emperor choked up, deeply moved and filled with longing.

Song Shi'an gently patted his back, offering tender comfort.

Just then, Eunuch Zhang quietly walked in, bowing low, and gave Song Shi'an a wink.

After greeting the emperor, he walked out of the mourning hall and asked Eunuch Zhang, "What's wrong?"

"According to reports, the Duke of Zhangping and the Prince of Jiangling are plotting a rebellion," Eunuch Zhang whispered.

“How could that be?” Song Shi’an retorted. “Could the news of the Emperor Emeritus’s death have reached that remote mountain village so quickly?”

“My lord,” Eunuch Zhang explained, “the information they’re receiving over there is still stuck on the time when the Emperor Emeritus abdicated and the Duke of Li and the Crown Prince rebelled.”

Oh……

2G network, right?
Song Shi'an, unable to contain himself any longer at the sight of these savages, asked, "Is this a real rebellion, or is there still room for maneuver?"

"There should be room for maneuver, but if they know the current state of affairs in the court, it might be difficult for them to back down," said Eunuch Zhang.

The message they received over there was probably that he had mismanaged the government.

But they were unaware that they had already established a dictatorship.

This has led to this awkward situation.

After a moment's thought, Song Shi'an said, "Suppress it for now. Before the Six Ministries are established, don't allow such rumors to spread in the capital." (End of Chapter)