Frost for a Thousand Years

"Grand Secretary Song, after waiting for so many years, we can finally enjoy the Shi'an wedding feast."

At the entrance of the Song family mansion, Song Jing, as the Grand Secretary, personally received the court officials, while Wang Chen, the Minister of Justice, arrived as a guest with great enthusiasm and an extremely generous gift.

His lengthy letter of gift, along with the heavy weight of real gold and silver, surprised Song Jing.

Although his relationship with him wasn't the best, the gifts he gave were more than those given by his father-in-law, making him the most generous among all officials.

Undoubtedly, this was his way of repaying the opportunity to become one of the six ministries' chief officials.

"Qiuqing's arrival is quite a grand gesture, making Jing very uneasy," Song Jing replied.

"Originally, this great gift should have been presented to me by the Grand Secretary."

Wang Chen's words puzzled Song Jing, who then continued, "Back then, I asked Shi An if he wanted to be my son-in-law, and he kept saying he was willing, but I never received the dowry from the Grand Secretary. Sigh, he still doesn't think much of me, Wang Chen."

"Qiuqing, I am so ashamed of you," Song Jing said embarrassedly. "My son was so frivolous and absurd back then. How could he have the nerve to propose to your daughter?"

“When you’re young, who doesn’t indulge in sensual pleasures? A mischievous child in his youth is more likely to amount to something later in life,” Wang Chen said. “I saw it long ago: Shi An had the ability to become famous throughout the land… oh, no. Back then, he was already a renowned minister who resisted the Ji family.”

These words, though seemingly casual, actually reminded Song Jing of a timeline.

He was referring to the friendship between the Song father and son when they were imprisoned at the Dali Temple.

Song Jing also lowered his voice and held his hand, saying, "Qiu Qing, if it weren't for you back then, we would probably never have seen the light of day in that bitter cave."

"Your Excellency, please don't think like that," Wang Chen said sincerely. "The reason you and Shi An were able to get through this safely is because of your integrity and uprightness; those petty people couldn't do anything about it. The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review handles cases based on evidence. And Shi An, in my eyes, is spotless."

Being spotless also means that no evidence or criminal record has been left behind.

Wang Chen's feelings for Song Jing grew stronger.

He has now joined the department.

Without a doubt, he wanted to become a cabinet minister.

"Qiu Qing, thank you, thank you."

Song Jing patted his hand gently, deeply moved. At this time, two of the six ministries were forming an alliance that went beyond ordinary friendship, almost openly and legitimately.

"Song Gan, escort Qiu Qing to her seat."

Song Jing extended his hand, and then Song Gan led the distinguished guest to his seat.

Then, another very distinguished person arrived.

Sun Heng was originally promised to be the Chief Justice of Dali, but now he is the Director of the Ministry of Justice after the reorganization, a powerful fourth-rank official.

"Sun Heng greets the Grand Secretary."

This high-ranking official of the imperial court bowed to Song Jing with an extremely deep bow (in Liang Ge's tone).

The respect shown was so genuine that it was impossible to perceive that the Song and Sun families had once been bitter enemies.

In fact, after the Six Ministries were established, Sun Heng went a little too far in fawning over the Song family, being extremely attentive.

This is understandable, as the Song family holds two of the four cabinet seats. Furthermore, the Sun family has suffered significant suppression due to previous policy mistakes, and now that they have a stable opportunity to climb the ranks, Sun Heng will certainly hold onto Song Shi'an as a powerful tool for promotion.

“Young Master Sun, Director Sun… Oh, where is Dr. Sun?” Song Jing asked.

“My father is getting old and has recently caught a cold, so he asked me to act as his representative,” Sun Heng said. “If Your Excellency has any instructions, you can tell the younger generation, and I will convey them to my father.”

“How could I possibly give any advice to the Doctor?” Song Jing put his hand on his shoulder and said with a smile, “Young Master Sun, the Ministry of Justice is one of the Six Ministries, and you are the head of the four departments, serving as the Director of the Ministry of Justice. All the major criminal cases in the capital must pass through your hands. This position is very important, as it concerns the integrity of honest officials and the punishment of corrupt officials. You must be extremely careful.”

Sun Heng was stunned for a moment after hearing this.

But they quickly realized what was happening.

What you mean is, if there really are troublemakers, how should they be judged?

You're not simple. I have the right to interpret the law. Whatever you say, Grand Secretary, I will rule accordingly.

"Your Excellency, I will heed your teachings," Sun Heng said sincerely. "If there are any criminal cases I am unsure about, I will certainly consult with..."

"Alright, alright, Young Master Sun, please take your seat."

Song Jing interrupted his promise with a smile, telling him to hurry up and get some food.

This kid is really outrageous. You should know this, but he had to be so blunt.

In officialdom, those who are completely guileless can rise all the way to the imperial court.

Song Jing really felt that this clan system was somewhat harmful.

Although Sun Qian was a bit sharp, his skill level was still quite good. It was really wise of Song Shi'an to be able to crush him at that time.

Continuing on, Song Jing entertained the court officials.

Until, the two grand carriages, escorted by the Imperial Guards, slowly came to a stop.

Everyone lowered their heads and bowed.

Song Jing also quickly stepped forward and bowed to him.

The Emperor and the Prince of Qin, without distinction of rank or status, both traveled together to the Song Palace.

.........

"Shi'an, I knew long ago that you would marry Miss Xinyue." At the banquet, the emperor, who was sitting in the main seat, took the initiative to stand up, walked to Song Shi'an, held up a wine cup, and said jokingly, "I just didn't expect that you could wait until now to get married."

"It's easy for a woman to pursue a man, but difficult for a man to pursue a woman," Song Shi'an responded with a drink, making a joke on his own initiative.

"Our Great Yu has produced the top scholar in the provincial examination, the top scholar in the imperial examination, a famous general who resisted Qi, a renowned minister who oversaw agricultural settlements, and is also so handsome and dashing. How could Miss Xinyue have such high standards and only agree to this now?" the emperor joked.

“Your Majesty, don’t listen to his nonsense.” The King of Qin also came over with a cup of wine, and then denounced Song Shi’an, “These two are in love and are a match made in heaven. The reason they got married is simply to hold the grandest banquet, with Your Majesty presiding over the ceremony.”

"Oh, so you plan to marry after entering the palace?" the emperor asked.

"No, no," Song Shi'an said modestly. "At first, I thought that being a Nine Minister would be enough."

"Hahaha--"

Immediately, the two 'emperors' burst into cheerful laughter and raised their fingers to criticize Song Shi'an's casual, boastful remarks—this guy is really putting on an act.

The wedding banquet proceeded beautifully at Sheng Teng.

They clinked glasses, exchanged toasts, and enjoyed themselves immensely.

It seemed to be the most relaxed party Sheng An had had in years, without any sword fights or political tests.

All of this is because a powerful force, namely the Great Yu, has united closely together.

Song Shi'an had a very pleasant drink today.

With a flushed face, she staggered into the bridal chamber.

The woman sitting on the bed, her head covered by a veil, became even more alluring as one approached, enveloped by the delicate fragrance emanating from her hair.

The candlelight in the room warmed up the somewhat chilly winter day.

Approaching the woman in red, Song Shi'an slowly reached out and lifted a corner of her veil.

Half of her thin, fair face was visible.

Her soft, glossy red lips curved slightly. "What's wrong, are you nervous?"

Because Song Shi'an hadn't lifted the veil, Xin Yue smiled slightly with a hint of provocation.

"It's my first time getting married, so I'm definitely a little nervous," Song Shi'an said.

"Are you saying that you'll gradually get used to taking concubines in the future?" Xin Yue asked in return.

At this point, Song Shi'an asked with particular seriousness, "Madam, how many wives may I take?"

Xin Yue's lips immediately fell down. She pulled off the veil, stared at Song Shi'an, and revealed a cold, murderous look in her eyes.

Seeing that familiar face, Song Shi'an felt happy: "Xin Yue, it feels like we've gone back to the time when we were first in love."

"What first love?" Xinyue asked.

“It was the first time we met,” Song Shi’an said. “You always had that kind of face.”

"Isn't that called the first encounter?"

"When I first met you, I felt that being killed by you would be a happy occasion."

"I had no hostility towards you when we first met..."

"A woman disguised as a man, exuding the true nature of an assassin, and she doesn't seem hostile?" Song Shi'an retorted.

"What are you saying... I don't understand..." Xin Yue blushed, which was unusual for her.

“At that time, I had just offended the head of the Three Dukes and made outrageous statements like the ‘Tuntian Decree,’ which stirred up conflict in the Great Yu Dynasty. I was already prepared to be an enemy of the world,” Song Shi’an said. “Do you think I wouldn’t be afraid if a stranger disguised as a man appeared?”

"You're both scared and saying that dying by my hand would be a happy occasion. You've said everything you want," Xin Yue complained.

“I’m afraid, I’m afraid of dying. But I still really like your face,” Song Shi’an said.

“There are plenty of women prettier than me.” Xin Yue didn’t believe his glib tongue and turned the tables on him, “If you only care about looks, when there are stunningly beautiful women, won’t you have to take them as concubines one after another?”

“Definitely not.” Song Shi’an slowly raised his hand, stroked her cheek, looked into her eyes, and said, “The woman I like must be able to slit someone’s neck with a single stroke.”

“In that case, there really aren’t many left.” Xin Yue smiled.

"Xinyue, it's so good to have you here."

Song Shi'an lowered his head and slowly pressed his forehead against the other person's.

Xin Yue placed one hand on the back of his neck, closed her eyes, and said, "Do you know what I was thinking the moment I killed Wu Qing?"

What are you thinking about?

Song Shi'an asked, somewhat puzzled.

"I think,"

Xinyue slowly got up, placed her hands on his shoulders, leaned gently against him, and murmured softly, "I can finally marry you."

.........

Not long after Song Shi'an's wedding, His Highness the Prince of Qin also married the Princess of Qin.

Of course, it was with Song Qin.

Thus, the family relationships of the two most powerful people in Dayu formed the most perfect nesting.

Song Shi'an married Wei Wusheng's former bodyguard.

Song Ce married Wei Wusheng's best sister.

Wei Wusheng then married their mutual sister.

If Song Jing were to have another twilight encounter with one of Wei Wusheng's relatives... what am I even saying?

At this time, at the residence of the Grand Scholar.

Sun Yan stood on the lake in winter, feeding the fish and saying to his son, "I think the Song family is really going to become the number one family in the world."

“I never expected such a union could actually happen.” Sun Heng said with some surprise, “Logically speaking, the marriage between the King of Qin and the Song family should have faced some difficulties and obstacles, such as from the royal family.”

“So, we should start by targeting the imperial clan. Once we’ve subdued them, everything will fall into place,” Sun Yan said.

The reason the imperial clan initially protested was that they were disrespectful to the emperor, that the change of imperial power was too brutal, and that they did not consider the influence of their families at all.

Therefore, as the head of the clan, he would certainly interfere in the marriage between Wei Wusheng and the daughter of a powerful minister.

To be honest, if the emperor had objections and the Imperial Clan Court didn't agree, it would be really difficult for Wei Wusheng to get married.

“With this identity, the Duke of Zhangping and the Prince of Jiangling can no longer hurl insults at each other,” Sun Heng said. “Grand Secretary Song is the Prince of Qin’s father-in-law.”

“Things in the South are far too complicated,” Sun Yan said. “It’s not enough to simply rely on courtesy to remain invincible. After all, none of the many forces involved are governed by ‘courtesy’.”

“Yes, Sun Tuo’s death was too bizarre,” Sun Heng said. “Right now, it’s all about factional strife among the barbarians. With barbarian minds, how can they govern a country?”

"What are you underestimating?" Sun Yan scolded, then said, "Haven't you realized yet? This Shamoji is no ordinary person. This woman is ruthless!"

“Father, I know what they’re up to,” Sun Heng said. “But with Song Shi’an’s intelligence, she wouldn’t fall for her trap, would she?”

Shamoji's trap was to expose all the vested interests between Sun Tuo and the Duke of Zhangping.

The Duke of Zhangping was involved in many past internal strife and rebellions.

Then he and Song Shi'an became wary of each other, and they started fighting.

"Both Song Shi'an and the Duke of Zhangping knew this was a trap."

Sun Yan looked at him and said very seriously, "Song Shi'an's rule is due to the overwhelming public opinion, and naturally he will also be troubled by it. If those things are carried out, the Duke of Zhangping will undoubtedly be a traitor to the country. At this time, as long as someone stirs up trouble, Song Shi'an will definitely have to quell it."

This can be considered a calculated, open strategy.

Song Shi'an followed the people's line.

Now, there is a great traitor who has betrayed the people.

Should Song Shi'an go and resolve this?

If this problem isn't solved, then he will have deviated from his ideals and beliefs.

If we resolve this, we'll be trapped in a dangerous situation, delaying our duel with Ji Yuan.

“But Father, I don’t think we need to worry too much,” Sun Heng said reassuringly. “In the past, Song Shi’an accomplished so many impossible things, didn’t he?”

These words struck right at his brow.

Sun Yan has already developed psychological trauma.

So he coughed twice, pretending not to notice, and continued feeding the fish, saying, "Does Jin Hua still stay in her boudoir every day, never stepping out?"

“Father, my little sister is feeling better today,” Sun Heng said. “It seems she’s come out of Song Shi’an’s wedding and has gone out of town to play.”

Just then, a servant rushed over in a panic, trembling as he said:

"Master, Miss is lost!" (End of Chapter)