Frost for a Thousand Years

Before the snow fell, Song Shi'an led his army across the river and arrived directly in Jinling.

The capital of Yangzhou.

Governor Ma Xin personally led the civil and military officials of Yangzhou out of the city to welcome them.

"Ma Xin, Prefect of Yangzhou, pays his respects to the Junior Grand Secretary."

This first-rank prefect, who was in his forties, took the initiative to bow to Song Shi'an after he dismounted.

Seeing this, Song Shi'an also performed the same salute: "Song Shi'an, Minister of War, pays respects to the Prefect."

"Young Grand Secretary, how can you address me with the word 'paying respects'?" Ma Xin said, 'overwhelmed with gratitude,' with great seriousness.

"Lord Ma is a senior official of the court, holding the highest rank and being a powerful regional official. Why should he bow to me?" Song Shi'an retorted.

Both of them have reached the highest administrative rank. Although their positions have different levels of authority, it is not necessary to use the word "see you" in their titles.

"The court has added six new ministries, which oversee all officials and are far above the Nine Ministers. And the Junior Grand Secretary has been promoted to a high-ranking position in the government." Ma Xin said with a smile, quite amiably, "Then I must be the Junior Grand Secretary's subordinate."

All the other words could be considered flattery, but the phrase "subject" clearly indicates a strong desire to join the ministry.

In reality, Ma Xin wasn't really a political enemy.

The regional officials of Dayu were indeed all of the first rank, but their actual power varied greatly. Yangzhou, which was not particularly friendly to the court, had even less say from its governor, who was appointed by the court.

His role was primarily to maintain local stability and mediate between various clan factions.

If he can gain the approval of his subordinates and also provide explanations to his superiors, then he can consider his work complete.

"My lord, you're putting me on a fire to roast me!" Song Shi'an chuckled.

“To make the young Grand Secretary uneasy is truly a sin of mine,” Ma Xin said.

“But Your Excellency’s support for the new Six Ministries and your endorsement of the Cabinet,” Song Shi’an said, gently placing his hand on the other’s. “This is what His Majesty would like to see.”

These words made Ma Xin quite comfortable. After a subtle smile, he extended his hand and said, "Young Grand Secretary, His Majesty's concern for Yangzhou is a blessing for the world."

After exchanging pleasantries, the two boarded the carriage together and arrived at the governor's residence.

Inside the mansion, Song Shi'an sat high in the hall, while he willingly sat to the side.

"Young Grand Secretary," Ma Xin reported proactively, "When something happened in the south, after the court issued a secret order, Governor Qin, in accordance with the imperial decree, mobilized troops and kept a close eye on Chen and Huo's movements."

His direct use of Chen Huo's name is enough to demonstrate his stance.

After all, this man is the Duke of Dayu, and he has not yet been labeled a traitor by the authorities. Regardless of who he is, he should be addressed with respect.

Ma Xin seems to be guessing his own stance.

No, he was quite certain that his trip south was solely for the purpose of taking down the Duke of Zhangping.

Of course, any normal person would think that way.

Before that, he had already won over a nobleman—the Duke of Li.

Logically speaking, this second-in-command of the Great Yu should also be dealt with.

In fact, these powerful figures even felt that they were using the pretext of pacifying the southern kingdom to eliminate dissidents.

"What did you find?" Song Shi'an asked.

“Young Grand Secretary,” Ma Xin said very seriously, “Chen Huo controls a city in Yangzhou and Yizhou respectively, and has restricted transportation. Horses are not allowed to leave and people are not allowed to enter. The court has difficulty finding out his specific movements, but the military arrangements made so far seem to be aimed at hindering our army’s southward advance.”

In ancient times, the flow of information relied primarily on official roads.

A crucial reason why Liu Yan, the governor of Yizhou, was able to remain imprisoned in Shu and become emperor was that he disrupted transportation.

Destroying traffic, or deliberately obstructing traffic, is basically enough to be classified as 'rebels'.

The problem is very serious.

At least according to Ma Xin, this problem is not insignificant.

Of course, he was just saying what he said.

If we really wanted to give the Duke of Zhangping a way out, we could have said that he did this to prevent invasion and infiltration by the southern barbarians.

Ultimately, the most important matters of a nation are not how to do them, but how to say them.

Internationally, whether someone is a national hero is not determined by what heroic deeds they have performed or what kind of heroic ideas they have led; it is purely based on whether they align with 'our' interests.

What truly determined Song Shi'an's judgment was whether he had said anything he shouldn't have before the two sides became complete enemies.

"Did Chen Huo really rebel?" Song Shi'an asked definitively.

These words startled Ma Xin, who began to speculate about Song Shi'an's intentions.

Could it be that this young Grand Secretary doesn't intend to exterminate all the people of Qinzhou and then let the Huai County Gang take center stage?

"Is what the young Grand Secretary is referring to—evidence of his treason?" Ma Xin frowned slightly, asking uncertainly.

“There are many impeachment letters, and the court has indeed discovered that his army’s movements are not quite right,” Song Shi’an said. “But in the end, he did not personally declare that he was plotting a rebellion. I have seen some of the things he conspired with Sun Tuo, but the handwriting is different... It would be very easy for others to forge them.”

“Young Grand Secretary, so far, there have indeed been some letters that have flowed out from the Southern Barbarians, supposedly secret letters between Sun Tuo and Chen Huo. There is no way to completely prove that they are theirs…” Ma Xin said. “However, the contents of these letters have been verified by quite a few people, and they all match up.”

"Does the chaos in Yizhou match up?" Song Shi'an asked seriously.

"Young Grand Secretary, it's basically confirmed that the chaos in Yizhou was initially instigated by Chen Huo, who started the rebellion in Cangxia. After that, a series of continuous riots broke out, like raging fires and volcanic forests," Ma Xin said. "There are quite a few people who are impeaching and demanding the punishment of Chen Huo in this matter."

“I know.” Song Shi’an nodded and said, “I’m just confirming that if this big matter is really related to Chen Huo, he will definitely not be able to escape responsibility.”

Ma Xin's impression of Song Shi'an was not quite what he had imagined.

Because the legend says he was ruthless and decisive, killing without hesitation.

Now that he holds the greatest power in the world, why has he become so cautious?

This is his best chance to completely wipe the people of Qinzhou out of Dayu.

Moreover, there was also the Prince of Jiangling.

This is the most troublesome thing.

No matter how risky it is, it's worth doing.

Could it be that this kid really wants to put together the plan to launch a northern expedition against Ji Yuan and unify the country within a few years?

Is it really possible that someone wouldn't even do something as satisfying as eliminating dissidents?

"Young Grand Secretary," Ma Xin said in a low voice, having guessed Song Shi'an's thoughts. "Chen Huo has indeed been stationed on the border for over a decade, and his influence is deep-rooted. However, since he only garrisoned two cities, his food supplies came from Yi and Yang prefectures. Furthermore, he had colluded with Sun Tuo, causing war, which enraged the people of Yi and Yang. At this time, attacking him would be in accordance with the opportune time, favorable location, and popular support."

"Lord Ma, will Yangzhou surely cheer wholeheartedly?" Song Shi'an asked seriously.

“Young Grand Secretary, I can guarantee that as long as it's about attacking Chen,” Ma Xin said confidently, “everyone in Yangzhou is willing to give their full support, whether it's money, grain, or manpower.”

Although Ma Xin doesn't wield much power here, he is still a leader in Yangzhou, and leaders of prominent families, including Sun Situ, will give him face.

However, these people also have their demands.

That is, Song Shi'an was determined to attack Chen Huo.

Why?

Firstly, this battle was essentially a major conflict between the people of Sizhou and Qinzhou. Song Shi'an mobilized 30,000 elite imperial guards, along with countless provisions and funds. Although the people of Yangzhou would provide assistance, in this era, the most crucial element was mature, able-bodied fighting power, especially the precious imperial guards. If they were to engage in combat, it would be a double weakening of both Sizhou and Qinzhou.

Secondly, the Duke of Zhangping has always been a thorn in the side of the Yangzhou people. As long as he is not removed, it will be difficult to truly implement the principle of "Yangzhou people governing Yangzhou." What will happen after Song Shi'an defeats the Duke of Zhangping? It is certainly not possible to appoint another "Duke of Zhangping" here, nor is it possible to station his precious imperial guards here.

Why are the large families in Yizhou a little more pure of heart and don't think so much?

It's not that I don't think so, but because of the previous chaos in Yizhou, coupled with the imperial court's dispatch of Xia Chun to carry out land reclamation, Yizhou, which was already under greater control, was even more subject to checks and balances from the central government.

What they were considering was safety, stability, and the absence of war criminals like the Duke of Zhangping.

But Yangzhou is different.

The people of Yangzhou have always harbored the ambition to become Qinzhou.

Yizhou of Dayu, Yangzhou of the world.

Therefore, killing this man from Qinzhou was entirely within their own interests.

Song Shi'an glanced at Ma Xin and sensed from the other's eyes how easy it would be to 'destroy Chen'. Never before had he received such overwhelming support.

It's as if, as long as you do something, everyone will come together to help you do it.

Instead of the previous situation where there were traitors everywhere stabbing us in the back, we need to stop these actions.

“This southward march will indeed rely on the support of many patriots,” Song Shi’an said hesitantly. “If it truly reflects the will of the people, and if Chen and Huo are indeed guilty of treason, then our army will surely quell the rebellion when it marches south.”

How could Song Shi'an, who was so quick-witted, be so hesitant?
Ma Xin now understands completely.

This kid just wants the big families to fund it first, and then he'll go and suppress the bandits.

So, we're negotiating terms here.

“Young Grand Secretary, the Chen-Huo Rebellion is a deep-seated hatred among the people of Yangzhou and Yizhou. Rest assured, I will make preparations for you immediately.” Ma Xin said, “I, though a civil official, understand the principle of ‘an army marches on its stomach.’”

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Song Shi'an stood up and bowed to him.

Ma Xin also stood up and returned the greeting.

However, when the two faced each other, Ma Xin suddenly laughed and said with a wicked smile, "Young Grand Secretary, I don't believe that you led a large army to Yangzhou and only decided to attack Chen Huo after listening to my words."

Caught off guard, Song Shi'an gave an awkward smile, then walked up to the other person and said, "Since you already know, sir, there's no need to point it out."

"Hahaha." Ma Xin laughed, then nodded and said understandingly, "The incident in Huai County just happened. Five granaries were burned down. I was also sent from Sheng'an as a high-ranking official to Yangzhou as the governor. I can't be unaware of the court's difficulties... Besides, this chaos was quelled for the people of Yangzhou, and the battle was fought for them. Isn't it only natural that they contribute more?"

After they finished speaking, the two of them exchanged knowing smiles, much like Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

Ultimately, it's all about business.

However, Ma Xin had previously thought that Song Shi'an might not want to fight the Duke of Zhangping.

Because this is also an open secret.

The Duke of Zhangping is extremely difficult to defeat.

If it really comes to a fight, even with his abilities, it will take a very long time.

After defeating the Duke of Zhangping, the Southern Yue will also unite as one, posing a huge threat to Song Shi'an.

Even if we don't fight against South Vietnam, we still have to spend manpower and resources to set up towns along the South Vietnamese border.

Song Shi'an is a prodigy, a tough guy. To get all of this done, it would take at least two or three years, at most five years, or even longer.

If we really have to stay here, what will happen to Ji Yuan?
What would be the best-case scenario for this young Grand Secretary?

The matter concerning the Duke of Zhangping can be put aside.

His southward campaign was a military operation against South Vietnam. Although a complete victory was impossible, he was able to at least establish a force that could rival Shamok.

Then, a balance of power was formed among the three forces of the Duke of Zhangping, Shamoji, and Qiujuhuan (?), stabilizing the south at the lowest possible cost.

By doing this, he could return to Sheng'an in less than six months.

However, he was ruined by his own past heroism.

Currently, in Yizhou and Yangzhou, the calls to punish the traitor Zhangping Guogong are overwhelmingly in favor of him. As a junior Grand Secretary who follows the people's line, he will certainly resolve this issue.

This is the South.

This is the politics of the South, which is far more complex than the politics of the Central Plains.

Even Shamogi is bound to be the winner in this negotiation.

“Lord of the State.” Song Shi’an suddenly thought of something and said, “The Sun family has a woman named Sun Jinhua who ran away from Sheng’an to Yangzhou… If you have any information, could you please help me find her?”

"The most beautiful woman in Jiangnan?" Ma Xin asked.

"I don't know if she's the most beautiful, but she's definitely pretty," Song Shi'an said.

"Hahaha," Ma said, "Alright, I'll keep an eye out for you, Young Master."

"Of course, the most important thing is to unite the lords of Yangzhou into one force to assist our army."

"Young Grand Secretary, please rest assured."

.........

In Jinling City, the elders gathered together.

"Song Shi'an agreed that as long as our grain supplies are delivered first, he will go to attack Chen and Huo."

"Moreover, it's almost settled in Yizhou. Someone needs to be found to take responsibility for the chaos in Yizhou."

"This time, Chen Huo is doomed."

“He deserved to die. Song Shi’an had already dealt with all those people from Qinzhou in Huai County. If you don’t nip it in the bud, aren’t you just playing with fire and getting burned? We’re actually helping him out.”

"In the end, he was still not determined enough, or rather, he thought he could control things. Hua Zheng rebelled against him, but he surrendered quickly and was still able to enter the Six Ministries. Ran Jin was even allowed by him to lead a large army on his own. Even the deputy general Ye Changqing was still a confidant of the former crown prince."

“This man wants to encompass the whole world and include everything. But we can’t let him be all the good people. Only by killing all the people of Qinzhou can we, the people of Yangzhou, truly have a voice.”

"Speaking of which, can Song Shi'an really deal with Chen Huo? After all, the Duke of Zhangping is no pushover either."

"What a joke! In the previous battle, was the enemy any pushover? And he still managed to win despite so many people causing trouble. Now, with the unanimous support of Yizhou and Yangzhou, the Duke of Zhangping is bound to be eliminated. Unless, of course, he flees south to Yue."

"If that's the case, then shouldn't this battle be..."

"If we can't win quickly, then we'll fight normally. If Song Shi'an wants to win quickly, we can't win too easily."

"That's right, this great battle will be a bloodbath between the people of Qinzhou and Sizhou."

"Otherwise, wouldn't all our grain have been wasted?"

"Ha ha ha ha……"

…………

Guangfu City.

The Duke of Zhangping sat alone on the main seat in the hall, his expression solemn and his eyes sharp.

After a while, his son Chen Wang came in. Seeing his father looking so frightening, he said in a low voice, "Father."

"How so?" the Duke of Zhangping asked coldly.

“Shamoji is far more hateful than I imagined. She has delivered many letters, including those you wrote to Sun Tuo, to powerful families in Yangzhou and Yizhou,” Chen Wang said. “Now, there are people opposing us everywhere, except for ourselves.”

"Moreover, there are also those among our own people who oppose us," said Zhangping Guogong.

“There should be some, but not that arrogant…” Chen Wang said with some difficulty, “If a war really breaks out, we can’t say we can’t withstand it, but ultimately, it will be difficult to get any help.”

Actually, there were such people originally, because not everyone is Song Shi'an's lapdog.

However, after certain events escalated, the Duke of Zhangping found himself completely in the face of public opinion headwinds.

At this point, how could those people possibly dare to join a tour group?

They can't wait to cut it up.

"Father, I don't believe this battle will benefit Song Shi'an much," Chen Wang said angrily. "Does he really think he can have absolute power in the court after annihilating us? Are the lost soldiers and supplies really nothing? In the end, we are just a spies the court has planted in the south. The people of Yangzhou don't dare to act recklessly because they are wary of us. Is it really a good thing for him to make this decision by taking advantage of the situation? If the Grand Secretary were Ouyang Ke, he would never have done this!"

“Even if the Grand Secretary is Ouyang Ke, he wouldn’t say we should attack Ji Yuan,” Chen Huo said.

"Song Shi'an is simply acting recklessly. In order to overthrow everything the late emperor has done, Song Shi'an has disregarded the overall situation of the country!"

After complaining, Chen Wang suddenly thought of something, looked at his father, and said weakly, "Dad, the handwriting on those letters is different, and there's no solid evidence. We can't completely label us as rebels, can we?"

“Yes, the vast majority won’t work,” Chen Huo said.

"Oh, this is... Ah?" Chen Wang was dumbfounded when he heard "the vast majority". "Father, could it be that we really have something in Shamoji's hands that could make us look like traitors?"

Chen Huo raised his head and said in a completely calm tone, "It seems... there is."
-

I've actually been busy with one thing these past few days: the script for a short drama based on this book. I mainly wanted to make it as faithful to the original work as possible, but after forcing myself to work on it, I realized I'm really not cut out for short dramas. I'll probably have to outsource it to another screenwriter... (End of Chapter)