Frost for a Thousand Years

When the news of Zhao Ke and Huang Cen being killed by Sun Qi reached the ears of those important figures, they were all thrilled.

However, after Chen Huo sent Jiangling Wang to fight Song Shi'an and even launched a night attack on his camp, resulting in a crushing defeat, some problems arose in the atmosphere in Jinling.

The elders were together, but their faces showed no joy whatsoever.

"Chen Huo has fought in many battles over the years, though there haven't been any major ones. But there have been countless small battles. More importantly, his political skills have always been quite ruthless. How come this time the outcome is so one-sided?"

"Yes, I originally thought that it would take some time before it became a threat to Guangfu City, but it was defeated so quickly."

"At this rate, this pass probably won't hold for long and will fall soon."

"Perhaps by now, it will have already been taken down."

"It seems that Chen Huo is determined to defend Guangfu City to the death."

The elders were truly incredulous. This Duke of Zhangping, a prominent figure, was like a soft bean curd, constantly retreating and holding back, showing none of the domineering demeanor of the Duke of Li. He was actually fantasizing about 'waiting for the right time to change' and waiting to be judged by others.

"Is it because we put too much pressure on him, and also because there's no support from local powerful clans in Yizhou? Did Chen Huo know he was doomed to lose, so he simply gave up?"

"Is he waiting for us to change our minds? To help him get involved with Song Shi'an?"

"Let's not do it. We are so united in supporting the southern expedition. Even if Chen and Huo's reaction is unexpected, we can't afford to be distracted now and give others something to talk about."

"Besides, isn't Guangfu City still standing? If that city falls, where will Chen and Huo find a home?"

"That's right, he has to fight to the death. He has no way out."

……

Quyang, the residence of Grandfather Sun.

The urgent message, delivered over an 800-li express courier, reached him.

This is a handwritten note by Sun Qi.

Looking at the letter, Grandpa Sun's expression became especially somber.

The letter was sent out the moment Yokogawa surrendered.

It was in his hands within two days.

According to Sun Qi's current prediction, their army should have already reached the gates of Guangfu City.

Standing up, Grandpa Sun paced back and forth, his brow furrowed, his anxiety growing stronger.

His goal has never changed: to entangle Song Shi'an in the midst of war, but ultimately resolve the conflict between Chen and Huo, allowing the people of Yangzhou to ride the wave of "Great Yu's stability" and step onto the stage of history.

He had discussed this matter with Sun Situ, his nephew who was about the same age as him but only five years younger. However, the other party did not have any intention of actively agreeing with him and even advised him not to go against Song Shi'an.

Of course, Old Master Sun couldn't agree to that. He was a native of Yangzhou, and his love for this land surpassed that of anyone else. Therefore, he was quite dissatisfied with this weak-willed fellow, Sun Situ.

However, by chance, his daughter, who had gone to the south, gave him an idea.

It's impossible for a hero not to love a beautiful woman.

How could Song Shi'an refuse the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan?

As the eldest daughter of the Sun family, how could she not feel resentment after being rejected by Song Shi'an in such a way?
Therefore, this spy could be easily placed next to Song Shi'an.

It's just that I feel a bit sorry for Zhao Han, the middleman.

But it's also a good thing. If Song Shi'an doesn't even trust him, he'll distrust all the people of Yangzhou, making it difficult for him to carry out his work in Yangzhou.

It seems that these steps have all been correct so far.

Every step was perfectly timed, pushing Song Shi'an towards where they wanted him to be.

The only, and most suspicious, thing was Chen Huo's unusual behavior...

"not good!"

Suddenly, he realized that a terrible outcome was about to occur. If that were the case, he would have been falling into his trap step by step.

So, the chess piece I initially planted...

Thinking of this, he immediately clenched his fists and roared, "Sun Jinhua!"

.........

Song Shi'an led his army into Guangfu City.

It was the early hours of the morning.

Just as Zhao Han had predicted, Chen Huo fled without a fight, taking the Prince of Jiangling with him.

All the elite soldiers in the city, his personal guards, with only a small amount of rations, completely abandoned the city they had been building for over a decade.

The people, soldiers, laborers, and officials in the city surrendered without resistance.

This time, it was a peaceful liberation.

Sitting on the bronze chair cast by the Duke of Zhangping, Song Shi'an felt like a shadow emperor, basking in the power this southern warlord had accumulated in Yangzhou over the years.

At this moment, a girl wearing a hood came out, walked up to him, and leaned against him, just like a tyrant's beloved wife.

However, her state lacked the allure and charm of a femme fatale; instead, it was a sense of emptiness, a feeling of being adrift in the world with no spiritual anchor.

Song Shi'an placed his hand on her back and gently stroked it, unsure of how to comfort her.

She felt nothing but respect for this woman.

That day, after she hugged herself and confessed her feelings, the two did not connect.

"Shi An, I've always believed you're right, that you have the people's well-being at heart. But my family, who have stood against you time and again, are they truly evil?"

"Don't get involved in this..."

"You already know that my great-grandfather sent me to your side to plant a spy?"

"Zhao Han reminded me, and I had a vague feeling about it too."

"Then, what can I do for you?"

Sun Jinhua looked at her with those eyes, not in a flattering or obsequious way, nor to betray her family to win her favor. She simply wanted to correct some mistakes and didn't want her family to be seen by Song Shi'an as an evil, dark group that didn't care how many people died in order to manipulate power.

Without a doubt, she was a traitor to her clan.

However, she possesses simple and kind values, as well as a compassionate yet not manipulative heart, like that of a saint.

Continuing to stroke the fragrant and soft young girl, Song Shi'an felt that he should also take responsibility.

We can't just use this woman and then throw her back into her family, making her bear all the blame for betraying her clan.

"Tomorrow, I will set things right and make them the way they should be."

.........

"General Zhu Kang, you are truly my lucky general. After I appointed you as the vanguard general, Chen Huo surrendered without a fight!"

During a military conference held in the main hall of Guangfu City, Song Shi'an highly praised this incompetent general.

All the generals burst into laughter, and Zhu Kang himself was also grinning from ear to ear. He humbly said, "Young Grand Secretary, this is all thanks to your divine might. Chen Huo ran away because he was afraid of you. How could I dare to take credit for it?"

“This isn’t about seeking credit; you have already made a contribution,” Song Shi’an immediately decided. “In this great victory, you were the first to enter the city. I’ve said before that every great victory is rewarded. Immediately, promote Zhu Kang, the Commandant, to the rank of Lieutenant General!”

He did nothing, but just because he was the fastest to enter the city, he was promoted one rank.

The generals in Yangzhou were all extremely envious.

"Thank you, Young Grand Secretary!" Zhu Kang stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and clenched his fists. "This humble general will certainly not fail in your trust, Grand Secretary, and will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Fortunately, I didn't listen to Sun Qi and questioned Song Shi'an's decision to send troops.

These achievements were as easy as picking them up in a sack.

If things continue like this, and I follow Song Shi'an for a few more years, will I be able to get into the Ministry of War?

The young Grand Secretary is loyal!
"General Zhu, please rise."

Song Shi'an stood up and continued passionately, "This pacification of the Chen-Huo Rebellion is the will of the people and the inevitable trend of the times. Since ancient times, there has been the saying 'Do not pursue a desperate enemy,' but I say, we should press on with our courage and pursue the fleeing enemy!"

Logically, after occupying this important city, one should maintain stability, conduct united front work, and establish a firm foothold before pursuing further attacks.

However, Song Shi'an wanted to accomplish everything in one fell swoop and resolve all the issues at once.

“What the young Grand Secretary says is absolutely right,” Zhao Han said. “Chen Huo knows that he has been betrayed and abandoned by everyone, and has lost the hearts of the people, so he dares not face the Grand Secretary’s thunderous power. This time, he fled south and also took the Prince of Jiangling with him. It is very likely that he is going to flee to the Baiyue lands and collude with the barbarians. Therefore, I think we must pursue them, and pursue them without delay!”

Upon hearing this, the generals and officials exchanged glances, their expressions serious.

"Yes, if Chen Huo escapes and colludes with the barbarians, things will get complicated."

“That Shamoji is using the slogan of going to Yu, unlike Sun Tuo in the past, he is determined to rebel against us.”

"Moreover, there's the Prince of Jiangling as a hostage. He's a prince; if he falls into the hands of foreign tribes..."

“That’s right, Chen Huo is a traitor to our Great Yu, and I must personally kill him.” After thinking it over, Song Shi’an decided, “Wei Le, I will leave you with three thousand Imperial Guards to guard Guangfu City. Then, I will appoint General San Gou as the vanguard…”

Before he finished speaking, a general from Yangzhou stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and said excitedly, "Young Grand Secretary! Before I went on this expedition, my father instructed me to be loyal to the Great Yu, to serve the Young Grand Secretary, and to avenge the thousands of people who died in the Yizhou Rebellion. I humbly request to serve as the vanguard!"

"This humble general is willing to be the young Grand Secretary's vanguard, the first to fight Chen the traitor to the death!"

"Young Grand Secretary, please give this humble general a chance!"

These people stepped forward one by one.

Sun Qi could only watch helplessly as the warlord forces in Yangzhou were so easily dismantled, all because of this trivial achievement.

Of course, this was a trivial achievement for him. Who could refuse or miss out on such an opportunity to be promoted directly by simply doing nothing?

They had never seen a leader like Song Shi'an who was so quick and decisive in bestowing official titles.

If we don't claim the credit now, we'll have nothing left.

After considering for a moment, Song Shi'an said, "Very well, since that's the case, generals, please lead the vanguard, clear the way for our army, and capture the traitor Chen in one fell swoop!"

"Yes, Young Grand Secretary!"

Without any scheming or trickery, Song Shi'an used this reward mechanism to make everyone willingly accelerate their sprint.

“But you are all vanguards, and the vanguard also needs a commander.” Song Shi’an slowly looked at Sun Qi, extended his hand and said, “General Sun, you should be much more familiar with the roads of Yangzhou than these Imperial Guard generals under my command, right?”

Now, because the victory is going too smoothly and the rewards are too generous, these state troops and auxiliary soldiers are all willing to take on the responsibility of attacking key positions.

This resulted in the Yangzhou army being completely blocked by Song Shi'an.

If they achieve a resounding victory, they will press on relentlessly.

But if the vanguard is in dire straits or suffers hardship, these men can only endure it.

If they wanted to retreat, Song Shi'an, who was stationed in the central army, would become their strict supervisor.

Sun Qiquan understood.

Sun Jinhua is a double agent.

Zhao Han was not suspected by Song Shi'an. On the contrary, she became his accomplice, helping Song Shi'an to devise a scheme step by step.

And this Chen Huo...

How could this be?!
What exactly does he need to achieve a good outcome for him?

He even lost Guangfu City. He handed over the foundation he had built up over so long. What can he do to make up for these losses?
No, no!
With an incomprehensible and questioning expression, Sun Qi clenched his fists, lowered his head, and said solemnly, "Yes."

.........

However, at this moment, the person suffering the most is Samogi.

She was completely flustered; panic appeared on her usually beautiful, charming, and composed face.

Her generals and several kings were also like ants on a hot pan, pacing back and forth.

"Why did Chen Huo retreat so quickly without offering any resistance?"

"Moreover, it seems to be heading in our direction."

"If we want to take advantage of the situation and advance into the Baiyue region, we need to send troops here to defend it."

"But most of our people are with Qiu Juhuan..."

This is where Samogi is gritting his teeth.

When Song Shi'an decisively defeated the King of Jiangling, she seized the opportunity to issue an order to eradicate this sole heretic and bring the Baiyue people completely under her control.

The purpose was to buy time with Song Shi'an.

And she was absolutely certain that Song Shi'an couldn't outdo her.

Why did the wars fought by the Han people last longer and were more brutal?

That's because the city is there.

The barbarian campaign will not last long.

Their hunting-based civilization simply couldn't sustain them in long periods of non-commissioned warfare.

The Qiu Juhuan tribe did not have a city, only some wooden camps.

In two months, by gathering all her people and promising to divide all the land and slaves among the kings, she will be able to deal with Qiu Juhuan.

However, it ended in a blitzkrieg-like fashion.

As for himself, he was completely entangled with Qiu Juhuan and had fallen into his trap!

“Now that foreign enemies have arrived, we should put aside Qiu Juhuan’s situation and focus on fighting Chen Huo,” a barbarian king said.

"No!" Shamoji slammed his hand on the chair, exclaiming excitedly, "If Qiu Juhuan isn't eliminated now, and he colludes with the traitor Yu to stab us in the back, we're finished!"

What she said makes perfect sense.

However, this "we" actually refers more to Samogi himself.

Qiu Juhuan was indeed the second most powerful force in Baiyue, but he couldn't fight against everyone with his own fists. He hated Shamoji the most, because his brother was killed while he was soliciting Shamoji.

As for the others, they won't be held a grudge.

These barbarians are actually more like beasts.

You should think of them as a pack of wolves.

Sun Tuo was the former wolf king, and the Qiuju clan wanted to challenge him and become the new wolf king. Now, Sun Tuo's descendants have inherited the wolf kingship. At this time, the wolf pack faces an external enemy. If they lose the external war, what will happen to the Qiuju wolves?
Of course, the best course of action is to take advantage of the situation and eliminate Sun Jialang, or rather, Shamolang, and become the new wolf king.

"But with over 100,000 men all gone to attack Qiu Juhuan, who will resist the Yu army?" someone asked.

“Yes, Your Majesty, this is not just a personal grudge of yours,” a king said. “If we want to survive, we must stay here and defend the North Pass. Otherwise, if we let these Yu people in, even if they don’t want our land, they can burn down our tribes and we will become homeless dogs.”

"Empress Dowager, you don't want Song Shi'an to take over your Shiting either, do you?"

Samogi is finding it hard to withstand the pressure.

It's not that she has a bad attitude or lacks presence.

Instead, it was a sudden, deadly move that shattered all her plans.

When faced with a dilemma, no one can do it well.

Especially when you don't have enough cards in your hand.

If I don't hit Qiu Juhuan, and let him catch his breath, then I'll have trouble breathing myself.

But when he attacked Qiu Juhuan, Chen Huo was rushing towards him at high speed.

Song Shi'an was also in pursuit.

Something's wrong, something's wrong, nothing's right.

"Your Majesty, please make a choice!" At this moment, the leading prince shouted, "Otherwise, I will have to return home."

"Furthermore, we must withdraw our troops from Qiu Juhuan's camp!"

A sharp, intense sound came crashing down.

Honey, were you dealing with these scumbags who kicked you when you were down...?

Samogi bit her lip, already feeling the pressure her former husband had placed on her.

But much of her pressure did indeed come from Song Shi'an.

It was as if he was pressing down on her and choking her, making it impossible for her to breathe or turn over.

If this continues, it'll be paralyzed...

"Gentlemen, Chen Huo and Song Shi'an are irreconcilable enemies," Shamoji said. "How could Chen Huo's arrival with his troops be all bad? At the very least, he is absolutely at odds with Song Shi'an."

As soon as these words were spoken, the people below began to murmur among themselves.

"Your Majesty, how can Chen Huo not be our irreconcilable enemy?" a prince reminded her.

Ultimately, Chen Huo's current state was all Samogi's fault.

“But we won’t kill him. If Song Shi’an catches him, he’ll kill him just like he killed the Duke of Li!” Sha Moji shouted. “Don’t you know that the people of Huai County and Qinzhou are sworn enemies?”

That is indeed a solution.

But how can this be facilitated?
Just then, a subordinate came in and reported, "Your Majesty, Chen Huo has sent an envoy!"

"Let him in!" Samogi's eyes lit up as he said.

And so, an official walked in.

Facing these barbarians, he was quite arrogant and ignored everyone. He said directly to Shamoji, "My Duke said that thanks to the Empress Dowager, he can no longer stand in Yangzhou."

These words displeased Samogi, but she remained composed and waited for the other person to continue.

"He has led all his elite troops toward the Empress Dowager," the official said. "We beg the Empress Dowager to grant us protection, allow our army to enter Baiyue, and bestow upon our Duke Qiuju Huan the land. If the Empress Dowager does not comply, our army will forcibly attack and enter Yue."

"Insolence!" one of the kings shouted immediately. "Song Shi'an is right behind us. If you can't break through our pass, he will capture you, and then your entire army will be wiped out!"

This warning is equally meaningful.

If the Duke of Zhangping wanted to hide in the Baiyue region, he had to pass through this pass.

Since they wouldn't open the door, the Duke of Zhangping had no choice but to force his way in.

If they can't defeat them in a day, then someone else will come after them.

"If we can't conquer it, my Duke has his own methods," the envoy said with a smile.

"What method?" Samogi asked.

His eyes darkened, and he said contemptuously, "The entire army surrenders to Song Shi'an." (End of Chapter)