Frost for a Thousand Years

Thanks to the old man's intervention, Prince Jin and Prince Zhongping have withdrawn from the political spotlight, but their interactions have become more natural, and their alliance has become more relaxed.

After all, the crown prince's power was not so great that he couldn't tolerate even a speck of dust, and that a speck of dust would definitely not appear.

In the past, it was always Prince Zhongping who took the initiative to report and negotiate with Prince Jin. However, after learning that Song Shi'an had left the city, Prince Jin took the initiative to go to Prince Zhongping's residence.

Then, a rather bizarre scene unfolded.

In the courtyard of his palace, there was a short, unruly monkey waving a stick. There was also a fat man with a pig's head carrying a rake on his back, a burly man who looked like a wild man, and a rather handsome and auspicious-looking high monk.

In front of them stood Prince Zhongping, grinning as he held dried fruit as a snack.

Upon seeing his second brother arrive, he immediately greeted him with a smile, "Second brother, you've come."

"Have you been dealing with these strange people and events in the mansion these past few days?" Prince Jin asked, somewhat puzzled.

"What extraordinary people and events? Didn't you read the book I recommended to you, Second Brother?" Wei Yiyuan asked.

"No." Prince Jin hates reading the most. He feels uncomfortable when there are too many words. In order to be a good crown prince, he had forced himself to read a lot of books by sages and utilitarian books. So, extra reading is simply impossible for him.

“Second Brother, you don’t know this, but this is the most talked-about and sought-after book in Sheng’an right now… no, in the entire Dayu.” Wei Yiyuan said, “Although you haven’t read it, believe it or not, if you ask around in the mansion, even the eunuchs have definitely read it.”

How popular is "Journey to the West"?

In Sheng'an, if a literate person doesn't read this book, it's as if they've learned to read in vain.

Of course, the elite nobility are not obligated to read it.

It all depends on personal preference.

“All I see in the book is a bunch of weirdos,” said the Prince of Jin. “You’ve just dressed up all the characters from the book.”

"Second Brother's illustrious name."

"What's the use?" the Prince of Jin asked, puzzled.

“Second Brother, look,” Wei Yiyuan said, pointing to them and a stage behind them. “There are some opera troupes in Sheng’an City, but I think they’re not quite there yet. We should put a curtain behind the stage, and then these people can appear according to the story in the book, recite their lines and fight, accompanied by some string music and bronze drums, which can be played during the transitions.”

"Let the stories in the book come to life?" asked the Prince of Jin.

"Second Brother's summary is very accurate," Wei Yiyuan said happily.

"What's its purpose?"

"Making money," Wei Yiyuan said proudly. "A book has dozens of chapters, dozens of plays are performed, and there's only one show a day in the restaurant. The high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital will definitely flock to support it."

As a prince, and a noble prince at that, his face immediately darkened upon hearing his younger brother say such things.

"Let's go, Yiyuan."

"Aren't you going to take a look now that you're here?" Wei Yiyuan wanted to show him more, but his brother had already passed by, so he had no choice but to follow and persuade him again, "This is a theatrical troupe that I bought for five thousand taels of silver, but they wouldn't agree, so I finally bought it for seven thousand taels of silver... It's worth a fortune."

The Prince of Jin silently ignored his younger brother beside him.

The two of them walked into the lobby.

The eunuchs had already set out the chairs.

The two men sat on either side of each other, and after the servants poured tea, they returned to their private conversation.

"The Crown Prince actually managed to endure it."

The Prince of Jin said in a very heavy tone.

“Yes,” Wei Yiyuan commented with surprise, “I never expected him to be so flexible and adaptable.”

"If he can tolerate something like this, what can't he achieve in the future?" Even the Prince of Jin was starting to admire his former rival.

“Yes, the Crown Prince has become terrifying.” Wei Yiyuan glanced at his second brother and said, “He’s matured, just like our father.”

This kid is becoming more and more like an emperor.

This was originally a very shameful thing. Even the sons of noble families and powerful clans in the court would secretly mock such a cowardly crown prince.

But after experiencing it, the two brothers didn't treat it as a joke.

That's a joke; that's the feeling of insignificant people.

As the crown prince's direct adversaries, they could only feel that this person had become stronger, which was truly terrifying.

"Life won't be easy for us brothers from now on," Wei Yiyuan said with a bitter laugh.

“Although I have always said that we should not try to fight against Song Shi’an, even if thousands of people block us and no one believes that he will succeed in the end.” Prince Jin understood the reasoning, but when he saw Huai County on the verge of collapse after losing Song Shi’an, he still found it unbelievable. “But is this really true? After changing people, the Tuntian (military agricultural settlements) that were almost safe and secure have almost collapsed.”

“At first, I also thought it was too exaggerated,” Wei Yiyuan said very seriously. “But second brother, have you noticed that after Song Shi’an resigned, most of the big shots in the capital did not take advantage of his misfortune?”

"..." After remaining silent, Prince Jin nodded and said, "If it were truly Song Shi'an's moment of downfall, how could those who wished him dead not press their advantage? But the fact is, the older generation of important figures have all remained calm and unmoved."

After Song Shi'an retired, he recklessly opened champagne bottles and took advantage of the situation, but no one did.

This means that all those old lords had anticipated that Song Shi'an would severely humiliate the Crown Prince.

“My knowledge is insufficient, your knowledge is insufficient, and of course, even the Crown Prince’s is insufficient.” Prince Jin felt a sense of dread. “Among the younger generation, Song Shi’an’s knowledge and shrewdness are already comparable to those high-ranking elders.”

This person is invincible among those of the same level.

He was someone who could easily defeat young aristocratic families without discrimination.

"At only twenty-one years old, to possess such ruthless methods is truly a prodigy."

Wei Yiyuan clapped his hands, giving Song Shi'an such high praise.

The veteran officials are able to know the outcome because they have decades of experience navigating the ups and downs of officialdom.

But where does Song Shi'an's power come from?
A pure genius.

Itachi Uchiha had the mindset of a Hokage by the age of seven.

At the age of twenty-one, Song Shi'an already possessed the mindset of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.

“However,” Wei Yiyuan said to the Prince of Jin with a smile, “we may not understand politics very well, but we can’t possibly not understand the Crown Prince, can we?”

These words struck a chord with the Prince of Jin.

"Yes," Prince Jin said with a faint smile, "the Crown Prince has only become stronger, not better."

.........

"Many people in Sheng'an City are talking about me, is that true?"

While reviewing memorials, the Crown Prince casually remarked to Xishan who was standing beside him.

"...Your Highness is the head of the Eastern Palace, and no one dares to slander you," Xishan replied cautiously.

“Not all discussions are slander, and not all words spoken are malicious. Without knowing the will of the people and the atmosphere in the court, one cannot govern this world.” The Crown Prince folded his armor and allowed him to speak.

Then Xishan said, "Recently, there have indeed been some things in the city concerning Song Shi'an."

"explain."

"There are some rumors circulating in the city that after the chaos in Huai County, Wu Qiong, the son of the Duke of Li, personally went to see Lord Ye and expressed his willingness to share the burden with the Crown Prince," Xi Shan said.

"It's impossible that Changqing leaked this information," the Crown Prince said casually. "It must have been Wu Qiong who told the tale and complained about it."

"Your Highness is wise," Xishan said. "Some nobles in the city are dissatisfied that Your Highness chose the aloof and arrogant Song Shi'an back then instead of using them. They also feel that Your Highness will be even less likely to use them in the future." The hand that was writing with the brush stopped.

The Crown Prince's expression showed slight displeasure.

Xishan had already put it very tactfully, but the Crown Prince definitely understood what those people would say about this matter in private or in their hearts.

We nobles offered to share the emperor's burdens, but the crown prince didn't appreciate it. He insisted on trying to curry favor with Song Shi'an.

This prince is truly capable of enduring humiliation and bearing heavy burdens.

It seems the Crown Prince is a very humble person. Even when such a young and powerful minister points at his face and lectures him, he still listens attentively.

If these nobles think this way, then the common people of the land must think even more so.

The Crown Prince is laughing so hard he thinks he's the one who made the land reclamation project; it's hilarious.

This crown prince wants to be a wise ruler on the one hand, but on the other hand, he insists on building a palace for monks. He really wants to have his cake and eat it too.

Without Song Shi'an, what would this crown prince be!

Seeing that the Crown Prince was already very uncomfortable, Xi Shan was about to speak up and try to calm public opinion for him when the Crown Prince suddenly laughed.

"I thought he was going to say something much harsher, but that's all?" The Crown Prince shook his head and continued to review the memorials.

That's not a very harsh scolding.

That's not very aggressive.

I don't care at all.

He's so stubborn, so incredibly stubborn.

Xishan fell silent.

Just then, a young eunuch entered and reported to the Crown Prince: "Your Highness, the Duke of Li has entered the palace."

However, these words truly made the Crown Prince's heart tremble.

.........

Inside Xuanyu Hall, two old men sat facing each other, sipping tea.

"Zihui, looking at you like this, you can still shoot tigers." Looking at the Duke of Li, who was a few years older than him, he said with a mix of sigh and self-deprecation, "But now, I can hardly walk without this dragon throne."

"Your Majesty's heart is filled with the affairs of the nation and the world, and you are busy with the great matters of the world," said the Duke of Li. "Since I stopped fighting, I have been a useless person in the palace. I think less and do less. So all that's left of my rough body is my sturdiness."

"Although I fought in many battles when I was young, it was mostly you who conquered cities and fortresses for me," the emperor said. "Don't talk about yourself like that. You have made great contributions to the vast land of the Great Yu."

"Your Majesty flatters me. The Great Yu is already strong, and I have only made some minor contributions."

"Haha, you're too kind." The emperor waved his hand and then said, "Now I have handed over all political affairs to the Crown Prince and am no longer involved in state affairs. If you have any thoughts on matters of the court, you can go and advise the Crown Prince."

“Your Majesty, I am getting old, and I have entrusted some family matters to Jing’er,” the Duke of Li replied. “My purpose in coming to the palace this time is simply to see Your Majesty.”

"That's wonderful," the emperor said with great satisfaction. "You'll accompany me to the grand ceremony for the military settlements in Huai County."

"This……"

Before Li Guogong could speak, the emperor said, "I will probably never have the chance to leave the capital again in my life. Brother, please don't refuse."

“Very well,” the Duke of Li replied. “When the time comes, this old minister will accompany His Majesty to Huai County to see the achievements of these young people.”

"it is good."

The emperor nodded slowly, then said as if he had suddenly remembered something, "I do have some things I want to tell you."

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"The matter of the military farms in Huai County has caused quite a stir," the Emperor said with some shame. "The decision was made by the Crown Prince. I wanted to let him handle it, so there were some oversights. Please forgive me."

"Your Majesty, please don't say that. You're being too kind to this old minister."

"I am truly sorry for the children of Qinzhou," the emperor said. "I know they also want to serve the court."

"What can they do? They're just making things worse." Duke Li waved his hand and said, "It's not that I look down on them, but even if those people were all tied together, their wisdom wouldn't be as good as Song Shi'an's alone."

"In terms of military settlements, Song Shi'an might indeed be more skilled," the emperor said earnestly. "But my dear brother, military settlements are for the purpose of advancing north. When war breaks out, we cannot do without the people of Qinzhou, nor will we be allowed to abandon them."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

The Duke of Li smiled, then lowered his head somewhat subtly and sighed, "But they can't help the Crown Prince."

"Do not."

The emperor immediately rejected the idea, then looked at the man and made a very serious promise: "If he wants to succeed me, I will arrange everything. He is also from Qinzhou, and he cannot be separated from the people of Qinzhou."

.........

Song Shi'an rode in a carriage, heading towards Huai County.

During this time, they changed horses countless times at the post stations.

They traveled almost non-stop, without wasting a single moment.

Ultimate Iron Drum.

"Ah yes, right there, it feels so good..."

Lying in the carriage, Xin Yue used her palms to vigorously massage Song Shi'an's thighs and buttocks to relieve lactic acid buildup and fascial adhesions.

"Shall I massage it for you later?"

Song Shi'an turned around and said to Xin Yue.

"No need, I'm fine," Xin Yue refused directly.

"Your ass is really something," Song Shi'an said.

"..." Xin Yue pursed her lips and said speechlessly, "Yes."

Not long after, the carriage finally arrived at the main camp of the settlement.

After Song Shi'an had recovered somewhat, he and Xin Yue got off the carriage together.

As soon as they went down, all the officials who had received the news in advance were already lining up to wait, with Jia Guihao and Ji Zhi leading the way.

Everyone greeted the new governor with smiles and respect.

After he got out of the car, the others came forward to greet him.

"Lord Song, you've finally..."

Before Jia Guihao could finish speaking, Song Shi'an walked right past him.

He, Ji Zhi, and the other officials were all stunned.

"Abandoning their posts during the strike and locust plague."

As Song Shi'an walked, he raised his hand and said decisively, "All officials involved in the welcoming ceremony will have their salaries suspended for six months." (End of Chapter)