Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 48 A Dead End

Upon hearing the words "north wind," the two officials, who had been wearing gentle smiles, instantly darkened their expressions.

Ouyang Ke slowly turned his gaze toward Eunuch Chen, his surprised look indicating that he was completely unaware of the situation beforehand.

The eunuch must report to His Majesty that this boy himself wanted to go and die.

No one wants to harm him.

Even Situ only wanted to let this boy experience the darkness of officialdom.

If he had no political achievements there, they would never have tried to kill him.

But Song Shi'an, the moment he opened his mouth, was sending himself to his death.

Why is that?

Yu Xiu's face immediately darkened, and in front of the two of them, he criticized, "You are too arrogant and look down on others. Your father-in-law is just trying to give you some pointers because you are young and impetuous. Don't you understand what I mean?"

These words were quite harsh.

Of course, this abrupt and straightforward warning was made out of good intentions of 'wanting to get closer to them'.

No one would say such a thing if they had absolutely no good feelings towards someone.

An unrelated solution element can die whenever it wants.

If you try to show off, others can just treat it as a joke.

"Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Chen, and for your correction, Lord Yu."

Song Shi'an bowed with both hands in greeting to the two. Then, after a brief silence, he raised his head and said, "Shi'an's insignificant first half of life was spent in frivolity, debauchery, and self-degradation. I'm twenty years old and have hardly ever left Sheng'an, spending my days indulging in debauchery with rich playboys. My knowledge of the Great Yu Kingdom is all from books."

His tone was very sincere.

The detailed and engaging descriptions made it easy for them to listen.

He continued, "The more I read, the more I realize how insignificant Shi An is. And the more I want to measure my life with my own two feet."

"The bright moon rises over the Tianshan Mountains, amidst the vast sea of ​​clouds. The long wind blows for tens of thousands of miles, passing through Tongmen Pass."

After calmly composing his own poem, his tone became even more enthusiastic than before: "This is the Northern Liang I've imagined after reading so many books. My desire to achieve great things is real, as is my desire for wealth and status. But what I really want is to see the rivers and mountains described in the books with my own eyes."

"We do not want to wait until we become the homeland of another country before we can look back from afar."

Song Shi'an spoke each word with great composure.

Do not feign elation, nor deliberately express sorrow.

It was then that the two adults realized he was just a child.

What kind of cunning and scheming can a twenty-year-old have?

Perhaps, there really is such a mindset of 'youthful ignorance of the world'.

Indeed, when Ouyang Ke looked back on his twentieth year, although he did not compose that poem, he certainly thought of it: "Why shouldn't a man carry a Yu hook and take over fifty states beyond the passes?"
Chen Bao didn't; he entered the palace at the age of fourteen.

"Wherever you go, you're serving the imperial court, so there's no real difference in status."

Eunuch Chen paused his subconscious tapping of his fingers on the armrest, looked at Song Shi'an, and said, "On this journey to the north wind, besides the noble sons, there are also a thousand imperial guards. Which of those children isn't born of a mother? Which doesn't have a father and children? When Qi Lang comes, every citizen of Dayu will take a hoe and a pitchfork to drive him away. Your intentions are neither noble nor unique. Of course, you have a sincere heart, and that's good."

Generally speaking, eunuchs from the palace had no power to influence the appointment of junior scholars and successful candidates in the imperial examinations.

Without the emperor's consent, it would be considered an overreach of authority.

Therefore, Ouyang Ke concluded that Chen Gonggong's seemingly 'approval' words also had the emperor's instructions.

Yes, there are.

The emperor did indeed say that he would protect him.

But the emperor once said that if this kid really wanted to make a name for himself overnight and become the sharpest sword of the Great Yu Dynasty to slay the most vicious ghosts in the world, then let him go.

If someone truly possesses genuine talent and the potential to become a capable minister who assists the state, then it is a blessing for the imperial court.

As for what happens when someone dies?
To die is to die.

unimportant.

Originally, the most difficult place that Eunuch Chen could think of was Cangxia, a place plagued by internal civil unrest and external barbarian invasions, where many officials were unwilling to go even if they were demoted.

Once that area is cured, Song Shi'an's promotion will be very rapid.

It's possible to jump two ranks within two years.

This is the choice of the most youthful and spirited person.

As for the north wind?

If he returns alive, this layer of gold plating will be terrifying. Of course, he will die.

The thousand Imperial Guards were also those who had been sent to their deaths in the past.

As for the Sixth Prince?

A neglected prince who has never held a powerful position like a county magistrate... no, he has never had any political experience in his life, is going to face off against the powerful ruler Ji Yuan for the first time. How can there be any suspense?
"Since it's a performance review, you can naturally speak freely."

Having heard what Eunuch Chen had just said, Ouyang Ke knew what to do. So he said to Xiu, "Write down what he said. As for how to proceed, we'll discuss it further. Finally, His Majesty will decide."

"Yes." Yu Xiu nodded.

Then, he said to Song Shi'an, "Even if this opinion is reported, the former magistrate of Shuofeng County has not neglected his duties, and there has been no demotion or transfer order recently. Therefore, the position of magistrate of Shuofeng County may not be secure, and he may be assigned to another position. Of course, his rank of seventh grade will not change."

High-level vocational college graduates with lower-level qualifications, or low-level vocational college graduates with higher-level qualifications.

This is perfectly normal.

During the Kangxi reign, a first-rank county magistrate was even appointed.

"I understand."

Song Shi'an responded.

The interview process ended there. Yu Xiu said without any emotion or bias, "Then you can go now."

"Yes." Song Shi'an bowed to the three of them and left. "This humble official takes his leave."

After he left the inner room, the internal discussion began.

Of course, this is only a preliminary discussion.

Formal memorials to be submitted to higher authorities should be discussed collectively by the senior officials of the Ministry of Personnel.

"Does Father-in-law have any objections?" Ouyang Ke asked.

Eunuch Chen quickly smiled and said, "Lord Ouyang can make the decision; how could I possibly interfere in politics?"

After a few polite exchanges, Ouyang Ke stopped rambling and concluded, "Song Shi'an's poems are indeed excellent. He might become a great scholar if he studies at the Imperial Academy."

“He’s at the Imperial Academy; I’m afraid he’ll slack off,” Yu Xiudao said.

"It's more than just shirking work; it's about resigning."

After a smile, Ouyang Ke solemnly stated, "The Ministry of Personnel's opinion is that he should be appointed to a county in Yizhou. However, the scholar himself wishes to be the magistrate of Shuofeng County."

What he says is his business; the Minister of Personnel is only responsible for carrying out his duties.

After Yu Xiu finished writing, Ouyang Ke said, "Summon Sun Qian."

Then, the guards inside and outside shouted loudly, "Ya Yuan Sun Qian, come in!"

.........

Sun Qian stood up and brushed past Song Shi'an as he entered the room.

Their eyes met those of the sharp blades.

"Where will the top scholar go to take up his post?"

Someone shouted at him with a laugh.

Apart from Fan Wuji and Sun Qian, everyone else thought that Song Shi'an had no choice but to back down after being scolded by Eunuch Chen.

So everyone's waiting to see the joke.

However, Song Shi'an ignored everyone for the first time with a blank expression.

As he walked toward the gate of the Ministry of Personnel, his eyes seemed to be covered with frost, as cold as an ice cellar.

Going to Beiliang would mean certain death.

How could Song Shi'an not know?
But he knew better.

He would never be the one to fight a battle he is capable of winning.

The north wind blows, and the road ahead is one where bones will grow from the ground.

Those who pass by will turn into a pile of bones, buried by the wind and sand.

but me,

To be reborn from hell.

(End of this chapter)