Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 54 Farewell

Song Shi'an had previously told his mother that he was not going back in order to completely reconcile with his father.

The moment he arrived, Song Shi'an was certain that his objective had been fully achieved.

A broken mirror can never be mended.

Therefore, the only way is to completely break the cracked mirror and replace it with a new one.

Regret is the catalyst for acceleration.

On this journey, he must become a confidant of the Sixth Prince in order to control his own destiny.

But a war is never just about the clash of swords on the front lines.

He needs support.

While the Song and Cui families are not very strong, they can still provide some resistance.

Then he can really cause a ruckus on the front lines.

After Song Jing left, Song Shi'an, who was sitting in his seat, picked up the newly bought novel and opened it with one hand. But his mind was gradually wandering:

"Father, I'm going to take a gamble, and you and I will be rich."

…………

Outside the city, a separate courtyard.

Standing outside the courtyard, Song Jing knocked on the door knocker.

After a while, a simply dressed woman carrying a child opened the door. Upon seeing him, she asked somewhat reservedly, "Sir, who are you?"

“Sheng’an Magistrate, Song Jing.”

Upon hearing this, the other person immediately panicked, put the child down on the ground, and then turned around and shouted, "Amu, Lord Sheng'an is here!"

After a while, a burly man dressed in plain clothes, with his arms exposed and covered in sweat, came out. Upon seeing Song Jing, he clenched his fists and said, "I apologize for not being able to greet you properly since Your Excellency has come in person."

"Captain Zhu, there's no need for such formalities."

Song Jing smiled slightly.

"Please come in——"

Zhu Qing greeted them warmly, and the woman hurriedly went to prepare tea.

Upon entering the courtyard, Song Jing saw a pile of chopped firewood stacked into a small mountain, and an axe resting on a wooden stake. He asked with some curiosity, "Does the captain chop firewood himself?"

"We're heading far away into the north wind, and we don't know when we'll be back, so we're preparing extra firewood so that it'll save them some trouble," Zhu Qing explained with a smile.

"Aren't there any maids or servants in the house?" Song Jing asked, somewhat puzzled. "The salary of a captain in the Imperial Guard should be quite high, and it has never been in arrears."

Although the Great Yu Dynasty also had instances of unpaid salaries, the military was always given priority, especially the Imperial Guard, a central army.

Otherwise, it would shake the foundation of the nation.

Of course, even if salaries were owed, the people of Dayu still maintained a strong enthusiasm for entering officialdom.

In ancient times, as long as one could become an official, there were many ways to make money, so there was no need to worry about being strapped for cash after becoming an official.

"My wife isn't used to having other people around at home. She's usually quite assertive, but I can handle it all," Zhu Qing explained, adding with a self-deprecating laugh, "I hope you'll forgive me, Your Excellency."

"It's good to have fewer people in the family; it's more relaxed, and it's rare to have such a relaxed time."

When Song Jing said these words, he seemed to be filled with exhaustion.

Even the wealthy and powerful have their troubles.

After chuckling, Zhu Qing led Song Jing to sit at the tea table in the courtyard.

At this moment, the woman brought over a teapot and ceramic cups and poured tea for the two of them.

"Why don't you take the kid out to play for a while, and then buy some groceries?" Zhu Qing said.

"No need, I have some official business to attend to, I'll be leaving in a bit," Song Jing said.

"Okay, then you guys go out and have some fun."

In this way, Zhu Qing sent all his family members away.

Only the two of them remained.

Zhu Qing's expression suddenly turned serious, and he asked in confusion, "My lord, why is your son going to Shuofeng?"

Song Jing lowered his head, holding his forehead with his hand, looking somewhat heavy-hearted.

"Then this isn't what the Prefect meant?" Zhu Qing realized and asked.

“But he has already told me, and his mind is made up.” Song Jing remained deep in thought.

"Why shouldn't a man carry a hunting hook and seize fifty states beyond the passes? Please ascend the Cloud Pavilion for a moment, for which scholar has ever become a marquis of ten thousand households?"

Zhu Qing, who had little formal education, read the poem fluently and completely. Looking at the man in front of him, he couldn't help but say, "I am a commoner who was fortunate enough to be among the first to enter the capital and obtain this minor official position. Young Master Shi An, on the other hand, is born into a wealthy family and is exceptionally talented. He just passed the provincial examination with top honors. Such a promising person is willing to fight alongside us country folk. It is truly admirable."

“These words are not meant to offend Commander Zhu, nor are they intended to mock the soldiers at the front.” Speaking of this, Song Jing said with particular sorrow, “But I am extremely unwilling to send him to Shuofeng.”

Zhu Qing held Song Shi'an in high esteem and also acknowledged the rare self-sacrificing spirit of aristocratic youths.

But to go along with that kind of talk would be too insincere.

His sincerity touched Zhu Qing deeply. Looking towards the door, he sighed, "Lord, I am also a father, and I understand your feelings. If it were my son to go to his death, I would absolutely not be willing either."

The ideas of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism were only written in books.

True history, however, lies beyond the pages of books.

Hating the Qi traitors and killing the Qi traitors are two different things.

"Let alone asking me to kill them." "Is this trip destined for our deaths?" Song Jing asked anxiously, raising his head.

Even the military personnel had absolutely no confidence.

Zhu Qing, who was being questioned, looked towards the door, then back at Song Jing, and asked calmly, "My lord, of the nearly one hundred captains in the capital, why was I chosen?"

"..."

How could Song Jing not understand?

Would anyone with connections or influence be sent to a dangerous battlefield?

"Please keep today's conversation a secret, Your Excellency," Zhu Qing pleaded, clenching his fists.

He was telling the truth.

However, if this statement gets out, it could be considered a crime of "undermining morale."

Of course, if Song Jing were to speak in official jargon to him, he wouldn't say so much.

"Rest assured, Captain, I will keep this a secret."

After making that promise, Song Jing asked the professional, "Is there any chance of survival?"

“Yes,” Zhu Qing said. “Wuwei has not fallen yet. If Wuwei can be held out long enough, and Shuofeng is resisted with all its might by a famous general, and the battle drags on until winter, Ji Yuan will naturally withdraw his troops.”

The implication was that others might have a chance, but the Sixth Prince would have absolutely no chance.

Why not appoint a renowned general to defend the city?
Even a renowned general like Xiao Qun could have lost the city.

The city fell and a general was killed in action, so the losses were maximized.

It would be better to retreat and prepare for the next wave of attack.

"I see."

Song Jing nodded solemnly.

Then, she slowly stood up.

Zhu Qing raised his head and looked at the third-rank official in front of him.

“Captain Zhu, everyone thinks Shi An is greedy for fame and fortune, which is why he has to take this desperate path. But really, that’s not the case.” Song Jing shook his head and reflected, “The fault lies entirely with me.”

"What has the Prefect done wrong?"

Zhu Qing was puzzled.

“He was the eldest son in the family, and I used to like him very much. But later, when the mistress gave birth to her younger son, I became more biased towards him. In addition, the mistress was domineering, and for the sake of family harmony, she often neglected Shi’an. Her achievements were not recognized. If he made the slightest mistake, she would beat and scold him.”

At this point, Song Jing pounded his chest in anguish: "Today he made his decision, and I asked him why. Do you know what he said?"

Zhu Qing shook his head and stared intently at the other person.

He said to his son, "I will certainly not disgrace my father's illustrious name."

Song Jing's eyes were already glistening.

Upon hearing these words, Zhu Qing's heart skipped a beat.

It was Lord Song's favoritism that led to the death of his son.

"Shi An is like this because of me."

Song Jing sighed deeply, filled with regret.

If Song Shi'an dies, then let him die because of this sentence, "Son, I will certainly not disgrace my father's illustrious name."

“Captain Zhu.” Song Jing looked at him.

"Fu Jun."

Zhu Qing fully sensed the father's remorse and became very serious about the matter.

Then, the other party suddenly knelt down on one knee, clenched his fist and bowed, his voice trembling: "I beg you, protect my son."

"Please rise, Your Excellency!"

Zhu Qing quickly helped him up and said very seriously, "We are both fathers. If you do not abandon me, I am willing to treat Shi An as my own son and do my best to protect him!"

"Thank you, thank you so much."

Touching the corner of his eye with his palm, Song Jing thanked him repeatedly with gratitude. Then, he bowed and said goodbye: "Jing, I won't disturb the Captain's peaceful time any longer."

"Please proceed with caution, Your Excellency."

Zhu Qing clenched his fist and saluted.

The two then parted ways.

Today's conversation with Song Jing reminded Zhu Qing of herself. Looking up at the loquat tree in the courtyard, planted two years ago, which still hadn't borne fruit, and realizing she wouldn't live to see it either, Zhu Qing let out a long sigh.

"father!"

Just then, the youngest son ran in excitedly from outside.

Zhu Qing bent down, opened her arms, and hugged her tightly.

"That uncle just gave it to me."

The son took something out of his pocket and handed it to Zhu Qing.

Open your palm, and there is a heavy, solid gold reclining tiger.

(End of this chapter)