Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 55 Returning Home, Going to the Battlefield

The next day, the imperial court issued the letter of appointment.

The portion allocated to Song Shi'an as the magistrate of Shuofeng County was sent directly to the students' post station.

And he was finally able to leave that place.

Go home.

The main gate of the Song residence was open.

Of course, the side door is open even in broad daylight.

But Song Shi'an entered through the main gate without a second thought.

"Young Master Shi An is back—"

The gatekeeper remembered Song Gan's teachings and returned to report them enthusiastically.

Even someone with poor eyesight could see that Song Jingqi had completely calmed down.

Upon hearing the news, Jiang, who was already crying uncontrollably, ran out and grabbed his hand, saying, "My child, are you really going to make your mother worry to death!"

She didn't understand the situation of the court, and she had no concept of war at all. But after suffering a defeat, how could she not know how dangerous it would be to go to the front line at this time?

Even though Song Jing had already comforted her and analyzed some 'facts' that weren't actually that dangerous.

"Mother, please take care of yourself."

Upon entering the mansion, Song Shi'an was immediately approached by Jiang Shi. He grasped her arms with both hands and said with a smile.

“You are my life. How can I take care of you if you go to such a dangerous place?” Looking up at her tall and handsome son, Jiang said with a sob in her voice, “Can’t you really not go? I heard… that the north wind is a place where you have a slim chance of survival.”

"Having already been appointed, wouldn't it be tantamount to deceiving the emperor if I didn't go?"

After asking a question, Song Shi'an leaned close to Jiang's ear and whispered, "Mother, the emperor sent his son over there too. Would he let him die in vain?"

"..."

Jiang was stunned.

This one sentence was more effective than all of Song Jing's words of comfort.

Jiang found it harder to part with her own flesh and blood than anyone else.

Although the sixth prince was not well-liked, even a tiger wouldn't eat its own cub.

Aren't the prince's sons even more 'precious' than themselves?

Yes, would the emperor let his son die in vain?
"This trip is to help the Sixth Prince gain fame. So, as long as I go with him, I can get some wealth and status," Song Shi'an continued to deceive.

"Son, I don't want you to be rich and powerful, I just want you to be safe and sound." Jiang looked at him with extreme reluctance, her eyes still filled with worry.

She knew that Song Shi'an did this to gain credit and make him and her able to hold their heads high in the Song family.

But for a concubine who has nothing but her son, wealth and dignity are not so indispensable.

"Mother, don't worry. As a civil official, I will never take the lead in anything and will always stay behind when trouble comes. I'm just waiting to return home safely with the Sixth Prince."

"It has to be this way, it absolutely has to be this way, understand?"

"I understand, son. Please help me pack my clothes. I'll be reporting to the drill ground in a bit, and I'll be joining the army tomorrow."

The army will not wait for anyone when it sets off, so usually all the officers and soldiers accompanying the army will stay overnight the night before.

"So urgent? Then let me get ready for you."

Seeing this, Jiang hurriedly went back to her room to pack Song Shi'an's things.

At that moment, he raised his head and looked towards the main house.

Song Jing and Madam Cui were standing below the steps. Madam Cui's expression was somewhat gloomy, but it was clear that she was restraining her emotions.

Beside the two stood Song Qin and Song Ce, who stood silently.

I was not even fifteen years old that year, and I stood like a lackey.

Thinking about how her hands were bruised and swollen like pig's paws that day, and how she was forced to kneel in the yard for half a day as punishment, Song Qin frowned deeply, glaring at the culprit with great displeasure.

I kindly relayed his message, and he dared to lie to me!
Song Shi'an walked over and bowed to Song Jing. Since Madam Cui was right beside him, whether he treated her with the same respect was quite subtle.

Song Jing stepped down, took a few steps forward, and stood beside Song Shi'an. He asked, "Guarding the north wind requires absolutely no extraordinary measures. You must have thought of an extreme path, right?"

"My father is wise."

Song Shi'an nodded, immediately acknowledging it.

"I won't ask what the method is."

Song Jing had a vague idea, but he was not afraid. Looking at the determined child, he solemnly said, "Go ahead and do it."

The Song family, which has existed for hundreds of years, cannot possibly fall because of this.

"Thank you father."

Song Shi'an clenched his fists, his tone earnest and forceful. He hadn't actually expected that this father 'loved' him more than he had imagined.

Because the Song family could have remained completely indifferent and minimized their losses.

With this concrete promise, his determination to bring wealth and prosperity to his family became more resolute.

"Shi An, these are your clothes and luggage, and some ointments and gauze... although you definitely won't need them."

After receiving the bundle from Jiang, Song Shi'an smiled gently, cupped Jiang's cheeks, and said, "Mother, I'm leaving now."

"Is it in such a hurry?" Jiang asked reluctantly, trying to persuade her to stay. "Let's have a meal first and then talk about it."

“If I go early, I can build good relationships with the soldiers,” Song Shi’an said.

"Alright, get closer to those soldiers and guards." Madam Jiang earnestly instructed, "There's all my savings in this bundle... distribute it all to them."

After she finished speaking, Song Jing looked at him again and suddenly reminded him, "Captain Zhu, can you completely trust him?"

What does this mean?

Song Shi'an didn't quite understand why such a sentence suddenly came out.

But seeing Song Jing's expression, which was somewhat subtly disdainful of his 'slowness', he suddenly realized.

Oh, they slipped me some money!
That's perfect! With the Imperial Guards protecting me, I can relax and enjoy myself even more.

"I understand, Father, Mother, I'm leaving."

After saying this last sentence, Song Shi'an finally prepared to leave.

However, before leaving, he waved to Song Qin and Song Ce.

The two walked over with puzzled expressions.

Suddenly, a pair of hands pulled them together.

With one arm around each of their shoulders, Song Shi'an said gently, "Brother will always love you."

"..."

Song Jing and Madam Cui were both dumbfounded.

The siblings felt a simultaneous jolt of fear.

Suddenly, a pang of sadness welled up inside me.

They weren't particularly close before, in fact, they weren't even that familiar with each other, but this sudden remark forcibly twisted that familial bond into an invisible thread...

The moment he let go and turned away, the bewildered twins even suddenly felt a pang of guilt and attachment.

Silly kids, you haven't read enough literature about family relationships.

The moment Song Shi'an stepped out of his house, his mind completely went blank.

Like a fish entering the sea or a bird soaring into the blue sky, they are free from the constraints of cages and nets.

Wei Wusheng, I'm here.

.........

Imperial City military camp.

The General of the Five Offices.

Money, cloth, rice, and nearly a hundred boxes in total were delivered here last night by Zhao Yi under the guise of routine transportation.

He then explained to Wei Wusheng that this was a gift from the King of Wu, who had used his royal family's wealth to raise funds for the Imperial Guards, to reward the families of the soldiers who went to war. He also asked him not to tell His Majesty, and if asked, to say that it was a donation from a patriotic wealthy merchant who did not seek any reward.

Looking at the grain and provisions, Wei Wusheng remained silent for a long time.

"What does Your Highness, the King of Wu, mean by this?" Xin Yue asked, puzzled.

"Fourth Brother is trying to impress His Majesty and gain fame," Wei Wusheng joked.

"If you do it quietly, how can you gain a reputation?"

"His Majesty's Embroidered Uniform Guards are all over the city. How could he not know that nearly a hundred boxes of military supplies were transported to the barracks?"

Wei Wusheng had long seen through his two older brothers' personalities.

One is elder, the other is wise.

But I can't afford to offend either of them.

“I will submit a secret memorial to His Majesty, reporting this matter truthfully. Of course, I will also convey to His Majesty the instruction from my fourth brother not to leak it.”

"Your Highness, it seems that the King of Wu intends to win him over," Xin Yue reminded him.

"Fourth Brother gave these gifts for two reasons: first, to enhance his reputation, and second, because he hoped that if I had even the slightest chance of returning, I could become a member of the Wu King's faction."

Slowly turning his head to look at Xinyue, Wei Wusheng said resolutely, "But we are only loyal to His Majesty, and we have no faction or clique."

(End of this chapter)