Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 57 Meeting with the Sixth Prince
Imperial city military camp, evening.

Qin Kuo went to the General of the Five Offices and reported: "Your Highness, the military pay has been fully distributed. The families of the soldiers in the capital have been sent directly to their homes. Those outside the city have been registered and the 'Three Departments' will distribute the pay as much as possible within half a month."

"The allocated military pay must be delivered in full," Wei Wusheng emphasized. "The total amount of money and grain must be recorded, and family members must sign the document when it is distributed. Any officials found to be corrupt will be severely punished."

The Great Yu Kingdom was founded on military strength, so its administration of the army was particularly strict.

It was not uncommon for rations and pay to be embezzled, but this was mostly done by state soldiers, county soldiers, and militia. Only the Imperial Guards were of utmost importance.

Many people have some misconceptions about separatist regimes.

Especially long-term separatist regimes.

For all monarchs, the primary goal is never to unify the world, but rather to preserve the basics.

The entire Dayu region has a registered military force of 500,000. In contrast, Sheng'an has just over 100,000.

There is no absolute advantage in military strength between the central government and local governments.

Therefore, the priority must be ensuring the combat effectiveness of the Imperial Guards, as well as their control over suppressing local rebellions in the event of internal strife.

It can be said that veteran soldiers like the Imperial Guards, who have fought countless battles, are no match for mountain bandits, refugees, barbarians, or even the rebel armies of vassal kings, even if their forces are more than five times stronger. It's like sweeping away fallen leaves in the autumn wind.

The so-called "Wei Wu Zu" are sometimes referred to as special forces. However, a more accurate description would be: professional soldiers.

The Imperial Guards were all allowed to leave their posts.

Although it did not achieve full-time demobilization of the Imperial Guards, given the limited productivity, 'quasi-demobilization' was already quite remarkable.

"Your Highness, I have already given instructions. Moreover, in these difficult times, no one would dare to defy the rules and embezzle military funds," Qin Kuo said.

"Okay." Wei Wusheng nodded.

"I arranged a barracks for that Magistrate Song Shi'an," Qin Kuo mentioned.

"Well, he is a civil official after all, just starting his career, so please be more considerate."

After giving Qin Kuo his instructions, Wei Wusheng dismissed him.

At this moment, he said to Xinyue beside him, "I didn't expect His Majesty to let us directly distribute military pay, and in the name of the court."

"In that case, wouldn't the King of Wu think that Your Highness... conveyed a message with ulterior motives?" Xin Yue guessed.

Two possibilities.

First, did he disobey the King of Wu's instructions, or did he report to the emperor?

Secondly, he coveted the people's support and appropriated the credit for himself.

"What Fourth Brother thinks is his business. If he wants to settle this score, it depends on whether His Majesty agrees with him. If His Majesty accepts this payment but doesn't want him to show off, and pretends not to know anything about it, then Fourth Brother will just have to suffer in silence."

It really depends on what the emperor wants to do.

If he is acting out of favoritism towards the King of Jin, then let it be as if nothing happened, and let the King of Wu's money be spent.

If he were even slightly fair and wanted to incite the princes to compete for the crown prince position based on conscience, he would publicly commend the King of Wu for his fervent patriotism.

Wei Wusheng felt that, at the very least, he should privately praise the King of Wu, saying: "You've done a good job."

Otherwise, it would also affect the King of Wu's enthusiasm.

“We won’t get involved in the succession struggle, but this military pay is really timely.” With a smile, Wei Wusheng said happily, “The soldiers will have fewer worries and will be more dedicated to the battle.”

“Yes.” Xin Yue nodded in agreement. “Moreover, although it is nominally a gift from the imperial court, the soldiers will only transfer their gratitude to Your Highness. It was only because Your Highness came to lead the troops that you received this extra pay. King Wu, this has helped us win over the hearts of the people.”

After thinking it over, the Sixth Prince looked up and decided, "Before we set off, I think we should go to the various camps tonight to have a heart-to-heart talk with the soldiers and officers and win them over."

"Just like this money, it was His Highness who spent it."

"Correct."

Wei Wusheng is now somewhat grateful to this fourth brother.

If the King of Wu were to settle accounts with him someday, he could then claim that his father said it was issued by the imperial court.

"Since the purpose is to go down to the camp and have a heart-to-heart talk with the soldiers and officers, does Song Shi'an also use this as an excuse to meet with them casually?" Xin Yue asked.

She sensed that the Sixth Prince's attitude towards Song Shi'an was—urgent, urgent, urgent.

But it also seems a bit hesitant.

“This…” Wei Wusheng pondered for a moment, then waved his hand and said, “We’ll talk about it later.”

.........

Inside the barracks, Song Shi'an was writing a memorial under a lamp. San Gou, who was helping to grind the ink, unconsciously revealed a look of joy.

"You seem very happy?" Song Shi'an stopped writing, looked up and asked.

"Yes, today's rations and pay: I received 4,500 coins, 5 bolts of cloth, and 3 shi of grain. They'll be sent home in a few days, and my younger siblings will be able to have new clothes made." Thinking of this, San Gou's joy was palpable. "Sixth Prince is so kind."

"Did the Sixth Prince pay for it?" Song Shi'an asked.

"I don't know, but there has never been such an extra reward before. The Sixth Prince has come and now he has one. I suppose it's the reward that His Highness fought for us from the court!"

Money earned by risking one's life.

Even a soldier knew that this mission was fraught with danger.

"I was outside just now and heard that His Highness personally went to the troops, sat on the ground with the soldiers eating coarse food, and even asked about our family matters. I have never seen a prince who loves his people so much before?"

At this point, San Gou quickly corrected himself, saying tactfully, "Of course, we didn't have the chance to see the other princes either. We only saw the Sixth Prince once from afar."

"There will be a chance to meet."

Looking at him, Song Shi'an smiled.

People in ancient times were simple and honest. As long as those in power treated them as human beings, what was wrong with being loyal to the emperor and loving the country?
Just then, the sound of laughter and conversation suddenly came from outside the barracks.

After a while, a soldier knocked on the door urgently.

San Gou hurriedly went to open the door.

"His Highness the Sixth Prince has arrived at the barracks during his inspection—" a soldier announced.

San Gou's body immediately tensed up and became completely stiff.

Song Shi'an slowly stood up.

The next moment, surrounded by his entourage and draped in a black robe and cloak, the Sixth Prince waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for a welcome and that he had only come to have a heart-to-heart talk with his subordinates. He then lowered his head and personally entered the simple barracks.

It was like a leader going to the countryside.

On either side of him, closest to him, was Xin Yue. Then, to his left and right, were the captain and the registrar.

San Gou immediately knelt down on one knee and gave a fist salute.

"Your Highness, this humble official pays his respects."

Stepping forward, Song Shi'an clasped his hands together and bowed deeply.

What's going on? This is like comforting little Karami.

Song Shi'an was somewhat disappointed by his meeting with the Sixth Prince.

"Is this the renowned scholar Song, famous throughout the capital? Indeed, he is a man of exceptional talent."

Wei Wusheng finally met this arrogant top scholar whom he had long admired.

Compared to what I imagined, it has become more composed.

As for his appearance, Xin Yue, who is always very critical, said he was handsome, and that was truly the case.

However, this meeting did not turn out as he had hoped.

However, for a prince to meet a mere seventh-rank official alone was somewhat lacking in dignity.

Therefore, I could only take the opportunity of inspecting everyone to have my first meeting with him.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Song Shi'an responded respectfully.

His expression remained completely calm.

It was indeed appropriate and proper.

but,

Doesn't he look forward to seeing me at all?
"Please ascend the Cloud Pavilion for a moment, for which scholar has ever become a marquis?" Others may think this is just drunken rambling, but his courage in the north wind proves that Young Master Song's words and deeds are consistent, and that he is bold and daring.

Regardless, maintaining his stance of continuing to court Song Shi'an, Wei Wusheng deliberately flattered Song Shi'an in front of the others, saying, "Presumably, Minister Song has come here to make a name for himself."

Song Shi'an bowed with both hands, looked at the other person with unwavering eyes, and said:
"Shi An, I have come for Your Highness."

(End of this chapter)