Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 82 All the Confusion Is My Fault

The two of them had been very respectful until Song Shi'an's fingers touched the table, which broke the pretense of politeness.

That remark made Zhang Gong realize that this boy was too peculiar.

Xin Yue was even more surprised that Song Shi'an, who had explained things so rationally to His Highness, was now so aggressive.

That was exactly what Song Shi'an was thinking when he came here.

Negotiation, in essence, is about both sides trying to bully each other with their rhetoric.

Capital is also available.

Now, Zhang Gong is not in control of his own destiny.

“I have seen your determination and ambition to defend the city.”

Although Zhang Gong's expression had lost its previous gentleness, his tone remained calm: "But can you really not think about what will happen after the city is defended?"

"Please enlighten me, Master Zhang," Song Shi'an said.

"Although you and His Highness arbitrarily transferred the military power of Langya."

Zhang Gong raised his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "But as long as the city is defended, handing back the power will still be a great achievement. The key is that this matter has been handled flawlessly."

What constitutes a flaw?

"No one died in the Langya Mutiny. The troops were mobilized to fight Ji with all their might," Zhang Gongdao said. "If the city had been defended, would that have been a mistake? No, it wouldn't have been. This shows that a general in the field can disobey orders, that he is decisive in his military actions, and that he is loyal and devoted to his country, as heaven and earth can attest. The emperor will never blame Your Highness for a single word. The officials will also be generous in their praise, calling Your Highness the bulwark of the northern border. Even those soldiers caught up in the mutiny admire and respect Your Highness, saying that Your Highness truly has the demeanor of a great general."

“Because this does not infringe on anyone’s interests,” Song Shi’an said.

His bluntness amused Zhang Gong. Zhang Gong nodded and, mimicking Zhang Gong, tapped his finger on the table: "Yes, that's right."

"The flaw is that if I offend Lord Zhang or the other powerful families, even if I win the battle, I will be impeached by a joint petition. My merits and demerits will cancel each other out, and all my efforts will be in vain," Song Shi'an added.

"This metaphor is excellent."

Zhang Gong nodded, growing increasingly fond of the man before him. But before he could finish speaking, he said, "If you want to win, then win beautifully. We useless old bones and those pampered young masters and ladies are of no help in defending the city. Wouldn't it be better for us to go out of the city and do our best to raise money, food, and supplies for the army from the rear?"

"But now that Zhang Gong is gone, will he still remember this city that was destined to be lost?"

Song Shi'an stared at the other person, scrutinizing him.

“My roots are here, and I don’t want to go anywhere,” Zhang Gong said, seemingly unconcerned about the implications of his statement. “If there’s any chance of winning, I will do everything in my power to help.”

"I'll fight the battles, and Zhang will enjoy the benefits, is that right?" Song Shi'an laughed.

"Even if you win, it's still you fighting the war, while those in the imperial court enjoy the benefits," Zhang Gong retorted. "What difference does it make if you add my old family to the mix?"

"That's not fair."

Song Shi'an shook his head and asked in return, "Am I not also pampered? Why should I risk my life for Lord Zhang?"

"Didn't you choose that yourself?"

"Therefore, I choose to have everyone with me and help me do this."

Looking at Zhang Gong, Song Shi'an said emotionlessly, "I don't care if there are any flaws after this is done. If you push me too far, Zhang Gong, you'll have to dig the moat too."

"Young man, do you really want to do this?"

Zhang Gong stared at him, his tone turning hostile.

Song Shi'an slowly stood up, then placed one foot on the table in front of Zhang Gong: "No matter who comes to plead for me, I will never open the city gates for the powerful clans."

As he spoke, Song Shi'an turned around.

The words are not speculative, just half a sentence.

"slow."

Just as Song Shi'an was about to leave, Zhang Gong suddenly spoke up.

Song Shi'an stopped and turned around.

"The powerful families are willing to donate all the grain in the city."

"Foolish, even if you don't donate, it's still mine."

"I will give you half of my wealth."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Song Shi'an paused for a moment.

Xin Yue was also taken aback for a moment.

However, she was surprised by Song Shi'an's wavering.

"Money is useless at this time, but it will be very useful after the battle."

Seeing that all-too-familiar expression, Zhang Gong smiled calmly and extended his hand: "Jingxiu, you can take this money without worry. Without you, we wouldn't have been able to squeeze any grain out of the powerful clans. Now, you've got everything. And it's just a little bit of greed, what's the problem? Who isn't greedy?"

Zhang Gong knew he had done the right thing.

It's more convenient to give money directly to a specific person than to hand it over to the imperial court or the army.

Song Shi'an, you watchdog actually want a bone?

I thought you were truly loyal and selfless.

How about a scholar who becomes a high-ranking official?

Nausea.

Staring intently into his eyes, Song Shi'an remained silent for a long time before suddenly saying forcefully, "I want it all."

How greedy!
Xin Yue underestimated Song Shi'an. "So much, can you finish it all?"

Although he still had fields and property outside the city, Zhang Gong was still a little reluctant to part with them.

"If you die in the city, you'll just be a handful of dust," Song Shi'an reminded him.

"All the powerful families in the city can leave."

"Not a single servant, steward, or maid is allowed to leave; they can only be family members. Otherwise, not a single one will be released," Song Shi'an insisted.

"Okay, I'll send someone to contact you after I've finished discussing things with the others."

"It can only be at night, it can only be tomorrow, and it won't be available after that."

After leaving those words, Song Shi'an turned and left completely.

Watching the two leave, Zhang Gong showed a somewhat disappointed expression towards the legendary Song Shi'an.

In the end, he was just a son born to a maid, a talented gambler.

.........

After leaving the mansion, the two quickly walked back on foot.

After moving a little further away, Xinyue suddenly spoke up: "Hey."

“My name isn’t Hey, it’s Song Shi’an.”

"Are you really going to accept these people's bribes and then let them go?" Xin Yue asked, puzzled.

Looking at the woman, Song Shi'an remained silent.

"Don't try to give me half and tell me to shut up. I don't want these bribes." Xin Yue refused decisively and added, "Although I won't report this to His Highness, you really can't do this."

"You didn't report this to His Highness?" Song Shi'an looked suspicious. "So you really have ulterior motives."

That's strange, when did I attract Xinyue's attention?
"I just don't want you to create discord now and harm the people of the whole city."

Xin Yue originally thought that Song Shi'an was wholeheartedly devoted to the people, but now she has to have doubts.

"Alright, don't say anything more."

Song Shi'an raised his hand to interrupt her: "When I go to see His Highness, you should not be embarrassed or hesitant, so as not to damage my reputation and the good impression I have with His Highness."

"What do you mean?" Xin Yue asked.

"Shut up, I'll break off our friendship for a while first."

"What are you talking about?" Xin Yue frowned, increasingly confused. "I don't understand."

"Shut up, shut up, shut up."

Song Shi'an stopped arguing with Xin Yue and, after saying this, headed back towards the county government office.

Xinyue had no choice but to follow.

After a while, the two arrived at the residence of Wei Wusheng in the yamen.

"I have important news to report to Your Highness," Song Shi'an said to the imperial guards at the door.

Soon, one of them entered the room and reported: "Your Highness, Song Tangzun requests an audience."

"..." Upon hearing that it was him, Wei Wusheng, dressed in the uniform red shirt of the army, woke up, sat up, yawned, and said wearily, "Let Song Qing in."

Then, Song Shi'an and Xin Yue came in together.

At this moment, Wei Wusheng personally lit the lamp to illuminate the room.

"Your Highness, I have spoken with Lord Zhang, and all the powerful clans are willing to donate grain," Song Shi'an relayed. "At the same time, he also bribed me with money to allow the powerful clans in the city to pass through, but only their relatives; their servants and attendants must remain in the city."

Did he say it out loud?
Seeing how decisive Song Shi'an was, Xin Yue was a little unsure about his expression just now.

Was it because I said he was greedy that he changed his mind?
Thinking of this, Wei Wusheng fell into deep thought: "In this way, all the grain will be ours, and we won't have to rely on the army to requisition it ourselves. At the same time, we can also make a lot of money to reward the army and boost morale. The only cost is that we will have to lose some useless old bones to guard the city."

"Well done, Shi An." After figuring it out, Wei Wusheng smiled and looked up, asking, "So, do you think we can release it?"

Song Shi'an said, "It can be released."

"Then let it go."

Wei Wusheng agreed.

"Can't let go."

Song Shi'an spoke again.

Wei Wusheng and Xin Yue were both stunned: "..."

After a while, Wei Wusheng said, somewhat confused, "Am I dreaming? Why does this conversation feel a bit off?"

Provincial Flow: Someone is talking in their sleep.

"We can let them go because it's the fastest way, and they've handed over their money and supplies voluntarily, so we've practically made a profit this time," Song Shi'an explained. "We can't let them go because if only Zhang Gong leaves, it's fine, but if all the powerful clans leave, it will definitely breed some resentment among the people in the city. Their enthusiasm for defending the city will also be greatly reduced."

"So, can we release it or not?" Wei Wusheng asked.

“I can release it, but Your Highness cannot,” Song Shi’an replied earnestly.

"I admit I'm not smart, but you are," Wei Wusheng said, looking at Song Shi'an. "Explain to me what you mean by 'you can let go, but I can't'?"

"I released it in my own name."

Then, Song Shi'an explained to him: "Arrest him again in His Highness's name."

(End of this chapter)