Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 259 Establishing Ji Hui as Crown Prince
Big news from the Yan Kingdom was being reported to the Qi Kingdom at top speed.

Officials across the country are paying close attention to Song Shi'an's mission.

Upon hearing that Song Shi'an had led his troops into the pass and entered the Yan Kingdom without any hindrance, everyone's hearts were in their throats.

The fear of this man never dissipated after the Battle of Shuofeng.

Popular rumors even circulated that he was a demonized figure with double pupils, heterochromia, and feminine features, after all, he was the invincible emperor who defeated their country.

Leading troops on a diplomatic mission—this is unprecedented in history.

A pessimistic mood hangs over the country.

It wasn't until the King of Yan placed him under house arrest and intended to appoint him as prime minister that the capital, Leyang, was filled with joy and excitement.

The most troublesome enemy is about to be dealt with.

However, for Ji Yuan, it was all bad news.

Because his established strategy was disrupted.

Whether Song Shi'an remains as prime minister or not, it means that the states of Yan and Yu must reach an alliance. At the very least, to restore the previous balance.

Of course, rather than Song Shi'an not having to stay to form an alliance, he would prefer to see that kid abandoned by Wei Ye and become a citizen of Yan.

Not that I'm afraid.

Well, the problem is that this kid is getting too carried away with the land reclamation in Yu State, and he's really disrupting some of the balance.

"We must be prepared for the possibility that Conson will not reduce the number of troops stationed on our border."

During a military council in the palace, Qi's Prime Minister Ji Hong solemnly addressed the map before him.

Also present were many generals, as well as the chief strategist Chen Xing.

“If that’s really the case, then Conson has completely disregarded our alliance,” a general said angrily. “If we don’t punish him, we risk being looked down upon in the future.”

“But at this time, if we really have to send troops to attack Yan…” Chen Xing said, “I’m afraid the pseudo-Yu will send troops to help us.”

"So, are we just going to let this go?" a general asked.

“Of course not,” Chen Xing said. “But if the Yan-Yu alliance is to be established, this is the time when they are at their closest. If a war is to break out, it cannot be at this juncture.”

It's like someone offended you and then became sworn brothers with the person you hate the most. If you challenge them to a fight, wouldn't you be fighting two against one?

Although I know they're just fake brothers, we just finished our sworn brotherhood ceremony, and the effects of the alcohol haven't worn off yet. Given their youthful vigor, I still need to be a little more discreet.

Chen Xing said very rationally, "This Yan state is playing both sides, relying solely on its small territory. There's no point in fighting it. Even if it accepts bribes from the false Yu, the friendship won't last long. Every two countries eventually grow tired of each other and become enemies. Find an opportunity to give it a good beating, and it will never dare to make a fuss again."

"Does Lord Chen have some ideas?" Ji Yuan asked.

“Your Majesty,” Chen Xingdao said, “Song Shi’an took Kang Yi’s family with him before he went on his mission. I guess the deal with Kang Xun was that the two countries would maintain diplomatic relations and he would return the family to Kang Yi after a few years.”

“Indeed.” Ji Hong nodded in agreement. “Kang Xun’s greatest fear is not Qin Che, nor Gongsun Xing, but his elder brother. That is his weakness.”

“Therefore, we can have people spread rumors in Yan that Kang Xun’s accession to the country was illegitimate and that he doesn’t want his elder brother to return. So even if Song Shi’an brings everyone with him on his mission, he will not accept them,” Chen Xing said.

Upon hearing this, everyone agreed and echoed it.

"Yes, it's a fact that Kang Yi was in Liangzhou, and it's also a fact that he didn't enter the pass."

“Private deals cannot appease the people.”

"After this commotion, Kang Xun must announce to the Yan region that he will personally send an envoy to welcome Kang Yi back."

There are indeed agreements between countries.

They will reach certain tacit understandings.

And these things cannot possibly be leaked.

Unless the authorities provide a convincing 'clarification', it means they have a guilty conscience.

“A good strategy. I would like to add a few points,” Ji Yuan said. “Continue to build momentum by saying that the Yan-Yu alliance is not equal and that since a treaty has been signed, the hostages should be returned.”

"Your Majesty is wise."

Everyone said in unison.

This is the mystery of lying, which we've been talking about repeatedly.

It is a fact that Kang Yi was in Liangzhou.

It is also a fact that Conson did not publicly welcome his brother back.

Even if some try to whitewash it by saying 'Kang Xun was working hard behind the scenes,' you can still use this angle to criticize: both countries have formed an alliance, and the King of Yan has spoken, but they are still holding back our prince. This shows that the Great Yu has no respect for us at all.

In short, it's about sowing discord.

Ji Hongdao said, "In this way, Kang Xun must openly welcome his brother back. If the false Yu does not agree, then there will be a rift between the two countries. At this time, we can take the opportunity to attack the Yan state. If the false Yu agrees, then they will lose their means of restraining the Yan state."

"Furthermore, the situation in the Yan state is unstable, so we can take this opportunity to send troops," Ji Yuan said.

In any case, the State of Yan is going to get slapped by the State of Qi.

Only in this way can we intimidate them.

Just like during the Warring States period, before Qin attacked Zhao, it would also beat up Han.

I'm not really trying to kill you by hitting you; I just hope you won't cause trouble when we're doing serious business.

In any case, Qi's national policy was unlikely to change during Ji Yuan's era—southern expeditions, southern expeditions, and more southern expeditions!
"Report—An urgent message from the State of Yan, traveling 800 li in utmost speed!"

Just then, an urgent report came from outside the palace.

Upon hearing this, everyone tensed up.

"Send it." Even Ji Yuan was extremely uneasy.

After all, he knew nothing about the alliance between Yu and Yan.

Thus, the cavalryman entered the main hall, knelt on one knee, and reported with his fists clenched: "The false Yu emperor rejected the Yan state's request to appoint Song Shi'an as prime minister. The two countries subsequently signed an alliance, and His Highness the King of Beidi was also forced out of Xiangcheng by Kang Xun!"

"You bastard Kang Xun!" Ji Hong was unusually angry. "He's a treacherous and untrustworthy villain. This kind of beast will surely die by the sword of my Great Qi!"

"Lord Chen clearly made a verbal agreement with him, yet he went back on his word. He's playing both sides like this, does he really think we're too afraid to fight them?" "Shameless, despicable!"

Everyone is cursing because of this humiliation.

However, as I just mentioned, attacking the Yan state requires careful planning and should not be done rashly.

But I never expected it to end like this, a perfect ending for the Kingdom of Yu. It's really a tricky situation.

“Song Shi’an has made another great contribution,” Ji Yuan laughed. “Moreover, Wei Ye is determined to use him. I’m afraid the world will never be at peace again.”

“Yes,” Chen Xing also said, “His decisiveness is evident from his military expeditions, but he will definitely be ruthless when it comes to national policies such as land reclamation.”

The world is not isolated.

During the Warring States period, all states except Chu achieved substantial improvements through reforms.

But there is a sequence to these things.

Those who succeed in reform first will naturally become stronger.

Moreover, the State of Qi did not have a person like Song Shi'an who was so ruthless as to disregard even his own family.

What can be done?
We have no choice but to fight.

Frequent wars disrupted the reforms that the State of Yu sought to make it rich and powerful.

“Your Majesty, there is one more thing,” the soldier said.

“Speak,” Ji Yuan said.

Then, he raised his head and said with some emotion, "Kang Xun wanted to expel His Highness the King of the North from the country, but His Highness refused to leave. He cursed and swore at Kang Xun outside the Yan Palace, saying that he was treacherous, had no manners, and was an utterly shameless villain. He would rather die than leave. In the end, it was the Yan soldiers who bound His Highness and forced him onto the carriage."

After these words were spoken, everyone was moved to tears.

"Your Highness's deep patriotism is truly admirable."

"How brave it is for such a young prince to insult the Prince of Yan in a foreign land."

"That's truly a grand vision."

"Your subject is truly ashamed." Chen Xing, who had sent him to the State of Yan, also revealed an undisguised sense of shame.

The mission failed, but Ji Hui did not lose.

A gentleman does not care about his deeds.

Ji Yuan didn't want to speculate further.

He had previously promised his son that if he went on a diplomatic mission, he would make him the crown prince.

He has completed his mission and has not brought shame upon the Great Qi.

After closing his eyes and taking a shallow breath, Ji Yuan opened them and said, "Immediately, establish Ji Hui, the Prince of Beidi, as the Crown Prince of Daqi."

.........

Huang Tong was carrying a burlap sack, inside which was Ji Hui's head.

After the assassination, they headed towards the border area between the three kingdoms.

Along the way, although they encountered some people, and even an army, they were cavalrymen wearing Yan armor, and basically did not encounter any trouble.

After all, nobody knows them.

And so, we reached the border relatively easily.

Following the map, they cautiously crossed a wasteland and entered a narrow path that only a single horse could pass through.

They were very disciplined, marching in three divisions: front, middle, and rear.

"Commander, according to the location on this map, we're very close to Beiliang once we get out here," a soldier asked warily.

"So?" Huang Tong asked.

"Half of Beiliang belongs to Ji Yuan, and the other half belongs to Dayu," the man said with considerable worry. "We killed Ji Yuan's son, and we're so close to Qi. Aren't we in danger?"

"Then where should we go?" Huang Tong asked.

"The new city of Ji County in Dongliang must be much farther away."

"Hmph, does that mean you won't die if you're far away?"

Huang Tong snorted.

However, I was still a little uneasy.

"There are people ahead, holding up a flag with the character 'Song'!"

At this moment, the cavalryman at the front reported loudly.

Huang Tong became even more nervous.

"Everyone stop! Get your bows and arrows ready!" Huang Tong said. "Tell the people in front that only one person who can speak is allowed to come over; the rest must not approach!"

As he spoke, he took the bow off his back.

After waiting for a while, a rather burly man who looked like a general arrived, walked to Huang Tong's horse, took out his fish-shaped dagger, and tossed it to him: "General Dangbei, Zhu Qing."

"..." After confirming, Huang Tong looked at the important figure. Then, he tossed the head to him, "Ji Hui's head, there's a seal of proof inside."

Zhu Qing nervously opened the box and glanced at it, then looked up and said with a smile, "After Magistrate Song confirms, the remaining 1,500 gold coins will be yours."

"When will he come to confirm?" Huang Tong asked.

"I will receive orders after I pass through customs."

Zhu Qing remained polite and asked calmly, "Commander Huang, where do you wish to go?"

"I want to live!"

He glared at Zhu Qing and said very seriously, "Song Shi'an said he would let me live."

(End of this chapter)