I, Am a Living Yama; Empress Advises Me to Stay Calm

Chapter 95

“Our Zhou Dynasty will soon take control of the Qing Dynasty’s territory and expand our influence,” Wu Zhao declared confidently.

“However, I feel our economy is still lacking…” She paused, considering her words carefully. “Or rather, our Zhou Dynasty lacks the industries necessary to sustain and support a strong economy.

“For instance, the Song Dynasty is renowned for its porcelain, the Ming Dynasty has a highly developed textile industry, the Tang Dynasty engages in extensive foreign trade, and the Han Dynasty thrives through its silk and livestock industries.

“Each of these dynasties enjoys geographical and commercial advantages, yet our Zhou Dynasty is somewhat lacking in these areas.”

She glanced around the room at the assembled ministers, her clear eyes sweeping over them with a look of expectation.

“What ideas do you have, my ministers?”

The room fell into thoughtful silence. The Empress was clearly determined to promote trade, but the question lingered—what unique products or advantageous industries could the Zhou Dynasty offer?

No one spoke for a long time. Wu Zhao’s brow furrowed slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing her features. She had hoped at least one of her ministers might present a viable suggestion.

She had known it would be difficult for the Zhou Dynasty to develop its economy, but she hadn’t expected an utter lack of ideas.

Finally, Xu Chu, standing beside her, spoke up.

“Your Majesty, I have a plan…”

The courtiers exchanged uneasy glances. Xu Chu, along with generals Li Cunxiao and Dian Wei, had been recommended to the court by Yang Yi after demonstrating remarkable skill in the war against the Qing Kingdom. All three had risen in rank, becoming influential figures in the court.

Xu Chu was renowned as a fierce warrior, but when it came to strategy, his plans often lacked sophistication. The ministers exchanged silent looks—what could this general possibly offer?

Wu Zhao felt a flicker of helplessness. While she respected Xu Chu’s strength, his bluntness often created more trouble than solutions. She didn’t believe he had any genuine strategy to propose, so she shook her head slightly.

“Minister Xu, do not make a fuss,” she said, a slight edge in her voice.

Just then, Yang Yi cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Your Majesty, I have a plan that could significantly boost our Zhou Dynasty’s trade, create new special products, and help revitalize our economy,” he said, his tone calm and confident.

The courtiers’ expressions shifted—curiosity rising. Shangguan Wan’er, in particular, blinked; her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

What cunning plan did Prime Minister Yang have this time?

Wu Zhao’s face, usually cold and composed, shifted slightly in thought.

Minister Yang, such a minor matter hardly requires your involvement, she thought.

She then recalled Xu Chu. “By the way, Minister Xu, what was your plan?”

Yang Yi’s eyes widened. Wait, why does it seem like the Empress is more interested in hearing Xu Chu’s plan than mine?

His mouth twitched as he realized what was happening. Everyone seemed to be afraid of him.  Seeing the others’ wary looks, he felt a tinge of helplessness.

“Your Majesty,” he began, a slight note of frustration creeping into his voice, “I truly do have a plan.”

Wu Zhao gave him a brief nod.

“I understand. But I think your plan may not be necessary at this moment. I only wish to revive trade in our Zhou Dynasty, not bring devastation,” she added.

Yang Yi was momentarily stunned. Have I really earned such a reputation?

He managed a tight smile and responded with forced patience.

“Your Majesty, I assure you, my plan is not destructive this time.”

Wu Zhao, still half-skeptical, glanced at him. This was the same Yang Yi whose strategies were often marked by bloodshed. She found it hard to believe that his plan was anything but ruthless.

The courtiers shared her concern, and Wei Yuanzhong, one of the elder statesmen, cleared his throat.

“Minister Yang, as an elder, let me speak,” he said gently.

“You have done more than enough for our Zhou Dynasty by fulfilling your duties as a minister. There is no need for you to intervene in this matter. We, the older generation, will handle the development of trade.”

Xu Jingzong and the others nodded in agreement. Their expressions suggested they were more than capable of handling this task themselves, without the help of someone with Yang Yi’s reputation for bloodshed.

Yang Yi exhaled, his patience wearing thin.

I see, my reputation is so bad that they don’t even trust me with economic matters.

Wu Zhao seemed to remember something, her expression shifting as she spoke again.

“The envoy from the Song Dynasty has arrived today, I believe,” she said, her voice steady. “I heard they are here to learn about our method of smallpox inoculation. We shall address this matter first.”

She rose, signaling the end of the discussion.

“I am tired. Let us adjourn the court.”

Yang Yi was taken aback but quickly bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

…

Honglu Temple

“Tsk tsk tsk, there’s really a difference in going out. Staying in that shabby place, Bianjing, was making me feel mouldy,” a finely dressed, smooth-haired young man said with a smile.

Beside him stood a dignified middle-aged man.

“The capital of the Zhou Dynasty, Luoyang, is one of the most prosperous cities in the world. You should take a walk later, my dear nephew,” the older man said.

This was Zhu Dong, the Weiyuan Jiedushi of the Song Dynasty, and next to him was Gao Qiu’s son, Gao Kan.

Gao Kan chuckled. “Of course, Uncle. I won’t interfere with your official business. I’ll go for a walk later.”

Zhu Dong nodded slightly. “You may go, my dear nephew. I’ll have someone notify you when it’s time to leave.”

While Zhu Dong didn’t think much of Gao Kan, he knew to show respect because of his relation to Gao Qiu. This trip to the Zhou Dynasty was official, after all.

…

“You’ve matured a lot since you’ve been with General Heichi,” Wei Zifu said as she walked with her brother, Wei Qing, through the streets of Luoyang.

“But you’ve also become rather rough from the military life. Come, let me buy you some new clothes.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Wei Qing glanced at his radiant sister and whispered, “Brother-in-law… how does he treat you?”

Wei Zifu’s expression grew more serious as she looked at him, her usual gentle demeanour replaced by a note of caution.

“What do you mean ‘brother-in-law’? I am simply a servant at the side of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is our benefactor. Do not become too dependent on him, and be careful not to cause any trouble.”

As a former singer, Wei Zifu knew the capricious nature of those in power. What if her brother’s words reached Yang Yi’s ears and displeased him?

Wei Zifu felt a pang of unease. Her brother Wei Qing, once just a stable hand at Princess Pingyang’s residence, had grown under the Prime Minister’s tutelage and had even been promoted to captain.

She was grateful for the opportunities Yang Yi had provided. Despite becoming a citizen of the Zhou Dynasty, Wei Zifu didn’t regret the change. She had been a slave in the Han Dynasty, and here, at least, the Prime Minister treated her well.

But Yang Yi’s persistence made it difficult for her to handle at times. Her thoughts flushed her cheeks with a faint blush.

Wei Qing scratched his head awkwardly. “The Prime Minister told me to call him that and said that, if there’s a chance in the future, he will give you the status of a concubine…”

Wei Zifu stopped short, stunned. “Really?”

Wei Qing smiled. “Why would the Prime Minister lie to someone like me?”

Wei Zifu’s heart fluttered. While she had been willing to serve as a maid to the Prime Minister, becoming a concubine would be a much greater honor.

A soft chuckle interrupted their conversation.

“Tsk tsk tsk, such a beautiful lady. Why be someone’s concubine? Why not follow me instead?” a voice said with a greasy tone.

“You will live in luxury, eat and drink well, wear gold and silver…”

Wei Qing immediately turned, placing himself protectively in front of his sister. His sharp eyes glared coldly at Gao Kan, who was now within earshot.

Gao Kan felt a chill run down his spine, sensing the danger in Wei Qing’s gaze. He had overheard part of their conversation and, mistaking Wei Zifu for a maid, had tried to strike up a conversation. Seeing her beauty, he assumed she would be interested.

But he hadn’t anticipated Wei Qing’s fierce reaction.

“So, young lady, what do you think? Would you like to consider it?” Gao Kan sneered, ignoring the warning in Wei Qing’s eyes.