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

The hall fell silent.
A faint blush rose to Wu Zhao’s cold and noble face, as if a light layer of rouge had been applied. Her clear eyes flickered with a hint of complexity, caught between an inexplicable shyness and annoyance.
Yet, without realizing it, she found herself less resistant than she expected.
Yang Yi immediately regretted his words.
The silence stretched.
Wu Zhao said nothing, as though she hadn’t heard his remark. Finally, she spoke.
“I entrust the matter of meeting the envoys to you. I am tired.” With that, she turned and exited the hall.
Yang Yi stood, stunned, feeling something amiss. The Empress had not reprimanded him for his impertinent words?
As she departed, he observed her figure—still graceful, her full chest forming a perfect curve even from behind, a slender waist like a serpent, and rounded hips accentuating the gold-threaded skirt. Sunlight filtering through seemed to faintly outline her legs beneath the fabric.
Yang Yi fell into contemplation.
…
The next day, at Honglu Temple.
“Greetings, Minister Yang”
The envoys at Honglu Temple bowed to Yang Yi. A nearby official discreetly introduced each envoy’s identity.
Fang Xuanling, Song Lian, Zhufu Yan, and Wei Liao—all prominent figures from their respective nations of Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming—represented the importance their emperors placed on diplomatic relations with the Great Zhou.
Yang Yi recognized these names; each was famed in history. After brief pleasantries, everyone took their seats.
Fang Xuanling, stroking his beard, smiled warmly.
“I’ve long admired Minister Yang’s reputation. Meeting you today, I see you truly are a dragon among men.”
Yang Yi replied modestly, “Minister Fang overpraises me…”
Fang Xuanling chuckled. “Our Emperor of the Tang Dynasty has commended Minister Yang on numerous occasions. If you have the chance, Minister Yang, His Majesty would be honoured to receive you in the Tang Dynasty.”
Yang Yi’s thoughts shifted.
Being a ruthless strategist often drew enmity, and attracting the attention of the Tang Dynasty’s emperor was not necessarily favourable.
Composing himself, he replied calmly, “The Tang Dynasty and the Great Zhou are neighbours and friends. Should the opportunity arise, I will certainly visit.”
Fang Xuanling smiled.
“We understand that Minister Yang has discovered a method to prevent smallpox—an invaluable achievement. Before I departed, His Majesty urged me to consult you on this matter. The Tang Dynasty is willing to offer any compensation for it.”
At this, Song Lian, Zhufu Yan, and Wei Liao joined in.
“The Ming Dynasty also seeks the smallpox prevention method.”
“So does the Han Dynasty.”
“The Qin Dynasty is prepared to negotiate for it as well.”
Yang Yi remained calm, a slight smile gracing his face.
He spoke sincerely, “Gentlemen, you honour us too greatly. Smallpox is a common enemy to all nations. Now that our Great Zhou has a solution, we cannot withhold it. We will prepare the method and send it to you soon.”
The four men looked at him in surprise. Though they hadn’t expected him to refuse, his offer to share it freely was unexpected.
Fang Xuanling, stroking his beard thoughtfully, replied, “Minister Yang, do you truly ask for nothing in return? Our Tang Dynasty came with sincerity.”
The others exchanged glances, awaiting his answer.
Yang Yi shook his head, his eyes sincere.
“The Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming dynasties are all powerful nations of the Central Plains. We should share in prosperity and adversity. Besides, eradicating smallpox serves the people of all lands, so there is no need for compensation.”
The four envoys were taken aback. Coming from anyone else, these words might have been believable, but from Yang Yi, the chief strategist of the Great Zhou, they seemed a bit misplaced.
He continued, “However, if you truly feel uncomfortable accepting it freely, I do have a small request.”
Fang Xuanling, Song Lian, Zhufu Yan, and Wei Liao exchanged nods.
“Minister Yang, please, go on…”
A glint of mischief appeared in Yang Yi’s eyes.
“The
is a unique publication of our nation, read widely by our citizens. I hope we may establish branches of the
in the capitals of your countries, to foster mutual understanding and friendship among our peoples. What do you think?”
The four envoys instinctively considered this. They knew of the
‘s power. Their countries had attempted similar publications, but their impact was limited.
Fang Xuanling replied thoughtfully, “Minister Yang, this is a reasonable request. We shall write to His Majesty for approval, and I believe he will agree.”
The others nodded as well, recognizing the request as fair, given their purpose of strengthening ties with the Great Zhou.
Half an hour later, the envoys took their leave to seek their emperors’ approval. Zhufu Yan was about to depart when Yang Yi called out to him.
“Minister Zhufu…”
Surprised, Zhufu Yan turned and saluted respectfully. Unlike the others, his rank was lower than Yang Yi’s, and he deeply admired Yang Yi’s enfeoffment policy.
Yang Yi smiled warmly. “Minister Zhufu, there’s no need for such formality. I feel a kinship with you. If you have time, please visit my residence.”
Zhufu Yan, flattered, quickly thanked him.
Yang Yi’s gaze turned contemplative. “Minister Zhufu, could I trouble you with a small favour upon your return to the Han Dynasty?”
Zhufu Yan nodded. “Please, Minister Yang, anything you need.”
Yang Yi hesitated, appearing slightly embarrassed.
“In your state’s Princess Pingyang’s residence, there is a singer. Years ago, I saw her from afar and was captivated. At the time, I had nothing to offer, so I left in sorrow. Now that I’ve achieved some success, I hope you might help me bring her to the Great Zhou. I am willing to pay for her freedom…”