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

Zhufu Yan was stunned. He hadn’t expected that this young, powerful strategist of the Great Zhou would harbour a lingering affection for a mere singer. Delighted, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to establish a bond with such an influential figure.
With a resolute nod, Zhufu Yan said, “Don’t worry, Minister Yang. A gentleman helps others achieve their desires. It’s a small matter—I won’t let you down. Just tell me the name of the singer…”
Yang Yi replied solemnly, “The singer’s name is Wei Zifu. She has two relatives: her brother, Wei Qing, and her nephew, Huo Qubing.”
Yang Yi had already learned that the Han Emperor Liu Che still had Empress Chen—Chen Ajiao, the famous subject of ‘The Golden House to Keep One’s Mistress.’ This meant that Wei Zifu had likely not yet attracted the emperor’s notice.
If he could bring her under his own roof first, it would be ideal; she was a woman who came with two legendary figures as her dowry.
Zhufu Yan had no doubts; he simply thought Minister Yang was deeply in love. Pounding his chest, he promised to take care of it.
After all, she was only a singer. Princess Pingyang, who enjoyed currying favour with the powerful, wouldn’t likely refuse a request from such a prominent minister of the Great Zhou.
…
Ten days later, Fang Xuanling and the others returned with news of successful negotiations.
The establishment of Great Zhou Bao branches in the capitals of various countries was underway, and Yang Yi provided them with the smallpox prevention method as a gift to solidify this initial cooperation.
Zhufu Yan also brought good news. In Princess Pingyang’s residence, there was indeed a singer named Wei Zifu.
Now, Wei Zifu, her brother Wei Qing, and her nephew Huo Qubing were being escorted to the Great Zhou by people sent by the princess herself. They were just a singer, a servant, and a child; Princess Pingyang had seen no reason to refuse Yang Yi’s request.
…
Half a month later, at the Yang residence.
Several carriages were parked outside the mansion. As one of the most influential ministers of the Great Zhou, Yang Yi attracted countless admirers eager to curry favour.
Outside his residence, people frequently came bearing gifts, but most were turned away at the door.
Suddenly, a Han-style carriage rolled up in front of the gate, piquing the curiosity of those nearby.
“Whose carriage is that?”
“Judging by the style, it’s not from around here.”
Someone scoffed, “It doesn’t matter where it’s from; it won’t get through Yang’s gate anyway.”
The others nodded in agreement, accustomed to the sight of messengers bearing gifts only to be turned away.
To everyone’s surprise, however, a gatekeeper approached the carriage, exchanged words with the driver, and then gestured for it to enter the residence through the side gate.
…
Half an hour later, in the study.
Yang Yi observed the young woman before him, who had clearly been bathed, dressed, and carefully attended to by the maids in his residence. He was unexpectedly surprised.
He brought Wei Zifu here mainly because of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, and he did not expect much from the singer herself.
Yet the girl before him was strikingly beautiful. She was tall, with a cascade of black, silky hair styled in the popular Yao Tai bun of Han women.
Her delicate, fair face was complemented by large, clear eyes, which sparkled shyly as she looked at him.
Her white silk dress was embroidered with jade ribbons, lending her an aura of purity and elegance. Her full chest and slender waist suggested she was held to high standards of beauty in Princess Pingyang’s residence.
Seeing Yang Yi, Wei Zifu quickly lowered her gaze, bowing respectfully.
“This servant greets the minister…”
Yang Yi’s gaze lingered on her thoughtfully. Wei Zifu blushed, her fair skin taking on a soft rosy hue as she lowered her head, too shy to meet his eyes.
Yang Yi mused, surprised at himself. It had slipped his mind that anyone who caught the eye of Emperor Wu of Han wouldn’t be lacking in appearance. But now, she was his.
Yang Yi was no moral paragon; having such a beautiful girl, along with two legendary figures as part of her dowry, was certainly an impressive gain. Smiling, he addressed her.
“From today, your brother and nephew will be under my care. I’ll arrange for your brother to join the military, while your nephew, being young, will study under General Heichi Changzhi. As for you, you’ll remain here, in my household.”
Wei Zifu bit her lip, nodding softly. Having been sent here by the princess, she had no choice but to accept her new life.
Her eyes flickered shyly to Yang Yi, and to her surprise, this powerful minister of the Great Zhou was quite handsome—not at all like the portly, aging figure she’d imagined.
Seeing her timid glance, Yang Yi felt a surge of warmth. Rising, he approached her, lifted her into his arms, and carried her to the inner room. Her soft cries filled the space as he pressed her down onto the bed.
…
The next day, at dawn.
A sliver of sunlight slipped through the window, casting a gentle glow across the floor. Clothes lay scattered haphazardly around the room.
On the bed, Yang Yi watched the beautiful Wei Zifu lying beside him, a small smile tugging at his lips.
This was a famed beauty from history, and now she belonged to him. He gently stroked her smooth, fair cheek, which flushed red at his touch. He realized she had been awake for some time, quietly lying beside him.
Just then, a knock came at the door, followed by a maid’s voice.
“Minister, someone from the palace has arrived. Her Majesty requests your presence…”
Yang Yi’s brows lifted. The Empress was summoning him.
He rose from the bed, and as he began to dress, Wei Zifu, with downcast eyes, obediently helped him. Her cheeks were flushed, her head bowed in a demure manner, though her hands were steady as she smoothed his robes. Yang Yi chuckled, pinching her cheek lightly before leaving.
…
Half an hour later, in the Qianyuan Hall.
Yang Yi bowed before the Empress.
“Your Majesty, this humble servant greets you…”
Wu Zhao’s gaze lingered on him, her eyes gleaming with subtle amusement.
Seeing him so refreshed, she couldn’t help but remark, “I heard that the girl you fancied in your youth has arrived at your residence. It seems you’ve finally reunited with your beloved.”