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

Zhao Ji’s pale face flushed red with anger.
“Did that scoundrel really say that?”
Although Gao Qiu lacked statecraft, he was adept at reading people. He knew Zhao Ji’s pride was his greatest weakness, and hearing such words would undoubtedly push him to his limit. Seizing the moment, he added fuel to the fire.
“Yes, Your Majesty, I heard it by chance. Yang Yi openly declared that he would never agree to a marriage alliance with our Song Dynasty. He even threatened to teach us a lesson. I suspect my son and Zhu Dong were set up because of this.”
Unwittingly, Gao Qiu’s fabricated story aligned uncannily close to the truth, making his tale all the more convincing.
Zhao Ji’s pride and confidence—hallmarks of his personality—were deeply wounded.
As a man who wore a seal engraved with
on his waist daily, he had never imagined his marriage proposal to the Zhou Dynasty would be treated with such contempt.
To think Yang Yi had insulted him so openly! He now recalled sending Zhu Dong to the Zhou Dynasty, only to receive no response.
Clearly, they had dismissed his overtures entirely. And now, harming Zhu Dong and Gao Kan—two individuals with no prior grievances against them—was a deliberate act of humiliation.
Furious, Zhao Ji slammed his hand against the table.
“How hateful Yang Yi is! Does he think I am made of clay?”
Gao Qiu, seeing the emperor’s anger flare, pressed on.
“Your Majesty, this is a grave insult to the dignity of the Song Dynasty. We cannot let this stand!”
Zhao Ji’s temper boiled over. Without hesitation, he declared,
“Gao Qiu, I am granting you command of one hundred thousand troops. March to the Zhou Kingdom immediately and demand the return of those fifty million strings of cash!”
He leaned forward, his voice dripping with venom.
“If they refuse, announce to the world how the Zhou Dynasty resorts to rogue methods to amass wealth. Let everyone see how despicable they are!”
He slammed his fist on the table for emphasis. “And if they remain stubborn—teach them a lesson they’ll never forget.”
Zhao Ji’s confidence was unwavering. Despite the Song’s recent struggles against the Liao, he firmly believed in the strength of his kingdom. With the Song Dynasty’s wealth and advanced weaponry, how could a war-torn Zhou Kingdom possibly stand against them?
Gao Qiu’s face lit up with joy as he bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
…
Later that evening, at Gao Qiu’s residence, he found his son, Gao Kan, nursing a swollen and bruised face. The young man looked utterly dejected.
The moment Gao Kan saw his father, he clung to him desperately.
“Father, we’re finished! Fifty million strings of cash—gone!”
Gao Qiu glared at his son and barked, “Useless! I’ve already secured the emperor’s approval to march. We leave tomorrow!”
Gao Kan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Father, are you going to war with the Zhou Dynasty?”
Gao Qiu slapped the back of his son’s head. “War, my foot! This is about forcing Yang Yi to return the money. Otherwise, how will you repay those nobles demanding their share of fifty million strings of cash?”
Touching his bruised face, Gao Kan shuddered as memories of his earlier humiliation resurfaced. His eyes burned with hatred.
“Father, let me come with you! I want revenge!”
Gao Qiu glanced at him and nodded grimly.
…
At dawn the next day, Gao Qiu, accompanied by his son and Zhu Dong, led one hundred thousand troops toward the Zhou Dynasty. Both Gao Kan and Zhu Dong seethed with hatred for Yang Yi, each eager to see him ruined.
…
A few days later, inside the Zhou Dynasty Council Hall, Yang Yi stood before the Empress and her ministers, his voice calm yet resolute.
“Your Majesty, I have established four glass workshops in Luoyang, and orders are already pouring in.”
He smiled faintly. “By seizing this opportunity, our Zhou Dynasty will become the world’s foremost producer of glass. Other nations will soon recognize that if they want glass, they must come to us. This will give our kingdom a unique specialty and solidify an economic pillar.”
The ministers nodded in admiration, their respect for Yang Yi evident. His governance was undeniably effective, even if his methods were sometimes ruthless.
The Empress, her phoenix eyes alight with approval, spoke softly.
“Minister Yang, you have done well.”
At that moment, Shangguan Wan’er entered hurriedly and whispered into the Empress’ ear. Wu Zhao’s expression shifted subtly as she listened.
Looking back at the court, she announced, “The Song Dynasty’s Grand Marshal, Gao Qiu, has led one hundred thousand troops to Xingyang Pass. They are demanding the return of fifty million strings of cash.”
A heavy silence fell over the hall. The ministers exchanged uneasy glances before their gazes landed on Yang Yi.
Yang Yi’s face remained calm, but inside, he was speechless.
Xu Jingzong broke the silence, his voice cautious.
“Your Majesty, the Song Dynasty’s weapons are renowned for their sophistication. We must tread carefully. Perhaps we should recall General Heichi to bolster our defenses?”
Wu Zhao shook her head. “The campaign to eradicate the Qing remnants is nearing completion. General Heichi’s presence there remains vital to ensure lasting stability.”
The ministers fell into deep thought, weighing their options.
The Empress’s gaze sharpened. “While most of our forces are stationed in Qing territory, we can still muster troops. If the Song Dynasty desires conflict, our Zhou Kingdom will meet them head-on.”
The court murmured their agreement, emboldened by the nation’s growing strength.
Xu Jingzong stroked his beard. “Nevertheless, we must remain cautious. The Song Dynasty excels in weaponry where we are comparatively weaker.”
Yang Yi stepped forward, his expression calm yet confident. “Your Majesty, I have a plan to handle the Song forces.”
All eyes turned to him, hope rekindling in their gazes.
Xu Jingzong leaned forward, anticipation in his voice.
“Prime Minister Yang, what strategy do you propose?”
Yang Yi’s lips twitched slightly at their eager expressions.
“Your Majesty, Gao Qiu’s forces are here for money, not war. We should send an envoy to negotiate, delaying them until their supplies run low. Then, we can offer a portion of the fifty million strings as a gesture of goodwill. This way, we avoid unnecessary conflict and still profit significantly.”