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

Night had fallen at the Yang residence, casting a serene glow over the courtyard. An hour earlier, Ying Yinman had been marveling over golden kernels of corn.
“Is that corn?” Ying Yinman stared at the fragrant, golden kernels before her, her mouth agape in surprise. “No wonder it’s called
—it looks so golden!”
Yang Yi, busy tending the barbecue and turning skewers of meat on the grill, didn’t look up.
“Corn, like sweet potatoes, is a high-yield crop. Here in Great Zhou, the yield can reach nearly a thousand catties per mu.”
Ying Yinman’s eyes widened in shock. A thousand catties per mu? Such a yield was astonishing! Her lips parted slightly as she tried to process this revelation, her mind reeling. Just as she was left speechless, another enticing aroma wafted through the air.
Drawn by the smell, she leaned closer, her bright eyes fixed intently on the grill.
“Why does your barbecue smell so good?”
Yang Yi smirked and held up a small porcelain bottle. “This contains my homemade chili powder.”
Ying Yinman’s curiosity sparked. “Chili?”
“Yes,” Yang Yi replied, holding up a vibrant red chili pepper. “These come from overseas. They’re spicy and hot—an essential ingredient in the hotpot you enjoyed last night.”
“Hotpot?” Ying Yinman blinked in realization. The
“This chili is amazing—far better than mustard chilies.”
She sighed, a touch of disappointment creeping into her expression.
“I didn’t expect Great Zhou to have so many new things… It’s a pity that when I return to Great Qin, I probably won’t find these chilies again.”
Yang Yi glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. He said nothing, letting the silence linger.
Ying Yinman puffed up her chest slightly, her porcelain-like complexion tinged with frustration.
“Brother Yang, won’t you give me some as a parting gift?”
Feigning surprise, Yang Yi raised his eyebrows. “Oh, so Manman wants some chilies? I had no idea.”
“Of course I do!” she huffed. “And don’t forget the fruit you mentioned earlier. I want those too!”
Yang Yi chuckled. “All right, but on one condition.”
Ying Yinman tilted her head, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. “What condition?”
“I’ve designed a new outfit and need someone to try it on,” Yang Yi said, stroking his chin. “If Manman is willing to help, I’ll prepare all the chilies and fruit you want.”
Ying Yinman’s eyes brightened with understanding. She patted her chest confidently. “That’s it? That’s easy! Brother Yang, leave it to me!”
Yang Yi’s smile deepened. “Really?”
“Of course,” she replied without hesitation. “It’s just trying on clothes, right? How hard could it be?”
“But,” she added, “you must give me plenty of chilies and fruits when I leave!”
“Deal,” Yang Yi said smoothly. “Wait here—I’ll fetch the outfit.”
Moments later, he returned with neatly folded garments. “Here you go.”
Ying Yinman stared at the ensemble, dumbfounded. “What… is this?”
“It’s a skirt and top, along with a pair of stockings,” Yang Yi explained. “Try them on.”
Her face flushed crimson as she pointed at the unfamiliar attire. “Isn’t this… too short?”
“It’s just for trying on,” Yang Yi replied seriously. “You’re not wearing it outside, are you? It’s only us here. There’s no need to feel shy.”
Ying Yinman hesitated, her lips pursing. Something about his calm demeanor reassured her, though she still felt uneasy.
“Well… I suppose so,” she said tentatively.
Yang Yi gave her a warm smile. “You’re the first to try this design, Manman. Your feedback is very important to me. Unless, of course, you’re unwilling to help?”
Faced with his earnest tone, Ying Yinman felt her resolve strengthen. “Of course, I want to help! But if it doesn’t fit, Brother Yang, you’d better not laugh.”
Yang Yi suppressed a smile. With her long legs wrapped in the black stockings, he was certain she’d look stunning.
…
Some minutes later, as Yang Yi pondered whether she needed help fastening the buttons, a shy, clear voice called out.
“Brother Yang… does this look strange?”
Yang Yi turned, and his breath caught. Ying Yinman stood before him, dressed in the white blouse and pleated skirt. Her long, black hair was styled in a traditional Qin cross-bun, framing her shy yet exquisite features. She exuded both classical grace and a subtle, modern allure.
The blouse accentuated her high bosom, while the pleated skirt revealed her slender legs encased in sheer, black stockings. A faint strip of pale skin peeked between the hem of the skirt and the tops of the stockings, creating a tantalizing contrast. The sight was breathtaking.
Caught off guard, Yang Yi’s gaze lingered on her legs a moment too long. Ying Yinman noticed and bashfully squeezed her legs together. Exposing so much skin for the first time made her heart flutter with a mix of embarrassment and excitement.
After a moment, Yang Yi sighed softly.
“Brother Yang, what’s wrong?” Ying Yinman asked, biting her lip nervously. “Do you not like it?”
Clearing his throat, Yang Yi smiled. “Not at all.”
He leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful yet sincere. “I was just thinking that this outfit truly comes to life when worn by you, Manman. The stockings, in particular, seem as if they were made for you.”
Ying Yinman’s cheeks flushed deep red at the unexpected compliment.