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

The next day, Ying Yinman limped towards the carriage, her steps hesitant as she reluctantly bid farewell to Yang Yi.
Under the watchful eyes of Zhang Han and others, Yang Yi returned the gesture with equal reluctance.
…
Half a month later, at the Zhangtai Temple.
“Father, your daughter has returned.”
Ying Yinman bowed respectfully before Ying Zheng.
Dressed in a black robe with wide sleeves, Ying Zheng’s expression remained unreadable as his sharp eyes studied his daughter.
Ying Yinman suppressed her discomfort, forcing herself to remain composed despite the tension that filled the air.
After a long silence, Ying Zheng finally spoke, his tone slow and deliberate.
“You still remember to come back.”
Ying Yinman exhaled softly, relief spreading through her. If her father was speaking, there was hope for reconciliation.
She flashed a playful smile. “I’m your daughter, Father… Of course, I know how to get home.”
Ying Zheng remained silent, his stern demeanor softening only slightly.
He sighed, “You left the palace on your own simply because you were unhappy with Li Si’s son? Do you realize that such actions, if known, would damage the royal family’s reputation?”
Ying Yinman stuck out her tongue, her tone contrite. “Father, I know I was wrong.”
Ying Zheng narrowed his eyes, his voice deepening. “Stay in the palace and reflect on your actions. As for your marriage, I’ve decided—you will wed Li Si’s son, Li You. The two of you are well matched in status.”
Ying Yinman’s breath hitched.
Gritting her teeth, she boldly declared, “Father, I have made a private promise to someone.”
The hall fell into an oppressive silence.
Palace maids froze, bowing their heads, unwilling to draw attention to themselves.
Ying Zheng’s sharp brows furrowed, a trace of astonishment flickering in his eyes.
“You made a private promise? To whom?”
Ying Yinman met his gaze, her voice steady but her hands trembling slightly.
“Yang Yi of the Zhou Dynasty.”
Her words echoed in the vast hall, leaving the atmosphere thick with tension.
Ying Zheng’s expression darkened as he clenched his fists, fury boiling beneath his composed exterior.
After a long silence, Ying Zheng finally spoke, his voice as cold as steel.
“Do you think you can fool me with such tricks?”
Ying Yinman stood firm, her resolve unwavering.
“Father, you can have a palace maid verify my words. I love Yang Yi… please don’t force me.”
Ying Zheng rubbed his temples, his frustration evident. On the surface, he maintained his composure, but his thoughts raced.
After what felt like an eternity, Ying Zheng sighed. “Very well. You are confined to the palace for three months.”
Ying Yinman blinked, stunned by the verdict, before a smile lit her face. “Yes, Father.”
Watching her leave, Ying Zheng’s face darkened once more. He admired Yang Yi, but the fact that Yang Yi came up with such a despicable trick for his daughter made him angry.
He slammed the table, sending documents scattering, his fury palpable.
Ying Zheng gritted his teeth, letting out a helpless sigh.
Ying Yinman’s resistance to Li You weighed heavily on his mind.
The thought unsettled him, but what infuriated him even more was Yang Yi’s involvement in the matter.
After standing silently with his hands clasped behind his back, he turned to the attendant at his side and said, “Inform Li Si that Princess Yinman’s marriage is temporarily on hold.”
…
“Qin is a thousand miles from my Great Zhou, yet Yang Yi managed to involve himself with their princess. Truly remarkable…”
Wu Zhao’s calm voice echoed in the hall as she studied Yang Yi with an inscrutable expression.
Yang Yi winced.
He quickly raised his hands in defense. “Your Majesty, I had no idea she was the Princess of Qin when I corresponded with her. At most, she’s like a sworn sister to me…”
Wu Zhao snorted softly,  leaning back against the dragon chair with an air of regal confidence. Her hands rested gracefully on the armrests, the imperial robe accentuating her poised elegance and the undeniable allure of a mature woman.
“I don’t care about your relationship with her.”
She paused, her gaze sharpening. “The second prince of the Ming Dynasty is getting married soon. You will depart tomorrow.”
Yang Yi blinked, momentarily taken aback.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” he replied promptly.
Wu Zhao hesitated before adding, “In Ming, do not go around provoking women.”
Yang Yi stared at her, confused.
Realizing she might have overstepped, Wu Zhao lowered her gaze, her tone steady.
“You represent the face of Great Zhou. If you provoke another woman, it would disgrace our nation. Besides, Wu Mingyue has feelings for you—don’t break her heart.”
Yang Yi raised an eyebrow, the Empress’s words lingering in his mind.
…
“Yang Yi, Assistant Minister of Great Zhou, greets the Crown Prince!”
Yang Yi offered a polite smile as he extended his hands toward Zhu Biao.
Zhu Biao, the Crown Prince of Ming, studied the man before him with intrigue.
Zhu Biao smiled faintly. “Minister Yang, your reputation precedes you. Seeing you in person, it is clear the praise is well deserved. My father awaits you in the palace—please, follow me.”
Yang Yi’s curiosity piqued.
He nodded politely. “I am honored. Please lead the way, Crown Prince.”
…
Yang Yi stepped forward, bowing deeply. “Yang Yi, Assistant Minister of Great Zhou, greets His Majesty the Emperor of Ming.”
Zhu Yuanzhang sat before him, his presence commanding. Despite his graying hair, his fierce tiger-like gaze betrayed the vitality of a man still in his prime.
After a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang broke into a hearty laugh.
“Someone, bring Minister Yang a seat.”
As Yang Yi sat, Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze lingered. “The Great Zhou’s greatest poison master, they call you. Even an old man like me has heard the tales. Truly, your talents are unmatched under the heavens.”
Yang Yi smiled modestly. “Your Majesty flatters me—it is merely fortune and circumstance.”
Zhu Yuanzhang’s laughter boomed. “Good fortune indeed!”
He leaned forward, his tone conspiratorial. “Young man, how about serving in Ming? I’ll grant you the title of Duke, and you can choose any of my daughters as your bride.”
Zhu Biao’s jaw dropped.
Yang Yi, unfazed, folded his hands respectfully. “Your Majesty’s generosity humbles me, but my loyalty lies with Great Zhou.”
Zhu Yuanzhang’s smile faltered, a hint of regret in his expression.