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

The incident spread rapidly, reaching various regions. It especially resonated in the Ming Dynasty, as the person falsely accused was a Ming merchant. United in indignation, many people in Ming voiced their outrage.
In an era of delayed information, the best-selling
served as the spiritual sustenance for the majority of the population.
“If you didn’t knock him down, why did you help him?” This phrase spread like wildfire, becoming a topic of national debate. Even those initially unaware of the situation soon paid attention, joining the heated discussions. Everyone around them seemed to be talking about it.
To lack knowledge of the incident was to seem out of touch. Many had already developed a sense of hostility toward the Song people.
The phrase “If you didn’t knock him down, why did you help him?” struck a chord. In a society where personal integrity and reputation were held in the highest regard, it felt like an affront.
Especially with Yang Yi subtly fanning the flames, resentment toward the Song people grew.
The phrase “If you didn’t knock him down, why did you help him?” became inextricably linked to them. Hearing someone was from Song conjured up the phrase almost instinctively.
…
“Song people?” a middle-aged man said angrily. “Then our business ends here. Liu Feng, who was falsely accused of beating someone by your Song residents, is from our village.”
The face of the Song merchant beside him turned pale.
“Master Zhang, we’ve worked together for ten years. You must sell me this batch of vegetables, or I’m ruined.
“And if I don’t sell you this batch, you’ll suffer a loss too,” the Song merchant added desperately.
The middle-aged man snorted coldly and turned to the onlookers nearby.
“I, Zhang, though just a humble merchant, cannot tolerate the oppression of Ming subjects by Song people. I’d rather take a loss than make this deal!”
“Good!”
The surrounding crowd erupted in cheers. Their blood boiled with excitement as they rallied around Zhang’s stand.
Someone shouted, “Master Zhang, you won’t suffer a loss. I’ll buy some!”
Others quickly chimed in, “Yes, me too!”
“We can’t let a righteous man take a loss. I’ll take it all!”
“I’ll buy as well!”
Scenes like this unfolded across the Ming Dynasty. Outrage spread like an unquenchable fire. Many truly felt indignant, while others saw it as an opportunity to “jump on the bandwagon.”
…
“
. Did you hear? Master Zhang’s future son-in-law is a resident of Song. He called off the engagement immediately,” one man gossiped.
“No surprise. Who would’ve thought the reputation of the Song people would plummet overnight? Master Zhang values his honor.”
“The Song people do trade heavily with our Tang Dynasty. I wonder what effect this will have?”
“Heh, trade will continue, but they’ll lose respect behind closed doors.”
Conversations like this echoed through the streets and alleys. Even in the inclusive Tang Dynasty, the phrase “If you didn’t knock him down, why did you help him?” became a household saying.
…
“I’ve heard the reputation of the Song people is in tatters lately,” one man remarked.
“Indeed. They’ve gone too far this time.”
“It seems many of them faced setbacks in the Ming Dynasty.”
“
. If I met a resident of Song, I’d give them a piece of my mind.”
The people of Qin argued fervently, their voices laced with righteous anger. Nearby residents of Song, overhearing these conversations, lowered their heads and hurried away, avoiding confrontations.
…
“Your Majesty, Prime Minister Yang, our intelligence indicates that most regions now harbor hostility toward the Song people,” a guard reported.
“Especially in the Ming Dynasty, where they are universally despised.”
Wu Zhao’s eyebrow twitched. She turned to Yang Yi in surprise.
“You’ve been too ruthless with this plan. From now on, if any Song elder collapses in the street, no one will help them.”
Yang Yi’s lips curled slightly. The speed at which this news had spread surpassed his expectations. He hadn’t anticipated so many people jumping on the bandwagon. While novel in this era, opportunists everywhere fueled the wildfire.
On the side, Shangguan Wan’er blinked in admiration.
“Prime Minister, this plan has made everyone want to shun the Song people. It can be considered a form of vengeance for Her Majesty.”
Yang Yi shook his head. “This is only the beginning. Most people are merely spectators, and their memories are fleeting. Before long, they’ll forget this incident entirely. So, we need to find another opportunity to continue the plan.
“When the current uproar dies down, we’ll stage another incident involving Song people. This will connect the two events in people’s minds, merging old grievances with new ones. Resentment will intensify.
“Eventually, even if someone falls in the street, people will first ask if they’re from Song before deciding whether to help.”
Wu Zhao and Shangguan Wan’er inhaled sharply.
“This plan is ruthless,” Wu Zhao murmured. “You’re stacking layers of hatred to permanently tarnish their image.”
Yang Yi’s face remained composed. “Their provocation required a response, Your Majesty. However, Zhao Ji won’t regret provoking us—not yet.”
“Why not?”
Yang Yi smirked. “Because only a portion of the population despises them. It’s far from universal.”
“But I have another plan,” he added with a glint in his eye. “We’ll use the current uproar to ensure the Song people are thrust even further into the limelight.”
Wu Zhao’s interest piqued. “What’s the plan?”
Yang Yi’s voice turned low and conspiratorial. “We’ll arrange for a couple from Song to disguise themselves as poor peasants. They’ll beg in the streets of Luoyang, claiming their child is gravely ill and they’re willing to sell themselves into slavery to save them.
“Once this garners attention, we’ll plant someone to offer help, sparking public sympathy. Then, the
will report on their plight, revealing their identity as Song people to further draw donations.”
Wu Zhao frowned. “But if their identity as Song people is revealed, won’t people refuse to help?”