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

The entire hall fell silent as everyone stared at Yang Yi in astonishment. Even seasoned officials like Xu Jingzong and Wei Yuanzhong were stunned. What had just transpired was beyond their expectations. Yang Yi’s scheme had been treacherous, even shameless, yet undeniably brilliant.
In terms of status, Jie Li Khan was on par with the Empress—they were both rulers of their respective nations. But now, after Yang Yi’s masterful manipulation, Jie Li Khan had danced at the banquet, and the court scribe had recorded the event as if he had performed for the Empress herself.
The implications were staggering. Dancing for someone was symbolic of a subject’s reverence for their ruler, a servant’s homage to their master. The consequences of this would be catastrophic for Jie Li Khan’s reputation, especially among his own people.
Once word spread, the Turkic tribes would view their khan as a disgrace. Running off to dance for the ruler of another nation? It was utterly humiliating. Yang Yi’s maneuver was vicious, yet it achieved a devastating effect.
Xu Jingzong and the others exchanged glances, the corners of their mouths twitching with restrained satisfaction. For all his arrogance and bluster, Jie Li Khan had fallen right into Yang Yi’s trap.
How dare he try to flaunt his power in the Great Zhou? The officials began to understand the depth of Yang Yi’s strategy, their shock mingled with admiration. This move would not only bolster the Great Zhou’s prestige but also diminish the Turks’ standing.
Wu Zhao’s eyes glimmered with amusement, the corners of her rosy lips curling upward. Yang Yi’s methods were indeed shameless—but undeniably satisfying. Even Shangguan Wan’er, standing nearby, glanced at Yang Yi with quiet admiration.
Meanwhile, Jie Li Khan and his entourage stood frozen, their expressions darkening with each passing moment. They couldn’t believe what had just happened. Jie Li Khan, in particular, was livid. His chest heaved with barely restrained rage, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His sharp gaze bore into Yang Yi, as if trying to cut him down with sheer force of will.
Yang Yi, however, remained unperturbed. He raised his wine goblet slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. His calm demeanor only fueled Jie Li Khan’s fury.
Leaning forward ever so slightly, Yang Yi mouthed the words, “Nice dance. Come again next time.”
Jie Li Khan’s face flushed with rage, and for a moment, it seemed as though he might explode. But he said nothing.
…
The next morning, Jie Li Khan and his entourage left Luoyang under the cover of darkness. The humiliation was too much to bear, and his hatred for the Great Zhou burned deeper than ever.
A few days later, the Great Zhou Bao published a special edition. Newsboys flooded the streets, shouting the headlines at the top of their lungs.
“Extra, extra! Jie Li Khan of the Turks dances for our Empress of the Great Zhou!”
The announcement caused a stir among the citizens. People rushed to purchase copies of the newspaper, eager to confirm the unbelievable story.
Jie Li Khan, a mighty ruler, reduced to dancing for the Empress? It was almost too good to be true. The news spread quickly, not only throughout the Great Zhou but also to neighboring nations.
…
In the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Li Shimin sat in his palace, holding a copy of the newspaper. He chuckled heartily, his laughter echoing through the hall.
“Well done, Jie Li Khan, to be outsmarted by Yang Yi!”
As a seasoned ruler, Li Shimin understood the significance of such a public humiliation. Memories of past conflicts with the Turks surfaced, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
Even his ministers, though wary of Yang Yi’s unpredictable nature, had to acknowledge the brilliance of his strategy. Jie Li Khan had been outwitted, and his reputation would undoubtedly suffer for it.
…
Meanwhile, in the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Biao stared at the news, perplexed.
“Father, I don’t understand. Why would Yang Yi provoke the Turks now? The Great Zhou has been at war for years. Can their treasury really support another conflict?”
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled faintly.
“Regardless of his motives, one thing is clear—Yang Yi has courage. Let’s wait and see how the ‘Poison Prime Minister’ handles the fallout from this move.”
…
Near the border of the Tang Dynasty, Jie Li Khan and his entourage stopped at a small tavern to rest. The journey back to Turkic lands had been grueling, and their spirits were low. As they sat down, a familiar cry echoed through the air.
“Extra, extra! Jie Li Khan danced for the Empress of the Great Zhou!”
The tavern erupted into laughter and chatter. Patrons scrambled to buy newspapers, eager to read about the latest humiliation of the Turkic khan.