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

Inside the Qianyuan Hall, Wu Zhao’s voice suddenly broke the silence.
“I heard from the Ministry of Works that you mobilized thirty ships and some troops overseas a few days ago?”
Yang Yi merely smiled, unfazed by the Empress’s abrupt question.
“That’s right.”
Wu Zhao paused, saying nothing more as she clasped her hands behind her back and paced slowly across the hall. A faint trace of worry appeared on her cold yet stunning face.
“The envoys we sent to Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming have all returned,” she said. “Li Shimin, Zhu Yuanzhang, and the others have agreed to announce that trade with Great Zhou can be conducted using our banknotes. However, as of now, not a single country has issued such a decree.”
She hesitated briefly. “A few days ago, Yao Chong brought some memorials submitted by local officials. Our merchants can only exchange Great Zhou banknotes for gold and silver at our own banks before trading with foreign nations. Meanwhile, merchants from other countries seem unwilling to accept our currency.”
She frowned, her dark eyes sharp with concern. “Moreover, when our merchants attempted to exchange foreign copper coins—like the Tang Dynasty’s
or the Ming Dynasty’s
She turned to face Yang Yi directly. “I have a bad feeling about this. If these four major countries suddenly declare a ban on Great Zhou banknotes, what should we do?”
Her light golden embroidered dragon robe hugged her figure, accentuating her full chest and slender waist. Her jet-black hair, adorned with pearls and jade, cascaded like a waterfall, framing a snow-white oval face.
There was an air of noble elegance about her, but the majesty between her brows carried a cold sharpness, an untouchable presence that made one instinctively want to conquer.
Yang Yi’s lips curved into a smile, unfazed by her concerns. He shook his head slightly, his chiseled features exuding confidence.
“Our steel and glass are indispensable to them,” he said. “Unless they are willing to sever all trade with Great Zhou, a full-scale ban on our banknotes is impossible.”
He paused before adding, “However, it’s likely they’ll try to undermine us. They could manipulate the value of our currency, cause it to plummet, and then spread rumors, encouraging merchants to stop using it, essentially turning it into worthless paper.”
Wu Zhao’s frown deepened. “If that really happens, how should we respond?”
Yang Yi’s gaze remained steady. “Your Majesty is overthinking this. Those four nations are not a single, united front. The chance of them coordinating a direct attack exists, but we are no pushovers.”
His voice was calm but resolute. “Given Great Zhou’s vast territory and thriving trade market, any country would have to think twice before making a move. Even if they try to strike, their efforts will be short-lived. As long as we hold firm, these tricks are meaningless. Besides, no matter what comes our way, we will handle it. Do you not trust me?”
Wu Zhao’s tense expression softened, and a rare smile touched her lips.
“It is precisely because you are here, Yang Qing, that I feel at ease.”
Yang Yi met her gaze boldly, the corners of his mouth lifting.
“They haven’t issued any decrees yet because they are waiting and watching. We are one step away from success, and they won’t let this chance slip by.” His voice lowered, confident. “Your Majesty, all you need to do is wait.”
Wu Zhao held his gaze for a moment before turning her head slightly, looking out beyond the hall.
“Emperor Zhao Ji of Song responded quickly and allowed Great Zhou banknotes to be exchanged within his territory,” she mused. “But Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming… they are major powers. Perhaps they still do not take Great Zhou seriously.”
Yang Yi’s expression turned solemn. “You need strength to forge iron. Who would have thought that what was once a small nation would rise to such heights? The fact that they hesitate only proves that they fear our strength.”
Wu Zhao nodded slightly, the porcelain-like skin of her face brightening with a soft smile.
“Great Zhou’s success today is largely thanks to you… If it weren’t for you, Yang Qing, our nation might have been swallowed up by these great powers long ago.”
The golden sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow over her. Draped in light, her fair skin seemed almost translucent, the delicate veins beneath faintly visible.
Yang Yi stood behind her, the light streaming past him, tracing the perfect curve of her silhouette. Beneath the semi-transparent golden silk brocade skirt, her legs appeared indistinct, hidden yet alluring.
His brow lifted slightly.
In his time, amidst the endless flood of information and media, he had seen countless beautiful women, but none could compare to the woman before him. Wu Zhao was like a snow lotus growing high in the mountains—untouchable, cold, and noble.
He smiled lazily. “Your Majesty flatters me. As a subject of Great Zhou, it is only natural for me to serve my country.”
A playful glint appeared in his eyes. “Besides, without Your Majesty’s trust and promotion, how could I have reached where I am today? Right now, I’ve already reached the peak of my life… all that’s left is to find a beautiful wife.”
Wu Zhao’s lips curled slightly, amusement flashing across her features. She turned as if to speak, but in that moment, her foot caught the hem of her long robe.
She stumbled.
A soft cry escaped her lips.
The hall’s golden bricks—crafted through a unique method—were not something one could fall on lightly. If she hit them directly, even her delicate, flawless face might not escape unscathed.
Fortunately, Yang Yi was behind her.
With sharp reflexes, he caught her before she could fall. His right hand instinctively wrapped around her, fingers pressing against her back.
Startled, Wu Zhao gripped his hand tightly.
Yang Yi frowned slightly. “Your Majesty, are you all right?”
Her heart was still racing. That moment of panic had shaken her more than she cared to admit.
She scolded herself inwardly. How could she, the ruler of Great Zhou, lose her composure like that?
Taking a slow breath, she steadied herself—only to realize that Yang Yi’s scent had surrounded her. His masculine presence, so close, sent an unfamiliar warmth to her cheeks.
She pursed her lips, straightened her posture, and tried to act as if nothing had happened.
Only then did she notice how intimately he had held her.
Half-embraced in his arms, she felt her heart pound.